HELENA, Mont. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/montana">Montana</a>'s first-in-the-nation law banning the video-sharing app TikTok in the state was blocked Thursday, one month before it was set to take effect, by a federal judge who called the measure unconstitutional.

The ruling delivered a temporary win for the social media company that has argued Montana's Republican-controlled Legislature went “completely overboard” in trying to regulate the app. A final ruling will come at a later date after the legal challenge moves through the courts.

U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy said the ban “oversteps state power and infringes on the Constitutional right of users and businesses" while singling out the state for its fixation on purported Chinese influence.

“Despite the state’s attempt to defend (the law) as a consumer protection bill, the current record leaves little doubt that Montana’s legislature and Attorney General were more interested in targeting China’s ostensible role in TikTok than with protecting Montana consumers,” Molloy wrote Thursday in granting the preliminary injunction. “This is especially apparent in that the same legislature enacted an entirely separate law that purports to broadly protect consumers’ digital data and privacy.”

Montana lawmakers in May made the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-325a33578a2bbfbe53e9c251d528c5fb">the first in the U.S</a>. to pass a complete ban on the app based on the argument that the Chinese government could gain access to user information from TikTok, whose parent company, ByteDance, is based in Beijing.

The ban, which was scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, was first brought before the Montana Legislature a few weeks after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chinese-surveillance-balloon-united-states-montana-47248b0ef2b085620fcd866c105054be">Chinese spy balloon</a>&nbsp;flew over the state.

It would prohibit downloads of TikTok in the state and fine any “entity” — an app store or TikTok — $10,000 per day for each time someone “is offered the ability” to access or download the app. There would not be penalties for users.

TikTok issued a statement saying it was pleased that “the judge rejected this unconstitutional law and hundreds of thousands of Montanans can continue to express themselves, earn a living, and find community on TikTok.”

A spokeswoman for Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, also a Republican, tried to downplay the significance of the ruling in a statement.

“The judge indicated several times that the analysis could change as the case proceeds,” said Emily Cantrell, spokeswoman for Knudsen. “We look forward to presenting the complete legal argument to defend the law that protects Montanans from the Chinese Communist Party obtaining and using their data.”

Western governments have expressed worries that the popular social media platform could put sensitive data in the hands of the Chinese government or be used as a tool to spread misinformation. Chinese law allows the government to order companies to help it gather intelligence.

More than half of U.S. states and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-is-tiktok-being-banned-7d2de01d3ac5ab2b8ec2239dc7f2b20d">federal government</a>&nbsp;have banned TikTok on official devices. The company has called the bans “political theatre” and says further restrictions are unnecessary due to the efforts it is taking to protect U.S. data by storing it on Oracle servers.

Attorneys for TikTok and the content creators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-lawsuit-1c58d56064f6b53992196649249e1dc8">argued on Oct. 12</a>&nbsp;that the state had gone too far in trying to regulate TikTok and is essentially trying to implement its own foreign policy over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-lawsuit-security-fd4a963efb1d13f909a5b80787de9e73">unproven concerns</a>&nbsp;that TikTok might share user data with the Chinese government.

TikTok has said in court filings that Montana could have limited the kinds of data TikTok could collect from its users rather than enacting a complete ban. Meanwhile, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-lawsuit-72be560de89fb87e3c677c8e0cfd9fec">content creators</a>&nbsp;say the ban violates free speech rights and could cause economic harm for their businesses.

Christian Corrigan, the state’s solicitor general, argued Montana’s law was less a statement of foreign policy and instead addresses “serious, widespread concerns about data privacy.”

Molloy noted during the hearing that TikTok users' consent to the company’s data collection policies and that Knudsen — whose office drafted the legislation — could air public service announcements warning people about the data TikTok collects.

The American Civil Liberties Union, its Montana chapter and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital privacy rights advocacy group, have submitted an amicus brief in support of the challenge. Meanwhile, 18 attorneys generals from mostly Republican-led states are backing Montana and asking the judge to let the law be implemented. Even if that happens, cybersecurity experts have said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-china-data-chinese-government-71143a3a87c9a0b692d927f72b6fec70">could be challenging to enforce</a>.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/montana">Montana</a>'s first-in-the-nation law banning the video-sharing app TikTok in the state was blocked Thursday, one month before it was set to take effect, by a federal judge who called the measure unconstitutional.The ruling delivered a temporary win for the social media company that has argued Montana's Republican-controlled Legislature went “completely overboard” in trying to regulate the app. A final ruling will come at a later date after the legal challenge moves through the courts.U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy said the ban “oversteps state power and infringes on the Constitutional right of users and businesses" while singling out the state for its fixation on purported Chinese influence.“Despite the state’s attempt to defend (the law) as a consumer protection bill, the current record leaves little doubt that Montana’s legislature and Attorney General were more interested in targeting China’s ostensible role in TikTok than with protecting Montana consumers,” Molloy wrote Thursday in granting the preliminary injunction. “This is especially apparent in that the same legislature enacted an entirely separate law that purports to broadly protect consumers’ digital data and privacy.”Montana lawmakers in May made the state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-325a33578a2bbfbe53e9c251d528c5fb">the first in the U.S</a>. to pass a complete ban on the app based on the argument that the Chinese government could gain access to user information from TikTok, whose parent company, ByteDance, is based in Beijing.The ban, which was scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, was first brought before the Montana Legislature a few weeks after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chinese-surveillance-balloon-united-states-montana-47248b0ef2b085620fcd866c105054be">Chinese spy balloon</a>&nbsp;flew over the state.It would prohibit downloads of TikTok in the state and fine any “entity” — an app store or TikTok — $10,000 per day for each time someone “is offered the ability” to access or download the app. There would not be penalties for users.TikTok issued a statement saying it was pleased that “the judge rejected this unconstitutional law and hundreds of thousands of Montanans can continue to express themselves, earn a living, and find community on TikTok.”A spokeswoman for Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, also a Republican, tried to downplay the significance of the ruling in a statement.“The judge indicated several times that the analysis could change as the case proceeds,” said Emily Cantrell, spokeswoman for Knudsen. “We look forward to presenting the complete legal argument to defend the law that protects Montanans from the Chinese Communist Party obtaining and using their data.”Western governments have expressed worries that the popular social media platform could put sensitive data in the hands of the Chinese government or be used as a tool to spread misinformation. Chinese law allows the government to order companies to help it gather intelligence.More than half of U.S. states and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-is-tiktok-being-banned-7d2de01d3ac5ab2b8ec2239dc7f2b20d">federal government</a>&nbsp;have banned TikTok on official devices. The company has called the bans “political theatre” and says further restrictions are unnecessary due to the efforts it is taking to protect U.S. data by storing it on Oracle servers.Attorneys for TikTok and the content creators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-lawsuit-1c58d56064f6b53992196649249e1dc8">argued on Oct. 12</a>&nbsp;that the state had gone too far in trying to regulate TikTok and is essentially trying to implement its own foreign policy over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-lawsuit-security-fd4a963efb1d13f909a5b80787de9e73">unproven concerns</a>&nbsp;that TikTok might share user data with the Chinese government.TikTok has said in court filings that Montana could have limited the kinds of data TikTok could collect from its users rather than enacting a complete ban. Meanwhile, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-lawsuit-72be560de89fb87e3c677c8e0cfd9fec">content creators</a>&nbsp;say the ban violates free speech rights and could cause economic harm for their businesses.Christian Corrigan, the state’s solicitor general, argued Montana’s law was less a statement of foreign policy and instead addresses “serious, widespread concerns about data privacy.”Molloy noted during the hearing that TikTok users' consent to the company’s data collection policies and that Knudsen — whose office drafted the legislation — could air public service announcements warning people about the data TikTok collects.The American Civil Liberties Union, its Montana chapter and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital privacy rights advocacy group, have submitted an amicus brief in support of the challenge. Meanwhile, 18 attorneys generals from mostly Republican-led states are backing Montana and asking the judge to let the law be implemented. Even if that happens, cybersecurity experts have said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-montana-china-data-chinese-government-71143a3a87c9a0b692d927f72b6fec70">could be challenging to enforce</a>.

