SHAWNEE COUNTY —Two people were injured in a fire Friday in Topeka.

Just after 4 a.m., firefighters&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire at 1412 SE Lott Street in Topeka, according to a media release.

 Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the home and extinguished the fire. Multiple occupants escaped prior to crews arrival. Two occupants were treated and transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Investigators determined the cause of the fire as accidental, associated with a space heater.

The loss associated with the fire is approximately $83,000. $78,000 to the house and $5,000 to a car parked next to the house.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735325341121.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Two people were injured in a fire Friday in Topeka.Just after 4 a.m., firefighters&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire at 1412 SE Lott Street in Topeka, according to a media release. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the home and extinguished the fire. Multiple occupants escaped prior to crews arrival. Two occupants were treated and transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.Investigators determined the cause of the fire as accidental, associated with a space heater.The loss associated with the fire is approximately $83,000. $78,000 to the house and $5,000 to a car parked next to the house.

Two hospitalized after fire caused by space heater at Kansas home

BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/laura-ungar">LAURA UNGAR</a> Associated Press

A genetic analysis suggests the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cats-dogs-bird-flu-pets-raw-food-7a57b3047164676a7d237bcd05a5b9db">bird flu</a>&nbsp;virus mutated inside a Louisiana patient who contracted the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-severe-louisiana-2b4a5f55a05cf8be9b169c15e8b9582d">first severe case</a>&nbsp;of the illness,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-12232024.html" target="_blank">the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week.</a>

Scientists believe the mutations may allow the virus to better bind to receptors in the upper airways of humans — something they say is concerning but not a cause for alarm.

Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota infectious disease researcher, likened this binding interaction to a lock and key. To enter a cell, the virus needs to have a key that turns the lock, and this finding means the virus may be changing to have a key that might work.

“Is this an indication that we may be closer to seeing a readily transmitted virus between people? No,” Osterholm said. “Right now, this is a key that sits in the lock, but it doesn’t open the door.”

The virus has been causing sporadic, mostly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-severe-louisiana-2b4a5f55a05cf8be9b169c15e8b9582d">mild illnesses in people</a>&nbsp;in the U.S., and nearly all of those infected worked on dairy or poultry farms.

The Louisiana patient was hospitalized in critical condition with severe respiratory symptoms from bird flu after coming in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. The person, who has not been identified, is older than 65 and has underlying medical problems, officials said earlier this month.

The CDC stressed there has been no known transmission of the virus from the Louisiana patient to anyone else. The agency said its findings about the mutations were “concerning,” but the risk to the general public from the outbreak “has not changed and remains low.”

Still, Osterholm said, scientists should continue to follow what’s happening with mutations carefully.

“There will be additional influenza pandemics and they could be much worse than we saw with COVID,” he said. “We know that the pandemic clock is ticking. We just don’t know what time it is.”

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733747978622.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/laura-ungar">LAURA UNGAR</a> Associated PressA genetic analysis suggests the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cats-dogs-bird-flu-pets-raw-food-7a57b3047164676a7d237bcd05a5b9db">bird flu</a>&nbsp;virus mutated inside a Louisiana patient who contracted the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-severe-louisiana-2b4a5f55a05cf8be9b169c15e8b9582d">first severe case</a>&nbsp;of the illness,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/spotlights/h5n1-response-12232024.html" target="_blank">the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week.</a>Scientists believe the mutations may allow the virus to better bind to receptors in the upper airways of humans — something they say is concerning but not a cause for alarm.Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota infectious disease researcher, likened this binding interaction to a lock and key. To enter a cell, the virus needs to have a key that turns the lock, and this finding means the virus may be changing to have a key that might work.“Is this an indication that we may be closer to seeing a readily transmitted virus between people? No,” Osterholm said. “Right now, this is a key that sits in the lock, but it doesn’t open the door.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725718440042.png" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>The virus has been causing sporadic, mostly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-severe-louisiana-2b4a5f55a05cf8be9b169c15e8b9582d">mild illnesses in people</a>&nbsp;in the U.S., and nearly all of those infected worked on dairy or poultry farms.The Louisiana patient was hospitalized in critical condition with severe respiratory symptoms from bird flu after coming in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock. The person, who has not been identified, is older than 65 and has underlying medical problems, officials said earlier this month.The CDC stressed there has been no known transmission of the virus from the Louisiana patient to anyone else. The agency said its findings about the mutations were “concerning,” but the risk to the general public from the outbreak “has not changed and remains low.”Still, Osterholm said, scientists should continue to follow what’s happening with mutations carefully.“There will be additional influenza pandemics and they could be much worse than we saw with COVID,” he said. “We know that the pandemic clock is ticking. We just don’t know what time it is.”<h2>______</h2>The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

CDC: Bird flu mutations in first human case

ATLANTA (AP) — At least one Mega Millions player has plenty of dough to ring in the New Year after drawing the winning number. After three months without anyone winning the top prize in the lottery, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the drawing Friday night, according to the Mega Millions website.

The winning ticket matched the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6. The identity of the winner or winners was not immediately known.

The total amount of the Mega Millions jackpot would only be distributed to a winner who chooses an annuity paid over 29 years. Nearly all grand prize winners opt to take a cash payout, which for Friday night’s drawing is an estimated $549.7 million.

Despite the game’s long odds of 1 in 302.6 million, players continued to purchase tickets as the size of the grand prize grew. Until Friday, the last time a Mega Millions player hit the top prize was Sept. 10.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3b010e2633d3231cca0d6b9d34ebe5b7">largest-ever</a>&nbsp;Mega Millions jackpot ticket worth $1.6 billion was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-jackpot-claimed-florida-8c86594edcd16cdcda7521059ef7c7ed">sold</a>&nbsp;in Florida in August 2023. Two prizes for its compatriot Powerball lottery have been larger.

Mega Millions and Powerball are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-alabama-alaska-lotteries-business-86424cf8e2b7cccf8ae9d06f6652d559">sold in 45 states</a>, as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball also is sold in Puerto Rico.

Mega Millions ticket prices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-powerball-lottery-price-6d07dbc300b42565f3d87c058841b816">are set to rise from $2 to $5 in April</a>. The increase will be one of many changes that officials say will result in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-jackpot-lottery-powerball-winner-1b2ab74a356187cafccda905a5936cad">improved jackpot odds</a>, more frequent giant prizes and even larger payouts.

ATLANTA (AP) — At least one Mega Millions player has plenty of dough to ring in the New Year after drawing the winning number. After three months without anyone winning the top prize in the lottery, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the drawing Friday night, according to the Mega Millions website.The winning ticket matched the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6. The identity of the winner or winners was not immediately known.The total amount of the Mega Millions jackpot would only be distributed to a winner who chooses an annuity paid over 29 years. Nearly all grand prize winners opt to take a cash payout, which for Friday night’s drawing is an estimated $549.7 million.Despite the game’s long odds of 1 in 302.6 million, players continued to purchase tickets as the size of the grand prize grew. Until Friday, the last time a Mega Millions player hit the top prize was Sept. 10.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3b010e2633d3231cca0d6b9d34ebe5b7">largest-ever</a>&nbsp;Mega Millions jackpot ticket worth $1.6 billion was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-jackpot-claimed-florida-8c86594edcd16cdcda7521059ef7c7ed">sold</a>&nbsp;in Florida in August 2023. Two prizes for its compatriot Powerball lottery have been larger.Mega Millions and Powerball are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-alabama-alaska-lotteries-business-86424cf8e2b7cccf8ae9d06f6652d559">sold in 45 states</a>, as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball also is sold in Puerto Rico.Mega Millions ticket prices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-powerball-lottery-price-6d07dbc300b42565f3d87c058841b816">are set to rise from $2 to $5 in April</a>. The increase will be one of many changes that officials say will result in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-jackpot-lottery-powerball-winner-1b2ab74a356187cafccda905a5936cad">improved jackpot odds</a>, more frequent giant prizes and even larger payouts.

Mega Millions: Winning ticket for $1.22 billion lottery jackpot sold 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident during a police pursuit just after 5p.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy pickup driven by Brian Trober, 31, Kansas City, Kansas was&nbsp;eastbound on Interstate 70 exiting to Interstate 635 southbound. 

The driver lost control of the pickup. It entered the southwest ditch, struck a metal guardrail, overturned down a rock embankment and came to rest in the north ditch off Kaw Drive.

