<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ZEKE%20MILLER%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By ZEKE MILLER &nbsp;AP White House Correspondent</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris engaged in a combative interview with Fox News on Wednesday, sparring with anchor Bret Baier on immigration and shifting policy positions while asserting that if elected, she would not represent a continuation of Joe Biden's presidency.

Harris’ interview marked her first foray onto the network, which is popular with conservative viewers, as she looked to broaden her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-trump-presidential-campaign-8975f37859dc16de3a7e8a99c5d07760">outreach to GOP-leaning voters</a>&nbsp;with less than three weeks until Election Day. Her nearly 30-minute sit-down with Baier repeatedly grew heated, with the two talking over each other.

When Baier kept talking as Harris tried to respond to his challenges on immigration, Harris said: "May I please finish? ... You have to let me finish, please.”

Harris tried repeatedly to pivot the conversation to attacking Donald Trump. But she also had plenty to say about herself.

A week after saying she couldn’t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-stern-view-colbert-60-minutes-daddy-5a2af60ba0b1099e19cca151955c9855">think of any move</a>&nbsp;made by Biden that she would have done differently, Harris asserted, “My presidency will not be a continuation of Joe Biden’s presidency.”

Harris did not offer specifics, but said, “Like every new president that comes into office, I will bring my life experiences, and my professional experiences and fresh and new ideas.”

Asked to clarify her assertion that she wants to “turn the page,” though Democrats currently hold the White House, Harris said she is running on “turning the page from the last decade in which we have been burdened with the kind of rhetoric coming from Donald Trump.”

On immigration, Harris expressed regret over the deaths of women who were killed by people who were detained and then released after crossing into the U.S. illegally during the Biden administration, but she criticized Trump for his role in blocking a bipartisan immigration bill earlier this year that would have boosted border funding.

“I am so sorry for her loss, sincerely,” Harris said after Baier played footage of the mother of Jocelyn Nungaray blaming Biden and Harris for her daughter's death.

Harris indicated she no longer supports decriminalizing crossing the border illegally, as she did in 2019.

“That was five years ago and I am very clear that I will follow the law,” she said. She gave the same answer about proposals to allow those in the U.S. illegally to get driver's licenses and subsidized healthcare.

Of Trump, she said, “People are exhausted with someone who professes to be a leader and who spends full time demeaning and engaging in personal grievances." She added, "He’s not stable."

She also sought to focus Fox viewers on Trump's talk of "the enemy within” and threats to punish political rivals.

Baier challenged Harris over her attestations to Biden's mental stamina after his disastrous debate with Trump in June that forced his exit from the 2024 presidential race and her elevation to the top of the ticket. She again defended Biden, but added, “Joe Biden is not on the ballot and Donald Trump is.”

Trump's campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Harris was “angry, defensive, and once again abdicated any responsibility for the problems Americans are facing.” She added that if "Kamala can’t handle the pressure of an interview with Fox News, she certainly can’t handle the pressure of being president of the United States.”

Pushing back against Baier's line of questioning, Harris at one point said, “I would like if we could have a conversation that is grounded in a full assessment of the facts.”

Harris campaign spokesperson Brian Fallon said her team felt she “achieved what we set out to achieve" with the “Special Report” host. “She was able to reach an audience that has probably been not exposed to the arguments she’s been making on the trail and she also got to show her toughness in standing tall against a hostile interviewer,” he said.

Referring to former Trump challenger Nikki Haley, Fallon said, “I think there’s a good number of independents and Haley-style Republicans who are very open to voting for Vice President Harris and that’s why we are open to doing events with Republicans and on Fox News."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729167956626.png" alt="Image courtesy Fox news via Kamala Harris campaign&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Fox news via Kamala Harris campaign&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22ZEKE%20MILLER%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By ZEKE MILLER &nbsp;AP White House Correspondent</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris engaged in a combative interview with Fox News on Wednesday, sparring with anchor Bret Baier on immigration and shifting policy positions while asserting that if elected, she would not represent a continuation of Joe Biden's presidency.Harris’ interview marked her first foray onto the network, which is popular with conservative viewers, as she looked to broaden her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-trump-presidential-campaign-8975f37859dc16de3a7e8a99c5d07760">outreach to GOP-leaning voters</a>&nbsp;with less than three weeks until Election Day. Her nearly 30-minute sit-down with Baier repeatedly grew heated, with the two talking over each other.When Baier kept talking as Harris tried to respond to his challenges on immigration, Harris said: "May I please finish? ... You have to let me finish, please.”Harris tried repeatedly to pivot the conversation to attacking Donald Trump. But she also had plenty to say about herself.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I invite everyone to go to <a href="https://t.co/c9mtidgQmA">https://t.co/c9mtidgQmA</a> to read up on my comprehensive plans for the American people. <a href="https://t.co/puHgczVf5n">pic.twitter.com/puHgczVf5n</a>&mdash; Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1846709798957465985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A week after saying she couldn’t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-stern-view-colbert-60-minutes-daddy-5a2af60ba0b1099e19cca151955c9855">think of any move</a>&nbsp;made by Biden that she would have done differently, Harris asserted, “My presidency will not be a continuation of Joe Biden’s presidency.”Harris did not offer specifics, but said, “Like every new president that comes into office, I will bring my life experiences, and my professional experiences and fresh and new ideas.”Asked to clarify her assertion that she wants to “turn the page,” though Democrats currently hold the White House, Harris said she is running on “turning the page from the last decade in which we have been burdened with the kind of rhetoric coming from Donald Trump.”On immigration, Harris expressed regret over the deaths of women who were killed by people who were detained and then released after crossing into the U.S. illegally during the Biden administration, but she criticized Trump for his role in blocking a bipartisan immigration bill earlier this year that would have boosted border funding.“I am so sorry for her loss, sincerely,” Harris said after Baier played footage of the mother of Jocelyn Nungaray blaming Biden and Harris for her daughter's death.Harris indicated she no longer supports decriminalizing crossing the border illegally, as she did in 2019.“That was five years ago and I am very clear that I will follow the law,” she said. She gave the same answer about proposals to allow those in the U.S. illegally to get driver's licenses and subsidized healthcare.Of Trump, she said, “People are exhausted with someone who professes to be a leader and who spends full time demeaning and engaging in personal grievances." She added, "He’s not stable."She also sought to focus Fox viewers on Trump's talk of "the enemy within” and threats to punish political rivals.Baier challenged Harris over her attestations to Biden's mental stamina after his disastrous debate with Trump in June that forced his exit from the 2024 presidential race and her elevation to the top of the ticket. She again defended Biden, but added, “Joe Biden is not on the ballot and Donald Trump is.”Trump's campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Harris was “angry, defensive, and once again abdicated any responsibility for the problems Americans are facing.” She added that if "Kamala can’t handle the pressure of an interview with Fox News, she certainly can’t handle the pressure of being president of the United States.”Pushing back against Baier's line of questioning, Harris at one point said, “I would like if we could have a conversation that is grounded in a full assessment of the facts.”Harris campaign spokesperson Brian Fallon said her team felt she “achieved what we set out to achieve" with the “Special Report” host. “She was able to reach an audience that has probably been not exposed to the arguments she’s been making on the trail and she also got to show her toughness in standing tall against a hostile interviewer,” he said.Referring to former Trump challenger Nikki Haley, Fallon said, “I think there’s a good number of independents and Haley-style Republicans who are very open to voting for Vice President Harris and that’s why we are open to doing events with Republicans and on Fox News."

Harris' interview with Fox News marked by testy exchanges over immigration, more

KANSAS CITY —&nbsp;A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer is recovering from injuries in an accident on Wednesday. Quick thinking bystanders helped get him immediate medical attention.

The crash occurred just after 9:30a.m. at the intersection of 72nd&nbsp;and Troost. Investigators determined the motorcycle officer was northbound when a southbound SUV turned left (east) in front of the officer causing a collision.

Responding officers and EMS administered aid and transported the officer to the hospital with what was reported to be Critical, life threatening injuries. The officer was later upgraded to critical, but stable condition.

The other involved driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

KCPD was initially alerted to this crash thanks to some quick thinking by some nearby bystanders who rushed to the officer’s aid after hearing the crash. One person pushed the emergency button on the officer’s police radio while another person provided medical aid and CPR. Because of those citizen’s quick thinking first responders were alerted to the emergency, and able to locate the officer quickly, thanks to GPS on the police radio.

Chief Graves expressed her deep appreciation for the many bystanders that rushed to the officers aid, EMS personnel with KCFD, and the Medical Staff at the hospital, along with the numerous KCPD officers who responded to the scene and who are conducting the investigation. Chief also asks the community to keep the injured officer, his family, and all of KCPD in their prayers.

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday, according to KCPD Officer Jake Becchina.

The crash occurred&nbsp;at Gregory and Troost.&nbsp; EMS transported the officer&nbsp; to the hospital with what is reported to be critical injuries, according to Becchina.

