TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The bodies of three more hostages killed on Oct 7. were recovered overnight from Gaza, Israel's army said Friday, as the top United Nations court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-palestinians-court-ceasefire-01d093d21a1eadaa31af5708cf1cbf38">prepares to rule</a>&nbsp;on whether Israel must halt its military operations and withdraw from the enclave.

The bodies of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hamas-israel-unaccounted-people-095f64d06108416ff9c58ea7550b9a74">Hanan Yablonka</a>, Michel Nisenbaum, and Orion Hernandez Radoux were found and their families have been notified. The army said they were killed on the day of the attack at the Mefalsim intersection and their bodies were taken to Gaza.

The announcement comes less than a week after the army said it found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-hostages-shani-louk-a37e4fd656b46be36c4c659a9c2aac7d">the bodies of three other Israeli hostages</a>&nbsp;killed on Oct. 7.

Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and abducted around 250 others in the Oct. 7 attack. Around half of those hostages&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-25-2023-7d83895eb736c09fab3eada4c31524b0">have since been freed</a>, most in swaps for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel during a weeklong cease-fire in November.

Israel says around 100 hostages are still captive in Gaza, along with the bodies of at least 39 more, while 17 bodies of hostages have been recovered.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to both eliminate Hamas and bring all the hostages back, but he’s made little progress. He faces pressure to resign, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-weapons-shipment-us-eed365ebef0477ba74bf9848cacae4f4">U.S. has threatened to scale back</a>&nbsp;its support over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

On Friday Netanyahu said the country had a duty to do everything to return those abducted, both those killed and those who are alive.

In a post on X Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron gave condolences to the family of Hernández-Radoux, a French-Mexican citizen, saying France remains committed to releasing the hostages.

The country is also expecting a ruling Friday afternoon by the International Court of Justice to decide on an urgent plea by South Africa to order Israel to cease operations. Israel is unlikely to comply with any such order. Even so, a cease-fire order by judges of the International Court of Justice would heap more pressure on an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norway-palestinian-state-ddfd774a23d39f77f5977b9c89c43dbc">increasingly isolated Israel</a>.

On the hostages, Israelis are divided into two main camps: those who want the government to put the war on hold and free the hostages, and others who think the hostages are an unfortunate price to pay for eradicating Hamas. On-and-off negotiations mediated by Qatar, the United States and Egypt have yielded little.

Anger is growing at home at the government’s handling of the hostage crisis.

Earlier this week a group representing the families of hostages&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-gaza-hostages-dcb39658d1afcd00341d2c1cd54c38b0">released new video footage</a>&nbsp;showing Hamas’ capture of five female Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border on Oct. 7.

The video shows several of the young soldiers bloody and wounded. In one scene, a militant tells one of the terrified women she is beautiful.

The video sparked more protests across the country calling for the hostages’ release.

The army said on Friday the hostages were found during an operation in Jabaliya. Military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a news conference that the army was able to retrieve the bodies based on “critical intelligence” uncovered last week by Israeli forces operating in Gaza.

The group representing the families of the hostages said the bodies had been returned to their families for burial.

Nisenbaum, 59, was a Brazilian-Israeli from the southern city of Sderot. He was taken hostage when he went to rescue his 4-year-old granddaughter.

Oryon Hernandez Radoux, 30, was taken from the Nova music festival, which he attended with his partner Shani Louk. Louk's body was one of those found by the army nearly a week ago.

Yablonka, 42, a father of two, was also taken from the music festival. His family in December told the AP that he loved music. Yablonka’s family had no news of him for nearly two months after he’d been taken, not knowing if he was alive or dead.

Israel’s offensive since the war began has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and has caused a humanitarian crisis and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-famine-world-food-program-israel-hamas-war-476941bf2dc259f85a706408b2a665ff">near-famine.</a>

While it has weakened Hamas' capabilities, after nearly eight months of war, militants are regrouping in some of the hardest-hit areas in northern Gaza and resuming rocket attacks into nearby Israeli communities. Israel says its troops are operating in Rafah in the south, in central Gaza and in Jabaliya in the north.

Associated Press reporters Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv and John Leicester in Le Pecq, France, contributed

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716546463209.png" alt="L-R: Hostages Michel Nisenbaum, Orion Hernandez, Hanan Yablonka. Their bodies were recovered from northern Gaza's Jabaliya in an operation announced May 24, 2024. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>L-R: Hostages Michel Nisenbaum, Orion Hernandez, Hanan Yablonka. Their bodies were recovered from northern Gaza's Jabaliya in an operation announced May 24, 2024. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The bodies of three more hostages killed on Oct 7. were recovered overnight from Gaza, Israel's army said Friday, as the top United Nations court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-palestinians-court-ceasefire-01d093d21a1eadaa31af5708cf1cbf38">prepares to rule</a>&nbsp;on whether Israel must halt its military operations and withdraw from the enclave.The bodies of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hamas-israel-unaccounted-people-095f64d06108416ff9c58ea7550b9a74">Hanan Yablonka</a>, Michel Nisenbaum, and Orion Hernandez Radoux were found and their families have been notified. The army said they were killed on the day of the attack at the Mefalsim intersection and their bodies were taken to Gaza.The announcement comes less than a week after the army said it found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-hostages-shani-louk-a37e4fd656b46be36c4c659a9c2aac7d">the bodies of three other Israeli hostages</a>&nbsp;killed on Oct. 7.Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and abducted around 250 others in the Oct. 7 attack. Around half of those hostages&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-25-2023-7d83895eb736c09fab3eada4c31524b0">have since been freed</a>, most in swaps for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel during a weeklong cease-fire in November.Israel says around 100 hostages are still captive in Gaza, along with the bodies of at least 39 more, while 17 bodies of hostages have been recovered.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to both eliminate Hamas and bring all the hostages back, but he’s made little progress. He faces pressure to resign, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-weapons-shipment-us-eed365ebef0477ba74bf9848cacae4f4">U.S. has threatened to scale back</a>&nbsp;its support over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.On Friday Netanyahu said the country had a duty to do everything to return those abducted, both those killed and those who are alive.In a post on X Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron gave condolences to the family of Hernández-Radoux, a French-Mexican citizen, saying France remains committed to releasing the hostages.The country is also expecting a ruling Friday afternoon by the International Court of Justice to decide on an urgent plea by South Africa to order Israel to cease operations. Israel is unlikely to comply with any such order. Even so, a cease-fire order by judges of the International Court of Justice would heap more pressure on an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/norway-palestinian-state-ddfd774a23d39f77f5977b9c89c43dbc">increasingly isolated Israel</a>.On the hostages, Israelis are divided into two main camps: those who want the government to put the war on hold and free the hostages, and others who think the hostages are an unfortunate price to pay for eradicating Hamas. On-and-off negotiations mediated by Qatar, the United States and Egypt have yielded little.Anger is growing at home at the government’s handling of the hostage crisis.Earlier this week a group representing the families of hostages&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-gaza-hostages-dcb39658d1afcd00341d2c1cd54c38b0">released new video footage</a>&nbsp;showing Hamas’ capture of five female Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border on Oct. 7.The video shows several of the young soldiers bloody and wounded. In one scene, a militant tells one of the terrified women she is beautiful.The video sparked more protests across the country calling for the hostages’ release.The army said on Friday the hostages were found during an operation in Jabaliya. Military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a news conference that the army was able to retrieve the bodies based on “critical intelligence” uncovered last week by Israeli forces operating in Gaza.The group representing the families of the hostages said the bodies had been returned to their families for burial.Nisenbaum, 59, was a Brazilian-Israeli from the southern city of Sderot. He was taken hostage when he went to rescue his 4-year-old granddaughter.Oryon Hernandez Radoux, 30, was taken from the Nova music festival, which he attended with his partner Shani Louk. Louk's body was one of those found by the army nearly a week ago.Yablonka, 42, a father of two, was also taken from the music festival. His family in December told the AP that he loved music. Yablonka’s family had no news of him for nearly two months after he’d been taken, not knowing if he was alive or dead.Israel’s offensive since the war began has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and has caused a humanitarian crisis and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-famine-world-food-program-israel-hamas-war-476941bf2dc259f85a706408b2a665ff">near-famine.</a>While it has weakened Hamas' capabilities, after nearly eight months of war, militants are regrouping in some of the hardest-hit areas in northern Gaza and resuming rocket attacks into nearby Israeli communities. Israel says its troops are operating in Rafah in the south, in central Gaza and in Jabaliya in the north.——Associated Press reporters Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv and John Leicester in Le Pecq, France, contributed

Israeli Army recovers bodies of 3 more hostages from Gaza 

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

Just after 4:30a.m. March 13, the Riley County Dispatch Center received a call from the Riley County Jail advising an inmate was not breathing and lacked a pulse, according to a media release from the RCPD.

Emergency medical services were dispatched to render aid while Riley County Police Department Officers were dispatched to secure the scene. 

First responders were able to revive the inmate to stable condition. Through the course of an investigation it was determined the inmate had obtained the controlled substance from a fellow inmate, Joseph Keehn, 30, of Junction City. 