EMS transported Trober and a passenger 21-year-old Bradley Kirch of Kansas City, Kansas to KU Medical Center where Trober died.&nbsp; &nbsp; 

Trober had multiple previous convictions including for theft, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm and three for Battery of a Juvenile Correctional Officer or Employee, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; The KHP did not report what prompted the chase. The pickup involved in the crash did not have a license plate displayed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735317543887.png" alt="Trober had multiple previous convictions including theft, aggravated battery, battery, criminal possession of a firearm and three for Battery Juvenile Correctional Officer or Employee, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.- photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Trober had multiple previous convictions including theft, aggravated battery, battery, criminal possession of a firearm and three for Battery Juvenile Correctional Officer or Employee, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.- photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—One person died in an accident during a police pursuit just after 5p.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Chevy pickup driven by Brian Trober, 31, Kansas City, Kansas was&nbsp;eastbound on Interstate 70 exiting to Interstate 635 southbound. The driver lost control of the pickup. It entered the southwest ditch, struck a metal guardrail, overturned down a rock embankment and came to rest in the north ditch off Kaw Drive.EMS transported Trober and a passenger 21-year-old Bradley Kirch of Kansas City, Kansas to KU Medical Center where Trober died.&nbsp; &nbsp; Trober had multiple previous convictions including for theft, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a firearm and three for Battery of a Juvenile Correctional Officer or Employee, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; The KHP did not report what prompted the chase. The pickup involved in the crash did not have a license plate displayed.

Kansas felon dies after crash during I-70 police chase

GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a bank robbery in Junction City.

Just after 4:30p.m. Friday, a man entered the Sunflower Bank, 510 North Jefferson Street in Junction City, according to a media release from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The suspect showed a firearm and demanded cash and ran from the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.

Check the Post for additional details on the suspect as they are made available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735350419983.png" alt="Photo JC Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo JC Police</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a bank robbery in Junction City.Just after 4:30p.m. Friday, a man entered the Sunflower Bank, 510 North Jefferson Street in Junction City, according to a media release from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.The suspect showed a firearm and demanded cash and ran from the bank with an undisclosed amount of money.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.Check the Post for additional details on the suspect as they are made available.

FBI: Suspect escaped with cash from Kansas bank robbery

NEW YORK (AP) — Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster who broke barriers during his career calling some of the biggest sporting events, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CBSSportsGang/status/1872770233074893078">the network</a>&nbsp;on Friday.

“He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement.

In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues.

Gumbel was the studio&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/nfl-today-heads-into-50th-year-on-cbs-e71f178f53b44e808260ebe39af0be86">host for CBS</a>&nbsp;since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties.

In 2001, he announced Super Bowl 35 for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship.

David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Gumbel as someone who broke barriers and set standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness.</a>

“A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time," said Berson.

Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998.

He hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. In 1995, he hosted the World Figure Skating Championships and the following year hosted NBC’s daytime coverage of the Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta.

But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004-05.

Earlier this year, Gumbel recalled replacing Brent Musburger as host of “The NFL Today” in 1990, describing it as intimidating and daunting.

“The fact that I got to sit in the same chair and do the same thing or try to do the same thing that he did was an incredible honor," he said.

Gumbel also called NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl 35 and 38. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season.

“Like all who knew and loved him, I too am saddened by his death, yet also so very grateful to have known him in my life,” Clark Kellogg, a CBS Sports college basketball game and studio analyst, said in a statement. “What a gift to be touched by such a good man and partner.”

Gumbel was the older brother of Bryant Gumbel, the host of NBC’s “Today” show and “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” on HBO. Bryant Gumbel received a lifetime achievement award at the Sports Emmys in 2003.

Greg Gumbel grew up in Chicago and graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967 with a degree in English. He had plans to become an English teacher, but after his brother got into sportscasting, he auditioned at WMAQ-TV, an NBC affiliate in Chicago in 1973, according to the book "You Are Looking Live!: How The NFL Today Revolutionized Sports Broadcasting." He was soon offered a position as weekend sports anchor.

“I’m kind of surprised I got the job. I certainly wasn’t anyone who was polished," he said in the book. "By my own reckoning, it took me a good year to start to feel comfortable in front of a camera."

Gumbel also worked for ESPN and the Madison Square Garden network.

James Brown, who currently hosts “The NFL Today," described Gumbel on Friday as “Mr. Versatility and also very telegenic.”

“It was my pleasure to call him a friend and one who could do anything that was given to him in the wake of an assignment,” he added.

Gumbel won local Emmy Awards during his long career and was the recipient of the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting.

Outside of his career as a sportscaster, he was affiliated with the March of Dimes for three decades, including as a member of its board of trustees. He also was a member of the Sports Council for St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for 16 years.

Associated Press reporter Mike Sisak contributed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735340528556.png" alt="Greg Gumble photo courtesy The Harry Walker Agency" />
 <figcaption>Greg Gumble photo courtesy The Harry Walker Agency</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster who broke barriers during his career calling some of the biggest sporting events, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CBSSportsGang/status/1872770233074893078">the network</a>&nbsp;on Friday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A statement from the family of Greg Gumbel <a href="https://t.co/oAkSrW8EtJ">pic.twitter.com/oAkSrW8EtJ</a>&mdash; CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGang/status/1872770233074893078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A statement from CBS Sports on the passing of Greg Gumbel <a href="https://t.co/Bp4ixu7mWB">pic.twitter.com/Bp4ixu7mWB</a>&mdash; CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGang/status/1872770664077443439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues.Gumbel was the studio&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/nfl-today-heads-into-50th-year-on-cbs-e71f178f53b44e808260ebe39af0be86">host for CBS</a>&nbsp;since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties.In 2001, he announced Super Bowl 35 for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship.David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Gumbel as someone who broke barriers and set standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness">March Madness.</a>“A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time," said Berson.Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998.He hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. In 1995, he hosted the World Figure Skating Championships and the following year hosted NBC’s daytime coverage of the Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta.But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004-05.Earlier this year, Gumbel recalled replacing Brent Musburger as host of “The NFL Today” in 1990, describing it as intimidating and daunting.“The fact that I got to sit in the same chair and do the same thing or try to do the same thing that he did was an incredible honor," he said.Gumbel also called NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl 35 and 38. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season.“Like all who knew and loved him, I too am saddened by his death, yet also so very grateful to have known him in my life,” Clark Kellogg, a CBS Sports college basketball game and studio analyst, said in a statement. “What a gift to be touched by such a good man and partner.”Gumbel was the older brother of Bryant Gumbel, the host of NBC’s “Today” show and “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” on HBO. Bryant Gumbel received a lifetime achievement award at the Sports Emmys in 2003.Greg Gumbel grew up in Chicago and graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967 with a degree in English. He had plans to become an English teacher, but after his brother got into sportscasting, he auditioned at WMAQ-TV, an NBC affiliate in Chicago in 1973, according to the book "You Are Looking Live!: How The NFL Today Revolutionized Sports Broadcasting." He was soon offered a position as weekend sports anchor.“I’m kind of surprised I got the job. I certainly wasn’t anyone who was polished," he said in the book. "By my own reckoning, it took me a good year to start to feel comfortable in front of a camera."Gumbel also worked for ESPN and the Madison Square Garden network.James Brown, who currently hosts “The NFL Today," described Gumbel on Friday as “Mr. Versatility and also very telegenic.”“It was my pleasure to call him a friend and one who could do anything that was given to him in the wake of an assignment,” he added.Gumbel won local Emmy Awards during his long career and was the recipient of the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting.Outside of his career as a sportscaster, he was affiliated with the March of Dimes for three decades, including as a member of its board of trustees. He also was a member of the Sports Council for St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for 16 years.Associated Press reporter Mike Sisak contributed.

Sportscaster Greg Gumbel has died at age 78

BARTON &amp; STAFFORD COUNTIES&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating after a homicide, police pursuit, and apparent suicide took place in Barton and Stafford counties.

The Barton County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI investigate on Friday, Dec. 27, around 10 a.m. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.

On Friday, at approximately 9:10 a.m., officers with the Great Bend Police Department were dispatched to 1516 7th&nbsp;St., in Great Bend on a disturbance call.

When officers arrived they learned from witnesses that Mario Martinez-Garcia, 32, entered the workplace of Esmeralda Torres-Lopez, 32, forcing her outside where he then shot her. EMS arrived on scene and transported Torres-Lopez to a local hospital. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at 9:55 a.m.

