WASHINGTON(AP) — Thousands of mostly young people filled the streets of downtown Washington D.C. on Saturday afternoon to protest the Biden administration’s support of Israel and its continued military campaign in Gaza.

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” chanted demonstrators. They wore black and white keffiyehs as an enormous Palestinian flag was unfurled by a crowd that filled Pennsylvania Avenue, the street leading up to the White House.

Dozens of small white body bags with the names of children killed lined the street and demonstrators held signs calling for an immediate cease-fire.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Palestinians in Gaza said Israeli airstrikes left multiple fatalities across the besieged enclave, including in the south where Israel had told civilians to seek refuge as its ground operation intensifies in northern Gaza.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is making a new push to ease the plight of civilians. He met with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blinken-mideast-diplomacy-gaza-israel-hamas-war-9d9ada872b84699424f17f13df1c3560">Arab foreign ministers</a>&nbsp;on Saturday in Jordan, the day after talks in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who insisted there could be no temporary cease-fire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-11-3-2023-94d5d0b58bc10a14be6ac191060e47e1">until all hostages held by Hamas are released</a>.

The Palestinian death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has reached 9,448, according to the Hamas-run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>. In the occupied West Bank, more than 140 Palestinians have been killed in violence and Israeli raids. The UNRWA says 72 of its staff members have been killed.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, most of them in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Oct. 7 Hamas attack</a>&nbsp;that started the fighting, and 242 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by the militant group.

Roughly 1,100 people have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-rafah-crossing-egypt-foreigners-israel-restrictions-border-fe17f8fbbeaea039ccfba081019bcdaf">left the Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;through the Rafah crossing since Wednesday under an apparent agreement among the United States, Egypt, Israel and Qatar, which mediates with Hamas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699135631316.jpeg" alt="Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON(AP) — Thousands of mostly young people filled the streets of downtown Washington D.C. on Saturday afternoon to protest the Biden administration’s support of Israel and its continued military campaign in Gaza.“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” chanted demonstrators. They wore black and white keffiyehs as an enormous Palestinian flag was unfurled by a crowd that filled Pennsylvania Avenue, the street leading up to the White House.Dozens of small white body bags with the names of children killed lined the street and demonstrators held signs calling for an immediate cease-fire.Meanwhile,&nbsp;Palestinians in Gaza said Israeli airstrikes left multiple fatalities across the besieged enclave, including in the south where Israel had told civilians to seek refuge as its ground operation intensifies in northern Gaza.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is making a new push to ease the plight of civilians. He met with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/blinken-mideast-diplomacy-gaza-israel-hamas-war-9d9ada872b84699424f17f13df1c3560">Arab foreign ministers</a>&nbsp;on Saturday in Jordan, the day after talks in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who insisted there could be no temporary cease-fire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-11-3-2023-94d5d0b58bc10a14be6ac191060e47e1">until all hostages held by Hamas are released</a>.The Palestinian death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has reached 9,448, according to the Hamas-run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>. In the occupied West Bank, more than 140 Palestinians have been killed in violence and Israeli raids. The UNRWA says 72 of its staff members have been killed.More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, most of them in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">Oct. 7 Hamas attack</a>&nbsp;that started the fighting, and 242 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by the militant group.Roughly 1,100 people have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-rafah-crossing-egypt-foreigners-israel-restrictions-border-fe17f8fbbeaea039ccfba081019bcdaf">left the Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;through the Rafah crossing since Wednesday under an apparent agreement among the United States, Egypt, Israel and Qatar, which mediates with Hamas.

Thousands in D.C. protest Biden administration's support of Israel 

NEW YORK (AP) —With 170 million Americans using the app, the United States has one of the largest concentrations of Instagram users worldwide. But statistics show that the image-based social media app is also among the country’s least favorite.

A 2021 study by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/10/07/7-facts-about-americans-and-instagram/">Pew Research Center</a>&nbsp;revealed that four in every ten Americans use Instagram. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://backlinko.com/instagram-users#">Backlinko</a>&nbsp;global ranking of countries with the most monthly Instagram users, the U.S. landed in second place. Of U.S. users, 71% fall between ages 18 and 29.

Despite&nbsp;<a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/alternatives-to-instagram/">Instagram’s</a>&nbsp;massive domestic market, research from&nbsp;<a href="https://vpnoverview.com/privacy/apps/most-deleted-apps-in-united-states/">VPNoverview</a>&nbsp;finds the social media platform to be losing favor among American audiences. The 2023 study found more than one million monthly Google searches in the U.S. contained keywords related to deleting or deactivating Instagram.

Instagram was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Instagram">officially launched</a>&nbsp;in October of 2010, and has amassed over two billion worldwide users. The platform allows users to share photos and videos while connecting with other accounts through likes, follows, and direct messages.

In 2012, Facebook acquired Instagram in a successful $1 billion deal.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businessofapps.com/data/instagram-statistics/">Business of Apps</a>&nbsp;reports the platform generated over $51 billion in 2022, accounting for over 40% of Facebook’s total revenue. Of the over 170 million American users that access Instagram monthly, the majority range in age from 13 to 29, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/10/07/7-facts-about-americans-and-instagram/">Pew Research Center</a>. In a 2022 survey of U.S. teens between 13 and 17, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/">Center</a>&nbsp;found that 62% of respondents reported using Instagram.

As the number of Instagram users worldwide has grown, so has criticism of the app. A 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/236726/us-customer-satisfaction-index-of-social-media-sites/">Statista</a>&nbsp;survey of American user satisfaction with different online platforms found Instagram ranked second to last out of eleven companies.

Concerns over increased usage of Instagram and other photo and video-sharing apps have grown in recent years. This frustration is mainly due to a growing body of research demonstrating social media platforms’ potentially harmful effects on mental health. Young people between the ages of 13 and 17,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/325587/instagram-global-age-group/">8% of Instagram users</a>&nbsp;worldwide, are especially vulnerable to these negative consequences.

Other common issues plaguing Instagram range from the prevalence of bot accounts to the spreading of false information, as well as concerns over personal information security. Many users are also dissatisfied that Instagram has begun promoting more advertisements and sponsored content.

“Instagram just isn’t fun anymore. I used to be able to connect with a community and share the things I love. It’s a struggle to reach anyone through Instagram, so it feels pointless,” says Megan Elliott, luxury travel blogger at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lushtoblush.com/">Lush to Blush</a>&nbsp;and member of the diverse travel blogger group&nbsp;<a href="http://www.babesthatwander.com/">Babes That Wander</a>. “It’s all spammers and ads that push mindless spending—I clicked on an ad for&nbsp;<a href="https://whatthefab.com/polene-bags.html">Polene bags</a>&nbsp;once, and now I’m getting inundated with them.”

Research on the harmful effects of social media in general on mental health has also emerged in recent years.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2018-15210-001">2019 study</a>&nbsp;published in the journal Psychology of Popular Media Culture examined the relationship between Instagram use and different psychological behaviors. One hundred twenty-nine women aged 18 to 35 participated in the study, which found a direct correlation between time spent on Instagram and feelings of depression, anxiety, and other negative emotions. Women make up almost 57% of American Instagram users, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://thesocialshepherd.com/blog/instagram-statistics#:~:text=Worldwide%2C%2051.8%25%20of%20Instagram%27s%20Users%20are%20Male&amp;text=51.8%25%20of%20users%20are%20male,almost%2030%25%20of%20females%20are.">The Social Shepherd</a>.

The effects of frequent Instagram use by young people under 18 are also of particular concern. A 2023 Social Media and Youth Mental Health Advisory by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/23/surgeon-general-issues-new-advisory-about-effects-social-media-use-has-youth-mental-health.html">U.S. Surgeon General</a>&nbsp;reveals that 95% of American youth between the ages of 13 and 17 report using some form of social media. Frequent use of Instagram and other social media platforms can significantly affect critical cognitive development during adolescence.

But experts say you can enjoy the app responsibly and minimize adverse effects. New research even shows that using social media platforms can benefit mental health.

How to Have a Healthy Relationship with Instagram

The 2023 U.S. Surgeon General Advisory found that most young people surveyed felt social media gave them a sense of belonging and a space to be creative.

Similarly, a 2019&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1090198119863768">survey</a>&nbsp;of over 1,000 participants revealed a positive correlation between social media use and feelings of connection with others. Engaging with Instagram and other apps in an intentional way allows users to capitalize on the positives of social media while minimizing adverse effects.

Experts agree one of the best ways to cultivate a healthy relationship with social media is by reducing overall scrolling time. A 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://studentnews.manchester.ac.uk/2022/03/23/how-to-create-a-positive-relationship-with-social-media/">University of Manchester</a>&nbsp;article suggests browsing social media for 30 minutes or less per day to improve mental health.