On Thursday, officers arrested Keehn on a Riley County District Court warrant for trafficking contraband in a correction/care facility and distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm&nbsp;

Keehn is being held on a $125,000 bond. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault, obstruction, theft and drug possession., according to the Kansas Department of Corrections

The Riley County Police Department department has begun researching additional procedures and technologies to help eliminate controlled substances from inside it's jail facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716565107515.png" alt="Keehn has previous convictions for aggravated assault, obstruction, theft and drug possession., according to the Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Keehn has previous convictions for aggravated assault, obstruction, theft and drug possession., according to the Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement in Riley County are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations after an arrest.Just after 4:30a.m. March 13, the Riley County Dispatch Center received a call from the Riley County Jail advising an inmate was not breathing and lacked a pulse, according to a media release from the RCPD.Emergency medical services were dispatched to render aid while Riley County Police Department Officers were dispatched to secure the scene. First responders were able to revive the inmate to stable condition. Through the course of an investigation it was determined the inmate had obtained the controlled substance from a fellow inmate, Joseph Keehn, 30, of Junction City. On Thursday, officers arrested Keehn on a Riley County District Court warrant for trafficking contraband in a correction/care facility and distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm&nbsp;Keehn is being held on a $125,000 bond. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault, obstruction, theft and drug possession., according to the Kansas Department of CorrectionsThe Riley County Police Department department has begun researching additional procedures and technologies to help eliminate controlled substances from inside it's jail facility.

Kan. felon accused of giving drugs to fellow county jail inmate

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans again blocked a bill meant to clamp down on the number of migrants allowed to claim asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border as Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;sought Thursday to underscore GOP resistance to the proposal.

Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall explained why he and the other members of the GOP voted against the bill.

"For over three years, our national security and our nation's sovereignty have been an afterthought for this Administration. Democrats have welcomed over 11 million illegal migrants, many unvetted, including terrorists, gang members, and Chinese nationalists creating the worst border crisis in CBP history,"&nbsp;Senator Marshall said.&nbsp;"Now, six months before the election, Senate Democrats are looking for political cover. It's too little too late. This bill is nothing more than a bailout for Democrats whose campaigns are on life support and will only make the crisis at our borders worse. Even the Democrat architect of this bill admitted that this legislation never closes the border."

"This week, Senate Republicans took numerous bills to secure our borders to the Senate Floor for a vote, Democrats blocked every single one of our efforts. They would not even allow these measures, including the most extensive border security package in Congress, the Secure our Borders Act, to receive a vote,"&nbsp;Senator Marshall said. "Democrats' border bailout is an unserious proposal that only worsens the crisis by codifying catch and release, expanding the abuse of parole, weakening asylum screening, supercharging NGOs, and allowing thousands of migrants to cross before they take any action."&nbsp;

The legislation, negotiated by a bipartisan group of senators, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-security-ukraine-a39e188fa2c6a563203d2c69eaabdc6d">already rejected by most Republicans</a>&nbsp;in February when it was linked to a foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies. But with immigration and border security becoming one of the top issues of this year's election, Democrats are looking for an answer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-trump-biden-rhetoric-2024-election-327c08045edcc200f850d893de6a79d6">barrage of GOP attacks</a>, led by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

“We gave Republicans a second chance to show where they stand,” Schumer, a New York Democrat, said after the vote. “Do they want to fix this so-called emergency or do they want to show blind allegiance to the former president even when they know he's wrong?”

Schumer is trying to defend a narrow Senate majority in this year's election and sees the Republican's rejection of the deal they negotiated as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-border-security-congress-trump-57f62a34ce9c4c08d6e00795fcb24764">political “gift” for Democrats</a>. Seeking to highlight Republican resistance to popular measures, Schumer is also planning to push forward a bill in June that would protect access to contraception.

The Democratic leader said it would “show the public who’s on what side and in June we’re going to spend a significant amount of time talking about reproductive rights.”

On Thursday, most Senate Democrats again supported the procedural vote to begin debate on the border bill, but it failed to advance 43-50 after all but one Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted against it. When the proposal was brought up in February, the test vote failed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1182/vote_118_2_00039.htm">49-50</a>&nbsp;— well shy of the 60 votes needed to advance.

This time, not even some of the bill's primary authors, Sens. James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican, and Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent, voted for Schumer's move.

“Today is not a bill, today is a prop,” Lankford said on the floor ahead of the vote. “Everyone sees it for what it is.”

Sinema called the vote “political theater” that will do nothing to solve problems at the border.

“To use this failure as a political punching bag only punishes those who were courageous enough to do the hard work in the first place," she said.

Republican leaders spent much of the week decrying the vote as a bald-faced political maneuver and amplifying a well-worn criticism of President Joe Biden: That he bears responsibility for the historic number of migrants who have made their way to the U.S. in recent years.

“We're nearing the end of President Biden' s term, and the American people's patience for his failing to secure the southern border is running thin,” Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday.

Earlier in the week, McConnell told reporters, “The president needs to step up to it — do everything he can do on his own because legislation is obviously not going to clear this year."

Since the collapse of the Senate's legislation in February, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-border-donald-trump-f0ca943f0f148e165bc6e8ebfd149f14">Biden administration has been considering</a>&nbsp;executive orders on border policy and immigration. It has already made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-immigration-border-asylum-c2f1e8bf45182a5f74567a47ca4ab641">some changes to the asylum system</a>&nbsp;meant to speed up processing and potential removal of migrants. Yet the Senate's test vote this week was widely seen as part of a lead-up to Biden issuing more sweeping border measures, potentially as early as June.

The Democratic president has considered using a provision in federal immigration law that gives leeway to block entry of certain immigrants into the U.S. if it would be “detrimental” to the national interest of the United States. The authority was repeatedly tapped by Trump when he was in the White House, but some of those actions faced legal challenges.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters Monday that legislation to address problems at the border — as opposed to executive actions by the president — would be more effective. The Senate legislation would provide more money for Customs and Border Protection officials, asylum officers, immigration judges and scanning technology at the border — all things that officials have said the underfunded immigration and border protection system needs.

“The legislation provides tools that executive action cannot,” Mayorkas said.

The Senate bill is aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-security-ukraine-biden-cf4aa608de350a480fabd8e6a3e062ff">gaining control of an asylum system</a>&nbsp;that has sometimes been overwhelmed in the last year. It would provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-border-package-asylum-ukraine-1dde30b223ebe854a48fde0497c9f227">faster and tougher enforcement</a>&nbsp;of the asylum process, as well as give presidents new powers to immediately expel migrants if the numbers encountered by border officials exceed an average of 4,000 per day over a week.

Even before the bill was fully released earlier this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-security-ukraine-trump-a8601ec6629ddc5b769028ca99ad9879">Trump effectively killed</a>&nbsp;the proposal by labeling it “meaningless” and a “gift” for Biden's reelection chances. Top Republicans soon followed his lead and even McConnell, who had initially demanded the negotiation over the border measures, voted against moving forward.

A significant number of Democrats have also criticized the proposal, mostly because it does not include any broad relief for immigrants who have already established lives in the United States. On the left, four Democrats, as well as Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent of Maine, voted against advancing the bill.

“It fails to address the root causes of migration or to establish more lawful pathways,” said Sen. Alex Padilla, a California Democrat.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus said in a statement this week that the Senate's bill “fails to meet the moment by putting forth enforcement-only policies and failing to include provisions that will keep families together.” They have urged executive actions that would provide protections from deportation for immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years or who have family ties to U.S. citizens.

Amid the tension, Biden's reelection campaign met with CHC leadership Wednesday to discuss outreach to Latino communities, and Biden spoke on the phone with Rep. Nanette Barragán, the chair of the group. She discussed the reasons for the group's opposition, according to a person familiar with the call who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private conversation.

Schumer said that if Democrats win majorities in the Senate and House next year, he wants to advance “comprehensive immigration reform."

Still, for Democratic senators facing tough reelection battles this year, the vote Thursday provided another opportunity to show they were supportive of stronger border measures as well as distance themselves from Biden's handling of the border.