KCPD traffic investigations and the KCPD accident investigation sections were at the scene investigating the crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Few details are available. Check the Post for more information as it is released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729105015166.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —&nbsp;A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer is recovering from injuries in an accident on Wednesday. Quick thinking bystanders helped get him immediate medical attention.The crash occurred just after 9:30a.m. at the intersection of 72nd&nbsp;and Troost. Investigators determined the motorcycle officer was northbound when a southbound SUV turned left (east) in front of the officer causing a collision.Responding officers and EMS administered aid and transported the officer to the hospital with what was reported to be Critical, life threatening injuries. The officer was later upgraded to critical, but stable condition.The other involved driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.KCPD was initially alerted to this crash thanks to some quick thinking by some nearby bystanders who rushed to the officer’s aid after hearing the crash. One person pushed the emergency button on the officer’s police radio while another person provided medical aid and CPR. Because of those citizen’s quick thinking first responders were alerted to the emergency, and able to locate the officer quickly, thanks to GPS on the police radio.Chief Graves expressed her deep appreciation for the many bystanders that rushed to the officers aid, EMS personnel with KCFD, and the Medical Staff at the hospital, along with the numerous KCPD officers who responded to the scene and who are conducting the investigation. Chief also asks the community to keep the injured officer, his family, and all of KCPD in their prayers.--------KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday, according to KCPD Officer Jake Becchina.The crash occurred&nbsp;at Gregory and Troost.&nbsp; EMS transported the officer&nbsp; to the hospital with what is reported to be critical injuries, according to Becchina.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A motorcycle officer of the Kansas City Police Department sustained serious injuries this morning in a crash. We are praying for the officer, their family, and all of the women and men of KCPD.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1846577294451597518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>KCPD traffic investigations and the KCPD accident investigation sections were at the scene investigating the crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;Few details are available. Check the Post for more information as it is released.

Bystanders helped KC motorcycle officer critically injured in crash

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JONEL%20ALECCIA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JONEL ALECCIA &nbsp;AP Health Writer</a>

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brucepac-listeria-meat-recall-f4d8db2752137f5bdaa5fbfcc12dd3d6">nationwide recall</a>&nbsp;of meat and poultry products potentially contaminated with listeria has expanded to nearly 12 million pounds and now includes ready-to-eat meals sent to U.S. schools, restaurants and major retailers, federal officials said.

<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2024-10/Recall-028-2024-Labels.pdf">Click here to see</a> the updated list of products&nbsp;

The updated recall includes prepared salads, burritos and other foods sold at stores including Costco, Trader Joe's, Target, Walmart and Kroger. The meat used in those products was processed at a Durant, Oklahoma, manufacturing plant operated by BrucePac. The Woodburn, Oregon-based company sells precooked meat and poultry to industrial, foodservice and retail companies across the country.

Routine testing found potentially dangerous listeria bacteria in samples of BrucePac chicken, officials with the U.S. Agriculture Department said. No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the recall, USDA officials said. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not launched an outbreak investigation, a spokesperson said.

The recall, issued on Oct. 9, includes foods produced between May 31 and Oct. 8. The USDA has posted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls">a 342-page list</a>&nbsp;of hundreds of potentially affected foods, including chicken wraps sold at Trader Joe's, chicken burritos sold at Costco and many types of salads sold at stores such as Target and Walmart. The foods were also sent to school districts and restaurants across the country.

The recalled foods can be identified by establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205” inside or under the USDA mark of inspection. Consumers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2024-10/Recall-028-2024-Labels.pdf">can search on the USDA recall site</a>&nbsp;to find potentially affected products. Such foods should be thrown away or returned to stores for refunds, officials said.

Eating foods contaminated with listeria can cause potentially serious illness. About 1,600 people are infected with listeria bacteria each year in the U.S. and about 260 die, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Listeria infections typically cause fever, muscle aches and tiredness and may cause stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Symptoms can occur quickly or to up to 10 weeks after eating contaminated food. The infections are especially dangerous for older people, those with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant.

The same type of bacteria is responsible for an outbreak tied to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boars-head-listeria-investigation-usda-bdcecaa25363c87d08ba01cf71aefb0b">Boar's Head deli meat</a>&nbsp;that has killed at least 10 people since May.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729101873394.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JONEL%20ALECCIA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JONEL ALECCIA &nbsp;AP Health Writer</a>A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brucepac-listeria-meat-recall-f4d8db2752137f5bdaa5fbfcc12dd3d6">nationwide recall</a>&nbsp;of meat and poultry products potentially contaminated with listeria has expanded to nearly 12 million pounds and now includes ready-to-eat meals sent to U.S. schools, restaurants and major retailers, federal officials said.<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2024-10/Recall-028-2024-Labels.pdf">Click here to see</a> the updated list of products&nbsp;The updated recall includes prepared salads, burritos and other foods sold at stores including Costco, Trader Joe's, Target, Walmart and Kroger. The meat used in those products was processed at a Durant, Oklahoma, manufacturing plant operated by BrucePac. The Woodburn, Oregon-based company sells precooked meat and poultry to industrial, foodservice and retail companies across the country.Routine testing found potentially dangerous listeria bacteria in samples of BrucePac chicken, officials with the U.S. Agriculture Department said. No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the recall, USDA officials said. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not launched an outbreak investigation, a spokesperson said.The recall, issued on Oct. 9, includes foods produced between May 31 and Oct. 8. The USDA has posted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls">a 342-page list</a>&nbsp;of hundreds of potentially affected foods, including chicken wraps sold at Trader Joe's, chicken burritos sold at Costco and many types of salads sold at stores such as Target and Walmart. The foods were also sent to school districts and restaurants across the country.The recalled foods can be identified by establishment numbers “51205 or P-51205” inside or under the USDA mark of inspection. Consumers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/food_label_pdf/2024-10/Recall-028-2024-Labels.pdf">can search on the USDA recall site</a>&nbsp;to find potentially affected products. Such foods should be thrown away or returned to stores for refunds, officials said.Eating foods contaminated with listeria can cause potentially serious illness. About 1,600 people are infected with listeria bacteria each year in the U.S. and about 260 die, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Listeria infections typically cause fever, muscle aches and tiredness and may cause stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Symptoms can occur quickly or to up to 10 weeks after eating contaminated food. The infections are especially dangerous for older people, those with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant.The same type of bacteria is responsible for an outbreak tied to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boars-head-listeria-investigation-usda-bdcecaa25363c87d08ba01cf71aefb0b">Boar's Head deli meat</a>&nbsp;that has killed at least 10 people since May.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

See the updated list of meat, chicken products recalled due to Listeria

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. military unleashed B-2 stealth bombers to target underground bunkers used by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;early Thursday, a major escalation in the American response to the rebels' attacks on Mideast shipping lanes that appeared to be a warning to Iran as well.

While it wasn't immediately clear how much damage the strikes caused, the attack appeared to be the first use of the B-2 in combat in years and the first time the flying wing targeted sites in Yemen.

In announcing the strikes against the Houthis, who have been attacking ships for months in the Red Sea corridor over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made a point to offer a warning likely heard in Tehran as well.

“This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened or fortified,” Austin said.

Iran, the Houthis’ main benefactor, has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-gaza-news-10-01-2024-eb175dff6e46906caea8b9e43dfbd3da">targeted Israel with ballistic missile attacks</a>&nbsp;twice over the past year. The B-2 would be used in any&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-us-penetrator-bomb-c623a3e172298a244e47d5bf404fc55b">American attack on hardened Iranian nuclear facilities</a>&nbsp;like Natanz or Fordo given it is the only aircraft in service that can drop the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104614/massive-ordnance-penetrator/">GBU-57, known as the “Massive Ordnance Penetrator.”</a>

Iran offered no immediate comment on the strike Thursday. Its foreign minister has been visiting Arab nations ahead of an expected Israeli retaliatory strike over Tehran's Oct. 1 missile assault.

The Houthis' al-Masirah satellite news channel reported airstrikes around Yemen's capital, Sanaa, which the group has held since 2014. They also reported strikes around the Houthi stronghold of Saada. They offered no immediate information on damage or casualties.

Austin said the B-2 bombers targeted “five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.” Both he and the U.S. military's Central Command offered no immediate assessment on the damage done. However, Central Command said it believed no civilians had been killed.

The Red Sea has become a battlefield for shippers since the Houthis began their campaign targeting ships traveling through the waterway, which once saw $1 trillion of cargo pass through it yearly.

Houthis have targeted more than 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started in October 2023. They have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-red-sea-ship-yemen-houthis-65b611ff878a411900037e7c9a8ee17b">seized one vessel</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-rebels-ship-attack-red-sea-yemen-bfa7d321e55c5bb59b268b82ef3c56ba">sunk two in the campaign</a>&nbsp;that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by a U.S.-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have included Western military vessels.

The rebels maintain that they target ships linked to Israel, the U.S. or the United Kingdom to force an end to Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran.

The Houthis also continue to launch missiles targeting Israel and have shot down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-drone-bf72b98965b1b440f635e322971f5894">U.S. military MQ-9 Reaper drones</a>. The rebels have threatened new attacks in response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-gaza-news-09-30-2024-83ea5f243688f309754ec74850de4238">Israel's ground invasion of Lebanon</a>&nbsp;and its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-airstrikes-28-september-2024-c4751957433ff944c4eb06027885a973">killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah</a>.

Hamas' initial Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that sparked the war killed some 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage. Israeli miltary action in the time since has killed over 42,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, hundreds more in the West Bank and over 2,300 people in Lebanon. Meanwhile, the combat edges ever closer to a full-on regional war.

