TOPEKA—The Kansas judicial branch phased restoration of the Kansas eCourt case management system in district courts continues, although at a slower pace than had been planned, according to a statement released Wednesday from the court website.

The case management system is used by district courts to process cases. It is among several information systems temporarily incapacitated by an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kscourts.org/About-the-Courts/Court-Administration/OJA/Court-Systems-Security-Incident/News">October 12 cyberattack</a>.District courts in nine judicial districts encompassing 28 counties had their access to the case management system restored as of December 19.

Two more judicial districts were added December 22, eight were added yesterday, and one will be added Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The restoration plan originally called for courts in 104 counties to be back on the case management system by the end of last week, but system performance slowed the effort.Courts that regained access December 22 and after

The two judicial districts that regained access December 22 are:

Judicial districts that regained access Tuesday are:

The 18th Judicial District, which is Sedgwick County, will regain access this afternoon.

As more courts regained access to the case management system, court personnel reported performance issues affecting how financial activities are recorded.

Through troubleshooting the issues with support from system experts, the Office of Judicial Administration determined case processing and backfilling case events are unaffected and can continue.System experts will continue to troubleshoot, isolate, and resolve system performance issues that affect recording financial activities.

Until performance issues are resolved, courts operating on the case management system will continue to use a paper receipting process adopted after the October 12 cyberattack.When the system issues are resolved, courts will take payments electronically.

Portal access through courthouse terminals only

When the case management system is restored in a district court, that court can offer visitors the option to search district court case information through a courthouse terminal.

Because courts have not had access to the case management system for several weeks, case events and case documents dated after October 12 are not likely to show up in search, at least initially. 

It could take courts several weeks to bring all case events and documents up to date.

A similar search capability through the web-based Kansas District Court Public Access Portal will not be available until sometime after all district courts have their access to the case management system restored.

The public can continue to search cases through a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kscourts.org/About-the-Courts/Court-Administration/OJA/Court-Systems-Security-Incident/Public-Access-Service-Center">public access service center</a>&nbsp;in the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka or visit a district court that has regained access to the case management system.

Clerk of district court hours of operation

The Office of Judicial Administration recommended district courts consider several strategies to bring the case management system up to date. One recommendation is to temporarily modify clerk office hours to give staff uninterrupted time to focus on entering case events and adding documents.

A person who has business with a court clerk office is advised to check the district court’s website or call the court clerk office to verify their current hours of operation. Modified clerk office hours do not affect scheduled court appearances.

Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kscourts.org/About-the-Courts/District-Courts">District Courts</a>&nbsp;for court contact information.

The Kansas Courts eFiling system used by attorneys to electronically file documents in district courts is expected to be available after the case management system is restored in district courts, or after the first of the year.

The efiling and case management systems used by the Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Court of Appeals will be brought back online after district court systems. The Office of Judicial Administration will share a timeline as work advances.

Updates on the cyberattack and efforts to restore court information systems are on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kscourts.org/security-incident">Court Systems Security Incident webpage</a>.

Other courts operating on Kansas eCourt case management system﻿

<a href="https://www.kscourts.org/Newsroom/News-Releases/News/2023-News-Releases/December-2023/Judicial-branch-begins-restoring-case-management-s">Judicial branch begins restoring case management system in district courts</a>

TOPEKA—The Kansas judicial branch phased restoration of the Kansas eCourt case management system in district courts continues, although at a slower pace than had been planned, according to a statement released Wednesday from the court website.The case management system is used by district courts to process cases. It is among several information systems temporarily incapacitated by an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kscourts.org/About-the-Courts/Court-Administration/OJA/Court-Systems-Security-Incident/News">October 12 cyberattack</a>.District courts in nine judicial districts encompassing 28 counties had their access to the case management system restored as of December 19. Two more judicial districts were added December 22, eight were added yesterday, and one will be added Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The restoration plan originally called for courts in 104 counties to be back on the case management system by the end of last week, but system performance slowed the effort.Courts that regained access December 22 and afterThe two judicial districts that regained access December 22 are:<ul>
 <li>28th Judicial District: Ottawa and Saline counties</li><li>30th Judicial District: Barber, Harper, Kingman, Pratt, and Sumner counties</li>
 </ul>Judicial districts that regained access Tuesday are:<ul>
 <li>2nd Judicial District: Jackson, Jefferson, Pottawatomie, and Wabaunsee counties</li><li>6th Judicial District: Bourbon, Linn, and Miami counties</li><li>11th Judicial District: Cherokee, Crawford, and Labette counties</li><li>14th Judicial District: Chautauqua and Montgomery counties</li><li>16th Judicial District: Clark, Comanche, Ford, Gray, Kiowa, and Meade counties</li><li>20th Judicial District: Barton, Ellsworth, Rice, Russell, and Stafford counties</li><li>22nd Judicial District: Brown, Doniphan, Marshall, and Nemaha counties</li><li>24th Judicial District: Edwards, Hodgeman, Lane, Ness, Pawnee, and Rush counties</li>
 </ul>The 18th Judicial District, which is Sedgwick County, will regain access this afternoon.Resolving performance issues&nbsp;As more courts regained access to the case management system, court personnel reported performance issues affecting how financial activities are recorded.Through troubleshooting the issues with support from system experts, the Office of Judicial Administration determined case processing and backfilling case events are unaffected and can continue.System experts will continue to troubleshoot, isolate, and resolve system performance issues that affect recording financial activities.Electronic payments to courtsUntil performance issues are resolved, courts operating on the case management system will continue to use a paper receipting process adopted after the October 12 cyberattack.When the system issues are resolved, courts will take payments electronically.Portal access through courthouse terminals onlyWhen the case management system is restored in a district court, that court can offer visitors the option to search district court case information through a courthouse terminal.Because courts have not had access to the case management system for several weeks, case events and case documents dated after October 12 are not likely to show up in search, at least initially. It could take courts several weeks to bring all case events and documents up to date.A similar search capability through the web-based Kansas District Court Public Access Portal will not be available until sometime after all district courts have their access to the case management system restored.The public can continue to search cases through a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kscourts.org/About-the-Courts/Court-Administration/OJA/Court-Systems-Security-Incident/Public-Access-Service-Center">public access service center</a>&nbsp;in the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka or visit a district court that has regained access to the case management system.Clerk of district court hours of operationThe Office of Judicial Administration recommended district courts consider several strategies to bring the case management system up to date. One recommendation is to temporarily modify clerk office hours to give staff uninterrupted time to focus on entering case events and adding documents.A person who has business with a court clerk office is advised to check the district court’s website or call the court clerk office to verify their current hours of operation. Modified clerk office hours do not affect scheduled court appearances.Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kscourts.org/About-the-Courts/District-Courts">District Courts</a>&nbsp;for court contact information.Kansas Courts eFilingThe Kansas Courts eFiling system used by attorneys to electronically file documents in district courts is expected to be available after the case management system is restored in district courts, or after the first of the year.Appellate information systemsThe efiling and case management systems used by the Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Court of Appeals will be brought back online after district court systems. The Office of Judicial Administration will share a timeline as work advances.UpdatesUpdates on the cyberattack and efforts to restore court information systems are on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kscourts.org/security-incident">Court Systems Security Incident webpage</a>.Other courts operating on Kansas eCourt case management system﻿<a href="https://www.kscourts.org/Newsroom/News-Releases/News/2023-News-Releases/December-2023/Judicial-branch-begins-restoring-case-management-s">Judicial branch begins restoring case management system in district courts</a>

Kansas Judicial Branch restores access to case management system 

LOS ANGELES (AP) —Tom Smothers, half of the Smothers Brothers and the co-host of one of the most socially conscious and groundbreaking television shows in the history of the medium, has died at 86.

The National Comedy Center, on behalf of his family, said in a statement Wednesday that Smothers died Tuesday at home in Santa Rosa, California, following a cancer battle.

“Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner. I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years,” his brother and the duo's other half, Dick Smothers, said in the statement. “Our relationship was like a good marriage — the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.”

When "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" debuted on CBS in the fall of 1967 it was an immediate hit, to the surprise of many who had assumed the network’s expectations were so low it positioned their show opposite the top-rated "Bonanza."

But the Smothers Brothers would prove a turning point in television history, with its sharp eye for pop culture trends and young rock stars such as the Who and Buffalo Springfield, and its daring sketches — ridiculing the Establishment, railing against the Vietnam War and portraying members of the era's hippie counterculture as gentle, fun-loving spirits — found an immediate audience with young baby boomers. The show reached No. 16 in the ratings in its first season.

It also drew the ire of network censors, and after years of battling with the brothers over the show's creative content, the network abruptly canceled the program in 1970, accusing the siblings of failing to submit an episode in time for the censors to review.

Nearly 40 years later, when Smothers was awarded an honorary Emmy for his work on the show, he jokingly thanked the writers he said had gotten him fired. He also showed that the years had not dulled his outspokenness.

“It’s hard for me to stay silent when I keep hearing that peace is only attainable through war,” Smothers said at the 2008 Emmy Awards as his brother sat in the audience, beaming. He dedicated his award to those “who feel compelled to speak out and are not afraid to speak to power and won’t shut up and refuse to be silenced.”

