WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is screening imports of cinnamon from multiple countries for toxic lead contamination after growing reports of children who were sickened after eating pouches of applesauce and apple puree.

Cinnamon from a manufacturer in Ecuador is the “likely source” of high levels of lead found in recalled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-lead-poisoning-children-cdc-applesauce-puree-793c33aa66544044ae6413f8d34e169a" target="_blank">pouches of applesauce puree</a>&nbsp;linked to illnesses in at least 34 children in 22 states, the FDA said Friday.

But the agency noted there have not been other reports of illness or elevated blood lead levels tied to the spice that’s popular in holiday baking.

The agency has not yet been able to collect and directly test samples of the cinnamon in the product. Import records show that WanaBana LLC of Coral Gables, Florida, received shipments of cinnamon apple fruit puree from Austrofood, a manufacturer in Ecuador.

One pouch of recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon puree collected from a Dollar Tree store was found to have lead levels more than 200 times higher than proposed FDA guidance would allow, officials said.

The agency does not regulate specific levels of heavy metals — including lead— in spices, said Joanne Slavin, a food science professor at the University of Minnesota.

Consumers should be aware that cinnamon may contain lead, she said, but the FDA’s release on Friday said there’s no indication that cinnamon products other than the applesauce puree are affected.

“I wouldn’t want to panic people and say if you put cinnamon in your pumpkin pie, you’re a bad grandma,” she said.

Illnesses linked to the pouches have been reported in children ages 1 to 3, with at least one child showing a blood lead level eight times higher than the level that raises concern, the&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00500.asp?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_511-DM117142&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=HAN%20500%20-%20General%20Public&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_511-DM117142" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;said.

There’s no safe level of lead exposure, but the CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels than most. The affected children’s blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.

The recalled fruit products include pouches of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce. They were sold at the Dollar Tree, on Amazon and in other online outlets.

Kids who may have eaten the products should be tested for lead levels, health officials said. Children who have fallen ill reported headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and anemia, but often kids may show no symptoms.

Lead exposure can lead to serious learning, cognitive and behavior problems. Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699279077387.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is screening imports of cinnamon from multiple countries for toxic lead contamination after growing reports of children who were sickened after eating pouches of applesauce and apple puree.Cinnamon from a manufacturer in Ecuador is the “likely source” of high levels of lead found in recalled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-lead-poisoning-children-cdc-applesauce-puree-793c33aa66544044ae6413f8d34e169a" target="_blank">pouches of applesauce puree</a>&nbsp;linked to illnesses in at least 34 children in 22 states, the FDA said Friday.But the agency noted there have not been other reports of illness or elevated blood lead levels tied to the spice that’s popular in holiday baking.The agency has not yet been able to collect and directly test samples of the cinnamon in the product. Import records show that WanaBana LLC of Coral Gables, Florida, received shipments of cinnamon apple fruit puree from Austrofood, a manufacturer in Ecuador.One pouch of recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon puree collected from a Dollar Tree store was found to have lead levels more than 200 times higher than proposed FDA guidance would allow, officials said.The agency does not regulate specific levels of heavy metals — including lead— in spices, said Joanne Slavin, a food science professor at the University of Minnesota.Consumers should be aware that cinnamon may contain lead, she said, but the FDA’s release on Friday said there’s no indication that cinnamon products other than the applesauce puree are affected.“I wouldn’t want to panic people and say if you put cinnamon in your pumpkin pie, you’re a bad grandma,” she said.Illnesses linked to the pouches have been reported in children ages 1 to 3, with at least one child showing a blood lead level eight times higher than the level that raises concern, the&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00500.asp?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_511-DM117142&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=HAN%20500%20-%20General%20Public&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_511-DM117142" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;said.There’s no safe level of lead exposure, but the CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels than most. The affected children’s blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.The recalled fruit products include pouches of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce. They were sold at the Dollar Tree, on Amazon and in other online outlets.Kids who may have eaten the products should be tested for lead levels, health officials said. Children who have fallen ill reported headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and anemia, but often kids may show no symptoms.Lead exposure can lead to serious learning, cognitive and behavior problems. Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

FDA screens cinnamon imports after more kids ill from lead-tainted applesauce

HUTCHINSON— This week, a Reno County jury awarded a former Reno County resident $11,138,422.40 in damages for medical expenses and non-economic damages resulting from a skid steer accident, finding that Kubota’s SVL-90 skid steer failed to adequately warn of a crush hazard that paralyzed the resident, according to a media release from&nbsp;Mann, Wyatt and Tanksley Injury Attorneys.

The jury trial arose from an accident that happened on farm ground in rural Reno County on November 10, 2013. The plaintiff, Kolton Kincaid, was caught between the skid steer’s cab roof overhang and the grapple bucket while it was being raised, resulting in damage to his spinal cord.

Kubota wholly denied any wrongdoing and fought the case for nearly 8 years, claiming that the general safety instructions in the cab of the skid steer and in the operator’s manual were sufficient notice of the hazard.

There were no specific warnings about the crush point, and the jury found that the general safety instructions were vague and inadequate given that Kubota either knew or should have known about the hazard in their safety testing and development of the SVL-90. Kubota did not produce and present any safety testing information in its defense.

Before trial, Kubota offered $30,000.00 to settle the case.

Kincaid declined the offer and opted for a jury trial. His attorneys Michael Wyatt and Jesse Tanksley, law partners with Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys, successfully argued during the five-day trial that the defendant was significantly at fault for the accident, and that because of Kubota’s negligence, Kincaid sustained severe and permanent injuries that significantly affected his life and will require life-long medical treatment. The jury agreed and awarded Kincaid a total verdict of $11,138,422.40 for his past and future medical expenses, and his pain, suffering, and mental anguish. The verdict was more than 370 times the amount that Kubota had offered before trial.

Wyatt said, “I’m thankful the jury saw through the defense team’s arguments. They tried to avoid responsibility for the accident and directed the blame at everybody else, but the jury didn’t let them get away with it. We are so grateful for our client’s courage and perseverance in allowing us to litigate and try his case to a jury. We were blessed with an incredibly smart and compassionate jury that understood the value of what was taken from Kolton, despite his monumental efforts to rehabilitate and serve as an inspiration to every person he touches.”

Tanksley, a fellow Mann, Wyatt &amp; Tanksley partner, said the ultimate goal of taking Kolton’s case to trial was to publicly hold Kubota responsible for its negligence and ensure that Kolton recovered the money that he would need to pay for his medical treatment and interest in paraplegia advocacy and adaptive sports. Wyatt and Tanksley said they were proud of the fact that Kubota will be forced to look at its safety practices and the process of developing warnings to prevent deaths and catastrophic injuries like this.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to represent an exemplary and inspiring young man and ensure that he received justice, full compensation, and most importantly that his voice was heard,” Wyatt said.