The locations named by the Houthis on Thursday correspond to known underground bases operated by the rebels, who have been locked into a stalemated war with a Saudi-led coalition since 2015 that’s decimated the Arab world’s poorest nation.

The Houthis have refurbished tunnels that once held Scud missiles when Yemen was ruled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-225cdd5aa2a14b9ebdadcd59d67c5d4c">strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh</a>, according to an analysis in April by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Those sites include the al-Hafa and Jebel Attan military bases, the former Presidential House and the Yemen state television compound in Sanaa, analyst Fabian Hinz wrote.

The Houthis have built what appears to be their own large-scale tunnel network near Saada as well, Hinz added.

“The fact that the Houthis began constructing major new installations after the agreement of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-saudi-arabia-ceasefire-negotiations-3854d4aea23e03882e0a53ecbd0e71b7">cease-fire with the Saudi-led coalition</a>&nbsp;suggests that the group is focused on entrenching themselves and bolstering their military capabilities,” he wrote. Iran similarly relies on a network of underground missile bases.

The nuclear-capable B-2, which first saw action in 1999 in the Kosovo War, is rarely used by the U.S. military in combat as each aircraft is worth some $1 billion. It has dropped bombs in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya as well. The aircraft are based at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri and typically conduct long-range strikes from there, though some B-2s were in Australia in September.

The U.S. last used the B-2 in combat in 2017 against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fad983e2715f479cb67a35cc667204be">Islamic State group targets in Libya</a>, killing more than 80 fighters in a mission defense officials at the time said disrupted possible militant attacks in Europe.

The B-2's use in Yemen comes just two days after U.N. Special Envoy Hans Grundberg warned Yemen's frozen war could heat back up given the Mideast wars and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-un-detentions-israel-hamas-war-966dce0c3d7cd96679b3c3562ee57068">the Houthis' taking captive U.N. and aid workers</a>&nbsp;in an internationally criticized crackdown.

“This cycle of retaliation is pulling Yemen deeper into the regional conflict, jeopardizing its hopes for peace and stability,” Grundberg said Tuesday. “Moreover, it distracts from the urgent need to address Yemen’s own internal crisis.”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. military unleashed B-2 stealth bombers to target underground bunkers used by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;early Thursday, a major escalation in the American response to the rebels' attacks on Mideast shipping lanes that appeared to be a warning to Iran as well.While it wasn't immediately clear how much damage the strikes caused, the attack appeared to be the first use of the B-2 in combat in years and the first time the flying wing targeted sites in Yemen.In announcing the strikes against the Houthis, who have been attacking ships for months in the Red Sea corridor over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made a point to offer a warning likely heard in Tehran as well.“This was a unique demonstration of the United States’ ability to target facilities that our adversaries seek to keep out of reach, no matter how deeply buried underground, hardened or fortified,” Austin said.Iran, the Houthis’ main benefactor, has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-gaza-news-10-01-2024-eb175dff6e46906caea8b9e43dfbd3da">targeted Israel with ballistic missile attacks</a>&nbsp;twice over the past year. The B-2 would be used in any&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-nuclear-us-penetrator-bomb-c623a3e172298a244e47d5bf404fc55b">American attack on hardened Iranian nuclear facilities</a>&nbsp;like Natanz or Fordo given it is the only aircraft in service that can drop the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104614/massive-ordnance-penetrator/">GBU-57, known as the “Massive Ordnance Penetrator.”</a>Iran offered no immediate comment on the strike Thursday. Its foreign minister has been visiting Arab nations ahead of an expected Israeli retaliatory strike over Tehran's Oct. 1 missile assault.The Houthis' al-Masirah satellite news channel reported airstrikes around Yemen's capital, Sanaa, which the group has held since 2014. They also reported strikes around the Houthi stronghold of Saada. They offered no immediate information on damage or casualties.Austin said the B-2 bombers targeted “five hardened underground weapons storage locations in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen.” Both he and the U.S. military's Central Command offered no immediate assessment on the damage done. However, Central Command said it believed no civilians had been killed.The Red Sea has become a battlefield for shippers since the Houthis began their campaign targeting ships traveling through the waterway, which once saw $1 trillion of cargo pass through it yearly.Houthis have targeted more than 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started in October 2023. They have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-red-sea-ship-yemen-houthis-65b611ff878a411900037e7c9a8ee17b">seized one vessel</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-rebels-ship-attack-red-sea-yemen-bfa7d321e55c5bb59b268b82ef3c56ba">sunk two in the campaign</a>&nbsp;that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by a U.S.-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have included Western military vessels.The rebels maintain that they target ships linked to Israel, the U.S. or the United Kingdom to force an end to Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran.The Houthis also continue to launch missiles targeting Israel and have shot down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-us-drone-bf72b98965b1b440f635e322971f5894">U.S. military MQ-9 Reaper drones</a>. The rebels have threatened new attacks in response to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-lebanon-hezbollah-gaza-news-09-30-2024-83ea5f243688f309754ec74850de4238">Israel's ground invasion of Lebanon</a>&nbsp;and its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-airstrikes-28-september-2024-c4751957433ff944c4eb06027885a973">killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah</a>.Hamas' initial Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel that sparked the war killed some 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage. Israeli miltary action in the time since has killed over 42,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, hundreds more in the West Bank and over 2,300 people in Lebanon. Meanwhile, the combat edges ever closer to a full-on regional war.The locations named by the Houthis on Thursday correspond to known underground bases operated by the rebels, who have been locked into a stalemated war with a Saudi-led coalition since 2015 that’s decimated the Arab world’s poorest nation.The Houthis have refurbished tunnels that once held Scud missiles when Yemen was ruled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-225cdd5aa2a14b9ebdadcd59d67c5d4c">strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh</a>, according to an analysis in April by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Those sites include the al-Hafa and Jebel Attan military bases, the former Presidential House and the Yemen state television compound in Sanaa, analyst Fabian Hinz wrote.The Houthis have built what appears to be their own large-scale tunnel network near Saada as well, Hinz added.“The fact that the Houthis began constructing major new installations after the agreement of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-saudi-arabia-ceasefire-negotiations-3854d4aea23e03882e0a53ecbd0e71b7">cease-fire with the Saudi-led coalition</a>&nbsp;suggests that the group is focused on entrenching themselves and bolstering their military capabilities,” he wrote. Iran similarly relies on a network of underground missile bases.The nuclear-capable B-2, which first saw action in 1999 in the Kosovo War, is rarely used by the U.S. military in combat as each aircraft is worth some $1 billion. It has dropped bombs in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya as well. The aircraft are based at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri and typically conduct long-range strikes from there, though some B-2s were in Australia in September.The U.S. last used the B-2 in combat in 2017 against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fad983e2715f479cb67a35cc667204be">Islamic State group targets in Libya</a>, killing more than 80 fighters in a mission defense officials at the time said disrupted possible militant attacks in Europe.The B-2's use in Yemen comes just two days after U.N. Special Envoy Hans Grundberg warned Yemen's frozen war could heat back up given the Mideast wars and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-un-detentions-israel-hamas-war-966dce0c3d7cd96679b3c3562ee57068">the Houthis' taking captive U.N. and aid workers</a>&nbsp;in an internationally criticized crackdown.“This cycle of retaliation is pulling Yemen deeper into the regional conflict, jeopardizing its hopes for peace and stability,” Grundberg said Tuesday. “Moreover, it distracts from the urgent need to address Yemen’s own internal crisis.”

US bombers target underground bunkers of Yemen's Houthi rebels

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in a deadly gunfight on Father's Day and cut his ankle monitor following his arrest is back in custody.

The U.S. Marshals Service apprehended&nbsp;33-year-old Eric Gonzalez-Gutierrez&nbsp; in Mexico and he is currently undergoing extradition proceedings to return to Wichita, according to Wichita Police Officer Kris Gupilan.

On June 16, police originally arrested Gonzalez-Gutierrez on requested charges including first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Aron Lara.

Just after 8:30p.m. on Father's Day, police responded to a shooting incident in the 1900 block of N. Jackson Street in Wichita, according to Police spokesman Andrew Ford.

While working to gather further information, the 911 dispatcher could hear gunfire in the background, prompting an immediate upgraded dispatch of officers to the scene.

First responders discovered Lara suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Sedgwick County EMS provided initial critical care at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital where he died.

Another victim, a 22-year-old Hispanic man, sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot to the arm and was privately transported to St. Francis Hospital.

The incident occurred during a neighborhood barbecue in observance of Father's Day. According to preliminary reports, Lara, was involved in a verbal altercation with the Gonzales-Gutierrez earlier in the evening.&nbsp; Gonzales-Gutierrez allegedly returned home, retrieved a rifle, and fired upon the victim, who was unarmed at the time of the shooting.

