TOPEKA —Kansas game wardens have issued an alert to waterfowl and Sandhill Crane Hunters.

According to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, hunters are encouraged to be extra vigilant this time of year due to the possible presence of endangered whooping cranes.

"Whooping cranes have been observed over the last week at several reservoirs and wetlands in Kansas. Please be cognizant of potential hunting area closures and reports; even if an area is not closed to hunting, whooping cranes might still be present."

"As always, practice safe and ethical hunting practices and know your target before taking a shot. Shooting a whooping crane is a federal offense which can lead to fines up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in prison."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699449717411.png" alt="photo KDW&amp;P" />
 <figcaption>photo KDW&amp;P</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Kansas game wardens have issued an alert to waterfowl and Sandhill Crane Hunters.According to a social media report from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, hunters are encouraged to be extra vigilant this time of year due to the possible presence of endangered whooping cranes."Whooping cranes have been observed over the last week at several reservoirs and wetlands in Kansas. Please be cognizant of potential hunting area closures and reports; even if an area is not closed to hunting, whooping cranes might still be present.""As always, practice safe and ethical hunting practices and know your target before taking a shot. Shooting a whooping crane is a federal offense which can lead to fines up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in prison."

Game wardens alert hunters on Whooping cranes in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/xi-jinping">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>&nbsp;will meet Wednesday in California for talks on trade,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taiwan">Taiwan</a>&nbsp;and managing fraught U.S.-Chinese relations in the first engagement between the leaders of the world's two biggest economies in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-taiwan-indonesia-xi-jinping-government-and-politics-961bb4680962cc53b4375af3bcbc4927">a year</a>.

The White House has said for weeks that it anticipated Biden and Xi would meet on the sidelines of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific-economic-cooperation">the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco, but negotiations went down to the eve of the gathering, which kicks off Saturday.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement the leaders would discuss the “continued importance of maintaining open lines of communication” and how the they “can continue to responsibly manage competition and work together where our interests align, particularly on transnational challenges that affect the international community.”

China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement Friday that Xi would attend APEC from Tuesday to Nov. 17 at Biden’s invitation and would take part in the U.S.-China summit.

Two senior Biden administration officials, who earlier briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said that the leaders would meet in the San Francisco Bay area but declined to offer further details because of security concerns. Thousands of protesters are expected to descend on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apec-summit-san-francisco-5182a80875c37ff69dade8ce50f25963">San Francisco</a>&nbsp;during the summit.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yellen-china-biden-white-house-trade-04e57bc5256b3e71cb00b2d4ea1ae7d1">met on Thursday</a>&nbsp;in the San Francisco, the latest in a string of senior level engagements between the nations in recent months aimed at easing tensions. Yellen and He are set to continue talks on Friday.

The Biden-Xi meeting is not expected to lead to many, if any, major announcements, and differences between the two powers certainly won't be resolved. Instead, one official said, Biden is looking toward “managing the competition, preventing the downside risk of conflict and ensuring channels of communication are open.” The officials said they believed it would be Xi's first visit to San Francisco since he was a young Communist Party leader.

The agenda includes no shortage of difficult issues.

Differences in the already complicated U.S.-Chinese relationship have only sharpened in the last year, with Beijing bristling over new U.S. export controls on advanced technology; Biden ordering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-china-antony-blinken-51e49202f2a0a50541cde059934c4cfb">the shooting down</a>&nbsp;of a Chinese spy balloon after it traversed the continental United States; and Chinese anger over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-tsai-us-visit-china-warnings-updates-652813f8ce4d9804f372fd05ccaab435">a stopover</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen earlier this year, among other issues. China claims the island as its territory.

Biden will also likely press Xi on using China's influence on North Korea, during heightened anxiety over an increased pace of ballistic missile tests by North Korea as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-russia-us-munitions-ukraine-war-7091eaba254b680888a9b1ec8a68135f">Pyongyang providing munitions to Russia</a>&nbsp;for its war in Ukraine.

The Democratic president is also expected to let Xi know that he would like China to use its burgeoning sway over Iran to make clear that Tehran or its proxies should not take action that could lead to expansion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the Israel-Hamas war</a>. His administration believes the Chinese, a big buyer of Iranian oil, have considerable leverage with Iran, which is a major backer of Hamas.

Biden and Xi last met nearly a year ago on the sidelines of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-taiwan-indonesia-xi-jinping-government-and-politics-961bb4680962cc53b4375af3bcbc4927">the Group of 20 summit</a>&nbsp;in Bali, Indonesia. In the nearly three-hour meeting, Biden objected directly to China’s ”coercive and increasingly aggressive actions” toward Taiwan and discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other issues. Xi stressed that "the Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests, the bedrock of the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations.”

The Chinese foreign ministry said this time Biden and Xi would focus on “in-depth communications on the strategic, overall and directional issues of the China-US relations as well as major issues concerning world peace and development."

Next week's meeting comes as the United States braces for a potentially bumpy year for U.S.-Chinese relations, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-china-politics-tsai-ing-wen-peace-db344d155e1b33b02a9ab18cc9e7e8de">Taiwan set to hold a presidential election</a>&nbsp;in January and the U.S. holding its own presidential election next November.

Beijing sees official American contact with Taiwan as encouragement to make the island’s decades-old de facto independence permanent, a step U.S. leaders say they don’t support. Under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-china-united-states-xi-jinping-taiwan-3055a4fba210ab6dd3d59c109ac9038e">the “One China” policy</a>, the U.S. recognizes Beijing as the government of China and doesn’t have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but it has maintained that Taipei is an important partner in the Indo-Pacific. Biden intends to reaffirm the U.S. wants no change in the status quo, one official said.

Disinformation experts testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disinformation-china-us-xinjiang-global-opinion-c9e033f22622841935a2b1bc1060c01b">have warned</a>&nbsp;that Beijing could aim to target the U.S., sowing discord that might influence election results at the local level, especially in districts with large numbers of Chinese-American voters.

The Biden administration has sought to make clear to the Chinese that any actions or interference in the 2024 election “would raise extremely strong concerns from our side,” according to one official.

The officials also noted that Biden is determined to restore military-to-military communications that Beijing largely withdrew from after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-asia-beijing-malaysia-a5a6acc391511c99b1b4c2d69e67b133">then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan</a>&nbsp;in August 2022.

All the while, the number of unsafe or provocative encounters involving the two nations’ ships and aircraft have spiked.

Last month, the U.S. military released a video of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-south-china-sea-military-jet-bomber-0af848de95db435276e7642a4a401939">a Chinese fighter jet flying within 10 feet</a>&nbsp;(3 meters) of an American B-52 bomber over the South China Sea, nearly causing an accident. Earlier that month, the Pentagon released footage of some of the more than 180 intercepts of U.S. warplanes by Chinese aircraft that occurred in the last two years, part of a trend U.S. military officials call concerning.

Gen. CQ Brown Jr., the top U.S. military commander, told reporters in Tokyo on Friday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-us-china-military-top-general-e4e85c6f82a8fadbf3a5611bd6ee91d6">restoration of military-to-military contacts</a>&nbsp;is “hugely important” to “ensure there is no miscalculation” between the sides. He said he conveyed his desire to restart the dialogue in a letter to his Chinese counterpart.

The officials also said Biden would underscore U.S. commitment to the Philippines, following a recent episode in which Chinese ships&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-china-sea-philippines-collision-67aa7e2ca5df4f4e3a7c3bceff46c26f">blocked and collided with two Filipino vessels</a>&nbsp;off a contested shoal in the South China Sea.

The Philippines and other neighbors of China are resisting Beijing’s sweeping territorial claims over virtually the entire sea.

“I want to be very clear,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-australia-albanese-state-visit-b8b86f334f8107b2eb04ed96ddb9128b">Biden said in October</a>. "The United States’ defense commitment to the Philippines is iron clad.”

Both sides appeared to be carefully considering security for the meeting, declining to publicize the venue of the much-anticipated talks.

Thousands of people protesting climate destruction, corporate practices, the Israel-Hamas war and other issues are expected to descend on San Francisco during the summit.