HUTCHINSON— This week, a Reno County jury awarded a former Reno County resident $11,138,422.40 in damages for medical expenses and non-economic damages resulting from a skid steer accident, finding that Kubota’s SVL-90 skid steer failed to adequately warn of a crush hazard that paralyzed the resident, according to a media release from&nbsp;Mann, Wyatt and Tanksley Injury Attorneys.The jury trial arose from an accident that happened on farm ground in rural Reno County on November 10, 2013. The plaintiff, Kolton Kincaid, was caught between the skid steer’s cab roof overhang and the grapple bucket while it was being raised, resulting in damage to his spinal cord.Kubota wholly denied any wrongdoing and fought the case for nearly 8 years, claiming that the general safety instructions in the cab of the skid steer and in the operator’s manual were sufficient notice of the hazard.There were no specific warnings about the crush point, and the jury found that the general safety instructions were vague and inadequate given that Kubota either knew or should have known about the hazard in their safety testing and development of the SVL-90. Kubota did not produce and present any safety testing information in its defense.Before trial, Kubota offered $30,000.00 to settle the case.Kincaid declined the offer and opted for a jury trial. His attorneys Michael Wyatt and Jesse Tanksley, law partners with Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys, successfully argued during the five-day trial that the defendant was significantly at fault for the accident, and that because of Kubota’s negligence, Kincaid sustained severe and permanent injuries that significantly affected his life and will require life-long medical treatment. The jury agreed and awarded Kincaid a total verdict of $11,138,422.40 for his past and future medical expenses, and his pain, suffering, and mental anguish. The verdict was more than 370 times the amount that Kubota had offered before trial.Wyatt said, “I’m thankful the jury saw through the defense team’s arguments. They tried to avoid responsibility for the accident and directed the blame at everybody else, but the jury didn’t let them get away with it. We are so grateful for our client’s courage and perseverance in allowing us to litigate and try his case to a jury. We were blessed with an incredibly smart and compassionate jury that understood the value of what was taken from Kolton, despite his monumental efforts to rehabilitate and serve as an inspiration to every person he touches.”Tanksley, a fellow Mann, Wyatt &amp; Tanksley partner, said the ultimate goal of taking Kolton’s case to trial was to publicly hold Kubota responsible for its negligence and ensure that Kolton recovered the money that he would need to pay for his medical treatment and interest in paraplegia advocacy and adaptive sports. Wyatt and Tanksley said they were proud of the fact that Kubota will be forced to look at its safety practices and the process of developing warnings to prevent deaths and catastrophic injuries like this.“We are so grateful for the opportunity to represent an exemplary and inspiring young man and ensure that he received justice, full compensation, and most importantly that his voice was heard,” Wyatt said.

Kan. jury awards man over $11 million for skid steer accident

WASHINGTON (AP)— Militants attacked U.S. military bases in Syria and Iraq on Friday, conducting three strikes on facilities using one-way attack drones that wounded one soldier, two U.S. officials said on the condition of anonymity to provide sensitive details of the strikes.

The attacks have been launched almost daily since Oct. 17, the day a blast at a Gaza hospital killed hundreds and sparked protests across the region. The U.S. has repeatedly warned the groups to desist and avoid escalating the war between Israel and Hamas into a wider conflict.

The three additional attacks on U.S. military facilities on Friday bring the total number of attacks on U.S. and coalition military facilities in Iraq and Syria to at least 60 since Oct. 17. At least 59 service members have been wounded, but the Pentagon has said all were minor injuries and those troops were able to return to duty.

On Friday a one-way drone targeted Al Harir air base in Erbil, with no casualties reported, but a damage assessment was still ongoing. Multiple one-way drones attacked Al Asad air base in Iraq but caused no injuries or infrastructure damage, and another multiple one-way drone attack at Tall Baydar, Syria, resulted in minor injuries to one service member who was able to return to duty, one of the defense officials said.

WASHINGTON (AP)— Militants attacked U.S. military bases in Syria and Iraq on Friday, conducting three strikes on facilities using one-way attack drones that wounded one soldier, two U.S. officials said on the condition of anonymity to provide sensitive details of the strikes.The attacks have been launched almost daily since Oct. 17, the day a blast at a Gaza hospital killed hundreds and sparked protests across the region. The U.S. has repeatedly warned the groups to desist and avoid escalating the war between Israel and Hamas into a wider conflict.The three additional attacks on U.S. military facilities on Friday bring the total number of attacks on U.S. and coalition military facilities in Iraq and Syria to at least 60 since Oct. 17. At least 59 service members have been wounded, but the Pentagon has said all were minor injuries and those troops were able to return to duty.On Friday a one-way drone targeted Al Harir air base in Erbil, with no casualties reported, but a damage assessment was still ongoing. Multiple one-way drones attacked Al Asad air base in Iraq but caused no injuries or infrastructure damage, and another multiple one-way drone attack at Tall Baydar, Syria, resulted in minor injuries to one service member who was able to return to duty, one of the defense officials said.

Militants attack 3 U.S. bases in Syria and Iraq, 1 soldier wounded 

HICKORY COUNTY —One person died in an accident that occurred just before 11:50p.m. Thursday in Hickory County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy 1500 driven by a 17-year-old boy from Collins, Missouri was northbound on Highway AA at Highway 54 three miles east of Weaubleau.&nbsp;

The pickup traveled off the road, overturned and the driver was ejected.

The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene at 1a.m. Friday and transported to Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home in Osceola. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

HICKORY COUNTY —One person died in an accident that occurred just before 11:50p.m. Thursday in Hickory County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy 1500 driven by a 17-year-old boy from Collins, Missouri was northbound on Highway AA at Highway 54 three miles east of Weaubleau.&nbsp;The pickup traveled off the road, overturned and the driver was ejected.The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene at 1a.m. Friday and transported to Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home in Osceola. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen dies after ejected when pickup rolls

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting continue 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 are investigating a deadly shooting continue 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: Search continues for Kansas teen suspect

WASHINGTON —House Speaker Mike Johnson Friday&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cha.house.gov/cha-subcommittee-reading-room-fe781e74-d577-4f64-93cc-fc3a8dd8df18">released the January 6th tapes</a>&nbsp;all&nbsp;44,000 hours.

<a href="https://cha.house.gov/cha-subcommittee-reading-room-fe781e74-d577-4f64-93cc-fc3a8dd8df18">Click here to view</a> all the videos

In a statement from his office Johnson wrote, "When I ran for Speaker, I promised to make accessible to the American people the 44,000 hours of video from Capitol Hill security taken on January 6, 2021."

"Truth and transparency are critical. Today, we will begin immediately posting video on a public website and move as quickly as possible to add to the website nearly all of the footage, more than 40,000 hours. In the meantime, a public viewing room will ensure that every citizen can view every minute of the videos uncensored."

"This decision will provide millions of Americans, criminal defendants, public interest organizations, and the media an ability to see for themselves what happened that day, rather than having to rely upon the interpretation of a small group of government officials."

"I commend Chairman Loudermilk and his team for their diligent work to ensure the thousands of hours of videos are promptly processed to be uploaded to the committee’s public website."