It is believed that two men accompanying Lara returned fire, resulting in injuries to the second victim.&nbsp; &nbsp;On June 21,&nbsp;Gonzalez-Gutierrez cut his ankle monitor and left for Mexico.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718711572362.png" alt="GONZALES-GUTIERREZ-photo Sedgwick County." />
 <figcaption>GONZALES-GUTIERREZ-photo Sedgwick County.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man accused in a deadly gunfight on Father's Day and cut his ankle monitor following his arrest is back in custody.The U.S. Marshals Service apprehended&nbsp;33-year-old Eric Gonzalez-Gutierrez&nbsp; in Mexico and he is currently undergoing extradition proceedings to return to Wichita, according to Wichita Police Officer Kris Gupilan.On June 16, police originally arrested Gonzalez-Gutierrez on requested charges including first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Aron Lara.Just after 8:30p.m. on Father's Day, police responded to a shooting incident in the 1900 block of N. Jackson Street in Wichita, according to Police spokesman Andrew Ford.While working to gather further information, the 911 dispatcher could hear gunfire in the background, prompting an immediate upgraded dispatch of officers to the scene.First responders discovered Lara suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Sedgwick County EMS provided initial critical care at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital where he died.Another victim, a 22-year-old Hispanic man, sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot to the arm and was privately transported to St. Francis Hospital.The incident occurred during a neighborhood barbecue in observance of Father's Day. According to preliminary reports, Lara, was involved in a verbal altercation with the Gonzales-Gutierrez earlier in the evening.&nbsp; Gonzales-Gutierrez allegedly returned home, retrieved a rifle, and fired upon the victim, who was unarmed at the time of the shooting.It is believed that two men accompanying Lara returned fire, resulting in injuries to the second victim.&nbsp; &nbsp;On June 21,&nbsp;Gonzalez-Gutierrez cut his ankle monitor and left for Mexico.

Kan. suspect in deadly Father's Day gun fight captured in Mexico

JOHNSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Wednesday in Johnson County.

The single-vehicle crash occurred near Shawnee Mission Parkway and Midland Drive when the driver experienced a medical emergency. The vehicle traveled off the road struck a dumpster and then collided with a shed in a nearby backyard.

 Johnson County MED-ACT transported the driver to a local hospital in stable condition. No other injuries were reported. The Shawnee Police Department, Shawnee Fire Department also assisted at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729124296604.png" alt="Photos Shawnee Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Shawnee Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 1p.m. Wednesday in Johnson County.The single-vehicle crash occurred near Shawnee Mission Parkway and Midland Drive when the driver experienced a medical emergency. The vehicle traveled off the road struck a dumpster and then collided with a shed in a nearby backyard.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729124296604.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> Johnson County MED-ACT transported the driver to a local hospital in stable condition. No other injuries were reported. The Shawnee Police Department, Shawnee Fire Department also assisted at the scene.

Kan. driver hospitalized after crash into trash dumpster, shed

KANSAS CITY —A homeless man faces felony charges after he entered a south Kansas City church, sought assistance and stabbed a church member in the chest on Sunday morning, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Jarod A. Hill, 24, faces Assault in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, close to 11 a.m. Sunday, Kansas City Police Department officers were dispatched to a reported knife attack at the church. Officers located a victim suffering from a stab wound to his chest. They also found several members of the church on top of the suspect, the defendant Jarod Hill. 

Police took Hill into custody. While being placed into a transport wagon, he attempted to grab a police officer's gun. Witnesses told police that it appeared that the defendant had pitched a tent nearby and was upset that someone had spray painted the tent. The victim attempted to help the defendant. 

Other members of the church told the defendant to leave or they would call police. The victim was standing next to Hill when he put the victim into a headlock and pulled out a knife. Hill began to stab the victim in the chest. They struggled over the knife and other church members helped to restrain the defendant until police arrived.&nbsp;

Video from the church corroborated the accounts of the victim and witnesses, according to court documents.

The police are continuing to investigate the incident at First Church of the Nazarene, located at 118th and State Line Road. The defendant is being held on a $100,000 cash bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729028388397.png" alt="Hill-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hill-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A homeless man faces felony charges after he entered a south Kansas City church, sought assistance and stabbed a church member in the chest on Sunday morning, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Jarod A. Hill, 24, faces Assault in the 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records, close to 11 a.m. Sunday, Kansas City Police Department officers were dispatched to a reported knife attack at the church. Officers located a victim suffering from a stab wound to his chest. They also found several members of the church on top of the suspect, the defendant Jarod Hill. Police took Hill into custody. While being placed into a transport wagon, he attempted to grab a police officer's gun. Witnesses told police that it appeared that the defendant had pitched a tent nearby and was upset that someone had spray painted the tent. The victim attempted to help the defendant. Other members of the church told the defendant to leave or they would call police. The victim was standing next to Hill when he put the victim into a headlock and pulled out a knife. Hill began to stab the victim in the chest. They struggled over the knife and other church members helped to restrain the defendant until police arrived.&nbsp;Video from the church corroborated the accounts of the victim and witnesses, according to court documents.The police are continuing to investigate the incident at First Church of the Nazarene, located at 118th and State Line Road. The defendant is being held on a $100,000 cash bond.

Homeless man entered KC church, stabbed parishioner on Sunday

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman has been sentenced to two life terms in prison for killing a pregnant Arkansas woman and trying to pass off the dead woman's fetus as her own stillborn baby.

Amber Waterman, 44, of Pineville, Missouri, is not eligible for parole under the sentence ordered Tuesday, the U.S. attorney office said. She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2b8af15cde29567cc492fb0a1f4296d1">pleaded guilty in July</a>&nbsp;to kidnapping resulting in death and causing the death of a child in utero.

In her plea, Waterman admitted that she used a false name to contact Ashley Bush of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, on Facebook. Bush, 33, was about 31 weeks pregnant at the time.

Federal prosecutors said Waterman and Bush agreed to meet at an Arkansas convenience store on Oct. 31, 2022. Waterman said she would help Bush get a job, but instead she drove Bush to her own home in Pineville.

Hours later, first responders rushed to a store in Pineville after getting a report that a baby was not breathing. The baby was pronounced dead.

Waterman at first claimed she had given birth to the baby in a truck while on the way to the hospital. In her plea, she admitted the baby was Bush’s.

An autopsy indicated that Bush, who was also the mother of three other children, died as a result of penetrating trauma of the torso. The baby, Valkyrie Willis, died in utero, prosecutors said.

Waterman’s husband, Jamie Waterman, 44, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of being an accessory after the fact to the kidnapping resulting in death.

Charging documents say he helped wrap Bush's body in a tarp, burn it and then move the remains to another location.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722439716070.png" alt="Waterman’s husband, Jamie Waterman, 44, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of being an accessory after the fact to the kidnapping resulting in death.-photo Benton Co." />
 <figcaption>Waterman’s husband, Jamie Waterman, 44, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of being an accessory after the fact to the kidnapping resulting in death.-photo Benton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman has been sentenced to two life terms in prison for killing a pregnant Arkansas woman and trying to pass off the dead woman's fetus as her own stillborn baby.Amber Waterman, 44, of Pineville, Missouri, is not eligible for parole under the sentence ordered Tuesday, the U.S. attorney office said. She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2b8af15cde29567cc492fb0a1f4296d1">pleaded guilty in July</a>&nbsp;to kidnapping resulting in death and causing the death of a child in utero.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722439469260.png" alt="Waterman photo Benton Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Waterman photo Benton Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>In her plea, Waterman admitted that she used a false name to contact Ashley Bush of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, on Facebook. Bush, 33, was about 31 weeks pregnant at the time.Federal prosecutors said Waterman and Bush agreed to meet at an Arkansas convenience store on Oct. 31, 2022. Waterman said she would help Bush get a job, but instead she drove Bush to her own home in Pineville.Hours later, first responders rushed to a store in Pineville after getting a report that a baby was not breathing. The baby was pronounced dead.Waterman at first claimed she had given birth to the baby in a truck while on the way to the hospital. In her plea, she admitted the baby was Bush’s.An autopsy indicated that Bush, who was also the mother of three other children, died as a result of penetrating trauma of the torso. The baby, Valkyrie Willis, died in utero, prosecutors said.Waterman’s husband, Jamie Waterman, 44, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of being an accessory after the fact to the kidnapping resulting in death.Charging documents say he helped wrap Bush's body in a tarp, burn it and then move the remains to another location.

Woman sentenced for killing pregnant woman and claiming baby was hers

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Former One Direction singer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/liam-payne">Liam Payne,</a>&nbsp;31, whose chart-topping British boy band generated a global following of swooning fans, was found dead Wednesday after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, local officials said.

Buenos Aires police said in a statement that Payne fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the trendy Palermo neighborhood of Argentina's capital, resulting in “extremely serious injuries.” Medics confirmed his death on the spot, the statement said.

Pablo Policicchio, the communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, said in a statement to The Associated Press that Payne “had jumped from the balcony of his room.” Police rushed to the hotel in response to an emergency call just after 5 p.m. local time, he said, warning of an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”

The hotel manager can be heard on a 911 call obtained by the AP saying they had "a guest who is overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol ... He’s destroying the entire room and, well, we need you to send someone, please.” The manager's voice became more anxious as the call went on, noting the room had a balcony.

Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, told Argentina’s Todo Noticias TV channel that authorities were investigating the circumstances of his death and conducting an autopsy.

Payne had been vocal about struggling with alcoholism, posting a&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/yIsk5qqE0qc?feature=shared">video</a>&nbsp;in July 2023 to his YouTube channel where he said he had been sober for six months after receiving treatment. Representatives for Payne did not immediately return emails and calls.