San Francisco Police Department Chief Bill Scott said his department expects several protests a day but doesn't know which ones will materialize where and when. He said the city respects people’s right to mobilize peacefully but will not tolerate property destruction, violence or any other crime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668436660078.png" alt="Two senior Biden administration officials, who earlier briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said that the leaders would meet in the San Francisco Bay area but declined to offer further details because of security concerns-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Two senior Biden administration officials, who earlier briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said that the leaders would meet in the San Francisco Bay area but declined to offer further details because of security concerns-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/xi-jinping">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>&nbsp;will meet Wednesday in California for talks on trade,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/taiwan">Taiwan</a>&nbsp;and managing fraught U.S.-Chinese relations in the first engagement between the leaders of the world's two biggest economies in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-taiwan-indonesia-xi-jinping-government-and-politics-961bb4680962cc53b4375af3bcbc4927">a year</a>.The White House has said for weeks that it anticipated Biden and Xi would meet on the sidelines of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific-economic-cooperation">the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit</a>&nbsp;in San Francisco, but negotiations went down to the eve of the gathering, which kicks off Saturday.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement the leaders would discuss the “continued importance of maintaining open lines of communication” and how the they “can continue to responsibly manage competition and work together where our interests align, particularly on transnational challenges that affect the international community.”China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement Friday that Xi would attend APEC from Tuesday to Nov. 17 at Biden’s invitation and would take part in the U.S.-China summit.Two senior Biden administration officials, who earlier briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said that the leaders would meet in the San Francisco Bay area but declined to offer further details because of security concerns. Thousands of protesters are expected to descend on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/apec-summit-san-francisco-5182a80875c37ff69dade8ce50f25963">San Francisco</a>&nbsp;during the summit.Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yellen-china-biden-white-house-trade-04e57bc5256b3e71cb00b2d4ea1ae7d1">met on Thursday</a>&nbsp;in the San Francisco, the latest in a string of senior level engagements between the nations in recent months aimed at easing tensions. Yellen and He are set to continue talks on Friday.The Biden-Xi meeting is not expected to lead to many, if any, major announcements, and differences between the two powers certainly won't be resolved. Instead, one official said, Biden is looking toward “managing the competition, preventing the downside risk of conflict and ensuring channels of communication are open.” The officials said they believed it would be Xi's first visit to San Francisco since he was a young Communist Party leader.The agenda includes no shortage of difficult issues.Differences in the already complicated U.S.-Chinese relationship have only sharpened in the last year, with Beijing bristling over new U.S. export controls on advanced technology; Biden ordering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-china-antony-blinken-51e49202f2a0a50541cde059934c4cfb">the shooting down</a>&nbsp;of a Chinese spy balloon after it traversed the continental United States; and Chinese anger over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-tsai-us-visit-china-warnings-updates-652813f8ce4d9804f372fd05ccaab435">a stopover</a>&nbsp;in the U.S. by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen earlier this year, among other issues. China claims the island as its territory.Biden will also likely press Xi on using China's influence on North Korea, during heightened anxiety over an increased pace of ballistic missile tests by North Korea as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-russia-us-munitions-ukraine-war-7091eaba254b680888a9b1ec8a68135f">Pyongyang providing munitions to Russia</a>&nbsp;for its war in Ukraine.The Democratic president is also expected to let Xi know that he would like China to use its burgeoning sway over Iran to make clear that Tehran or its proxies should not take action that could lead to expansion of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the Israel-Hamas war</a>. His administration believes the Chinese, a big buyer of Iranian oil, have considerable leverage with Iran, which is a major backer of Hamas.Biden and Xi last met nearly a year ago on the sidelines of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-taiwan-indonesia-xi-jinping-government-and-politics-961bb4680962cc53b4375af3bcbc4927">the Group of 20 summit</a>&nbsp;in Bali, Indonesia. In the nearly three-hour meeting, Biden objected directly to China’s ”coercive and increasingly aggressive actions” toward Taiwan and discussed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and other issues. Xi stressed that "the Taiwan question is at the very core of China’s core interests, the bedrock of the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations.”The Chinese foreign ministry said this time Biden and Xi would focus on “in-depth communications on the strategic, overall and directional issues of the China-US relations as well as major issues concerning world peace and development."Next week's meeting comes as the United States braces for a potentially bumpy year for U.S.-Chinese relations, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-china-politics-tsai-ing-wen-peace-db344d155e1b33b02a9ab18cc9e7e8de">Taiwan set to hold a presidential election</a>&nbsp;in January and the U.S. holding its own presidential election next November.Beijing sees official American contact with Taiwan as encouragement to make the island’s decades-old de facto independence permanent, a step U.S. leaders say they don’t support. Under&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-china-united-states-xi-jinping-taiwan-3055a4fba210ab6dd3d59c109ac9038e">the “One China” policy</a>, the U.S. recognizes Beijing as the government of China and doesn’t have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but it has maintained that Taipei is an important partner in the Indo-Pacific. Biden intends to reaffirm the U.S. wants no change in the status quo, one official said.Disinformation experts testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disinformation-china-us-xinjiang-global-opinion-c9e033f22622841935a2b1bc1060c01b">have warned</a>&nbsp;that Beijing could aim to target the U.S., sowing discord that might influence election results at the local level, especially in districts with large numbers of Chinese-American voters.The Biden administration has sought to make clear to the Chinese that any actions or interference in the 2024 election “would raise extremely strong concerns from our side,” according to one official.The officials also noted that Biden is determined to restore military-to-military communications that Beijing largely withdrew from after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-asia-beijing-malaysia-a5a6acc391511c99b1b4c2d69e67b133">then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan</a>&nbsp;in August 2022.All the while, the number of unsafe or provocative encounters involving the two nations’ ships and aircraft have spiked.Last month, the U.S. military released a video of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-south-china-sea-military-jet-bomber-0af848de95db435276e7642a4a401939">a Chinese fighter jet flying within 10 feet</a>&nbsp;(3 meters) of an American B-52 bomber over the South China Sea, nearly causing an accident. Earlier that month, the Pentagon released footage of some of the more than 180 intercepts of U.S. warplanes by Chinese aircraft that occurred in the last two years, part of a trend U.S. military officials call concerning.Gen. CQ Brown Jr., the top U.S. military commander, told reporters in Tokyo on Friday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/japan-us-china-military-top-general-e4e85c6f82a8fadbf3a5611bd6ee91d6">restoration of military-to-military contacts</a>&nbsp;is “hugely important” to “ensure there is no miscalculation” between the sides. He said he conveyed his desire to restart the dialogue in a letter to his Chinese counterpart.The officials also said Biden would underscore U.S. commitment to the Philippines, following a recent episode in which Chinese ships&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-china-sea-philippines-collision-67aa7e2ca5df4f4e3a7c3bceff46c26f">blocked and collided with two Filipino vessels</a>&nbsp;off a contested shoal in the South China Sea.The Philippines and other neighbors of China are resisting Beijing’s sweeping territorial claims over virtually the entire sea.“I want to be very clear,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-australia-albanese-state-visit-b8b86f334f8107b2eb04ed96ddb9128b">Biden said in October</a>. "The United States’ defense commitment to the Philippines is iron clad.”Both sides appeared to be carefully considering security for the meeting, declining to publicize the venue of the much-anticipated talks.Thousands of people protesting climate destruction, corporate practices, the Israel-Hamas war and other issues are expected to descend on San Francisco during the summit.San Francisco Police Department Chief Bill Scott said his department expects several protests a day but doesn't know which ones will materialize where and when. He said the city respects people’s right to mobilize peacefully but will not tolerate property destruction, violence or any other crime.

California summit: Biden, Chinese president talk next week

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly knife attack and searching for a suspect.

Just after 4a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to 24th and Elmwood in Kansas City on a reported stabbing, according to KCPD Police Captain Corey Carlisle.

First responders located a man later identified as 53-year-old Bryan D. Hoover, suffering from apparent bodily trauma. Officers provided first aid until EMS arrived on scene and transported him to an area hospital were he later died from his injuries.