Preliminary information indicates that Martinez-Garcia fled the scene in a white 2021 Chevy Silverado. Nearby detectives from the Great Bend Police Department spotted the truck speeding away, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Law enforcement from several additional agencies joined the pursuit. Law enforcement officers deployed a tire deflation device. Then a deputy from the Barton County Sheriff’s Office conducted a tactical vehicle intervention causing the pickup truck to leave the roadway and hit a barbed-wire fence. The truck came to rest in a field near mile marker 191 on Highway 50 in Stafford County.

 Officers carefully approached the truck to gain sight of the driver. Martinez-Garcia was found deceased inside the truck. He had a gunshot wound to his head, and was holding a handgun. The coroner pronounced him dead on scene at 9:45 a.m.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident. Autopsies will be conducted.

The KBI will conduct a thorough investigation into these incidents. Once completed, findings will be presented to the Stafford County Attorney for review. The investigation is ongoing

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a deadly domestic incident that left two dead.

Just after 9 a.m., Friday, police were dispatched to a disturbance in the 1500 block of 7th Street in Great Bend, according to a media release.

While responding to the scene, law enforcement dispatch updated the call and advised that it was a domestic situation. When officers arrived, they located a female victim on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound.  Officers also observed a white Chevrolet pickup leaving the scene at a high rate of speed.

Officers with the Great Bend Police Department and Deputies with the Barton County Sheriff's Office pursued the Chevrolet pickup southbound on U.S. 281 Hwy., into Stafford County. 

 Assisting Officers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks in Stafford County.  The Chevrolet pickup continued west on U.S. 50 Hwy. where the driver lost control of the vehicle and it rolled over into a field.

Officers approached the Chevrolet pickup and located the driver and sole occupant deceased of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Great Bend Fire Department Ambulance transported the female victim to University of Kansas Health Systems Great Bend Campus, where she was pronounced deceased.

The names of the victim and suspect are not being released at this time, pending notification of family members.

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

A shooting in Great Bend resulted in a high-speed chase through two counties early Friday morning. More information will be published as it becomes available.

Shortly after 9:15 a.m., Great Bend police were dispatched to an address in Great Bend. It was determined a victim at the address had been shot and a suspect vehicle fled the scene south out of Great Bend on U.S. 281 Highway.

The vehicle continued south, reaching speeds in excess of 90 miles an hour. In Stafford County, law enforcement deployed stopsticks to attempt to stop the vehicle. The driver continued south before turning west onto U.S. Highway 50. The vehicle crashed just west of Southwest 5th Avenue shortly before 9:40 a.m.

After a careful approach of the vehicle, law enforcement announced the driver of the vehicle was deceased.

Traffic on U.S. 50 Highway was opened to one lane just before 10 a.m.

This is a developing story. More details will be released as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735315087721.jpeg" alt="Photo by Mike Courson" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Mike Courson</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON &amp; STAFFORD COUNTIES&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating after a homicide, police pursuit, and apparent suicide took place in Barton and Stafford counties.The Barton County Sheriff’s Office requested the KBI investigate on Friday, Dec. 27, around 10 a.m. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded.On Friday, at approximately 9:10 a.m., officers with the Great Bend Police Department were dispatched to 1516 7th&nbsp;St., in Great Bend on a disturbance call.When officers arrived they learned from witnesses that Mario Martinez-Garcia, 32, entered the workplace of Esmeralda Torres-Lopez, 32, forcing her outside where he then shot her. EMS arrived on scene and transported Torres-Lopez to a local hospital. She sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at 9:55 a.m.Preliminary information indicates that Martinez-Garcia fled the scene in a white 2021 Chevy Silverado. Nearby detectives from the Great Bend Police Department spotted the truck speeding away, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Law enforcement from several additional agencies joined the pursuit. Law enforcement officers deployed a tire deflation device. Then a deputy from the Barton County Sheriff’s Office conducted a tactical vehicle intervention causing the pickup truck to leave the roadway and hit a barbed-wire fence. The truck came to rest in a field near mile marker 191 on Highway 50 in Stafford County. Officers carefully approached the truck to gain sight of the driver. Martinez-Garcia was found deceased inside the truck. He had a gunshot wound to his head, and was holding a handgun. The coroner pronounced him dead on scene at 9:45 a.m.No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident. Autopsies will be conducted.The KBI will conduct a thorough investigation into these incidents. Once completed, findings will be presented to the Stafford County Attorney for review. The investigation is ongoing------------BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a deadly domestic incident that left two dead.Just after 9 a.m., Friday, police were dispatched to a disturbance in the 1500 block of 7th Street in Great Bend, according to a media release.While responding to the scene, law enforcement dispatch updated the call and advised that it was a domestic situation. When officers arrived, they located a female victim on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound. Officers also observed a white Chevrolet pickup leaving the scene at a high rate of speed.Officers with the Great Bend Police Department and Deputies with the Barton County Sheriff's Office pursued the Chevrolet pickup southbound on U.S. 281 Hwy., into Stafford County. Assisting Officers were able to successfully deploy stop sticks in Stafford County. The Chevrolet pickup continued west on U.S. 50 Hwy. where the driver lost control of the vehicle and it rolled over into a field.Officers approached the Chevrolet pickup and located the driver and sole occupant deceased of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Great Bend Fire Department Ambulance transported the female victim to University of Kansas Health Systems Great Bend Campus, where she was pronounced deceased.The names of the victim and suspect are not being released at this time, pending notification of family members.----------By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostA shooting in Great Bend resulted in a high-speed chase through two counties early Friday morning. More information will be published as it becomes available.Shortly after 9:15 a.m., Great Bend police were dispatched to an address in Great Bend. It was determined a victim at the address had been shot and a suspect vehicle fled the scene south out of Great Bend on U.S. 281 Highway.The vehicle continued south, reaching speeds in excess of 90 miles an hour. In Stafford County, law enforcement deployed stopsticks to attempt to stop the vehicle. The driver continued south before turning west onto U.S. Highway 50. The vehicle crashed just west of Southwest 5th Avenue shortly before 9:40 a.m.After a careful approach of the vehicle, law enforcement announced the driver of the vehicle was deceased.Traffic on U.S. 50 Highway was opened to one lane just before 10 a.m.This is a developing story. More details will be released as they become available.

Police ID two who died after shooting in Great Bend, high-speed chase

KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.

Just before 7:30a.m. crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 1700 block of E. 79th&nbsp;Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First arriving crews reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a two-story vacant structure and site of a previous burn. Offensive interior operations were initiated using multiple handlines and searches were conducted. 

As the fire progressed the decision to evacuate was made and defensive operations initiated.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735312911376.png" alt="Photos KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Investigators are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.Just before 7:30a.m. crews&nbsp;responded to a reported house fire in the 1700 block of E. 79th&nbsp;Street, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735312890993.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First arriving crews reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a two-story vacant structure and site of a previous burn. Offensive interior operations were initiated using multiple handlines and searches were conducted. As the fire progressed the decision to evacuate was made and defensive operations initiated.&nbsp; No injuries were reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Cause of Kansas City house fire under investigation

The former Missouri Congressman and auctioneer advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jeremy-kohler/">JEREMY KOHLER</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/alexmierjeski/">ALEX MIERJESKI</a>&nbsp;

ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.propublica.org/newsletters/the-big-story?source=reprint&amp;placement=top-note" target="_blank">The Big Story newsletter</a>&nbsp;to receive stories like this one in your inbox.

Former U.S. Rep. Billy Long of Missouri, whom President-elect Donald Trump has named his nominee to head the IRS, touts his expertise in tax matters.

He advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor, and he adds CTBA to his name on his X profile. That profile encourages people to message him to “save 40% on your taxes.”

But tax experts told ProPublica that they have never heard of CTBA as a credential in the tax profession. The designation is offered by a small Florida firm, Excel Empire, which was established just two years ago and only requires attendance at a three-day seminar. That is in stark contrast to the 150 credit hours and the rigorous exams required to become a certified public accountant, a standard certification for tax accountants.

In most tax cases, only lawyers, CPAs and enrolled agents — federally authorized tax practitioners — can represent taxpayers at the IRS.

“The cost of relying on tax advice from somebody that is solely focused on minimizing the tax liabilities that you have — as opposed to somebody that’s focused on both minimizing the tax liabilities and complying with the tax law — can be extraordinarily high if you are found to be in violation of the standards,” said Nathan Goldman, an associate professor of accounting at North Carolina State University.