During the three years the show was on television, the brothers constantly battled with CBS’s censors and occasionally outraged viewers as well, particularly when Smothers joked that Easter “is when Jesus comes out of his tomb and if he sees his shadow, he goes back in and we get six more weeks of winter.” At Christmas, when other show hosts were sending best wishes to soldiers fighting overseas, Smothers offered his to draft dodgers who had moved to Canada.

In still another episode, the brothers returned blacklisted folk singer Pete Seeger to television for the first time in years. He performed his song “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy,” widely viewed as ridiculing President Lyndon Johnson for the Vietnam War. When CBS refused to air the segment, the brothers brought Seeger back for another episode and he sang it again. This time, it made the air.

After the show was canceled, the brothers sued CBS for $31 million and were awarded $775,000. Their battles with the network were chronicled in the 2002 documentary “Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.”

Before the show’s debut, the pair had seemed unlikely to make television history. They had spent the previous several years on the nightclub and college circuits and doing TV guest appearances, honing an offbeat comedy routine that mixed folk music with a healthy dose of sibling rivalry.

They would come on stage, Tom with a guitar in hand and Dick toting an upright bass. They would quickly break into a traditional folk song — perhaps “John Henry” or “Pretoria.” After playing several bars, Tom, positioned as the dumb one, would mess it up, and then quickly claim he had meant to do that. As Dick, the serious, short-tempered one, berated him for failing to acknowledge his error, he would scream in exasperation, “Mom always liked you best!”

They continued that shtick on their show but also surrounded themselves with a talented cast of newcomers, both writers and performers.

Among the crack writing crew that Smothers headed were future actor-producer Rob Reiner, musician Mason Williams and comedian Steve Martin, who presented Smothers with the lifetime Emmy in 2008. Regular musical guests included John Hartford, Glen Campbell and Jennifer Warnes.

Bob Einstein, now better known as stuntman Super Dave Osborne, had a recurring role as Officer Judy, a dour Los Angeles police officer who once cited guest Liberace for playing the piano too fast. Leigh French, as the hippie earth mother in the segment “Share a Little Tea With Goldie,” always appeared to have been drinking something brewed through more than just tea leaves.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703697735062.png" alt="Tom Smothers (left) died Tuesday in California" />
 <figcaption>Tom Smothers (left) died Tuesday in California</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) —Tom Smothers, half of the Smothers Brothers and the co-host of one of the most socially conscious and groundbreaking television shows in the history of the medium, has died at 86.The National Comedy Center, on behalf of his family, said in a statement Wednesday that Smothers died Tuesday at home in Santa Rosa, California, following a cancer battle.“Tom was not only the loving older brother that everyone would want in their life, he was a one-of-a-kind creative partner. I am forever grateful to have spent a lifetime together with him, on and off stage, for over 60 years,” his brother and the duo's other half, Dick Smothers, said in the statement. “Our relationship was like a good marriage — the longer we were together, the more we loved and respected one another. We were truly blessed.”When "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" debuted on CBS in the fall of 1967 it was an immediate hit, to the surprise of many who had assumed the network’s expectations were so low it positioned their show opposite the top-rated "Bonanza."But the Smothers Brothers would prove a turning point in television history, with its sharp eye for pop culture trends and young rock stars such as the Who and Buffalo Springfield, and its daring sketches — ridiculing the Establishment, railing against the Vietnam War and portraying members of the era's hippie counterculture as gentle, fun-loving spirits — found an immediate audience with young baby boomers. The show reached No. 16 in the ratings in its first season.It also drew the ire of network censors, and after years of battling with the brothers over the show's creative content, the network abruptly canceled the program in 1970, accusing the siblings of failing to submit an episode in time for the censors to review.Nearly 40 years later, when Smothers was awarded an honorary Emmy for his work on the show, he jokingly thanked the writers he said had gotten him fired. He also showed that the years had not dulled his outspokenness.“It’s hard for me to stay silent when I keep hearing that peace is only attainable through war,” Smothers said at the 2008 Emmy Awards as his brother sat in the audience, beaming. He dedicated his award to those “who feel compelled to speak out and are not afraid to speak to power and won’t shut up and refuse to be silenced.”During the three years the show was on television, the brothers constantly battled with CBS’s censors and occasionally outraged viewers as well, particularly when Smothers joked that Easter “is when Jesus comes out of his tomb and if he sees his shadow, he goes back in and we get six more weeks of winter.” At Christmas, when other show hosts were sending best wishes to soldiers fighting overseas, Smothers offered his to draft dodgers who had moved to Canada.In still another episode, the brothers returned blacklisted folk singer Pete Seeger to television for the first time in years. He performed his song “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy,” widely viewed as ridiculing President Lyndon Johnson for the Vietnam War. When CBS refused to air the segment, the brothers brought Seeger back for another episode and he sang it again. This time, it made the air.After the show was canceled, the brothers sued CBS for $31 million and were awarded $775,000. Their battles with the network were chronicled in the 2002 documentary “Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.”Before the show’s debut, the pair had seemed unlikely to make television history. They had spent the previous several years on the nightclub and college circuits and doing TV guest appearances, honing an offbeat comedy routine that mixed folk music with a healthy dose of sibling rivalry.They would come on stage, Tom with a guitar in hand and Dick toting an upright bass. They would quickly break into a traditional folk song — perhaps “John Henry” or “Pretoria.” After playing several bars, Tom, positioned as the dumb one, would mess it up, and then quickly claim he had meant to do that. As Dick, the serious, short-tempered one, berated him for failing to acknowledge his error, he would scream in exasperation, “Mom always liked you best!”They continued that shtick on their show but also surrounded themselves with a talented cast of newcomers, both writers and performers.Among the crack writing crew that Smothers headed were future actor-producer Rob Reiner, musician Mason Williams and comedian Steve Martin, who presented Smothers with the lifetime Emmy in 2008. Regular musical guests included John Hartford, Glen Campbell and Jennifer Warnes.Bob Einstein, now better known as stuntman Super Dave Osborne, had a recurring role as Officer Judy, a dour Los Angeles police officer who once cited guest Liberace for playing the piano too fast. Leigh French, as the hippie earth mother in the segment “Share a Little Tea With Goldie,” always appeared to have been drinking something brewed through more than just tea leaves.

Comedian Tom Smothers, one-half of the Smothers Brothers, has died

SEATTLE (AP) — The U.S. online retailer Zulily is closing down, surprising customers and laying off hundreds of workers after efforts to salvage the business failed.

The Seattle-based company said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zulily.com/password">notice on its website</a>&nbsp;that it had tried to fill all pending orders and expected to manage that within the coming two weeks. Zulily said it was trying to ensure that orders that could not be filled were cancelled and refunded and offered a contact for customers who did not get their orders or refunds.

“This decision was not easy nor was it entered into lightly. However, given the challenging business environment in which Zulily operated, and the corresponding financial instability, Zulily decided to take immediate and swift action," said the notice, signed by Ryan C. Baker, vice president at management consultant Douglas Wilson Companies, which is handling the receivership for the company.

Founded in 2010 by Darrell Cavens and Mark Vadon, Zulily made a splash with products catering to families with young children and staged a successful IPO on the Nasdaq in 2013. But it was taken private after it was acquired in 2015 for $2.4 billion by QVC parent company Qurate, formerly known as Liberty Interactive. Zulily's CEO Terry Boyle left the company at the end of October as financial troubles mounted following its acquisition by private equity firm Regent from Qurate in May.

The company's liquidation followed several rounds of layoffs as Zulily struggled to compete with Amazon.

Instead of declaring bankruptcy, Zulily is using an alternative for winding down the business known as an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors, or ABC. The company has transferred all its assets and business in trust to Zulily ABC, LLC, to pay creditors out of proceeds from selling them.

SEATTLE (AP) — The U.S. online retailer Zulily is closing down, surprising customers and laying off hundreds of workers after efforts to salvage the business failed.The Seattle-based company said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zulily.com/password">notice on its website</a>&nbsp;that it had tried to fill all pending orders and expected to manage that within the coming two weeks. Zulily said it was trying to ensure that orders that could not be filled were cancelled and refunded and offered a contact for customers who did not get their orders or refunds.“This decision was not easy nor was it entered into lightly. However, given the challenging business environment in which Zulily operated, and the corresponding financial instability, Zulily decided to take immediate and swift action," said the notice, signed by Ryan C. Baker, vice president at management consultant Douglas Wilson Companies, which is handling the receivership for the company.Founded in 2010 by Darrell Cavens and Mark Vadon, Zulily made a splash with products catering to families with young children and staged a successful IPO on the Nasdaq in 2013. But it was taken private after it was acquired in 2015 for $2.4 billion by QVC parent company Qurate, formerly known as Liberty Interactive. Zulily's CEO Terry Boyle left the company at the end of October as financial troubles mounted following its acquisition by private equity firm Regent from Qurate in May.The company's liquidation followed several rounds of layoffs as Zulily struggled to compete with Amazon.Instead of declaring bankruptcy, Zulily is using an alternative for winding down the business known as an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors, or ABC. The company has transferred all its assets and business in trust to Zulily ABC, LLC, to pay creditors out of proceeds from selling them.