Initial investigation revealed the circumstances leading up to the homicide was the result of an argument.&nbsp; No one is in custody at this time and detectives are looking for a subject of interest. 

Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to process the scene, recover any evidence and speak to any potential witnesses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699622275584.png" alt="Police on the scene of the homicide investigation -photo courtesy Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the homicide investigation -photo courtesy Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly knife attack and searching for a suspect.Just after 4a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to 24th and Elmwood in Kansas City on a reported stabbing, according to KCPD Police Captain Corey Carlisle.First responders located a man later identified as 53-year-old Bryan D. Hoover, suffering from apparent bodily trauma. Officers provided first aid until EMS arrived on scene and transported him to an area hospital were he later died from his injuries.Initial investigation revealed the circumstances leading up to the homicide was the result of an argument.&nbsp; No one is in custody at this time and detectives are looking for a subject of interest. Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to process the scene, recover any evidence and speak to any potential witnesses.

Police: Man injured in Kansas City knife attack has died

ROOKS COUNTY—One person died in a fire Thursday in Rooks County.

Early Thursday, fire crews were called to a house fire in Stockton, according to a social media report from the Rooks County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;Search and Rescue located one fatality inside the home. 

The exact cause of the fire is undetermined. The fire is believed to have originated inside the house and no foul play is suspected.&nbsp;

Kansas State Fire Marshall’s Office has been called to assist Stockton Fire and the Rooks County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.

The sheriff's office has not released the name of the victim.

ROOKS COUNTY—One person died in a fire Thursday in Rooks County.Early Thursday, fire crews were called to a house fire in Stockton, according to a social media report from the Rooks County Sheriff's Office.&nbsp;Search and Rescue located one fatality inside the home. The exact cause of the fire is undetermined. The fire is believed to have originated inside the house and no foul play is suspected.&nbsp;Kansas State Fire Marshall’s Office has been called to assist Stockton Fire and the Rooks County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.The sheriff's office has not released the name of the victim.

Sheriff: Cause of fatal NW Kan. house fire still undetermined 

KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrested the two suspects believed responsible for a series of bank robberies in Kansas last week. 

 Darnell M. Richmond, 56, Kansas City, Kansas, was taken into custody by detectives on Nov. 2. The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office has charged him with three counts of aggravated robbery; aggravated criminal threat; two counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery; possession of cocaine; two counts of theft; attempted theft; and possession of marijuana or THC. 

Richmond is being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $200,000 bond.

On Nov. 8, officers took his accomplice, Kenton Marcus Williams, 45, Kansas City, Kansas into custody .

The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office has charged him with three counts of aggravated robbery; attempted aggravated robbery; two counts of a criminal threat; two counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery; two counts of theft; and attempted theft. Williams is also being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $200,000 bond.

Detectives believe that on Monday morning, October 30, Richmond robbed the Community First Bank at 650 Kansas Ave. after an unsuccessful attempt at the Bank of America branch located at 7809 State Ave. 

Then three days later, on Thursday afternoon, November 2 they believe he then returned to Community First where he left with an unspecified amount of money.

This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case/Robbery Unit and the FBI. If you have information related to this or any case, please call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. For more information on the KCKPD and current crime statistics, visit <a href="http://kckpd.org/?fbclid=IwAR3vZt84ne-yK3f6AqVcLIPtivb8TYw-bt3OQBXiKp85QMCK52aJHoEIWaw" target="_blank">kckpd.org.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699412683924.png" alt="Richmond-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Richmond-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrested the two suspects believed responsible for a series of bank robberies in Kansas last week. Darnell M. Richmond, 56, Kansas City, Kansas, was taken into custody by detectives on Nov. 2. The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office has charged him with three counts of aggravated robbery; aggravated criminal threat; two counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery; possession of cocaine; two counts of theft; attempted theft; and possession of marijuana or THC. Richmond is being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $200,000 bond.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699455652925.png" alt="Williams photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Williams photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Nov. 8, officers took his accomplice, Kenton Marcus Williams, 45, Kansas City, Kansas into custody .The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office has charged him with three counts of aggravated robbery; attempted aggravated robbery; two counts of a criminal threat; two counts of conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery; two counts of theft; and attempted theft. Williams is also being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $200,000 bond.Detectives believe that on Monday morning, October 30, Richmond robbed the Community First Bank at 650 Kansas Ave. after an unsuccessful attempt at the Bank of America branch located at 7809 State Ave. Then three days later, on Thursday afternoon, November 2 they believe he then returned to Community First where he left with an unspecified amount of money.This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case/Robbery Unit and the FBI. If you have information related to this or any case, please call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. For more information on the KCKPD and current crime statistics, visit <a href="http://kckpd.org/?fbclid=IwAR3vZt84ne-yK3f6AqVcLIPtivb8TYw-bt3OQBXiKp85QMCK52aJHoEIWaw" target="_blank">kckpd.org.</a>

FBI helps make arrest in series of Kansas bank robberies

BEIJING (AP) — A financial services business of China’s biggest bank says it was hit by a ransomware attack that reportedly disrupted trading in the U.S. Treasury market.

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Financial Services handles trades and other services for financial institutions. A statement on its website seen Friday said the ransomware attack this week disrupted some of its systems but that it had disconnected parts of the affected systems to limit the impact from the attack.

The company, which is based in New York, said it was investigating and had reported the problem to law enforcement.

All Treasury trades executed Wednesday and repo financing trades on Thursday were cleared, it said. It said ICBC’s banking, email and other systems were not affected.

The company gave no further details but reports said the attack was by LockBit, a Russian-speaking ransomware syndicate that does not target former Soviet countries. It is one of the most efficient ransomware variants around, according to the cybersecurity firm Emsisoft. Active since September 2019, it has&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.emsisoft.com/en/38915/ransomware-profile-lockbit/" target="_blank">attacked thousands of organizations.</a>

BEIJING (AP) — A financial services business of China’s biggest bank says it was hit by a ransomware attack that reportedly disrupted trading in the U.S. Treasury market.Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Financial Services handles trades and other services for financial institutions. A statement on its website seen Friday said the ransomware attack this week disrupted some of its systems but that it had disconnected parts of the affected systems to limit the impact from the attack.The company, which is based in New York, said it was investigating and had reported the problem to law enforcement.All Treasury trades executed Wednesday and repo financing trades on Thursday were cleared, it said. It said ICBC’s banking, email and other systems were not affected.The company gave no further details but reports said the attack was by LockBit, a Russian-speaking ransomware syndicate that does not target former Soviet countries. It is one of the most efficient ransomware variants around, according to the cybersecurity firm Emsisoft. Active since September 2019, it has&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.emsisoft.com/en/38915/ransomware-profile-lockbit/" target="_blank">attacked thousands of organizations.</a>

Ransomware attack disrupts U.S. Treasury market trades

&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly crash and have made an arrest.

Just before 3p.m. Wednesday p.m., police were dispatched to the intersection of E. 23rd St N and Jackson in Wichita for an injury collision, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders found two vehicles with extensive damage. A preliminary investigation revealed that an Acura MDX was northbound on Jackson and an eastbound Nissan Altima collided at 23rd Street collided.&nbsp;

The Nissan was occupied by&nbsp;28-year-old Nancy Lopez of Wichita and a 23-year-old woman from Wichita. 

Despite the lifesaving efforts of the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS, Lopez was pronounced deceased on the scene. 

The 23-year-old was admitted to a local area hospital where she remains in critical condition.

The two occupants who were inside the Acura suffered minor injuries, and the driver identified as a 16-year-old Wichita boy was arrested and&nbsp;booked into the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake Center on requested charges of reckless 2nd Degree Murder and one count of Reckless Aggravated Battery, according to Gupilan.

Excessive speed is believed to be a factor in the collision.&nbsp; Police will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging.