Excel Empire’s three-day certification course has been advertised for as much as $30,000;&nbsp;<a href="https://ctba.excelempire.com/live-sales" target="_blank">its upcoming session is advertised at $4,997</a>. Matthew Pearson, one of its founders,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUy-3pcse8I" target="_blank">said this summer in a podcast</a>&nbsp;that about 135 people have earned the CTBA designation, which the firm designed to help people without tax backgrounds to become advisors.

Nina Olson, a prominent taxpayer advocate, said that the modern tax industry has seen “a proliferation of different groups and entities that are providing tax advice” and that consumers have no way of knowing who is competent.

“It could just be that you’ve taken a very short course, and paid a large fee for that course, and that gives you the ability to put some initials after your name,” said Olson, who served as the IRS’ national taxpayer advocate from 2001 to 2019. She is now executive director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights, a Washington-based nonprofit that promotes fairness and access to justice in tax systems.

Tax experts said that Long’s years of experience as a real estate agent and as an auctioneer — before spending a dozen years in Congress — pales next to the deep experience in tax policy or management of the people who have held the job. For instance, the current IRS commissioner, Danny Werfel, previously served as acting IRS commissioner and held leadership roles at the Office of Management and Budget. He also worked in the private sector as a managing director at Boston Consulting Group.

Long’s experience in the tax world has been more narrowly focused. In the two years since he left Congress, he worked to bring in customers for at least two firms that marketed the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/employee-retention-credit" target="_blank">employee retention credit</a>&nbsp;— a pandemic-era benefit designed to support businesses that kept workers despite revenue losses or disruptions caused by COVID-19.

The credit also attracted fraud, eventually landing on the IRS’ “<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen" target="_blank">worst of the worst</a>” list for tax scams. Two Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday announced an investigation into the firms, noting Long had neither a “background in tax preparation nor any credential as a licensed accountant, attorney or enrolled agent.”

<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/ERC-COVID-Snapshot-5.7.21_full-text.pdf" target="_blank">Worth up to $28,000 per employee</a>, the credit was available for the 2020 and 2021 tax years and has been widely used by both for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations across the country. However, the IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-beware-of-aggressive-promoters-who-dupe-taxpayers-into-making-questionable-employee-retention-credit-claims-risks-continue-for-small-businesses-special-withdrawal-program-remains-available" target="_blank">raised significant concerns</a>&nbsp;about aggressive promoters pushing ineligible businesses to file questionable claims. Red flags included inflated payroll numbers, claims for all quarters without proper eligibility or citing minor government orders that did not directly impact business operations.

The IRS says it has recovered over $1 billion from businesses that voluntarily reported improper claims. And it has launched hundreds of criminal investigations to try to recoup what it says could be billions of dollars more.

In a prepared statement in November, Werfel said businesses should review their claims and see if they were misled by firms marketing the tax credit.

“They should listen to trusted tax professionals, not promoters,” he said.

In a 2023 podcast discussing his work for the two firms, Long joked that he had a hat bearing the name of the credit glued to his head. He said his work marketing the tax credit had caused some clients to question their CPAs’ advice.

“Hey, this auctioneer, real estate broker, former congressman told me I’m going to get $1.2 million back,” he said. “Uh, you’re my CPA. Why didn’t you tell me that?” And he said the response of CPAs would be: “That’s a joke. That’s a fake deal. That’s not true. You’re going to have to pay all that money back. You’ll get audited.”

But he said the firms he worked for had never seen the IRS turn down one of their claims.

There is no evidence that either Excel Empire, Long or the firms that he worked for — Lifetime Advisors of Hudson, Wisconsin, and Commerce Terrace Consulting of Springfield, Missouri — engaged in wrongdoing. In the same 2023 podcast, Long emphasized he and his colleagues had helped only taxpayers who were entitled to the benefit.

Neither Long, Lifetime Advisors nor Commerce Terrace Consulting responded to requests for comment.

If Long is confirmed and succeeds Werfel, he’ll have the power to influence how Americans pay their taxes and how the federal government collects revenue. Trump has promised to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/what-trumps-plan-to-end-irs-overstepping-could-mean-for-audits-of-rich-people-and-call-hold-times-for-everyone-else-67e4231e?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">end IRS “overstepping,”</a>&nbsp;while Republicans have said that they would slash billions of dollars in funding passed under the Biden administration to modernize the IRS and enhance tax enforcement.

The IRS and the Trump transition team did not respond to requests for comment.

During his time representing Southwest Missouri in Congress, Long pursued legislation to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-159/issue-78/house-section/article/H3106-4?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22%5C%22billy+long%5C%22+%5C%22fair+tax%5C%22%22%7D&amp;s=3&amp;r=3" target="_blank">abolish the IRS</a>&nbsp;and establish a national sales tax. Billionaire Elon Musk, a Trump advisor, recently asked on X&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/elon-musk-its-funding-deleted-poll-1992953" target="_blank">if the agency’s budget should be “deleted.”</a>

Like Long, members of Excel Empire suggest that accountants don’t feel it is their role to save their clients money because they prioritize compliance over planning and are too busy during tax season to discuss strategies. The company’s website claims the firm has saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

Edward Lyon, who is listed on Excel Empire’s website as chief tax planner and tax attorney, writes on his personal website that the seven most expensive words in the English language are “<a href="https://edwardalyon.com/about" target="_blank">My CPA takes care of my taxes</a>.”

Lyon elaborated on a podcast last year, noting that accountants “generally are rule followers,” but when it comes to lawyers, “we are trained to understand the rules but we’re trained to stretch the rules and bend the rules and poke at the rules and do an end run around the rules. It’s a much more proactive focus.” Still, he has consistently emphasized that his company acts “legally, ethically and morally.”

The company’s co-founder, Pearson, once described Lyon on a podcast as the “preeminent proactive tax attorney in the country.” Lyon and Pearson declined to comment.

The Ohio Supreme Court suspended Lyon’s law license in 2005 for failing to meet registration and fee requirements on time, and he hasn’t regained it. He also does not appear to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment advisor.

Despite this, Lyon says he has trained tens of thousands of tax and finance professionals. As the author of several books and a column, he claims to be one of the country’s most widely read tax strategists and commands speaking fees of $15,000 and first-class travel arrangements.

Lyon has also developed several tax certification programs. On the Excel Empire website, some officers, including Pearson, use a title created by Lyon: tax master.

Appearing on another podcast, Lyon discussed how small businesses can be used as tax shelters. As an example, he asked the host,&nbsp;<a href="https://excelempire.com/our-leadership-team-2/" target="_blank">Heather Wagenhals</a>&nbsp;— who also carries the CTBA title — if she had a swimming pool at her home, where she records her show.

“I do,” Wagenhals said. “That’s why I picked this one.”

Lyon responded: “All right, so I’m gonna rock your world in five words, ready? On-premises employee athletic facility.”

Lyon added: “It’s really there in the tax code, and nobody’s told you that.”

In another podcast, Pearson brags about firing an accountant who balked at his request for advice about how to use a new Corvette “to keep from paying taxes.”