US online retailer Zulily is closing down, surprising customers

KANSAS CITY —Liberty Hospital, 2525 Glenn Hendren Drive, Liberty, Mo.,continues to investigate the disruption to their computer systems that began December 18.

On Tuesday, the hospital web site reported third-party specialists were still assisting with investigating the nature and scope of the disruption. "While we expect the process to take time, we are making progress." This is similar to the message the hospital reported a week ago.&nbsp;

The emergency department at Liberty Hospital is open to ambulances. It has remained open to walk-in patients. A call to the hospital emergency room Dec. 26, reported they were seeing patients and doing some radiology. Last week the ER sent those who needed an x-ray, CT or ultrasound&nbsp; elsewhere.

Phone systems at the hospital clinics were fully operational. The hospital reported they continue to perform surgeries in main operating rooms and outpatient surgery center as well as the Birthing Center. All clinics were treating patients.

The hospital has not reported they transferred any additional patients to other facilities since Tuesday when the Kansas City Fire Department, along with the other strike team Ambulances, transported approximately 30 patients, according to KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. Liberty EMS also transported an additional 10 to 15 patients.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703156650753.png" alt="Photo courtesy Liberty Hospital" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Liberty Hospital</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Liberty Hospital, 2525 Glenn Hendren Drive, Liberty, Mo.,continues to investigate the disruption to their computer systems that began December 18.On Tuesday, the hospital web site reported third-party specialists were still assisting with investigating the nature and scope of the disruption. "While we expect the process to take time, we are making progress." This is similar to the message the hospital reported a week ago.&nbsp;The emergency department at Liberty Hospital is open to ambulances. It has remained open to walk-in patients. A call to the hospital emergency room Dec. 26, reported they were seeing patients and doing some radiology. Last week the ER sent those who needed an x-ray, CT or ultrasound&nbsp; elsewhere.Phone systems at the hospital clinics were fully operational. The hospital reported they continue to perform surgeries in main operating rooms and outpatient surgery center as well as the Birthing Center. All clinics were treating patients.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703037649784.png" alt="The Kansas City Fire Department, along with the other strike team Ambulances, transported approximately 30 patients-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas City Fire Department, along with the other strike team Ambulances, transported approximately 30 patients-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>The hospital has not reported they transferred any additional patients to other facilities since Tuesday when the Kansas City Fire Department, along with the other strike team Ambulances, transported approximately 30 patients, according to KCFD Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. Liberty EMS also transported an additional 10 to 15 patients.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Investigation continues into computer attack at KC-area hospital

DENVER (AP) — Police said Tuesday they are investigating incidents directed at Colorado Supreme Court justices and providing extra patrols around their homes in Denver following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-2024-colorado-d16dd8f354eeaf450558378c65fd79a2">the court's decision to remove former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;from the state's presidential primary ballot.

The Denver Police Department declined in an email to provide details about its investigations, citing safety and privacy considerations and because they are ongoing.

The department "is currently investigating incidents directed at Colorado Supreme Court justices and will continue working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate any reports of threats or harassment," the email said.

Officers responded to the home of one justice on Thursday evening, but police said it appeared to be a “hoax report.” That case is also still being investigated police said.

The FBI said it is working with local law enforcement on the matter.

"We will vigorously pursue investigations of any threat or use of violence committed by someone who uses extremist views to justify their actions regardless of motivation,” a spokesperson for the Denver's FBI office, Vikki Migoya, said in a statement.

In a 4-3 decision last week, Colorado's highest court overturned a ruling from a district court judge who found that Trump incited an insurrection for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, but had said he could not be barred from the ballot because it was unclear that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-2024-colorado-79373b5043976588b599fc00ede049e8">U.S. Constitution’s insurrection clause</a>&nbsp;was intended to cover the presidency.

The state’s highest court didn’t agree, siding with attorneys for six Colorado Republican and unaffiliated voters who argued that it was nonsensical to imagine that the framers of the amendment, fearful of former confederates returning to power, would bar them from low-level offices but not the highest one in the land.

DENVER (AP) — Police said Tuesday they are investigating incidents directed at Colorado Supreme Court justices and providing extra patrols around their homes in Denver following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-2024-colorado-d16dd8f354eeaf450558378c65fd79a2">the court's decision to remove former President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;from the state's presidential primary ballot.The Denver Police Department declined in an email to provide details about its investigations, citing safety and privacy considerations and because they are ongoing.The department "is currently investigating incidents directed at Colorado Supreme Court justices and will continue working with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate any reports of threats or harassment," the email said.Officers responded to the home of one justice on Thursday evening, but police said it appeared to be a “hoax report.” That case is also still being investigated police said.The FBI said it is working with local law enforcement on the matter."We will vigorously pursue investigations of any threat or use of violence committed by someone who uses extremist views to justify their actions regardless of motivation,” a spokesperson for the Denver's FBI office, Vikki Migoya, said in a statement.In a 4-3 decision last week, Colorado's highest court overturned a ruling from a district court judge who found that Trump incited an insurrection for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, but had said he could not be barred from the ballot because it was unclear that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-2024-colorado-79373b5043976588b599fc00ede049e8">U.S. Constitution’s insurrection clause</a>&nbsp;was intended to cover the presidency.The state’s highest court didn’t agree, siding with attorneys for six Colorado Republican and unaffiliated voters who argued that it was nonsensical to imagine that the framers of the amendment, fearful of former confederates returning to power, would bar them from low-level offices but not the highest one in the land.

FBI investigating threats directed at Colorado justices after Trump ruling

GARDNER, Kansas. –Kansas Department of Corrections inmate 52-year-old Clifford Leon Evans is still on escape status after it was reported at 2:45p.m. December 18, that he did not return to the facility while serving his sentence at the Johnson County Work Release center, according to a statement from the KDOC.

Evans is described as a white male, has brown hair, brown eyes, is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 131 pounds.

He currently serving a sentence for violating his parole. Evans was convicted in Johnson County for possession of opiates. He is serving that sentence at the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JCDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) from which he walked away. Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who have release plans that are appropriate to Johnson County are housed at the ARC to promote their successful reintegration back into the community.

Anyone with information on Evans can call EAI at 816-266-2102, JCDOC 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911. Kansans can also contact EAI via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDOC_EAI_Intel@ks.gov">KDOC_EAI_Intel@ks.gov</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702994862044.png" alt="Evans photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Evans photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>GARDNER, Kansas. –Kansas Department of Corrections inmate 52-year-old Clifford Leon Evans is still on escape status after it was reported at 2:45p.m. December 18, that he did not return to the facility while serving his sentence at the Johnson County Work Release center, according to a statement from the KDOC.Evans is described as a white male, has brown hair, brown eyes, is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 131 pounds.He currently serving a sentence for violating his parole. Evans was convicted in Johnson County for possession of opiates. He is serving that sentence at the Johnson County Department of Corrections (JCDOC) Adult Residential Center (ARC) from which he walked away. Under an agreement between the KDOC and JCDOC, residents who have release plans that are appropriate to Johnson County are housed at the ARC to promote their successful reintegration back into the community.Anyone with information on Evans can call EAI at 816-266-2102, JCDOC 913-715-6539, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911. Kansans can also contact EAI via email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDOC_EAI_Intel@ks.gov">KDOC_EAI_Intel@ks.gov</a>

Kansas inmate who walked away from work release is still missing

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp;investigating a deadly Christmas Day homicide at a home in the Kansas City suburb of Grain Valley.

On Christmas night, police responded to a reported domestic violence incident in the 700 block of Southwest Woodland Circle, according to a media release.

First responders discovered an unresponsive person with an apparent gunshot wound. EMS pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

Police reported the deadly shooting stemmed from a domestic violence assault involving a father and son.

Officers took the suspect, identified as a family member, into custody for questioning. Police on Tuesday did not release names of those involved.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp;investigating a deadly Christmas Day homicide at a home in the Kansas City suburb of Grain Valley.On Christmas night, police responded to a reported domestic violence incident in the 700 block of Southwest Woodland Circle, according to a media release.First responders discovered an unresponsive person with an apparent gunshot wound. EMS pronounced the victim dead at the scene.Police reported the deadly shooting stemmed from a domestic violence assault involving a father and son.Officers took the suspect, identified as a family member, into custody for questioning. Police on Tuesday did not release names of those involved.

Police: KC-area father, son involved in deadly Christmas dispute

JERUSALEM —U.S. assets including the USS Laboon (DDG 58) and F/A-18 Super Hornets from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, shot down twelve one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land attack cruise missiles in the Southern Red Sea Tuesday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

The drones and missiles were fired by the Houthis over a 10 hour period which began at approximately 6:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) on December 26. There was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military says it has expanded its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip to the densely populated urban refugee camps in the central part of the territory.

With international pressure for a cease-fire building, top U.S. officials were meeting with Israel’s minister for strategic affairs Tuesday at the White House in Washington.

Residents reported shelling and airstrikes shaking the Nuseirat, Maghazi and Bureij camps. The built-up towns hold Palestinians whose families fled or were driven from their homes in what is now Israel during the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s independence.

The camps are now crowded with Palestinians who fled northern Gaza in the early stages of Israel’s ground offensive.

“We have expanded the fighting to an area known as the central camps,” Israel’s military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, told a news conference.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-death-toll-numbers-de06ce2c5711ce17a4704276f5c1a5c4">More than 20,900 Palestinians</a>, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed since the start of the war, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants among the dead.

