NEW YORK (AP)—Robert Kennedy Jr.’s presidential ambitions resulted in public family drama after a political action committee aired a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;ad invoking the Democratic family’s legacy to implicitly compare the independent candidate to his assassinated uncle, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-kennedy-assassination-60-years-public-service-7a17f5baefe83fc1eddb1025e2e298d5">John F. Kennedy</a>.

The 30-second spot, financed by the American Values 2024 Super PAC that is backing Kennedy, featured a shortened version of a campaign song that the 35th president used in his 1960 campaign. The spot also mimicked cartoon and newsreel effects using black-and-white pictures of Robert Kennedy Jr. similar to JFK. But in a notable departure from the Kennedy's bygone Democratic Party dynasty, the ad urged Americans to “Vote Independent.”

After the game, Kennedy responded to online criticism, including from one of his cousins, emphasizing that his campaign did not produce the spot, which cost an estimated $7 million.

“I’m so sorry if the Super Bowl advertisement caused anyone in my family pain,” Kennedy wrote late Sunday night on X, formerly Twitter. “The ad was created and aired by the American Values Super PAC without any involvement or approval from my campaign. ... I love you all. God bless you.”

Still, as of Monday morning, Kennedy had the ad pinned to the top of his X profile. “Our momentum is growing,” he wrote. “It’s time for an Independent President to heal the divide in our country.”

Bobby Shriver, whose mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founded the Special Olympics, hammered his cousin over the spot and his opposition to vaccines for COVID-19 and other diseases.

“My cousin’s Super Bowl ad used our uncle’s faces- and my Mother’s,” Shriver wrote. “She would be appalled by his deadly health care views. Respect for science, vaccines, &amp; health care equity were in her DNA.”

Shriver, whose father, Sargent Shriver, founded the Peace Corps, also alluded to his own work in expanding health care access in the developing world.

Robert Kennedy Jr. responded separately to his cousin: “Bobby. I’m so sorry if that advertisement caused you pain. ... I send you and your family my sincerest apologies. God bless you.”

Kennedy is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/politics/election-2024-0000018ca126d7a5a79da57ef5030000">running for president</a>&nbsp;as an independent despite his family’s status as Democratic Party nobility. It’s not yet clear whether he can gain ballot access in enough states to mount a true national campaign. But his effort comes in a year when many voters are not enthusiastic about the likelihood of a rematch between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>, a Democrat, and former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>, a Republican. Any independent or third-party efforts in battleground states could shape the outcome in unpredictable ways.

“It is fitting that the first national ad promoting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s candidacy was bought and paid for by Donald Trump's largest donor this cycle,” said Democratic National Committee spokesman Alex Floyd. He was referring to Tim Mellon, a major donor to Trump who also gave American Values $15 million last year, according to federal filings.

The DNC already had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dnc-fec-complaint-kenedy-trump-biden-09d42502ca757cd4656b4829c4b4c00d">filed a federal complaint</a>&nbsp;alleging that Kennedy's campaign is illegally coordinating with American Values to siphon support from Biden, an accusation the PAC denies.

A Biden campaign spokesman sidestepped the flap, instead highlighting the president's Super Bowl Sunday debut on the social media platform TikTok.

An email newsletter from American Values framed the ad as an unqualified success, noting a spike in online searches for Kennedy and a statement from his campaign spokeswoman saying the campaign was “pleasantly surprised and grateful” for the ad, a different tone than Kennedy's statements to his family.

At one time, Kennedy was a leading environmental activist, and he was among the younger Kennedy family members who would speak at Democratic Party conventions and events. He has in recent years delved into conspiracy theories and become a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-rfk-jr-built-anti-vaccine-juggernaut-amid-covid-4997be1bcf591fe8b7f1f90d16c9321e">face of the anti-vaccine movement</a>.

Besides his presidential uncle, who was assassinated in 1963, Kennedy’s political lineage includes his father, who was U.S. attorney general, a senator from New York and leading presidential candidate at the time of his 1968 assassination. His father’s longest-lived brother was Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts. Sargent Shriver, Bobby Shriver’s father, ran for president in 1976 as a Democrat.

NEW YORK (AP)—Robert Kennedy Jr.’s presidential ambitions resulted in public family drama after a political action committee aired a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>&nbsp;ad invoking the Democratic family’s legacy to implicitly compare the independent candidate to his assassinated uncle, President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-kennedy-assassination-60-years-public-service-7a17f5baefe83fc1eddb1025e2e298d5">John F. Kennedy</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I&#39;m so sorry if the Super Bowl advertisement caused anyone in my family pain. The ad was created and aired by the American Values Super PAC without any involvement or approval from my campaign. FEC rules prohibit Super PACs from consulting with me or my staff. I love you all. God…&mdash; Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1756900265368723562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 30-second spot, financed by the American Values 2024 Super PAC that is backing Kennedy, featured a shortened version of a campaign song that the 35th president used in his 1960 campaign. The spot also mimicked cartoon and newsreel effects using black-and-white pictures of Robert Kennedy Jr. similar to JFK. But in a notable departure from the Kennedy's bygone Democratic Party dynasty, the ad urged Americans to “Vote Independent.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our momentum is growing. It’s time for an Independent President to heal the divide in our country. 🇺🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kennedy24?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kennedy24</a> <a href="https://t.co/6rwXW3AwAp">pic.twitter.com/6rwXW3AwAp</a>&mdash; Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1756852942379045085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After the game, Kennedy responded to online criticism, including from one of his cousins, emphasizing that his campaign did not produce the spot, which cost an estimated $7 million.“I’m so sorry if the Super Bowl advertisement caused anyone in my family pain,” Kennedy wrote late Sunday night on X, formerly Twitter. “The ad was created and aired by the American Values Super PAC without any involvement or approval from my campaign. ... I love you all. God bless you.”Still, as of Monday morning, Kennedy had the ad pinned to the top of his X profile. “Our momentum is growing,” he wrote. “It’s time for an Independent President to heal the divide in our country.”Bobby Shriver, whose mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founded the Special Olympics, hammered his cousin over the spot and his opposition to vaccines for COVID-19 and other diseases.“My cousin’s Super Bowl ad used our uncle’s faces- and my Mother’s,” Shriver wrote. “She would be appalled by his deadly health care views. Respect for science, vaccines, &amp; health care equity were in her DNA.”Shriver, whose father, Sargent Shriver, founded the Peace Corps, also alluded to his own work in expanding health care access in the developing world.Robert Kennedy Jr. responded separately to his cousin: “Bobby. I’m so sorry if that advertisement caused you pain. ... I send you and your family my sincerest apologies. God bless you.”Kennedy is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/politics/election-2024-0000018ca126d7a5a79da57ef5030000">running for president</a>&nbsp;as an independent despite his family’s status as Democratic Party nobility. It’s not yet clear whether he can gain ballot access in enough states to mount a true national campaign. But his effort comes in a year when many voters are not enthusiastic about the likelihood of a rematch between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>, a Democrat, and former&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>, a Republican. Any independent or third-party efforts in battleground states could shape the outcome in unpredictable ways.“It is fitting that the first national ad promoting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s candidacy was bought and paid for by Donald Trump's largest donor this cycle,” said Democratic National Committee spokesman Alex Floyd. He was referring to Tim Mellon, a major donor to Trump who also gave American Values $15 million last year, according to federal filings.The DNC already had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dnc-fec-complaint-kenedy-trump-biden-09d42502ca757cd4656b4829c4b4c00d">filed a federal complaint</a>&nbsp;alleging that Kennedy's campaign is illegally coordinating with American Values to siphon support from Biden, an accusation the PAC denies.A Biden campaign spokesman sidestepped the flap, instead highlighting the president's Super Bowl Sunday debut on the social media platform TikTok.An email newsletter from American Values framed the ad as an unqualified success, noting a spike in online searches for Kennedy and a statement from his campaign spokeswoman saying the campaign was “pleasantly surprised and grateful” for the ad, a different tone than Kennedy's statements to his family.At one time, Kennedy was a leading environmental activist, and he was among the younger Kennedy family members who would speak at Democratic Party conventions and events. He has in recent years delved into conspiracy theories and become a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-rfk-jr-built-anti-vaccine-juggernaut-amid-covid-4997be1bcf591fe8b7f1f90d16c9321e">face of the anti-vaccine movement</a>.Besides his presidential uncle, who was assassinated in 1963, Kennedy’s political lineage includes his father, who was U.S. attorney general, a senator from New York and leading presidential candidate at the time of his 1968 assassination. His father’s longest-lived brother was Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts. Sargent Shriver, Bobby Shriver’s father, ran for president in 1976 as a Democrat.

🎥RFK Jr. apologizes for Super Bowl ad invoking JFK

Plan changes implemented in 2015 designed to cut state’s overall cost

TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature’s auditors say the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System plan available to the state’s government employees hired since 2015 has higher worker contribution requirements, a longer vesting period and lower financial rewards than plans in comparable states.

Auditors said a survey of 1,300 current and former Kansas public employees indicated people enrolled in KPERS 3 were more likely to leave their job than participants in the predecessor KPERS 1 or KPERS 2 plans. Dissatisfaction with KPERS 3 stemmed from reality of a plan delivering a lower proportion of final salary in terms of retirement benefits when compared to alternatives.

“KPERS 3, generally, gives employees less flexibility, requires them to share some financial risk and provides lower benefits than other plans evaluated,” said Cade Graber, an auditor with the Legislature’s Division of Post Audit. “KPERS 3 has higher employee contribution rates, a longer vesting period and longer retirement requirements than most other plans we evaluated.”

There has been interest among some members of the Legislature in moving all KPERS 3 members into KPERS 2, which would mean the transferred government employees would take on less financial risk in building a retirement nest egg and would secure better financial rewards at retirement. KPERS 1 and KPERS 2, versions of Kansas’ public employee retirement plan available to government employees hired from 1961 to 2014, required the state to carry the full financial risk.