This is the 31st traffic fatality for 2023 in Wichita, according to police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699555503140.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the deadly crash" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the deadly crash</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly crash and have made an arrest.Just before 3p.m. Wednesday p.m., police were dispatched to the intersection of E. 23rd St N and Jackson in Wichita for an injury collision, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders found two vehicles with extensive damage. A preliminary investigation revealed that an Acura MDX was northbound on Jackson and an eastbound Nissan Altima collided at 23rd Street collided.&nbsp;The Nissan was occupied by&nbsp;28-year-old Nancy Lopez of Wichita and a 23-year-old woman from Wichita. Despite the lifesaving efforts of the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS, Lopez was pronounced deceased on the scene. The 23-year-old was admitted to a local area hospital where she remains in critical condition.The two occupants who were inside the Acura suffered minor injuries, and the driver identified as a 16-year-old Wichita boy was arrested and&nbsp;booked into the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake Center on requested charges of reckless 2nd Degree Murder and one count of Reckless Aggravated Battery, according to Gupilan.Excessive speed is believed to be a factor in the collision.&nbsp; Police will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging.This is the 31st traffic fatality for 2023 in Wichita, according to police.

Excessive speed: 16-year-old jailed after crash killed Kan. woman

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the disappearance of&nbsp;Ebony Duncan who last seen Sept. 6, around 5:00pm in the area of 19200 E. 37th Terrace in Kansas City continue to search for a person of interest in the case.

On Tuesday, Detectives from the Independence Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit responded to the area of 83rd and Hillcrest Road in Kansas City following up on leads in Duncan's disappearance.

 They conducted a search of the area using cadaver dogs in an attempt to locate Duncan, who was believed to be possibly deceased. One of the K9s alerted to and located a deceased person in the woods nearby. 

 The deceased person has identifiers that are consistent with those of Ebony Duncan and at this time, the deceased person is believed to be her. 

However, a positive identification will have to be made with the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office as the case continues. 

Detectives want to question 42-year-old Keaira Ransberg (Jenkins) in connection with Duncan's disappearance and death.&nbsp; Ransberg is described as being 5-foot-tall, 150 pounds with brown eyes Ransberg has a last known address in Kansas City. 

Anyone with information on Ransberg’s whereabouts in urged to contact the Crimestoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS, where you can remain anonymous. You can also report electronically at the KC Crimestoppers website, <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kccrimestoppers.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR30mww3WgXNkhdYLMum8Tmb_0Ksexe8_OKh-Agl0txAeTGuJsZ6TjAaFPQ&amp;h=AT1au-OUKtuQYdUkBXxc61zw99zueNzkRw1GIhZE_YnX_w_20DM0TJ9m7D7-2TmmCGXYCyWtvxza9I2hfOnNsaA4ZwBCs0-_J0XenN5vCdoTO0boz0OmrMsq_6FumRmenU_MJ9E&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT23Z3rI-FkHe5W23159jjPBDSPZJOvJe9kC208b-jAGexrnUbsLaTkCCVbd0953OI6BQAfBAo_5_HURIi88S_vTvjayrb_goBFyVruEnqgEDxPbXGgUZOY-fnbgEbYH2-2cMaq8TwerZ1gpp5oIfItJaOXzfpDqBzrv396eHiklEf-14iUP0DPSELJuLJlrofsWpgPpiTiZ" target="_blank">https://www.kccrimestoppers.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698882030410.png" alt="Jenkins is wanted for questioning in the case- photo Independence PD" />
 <figcaption>Jenkins is wanted for questioning in the case- photo Independence PD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the disappearance of&nbsp;Ebony Duncan who last seen Sept. 6, around 5:00pm in the area of 19200 E. 37th Terrace in Kansas City continue to search for a person of interest in the case.On Tuesday, Detectives from the Independence Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit responded to the area of 83rd and Hillcrest Road in Kansas City following up on leads in Duncan's disappearance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698881689884.png" alt="Ebony Duncan courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Ebony Duncan courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure> They conducted a search of the area using cadaver dogs in an attempt to locate Duncan, who was believed to be possibly deceased. One of the K9s alerted to and located a deceased person in the woods nearby. The deceased person has identifiers that are consistent with those of Ebony Duncan and at this time, the deceased person is believed to be her. However, a positive identification will have to be made with the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office as the case continues. Detectives want to question 42-year-old Keaira Ransberg (Jenkins) in connection with Duncan's disappearance and death.&nbsp; Ransberg is described as being 5-foot-tall, 150 pounds with brown eyes Ransberg has a last known address in Kansas City. Anyone with information on Ransberg’s whereabouts in urged to contact the Crimestoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS, where you can remain anonymous. You can also report electronically at the KC Crimestoppers website, <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kccrimestoppers.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR30mww3WgXNkhdYLMum8Tmb_0Ksexe8_OKh-Agl0txAeTGuJsZ6TjAaFPQ&amp;h=AT1au-OUKtuQYdUkBXxc61zw99zueNzkRw1GIhZE_YnX_w_20DM0TJ9m7D7-2TmmCGXYCyWtvxza9I2hfOnNsaA4ZwBCs0-_J0XenN5vCdoTO0boz0OmrMsq_6FumRmenU_MJ9E&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT23Z3rI-FkHe5W23159jjPBDSPZJOvJe9kC208b-jAGexrnUbsLaTkCCVbd0953OI6BQAfBAo_5_HURIi88S_vTvjayrb_goBFyVruEnqgEDxPbXGgUZOY-fnbgEbYH2-2cMaq8TwerZ1gpp5oIfItJaOXzfpDqBzrv396eHiklEf-14iUP0DPSELJuLJlrofsWpgPpiTiZ" target="_blank">https://www.kccrimestoppers.com</a>

Woman still wanted for questioning after body found in Kansas City

WASHINGTON (AP)— U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria have been targeted multiple times in the last day, with three minor injuries reported, U.S. defense officials said Thursday.

The attacks took place as the U.S. conducted another airstrike against an Iranian weapons storage area Wednesday to try to convince Iranian-backed militant groups to cease the hostilities and avoid spurring a larger conflict

Within the past day, militants have launched two separate attacks using multiple rockets against U.S. and coalition forces operating at Green Village, Syria; a one-way drone attack was launched against U.S. and Coalition forces at Mission Support Site Euphrates, Syria; U.S. and coalition convoy encountered a roadside bomb near the Mosul Dam, in Iraq; and a one-way attack drone was launched at U.S. and coalition forces at the al Asad air base in Iraq.

There were three minor injuries reported in the Green Village attacks but all personnel returned to duty.

No other injuries or damage was reported in the strikes, according to defense officials who provided details of the attacks on the condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet made public.

According to deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh, U.S. and coalition forces have been attacked 46 times since Oct. 17, injuring 56 personnel. All have returned to duty, Singh said.

According to a statement Thursday from the Defense Department, U.S. force enhancements in the Middle East, include recently deployed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense and Patriot missile defense systems, additional fighter squadrons, two carrier strike groups, and an Ohio-class nuclear-powered guided missile submarine, according to Dana Stroul, deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East.

"We also placed over 2,000 personnel and a range of units on a heightened state of readiness, some of which [were] subsequently deployed," Stroul said. "These deployments demonstrate our commitment to Israel's security, to regional stability, and to deterring those who seek to widen this conflict. It also bolsters the department's ability to respond quickly to the evolving security environment."

The department's commitment to Israel's right to defend itself from terrorism is "ironclad," and the department is working daily to help Israel do that, Stroul told lawmakers.

"We are working around-the-clock to determine which munitions and equipment from U.S. inventory can quickly be made available," Stroul said. "Air defense is a high priority, as are medical supplies, artillery, ammunition and precision-guided munitions. Deliveries are taking place on a near daily basis."

Since the initial attack, Stroul said Hamas has been using civilians as human shields, has blocked the delivery of humanitarian aid, and continues to hold at least 200 civilians.