Dozens of One Direction fans flocked from across Buenos Aires to the Casa Sur Hotel after the news broke, forming lines that spilled into the cordoned-off street outside the hotel where police stood sentinel. Forensic investigators were seen exiting the hotel, from where Payne’s body was removed around three hours after the fall. Young women filming with their cellphones expressed shock and heartbreak as a makeshift memorial with rows of candles and bouquets quickly grew outside the hotel.

“I didn’t think he was going to die so young,” 21-year-old Isabella Milesi told the AP.

Payne was one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ddb64a872b944032b7624fefc950bfd2">five members of One Direction,</a>&nbsp;which formed when they each auditioned for the British singing competition series “The X Factor” in 2010, two years after Payne's first attempt to get on the show. At 16 the second time around, Payne sang Michael Bublé’s version of “Cry Me a River,” appearing nervous at the start but warming up with the audience’s cheers and applause.

After each singer failed to make it through the competition as solo acts, Simon Cowell and his fellow judges combined Payne, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson into what would become one of the most successful boy bands — even though they lost the competition.

Each member had their own persona, with Payne — who hailed from Wolverhampton, a city in the West Midlands region of England — being known as the responsible one. The band became known for their pop sound and romantic hits like “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Night Changes” and “Story of My Life.” Payne had prominent solos on songs including “Stole My Heart” and “Change Your Ticket,” co-writing several of the band's hits. They had six Top 10 hits on the Billboard charts by the time they disbanded in 2016 and a highly loyal fan base, known as “Directioners,” many of whom were teen girls.

“I’ve always loved One Direction since I was little,” said 18-year-old Juana Relh, another fan outside Payne’s hotel. “To see that he died and that there will never be another reunion of the boys is unbelievable, it kills me.”

With his meteoric rise to fame, Payne had said that it took some time to adjust to the public eye.

“I don’t think you can ever deal with that, it’s all a bit crazy for us to see that people get in that sort of state of mind about us and what we do,” he said in a 2013 interview with the AP after recounting an experience where a fan was in a state of shock upon meeting him.

After the group's dissolution, Payne — like each of his erstwhile bandmates — pursued a solo career, shifting toward EDM and hip-hop. His 2017 single “Strip That Down,” featuring Quavo, reached the Billboard Top 10, and stayed on the charts for several months. He put out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/liam-payne-arts-and-entertainment-d11ea85505dd1df4ffe4031e41f0e177">an album “LP1”</a>&nbsp;in 2019, and his last release — a single called “Teardrops” — was released in March.

Payne had a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/187b930a37ab4647b6ef0a2ce0d3d5af">7-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne,</a>&nbsp;with his former girlfriend, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/u-k-x-factor-coming-to-us-on-axs-tv-channel-78b4cfb393c747559a165a9b439c53a7">musician Cheryl</a>&nbsp;who was known as Cheryl Cole when she performed with Girls Aloud. She was an “X Factor” judge during One Direction's season, although their relationship began years later. Payne was previously engaged to Maya Henry, from August 2020 to early 2022. Henry released a novel earlier this year that she said was based on their relationship.

In addition to his son, he is survived by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, and his two older sisters, Ruth and Nicola.

Huamani reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press journalists Natacha Pisarenko and Debora Rey contributed reporting from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729118983906.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Former One Direction singer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/liam-payne">Liam Payne,</a>&nbsp;31, whose chart-topping British boy band generated a global following of swooning fans, was found dead Wednesday after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, local officials said.Buenos Aires police said in a statement that Payne fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the trendy Palermo neighborhood of Argentina's capital, resulting in “extremely serious injuries.” Medics confirmed his death on the spot, the statement said.Pablo Policicchio, the communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, said in a statement to The Associated Press that Payne “had jumped from the balcony of his room.” Police rushed to the hotel in response to an emergency call just after 5 p.m. local time, he said, warning of an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”The hotel manager can be heard on a 911 call obtained by the AP saying they had "a guest who is overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol ... He’s destroying the entire room and, well, we need you to send someone, please.” The manager's voice became more anxious as the call went on, noting the room had a balcony.Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, told Argentina’s Todo Noticias TV channel that authorities were investigating the circumstances of his death and conducting an autopsy.Payne had been vocal about struggling with alcoholism, posting a&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/yIsk5qqE0qc?feature=shared">video</a>&nbsp;in July 2023 to his YouTube channel where he said he had been sober for six months after receiving treatment. Representatives for Payne did not immediately return emails and calls.Dozens of One Direction fans flocked from across Buenos Aires to the Casa Sur Hotel after the news broke, forming lines that spilled into the cordoned-off street outside the hotel where police stood sentinel. Forensic investigators were seen exiting the hotel, from where Payne’s body was removed around three hours after the fall. Young women filming with their cellphones expressed shock and heartbreak as a makeshift memorial with rows of candles and bouquets quickly grew outside the hotel.“I didn’t think he was going to die so young,” 21-year-old Isabella Milesi told the AP.Payne was one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ddb64a872b944032b7624fefc950bfd2">five members of One Direction,</a>&nbsp;which formed when they each auditioned for the British singing competition series “The X Factor” in 2010, two years after Payne's first attempt to get on the show. At 16 the second time around, Payne sang Michael Bublé’s version of “Cry Me a River,” appearing nervous at the start but warming up with the audience’s cheers and applause.After each singer failed to make it through the competition as solo acts, Simon Cowell and his fellow judges combined Payne, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson into what would become one of the most successful boy bands — even though they lost the competition.Each member had their own persona, with Payne — who hailed from Wolverhampton, a city in the West Midlands region of England — being known as the responsible one. The band became known for their pop sound and romantic hits like “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Night Changes” and “Story of My Life.” Payne had prominent solos on songs including “Stole My Heart” and “Change Your Ticket,” co-writing several of the band's hits. They had six Top 10 hits on the Billboard charts by the time they disbanded in 2016 and a highly loyal fan base, known as “Directioners,” many of whom were teen girls.“I’ve always loved One Direction since I was little,” said 18-year-old Juana Relh, another fan outside Payne’s hotel. “To see that he died and that there will never be another reunion of the boys is unbelievable, it kills me.”With his meteoric rise to fame, Payne had said that it took some time to adjust to the public eye.“I don’t think you can ever deal with that, it’s all a bit crazy for us to see that people get in that sort of state of mind about us and what we do,” he said in a 2013 interview with the AP after recounting an experience where a fan was in a state of shock upon meeting him.After the group's dissolution, Payne — like each of his erstwhile bandmates — pursued a solo career, shifting toward EDM and hip-hop. His 2017 single “Strip That Down,” featuring Quavo, reached the Billboard Top 10, and stayed on the charts for several months. He put out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/liam-payne-arts-and-entertainment-d11ea85505dd1df4ffe4031e41f0e177">an album “LP1”</a>&nbsp;in 2019, and his last release — a single called “Teardrops” — was released in March.Payne had a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/187b930a37ab4647b6ef0a2ce0d3d5af">7-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne,</a>&nbsp;with his former girlfriend, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/u-k-x-factor-coming-to-us-on-axs-tv-channel-78b4cfb393c747559a165a9b439c53a7">musician Cheryl</a>&nbsp;who was known as Cheryl Cole when she performed with Girls Aloud. She was an “X Factor” judge during One Direction's season, although their relationship began years later. Payne was previously engaged to Maya Henry, from August 2020 to early 2022. Henry released a novel earlier this year that she said was based on their relationship.In addition to his son, he is survived by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, and his two older sisters, Ruth and Nicola.___Huamani reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press journalists Natacha Pisarenko and Debora Rey contributed reporting from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Liam Payne, former One Direction member, dies in fall from hotel balcony

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the presidential race moves into its final weeks, Democrat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;and Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;embarked on an interview blitz that offered new details about their policy priorities and their political strategies.

In recent days, Harris has sat with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-charlamagne-trump-breakfast-club-women-2eab5daa1095b7ecb38fe92857acdb86">Charlamagne tha God</a>, whose radio show is especially popular among younger and Black audiences, and will be interviewed on Fox News, typically a safe haven for Republicans. Trump, meanwhile, participated in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-economics-plan-6a4b07be04e342bf657ad12ef7b6bbfa">contentious interview</a>&nbsp;with the editor of Bloomberg News at an economic forum in Chicago, though the crowd was friendly to him, and participated in town halls on Fox News and the Spanish-language network Univision.

Here are some takeaways from the cascade of appearances:

Both candidates have largely avoided traditional interviews during the campaign, preferring to sit before friendly hosts, often in nontraditional media settings. The two-day interview marathon was a noteworthy, partial break from that strategy.

Harris, whom the Trump campaign hammered for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-trump-media-interviews-adaa9ac0f58017d255c5843aedbec8dd">not doing interviews</a>&nbsp;after replacing President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;at the top of the Democratic ticket, has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-stern-view-colbert-60-minutes-daddy-5a2af60ba0b1099e19cca151955c9855">ramped up the pace</a>&nbsp;this month. The Vice President appeared on ABC's “The View,” spoke with radio host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/howard-stern">Howard Stern</a>&nbsp;and taped a show with late-night comedian&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/stephen-colbert">Stephen Colbert</a>, among other appearances. She also sat down with the newsmagazine “60 Minutes,” as is traditional for presidential candidates, while Trump canceled his appearance with the show.