"Processing will involve blurring the faces of private citizens on the yet unreleased tapes to avoid any persons from being targeted for retaliation of any kind and segregating an estimated 5% of the videos that may involve sensitive security information related to the building architecture."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700262204221.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —House Speaker Mike Johnson Friday&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cha.house.gov/cha-subcommittee-reading-room-fe781e74-d577-4f64-93cc-fc3a8dd8df18">released the January 6th tapes</a>&nbsp;all&nbsp;44,000 hours.<a href="https://cha.house.gov/cha-subcommittee-reading-room-fe781e74-d577-4f64-93cc-fc3a8dd8df18">Click here to view</a> all the videos<div>x<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, I am keeping my promise to the American people and making all the January 6th tapes available to ALL Americans.&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1725609920312041652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a statement from his office Johnson wrote, "When I ran for Speaker, I promised to make accessible to the American people the 44,000 hours of video from Capitol Hill security taken on January 6, 2021.""Truth and transparency are critical. Today, we will begin immediately posting video on a public website and move as quickly as possible to add to the website nearly all of the footage, more than 40,000 hours. In the meantime, a public viewing room will ensure that every citizen can view every minute of the videos uncensored.""This decision will provide millions of Americans, criminal defendants, public interest organizations, and the media an ability to see for themselves what happened that day, rather than having to rely upon the interpretation of a small group of government officials.""I commend Chairman Loudermilk and his team for their diligent work to ensure the thousands of hours of videos are promptly processed to be uploaded to the committee’s public website.""Processing will involve blurring the faces of private citizens on the yet unreleased tapes to avoid any persons from being targeted for retaliation of any kind and segregating an estimated 5% of the videos that may involve sensitive security information related to the building architecture."

🎥 44,000 hours of Jan. 6 security footage now online for public access

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery at a retailer in Johnson County and asking the public for help to ID three suspects.

"Walk in, fill your arms, walk out without paying. That's exactly what these three did recently at a Lenexa retailer, according to police

Officers need help identify these individuals for prosecution and to let them know this is not okay in Lenexa. 

The suspect left in a silver car with a paper license plate. If you have information that could assist&nbsp; in this investigation, please call a detective at 913-825-8097.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery at a retailer in Johnson County and asking the public for help to ID three suspects.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Walk in, fill your arms, walk out without paying. That&#39;s exactly what these three did recently at a Lenexa retailer. We&#39;d appreciate any assistance in helping us to identify these individuals for prosecution and to let them know this is not okay in Lenexa. They left in a silver… <a href="https://t.co/8I77XiqP50">pic.twitter.com/8I77XiqP50</a>&mdash; Lenexa Police (@LenexaPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/LenexaPolice/status/1725570993748336703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Walk in, fill your arms, walk out without paying. That's exactly what these three did recently at a Lenexa retailer, according to policeOfficers need help identify these individuals for prosecution and to let them know this is not okay in Lenexa. The suspect left in a silver car with a paper license plate. If you have information that could assist&nbsp; in this investigation, please call a detective at 913-825-8097.

🎥Police ask for help to ID suspect in Kan. retail theft

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred just before 9:30p.m. Thursday.

According to Sheriff Daryl Forte', first responders found the victims at 42nd and Sterling in Kansas City. 

One man was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported another man to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Police have not released the names of the victims or reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700247623825.png" alt="photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred just before 9:30p.m. Thursday.According to Sheriff Daryl Forte', first responders found the victims at 42nd and Sterling in Kansas City. One man was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported another man to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Police have not released the names of the victims or reported an arrest.

KCPD investigating double homicide

NEW YORK (AP) — George “Funky” Brown, the co-founder and longtime drummer of Kool &amp; The Gang who helped write such hits as “Too Hot,” “Ladies Night,” “Joanna” and the party favorite “Celebration,” died Thursday in Los Angeles at age 74.

Brown died after a battle with cancer, according to a statement released by Universal Music. He had retired earlier in the year, nearly 60 years after the band began, and revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

Kool &amp; The Gang has sold millions of records with its catchy blend of jazz, funk and soul, what Brown liked to call “the sound of happiness.” In 1964, Brown helped launch the Grammy-winning group, originally called the Jazziacs, along with such friends as bassist Robert “Kool” Bell, brother Ronald Bell on keyboards and guitarist Charles Smith.

After years of relative obscurity, name changes and personnel changes, Kool &amp; The Gang broke through in the mid-1970s with “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging” among others songs and peaked in the late '70s-mid 1980s, with hits ranging from the ballads “Cherish” and “Joanna” to the up-tempo, chart-topping “Celebration,” now a standard at weddings and other festive gatherings.

In 2023, Brown produced the band's latest album, “People Just Wanna Have Fun,” and released his memoir “Too Hot: Kool &amp; The Gang &amp; Me.”

He is survived by his wife, Hanh Brown, and his five children. In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that donations can be made in his honor to the Lung Cancer Society of America.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700251186896.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — George “Funky” Brown, the co-founder and longtime drummer of Kool &amp; The Gang who helped write such hits as “Too Hot,” “Ladies Night,” “Joanna” and the party favorite “Celebration,” died Thursday in Los Angeles at age 74.Brown died after a battle with cancer, according to a statement released by Universal Music. He had retired earlier in the year, nearly 60 years after the band began, and revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.Kool &amp; The Gang has sold millions of records with its catchy blend of jazz, funk and soul, what Brown liked to call “the sound of happiness.” In 1964, Brown helped launch the Grammy-winning group, originally called the Jazziacs, along with such friends as bassist Robert “Kool” Bell, brother Ronald Bell on keyboards and guitarist Charles Smith.After years of relative obscurity, name changes and personnel changes, Kool &amp; The Gang broke through in the mid-1970s with “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging” among others songs and peaked in the late '70s-mid 1980s, with hits ranging from the ballads “Cherish” and “Joanna” to the up-tempo, chart-topping “Celebration,” now a standard at weddings and other festive gatherings.In 2023, Brown produced the band's latest album, “People Just Wanna Have Fun,” and released his memoir “Too Hot: Kool &amp; The Gang &amp; Me.”He is survived by his wife, Hanh Brown, and his five children. In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that donations can be made in his honor to the Lung Cancer Society of America.

Founding member of Kool & The Gang dies at 74

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran&nbsp; and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) led their colleagues in calling on President Biden to immediately enforce oil sanctions on Iran as mandated by Congress.

The letter also urges the administration to permanently freeze the $6 billion funding mechanism established in September’s hostage agreement with Iran.

<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/d/7/d7f05058-dba9-48fb-a58f-045059608341/993C9D31FCC5A6543E147C42984AFC26.letter-to-president-biden-on-iranian-oil-sanctions-with-signatures.pdf">Click here to read</a> the full letter

“For far too long, Iran has evaded consequence for its complacency in funding radical terror,”&nbsp;the senators wrote.&nbsp;“To prevent further atrocities and to fulfill our promise of providing unwavering support to our most important ally in the Middle East, we urge your administration to take the necessary means in severing financial avenues available to Iran, specifically cracking down on oil exports.”