Unconstitutional: Judge blocks first-in-the-nation TikTok ban 

DOUGLAS COUNTY —The man found dead in an apartment following the standoff Wednesday night has been identified as 23-year-old Josiah Emmanuel Henderson of Lawrence.

Officers were attempting to serve a Kansas City, Kansas warrant on Henderson for Rape, Aggravated Criminal Sodomy, Aggravated Indecent Liberties, Aggravated Domestic Battery, and Aggravated Endangering a Child. The warrant was for charges that had not yet been proven in court. Officers knocked on the door and identified themselves, heard Henderson acknowledge their presence, then heard a single gunshot inside the apartment.

Officers immediately backed away from the apartment, established a&nbsp;perimeter, and called for additional resources to assist. Officers evacuated nearby apartments and provided a secure perimeter to ensure the safety of everyone in the area. 

At 9:30p.m., 0fficers entered the apartment&nbsp;and located Henderson inside with an apparent gunshot wound. 

Lawrence Police personnel remained on scene investigating. Area residents were allowed to return to their homes. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY —The man found dead in an apartment following the standoff Wednesday night has been identified as 23-year-old Josiah Emmanuel Henderson of Lawrence.Officers were attempting to serve a Kansas City, Kansas warrant on Henderson for Rape, Aggravated Criminal Sodomy, Aggravated Indecent Liberties, Aggravated Domestic Battery, and Aggravated Endangering a Child. The warrant was for charges that had not yet been proven in court. Officers knocked on the door and identified themselves, heard Henderson acknowledge their presence, then heard a single gunshot inside the apartment.Officers immediately backed away from the apartment, established a&nbsp;perimeter, and called for additional resources to assist. Officers evacuated nearby apartments and provided a secure perimeter to ensure the safety of everyone in the area. At 9:30p.m., 0fficers entered the apartment&nbsp;and located Henderson inside with an apparent gunshot wound. Lawrence Police personnel remained on scene investigating. Area residents were allowed to return to their homes.

Police: Kansas rape suspect found dead after standoff

WASHINGTON&nbsp; —U.S. health officials recalled additional brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes as more are reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cantaloupe-salmonella-malichita-recall-b0e630ffcab3aff0936d7c43d3c3b323">sickened by salmonella</a>.

Nearly 117 people in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cantaloupes-november-2023">34 states</a> including Kansas and Missouri have gotten sick from the contaminated fruits.

Arizona, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio have the highest number of cases. Two people have died of the infections in Minnesota, and 45 people are hospitalized nationwide.

FDA&nbsp; has posted a compiled list of these recalls on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/major-product-recalls/2023-recalls-food-products-associated-cantaloupes-due-potential-risk-salmonella">FDA website</a>. This list will be updated as the agency receives notifications of new recalls. If you cannot tell if your cantaloupe, including pre-cut cantaloupe or products containing pre-cut cantaloupe is part of the recall, do not eat or use it and throw it away.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's original recall included Malichita brand whole cantaloupe, Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupe and ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products. Rudy brand whole cantaloupes and Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes joined the list last week.

Health officials say anyone who bought&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sundsvall-11-23/index.html">the recalled fruits</a>&nbsp;should throw them away and wash surfaces that touched them with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.

Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps within six hour to six days after consuming food contaminated with the bacteria. Illnesses typically last four to seven days. Vulnerable people, including children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems may develop severe illnesses that require medical care or hospitalization.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701430941052.png" alt="States with Cases:&nbsp;AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Product Distribution: Nationwide and Canada-FDA map" />
 <figcaption>States with Cases:&nbsp;AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Product Distribution: Nationwide and Canada-FDA map</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp; —U.S. health officials recalled additional brands of whole and pre-cut cantaloupes as more are reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cantaloupe-salmonella-malichita-recall-b0e630ffcab3aff0936d7c43d3c3b323">sickened by salmonella</a>.Nearly 117 people in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cantaloupes-november-2023">34 states</a> including Kansas and Missouri have gotten sick from the contaminated fruits. Arizona, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio have the highest number of cases. Two people have died of the infections in Minnesota, and 45 people are hospitalized nationwide.FDA&nbsp; has posted a compiled list of these recalls on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/major-product-recalls/2023-recalls-food-products-associated-cantaloupes-due-potential-risk-salmonella">FDA website</a>. This list will be updated as the agency receives notifications of new recalls. If you cannot tell if your cantaloupe, including pre-cut cantaloupe or products containing pre-cut cantaloupe is part of the recall, do not eat or use it and throw it away.&nbsp;&nbsp;The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's original recall included Malichita brand whole cantaloupe, Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupe and ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products. Rudy brand whole cantaloupes and Freshness Guaranteed brand and RaceTrac brand pre-cut cantaloupes joined the list last week.Health officials say anyone who bought&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sundsvall-11-23/index.html">the recalled fruits</a>&nbsp;should throw them away and wash surfaces that touched them with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps within six hour to six days after consuming food contaminated with the bacteria. Illnesses typically last four to seven days. Vulnerable people, including children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems may develop severe illnesses that require medical care or hospitalization.___

Salmonella: Cantaloupe recall expands to Kan., 33 other states

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as 21-year-old Jayden D. James.

Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, officers were dispatched to 4900 block of Heritage Avenue in Kansas on a reported shooting.

Upon arrival, officers were directed to a man, later identified as James, lying in the yard suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.&nbsp; 

Officers administered life saving measures until EMS arrived and took over. EMS subsequently pronounced him deceased.

The circumstances leading up to the homicide are unknown.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or released any suspect details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701311990623.png" alt="First responders at the scene -photo courtesy Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene -photo courtesy Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as 21-year-old Jayden D. James.Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, officers were dispatched to 4900 block of Heritage Avenue in Kansas on a reported shooting.Upon arrival, officers were directed to a man, later identified as James, lying in the yard suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Officers administered life saving measures until EMS arrived and took over. EMS subsequently pronounced him deceased.The circumstances leading up to the homicide are unknown.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or released any suspect details.

Police ID 21-year-old found dead in front yard of KC home

NEOSHO COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10p.m. Thursday in Neosho County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Toyota Corolla driven by Danny R. Romine, 68, Chanute, was eastbound on Kansas 39 highway one mile west of Chanute.

The Toyota crossed the center line. The Toyota and a westbound 2020 Freightliner semi driven by Donald B. Blair, 58, Freedon, Indiana, collided.

Romine was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Countryside Funeral Home. Blair was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NEOSHO COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 10p.m. Thursday in Neosho County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Toyota Corolla driven by Danny R. Romine, 68, Chanute, was eastbound on Kansas 39 highway one mile west of Chanute.The Toyota crossed the center line. The Toyota and a westbound 2020 Freightliner semi driven by Donald B. Blair, 58, Freedon, Indiana, collided.Romine was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Countryside Funeral Home. Blair was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after crash with a semi

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s (KBI) Joint Fentanyl Impact Team announced they made a major seizure of illegal drugs, according to a media release from the agency.

On Wednesday, intelligence was developed related to the movement of illicit drugs into Kansas. On, Thursday, the KBI, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and Drug Enforcement Administration executed four search warrants at two residences in south Wichita and one residence in northwest Wichita. As a result of the investigation around 60,000 fentanyl pills (weighing 13 pounds), 59 pounds of methamphetamine, and 4.2 pounds of fentanyl powder were seized.&nbsp;

At this time the suspects have not been arrested. The cases will be presented to county and federal prosecutors for consideration of charges.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s (KBI) Joint Fentanyl Impact Team announced they made a major seizure of illegal drugs, according to a media release from the agency.On Wednesday, intelligence was developed related to the movement of illicit drugs into Kansas. On, Thursday, the KBI, Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and Drug Enforcement Administration executed four search warrants at two residences in south Wichita and one residence in northwest Wichita. As a result of the investigation around 60,000 fentanyl pills (weighing 13 pounds), 59 pounds of methamphetamine, and 4.2 pounds of fentanyl powder were seized.&nbsp;At this time the suspects have not been arrested. The cases will be presented to county and federal prosecutors for consideration of charges.&nbsp;

KBI: Police seize 60,000 fentanyl pills, 59 pounds of meth

KANSAS CITY. – A federal grand jury indicted a Kansas City couple on charges related to the sexual exploitation of three child victims, according to the United State's Attorney.