About 1,200 people were killed after Hamas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">raided southern Israel</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 7, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hostages-gaza-b6ffc286ca7d4b48caaada43e9c6e411">around 240 people taken hostage</a>. Israel says it aims to free the more than 100 hostages who remain in captivity in Gaza.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699124273212.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. assets including the USS Laboon (DDG 58) and F/A-18 Super Hornets from the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, shot down twelve one-way attack drones, three anti-ship ballistic missiles, and two land attack cruise missiles in the Southern Red Sea Tuesday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.The drones and missiles were fired by the Houthis over a 10 hour period which began at approximately 6:30 a.m. (Sanaa time) on December 26. There was no damage to ships in the area or reported injuries.Meanwhile, the Israeli military says it has expanded its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip to the densely populated urban refugee camps in the central part of the territory.With international pressure for a cease-fire building, top U.S. officials were meeting with Israel’s minister for strategic affairs Tuesday at the White House in Washington.Residents reported shelling and airstrikes shaking the Nuseirat, Maghazi and Bureij camps. The built-up towns hold Palestinians whose families fled or were driven from their homes in what is now Israel during the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s independence.The camps are now crowded with Palestinians who fled northern Gaza in the early stages of Israel’s ground offensive.“We have expanded the fighting to an area known as the central camps,” Israel’s military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, told a news conference.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-death-toll-numbers-de06ce2c5711ce17a4704276f5c1a5c4">More than 20,900 Palestinians</a>, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed since the start of the war, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants among the dead.About 1,200 people were killed after Hamas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">raided southern Israel</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 7, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hostages-gaza-b6ffc286ca7d4b48caaada43e9c6e411">around 240 people taken hostage</a>. Israel says it aims to free the more than 100 hostages who remain in captivity in Gaza.

US shoots down more attack drones and missiles in Red Sea

ROGUE RIVER, Ore. – The United States Marshals Service led Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF) tracked down and arrested a man wanted out of Kansas on a felony warrant for child sex abuse, according to a media release from the Jackson County Oregon Sheriff's Office.

The suspect, Ben J Baxter, 51, of Kansas, was wanted on a felony charge of sodomy with a child who was under 14 years of age. The crime occurred between June 27 and July 1 of this year. 

He is now lodged in the Jackson County Jail awaiting extradition back to Kansas. The arrest occurred&nbsp; December 22, when investigations led PNVOTF and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies to a remote residence on Murphy Gulch Road west of Wimer, Oregon.

Investigators located Baxter leaving the residence, and arrested him without incident. Although Baxter wrapped multiple phones in aluminum foil to avoid detection, he was unsuccessful in avoiding capture. 

Over the last few days, PNVOTF tracked Baxter from Josephine County to the arrest location.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703595221673.png" alt="Photos Jackson County Oregon Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Jackson County Oregon Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>ROGUE RIVER, Ore. – The United States Marshals Service led Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF) tracked down and arrested a man wanted out of Kansas on a felony warrant for child sex abuse, according to a media release from the Jackson County Oregon Sheriff's Office.The suspect, Ben J Baxter, 51, of Kansas, was wanted on a felony charge of sodomy with a child who was under 14 years of age. The crime occurred between June 27 and July 1 of this year. He is now lodged in the Jackson County Jail awaiting extradition back to Kansas. The arrest occurred&nbsp; December 22, when investigations led PNVOTF and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies to a remote residence on Murphy Gulch Road west of Wimer, Oregon.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703595270575.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators located Baxter leaving the residence, and arrested him without incident. Although Baxter wrapped multiple phones in aluminum foil to avoid detection, he was unsuccessful in avoiding capture. Over the last few days, PNVOTF tracked Baxter from Josephine County to the arrest location.&nbsp;

Kan. child sex crime suspect wrapped phones in foil to avoid detection

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and asking the public for help&nbsp;after the discovery of a body at Rocky Hollow Park Friday.

A Clay County, Mo. parks employee found the body at about 8:15 a.m. off a roadway at the park, located at 14812 Old Quarry Road, Excelsior Springs.

The victim remains unidentified. He appears to be a white or Hispanic man between the approximate ages of 35 and 45 years old. Evidence indicates the body was placed at the location recently.

The victim had a picture of a bull tattooed on his upper left arm.&nbsp; Please share and call 816-407-3723 or 816-474-TIPS if you recognize it.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703285918610.png" alt="Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and asking the public for help&nbsp;after the discovery of a body at Rocky Hollow Park Friday.A Clay County, Mo. parks employee found the body at about 8:15 a.m. off a roadway at the park, located at 14812 Old Quarry Road, Excelsior Springs.The victim remains unidentified. He appears to be a white or Hispanic man between the approximate ages of 35 and 45 years old. Evidence indicates the body was placed at the location recently.The victim had a picture of a bull tattooed on his upper left arm.&nbsp; Please share and call 816-407-3723 or 816-474-TIPS if you recognize it.

Homicide investigation continues: Do you recognize the tattoo?

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are actively investigating multiple cases of fraud in the Manhattan area. Police are seeking assistance in identifying the individuals captured in surveillance photos they released Tuesday.

Just after 10a.m. Dec. 20, officers filed a report for theft and criminal use of a financial card in the 1100 block of Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Rickels Liquor and a 58-year-old woman reported two unknown suspects fraudulently bought liquor with the victim’s credit card. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $709.40.&nbsp;

Just before 11:30a.m. the same day, officers filed a report for theft and criminal use of a financial card in the 1100 block of Westport Drive in Manhattan. Fridge Wholesale Liquor and a 58-year-old woman reported two unknown suspects fraudulently bought liquor with the victim’s credit card. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,605.12.

Later that afternoon, officers filed a report for theft and criminal use of a financial card in the 500 block of North 12th Street in Manhattan. Library Liquor reported two unknown suspects fraudulently bought liquor from the business. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $703.36.&nbsp;

A short time later, officers filed a report for theft and criminal use of a financial card in the 100 block of Riley Avenue in Ogden. Liquor Well reported two unknown suspects fraudulently bought liquor from the business. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $370.55.

Anyone with information on these cases can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703621258996.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are actively investigating multiple cases of fraud in the Manhattan area. Police are seeking assistance in identifying the individuals captured in surveillance photos they released Tuesday.Just after 10a.m. Dec. 20, officers filed a report for theft and criminal use of a financial card in the 1100 block of Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. Rickels Liquor and a 58-year-old woman reported two unknown suspects fraudulently bought liquor with the victim’s credit card. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $709.40.&nbsp;Just before 11:30a.m. the same day, officers filed a report for theft and criminal use of a financial card in the 1100 block of Westport Drive in Manhattan. Fridge Wholesale Liquor and a 58-year-old woman reported two unknown suspects fraudulently bought liquor with the victim’s credit card. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $2,605.12.Later that afternoon, officers filed a report for theft and criminal use of a financial card in the 500 block of North 12th Street in Manhattan. Library Liquor reported two unknown suspects fraudulently bought liquor from the business. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $703.36.&nbsp;A short time later, officers filed a report for theft and criminal use of a financial card in the 100 block of Riley Avenue in Ogden. Liquor Well reported two unknown suspects fraudulently bought liquor from the business. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $370.55.Anyone with information on these cases can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Police attempt to ID suspects in Kan. fraud investigation

LOS ANGELES (AP) — An appellate court on Tuesday reversed a 2022 federal conviction against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-los-angeles-campaigns-nebraska-congress-66c320661e21eef5d3083254e8a686f7">former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska</a>, ruling that he should not have been tried in Los Angeles.

Fortenberry was convicted in March 2022 on charges that he lied to federal authorities about an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-campaigns-nebraska-congress-jeff-fortenberry-0e8ff76a88e9c99d8c333091953c1f9d">illegal $30,000 contribution to his campaign</a>&nbsp;from a foreign billionaire at a 2016 Los Angeles fundraiser. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/campaigns-kevin-mccarthy-legislature-nebraska-nancy-pelosi-7f2bf99b536c5ad93071a544f661e252">resigned his seat days later</a>&nbsp;following pressure from congressional leaders and Nebraska’s GOP governor.

In its Tuesday ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit wrote that the trial venue of Los Angeles was improper because Fortenberry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-religion-elections-los-angeles-campaigns-f1aa433aa7e35946ba43ac5c7d0d2487">made the false statements during interviews</a>&nbsp;with federal agents at his home in Lincoln, Nebraska, and in his lawyer’s office in Washington.

“Fortenberry’s convictions are reversed so that he may be retried, if at all, in a proper venue,” the decision said.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-los-angeles-campaigns-nebraska-lincoln-1f0b93283e4c5941eccae8edd3703987">A federal jury in Los Angeles</a>&nbsp;found the nine-term Republican guilty of concealing information and two counts of making false statements to authorities. He vowed to appeal from the courthouse steps.

Fortenberry and his wife, Celeste Fortenberry, praised the court’s decision.

“We are gratified by the Ninth Circuit’s decision,” Jeff Fortenberry said in a statement. “Celeste and I would like to thank everyone who has stood by us and supported us with their kindness and friendship.”