In a 2023 study,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2023/06/14/limiting-social-media">Iowa State University</a>&nbsp;researchers found that college students who reduced social media usage to 30 minutes per day reported lower levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Be Intentional When Engaging with Accounts

Another critical factor in having a positive relationship with Instagram and other apps is to be intentional during engagements. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/03/feature-minimize-instagram-effects">American Psychological Association</a>&nbsp;says social comparison on Instagram leads to adverse outcomes like body image insecurity and eating disorders. To combat this negativity, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/February-2019/How-to-Have-a-Healthy-Relationship-with-Social-Media">National Alliance on Mental Illness</a>&nbsp;recommends unfollowing accounts that adversely affect self-esteem and confidence.

Specific demographics, like new mothers, are significantly affected by unrealistic ideals promoted by lifestyle and advice accounts. Kelsey Waddell, a writer for the parenting blog&nbsp;<a href="https://stroller-envy.com/">Stroller Envy</a>, started using Instagram for tips and tricks on raising young children.

“After scrolling, and scrolling, and scrolling, my feed, I never felt more confident in my parenting abilities,” she says. “Only more dejected and more certain that I’d never do things right.”

Once Kelsey realized that social media negatively impacted confidence in her parenting abilities, she took action. “I started by limiting my use of the app in my phone settings to 10 minutes a day, and I was shocked by how quickly my time was up,” she explains. “My next step was deleting it from my phone altogether.”

Another concern of excessive Instagram and social media use is the replacement of in-person socialization with digital interactions. While worldwide engagement on social media can be beneficial, it shouldn’t completely replace real-life connections.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm">HelpGuide</a>&nbsp;encourages Instagram users to set aside regular times to meet friends or participate in activities.

Going offline and prioritizing in-person socialization also helps users stay more engaged and present in the moment. A study by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leehealth.org/health-and-wellness/healthy-news-blog/mental-health/are-you-addicted-to-social-media#:~:text=Using%20social%20media%20can%20lead,in%20neurological%20and%20physiological%20functioning.">Lee Health</a>&nbsp;explains that using social media triggers a release of dopamine, “the feel good chemical,” in the brain, sometimes leading to addiction.

“As a travel blogger whose business relies on social media, sometimes Instagram takes me out of the present moment, and I’m always thinking about getting content or what I should post,” says Elise Armitage, founder of travel and lifestyle blog What the Fab. “If I’m packing my&nbsp;<a href="https://whatthefab.com/beis-luggage.html">luggage</a>&nbsp;for an exciting trip, I think, ‘should I post an Instagram story of this to tease my upcoming travels?’”

“I have so many examples of this,” Armitage continues. “When I was at my sister’s bachelorette party, I realized I was spending too much time Googling ‘&nbsp;<a href="https://whatthefab.com/bachelorette-party-instagram-captions.html">bachelorette party Instagram captions</a>&nbsp;‘ to come up with the perfect one-liner for my Instagram post. I had to consciously put my phone away to be present.”

As the number of Instagram accounts in the U.S. and worldwide continues to grow, rates of dissatisfaction among users will likely rise, as well. Instagram’s leaders can address some of these concerns to meet the needs of vulnerable users.

However, some responsibility does fall on Instagram users to engage with the platform with focus and intention. Reducing daily usage, unfollowing harmful accounts, and making time for offline activities are vital steps toward forming a more positive relationship with&nbsp;<a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/social-media-shake-up-the-apps-users-are-ditching/">social media apps</a>.

This article was produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mediadecision.com/lifestyle/the-most-hated-app-in-america-more-than-1-million-americans-delete-or-deactivate-instagram/article_3c037eb6-66f8-11ee-9e8b-7bd323831693.html">Media Decision</a>&nbsp;and syndicated by&nbsp;<a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/delete-instagram/">Wealth of Geeks</a>.

NEW YORK (AP) —With 170 million Americans using the app, the United States has one of the largest concentrations of Instagram users worldwide. But statistics show that the image-based social media app is also among the country’s least favorite.A 2021 study by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/10/07/7-facts-about-americans-and-instagram/">Pew Research Center</a>&nbsp;revealed that four in every ten Americans use Instagram. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://backlinko.com/instagram-users#">Backlinko</a>&nbsp;global ranking of countries with the most monthly Instagram users, the U.S. landed in second place. Of U.S. users, 71% fall between ages 18 and 29.Despite&nbsp;<a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/alternatives-to-instagram/">Instagram’s</a>&nbsp;massive domestic market, research from&nbsp;<a href="https://vpnoverview.com/privacy/apps/most-deleted-apps-in-united-states/">VPNoverview</a>&nbsp;finds the social media platform to be losing favor among American audiences. The 2023 study found more than one million monthly Google searches in the U.S. contained keywords related to deleting or deactivating Instagram.The Rise of InstagramInstagram was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Instagram">officially launched</a>&nbsp;in October of 2010, and has amassed over two billion worldwide users. The platform allows users to share photos and videos while connecting with other accounts through likes, follows, and direct messages.In 2012, Facebook acquired Instagram in a successful $1 billion deal.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.businessofapps.com/data/instagram-statistics/">Business of Apps</a>&nbsp;reports the platform generated over $51 billion in 2022, accounting for over 40% of Facebook’s total revenue. Of the over 170 million American users that access Instagram monthly, the majority range in age from 13 to 29, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/10/07/7-facts-about-americans-and-instagram/">Pew Research Center</a>. In a 2022 survey of U.S. teens between 13 and 17, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/08/10/teens-social-media-and-technology-2022/">Center</a>&nbsp;found that 62% of respondents reported using Instagram.Growing Resentment Towards InstagramAs the number of Instagram users worldwide has grown, so has criticism of the app. A 2023&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/236726/us-customer-satisfaction-index-of-social-media-sites/">Statista</a>&nbsp;survey of American user satisfaction with different online platforms found Instagram ranked second to last out of eleven companies.Concerns over increased usage of Instagram and other photo and video-sharing apps have grown in recent years. This frustration is mainly due to a growing body of research demonstrating social media platforms’ potentially harmful effects on mental health. Young people between the ages of 13 and 17,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/325587/instagram-global-age-group/">8% of Instagram users</a>&nbsp;worldwide, are especially vulnerable to these negative consequences.Other common issues plaguing Instagram range from the prevalence of bot accounts to the spreading of false information, as well as concerns over personal information security. Many users are also dissatisfied that Instagram has begun promoting more advertisements and sponsored content.“Instagram just isn’t fun anymore. I used to be able to connect with a community and share the things I love. It’s a struggle to reach anyone through Instagram, so it feels pointless,” says Megan Elliott, luxury travel blogger at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.lushtoblush.com/">Lush to Blush</a>&nbsp;and member of the diverse travel blogger group&nbsp;<a href="http://www.babesthatwander.com/">Babes That Wander</a>. “It’s all spammers and ads that push mindless spending—I clicked on an ad for&nbsp;<a href="https://whatthefab.com/polene-bags.html">Polene bags</a>&nbsp;once, and now I’m getting inundated with them.”Research on the harmful effects of social media in general on mental health has also emerged in recent years.A&nbsp;<a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2018-15210-001">2019 study</a>&nbsp;published in the journal Psychology of Popular Media Culture examined the relationship between Instagram use and different psychological behaviors. One hundred twenty-nine women aged 18 to 35 participated in the study, which found a direct correlation between time spent on Instagram and feelings of depression, anxiety, and other negative emotions. Women make up almost 57% of American Instagram users, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://thesocialshepherd.com/blog/instagram-statistics#:~:text=Worldwide%2C%2051.8%25%20of%20Instagram%27s%20Users%20are%20Male&amp;text=51.8%25%20of%20users%20are%20male,almost%2030%25%20of%20females%20are.">The Social Shepherd</a>.The effects of frequent Instagram use by young people under 18 are also of particular concern. A 2023 Social Media and Youth Mental Health Advisory by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/05/23/surgeon-general-issues-new-advisory-about-effects-social-media-use-has-youth-mental-health.html">U.S. Surgeon General</a>&nbsp;reveals that 95% of American youth between the ages of 13 and 17 report using some form of social media. Frequent use of Instagram and other social media platforms can significantly affect critical cognitive development during adolescence.But experts say you can enjoy the app responsibly and minimize adverse effects. New research even shows that using social media platforms can benefit mental health.How to Have a Healthy Relationship with InstagramThe 2023 U.S. Surgeon General Advisory found that most young people surveyed felt social media gave them a sense of belonging and a space to be creative.Similarly, a 2019&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1090198119863768">survey</a>&nbsp;of over 1,000 participants revealed a positive correlation between social media use and feelings of connection with others. Engaging with Instagram and other apps in an intentional way allows users to capitalize on the positives of social media while minimizing adverse effects.Limit Daily UsageExperts agree one of the best ways to cultivate a healthy relationship with social media is by reducing overall scrolling time. A 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://studentnews.manchester.ac.uk/2022/03/23/how-to-create-a-positive-relationship-with-social-media/">University of Manchester</a>&nbsp;article suggests browsing social media for 30 minutes or less per day to improve mental health.In a 2023 study,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/2023/06/14/limiting-social-media">Iowa State University</a>&nbsp;researchers found that college students who reduced social media usage to 30 minutes per day reported lower levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.Be Intentional When Engaging with AccountsAnother critical factor in having a positive relationship with Instagram and other apps is to be intentional during engagements. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/03/feature-minimize-instagram-effects">American Psychological Association</a>&nbsp;says social comparison on Instagram leads to adverse outcomes like body image insecurity and eating disorders. To combat this negativity, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/February-2019/How-to-Have-a-Healthy-Relationship-with-Social-Media">National Alliance on Mental Illness</a>&nbsp;recommends unfollowing accounts that adversely affect self-esteem and confidence.Specific demographics, like new mothers, are significantly affected by unrealistic ideals promoted by lifestyle and advice accounts. Kelsey Waddell, a writer for the parenting blog&nbsp;<a href="https://stroller-envy.com/">Stroller Envy</a>, started using Instagram for tips and tricks on raising young children.“After scrolling, and scrolling, and scrolling, my feed, I never felt more confident in my parenting abilities,” she says. “Only more dejected and more certain that I’d never do things right.”Once Kelsey realized that social media negatively impacted confidence in her parenting abilities, she took action. “I started by limiting my use of the app in my phone settings to 10 minutes a day, and I was shocked by how quickly my time was up,” she explains. “My next step was deleting it from my phone altogether.”Balance Use with Offline ActivitiesAnother concern of excessive Instagram and social media use is the replacement of in-person socialization with digital interactions. While worldwide engagement on social media can be beneficial, it shouldn’t completely replace real-life connections.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm">HelpGuide</a>&nbsp;encourages Instagram users to set aside regular times to meet friends or participate in activities.Going offline and prioritizing in-person socialization also helps users stay more engaged and present in the moment. A study by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leehealth.org/health-and-wellness/healthy-news-blog/mental-health/are-you-addicted-to-social-media#:~:text=Using%20social%20media%20can%20lead,in%20neurological%20and%20physiological%20functioning.">Lee Health</a>&nbsp;explains that using social media triggers a release of dopamine, “the feel good chemical,” in the brain, sometimes leading to addiction.“As a travel blogger whose business relies on social media, sometimes Instagram takes me out of the present moment, and I’m always thinking about getting content or what I should post,” says Elise Armitage, founder of travel and lifestyle blog What the Fab. “If I’m packing my&nbsp;<a href="https://whatthefab.com/beis-luggage.html">luggage</a>&nbsp;for an exciting trip, I think, ‘should I post an Instagram story of this to tease my upcoming travels?’”“I have so many examples of this,” Armitage continues. “When I was at my sister’s bachelorette party, I realized I was spending too much time Googling ‘&nbsp;<a href="https://whatthefab.com/bachelorette-party-instagram-captions.html">bachelorette party Instagram captions</a>&nbsp;‘ to come up with the perfect one-liner for my Instagram post. I had to consciously put my phone away to be present.”Can Instagram Win Americans Back?As the number of Instagram accounts in the U.S. and worldwide continues to grow, rates of dissatisfaction among users will likely rise, as well. Instagram’s leaders can address some of these concerns to meet the needs of vulnerable users.However, some responsibility does fall on Instagram users to engage with the platform with focus and intention. Reducing daily usage, unfollowing harmful accounts, and making time for offline activities are vital steps toward forming a more positive relationship with&nbsp;<a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/social-media-shake-up-the-apps-users-are-ditching/">social media apps</a>.This article was produced by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mediadecision.com/lifestyle/the-most-hated-app-in-america-more-than-1-million-americans-delete-or-deactivate-instagram/article_3c037eb6-66f8-11ee-9e8b-7bd323831693.html">Media Decision</a>&nbsp;and syndicated by&nbsp;<a href="https://wealthofgeeks.com/delete-instagram/">Wealth of Geeks</a>.