Revenue to KPERS’ trust fund comes from worker contributions, employer contributions and investment returns. In 2022, the employee contribution rate was 6% of salary for all three KPERS tiers.

From 2002 to 2022, the audit said, 49% of revenue to KPERS came from investment returns. During this time, 35% came from employer contributions and 16% came from employee contributions.

A national recession in 2008 produced four consecutive years of investment losses for KPERS and reduced the system’s funded ratio, or the percentage of liability the trust fund’s assets covered, to 56% in 2012. With sustainability of the trust fund in doubt, the 2012 Legislature and Gov. Sam Brownback agreed to launch KPERS 3. It was structured in a way that would increase KPERS’ funded ratio by lowering future costs to the state.

Members of KPERS 3 by law were guaranteed 4% annual earnings on their personal account balances, but additional retirement benefits to these city, county or state employees would be dependent on performance of the pension system’s investment portfolio. Neither KPERS 1 nor KPERS 2 placed that investment-return risk on the back of public employees.

KPERS 3 covers employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2015, with the exception of state correctional officers who were placed in KPERS 2. This section of KPERS has 73,600 active members in government jobs, 44,000 inactive members no longer in a KPERS-covered position but not retired, and 4,000 retirees.

“By design, it’s doing what it was intended to do,” said Alan Conroy, executive director of KPERS. “It’s cheaper for the employers, but I think one important difference between KPERS 3 members and let’s say a 401(k) plan in the private sector is a KPERS 3 member never loses what they put in. They’re guaranteed 4% income.”

Overall, KPERS’ funded ratio climbed from 67% in 2015 to 73% in 2022 because the trust fund’s assets increased at a greater rate than its liabilities during the period.

Auditors said it wasn’t clear whether the transition to KPERS 3 or the overall positive direction in investment markets was responsible.

In December 2022, KPERS had $26.4 billion in actuarial assets and $36 billion in liabilities. Depending primarily on performance of the system’s investment portfolio, KPERS said it could be possible for the system to reach a 100% funded ratio by 2039.

Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican on the Legislature’s joint House and Senate audit committee, said an important consideration for the Legislature was whether KPERS 3 was competitive with what was commonly offered by private-sector employers in Kansas. He said the retirement plan presented to government workers in Kansas had to budgetarily responsible.

“Obviously, we want to retain employees. We want to give them the benefit. We’ve got to be realistic about what we’re competing against,” Thompson said.

The audit said KPERS 2 was created in 2007 and covered government employees hired from July 1, 2009, to Dec. 31, 2014. There are 23,800 active members, 11,000 inactive members and 2,900 retirees.

KPERS 1 was adopted at formation of the state retirement system in 1961 and guaranteed benefits slightly more generous than KPERS 2, the audit said. It has 46,500 active members, 18,200 inactive members and 95,200 retirees.

<h2>Plan changes implemented in 2015 designed to cut state’s overall cost</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707758166916.png" alt=" Alan Conroy, executive director of the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System, said the currently available KPERS 3 plan performed as anticipated by lowering costs to government employers by shifting to workers a portion of financial risk of building a retirement portfolio. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Legislature’s YouTube channel) BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> " />
 <figcaption> Alan Conroy, executive director of the Kansas Public Employee Retirement System, said the currently available KPERS 3 plan performed as anticipated by lowering costs to government employers by shifting to workers a portion of financial risk of building a retirement portfolio. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Legislature’s YouTube channel) BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — The Kansas Legislature’s auditors say the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System plan available to the state’s government employees hired since 2015 has higher worker contribution requirements, a longer vesting period and lower financial rewards than plans in comparable states.Auditors said a survey of 1,300 current and former Kansas public employees indicated people enrolled in KPERS 3 were more likely to leave their job than participants in the predecessor KPERS 1 or KPERS 2 plans. Dissatisfaction with KPERS 3 stemmed from reality of a plan delivering a lower proportion of final salary in terms of retirement benefits when compared to alternatives.“KPERS 3, generally, gives employees less flexibility, requires them to share some financial risk and provides lower benefits than other plans evaluated,” said Cade Graber, an auditor with the Legislature’s Division of Post Audit. “KPERS 3 has higher employee contribution rates, a longer vesting period and longer retirement requirements than most other plans we evaluated.”There has been interest among some members of the Legislature in moving all KPERS 3 members into KPERS 2, which would mean the transferred government employees would take on less financial risk in building a retirement nest egg and would secure better financial rewards at retirement. KPERS 1 and KPERS 2, versions of Kansas’ public employee retirement plan available to government employees hired from 1961 to 2014, required the state to carry the full financial risk.Revenue to KPERS’ trust fund comes from worker contributions, employer contributions and investment returns. In 2022, the employee contribution rate was 6% of salary for all three KPERS tiers.From 2002 to 2022, the audit said, 49% of revenue to KPERS came from investment returns. During this time, 35% came from employer contributions and 16% came from employee contributions.A national recession in 2008 produced four consecutive years of investment losses for KPERS and reduced the system’s funded ratio, or the percentage of liability the trust fund’s assets covered, to 56% in 2012. With sustainability of the trust fund in doubt, the 2012 Legislature and Gov. Sam Brownback agreed to launch KPERS 3. It was structured in a way that would increase KPERS’ funded ratio by lowering future costs to the state.Members of KPERS 3 by law were guaranteed 4% annual earnings on their personal account balances, but additional retirement benefits to these city, county or state employees would be dependent on performance of the pension system’s investment portfolio. Neither KPERS 1 nor KPERS 2 placed that investment-return risk on the back of public employees.KPERS 3 covers employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2015, with the exception of state correctional officers who were placed in KPERS 2. This section of KPERS has 73,600 active members in government jobs, 44,000 inactive members no longer in a KPERS-covered position but not retired, and 4,000 retirees.“By design, it’s doing what it was intended to do,” said Alan Conroy, executive director of KPERS. “It’s cheaper for the employers, but I think one important difference between KPERS 3 members and let’s say a 401(k) plan in the private sector is a KPERS 3 member never loses what they put in. They’re guaranteed 4% income.”Overall, KPERS’ funded ratio climbed from 67% in 2015 to 73% in 2022 because the trust fund’s assets increased at a greater rate than its liabilities during the period.Auditors said it wasn’t clear whether the transition to KPERS 3 or the overall positive direction in investment markets was responsible.In December 2022, KPERS had $26.4 billion in actuarial assets and $36 billion in liabilities. Depending primarily on performance of the system’s investment portfolio, KPERS said it could be possible for the system to reach a 100% funded ratio by 2039.Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican on the Legislature’s joint House and Senate audit committee, said an important consideration for the Legislature was whether KPERS 3 was competitive with what was commonly offered by private-sector employers in Kansas. He said the retirement plan presented to government workers in Kansas had to budgetarily responsible.“Obviously, we want to retain employees. We want to give them the benefit. We’ve got to be realistic about what we’re competing against,” Thompson said.The audit said KPERS 2 was created in 2007 and covered government employees hired from July 1, 2009, to Dec. 31, 2014. There are 23,800 active members, 11,000 inactive members and 2,900 retirees.KPERS 1 was adopted at formation of the state retirement system in 1961 and guaranteed benefits slightly more generous than KPERS 2, the audit said. It has 46,500 active members, 18,200 inactive members and 95,200 retirees.

Kansas audit IDs weaknesses in state’s retirement plan for public employees

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident involving a law enforcement vehicle just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy 4-door Aveo&nbsp; driven by Latrina R. Hawkins, 40, Wichita,&nbsp; was exiting Interstate 235 northbound to Central Avenue.&nbsp; 

When the driver attempted to make a left turn onto Central, the car struck the passenger side of an eastbound Wichita Police Ford Explorer&nbsp;responding to a call with lights and siren activated.

EMS transported Hawkins to St. Francis Hospital. The officer identified as 27-year-old Watcharanan&nbsp;Kanhasee was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident involving a law enforcement vehicle just after 12:30a.m. Saturday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Chevy 4-door Aveo&nbsp; driven by Latrina R. Hawkins, 40, Wichita,&nbsp; was exiting Interstate 235 northbound to Central Avenue.&nbsp; When the driver attempted to make a left turn onto Central, the car struck the passenger side of an eastbound Wichita Police Ford Explorer&nbsp;responding to a call with lights and siren activated.EMS transported Hawkins to St. Francis Hospital. The officer identified as 27-year-old Watcharanan&nbsp;Kanhasee was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kan. police SUV with lights, sirens activated involved in crash

HUTCHINSON— The Kansas State Fair announced Monday that the chart-topping and Grammy-nominated group, Goo Goo Dolls, is set to perform at the 2024 Fair, according to a media release.

The&nbsp;concert&nbsp;is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., promising an unforgettable evening of music.

Formed by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac in Buffalo, NY in 1986, Goo Goo Dolls have become a staple in the American songbook, connecting with millions of fans over three-plus decades.

With over 15 million records sold worldwide, four Grammy Award nominations, and an impressive collection of platinum and gold singles, the group has left an indelible mark on popular music.

Their discography includes iconic albums such as "A Boy Named Goo," which achieved double-platinum status, and "Dizzy Up The Girl," certified five-times-platinum. Today, their music continues to reach new audiences around the world and rack up platinum &amp; gold statuses – including the recently platinum-certified “Slide”, “Black Balloon” and “Better Days” – and has been covered by everyone from Taylor Swift to Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers.

Among a string of hits, “Iris” clutched #1 on the Hot 100 for 18 straight weeks and would be named “#1 Top 40 Song of the Last 20 Years.” On the heels of going viral on TikTok, the track recently achieved seven-times-platinum status and re-entered the Billboard charts, yet again proving the timelessness of Goo Goo Dolls’ illustrious catalog.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 16 at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/" target="_blank">KansasStateFair.com</a>. Anyone signed up for Kansas State Fair emails can get access to tickets with a presale code, starting 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 15. Sign up for emails at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com</a>.

The show will be Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.