Houston Wade Young, 36, and Jessica Ann Young, 33, were charged in an eight-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury earlier this month.

The superseding indictment replaces the original indictment returned against Houston Young on July 25, 2023, and adds Jessica Young, arrested earlier this month, as a defendant with additional charges.

The federal indictment charges Houston Young with one count of using a minor (identified in court documents as Jane Doe) to produce child pornography, two counts of using the internet and a cell phone to attempt to induce Jane Doe and another minor (identified in court documents as John Doe 1) to engage in illegal sexual activity, one count of receiving and distributing child pornography, and one count of distributing child pornography.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700944946218.png" alt="Jessica Young -photo Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Jessica Young -photo Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY. – A federal grand jury indicted a Kansas City couple on charges related to the sexual exploitation of three child victims, according to the United State's Attorney.Houston Wade Young, 36, and Jessica Ann Young, 33, were charged in an eight-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury earlier this month.The superseding indictment replaces the original indictment returned against Houston Young on July 25, 2023, and adds Jessica Young, arrested earlier this month, as a defendant with additional charges.The federal indictment charges Houston Young with one count of using a minor (identified in court documents as Jane Doe) to produce child pornography, two counts of using the internet and a cell phone to attempt to induce Jane Doe and another minor (identified in court documents as John Doe 1) to engage in illegal sexual activity, one count of receiving and distributing child pornography, and one count of distributing child pornography.

KC couple accused of sexual exploitation of 3 children

OSAGE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before&nbsp;11:30 p.m. Wednesday, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at Topeka and Santa Fe in Burlingame for an alleged traffic violation, according&nbsp; to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.

During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. The driver of the vehicle, Judith A Mundy, 58, of Carbondale, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701293327323.png" alt="Mundy-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Mundy-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just before&nbsp;11:30 p.m. Wednesday, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at Topeka and Santa Fe in Burlingame for an alleged traffic violation, according&nbsp; to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. The driver of the vehicle, Judith A Mundy, 58, of Carbondale, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia

Kansas woman was allegedly transporting methamphetamine 

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas freed eight Israeli hostages Thursday in exchange for the release of more Palestinian prisoners under a last-minute deal to extend their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">cease-fire in Gaza</a>&nbsp;by another day. But any further renewal of the truce, now in its seventh day, could prove more daunting since Hamas is expected to set a higher price for many of the remaining hostages.

Hamas freed two Israeli women Thursday afternoon, and in the evening six more hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza and were being brought to Israel, the Israeli military said.

At least 10 Israelis a day, along with other nationals, have been released during the truce, in return for Israel’s release of at least 30 Palestinian prisoners.

Israel was to free 30 Palestinian prisoners later in the evening under the deal.

International pressure has mounted for the truce to continue as long as possible after weeks of Israeli bombardment and a ground campaign following Hamas’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-war-hamas-attack-border-wall-aa0b0f5f3613b6c6882cf37168e8e8ed">deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war</a>. Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have been killed and more than three-quarters of the population of 2.3 million have been uprooted, leading to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-gaza-israel-bombing-destruction-hamas-reconstruction-f299a28410b70ee05dd764df97d8d3a0">humanitarian crisis</a>.

Israel has vowed to resume the fighting — with the goal of dismantling Hamas — once the cease-fire ends.

The cease-fire is set to expire early Friday, though international mediators are working to extend it. The talks appear to be growing tougher, with Hamas having already freed most of the women and children it kidnapped on Oct. 7. The militants are expected to make greater demands in return for freeing scores of civilian men and soldiers. Roughly 140 hostages are believed to remain in Hamas captivity.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-nato-ukraine-russia-balkans-blinken-69ecd14aed1962e1283965cc80879234">his third visit to the region</a>&nbsp;since the start of the war, said he hoped the cease-fire could be extended and more hostages could be released.

Blinken also said that if Israel resumes the war and moves against southern Gaza to pursue Hamas, it must do so in “compliance with international humanitarian law" and must have “a clear plan in place” to protect civilians. He said Israeli leaders understood that ”the massive levels of civilian life and displacement scale we saw in the north not be repeated in the south.”

Most of Gaza's population is now crammed into the south with no exit, however, raising questions over how an Israeli ground assault backed by bombardment can avoid heavy civilian casualties.

Qatar and Egypt, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/qatar-palestinians-israel-negotiation-hostages-6a11f09dd0968de8eb232260d7aca90d">have played a key role</a>&nbsp;in mediating, are seeking to prolong the deal by another two days, according to Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt’s State Information Service.

Thursday morning, Palestinian gunmen opened fire on people waiting for buses along a main highway entering Jerusalem, killing at least three people and wounding several others, according to Israeli police.

The two attackers, brothers from a neighborhood in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-98e4ad57e0784e05b9fdde2e0ffd7439">annexed east Jerusalem</a>, were killed. After the attack, six other members of the family were detained, and the government ordered their house be demolished. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack, casting it as retaliation for the killing of women and children in Gaza and the occupied West Bank and other Israeli “crimes.”

The attack did not appear to threaten the truce in Gaza. But escalating violence — including Israeli raids — in the West Bank and east Jerusalem could blow back to wreck the quiet in Gaza, even though these areas are not covered under the cease-fire. On Wednesday, Israeli troops killed two Palestinian boys during a raid in Jenin, according to Palestinian health officials. The Israeli military separately said the raid killed two Islamic Jihad militants.

Netanyahu is under intense pressure from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-hostages-families-protest-war-netanyahu-9846d568b3021582b5c588e28850cbea">families of the hostages</a>&nbsp;to bring them home. But his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-religion-jerusalem-israel-benjamin-netanyahu-189ef3fc8c82d7163c1339e64bb1e40f">far-right governing partners</a>&nbsp;are also pushing him to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed, and could abandon his coalition if he is seen as making too many concessions.

Israel says it will maintain the truce until Hamas stops releasing captives, at which point it will resume military operations aimed at eliminating the group, even as the Biden administration has urged it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-displacement-south-operation-biden-788b05c51b5582b39aeb2466b7825525">to operate with far greater precision</a>&nbsp;if it does so.

The initial truce, which began Friday and has now been extended twice, called for the release of women and children. Israeli officials said before Thursday's hostage releases that Gaza militants still hold around 30 women and children, who would all be released within a few days at the current rate.

The two women released earlier on Thursday — who are 21 and 40 years old — have returned to Israel. Hamas said it handed them over to the Red Cross in Gaza City, suggesting they may have been held in northern Gaza, where Israeli troops have controlled much of the area for weeks and have been searching for hostages.

It’s not clear how many of the remaining women hostages might be soldiers. For soldiers and the civilian men still in captivity, Hamas is expected to demand the release of high-profile Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks, something Israel has strongly resisted in the past.

Israel says around 125 men are still held hostage, including several dozen soldiers.

The 30 Palestinians due to be released by Israel on Thursday include 22 teenagers and eight Israeli Palestinian women who were arrested since the war started, most of them for pro-Palestinian social media posts, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, which advocates for prisoners. Israeli authorities have carried out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-palestinian-citizens-dissent-b0a85e866c8a2ee9235ed4452d3185a7">a crackdown on such posts,</a>&nbsp;arresting more than 270 Palestinian citizens on allegations of inciting violence, according to rights groups.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-prisoner-exchange-hostage-92545883b1fef86fb9b34549b7deca58">The 210 Palestinians released</a>&nbsp;so far under the cease-fire have mostly been teenagers accused of throwing stones and firebombs during confrontations with Israeli forces. Several of the freed women were convicted by military courts of attempting to attack soldiers, some of them after being found carrying scissors or knives near security positions.

Before Thursday’s releases, a total of 75 Israelis, including dual nationals, had been freed during the truce, most of whom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostage-gaza-freed-israel-captive-408f65fcc1b8f016f3735cd5022163eb">appear physically well but shaken</a>. Another 24 hostages — 23 Thais and one Filipino — have also been released, including several men.