As Sen. Jon Tester attempts to hold a Democratic seat in the red-leaning state of Montana, he said in a statement, “This common sense bill would push back on the Biden administration’s failed border policies by forcing the president to shut down the border, strengthen our asylum laws, and end catch and release.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1683898210525.png" alt="Photo Texas Dept. of Public Safety" />
 <figcaption>Photo Texas Dept. of Public Safety</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans again blocked a bill meant to clamp down on the number of migrants allowed to claim asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border as Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/charles-schumer">Chuck Schumer</a>&nbsp;sought Thursday to underscore GOP resistance to the proposal.Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall explained why he and the other members of the GOP voted against the bill."For over three years, our national security and our nation's sovereignty have been an afterthought for this Administration. Democrats have welcomed over 11 million illegal migrants, many unvetted, including terrorists, gang members, and Chinese nationalists creating the worst border crisis in CBP history,"&nbsp;Senator Marshall said.&nbsp;"Now, six months before the election, Senate Democrats are looking for political cover. It's too little too late. This bill is nothing more than a bailout for Democrats whose campaigns are on life support and will only make the crisis at our borders worse. Even the Democrat architect of this bill admitted that this legislation never closes the border.""This week, Senate Republicans took numerous bills to secure our borders to the Senate Floor for a vote, Democrats blocked every single one of our efforts. They would not even allow these measures, including the most extensive border security package in Congress, the Secure our Borders Act, to receive a vote,"&nbsp;Senator Marshall said. "Democrats' border bailout is an unserious proposal that only worsens the crisis by codifying catch and release, expanding the abuse of parole, weakening asylum screening, supercharging NGOs, and allowing thousands of migrants to cross before they take any action."&nbsp;The legislation, negotiated by a bipartisan group of senators, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-security-ukraine-a39e188fa2c6a563203d2c69eaabdc6d">already rejected by most Republicans</a>&nbsp;in February when it was linked to a foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies. But with immigration and border security becoming one of the top issues of this year's election, Democrats are looking for an answer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-immigration-trump-biden-rhetoric-2024-election-327c08045edcc200f850d893de6a79d6">barrage of GOP attacks</a>, led by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.“We gave Republicans a second chance to show where they stand,” Schumer, a New York Democrat, said after the vote. “Do they want to fix this so-called emergency or do they want to show blind allegiance to the former president even when they know he's wrong?”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Let me make a few things clear: Congressional Republicans do not care about securing the border or fixing America’s broken immigration system. If they did, they would have voted for the toughest border enforcement in history. By blocking the bipartisan border agreement, they…&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1793775964213625234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Schumer is trying to defend a narrow Senate majority in this year's election and sees the Republican's rejection of the deal they negotiated as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-border-security-congress-trump-57f62a34ce9c4c08d6e00795fcb24764">political “gift” for Democrats</a>. Seeking to highlight Republican resistance to popular measures, Schumer is also planning to push forward a bill in June that would protect access to contraception.The Democratic leader said it would “show the public who’s on what side and in June we’re going to spend a significant amount of time talking about reproductive rights.”On Thursday, most Senate Democrats again supported the procedural vote to begin debate on the border bill, but it failed to advance 43-50 after all but one Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted against it. When the proposal was brought up in February, the test vote failed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1182/vote_118_2_00039.htm">49-50</a>&nbsp;— well shy of the 60 votes needed to advance.This time, not even some of the bill's primary authors, Sens. James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican, and Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent, voted for Schumer's move.“Today is not a bill, today is a prop,” Lankford said on the floor ahead of the vote. “Everyone sees it for what it is.”Sinema called the vote “political theater” that will do nothing to solve problems at the border.“To use this failure as a political punching bag only punishes those who were courageous enough to do the hard work in the first place," she said.Republican leaders spent much of the week decrying the vote as a bald-faced political maneuver and amplifying a well-worn criticism of President Joe Biden: That he bears responsibility for the historic number of migrants who have made their way to the U.S. in recent years.“We're nearing the end of President Biden' s term, and the American people's patience for his failing to secure the southern border is running thin,” Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday.Earlier in the week, McConnell told reporters, “The president needs to step up to it — do everything he can do on his own because legislation is obviously not going to clear this year."Since the collapse of the Senate's legislation in February, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-border-donald-trump-f0ca943f0f148e165bc6e8ebfd149f14">Biden administration has been considering</a>&nbsp;executive orders on border policy and immigration. It has already made&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-immigration-border-asylum-c2f1e8bf45182a5f74567a47ca4ab641">some changes to the asylum system</a>&nbsp;meant to speed up processing and potential removal of migrants. Yet the Senate's test vote this week was widely seen as part of a lead-up to Biden issuing more sweeping border measures, potentially as early as June.The Democratic president has considered using a provision in federal immigration law that gives leeway to block entry of certain immigrants into the U.S. if it would be “detrimental” to the national interest of the United States. The authority was repeatedly tapped by Trump when he was in the White House, but some of those actions faced legal challenges.Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told reporters Monday that legislation to address problems at the border — as opposed to executive actions by the president — would be more effective. The Senate legislation would provide more money for Customs and Border Protection officials, asylum officers, immigration judges and scanning technology at the border — all things that officials have said the underfunded immigration and border protection system needs.“The legislation provides tools that executive action cannot,” Mayorkas said.The Senate bill is aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-security-ukraine-biden-cf4aa608de350a480fabd8e6a3e062ff">gaining control of an asylum system</a>&nbsp;that has sometimes been overwhelmed in the last year. It would provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-border-package-asylum-ukraine-1dde30b223ebe854a48fde0497c9f227">faster and tougher enforcement</a>&nbsp;of the asylum process, as well as give presidents new powers to immediately expel migrants if the numbers encountered by border officials exceed an average of 4,000 per day over a week.Even before the bill was fully released earlier this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-security-ukraine-trump-a8601ec6629ddc5b769028ca99ad9879">Trump effectively killed</a>&nbsp;the proposal by labeling it “meaningless” and a “gift” for Biden's reelection chances. Top Republicans soon followed his lead and even McConnell, who had initially demanded the negotiation over the border measures, voted against moving forward.A significant number of Democrats have also criticized the proposal, mostly because it does not include any broad relief for immigrants who have already established lives in the United States. On the left, four Democrats, as well as Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent of Maine, voted against advancing the bill.“It fails to address the root causes of migration or to establish more lawful pathways,” said Sen. Alex Padilla, a California Democrat.The Congressional Hispanic Caucus said in a statement this week that the Senate's bill “fails to meet the moment by putting forth enforcement-only policies and failing to include provisions that will keep families together.” They have urged executive actions that would provide protections from deportation for immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years or who have family ties to U.S. citizens.Amid the tension, Biden's reelection campaign met with CHC leadership Wednesday to discuss outreach to Latino communities, and Biden spoke on the phone with Rep. Nanette Barragán, the chair of the group. She discussed the reasons for the group's opposition, according to a person familiar with the call who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private conversation.Schumer said that if Democrats win majorities in the Senate and House next year, he wants to advance “comprehensive immigration reform."Still, for Democratic senators facing tough reelection battles this year, the vote Thursday provided another opportunity to show they were supportive of stronger border measures as well as distance themselves from Biden's handling of the border.As Sen. Jon Tester attempts to hold a Democratic seat in the red-leaning state of Montana, he said in a statement, “This common sense bill would push back on the Biden administration’s failed border policies by forcing the president to shut down the border, strengthen our asylum laws, and end catch and release.”

Kan. U.S. Senator explains why he voted against latest border bill

KANSAS CITY —The KC Pet Project’s Animal Services Division were on the scene at Lakeview Middle School,&nbsp;6720 NW 64th Street in Kansas City, Thursday&nbsp; working to locate a missing alligator that was brought to the school by a petting zoo, according to a social media report from the Pet Project.

Officers were notified of the missing alligator, who is approximately 14-inches long and had its mouth taped shut.&nbsp; The alligator was part of a petting zoo exhibit by an external company that was brought to the school as part of an end-of-year celebration and was last seen on the site around 11:00am Thursday&nbsp; morning.

Lakeview Middle School did not obtain an animal shows permit from the Animal Services Division for the petting zoo, which is required per Chapter 14 of the city code.

 Officers searched the school and surrounding grounds for the animal for several hours, but were unable to locate the animal. 

Any information regarding the missing alligator can be called in to the Animal Services Division at 816-683-1373 or <a href="https://kcpetproject.org/animal-services-division/animal-services-report-form/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1HiJYif7mgE6zEuYlulNeqpbfgWsuf4ije4TSmCYkR-c4eZ5-8hcRBbOI_aem_AY_-IcQEh6D3cBDwI8FoEZMVhXB9bpw9e_5m6kWGEZ5JDXIvK-tGO6x9vTy8_JHWCDU_ya4n3wfjzAKbEF_Omg4d">click here</a> to submit information online&nbsp;

<a href="https://kcpetproject.org/animal-services-division/animal-services-report-form/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2rmvMuZP-6RFnKJJqvapb_GOwi9cQzBseP-IHVME7V4B6OJpQ7vziZHs0_aem_AY9OhqoJ9iB7sMvlczeuXkRjaLk-Ej36g_5z5QFBXwaTwUe83RAUVxiJwAin6WV0LHCbRkg3rRlbEczBNZvuWvUr" target="_blank"></a>Alligators are not allowed in Kansas City, MO per Chapter 14 of the city code. Animal Services plans to issue citations for violations of Chapter 14 of the city code to the appropriate parties.