New in 2024 – Expanded Seating Area:​

The Kansas State Fair is pleased to unveil an improvement to the Grandstand seating that promises to enhance the overall event experience for attendees. This year, the stage will be repositioned to create space for an extended party pit in the lower track area. This expansion not only boosts overall capacity but also provides more&nbsp;concert&nbsp;enthusiasts the chance to enjoy the excitement up close.​

Ticket Options:​Reserved seating in the Grandstand is $45 and $30. ​

There are several options for an upgraded Grandstand experience:

Track Party PitGet up close to the stage! The Track Party Pit area gives&nbsp;concertgoers the opportunity to be on the floor, located right in front of the stage. Each ticket is $75.​

VIP Deck – Standing​Want the ultimate VIP treatment? This ticket package includes access to the VIP Deck area, two beverage coupons, complimentary appetizers and finger foods within the VIP Deck, and early entrance to the Grandstand. Each VIP Standing ticket is $100.​

VIP Deck – Reserved TableGet all your friends together with the VIP experience! Reserve a table on our VIP Deck to enjoy the show from a private table that seats six. In addition to a reserved table for six, this package provides two beverage coupons per person, complimentary appetizers and finger foods&nbsp;within the VIP Deck area prior to the show, and early entrance to the Grandstand. Each VIP Reserved Table is $750.​

NOTE: Each grandstand ticket includes a gate admission scan. Ticket will be valid on date of event only.&nbsp;To purchase tickets or for more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;the Ticket Office (620) 669-3618. &nbsp;

The Nex-Tech Grandstand is sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless and Nex-Tech. ​

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707753944440.jpeg" alt="Goo Goo Dolls-Courtesy Kansas State Fair" />
 <figcaption>Goo Goo Dolls-Courtesy Kansas State Fair</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON— The Kansas State Fair announced Monday that the chart-topping and Grammy-nominated group, Goo Goo Dolls, is set to perform at the 2024 Fair, according to a media release.The&nbsp;concert&nbsp;is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., promising an unforgettable evening of music.Formed by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac in Buffalo, NY in 1986, Goo Goo Dolls have become a staple in the American songbook, connecting with millions of fans over three-plus decades.With over 15 million records sold worldwide, four Grammy Award nominations, and an impressive collection of platinum and gold singles, the group has left an indelible mark on popular music.Their discography includes iconic albums such as "A Boy Named Goo," which achieved double-platinum status, and "Dizzy Up The Girl," certified five-times-platinum. Today, their music continues to reach new audiences around the world and rack up platinum &amp; gold statuses – including the recently platinum-certified “Slide”, “Black Balloon” and “Better Days” – and has been covered by everyone from Taylor Swift to Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers.Among a string of hits, “Iris” clutched #1 on the Hot 100 for 18 straight weeks and would be named “#1 Top 40 Song of the Last 20 Years.” On the heels of going viral on TikTok, the track recently achieved seven-times-platinum status and re-entered the Billboard charts, yet again proving the timelessness of Goo Goo Dolls’ illustrious catalog.Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 16 at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/" target="_blank">KansasStateFair.com</a>. Anyone signed up for Kansas State Fair emails can get access to tickets with a presale code, starting 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 15. Sign up for emails at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com</a>.The show will be Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 7:30 p.m.New in 2024 – Expanded Seating Area:​The Kansas State Fair is pleased to unveil an improvement to the Grandstand seating that promises to enhance the overall event experience for attendees. This year, the stage will be repositioned to create space for an extended party pit in the lower track area. This expansion not only boosts overall capacity but also provides more&nbsp;concert&nbsp;enthusiasts the chance to enjoy the excitement up close.​Ticket Options:​Reserved seating in the Grandstand is $45 and $30. ​There are several options for an upgraded Grandstand experience:Track Party PitGet up close to the stage! The Track Party Pit area gives&nbsp;concertgoers the opportunity to be on the floor, located right in front of the stage. Each ticket is $75.​VIP Deck – Standing​Want the ultimate VIP treatment? This ticket package includes access to the VIP Deck area, two beverage coupons, complimentary appetizers and finger foods within the VIP Deck, and early entrance to the Grandstand. Each VIP Standing ticket is $100.​VIP Deck – Reserved TableGet all your friends together with the VIP experience! Reserve a table on our VIP Deck to enjoy the show from a private table that seats six. In addition to a reserved table for six, this package provides two beverage coupons per person, complimentary appetizers and finger foods&nbsp;within the VIP Deck area prior to the show, and early entrance to the Grandstand. Each VIP Reserved Table is $750.​NOTE: Each grandstand ticket includes a gate admission scan. Ticket will be valid on date of event only.&nbsp;To purchase tickets or for more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasstatefair.com/" target="_blank">kansasstatefair.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;the Ticket Office (620) 669-3618. &nbsp;The Nex-Tech Grandstand is sponsored by Nex-Tech Wireless and Nex-Tech. ​

Goo Goo Dolls to play Kansas State Fair

BARBER COUNTY—Officials were on the scene of a train derailment early Monday in Barber County. The Burlington Northern train derailed east of Hazelton, approximately 24 miles southeast of Medicine Lodge and just north of the Oklahoma border.

 There was no danger to the homes and there were no injuries, according to Barber County Emergency Management.&nbsp; Everything is contained.&nbsp;

Officials in the area are expecting a lot of traffic. Tri City road is still open.&nbsp; What caused the derailment is under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707748033586.png" alt="Photo Barber County Emergency Management" />
 <figcaption>Photo Barber County Emergency Management</figcaption>
 </figure>BARBER COUNTY—Officials were on the scene of a train derailment early Monday in Barber County. The Burlington Northern train derailed east of Hazelton, approximately 24 miles southeast of Medicine Lodge and just north of the Oklahoma border. There was no danger to the homes and there were no injuries, according to Barber County Emergency Management.&nbsp; Everything is contained.&nbsp;Officials in the area are expecting a lot of traffic. Tri City road is still open.&nbsp; What caused the derailment is under investigation.

Officials investigate rural Kansas train derailment 

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — First lady Jill Biden said in an email to campaign donors over the weekend she didn't know what the special counsel was trying to achieve when he suggested President Joe Biden could not remember when his oldest son died.

”We should give everyone grace, and I can’t imagine someone would try to use our son’s death to score political points," she wrote. "If you’ve experienced a loss like that, you know that you don’t measure it in years -- you measure it in grief."

It was an emphatic defense of her husband in a note to supporters as Biden's team worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-special-counsel-classified-documents-election-2024-a54f03441e8145f9d6915858caaac37e">alleviate Democratic concerns</a>&nbsp;over the alarms raised by a special counsel about Biden’s age and memory, in a report determining that Biden would not be charged with any criminal activity for possessing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-hur-garland-classified-documents-836b99fe9cbef9ba7d32602f4928efec">classified documents after he left office.</a>

Special Counsel Robert Hur, a Republican former U.S. attorney appointed by Donald Trump, found the president should not face charges for retaining the documents, and described as a hypothetical defense that the 81-year-old president could show his memory was “hazy,” “fuzzy,” “faulty,” “poor” and having “significant limitations," and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-age-trump-2024-4791639cc06cc0affee55aba80c7e6b3">added that during an interview with investigators</a>&nbsp;that Biden couldn't recall ”even within years" when his oldest son Beau had died.

“Believe me, like anyone who has lost a child, Beau and his death never leave him," Jill Biden said.

It was an unusually personal observation for a special counsel investigating the president's handling of classified documents.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">Beau Biden died in 2015 from a brain tumor.</a>&nbsp;It's something that Biden speaks of regularly, and cites as both a reason why he didn't run in 2016 and a later motivator for his successful 2020 run.

“May 30th is a day forever etched on our hearts,” Jill Biden said in a note to supporters about the day Beau Biden died. “It shattered me, it shattered our family. ... What helped me, and what helped Joe, was to find purpose. That’s what keeps Joe going, serving you and the country we love.”

The references to Beau Biden in Hur's report enraged the president, who later said: “How in the hell dare he raise that?”

(click below to watch President Biden answer questions about his age)

Biden mentioned that he had sat for five hours of interviews with Hur’s team over two days on Oct. 8 and 9, “even though Israel had just been attacked on October 7th and I was in the middle of handling an international crisis.”

Voters have been concerned about his age. In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-poll-trump-2024-620e0a5cfa0039a6448f607c17c7f23e">an August poll</a>&nbsp;by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs, 77% of U.S. adults said Biden is too old to be effective for four more years. It was one of the rare sources of bipartisan agreement during a politically polarized era, with 89% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats saying Biden’s age is a problem.