Before the cease-fire, Hamas released four hostages, and the Israeli army rescued one. Two others were found dead in Gaza. On Thursday, the military confirmed the death of Ofir Tzarfati, who was believed to be among the hostages, without providing any further details. The 27-year-old attended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-music-festival-6a55aae2375944f10ecc4c52d05f2ffe">a music festival where at least 360 people were killed</a>&nbsp;and several others were kidnapped on Oct. 7.

Hamas and other Palestinian militants killed over 1,200 people — mostly civilians — in their wide-ranging attack across southern Israel that day and took around 240 people captive. Authorities have only ever provided approximate figures.

Israel’s bombardment and ground invasion in Gaza have killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, roughly two-thirds of them women and minors, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza</a>, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.

The toll is likely much higher, as officials have only&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-health-ministry-gaza-hamas-fe30cbc76479fa437d5f5a0e96c36e52">sporadically updated</a>&nbsp;the count since Nov. 11. The ministry says thousands more people are feared dead under the rubble.

Israel says 77 of its soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive. It claims to have killed thousands of militants, without providing evidence.

Palestinians in Gaza have been calling for a permanent end to the war, saying the temporary truces don’t resolve the humanitarian catastrophe across the territory. Over 1.8 million people, around 80% of the territory’s population, have fled their homes, with more than 1 million sheltering in U.N. schools

In the central city of Deir al-Balah, life’s daily struggle now consists of hunting down basic commodities such as flour and cooking gas that remain scarce despite increased aid entering during the truce.

“People want the war to stop ... to see what happened in our homes and to our families,” said Samir Yaghi, who fled from Gaza City. He said he’s been searching for flour but can’t find any.

Jeffery reported from Cairo, Lidman from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Matthew Lee in Tel Aviv, Israel; Josef Federman in Jerusalem; Najib Jobain in Rafah, Gaza Strip; and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701381267971.png" alt="U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Thursday with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah about the conflict in Gaza and measures to improve security and freedom for Palestinians in the West Bank. Blinken reiterated the U.S. commitment to advancing the establishment of a Palestinian state.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Thursday with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah about the conflict in Gaza and measures to improve security and freedom for Palestinians in the West Bank. Blinken reiterated the U.S. commitment to advancing the establishment of a Palestinian state.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas freed eight Israeli hostages Thursday in exchange for the release of more Palestinian prisoners under a last-minute deal to extend their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">cease-fire in Gaza</a>&nbsp;by another day. But any further renewal of the truce, now in its seventh day, could prove more daunting since Hamas is expected to set a higher price for many of the remaining hostages.Hamas freed two Israeli women Thursday afternoon, and in the evening six more hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza and were being brought to Israel, the Israeli military said.At least 10 Israelis a day, along with other nationals, have been released during the truce, in return for Israel’s release of at least 30 Palestinian prisoners.Israel was to free 30 Palestinian prisoners later in the evening under the deal.International pressure has mounted for the truce to continue as long as possible after weeks of Israeli bombardment and a ground campaign following Hamas’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinian-war-hamas-attack-border-wall-aa0b0f5f3613b6c6882cf37168e8e8ed">deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war</a>. Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza have been killed and more than three-quarters of the population of 2.3 million have been uprooted, leading to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-gaza-israel-bombing-destruction-hamas-reconstruction-f299a28410b70ee05dd764df97d8d3a0">humanitarian crisis</a>.Israel has vowed to resume the fighting — with the goal of dismantling Hamas — once the cease-fire ends.The cease-fire is set to expire early Friday, though international mediators are working to extend it. The talks appear to be growing tougher, with Hamas having already freed most of the women and children it kidnapped on Oct. 7. The militants are expected to make greater demands in return for freeing scores of civilian men and soldiers. Roughly 140 hostages are believed to remain in Hamas captivity.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-nato-ukraine-russia-balkans-blinken-69ecd14aed1962e1283965cc80879234">his third visit to the region</a>&nbsp;since the start of the war, said he hoped the cease-fire could be extended and more hostages could be released.Blinken also said that if Israel resumes the war and moves against southern Gaza to pursue Hamas, it must do so in “compliance with international humanitarian law" and must have “a clear plan in place” to protect civilians. He said Israeli leaders understood that ”the massive levels of civilian life and displacement scale we saw in the north not be repeated in the south.”Most of Gaza's population is now crammed into the south with no exit, however, raising questions over how an Israeli ground assault backed by bombardment can avoid heavy civilian casualties.Qatar and Egypt, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/qatar-palestinians-israel-negotiation-hostages-6a11f09dd0968de8eb232260d7aca90d">have played a key role</a>&nbsp;in mediating, are seeking to prolong the deal by another two days, according to Diaa Rashwan, the head of Egypt’s State Information Service.Thursday morning, Palestinian gunmen opened fire on people waiting for buses along a main highway entering Jerusalem, killing at least three people and wounding several others, according to Israeli police.The two attackers, brothers from a neighborhood in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-98e4ad57e0784e05b9fdde2e0ffd7439">annexed east Jerusalem</a>, were killed. After the attack, six other members of the family were detained, and the government ordered their house be demolished. Hamas claimed responsibility for the attack, casting it as retaliation for the killing of women and children in Gaza and the occupied West Bank and other Israeli “crimes.”The attack did not appear to threaten the truce in Gaza. But escalating violence — including Israeli raids — in the West Bank and east Jerusalem could blow back to wreck the quiet in Gaza, even though these areas are not covered under the cease-fire. On Wednesday, Israeli troops killed two Palestinian boys during a raid in Jenin, according to Palestinian health officials. The Israeli military separately said the raid killed two Islamic Jihad militants.INCREASINGLY TENSE HOSTAGE TALKSNetanyahu is under intense pressure from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-hostages-families-protest-war-netanyahu-9846d568b3021582b5c588e28850cbea">families of the hostages</a>&nbsp;to bring them home. But his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-religion-jerusalem-israel-benjamin-netanyahu-189ef3fc8c82d7163c1339e64bb1e40f">far-right governing partners</a>&nbsp;are also pushing him to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed, and could abandon his coalition if he is seen as making too many concessions.Israel says it will maintain the truce until Hamas stops releasing captives, at which point it will resume military operations aimed at eliminating the group, even as the Biden administration has urged it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-displacement-south-operation-biden-788b05c51b5582b39aeb2466b7825525">to operate with far greater precision</a>&nbsp;if it does so.The initial truce, which began Friday and has now been extended twice, called for the release of women and children. Israeli officials said before Thursday's hostage releases that Gaza militants still hold around 30 women and children, who would all be released within a few days at the current rate.The two women released earlier on Thursday — who are 21 and 40 years old — have returned to Israel. Hamas said it handed them over to the Red Cross in Gaza City, suggesting they may have been held in northern Gaza, where Israeli troops have controlled much of the area for weeks and have been searching for hostages.It’s not clear how many of the remaining women hostages might be soldiers. For soldiers and the civilian men still in captivity, Hamas is expected to demand the release of high-profile Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks, something Israel has strongly resisted in the past.Israel says around 125 men are still held hostage, including several dozen soldiers.The 30 Palestinians due to be released by Israel on Thursday include 22 teenagers and eight Israeli Palestinian women who were arrested since the war started, most of them for pro-Palestinian social media posts, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club, which advocates for prisoners. Israeli authorities have carried out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-palestinian-citizens-dissent-b0a85e866c8a2ee9235ed4452d3185a7">a crackdown on such posts,</a>&nbsp;arresting more than 270 Palestinian citizens on allegations of inciting violence, according to rights groups.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-prisoner-exchange-hostage-92545883b1fef86fb9b34549b7deca58">The 210 Palestinians released</a>&nbsp;so far under the cease-fire have mostly been teenagers accused of throwing stones and firebombs during confrontations with Israeli forces. Several of the freed women were convicted by military courts of attempting to attack soldiers, some of them after being found carrying scissors or knives near security positions.Before Thursday’s releases, a total of 75 Israelis, including dual nationals, had been freed during the truce, most of whom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hostage-gaza-freed-israel-captive-408f65fcc1b8f016f3735cd5022163eb">appear physically well but shaken</a>. Another 24 hostages — 23 Thais and one Filipino — have also been released, including several men.Before the cease-fire, Hamas released four hostages, and the Israeli army rescued one. Two others were found dead in Gaza. On Thursday, the military confirmed the death of Ofir Tzarfati, who was believed to be among the hostages, without providing any further details. The 27-year-old attended&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-music-festival-6a55aae2375944f10ecc4c52d05f2ffe">a music festival where at least 360 people were killed</a>&nbsp;and several others were kidnapped on Oct. 7.Hamas and other Palestinian militants killed over 1,200 people — mostly civilians — in their wide-ranging attack across southern Israel that day and took around 240 people captive. Authorities have only ever provided approximate figures.Israel’s bombardment and ground invasion in Gaza have killed more than 13,300 Palestinians, roughly two-thirds of them women and minors, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza</a>, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.The toll is likely much higher, as officials have only&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-health-ministry-gaza-hamas-fe30cbc76479fa437d5f5a0e96c36e52">sporadically updated</a>&nbsp;the count since Nov. 11. The ministry says thousands more people are feared dead under the rubble.Israel says 77 of its soldiers have been killed in the ground offensive. It claims to have killed thousands of militants, without providing evidence.IN GAZA, AN ANXIOUS RESPITEPalestinians in Gaza have been calling for a permanent end to the war, saying the temporary truces don’t resolve the humanitarian catastrophe across the territory. Over 1.8 million people, around 80% of the territory’s population, have fled their homes, with more than 1 million sheltering in U.N. schoolsIn the central city of Deir al-Balah, life’s daily struggle now consists of hunting down basic commodities such as flour and cooking gas that remain scarce despite increased aid entering during the truce.“People want the war to stop ... to see what happened in our homes and to our families,” said Samir Yaghi, who fled from Gaza City. He said he’s been searching for flour but can’t find any.___Jeffery reported from Cairo, Lidman from Jerusalem. Associated Press writers Matthew Lee in Tel Aviv, Israel; Josef Federman in Jerusalem; Najib Jobain in Rafah, Gaza Strip; and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut contributed.

