TOPEKA, KAN. – Three Kansans have been charged through criminal complaint in Topeka in connection with a robbery that occurred on October 16, 2023, at money lending business, LendNation, according to the United State's Attorney.

LendNation, located on Southwest 10th Avenue in Topeka, is a company that provides various loan options to customers.

According to the criminal complaint, Aaron Elizabeth Fish, 32, of Topeka, store manager of LendNation; Mejia J. Pattillo, 47, of Topeka; and Katelyn Nichole North, 32, of Topeka are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery for allegedly conspiring together to rob LendNation.

Pattillo is also charged with one count of Hobbs Act Robbery for allegedly robbing LendNation on October 16, 2023.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Topeka Police Department are investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698152880645.png" alt="Fish-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Fish-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. – Three Kansans have been charged through criminal complaint in Topeka in connection with a robbery that occurred on October 16, 2023, at money lending business, LendNation, according to the United State's Attorney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698153073715.png" alt="Portillo-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Portillo-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LendNation, located on Southwest 10th Avenue in Topeka, is a company that provides various loan options to customers.According to the criminal complaint, Aaron Elizabeth Fish, 32, of Topeka, store manager of LendNation; Mejia J. Pattillo, 47, of Topeka; and Katelyn Nichole North, 32, of Topeka are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery for allegedly conspiring together to rob LendNation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698152979562.png" alt="North-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>North-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Pattillo is also charged with one count of Hobbs Act Robbery for allegedly robbing LendNation on October 16, 2023.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Topeka Police Department are investigating the case.

Three charged in Kansas money lending business robbery

Two-thirds think women better positioned than politicians to make abortion call

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

TOPEKA — Nearly seven in 10 Kansans support an end to the Legislature’s blockade of bills legalizing recreational marijuana and expanding Medicaid eligibility to modest-income workers, a statewide survey conducted by Fort Hays State University said Tuesday.

Republican leaders of the House and Senate stalled Medicaid expansion legislation since Gov. Sam Brownback vetoed Medicaid legislation in 2017. Forty states and the District of Columbia have broadened access to health care under a law requiring the federal government to cover 90% of expansion costs. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said she would recommend expansion to the 2024 Legislature.

Kelly has expressed support for legalization of marijuana for medicine purposes, but has resisted calls for recreational consumption of cannabis. The Kansas House passed a medical marijuana bill two years ago that was ignored by the Kansas Senate.

In the “Kansas Speaks” survey produced by Fort Hays State, 69.6% of respondents supported expanding Medicaid in Kansas and 9% were opposed. There was a partisan flavor to the issue with 86% of Democrats, 76% of independents and 55% of Republicans backing Medicaid expansion.

The FHSU report indicated 67.2%&nbsp; supported recreational sales of marijuana for individuals 21 and older, but 16.9% opposed that position. Twenty-three U.S. states and the Distrit of Columbia have legalized adult-use marijuana.

The opinion snapshot of attitudes and opinions was conducted Sept. 20 to Oct.10 among 485 adult residents of Kansas.

Participants in the survey were fractured in terms of their satisfaction with Kelly’s five years as governor. The report said 38.4% were satisfied and 32.9% were dissatisfied. In terms of the Legislature as a whole, 23.3% expressed satisfaction and 35.1% registered dissatisfication.

President Joe Biden, who lost the state to former President Donald Trump in 2020, gave ground among Kansans in the new survey. In the 2020 election in Kansas, Trump earned 56.2% of the vote to Biden’s 41.5%. The new survey indicated 62.8% of Kansans weren’t satisfied with the current president — nearly three times the 21.9% who were satisfied. Trump is the leading candidate for the GOP nomination in 2024 despite a series of felony indictments.

In terms of election security, 54% of Kansas respondents said they were “confident that the reported winners of the elections in Kansas are actually the candidates that most Kansans voted for.” A mere 11% felt otherwise, with 25.8% neutral on the issue and 9.2% saying they didn’t know how to answer the question.

On other election-oriented questions: 41% said they didn’t want ballot drop boxes banned; 47.1% preferred not to end voting by mail; and 49.6% would resist abolition of advance voting.

Two-thirds of people surveyed concluded women were in a better position than politicians to make decisions about abortion, with 12.4% convinced elected officials were better analysts of bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom. In terms of Kansas government restricting abortion, 50.8% said state lawmakers shouldn’t regulate the procedure and 27.1% said state government was the right arena for regulatory control.

Fifty-five percent said Kansas shouldn’t make it illegal to travel outside the state to get an abortion if Kansas imposed a ban on terminating pregnancies. Just under one-fifth of participants would welcome a travel ban on Kansans for purpose of abortion.

In August 2022, Kansas voters rejected a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constituation that would have made it easier for the Legislature to weaken access to abortion in the state. Among those taking part in the survey, here was the split on that amendment vote: 37.2% cast a “no” ballot, 33.4% didn’t vote and 18.6% voted “yes.”

FHSU included questions about development of a state energy plan that incorporated “forward-thinking” policy. At least 65% said solar and wind energy resournces were “important” or “extremely important” in Kansas. Meanwhile, 62.1% said Kansas farmers ought to make changes to agricultural practices to conserve water.

When asked what was the minimum level of education family members needed to ensure financial security, 27.4% said a high school diploma and 28.4% thought a technical certificate or associate degree was sufficient. Thirty-four percent said a four-year college diploma or a graduate degree was necessary.

Three-fourths of respondents said they were comfortable relying on tax dollars to support K‐12 public schools — a mandate of the Kansas Constitution. The level of certainty was lower for post-secondary institutions: 67.7% for technical colleges, 62.7% for community colleges and 52.4% for state universities.

Fifty-five percent surveyed said they lived in a home owned by themselves or someone in the household. Thirty-six percent were renting and 7.6% were living with someone without paying rent. More than 71% were concerned about the cost of housing in their community.

In addition, 43.7% said local government should ease zoning regulations to allow more small, multi‐family dwellings in neighborhoods.

Participants were divided on who was best positioned to deal with homelessness. The options: government, 37.8%; nonprofits, 21.9%; and churches, 11.2%. The majority of respondents, or 34%,&nbsp; pointed to mental health issues as the root cause of homelessness, 30.9% said the culprit was lack of affordable housing and 23.7% said it had to do with addiction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698230166545.png" alt=" The 2023 “Kansas Speaks” survey produced by Fort Hays State University showed about 70% of Kansans support Medicaid expansion and legalization of recreational marijuana sales, and 63% said women were in a better position that politicians to make health cre decisions about terminating a pregnancy. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> The 2023 “Kansas Speaks” survey produced by Fort Hays State University showed about 70% of Kansans support Medicaid expansion and legalization of recreational marijuana sales, and 63% said women were in a better position that politicians to make health cre decisions about terminating a pregnancy. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Two-thirds think women better positioned than politicians to make abortion call</h2>By TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Nearly seven in 10 Kansans support an end to the Legislature’s blockade of bills legalizing recreational marijuana and expanding Medicaid eligibility to modest-income workers, a statewide survey conducted by Fort Hays State University said Tuesday.Republican leaders of the House and Senate stalled Medicaid expansion legislation since Gov. Sam Brownback vetoed Medicaid legislation in 2017. Forty states and the District of Columbia have broadened access to health care under a law requiring the federal government to cover 90% of expansion costs. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said she would recommend expansion to the 2024 Legislature.Kelly has expressed support for legalization of marijuana for medicine purposes, but has resisted calls for recreational consumption of cannabis. The Kansas House passed a medical marijuana bill two years ago that was ignored by the Kansas Senate.In the “Kansas Speaks” survey produced by Fort Hays State, 69.6% of respondents supported expanding Medicaid in Kansas and 9% were opposed. There was a partisan flavor to the issue with 86% of Democrats, 76% of independents and 55% of Republicans backing Medicaid expansion.The FHSU report indicated 67.2%&nbsp; supported recreational sales of marijuana for individuals 21 and older, but 16.9% opposed that position. Twenty-three U.S. states and the Distrit of Columbia have legalized adult-use marijuana.The opinion snapshot of attitudes and opinions was conducted Sept. 20 to Oct.10 among 485 adult residents of Kansas.<h2>Kelly and Trump</h2>Participants in the survey were fractured in terms of their satisfaction with Kelly’s five years as governor. The report said 38.4% were satisfied and 32.9% were dissatisfied. In terms of the Legislature as a whole, 23.3% expressed satisfaction and 35.1% registered dissatisfication.President Joe Biden, who lost the state to former President Donald Trump in 2020, gave ground among Kansans in the new survey. In the 2020 election in Kansas, Trump earned 56.2% of the vote to Biden’s 41.5%. The new survey indicated 62.8% of Kansans weren’t satisfied with the current president — nearly three times the 21.9% who were satisfied. Trump is the leading candidate for the GOP nomination in 2024 despite a series of felony indictments.In terms of election security, 54% of Kansas respondents said they were “confident that the reported winners of the elections in Kansas are actually the candidates that most Kansans voted for.” A mere 11% felt otherwise, with 25.8% neutral on the issue and 9.2% saying they didn’t know how to answer the question.On other election-oriented questions: 41% said they didn’t want ballot drop boxes banned; 47.1% preferred not to end voting by mail; and 49.6% would resist abolition of advance voting.<h2>Abortion questions</h2>Two-thirds of people surveyed concluded women were in a better position than politicians to make decisions about abortion, with 12.4% convinced elected officials were better analysts of bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom. In terms of Kansas government restricting abortion, 50.8% said state lawmakers shouldn’t regulate the procedure and 27.1% said state government was the right arena for regulatory control.Fifty-five percent said Kansas shouldn’t make it illegal to travel outside the state to get an abortion if Kansas imposed a ban on terminating pregnancies. Just under one-fifth of participants would welcome a travel ban on Kansans for purpose of abortion.In August 2022, Kansas voters rejected a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constituation that would have made it easier for the Legislature to weaken access to abortion in the state. Among those taking part in the survey, here was the split on that amendment vote: 37.2% cast a “no” ballot, 33.4% didn’t vote and 18.6% voted “yes.”FHSU included questions about development of a state energy plan that incorporated “forward-thinking” policy. At least 65% said solar and wind energy resournces were “important” or “extremely important” in Kansas. Meanwhile, 62.1% said Kansas farmers ought to make changes to agricultural practices to conserve water.<h2>Education front</h2>When asked what was the minimum level of education family members needed to ensure financial security, 27.4% said a high school diploma and 28.4% thought a technical certificate or associate degree was sufficient. Thirty-four percent said a four-year college diploma or a graduate degree was necessary.Three-fourths of respondents said they were comfortable relying on tax dollars to support K‐12 public schools — a mandate of the Kansas Constitution. The level of certainty was lower for post-secondary institutions: 67.7% for technical colleges, 62.7% for community colleges and 52.4% for state universities.Fifty-five percent surveyed said they lived in a home owned by themselves or someone in the household. Thirty-six percent were renting and 7.6% were living with someone without paying rent. More than 71% were concerned about the cost of housing in their community.In addition, 43.7% said local government should ease zoning regulations to allow more small, multi‐family dwellings in neighborhoods.Participants were divided on who was best positioned to deal with homelessness. The options: government, 37.8%; nonprofits, 21.9%; and churches, 11.2%. The majority of respondents, or 34%,&nbsp; pointed to mental health issues as the root cause of homelessness, 30.9% said the culprit was lack of affordable housing and 23.7% said it had to do with addiction.