“Joe is 81, that’s true, but he’s 81 doing more in an hour than most people do in a day. Joe has wisdom, empathy, and vision,” Jill Biden said. “His age, with his experience and expertise, is an incredible asset and he proves it every day.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707678366989.png" alt="First lady Jill Biden during opening comments at a Women's Health conference Feb. 7, in Atlanta-White House image" />
 <figcaption>First lady Jill Biden during opening comments at a Women's Health conference Feb. 7, in Atlanta-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — First lady Jill Biden said in an email to campaign donors over the weekend she didn't know what the special counsel was trying to achieve when he suggested President Joe Biden could not remember when his oldest son died.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707662434941.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707662459491.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>”We should give everyone grace, and I can’t imagine someone would try to use our son’s death to score political points," she wrote. "If you’ve experienced a loss like that, you know that you don’t measure it in years -- you measure it in grief."It was an emphatic defense of her husband in a note to supporters as Biden's team worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-special-counsel-classified-documents-election-2024-a54f03441e8145f9d6915858caaac37e">alleviate Democratic concerns</a>&nbsp;over the alarms raised by a special counsel about Biden’s age and memory, in a report determining that Biden would not be charged with any criminal activity for possessing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-hur-garland-classified-documents-836b99fe9cbef9ba7d32602f4928efec">classified documents after he left office.</a>Special Counsel Robert Hur, a Republican former U.S. attorney appointed by Donald Trump, found the president should not face charges for retaining the documents, and described as a hypothetical defense that the 81-year-old president could show his memory was “hazy,” “fuzzy,” “faulty,” “poor” and having “significant limitations," and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-age-trump-2024-4791639cc06cc0affee55aba80c7e6b3">added that during an interview with investigators</a>&nbsp;that Biden couldn't recall ”even within years" when his oldest son Beau had died.“Believe me, like anyone who has lost a child, Beau and his death never leave him," Jill Biden said.It was an unusually personal observation for a special counsel investigating the president's handling of classified documents.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">Beau Biden died in 2015 from a brain tumor.</a>&nbsp;It's something that Biden speaks of regularly, and cites as both a reason why he didn't run in 2016 and a later motivator for his successful 2020 run.“May 30th is a day forever etched on our hearts,” Jill Biden said in a note to supporters about the day Beau Biden died. “It shattered me, it shattered our family. ... What helped me, and what helped Joe, was to find purpose. That’s what keeps Joe going, serving you and the country we love.”The references to Beau Biden in Hur's report enraged the president, who later said: “How in the hell dare he raise that?”(click below to watch President Biden answer questions about his age)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F690627529895091%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=243" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Biden mentioned that he had sat for five hours of interviews with Hur’s team over two days on Oct. 8 and 9, “even though Israel had just been attacked on October 7th and I was in the middle of handling an international crisis.”Voters have been concerned about his age. In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-poll-trump-2024-620e0a5cfa0039a6448f607c17c7f23e">an August poll</a>&nbsp;by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs, 77% of U.S. adults said Biden is too old to be effective for four more years. It was one of the rare sources of bipartisan agreement during a politically polarized era, with 89% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats saying Biden’s age is a problem.“Joe is 81, that’s true, but he’s 81 doing more in an hour than most people do in a day. Joe has wisdom, empathy, and vision,” Jill Biden said. “His age, with his experience and expertise, is an incredible asset and he proves it every day.”

Read First lady's email that questions special counsel report to 'score political points'

LAS VEGAS (AP) — With&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-travis-super-bowl-eras-japan-13248c81324a4da46df425f0e6a7654c">the run she's having</a>, how could Taylor Swift be on anything other than the winning side?

She&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756894867592990732">embraced her boyfriend Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;and the couple&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/super-bowl-2024-updates">locked lips</a>&nbsp;on the field at Allegiant Stadium after his Kansas City Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22</a>&nbsp;in the Super Bowl.

Moments earlier, Swift smiled with her eyes looking misty from tears as she stood next to Kelce's mother while he held aloft the Lombardi Trophy, shouting “Chiefs nation!” and bellowing a chorus of “Viva Las Vegas.”

Minutes before that,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756889859455885414">she was smothered by celebrity suite mates</a>, who at various points included Blake Lively, Ice Spice and Lana Del Rey, when the Chiefs scored the winning touchdown in overtime, set up by a key reception by Kelce for a first down.

It was the second straight Super Bowl win for the Chiefs, but the first since Swift became fan-in-chief. She and Kelce began dating shortly before the season started.

It completes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-grammys-tokyo-super-bowl-kelce-d46418de25e985f77ab7a7ada337d2a0">an epic stretch</a>&nbsp;for Swift, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-grammy-awards-show-75f0eda337c9289f846f9a047d191703">won album of the year a week earlier</a>&nbsp;for a record fourth time at the Grammys, where she also announced a new album dropping in April before jetting off to Japan for a series of stadium shows.

Soon after flying halfway around the world to get to the game, she strolled through security to enter the stadium along with Lively, Ice Spice and her mom, Andrea Swift. She cuddled with Lively during Post Malone's performance of “America the Beautiful" and won what appeared to be a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756841836713476406">beer chugging contest</a>, slamming her cup down to an appreciative roar from the fans.

She was spotted talking to Kelce's brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in one of the private boxes that reportedly cost more than $1 million. Del Rey joined the celeb-packed suite in time to catch&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-halftime-show-review-usher-ccd211bedd0b3a3e5ea90522828f6a13">Usher's halftime show</a>.

Swift&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-travis-super-bowl-eras-japan-13248c81324a4da46df425f0e6a7654c">flew on a private plane across nine time zones</a>&nbsp;and the international date line from the last of four shows at the Tokyo Dome to arrive about two hours before kickoff. The time change allowed her to land in Los Angeles and make the final hop to Las Vegas.

Kelce and Swift won’t have a whole lot of time together to celebrate. She is due back across the Pacific later this week. The international leg of her Eras Tour resumes Friday night in Australia with the first of three shows at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

“This week is truly the best kind of chaos,” she&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3D8GyHOm4q/">posted Wednesday</a>&nbsp;on Instagram.

The 14-time Grammy winner walked into the Super Bowl&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1756791525839978674?s=20">wearing a black outfit</a>&nbsp;with a red jacket slung over her shoulder, apparently getting the memo from Kelce and many of the Chiefs. He wore a shimmering black suit, quarterback Patrick Mahomes wore a sharp black suit of his own, and even Chiefs coach Andy Reid wore a black blazer as the Chiefs leaned into the role of the villains.

"Anti-Hero” also happens to be the lead single from Swift's Grammy-winning album, “Midnights.”

“She’s unbelievable. She’s rewriting the history books herself,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-taylor-swift-super-bowl-d0fe0d21f00b68a5d99d8d6a29d3cded">Kelce said a day after the Grammys</a>. “I told her I’ll have to hold up my end of the bargain and come home with hardware, too.”

Swift began&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-chiefs-49ers-9accf85733377ae70456d163495c0801">dating Kelce after</a>&nbsp;he said on his “New Heights” podcast that he had tried and failed to give her a friendship bracelet during her performance at Arrowhead Stadium. Kelce then invited her to watch him perform at the home of the Chiefs, and she surprisingly showed up for their Week 2 game against Chicago.

Swift soon became a regular at games, both home and away, frequently sitting with Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Swift occasionally brought along friends, including Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

"Having Taylor as a new Chiefs fan is very unique," Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said during Super Bowl week. “I don't ever do an interview without someone asking me about it. I think a lot of players and coaches on the team are in the same boat. The most important thing is we're happy for the two of them that they have found each other and have such a special relationship.”

There was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-commercials-preview-025d653b2abf0ceadc7e9c7850c0383a">plenty of star power</a>&nbsp;besides Swift for the NFL's marquee night. Usher's halftime show included guest performers Alicia Keys, Ludacris and Lil Jon. Reba McEntire sang the national anthem. Beyoncé, who was also at the game, appeared in a commercial and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/beyonce-new-music-act-ii-14ab5948ecfb76c283c638162b7a53f7">dropped a pair of new songs</a>&nbsp;in the second half.

Few were under a brighter spotlight than Swift, though. Her dash from Tokyo, where she promised fans that “we're all gonna go on a great adventure,” had Swifties around the world watching online flight trackers, while her boyfriend seemed to get as many questions about his relationship as the game during the run-up to kickoff.

Asked to explain the intense interest, Kelce replied: “I think the values we stand for and just who we are as people — we love to shine light on others, shine light on the people that help and support us, and on top of that, I think we both just love life.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707736613770.png" alt="Taylor Swift kisses Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won 25-22 against the 49ers.(Brynn Anderson | AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)" />
 <figcaption>Taylor Swift kisses Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won 25-22 against the 49ers.(Brynn Anderson | AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)</figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — With&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-travis-super-bowl-eras-japan-13248c81324a4da46df425f0e6a7654c">the run she's having</a>, how could Taylor Swift be on anything other than the winning side?She&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756894867592990732">embraced her boyfriend Travis Kelce</a>&nbsp;and the couple&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/super-bowl-2024-updates">locked lips</a>&nbsp;on the field at Allegiant Stadium after his Kansas City Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-score-chiefs-49ers-49b5dca51c05ab0f259cef0d7da76c2d">beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22</a>&nbsp;in the Super Bowl.Moments earlier, Swift smiled with her eyes looking misty from tears as she stood next to Kelce's mother while he held aloft the Lombardi Trophy, shouting “Chiefs nation!” and bellowing a chorus of “Viva Las Vegas.”Minutes before that,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756889859455885414">she was smothered by celebrity suite mates</a>, who at various points included Blake Lively, Ice Spice and Lana Del Rey, when the Chiefs scored the winning touchdown in overtime, set up by a key reception by Kelce for a first down.It was the second straight Super Bowl win for the Chiefs, but the first since Swift became fan-in-chief. She and Kelce began dating shortly before the season started.It completes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-grammys-tokyo-super-bowl-kelce-d46418de25e985f77ab7a7ada337d2a0">an epic stretch</a>&nbsp;for Swift, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-grammy-awards-show-75f0eda337c9289f846f9a047d191703">won album of the year a week earlier</a>&nbsp;for a record fourth time at the Grammys, where she also announced a new album dropping in April before jetting off to Japan for a series of stadium shows.Soon after flying halfway around the world to get to the game, she strolled through security to enter the stadium along with Lively, Ice Spice and her mom, Andrea Swift. She cuddled with Lively during Post Malone's performance of “America the Beautiful" and won what appeared to be a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1756841836713476406">beer chugging contest</a>, slamming her cup down to an appreciative roar from the fans.She was spotted talking to Kelce's brother, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in one of the private boxes that reportedly cost more than $1 million. Del Rey joined the celeb-packed suite in time to catch&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-halftime-show-review-usher-ccd211bedd0b3a3e5ea90522828f6a13">Usher's halftime show</a>.Swift&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taylor-swift-kelce-travis-super-bowl-eras-japan-13248c81324a4da46df425f0e6a7654c">flew on a private plane across nine time zones</a>&nbsp;and the international date line from the last of four shows at the Tokyo Dome to arrive about two hours before kickoff. The time change allowed her to land in Los Angeles and make the final hop to Las Vegas.Kelce and Swift won’t have a whole lot of time together to celebrate. She is due back across the Pacific later this week. The international leg of her Eras Tour resumes Friday night in Australia with the first of three shows at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.“This week is truly the best kind of chaos,” she&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3D8GyHOm4q/">posted Wednesday</a>&nbsp;on Instagram.The 14-time Grammy winner walked into the Super Bowl&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/NFL/status/1756791525839978674?s=20">wearing a black outfit</a>&nbsp;with a red jacket slung over her shoulder, apparently getting the memo from Kelce and many of the Chiefs. He wore a shimmering black suit, quarterback Patrick Mahomes wore a sharp black suit of his own, and even Chiefs coach Andy Reid wore a black blazer as the Chiefs leaned into the role of the villains."Anti-Hero” also happens to be the lead single from Swift's Grammy-winning album, “Midnights.”“She’s unbelievable. She’s rewriting the history books herself,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/travis-kelce-taylor-swift-super-bowl-d0fe0d21f00b68a5d99d8d6a29d3cded">Kelce said a day after the Grammys</a>. “I told her I’ll have to hold up my end of the bargain and come home with hardware, too.”Swift began&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-taylor-swift-travis-kelce-chiefs-49ers-9accf85733377ae70456d163495c0801">dating Kelce after</a>&nbsp;he said on his “New Heights” podcast that he had tried and failed to give her a friendship bracelet during her performance at Arrowhead Stadium. Kelce then invited her to watch him perform at the home of the Chiefs, and she surprisingly showed up for their Week 2 game against Chicago.Swift soon became a regular at games, both home and away, frequently sitting with Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Swift occasionally brought along friends, including Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds."Having Taylor as a new Chiefs fan is very unique," Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said during Super Bowl week. “I don't ever do an interview without someone asking me about it. I think a lot of players and coaches on the team are in the same boat. The most important thing is we're happy for the two of them that they have found each other and have such a special relationship.”There was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/super-bowl-2024-commercials-preview-025d653b2abf0ceadc7e9c7850c0383a">plenty of star power</a>&nbsp;besides Swift for the NFL's marquee night. Usher's halftime show included guest performers Alicia Keys, Ludacris and Lil Jon. Reba McEntire sang the national anthem. Beyoncé, who was also at the game, appeared in a commercial and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/beyonce-new-music-act-ii-14ab5948ecfb76c283c638162b7a53f7">dropped a pair of new songs</a>&nbsp;in the second half.Few were under a brighter spotlight than Swift, though. Her dash from Tokyo, where she promised fans that “we're all gonna go on a great adventure,” had Swifties around the world watching online flight trackers, while her boyfriend seemed to get as many questions about his relationship as the game during the run-up to kickoff.Asked to explain the intense interest, Kelce replied: “I think the values we stand for and just who we are as people — we love to shine light on others, shine light on the people that help and support us, and on top of that, I think we both just love life.”