Olson said that attitude was disturbing and that simplistic answers can create problems for taxpayers in IRS audits and in the courts. “A swimming pool in someone’s home, even if employees are working in the home and using it, still would require the court to look at the percentage of employee use versus personal use — and they would look really closely at that,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734986359615.png" alt=" Billy Long speaks during a press conference before filing for election during the Missouri Senate primary on Feb. 22, 2022, in Jefferson City (Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption> Billy Long speaks during a press conference before filing for election during the Missouri Senate primary on Feb. 22, 2022, in Jefferson City (Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The former Missouri Congressman and auctioneer advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jeremy-kohler/">JEREMY KOHLER</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/alexmierjeski/">ALEX MIERJESKI</a>&nbsp;ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.propublica.org/newsletters/the-big-story?source=reprint&amp;placement=top-note" target="_blank">The Big Story newsletter</a>&nbsp;to receive stories like this one in your inbox.Former U.S. Rep. Billy Long of Missouri, whom President-elect Donald Trump has named his nominee to head the IRS, touts his expertise in tax matters.He advertises his credential as a certified tax and business advisor, and he adds CTBA to his name on his X profile. That profile encourages people to message him to “save 40% on your taxes.”But tax experts told ProPublica that they have never heard of CTBA as a credential in the tax profession. The designation is offered by a small Florida firm, Excel Empire, which was established just two years ago and only requires attendance at a three-day seminar. That is in stark contrast to the 150 credit hours and the rigorous exams required to become a certified public accountant, a standard certification for tax accountants.In most tax cases, only lawyers, CPAs and enrolled agents — federally authorized tax practitioners — can represent taxpayers at the IRS.“The cost of relying on tax advice from somebody that is solely focused on minimizing the tax liabilities that you have — as opposed to somebody that’s focused on both minimizing the tax liabilities and complying with the tax law — can be extraordinarily high if you are found to be in violation of the standards,” said Nathan Goldman, an associate professor of accounting at North Carolina State University.Excel Empire’s three-day certification course has been advertised for as much as $30,000;&nbsp;<a href="https://ctba.excelempire.com/live-sales" target="_blank">its upcoming session is advertised at $4,997</a>. Matthew Pearson, one of its founders,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUy-3pcse8I" target="_blank">said this summer in a podcast</a>&nbsp;that about 135 people have earned the CTBA designation, which the firm designed to help people without tax backgrounds to become advisors.Nina Olson, a prominent taxpayer advocate, said that the modern tax industry has seen “a proliferation of different groups and entities that are providing tax advice” and that consumers have no way of knowing who is competent.“It could just be that you’ve taken a very short course, and paid a large fee for that course, and that gives you the ability to put some initials after your name,” said Olson, who served as the IRS’ national taxpayer advocate from 2001 to 2019. She is now executive director of the Center for Taxpayer Rights, a Washington-based nonprofit that promotes fairness and access to justice in tax systems.Tax experts said that Long’s years of experience as a real estate agent and as an auctioneer — before spending a dozen years in Congress — pales next to the deep experience in tax policy or management of the people who have held the job. For instance, the current IRS commissioner, Danny Werfel, previously served as acting IRS commissioner and held leadership roles at the Office of Management and Budget. He also worked in the private sector as a managing director at Boston Consulting Group.Long’s experience in the tax world has been more narrowly focused. In the two years since he left Congress, he worked to bring in customers for at least two firms that marketed the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/employee-retention-credit" target="_blank">employee retention credit</a>&nbsp;— a pandemic-era benefit designed to support businesses that kept workers despite revenue losses or disruptions caused by COVID-19.The credit also attracted fraud, eventually landing on the IRS’ “<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen" target="_blank">worst of the worst</a>” list for tax scams. Two Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday announced an investigation into the firms, noting Long had neither a “background in tax preparation nor any credential as a licensed accountant, attorney or enrolled agent.”<a href="https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/ERC-COVID-Snapshot-5.7.21_full-text.pdf" target="_blank">Worth up to $28,000 per employee</a>, the credit was available for the 2020 and 2021 tax years and has been widely used by both for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations across the country. However, the IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-beware-of-aggressive-promoters-who-dupe-taxpayers-into-making-questionable-employee-retention-credit-claims-risks-continue-for-small-businesses-special-withdrawal-program-remains-available" target="_blank">raised significant concerns</a>&nbsp;about aggressive promoters pushing ineligible businesses to file questionable claims. Red flags included inflated payroll numbers, claims for all quarters without proper eligibility or citing minor government orders that did not directly impact business operations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734986435081.png" alt=" A photo hanging up in U.S. Rep. Billy Long’s former office in Washington, D.C., shows him departing Air Force One with former President Donald Trump (photo submitted)." />
 <figcaption> A photo hanging up in U.S. Rep. Billy Long’s former office in Washington, D.C., shows him departing Air Force One with former President Donald Trump (photo submitted).</figcaption>
 </figure>The IRS says it has recovered over $1 billion from businesses that voluntarily reported improper claims. And it has launched hundreds of criminal investigations to try to recoup what it says could be billions of dollars more.In a prepared statement in November, Werfel said businesses should review their claims and see if they were misled by firms marketing the tax credit.“They should listen to trusted tax professionals, not promoters,” he said.In a 2023 podcast discussing his work for the two firms, Long joked that he had a hat bearing the name of the credit glued to his head. He said his work marketing the tax credit had caused some clients to question their CPAs’ advice.“Hey, this auctioneer, real estate broker, former congressman told me I’m going to get $1.2 million back,” he said. “Uh, you’re my CPA. Why didn’t you tell me that?” And he said the response of CPAs would be: “That’s a joke. That’s a fake deal. That’s not true. You’re going to have to pay all that money back. You’ll get audited.”But he said the firms he worked for had never seen the IRS turn down one of their claims.There is no evidence that either Excel Empire, Long or the firms that he worked for — Lifetime Advisors of Hudson, Wisconsin, and Commerce Terrace Consulting of Springfield, Missouri — engaged in wrongdoing. In the same 2023 podcast, Long emphasized he and his colleagues had helped only taxpayers who were entitled to the benefit.Neither Long, Lifetime Advisors nor Commerce Terrace Consulting responded to requests for comment.If Long is confirmed and succeeds Werfel, he’ll have the power to influence how Americans pay their taxes and how the federal government collects revenue. Trump has promised to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/what-trumps-plan-to-end-irs-overstepping-could-mean-for-audits-of-rich-people-and-call-hold-times-for-everyone-else-67e4231e?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">end IRS “overstepping,”</a>&nbsp;while Republicans have said that they would slash billions of dollars in funding passed under the Biden administration to modernize the IRS and enhance tax enforcement.The IRS and the Trump transition team did not respond to requests for comment.During his time representing Southwest Missouri in Congress, Long pursued legislation to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-159/issue-78/house-section/article/H3106-4?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%22%5C%22billy+long%5C%22+%5C%22fair+tax%5C%22%22%7D&amp;s=3&amp;r=3" target="_blank">abolish the IRS</a>&nbsp;and establish a national sales tax. Billionaire Elon Musk, a Trump advisor, recently asked on X&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsweek.com/elon-musk-its-funding-deleted-poll-1992953" target="_blank">if the agency’s budget should be “deleted.”</a>Like Long, members of Excel Empire suggest that accountants don’t feel it is their role to save their clients money because they prioritize compliance over planning and are too busy during tax season to discuss strategies. The company’s website claims the firm has saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.Edward Lyon, who is listed on Excel Empire’s website as chief tax planner and tax attorney, writes on his personal website that the seven most expensive words in the English language are “<a href="https://edwardalyon.com/about" target="_blank">My CPA takes care of my taxes</a>.”Lyon elaborated on a podcast last year, noting that accountants “generally are rule followers,” but when it comes to lawyers, “we are trained to understand the rules but we’re trained to stretch the rules and bend the rules and poke at the rules and do an end run around the rules. It’s a much more proactive focus.” Still, he has consistently emphasized that his company acts “legally, ethically and morally.”The company’s co-founder, Pearson, once described Lyon on a podcast as the “preeminent proactive tax attorney in the country.” Lyon and Pearson declined to comment.The Ohio Supreme Court suspended Lyon’s law license in 2005 for failing to meet registration and fee requirements on time, and he hasn’t regained it. He also does not appear to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment advisor.Despite this, Lyon says he has trained tens of thousands of tax and finance professionals. As the author of several books and a column, he claims to be one of the country’s most widely read tax strategists and commands speaking fees of $15,000 and first-class travel arrangements.Lyon has also developed several tax certification programs. On the Excel Empire website, some officers, including Pearson, use a title created by Lyon: tax master.Appearing on another podcast, Lyon discussed how small businesses can be used as tax shelters. As an example, he asked the host,&nbsp;<a href="https://excelempire.com/our-leadership-team-2/" target="_blank">Heather Wagenhals</a>&nbsp;— who also carries the CTBA title — if she had a swimming pool at her home, where she records her show.“I do,” Wagenhals said. “That’s why I picked this one.”Lyon responded: “All right, so I’m gonna rock your world in five words, ready? On-premises employee athletic facility.”“Oh my God!” Wagenhals said.Lyon added: “It’s really there in the tax code, and nobody’s told you that.”In another podcast, Pearson brags about firing an accountant who balked at his request for advice about how to use a new Corvette “to keep from paying taxes.”Olson said that attitude was disturbing and that simplistic answers can create problems for taxpayers in IRS audits and in the courts. “A swimming pool in someone’s home, even if employees are working in the home and using it, still would require the court to look at the percentage of employee use versus personal use — and they would look really closely at that,” she said.