Seventh hostage release includes no Americans

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal October shooting have captured a suspect who had been the subject of search over the past month.

On Wednesday, police in Kansas City, Kansas located 29-year-old&nbsp; Tremale M. Serrano.. On November police asked the&nbsp;public for help to find him for the death of 23-year-old&nbsp; Jackson E. Danner of Topeka.

October 15, police responded to a report of an individual laying in the front yard of a home in the 1600 block of SW 21st Street in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

First responders located. Danner who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

On November 14, police booked 33-year-old Aaron Serrano into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections in connection with Danner's death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701366750026.png" alt="Tremale Serrano is being held in Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption>Tremale Serrano is being held in Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal October shooting have captured a suspect who had been the subject of search over the past month.On Wednesday, police in Kansas City, Kansas located 29-year-old&nbsp; Tremale M. Serrano.. On November police asked the&nbsp;public for help to find him for the death of 23-year-old&nbsp; Jackson E. Danner of Topeka.October 15, police responded to a report of an individual laying in the front yard of a home in the 1600 block of SW 21st Street in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700082583370.png" alt="Aaron Serrano-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Aaron Serrano-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located. Danner who was pronounced deceased at the scene.On November 14, police booked 33-year-old Aaron Serrano into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections in connection with Danner's death.

Police capture 2nd Kan. man wanted for October killing 

BARTON COUNTY —The Sunflower Rod and Custom Association (SRCA) has operated the dragstrip at the fairgrounds for years. A one-year agreement expires Dec. 31, 2023.

Since the track is not operating, there is no need for an operating agreement, pending the outcome of legal actions and a rebuild of the track. Thus, responsibility for the track will revert to the city at the beginning of the new year.

The Great Bend City Council will be presented the new memorandum of understanding with the SRCA at the Dec. 4 meeting.&nbsp;

The new agreement would take effect Jan. 1, 2024 and continue until terminated by both parties or replacement by a new operating agreement upon resumption of operation of the Motorplex.&nbsp;

After a $1.6 million reconstruction of the dragstrip in May 2021, there have been problems with the surface meeting required standards. The SRCA Board canceled the race season this past spring because they deemed the track unsafe and in need of substantial repairs.

Figuring out who is responsible for the repairs, City of Great Bend officials stated the case is in the middle of a legal arbitration, and did not expect the case to get arbitrated until June 2024.

BARTON COUNTY —The Sunflower Rod and Custom Association (SRCA) has operated the dragstrip at the fairgrounds for years. A one-year agreement expires Dec. 31, 2023.Since the track is not operating, there is no need for an operating agreement, pending the outcome of legal actions and a rebuild of the track. Thus, responsibility for the track will revert to the city at the beginning of the new year.The Great Bend City Council will be presented the new memorandum of understanding with the SRCA at the Dec. 4 meeting.&nbsp;The new agreement would take effect Jan. 1, 2024 and continue until terminated by both parties or replacement by a new operating agreement upon resumption of operation of the Motorplex.&nbsp;After a $1.6 million reconstruction of the dragstrip in May 2021, there have been problems with the surface meeting required standards. The SRCA Board canceled the race season this past spring because they deemed the track unsafe and in need of substantial repairs.Figuring out who is responsible for the repairs, City of Great Bend officials stated the case is in the middle of a legal arbitration, and did not expect the case to get arbitrated until June 2024.

Great Bend has new agreement for operation of drag strip 

LONDON (AP) — The OPEC oil cartel led by Saudi Arabia and allied producers including Russia made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opec-oil-prices-saudi-arabia-russia-8d70999cb8258aebc3edbfdfcae278b7">another big swipe</a>&nbsp;at propping up lagging crude prices Thursday, expanding some output cuts into next year and bringing up-and-coming oil supplier Brazil into the fold.

Lower oil prices have been a good thing for U.S. drivers, who have been able to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gas-prices-fall-demand-oil-decline-ea4138be69adca872301ce9721770aa9">fill their gas tanks for less money</a>&nbsp;in recent months. But it’s bad news for OPEC+ countries whose oil income bolsters their economies and who have faced setbacks in pushing prices higher despite initial fears that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/energy-renewables-climate-war-oil-7b0cf535f33a3b33a2bfd8a462850ff4">Israel-Hamas war could affect oil flows</a>.

The OPEC+ oil ministers came out of an online meeting with more than 2 million barrels per day in voluntary cuts through the first three months of next year and declared that Brazil would join the bloc in January, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing oil producers into an alliance that is trying to rein in global supply.

However, sweeping cutbacks from OPEC+ and individual member countries since October 2022 have not made lasting changes to oil prices because of concerns about too much crude circulating in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/global-economy-inflation-growth-interest-rates-ukraine-bc4b66c3de107f99cee057c183f04c93">weakening global economy</a>, which could weigh on the thirst for oil for travel and industry.

The market even shrugged off the new move, though it amounts to roughly 2% of global supply.

Jorge Leon, senior vice president of oil market research for Rystad Energy, called it a “bit of disappointing meeting” for OPEC+ and a “bittersweet” one for Saudi Arabia in particular because it couldn't convince the whole group to commit to production cuts.

The market also was let down, because it “was likely expecting a deal covering the first half of next year," he said.

Saudi Arabia led the deepening voluntary cuts Thursday, extending its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-oil-production-cut-opec-2d6f724e899f31e92d4bdf052921125c">reduction of 1 million barrels per day</a>&nbsp;through March. It was followed by Russia, which is cutting 500,000 barrels per day of crude and refined oil products, and then Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman with smaller amounts.

Russia wants higher oil prices to boost the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russian-oil-price-cap-sanctions-ukraine-war-82ecb172697336362bccf71c1506fa5a">main way it fills its war chest</a>&nbsp;against Ukraine, while the Saudis have to earn nearly $86 per barrel to meet their planned spending goals, according to the latest estimate from the International Monetary Fund.

Saudi Arabia is trying to fund an ambitious overhaul of the kingdom’s economy, reduce its dependence on oil and create jobs for a young population.

But the international benchmark Brent crude has stayed in the low- to mid-$80 range in recent weeks and fell more than 2% to $80.91 a barrel following the meeting. U.S. crude also dropped 2.5% to $75.90.