Most Hated app in America? 1 Million delete this every month

FORD COUNTY — The Dodge City Police is investigating a deadly shooting&nbsp;&nbsp;at a bar and grill in Dodge City have extradited the suspect to a jail in Kansas.

According to online jail records, 36-year-old Ricardo Cadena-Garcia is now being held in the Ford County Jail after an arrest in Beaver, County Oklahoma.

Just after 1 a.m., Sunday 911 calls were placed reporting shots being fired at Central Station Bar and Grill,&nbsp; 207 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., in Dodge City. When officers from the Dodge City Police Department and deputies from the Ford County Sheriff’s Office arrived they found four men who had suffered gunshot wounds.

Preliminary information indicates that an altercation occurred and&nbsp; Cadena-Garcia used a small caliber handgun to shoot and kill two

Police identified the victims as 28-year=old Abraham Morales-Santos, and 29-year-old Antonio A. Cabrera both of Dodge City, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

A 40-year-old shooting victim was hospitalized in Wichita. The fourth victim who was 27-years-old, was treated and released from the hospital.

Kansas authorities tracked Cadena-Garcia as he fled into Oklahoma. The Beaver County Sheriff’s Office sent deputies to search the area. They located Cadena-Garcia’s white Dodg Ram pickup 1.5 miles outside of Forgan, Oklahoma, according to the KBI.

The truck was disabled due to a blown front tire. Cadena-Garcia was waiting for assistance from an area tire shop when deputies approached his truck. He was arrested without incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698851028044.png" alt="Cadena-Garcia photo Beaver Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Cadena-Garcia photo Beaver Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY — The Dodge City Police is investigating a deadly shooting&nbsp;&nbsp;at a bar and grill in Dodge City have extradited the suspect to a jail in Kansas.According to online jail records, 36-year-old Ricardo Cadena-Garcia is now being held in the Ford County Jail after an arrest in Beaver, County Oklahoma.Just after 1 a.m., Sunday 911 calls were placed reporting shots being fired at Central Station Bar and Grill,&nbsp; 207 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., in Dodge City. When officers from the Dodge City Police Department and deputies from the Ford County Sheriff’s Office arrived they found four men who had suffered gunshot wounds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699042470481.png" alt="Cadena-Garcia-photo Ford Co." />
 <figcaption>Cadena-Garcia-photo Ford Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary information indicates that an altercation occurred and&nbsp; Cadena-Garcia used a small caliber handgun to shoot and kill twoPolice identified the victims as 28-year=old Abraham Morales-Santos, and 29-year-old Antonio A. Cabrera both of Dodge City, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.A 40-year-old shooting victim was hospitalized in Wichita. The fourth victim who was 27-years-old, was treated and released from the hospital.Kansas authorities tracked Cadena-Garcia as he fled into Oklahoma. The Beaver County Sheriff’s Office sent deputies to search the area. They located Cadena-Garcia’s white Dodg Ram pickup 1.5 miles outside of Forgan, Oklahoma, according to the KBI.The truck was disabled due to a blown front tire. Cadena-Garcia was waiting for assistance from an area tire shop when deputies approached his truck. He was arrested without incident.

SW  Kansas murder suspect moved from Oklahoma jail

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. infant mortality rate rose 3% last year — the largest increase in two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

White and Native American infants, infant boys and babies born at 37 weeks or earlier had significant death rate increases. The CDC's report, published Wednesday, also noted larger increases for two of the leading causes of infant deaths — maternal complications and bacterial meningitis.

“It’s definitely concerning, given that it’s going in the opposite direction from what it has been,” said Marie Thoma, a University of Maryland researcher who studies maternal and infant mortality.

Dr. Eric Eichenwald, a Philadelphia-based neonatologist, called the new data “disturbing,” but said experts at this point can only speculate as to why a statistic that generally has been falling for decades rose in 2022.

RSV and flu infections rebounded last fall after two years of pandemic precautions, filling pediatric emergency rooms across the country. “That could potentially account for some of it,” said Eichenwald, who chairs an American Academy of Pediatrics committee that writes guidelines for medical care of newborns.

Infant mortality is the measure of how many babies die before they reach their first birthday. Because the number of babies born in the U.S. varies from year to year, researchers instead calculate rates to better compare infant mortality over time. The U.S. infant mortality rate has been worse than other high-income countries, which experts have attributed to poverty, inadequate prenatal care and other possibilities. But even so, the U.S. rate generally gradually improved because of medical advances and public health efforts.