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansascityfire?__cft__[0]=AZXD0L62CuyPfvYXiHg8LRhOS9KiFs0AJxUH9464Jqth3WEpQr7iUIobrDMP1VBVXE72T77WgVDrI9DTo4kOhK4kb5Y02rROH_ZjfnzO2MnJLnKrhxg17uvrPfdVOvMhlroZkH7YArG9pvWw7Xsua5bwHv1F7F9WG3yXgDuGHzVGDANIZMf9M9MaFL7u-eSBHMzmiI0ooKoO5sZSINao3sTQ&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City Fire Department</a>&nbsp;assisted in working to locate the animal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716547280279.png" alt="Photos KC Pet Project" />
 <figcaption>Photos KC Pet Project</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The KC Pet Project’s Animal Services Division were on the scene at Lakeview Middle School,&nbsp;6720 NW 64th Street in Kansas City, Thursday&nbsp; working to locate a missing alligator that was brought to the school by a petting zoo, according to a social media report from the Pet Project.Officers were notified of the missing alligator, who is approximately 14-inches long and had its mouth taped shut.&nbsp; The alligator was part of a petting zoo exhibit by an external company that was brought to the school as part of an end-of-year celebration and was last seen on the site around 11:00am Thursday&nbsp; morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716547651086.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Lakeview Middle School did not obtain an animal shows permit from the Animal Services Division for the petting zoo, which is required per Chapter 14 of the city code.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716547613281.png" alt="KC Pet Project Animal Services on the scene at the school Thursday-photo KC&nbsp; Pet&nbsp; Project" />
 <figcaption>KC Pet Project Animal Services on the scene at the school Thursday-photo KC&nbsp; Pet&nbsp; Project</figcaption>
 </figure> Officers searched the school and surrounding grounds for the animal for several hours, but were unable to locate the animal. Any information regarding the missing alligator can be called in to the Animal Services Division at 816-683-1373 or <a href="https://kcpetproject.org/animal-services-division/animal-services-report-form/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1HiJYif7mgE6zEuYlulNeqpbfgWsuf4ije4TSmCYkR-c4eZ5-8hcRBbOI_aem_AY_-IcQEh6D3cBDwI8FoEZMVhXB9bpw9e_5m6kWGEZ5JDXIvK-tGO6x9vTy8_JHWCDU_ya4n3wfjzAKbEF_Omg4d">click here</a> to submit information online&nbsp;<a href="https://kcpetproject.org/animal-services-division/animal-services-report-form/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2rmvMuZP-6RFnKJJqvapb_GOwi9cQzBseP-IHVME7V4B6OJpQ7vziZHs0_aem_AY9OhqoJ9iB7sMvlczeuXkRjaLk-Ej36g_5z5QFBXwaTwUe83RAUVxiJwAin6WV0LHCbRkg3rRlbEczBNZvuWvUr" target="_blank"></a>Alligators are not allowed in Kansas City, MO per Chapter 14 of the city code. Animal Services plans to issue citations for violations of Chapter 14 of the city code to the appropriate parties.The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kansascityfire?__cft__[0]=AZXD0L62CuyPfvYXiHg8LRhOS9KiFs0AJxUH9464Jqth3WEpQr7iUIobrDMP1VBVXE72T77WgVDrI9DTo4kOhK4kb5Y02rROH_ZjfnzO2MnJLnKrhxg17uvrPfdVOvMhlroZkH7YArG9pvWw7Xsua5bwHv1F7F9WG3yXgDuGHzVGDANIZMf9M9MaFL7u-eSBHMzmiI0ooKoO5sZSINao3sTQ&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas City Fire Department</a>&nbsp;assisted in working to locate the animal.

KC school did not have permit for petting zoo alligator that is missing

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Wichita Police Officers are investigating another deadly shooting.

Just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting at a massage parlor&nbsp;at 2723 SE Boulevard Plaza, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.&nbsp; First responders discovered a man later identified as Robexy Figueroa from Wyoming, with multiple gunshot wounds. 

He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Sedgwick County EMS.

Preliminary investigations suggest that&nbsp; Figueroa entered the establishment armed with a firearm to commit a robbery. An altercation ensued between Figueroa and a 71-year-old man resulting in an exchange of gunfire.

The 71-year-old man sustained multiple gunshot injuries and was transported to a local hospital. He was reported in stable condition on Thursday afternoon and is expected to recover, according to Rebolledo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716430928843.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Wichita Police Officers are investigating another deadly shooting.Just after 3:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting at a massage parlor&nbsp;at 2723 SE Boulevard Plaza, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.&nbsp; First responders discovered a man later identified as Robexy Figueroa from Wyoming, with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Sedgwick County EMS.Preliminary investigations suggest that&nbsp; Figueroa entered the establishment armed with a firearm to commit a robbery. An altercation ensued between Figueroa and a 71-year-old man resulting in an exchange of gunfire.The 71-year-old man sustained multiple gunshot injuries and was transported to a local hospital. He was reported in stable condition on Thursday afternoon and is expected to recover, according to Rebolledo.

Kan. massage parlor gunfight involved attempted robbery

JERUSALEM (AP)— Three U.S. service members assigned to the floating pier system that is helping bring aid into Gaza received injuries while at sea working on the distribution process, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the deputy commander of Central Command, told reporters on a call Thursday.

One of the service members was on a ship. Cooper did not provide details on the other two, but said two of the troops had already returned to duty, while a third was receiving care at an Israeli hospital.

Ships deliver aid to the floating pier, which is large enough that forklifts can be driven on it to move pallets of cargo around. The pallets are transferred onto trucks, which in turn are loaded onto smaller Army boats. The boats then shuttle the trucks from the pier to a floating causeway, which is anchored to the shore.

No U.S. service members are on the causeway or on the ground in Gaza, Cooper said.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Israel is bracing for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-palestinians-court-ceasefire-01d093d21a1eadaa31af5708cf1cbf38">top United Nations court to rule</a>&nbsp;Friday on whether it must halt its military operations and withdraw from Gaza.

After seven brutal months of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">war with Israel</a>, Hamas has regrouped in some of the hardest-hit areas in northern Gaza, resuming rocket attacks into nearby Israeli communities. Israel says its troops are operating in Rafah, central Gaza and in Jabaliya in the north.

Israel launched its war in Gaza after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack</a>&nbsp;in which militants stormed into southern Israel, killed about 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and abducted about 250. Israel says around 100 hostages are still captive in Gaza, along with the bodies of around 30 more. The Israeli army said Friday that it recovered the bodies of three more hostages killed on Oct. 7.

Israel faces global criticism over the mounting death toll and devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. More than 900,000 Palestinians have been displaced by fighting in the past few weeks alone, and now lack shelter, food, water and other essentials, the U.N. humanitarian agency said Wednesday.

At least 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">according to the Health Ministry</a>, which doesn’t distinguish between combatants and civilians.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716517473525.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP)— Three U.S. service members assigned to the floating pier system that is helping bring aid into Gaza received injuries while at sea working on the distribution process, Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, the deputy commander of Central Command, told reporters on a call Thursday.One of the service members was on a ship. Cooper did not provide details on the other two, but said two of the troops had already returned to duty, while a third was receiving care at an Israeli hospital.Ships deliver aid to the floating pier, which is large enough that forklifts can be driven on it to move pallets of cargo around. The pallets are transferred onto trucks, which in turn are loaded onto smaller Army boats. The boats then shuttle the trucks from the pier to a floating causeway, which is anchored to the shore.No U.S. service members are on the causeway or on the ground in Gaza, Cooper said.Meanwhile,&nbsp;Israel is bracing for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-palestinians-court-ceasefire-01d093d21a1eadaa31af5708cf1cbf38">top United Nations court to rule</a>&nbsp;Friday on whether it must halt its military operations and withdraw from Gaza.After seven brutal months of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">war with Israel</a>, Hamas has regrouped in some of the hardest-hit areas in northern Gaza, resuming rocket attacks into nearby Israeli communities. Israel says its troops are operating in Rafah, central Gaza and in Jabaliya in the north.Israel launched its war in Gaza after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack</a>&nbsp;in which militants stormed into southern Israel, killed about 1,200 people — mostly civilians — and abducted about 250. Israel says around 100 hostages are still captive in Gaza, along with the bodies of around 30 more. The Israeli army said Friday that it recovered the bodies of three more hostages killed on Oct. 7.Israel faces global criticism over the mounting death toll and devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. More than 900,000 Palestinians have been displaced by fighting in the past few weeks alone, and now lack shelter, food, water and other essentials, the U.N. humanitarian agency said Wednesday.At least 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">according to the Health Ministry</a>, which doesn’t distinguish between combatants and civilians.

US service members treated for injuries related to pier off Gaza

FINNEY COUNTY—A school bus was involved in an accident just before 8a.m. Thursday in Finney County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Alejandra&nbsp; Nunez, 29, Holcomb,&nbsp; failed to yield right of way to a 2015 GMC Denali driven by Lainey Mae Smith, 16, Garden City, at the intersection of Jones Avenue and VFW Road in Garden City.

The Chrysler struck the SUV on the drivers side. After impact the SUV continued southwest and struck a 2020 Bluebird school bus driven by Elizabeth&nbsp;Nunez, 43, Garden City, that was stopped at a stop sign.&nbsp;

There were 12 juveniles on the bus at the time of the crash. The KHP reported there were no injuries and all three drivers were properly restrained.&nbsp; The KHP office in southwest Kansas did not have information on the school or school district involved.&nbsp;

FINNEY COUNTY—A school bus was involved in an accident just before 8a.m. Thursday in Finney County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Alejandra&nbsp; Nunez, 29, Holcomb,&nbsp; failed to yield right of way to a 2015 GMC Denali driven by Lainey Mae Smith, 16, Garden City, at the intersection of Jones Avenue and VFW Road in Garden City.The Chrysler struck the SUV on the drivers side. After impact the SUV continued southwest and struck a 2020 Bluebird school bus driven by Elizabeth&nbsp;Nunez, 43, Garden City, that was stopped at a stop sign.&nbsp;There were 12 juveniles on the bus at the time of the crash. The KHP reported there were no injuries and all three drivers were properly restrained.&nbsp; The KHP office in southwest Kansas did not have information on the school or school district involved.&nbsp;

Kansas school bus involved in 3-vehicle crash

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —Alameda County California Sheriff's Office&nbsp; investigators booked 31-year-old Howard Reed into the Santa Rita Jail following his extradition from the Leavenworth County Detention Center in Kansas, according to a media release.

Reed, a double homicide suspect, was wanted in connection with the shooting deaths of 32-year-0ld Jingwei "Melanie" Zhang and 38-year-old Dorothy Mak whom he shared a residence with in San Lorenzo. Investigators believe the homicide occurred on or around May 1.

&nbsp;Investigations put out an alert for Reed and the vehicle registered to him on May 4, after deputies located the victims' bodies during a welfare check at their shared home on Dermody Avenue. 

Reed was taken into custody days later by the Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp; who received a License Plate Reader hit on his vehicle. KHP booked Reed into the Leavenworth Detention Center, where he remained until&nbsp; detectives brought him back to Alameda County and booked him into the Santa Rita Jail.