Billy Long, Trump’s nominee to lead IRS, touts credential tax experts say is dubious

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a homicide in Kansas City have identified the woman who died as 36-year-old&nbsp;Tiffany Chrisman, according to&nbsp;KCPD Officer Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just before 4a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to an apartment in the 900 block of E 134th Street on a reported Welfare Check.&nbsp;

When officers arrived to the apartment, they located evidence of a possible disturbance that may have occurred inside. They entered the apartment to check for any victims or injured persons. While searching the apartment for anyone in need of possible assistance, a woman later identified as Chrisman was located suffering from apparent bodily trauma and she was unresponsive, according to Gonzalez.

&nbsp;EMS personnel also responded to the scene and declared her deceased.

Preliminary information indicated Chrisman and an adult male subject were involved in a verbal altercation the turned physical. Due to the help of the public and neighboring police agencies, detectives were able to quickly locate a male subject of interest and take him into custody for further questioning. 

Detectives are not looking for any additional subjects of interest at this time. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene to begin gathering evidence and collecting any witness statements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735222031093.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a homicide in Kansas City have identified the woman who died as 36-year-old&nbsp;Tiffany Chrisman, according to&nbsp;KCPD Officer Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Just before 4a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to an apartment in the 900 block of E 134th Street on a reported Welfare Check.&nbsp;When officers arrived to the apartment, they located evidence of a possible disturbance that may have occurred inside. They entered the apartment to check for any victims or injured persons. While searching the apartment for anyone in need of possible assistance, a woman later identified as Chrisman was located suffering from apparent bodily trauma and she was unresponsive, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp;EMS personnel also responded to the scene and declared her deceased.Preliminary information indicated Chrisman and an adult male subject were involved in a verbal altercation the turned physical. Due to the help of the public and neighboring police agencies, detectives were able to quickly locate a male subject of interest and take him into custody for further questioning. Detectives are not looking for any additional subjects of interest at this time. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene to begin gathering evidence and collecting any witness statements.

Homicide: Police ID woman found dead in Kansas City apartment

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7d2483b8550e403ea7ee25d4ee68fbeb">NASA's Parker Solar Probe</a>&nbsp;has successfully made the closest approach to the sun, the space agency confirmed Friday.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-parker-probe-sun-corona-69c7041048c12b0741ff54a66118def7">Earlier this week</a>, the spacecraft passed within a record-breaking 3.8 million miles (6 million kilometers) of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sun-solar-flare-earth-ed204eef352560f09b8366bee05e2381">scorching star</a>. NASA received an all-clear message from Parker on Thursday night confirming it survived the journey.

Launched in 2018 to get a close-up look at the sun, Parker has since flown straight through its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-sun-cdb6e773cbe6fea2c7225bea213701c2">crownlike outer atmosphere, or corona.</a>&nbsp;With its close brush complete, the craft is expected to circle the sun at this distance through at least September.

It’s the fastest spacecraft built by humans, and hit 430,000 mph (690,000 kph) at closest approach. It is outfitted with a heat shield that can withstand scorching temperatures up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,370 degrees Celsius).

Scientists hope the data from Parker will help them better understand why the sun's outer atmosphere is hundreds of times hotter than its surface and what drives the solar wind, the supersonic stream of charged particles constantly blasting away from the sun.

NEW YORK (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/23c7f60684534312a00537f02e459f96">NASA spacecraft</a>&nbsp; is flying closer to the sun than any object sent before.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7d2483b8550e403ea7ee25d4ee68fbeb">The Parker Solar Probe</a>&nbsp;was launched in 2018 to get a close-up look at the sun. Since then, it has flown straight through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-sun-cdb6e773cbe6fea2c7225bea213701c2">the sun's corona</a>: the outer atmosphere visible during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-total-solar-eclipse-photos-us-0a07725f59906849b00949e43177e6d9">total solar eclipse</a>.

The next milestone: closest approach to the sun. Plans called for Parker on Tuesday to hurtle through the sizzling solar atmosphere and pass within a record-breaking 3.8 million miles of the sun's surface.

At that moment, if the sun and Earth were at opposite ends of a football field, Parker "would be on the 4-yard line,” said NASA's Joe Westlake.

Mission managers won't know how Parker fared until days after the flyby since the spacecraft will be out of communication range.

Parker planned to get more than seven times closer to the sun than previous spacecraft, hitting 430,000 mph (690,000 kph) at closest approach. It's the fastest spacecraft ever built and is outfitted with a heat shield that can withstand scorching temperatures up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,371 degrees Celsius).

It'll continue circling the sun at this distance until at least September. Scientists hope to better understand why the corona is hundreds of times hotter than the sun’s surface and what drives the solar wind, the supersonic stream of charged particles constantly blasting away from the sun.

The sun's warming rays make life possible on Earth. But severe solar storms can temporarily scramble radio communications and disrupt power.

The sun is currently at the maximum phase of its 11-year cycle, triggering colorful auroras in unexpected places.

“It both is our closest, friendliest neighbor,” Westlake said, “but also at times is a little angry.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735059980895.png" alt="image made available by NASA shows an artist's rendering of the Parker Solar Probe approaching the Sun. It's designed to take solar punishment like never before, thanks to its revolutionary heat shield that's capable of withstanding 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,370 degrees Celsius)." />
 <figcaption>image made available by NASA shows an artist's rendering of the Parker Solar Probe approaching the Sun. It's designed to take solar punishment like never before, thanks to its revolutionary heat shield that's capable of withstanding 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,370 degrees Celsius).</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7d2483b8550e403ea7ee25d4ee68fbeb">NASA's Parker Solar Probe</a>&nbsp;has successfully made the closest approach to the sun, the space agency confirmed Friday.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nasa-parker-probe-sun-corona-69c7041048c12b0741ff54a66118def7">Earlier this week</a>, the spacecraft passed within a record-breaking 3.8 million miles (6 million kilometers) of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sun-solar-flare-earth-ed204eef352560f09b8366bee05e2381">scorching star</a>. NASA received an all-clear message from Parker on Thursday night confirming it survived the journey.Launched in 2018 to get a close-up look at the sun, Parker has since flown straight through its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-sun-cdb6e773cbe6fea2c7225bea213701c2">crownlike outer atmosphere, or corona.</a>&nbsp;With its close brush complete, the craft is expected to circle the sun at this distance through at least September.It’s the fastest spacecraft built by humans, and hit 430,000 mph (690,000 kph) at closest approach. It is outfitted with a heat shield that can withstand scorching temperatures up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,370 degrees Celsius).Scientists hope the data from Parker will help them better understand why the sun's outer atmosphere is hundreds of times hotter than its surface and what drives the solar wind, the supersonic stream of charged particles constantly blasting away from the sun.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.-----------NEW YORK (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/23c7f60684534312a00537f02e459f96">NASA spacecraft</a>&nbsp; is flying closer to the sun than any object sent before.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7d2483b8550e403ea7ee25d4ee68fbeb">The Parker Solar Probe</a>&nbsp;was launched in 2018 to get a close-up look at the sun. Since then, it has flown straight through&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-business-sun-cdb6e773cbe6fea2c7225bea213701c2">the sun's corona</a>: the outer atmosphere visible during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-total-solar-eclipse-photos-us-0a07725f59906849b00949e43177e6d9">total solar eclipse</a>.The next milestone: closest approach to the sun. Plans called for Parker on Tuesday to hurtle through the sizzling solar atmosphere and pass within a record-breaking 3.8 million miles of the sun's surface.At that moment, if the sun and Earth were at opposite ends of a football field, Parker "would be on the 4-yard line,” said NASA's Joe Westlake.Mission managers won't know how Parker fared until days after the flyby since the spacecraft will be out of communication range.Parker planned to get more than seven times closer to the sun than previous spacecraft, hitting 430,000 mph (690,000 kph) at closest approach. It's the fastest spacecraft ever built and is outfitted with a heat shield that can withstand scorching temperatures up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,371 degrees Celsius).It'll continue circling the sun at this distance until at least September. Scientists hope to better understand why the corona is hundreds of times hotter than the sun’s surface and what drives the solar wind, the supersonic stream of charged particles constantly blasting away from the sun.The sun's warming rays make life possible on Earth. But severe solar storms can temporarily scramble radio communications and disrupt power.The sun is currently at the maximum phase of its 11-year cycle, triggering colorful auroras in unexpected places.“It both is our closest, friendliest neighbor,” Westlake said, “but also at times is a little angry.”___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

NASA's Parker Solar Probe survives close brush with the sun

BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/carla-k-johnson">CARLA K. JOHNSON</a>

The death of an Oregon house cat and a pet food recall are raising questions about the ongoing outbreak of bird flu and how people can protect their pets.