Super Bowl love story: Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift celebrate Chiefs' win

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that killed one man and sent another to a local hospital.

Just after&nbsp;2.m. Monday, police officers were called to 39th and Woodland in Kansas City on a sound of shots call. While officers were on the way the call was upgraded to a shooting call with two people shot, according to Police Captain Jake Becchina.

First responders were directed to two&nbsp; shooting victims, on the ground south of the intersection, unresponsive. Officers summoned EMS to the scene, they transported one man to the hospital for treatment and the other man was declared deceased at the scene.&nbsp;

Investigation indicates there was a number of people at the location in regard to a non-injury accident when an argument ensued. That argument escalated and shots were fired and the two victims were struck.

Detectives were talking with people who were at the scene when officers arrived, and canvassing for witnesses. Crime scene investigators&nbsp; processed the scene for evidence. The connection between the non-injury accident and the shooting is not known, but is under investigation at this time, according to Becchina.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that killed one man and sent another to a local hospital.Just after&nbsp;2.m. Monday, police officers were called to 39th and Woodland in Kansas City on a sound of shots call. While officers were on the way the call was upgraded to a shooting call with two people shot, according to Police Captain Jake Becchina.First responders were directed to two&nbsp; shooting victims, on the ground south of the intersection, unresponsive. Officers summoned EMS to the scene, they transported one man to the hospital for treatment and the other man was declared deceased at the scene.&nbsp;Investigation indicates there was a number of people at the location in regard to a non-injury accident when an argument ensued. That argument escalated and shots were fired and the two victims were struck.Detectives were talking with people who were at the scene when officers arrived, and canvassing for witnesses. Crime scene investigators&nbsp; processed the scene for evidence. The connection between the non-injury accident and the shooting is not known, but is under investigation at this time, according to Becchina.

KCPD: Man shot dead after non-injury crash 

RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli forces rescued two hostages early Monday, storming a heavily guarded apartment in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;and extracting the captives under fire in a dramatic raid that was a small but symbolically significant success for Israel. The men were identified as&nbsp;Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70.

The operation killed at least 67 Palestinians, including women and children, according to Palestinian health officials in the beleaguered territory.

To assist the rescue forces, heavy airstrikes pounded the area near the apartment in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rafah-gaza-evacuation-palestinians-attack-israel-hamas-90bf78cfca6550dc229e7192f6724dfc">Rafah, a city on the southern edge</a>&nbsp;of the Gaza Strip where 1.4 million Palestinians have fled to escape fighting elsewhere in the Israel-Hamas war.

The raid was celebrated in Israel as a victory in the sluggish battle to free the hostages, with more than 100 captives still held by Hamas and other Gaza militants, and briefly lifted the spirits of a nation still reeling from Hamas' cross-border raid last year.

But in Gaza, where civilians have borne a staggering toll since the war erupted on Oct. 7, the operation unleashed another wartime tragedy, with many Palestinians killed or wounded.

More than 12,300 Palestinian minors — children and young teens — have been killed in Israel’s war against Hamas, the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Monday. That means minors make up about 43% of the total number of 28,176 Palestinians killed so far. About 8,400 women were also among those killed.

The ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, provided the breakdown of minors and women at the request of The Associated Press. Israel claims to have killed thousands of Hamas fighters.

The plight of the hostages has profoundly shaken Israelis and the government has made freeing the dozens of remaining captives a top aim of its war, along with destroying Hamas' military and governing capabilities. But as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the fighting drags on</a>, now in its fifth month, their freedom remains elusive and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-1-19-2024-e5f45fb7b14d3dc8ff64b0aee4b473aa">rifts have emerged in Israel</a>&nbsp;over the best approach to end their ordeal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted persistent military pressure will bring about their freedom — a position he repeated on Monday — even as other top officials have opposed this, saying a deal is the only way to secure their release.

Israel has described Rafah as the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza and signaled that its ground offensive may soon target the densely populated city. On Sunday, the White House said President Joe Biden had warned Netanyahu that Israel should not conduct a military operation against Hamas in Rafah without a “credible and executable” plan to protect civilians.

The army identified the rescued hostages as Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70, abducted by Hamas militants from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak in the Oct. 7 cross-border attack that triggered the war. Netanyahu's office said they also hold Argentinian citizenship.

They were among roughly 250 taken captive during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas' stunning cross-border raid</a>, when an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, according to Israeli authorities. In addition to the thousands killed, Israeli's retaliatory air and ground offensive has displaced over 80% of the population and set off a massive humanitarian crisis.

Over 100 hostages were freed during a weeklong cease-fire in November. Israel says about 100 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, and Hamas also holds the remains of roughly 30 others who were either killed on Oct. 7 or died in captivity. Three hostages were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-15-2023-072436cece0f2351fadfed892e985554">mistakenly killed by the army</a>&nbsp;after escaping their captors in December.

“Only the continuation of the military pressure, until total victory, will bring about the release of all of our captives,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

Israeli military spokesman Read Adm. Daniel Hagari said special forces broke into a second-floor apartment in Rafah under fire at 1:49 a.m. Monday, accompanied a minute later by airstrikes on surrounding areas. He said the hostages were being guarded by armed Hamas militants and that members of the rescue team shielded the hostages with their bodies as a heavy battle erupted in several places at once with Hamas gunmen.

The hostages were taken to a nearby “safe area,” given a quick medical check and airlifted to Sheba Medical Center in central Israel. Their medical condition was reported to be good. They are just the second and third&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-hostages-0c14750240138853a70e38b0c09ef157">hostages to be rescued safely</a>; a female soldier was rescued in November.

The rescue, which Hagari said was based on precise intelligence and planned for some time, is a morale booster for Israelis but a small step toward winning the release of the remaining hostages, who are believed to be spread out and hidden in tunnels, likely in poor condition.

Har and Marman were kidnapped from a home in southern Israel along with three other relatives who were freed in the late-November deal. No other family members of theirs remain in Gaza, Israeli media reported.

Har's son-in-law, Idan Begerano, who saw the released captives at the hospital, said the two men were thin and pale, but communicating well and aware of their surroundings. Begerano said Har told him immediately upon seeing him: “You have a birthday today, mazal tov."

The airstrikes that backed up the Israeli forces hit the jam-packed Rafah in the middle of the night and dozens of explosions could be heard around 2 a.m. Ashraf al-Qidra, spokesman for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry</a>&nbsp;in Hamas-run Gaza, said at least 67 people were killed in the strikes.

Al-Qidra said rescuers were still searching the rubble; an Associated Press journalist counted at least 50 bodies at the Abu Youssef al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah.

Footage circulating on social media from Rafah's Kuwaiti hospital showed dead or wounded children. The footage could not immediately be verified but was consistent with AP reporting.

The wounded were seen lying on the hospital floor as medics tried to treat them. One wounded man was on the ground with two bloodied children lying beside him. “Rescue the girl,” he screamed.

A young man was also seen carrying the body of an infant who he said was killed in the attacks. He said the girl, the daughter of his neighbor, was born and killed during the war.