“Today’s data underscores that our failure to better support moms before, during, and after birth is among the factors contributing to poor infant health outcomes,” Dr. Elizabeth Cherot, chief executive of the March of Dimes, said in a statement.

The national rate rose to 5.6 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022, up from from 5.44 per 1,000 the year before, the new report said.

The increase may seem small, but it’s the first statistically significant jump in the rate since the increase between 2001 and 2002, said Danielle Ely, the CDC report's lead author. She also said researchers could not establish whether the 2022 rise was a one-year statistical blip — or the beginning of a more lasting trend.

Overall in the U.S., the death rate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7218a3.htm">fell 5%</a>&nbsp;in 2022 — a general decrease that's been attributed to the waning impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially on people 65 and older. U.S. maternal deaths also fell last year.

More than 30 states saw at least slight rises in infant mortality rates in 2022, but four states had statistically significant increases — Georgia, Iowa, Missouri and Texas.

In numbers, U.S. infant deaths surpassed 20,500 in 2022 — 610 more than the year before nationwide. But Georgia had 116 more infant deaths than the year before, and Texas had 251 more.

“It would appear that some of the states could be having a larger impact on the (national) rate,” Ely said, adding that smaller increases elsewhere also have an effect — and that it’s hard to parse out exactly what places, policies or other factors are behind the national statistic.

Georgia health officials said they are working to understand infant mortality trends in that state, and noted the 2022 rate was similar to rates in 2018 and 2019.

There may have been incomplete reporting in 2020 and 2021 during the first years of the pandemic, Georgia Department of Public Health spokeswoman Nancy Nydam said in an email, and “the 2022 numbers may be more a reflection of what was actually happening all along.”

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. infant mortality rate rose 3% last year — the largest increase in two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.White and Native American infants, infant boys and babies born at 37 weeks or earlier had significant death rate increases. The CDC's report, published Wednesday, also noted larger increases for two of the leading causes of infant deaths — maternal complications and bacterial meningitis.“It’s definitely concerning, given that it’s going in the opposite direction from what it has been,” said Marie Thoma, a University of Maryland researcher who studies maternal and infant mortality.Dr. Eric Eichenwald, a Philadelphia-based neonatologist, called the new data “disturbing,” but said experts at this point can only speculate as to why a statistic that generally has been falling for decades rose in 2022.RSV and flu infections rebounded last fall after two years of pandemic precautions, filling pediatric emergency rooms across the country. “That could potentially account for some of it,” said Eichenwald, who chairs an American Academy of Pediatrics committee that writes guidelines for medical care of newborns.Infant mortality is the measure of how many babies die before they reach their first birthday. Because the number of babies born in the U.S. varies from year to year, researchers instead calculate rates to better compare infant mortality over time. The U.S. infant mortality rate has been worse than other high-income countries, which experts have attributed to poverty, inadequate prenatal care and other possibilities. But even so, the U.S. rate generally gradually improved because of medical advances and public health efforts.“Today’s data underscores that our failure to better support moms before, during, and after birth is among the factors contributing to poor infant health outcomes,” Dr. Elizabeth Cherot, chief executive of the March of Dimes, said in a statement.The national rate rose to 5.6 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022, up from from 5.44 per 1,000 the year before, the new report said.The increase may seem small, but it’s the first statistically significant jump in the rate since the increase between 2001 and 2002, said Danielle Ely, the CDC report's lead author. She also said researchers could not establish whether the 2022 rise was a one-year statistical blip — or the beginning of a more lasting trend.Overall in the U.S., the death rate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7218a3.htm">fell 5%</a>&nbsp;in 2022 — a general decrease that's been attributed to the waning impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially on people 65 and older. U.S. maternal deaths also fell last year.More than 30 states saw at least slight rises in infant mortality rates in 2022, but four states had statistically significant increases — Georgia, Iowa, Missouri and Texas.In numbers, U.S. infant deaths surpassed 20,500 in 2022 — 610 more than the year before nationwide. But Georgia had 116 more infant deaths than the year before, and Texas had 251 more.“It would appear that some of the states could be having a larger impact on the (national) rate,” Ely said, adding that smaller increases elsewhere also have an effect — and that it’s hard to parse out exactly what places, policies or other factors are behind the national statistic.Georgia health officials said they are working to understand infant mortality trends in that state, and noted the 2022 rate was similar to rates in 2018 and 2019.There may have been incomplete reporting in 2020 and 2021 during the first years of the pandemic, Georgia Department of Public Health spokeswoman Nancy Nydam said in an email, and “the 2022 numbers may be more a reflection of what was actually happening all along.”

CDC: US infant mortality rate saw largest increase in 2 decades

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 4:30a.m. Saturday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Mazda 6 driven by Alex Gomez, 21, Kansas City, Kansas, was southbound on U.S. 69 just south of Metropolitan Avenue.

The driver lost control of the car. It struck the right barrier wall, rolled, struck the right guardrail over Ruby Avenue and came to a rest on its top.

Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a sat belt, according to the KHP.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 4:30a.m. Saturday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Mazda 6 driven by Alex Gomez, 21, Kansas City, Kansas, was southbound on U.S. 69 just south of Metropolitan Avenue.The driver lost control of the car. It struck the right barrier wall, rolled, struck the right guardrail over Ruby Avenue and came to a rest on its top.Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a sat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies in violent rollover crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Former Dallas Cowboys running back and Wichita native Joseph Randle attended a competency hearing Friday in Sedgwick County.

District Judge Tyler Roush ruled Joseph Randle, 31 of Wichita, is incompetent to stand trial and ordered him be sent to an inpatient mental health treatment program in Houston,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

As soon as an inpatient bed becomes available at Larned State Hospital, he will be admitted into that facility for mental health care and treatment.

In April, police arrested Randle on requested charges of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated criminal sodomy, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report.&nbsp; He is not currently in custody, according to online jail records.

Randle spent time in prison in Kansas after convictions for crimes committed in 2016 and 2017 including aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, criminal threat, interference with law enforcement and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

In 2015, Randle faced a misdemeanor shoplifting charge at a Dallas-area mall after police in the suburb of Frisco accused him of taking $123 worth of cologne and underwear from a department store.

In 2014, Randle was the Cowboy's backup to NFL rushing leader DeMarco Murray. Randle had 343 yards rushing and three touchdowns in his second NFL season. A fifth-round draft pick in 2013 after skipping his final season at Oklahoma State, Randle originally signed a four-year, $2.3 million rookie contract with the Cowboys.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699012229477.png" alt="Randle-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Randle-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Former Dallas Cowboys running back and Wichita native Joseph Randle attended a competency hearing Friday in Sedgwick County.District Judge Tyler Roush ruled Joseph Randle, 31 of Wichita, is incompetent to stand trial and ordered him be sent to an inpatient mental health treatment program in Houston,&nbsp; according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.As soon as an inpatient bed becomes available at Larned State Hospital, he will be admitted into that facility for mental health care and treatment.In April, police arrested Randle on requested charges of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated criminal sodomy, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report.&nbsp; He is not currently in custody, according to online jail records.Randle spent time in prison in Kansas after convictions for crimes committed in 2016 and 2017 including aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, criminal threat, interference with law enforcement and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.In 2015, Randle faced a misdemeanor shoplifting charge at a Dallas-area mall after police in the suburb of Frisco accused him of taking $123 worth of cologne and underwear from a department store.In 2014, Randle was the Cowboy's backup to NFL rushing leader DeMarco Murray. Randle had 343 yards rushing and three touchdowns in his second NFL season. A fifth-round draft pick in 2013 after skipping his final season at Oklahoma State, Randle originally signed a four-year, $2.3 million rookie contract with the Cowboys.-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Kan. judge rules in former Dallas Cowboy's competency hearing 

Democrat Davids urges Congress to include humanitarian funding to Middle East

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

TOPEKA — The three Kansas Republicans in the U.S. House voted Thursday night for a $14.3 billion military aid package for Israel that was combined with a plan to rescind an equivalent amount appropriated to the Internal Revenue Service for hiring of new federal agents.

The GOP-led House adopted the measure 226-196 with support from U.S. Reps. Jake LaTurner, Tracey Mann and Ron Estes of Kansas. Congresswoman Sharice Davids, a Kansas Democrat, voted against what she referred to as “irresponsible and partisan legislation pushed by House leadership.”

The House bill didn’t include aid for Ukraine, humanitarian assistance for Gaza or funding for U.S. border security. It faced bipartisan opposition in the U.S. Senate and a likely veto by President Joe Biden.