Bird flu has been spreading for years in wild birds,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eggs-prices-bird-flu-7f2063d64dd80ec4ed0aa74e562f19d7">chickens, turkeys</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disease-outbreaks-hong-kong-health-bird-flu-animals-75e5d058e0fda23b5359f66cafb74cdf">many other animals.</a>&nbsp;It was first confirmed in U.S. dairy cattle in March.

The virus has been causing sporadic, mostly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-severe-louisiana-2b4a5f55a05cf8be9b169c15e8b9582d">mild illnesses in people</a>&nbsp;in the U.S., and nearly all of those infected worked on dairy or poultry farms. When the virus is found, every bird on a farm is killed to limit the spread of the disease.

Oregon health officials traced the cat’s illness to frozen cat food that contained raw turkey. Virus recovered from the recalled pet food and the infected cat matched.

Some pet owners feed their animals raw meat, but that can be dangerous, even fatal for the animals, said Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Cooking meat or pasteurizing raw milk destroys the bird flu virus and other disease-causing germs.

“Raw milk, raw meat products can be and are a vector for carrying this virus,” he said.

Though cases of infection are rare, cats seem especially susceptible to the bird flu virus, or Type A H5N1. Even before the cattle outbreak, there were feline cases linked to wild birds or poultry. Since March, dozens of cats have caught the virus. These include barn and feral cats, indoor cats, and big cats in zoos and in the wild.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating the deaths of four house cats that drank recalled raw milk.

Dogs seem to be less vulnerable than cats, but they should eat only thoroughly cooked foods, Bailey said.

Cats should not drink unpasteurized dairy products or eat raw meat. Pet owners should keep cats away from wild birds, livestock and poultry.

Don’t let them wander freely in the outdoors, Bailey said, “because you don’t know what they’re getting into. Cats are natural hunters, and one of the animals they love to hunt are birds.”

Avoid touching sick or dead birds yourself. Thoroughly wash your hands after handling poultry or animals.

What are the symptoms of bird flu in cats?

Cats sick with bird flu might experience loss of appetite, lethargy and fever.

If your cat is usually playful and likes to look out the window, but instead has been sleeping all the time or hiding from you, take note, Bailey said. “There’s something wrong,” he said.

They could have reddened or inflamed eyes and discharge from the eyes and nose. They might have difficulty breathing or have tremors or seizures.

If your cat is sick, call your veterinary clinic and keep the cat away from anyone with a weakened immune system.

Northwest Naturals, a pet food company in Portland, Oregon, announced a voluntary recall Tuesday of one batch of its 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after it tested positive for the virus. The product was sold in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, as well as Canada’s British Columbia.

The recalled food has “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. Consumers should throw it away and contact the place of purchase for a refund.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733747978622.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/carla-k-johnson">CARLA K. JOHNSON</a>The death of an Oregon house cat and a pet food recall are raising questions about the ongoing outbreak of bird flu and how people can protect their pets.Bird flu has been spreading for years in wild birds,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eggs-prices-bird-flu-7f2063d64dd80ec4ed0aa74e562f19d7">chickens, turkeys</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disease-outbreaks-hong-kong-health-bird-flu-animals-75e5d058e0fda23b5359f66cafb74cdf">many other animals.</a>&nbsp;It was first confirmed in U.S. dairy cattle in March.The virus has been causing sporadic, mostly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-severe-louisiana-2b4a5f55a05cf8be9b169c15e8b9582d">mild illnesses in people</a>&nbsp;in the U.S., and nearly all of those infected worked on dairy or poultry farms. When the virus is found, every bird on a farm is killed to limit the spread of the disease.Oregon health officials traced the cat’s illness to frozen cat food that contained raw turkey. Virus recovered from the recalled pet food and the infected cat matched.Some pet owners feed their animals raw meat, but that can be dangerous, even fatal for the animals, said Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Cooking meat or pasteurizing raw milk destroys the bird flu virus and other disease-causing germs.“Raw milk, raw meat products can be and are a vector for carrying this virus,” he said.<h2>Are pets in danger of getting bird flu?</h2>Though cases of infection are rare, cats seem especially susceptible to the bird flu virus, or Type A H5N1. Even before the cattle outbreak, there were feline cases linked to wild birds or poultry. Since March, dozens of cats have caught the virus. These include barn and feral cats, indoor cats, and big cats in zoos and in the wild.The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating the deaths of four house cats that drank recalled raw milk.Dogs seem to be less vulnerable than cats, but they should eat only thoroughly cooked foods, Bailey said.<h2>How can I protect my cat from bird flu?</h2>Cats should not drink unpasteurized dairy products or eat raw meat. Pet owners should keep cats away from wild birds, livestock and poultry.Don’t let them wander freely in the outdoors, Bailey said, “because you don’t know what they’re getting into. Cats are natural hunters, and one of the animals they love to hunt are birds.”Avoid touching sick or dead birds yourself. Thoroughly wash your hands after handling poultry or animals.<h2>What are the symptoms of bird flu in cats?</h2>Cats sick with bird flu might experience loss of appetite, lethargy and fever.If your cat is usually playful and likes to look out the window, but instead has been sleeping all the time or hiding from you, take note, Bailey said. “There’s something wrong,” he said.They could have reddened or inflamed eyes and discharge from the eyes and nose. They might have difficulty breathing or have tremors or seizures.If your cat is sick, call your veterinary clinic and keep the cat away from anyone with a weakened immune system.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735223841641.png" alt="courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>What pet food was recalled?</h2>Northwest Naturals, a pet food company in Portland, Oregon, announced a voluntary recall Tuesday of one batch of its 2-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after it tested positive for the virus. The product was sold in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, as well as Canada’s British Columbia.The recalled food has “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. Consumers should throw it away and contact the place of purchase for a refund.<h2>___</h2>The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Cats can get sick with bird flu. Here’s how to protect them

OSAGE COUNTy —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.

Just before 6:30p.m. Christmas Eve,&nbsp;a Sheriff’s Deputy was dispatched to a suspicious vehicle near Green Acres Pizza &amp; Sub, 4951 E. K-268 Highway in the small Osage County community of Vassar, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

 During the encounter, suspected illegal narcotics were in plain view. Deputies took Thomas A. Anderson, 42, of Quenemo into custody and transported him to the Osage County Jail facility on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession of marijuana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735230208155.png" alt="Anderson-photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Anderson-photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTy —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.Just before 6:30p.m. Christmas Eve,&nbsp;a Sheriff’s Deputy was dispatched to a suspicious vehicle near Green Acres Pizza &amp; Sub, 4951 E. K-268 Highway in the small Osage County community of Vassar, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the encounter, suspected illegal narcotics were in plain view. Deputies took Thomas A. Anderson, 42, of Quenemo into custody and transported him to the Osage County Jail facility on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Possession of marijuana.

Accused Kansas meth dealer jailed on Christmas Eve

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run have located the vehicle involved and took a&nbsp;&nbsp;subject of interest has been taken into custody for questioning, according to KCPD OOfficer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just after 6:30p.m. Dec. 10, a vehicle described as a 2009-12 Nissan Altima driving Northbound on Troost Avenue on the outside lane struck a pedestrian later identified as 46-year-old Phillip Castleberry who was crossing Troost Avenue at 82nd Terrace.

The vehicle left the scene in an unknown direction. EMS transported Castleberry to a local hospital with life threatening injuries, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.&nbsp; He died nine days later.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a fatal hit-and-run have located the vehicle involved and took a&nbsp;&nbsp;subject of interest has been taken into custody for questioning, according to KCPD OOfficer Alayna Gonzalez.Just after 6:30p.m. Dec. 10, a vehicle described as a 2009-12 Nissan Altima driving Northbound on Troost Avenue on the outside lane struck a pedestrian later identified as 46-year-old Phillip Castleberry who was crossing Troost Avenue at 82nd Terrace.The vehicle left the scene in an unknown direction. EMS transported Castleberry to a local hospital with life threatening injuries, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.&nbsp; He died nine days later.