Kansas survey: Nearly 70% ready for legalization of marijuana, Medicaid expansion

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A poison specialist and former medical resident at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota is charged with fatally poisoning his wife, a 32-year-old pharmacist and Kansas native, who died days after she went to a hospital in August with stomach distress.

Authorities say Connor Bowman, 30, tried to stop the autopsy on his wife, Betty Bowman — arguing she should be cremated immediately and claiming she had a rare illness, which hospital tests did not confirm. The medical examiner's office halted the order for cremation, citing suspicious circumstances, according to a criminal complaint, and an autopsy showed Betty Bowman died from toxic effects of colchicine, a medicine used to treat gout.

Medical records indicate she was not diagnosed with gout and had not been prescribed the medicine, the complaint states, adding that Connor Bowman had been researching the drug prior to his wife's death. Six days before she was hospitalized, he had also converted his wife's weight to kilograms and multiplied that by 0.8 — with 0.8 mg/kg considered to be the lethal dosage rate for colchicine, according to the complaint.

Connor Bowman was charged Monday with second-degree murder. He was arrested Friday and was still in custody as of Tuesday. His attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.

Mayo Clinic spokesperson Amanda Dyslin released a statement Tuesday that did not identify Bowman by name, but indicated he was a resident at the hospital.

“We are aware of the recent arrest of a former Mayo Clinic resident on charges unrelated to his Mayo Clinic responsibilities. The resident’s training at Mayo Clinic ended earlier this month," the statement said. Dyslin did not say why Connor Bowman’s training at Mayo Clinic ended.

Betty Bowman was also a pharmacist at Mayo Clinic.

According to the criminal complaint, the Southeast Minnesota Medical Examiner's Office alerted police to the “suspicious death” of Betty Bowman on Aug. 21, a day after she died.

She had been admitted to a hospital in Rochester on Aug. 16 with “severe gastrointestinal distress and dehydration where her condition deteriorated rapidly,” the complaint said. Her initial symptoms were similar to food poisoning and were treated that way, but they continued to worsen. She experienced cardiac issues, fluid in her lungs and organ failure.

While Betty Bowman was in the hospital, Connor Bowman suggested she was suffering from a rare illness called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, or HLH. Hospital tests came back inconclusive for HLH, but Connor Bowman told multiple people that she died from that disease, according to the complaint.

He also told the medical examiner's office that Betty Bowman's death was natural and that she “did not want to be a cadaver,” and therefore, the autopsy should be canceled, the complaint said. He asked an investigator at the medical examiner's office if the toxicology analysis would be more thorough than the analysis done at the hospital.

The night before Betty Bowman went to the hospital, she told a man — identified as SS in the complaint — that she was drinking at home with Connor Bowman. The next morning, she told SS she was sick, possibly from a drink that was mixed into a large smoothie.

Connor Bowman was a poison specialist and answered calls about poisons, using devices from the University of Kansas for his work, according to the complaint. A woman from the University of Kansas told investigators that Connor Bowman had been researching colchicine, the drug used to treat gout, though he had not received any calls about colchicine, nor had any other employees.

Investigators found that Connor Bowman had searched “internet browsing history: can it be used in court?” and “delete amazon data police” on Aug. 5. He did calculations that match the lethal dosage rate for colchicine on Aug. 10.

The Minnesota Department of Health found colchicine in Betty Bowman's blood and urine samples that were taken at the hospital, and the medical examiner determined the cause of death to be toxic effects of colchicine, the complaint says.

One woman told investigators that the Bowmans had been talking about divorce, and another told authorities that Connor Bowman said he was going to get $500,000 in life insurance from his wife's death, the complaint says. Authorities found a receipt for a $450,000 bank deposit inside his home.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 1

Betty Bowman was born in Wichita, Kansas and graduated from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy with a Pharmaceutical Doctorate in 2017 and completed residency at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas in 2018, according <a href="https://mackenfuneralhome.com/memorial-services/betty-jo-bowman/">to her obituary.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698230364020.png" alt="Bowman-photo Olmsted County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Bowman-photo Olmsted County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A poison specialist and former medical resident at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota is charged with fatally poisoning his wife, a 32-year-old pharmacist and Kansas native, who died days after she went to a hospital in August with stomach distress.Authorities say Connor Bowman, 30, tried to stop the autopsy on his wife, Betty Bowman — arguing she should be cremated immediately and claiming she had a rare illness, which hospital tests did not confirm. The medical examiner's office halted the order for cremation, citing suspicious circumstances, according to a criminal complaint, and an autopsy showed Betty Bowman died from toxic effects of colchicine, a medicine used to treat gout.Medical records indicate she was not diagnosed with gout and had not been prescribed the medicine, the complaint states, adding that Connor Bowman had been researching the drug prior to his wife's death. Six days before she was hospitalized, he had also converted his wife's weight to kilograms and multiplied that by 0.8 — with 0.8 mg/kg considered to be the lethal dosage rate for colchicine, according to the complaint.Connor Bowman was charged Monday with second-degree murder. He was arrested Friday and was still in custody as of Tuesday. His attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.Mayo Clinic spokesperson Amanda Dyslin released a statement Tuesday that did not identify Bowman by name, but indicated he was a resident at the hospital.“We are aware of the recent arrest of a former Mayo Clinic resident on charges unrelated to his Mayo Clinic responsibilities. The resident’s training at Mayo Clinic ended earlier this month," the statement said. Dyslin did not say why Connor Bowman’s training at Mayo Clinic ended.Betty Bowman was also a pharmacist at Mayo Clinic.According to the criminal complaint, the Southeast Minnesota Medical Examiner's Office alerted police to the “suspicious death” of Betty Bowman on Aug. 21, a day after she died.She had been admitted to a hospital in Rochester on Aug. 16 with “severe gastrointestinal distress and dehydration where her condition deteriorated rapidly,” the complaint said. Her initial symptoms were similar to food poisoning and were treated that way, but they continued to worsen. She experienced cardiac issues, fluid in her lungs and organ failure.While Betty Bowman was in the hospital, Connor Bowman suggested she was suffering from a rare illness called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, or HLH. Hospital tests came back inconclusive for HLH, but Connor Bowman told multiple people that she died from that disease, according to the complaint.He also told the medical examiner's office that Betty Bowman's death was natural and that she “did not want to be a cadaver,” and therefore, the autopsy should be canceled, the complaint said. He asked an investigator at the medical examiner's office if the toxicology analysis would be more thorough than the analysis done at the hospital.The night before Betty Bowman went to the hospital, she told a man — identified as SS in the complaint — that she was drinking at home with Connor Bowman. The next morning, she told SS she was sick, possibly from a drink that was mixed into a large smoothie.Connor Bowman was a poison specialist and answered calls about poisons, using devices from the University of Kansas for his work, according to the complaint. A woman from the University of Kansas told investigators that Connor Bowman had been researching colchicine, the drug used to treat gout, though he had not received any calls about colchicine, nor had any other employees.Investigators found that Connor Bowman had searched “internet browsing history: can it be used in court?” and “delete amazon data police” on Aug. 5. He did calculations that match the lethal dosage rate for colchicine on Aug. 10.The Minnesota Department of Health found colchicine in Betty Bowman's blood and urine samples that were taken at the hospital, and the medical examiner determined the cause of death to be toxic effects of colchicine, the complaint says.One woman told investigators that the Bowmans had been talking about divorce, and another told authorities that Connor Bowman said he was going to get $500,000 in life insurance from his wife's death, the complaint says. Authorities found a receipt for a $450,000 bank deposit inside his home.He is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 1Betty Bowman was born in Wichita, Kansas and graduated from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy with a Pharmaceutical Doctorate in 2017 and completed residency at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, Kansas in 2018, according <a href="https://mackenfuneralhome.com/memorial-services/betty-jo-bowman/">to her obituary.</a>

Doctor accused of fatally poisoning his wife, a Kansas native

SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of misdemeanor domestic battery and criminal damage to property and was expected to be released later in the day after posting $2,500 bond.