The Alameda County Sheriff's office thanked the KHP, the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigations for assistance in this case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716387008239.png" alt="Reed-photo Leavenworth County" />
 <figcaption>Reed-photo Leavenworth County</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY —Alameda County California Sheriff's Office&nbsp; investigators booked 31-year-old Howard Reed into the Santa Rita Jail following his extradition from the Leavenworth County Detention Center in Kansas, according to a media release.Reed, a double homicide suspect, was wanted in connection with the shooting deaths of 32-year-0ld Jingwei "Melanie" Zhang and 38-year-old Dorothy Mak whom he shared a residence with in San Lorenzo. Investigators believe the homicide occurred on or around May 1.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716386724941.png" alt="Reed booking photo Alameda County" />
 <figcaption>Reed booking photo Alameda County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Investigations put out an alert for Reed and the vehicle registered to him on May 4, after deputies located the victims' bodies during a welfare check at their shared home on Dermody Avenue. Reed was taken into custody days later by the Kansas Highway Patrol&nbsp; who received a License Plate Reader hit on his vehicle. KHP booked Reed into the Leavenworth Detention Center, where he remained until&nbsp; detectives brought him back to Alameda County and booked him into the Santa Rita Jail.The Alameda County Sheriff's office thanked the KHP, the Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigations for assistance in this case.

KHP helps capture California double homicide suspect 

NEW YORK (AP) —The NCAA and the nation's five biggest conferences have agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9a01e3058fee79cbd69bfce7d861e3c9">pay nearly $2.8 billion to settle a host of antitrust claims</a>,a monumental decision that sets the stage for a groundbreaking revenue-sharing model that could start directing millions of dollars directly to athletes as soon as the 2025 fall semester.

The Pac-12 became the final conference to sign off on the proposal Thursday when its university leaders voted to approve, according to a person with direct knowledge of the results.

The Southeastern Conference presidents and chancellors unanimously approved the deal earlier Thursday, another person with knowledge of that decision told The Associated Press. Both spoke spoke on condition of anonymity because an official announcement between the Pac-12, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, Atlantic Coast Conference and NCAA was still being prepared.

The other organizations voted to approve earlier in the week ahead of a Thursday deadline given by the plaintiffs’ attorneys.

The deal still must be approved by the federal judge overseeing the case and challenges could arise, but if the agreement stands it will mark the beginning of a new era in college sports where athletes are compensated more like professionals and schools can compete for talent using direct payments.

The details in the plan signal the end of the NCAA’s bedrock amateurism model that dates to its founding in 1906. Indeed, the days of NCAA punishments for athletes driving booster-provided cars started vanishing three years ago when the organization&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-sports-sports-0aee610b0152c02dcd5d3eddb4d29f76">lifted restrictions on endorsement deals</a>&nbsp;backed by so-called name, image and likeness money.

Now it is not far-fetched to look ahead to seasons where a star quarterback or top prospect on a college basketball team are not only cashing in big-money NIL deals but have a $100,000 school payment in the bank to play.

There are a host of details still to be determined, but the agreement calls for the NCAA and the conferences to pay $2.77 billion over 10 years to more than 14,000 former and current college athletes who say now-defunct rules prevented them from earning money from endorsement and sponsorship deals dating to 2016.

Some of that money will come from NCAA reserve funds and insurance but even though the lawsuit specifically targeted five conferences that are comprised of 69 schools (including Notre Dame),&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-lawsuit-settlement-752156fdb0ea01445f52b1b109d14922">dozens of other NCAA member schools</a>&nbsp;will see smaller distributions from the NCAA to cover the mammoth payout.

Schools in the Big Ten, Big 12, Atlantic Coast and Southeastern conferences will end up bearing the brunt of the settlement at a cost of about $300 million each over 10 years, the majority of which will be paid to athletes going forward.

The Pac-12 is also part of the settlement, with all 12 sharing responsibility even though Washington State and Oregon State will be the only league members left by this fall after the other 10 schools leave.

In the new compensation model, each school will be permitted but not required to set aside up to $21 million in revenue to share with athletes per year, though as revenues rise so could the cap.

Athletes in all sports would be eligible for payments and schools would be given the freedom to decide how that money is divvied up among sports programs. Scholarship limits by sport will be replaced by roster restrictions.

Whether the new compensation model is subject to the Title IX gender equity law is unknown along with whether schools will be able to bring NIL activities in-house as they hope and squeeze out the booster-run collectives that have sprouted up in the last few years to pay athletes. Both topics could lead to more lawsuits.

The class-action federal lawsuit at the center of the settlement,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9a01e3058fee79cbd69bfce7d861e3c9">House v. the NCAA,</a>&nbsp;was set to go to trial in January. The complaint, brought by former Arizona State swimmer Grant House and Sedona Prince, a former Oregon and current TCU basketball player, said the NCAA, along with the five wealthiest conferences, improperly barred athletes from earning endorsement money.

The suit also made the case that athletes were entitled to a piece of the billions of dollars the NCAA and those conferences earn from media rights agreements with television networks.

Amid political and public pressure, and facing the prospect of another court loss that some in college sports claimed could reach $20 billion in damages, NCAA and conference officials conceded on what has long been a core principal of the enterprise: That schools don't directly pay the athletes to play beyond a scholarship.

That principle had already been dented numerous times over the last decade.

Notably, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-supreme-court-alston-college-athlete-benefits-5be12caeaf014da7d71baf0bb60646fe">against the NCAA in 2021</a>&nbsp;in a case related to education-related benefits. The narrow focus of the Alston case didn't collapse the collegiate sports system, but the strong rebuke of the NCAA's model of amateurism flung the door open to more lawsuits. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a former Yale athlete, put it bluntly: “The bottom line is that the NCAA and its member colleges are suppressing the pay of student athletes who collectively generate billions of dollars in revenues for colleges every year."

The settlement is expected to cover two other antitrust cases facing the NCAA and major conferences that challenge athlete compensation rules. Hubbard vs. the NCAA and Carter vs. the NCAA are also currently in front of judges in the Northern District of California.

A fourth case, Fontenot vs, NCAA, creates a potential complication as it remains in a Colorado court after a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-settlement-3e26c017980afe0ee1c6a28f77abcf5a">denied a request</a>&nbsp;to combine it with Carter. Whether Fontenot becomes part of the settlement is unknown and it matters because the NCAA and its conferences don't want to be on the hook for more damages should they lose in court.

“We’re going to continue to litigate our case in Colorado and look forward to hearing about the terms of a settlement proposal once they’re actually released and put in front of a court,” said George Zelcs, a plaintiffs' attorney in Fontenot.

The solution agreed to in the settlement is landmark, but not surprising. College sports has been trending in this direction for years, with athletes receiving more and more monetary benefits and rights they say were long overdue.

In December, NCAA President Charlie Baker, the former Massachusetts governor who has been on the job for 14 months,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-baker-nil-c26542c528df277385fea7167026dbe6">proposed creating a new tier of Division I athletics</a>&nbsp;where the schools with the most resources would be required to pay at least half their athletes $30,000 per year. That suggestion, along with many other possibilities, remain under discussion.

The settlement does not make every issue facing college sports go away. There is still a question of whether athletes should be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Dartmouth+apnews+ralph+russo&amp;rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1095US1095&amp;oq=Dartmouth+apnews+ralph+russo&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRigAdIBCjEzMTU2ajFqMTWoAgiwAgE&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">deemed employees</a>&nbsp;of their schools, something Baker and other college sports leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-nil-charlie-baker-hearing-senate-83ed8f9e1fb267db1ce5e24d6b79617a">are fighting against.</a>

Some type of federal legislation or antitrust exemption is likely still needed to codify the terms of the settlement, protect the NCAA from future litigation and pre-empt state laws that attempt to neuter the organization's authority. As it is,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-lawsuits-d3abf6cdbe606668eb9a91ffd2218f72">the NCAA is still facing lawsuits</a>&nbsp;that challenge its ability to govern itself, including setting rules limiting multiple-time transfers.

Federal lawmakers have indicated they would like to get something done, but while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-congress-nil-f8b4d71460b9950694bfc66e2e6479e2">several bills have been introduced</a>&nbsp;none have gone anywhere.