The letter was signed by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R- W.V.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran&nbsp; and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) led their colleagues in calling on President Biden to immediately enforce oil sanctions on Iran as mandated by Congress.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700171313612.png" alt="A portion of the letter from the Senators" />
 <figcaption>A portion of the letter from the Senators</figcaption>
 </figure>The letter also urges the administration to permanently freeze the $6 billion funding mechanism established in September’s hostage agreement with Iran.<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/d/7/d7f05058-dba9-48fb-a58f-045059608341/993C9D31FCC5A6543E147C42984AFC26.letter-to-president-biden-on-iranian-oil-sanctions-with-signatures.pdf">Click here to read</a> the full letter“For far too long, Iran has evaded consequence for its complacency in funding radical terror,”&nbsp;the senators wrote.&nbsp;“To prevent further atrocities and to fulfill our promise of providing unwavering support to our most important ally in the Middle East, we urge your administration to take the necessary means in severing financial avenues available to Iran, specifically cracking down on oil exports.”The letter was signed by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R- W.V.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

Moran calls on Biden to enforce mandated sanctions on Iran

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after noon November 13, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 35 in Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

 During the stop, deputy found illegal narcotics and a stolen firearm.

A passenger of the vehicle, Dominick E. Washington, 35, of Wichita was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of cocaine, Possession of ecstasy, Possession of stolen firearm and an Arrest warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700092539850.png" alt="Washington-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Washington-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after noon November 13, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 35 in Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, deputy found illegal narcotics and a stolen firearm.A passenger of the vehicle, Dominick E. Washington, 35, of Wichita was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of cocaine, Possession of ecstasy, Possession of stolen firearm and an Arrest warrant.

Sheriff: Kansas man caught with cocaine, stolen firearm

WASHINGTON (AP) — An Indian company that recently recalled eyedrops sold in the U.S. had a host of sanitation and manufacturing problems, including barefoot workers, cracked floors and altered records, U.S. health inspectors found.

Food and Drug Administration officials uncovered more than a dozen problems at the Mumbai plant operated by Kilitch Healthcare India, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/173608/download">preliminary inspection report</a>&nbsp;posted by the agency. The factory produced more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-recall-fda-infection-cvs-rite-aid-a9471104de34efd152137d3fdba9c260">two dozen varieties of eyedrops</a>&nbsp;that were subject to an FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-certain-eye-drops-several-major-brands-due-risk-eye">safety warning</a>&nbsp;last month.

The products were sold by CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid and other national retailers who said they would be removed from store shelves. New details about the plant's problems emerged after FDA inspectors visited the plant late last month.

Agency inspectors documented factory workers not wearing masks, gloves and gowns and working barefoot in areas that are supposed to be sterile. A manager told FDA officials “that this is their standard practice,” according to the report.

Elsewhere, FDA staff noted cracked floors, plus water stains and peeling paint on walls and ceilings.

The FDA report also suggests factory officials would routinely omit or falsify contamination test results.

For instance, a factory microbiologist said that a bacterial sample that could trigger “an alert or action limit” would not be documented. Instead, officials would perform additional cleaning and then record a figure that indicated sterility. This occurred “two or three times per month,” according to the microbiologist.

The FDA's initial findings are likely to be followed by a formal report and a warning letter to the company.

On Monday, Kilitch Healthcare officially recalled the lubricating eyedrops, sold in 27 different brands and formulations. The agency&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kilitch-healthcare-india-limited-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-various-eye-drops-potential">published the notice</a>&nbsp;to its website Wednesday. The recall is something of a formality, since the FDA had already alerted U.S. stores and consumers to the problem.

FDA officials don't have the legal authority to force drug manufacturers to recall their products, and instead rely on companies to “voluntarily” do so. The FDA had recommended the recall on Oct. 25 and shortly thereafter blocked imports from Kilitch.

Drugmakers and distributors “are responsible for the quality of their products,” but the FDA recently asked Congress for the authority to mandate such recalls, an agency spokeswoman said in a statement Thursday.

Kilitch Healthcare said it has not received “any reports of adverse events” related to its products. The drops could cause vision loss or blindness, according to the FDA.

The lubricating drops were distributed in the U.S. by Velocity Pharma, based in Farmingdale, New York, and carry expiration dates between November 2023 and September 2025.

FDA records show no prior inspections for Kilitch Healthcare.

The FDA is responsible for assuring the safety of foreign products shipped to the U.S., though it has long struggled to keep pace with international pharmaceutical supply chains that increasingly begin in India.

Recently, the agency has been working to make up for missed inspections that weren't conducted during COVID-19. Agency records show FDA didn't conduct any inspections in India during fiscal year 2021, at the height of the pandemic. Inspections rose to 177 in fiscal 2023, but that was still about half the number of inspections that the FDA was conducting the year before COVID-19.

CVS Health said in a statement that it previously “stopped the sale in-store and online” of all the eyedrops cited by the FDA. Customers can return them to CVS for a full refund.

Target did not respond to emailed questions about the products. Cardinal Health, a medical supply company, also did not respond to emails.

Earlier this year, federal officials linked an unrelated outbreak of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-business-health-4572be6da44f4fab4e0f691f5e37e3ed">drug-resistant bacteria</a>&nbsp;to eyedrops from two different companies, EzriCare and Delsam Pharma.

More than 80 people in the U.S. tested positive for eye infections from the rare bacterial strain, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/crpa-artificial-tears.html#anchor_1674746879046">most recent update</a>&nbsp;from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among them, 14 people suffered vision loss, four had to have an eye removed and four died, the CDC said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — An Indian company that recently recalled eyedrops sold in the U.S. had a host of sanitation and manufacturing problems, including barefoot workers, cracked floors and altered records, U.S. health inspectors found.Food and Drug Administration officials uncovered more than a dozen problems at the Mumbai plant operated by Kilitch Healthcare India, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/173608/download">preliminary inspection report</a>&nbsp;posted by the agency. The factory produced more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-recall-fda-infection-cvs-rite-aid-a9471104de34efd152137d3fdba9c260">two dozen varieties of eyedrops</a>&nbsp;that were subject to an FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-certain-eye-drops-several-major-brands-due-risk-eye">safety warning</a>&nbsp;last month.The products were sold by CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid and other national retailers who said they would be removed from store shelves. New details about the plant's problems emerged after FDA inspectors visited the plant late last month.Agency inspectors documented factory workers not wearing masks, gloves and gowns and working barefoot in areas that are supposed to be sterile. A manager told FDA officials “that this is their standard practice,” according to the report.Elsewhere, FDA staff noted cracked floors, plus water stains and peeling paint on walls and ceilings.The FDA report also suggests factory officials would routinely omit or falsify contamination test results.For instance, a factory microbiologist said that a bacterial sample that could trigger “an alert or action limit” would not be documented. Instead, officials would perform additional cleaning and then record a figure that indicated sterility. This occurred “two or three times per month,” according to the microbiologist.The FDA's initial findings are likely to be followed by a formal report and a warning letter to the company.On Monday, Kilitch Healthcare officially recalled the lubricating eyedrops, sold in 27 different brands and formulations. The agency&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kilitch-healthcare-india-limited-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-various-eye-drops-potential">published the notice</a>&nbsp;to its website Wednesday. The recall is something of a formality, since the FDA had already alerted U.S. stores and consumers to the problem.FDA officials don't have the legal authority to force drug manufacturers to recall their products, and instead rely on companies to “voluntarily” do so. The FDA had recommended the recall on Oct. 25 and shortly thereafter blocked imports from Kilitch.Drugmakers and distributors “are responsible for the quality of their products,” but the FDA recently asked Congress for the authority to mandate such recalls, an agency spokeswoman said in a statement Thursday.Kilitch Healthcare said it has not received “any reports of adverse events” related to its products. The drops could cause vision loss or blindness, according to the FDA.The lubricating drops were distributed in the U.S. by Velocity Pharma, based in Farmingdale, New York, and carry expiration dates between November 2023 and September 2025.FDA records show no prior inspections for Kilitch Healthcare.The FDA is responsible for assuring the safety of foreign products shipped to the U.S., though it has long struggled to keep pace with international pharmaceutical supply chains that increasingly begin in India.Recently, the agency has been working to make up for missed inspections that weren't conducted during COVID-19. Agency records show FDA didn't conduct any inspections in India during fiscal year 2021, at the height of the pandemic. Inspections rose to 177 in fiscal 2023, but that was still about half the number of inspections that the FDA was conducting the year before COVID-19.CVS Health said in a statement that it previously “stopped the sale in-store and online” of all the eyedrops cited by the FDA. Customers can return them to CVS for a full refund.Target did not respond to emailed questions about the products. Cardinal Health, a medical supply company, also did not respond to emails.Earlier this year, federal officials linked an unrelated outbreak of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-business-health-4572be6da44f4fab4e0f691f5e37e3ed">drug-resistant bacteria</a>&nbsp;to eyedrops from two different companies, EzriCare and Delsam Pharma.More than 80 people in the U.S. tested positive for eye infections from the rare bacterial strain, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/crpa-artificial-tears.html#anchor_1674746879046">most recent update</a>&nbsp;from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among them, 14 people suffered vision loss, four had to have an eye removed and four died, the CDC said.