“Let Netanyahu come and see: is this (infant) your bank of targets?" he said. "For what is she to blame?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707735845538.png" alt="Louis Har, 70 photo&nbsp; Hostage and Missing Families" />
 <figcaption>Louis Har, 70 photo&nbsp; Hostage and Missing Families</figcaption>
 </figure>RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli forces rescued two hostages early Monday, storming a heavily guarded apartment in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;and extracting the captives under fire in a dramatic raid that was a small but symbolically significant success for Israel. The men were identified as&nbsp;Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70.The operation killed at least 67 Palestinians, including women and children, according to Palestinian health officials in the beleaguered territory.To assist the rescue forces, heavy airstrikes pounded the area near the apartment in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rafah-gaza-evacuation-palestinians-attack-israel-hamas-90bf78cfca6550dc229e7192f6724dfc">Rafah, a city on the southern edge</a>&nbsp;of the Gaza Strip where 1.4 million Palestinians have fled to escape fighting elsewhere in the Israel-Hamas war.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707735819504.png" alt="Fernando Simon Marman, 60, photo Hostage and Missing Families" />
 <figcaption>Fernando Simon Marman, 60, photo Hostage and Missing Families</figcaption>
 </figure>The raid was celebrated in Israel as a victory in the sluggish battle to free the hostages, with more than 100 captives still held by Hamas and other Gaza militants, and briefly lifted the spirits of a nation still reeling from Hamas' cross-border raid last year.But in Gaza, where civilians have borne a staggering toll since the war erupted on Oct. 7, the operation unleashed another wartime tragedy, with many Palestinians killed or wounded.More than 12,300 Palestinian minors — children and young teens — have been killed in Israel’s war against Hamas, the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Monday. That means minors make up about 43% of the total number of 28,176 Palestinians killed so far. About 8,400 women were also among those killed.The ministry, which does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, provided the breakdown of minors and women at the request of The Associated Press. Israel claims to have killed thousands of Hamas fighters.The plight of the hostages has profoundly shaken Israelis and the government has made freeing the dozens of remaining captives a top aim of its war, along with destroying Hamas' military and governing capabilities. But as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the fighting drags on</a>, now in its fifth month, their freedom remains elusive and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-1-19-2024-e5f45fb7b14d3dc8ff64b0aee4b473aa">rifts have emerged in Israel</a>&nbsp;over the best approach to end their ordeal.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted persistent military pressure will bring about their freedom — a position he repeated on Monday — even as other top officials have opposed this, saying a deal is the only way to secure their release.Israel has described Rafah as the last remaining Hamas stronghold in Gaza and signaled that its ground offensive may soon target the densely populated city. On Sunday, the White House said President Joe Biden had warned Netanyahu that Israel should not conduct a military operation against Hamas in Rafah without a “credible and executable” plan to protect civilians.The army identified the rescued hostages as Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70, abducted by Hamas militants from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak in the Oct. 7 cross-border attack that triggered the war. Netanyahu's office said they also hold Argentinian citizenship.They were among roughly 250 taken captive during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Hamas' stunning cross-border raid</a>, when an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, according to Israeli authorities. In addition to the thousands killed, Israeli's retaliatory air and ground offensive has displaced over 80% of the population and set off a massive humanitarian crisis.Over 100 hostages were freed during a weeklong cease-fire in November. Israel says about 100 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, and Hamas also holds the remains of roughly 30 others who were either killed on Oct. 7 or died in captivity. Three hostages were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-15-2023-072436cece0f2351fadfed892e985554">mistakenly killed by the army</a>&nbsp;after escaping their captors in December.“Only the continuation of the military pressure, until total victory, will bring about the release of all of our captives,” Netanyahu said in a statement.A DRAMATIC RAIDIsraeli military spokesman Read Adm. Daniel Hagari said special forces broke into a second-floor apartment in Rafah under fire at 1:49 a.m. Monday, accompanied a minute later by airstrikes on surrounding areas. He said the hostages were being guarded by armed Hamas militants and that members of the rescue team shielded the hostages with their bodies as a heavy battle erupted in several places at once with Hamas gunmen.The hostages were taken to a nearby “safe area,” given a quick medical check and airlifted to Sheba Medical Center in central Israel. Their medical condition was reported to be good. They are just the second and third&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-hostages-0c14750240138853a70e38b0c09ef157">hostages to be rescued safely</a>; a female soldier was rescued in November.The rescue, which Hagari said was based on precise intelligence and planned for some time, is a morale booster for Israelis but a small step toward winning the release of the remaining hostages, who are believed to be spread out and hidden in tunnels, likely in poor condition.Har and Marman were kidnapped from a home in southern Israel along with three other relatives who were freed in the late-November deal. No other family members of theirs remain in Gaza, Israeli media reported.Har's son-in-law, Idan Begerano, who saw the released captives at the hospital, said the two men were thin and pale, but communicating well and aware of their surroundings. Begerano said Har told him immediately upon seeing him: “You have a birthday today, mazal tov."DOZENS KILLED IN STRIKESThe airstrikes that backed up the Israeli forces hit the jam-packed Rafah in the middle of the night and dozens of explosions could be heard around 2 a.m. Ashraf al-Qidra, spokesman for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry</a>&nbsp;in Hamas-run Gaza, said at least 67 people were killed in the strikes.Al-Qidra said rescuers were still searching the rubble; an Associated Press journalist counted at least 50 bodies at the Abu Youssef al-Najjar Hospital in Rafah.Footage circulating on social media from Rafah's Kuwaiti hospital showed dead or wounded children. The footage could not immediately be verified but was consistent with AP reporting.The wounded were seen lying on the hospital floor as medics tried to treat them. One wounded man was on the ground with two bloodied children lying beside him. “Rescue the girl,” he screamed.A young man was also seen carrying the body of an infant who he said was killed in the attacks. He said the girl, the daughter of his neighbor, was born and killed during the war.“Let Netanyahu come and see: is this (infant) your bank of targets?" he said. "For what is she to blame?”

Israel: 2 hostages rescued in special operation, 128 days after capture

KANSAS CITY— Two Parsons, Kansas, men and&nbsp;Two Springfield, Missouri men and  have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy after law enforcement officers seized 100 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a vehicle being transported from California, as well as several firearms found at a Springfield residence, according to the United State's Attorney.

Dontrell Anthony Powell, 34, and his brother, Dreshawn Powell, 26, both of Springfield, and Willie Murry, Jr., 41, and Mark Monta Logan, 33, both of Parsons, were charged in a seven-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, on Tuesday Feb. 6. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against the defendants on Jan. 19, 2024, and contains additional charges.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol searched the vehicles on a car hauler at a truck stop in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Jan. 17, 2024. Officers found approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of fake pills believed to contain fentanyl hidden in a subwoofer speaker box in the cargo area of one of the cars, a Dodge Magnum. The driver of the car hauler, whom the affidavit says was not involved in the drug shipment, agreed to deliver the Dodge Magnum to its destination at a parking lot in Springfield.

Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a controlled delivery later the same day. Dontrell and Dreshawn Powell arrived together and Dontrell Powell met with the driver of the car hauler. Murry and Logan arrived together soon afterward. Dontrell Powell attempted to start the Dodge Magnum, but it would not start. Murray and Logan helped him jump start the vehicle, which he then drove out of the parking lot as the other defendants followed in their vehicles. Agents followed the three vehicles to Dontrell Powell’s residence, where they were arrested.

Agents searched the residence and found, in addition to the controlled delivery from the Dodge Magnum, an AM-15 pistol, .223 ammunition, several high-capacity magazines with ammunition, more than $100,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Agents also found a loaded Glock pistol in one of the vehicles, eight cell phones, two shards of crystal methamphetamine inside two large subwoofer boxes in the garage, four more large subwoofer boxes, and drug paraphernalia.

The federal indictment alleges that Dontrell and Dreshawn Powell, Murry, and Logan participated in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 15 to Jan. 18, 2024. In addition to the conspiracy, all four defendants are charged together in one count of attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

Dontrell Powell is also charged with one count of money laundering, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Powell allegedly possessed an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on Jan. 18, 2024. Powell allegedly possessed another Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on June 12, 2022. Dontrell Powell has a prior felony conviction for possession of dangerous drugs for sale.

Murry and Logan are also charged together in one count of traveling across state lines from Kansas to Missouri with the intent to carry on or facilitate an unlawful activity (possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine).

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707703900422.png" alt="Murray-photo Greene Co" />
 <figcaption>Murray-photo Greene Co</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— Two Parsons, Kansas, men and&nbsp;Two Springfield, Missouri men and have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy after law enforcement officers seized 100 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in a vehicle being transported from California, as well as several firearms found at a Springfield residence, according to the United State's Attorney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707703731016.png" alt="Logan photo Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Logan photo Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Dontrell Anthony Powell, 34, and his brother, Dreshawn Powell, 26, both of Springfield, and Willie Murry, Jr., 41, and Mark Monta Logan, 33, both of Parsons, were charged in a seven-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, on Tuesday Feb. 6. The indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against the defendants on Jan. 19, 2024, and contains additional charges.According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol searched the vehicles on a car hauler at a truck stop in Oklahoma City, Okla., on Jan. 17, 2024. Officers found approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of fake pills believed to contain fentanyl hidden in a subwoofer speaker box in the cargo area of one of the cars, a Dodge Magnum. The driver of the car hauler, whom the affidavit says was not involved in the drug shipment, agreed to deliver the Dodge Magnum to its destination at a parking lot in Springfield.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707703988242.png" alt="Dreshawn Powell photo Grene Co." />
 <figcaption>Dreshawn Powell photo Grene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a controlled delivery later the same day. Dontrell and Dreshawn Powell arrived together and Dontrell Powell met with the driver of the car hauler. Murry and Logan arrived together soon afterward. Dontrell Powell attempted to start the Dodge Magnum, but it would not start. Murray and Logan helped him jump start the vehicle, which he then drove out of the parking lot as the other defendants followed in their vehicles. Agents followed the three vehicles to Dontrell Powell’s residence, where they were arrested.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707704062964.png" alt="Dontrell Powell photo Greene Co." />
 <figcaption>Dontrell Powell photo Greene Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Agents searched the residence and found, in addition to the controlled delivery from the Dodge Magnum, an AM-15 pistol, .223 ammunition, several high-capacity magazines with ammunition, more than $100,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia. Agents also found a loaded Glock pistol in one of the vehicles, eight cell phones, two shards of crystal methamphetamine inside two large subwoofer boxes in the garage, four more large subwoofer boxes, and drug paraphernalia.The federal indictment alleges that Dontrell and Dreshawn Powell, Murry, and Logan participated in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine from Jan. 15 to Jan. 18, 2024. In addition to the conspiracy, all four defendants are charged together in one count of attempting to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.Dontrell Powell is also charged with one count of money laundering, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Powell allegedly possessed an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on Jan. 18, 2024. Powell allegedly possessed another Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on June 12, 2022. Dontrell Powell has a prior felony conviction for possession of dangerous drugs for sale.Murry and Logan are also charged together in one count of traveling across state lines from Kansas to Missouri with the intent to carry on or facilitate an unlawful activity (possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine).The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma State Highway Patrol.