"The Department of State designated Hamas a foreign terrorist organization in 1997," she said. "Hamas is responsible for the abhorrent terrorist attack in Israel. And Israel is executing military operations to ensure that Hamas is never again able to perpetuate a terrorist attack like it did in October."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699564278384.png" alt="The USS Carney defeats a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea, Oct. 19, 2023. The Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.&nbsp;Photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau" />
 <figcaption>The USS Carney defeats a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea, Oct. 19, 2023. The Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.&nbsp;Photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)— U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria have been targeted multiple times in the last day, with three minor injuries reported, U.S. defense officials said Thursday.The attacks took place as the U.S. conducted another airstrike against an Iranian weapons storage area Wednesday to try to convince Iranian-backed militant groups to cease the hostilities and avoid spurring a larger conflictWithin the past day, militants have launched two separate attacks using multiple rockets against U.S. and coalition forces operating at Green Village, Syria; a one-way drone attack was launched against U.S. and Coalition forces at Mission Support Site Euphrates, Syria; U.S. and coalition convoy encountered a roadside bomb near the Mosul Dam, in Iraq; and a one-way attack drone was launched at U.S. and coalition forces at the al Asad air base in Iraq.There were three minor injuries reported in the Green Village attacks but all personnel returned to duty.No other injuries or damage was reported in the strikes, according to defense officials who provided details of the attacks on the condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet made public.According to deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh, U.S. and coalition forces have been attacked 46 times since Oct. 17, injuring 56 personnel. All have returned to duty, Singh said.According to a statement Thursday from the Defense Department, U.S. force enhancements in the Middle East, include recently deployed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense and Patriot missile defense systems, additional fighter squadrons, two carrier strike groups, and an Ohio-class nuclear-powered guided missile submarine, according to Dana Stroul, deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East."We also placed over 2,000 personnel and a range of units on a heightened state of readiness, some of which [were] subsequently deployed," Stroul said. "These deployments demonstrate our commitment to Israel's security, to regional stability, and to deterring those who seek to widen this conflict. It also bolsters the department's ability to respond quickly to the evolving security environment."The department's commitment to Israel's right to defend itself from terrorism is "ironclad," and the department is working daily to help Israel do that, Stroul told lawmakers."We are working around-the-clock to determine which munitions and equipment from U.S. inventory can quickly be made available," Stroul said. "Air defense is a high priority, as are medical supplies, artillery, ammunition and precision-guided munitions. Deliveries are taking place on a near daily basis."Since the initial attack, Stroul said Hamas has been using civilians as human shields, has blocked the delivery of humanitarian aid, and continues to hold at least 200 civilians."The Department of State designated Hamas a foreign terrorist organization in 1997," she said. "Hamas is responsible for the abhorrent terrorist attack in Israel. And Israel is executing military operations to ensure that Hamas is never again able to perpetuate a terrorist attack like it did in October."

US Troops in Syria and Iraq come under more attacks

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Thursday in Kansas City.

&nbsp;A&nbsp; Saturn Vue was northbound on Troost Avenue at President Avenue at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Corey Carlisle.

The driver lost control of his vehicle and it left the roadway to the left, struck a utility pole guide wire and a large tree. 

The driver was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. He was not wearing his seatbelt and impairment is under investigation, according to Carlisle.

The front seat passenger received minor injuries; he was wearing his seatbelt. Police have not released the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY—One person died in an accident just before 7p.m. Thursday in Kansas City.&nbsp;A&nbsp; Saturn Vue was northbound on Troost Avenue at President Avenue at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD Captain Corey Carlisle.The driver lost control of his vehicle and it left the roadway to the left, struck a utility pole guide wire and a large tree. The driver was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. He was not wearing his seatbelt and impairment is under investigation, according to Carlisle.The front seat passenger received minor injuries; he was wearing his seatbelt. Police have not released the name of the victim.

Kan. man dead after SUV strikes utility pole guide wire, tree

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting in August this year inside a Kansas City residence, according Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.

Anthony T. Adams. 54, faces Involuntary Manslaughter 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, just after 6p.m. on Aug. 13, 2023, Kansas City police were dispatched to a reported shooting. Officers entered the house and observed the defendant standing in the front room. He spontaneously uttered, "It was an accident, it was an accident."&nbsp; Adams had called 911 for help and stated on those calls that he shot the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699375319095.png" alt="Adams-photo Jackson County." />
 <figcaption>Adams-photo Jackson County.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting in August this year inside a Kansas City residence, according Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.Anthony T. Adams. 54, faces Involuntary Manslaughter 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records, just after 6p.m. on Aug. 13, 2023, Kansas City police were dispatched to a reported shooting. Officers entered the house and observed the defendant standing in the front room. He spontaneously uttered, "It was an accident, it was an accident."&nbsp; Adams had called 911 for help and stated on those calls that he shot the victim.

KC man called 911, told police fatal shooting was an accident

WASHINGTON– Three individuals have been arrested in connection with operating sophisticated high-end brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia. 

Commercial sex buyers allegedly included elected officials, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, attorneys, scientists and accountants, among others, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The following defendants have been charged with conspiracy to coerce and entice to travel to engage in illegal sexual activity:&nbsp;

Han Lee and Junmyung Lee were arrested Thursday morning and will appear in federal court in Boston later Thursday. James Lee was arrested in the Central District of California and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.&nbsp;

According to the charging documents, from at least July 2020, the defendants operated an interstate prostitution network with multiple brothels in Cambridge and Watertown, Mass., as well as in Fairfax and Tysons, Va.&nbsp;

It is alleged that the defendants collectively established the infrastructure for brothels in multiple states which they used to persuade, induce and entice women – primarily Asian women – to travel to Massachusetts and Virginia to engage in prostitution.&nbsp;

Specifically, the defendants allegedly rented high-end apartment complexes as brothel locations, which they furnished and regularly maintained. The monthly rent for the brothel locations were as high as $3,664. It is further alleged that the defendants coordinated the women’s airline travel and transportation and permitted women to stay overnight in the brothel locations so they did not have to find lodging elsewhere, therefore enticing women to participate in their prostitution network.&nbsp;

The defendants allegedly advertised their prostitution network primarily on two websites – bostontopten10.com and browneyesgirlsva.blog – which offered appointments with women in either greater Boston or eastern Virginia, respectively. Both websites purported to advertise nude Asian models for professional photography at upscale studios as a front for prostitution offered through appointments with women listed on their websites. The websites listed the height, weight and bust size of women available for appointments and depicted nude and/or semi-nude photographs of each. The women listed as available on the websites updated frequently, with updates to include “coming soon” or “open” to reflect an impending arrival of new women arriving in the area.&nbsp;

Each website allegedly described a verification process that interested sex buyers undertook to be eligible for appointment bookings– including requiring clients complete a form providing their full names, email address, phone number, employer and reference if they had one.

It is further alleged that the defendants maintained local brothel phone numbers which they used to communicate with verified customers and schedule appointments via text message. In these text message exchanges, the defendants allegedly sent customers a “menu” of available options at the brothel, including the women and sexual services available and the hourly rate. Additionally, the defendants allegedly texted customers directions to the brothel’s location – a high-end apartments – where they engaged in commercial sex with the women.&nbsp;

According to the charging documents, the defendants charged sex buyers a premium price for appointments with the women advertised on their websites, which ranged from approximately $350 to upwards of $600 per hour depending on the services and were paid in cash. The defendants allegedly concealed the proceeds of the prostitution network through depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars of cash proceeds into their personal bank accounts and peer-to-peer transfers. Additionally, it is alleged that the defendants regularly used hundreds of thousands of dollars of the cash proceeds from the prostitution business to purchase money orders (in values under an amount that would trigger reporting and identification requirements) to conceal the source of the funds. These money orders were then used to pay for rent and utilities at brothel locations in Massachusetts and Virginia.

Over the course of the investigation, a wide array of buyers were identified, including, but not limited to, politicians, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, lawyers, scientists and &nbsp;accountants.&nbsp;

The investigation into the involvement of sex buyers is active and ongoing.