Ross is due again in court on Dec. 4. The Chiefs said they were aware of his arrest but had no comment.

Ross was arrested Monday and the sheriff's offense in Johnson County, Kansas, originally indicated on his booking record that he was accused of causing damage of up to $25,000, which would have been a felony. That total was adjusted to under $1,000.

The 23-year-old Ross has been a bit player for the defending Super Bowl champions this season. He has been active in their first seven games but has just three catches for 34 yards on the year.

The fact that he is playing at all is noteworthy. After a standout first two seasons at Clemson, Ross was found to have a congenital fusion condition in his neck and spinal area that required career-threatening surgery. Ross returned to play another season for the Tigers, then turned professional, where the Chiefs were one of the few teams willing to clear him medically to play.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698197296137.png" alt="Ross photo Johnson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Ross photo Johnson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of misdemeanor domestic battery and criminal damage to property and was expected to be released later in the day after posting $2,500 bond.Ross is due again in court on Dec. 4. The Chiefs said they were aware of his arrest but had no comment.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698112997285.png" alt="Initial booking report from the Johnson County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Initial booking report from the Johnson County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Ross was arrested Monday and the sheriff's offense in Johnson County, Kansas, originally indicated on his booking record that he was accused of causing damage of up to $25,000, which would have been a felony. That total was adjusted to under $1,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698113130170.png" alt="Ross-photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Ross-photo courtesy Kansas City Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>The 23-year-old Ross has been a bit player for the defending Super Bowl champions this season. He has been active in their first seven games but has just three catches for 34 yards on the year.The fact that he is playing at all is noteworthy. After a standout first two seasons at Clemson, Ross was found to have a congenital fusion condition in his neck and spinal area that required career-threatening surgery. Ross returned to play another season for the Tigers, then turned professional, where the Chiefs were one of the few teams willing to clear him medically to play.

🏈 Chiefs receiver charged with domestic battery and criminal damage

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House said Tuesday that “prudent contingency planning” is underway to evacuate Americans from the Middle East in case the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;spreads into a broad regional conflict.

(click below to watch White House spokesman John Kirby's statement)

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stressed there are currently no “active efforts” to evacuate Americans from the region beyond charter flights the U.S government began operating earlier this month out of Israel.

“It would be imprudent and irresponsible if we didn’t have folks thinking through a broad range of contingencies and possibilities,” Kirby said. “And certainly evacuations are one of those things.”

The White House addressed the contingency plans amid growing concerns that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-palestinians-live-updates-9a0ddf745bde0ffc46921b99ed34fb65">18-day-old Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;could further escalate. The U.S. has advised Israel that postponing a possible ground invasion of Gaza could be helpful as the U.S. and other partners in the region try to secure the release of more than 200 hostages who were captured in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel soil. The contingency planning was first reported by The Washington Post.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke by phone on Tuesday about the deteriorating situation. It was the two leaders' first interaction since before the Hamas attack on Israel.

Biden and the crown prince spoke about “efforts to deter state and non-state actors from widening the conflict between Israel and Hamas,” according to the White House. Biden administration officials have repeatedly warned Iran not to become involved in the conflict. U.S. forces in the region over the last few days have come under repeated attacks that the Pentagon has said were likely endorsed by Iran, which is the chief sponsor of Hamas, the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, as well as militant groups in Iraq and Yemen.

“The two leaders agreed on pursuing broader diplomatic efforts to maintain stability across the region and prevent the conflict from expanding,” the White House added.

At the Pentagon, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said the U.S. is preparing for an increase in violence, noting that there have already been at least 13 attacks against troops and installations in Iraq and Syria.

“What we are seeing is the prospect for more significant escalation against U.S. forces and personnel across the region in the very near term coming from Iranian proxy forces and ultimately from Iran,” said Ryder, the Pentagon's press secretary.

He added that the U.S. won’t hesitate to take action if needed to protect its forces and interests in the region.

Biden said last week he believed that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas was motivated to attack Israel</a>&nbsp;in part by a desire to stop that country from normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia.

“One of the reasons ... why Hamas moved on Israel, is because they knew I was about to sit down with the Saudis,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-saudi-arabia-war-1c376cf1497acd0df05a98721bf88fae">Biden said at a campaign fundraiser.</a>&nbsp;The U.S. president said he thinks Hamas militants launched their deadly assault on Oct. 7 because “guess what? The Saudis wanted to recognize Israel” and were near being able to formally do so.

An agreement, which the White House says it continues to pursue, would be a feat of diplomacy that could have enabled broader recognition of Israel by other Arab and Muslim-majority nations that have largely opposed Israel since its creation 75 years ago in a territory where Palestinians have long resided.

But talks were interrupted after Hamas militants stormed from the blockaded Gaza Strip where Palestinians live into nearby Israeli towns.

Israel sealed off Gaza in response, and Biden told reporters in Washington on Tuesday that humanitarian aid into the territory wasn't arriving fast enough.

Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water, fuel and medicine. The aid convoys allowed into Gaza so far have carried a fraction of what’s needed.

The president made his comments to reporters about the speed of aid flowing into Gaza after presenting science and technology awards to several Americans for exemplary achievements that have had a positive impact on the United States.

One of the recipients, Sheldon Weinbaum of the City College of New York, wore a “Stop War” button on his suit coat lapel as he received his medal from Biden.

Biden suggested the ceremony was a welcome break from the grim news coming out of the Middle East.

“This is a happy occasion," Biden said at the start of the White House ceremony. "We need some more happy occasions.”

The war is the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides. The Hamas-run Health Ministry said at least 5,791 Palestinians have been killed and 16,297 wounded. In the occupied West Bank, 96 Palestinians have been killed and 1,650 wounded in violence and Israeli raids since Oct. 7.

“This is war. It is combat. It is bloody, it is ugly, and it’s going to be messy,” Kirby said. “I wish I could tell you something different. I wish that that wasn’t going to happen.”

Ryder said several new force protection measures are now underway, including the deployment of air defense systems. He said a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and additional Patriot missile battalions have begun to move to undisclosed locations in the Middle East.

The THAAD is being sent from Fort Bliss, Texas, and the Patriot battalions are from Fort Liberty in North Carolina and Fort Sill in Oklahoma.

Ryder also said that additional forces have moved into the Middle East. He said the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 119 Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, with its F-16 fighter jets, arrived on Tuesday, but officials would not say where exactly it went.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House said Tuesday that “prudent contingency planning” is underway to evacuate Americans from the Middle East in case the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;spreads into a broad regional conflict.(click below to watch White House spokesman John Kirby's statement)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F310166491774001%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=422" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stressed there are currently no “active efforts” to evacuate Americans from the region beyond charter flights the U.S government began operating earlier this month out of Israel.“It would be imprudent and irresponsible if we didn’t have folks thinking through a broad range of contingencies and possibilities,” Kirby said. “And certainly evacuations are one of those things.”The White House addressed the contingency plans amid growing concerns that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-palestinians-live-updates-9a0ddf745bde0ffc46921b99ed34fb65">18-day-old Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;could further escalate. The U.S. has advised Israel that postponing a possible ground invasion of Gaza could be helpful as the U.S. and other partners in the region try to secure the release of more than 200 hostages who were captured in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel soil. The contingency planning was first reported by The Washington Post.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke by phone on Tuesday about the deteriorating situation. It was the two leaders' first interaction since before the Hamas attack on Israel.Biden and the crown prince spoke about “efforts to deter state and non-state actors from widening the conflict between Israel and Hamas,” according to the White House. Biden administration officials have repeatedly warned Iran not to become involved in the conflict. U.S. forces in the region over the last few days have come under repeated attacks that the Pentagon has said were likely endorsed by Iran, which is the chief sponsor of Hamas, the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, as well as militant groups in Iraq and Yemen.“The two leaders agreed on pursuing broader diplomatic efforts to maintain stability across the region and prevent the conflict from expanding,” the White House added.At the Pentagon, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said the U.S. is preparing for an increase in violence, noting that there have already been at least 13 attacks against troops and installations in Iraq and Syria.“What we are seeing is the prospect for more significant escalation against U.S. forces and personnel across the region in the very near term coming from Iranian proxy forces and ultimately from Iran,” said Ryder, the Pentagon's press secretary.He added that the U.S. won’t hesitate to take action if needed to protect its forces and interests in the region.Biden said last week he believed that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas was motivated to attack Israel</a>&nbsp;in part by a desire to stop that country from normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia.“One of the reasons ... why Hamas moved on Israel, is because they knew I was about to sit down with the Saudis,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-saudi-arabia-war-1c376cf1497acd0df05a98721bf88fae">Biden said at a campaign fundraiser.</a>&nbsp;The U.S. president said he thinks Hamas militants launched their deadly assault on Oct. 7 because “guess what? The Saudis wanted to recognize Israel” and were near being able to formally do so.An agreement, which the White House says it continues to pursue, would be a feat of diplomacy that could have enabled broader recognition of Israel by other Arab and Muslim-majority nations that have largely opposed Israel since its creation 75 years ago in a territory where Palestinians have long resided.But talks were interrupted after Hamas militants stormed from the blockaded Gaza Strip where Palestinians live into nearby Israeli towns.Israel sealed off Gaza in response, and Biden told reporters in Washington on Tuesday that humanitarian aid into the territory wasn't arriving fast enough.Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been running out of food, water, fuel and medicine. The aid convoys allowed into Gaza so far have carried a fraction of what’s needed.The president made his comments to reporters about the speed of aid flowing into Gaza after presenting science and technology awards to several Americans for exemplary achievements that have had a positive impact on the United States.One of the recipients, Sheldon Weinbaum of the City College of New York, wore a “Stop War” button on his suit coat lapel as he received his medal from Biden.Biden suggested the ceremony was a welcome break from the grim news coming out of the Middle East.“This is a happy occasion," Biden said at the start of the White House ceremony. "We need some more happy occasions.”The war is the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides. The Hamas-run Health Ministry said at least 5,791 Palestinians have been killed and 16,297 wounded. In the occupied West Bank, 96 Palestinians have been killed and 1,650 wounded in violence and Israeli raids since Oct. 7.“This is war. It is combat. It is bloody, it is ugly, and it’s going to be messy,” Kirby said. “I wish I could tell you something different. I wish that that wasn’t going to happen.”Ryder said several new force protection measures are now underway, including the deployment of air defense systems. He said a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and additional Patriot missile battalions have begun to move to undisclosed locations in the Middle East.The THAAD is being sent from Fort Bliss, Texas, and the Patriot battalions are from Fort Liberty in North Carolina and Fort Sill in Oklahoma.Ryder also said that additional forces have moved into the Middle East. He said the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 119 Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, with its F-16 fighter jets, arrived on Tuesday, but officials would not say where exactly it went.___