LaTurner, who serves the 2nd District of eastern Kansas, said the decision to vote in favor of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6126?s=2&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22hr+6126%22%7D">H.R. 6126</a>&nbsp;was easy because of the importance of delivering military firepower necessary to “help Israel destroy Hamas.”

Hamas militants attacked Israel Oct. 7 and killed more than 1,400 people. Israel responded with a military campaign that has killed an estimated 9,000 people in Gaza.

“I will not stand by while ruthless terrorists who chant ‘death to America’ continue to kill and kidnap innocent Israelis,” LaTurner said. “The stand-alone package that we passed today provides vital aid to help Israel destroy Hamas, replenish our stockpiles here at home and evacuate americans currently stranded in impacted regions.”

He said it was important to offset expenditures on Israel by clawing back funding earmarked for the IRS, which had been authorized last year by Congress to add more than 80,000 agents to improve investigation of tax violations.

Davids, the 3rd District Democrat representing the Kansas City area, said the House bill “puts political games ahead of both saving innocent lives and America’s national security.” She said the legislation was flawed because it didn’t include humanitarian aid for Gaza and West Bank.

“We must work in a bipartisan manner to ensure security assistance for Israel against Hamas, as we have consistently done during times of conflict,” she said. “I’ll continue working together with Republicans and Democrats to achieve that goal and to deliver the necessary and adequate humanitarian aid to civilians in the Middle East.”

Davids said deletion of IRS funding would result in potential loss of $49 billion in federal tax revenue and would increase the national deficit by $24 billion by granting “breaks to large corporations and the top 1 percent of America’s wealthiest individuals.”

The House measure would deliver $4 billion for Israel’s missile defense systems known as “Iron Dome” and “David’s Sling” as well as $1.2 billion for Israel’s “Iron Beam” system focused on defense against short-range rockets, artillery and mortars.

Separately, $4.4 billion would be dedicated to replenishing U.S. Department of Defense munition and weapon stockpiles.

Mann, the 1st District Republican representing constituents from the Colorado border to Lawrence, said the priority was protection of Israel. He also said Biden should be held responsible for decisions indirectly supportive of terrorist organizations.

“Israel is America’s strongest ally in the Middle East and the region’s only functioning democracy,” Mann said. “We must not sit idly by while our ally suffers brutal attacks from terrorists who want to wipe them off the face of the earth. America’s national security depends, in part, on a free and secure Israel.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699041105058.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, R-Kansas, voted for a bill offering $14.3 billion in military aid to Israel and slashing a comparable amount from the Internal Revenue Service. The state's three House Republicans support the bill, while Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids voted againsts it. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, R-Kansas, voted for a bill offering $14.3 billion in military aid to Israel and slashing a comparable amount from the Internal Revenue Service. The state's three House Republicans support the bill, while Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids voted againsts it. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Democrat Davids urges Congress to include humanitarian funding to Middle East</h2>By TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The three Kansas Republicans in the U.S. House voted Thursday night for a $14.3 billion military aid package for Israel that was combined with a plan to rescind an equivalent amount appropriated to the Internal Revenue Service for hiring of new federal agents.The GOP-led House adopted the measure 226-196 with support from U.S. Reps. Jake LaTurner, Tracey Mann and Ron Estes of Kansas. Congresswoman Sharice Davids, a Kansas Democrat, voted against what she referred to as “irresponsible and partisan legislation pushed by House leadership.”The House bill didn’t include aid for Ukraine, humanitarian assistance for Gaza or funding for U.S. border security. It faced bipartisan opposition in the U.S. Senate and a likely veto by President Joe Biden.LaTurner, who serves the 2nd District of eastern Kansas, said the decision to vote in favor of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6126?s=2&amp;r=1&amp;q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22hr+6126%22%7D">H.R. 6126</a>&nbsp;was easy because of the importance of delivering military firepower necessary to “help Israel destroy Hamas.”Hamas militants attacked Israel Oct. 7 and killed more than 1,400 people. Israel responded with a military campaign that has killed an estimated 9,000 people in Gaza.“I will not stand by while ruthless terrorists who chant ‘death to America’ continue to kill and kidnap innocent Israelis,” LaTurner said. “The stand-alone package that we passed today provides vital aid to help Israel destroy Hamas, replenish our stockpiles here at home and evacuate americans currently stranded in impacted regions.”He said it was important to offset expenditures on Israel by clawing back funding earmarked for the IRS, which had been authorized last year by Congress to add more than 80,000 agents to improve investigation of tax violations.Davids, the 3rd District Democrat representing the Kansas City area, said the House bill “puts political games ahead of both saving innocent lives and America’s national security.” She said the legislation was flawed because it didn’t include humanitarian aid for Gaza and West Bank.“We must work in a bipartisan manner to ensure security assistance for Israel against Hamas, as we have consistently done during times of conflict,” she said. “I’ll continue working together with Republicans and Democrats to achieve that goal and to deliver the necessary and adequate humanitarian aid to civilians in the Middle East.”Davids said deletion of IRS funding would result in potential loss of $49 billion in federal tax revenue and would increase the national deficit by $24 billion by granting “breaks to large corporations and the top 1 percent of America’s wealthiest individuals.”The House measure would deliver $4 billion for Israel’s missile defense systems known as “Iron Dome” and “David’s Sling” as well as $1.2 billion for Israel’s “Iron Beam” system focused on defense against short-range rockets, artillery and mortars.Separately, $4.4 billion would be dedicated to replenishing U.S. Department of Defense munition and weapon stockpiles.Mann, the 1st District Republican representing constituents from the Colorado border to Lawrence, said the priority was protection of Israel. He also said Biden should be held responsible for decisions indirectly supportive of terrorist organizations.“Israel is America’s strongest ally in the Middle East and the region’s only functioning democracy,” Mann said. “We must not sit idly by while our ally suffers brutal attacks from terrorists who want to wipe them off the face of the earth. America’s national security depends, in part, on a free and secure Israel.”

Kan. House Republicans support $14 billion in aid to Israel, cuts to IRS

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that left one teen dead.

Just before 7p.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting in the 6000 block of E. 13th Street in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'.

First responder found three teen victims including one boy in the street near a car that had struck a light pole. He had been shot. EMS transported all three to an area hospital.&nbsp; One of the victims was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The other two had non-life-threatening injuries.

Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that left one teen dead.Just before 7p.m. Friday, police responded to a shooting in the 6000 block of E. 13th Street in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte'.First responder found three teen victims including one boy in the street near a car that had struck a light pole. He had been shot. EMS transported all three to an area hospital.&nbsp; One of the victims was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The other two had non-life-threatening injuries.Police have not reported an arrest or additional details.

Homicide: 3 KC teens involved in shooting, car crash

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Brunch dates and flag football games might be a little easier to get to this Sunday, when phones grace early-risers with an extra hour of rest before alarm clocks go off.

The downside: Next week across most of the U.S., the sun will set well before many folks step foot out of the office, leaving them to run errands or take walks in utter darkness. Come Nov. 5, daylight saving time is out and standard time is in, and will last until March 10.

No need to wait till the midnight hour to prepare for the time change that clocks in early Sunday, when 2 a.m. becomes 1 a.m. Before bed beckons Saturday night, rewind the clock on the microwave, oven, car, or any other device not yet clever enough to make the leap on its own.

Besides scheduling stumbles and sleep habit disruptions, experts say the twice-yearly ritual can have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-science-us-news-accidents-weekend-reads-0316d6f8d11a41b3a32135770879cdf5">more serious effects on human health</a>.

Many Americans are already sleep-deprived, and a change in time messes with sleep schedules even more, says Dr. Phyllis Zee, a sleep researcher at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, although she says “falling back” and gaining an extra hour is generally easier on the body than “springing forward" and losing one.

Chronic sleep deprivation can increase levels of stress hormones that boost heart rate and blood pressure, and of chemicals that trigger inflammation, research suggests.

“Just that one hour can change the amount of sleep you get, the quality of sleep that you get,” Zee said. Off-kilter sleep can affect people's ability to multitask, stay alert, and even maintain their balance, making them more prone to accidents.

Molly Hart, spokeswoman for AAA's Auto Club Group, warned that there may be an uptick in accidents on the road following the time change.

“With daylight savings coming to an end, what people really need to be focused on is their driving now in the afternoon when it’s darker earlier,” and when they may be feeling drowsy, she said.

Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time.