Harris’ appearance on Fox with anchor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bret-baier">Bret Baier</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday seemed designed to show her willingness to face any questioner, especially after Trump bailed on “60 Minutes.”

The former president's interview by Bloomberg editor-in-chief John Micklethwait in Chicago on Tuesday was an unusual appearance before a nonconservative questioner, though the audience frequently cheered him when he clashed with the interviewer. Micklethwait challenged Trump's support for tariffs and his plans to pay for his campaign promises.

He also faced an all-women audience in a Fox News town hall before participating in a town hall on the Spanish-language network Univision, where he faced pointed questions from Latino voters. Like Harris, Trump is trying to broaden his coalition to get the key votes he needs to win the neck-and-neck race. So, for him as well, every interview counts.

Trump offers tacit acknowledgment that he's vulnerable on abortion

Trump has repeatedly said he is proud of his leading role in the reversal of Roe v Wade. But his latest comments on abortion serve as a fresh reminder that the Republican understands that the issue is dangerous politically for him and his party.

He was forced to defend his position when asked a surprisingly pointed question from the all-women audience at a Fox News town hall.

“Women are entitled to do what they want to and need to do with their bodies, including their unborn. That’s on them regardless of the circumstance,” the questioner said. "Some are necessary to save their own lives. Why is the government involved in women’s basic rights?”

Trump initially responded with his typical refrain that the issue had been returned to the states. But he also acknowledged that some of the state laws are “too tough.” And he went further: “And this is going to be redone, because already there’s a movement in those states ... to redo it."

It's not exactly clear what Trump was referring to. There is little evidence that pro-Trump Republican officials in states that have adopted strict abortion bans, some that take effect before many women realize they're pregnant, are taking action to “redo” their laws.

A few states with strict bans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measure-states-candidates-2004-953bce3ea1666f128721cab2a5c1cd1d">questions on the ballot</a>&nbsp;this year that would roll them back. That includes Florida, where Trump has criticized the ban as too harsh but also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-abortion-florida-six-weeks-ae0ce47cb2af82a6586fa19235ea2226">said he would vote to uphold the law</a>.

The truth is that the reversal of Roe has been a political disaster for Trump's Republican Party. Women have revolted against the GOP in various elections since the Supreme Court ruling. But Trump is betting that muddying the waters with vague promises and a softer tone might limit the damage come November.

Harris agrees that Trump is a ‘fascist’ as Trump doubles down on authoritarian rhetoric

Charlamagne pushed the limits of Harris' rhetoric when the Democrat reminded voters that they had “two choices … and it’s two very different visions for our nation."

“The other is about fascism. Why can’t we just say it?” Charlamagne interjected.

Harris immediately replied: “Yes, we can say that.”

It was the first time that the vice president so directly and publicly agreed with that kind of language to describe Trump. The exchange underscored Harris' decision to revert to a key Biden argument as Election Day draws near: Democracy is on the line on Nov. 5. And, the Democratic argument goes, Trump is unfit to lead because of his lies about the legitimacy of the 2020 election, his role in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6, 2021</a>, Capitol riot and his consistent authoritarian rhetoric, among other things.

Trump offered a fresh example during his appearances on Fox and Univision.

When pressed about his supporters' violent attack against the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, Trump defended his loyalists. “That was a day of love from the standpoint of the millions," he said on Univision.

He also refused to back down from his weekend comments that his Democratic rivals represent a more serious threat to the United States than China and Russia. Over the weekend and again in the Fox interview, he called them “the enemy within.”

Experts have warned that such language is common among authoritarian leaders seeking to quell dissent.

“It is the enemy from within, and they’re very dangerous. They’re Marxists and communists and fascists,” Trump said on Fox, naming former House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;and Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/adam-schiff">Adam Schiff</a>, D-Calif., who served on the congressional committee that investigated Trump's role in the Jan. 6 insurrection.

“We have China, we have Russia, we have all these countries. If you have a smart president, they can all be handled. The more difficult are, you know, Pelosi, these people, they’re so sick and they’re so evil.”

Both campaigns are vying to win over Black men

In an election that could be decided on the margins, every vote counts. In the final stretch toward the election, Trump and Harris are turning their focus to Black men.

Harris, in her interview with Charlamagne, warned that Trump wanted to oversee a return to harsh policing tactics known as “stop and frisk” that disproportionately affect Black men. She promised to push for legislation to address discriminatory law enforcement practices and decriminalize marijuana arrests, which also affect Black men disproportionately. And she said that reparations for ancestors of slaves should be studied, a position that isn’t new but one that Trump has sought to exploit to help strengthen his advantage with white voters.

It was among the first times this campaign season that criminal justice reforms have been a leading talking point for Harris, though they dominated in 2020.

Trump oozed confidence when he addressed Black voters on Tuesday. Both parties concede that while Harris is likely to win Black voters overwhelmingly, Trump is eating into her margins, especially among young Black men. Any significant shift could be consequential in a razor-thin election.

“Any African American or Hispanic, and you know how well I’m doing there, that votes for Kamala, you’ve got to have your head examined,” Trump said.

Harris said part of her challenge is that Trump’s campaign is “trying to scare people away because otherwise they know they have nothing to run on."

“Ask Donald Trump what is his plan for Black America,” she said. “Ask him.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the presidential race moves into its final weeks, Democrat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;and Republican&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;embarked on an interview blitz that offered new details about their policy priorities and their political strategies.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My entire career, I have worked to support our HBCUs, expand access to health care, address Black maternal mortality, invest in our small businesses, and achieve the lowest Black unemployment rate ever in our country. I will do the same as president. <a href="https://t.co/XNblB0t1lv">pic.twitter.com/XNblB0t1lv</a>&mdash; Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1846604397117120765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In recent days, Harris has sat with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-charlamagne-trump-breakfast-club-women-2eab5daa1095b7ecb38fe92857acdb86">Charlamagne tha God</a>, whose radio show is especially popular among younger and Black audiences, and will be interviewed on Fox News, typically a safe haven for Republicans. Trump, meanwhile, participated in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-economics-plan-6a4b07be04e342bf657ad12ef7b6bbfa">contentious interview</a>&nbsp;with the editor of Bloomberg News at an economic forum in Chicago, though the crowd was friendly to him, and participated in town halls on Fox News and the Spanish-language network Univision.Here are some takeaways from the cascade of appearances:<h2>Controlled campaigns are going public</h2>Both candidates have largely avoided traditional interviews during the campaign, preferring to sit before friendly hosts, often in nontraditional media settings. The two-day interview marathon was a noteworthy, partial break from that strategy.Harris, whom the Trump campaign hammered for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-trump-media-interviews-adaa9ac0f58017d255c5843aedbec8dd">not doing interviews</a>&nbsp;after replacing President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;at the top of the Democratic ticket, has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/harris-stern-view-colbert-60-minutes-daddy-5a2af60ba0b1099e19cca151955c9855">ramped up the pace</a>&nbsp;this month. The Vice President appeared on ABC's “The View,” spoke with radio host&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/howard-stern">Howard Stern</a>&nbsp;and taped a show with late-night comedian&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/stephen-colbert">Stephen Colbert</a>, among other appearances. She also sat down with the newsmagazine “60 Minutes,” as is traditional for presidential candidates, while Trump canceled his appearance with the show.Harris’ appearance on Fox with anchor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/bret-baier">Bret Baier</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday seemed designed to show her willingness to face any questioner, especially after Trump bailed on “60 Minutes.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;Gavin New-Scum, he&#39;s the governor of California --&quot; John Micklethwait: &quot;Newsom.&quot; Trump: &quot;New-Scum I call him...that&#39;s the first time I&#39;ve been corrected...there&#39;s never been a president that&#39;s been treated like me, so I have to fight my own way.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Qe71LKRc94">pic.twitter.com/Qe71LKRc94</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1846260834537754671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The former president's interview by Bloomberg editor-in-chief John Micklethwait in Chicago on Tuesday was an unusual appearance before a nonconservative questioner, though the audience frequently cheered him when he clashed with the interviewer. Micklethwait challenged Trump's support for tariffs and his plans to pay for his campaign promises.He also faced an all-women audience in a Fox News town hall before participating in a town hall on the Spanish-language network Univision, where he faced pointed questions from Latino voters. Like Harris, Trump is trying to broaden his coalition to get the key votes he needs to win the neck-and-neck race. So, for him as well, every interview counts.<h2>Trump offers tacit acknowledgment that he's vulnerable on abortion</h2>Trump has repeatedly said he is proud of his leading role in the reversal of Roe v Wade. But his latest comments on abortion serve as a fresh reminder that the Republican understands that the issue is dangerous politically for him and his party.He was forced to defend his position when asked a surprisingly pointed question from the all-women audience at a Fox News town hall.“Women are entitled to do what they want to and need to do with their bodies, including their unborn. That’s on them regardless of the circumstance,” the questioner said. "Some are necessary to save their own lives. Why is the government involved in women’s basic rights?”Trump initially responded with his typical refrain that the issue had been returned to the states. But he also acknowledged that some of the state laws are “too tough.” And he went further: “And this is going to be redone, because already there’s a movement in those states ... to redo it."It's not exactly clear what Trump was referring to. There is little evidence that pro-Trump Republican officials in states that have adopted strict abortion bans, some that take effect before many women realize they're pregnant, are taking action to “redo” their laws.A few states with strict bans have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measure-states-candidates-2004-953bce3ea1666f128721cab2a5c1cd1d">questions on the ballot</a>&nbsp;this year that would roll them back. That includes Florida, where Trump has criticized the ban as too harsh but also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-abortion-florida-six-weeks-ae0ce47cb2af82a6586fa19235ea2226">said he would vote to uphold the law</a>.The truth is that the reversal of Roe has been a political disaster for Trump's Republican Party. Women have revolted against the GOP in various elections since the Supreme Court ruling. But Trump is betting that muddying the waters with vague promises and a softer tone might limit the damage come November.<h2>Harris agrees that Trump is a ‘fascist’ as Trump doubles down on authoritarian rhetoric</h2>Charlamagne pushed the limits of Harris' rhetoric when the Democrat reminded voters that they had “two choices … and it’s two very different visions for our nation."“The other is about fascism. Why can’t we just say it?” Charlamagne interjected.Harris immediately replied: “Yes, we can say that.”It was the first time that the vice president so directly and publicly agreed with that kind of language to describe Trump. The exchange underscored Harris' decision to revert to a key Biden argument as Election Day draws near: Democracy is on the line on Nov. 5. And, the Democratic argument goes, Trump is unfit to lead because of his lies about the legitimacy of the 2020 election, his role in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6, 2021</a>, Capitol riot and his consistent authoritarian rhetoric, among other things.Trump offered a fresh example during his appearances on Fox and Univision.When pressed about his supporters' violent attack against the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, Trump defended his loyalists. “That was a day of love from the standpoint of the millions," he said on Univision.He also refused to back down from his weekend comments that his Democratic rivals represent a more serious threat to the United States than China and Russia. Over the weekend and again in the Fox interview, he called them “the enemy within.”Experts have warned that such language is common among authoritarian leaders seeking to quell dissent.“It is the enemy from within, and they’re very dangerous. They’re Marxists and communists and fascists,” Trump said on Fox, naming former House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;and Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/adam-schiff">Adam Schiff</a>, D-Calif., who served on the congressional committee that investigated Trump's role in the Jan. 6 insurrection.“We have China, we have Russia, we have all these countries. If you have a smart president, they can all be handled. The more difficult are, you know, Pelosi, these people, they’re so sick and they’re so evil.”<h2>Both campaigns are vying to win over Black men</h2>In an election that could be decided on the margins, every vote counts. In the final stretch toward the election, Trump and Harris are turning their focus to Black men.Harris, in her interview with Charlamagne, warned that Trump wanted to oversee a return to harsh policing tactics known as “stop and frisk” that disproportionately affect Black men. She promised to push for legislation to address discriminatory law enforcement practices and decriminalize marijuana arrests, which also affect Black men disproportionately. And she said that reparations for ancestors of slaves should be studied, a position that isn’t new but one that Trump has sought to exploit to help strengthen his advantage with white voters.It was among the first times this campaign season that criminal justice reforms have been a leading talking point for Harris, though they dominated in 2020.Trump oozed confidence when he addressed Black voters on Tuesday. Both parties concede that while Harris is likely to win Black voters overwhelmingly, Trump is eating into her margins, especially among young Black men. Any significant shift could be consequential in a razor-thin election.“Any African American or Hispanic, and you know how well I’m doing there, that votes for Kamala, you’ve got to have your head examined,” Trump said.Harris said part of her challenge is that Trump’s campaign is “trying to scare people away because otherwise they know they have nothing to run on."“Ask Donald Trump what is his plan for Black America,” she said. “Ask him.”___