🎥U.S. readies plans for mass evacuations from the Middle East

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Richard Roundtree, the trailblazing actor who starred as the ultra-smooth private detective in several “Shaft” films beginning in the early 1970s, has died. He was 81.

Roundtree’s longtime manager, Patrick McMinn, said the actor had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday. He was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and underwent a double mastectomy.

“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men,” McMinn said. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”

Roundtree, who was born in New Rochelle, New York, was considered as the first Black action hero and became one of the leading actors in the blaxploitation genre through his New York street smart John Shaft character in the Gordon Parks-directed film in 1971. At age 28, it was Roundtree’s first feature film appearance after starting his career as a model.

Roundtree’s “Shaft” was part of a change in how Black movies were viewed in Hollywood, which failed to consider Black actors – especially for leading roles — in projects at the time. The blaxploitation films were primarily aimed at the African American audiences.

In the film, his character navigated the world of thugs. He regularly whipped out popular one-liners like “It’s my duty to please that booty.”

“What we were doing was a good, old Saturday afternoon shoot ’em up," Roundtree said in a 2000 interview with The Associated Press.

Isaac Hayes’ “Shaft” theme song — which included the line “You a bad mother— (Shut your mouth)” — helped insinuate the original movie into the pop-cult consciousness. The singer, who died in 2008, said the song was “like the ‘shot heard round the world." His single won an Academy Award for best song in 1971 and two Grammys the following year.

After the film’s success, Roundtree returned in sequels “Shaft’s Big Score” in 1972 and “Shaft in Africa” in 1973. That same year, he played the savvy detective once again on the CBS television series “Shaft,” which lasted only seven episodes.

Roundtree reprised his role in the 2000 “Shaft” film, a revival that starred Samuel L. Jackson. He appeared as Jackson’s uncle in the big-budget film that was aimed at the general audience. Both appeared again in the same roles in the 2019 film starring Jessie T. Usher.

Jackson called Roundtree the “prototype” and the “best to ever do it" in a social media post.

“SHAFT, as we know it is &amp; will always be his Creation," he said of Roundtree. "His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too.”

Through his 50-plus year career, Roundtree appeared in a number other notable films including “Earthquake,” “Man Friday” with Peter O’Toole, “Roots,” “Maniac Cop” “Se7en” and “What Men Want” starring Taraji P. Henson. He also made his mark with television roles on “Magnum P.I.,” “The Love Boat,” “Being Mary Jane” and “The Love Boat.”

In 1995, Roundtree received a lifetime achievement award at the MTV Movie &amp; TV awards.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698227923055.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — Richard Roundtree, the trailblazing actor who starred as the ultra-smooth private detective in several “Shaft” films beginning in the early 1970s, has died. He was 81.Roundtree’s longtime manager, Patrick McMinn, said the actor had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday. He was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and underwent a double mastectomy.“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men,” McMinn said. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”Roundtree, who was born in New Rochelle, New York, was considered as the first Black action hero and became one of the leading actors in the blaxploitation genre through his New York street smart John Shaft character in the Gordon Parks-directed film in 1971. At age 28, it was Roundtree’s first feature film appearance after starting his career as a model.Roundtree’s “Shaft” was part of a change in how Black movies were viewed in Hollywood, which failed to consider Black actors – especially for leading roles — in projects at the time. The blaxploitation films were primarily aimed at the African American audiences.In the film, his character navigated the world of thugs. He regularly whipped out popular one-liners like “It’s my duty to please that booty.”“What we were doing was a good, old Saturday afternoon shoot ’em up," Roundtree said in a 2000 interview with The Associated Press.Isaac Hayes’ “Shaft” theme song — which included the line “You a bad mother— (Shut your mouth)” — helped insinuate the original movie into the pop-cult consciousness. The singer, who died in 2008, said the song was “like the ‘shot heard round the world." His single won an Academy Award for best song in 1971 and two Grammys the following year.After the film’s success, Roundtree returned in sequels “Shaft’s Big Score” in 1972 and “Shaft in Africa” in 1973. That same year, he played the savvy detective once again on the CBS television series “Shaft,” which lasted only seven episodes.Roundtree reprised his role in the 2000 “Shaft” film, a revival that starred Samuel L. Jackson. He appeared as Jackson’s uncle in the big-budget film that was aimed at the general audience. Both appeared again in the same roles in the 2019 film starring Jessie T. Usher.Jackson called Roundtree the “prototype” and the “best to ever do it" in a social media post.“SHAFT, as we know it is &amp; will always be his Creation," he said of Roundtree. "His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too.”Through his 50-plus year career, Roundtree appeared in a number other notable films including “Earthquake,” “Man Friday” with Peter O’Toole, “Roots,” “Maniac Cop” “Se7en” and “What Men Want” starring Taraji P. Henson. He also made his mark with television roles on “Magnum P.I.,” “The Love Boat,” “Being Mary Jane” and “The Love Boat.”In 1995, Roundtree received a lifetime achievement award at the MTV Movie &amp; TV awards.

'Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, first Black action movie hero, has died 

WICHITA– A Kansas man has been sentenced to consecutive life terms in prison.

On September 1st, a jury in District Judge Jeffrey Syrios’ courtroom found <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=251319">Noe Reyes-Carrera,</a> 34 of Wichita, guilty of rape and three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

The crimes were reported by a 14-year-old girl and her 11-year0old sister.

The older girl told police Carrera had been sexually assaulting her since she was seven years old. On Thursday Judge Syrios sentenced Carrera to four 25-to-life terms in prison. The Judge ordered the sentences to be served consecutively.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698102221175.png" alt="REYES-CARRERA-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>REYES-CARRERA-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA– A Kansas man has been sentenced to consecutive life terms in prison.On September 1st, a jury in District Judge Jeffrey Syrios’ courtroom found <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=251319">Noe Reyes-Carrera,</a> 34 of Wichita, guilty of rape and three counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.The crimes were reported by a 14-year-old girl and her 11-year0old sister.The older girl told police Carrera had been sexually assaulting her since she was seven years old. On Thursday Judge Syrios sentenced Carrera to four 25-to-life terms in prison. The Judge ordered the sentences to be served consecutively.

Kan. man sentenced for sex crimes involving 14 and 11-year-old sisters 

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

Just after 11:30p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;October 22, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 Highway in Osage County for an alleged traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, the deputy located illegal narcotics.

A passenger in the vehicle, Selena M. Servantez, 27, of Topeka, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of fentanyl,&nbsp;methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and Traffic in contraband in a correctional facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698087436680.png" alt="Servantez photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Servantez photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations.Just after 11:30p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;October 22, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on U.S. 75 Highway in Osage County for an alleged traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, the deputy located illegal narcotics.A passenger in the vehicle, Selena M. Servantez, 27, of Topeka, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of fentanyl,&nbsp;methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and Traffic in contraband in a correctional facility.

Sheriff: Kansas woman caught transporting fentanyl

NEW YORK (AP) —Dozens of U.S. states, including Kansas, Missouri, California and New York, are suing Meta Platforms Inc. for harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by knowingly and deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms.