Sanitation issues: FDA expands eyedrops recall

TOPEKA&nbsp;– A Barton County court Thursday sentenced 44-year-old Lyndsay Nichole George to life in prison, according to Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.

On Oct. 8, 2021, officers and firefighters responded to a fire at 59-year-old Teresa Dutton's home in the 2800 block of 29th Street in Great Bend.

First responders found Dutton inside and despite performing life-saving measures she died. A preliminary investigation of the incident, arson was determined to be the cause of the fire. Investigators also determined that the Dutton's death was the result of foul play, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

Later that morning, the Great Bend Police Department responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Adams Street in Great Bend in reference to an aggravated burglary and battery related to the arson, homicide investigation.

The suspect left that area on foot and at approximately 8:12 a.m. was reported to be at Park Elementary School, 1801 Williams Street.&nbsp; Police officers located the suspect identified as Lyndsay George, in the 2000 Block of 19th Street.

After a physical altercation with police officers, George was arrested. After further investigation and interviews, George was booked into the Barton County jail on requested charges of murder in the 1st degree, aggravated arson, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, aggravated burglary, battery and criminal trespass.

During the course of the investigation, members of the Great Bend Police Department, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Barton County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Fire Marshal's Office and the A.T.F. obtained and executed search warrants in the 2800 block of 29th Street and at the Traveler's Budget Inn located at 4200 10th Street in Great Bend.

During the execution and thorough search of those locations, items of evidence were located and seized.&nbsp;

On July 6, 2023, George was found guilty of murder in the first degree for Dutton's death.

In addition to being sentenced to murder in the first degree, George was also sentenced for other crimes associated with the murder:&nbsp;aggravated arson, aggravated burglary, assault on a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct, battery, and cruelty to animals. 

She was ordered to pay $5,990 in restitution for crime victim's compensation.

"The statements by Teresa Dutton's family members in court highlighted her compassion and empathy for others," Deputy Attorney General Vic Braden said. "The sentencing handed down&nbsp;by the court provided appropriate legal accountability for the murder of Teresa."

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, assisted by the Great Bend Police Department, investigated the crime. Braden and Assistant Attorney General Adam Brewer presented the state's case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633782279715.png" alt="George-photo Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>George-photo Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– A Barton County court Thursday sentenced 44-year-old Lyndsay Nichole George to life in prison, according to Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.On Oct. 8, 2021, officers and firefighters responded to a fire at 59-year-old Teresa Dutton's home in the 2800 block of 29th Street in Great Bend.First responders found Dutton inside and despite performing life-saving measures she died. A preliminary investigation of the incident, arson was determined to be the cause of the fire. Investigators also determined that the Dutton's death was the result of foul play, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.Later that morning, the Great Bend Police Department responded to a residence in the 1500 block of Adams Street in Great Bend in reference to an aggravated burglary and battery related to the arson, homicide investigation.The suspect left that area on foot and at approximately 8:12 a.m. was reported to be at Park Elementary School, 1801 Williams Street.&nbsp; Police officers located the suspect identified as Lyndsay George, in the 2000 Block of 19th Street.After a physical altercation with police officers, George was arrested. After further investigation and interviews, George was booked into the Barton County jail on requested charges of murder in the 1st degree, aggravated arson, aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, aggravated burglary, battery and criminal trespass.During the course of the investigation, members of the Great Bend Police Department, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Barton County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Fire Marshal's Office and the A.T.F. obtained and executed search warrants in the 2800 block of 29th Street and at the Traveler's Budget Inn located at 4200 10th Street in Great Bend.During the execution and thorough search of those locations, items of evidence were located and seized.&nbsp;On July 6, 2023, George was found guilty of murder in the first degree for Dutton's death.In addition to being sentenced to murder in the first degree, George was also sentenced for other crimes associated with the murder:&nbsp;aggravated arson, aggravated burglary, assault on a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct, battery, and cruelty to animals. She was ordered to pay $5,990 in restitution for crime victim's compensation."The statements by Teresa Dutton's family members in court highlighted her compassion and empathy for others," Deputy Attorney General Vic Braden said. "The sentencing handed down&nbsp;by the court provided appropriate legal accountability for the murder of Teresa."The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, assisted by the Great Bend Police Department, investigated the crime. Braden and Assistant Attorney General Adam Brewer presented the state's case.

Kan. woman sentenced for arson fire that killed 59-year-old woman

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican attorney general in Kansas is appealing a state judge’s ruling that has blocked enforcement of multiple abortion restrictions, including a new limit on medication and an older rule forcing patients to wait 24 hours before they can get the procedure.

Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a notice Thursday in Johnson County District Court in the Kansas City area, saying he will ask higher courts to overturn Judge K. Christopher Jayaram's decision last month.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medications-restrictions-kansas-f1435cc5538ae6e19cd481a58e82aa7f">The judge concluded</a>&nbsp;that abortion providers were likely to successfully argue in a lawsuit that the restrictions violate the Kansas Constitution.

“The attorney general has a responsibility to protect women against radicals who want to deny them the ability to make informed decisions about their own health and the welfare of their babies,” Kobach spokesperson Danedri Herbert said in an email.