WASHINGTON– Three individuals have been arrested in connection with operating sophisticated high-end brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia. Commercial sex buyers allegedly included elected officials, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, attorneys, scientists and accountants, among others, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.The following defendants have been charged with conspiracy to coerce and entice to travel to engage in illegal sexual activity:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Han Lee, a/k/a “Hana,” 41, of Cambridge, Mass.;</li><li>James Lee, 68, of Torrance, Calif.; and</li><li>Junmyung Lee, 30, of Dedham, Mass.</li>
 </ul>Han Lee and Junmyung Lee were arrested Thursday morning and will appear in federal court in Boston later Thursday. James Lee was arrested in the Central District of California and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.&nbsp;According to the charging documents, from at least July 2020, the defendants operated an interstate prostitution network with multiple brothels in Cambridge and Watertown, Mass., as well as in Fairfax and Tysons, Va.&nbsp;It is alleged that the defendants collectively established the infrastructure for brothels in multiple states which they used to persuade, induce and entice women – primarily Asian women – to travel to Massachusetts and Virginia to engage in prostitution.&nbsp;Specifically, the defendants allegedly rented high-end apartment complexes as brothel locations, which they furnished and regularly maintained. The monthly rent for the brothel locations were as high as $3,664. It is further alleged that the defendants coordinated the women’s airline travel and transportation and permitted women to stay overnight in the brothel locations so they did not have to find lodging elsewhere, therefore enticing women to participate in their prostitution network.&nbsp;The defendants allegedly advertised their prostitution network primarily on two websites – bostontopten10.com and browneyesgirlsva.blog – which offered appointments with women in either greater Boston or eastern Virginia, respectively. Both websites purported to advertise nude Asian models for professional photography at upscale studios as a front for prostitution offered through appointments with women listed on their websites. The websites listed the height, weight and bust size of women available for appointments and depicted nude and/or semi-nude photographs of each. The women listed as available on the websites updated frequently, with updates to include “coming soon” or “open” to reflect an impending arrival of new women arriving in the area.&nbsp;Each website allegedly described a verification process that interested sex buyers undertook to be eligible for appointment bookings– including requiring clients complete a form providing their full names, email address, phone number, employer and reference if they had one.It is further alleged that the defendants maintained local brothel phone numbers which they used to communicate with verified customers and schedule appointments via text message. In these text message exchanges, the defendants allegedly sent customers a “menu” of available options at the brothel, including the women and sexual services available and the hourly rate. Additionally, the defendants allegedly texted customers directions to the brothel’s location – a high-end apartments – where they engaged in commercial sex with the women.&nbsp;According to the charging documents, the defendants charged sex buyers a premium price for appointments with the women advertised on their websites, which ranged from approximately $350 to upwards of $600 per hour depending on the services and were paid in cash. The defendants allegedly concealed the proceeds of the prostitution network through depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars of cash proceeds into their personal bank accounts and peer-to-peer transfers. Additionally, it is alleged that the defendants regularly used hundreds of thousands of dollars of the cash proceeds from the prostitution business to purchase money orders (in values under an amount that would trigger reporting and identification requirements) to conceal the source of the funds. These money orders were then used to pay for rent and utilities at brothel locations in Massachusetts and Virginia.Over the course of the investigation, a wide array of buyers were identified, including, but not limited to, politicians, high tech and pharmaceutical executives, doctors, military officers, government contractors that possess security clearances, professors, lawyers, scientists and &nbsp;accountants.&nbsp;The investigation into the involvement of sex buyers is active and ongoing.

 High-end interstate prostitution network catered to elected officials

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Astronaut Frank Borman, who commanded Apollo 8's historic Christmas 1968 flight that circled the moon 10 times and paved the way for the lunar landing the next year, has died. He was 95.

Borman died Tuesday in Billings, Montana, according to NASA.

Borman also led troubled Eastern Airlines in the 1970s and early '80s after leaving the astronaut corps.

But he was best known for his NASA duties. He and his crew, James Lovell and William Anders, were the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4412e721713842b984817355fc291c12">first Apollo mission to fly to the moon</a>&nbsp;— and to see Earth as a distant sphere in space.

“Today we remember one of NASA’s best. Astronaut Frank Borman was a true American hero,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement Thursday. "His lifelong love for aviation and exploration was only surpassed by his love for his wife Susan.”

Launched from Florida’s Cape Canaveral on Dec. 21, 1968, the Apollo 8 trio spent three days traveling to the moon, and slipped into lunar orbit on Christmas Eve. After they circled 10 times on Dec. 24-25, they headed home on Dec. 27.

On Christmas Eve, the astronauts read from the Book of Genesis in a live telecast from the orbiter: "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep."

Borman ended the broadcast with, “And from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you — all of you on the good Earth.”

Lovell and Borman had previously flown together during the two-week Gemini 7 mission, which launched on Dec. 4, 1965 — and, at only 120 feet apart, completed the first space orbital rendezvous with Gemini 6.

"Gemini was a tough go," Borman told The Associated Press in 1998. "It was smaller than the front seat of a Volkswagen bug. It made Apollo seem like a super-duper, plush touring bus."

In his book, "Countdown: An Autobiography," Borman said Apollo 8 was originally supposed to orbit Earth. The success of Apollo 7's mission in October 1968 to show system reliability on long duration flights made NASA decide it was time to take a shot at flying to the moon.

But Borman said there was another reason NASA changed the plan: the agency wanted to beat the Russians. Borman said he thought one orbit would suffice.

“My main concern in this whole flight was to get there ahead of the Russians and get home. That was a significant achievement in my eyes,” Borman explained at a Chicago appearance in 2017.

It was on the crew's fourth orbit that Anders snapped the iconic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE-vOscpiNc&amp;t=1s">“Earthrise” photo</a>&nbsp;showing a blue and white Earth rising above the gray lunar landscape.

Borman wrote about how the Earth looked from afar: "We were the first humans to see the world in its majestic totality, an intensely emotional experience for each of us. We said nothing to each other, but I was sure our thoughts were identical — of our families on that spinning globe. And maybe we shared another thought I had, This must be what God sees."

After NASA, Borman's aviation career ventured into business in 1970 when he joined Eastern Airlines — at that time the nation’s fourth-largest airline. He eventually became Eastern’s president and CEO and in 1976 also became its chairman of the board.

Borman’s tenure at Eastern saw fuel prices increase sharply and the government deregulate the airline industry. The airline became increasingly unprofitable, debt-ridden and torn by labor tensions. He resigned in 1986 and moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico.

In his autobiography, Borman wrote that his fascination with flying began in his teens when he and his father would assemble model airplanes. At age 15, Borman took flying lessons, using money he had saved working as a bag boy and pumping gas after school. He took his first solo flight after eight hours of dual instruction. He continued flying into his 90s.

Borman was born in Gary, Indiana, but was raised in Tucson, Arizona. He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in 1950. That same year, Borman married his high school sweetheart, Susan Bugbee. She died in 2021.

Borman worked as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, operational pilot and instructor at West Point after graduation. In 1956, Borman moved his family to Pasadena, California, where he earned a master of science degree in aeronautical engineering from California Institute of Technology. In 1962, he was one of nine test pilots chosen by NASA for the astronaut program.

He received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor from President Jimmy Carter.