<a href="https://coag.gov/app/uploads/2023/10/23.10.24-Doc.-1-Complaint-People-v.-Meta-23cv05448.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the lawsuit

The<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24080215-meta-lawsuit">&nbsp;lawsuit</a>&nbsp;filed by 33 states in federal court in California, claims that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents’ consent, in violation of federal law. In addition, nine attorneys general are filing lawsuits in their respective states, bringing the total number of states taking action to 41 and Washington, D.C.

“Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens. Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its social media platforms,” the complaint says. “It has concealed the ways in which these platforms exploit and manipulate its most vulnerable consumers: teenagers and children.”

The suits seek financial damages and restitution and an end to Meta’s practices that are in violation of the law.

“Kids and teenagers are suffering from record levels of poor mental health and social media companies like Meta are to blame,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement. “Meta has profited from children’s pain by intentionally designing its platforms with manipulative features that make children addicted to their platforms while lowering their self-esteem.”

In a statement, Meta said it shares “the attorneys general’s commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families.”

“We’re disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path,” the company added.

The broad-ranging federal suit is the result of an investigation led by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Vermont. It follows damning newspaper reports, first by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-facebook-files-11631713039">The Wall Street Journal</a>&nbsp;in the fall of 2021, based on the Meta’s own research that found that the company knew about the harms Instagram can cause teenagers — especially teen girls — when it comes to mental health and body image issues. One internal study cited 13.5% of teen girls saying Instagram makes thoughts of suicide worse and 17% of teen girls saying it makes eating disorders worse.

Following the first reports, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/the-facebook-papers">consortium of news organizations</a>, including The Associated Press, published their own findings based on leaked documents from whistleblower Frances Haugen, who has testified before Congress and a British parliamentary committee about what she found.

“Meta has been harming our children and teens, cultivating addiction to boost corporate profits,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “With today’s lawsuit, we are drawing the line.”

The use of social media among teens is nearly universal in the U.S. and many other parts of the world.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/">Almost all teens</a>&nbsp;ages 13 to 17 in the U.S. report using a social media platform, with about a third saying they use social media “almost constantly,” according to the Pew Research Center.

To comply with federal regulation, social media companies ban kids under 13 from signing up to their platforms — but children have been shown to easily get around the bans, both with and without their parents’ consent, and many younger kids have social media accounts. The states’ complaint says Meta knowingly violated this law, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, by collecting data on children without informing and getting permission from their parents.

Other measures social platforms have taken to address concerns about children’s mental health are also easily circumvented. For instance, TikTok recently introduced a default&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-minors-social-media-china-time-limit-f735bd496ea3513abfc6480e5637abd8">60-minute time limit</a>&nbsp;for users under 18. But once the limit is reached, minors can simply enter a passcode to keep watching. TikTok, Snapchat and other social platforms that have also been blamed for contributing to the youth mental health crisis are not part of Tuesday’s lawsuit.

Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb wouldn’t comment on whether they’re also looking at TikTok or Snapchat. For now they’re focusing on the Meta empire of Facebook and Instagram, he said.

“They’re the worst of the worst when it comes to using technology to addict teenagers to social media, all in the furtherance of putting profits over people.”

In May, U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surgeon-general-kids-social-media-teens-tiktok-instagram-443530d9baa3f91386bf9fbfb313bbaf">Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy</a>&nbsp;called on tech companies, parents and caregivers to take “immediate action to protect kids now” from the harms of social media.

NEW YORK (AP) —Dozens of U.S. states, including Kansas, Missouri, California and New York, are suing Meta Platforms Inc. for harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by knowingly and deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms.<a href="https://coag.gov/app/uploads/2023/10/23.10.24-Doc.-1-Complaint-People-v.-Meta-23cv05448.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the lawsuitThe<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24080215-meta-lawsuit">&nbsp;lawsuit</a>&nbsp;filed by 33 states in federal court in California, claims that Meta routinely collects data on children under 13 without their parents’ consent, in violation of federal law. In addition, nine attorneys general are filing lawsuits in their respective states, bringing the total number of states taking action to 41 and Washington, D.C.“Meta has harnessed powerful and unprecedented technologies to entice, engage, and ultimately ensnare youth and teens. Its motive is profit, and in seeking to maximize its financial gains, Meta has repeatedly misled the public about the substantial dangers of its social media platforms,” the complaint says. “It has concealed the ways in which these platforms exploit and manipulate its most vulnerable consumers: teenagers and children.”The suits seek financial damages and restitution and an end to Meta’s practices that are in violation of the law.“Kids and teenagers are suffering from record levels of poor mental health and social media companies like Meta are to blame,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James in a statement. “Meta has profited from children’s pain by intentionally designing its platforms with manipulative features that make children addicted to their platforms while lowering their self-esteem.”In a statement, Meta said it shares “the attorneys general’s commitment to providing teens with safe, positive experiences online, and have already introduced over 30 tools to support teens and their families.”“We’re disappointed that instead of working productively with companies across the industry to create clear, age-appropriate standards for the many apps teens use, the attorneys general have chosen this path,” the company added.The broad-ranging federal suit is the result of an investigation led by a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Vermont. It follows damning newspaper reports, first by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-facebook-files-11631713039">The Wall Street Journal</a>&nbsp;in the fall of 2021, based on the Meta’s own research that found that the company knew about the harms Instagram can cause teenagers — especially teen girls — when it comes to mental health and body image issues. One internal study cited 13.5% of teen girls saying Instagram makes thoughts of suicide worse and 17% of teen girls saying it makes eating disorders worse.Following the first reports, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/the-facebook-papers">consortium of news organizations</a>, including The Associated Press, published their own findings based on leaked documents from whistleblower Frances Haugen, who has testified before Congress and a British parliamentary committee about what she found.“Meta has been harming our children and teens, cultivating addiction to boost corporate profits,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “With today’s lawsuit, we are drawing the line.”The use of social media among teens is nearly universal in the U.S. and many other parts of the world.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/">Almost all teens</a>&nbsp;ages 13 to 17 in the U.S. report using a social media platform, with about a third saying they use social media “almost constantly,” according to the Pew Research Center.To comply with federal regulation, social media companies ban kids under 13 from signing up to their platforms — but children have been shown to easily get around the bans, both with and without their parents’ consent, and many younger kids have social media accounts. The states’ complaint says Meta knowingly violated this law, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, by collecting data on children without informing and getting permission from their parents.Other measures social platforms have taken to address concerns about children’s mental health are also easily circumvented. For instance, TikTok recently introduced a default&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-minors-social-media-china-time-limit-f735bd496ea3513abfc6480e5637abd8">60-minute time limit</a>&nbsp;for users under 18. But once the limit is reached, minors can simply enter a passcode to keep watching. TikTok, Snapchat and other social platforms that have also been blamed for contributing to the youth mental health crisis are not part of Tuesday’s lawsuit.Washington D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb wouldn’t comment on whether they’re also looking at TikTok or Snapchat. For now they’re focusing on the Meta empire of Facebook and Instagram, he said.“They’re the worst of the worst when it comes to using technology to addict teenagers to social media, all in the furtherance of putting profits over people.”In May, U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surgeon-general-kids-social-media-teens-tiktok-instagram-443530d9baa3f91386bf9fbfb313bbaf">Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy</a>&nbsp;called on tech companies, parents and caregivers to take “immediate action to protect kids now” from the harms of social media.__

Read lawsuit filed by Kan. claiming Facebook, Instagram harm children's mental health

JERUSALEM — The U.S. is issuing a new warning to ships traveling through the Red Sea after a drone and missile attack launched from Yemen during the Israel-Hamas war.

The U.S. Maritime Administration warning on Tuesday urged vessels to “exercise caution when transiting this region.”

The U.S. Navy says it shot down missiles and drones believed to have been launched by Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in recent days amid wider tensions across the Middle East over the war.

In addition, the U.S. Central Command reported the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Tuesday to bolster U.S. posture to deter further aggression.&nbsp;On Monday, the U.S. military destroyed two one-way attack drones near U.S. and Coalition forces in southwest Syria before they reached their intended targets, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697765298614.png" alt="The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney transits the Suez Canal, Oct. 18. Carney is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. Photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau" />
 <figcaption>The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney transits the Suez Canal, Oct. 18. Carney is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. Photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM — The U.S. is issuing a new warning to ships traveling through the Red Sea after a drone and missile attack launched from Yemen during the Israel-Hamas war.The U.S. Maritime Administration warning on Tuesday urged vessels to “exercise caution when transiting this region.”The U.S. Navy says it shot down missiles and drones believed to have been launched by Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in recent days amid wider tensions across the Middle East over the war.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698161439211.png" alt="Photo U.S. Department of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Department of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition, the U.S. Central Command reported the 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Tuesday to bolster U.S. posture to deter further aggression.&nbsp;On Monday, the U.S. military destroyed two one-way attack drones near U.S. and Coalition forces in southwest Syria before they reached their intended targets, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.&nbsp;

U.S. issues warning to ships in the Red Sea 

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A mother is suing a shuttered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-kansas-city-missouri-9aa2d772f73edfa09cde4d2b337fdba2">Christian boarding school</a>&nbsp;in Missouri, blaming her son's death on a gang rape and other abuse he endured there.