2 Kan. men indicted: Officers seized 100 pounds of meth, illegal firearms

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-prostate-cancer-pentagon-return-work-857738bc68539c2825c6a4aed730dd2e">was hospitalized</a>&nbsp;again Sunday following symptoms pointing to an “emergent bladder issue,” the Pentagon said.

In a statement, the Pentagon said Austin was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center around 2:20 p.m.

While Austin initially was set to retain the "functions and duties of his office,” at about 5 p.m. Sunday he transferred those authorities to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. As of Sunday evening, he remained hospitalized, said Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was also notified, as well as the White House and Congress.

Ryder said Austin had traveled to the hospital with the unclassified and classified communications systems needed to perform his job.

Austin was scheduled to depart Tuesday for Brussels to hold a meeting of the Ukraine contact group, which he established in 2022 to coordinate military support for Kyiv after Russia's invasion. After that, Austin was scheduled to attend a regular meeting of NATO defense ministers. It was not immediately clear if this hospitalization would change those plans.

Austin was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-cancer-hospital-privacy-security-7f08cb56c35f349c0bdf35ede183c736">diagnosed with prostate cancer</a>&nbsp;in December and underwent a procedure called a prostatectomy to treat it on Dec. 22.

Over the next week, he developed complications and on Jan. 1, in extreme pain, he was taken to Walter Reed by ambulance where he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/defense-secretary-cancer-hospital-yemen-houthis-biden-cf48b9636829787cff96e3a86b97a131">admitted to the intensive care unit.</a>&nbsp;Austin remained at Walter Reed until Jan. 15. He then continued to recover and work from home, and he returned to the Pentagon Jan. 29.

His doctors have previously said his prognosis against the cancer is “excellent” and that no further treatments will be needed.

Austin has gone back to Walter Reed for follow-ups since his hospitalization but this is his first unscheduled trip due to continued complications from his cancer treatments.

Austin did not tell President Joe Biden, Congress or his deputy defense secretary of his cancer diagnosis or initial hospitalization for weeks.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-hospital-defense-secretary-biden-fe9060f1e277db706d3cee6cae1d2562">That secrecy</a>&nbsp;has become the subject of an inspector general&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-pentagon-cancer-secret-hospital-313255a7126a0482a67ec18b7474a8c1">investigation</a>&nbsp;and a Pentagon internal review. He has previously said he never instructed his staff to keep his hospitalization a secret.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized Sunday following symptoms pointing to an “emergent bladder issue,” the Pentagon said.

In a statement, the Pentagon said Austin was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center around 2:20 p.m. He “is retaining the functions and duties of his office,” according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, but added that the deputy defense secretary has been notified and is prepared to assume Austin's duties “if required.”

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was also notified, as well as the White House and some members of Congress.

Ryder said Austin traveled to the hospital with the unclassified and classified communications systems needed to perform his job.

Austin was scheduled to depart Tuesday for Brussels to hold a meeting of the Ukraine contact group, which he established in 2022 to coordinate military support for Kyiv after Russia's invasion. After that, Austin was scheduled to attend a regular meeting of NATO defense ministers. It was not immediately clear if his hospitalization would change those plans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706044056961.png" alt="File Secretary Austin in Jan. 24, in his first public appearance since his secret hospitalization -Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>File Secretary Austin in Jan. 24, in his first public appearance since his secret hospitalization -Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-prostate-cancer-pentagon-return-work-857738bc68539c2825c6a4aed730dd2e">was hospitalized</a>&nbsp;again Sunday following symptoms pointing to an “emergent bladder issue,” the Pentagon said.In a statement, the Pentagon said Austin was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center around 2:20 p.m.While Austin initially was set to retain the "functions and duties of his office,” at about 5 p.m. Sunday he transferred those authorities to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. As of Sunday evening, he remained hospitalized, said Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was also notified, as well as the White House and Congress.Ryder said Austin had traveled to the hospital with the unclassified and classified communications systems needed to perform his job.Austin was scheduled to depart Tuesday for Brussels to hold a meeting of the Ukraine contact group, which he established in 2022 to coordinate military support for Kyiv after Russia's invasion. After that, Austin was scheduled to attend a regular meeting of NATO defense ministers. It was not immediately clear if this hospitalization would change those plans.Austin was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-cancer-hospital-privacy-security-7f08cb56c35f349c0bdf35ede183c736">diagnosed with prostate cancer</a>&nbsp;in December and underwent a procedure called a prostatectomy to treat it on Dec. 22.Over the next week, he developed complications and on Jan. 1, in extreme pain, he was taken to Walter Reed by ambulance where he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/defense-secretary-cancer-hospital-yemen-houthis-biden-cf48b9636829787cff96e3a86b97a131">admitted to the intensive care unit.</a>&nbsp;Austin remained at Walter Reed until Jan. 15. He then continued to recover and work from home, and he returned to the Pentagon Jan. 29.His doctors have previously said his prognosis against the cancer is “excellent” and that no further treatments will be needed.Austin has gone back to Walter Reed for follow-ups since his hospitalization but this is his first unscheduled trip due to continued complications from his cancer treatments.Austin did not tell President Joe Biden, Congress or his deputy defense secretary of his cancer diagnosis or initial hospitalization for weeks.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-hospital-defense-secretary-biden-fe9060f1e277db706d3cee6cae1d2562">That secrecy</a>&nbsp;has become the subject of an inspector general&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/austin-pentagon-cancer-secret-hospital-313255a7126a0482a67ec18b7474a8c1">investigation</a>&nbsp;and a Pentagon internal review. He has previously said he never instructed his staff to keep his hospitalization a secret.-----------WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was hospitalized Sunday following symptoms pointing to an “emergent bladder issue,” the Pentagon said.In a statement, the Pentagon said Austin was transported by his security detail to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center around 2:20 p.m. He “is retaining the functions and duties of his office,” according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, but added that the deputy defense secretary has been notified and is prepared to assume Austin's duties “if required.”The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was also notified, as well as the White House and some members of Congress.Ryder said Austin traveled to the hospital with the unclassified and classified communications systems needed to perform his job.Austin was scheduled to depart Tuesday for Brussels to hold a meeting of the Ukraine contact group, which he established in 2022 to coordinate military support for Kyiv after Russia's invasion. After that, Austin was scheduled to attend a regular meeting of NATO defense ministers. It was not immediately clear if his hospitalization would change those plans.

Defense chief back in hospital, now transfers powers to deputy

JEFFERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on alleged child sex crimes.

On February 8, deputies booked 49-year-old Eric Jones into the Jefferson County jail on requested charges of rape and indecent liberties with a child, according to online jail records. He is being held on a bond of $750,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707486702881.png" alt="Jones-photo Jefferson Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Jefferson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on alleged child sex crimes.On February 8, deputies booked 49-year-old Eric Jones into the Jefferson County jail on requested charges of rape and indecent liberties with a child, according to online jail records. He is being held on a bond of $750,000.

Kan. man accused of violent sex crimes with a child

Legislation places attorney general in charge of enforcement; legal challenges likely

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

TOPEKA — Katie Scarlett Calcutt was browsing a website at the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library with her 9-year-old son when an advertisement for Britney Spears’ memoir appeared on the computer screen with an image of the topless entertainer using hands and arms to conceal a portion of her body.

Calcutt said she was offended by casual availability on an internet website of what she considered pornographic images harmful to minors.

“I thought I was safe showing a public library website to my son,” she said. “He was visibly disturbed. I felt violated. If this misjudgment occurred on a public library website, I am scared to imagine how the savvy entertainment industry, and worse, the extremely profitable and inhumanly exploitive porn industry, can find their way to the attention of my relatively sheltered son.”

She said in testimony to the Kansas Legislature that lawmakers should create in law a financial disincentive for businesses to capitalize on vulnerability of children.

Bills pending in the House and Senate would allow parents or guardians of anyone under 18 gaining access to online pornography to file lawsuits and seek damages of $50,000 or more against companies that failed to screen minors with commercial identity verification software. The proposed age-verification requirements would apply to consumers in Kansas accessing content offered globally.

The mandates in Senate Bill 394 introduced by Salina Sen. J.R. Claeys and House Bill 2592 sponsored by Wichita Rep. Patrick Penn would apply to websites in which at least one-fourth of the site’s viewed pages in any month contained descriptions, exhibitions or representations of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement or sadomasochistic abuse.

The legislation would authorize Attorney General Kris Kobach to investigate reports of noncompliance and seek injunctions and civil penalties against alleged violators ranging from $500 to $10,000 for each underage visit to a pornographic site. A minor who eluded age verification software to access pornography wouldn’t be fined or otherwise held accountable under the legislation, nor would an internet service provider be subjected to penalty when a minor consumed online pornography.

The attorney general’s office requested at least $210,000 annually to administer the proposed law, but said there was no way to anticipate the cost of defending the state against likely legal challenges.