Some members of Congress have pushed to end the back-and-forth and make daylight saving time permanent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647291809633.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Brunch dates and flag football games might be a little easier to get to this Sunday, when phones grace early-risers with an extra hour of rest before alarm clocks go off.The downside: Next week across most of the U.S., the sun will set well before many folks step foot out of the office, leaving them to run errands or take walks in utter darkness. Come Nov. 5, daylight saving time is out and standard time is in, and will last until March 10.No need to wait till the midnight hour to prepare for the time change that clocks in early Sunday, when 2 a.m. becomes 1 a.m. Before bed beckons Saturday night, rewind the clock on the microwave, oven, car, or any other device not yet clever enough to make the leap on its own.Besides scheduling stumbles and sleep habit disruptions, experts say the twice-yearly ritual can have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-science-us-news-accidents-weekend-reads-0316d6f8d11a41b3a32135770879cdf5">more serious effects on human health</a>.Many Americans are already sleep-deprived, and a change in time messes with sleep schedules even more, says Dr. Phyllis Zee, a sleep researcher at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, although she says “falling back” and gaining an extra hour is generally easier on the body than “springing forward" and losing one.Chronic sleep deprivation can increase levels of stress hormones that boost heart rate and blood pressure, and of chemicals that trigger inflammation, research suggests.“Just that one hour can change the amount of sleep you get, the quality of sleep that you get,” Zee said. Off-kilter sleep can affect people's ability to multitask, stay alert, and even maintain their balance, making them more prone to accidents.Molly Hart, spokeswoman for AAA's Auto Club Group, warned that there may be an uptick in accidents on the road following the time change.“With daylight savings coming to an end, what people really need to be focused on is their driving now in the afternoon when it’s darker earlier,” and when they may be feeling drowsy, she said.Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and most of Arizona do not observe daylight saving time.Some members of Congress have pushed to end the back-and-forth and make daylight saving time permanent.

Daylight saving 2023: What a sleep expert says about the time change

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.

On Thursday, the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office's Criminal Investigations Division conducted an investigation into child sex crimes, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies arrested 50-year-old Jason W. Johnson of Lawrence, on requested charges of&nbsp;attempted electronic solicitation of a child, attempted aggravated indecent liberties with a child, attempted criminal sodomy and attempted sexual exploitation of a child. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699040906121.png" alt="Johnson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged child sex crimes.On Thursday, the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office's Criminal Investigations Division conducted an investigation into child sex crimes, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Deputies arrested 50-year-old Jason W. Johnson of Lawrence, on requested charges of&nbsp;attempted electronic solicitation of a child, attempted aggravated indecent liberties with a child, attempted criminal sodomy and attempted sexual exploitation of a child.

Kan. man accused of multiple child sex crimes

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A former suburban Kansas City day care worker who was caught on surveillance video kicking, hitting and shaking children was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison.

Rachel Beth Schrader was arrested in 2021 after coworkers noticed that an infant was injured and contacted police. In a police interview, Schrader acknowledged “losing her patience” that day, but said it was the only time, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ks-state-wire-847347b7dba29b05a96ce584ae9e2716">affidavit</a>.

But the investigators who watched the surveillance video were able to document her abusing or seriously neglecting children more than 170 times in less than a month at the day care where she worked in the city of Westwood.

The affidavit describes her kicking a child square in the chest in one instance, causing him to fall backward and smack his head.

She pleaded guilty in March to four counts of child abuse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624041740593.png" alt="Schrader-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Schrader-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A former suburban Kansas City day care worker who was caught on surveillance video kicking, hitting and shaking children was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison.Rachel Beth Schrader was arrested in 2021 after coworkers noticed that an infant was injured and contacted police. In a police interview, Schrader acknowledged “losing her patience” that day, but said it was the only time, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ks-state-wire-847347b7dba29b05a96ce584ae9e2716">affidavit</a>.But the investigators who watched the surveillance video were able to document her abusing or seriously neglecting children more than 170 times in less than a month at the day care where she worked in the city of Westwood.The affidavit describes her kicking a child square in the chest in one instance, causing him to fall backward and smack his head.She pleaded guilty in March to four counts of child abuse.

Kan. daycare worker caught on video abusing kids is going to prison

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting are asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

On October 11, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

 First responders found 18-year-old s Ra’Juan Spicer,suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene.&nbsp;

Police are attempting to locate Reginald Rucker-Plakio, 17, of Topeka, in reference to the homicide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699048664862.png" alt="Rucker-Plakio-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Rucker-Plakio-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting are asking the public for help to locate a suspect.On October 11, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks. First responders found 18-year-old s Ra’Juan Spicer,suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene.&nbsp;Police are attempting to locate Reginald Rucker-Plakio, 17, of Topeka, in reference to the homicide.

Homicide: Police ask for help to locate Kansas teen 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City-area man accused of carrying a pitchfork and assaulting police during the Jan. 6, 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">riot at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;has pleaded guilty to three federal felonies.

Christopher Brian Roe, 39, of the Kansas City suburb of Raytown, pleaded guilty Thursday to three counts of assaulting, resisting and impeding certain officers, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article281103623.html">Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;reported. Sentencing is scheduled for March 5.

Roe is the 24th Missouri defendant convicted in connection with the riot at the Capitol. Cases of 12 other Missourians are ongoing.

A probable cause affidavit in Roe's case included 48 photos that showed a man it said was Roe breaching the Capitol, repeatedly scuffling with police and using a metal bike rack to try to break open a door.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699025733542.png" alt="Roe-(front left) photo U.S. Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Roe-(front left) photo U.S. Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City-area man accused of carrying a pitchfork and assaulting police during the Jan. 6, 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">riot at the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;has pleaded guilty to three federal felonies.Christopher Brian Roe, 39, of the Kansas City suburb of Raytown, pleaded guilty Thursday to three counts of assaulting, resisting and impeding certain officers, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article281103623.html">Kansas City Star</a>&nbsp;reported. Sentencing is scheduled for March 5.Roe is the 24th Missouri defendant convicted in connection with the riot at the Capitol. Cases of 12 other Missourians are ongoing.A probable cause affidavit in Roe's case included 48 photos that showed a man it said was Roe breaching the Capitol, repeatedly scuffling with police and using a metal bike rack to try to break open a door.

KC-area man who carried pitchfork at Capitol riot enters plea

SEWARD COUNTY —The Liberal Police Department is investigating the rumor of a death related to tainted Halloween candy in the city of Liberal.

There is no truth to the rumor, according to a statement from the Liberal Police Department. 

"If the police department were to receive credible information of a threat to the community, the information would be immediately released to the public."

"There is no truth to the rumor of a death from Halloween candy in Liberal"

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699039753194.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY —The Liberal Police Department is investigating the rumor of a death related to tainted Halloween candy in the city of Liberal.There is no truth to the rumor, according to a statement from the Liberal Police Department. "If the police department were to receive credible information of a threat to the community, the information would be immediately released to the public.""There is no truth to the rumor of a death from Halloween candy in Liberal"

Police: Halloween candy death rumor in SW Kan. is not true

WASHINGTON – On Thursday, thirteen democrat members of the U.S. Senate called for a "Short-term cessation of hostilities" in the Israel-Hamas war.

According to a statement from the Senators “The tragic war in Gaza, initiated by Hamas terrorist attacks on innocent civilians on October 7, is causing heartbreaking suffering among Israelis, Palestinians and citizens of other nations living in the region.

“Israel has the right and obligation to defend itself against Hamas, whose leadership continues to state clearly that their goal is the complete annihilation of Israel.&nbsp;Israel also has the obligation, pursuant to international law, to conduct that defense in such a way as to minimize harm to civilians and allow humanitarian aid to reach those who are suffering.&nbsp;We acknowledge the increased burden that this necessarily places on Israel to accomplish these obligations.

“Hamas’s horrific actions cannot be ascribed to all Palestinians.&nbsp;Indeed, Palestinian residents of Gaza have often been victimized by Hamas."

“As Senators, we have been closely monitoring the war in Gaza and believe that much more must be done to protect civilian life.&nbsp;We have been in ongoing dialogue with government officials in the United States, Israel and other nations in the region.&nbsp;We have communicated extensively with international aid officials doing work in Gaza, including those working together with the U.S. Agency for International Development.&nbsp;And we have talked at length with our own constituents who have family and friends in the region."

“The failure to adequately protect non-combatant civilians risks dramatic escalation of the conflict in the region and imposes severe damage on prospects for peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.&nbsp;Based on the consensus opinion of U.S. and international aid officials, it is nearly impossible to deliver sufficient humanitarian aid to protect civilian life under current conditions."

“Thus, we join President Biden in his call for a short-term cessation of hostilities that pose high-risk to civilians, aid workers or humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza, in order to accomplish three goals:

Members of the U.S Senate who signed the request include Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), together with Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), released the following statement:

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out a temporary cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, saying he will press ahead with a devastating military offensive until hostages held by the Hamas militant group are released.