Agape Boarding School has been subjected to a wave of litigation as a series of abuse allegations emerged, but the case filed this month and amended Monday in federal court by Kathleen Britt is believed to be the first wrongful death suit.

The suit said that mental health problems plagued Britt's son, Jason Britt, after he left the private school, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-crime-education-kansas-city-missouri-7accbdddd9dfe3ac387533aa8fb7c102">several staffers subsequently were charged</a>. The suit said he lifted weights obsessively and ingested copious steroids so he would become so strong that he never would be victimized again.

He grew so despondent that he wrote a suicide note. But heart and kidney failure were what claimed his life in February 2022.

“The saddest part of his case is he finally found a cause to live when the circumstances of his choices ended up killing him,” said attorney Rebecca Randles. “It is one of those completely devastatingly sad situations.”

Among those named in the suit are the school, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charles-dickens-94038022dc9af71dd9f73158cd53e945">company</a>&nbsp;that transported students there, and Cedar County Sheriff James McCrary. Agape’s attorney and the sheriff didn't immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Jason Britt's parents turned to Agape because they were worried about his slipping grades and partying. In 2010, the then-16-year-old was awoken in the middle of the night while staying with his girlfriend. The men who transported him to Agape zip tied his hands and told him he had been given up for adoption, the suit said.

Instead of the counseling his parents were promised, the school was “a concentration camp or torture colony cloaked in the guise of religion," the suit said. Upon arriving, his head was shaved. And when he tried to write to his family about what was happening, he was punished. The maltreatment culminated in him being gang raped, the suit said.

The suit said the sheriff's department knew of reports of abuse at Agape and a sister boarding school. But despite those reports, deputies routinely returned runaways to their schools without effectively investigating or reporting concerns to state welfare workers.

Some of the sheriff's department staff also worked at the school, the suit said.

When Jason Britt's mother visited, she was alarmed by her son's demeanor and took him home, the suit said. The family learned he had been abused at the school, but they were ignored by Cedar County authorities, the lawsuit said. Anxious and withdrawn, he finished high school online and grew obsessed with weight lifting.

“The steroids, testosterone, high blood pressure and anxiety coupled with the drug addiction were the mechanism of his death; the cause of his death was the abuse at Agape,” the suit said.

More than a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boarding-school-missouri-abuse-lawsuits-settlement-e004668160605c5fbd2239e191292296">dozen</a>&nbsp;other former students have settled lawsuits alleging they were abused at the southwest Missouri school.

When it shut down in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-stockton-missouri-education-6d4bc69348f4349249e49b3ec7c29172">January</a>, it was the fourth and last unlicensed Christian boarding school to close in Cedar County since September 2020. The school’s former director, Bryan Clemensen, said the school, whose enrollment had tumbled, closed because it did not have the funding to continue.

Former Agape students came forward with abuse allegations in 2020. One former student said he was raped at Agape and called “seizure boy” because of his epilepsy. Others said they suffered permanent injuries from being disciplined or forced to work long hours of manual labor.

In 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-missouri-springfield-89eb20fc1edcba8cf5963abdc69e48c8">Agape’s longtime doctor, David Smock</a>, was charged with child sex crimes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-education-child-abuse-kansas-missouri-a97fcf244d041a1468945b10af5f5f76">five employees were charged</a>&nbsp;with low-level abuse counts. Then-Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office contended that 22 workers should have been charged, and with more serious crimes.

But in Missouri, only the local prosecutor can file charges, and Cedar County Prosecuting Attorney Ty Gaither has said no additional employees would be charged.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632608030678.png" alt="More than a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boarding-school-missouri-abuse-lawsuits-settlement-e004668160605c5fbd2239e191292296">dozen</a>&nbsp;other former students have settled lawsuits alleging they were abused at the southwest Missouri school.-Google image" />
 <figcaption>More than a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boarding-school-missouri-abuse-lawsuits-settlement-e004668160605c5fbd2239e191292296">dozen</a>&nbsp;other former students have settled lawsuits alleging they were abused at the southwest Missouri school.-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — A mother is suing a shuttered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-kansas-city-missouri-9aa2d772f73edfa09cde4d2b337fdba2">Christian boarding school</a>&nbsp;in Missouri, blaming her son's death on a gang rape and other abuse he endured there.Agape Boarding School has been subjected to a wave of litigation as a series of abuse allegations emerged, but the case filed this month and amended Monday in federal court by Kathleen Britt is believed to be the first wrongful death suit.The suit said that mental health problems plagued Britt's son, Jason Britt, after he left the private school, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-crime-education-kansas-city-missouri-7accbdddd9dfe3ac387533aa8fb7c102">several staffers subsequently were charged</a>. The suit said he lifted weights obsessively and ingested copious steroids so he would become so strong that he never would be victimized again.He grew so despondent that he wrote a suicide note. But heart and kidney failure were what claimed his life in February 2022.“The saddest part of his case is he finally found a cause to live when the circumstances of his choices ended up killing him,” said attorney Rebecca Randles. “It is one of those completely devastatingly sad situations.”Among those named in the suit are the school, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/charles-dickens-94038022dc9af71dd9f73158cd53e945">company</a>&nbsp;that transported students there, and Cedar County Sheriff James McCrary. Agape’s attorney and the sheriff didn't immediately return a phone message from The Associated Press seeking comment.Jason Britt's parents turned to Agape because they were worried about his slipping grades and partying. In 2010, the then-16-year-old was awoken in the middle of the night while staying with his girlfriend. The men who transported him to Agape zip tied his hands and told him he had been given up for adoption, the suit said.Instead of the counseling his parents were promised, the school was “a concentration camp or torture colony cloaked in the guise of religion," the suit said. Upon arriving, his head was shaved. And when he tried to write to his family about what was happening, he was punished. The maltreatment culminated in him being gang raped, the suit said.The suit said the sheriff's department knew of reports of abuse at Agape and a sister boarding school. But despite those reports, deputies routinely returned runaways to their schools without effectively investigating or reporting concerns to state welfare workers.Some of the sheriff's department staff also worked at the school, the suit said.When Jason Britt's mother visited, she was alarmed by her son's demeanor and took him home, the suit said. The family learned he had been abused at the school, but they were ignored by Cedar County authorities, the lawsuit said. Anxious and withdrawn, he finished high school online and grew obsessed with weight lifting.“The steroids, testosterone, high blood pressure and anxiety coupled with the drug addiction were the mechanism of his death; the cause of his death was the abuse at Agape,” the suit said.More than a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boarding-school-missouri-abuse-lawsuits-settlement-e004668160605c5fbd2239e191292296">dozen</a>&nbsp;other former students have settled lawsuits alleging they were abused at the southwest Missouri school.When it shut down in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-stockton-missouri-education-6d4bc69348f4349249e49b3ec7c29172">January</a>, it was the fourth and last unlicensed Christian boarding school to close in Cedar County since September 2020. The school’s former director, Bryan Clemensen, said the school, whose enrollment had tumbled, closed because it did not have the funding to continue.Former Agape students came forward with abuse allegations in 2020. One former student said he was raped at Agape and called “seizure boy” because of his epilepsy. Others said they suffered permanent injuries from being disciplined or forced to work long hours of manual labor.In 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-missouri-springfield-89eb20fc1edcba8cf5963abdc69e48c8">Agape’s longtime doctor, David Smock</a>, was charged with child sex crimes and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-education-child-abuse-kansas-missouri-a97fcf244d041a1468945b10af5f5f76">five employees were charged</a>&nbsp;with low-level abuse counts. Then-Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office contended that 22 workers should have been charged, and with more serious crimes.But in Missouri, only the local prosecutor can file charges, and Cedar County Prosecuting Attorney Ty Gaither has said no additional employees would be charged.

Mother files wrongful death lawsuit against Christian boarding school 

WILSON COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just before 12:30 a.m. Tuesday in Wilson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Chevy Express van driven by Dustin Hale, 29, Rogers, Arkansas, was eastbound on U.S. 400 three miles from Kansas 47 Highway.

The van crossed the center line and struck a 2022 Ford Escape driven by&nbsp; Scott Allen Bryant, 52, Wichita, head-on.&nbsp; After impact the SUV&nbsp;spun counter clockwise into the eastbound ditch where it caught fire.

Hale and Bryant were pronounced dead at the scene. Hale was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. The agency had not seat belt information for Bryant.

WILSON COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just before 12:30 a.m. Tuesday in Wilson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Chevy Express van driven by Dustin Hale, 29, Rogers, Arkansas, was eastbound on U.S. 400 three miles from Kansas 47 Highway.The van crossed the center line and struck a 2022 Ford Escape driven by&nbsp; Scott Allen Bryant, 52, Wichita, head-on.&nbsp; After impact the SUV&nbsp;spun counter clockwise into the eastbound ditch where it caught fire.Hale and Bryant were pronounced dead at the scene. Hale was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP. The agency had not seat belt information for Bryant.

Kansas man among 2 dead in head-on SUV, van crash and fire

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 261 officials are investigating after a student brought a gun to&nbsp; Campus High School Tuesday in Haysville.

According to a message sent to parents, on Tuesday the Campus administration was made aware that a student brought a gun into the building. 

The Haysville Police Department was immediately notified and the building was placed in a “HOLD” mode. Students were to stay in their classroom or area and the hallways were to be cleared. The school administrators located the student and the gun was confiscated by the Haysville Police Department. 