🎥Harris and Trump offer new details about policies and strategy

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A woman who called 911 to report shooting her son last week made her first court appearance in the case Tuesday, Tesha Florence, 46, is charged with second degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

A Kansas boy critically injured in a shooting on Wednesday has died, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.

Just after 8a.m. Wednesday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from Florence reporting that she shot her son, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.

First responders located a 16-year-old identified as Robert Florence inside an apartment in the 9100 Block of East Harry. He had a single gunshot wound. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was in extremely critical condition. He died two days later, according to Moses.

At the scene, officers detained&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=168822">Tesha Florence,</a>&nbsp;identified according to Sedgwick County booking records. She is the boy's mother.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the investigation into this case, detectives learned of a previously unreported incident from March 2024 where Tesha Florence threatened an ex-husband and his current girlfriend with a gun.

Florence remains in the Sedgwick County Jail on a $1.2 million bond. She is due back in court Oct. 24, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728555306481.png" alt="Florence-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Florence-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A woman who called 911 to report shooting her son last week made her first court appearance in the case Tuesday, Tesha Florence, 46, is charged with second degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.A Kansas boy critically injured in a shooting on Wednesday has died, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.Just after 8a.m. Wednesday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call from Florence reporting that she shot her son, according to Wichita Police Captain Aaron Moses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728510375843.png" alt="-Police on the scene of the investigation Wednesday morning-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>-Police on the scene of the investigation Wednesday morning-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located a 16-year-old identified as Robert Florence inside an apartment in the 9100 Block of East Harry. He had a single gunshot wound. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was in extremely critical condition. He died two days later, according to Moses.At the scene, officers detained&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=168822">Tesha Florence,</a>&nbsp;identified according to Sedgwick County booking records. She is the boy's mother.&nbsp;&nbsp;During the investigation into this case, detectives learned of a previously unreported incident from March 2024 where Tesha Florence threatened an ex-husband and his current girlfriend with a gun.Florence remains in the Sedgwick County Jail on a $1.2 million bond. She is due back in court Oct. 24, according to the district attorney's office.

Mother charged in the shooting death of her 16-year-old son

SALINA —Drivers across Kansas continue to ignore the posted speed limit.

Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner asked on his social media account, "How do you rack up a total fine of $453 in a matter of seconds?"

"By driving 80 mph in a 40 mph zone on South Ohio Street within the city limits of Salina. Speeds like this put everyone on the road—including the driver—at serious risk."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729102551981.png" alt="photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA —Drivers across Kansas continue to ignore the posted speed limit.Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Ben Gardner asked on his social media account, "How do you rack up a total fine of $453 in a matter of seconds?""By driving 80 mph in a 40 mph zone on South Ohio Street within the city limits of Salina. Speeds like this put everyone on the road—including the driver—at serious risk."

KHP: Driver fined $453 for traveling 80mph in a 40mph zone

Bismarck, ND– Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach Tuesday asked the U.S. District Court in North Dakota to temporarily stop the Biden-Harris administration from implementing a regulation that would give Obamacare to illegal aliens, according to a media release from the Attorney General's office.

The regulation, set to take effect on Nov. 1, would make more than 200,000 deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) recipients eligible for taxpayer-subsidized health plans, including 4,350 DACA recipients in Kansas.

“Congress made it clear on two separate occasions that illegal aliens cannot receive Obamacare. First, a 1996 law makes clear that illegal aliens are generally prohibited from receiving federal benefits. Second, in the affordable care act itself, an alien has to be lawfully present in the United States to receive the subsidized health insurance,” Kobach said. “The Biden administration does not have a good response.&nbsp; I have argued immigration issues in many different cases, and I feel particularly good about the states’ chances in this one.

”North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley also appeared in court. Kobach served as lead counsel.“Washington has failed to secure our southern border, and the cost of DACA is not the right solution for the states,” Jackley said. “DACA’s subsidized health insurance for illegal immigrants would be at the cost of struggling working citizens.”

Attorneys general from 15 states joined the lawsuit. In addition to Kobach, Wrigley and Jackley, attorneys general from Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia joined the lawsuit.Read latest filings in the case&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/divisions/special-litigation-unit/high-profile-cases">here</a>.

Bismarck, ND– Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach Tuesday asked the U.S. District Court in North Dakota to temporarily stop the Biden-Harris administration from implementing a regulation that would give Obamacare to illegal aliens, according to a media release from the Attorney General's office.The regulation, set to take effect on Nov. 1, would make more than 200,000 deferred action for childhood arrival (DACA) recipients eligible for taxpayer-subsidized health plans, including 4,350 DACA recipients in Kansas.“Congress made it clear on two separate occasions that illegal aliens cannot receive Obamacare. First, a 1996 law makes clear that illegal aliens are generally prohibited from receiving federal benefits. Second, in the affordable care act itself, an alien has to be lawfully present in the United States to receive the subsidized health insurance,” Kobach said. “The Biden administration does not have a good response.&nbsp; I have argued immigration issues in many different cases, and I feel particularly good about the states’ chances in this one.”North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley also appeared in court. Kobach served as lead counsel.“Washington has failed to secure our southern border, and the cost of DACA is not the right solution for the states,” Jackley said. “DACA’s subsidized health insurance for illegal immigrants would be at the cost of struggling working citizens.”Attorneys general from 15 states joined the lawsuit. In addition to Kobach, Wrigley and Jackley, attorneys general from Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia joined the lawsuit.Read latest filings in the case&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/divisions/special-litigation-unit/high-profile-cases">here</a>.