Netanyahu spoke shortly after meeting Friday with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who pressed Israel for a temporary pause in its offensive to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Blinken also urged Israel to do more to protect civilians from its attacks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699029329853.png" alt="U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday to urge protections for civilians in the fighting with Hamas, as Israeli troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">tightened their encirclement</a>&nbsp;of Gaza City.&nbsp;-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday to urge protections for civilians in the fighting with Hamas, as Israeli troops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">tightened their encirclement</a>&nbsp;of Gaza City.&nbsp;-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON – On Thursday, thirteen democrat members of the U.S. Senate called for a "Short-term cessation of hostilities" in the Israel-Hamas war.According to a statement from the Senators “The tragic war in Gaza, initiated by Hamas terrorist attacks on innocent civilians on October 7, is causing heartbreaking suffering among Israelis, Palestinians and citizens of other nations living in the region.“Israel has the right and obligation to defend itself against Hamas, whose leadership continues to state clearly that their goal is the complete annihilation of Israel.&nbsp;Israel also has the obligation, pursuant to international law, to conduct that defense in such a way as to minimize harm to civilians and allow humanitarian aid to reach those who are suffering.&nbsp;We acknowledge the increased burden that this necessarily places on Israel to accomplish these obligations.“Hamas’s horrific actions cannot be ascribed to all Palestinians.&nbsp;Indeed, Palestinian residents of Gaza have often been victimized by Hamas."“As Senators, we have been closely monitoring the war in Gaza and believe that much more must be done to protect civilian life.&nbsp;We have been in ongoing dialogue with government officials in the United States, Israel and other nations in the region.&nbsp;We have communicated extensively with international aid officials doing work in Gaza, including those working together with the U.S. Agency for International Development.&nbsp;And we have talked at length with our own constituents who have family and friends in the region."“The failure to adequately protect non-combatant civilians risks dramatic escalation of the conflict in the region and imposes severe damage on prospects for peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.&nbsp;Based on the consensus opinion of U.S. and international aid officials, it is nearly impossible to deliver sufficient humanitarian aid to protect civilian life under current conditions."“Thus, we join President Biden in his call for a short-term cessation of hostilities that pose high-risk to civilians, aid workers or humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza, in order to accomplish three goals:<ol>
 <li>Successful delivery of needed humanitarian aid to civilians under strict and necessary oversight</li><li>Increased focus on the release of all hostages kidnapped on October 7</li><li>Opportunity for broader discussion amongst Israeli and Palestinian leadership, together with regional and global partners, about long-term strategies to reduce decades-long conflict in the region.”</li>
 </ol>Members of the U.S Senate who signed the request include Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), together with Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), released the following statement:Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out a temporary cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, saying he will press ahead with a devastating military offensive until hostages held by the Hamas militant group are released.Netanyahu spoke shortly after meeting Friday with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who pressed Israel for a temporary pause in its offensive to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Blinken also urged Israel to do more to protect civilians from its attacks.

Senators join Biden's call for cessation of hostilities in Gaza

MONTGOMERY COUNTY — The Montgomery County Sheriff's Department is investigating a vehicle theft reported some good news in the investigaton.

On October 28, Montgomery County, Kansas Sheriff Ron Wade asked the public for help finding a stolen Maroon 1967 Camaro.

The car was taken sometime between evening of October 26 and the morning of October 28 from rural Cherryvale. The car has a flat grey primed driver front quarter fender.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Sheriff Wade reported deputies found the car and it had been returned to the owner. Authorities have not reported an arrest of additional detais.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698959799969.png" alt="Not the actual vehicle, a an example provided by the sheriff's office" />
 <figcaption>Not the actual vehicle, a an example provided by the sheriff's office</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY — The Montgomery County Sheriff's Department is investigating a vehicle theft reported some good news in the investigaton.On October 28, Montgomery County, Kansas Sheriff Ron Wade asked the public for help finding a stolen Maroon 1967 Camaro.The car was taken sometime between evening of October 26 and the morning of October 28 from rural Cherryvale. The car has a flat grey primed driver front quarter fender.&nbsp;On Thursday, Sheriff Wade reported deputies found the car and it had been returned to the owner. Authorities have not reported an arrest of additional detais.

Sheriff: Stolen 1967 Camaro returned to owner in Kansas 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the sudden death of an infant in Wichita.

Just before 10p.m. Tuesday, police and EMS responded to a retailer near Pawnee and Broadway in Wichita where it was reported&nbsp; a 1-year-old baby was not breathing, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

EMS transported the baby to a local hospital.&nbsp; Medical staff pronounced the baby deceased. The is no signs of foul play at this time, according to Rebolledo. Police are waiting on the autopsy report.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the sudden death of an infant in Wichita.Just before 10p.m. Tuesday, police and EMS responded to a retailer near Pawnee and Broadway in Wichita where it was reported&nbsp; a 1-year-old baby was not breathing, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.EMS transported the baby to a local hospital.&nbsp; Medical staff pronounced the baby deceased. The is no signs of foul play at this time, according to Rebolledo. Police are waiting on the autopsy report.

Police investigate after sudden death of Kansas 1-year-old

FINNEY COUNTY — Just before 4 p.m. Oct. 30, Garden City police conducted a traffic stop&nbsp;in the 1500 block of N. 8th Street in Garden City, according to a media release.

Officers made contact with 36-year-old Joseph Vela and 23-year-old Francisco Garcia.

&nbsp;After further investigation, a search of the vehicle was conducted, where officers located suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. 

Vela and Garcia were arrested at the scene and are now being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute Stimulants and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698937876803.png" alt="Vela-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Vela-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY — Just before 4 p.m. Oct. 30, Garden City police conducted a traffic stop&nbsp;in the 1500 block of N. 8th Street in Garden City, according to a media release.Officers made contact with 36-year-old Joseph Vela and 23-year-old Francisco Garcia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698937964766.png" alt="Garcia-photo Finney Co." />
 <figcaption>Garcia-photo Finney Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;After further investigation, a search of the vehicle was conducted, where officers located suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Vela and Garcia were arrested at the scene and are now being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Possession with Intent to Distribute Stimulants and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

2 accused of selling drugs in southwest Kansas 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed three top military officers on Thursday — including the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.&nbsp; 

The vote for Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti promotion to be Chief of Naval Operations was 95-1.&nbsp; Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall was the only vote against her confirmation. The two Senators from Florida, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina and Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina did not vote.

Marshall was also the only member of the Senate to vote against the confirmation of General David Allvin to be Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. The Florida Senators, Scott and Tillis also did not register a vote.

Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran skipped the vote to confirm the&nbsp;nomination of General Christopher J. Mahoney, to be Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. The vote 86-0.&nbsp; In addition to Moran, there were 13 other senators who did not vote.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;bipartisan frustration swirled around&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tommy-tuberville">Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville</a>&nbsp;for blocking hundreds more nominees.

Republican senators plan to hold a closed-door meeting next week to discuss the Alabama senator's blockade of senior military nominees, which he has been waging over a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tuberville-military-holds-senate-officers-45c4230a8aee5222bf32b43823e29acc">Pentagon abortion policy</a>. Republicans have tried, unsuccessfully, for almost nine months to quietly persuade Tuberville to drop the holds on almost 400 nominees. Senior military officials have warned repeatedly that the situation threatens readiness and national security.

Anger over Tuberville's tactic spilled out in the Senate on Wednesday evening, when a group of Republican senators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tuberville-holds-military-schumer-nominations-99a156198d325a329a98208785ea80f9">held the floor</a>&nbsp;for more than four hours and called up 61 of the nominations for votes, praising each nominee for their military service and challenging the Alabama senator to explain himself. Tuberville showed no signs of letting up, quietly standing and objecting to each one even as his colleagues lashed out at him.

With Tuberville dug in, there are no easy answers on how to move forward.

Republicans said they will continue to try and negotiate with him, hoping to persuade Tuberville to hold up civilian nominees instead, and said that they will also try to force more votes. Democrats want stronger action and are seeking to move forward with a resolution that would allow batches of military nominees to be passed over Tuberville's objections. But that would need Republican support, and GOP senators are wary it could set a bad precedent that erodes the power of the minority in the Senate.

Whatever the next steps, Tuberville's Republican colleagues made clear that they are fed up.

“It's time to develop a new and smarter strategy,” said Republican Sen. Todd Young of Indiana, who served in the Marine Corps and was one of the senators who criticized Tuberville’s blockade on the Senate floor.

The Senate on Thursday confirmed three of the nominees that Tuberville was holding up — Adm. Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, Gen. David Allvin to be chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force and Lt. Gen. Christopher Mahoney to serve as assistant commandant for the U.S. Marine Corps. Franchetti is the first woman to serve as a Pentagon service chief and hold a seat on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday he was pleased that the Senate confirmed the three officers. But “we still have more than 370 superbly qualified leaders who have seen their nominations unnecessarily stalled," he said. “As we face a variety of urgent challenges, the most powerful fighting force in history must be at full-strength.”