The expanded cuts were expected to keep crude prices in the same range of $80 to $85 a barrel for the first half of the year, Leon said.

Lower oil prices have allowed U.S. gas prices to fall or stay steady since Sept. 19, AAA said. Gas is averaging just below $3.25 a gallon, the motor club said, down about 7% from a month ago.

But that's still higher than when President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, when prices were averaging about $2.40 a gallon.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-interest-rates-economy-federal-reserve-1f83d45fc6e30c6864d1b02913ec60c6">High inflation has been a political challenge</a>&nbsp;for Biden going into the 2024 election, prompting him to say this week that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-supply-chains-inflation-economic-council-0b45db127f4c000c56ab4dc51e7b7599">efforts to improve supply chains</a>&nbsp;and reduce price pressures are a priority.

“President Biden is focused on prices for American consumers, which have been coming down steadily,” the White House said in a statement Thursday after the OPEC+ meeting.

U.S. oil production&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-fossil-fuels-climate-change-biden-df27160fc81f28d21fbf1fc5575b77bc">has hit records</a>&nbsp;as OPEC+ has cut back, with producers outside the group expected to keep leading global growth in oil supply next year, the International Energy Agency said.

For instance, daily production in the U.S. averaged 13 million barrels a day in August, an increase of more than 1 million barrels from a year ago, according to the latest monthly figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The risk is growing that production cuts could reduce the influence of OPEC+ over oil supplies as other countries boost their output.

“The kingdom is balancing the desire to keep prices high by limiting supply with the knowledge that doing so will lead to a further drop in overall market share,” Leon said.

Bringing in Brazil, which the IEA also said has been producing record amounts of oil this year, would give the 23-member OPEC+ a leg up.

Adding Brazil's oil would bring the amount of global production controlled by OPEC+ up to 62%, similar to the share held by the organization when Russia joined in the mid-2010s, Leon said.

José Chrispiniano, press secretary for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said the invitation was under analysis.

LONDON (AP) — The OPEC oil cartel led by Saudi Arabia and allied producers including Russia made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/opec-oil-prices-saudi-arabia-russia-8d70999cb8258aebc3edbfdfcae278b7">another big swipe</a>&nbsp;at propping up lagging crude prices Thursday, expanding some output cuts into next year and bringing up-and-coming oil supplier Brazil into the fold.Lower oil prices have been a good thing for U.S. drivers, who have been able to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gas-prices-fall-demand-oil-decline-ea4138be69adca872301ce9721770aa9">fill their gas tanks for less money</a>&nbsp;in recent months. But it’s bad news for OPEC+ countries whose oil income bolsters their economies and who have faced setbacks in pushing prices higher despite initial fears that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/energy-renewables-climate-war-oil-7b0cf535f33a3b33a2bfd8a462850ff4">Israel-Hamas war could affect oil flows</a>.The OPEC+ oil ministers came out of an online meeting with more than 2 million barrels per day in voluntary cuts through the first three months of next year and declared that Brazil would join the bloc in January, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing oil producers into an alliance that is trying to rein in global supply.However, sweeping cutbacks from OPEC+ and individual member countries since October 2022 have not made lasting changes to oil prices because of concerns about too much crude circulating in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/global-economy-inflation-growth-interest-rates-ukraine-bc4b66c3de107f99cee057c183f04c93">weakening global economy</a>, which could weigh on the thirst for oil for travel and industry.The market even shrugged off the new move, though it amounts to roughly 2% of global supply.Jorge Leon, senior vice president of oil market research for Rystad Energy, called it a “bit of disappointing meeting” for OPEC+ and a “bittersweet” one for Saudi Arabia in particular because it couldn't convince the whole group to commit to production cuts.The market also was let down, because it “was likely expecting a deal covering the first half of next year," he said.Saudi Arabia led the deepening voluntary cuts Thursday, extending its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-oil-production-cut-opec-2d6f724e899f31e92d4bdf052921125c">reduction of 1 million barrels per day</a>&nbsp;through March. It was followed by Russia, which is cutting 500,000 barrels per day of crude and refined oil products, and then Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman with smaller amounts.Russia wants higher oil prices to boost the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russian-oil-price-cap-sanctions-ukraine-war-82ecb172697336362bccf71c1506fa5a">main way it fills its war chest</a>&nbsp;against Ukraine, while the Saudis have to earn nearly $86 per barrel to meet their planned spending goals, according to the latest estimate from the International Monetary Fund.Saudi Arabia is trying to fund an ambitious overhaul of the kingdom’s economy, reduce its dependence on oil and create jobs for a young population.But the international benchmark Brent crude has stayed in the low- to mid-$80 range in recent weeks and fell more than 2% to $80.91 a barrel following the meeting. U.S. crude also dropped 2.5% to $75.90.The expanded cuts were expected to keep crude prices in the same range of $80 to $85 a barrel for the first half of the year, Leon said.Lower oil prices have allowed U.S. gas prices to fall or stay steady since Sept. 19, AAA said. Gas is averaging just below $3.25 a gallon, the motor club said, down about 7% from a month ago.But that's still higher than when President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, when prices were averaging about $2.40 a gallon.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-interest-rates-economy-federal-reserve-1f83d45fc6e30c6864d1b02913ec60c6">High inflation has been a political challenge</a>&nbsp;for Biden going into the 2024 election, prompting him to say this week that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-supply-chains-inflation-economic-council-0b45db127f4c000c56ab4dc51e7b7599">efforts to improve supply chains</a>&nbsp;and reduce price pressures are a priority.“President Biden is focused on prices for American consumers, which have been coming down steadily,” the White House said in a statement Thursday after the OPEC+ meeting.U.S. oil production&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-fossil-fuels-climate-change-biden-df27160fc81f28d21fbf1fc5575b77bc">has hit records</a>&nbsp;as OPEC+ has cut back, with producers outside the group expected to keep leading global growth in oil supply next year, the International Energy Agency said.For instance, daily production in the U.S. averaged 13 million barrels a day in August, an increase of more than 1 million barrels from a year ago, according to the latest monthly figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.The risk is growing that production cuts could reduce the influence of OPEC+ over oil supplies as other countries boost their output.“The kingdom is balancing the desire to keep prices high by limiting supply with the knowledge that doing so will lead to a further drop in overall market share,” Leon said.Bringing in Brazil, which the IEA also said has been producing record amounts of oil this year, would give the 23-member OPEC+ a leg up.Adding Brazil's oil would bring the amount of global production controlled by OPEC+ up to 62%, similar to the share held by the organization when Russia joined in the mid-2010s, Leon said.José Chrispiniano, press secretary for President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said the invitation was under analysis.----------------

Good news for drivers: Saudi Arabia extends cut in oil production

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before 11p.m. November 28, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at Dacotah and Hall Streets in Burlingame for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. 

During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.

The driver of the vehicle, Kyle E. Hallowell, 34, of Burlingame, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701293188912.png" alt="Hallowell" />
 <figcaption>Hallowell</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just before 11p.m. November 28, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at Dacotah and Hall Streets in Burlingame for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.The driver of the vehicle, Kyle E. Hallowell, 34, of Burlingame, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Kansas man caught transporting marijuana and meth

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Police found a dead man in an apartment in the 1700 block of Ohio Street in Lawrence after a gunshot was heard while officers were attempting to serve an out-of-town warrant there, according to a media release.

Just before 6 p.m. Wednesday, police were at the apartment building trying to contact the wanted subject when a single gunshot was heard from inside the apartment. 

At 9:30p.m., 0fficers entered the apartment&nbsp;and located a dead man inside with an apparent gunshot wound. 

&nbsp;Police are working to confirm the identity of the man who died. Police released no additional details.

DOUGLAS COUNTY — Police found a dead man in an apartment in the 1700 block of Ohio Street in Lawrence after a gunshot was heard while officers were attempting to serve an out-of-town warrant there, according to a media release.Just before 6 p.m. Wednesday, police were at the apartment building trying to contact the wanted subject when a single gunshot was heard from inside the apartment. Officers immediately backed away from the apartment, established a&nbsp;perimeter, and called for additional resources to assist. Officers evacuated nearby apartments and provided a secure perimeter to ensure the safety of everyone in the area. At 9:30p.m., 0fficers entered the apartment&nbsp;and located a dead man inside with an apparent gunshot wound. Lawrence Police personnel remained on scene investigating. Area residents were allowed to return to their homes. &nbsp;Police are working to confirm the identity of the man who died. Police released no additional details.