Despite the unanswered questions, one thing is clear: Major college athletics is about to become more like professional sports than ever before.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587379293613.jpeg" alt="The settlement could cost KU and K-State millions" />
 <figcaption>The settlement could cost KU and K-State millions</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —The NCAA and the nation's five biggest conferences have agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9a01e3058fee79cbd69bfce7d861e3c9">pay nearly $2.8 billion to settle a host of antitrust claims</a>,a monumental decision that sets the stage for a groundbreaking revenue-sharing model that could start directing millions of dollars directly to athletes as soon as the 2025 fall semester.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Statement on settlement: <a href="https://t.co/H6o5HYIhKM">pic.twitter.com/H6o5HYIhKM</a>&mdash; Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) <a href="https://twitter.com/Big12Conference/status/1793808006527738160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The Pac-12 became the final conference to sign off on the proposal Thursday when its university leaders voted to approve, according to a person with direct knowledge of the results.The Southeastern Conference presidents and chancellors unanimously approved the deal earlier Thursday, another person with knowledge of that decision told The Associated Press. Both spoke spoke on condition of anonymity because an official announcement between the Pac-12, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, Atlantic Coast Conference and NCAA was still being prepared.The other organizations voted to approve earlier in the week ahead of a Thursday deadline given by the plaintiffs’ attorneys.The deal still must be approved by the federal judge overseeing the case and challenges could arise, but if the agreement stands it will mark the beginning of a new era in college sports where athletes are compensated more like professionals and schools can compete for talent using direct payments.The details in the plan signal the end of the NCAA’s bedrock amateurism model that dates to its founding in 1906. Indeed, the days of NCAA punishments for athletes driving booster-provided cars started vanishing three years ago when the organization&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-sports-sports-0aee610b0152c02dcd5d3eddb4d29f76">lifted restrictions on endorsement deals</a>&nbsp;backed by so-called name, image and likeness money.Now it is not far-fetched to look ahead to seasons where a star quarterback or top prospect on a college basketball team are not only cashing in big-money NIL deals but have a $100,000 school payment in the bank to play.There are a host of details still to be determined, but the agreement calls for the NCAA and the conferences to pay $2.77 billion over 10 years to more than 14,000 former and current college athletes who say now-defunct rules prevented them from earning money from endorsement and sponsorship deals dating to 2016.Some of that money will come from NCAA reserve funds and insurance but even though the lawsuit specifically targeted five conferences that are comprised of 69 schools (including Notre Dame),&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-lawsuit-settlement-752156fdb0ea01445f52b1b109d14922">dozens of other NCAA member schools</a>&nbsp;will see smaller distributions from the NCAA to cover the mammoth payout.Schools in the Big Ten, Big 12, Atlantic Coast and Southeastern conferences will end up bearing the brunt of the settlement at a cost of about $300 million each over 10 years, the majority of which will be paid to athletes going forward.The Pac-12 is also part of the settlement, with all 12 sharing responsibility even though Washington State and Oregon State will be the only league members left by this fall after the other 10 schools leave.PAYING ATHLETESIn the new compensation model, each school will be permitted but not required to set aside up to $21 million in revenue to share with athletes per year, though as revenues rise so could the cap.Athletes in all sports would be eligible for payments and schools would be given the freedom to decide how that money is divvied up among sports programs. Scholarship limits by sport will be replaced by roster restrictions.Whether the new compensation model is subject to the Title IX gender equity law is unknown along with whether schools will be able to bring NIL activities in-house as they hope and squeeze out the booster-run collectives that have sprouted up in the last few years to pay athletes. Both topics could lead to more lawsuits.THE CASEThe class-action federal lawsuit at the center of the settlement,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9a01e3058fee79cbd69bfce7d861e3c9">House v. the NCAA,</a>&nbsp;was set to go to trial in January. The complaint, brought by former Arizona State swimmer Grant House and Sedona Prince, a former Oregon and current TCU basketball player, said the NCAA, along with the five wealthiest conferences, improperly barred athletes from earning endorsement money.The suit also made the case that athletes were entitled to a piece of the billions of dollars the NCAA and those conferences earn from media rights agreements with television networks.Amid political and public pressure, and facing the prospect of another court loss that some in college sports claimed could reach $20 billion in damages, NCAA and conference officials conceded on what has long been a core principal of the enterprise: That schools don't directly pay the athletes to play beyond a scholarship.That principle had already been dented numerous times over the last decade.Notably, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-supreme-court-alston-college-athlete-benefits-5be12caeaf014da7d71baf0bb60646fe">against the NCAA in 2021</a>&nbsp;in a case related to education-related benefits. The narrow focus of the Alston case didn't collapse the collegiate sports system, but the strong rebuke of the NCAA's model of amateurism flung the door open to more lawsuits. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a former Yale athlete, put it bluntly: “The bottom line is that the NCAA and its member colleges are suppressing the pay of student athletes who collectively generate billions of dollars in revenues for colleges every year."THE OTHER CASESThe settlement is expected to cover two other antitrust cases facing the NCAA and major conferences that challenge athlete compensation rules. Hubbard vs. the NCAA and Carter vs. the NCAA are also currently in front of judges in the Northern District of California.A fourth case, Fontenot vs, NCAA, creates a potential complication as it remains in a Colorado court after a judge&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-settlement-3e26c017980afe0ee1c6a28f77abcf5a">denied a request</a>&nbsp;to combine it with Carter. Whether Fontenot becomes part of the settlement is unknown and it matters because the NCAA and its conferences don't want to be on the hook for more damages should they lose in court.“We’re going to continue to litigate our case in Colorado and look forward to hearing about the terms of a settlement proposal once they’re actually released and put in front of a court,” said George Zelcs, a plaintiffs' attorney in Fontenot.COLLEGE ATHLETICS OVERHAULThe solution agreed to in the settlement is landmark, but not surprising. College sports has been trending in this direction for years, with athletes receiving more and more monetary benefits and rights they say were long overdue.In December, NCAA President Charlie Baker, the former Massachusetts governor who has been on the job for 14 months,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-baker-nil-c26542c528df277385fea7167026dbe6">proposed creating a new tier of Division I athletics</a>&nbsp;where the schools with the most resources would be required to pay at least half their athletes $30,000 per year. That suggestion, along with many other possibilities, remain under discussion.The settlement does not make every issue facing college sports go away. There is still a question of whether athletes should be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Dartmouth+apnews+ralph+russo&amp;rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1095US1095&amp;oq=Dartmouth+apnews+ralph+russo&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigATIHCAUQIRigAdIBCjEzMTU2ajFqMTWoAgiwAgE&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">deemed employees</a>&nbsp;of their schools, something Baker and other college sports leaders&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-nil-charlie-baker-hearing-senate-83ed8f9e1fb267db1ce5e24d6b79617a">are fighting against.</a>Some type of federal legislation or antitrust exemption is likely still needed to codify the terms of the settlement, protect the NCAA from future litigation and pre-empt state laws that attempt to neuter the organization's authority. As it is,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-lawsuits-d3abf6cdbe606668eb9a91ffd2218f72">the NCAA is still facing lawsuits</a>&nbsp;that challenge its ability to govern itself, including setting rules limiting multiple-time transfers.Federal lawmakers have indicated they would like to get something done, but while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-congress-nil-f8b4d71460b9950694bfc66e2e6479e2">several bills have been introduced</a>&nbsp;none have gone anywhere.Despite the unanswered questions, one thing is clear: Major college athletics is about to become more like professional sports than ever before.___

NCAA, nation's biggest conferences ok $2.8 billion lawsuit settlement

NEOSHO COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 3a.m. Thursday in Neosho County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Malibu driven by&nbsp;Timothy John Vanleeuwen, 36, Savonburg, was southbound on U.S. 59 just south of Kansas 39 Highway. 

The car crossed the centerline, traveled off the roadway to the left and came to rest at the bottom of the ditch ravine. 

Vanleeuwen was ejected in the crash, pronounce dead at the scene and was transported to the Forensic Center Kansas City. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

NEOSHO COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just after 3a.m. Thursday in Neosho County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Malibu driven by&nbsp;Timothy John Vanleeuwen, 36, Savonburg, was southbound on U.S. 59 just south of Kansas 39 Highway. The car crossed the centerline, traveled off the roadway to the left and came to rest at the bottom of the ditch ravine. Vanleeuwen was ejected in the crash, pronounce dead at the scene and was transported to the Forensic Center Kansas City. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after ejected when car lands in ravine

CARTHAGE, Mo. (AP) — Sam Butcher, the artist who created the Precious Moments figurines depicting angelic teardrop-eyed children, has died. He was 85.

The company said in a Facebook&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialPreciousMoments/posts/pfbid02CjXCJ7LRLisyo7DmHYwatfjtQXyMQUi3y2Sos6wh235po4BB9CPhzyDeaBcCLH41l">post</a>&nbsp;that he died early Monday surrounded by family. It said his life's mission was “to share God’s gift of love with the world.” No details about his cause of death were provided.

Some of the Christian-themed figurines feature Bible verses or children praying. Fans have collections numbering in the hundreds, while critics deride them as kitsch.

Butcher's childhood love of illustrating got a wider audience when he began telling Bible stories on a children’s ministry television show while he drew. That experience led to him cofounding a business in 1974 named Jonathan &amp; David after the biblical figures, according to his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/news/celebrity-deaths/sam-butcher-1939-2024-precious-moments-founder-and-artist/">online obituary.</a>

Early offerings included greeting cards. And within a few years, those drawings were transformed into porcelain figurines.

Thousands of designs have been produced over the decades, and fans of his work flock each year to the Precious Moments Inspiration Park and Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri.

The cornerstone of the pastel-painted, non-denominational oasis is the chapel, which Butcher was inspired to build by a 1983 trip to the Sistine Chapel in Rome. It includes 84 Biblical murals that cover more than 5,000 square feet.