Carl Czabo, general counsel to the trade association NetChoice, said enactment of the legislation in Kansas would invite constitutional challenges for violation of the First Amendment. Adoption of the legislation could weaken parental oversight of children and undermine technological innovation useful to keeping kids safe online, he said.

“The bill represents a major government incursion into the traditional role that the family has played in Kansas and American history,” Czabo said. “Parents are the best stewards of their own children. Not the state.”

Ruthie Barko, executive director of Colorado and central United States for TechNet, said the bipartisan network of technology CEOs and senior executives recommended the Kansas bill be amended to model the framework adopted in 2022 by Louisiana. The legislation before Kansas lawmakers, Barko said, was overly broad and capable of snaring private companies that didn’t publish or distribute harmful content to minors.

“Our members are committed to online safety and work very hard to give users the tools to create the online experience that fits their needs,” Barko said. “An educated consumer armed with technology is always the best protection against unwanted online interactions.”

Chuck Weber, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, endorsed the legislation and argued consumption of nudity or sexual content, particularly by children, was unhealthy. The state government should take a stand against the pornography industry for addicting youth to smut, he said.

“It’s addictive, it’s destructive and it’s just one click away from our kids on their phones,” he said. “While parents are the first and best defenders of their children, society also has an obligation to protect the family, what we often call the ‘domestic church.'”

Iain Corby, executive director the Age Verification Providers Association, said in testimony streamed from London that the association supported the effort in Kansas to intervene. He said the proposed Kansas law would survive constitutional challenge and adult consumers of online pornography would remain free to conveniently access that material without unreasonable cost.

He recommended the legislation be amended to give state regulators authority to block essential business services, including advertising, payment and hosting, from noncompliant companies. Some of the world’s largest pornography websites were based in Europe and could be beyond the reach of a Kansas court injunction or financial judgment.

Brittany Jones, an attorney with the advocacy organization Kansas Family Voice, said pornography should be kept from children because research showed it altered human brains in ways comparable to changes produced by addiction to cocaine, alcohol and methamphetamines.

She said children had no constitutional right to view pornography and eight states had adopted laws comparable to what was proposed for Kansas.

“As the internet has grown, so has access to material that is harmful to children,” she told legislators. “Even the most dedicated parents struggle to protect their children from this predatory industry. That is why it is vital that this body take action and protect our children online.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707515009355.png" alt=" Brittany Jones, an attorney with Kansas Family Voice, urged the Kansas Legislature to create a new section of state law allowing the attorney general and private individuals to seek financial penalties against companies failing to use age-verification software to block minors from looking at internet pornography. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption> Brittany Jones, an attorney with Kansas Family Voice, urged the Kansas Legislature to create a new section of state law allowing the attorney general and private individuals to seek financial penalties against companies failing to use age-verification software to block minors from looking at internet pornography. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Legislation places attorney general in charge of enforcement; legal challenges likely</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Katie Scarlett Calcutt was browsing a website at the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library with her 9-year-old son when an advertisement for Britney Spears’ memoir appeared on the computer screen with an image of the topless entertainer using hands and arms to conceal a portion of her body.Calcutt said she was offended by casual availability on an internet website of what she considered pornographic images harmful to minors.“I thought I was safe showing a public library website to my son,” she said. “He was visibly disturbed. I felt violated. If this misjudgment occurred on a public library website, I am scared to imagine how the savvy entertainment industry, and worse, the extremely profitable and inhumanly exploitive porn industry, can find their way to the attention of my relatively sheltered son.”She said in testimony to the Kansas Legislature that lawmakers should create in law a financial disincentive for businesses to capitalize on vulnerability of children.Bills pending in the House and Senate would allow parents or guardians of anyone under 18 gaining access to online pornography to file lawsuits and seek damages of $50,000 or more against companies that failed to screen minors with commercial identity verification software. The proposed age-verification requirements would apply to consumers in Kansas accessing content offered globally.The mandates in Senate Bill 394 introduced by Salina Sen. J.R. Claeys and House Bill 2592 sponsored by Wichita Rep. Patrick Penn would apply to websites in which at least one-fourth of the site’s viewed pages in any month contained descriptions, exhibitions or representations of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement or sadomasochistic abuse.The legislation would authorize Attorney General Kris Kobach to investigate reports of noncompliance and seek injunctions and civil penalties against alleged violators ranging from $500 to $10,000 for each underage visit to a pornographic site. A minor who eluded age verification software to access pornography wouldn’t be fined or otherwise held accountable under the legislation, nor would an internet service provider be subjected to penalty when a minor consumed online pornography.The attorney general’s office requested at least $210,000 annually to administer the proposed law, but said there was no way to anticipate the cost of defending the state against likely legal challenges.<h2>Industry perspective</h2>Carl Czabo, general counsel to the trade association NetChoice, said enactment of the legislation in Kansas would invite constitutional challenges for violation of the First Amendment. Adoption of the legislation could weaken parental oversight of children and undermine technological innovation useful to keeping kids safe online, he said.“The bill represents a major government incursion into the traditional role that the family has played in Kansas and American history,” Czabo said. “Parents are the best stewards of their own children. Not the state.”Ruthie Barko, executive director of Colorado and central United States for TechNet, said the bipartisan network of technology CEOs and senior executives recommended the Kansas bill be amended to model the framework adopted in 2022 by Louisiana. The legislation before Kansas lawmakers, Barko said, was overly broad and capable of snaring private companies that didn’t publish or distribute harmful content to minors.“Our members are committed to online safety and work very hard to give users the tools to create the online experience that fits their needs,” Barko said. “An educated consumer armed with technology is always the best protection against unwanted online interactions.”<h2>Regulation justified</h2>Chuck Weber, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference, endorsed the legislation and argued consumption of nudity or sexual content, particularly by children, was unhealthy. The state government should take a stand against the pornography industry for addicting youth to smut, he said.“It’s addictive, it’s destructive and it’s just one click away from our kids on their phones,” he said. “While parents are the first and best defenders of their children, society also has an obligation to protect the family, what we often call the ‘domestic church.'”Iain Corby, executive director the Age Verification Providers Association, said in testimony streamed from London that the association supported the effort in Kansas to intervene. He said the proposed Kansas law would survive constitutional challenge and adult consumers of online pornography would remain free to conveniently access that material without unreasonable cost.He recommended the legislation be amended to give state regulators authority to block essential business services, including advertising, payment and hosting, from noncompliant companies. Some of the world’s largest pornography websites were based in Europe and could be beyond the reach of a Kansas court injunction or financial judgment.Brittany Jones, an attorney with the advocacy organization Kansas Family Voice, said pornography should be kept from children because research showed it altered human brains in ways comparable to changes produced by addiction to cocaine, alcohol and methamphetamines.She said children had no constitutional right to view pornography and eight states had adopted laws comparable to what was proposed for Kansas.“As the internet has grown, so has access to material that is harmful to children,” she told legislators. “Even the most dedicated parents struggle to protect their children from this predatory industry. That is why it is vital that this body take action and protect our children online.”

Kan. bills set penalties for businesses enabling minors to view internet porn

NEW YORK (AP) —ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans to launch a sports streaming platform in the fall that will include offerings from at least 15 networks and all four major professional sports leagues.

A one-stop app to view most sports should be a welcome sight for fans, who continue to navigate rising costs by subscribing to multiple services.

Kevin Krim, the president and CEO of the ad measurement firm EDO, compared the three companies teaming up for sports like what some networks did when Hulu started in 2008.

“My sense is knowing the cast of characters, they’re looking at the original Hulu concept and thinking, ‘Well, that worked out really well for us.’ So let’s do that again. But for live sports streaming,” he said.

The three companies will each share one-third ownership in the joint venture. A name for the service and pricing will be announced at a later date.

“This new sports service exemplifies our ability as an industry to drive innovation and provide consumers with more choice, enjoyment and value and we’re thrilled to deliver it to sports fans,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said in a statement.

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 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans to launch a sports streaming platform in the fall that will include offerings from at least 15 networks and all four major professional sports leagues.A one-stop app to view most sports should be a welcome sight for fans, who continue to navigate rising costs by subscribing to multiple services.Kevin Krim, the president and CEO of the ad measurement firm EDO, compared the three companies teaming up for sports like what some networks did when Hulu started in 2008.“My sense is knowing the cast of characters, they’re looking at the original Hulu concept and thinking, ‘Well, that worked out really well for us.’ So let’s do that again. But for live sports streaming,” he said.The three companies will each share one-third ownership in the joint venture. A name for the service and pricing will be announced at a later date.“This new sports service exemplifies our ability as an industry to drive innovation and provide consumers with more choice, enjoyment and value and we’re thrilled to deliver it to sports fans,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said in a statement.The platform will include games from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, WNBA, NASCAR and college sports, including the men's and women's NCAA Tournament, as well as golf, tennis and the FIFA World Cup.It will include offerings from 15 linear networks — ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ACC Network, ESPNEWS, ABC, FOX, FS1, FS2, Big Ten Network, TNT, TBS, truTV — and ESPN+.Subscribers would also have the ability to bundle the product with Disney+, Hulu and/or Max.“We believe the service will provide passionate fans outside of the traditional bundle an array of amazing sports content all in one place,” Fox CEO and Executive Chair Lachlan Murdoch said in a statement.The announcement of the bundle also comes as ESPN and Warner Bros. Discovery are preparing to enter negotiations to renew their NBA rights, which expire at the end of next season.“To me, the thing that’s triggering all this is the NBA. We see time and again that the NBA is the second-best franchise on TV behind the NFL,” Krim said. “You're sort of staring at that renegotiation and new bids coming in that could include Google, Amazon, Netflix, Apple and others. It's a good way to team up and stay competitive.”ESPN has also been searching for strategic partners as it prepares to launch a direct-to-consumer product in the next year or two.“The launch of this new streaming sports service is a significant moment for Disney and ESPN, a major win for sports fans, and an important step forward for the media business,” Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. “This means the full suite of ESPN channels will be available to consumers alongside the sports programming of other industry leaders as part of a differentiated sports-centric service.”