No threats were made toward staff or students and no one was hurt during the incident. There will be additional police presence at the building.

Campus administration is working with the Haysville Police Department as they are investigating the incident.&nbsp; 

"Our staff and administrators strive to always communicate with parents and guardians when it comes to the well-being of students. We appreciate the people who reported the situation to the administration."&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 261 officials are investigating after a student brought a gun to&nbsp; Campus High School Tuesday in Haysville.According to a message sent to parents, on Tuesday the Campus administration was made aware that a student brought a gun into the building. The Haysville Police Department was immediately notified and the building was placed in a “HOLD” mode. Students were to stay in their classroom or area and the hallways were to be cleared. The school administrators located the student and the gun was confiscated by the Haysville Police Department. No threats were made toward staff or students and no one was hurt during the incident. There will be additional police presence at the building.Campus administration is working with the Haysville Police Department as they are investigating the incident.&nbsp; "Our staff and administrators strive to always communicate with parents and guardians when it comes to the well-being of students. We appreciate the people who reported the situation to the administration."&nbsp;

Police investigate after student brought gun to Kansas high school

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting.

Just after 8:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to the 4200 block of Benton Boulevard in Kansas City on a sound of shots call, according to Police Sergeant Jacob Becchina

While officers were on the way they received several more 911 calls for sound of gunshots. On arrival officers located evidence of gunfire at the location. Minutes later Central Patrol officers were dispatched to University Health for a shooting victim that showed up by private vehicle. 

The shooting was reported to have happened at the 4200 block of Benton location. That shooting victim, an adult male, was declared deceased at the hospital.

Homicide detectives are at both locations along with Crime Scene investigators, processing the scene for evidence and canvassing for witnesses. Police released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698156676640.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting-photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting-photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting.Just after 8:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to the 4200 block of Benton Boulevard in Kansas City on a sound of shots call, according to Police Sergeant Jacob BecchinaWhile officers were on the way they received several more 911 calls for sound of gunshots. On arrival officers located evidence of gunfire at the location. Minutes later Central Patrol officers were dispatched to University Health for a shooting victim that showed up by private vehicle. The shooting was reported to have happened at the 4200 block of Benton location. That shooting victim, an adult male, was declared deceased at the hospital.Homicide detectives are at both locations along with Crime Scene investigators, processing the scene for evidence and canvassing for witnesses. Police released no additional details.

KCPD: Shooting victim dies after private vehicle trip to hospital

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with a car theft in Barton County.

Just after 10:30a.m.&nbsp; Oct. 20, police were dispatched to report of a car theft in the 2200 block of Tyler Street in Great Bend, according to a media release.

Officers were advised a 2015 Nissan Altima was taken from this location within the last few minutes. While officers were still on scene, a State Trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol spotted a vehicle matching the description eastbound on Highway 56, exiting the City of Great Bend.&nbsp;

As the State Trooper turned around to check the vehicle, the car stopped on the shoulder of the road and two occupants fled from the vehicle. Kansas Highway Patrol troopers and the Barton County Sheriff's Office were able to locate and detain both suspects.

Joshua Kelly was arrested on requested charges of theft of a motor vehicle. Tyler Partington was a passenger in the vehicle and was also arrested on charges from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091099757.jpeg" alt="Joshua Kelly-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Joshua Kelly-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with a car theft in Barton County.Just after 10:30a.m.&nbsp; Oct. 20, police were dispatched to report of a car theft in the 2200 block of Tyler Street in Great Bend, according to a media release.Officers were advised a 2015 Nissan Altima was taken from this location within the last few minutes. While officers were still on scene, a State Trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol spotted a vehicle matching the description eastbound on Highway 56, exiting the City of Great Bend.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698091122853.jpeg" alt="Tyler Partington" />
 <figcaption>Tyler Partington</figcaption>
 </figure>As the State Trooper turned around to check the vehicle, the car stopped on the shoulder of the road and two occupants fled from the vehicle. Kansas Highway Patrol troopers and the Barton County Sheriff's Office were able to locate and detain both suspects.Joshua Kelly was arrested on requested charges of theft of a motor vehicle. Tyler Partington was a passenger in the vehicle and was also arrested on charges from the Kansas Highway Patrol.

KHP helps catch two suspects in stolen car

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a police chase and crash.

Just before 11p.m. Sunday., Sugar Creek Police notified officers in Liberty that they were involved in a vehicle pursuit which was coming into the city Liberty, according to a media release.

A short time later, police learned the suspect's vehicle had crashed into a house and the suspect fled on foot.

Officers quickly located the suspect and engaged in a foot pursuit. After a short distance, police took the person into custody. 

A person in the house sustained serious injuries. EMS transported them to a hospital. On Tuesday, police identified the suspect as 28-year-old Brandon Trent of Kansas City. On Monday, the Clay County Prosecutor's Office charged him with Assault 2nd Degree, Felony Resisting Arrest and Property Damage 1st Degree.&nbsp; He is scheduled for court on Thursday, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698155643234.png" alt="Photo Liberty Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Liberty Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a police chase and crash.Just before 11p.m. Sunday., Sugar Creek Police notified officers in Liberty that they were involved in a vehicle pursuit which was coming into the city Liberty, according to a media release.A short time later, police learned the suspect's vehicle had crashed into a house and the suspect fled on foot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698156093596.png" alt="Trent is being held in Clay County" />
 <figcaption>Trent is being held in Clay County</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers quickly located the suspect and engaged in a foot pursuit. After a short distance, police took the person into custody. A person in the house sustained serious injuries. EMS transported them to a hospital. On Tuesday, police identified the suspect as 28-year-old Brandon Trent of Kansas City. On Monday, the Clay County Prosecutor's Office charged him with Assault 2nd Degree, Felony Resisting Arrest and Property Damage 1st Degree.&nbsp; He is scheduled for court on Thursday, according to online jail records.

Resident injured after car crash into home during KC-area police chase 

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/samantha-dietel/">SAMANTHA DIETEL</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

WASHINGTON — The eight Republican candidates to be speaker of the U.S. House made their cases to their colleagues Monday evening, as the House Republican Conference restarted its process to choose a candidate.

Nine had filed on Sunday to run for speaker but on Monday night Pennsylvania Rep. Dan Meuser dropped out, after announcing just the day before he would make a bid for the post. Meuser cited his promise to run former President Donald Trump’s campaign in Pennsylvania as one of the reasons he exited the race.

The chamber has been in turmoil since eight Republicans voted with all House Democrats to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy from the post last month. The conference has been unable to unite behind a single candidate.

After Monday night’s speeches, the conference was expected to hold a vote or likely multiple votes behind closed doors Tuesday to try to settle on a nominee, then bring that nominee to the floor.

With the exception of Minnesota’s Tom Emmer, the House majority whip, the group is not particularly well known outside of their districts.

Six of the eight voted to object to certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election, in line with Trump’s position.

With Republicans holding only a 221-212 majority, any would-be speaker will need near-unanimous support from Republicans —&nbsp;a tall order for a deeply divided conference largely still loyal to the former president, but with some members in vulnerable seats.

“It’s a nearly impossible task,” Peter Loge, a professor at the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University, told States Newsroom. “Because you have to be as conservative and angry and election-denying as Matt Gaetz, but as reasonable and a believer in compromise and democratic institutions as the New York moderates. And you can’t be both at the same time.”

In hopes that Republicans will rally around whoever the party nominates this time, Rep. Mike Flood of Nebraska introduced a “<a target="_blank" href="https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-flood-launches-unity-pledge-speakers-race">unity pledge</a>” for members to sign. As of Monday afternoon, eight of the nine original candidates — all but Gary Palmer of Alabama — have signed the pledge, according to Flood’s office.