Jayaram's order is set to remain in effect through a trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-waiting-period-medication-reversal-1f0f5fad64b4180997d0f32a32d047dd">the providers' lawsuit</a>&nbsp;at the end of June 2024. Some of the blocked restrictions have been in place for years. The state imposed its waiting period in 1997.

The newest restriction, in place July 1, required providers to tell patients that a medication abortion can be stopped. But the regimen to do that has been described by major medical groups as inadequately tested, ineffective and potentially unsafe.

The legal battle in Kansas highlights the importance of state courts in attempts to preserve access after the U.S. Supreme Court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">decision in Dobbs v. Jackson</a>&nbsp;last year ended protections under the U.S. Constitution and allowed states to ban abortion.

The Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">ruled in 2019</a>&nbsp;that the state constitution protects access to abortion as a “fundamental” right. In August 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">voters statewide rejected</a>&nbsp;a proposed constitutional change from Republican lawmakers to nullify that decision and allow greater restrictions or a ban.

Abortion opponents argue that even with last year's vote, the state can impose “reasonable” restrictions and ensure that patients are well-informed.

But Jayaram concluded there is "credible evidence” that up to 40% of the information that clinics were required to provide before an abortion was medically inaccurate.

“Kansans made it clear they don’t want politicians interfering with their health care decisions and the courts reaffirmed that right," said Anamarie Rebori-Simmons, spokesperson for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which operates a Kansas City-area clinic that sued. "The attorney general continues to disregard the will of those he serves.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a notice Thursday in Johnson County District Court saying he will ask higher courts to overturn Judge K. Christopher Jayaram's decision last month-AP file photo" />
 <figcaption>Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a notice Thursday in Johnson County District Court saying he will ask higher courts to overturn Judge K. Christopher Jayaram's decision last month-AP file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican attorney general in Kansas is appealing a state judge’s ruling that has blocked enforcement of multiple abortion restrictions, including a new limit on medication and an older rule forcing patients to wait 24 hours before they can get the procedure.Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a notice Thursday in Johnson County District Court in the Kansas City area, saying he will ask higher courts to overturn Judge K. Christopher Jayaram's decision last month.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medications-restrictions-kansas-f1435cc5538ae6e19cd481a58e82aa7f">The judge concluded</a>&nbsp;that abortion providers were likely to successfully argue in a lawsuit that the restrictions violate the Kansas Constitution.“The attorney general has a responsibility to protect women against radicals who want to deny them the ability to make informed decisions about their own health and the welfare of their babies,” Kobach spokesperson Danedri Herbert said in an email.Jayaram's order is set to remain in effect through a trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-waiting-period-medication-reversal-1f0f5fad64b4180997d0f32a32d047dd">the providers' lawsuit</a>&nbsp;at the end of June 2024. Some of the blocked restrictions have been in place for years. The state imposed its waiting period in 1997.The newest restriction, in place July 1, required providers to tell patients that a medication abortion can be stopped. But the regimen to do that has been described by major medical groups as inadequately tested, ineffective and potentially unsafe.The legal battle in Kansas highlights the importance of state courts in attempts to preserve access after the U.S. Supreme Court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">decision in Dobbs v. Jackson</a>&nbsp;last year ended protections under the U.S. Constitution and allowed states to ban abortion.The Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">ruled in 2019</a>&nbsp;that the state constitution protects access to abortion as a “fundamental” right. In August 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">voters statewide rejected</a>&nbsp;a proposed constitutional change from Republican lawmakers to nullify that decision and allow greater restrictions or a ban.Abortion opponents argue that even with last year's vote, the state can impose “reasonable” restrictions and ensure that patients are well-informed.But Jayaram concluded there is "credible evidence” that up to 40% of the information that clinics were required to provide before an abortion was medically inaccurate.“Kansans made it clear they don’t want politicians interfering with their health care decisions and the courts reaffirmed that right," said Anamarie Rebori-Simmons, spokesperson for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which operates a Kansas City-area clinic that sued. "The attorney general continues to disregard the will of those he serves.”

Kansas to appeal ruling blocking abortion rules, including a medication restriction

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Maize USD 266 is <a href="https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/sharedancestry-list.html">being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights</a>.&nbsp;

According to an email to parents Thursday night, "A copy of the complaint was not provided to Maize USD 266 by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, so we are unable to make any further comment regarding this matter.&nbsp;

"Maize USD 266 takes allegations of discrimination seriously and is committed to cooperating fully with any investigation. The school district is dedicated to providing a place for teaching and learning that prioritizes and champions respect and inclusivity and where all students and employees feel safe and valued."

Five of the complaints nationally allege antisemitic harassment and two allege anti-Muslim harassment. No word has been given on the specific grounds for the USD 266 complaint.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700225536281.png" alt="Photo courtesy Maize USD 266" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Maize USD 266</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Maize USD 266 is <a href="https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/sharedancestry-list.html">being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights</a>.&nbsp;According to an email to parents Thursday night, "A copy of the complaint was not provided to Maize USD 266 by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, so we are unable to make any further comment regarding this matter.&nbsp;"Maize USD 266 takes allegations of discrimination seriously and is committed to cooperating fully with any investigation. The school district is dedicated to providing a place for teaching and learning that prioritizes and champions respect and inclusivity and where all students and employees feel safe and valued."Five of the complaints nationally allege antisemitic harassment and two allege anti-Muslim harassment. No word has been given on the specific grounds for the USD 266 complaint.

Federal civil rights investigation at Kansas school district 

KANSAS CITY —A pregnant woman wounded in a Kansas City-area mall shooting November 10 has died.

According to an online fundraiser,&nbsp;19-year-old Karla Brown died from her injuries in the shooting.

According to&nbsp; court records, officers responded to Independence Center Mall on a reported shooting. An officer on off-duty assignment at Dillards arrived on the shooting scene first. He found three injured victims. One of the three was Brown who was most critically injured and reportedly was pregnant.

Surveillance video showed a group that included the critically injured woman, encountered a second group in the mall that included a suspect identified as 21-year-old MarkAnthony Geer.

The two groups passed each other at the mall entrance. A verbal argument began. A victim uninvolved with either group was shot in the leg. The rest of the second group ran to the parking lot.&nbsp; Brown had not followed closely with her group when it encountered the other group. She appeared to be sitting down on a bench about 30 feet away. Witnesses identified the shooter as Geer or a man who matched his appearance.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/karla-and-baby-girl?utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;mibextid=Zxz2cZ&amp;fbclid=IwAR27TrW4Ge-JnbRfZLpFx8cSwSZuy63YrBESxOvoOTZys2FZhAlUjotFlq8">Click here to view </a>the online fundraiser

Greer is being held in Jackson County on requested charges that include three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and three counts of Armed Criminal Action. Prosecutors are expected to file additional charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700172176646.png" alt="GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A pregnant woman wounded in a Kansas City-area mall shooting November 10 has died.According to an online fundraiser,&nbsp;19-year-old Karla Brown died from her injuries in the shooting.According to&nbsp; court records, officers responded to Independence Center Mall on a reported shooting. An officer on off-duty assignment at Dillards arrived on the shooting scene first. He found three injured victims. One of the three was Brown who was most critically injured and reportedly was pregnant.Surveillance video showed a group that included the critically injured woman, encountered a second group in the mall that included a suspect identified as 21-year-old MarkAnthony Geer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699966010607.png" alt="Greer photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Greer photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The two groups passed each other at the mall entrance. A verbal argument began. A victim uninvolved with either group was shot in the leg. The rest of the second group ran to the parking lot.&nbsp; Brown had not followed closely with her group when it encountered the other group. She appeared to be sitting down on a bench about 30 feet away. Witnesses identified the shooter as Geer or a man who matched his appearance.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/karla-and-baby-girl?utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;mibextid=Zxz2cZ&amp;fbclid=IwAR27TrW4Ge-JnbRfZLpFx8cSwSZuy63YrBESxOvoOTZys2FZhAlUjotFlq8">Click here to view </a>the online fundraiserGreer is being held in Jackson County on requested charges that include three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and three counts of Armed Criminal Action. Prosecutors are expected to file additional charges.