CARTHAGE, Mo. (AP) — Sam Butcher, the artist who created the Precious Moments figurines depicting angelic teardrop-eyed children, has died. He was 85.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FOfficialPreciousMoments%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02CjXCJ7LRLisyo7DmHYwatfjtQXyMQUi3y2Sos6wh235po4BB9CPhzyDeaBcCLH41l&show_text=true&width=500&is_preview=true" width="500" height="764" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The company said in a Facebook&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialPreciousMoments/posts/pfbid02CjXCJ7LRLisyo7DmHYwatfjtQXyMQUi3y2Sos6wh235po4BB9CPhzyDeaBcCLH41l">post</a>&nbsp;that he died early Monday surrounded by family. It said his life's mission was “to share God’s gift of love with the world.” No details about his cause of death were provided.Some of the Christian-themed figurines feature Bible verses or children praying. Fans have collections numbering in the hundreds, while critics deride them as kitsch.Butcher's childhood love of illustrating got a wider audience when he began telling Bible stories on a children’s ministry television show while he drew. That experience led to him cofounding a business in 1974 named Jonathan &amp; David after the biblical figures, according to his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/news/celebrity-deaths/sam-butcher-1939-2024-precious-moments-founder-and-artist/">online obituary.</a>Early offerings included greeting cards. And within a few years, those drawings were transformed into porcelain figurines.Thousands of designs have been produced over the decades, and fans of his work flock each year to the Precious Moments Inspiration Park and Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri.The cornerstone of the pastel-painted, non-denominational oasis is the chapel, which Butcher was inspired to build by a 1983 trip to the Sistine Chapel in Rome. It includes 84 Biblical murals that cover more than 5,000 square feet.

Precious Moments creator Sam Butcher dies at 85

TEXAS COUNTY (AP) —The bodies of two Kansas women who disappeared in Oklahoma were found in a buried freezer, according to recently unsealed court documents.

The bodies of Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, both of Hugoton, Kansas, were found April 14 buried on land in rural Texas County and rented by Tad Cullum, who is among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ad12febeab316e7d5ff7746aa05efa7f">five people charged</a>&nbsp;with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bodies-found-missing-kansas-women-search-oklahoma-91796a0b0b4d02db3d593da9c1bf0f5a">kidnapping and killing the two women</a>, according to the documents unsealed March 15.

Also found on the land, which Cullum rented for cattle grazing, were articles of clothing, duct tape and a knife, each “with possible blood on them,” in addition to black tape, electrical cord and a combination stun gun/flashlight, according to the documents.

Cullum, 43, his girlfriend Tifany Adams, 54, both of Keyes, Oklahoma; husband and wife Cole Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44, of Texhoma, Oklahoma; and Paul Grice, 31, are each charged with two counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping and a single count of conspiracy to commit murder.

All are being held without bail and a gag order in the case prohibits attorneys from commenting on the case.

Investigators have said Butler and Adams were in a bitter child dispute over custody of Butler’s children, who are Adams’ grandchildren.

Butler's attorney told investigators that Butler was likely to be granted unsupervised visitation during a hearing scheduled just more than two weeks after the two disappeared, the documents state.

Butler and Kelley, who was to supervise a visitation with Butler and her children, disappeared March 30 while driving to pick up Butler’s two children from Adams for a birthday party.

The women’s car was found near the rural highway intersection about 260 miles (418 kilometers) from where Butler was to pick up her son and daughter. Butler’s glasses were found near the car and blood was found on the roadway, according to an arrest affidavit.

The buried freezer with the bodies inside was found about 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) from where the car was found and in the area where prepaid cell phones purchased by Adams were traced, according to the court documents.

A witness also told an investigator the Grice had asked him shortly after the bodies were found how long it would take the state lab to process DNA evidence, how long DNA would tast in dirt, how long DNA would last on clothing in dirt in a 15 feet deep hole and if he knew how to get a “guy and his family” into Mexico, according to documents.

The witness told the investigator that Grice said he was concerned about his DNA being in the hole where the bodies were found “because he had been to the Twombly residence.”

Another witness told Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents that all five suspects were part of “an anti-government group that had a religious affiliation” known as “God's Misfits” according to an affidavit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713359723848.jpeg" alt="This combination photo shows Veronica Butler, left, and Jilian Kelley, right. On Saturday, April 13, 2024, (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>This combination photo shows Veronica Butler, left, and Jilian Kelley, right. On Saturday, April 13, 2024, (Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TEXAS COUNTY (AP) —The bodies of two Kansas women who disappeared in Oklahoma were found in a buried freezer, according to recently unsealed court documents.The bodies of Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, both of Hugoton, Kansas, were found April 14 buried on land in rural Texas County and rented by Tad Cullum, who is among&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ad12febeab316e7d5ff7746aa05efa7f">five people charged</a>&nbsp;with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bodies-found-missing-kansas-women-search-oklahoma-91796a0b0b4d02db3d593da9c1bf0f5a">kidnapping and killing the two women</a>, according to the documents unsealed March 15.Also found on the land, which Cullum rented for cattle grazing, were articles of clothing, duct tape and a knife, each “with possible blood on them,” in addition to black tape, electrical cord and a combination stun gun/flashlight, according to the documents.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713056452999.png" alt="Counterclockwise from top-43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams, 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly -photos Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation" />
 <figcaption>Counterclockwise from top-43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams, 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly -photos Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation</figcaption>
 </figure>Cullum, 43, his girlfriend Tifany Adams, 54, both of Keyes, Oklahoma; husband and wife Cole Twombly, 50, and Cora Twombly, 44, of Texhoma, Oklahoma; and Paul Grice, 31, are each charged with two counts of murder, two counts of kidnapping and a single count of conspiracy to commit murder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713991420283.png" alt="Grice -photo OSBI" />
 <figcaption>Grice -photo OSBI</figcaption>
 </figure>All are being held without bail and a gag order in the case prohibits attorneys from commenting on the case.Investigators have said Butler and Adams were in a bitter child dispute over custody of Butler’s children, who are Adams’ grandchildren.Butler's attorney told investigators that Butler was likely to be granted unsupervised visitation during a hearing scheduled just more than two weeks after the two disappeared, the documents state.Butler and Kelley, who was to supervise a visitation with Butler and her children, disappeared March 30 while driving to pick up Butler’s two children from Adams for a birthday party.The women’s car was found near the rural highway intersection about 260 miles (418 kilometers) from where Butler was to pick up her son and daughter. Butler’s glasses were found near the car and blood was found on the roadway, according to an arrest affidavit.The buried freezer with the bodies inside was found about 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) from where the car was found and in the area where prepaid cell phones purchased by Adams were traced, according to the court documents.A witness also told an investigator the Grice had asked him shortly after the bodies were found how long it would take the state lab to process DNA evidence, how long DNA would tast in dirt, how long DNA would last on clothing in dirt in a 15 feet deep hole and if he knew how to get a “guy and his family” into Mexico, according to documents.The witness told the investigator that Grice said he was concerned about his DNA being in the hole where the bodies were found “because he had been to the Twombly residence.”Another witness told Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation agents that all five suspects were part of “an anti-government group that had a religious affiliation” known as “God's Misfits” according to an affidavit.

Court documents reveal new details on Kan. moms murdered in Oklahoma

BOONE COUNTY —Authorities in Boone County Arkansas say a Kansas woman identified as 69-year-old Judy Henderson-Bailey of Topeka&nbsp; drowned last weekend at the Carver, Buffalo National River.

&nbsp;Just after 5p.m. May 19, the Buffalo National River dispatch learned of a possible drowning in the upper district of the river near Carver, according to a media release from the National Park Service.

Judy Henderson-Bailey, 69, Topeka, Kansas, was floating in a private kayak that overturned after striking a tree in the river channel.&nbsp; After turning over in the water, the she was pulled under a submerged tree. 

Members of her floating party tried to extract her but were unsuccessful. She was not wearing a personal floatation device at the time. 

Buffalo National River thanked the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and the Hasty Volunteer Fire Department who also responded to the incident.

Currents, down trees, and underwater obstructions exist in rivers and creeks, which can make paddling more challenging. Buffalo National River offers a loaner life jacket program. You may borrow a life jacket from the Steel Creek Ranger Station, Tyler Bend Visitor Center, or Buffalo Point Ranger Station. Please call the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870-439-2502 to learn more.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716481759897.png" alt="Photo National Park Service" />
 <figcaption>Photo National Park Service</figcaption>
 </figure>BOONE COUNTY —Authorities in Boone County Arkansas say a Kansas woman identified as 69-year-old Judy Henderson-Bailey of Topeka&nbsp; drowned last weekend at the Carver, Buffalo National River.&nbsp;Just after 5p.m. May 19, the Buffalo National River dispatch learned of a possible drowning in the upper district of the river near Carver, according to a media release from the National Park Service.Judy Henderson-Bailey, 69, Topeka, Kansas, was floating in a private kayak that overturned after striking a tree in the river channel.&nbsp; After turning over in the water, the she was pulled under a submerged tree. Members of her floating party tried to extract her but were unsuccessful. She was not wearing a personal floatation device at the time. Buffalo National River thanked the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and the Hasty Volunteer Fire Department who also responded to the incident.Currents, down trees, and underwater obstructions exist in rivers and creeks, which can make paddling more challenging. Buffalo National River offers a loaner life jacket program. You may borrow a life jacket from the Steel Creek Ranger Station, Tyler Bend Visitor Center, or Buffalo Point Ranger Station. Please call the Tyler Bend Visitor Center at 870-439-2502 to learn more.

Kansas woman drowns after kayak overturns in river

&nbsp;KANSAS CITy (AP) — A judge will soon decide the fate of a Missouri man who has spent more than three decades in prison for a killing he says he didn't commit.

Christopher Dunn was convicted of first-degree murder in the 1990 shooting death of 15-year-old Ricco Rogers. St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore believes Dunn was wrongfully convicted, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wrongful-conviction-hearing-missouri-christopher-dunn-ffc9fb15b4cd207ee726d110cd8e74b8">requested a hearing</a>&nbsp;before Judge Jason Sengheiser. It concluded Wednesday.