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/jacob-fischler/">JACOB FISCHLER</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/samantha-dietel/">SAMANTHA DIETEL</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>WASHINGTON — The eight Republican candidates to be speaker of the U.S. House made their cases to their colleagues Monday evening, as the House Republican Conference restarted its process to choose a candidate.Nine had filed on Sunday to run for speaker but on Monday night Pennsylvania Rep. Dan Meuser dropped out, after announcing just the day before he would make a bid for the post. Meuser cited his promise to run former President Donald Trump’s campaign in Pennsylvania as one of the reasons he exited the race.The chamber has been in turmoil since eight Republicans voted with all House Democrats to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy from the post last month. The conference has been unable to unite behind a single candidate.After Monday night’s speeches, the conference was expected to hold a vote or likely multiple votes behind closed doors Tuesday to try to settle on a nominee, then bring that nominee to the floor.With the exception of Minnesota’s Tom Emmer, the House majority whip, the group is not particularly well known outside of their districts.Six of the eight voted to object to certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election, in line with Trump’s position.With Republicans holding only a 221-212 majority, any would-be speaker will need near-unanimous support from Republicans —&nbsp;a tall order for a deeply divided conference largely still loyal to the former president, but with some members in vulnerable seats.“It’s a nearly impossible task,” Peter Loge, a professor at the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University, told States Newsroom. “Because you have to be as conservative and angry and election-denying as Matt Gaetz, but as reasonable and a believer in compromise and democratic institutions as the New York moderates. And you can’t be both at the same time.”In hopes that Republicans will rally around whoever the party nominates this time, Rep. Mike Flood of Nebraska introduced a “<a target="_blank" href="https://flood.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-flood-launches-unity-pledge-speakers-race">unity pledge</a>” for members to sign. As of Monday afternoon, eight of the nine original candidates — all but Gary Palmer of Alabama — have signed the pledge, according to Flood’s office.“Everyone running for Speaker should sign this,” Michigan Republican Jack Bergman, one of the contenders,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/RepJackBergman/status/1715529170271309938">wrote on X</a>.Loge said the field can be divided into long-term members with institutionalist tendencies —&nbsp;Emmer and Texas’ Pete Sessions, for example — and newer members such as Florida’s Byron Donalds, who are more in line with the conference’s anti-establishment wing.The next speaker will immediately face a challenge in passing spending bills or a short-term funding measure to keep the government open past a Nov. 17 deadline, as well as an aid package to Israel and Ukraine amid ongoing wars and a farm bill reauthorization.States Newsroom put together the guide below to help readers get to know the candidates.<h2>Jack Bergman of Michigan</h2>First elected in 2016, Bergman is a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant general. He sits on the Armed Services, Veterans’ Affairs and Budget committees.He’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2023/10/21/rep-bergman-says-his-hat-is-in-the-ring-for-u-s-house-speaker/">said</a>&nbsp;his priorities as speaker would include funding the government, especially the military, homeland security and aid to foreign allies.In&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://bergman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1131">announcing his candidacy</a>, Bergman suggested he would stay in the position only through the end of the current Congress,“We need a leader who shuns permanent power and recognizes the current crisis of leadership,” he said.How he’s voted:<ul>
 <li>Certifying the 2020 election: No</li><li>Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: Yes</li><li>Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: Yes</li>
 </ul>Who’s supporting him: Other members of Michigan’s House GOP delegation. They are John James, John Moolenaar, Tim Walberg and Lisa McClain.<h2>Byron Donalds of Florida</h2>A member of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, Donalds is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://floridaphoenix.com/2023/10/20/floridas-byron-donalds-is-now-a-candidate-for-u-s-house-speaker/">a favorite of the Trump wing</a>&nbsp;of the party. He voted against certifying the 2020 election and has said as recently&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/07/ron-desantis-florida-successor-freedom-caucus-byron-donalds">as July</a>&nbsp;that President Joe Biden is not legitimate.First elected in 2020, Donalds, 44, is the youngest to join the field and has been in the House for the shortest time.He has said his priorities would be to improve border security and “responsibly” pass funding bills.He sits on the Financial Services Committee. Before coming to Congress, he worked in the finance industry.The only non-white Republican candidate for speaker, Donalds would be the first Black speaker.How he’s voted:<ul>
 <li>Certifying the 2020 election: No</li><li>Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: Did not vote</li><li>Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: No</li>
 </ul>Who’s supporting him: fellow Florida Republicans Carlos Gimenez, Mario Diaz-Balart and Mike Waltz.<h2>Tom Emmer of Minnesota</h2>Currently the No. 3 House Republican, Emmer is considered by some the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/10/23/handicapping-u-s-rep-tom-emmers-chances-to-become-the-next-speaker/">frontrunner</a>&nbsp;for the top spot and has McCarthy’s endorsement.In an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday, McCarthy praised Emmer’s experience as part of his leadership team.“He sets himself, head and shoulders, above all those others who want to run,” McCarthy said.Emmer also developed relationships across the conference when he chaired the House Republican campaign operation in the 2020 and 2022 cycles.Emmer is one of only two candidates for speaker who voted consistently to certify the 2020 election results. That could make his path harder with the most fervent Trump supporters in the House GOP.Emmer&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/GOPMajorityWhip/status/1716536001819017487?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">posted a video</a>&nbsp;of Trump on Monday saying that he had “always gotten along” with Emmer and saying he would stay out of the speaker race. Emmer wrote that as speaker he would continue their “strong working relationship.”He won his House seat in 2014 following an unsuccessful run for Minnesota governor.In his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/GOPMajorityWhip/status/1715744128166760891/photo/1">letter to colleagues</a>&nbsp;announcing his candidacy, Emmer highlighted national debt and spending, national security and border security as major issues.How he’s voted:<ul>
 <li>Certifying the 2020 election: Yes</li><li>Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: Yes</li><li>Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: Yes</li>
 </ul>Who’s supporting him: McCarthy.<h2>Kevin Hern of Oklahoma</h2>The chair of the conservative House Republican Study Committee, Hern could seek support from budget hawks.The Institute for Legislative Analysis, a limited-government group, gave Hern the highest marks of any candidate for fiscal and tax issues.Hern has not been shy about his leadership aspirations. He publicly weighed a run for speaker shortly after McCarthy stepped down, but opted not to join that race. He&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/repkevinhern/status/1631785840316674050">has said</a>&nbsp;he at one time dreamed of being an astronaut.In a letter to colleagues, Hern said Congress has not run well for decades, citing the number of unauthorized programs and a lack of regular order for spending bills. He also listed illegal immigration and drug overdose deaths as problems that Congress should address.Hern won a special election for his House seat in 2018. Hern owns several McDonald’s franchises in Oklahoma.How he’s voted:<ul>
 <li>Certifying the 2020 election: No</li><li>Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: No</li><li>Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: No</li>
 </ul><h2>Mike Johnson of Louisiana</h2>As the vice chairman of the House Republican Conference, Johnson is something of an establishment candidate. He’s also a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, which Rep. Jim Jordan, the conference’s previous nominee, chairs.But Johnson also has conservative bonafides, having previously chaired the House Republican Study Committee.In&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/RepMikeJohnson/status/1715753985540239776/photo/1">his letter</a>&nbsp;to colleagues asking for support, Johnson highlighted the national debt, border security, crime and inflation as major issues.An attorney, Johnson was on Trump’s defense team for the former president’s Senate impeachment trials in 2019 and 2020.How he’s voted:<ul>
 <li>Certifying the 2020 election: No</li><li>Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: No</li><li>Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: No</li>
 </ul><h2>Gary Palmer of Alabama</h2>Palmer called for GOP unity in his speaker candidacy&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://alabamareflector.com/2023/10/23/alabama-congressman-gary-palmer-to-run-for-u-s-house-speaker/">announcement</a>.“There is a distinct difference between our vision for a prosperous and strong America and the vision of the Democrats that has done so much harm,” Palmer said in his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/USRepGaryPalmer/status/1716219033798717549">statement on X</a>.Palmer said he “decided to step forward” as a candidate “to do what I can to put our differences behind us and unite Republicans behind a clear path forward, so we can do our job for the benefit of the American people.”His statement also cited the concerns American families have about the cost of living, child safety, crime in urban areas, fentanyl, federal bankruptcy and national security.Palmer was first elected to the House in 2014.Palmer&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://palmer.house.gov/about/committees-and-caucuses">serves</a>&nbsp;as the chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee. He also sits on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, as well as the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.He&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://palmer.house.gov/about/full-biography">led</a>&nbsp;the Alabama Policy Institute for 24 years before joining Congress. The Alabama Policy Institute is a conservative think tank with core values surrounding free markets, limited government and “strong families,” according to the organization’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://alabamapolicy.org/about/">website</a>.How he’s voted:<ul>
 <li>Certifying the 2020 election: No</li><li>Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: No</li><li>Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: No</li>
 </ul><h2>Austin Scott of Georgia</h2>Scott received&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/ohios-jordan-latest-us-house-gop-nominee-speaker-after-days-turmoil">81</a>&nbsp;votes when he&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://georgiarecorder.com/2023/10/13/ohios-jordan-the-latest-u-s-house-gop-nominee-for-speaker-after-days-of-turmoil/">ran</a>&nbsp;for speaker earlier this month against Jordan, an Ohio Republican.“If we are going to be the majority we need to act like the majority, and that means we have to do the right things the right way,” Scott said in his&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/AustinScottGA08/status/1715441064096436424">announcement</a>&nbsp;Friday that he will run again for speaker of the House following Jordan’s withdrawal.He is one of only two members to vote consistently to certify the 2020 presidential election.Scott has been a House member since 2011.Scott sits on the House Armed Services Committee and the Agriculture Committee. He chairs the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management and Credit.How he’s voted:<ul>
 <li>Certifying the 2020 election: Yes</li><li>Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: Yes</li><li>Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: Yes</li>
 </ul><h2>Pete Sessions of Texas</h2>Sessions has been in Congress the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/who-pete-sessions-and-why-he-running-house-speaker">longest of any of the candidates</a>.Sessions was initially elected to represent the eastern Dallas district in 1999 and continued to serve until he lost to Rep. Colin Allred in 2018. Sessions was then reelected in 2020, this time to represent the district surrounding Waco.He&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sessions.house.gov/about">chaired</a>&nbsp;the National Republican Congressional Committee from 2009 to 2012. Republicans regained control of the House in 2010. He also chaired the House Rules Committee from 2013 to 2019.Sessions voted against the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act last year, as well as the codification of same-sex marriage.In 2019, Sessions was caught in a scandal when he was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.texastribune.org/2019/10/10/pete-sessions-congressman-1-guliani-associates-indictment/">referred to in an indictment</a>&nbsp;of two men charged with violating campaign finance rules.How he’s voted:<ul>
 <li>Certifying the 2020 election: No</li><li>Sept. 30 continuing resolution to keep government open: Yes</li><li>Sept. 28 Ukraine aid bill: Yes</li>
 </ul>