Thom Mrozek, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, noted that the appellate court left a path open for future proceedings against Fortenberry.

“The ruling does not preclude a retrial on the charges that then-Congressman Fortenberry made multiple false statements to federal agents," Mrozek said in a statement. "We are evaluating potential next steps before deciding how best to move forward.”

Patricia Hartman, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, declined to comment on the ruling’s potential impact for federal prosecutors in Washington.

“We cannot comment on matters where we don’t have charges filed,” she said in an email Tuesday.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Nebraska did not immediately return a phone message.

Fortenberry was charged after denying to the FBI that he was aware he had received illicit funds from Gilbert Chagoury, a Nigerian billionaire of Lebanese descent.

At trial, prosecutors presented recorded phone conversations in which Fortenberry was repeatedly warned that the contributions came from Gilbert Chagoury, a Nigerian billionaire of Lebanese descent. The donations were funneled through three strawmen at the 2016 fundraiser in Los Angeles.

The case stemmed from an FBI investigation into $180,000 in illegal campaign contributions to four campaigns from Chagoury, who lived in Paris at the time. Chagoury admitted to the crime in 2019 and agreed to pay a $1.8 million fine.

It was the first trial of a sitting congressman since Rep. Jim Traficant, D-Ohio, was convicted of bribery and other felony charges in 2002.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655382995706.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, flanked by his wife and other family members, speaks to reporters after the guilty verdicts. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, flanked by his wife and other family members, speaks to reporters after the guilty verdicts. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>LOS ANGELES (AP) — An appellate court on Tuesday reversed a 2022 federal conviction against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-los-angeles-campaigns-nebraska-congress-66c320661e21eef5d3083254e8a686f7">former Rep. Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska</a>, ruling that he should not have been tried in Los Angeles.Fortenberry was convicted in March 2022 on charges that he lied to federal authorities about an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-campaigns-nebraska-congress-jeff-fortenberry-0e8ff76a88e9c99d8c333091953c1f9d">illegal $30,000 contribution to his campaign</a>&nbsp;from a foreign billionaire at a 2016 Los Angeles fundraiser. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/campaigns-kevin-mccarthy-legislature-nebraska-nancy-pelosi-7f2bf99b536c5ad93071a544f661e252">resigned his seat days later</a>&nbsp;following pressure from congressional leaders and Nebraska’s GOP governor.In its Tuesday ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit wrote that the trial venue of Los Angeles was improper because Fortenberry&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-religion-elections-los-angeles-campaigns-f1aa433aa7e35946ba43ac5c7d0d2487">made the false statements during interviews</a>&nbsp;with federal agents at his home in Lincoln, Nebraska, and in his lawyer’s office in Washington.“Fortenberry’s convictions are reversed so that he may be retried, if at all, in a proper venue,” the decision said.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-los-angeles-campaigns-nebraska-lincoln-1f0b93283e4c5941eccae8edd3703987">A federal jury in Los Angeles</a>&nbsp;found the nine-term Republican guilty of concealing information and two counts of making false statements to authorities. He vowed to appeal from the courthouse steps.Fortenberry and his wife, Celeste Fortenberry, praised the court’s decision.“We are gratified by the Ninth Circuit’s decision,” Jeff Fortenberry said in a statement. “Celeste and I would like to thank everyone who has stood by us and supported us with their kindness and friendship.”Thom Mrozek, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles, noted that the appellate court left a path open for future proceedings against Fortenberry.“The ruling does not preclude a retrial on the charges that then-Congressman Fortenberry made multiple false statements to federal agents," Mrozek said in a statement. "We are evaluating potential next steps before deciding how best to move forward.”Patricia Hartman, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, declined to comment on the ruling’s potential impact for federal prosecutors in Washington.“We cannot comment on matters where we don’t have charges filed,” she said in an email Tuesday.A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Nebraska did not immediately return a phone message.Fortenberry was charged after denying to the FBI that he was aware he had received illicit funds from Gilbert Chagoury, a Nigerian billionaire of Lebanese descent.At trial, prosecutors presented recorded phone conversations in which Fortenberry was repeatedly warned that the contributions came from Gilbert Chagoury, a Nigerian billionaire of Lebanese descent. The donations were funneled through three strawmen at the 2016 fundraiser in Los Angeles.The case stemmed from an FBI investigation into $180,000 in illegal campaign contributions to four campaigns from Chagoury, who lived in Paris at the time. Chagoury admitted to the crime in 2019 and agreed to pay a $1.8 million fine.It was the first trial of a sitting congressman since Rep. Jim Traficant, D-Ohio, was convicted of bribery and other felony charges in 2002.

Court reverses former Nebraska Rep's conviction of lying to feds

WASHINGTON (AP)— A top aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was at the White House Tuesday for talks with President Joe Biden’s top diplomat and national security adviser on Gaza, as Israel appears poised to expand its offensive there.

Ron Dermer, Israel’s Minister for Strategic Affairs, was meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.

Watson said the talks would cover matters related to the war including efforts to free hostages held by Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza. Dermer’s trip comes as the U.S. presses ally Israel to wrap up the deadliest phase of its offensive in Gaza.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701204582165.png" alt="Israeli soldiers look at photos of people killed and taken captive by Hamas militants during their violent rampage through the Nova music festival in southern Israel, which are displayed at the site of the event, as Israeli DJs spun music, to commemorate the October 7, massacre, near Kibbutz Re'im, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)" />
 <figcaption>Israeli soldiers look at photos of people killed and taken captive by Hamas militants during their violent rampage through the Nova music festival in southern Israel, which are displayed at the site of the event, as Israeli DJs spun music, to commemorate the October 7, massacre, near Kibbutz Re'im, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)— A top aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was at the White House Tuesday for talks with President Joe Biden’s top diplomat and national security adviser on Gaza, as Israel appears poised to expand its offensive there.Ron Dermer, Israel’s Minister for Strategic Affairs, was meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said.Watson said the talks would cover matters related to the war including efforts to free hostages held by Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza. Dermer’s trip comes as the U.S. presses ally Israel to wrap up the deadliest phase of its offensive in Gaza.Meanwhile, the Israeli military says it has expanded its ground offensive in the Gaza Strip to the densely populated urban refugee camps in the central part of the territory.Residents reported shelling and airstrikes shaking the Nuseirat, Maghazi and Bureij camps. The built-up towns hold Palestinians whose families fled or were driven from their homes in what is now Israel during the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s independence.The camps are now crowded with Palestinians who fled northern Gaza in the early stages of Israel’s ground offensive.“We have expanded the fighting to an area known as the central camps,” Israel’s military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, told a news conference.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-death-toll-numbers-de06ce2c5711ce17a4704276f5c1a5c4">More than 20,900 Palestinians</a>, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed since the start of the war, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants among the dead.About 1,200 people were killed after Hamas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">raided southern Israel</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 7, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hostages-gaza-b6ffc286ca7d4b48caaada43e9c6e411">around 240 people taken hostage</a>. Israel says it aims to free the more than 100 hostages who remain in captivity in Gaza.

White House meetings continue on efforts to free hostages 

BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</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>

Kansas health care professionals say more education is needed regarding the vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

Kansas Health Institute hosted a virtual forum earlier this month to discuss the types of immunizations older adults may need and why those shots are important to get. Annette Graham, executive director of the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, said she’s heard some confusion from older adults about what RSV is.

“Historically it’s been discussed as affecting young children,” Graham said. “They don’t understand they can be susceptible to it.”

RSV can cause infections in a person’s lungs and respiratory system, and for healthier people it can feel much like a common cold. Young children and babies, as well as seniors, are more vulnerable to the virus as it spreads via coughing, sneezing, or touching infected surfaces, such as doorknobs. Like influenza and other viruses, the typical season for RSV starts during autumn and peaks in mid-winter.

Graham said there are “a lot” of educational opportunities statewide regarding RSV and how it infects people, as well as the potential side effects associated with the RSV vaccine for adults 60 and older. For rural and frontier residents, she said, their biggest barriers to getting vaccinations are access to shots and transportation to a health clinic to receive them, on top of the sometimes-high out-of-pocket costs of immunizations not covered by insurance.

As part of the call, Kansas Health Institute portfolio strategist Hina Shah offered a case discussion for the group. The case study involved a 70-year-old person who received the COVID-19 booster shot and this year’s flu vaccine but declined to get a shingles or RSV vaccine because of a concern about overloading their body on vaccines in one day. Shah said the person was also concerned about difficulties accessing immunization information because of poor internet coverage in their rural area.

Kansas Pharmacy Association representative Amanda Applegate said some rural residents are less worried about receiving multiple shots in one day, simply because they may only have one day available to drive the long distances that can be required to reach a pharmacy or health facility.

“It has brought in some very vaccine-confident older adults, who, as respiratory virus season is getting underway, they’ve said, ‘Load me up,’ ” Applegate said.

Brenda Groves, a quality improvement consultant with KFMC Health Improvement Partners, said her staff is working to adapt the agency’s educational materials into different languages to meet the changing needs of residents and caregivers in long-term care facilities.

Kansas House Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison Republican and family physician, said during the forum that he is heartened by seeing more older people get vaccinated against infections like RSV.

“We’ve got to continue to educate people, and to provide people with accurate information,” Eplee said. “We’re still dealing with some of the negative public health impacts from COVID.”