Woman in KC-area mall shooting died from her injuries

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of a pedestrian accident that critically injured a child, according to Shawnee Police spokesperson Emily Rittman.

Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the pedestrian accident in the 11400 Block of west 75th Street near Shawnee Elementary School.

According to the initial investigation, the driver of an eastbound vehicle&nbsp; on 75th Street struck a four-year-old child. 

Johnson County MED-ACT&nbsp; transported the child for treatment of critical injuries. The child remains hospitalized, according to Rittman.&nbsp;

 The driver remained at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Shawnee Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit is in charge of the investigation.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of a pedestrian accident that critically injured a child, according to Shawnee Police spokesperson Emily Rittman.Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the pedestrian accident in the 11400 Block of west 75th Street near Shawnee Elementary School.According to the initial investigation, the driver of an eastbound vehicle&nbsp; on 75th Street struck a four-year-old child. Johnson County MED-ACT&nbsp; transported the child for treatment of critical injuries. The child remains hospitalized, according to Rittman.&nbsp; The driver remained at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Shawnee Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit is in charge of the investigation.

4-year-old hit by car near Kan. school remains hospitalized

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY — The search continues for an inmate who escaped from a satellite camp at the Leavenworth Penitentiary, according to a statement from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

Just after 4p.m. Friday, authorities discovered&nbsp; 50-year-old James Thompson was missing.

Thompson is described as white male with brown hair and brown eyes. He’s 6-foot-2 and weighs approximately 202 pounds.

U.S. Marshals and the FBI were informed that he’s missing from the minimum security facility. Thompson was sentenced to 80 months in prison in the Northern District of Georgia for mail fraud.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699585891299.png" alt="Thompson-photo Bureau of Prisons" />
 <figcaption>Thompson-photo Bureau of Prisons</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY — The search continues for an inmate who escaped from a satellite camp at the Leavenworth Penitentiary, according to a statement from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.Just after 4p.m. Friday, authorities discovered&nbsp; 50-year-old James Thompson was missing.Thompson is described as white male with brown hair and brown eyes. He’s 6-foot-2 and weighs approximately 202 pounds.U.S. Marshals and the FBI were informed that he’s missing from the minimum security facility. Thompson was sentenced to 80 months in prison in the Northern District of Georgia for mail fraud.

Search continues for inmate from satellite camp at Kan. penitentiary

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-government-shutdown-43064e2521454f5ce32851ef74ac50cf">temporary spending bill</a>&nbsp;a day before a potential government shutdown, pushing a fight with congressional Republicans over the federal budget into the new year, as wartime aid for Ukraine and Israel remains stalled.

The measure passed the House and Senate by wide bipartisan margins this week, ensuring the government remains open until after the holiday season, and potentially giving lawmakers more time to sort out their considerable differences over government spending levels for the current fiscal year. Biden signed the bill in San Francisco, where he is hosting the summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation economies.

News of the signing came late at night. The president signed the bill at the Legion of Honor Museum, where he held a dinner for APEC members.

The spending package keeps government funding at current levels for roughly two more months while a long-term package is negotiated. It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-budget-mike-johnson-d942acf1a8b163f0b52f209da42953c6">splits the deadlines</a>&nbsp;for passing full-year appropriations bills into two dates: Jan. 19 for some federal agencies and Feb. 2 for others, creating two dates when there will be a risk of a partial government shutdown.

The two-step approach was championed by new House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, and was not favored by many in the Senate, though all but one Democrat and 10 Republicans supported it because it ensured the government would not shut down for now.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Johnson</a>&nbsp;has vowed that he will not support any further stopgap funding measures, known as continuing resolutions. He portrayed the temporary funding bill as setting the ground for a spending “fight” with the Senate next year.

The spending bill does not include the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">White House’s nearly $106 billion</a>&nbsp;request for wartime aid for Israel and Ukraine. Nor does it provide humanitarian funding for Palestinians and other supplemental requests, including money for border security. Lawmakers are likely to turn their attention more fully to that request after the Thanksgiving holiday in hopes of negotiating a deal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700218706278.png" alt="President Joe Biden offers a host at the heads of delegation dinner at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden offers a host at the heads of delegation dinner at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023, at the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday signed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-government-shutdown-43064e2521454f5ce32851ef74ac50cf">temporary spending bill</a>&nbsp;a day before a potential government shutdown, pushing a fight with congressional Republicans over the federal budget into the new year, as wartime aid for Ukraine and Israel remains stalled.The measure passed the House and Senate by wide bipartisan margins this week, ensuring the government remains open until after the holiday season, and potentially giving lawmakers more time to sort out their considerable differences over government spending levels for the current fiscal year. Biden signed the bill in San Francisco, where he is hosting the summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation economies.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Last night I signed a bill preventing a government shutdown. It’s an important step but we have more to do. I urge Congress to address our national security and domestic needs — and House Republicans to stop wasting time on extreme bills and honor our bipartisan budget agreement. <a href="https://t.co/6Ja5jW4YPR">pic.twitter.com/6Ja5jW4YPR</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1725486559741272335?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>News of the signing came late at night. The president signed the bill at the Legion of Honor Museum, where he held a dinner for APEC members.The spending package keeps government funding at current levels for roughly two more months while a long-term package is negotiated. It&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-congress-budget-mike-johnson-d942acf1a8b163f0b52f209da42953c6">splits the deadlines</a>&nbsp;for passing full-year appropriations bills into two dates: Jan. 19 for some federal agencies and Feb. 2 for others, creating two dates when there will be a risk of a partial government shutdown.The two-step approach was championed by new House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, and was not favored by many in the Senate, though all but one Democrat and 10 Republicans supported it because it ensured the government would not shut down for now.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Johnson</a>&nbsp;has vowed that he will not support any further stopgap funding measures, known as continuing resolutions. He portrayed the temporary funding bill as setting the ground for a spending “fight” with the Senate next year.The spending bill does not include the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">White House’s nearly $106 billion</a>&nbsp;request for wartime aid for Israel and Ukraine. Nor does it provide humanitarian funding for Palestinians and other supplemental requests, including money for border security. Lawmakers are likely to turn their attention more fully to that request after the Thanksgiving holiday in hopes of negotiating a deal.