Kan. AG leads coalition to stop Biden-Harris from giving Obamacare to illegal aliens

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that left 27-year-old Jonathan Macias of Sedgwick County dead.

(Click below to watch the press conference with Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan.)

On Tuesday, Wichita Chief of Police Joe Sullivan released a timeline of events that ended in the fatal shooting.

Just after 7a.m.&nbsp; Saturday, Sedgwick County 911 received a call from a man stating that he was armed and going to shoot people. Law Enforcement from multiple agencies responded to this call and contacted a man later identified as Macias who appeared to be wearing body armor, according to Colonel Keith Allen with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.

Law enforcement tried to deescalate the situation over the next hour&nbsp; but Macias got into a vehicle and drove up and down the streets in the neighborhood on the northwest edge of Wichita.

After approximately one hour of attempting negotiations with Macias, there was an officer involved shooting. Deputies and police from multiple agencies were inolved.&nbsp; Sedgwick County EMS pronounced Macias&nbsp; deceased at the scene of the incident.

In December, police arrested Macias on requested charges of Domestic battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, failure to stop at an injury accident and failure to appear, according to Sedgwick County booking records. He was released by a court order, according to online arrest records.&nbsp; The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729021111585.png" alt="Body camera image released Tuesday by Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Body camera image released Tuesday by Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement continue investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that left 27-year-old Jonathan Macias of Sedgwick County dead.(Click below to watch the press conference with Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan.)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F1071258457742416%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=163" 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>On Tuesday, Wichita Chief of Police Joe Sullivan released a timeline of events that ended in the fatal shooting.Just after 7a.m.&nbsp; Saturday, Sedgwick County 911 received a call from a man stating that he was armed and going to shoot people. Law Enforcement from multiple agencies responded to this call and contacted a man later identified as Macias who appeared to be wearing body armor, according to Colonel Keith Allen with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728936452904.png" alt="Macias photo from a December arrest in Sedgwick County." />
 <figcaption>Macias photo from a December arrest in Sedgwick County.</figcaption>
 </figure>Law enforcement tried to deescalate the situation over the next hour&nbsp; but Macias got into a vehicle and drove up and down the streets in the neighborhood on the northwest edge of Wichita.After approximately one hour of attempting negotiations with Macias, there was an officer involved shooting. Deputies and police from multiple agencies were inolved.&nbsp; Sedgwick County EMS pronounced Macias&nbsp; deceased at the scene of the incident.In December, police arrested Macias on requested charges of Domestic battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, failure to stop at an injury accident and failure to appear, according to Sedgwick County booking records. He was released by a court order, according to online arrest records.&nbsp; The Associated Press contributed to this report.

New details released in deadly Kan. officer-involved shooting

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729105015166.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City motorcycle traffic officer was injured in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday, according to KCPD Officer Jake Becchina.The crash occurred&nbsp;at Gregory and Troost.&nbsp; EMS transported the officer&nbsp; to the hospital with what is reported to be critical injuries, according to Becchina.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A motorcycle officer of the Kansas City Police Department sustained serious injuries this morning in a crash. We are praying for the officer, their family, and all of the women and men of KCPD.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1846577294451597518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>KCPD traffic investigations and the KCPD accident investigation sections were at the scene investigating the crash.&nbsp;&nbsp;Few details are available. Check the Post for more information as it is released.

KCPD motorcycle officer critically injured in crash

Eight-foot statue of warrior brings to ground level massize statue atop dome

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Dedication on the Kansas Capitol grounds Tuesday of an eight-foot statue depicting a Kansa warrior’s drawn bow and arrow pointed to the North Star closed a monumental 22-year effort to complete the Ad Astra Plaza.

The privately financed project placed on a pedestal southwest of the Capitol a version of the 22-foot, 4,400-pound bronze artwork installed in 2002 atop the dome in honor of the original inhabitants of land incorporated into the state and to symbolize determination of people to achieve goals, as the state motto declared, “to the stars through difficulties.”

Gov. Laura Kelly joined members of the Kaw Nation, a bipartisan set of legislators and the son of late Salina sculptor Richard Bergen to mark installation of the Kansa statue, bronze plaques describing Kansas history and hundreds of bricks purchased to help finance the project.

“In its own right,” the governor said, “to the stars through difficulty is an accurate description for this project. This plaza has been a long time in the making. It’s a poignant reminder of our past and inspiring representation of the bright future that lies ahead.”

Rich Bergen, son of artist and educator Richard Bergen, said the sculpture on the dome stood 300 feet above the ground, but the brethren installation on the lawn made the artwork more accessible to visitors. He said the plaza honored Native Americans through the story of the Kansa people.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729090833791.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly led a bipartisan celebration of the new Ad Astra Plaza on the Kansas Capitol lawn centered on a copy of the Kansa warrior that sits on top of the statehouse. The statue on the dome was installed in 2002, but it took 22 years to finish the ground-level plaza.- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly led a bipartisan celebration of the new Ad Astra Plaza on the Kansas Capitol lawn centered on a copy of the Kansa warrior that sits on top of the statehouse. The statue on the dome was installed in 2002, but it took 22 years to finish the ground-level plaza.- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Eight-foot statue of warrior brings to ground level massize statue atop dome</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Dedication on the Kansas Capitol grounds Tuesday of an eight-foot statue depicting a Kansa warrior’s drawn bow and arrow pointed to the North Star closed a monumental 22-year effort to complete the Ad Astra Plaza.The privately financed project placed on a pedestal southwest of the Capitol a version of the 22-foot, 4,400-pound bronze artwork installed in 2002 atop the dome in honor of the original inhabitants of land incorporated into the state and to symbolize determination of people to achieve goals, as the state motto declared, “to the stars through difficulties.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, we celebrated the new Ad Astra Plaza at the Statehouse. The plaza, with its replica of the iconic Native American hunter statue atop the Statehouse, is a poignant reminder of our past &amp; an inspiring representation of how we&#39;re reaching for the stars to move Kansas forward. <a href="https://t.co/ntKVZGBiNO">pic.twitter.com/ntKVZGBiNO</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1846242116554440962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Gov. Laura Kelly joined members of the Kaw Nation, a bipartisan set of legislators and the son of late Salina sculptor Richard Bergen to mark installation of the Kansa statue, bronze plaques describing Kansas history and hundreds of bricks purchased to help finance the project.“In its own right,” the governor said, “to the stars through difficulty is an accurate description for this project. This plaza has been a long time in the making. It’s a poignant reminder of our past and inspiring representation of the bright future that lies ahead.”Rich Bergen, son of artist and educator Richard Bergen, said the sculpture on the dome stood 300 feet above the ground, but the brethren installation on the lawn made the artwork more accessible to visitors. He said the plaza honored Native Americans through the story of the Kansa people.“If we don’t remember the past, we will not learn from it,” Bergen said. “My dad really would have loved to have been here today.”Kimberly Jenkins, chairwoman of the Kaw Nation Tribal Council, said Kansa people lived and hunted for centuries on land that became Kansas. She said the Kaw population had dwindled to about 500 when forced to move in the 1870s to present-day Oklahoma. Citizenship eventually fell to approximately 200, she said, but the Kaw emerged as a self-governing, federally recognized tribe.“This warrior, to me, is a symbol of how strong our people were and still are,” Jenkins said. “Even though our loved ones suffered from being moved from their homeland and forced to adapt to ways of others, they fought hard.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729090744229.png" alt=" Members of the Kaw Nation present a ceremonial blanket to Rich Bergen, son of the late Salina sculptor Richard Bergen, who created the Kansa warrior statue atop the Capitol. Bergen spoke on behalf of his father at dedication of Ad Astra Plaza, which incorporated a smaller version of the Kansa warrior. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Members of the Kaw Nation present a ceremonial blanket to Rich Bergen, son of the late Salina sculptor Richard Bergen, who created the Kansa warrior statue atop the Capitol. Bergen spoke on behalf of his father at dedication of Ad Astra Plaza, which incorporated a smaller version of the Kansa warrior. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Polling of Salina-area students led to the decision to create a statue depicting a Kansa warrior. However, the pedestal meant to host the ground-level version of the artwork sat empty for two decades.Former Sen. Randall Hardy, who represented Salina in the Legislature from 2017 to 2021, said he was strolling on the statehouse grounds when he came across the bare six-foot pedestal. A plaque donated by former Gov. Bill Graves said the pedestal held a replica of the statue on the dome.“It was empty. Seventeen bronze plaques had not been cast and placed on the walls. Two-thousand-six-hundred bricks for the plaza were not in place. I was, frankly, embarrassed by what I saw,” Hardy said.He returned to his office and spoke to Sen. Elaine Bowers, a Concordia Republican who served on a legislative committee dedicated to preservation of the Capitol. Together, with lobbyist John Peterson and others a plan was developed to kickstart development of the plaza.“I’m so pleased to be here, even though we’re 20 years late. It’s a great day,” Bowers said.Fundraising was inspired by friends of Bill Brady, a legislator and lobbyist who died in March 2023. He was a presence in the statehouse for more than 40 years.“His colleagues led the fundraising campaign to help complete the plaza in memory of Bill,” said Nancy Brady, his widow. “I can’t think of anything more meaningful to Bill and our family. I look forward to bringing my family and friends here for many years to come.”