Eplee said public health officials need to continue to be advocates for people, especially aging residents, who may be inundated with disinformation or negative comments regarding vaccines.

The virtual call was part of KHI’s Ad Astra ECHO series covering immunization-related topics. The next session, covering vaccinations for pregnant mothers and their babies, is set for 1 p.m. Feb. 16 via Zoom.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703335286337.png" alt="Photo (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)" />
 <figcaption>Photo (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/aj-dome/">AJ DOME</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>Kansas health care professionals say more education is needed regarding the vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.Kansas Health Institute hosted a virtual forum earlier this month to discuss the types of immunizations older adults may need and why those shots are important to get. Annette Graham, executive director of the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, said she’s heard some confusion from older adults about what RSV is.“Historically it’s been discussed as affecting young children,” Graham said. “They don’t understand they can be susceptible to it.”RSV can cause infections in a person’s lungs and respiratory system, and for healthier people it can feel much like a common cold. Young children and babies, as well as seniors, are more vulnerable to the virus as it spreads via coughing, sneezing, or touching infected surfaces, such as doorknobs. Like influenza and other viruses, the typical season for RSV starts during autumn and peaks in mid-winter.Graham said there are “a lot” of educational opportunities statewide regarding RSV and how it infects people, as well as the potential side effects associated with the RSV vaccine for adults 60 and older. For rural and frontier residents, she said, their biggest barriers to getting vaccinations are access to shots and transportation to a health clinic to receive them, on top of the sometimes-high out-of-pocket costs of immunizations not covered by insurance.As part of the call, Kansas Health Institute portfolio strategist Hina Shah offered a case discussion for the group. The case study involved a 70-year-old person who received the COVID-19 booster shot and this year’s flu vaccine but declined to get a shingles or RSV vaccine because of a concern about overloading their body on vaccines in one day. Shah said the person was also concerned about difficulties accessing immunization information because of poor internet coverage in their rural area.Kansas Pharmacy Association representative Amanda Applegate said some rural residents are less worried about receiving multiple shots in one day, simply because they may only have one day available to drive the long distances that can be required to reach a pharmacy or health facility.“It has brought in some very vaccine-confident older adults, who, as respiratory virus season is getting underway, they’ve said, ‘Load me up,’ ” Applegate said.Brenda Groves, a quality improvement consultant with KFMC Health Improvement Partners, said her staff is working to adapt the agency’s educational materials into different languages to meet the changing needs of residents and caregivers in long-term care facilities.Kansas House Rep. John Eplee, an Atchison Republican and family physician, said during the forum that he is heartened by seeing more older people get vaccinated against infections like RSV.“We’ve got to continue to educate people, and to provide people with accurate information,” Eplee said. “We’re still dealing with some of the negative public health impacts from COVID.”Eplee said public health officials need to continue to be advocates for people, especially aging residents, who may be inundated with disinformation or negative comments regarding vaccines.The virtual call was part of KHI’s Ad Astra ECHO series covering immunization-related topics. The next session, covering vaccinations for pregnant mothers and their babies, is set for 1 p.m. Feb. 16 via Zoom.

Medical professionals see need for more education about the RSV vaxx for older Kansans

DICKINSON COUNTY —In May, the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office Drug Enforcement Unit began an investigation into the distribution of meth in Herrington, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.

On December 22, the sheriff's office with the assistance of Herington Police executed a search warrant at a residence in the 200 Block of South 9th Street in Herington.&nbsp; Officers found 337 grams of meth and a small amount of marijuana and other THC products.

Deputies arrested 46-year-old Sabrina Beardslee of Herington on requested charges of&nbsp; possession with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, no drug tax stamp and aggravated child endangerment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703603119180.png" alt="Beardslee-photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Beardslee-photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —In May, the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office Drug Enforcement Unit began an investigation into the distribution of meth in Herrington, according to a media release from the sheriff's office.On December 22, the sheriff's office with the assistance of Herington Police executed a search warrant at a residence in the 200 Block of South 9th Street in Herington.&nbsp; Officers found 337 grams of meth and a small amount of marijuana and other THC products.Deputies arrested 46-year-old Sabrina Beardslee of Herington on requested charges of&nbsp; possession with intent to distribute meth, possession with intent to distribute drug paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, no drug tax stamp and aggravated child endangerment.

Sheriff: Kan. woman with children was selling meth from her home

This photo combo provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shows an authentic Ozempic needle (left) and a counterfeit needle (right). The FDA said it has seized "thousands of units" of counterfeit Ozempic, the diabetes drug widely used for weight loss, that had been distributed through legitimate drug supply sources.

WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it has seized “thousands of units” of&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFDA/bulletins/3813bc8">counterfeit Ozempic</a>, the diabetes drug widely used for weight loss, that had been distributed through legitimate drug supply sources.

The FDA and the drug’s maker, Novo Nordisk, are testing the shots. They do not yet have information about the drugs' identity, quality or safety, according to a statement. Five illnesses have been linked to the fake shots, but none have been serious, the FDA said Thursday.

Some of the fake 1 milligram semaglutide shots may still be for sale, FDA said. In addition to the drug itself, the needles, pen labels, carton and accompanying health care information are also counterfeit, the agency said.

It said the counterfeits were labeled with the lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057.

FDA advised retail pharmacies to buy authentic Ozempic only through authorized distributors and for patients to get it only through state-licensed pharmacies.

Consumers can report suspect Ozempic packages by calling 800-332-1088 or by contacting a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/report-problem-fda/consumer-complaint-coordinators">state complaint coordinator</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703609063339.png" alt="This photo combo provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shows an authentic Ozempic needle (left) and a counterfeit needle (right). The FDA said it has seized "thousands of units" of counterfeit Ozempic, the diabetes drug widely used for weight loss, that had been distributed through legitimate drug supply sources.&nbsp; &nbsp;FDA via AP" />
 <figcaption>This photo combo provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shows an authentic Ozempic needle (left) and a counterfeit needle (right). The FDA said it has seized "thousands of units" of counterfeit Ozempic, the diabetes drug widely used for weight loss, that had been distributed through legitimate drug supply sources.&nbsp; &nbsp;FDA via AP</figcaption>
 </figure>This photo combo provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shows an authentic Ozempic needle (left) and a counterfeit needle (right). The FDA said it has seized "thousands of units" of counterfeit Ozempic, the diabetes drug widely used for weight loss, that had been distributed through legitimate drug supply sources.FDA via APWASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it has seized “thousands of units” of&nbsp;<a href="https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFDA/bulletins/3813bc8">counterfeit Ozempic</a>, the diabetes drug widely used for weight loss, that had been distributed through legitimate drug supply sources.The FDA and the drug’s maker, Novo Nordisk, are testing the shots. They do not yet have information about the drugs' identity, quality or safety, according to a statement. Five illnesses have been linked to the fake shots, but none have been serious, the FDA said Thursday.Some of the fake 1 milligram semaglutide shots may still be for sale, FDA said. In addition to the drug itself, the needles, pen labels, carton and accompanying health care information are also counterfeit, the agency said.It said the counterfeits were labeled with the lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057.FDA advised retail pharmacies to buy authentic Ozempic only through authorized distributors and for patients to get it only through state-licensed pharmacies.Consumers can report suspect Ozempic packages by calling 800-332-1088 or by contacting a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/report-problem-fda/consumer-complaint-coordinators">state complaint coordinator</a>.___

FDA: Fake Ozempic shots being sold through some legitimate sources

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have made an arrest.

Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;9 a.m. Dec. 22, police responded to a reported robbery at Dollar General, 1001 SW Fairlawn Road in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.&nbsp;

Witnesses believed that the individual had a weapon and had stolen an undisclosed amount of cash from the store.

Investigators and patrol officers worked together to locate the individual, later identified as Chase W. Tillison, 37, of Topeka, in the 5300 block of SW 10th Street.&nbsp; 

As a result of the investigation, Tillison was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery and Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703356535567.png" alt="Tillison-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Tillison-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and have made an arrest.Just before&nbsp;&nbsp;9 a.m. Dec. 22, police responded to a reported robbery at Dollar General, 1001 SW Fairlawn Road in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.&nbsp;Witnesses believed that the individual had a weapon and had stolen an undisclosed amount of cash from the store.Investigators and patrol officers worked together to locate the individual, later identified as Chase W. Tillison, 37, of Topeka, in the 5300 block of SW 10th Street.&nbsp; As a result of the investigation, Tillison was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Aggravated Robbery and Interference with a Law Enforcement Officer.

Police catch Kansas man who took cash from retail store

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican attorney general in Kansas has urged the state's most populous county to postpone a legally required destruction of old ballots because the sheriff there says his investigation of possible election crimes remains open even though it's led to no criminal charges in two years.

Attorney General Kris Kobach, an early supporter of former President Donald Trump who has for years described election fraud as a serious issue, sent a letter Wednesday to the election commissioner in Johnson County in the Kansas City area. Kobach said officials should preserve ballots from 2019, 2020 and 2021 even though state law required all of them to be destroyed by the fall of 2022.

“Allowing the Sheriff’s Office to complete its investigation is in the interest of justice and provides the public with confidence in the integrity of their electoral system and election outcomes,” Kobach wrote in his letter, which became public Thursday.