In 1998, Borman started a cattle ranch in Bighorn, Montana, with his son, Fred. In addition to Fred, he survived by another son, Edwin, and their families.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699579574625.png" alt="Astronaut Frank Borman-photo courtesy NASA" />
 <figcaption>Astronaut Frank Borman-photo courtesy NASA</figcaption>
 </figure>BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Astronaut Frank Borman, who commanded Apollo 8's historic Christmas 1968 flight that circled the moon 10 times and paved the way for the lunar landing the next year, has died. He was 95.Borman died Tuesday in Billings, Montana, according to NASA.Borman also led troubled Eastern Airlines in the 1970s and early '80s after leaving the astronaut corps.But he was best known for his NASA duties. He and his crew, James Lovell and William Anders, were the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/4412e721713842b984817355fc291c12">first Apollo mission to fly to the moon</a>&nbsp;— and to see Earth as a distant sphere in space.“Today we remember one of NASA’s best. Astronaut Frank Borman was a true American hero,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement Thursday. "His lifelong love for aviation and exploration was only surpassed by his love for his wife Susan.”Launched from Florida’s Cape Canaveral on Dec. 21, 1968, the Apollo 8 trio spent three days traveling to the moon, and slipped into lunar orbit on Christmas Eve. After they circled 10 times on Dec. 24-25, they headed home on Dec. 27.On Christmas Eve, the astronauts read from the Book of Genesis in a live telecast from the orbiter: "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep."Borman ended the broadcast with, “And from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you — all of you on the good Earth.”Lovell and Borman had previously flown together during the two-week Gemini 7 mission, which launched on Dec. 4, 1965 — and, at only 120 feet apart, completed the first space orbital rendezvous with Gemini 6."Gemini was a tough go," Borman told The Associated Press in 1998. "It was smaller than the front seat of a Volkswagen bug. It made Apollo seem like a super-duper, plush touring bus."In his book, "Countdown: An Autobiography," Borman said Apollo 8 was originally supposed to orbit Earth. The success of Apollo 7's mission in October 1968 to show system reliability on long duration flights made NASA decide it was time to take a shot at flying to the moon.But Borman said there was another reason NASA changed the plan: the agency wanted to beat the Russians. Borman said he thought one orbit would suffice.“My main concern in this whole flight was to get there ahead of the Russians and get home. That was a significant achievement in my eyes,” Borman explained at a Chicago appearance in 2017.It was on the crew's fourth orbit that Anders snapped the iconic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE-vOscpiNc&amp;t=1s">“Earthrise” photo</a>&nbsp;showing a blue and white Earth rising above the gray lunar landscape.Borman wrote about how the Earth looked from afar: "We were the first humans to see the world in its majestic totality, an intensely emotional experience for each of us. We said nothing to each other, but I was sure our thoughts were identical — of our families on that spinning globe. And maybe we shared another thought I had, This must be what God sees."After NASA, Borman's aviation career ventured into business in 1970 when he joined Eastern Airlines — at that time the nation’s fourth-largest airline. He eventually became Eastern’s president and CEO and in 1976 also became its chairman of the board.Borman’s tenure at Eastern saw fuel prices increase sharply and the government deregulate the airline industry. The airline became increasingly unprofitable, debt-ridden and torn by labor tensions. He resigned in 1986 and moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico.In his autobiography, Borman wrote that his fascination with flying began in his teens when he and his father would assemble model airplanes. At age 15, Borman took flying lessons, using money he had saved working as a bag boy and pumping gas after school. He took his first solo flight after eight hours of dual instruction. He continued flying into his 90s.Borman was born in Gary, Indiana, but was raised in Tucson, Arizona. He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in 1950. That same year, Borman married his high school sweetheart, Susan Bugbee. She died in 2021.Borman worked as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, operational pilot and instructor at West Point after graduation. In 1956, Borman moved his family to Pasadena, California, where he earned a master of science degree in aeronautical engineering from California Institute of Technology. In 1962, he was one of nine test pilots chosen by NASA for the astronaut program.He received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor from President Jimmy Carter.In 1998, Borman started a cattle ranch in Bighorn, Montana, with his son, Fred. In addition to Fred, he survived by another son, Edwin, and their families.

Frank Borman, commander of the first Apollo mission to the moon, has died

JOHNSON COUNTY —A jury this week found a Kansas teen guilty in the July 2022 death&nbsp; of 29-year-old Daniel Ward.

Kingston Blaze Kohlieber 15, Olathe, was found guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter and Criminal Use of a Weapon in Ward's death, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

First responders found Ward with head trauma that police investigators determined was a gunshot wound.

Kohlieber was initially arrested and charged with First Degree Murder, according to the district attorney's office. He is scheduled for sentencing on December 8.

JOHNSON COUNTY —A jury this week found a Kansas teen guilty in the July 2022 death&nbsp; of 29-year-old Daniel Ward.Kingston Blaze Kohlieber 15, Olathe, was found guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter and Criminal Use of a Weapon in Ward's death, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.First responders found Ward with head trauma that police investigators determined was a gunshot wound.Kohlieber was initially arrested and charged with First Degree Murder, according to the district attorney's office. He is scheduled for sentencing on December 8.

Jury: 15-year-old guilty in 2022 Kansas killing

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Nearly a month after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-courts-cybersecurity-problem-network-offline-ba6c2c1979fd58869cc5d4fb1aed501c">“security incident”</a>&nbsp;with all the hallmarks of a ransomware attack, Kansas judicial officials are slowly renewing public access to court information. But for now, that access requires a trip to the state's capital city.

The state's judicial branch on Tuesday announced it has opened a public access&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-PjIeh1js4IAl_12rNJ6Vm32hOEMmre6eY6k8DfzJ3g">service center</a>&nbsp;at the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka. The center is staffed by judicial workers and includes 10 computer terminals. Appointments are required and the center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

<a href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=S3pYjt6vRUisngMd8MjE-Jt6QpzZ2LRCpJE9-F9h9hRUQ0lBUDJSNTE1VjZVRVFPMjk0TEc5MlMwTSQlQCN0PWcu">Appointment requests</a>&nbsp;may be made online. The center is for searching case information only, and electronic payments cannot be made there, according to a news release from the state.

The release said efforts to bring the judicial branch systems back online will occur in phases and that no firm timeline has been established on when all functions will be fully restored.

The massive outage on Oct. 12 left attorneys unable to search online records and forced them to file motions the old fashioned way — on paper. The disruption has caused a huge slowdown of court operations across the state.

Since 2019, ransomware groups have targeted 18 state, city or municipal court systems, said analyst Allan Liska of the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future. That includes one in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dallas-ransomware-attack-32e4213465e4532616179c94a79ac706">Dallas</a>, where some jury trials had to be canceled this year.

But state-focused attacks have been much less frequent, and have not rivaled what happened in Kansas.

State officials have released few details about the investigation. They have not said if the incident was determined to be malicious, or if there was a demand for ransom. A message left Wednesday with Judicial Branch spokeswoman Lisa Taylor was not immediately returned.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Nearly a month after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-courts-cybersecurity-problem-network-offline-ba6c2c1979fd58869cc5d4fb1aed501c">“security incident”</a>&nbsp;with all the hallmarks of a ransomware attack, Kansas judicial officials are slowly renewing public access to court information. But for now, that access requires a trip to the state's capital city.The state's judicial branch on Tuesday announced it has opened a public access&nbsp;<a href="https://kansascourts.org/l/-PjIeh1js4IAl_12rNJ6Vm32hOEMmre6eY6k8DfzJ3g">service center</a>&nbsp;at the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka. The center is staffed by judicial workers and includes 10 computer terminals. Appointments are required and the center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.<a href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=S3pYjt6vRUisngMd8MjE-Jt6QpzZ2LRCpJE9-F9h9hRUQ0lBUDJSNTE1VjZVRVFPMjk0TEc5MlMwTSQlQCN0PWcu">Appointment requests</a>&nbsp;may be made online. The center is for searching case information only, and electronic payments cannot be made there, according to a news release from the state.The release said efforts to bring the judicial branch systems back online will occur in phases and that no firm timeline has been established on when all functions will be fully restored.The massive outage on Oct. 12 left attorneys unable to search online records and forced them to file motions the old fashioned way — on paper. The disruption has caused a huge slowdown of court operations across the state.Since 2019, ransomware groups have targeted 18 state, city or municipal court systems, said analyst Allan Liska of the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future. That includes one in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dallas-ransomware-attack-32e4213465e4532616179c94a79ac706">Dallas</a>, where some jury trials had to be canceled this year.But state-focused attacks have been much less frequent, and have not rivaled what happened in Kansas.State officials have released few details about the investigation. They have not said if the incident was determined to be malicious, or if there was a demand for ransom. A message left Wednesday with Judicial Branch spokeswoman Lisa Taylor was not immediately returned.

Kansas begins restoring court information access after 'security incident'

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted sexually assaulting patients at a Kansas hospital is going to prison.