Austin said the delay is hurting readiness and “unnecessarily weighed down our military families, who already give up so much to support those who serve.”

Because of Tuberville's holds and Senate procedure, confirmation of those three military officials took three days and six votes from start to finish — underscoring the difficulty majority Democrats have as they contemplate how to move hundreds of nominations. The Senate has traditionally approved large groups of military nominations by voice vote, but just one senator's objection can upend that process.

Republican Sens. Young and Joni Ernst of Iowa each suggested on Thursday that there would be an effort to try and convince Tuberville to hold up civilian nominations linked to the abortion policy instead of military officers who have nothing to do with it.

“Why are we taking hostages that can’t change the policy?” Ernst said.

But Tuberville said Wednesday there is “zero chance” he will drop the holds, which he first announced in February. Despite several high-level vacancies and the growing backlog, he has said he will continue to hold the nominees up unless the Pentagon ends — or puts to a vote in Congress — its new policy of paying for travel when a servicemember has to go out of state to get an abortion or other reproductive care. President Joe Biden’s administration instituted the policy after the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned the nationwide right to an abortion</a>, and some states have limited or banned the procedure.

“I cannot simply sit idly by while the Biden administration injects politics in our military from the White House and spends taxpayers’ dollars on abortion,” Tuberville said Wednesday evening.

Confronting Tuberville publicly for the first time since he announced the holds, the Republican senators, led by Ernst and Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan, read lengthy biographies, praised the nominees and lashed out at Tuberville as they called for vote after vote. They said they agree with the Alabama senator in opposing the abortion policy but questioned — as Democrats have for months — why he would hold up the highest ranks of the U.S. military.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698968702096.png" alt="Franchetti became the first woman to serve as the Navy’s top officer, but the first to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff." />
 <figcaption>Franchetti became the first woman to serve as the Navy’s top officer, but the first to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate confirmed three top military officers on Thursday — including the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.&nbsp; The vote for Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti promotion to be Chief of Naval Operations was 95-1.&nbsp; Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall was the only vote against her confirmation. The two Senators from Florida, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina and Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina did not vote.Marshall was also the only member of the Senate to vote against the confirmation of General David Allvin to be Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force. The Florida Senators, Scott and Tillis also did not register a vote.Kansas U.S. Senator Jerry Moran skipped the vote to confirm the&nbsp;nomination of General Christopher J. Mahoney, to be Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps. The vote 86-0.&nbsp; In addition to Moran, there were 13 other senators who did not vote.Meanwhile,&nbsp;bipartisan frustration swirled around&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/tommy-tuberville">Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville</a>&nbsp;for blocking hundreds more nominees.Republican senators plan to hold a closed-door meeting next week to discuss the Alabama senator's blockade of senior military nominees, which he has been waging over a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tuberville-military-holds-senate-officers-45c4230a8aee5222bf32b43823e29acc">Pentagon abortion policy</a>. Republicans have tried, unsuccessfully, for almost nine months to quietly persuade Tuberville to drop the holds on almost 400 nominees. Senior military officials have warned repeatedly that the situation threatens readiness and national security.Anger over Tuberville's tactic spilled out in the Senate on Wednesday evening, when a group of Republican senators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tuberville-holds-military-schumer-nominations-99a156198d325a329a98208785ea80f9">held the floor</a>&nbsp;for more than four hours and called up 61 of the nominations for votes, praising each nominee for their military service and challenging the Alabama senator to explain himself. Tuberville showed no signs of letting up, quietly standing and objecting to each one even as his colleagues lashed out at him.With Tuberville dug in, there are no easy answers on how to move forward.Republicans said they will continue to try and negotiate with him, hoping to persuade Tuberville to hold up civilian nominees instead, and said that they will also try to force more votes. Democrats want stronger action and are seeking to move forward with a resolution that would allow batches of military nominees to be passed over Tuberville's objections. But that would need Republican support, and GOP senators are wary it could set a bad precedent that erodes the power of the minority in the Senate.Whatever the next steps, Tuberville's Republican colleagues made clear that they are fed up.“It's time to develop a new and smarter strategy,” said Republican Sen. Todd Young of Indiana, who served in the Marine Corps and was one of the senators who criticized Tuberville’s blockade on the Senate floor.The Senate on Thursday confirmed three of the nominees that Tuberville was holding up — Adm. Lisa Franchetti to lead the Navy, Gen. David Allvin to be chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force and Lt. Gen. Christopher Mahoney to serve as assistant commandant for the U.S. Marine Corps. Franchetti is the first woman to serve as a Pentagon service chief and hold a seat on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday he was pleased that the Senate confirmed the three officers. But “we still have more than 370 superbly qualified leaders who have seen their nominations unnecessarily stalled," he said. “As we face a variety of urgent challenges, the most powerful fighting force in history must be at full-strength.”Austin said the delay is hurting readiness and “unnecessarily weighed down our military families, who already give up so much to support those who serve.”Because of Tuberville's holds and Senate procedure, confirmation of those three military officials took three days and six votes from start to finish — underscoring the difficulty majority Democrats have as they contemplate how to move hundreds of nominations. The Senate has traditionally approved large groups of military nominations by voice vote, but just one senator's objection can upend that process.Republican Sens. Young and Joni Ernst of Iowa each suggested on Thursday that there would be an effort to try and convince Tuberville to hold up civilian nominations linked to the abortion policy instead of military officers who have nothing to do with it.“Why are we taking hostages that can’t change the policy?” Ernst said.But Tuberville said Wednesday there is “zero chance” he will drop the holds, which he first announced in February. Despite several high-level vacancies and the growing backlog, he has said he will continue to hold the nominees up unless the Pentagon ends — or puts to a vote in Congress — its new policy of paying for travel when a servicemember has to go out of state to get an abortion or other reproductive care. President Joe Biden’s administration instituted the policy after the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">overturned the nationwide right to an abortion</a>, and some states have limited or banned the procedure.“I cannot simply sit idly by while the Biden administration injects politics in our military from the White House and spends taxpayers’ dollars on abortion,” Tuberville said Wednesday evening.Confronting Tuberville publicly for the first time since he announced the holds, the Republican senators, led by Ernst and Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan, read lengthy biographies, praised the nominees and lashed out at Tuberville as they called for vote after vote. They said they agree with the Alabama senator in opposing the abortion policy but questioned — as Democrats have for months — why he would hold up the highest ranks of the U.S. military.As Wednesday night wore on, Sullivan, a colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and Ernst, a former commander in the U.S. Army Reserve and Iowa Army National Guard, appeared increasingly frustrated. Sullivan called the blockade a “national security suicide mission.”The GOP senators noted that they were bringing up the nominations “one by one” as Tuberville had once called for, and they asked why he wouldn’t allow them to go forward. Tuberville did not answer.“I do not respect men who do not honor their word,” Ernst said of her GOP colleague toward the end of the evening.The Senate voted to confirm the three top officers on Thursday after the commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith, was hospitalized Sunday after suffering a medical emergency at his official residence in Washington. Smith, who is listed in stable condition and is recovering, was confirmed to the top job last month, but he had been holding down two high-level posts for several months because of Tuberville’s holds.Mahoney, who was confirmed as assistant commandant, could step into the acting commandant role as Smith recovers. He is a fighter pilot who has flown combat in Iraq and served as the deputy commander of Marine forces in the Pacific.Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks said after Mahoney’s confirmation that the holds have placed significant stress on the military’s officers and families. “We have seen tragic effects to that stress,” Hicks said. “And I think that’s been well communicated on Capitol Hill.”When Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., announced the vote this week on Mahoney’s nomination to be assistant commandant, he said Smith’s sudden medical emergency is “precisely the kind of avoidable emergency that Sen. Tuberville has provoked through his reckless holds.”Also confirmed was Franchetti, who will lead the Navy. She is the second woman to be promoted to four-star admiral, and did multiple deployments, including as commander of a naval destroyer and two stints as aircraft carrier strike group commander. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed, D-R.I., called Franchetti a “trailblazer.”Several women have served as military service secretaries as political appointees, but never as their top uniformed officer. Adm. Linda L. Fagan is the commandant of the Coast Guard, but she is not a member of the Joint Staff.Allvin is the vice chief of staff of the Air Force but has been serving as acting chief since the previous top Air Force officer, Gen. CQ Brown, became c hairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Oct. 1. Allvin is a career air mobility pilot with more than 4,600 flight hours and key deployments in Afghanistan and Europe.