The county has yet to destroy the old ballots because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-2022-midterm-elections-covid-health-47b643bd7f1794b90acc84af07ef005a">Sheriff Calvin Hayden</a>&nbsp;has said he received scores of tips about potential irregularities starting in the fall of 2021 and is still investigating. Hayden, a Republican, has questioned the integrity of the county's 2020 elections and in the summer of 2022 participated in a conference for a group that promotes a dubious theory that sheriffs have virtually unchecked power in their counties.

With no evidence of significant problems in the county's elections — and none statewide — the Johnson County Commission took a step earlier this month toward the destruction of old ballots by allowing its chair to appoint a Democratic and a Republican observer. Hayden then asked for officials to continue preserving them, County Commissioner Charlotte O'Hara said during a meeting.

Hayden's office said Thursday that its investigation is ongoing but declined further comment.

The attorney general's letter did not say whether he would file a lawsuit or pursue some other step should election officialis move ahead with destroying the ballots. His office did not immediately respond to an email asking questions about the letter.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-claims-biden-won-explained-bd53b14ce871412b462cb3fe2c563f18">Baseless conspiracy theories</a>&nbsp;have circulated widely among Republicans since the 2020 elections and prompted the GOP-controlled state Legislature to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-kansas-lawsuits-919154cb711185571fc73e01611ce28f">tighten election laws</a>&nbsp;in the name of restoring public confidence. Trump also continues to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">falsely claim</a>&nbsp;that he won the 2020 election, and Hayden has said he began to question the previously solidly Republican county's elections when Trump lost there. The county's politics&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-biden-legislature-c33d92d6b33fc33c524f6b78024f3700">have become more Democratic</a>&nbsp;over time — in part because of some suburban voters' distaste for Trump.

Kobach served as Kansas secretary of state from 2011 through 2018 and served as the vice chairman of a short-lived Trump presidential commission on election fraud. He also championed tough voter ID laws, one of which required new voters to show papers documenting their U.S. citizenship when registering and was struck down by the federal courts.

Kobach's successor as secretary of state, Republican Scott Schwab, declined to comment Thursday, though Schwab&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-politics-donald-trump-arizona-9b675ed2223da37a90e5b53cfb6cf9b8">has strongly defended</a>&nbsp;the integrity of the state's elections. Elections in 101 of the state's 105 counties are run by elected county clerks, but the secretary of state appoints election commissioners in the four most populous ones. Schwab appointed Johnson County's Fred Sherman in 2020.

Johnson County Commission Chair Mike Kelly said Schwab's office would supervise the destruction of ballots and said in a statement Thursday that it has “deferred this matter” to Schwab. Sherman did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.

The conflict in Kansas' most populous county comes after activists who believe&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">Trump's elections lies</a>&nbsp;challenged voter registrations from the 2020 elections across the U.S. even as county&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-voting-georgia-presidential-florida-dfbe7f00418a35c70c9d53fa3a260111">election officials were preparing</a>&nbsp;for the fall 2022 elections.

Kansas law requires election officials to destroy the ballots for local elections after six months, unless a result still is being contested. Ballots in state and national elections must be destroyed after 22 months. Under that rule, the ballots for the November 2020 election were to have been destroyed in September 2022.

But Kobach wrote in his letter that he is concerned that destroying the ballots would hinder Hayden's investigation.

“The preservation of any potential evidence is crucial to the integrity of this investigation, and the evidence should be retained until the case is formally closed and any and all resulting defendants are prosecuted,” Kobach wrote.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican attorney general in Kansas has urged the state's most populous county to postpone a legally required destruction of old ballots because the sheriff there says his investigation of possible election crimes remains open even though it's led to no criminal charges in two years.Attorney General Kris Kobach, an early supporter of former President Donald Trump who has for years described election fraud as a serious issue, sent a letter Wednesday to the election commissioner in Johnson County in the Kansas City area. Kobach said officials should preserve ballots from 2019, 2020 and 2021 even though state law required all of them to be destroyed by the fall of 2022.“Allowing the Sheriff’s Office to complete its investigation is in the interest of justice and provides the public with confidence in the integrity of their electoral system and election outcomes,” Kobach wrote in his letter, which became public Thursday.The county has yet to destroy the old ballots because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-2022-midterm-elections-covid-health-47b643bd7f1794b90acc84af07ef005a">Sheriff Calvin Hayden</a>&nbsp;has said he received scores of tips about potential irregularities starting in the fall of 2021 and is still investigating. Hayden, a Republican, has questioned the integrity of the county's 2020 elections and in the summer of 2022 participated in a conference for a group that promotes a dubious theory that sheriffs have virtually unchecked power in their counties.With no evidence of significant problems in the county's elections — and none statewide — the Johnson County Commission took a step earlier this month toward the destruction of old ballots by allowing its chair to appoint a Democratic and a Republican observer. Hayden then asked for officials to continue preserving them, County Commissioner Charlotte O'Hara said during a meeting.Hayden's office said Thursday that its investigation is ongoing but declined further comment.The attorney general's letter did not say whether he would file a lawsuit or pursue some other step should election officialis move ahead with destroying the ballots. His office did not immediately respond to an email asking questions about the letter.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-claims-biden-won-explained-bd53b14ce871412b462cb3fe2c563f18">Baseless conspiracy theories</a>&nbsp;have circulated widely among Republicans since the 2020 elections and prompted the GOP-controlled state Legislature to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-kansas-lawsuits-919154cb711185571fc73e01611ce28f">tighten election laws</a>&nbsp;in the name of restoring public confidence. Trump also continues to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">falsely claim</a>&nbsp;that he won the 2020 election, and Hayden has said he began to question the previously solidly Republican county's elections when Trump lost there. The county's politics&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-biden-legislature-c33d92d6b33fc33c524f6b78024f3700">have become more Democratic</a>&nbsp;over time — in part because of some suburban voters' distaste for Trump.Kobach served as Kansas secretary of state from 2011 through 2018 and served as the vice chairman of a short-lived Trump presidential commission on election fraud. He also championed tough voter ID laws, one of which required new voters to show papers documenting their U.S. citizenship when registering and was struck down by the federal courts.Kobach's successor as secretary of state, Republican Scott Schwab, declined to comment Thursday, though Schwab&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-politics-donald-trump-arizona-9b675ed2223da37a90e5b53cfb6cf9b8">has strongly defended</a>&nbsp;the integrity of the state's elections. Elections in 101 of the state's 105 counties are run by elected county clerks, but the secretary of state appoints election commissioners in the four most populous ones. Schwab appointed Johnson County's Fred Sherman in 2020.Johnson County Commission Chair Mike Kelly said Schwab's office would supervise the destruction of ballots and said in a statement Thursday that it has “deferred this matter” to Schwab. Sherman did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.The conflict in Kansas' most populous county comes after activists who believe&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">Trump's elections lies</a>&nbsp;challenged voter registrations from the 2020 elections across the U.S. even as county&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-voting-georgia-presidential-florida-dfbe7f00418a35c70c9d53fa3a260111">election officials were preparing</a>&nbsp;for the fall 2022 elections.Kansas law requires election officials to destroy the ballots for local elections after six months, unless a result still is being contested. Ballots in state and national elections must be destroyed after 22 months. Under that rule, the ballots for the November 2020 election were to have been destroyed in September 2022.But Kobach wrote in his letter that he is concerned that destroying the ballots would hinder Hayden's investigation.“The preservation of any potential evidence is crucial to the integrity of this investigation, and the evidence should be retained until the case is formally closed and any and all resulting defendants are prosecuted,” Kobach wrote.

Kansas AG urges county to keep ballots longer than allowed to aid sheriff's probe

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;ordered the United States military to carry out retaliatory airstrikes against Iranian-backed militia groups after three U.S. service members were injured in a drone attack in northern Iraq.

National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said one of the U.S. troops suffered critical injuries in the attack that occurred earlier Monday. The Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, under an umbrella of Iranian-backed militants, claimed credit for the attack that utilized a one-way attack drone.

Iraqi officials said U.S. strikes targeting militia sites early Tuesday killed one militant and injured 18. They came at a time of heightened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-iran-us-gaza-israel-hamas-0b99659922bf1174f86e390808e5bfde">fears of a regional spillover</a>&nbsp;of the Israel-Hamas war.

Iran announced Monday that an Israeli strike on the outskirts of the Syrian capital of Damascus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-israel-iran-irgc-damascus-airstrike-7ee8496d727ba69834002f0444515a36">killed one of its top generals</a>, Razi Mousavi, who had been a close companion of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the former head of Iran’s elite Quds Force. Soleimani was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-politics-government-iraq-qassim-soleimani-3353602bd30e683afec45d8c78196886">slain in a U.S. drone strike</a>&nbsp;in Iraq in January 2020.

Iranian officials vowed revenge for the killing of Mousavi but did not immediately launch a retaliatory strike. The militia attack Monday in northern Iraq was launched prior to the strike in Syria that killed Mousavi.

Biden, who was spending Christmas at the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland, was alerted about the attack by White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan shortly after it occurred Monday and ordered the Pentagon and his top national security aides to prepare response options to the attack on an air base used by American troops in Irbil.