On Thursday, Judge Bruce Brown sentenced 28-year-old Miguel Rodela to 33-years in prison and Lifetime Post release and Registration for his convictions of&nbsp;&nbsp;Rape, 2 counts of Attempted Rape and 2 counts of Battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In September Rodela entered a guilty plea to rape, attempted rape and battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

&nbsp;Rodela, who was neither a patient nor a hospital employee, was arrested in the pre-dawn hours of June 15 after fighting with security guards.&nbsp;

A 76-year-old woman patient said she awoke around 1 a.m. that day to a man manipulating her catheter. She told police she assumed he was fixing it but noticing he was wearing no gloves or medical attire, she told him to find someone else to fix the catheter, according to the probable cause affidavit.

A nurse walked into the room, but when the man said he was a nursing student, the nurse left without questioning him. Soon after, the patient hit a call button to get the nurse to return and the man left. Security was summoned and the woman reported: “He violated me.”

A lawsuit against the hospital notes that Rodela was in the patient's room for more than 20 minutes.

Court records show a hospital security officer had just started checking surveillance video when he was alerted to another assault on the seventh floor. A nurse technician there found Rodela embracing an 82-year-old woman, his hands under the blankets. The patient said the man had kissed her on the mouth, according to the affidavit.

Soon after that, a security officer on the sixth floor spotted Rodela on top of a 47-year-old patient, lifting up her shirt. The patient had a traumatic brain injury that rendered her unable to speak and Rodela told a nurse he was her relative, although she was skeptical, according to the affidavit.

Under questioning, Rodela told police he had been drinking and having sexual fantasies about hospitalized patients. He said he entered the hospital through a door behind an employee, and that he came into contact with at least three patient. He said he rubbed and kissed them until they woke up, the affidavit said.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686922520098.png" alt="Rodela-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Rodela-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted sexually assaulting patients at a Kansas hospital is going to prison.On Thursday, Judge Bruce Brown sentenced 28-year-old Miguel Rodela to 33-years in prison and Lifetime Post release and Registration for his convictions of&nbsp;&nbsp;Rape, 2 counts of Attempted Rape and 2 counts of Battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In September Rodela entered a guilty plea to rape, attempted rape and battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;Rodela, who was neither a patient nor a hospital employee, was arrested in the pre-dawn hours of June 15 after fighting with security guards.&nbsp;A 76-year-old woman patient said she awoke around 1 a.m. that day to a man manipulating her catheter. She told police she assumed he was fixing it but noticing he was wearing no gloves or medical attire, she told him to find someone else to fix the catheter, according to the probable cause affidavit.A nurse walked into the room, but when the man said he was a nursing student, the nurse left without questioning him. Soon after, the patient hit a call button to get the nurse to return and the man left. Security was summoned and the woman reported: “He violated me.”A lawsuit against the hospital notes that Rodela was in the patient's room for more than 20 minutes.Court records show a hospital security officer had just started checking surveillance video when he was alerted to another assault on the seventh floor. A nurse technician there found Rodela embracing an 82-year-old woman, his hands under the blankets. The patient said the man had kissed her on the mouth, according to the affidavit.Soon after that, a security officer on the sixth floor spotted Rodela on top of a 47-year-old patient, lifting up her shirt. The patient had a traumatic brain injury that rendered her unable to speak and Rodela told a nurse he was her relative, although she was skeptical, according to the affidavit.Under questioning, Rodela told police he had been drinking and having sexual fantasies about hospitalized patients. He said he entered the hospital through a door behind an employee, and that he came into contact with at least three patient. He said he rubbed and kissed them until they woke up, the affidavit said.-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Years in prison: Man sexually assaulted Kan. hospital patients

SHERIDAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 11:30 a.m. Thursday in Sheridan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Freightliner M2 driven by Tyler Warren Winn, 30, Salina, was northbound on Kansas 23 at&nbsp;Road 120 S Junction.

The truck traveled onto the east shoulder and the driver over corrected. The truck then crossed both lanes, overturned on the west shoulder, crossed both lanes again and came to rest on its wheels in the east ditch.

&nbsp;Winn was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;MIckey-Leopold Funeral Home. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SHERIDAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 11:30 a.m. Thursday in Sheridan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Freightliner M2 driven by Tyler Warren Winn, 30, Salina, was northbound on Kansas 23 at&nbsp;Road 120 S Junction.The truck traveled onto the east shoulder and the driver over corrected. The truck then crossed both lanes, overturned on the west shoulder, crossed both lanes again and came to rest on its wheels in the east ditch.&nbsp;Winn was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;MIckey-Leopold Funeral Home. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after truck overturns into ditch

WASHINGTON —Before his Thursday trip to&nbsp;Belvidere, Illinois, to celebrate a labor deal with autoworkers, President Biden spoke to the media on Israel and another looming government shutdown.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?531777-1/president-biden-comments-reporters-joint-base-andrews">Click here to watch</a> the exchange or read the text released from the White House.

Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mr. President, why the delay in getting hostages out?

THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; We’re hopeful.&nbsp; Things are moving along.

Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Did you ask for a three-day pause to Netanyahu?

THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; You know I’ve been asking for a pause for — for a lot more than three days (inaudible).

Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Did you ask him to pause for three days to get the hostages out for that length of time?

THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; I’ve ask- — asked for even a longer pause for some of them.

Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mr. President, we’re eight days from a shutdown — the shutdown — government shutdown.&nbsp; Just eight days.&nbsp; Can you give us an update on what you’re thinking on how to — to move past that?

THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; I wish the — the House would just get to work.&nbsp; I’m not being facetious.&nbsp; I mean, this is not a political statement.&nbsp; The idea we’re playing games with a shutdown at this moment is just bizarre.&nbsp; And I think that we ought to be able to combine Ukraine and Israel.&nbsp; We ought to be able — and I’m open to discussions on the border, and I’ve already made some proposals.&nbsp; But there’s just no need for any of this.

Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Will you be bringing up the issue of an endorsement, Mr. President, with Shawn Fein?

Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Will you be bringing up the issue of an endorsement with Shawn Fein when you meet him?

THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; Will I bring up the endorsement?

Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The issue of an endorsement.&nbsp; He has a — the UAW hasn’t endorsed you yet.

THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; Oh, no.&nbsp; They’re going to be fine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699563758150.png" alt="Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Before his Thursday trip to&nbsp;Belvidere, Illinois, to celebrate a labor deal with autoworkers, President Biden spoke to the media on Israel and another looming government shutdown.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?531777-1/president-biden-comments-reporters-joint-base-andrews">Click here to watch</a> the exchange or read the text released from the White House.Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mr. President, why the delay in getting hostages out?THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; We’re hopeful.&nbsp; Things are moving along.Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Did you ask for a three-day pause to Netanyahu?THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; You know I’ve been asking for a pause for — for a lot more than three days (inaudible).Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Did you ask him to pause for three days to get the hostages out for that length of time?THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; I’ve ask- — asked for even a longer pause for some of them.Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mr. President, we’re eight days from a shutdown — the shutdown — government shutdown.&nbsp; Just eight days.&nbsp; Can you give us an update on what you’re thinking on how to — to move past that?THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; I wish the — the House would just get to work.&nbsp; I’m not being facetious.&nbsp; I mean, this is not a political statement.&nbsp; The idea we’re playing games with a shutdown at this moment is just bizarre.&nbsp; And I think that we ought to be able to combine Ukraine and Israel.&nbsp; We ought to be able — and I’m open to discussions on the border, and I’ve already made some proposals.&nbsp; But there’s just no need for any of this.Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Will you be bringing up the issue of an endorsement, Mr. President, with Shawn Fein?THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; Pardon me?Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Will you be bringing up the issue of an endorsement with Shawn Fein when you meet him?THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; Will I bring up the endorsement?Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The issue of an endorsement.&nbsp; He has a — the UAW hasn’t endorsed you yet.THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; Oh, no.&nbsp; They’re going to be fine.Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mr. President, were you frustrated with Prime Minister Netanyahu that he has not listened more to some of the things you have asked him to do?THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; It’s taking a little longer than I hoped.Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They’re taking a little bit longer?Q&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do you support the UAW’s efforts to unionize Tesla and Toyota, Mr. President?&nbsp;THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; Absolutely.&nbsp;Thank you.