“In this case, your honor, there simply remains no evidence at all,” Gore said, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-courts/fate-of-man-who-claims-innocence-in-st-louis-murder-now-in-hands-of-judge/article_531064c2-188a-11ef-9bc7-9725c72808b8.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;reported.

The Missouri Attorney General’s Office opposed the effort to vacate Dunn's conviction. Lawyers for the state said that initial testimony from two boys at the scene who said Dunn was the shooter was correct, even though they later recanted as adults.

“That verdict was accurate, and that verdict should stand,” said Assistant Attorney General Tristin Estep.

Both sides will now submit written arguments to Sengheiser. It isn't clear when he will decide.

A Missouri law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-kansas-city-kansas-missouri-f73d1486d17a1884ff95ce84af75b00f">adopted in 2021</a>&nbsp;allows prosecutors to request hearings when they see evidence of a wrongful conviction. Gore filed a motion in February seeking to vacate the guilty verdict, citing “clear and convincing evidence of Christopher Dunn’s actual innocence.”

While Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office is not required to oppose such efforts, he also opposed another major effort in St. Louis when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wrongful-conviction-vacated-3eb7e5fbe6210dbc38b11995902b9947">Lamar Johnson</a>&nbsp;was freed last year after serving 28 years for a murder a judge ruled he was wrongfully convicted of.

Dunn was convicted based largely on the testimony of 14-year-old DeMorris Stepp and 12-year-old Michael Davis Jr., who said they witnessed the shooting but later recanted.

Rogers was shot to death on May 18, 1990, when a gunman opened fire while he was with a group of other teenage boys outside of a home. Davis and Stepp immediately claimed Dunn was the shooter.

In a recorded interview played Tuesday in court, Davis said he lied because he thought Dunn was affiliated with a rival gang.

Stepp's story has changed a few times over the years, Gore said at Wednesday's hearing. He has most recently said he did not see Dunn as the shooter. Gore said another judge previously found Stepp to be a “completely unreliable witness” and urged Sengheiser to discount him altogether.

Dunn has said he was at his mother's home at the time of the shooting. Childhood friend Nicole Bailey testified that she spoke with Dunn by phone that night. She said Dunn was speaking on a phone at his mother's house.

Estep, the assistant attorney general, said Dunn's alibi could not be trusted. She said his story has shifted multiple times over the years. Dunn did not testify at the hearing.

The 2021 law has resulted in the the release of two men who each spent decades in prison. In addition to Johnson,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-missouri-bba67efd61eaa165165e29a7298a1dc3">Kevin Strickland</a>&nbsp;was freed in 2021 after more than 40 years for three killings in Kansas City after a judge ruled he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-kansas-city-kansas-missouri-f73d1486d17a1884ff95ce84af75b00f">had been wrongfully convicted in 1979</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716285440731.png" alt="Dunn photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Dunn photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;KANSAS CITy (AP) — A judge will soon decide the fate of a Missouri man who has spent more than three decades in prison for a killing he says he didn't commit.Christopher Dunn was convicted of first-degree murder in the 1990 shooting death of 15-year-old Ricco Rogers. St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore believes Dunn was wrongfully convicted, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wrongful-conviction-hearing-missouri-christopher-dunn-ffc9fb15b4cd207ee726d110cd8e74b8">requested a hearing</a>&nbsp;before Judge Jason Sengheiser. It concluded Wednesday.“In this case, your honor, there simply remains no evidence at all,” Gore said, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-courts/fate-of-man-who-claims-innocence-in-st-louis-murder-now-in-hands-of-judge/article_531064c2-188a-11ef-9bc7-9725c72808b8.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;reported.The Missouri Attorney General’s Office opposed the effort to vacate Dunn's conviction. Lawyers for the state said that initial testimony from two boys at the scene who said Dunn was the shooter was correct, even though they later recanted as adults.“That verdict was accurate, and that verdict should stand,” said Assistant Attorney General Tristin Estep.Both sides will now submit written arguments to Sengheiser. It isn't clear when he will decide.A Missouri law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-kansas-city-kansas-missouri-f73d1486d17a1884ff95ce84af75b00f">adopted in 2021</a>&nbsp;allows prosecutors to request hearings when they see evidence of a wrongful conviction. Gore filed a motion in February seeking to vacate the guilty verdict, citing “clear and convincing evidence of Christopher Dunn’s actual innocence.”While Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office is not required to oppose such efforts, he also opposed another major effort in St. Louis when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wrongful-conviction-vacated-3eb7e5fbe6210dbc38b11995902b9947">Lamar Johnson</a>&nbsp;was freed last year after serving 28 years for a murder a judge ruled he was wrongfully convicted of.Dunn was convicted based largely on the testimony of 14-year-old DeMorris Stepp and 12-year-old Michael Davis Jr., who said they witnessed the shooting but later recanted.Rogers was shot to death on May 18, 1990, when a gunman opened fire while he was with a group of other teenage boys outside of a home. Davis and Stepp immediately claimed Dunn was the shooter.In a recorded interview played Tuesday in court, Davis said he lied because he thought Dunn was affiliated with a rival gang.Stepp's story has changed a few times over the years, Gore said at Wednesday's hearing. He has most recently said he did not see Dunn as the shooter. Gore said another judge previously found Stepp to be a “completely unreliable witness” and urged Sengheiser to discount him altogether.Dunn has said he was at his mother's home at the time of the shooting. Childhood friend Nicole Bailey testified that she spoke with Dunn by phone that night. She said Dunn was speaking on a phone at his mother's house.Estep, the assistant attorney general, said Dunn's alibi could not be trusted. She said his story has shifted multiple times over the years. Dunn did not testify at the hearing.The 2021 law has resulted in the the release of two men who each spent decades in prison. In addition to Johnson,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-missouri-bba67efd61eaa165165e29a7298a1dc3">Kevin Strickland</a>&nbsp;was freed in 2021 after more than 40 years for three killings in Kansas City after a judge ruled he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-kansas-city-kansas-missouri-f73d1486d17a1884ff95ce84af75b00f">had been wrongfully convicted in 1979</a>.

Fate of Mo. man jailed more than 30 years now in the hands of a judge

SALINE COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 7p.m. Wednesday in Saline County.

A 2001 Harley Davidson&nbsp;driven by Steven Moore, 60, Salina was traveling in the 600 Block of South Broadway in Salina, according to Salina Police Sgt. Chad McCary.

A 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by Cody Soukup of Salina, was attempting a left turn out of the Club Carwash.&nbsp; According to police, Soukup failed to yield which caused traffic to back up on the right lane of South Broadway.

The motorcycle traveled around backed up traffic and stopped to avoid the pickup.&nbsp; Moore fell from the bike with and a passenger identified as&nbsp;64-year-old Debra Dankenbring of Salina slid onto the road. Moore then slid into the back of a 2000 Dodge Neon driven by Jose Silva-Collazo who was in the center lane, attempting to turn into a parking lot.

EMS transported&nbsp; Moore and Dankenbring to Salina Regional Health Center where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

The accident remains under investigation, according to McCary.

SALINE COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 7p.m. Wednesday in Saline County.A 2001 Harley Davidson&nbsp;driven by Steven Moore, 60, Salina was traveling in the 600 Block of South Broadway in Salina, according to Salina Police Sgt. Chad McCary.A 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by Cody Soukup of Salina, was attempting a left turn out of the Club Carwash.&nbsp; According to police, Soukup failed to yield which caused traffic to back up on the right lane of South Broadway.The motorcycle traveled around backed up traffic and stopped to avoid the pickup.&nbsp; Moore fell from the bike with and a passenger identified as&nbsp;64-year-old Debra Dankenbring of Salina slid onto the road. Moore then slid into the back of a 2000 Dodge Neon driven by Jose Silva-Collazo who was in the center lane, attempting to turn into a parking lot.EMS transported&nbsp; Moore and Dankenbring to Salina Regional Health Center where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;The accident remains under investigation, according to McCary.

Kansas man dies, woman injured after fall from motorcycle

KANSAS CITY —Three firefighters were injured fighting a Kansas City. house fire.

Just after 10p.m. Wednesday, crews responded to report of a house fire in the 700 block of Elmwood, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

 Crews reported heavy fire from a two-story vacant structure. The fire was heavily involved and extending to the homes both to the north and south and additional companies were ordered to the scene.

&nbsp;The fire was brought under control at 10:44 pm.&nbsp; Three firefighters sustained injuries during this operation, two were transported to local hospitals with non- life threatening but serious injuries including burns to lower extremities and one with severe dehydration, according to Hopkins.&nbsp;&nbsp;Searches of the home came back all clear. There were no other injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716475600078.png" alt="Photos Kansas City Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos Kansas City Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Three firefighters were injured fighting a Kansas City. house fire.Just after 10p.m. Wednesday, crews responded to report of a house fire in the 700 block of Elmwood, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. Crews reported heavy fire from a two-story vacant structure. The fire was heavily involved and extending to the homes both to the north and south and additional companies were ordered to the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716475664056.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The fire was brought under control at 10:44 pm.&nbsp; Three firefighters sustained injuries during this operation, two were transported to local hospitals with non- life threatening but serious injuries including burns to lower extremities and one with severe dehydration, according to Hopkins.&nbsp;&nbsp;Searches of the home came back all clear. There were no other injuries reported.One firefighter was treated at the hospital and released and will follow up for additional care. The other firefighter was kept in the hospital overnight for fluids and treatment but should be released Thursday, according to Hopkins.The Red Cross responded to assist two adults. The cause of this fire is under investigation by KCFD.