Sullivan consulted with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/lloyd-austin">Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin</a>. Biden's deputy national security adviser, Jon Finer, was with the president at Camp David and convened top aides to review options, according to a U.S. official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and requested anonymity.

Within hours, Biden convened his national security team for a call in which Austin and Gen. CQ Brown, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, briefed Biden on the response options. Biden opted to target three locations used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, the official said.

The U.S. strikes were carried out at about 4:45 a.m. Tuesday in Iraq, less than 13 hours after the U.S. personnel were attacked. According to U.S. Central Command, the retaliatory strikes on the three sites "destroyed the targeted facilities and likely killed a number of Kataib Hezbollah militants.”

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;ordered the United States military to carry out retaliatory airstrikes against Iranian-backed militia groups after three U.S. service members were injured in a drone attack in northern Iraq.National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said one of the U.S. troops suffered critical injuries in the attack that occurred earlier Monday. The Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, under an umbrella of Iranian-backed militants, claimed credit for the attack that utilized a one-way attack drone.Iraqi officials said U.S. strikes targeting militia sites early Tuesday killed one militant and injured 18. They came at a time of heightened&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-iran-us-gaza-israel-hamas-0b99659922bf1174f86e390808e5bfde">fears of a regional spillover</a>&nbsp;of the Israel-Hamas war.Iran announced Monday that an Israeli strike on the outskirts of the Syrian capital of Damascus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-israel-iran-irgc-damascus-airstrike-7ee8496d727ba69834002f0444515a36">killed one of its top generals</a>, Razi Mousavi, who had been a close companion of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the former head of Iran’s elite Quds Force. Soleimani was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-politics-government-iraq-qassim-soleimani-3353602bd30e683afec45d8c78196886">slain in a U.S. drone strike</a>&nbsp;in Iraq in January 2020.Iranian officials vowed revenge for the killing of Mousavi but did not immediately launch a retaliatory strike. The militia attack Monday in northern Iraq was launched prior to the strike in Syria that killed Mousavi.Biden, who was spending Christmas at the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland, was alerted about the attack by White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan shortly after it occurred Monday and ordered the Pentagon and his top national security aides to prepare response options to the attack on an air base used by American troops in Irbil.Sullivan consulted with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/lloyd-austin">Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin</a>. Biden's deputy national security adviser, Jon Finer, was with the president at Camp David and convened top aides to review options, according to a U.S. official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and requested anonymity.Within hours, Biden convened his national security team for a call in which Austin and Gen. CQ Brown, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, briefed Biden on the response options. Biden opted to target three locations used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, the official said.The U.S. strikes were carried out at about 4:45 a.m. Tuesday in Iraq, less than 13 hours after the U.S. personnel were attacked. According to U.S. Central Command, the retaliatory strikes on the three sites "destroyed the targeted facilities and likely killed a number of Kataib Hezbollah militants.”"The President places no higher priority than the protection of American personnel serving in harm’s way," Watson said. “The United States will act at a time and in a manner of our choosing should these attacks continue.”The latest attack on U.S. troops follows months of escalating threats and actions against American forces in the region since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel that sparked the devastating war in Gaza.The dangerous back-and-forth strikes have escalated since Iranian-backed militant groups under the umbrella group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq and Syria began striking U.S. facilities Oct. 17, the date that a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-biden-rafah-e062825a375d9eb62e95509cab95b80c">blast at a hospital in Gaza</a>&nbsp;killed hundreds. Iranian-backed militias have carried out more than 100 attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria since the start of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;more than two months ago.In November,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iraq-airstrike-military-iran-d93d861feeef90cfeac3ba85f1f2f36d">U.S. fighter jets struck</a>&nbsp;a Kataib Hezbollah operations center and command and control node, following a short-range ballistic missile attack on U.S. forces at Al-Assad Air Base in western Iraq. Iranian-backed militias also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-militias-iran-us-base-attack-drone-hamas-israel-war-80f6739c3ab34662afba316285914e39">carried out a drone attack</a>&nbsp;at the same air base in October, causing minor injuries.The U.S. has also blamed Iran, which has funded and trained&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hamas-gaza-palestinian-authority-israel-war-ed7018dbaae09b81513daf3bda38109a">Hamas</a>, for attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants against commercial and military vessels through a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-yemen-houthis-attack-ships-f67d941c260528ac40315ecab4c34ca3">critical shipping choke point in the Red Sea</a>.The Biden administration has sought to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from spiraling into a wider regional conflict that either opens up new fronts of Israeli fighting or draws the U.S. in directly. The administration’s measured response — where not every attempt on American troops has been met with a counterattack — has drawn criticism from Republicans.The U.S. has thousands of troops in Iraq training Iraqi forces and combating remnants of the Islamic State group, and hundreds in Syria, mostly on the counter-IS mission. They have come under dozens of attacks, though as yet none fatal, since the war began on Oct. 7, with the U.S. attributing responsibility to Iran-backed groups."While we do not seek to escalate conflict in the region, we are committed and fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect our people and our facilities," Austin said in a statement.The clashes put the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in a delicate position. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-middle-east-saudi-arabia-iraq-yemen-4ba00e2759f8e7b7605ab7429b581ca8">came to power in 2022</a>&nbsp;with the backing of a coalition of Iranian-backed parties, some of which are associated with the same militias launching the attacks on U.S. bases.A group of Iranian-backed militias known as the Popular Mobilization Forces were key in the fight against Islamic State militants after the extremist group overran much of Iraq in 2014. The PMF is officially under the command of the Iraqi army, but in practice the militias operate independently.In a statement Tuesday, Sudani condemned both the militia attack in Irbil and the U.S. response.Attacks on “foreign diplomatic mission headquarters and sites hosting military advisors from friendly nations … infringe upon Iraq’s sovereignty and are deemed unacceptable under any circumstances,” the statement said.However, it added that that the retaliatory strikes by the U.S. on “Iraqi military sites” — referring to the militia — “constitute a clear hostile act.” Sudani said some of those injured in the strikes were civilians.-----------------&nbsp;Baghdad (AP) — &nbsp;In response to multiple attacks against coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, U.S. military forces conducted airstrikes against multiple facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq at 8:45 p.m. (EST) on Dec. 25, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.
Earlier in the day, Iranian sponsored Kataib Hezbollah terrorists and affiliated groups attacked coalition forces at Erbil, Iraq resulting in several injuries.

Early assessments indicate that these U.S. airstrikes destroyed the targeted facilities and likely killed a number of Kataib Hezbollah militants. There are no indications that any civilian lives were affected. The U.S. military will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of these strikes.

"These strikes are intended to hold accountable those elements directly responsible for attacks on coalition forces in Iraq and Syria and degrade their ability to continue attacks. We will always protect our forces," said General Michael Erik Kurilla, U.S. Central Command CommanderMeanwhile, An Israeli airstrike Monday in a Damascus neighborhood killed a high-ranking Iranian general, Iranian state media said.Iranian officials and allied militant groups in the region vowed revenge for the killing but did not immediately launch any retaliatory strike.The killing of Seyed Razi Mousavi, a longtime adviser of the Iranian paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in Syria, comes amid ongoing fears of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;sparking a regional spillover. Iran-backed groups in Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq have launched attacks on Israel and its allies in support of Hamas.Clashes along the Lebanon-Israel border between Hezbollah and Israel have continued to intensify, with daily exchanges of missiles, airstrikes and shelling across the frontier.In the Red Sea,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-ship-attacks-bp-yemen-houthis-dcece18717aa59648ff9a6b04fbc798c">attacks by Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;in Yemen against ships they believe to be connected to Israel have disrupted trade and prompted the launch of a U.S.-led multinational naval operation to protect shipping routes.Israeli strikes killed two other generals earlier this month in Syria.Israel on Monday struck the Sayida Zeinab neighborhood, located near a Shiite Muslim shrine, Iran’s official news agency IRNA and Britain-based opposition war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. IRNA described Mousavi as a close companion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-politics-government-iraq-qassim-soleimani-3353602bd30e683afec45d8c78196886">Gen. Qassim Soleimani</a>, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-ap-top-news-tehran-international-news-iraq-3bb7af59e8b1bfd3e15222a98395ee85">slain in a U.S. drone strike</a>&nbsp;in Iraq in January 2020.Neither the Israeli military nor Syrian state media immediately issued a statement about Monday's attack. Israeli officials declined to comment.Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi in a statement said that Mousavi was “martyred while serving as an adviser for the resistance front, defending holy shrines in Syria as well as safeguarding Islamic ideals.” He threatened that the “Israeli regime will definitely pay for this crime.”Hossein Akbari, Iran’s ambassador to Syria, condemned the killing, saying that Mousavi was in Syria as a “formal military advisor.”“(Israel) will definitely get a response to this crime at the right time and the right situation,” Akbari said, speaking from Damascus.Though IRNA didn't provide other details about the attack, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Israeli military targeted Mousavi after he entered a farm in the area, which allegedly was one of several offices for Hezbollah. The Lebanese militant group, alongside Iran and Russia, has played a key military role in keeping President Bashar Assad's government in power throughout the Syrian conflict.Hezbollah in a statement called Mousavi “one of the best of brothers who worked to support the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon for decades of his honorable life.”