Biden signs bill pushing budget fight into new year

BOONE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Thursday in Boone County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Toyota Rav4 driven by Madison L. McArthur, 18, Sturgeon, was westbound on MO 124 at Route CC.

The driver failed to stop at the stop sign and traveled into the path of a southbound 2021 Ford F600 driven by Daniel G. Brandt, 34, Jefferson City. The front of the the Toyota struck the right side of the Ford.

A passenger in the Toyota identified as Kara M. Teel, 18, Centralia, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the county medical examiner's office. EMS transported McArthur to University Hospital. Brandt was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

BOONE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Thursday in Boone County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Toyota Rav4 driven by Madison L. McArthur, 18, Sturgeon, was westbound on MO 124 at Route CC.The driver failed to stop at the stop sign and traveled into the path of a southbound 2021 Ford F600 driven by Daniel G. Brandt, 34, Jefferson City. The front of the the Toyota struck the right side of the Ford.A passenger in the Toyota identified as Kara M. Teel, 18, Centralia, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the county medical examiner's office. EMS transported McArthur to University Hospital. Brandt was not injured. All three were properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri teen dies after SUV, truck crash

SALINE COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Thursday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 GMC Sonoma driven by Molly Ann Wallace, 17, Beverly, was northbound on Interstate 135 and started to&nbsp;take the exit to Interstate 70.

When veering back onto Interstate 135 into the driving lane, the pickup&nbsp; &nbsp;and a&nbsp;northbound 2006 Peterbilt semi hauling cattle and driven by Ray Dean Hummel, 66, of Wisconsin collided and side swiped.&nbsp;

EMS transported Wallace, Hummel and a passenger in the semi Joyce Elaine&nbsp;Hummel, 66, also of Wisconsin, to Salina Regional Health Center.

Joyce Hummel was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700192333126.jpeg" alt="Photo KHP Trooper Voss&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP Trooper Voss&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just before 10p.m. Thursday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 GMC Sonoma driven by Molly Ann Wallace, 17, Beverly, was northbound on Interstate 135 and started to&nbsp;take the exit to Interstate 70.When veering back onto Interstate 135 into the driving lane, the pickup&nbsp; &nbsp;and a&nbsp;northbound 2006 Peterbilt semi hauling cattle and driven by Ray Dean Hummel, 66, of Wisconsin collided and side swiped.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700193470951.jpeg" alt="Salena firefighters assist in response to the accident on the I 135" />
 <figcaption>Salena firefighters assist in response to the accident on the I 135</figcaption>
 </figure>EMS transported Wallace, Hummel and a passenger in the semi Joyce Elaine&nbsp;Hummel, 66, also of Wisconsin, to Salina Regional Health Center.Joyce Hummel was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Three hospitalized after pickup, semi hauling cattle collide

KANSAS CIty – A former Kansas City police officer was sentenced in federal court this week for sexually exploiting a child.

Jeffrey Prowant, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Prowant to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration. Prowant will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

Prowant was a Kansas City, Mo., police officer from 2000 to 2002 and a Monroe County, Michigan, sheriff’s deputy from 2002 to 2005.

On Nov. 16, 2022, Prowant pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a child. Prowant admitted that he engaged in online conversations via the Kik application with an undercover FBI employee. During those online conversations, Prowant shared pornographic images of a 14-year-old victim with whom he claimed to be sexually active. Prowant offered to meet the undercover FBI employee in person to engage in illegal sexual activity.

On Sept. 29, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Prowant’s residence. Prowant delayed answering the front door for nine minutes, during which time he deleted the Kik application and a folder containing suspicious images.

The 14-year-old child victim told investigators that Prowant had sexually assaulted her and confirmed that he took pornographic photos of her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699974094554.png" alt="Prowant is being held in Greene County" />
 <figcaption>Prowant is being held in Greene County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CIty – A former Kansas City police officer was sentenced in federal court this week for sexually exploiting a child.Jeffrey Prowant, 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Prowant to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration. Prowant will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.Prowant was a Kansas City, Mo., police officer from 2000 to 2002 and a Monroe County, Michigan, sheriff’s deputy from 2002 to 2005.On Nov. 16, 2022, Prowant pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a child. Prowant admitted that he engaged in online conversations via the Kik application with an undercover FBI employee. During those online conversations, Prowant shared pornographic images of a 14-year-old victim with whom he claimed to be sexually active. Prowant offered to meet the undercover FBI employee in person to engage in illegal sexual activity.On Sept. 29, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Prowant’s residence. Prowant delayed answering the front door for nine minutes, during which time he deleted the Kik application and a folder containing suspicious images.The 14-year-old child victim told investigators that Prowant had sexually assaulted her and confirmed that he took pornographic photos of her.

Former KCMO officer sentenced for child sex crimes 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a Sheriff's Office K9 died during an arrest.

Just before noon on Thursday, the Wichita Police Domestic intervention and Violence Reduction team was in the area of Pawnee and Rock attempting to locate a 24-year-old robbery suspect, according to Wichita Police Lt.&nbsp;Lieutenant Aaron Moses.

Just after noon, police located the suspect but he fled into a creek and barricaded himself in a storm drain and refused to come out.

Sheriff's deputies and police used extended leashes and sent K9 officers into the drain.&nbsp; There was an altercation between the suspect and&nbsp; Sedgwick County Sheriff K9 Bane. The dog was pronounced deceased on scene, according to Moses.

Just after 2:30p.m. the suspect was finally taken into custody and transported for treatment of minor injuries from the K9. After the suspect is released, police will book him into the Sedgwick County Detention Center.

A necropsy will be performed on the K9 officer to determine the cause of death. Wichita Police are in charge of the investigation and will present the case to the district attorney's office, according Sheriff's Lt. Nathan Gibbs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700174387964.png" alt="Public Service Dog Bane-photo courtesy Sedgwick County Sheriff Office" />
 <figcaption>Public Service Dog Bane-photo courtesy Sedgwick County Sheriff Office</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a Sheriff's Office K9 died during an arrest.Just before noon on Thursday, the Wichita Police Domestic intervention and Violence Reduction team was in the area of Pawnee and Rock attempting to locate a 24-year-old robbery suspect, according to Wichita Police Lt.&nbsp;Lieutenant Aaron Moses.Just after noon, police located the suspect but he fled into a creek and barricaded himself in a storm drain and refused to come out.Sheriff's deputies and police used extended leashes and sent K9 officers into the drain.&nbsp; There was an altercation between the suspect and&nbsp; Sedgwick County Sheriff K9 Bane. The dog was pronounced deceased on scene, according to Moses.Just after 2:30p.m. the suspect was finally taken into custody and transported for treatment of minor injuries from the K9. After the suspect is released, police will book him into the Sedgwick County Detention Center.A necropsy will be performed on the K9 officer to determine the cause of death. Wichita Police are in charge of the investigation and will present the case to the district attorney's office, according Sheriff's Lt. Nathan Gibbs.