Man found dead after standoff at Kan. apartment complex

NEW YORK (AP) — Have a Google account you haven’t used in a while? If you want to keep it from disappearing, you should sign in immediately.

Under Google’s updated inactive-account policy, which the tech giant announced back in May, accounts that haven’t been used in at least two years could be deleted. Accounts deemed inactive will be erased in a phased-approach beginning Friday.

If you have an account that’s at risk for deletion, you should receive multiple notices from Google sent to the email affiliated with that account and its recovery address (if one exits). But if you’re still catching up on this new policy — and want to ensure that your content on Google Drive, Docs, Gmail and more is saved — here’s what you need to know.

WHY IS GOOGLE DELETING INACTIVE ACCOUNTS?

In May’s&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.google/technology/safety-security/updating-our-inactive-account-policies/" target="_blank">announcement</a>, Google attributed its inactive-account update to security issues.

Accounts that haven’t been used for a long time are more likely to be compromised, the company said, noting that “forgotten or unattended accounts” typically have old passwords, often lack two-factor authentication and receive fewer security checks. As a result, these accounts could be hijacked and used for spam or other malicious content, as well as identity theft.

HOW CAN I PREVENT MY ACCOUNT FROM BEING DELETED?

The easiest way to keep your Google account active (and thus prevent it from being deleted) is to sign in at least once every two years.

Other actions that fulfill account activity requirements include sending or scrolling through emails, using Google search and watching YouTube videos (YouTube is owned by Google) all while signed into your Google account. Existing subscriptions set up through your Google account, including profiles for third-party apps and publications, can also account for activity.

Preserving content on Google Photos requires a specific sign-in. As&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/photos/answer/10100180" target="_blank">previously announced</a>&nbsp;by Google, Photos content may be similarly deleted after two years of inactivity — meaning you should open the application every so often to keep images from going into the trash.

Only personal Google accounts that haven’t been used for two years or more will be impacted under this inactive-account update. Accounts made for organizations, like schools or companies, will not be affected, Google says.

Per Google’s&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/12418290?hl=en#zippy=" target="_blank">online policy</a>, other exceptions include Google accounts that manage active minor accounts, accounts containing a gift card balance as well as those that have been used to purchase Google products, apps or subscriptions that are ongoing.

There are also no plans to delete accounts with YouTube videos at this time, a Google spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press Monday.

Beyond keeping your Google account active, there’s a few tools to help manage and backup your data.

<a href="https://takeout.google.com/?pli=1" target="_blank">Google Takeout</a>, for example, allows users to download and export account data outside of Google at any time. And its&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3036546?hl=en" target="_blank">Inactive Account Manager</a>&nbsp;lets you choose what would happen to your account and data if it becomes inactive — including options to send select files to trusted contacts or delete the account entirely. Google’s&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/6357590?hl=en" target="_blank">online policy</a>&nbsp;also says the company can work with immediate family to close the account of a deceased loved one and/or provide some account content — without sharing login credentials — on a case-by-case basis.

Google asks users to provide and update a recovery email for their account — which is also helpful for sending inactive account notices and other communications.

NEW YORK (AP) — Have a Google account you haven’t used in a while? If you want to keep it from disappearing, you should sign in immediately.Under Google’s updated inactive-account policy, which the tech giant announced back in May, accounts that haven’t been used in at least two years could be deleted. Accounts deemed inactive will be erased in a phased-approach beginning Friday.If you have an account that’s at risk for deletion, you should receive multiple notices from Google sent to the email affiliated with that account and its recovery address (if one exits). But if you’re still catching up on this new policy — and want to ensure that your content on Google Drive, Docs, Gmail and more is saved — here’s what you need to know.<h2>WHY IS GOOGLE DELETING INACTIVE ACCOUNTS?</h2>In May’s&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.google/technology/safety-security/updating-our-inactive-account-policies/" target="_blank">announcement</a>, Google attributed its inactive-account update to security issues.Accounts that haven’t been used for a long time are more likely to be compromised, the company said, noting that “forgotten or unattended accounts” typically have old passwords, often lack two-factor authentication and receive fewer security checks. As a result, these accounts could be hijacked and used for spam or other malicious content, as well as identity theft.<h2>HOW CAN I PREVENT MY ACCOUNT FROM BEING DELETED?</h2>The easiest way to keep your Google account active (and thus prevent it from being deleted) is to sign in at least once every two years.Other actions that fulfill account activity requirements include sending or scrolling through emails, using Google search and watching YouTube videos (YouTube is owned by Google) all while signed into your Google account. Existing subscriptions set up through your Google account, including profiles for third-party apps and publications, can also account for activity.Preserving content on Google Photos requires a specific sign-in. As&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/photos/answer/10100180" target="_blank">previously announced</a>&nbsp;by Google, Photos content may be similarly deleted after two years of inactivity — meaning you should open the application every so often to keep images from going into the trash.<h2>ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY?</h2>Only personal Google accounts that haven’t been used for two years or more will be impacted under this inactive-account update. Accounts made for organizations, like schools or companies, will not be affected, Google says.Per Google’s&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/12418290?hl=en#zippy=" target="_blank">online policy</a>, other exceptions include Google accounts that manage active minor accounts, accounts containing a gift card balance as well as those that have been used to purchase Google products, apps or subscriptions that are ongoing.There are also no plans to delete accounts with YouTube videos at this time, a Google spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press Monday.<h2>CAN I SAVE DATA FROM MY GOOGLE ACCOUNT?</h2>Beyond keeping your Google account active, there’s a few tools to help manage and backup your data.<a href="https://takeout.google.com/?pli=1" target="_blank">Google Takeout</a>, for example, allows users to download and export account data outside of Google at any time. And its&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/3036546?hl=en" target="_blank">Inactive Account Manager</a>&nbsp;lets you choose what would happen to your account and data if it becomes inactive — including options to send select files to trusted contacts or delete the account entirely. Google’s&nbsp;<a href="https://support.google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/6357590?hl=en" target="_blank">online policy</a>&nbsp;also says the company can work with immediate family to close the account of a deceased loved one and/or provide some account content — without sharing login credentials — on a case-by-case basis.Google asks users to provide and update a recovery email for their account — which is also helpful for sending inactive account notices and other communications.

Google to begin deleting ‘inactive’ accounts starting Friday

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Members of law enforcement K9 units from across Kansas traveled to Wichita Wednesday to pay their respects to Sedgwick County Sheriff K9 Bane.

Click below to watch a replay of the memorial service.

The service for Bane, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois that the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office used in high-risk situations, was held&nbsp;at the Extension Center located at 7001 W 21st N in Wichita.

Kaylon Kirwood, 24, Wichitaa, is accused of killing Bane is jailed on more than $1 million bond. He made his first appearance this week on a felony count of battery against a law enforcement officer and harming or killing certain dogs, Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Dan Dillon said in an email.

Wichita Police Department spokesperson Juan Rebolledo said police had been looking for the man in connection with a domestic battery case. When they spotted him on Nov. 16, he ran into a nearby creek bed and then entered a large storm drain.

Wichita Police Lt. Aaron Moses said Bane and a Wichita police K-9 were both released on extended leashes into the storm drain.

Rebolledo said the suspect then strangled Bane. First responders tried to resuscitate Bane for 30 to 40 minutes. Moses said the other dog wasn’t injured.

Bane used to work for the Wichita Police Department. His handler there died of cancer last year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701304894824.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Members of law enforcement K9 units from across Kansas traveled to Wichita Wednesday to pay their respects to Sedgwick County Sheriff K9 Bane.Click below to watch a replay of the memorial service.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSedgwickCountySheriff%2Fvideos%2F372709945211401%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=292" 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>The service for Bane, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois that the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office used in high-risk situations, was held&nbsp;at the Extension Center located at 7001 W 21st N in Wichita.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This morning, members of our police K9 unit, including K9 Bruno pictured here, traveled to Wichita to pay their respects to Sedgwick County Sheriff K9 Bane. K9 Bane was killed in the line of duty earlier this month while apprehending a fleeing suspect. K9 Bane had an exceptional… <a href="https://t.co/gxDKeKcRRr">pic.twitter.com/gxDKeKcRRr</a>&mdash; Lenexa Police (@LenexaPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/LenexaPolice/status/1729972252756615659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Kaylon Kirwood, 24, Wichitaa, is accused of killing Bane is jailed on more than $1 million bond. He made his first appearance this week on a felony count of battery against a law enforcement officer and harming or killing certain dogs, Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Dan Dillon said in an email.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701305805276.png" alt="Photos Sedgwick Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Sedgwick Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita Police Department spokesperson Juan Rebolledo said police had been looking for the man in connection with a domestic battery case. When they spotted him on Nov. 16, he ran into a nearby creek bed and then entered a large storm drain.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701305720266.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita Police Lt. Aaron Moses said Bane and a Wichita police K-9 were both released on extended leashes into the storm drain.Rebolledo said the suspect then strangled Bane. First responders tried to resuscitate Bane for 30 to 40 minutes. Moses said the other dog wasn’t injured.Bane used to work for the Wichita Police Department. His handler there died of cancer last year.

🎥 Officers from across Kansas pay respects to sheriff's K9 Bane

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a boy found in an alley in downtown Kansas City have identified him as 5-year-old&nbsp; Grayson&nbsp;O’Connor.

Surveillance footage confirms he fell from an apartment building on Monday. However, the circumstances surrounding how he fell is still under investigation, according to KCPD Captain Corey Carlisle.

Just after 11a.m. Monday officers were dispatched to 10th and Grand Avenue, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle.

First responders located the boy who was suffering from bodily trauma. EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.&nbsp;

Detectives are still working to decide if this was a homicide or child neglect/endangerment case.&nbsp; As of now it is being investigated as a suspicious death, according to Carlisle.

The boy's mother was transported to the hospital the day of the incident and is the subject of interest in the investigation.

Detectives are in contact with the prosecutor’s office and both are working diligently to present the best case for consideration of charges by the Jackson County Prosecutor’s office.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The child and his mother live at the apartment building, due to the ongoing investigation, police did not release the apartment number or floor.

It is believed the boy fell from the apartment window, the means of how that happened is still under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701360695856.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the investigation -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the investigation -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a boy found in an alley in downtown Kansas City have identified him as 5-year-old&nbsp; Grayson&nbsp;O’Connor.Surveillance footage confirms he fell from an apartment building on Monday. However, the circumstances surrounding how he fell is still under investigation, according to KCPD Captain Corey Carlisle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701352951835.png" alt="-Grayson O'Connor photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>-Grayson O'Connor photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 11a.m. Monday officers were dispatched to 10th and Grand Avenue, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle.First responders located the boy who was suffering from bodily trauma. EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.&nbsp;Detectives are still working to decide if this was a homicide or child neglect/endangerment case.&nbsp; As of now it is being investigated as a suspicious death, according to Carlisle.The boy's mother was transported to the hospital the day of the incident and is the subject of interest in the investigation.Detectives are in contact with the prosecutor’s office and both are working diligently to present the best case for consideration of charges by the Jackson County Prosecutor’s office.&nbsp; &nbsp;The child and his mother live at the apartment building, due to the ongoing investigation, police did not release the apartment number or floor.It is believed the boy fell from the apartment window, the means of how that happened is still under investigation.

Mother investigated after boy died in fall from KC apartment

LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for allegedly selling drugs near Emporia State University.

During the investigation, officers were able to purchase cocaine, marijuana and LSD from a suspect identified as 20-year-old Caden Hunt, according to Emporia Police Captain Mattis.

 Officers and detectives then served a search warrant at the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity located at 1309 Sylvan Street near the Emporia State University campus. Detectives found more cocaine, marijuana, and LSD along with a firearm.

Police arrested Hunt&nbsp;and booked him into the Lyon County Jail on requested charges of four counts of Distribution of Cocaine, one count of Distribution of LSD, one count of Distribution of marijuana, one count each of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, LSD and marijuana along with criminal possession of a firearm. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701296394092.png" alt="Hunt-photo Lyon County" />
 <figcaption>Hunt-photo Lyon County</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for allegedly selling drugs near Emporia State University.During the investigation, officers were able to purchase cocaine, marijuana and LSD from a suspect identified as 20-year-old Caden Hunt, according to Emporia Police Captain Mattis. Officers and detectives then served a search warrant at the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity located at 1309 Sylvan Street near the Emporia State University campus. Detectives found more cocaine, marijuana, and LSD along with a firearm.Police arrested Hunt&nbsp;and booked him into the Lyon County Jail on requested charges of four counts of Distribution of Cocaine, one count of Distribution of LSD, one count of Distribution of marijuana, one count each of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, LSD and marijuana along with criminal possession of a firearm.

Police found cocaine, LSD and firearm at fraternity house

WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. Navy warship sailing near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait shot down a drone launched from Yemen on Wednesday, the U.S. military said, in the latest in a string of threats from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

U.S. Central Command said the USS Carney, a Navy destroyer, downed the drone — an Iranian-made KAS-04 — which was launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen and was heading toward the warship.

The ship was operating in the the southern Red Sea and was moving toward the strait. At the time of the morning shootdown, the Carney was escorting the USNS Supply, a Military Sealift Command fast combat supply ship, as well as another U.S. flagged and crewed ship carrying military equipment to the region. There were no injuries to U.S. personnel and no damage to the ships, the command said in a statement.

The shootdown came a day after a Iranian drone flew within 1,500 yards (1,370 meters) of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier as it was conducting flight operations in international waters.

Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said that drone “violated safety precautions” by not staying more than 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometers) from the ship. The drone ignored multiple warnings but eventually turned away.

“This unsafe, unprofessional, and irresponsible behavior by Iran risks U.S. and partner nation lives and needs to cease immediately,” Cooper said.

Iranian state television earlier aired footage from the drone that trailed the carrier, which included data suggesting it filmed the vessel in the Persian Gulf’s narrow mouth, the Strait of Hormuz, this weekend.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. Navy warship sailing near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait shot down a drone launched from Yemen on Wednesday, the U.S. military said, in the latest in a string of threats from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.U.S. Central Command said the USS Carney, a Navy destroyer, downed the drone — an Iranian-made KAS-04 — which was launched from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen and was heading toward the warship.The ship was operating in the the southern Red Sea and was moving toward the strait. At the time of the morning shootdown, the Carney was escorting the USNS Supply, a Military Sealift Command fast combat supply ship, as well as another U.S. flagged and crewed ship carrying military equipment to the region. There were no injuries to U.S. personnel and no damage to the ships, the command said in a statement.The shootdown came a day after a Iranian drone flew within 1,500 yards (1,370 meters) of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier as it was conducting flight operations in international waters.Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said that drone “violated safety precautions” by not staying more than 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometers) from the ship. The drone ignored multiple warnings but eventually turned away.“This unsafe, unprofessional, and irresponsible behavior by Iran risks U.S. and partner nation lives and needs to cease immediately,” Cooper said.Iranian state television earlier aired footage from the drone that trailed the carrier, which included data suggesting it filmed the vessel in the Persian Gulf’s narrow mouth, the Strait of Hormuz, this weekend.Aircraft can be seen on the Eisenhower’s deck in the footage. Iranian drone surveillance has become common when American aircraft carriers enter the Gulf.Earlier this month, another Navy destroyer, the USS Thomas Hudner,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-yemen-houthi-drone-red-sea-3f7cc856f608d0e963e82effbac328f6" target="_blank">shot down a drone</a>&nbsp;that was heading toward the ship as it sailed in the southern Red Sea. It also was near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and it shot down the drone over the water.The Red Sea, stretching from Egypt’s Suez Canal to the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait separating the Arabian Peninsula from Africa, is a key trade route for global shipping and energy supplies. The U.S. Navy has stationed multiple ships in the sea since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, which has heightened tensions in the region.<h2>___</h2>