Police locate vehicle, suspect in fatal KC hit-and-run

WASHINGTON (AP) — A lead organization monitoring for food crises around the world withdrew a new report this week warning of imminent famine in north&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-12-25-2024-be8508e8a1a89343b94e963137e42d5b">Gaza</a>&nbsp;under what it called Israel's “near-total blockade,” after the U.S. asked for its retraction, U.S. officials told The Associated Press. The move follows public criticism of the report from the U.S. ambassador to Israel.

The rare public challenge from the Biden administration of the work of the U.S.-funded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/famine-gaza-warning-israel-united-states-8333697957bed4df13f5ab0c1582d4bd">Famine Early Warning System,</a>&nbsp;which is meant to reflect the data-driven analysis of unbiased experts, drew accusations from aid and human-rights figures of possible U.S. political interference. A finding of famine would be a public rebuke of Israel, which has insisted that its 15-month war in Gaza is aimed against the Hamas militant group and not against its civilian population.

U.S. ambassador to Israel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jacob-lew">Jacob Lew</a>&nbsp;earlier this week&nbsp;<a href="https://il.usembassy.gov/statement-from-u-s-ambassador-jacob-lew-on-fews-net-report/">called</a>&nbsp;the warning by the internationally recognized group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/famine-gaza-warning-israel-united-states-8333697957bed4df13f5ab0c1582d4bd">inaccurate and “irresponsible</a>." Lew and the U.S. Agency for International Development, which funds the monitoring group, both said the findings failed to properly account for rapidly changing circumstances in north Gaza.

Humanitarian and human rights officials expressed fear of U.S. political interference in the world's monitoring system for famines. The U.S. Embassy in Israel and the State Department declined comment. FEWS officials did not respond to questions.

“We work day and night with the U.N. and our Israeli partners to meet humanitarian needs — which are great — and relying on inaccurate data is irresponsible,” Lew said Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1698839698947.png" alt="U.S. ambassador to Israel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jacob-lew">Jacob Lew</a>-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>U.S. ambassador to Israel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jacob-lew">Jacob Lew</a>-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A lead organization monitoring for food crises around the world withdrew a new report this week warning of imminent famine in north&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-12-25-2024-be8508e8a1a89343b94e963137e42d5b">Gaza</a>&nbsp;under what it called Israel's “near-total blockade,” after the U.S. asked for its retraction, U.S. officials told The Associated Press. The move follows public criticism of the report from the U.S. ambassador to Israel.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735262710659.png" alt="Famine Early Warning System" />
 <figcaption>Famine Early Warning System</figcaption>
 </figure>The rare public challenge from the Biden administration of the work of the U.S.-funded&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/famine-gaza-warning-israel-united-states-8333697957bed4df13f5ab0c1582d4bd">Famine Early Warning System,</a>&nbsp;which is meant to reflect the data-driven analysis of unbiased experts, drew accusations from aid and human-rights figures of possible U.S. political interference. A finding of famine would be a public rebuke of Israel, which has insisted that its 15-month war in Gaza is aimed against the Hamas militant group and not against its civilian population.U.S. ambassador to Israel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jacob-lew">Jacob Lew</a>&nbsp;earlier this week&nbsp;<a href="https://il.usembassy.gov/statement-from-u-s-ambassador-jacob-lew-on-fews-net-report/">called</a>&nbsp;the warning by the internationally recognized group&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/famine-gaza-warning-israel-united-states-8333697957bed4df13f5ab0c1582d4bd">inaccurate and “irresponsible</a>." Lew and the U.S. Agency for International Development, which funds the monitoring group, both said the findings failed to properly account for rapidly changing circumstances in north Gaza.Humanitarian and human rights officials expressed fear of U.S. political interference in the world's monitoring system for famines. The U.S. Embassy in Israel and the State Department declined comment. FEWS officials did not respond to questions.“We work day and night with the U.N. and our Israeli partners to meet humanitarian needs — which are great — and relying on inaccurate data is irresponsible,” Lew said Tuesday.USAID confirmed to the AP that it had asked the famine-monitoring organization to withdraw its stepped-up warning issued in a report dated Monday. The&nbsp;<a href="https://fews.net/sites/default/files/2024-12/Gaza_Alert_202412_1.pdf">report</a>&nbsp;did not appear among the top updates on the group's website Thursday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/famine-gaza-warning-israel-united-states-8333697957bed4df13f5ab0c1582d4bd">but the link to it remained active</a>.The dispute points in part to the difficulty of assessing the extent of starvation in largely isolated northern Gaza. Thousands in recent weeks have fled an intensified Israeli military crackdown that aid groups say has allowed delivery of only a dozen trucks of food and water since roughly October.FEWS Net said in its withdrawn report that unless Israel changes its policy, it expects the number of people dying of starvation and related ailments in north Gaza to reach between two and 15 per day sometime between January and March.The internationally recognized mortality threshold for famine is&nbsp;<a href="https://fews.net/about/integrated-phase-classification#:~:text=of%20coping%20strategies.-,Famine%20(IPC%20Phase%205),per%2010%2C000%20people%20per%20day.">two or more deaths a day per 10,000 people.</a>FEWS was created by the U.S. development agency in the 1980s and is still funded by it. But it is intended to provide independent, neutral and data-driven assessments of hunger crises, including in war zones. Its findings help guide decisions on aid by the U.S. and other governments and agencies around the world.A spokesman for Israel's foreign ministry, Oren Marmorstein, welcomed the U.S. ambassador's public challenge of the famine warning. “FEWS NET - Stop spreading these lies!” Marmorstein said on&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/OrenMarmorstein/status/1871587714229043532">X</a>.In challenging the findings publicly, the U.S. ambassador "leveraged his political power to undermine the work of this expert agency,” said Scott Paul, a senior manager at the Oxfam America humanitarian nonprofit. Paul stressed that he was not weighing in on the accuracy of the data or methodology of the report.“The whole point of creating FEWS is to have a group of experts make assessments about imminent famine that are untainted by political considerations,” said Kenneth Roth, former executive director of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/human-rights-watch">Human Rights Watch</a>&nbsp;and now a visiting professor in international affairs at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/princeton-university">Princeton University</a>. “It sure looks like USAID is allowing political considerations -- the Biden administration’s worry about funding Israel’s starvation strategy -- to interfere."Israel says it has been operating in recent months against Hamas militants still active in northern Gaza. It says the vast majority of the area’s residents have fled and relocated to Gaza City, where most aid destined for the north is delivered. But some critics, including a former defense minister, have accused Israel of carrying out ethnic cleansing in Gaza’s far north, near the Israeli border.North Gaza has been one of the areas hardest-hit by fighting and Israel’s restrictions on aid throughout its war with Hamas militants. Global famine monitors and U.N. and U.S. officials have warned repeatedly of the imminent risk of malnutrition and deaths from starvation hitting famine levels.International officials say Israel last summer increased the amount of aid it was admitting there, under U.S. pressure. The U.S. and U.N. have said Gaza’s people as a whole need between 350 and 500 trucks a day of food and other vital needs.But the U.N. and aid groups say Israel recently has again blocked almost all aid to that part of Gaza.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/cindy-mccain">Cindy McCain</a>, the American head of the U.N. World Food Program,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/famine-gaza-warning-israel-united-states-8333697957bed4df13f5ab0c1582d4bd">called</a>&nbsp;earlier this month for political pressure to get food flowing to Palestinians there.Israel says it places no restrictions on aid entering Gaza and that hundreds of truckloads of goods are piled up at Gaza’s crossings and accused international aid agencies of failing to deliver the supplies. The U.N. and other aid groups say Israeli restrictions, ongoing combat, looting and insufficient security by Israeli troops make it impossible to deliver aid effectively.Lew, the U.S. ambassador, said the famine warning was based on “outdated and inaccurate” data. He pointed to uncertainty over how many of the 65,000-75,000 people remaining in northern Gaza had fled in recent weeks, saying that skewed the findings.FEWS said in its report that its famine assessment holds even if as few as 10,000 people remain.USAID in its statement to AP said it had reviewed the report before it became public, and noted “discrepancies” in population estimates and some other data. The U.S. agency had asked the famine warning group to address those uncertainties and be clear in its final report to reflect how those uncertainties affected its predictions of famine, it said.“This was relayed before Ambassador Lew’s statement,” USAID said in a statement. “FEWS NET did not resolve any of these concerns and published in spite of these technical comments and a request for substantive engagement before publication. As such, USAID asked to retract the report.”Roth criticized the U.S. challenge of the report in light of the gravity of the crisis there.“This quibbling over the number of people desperate for food seems a politicized diversion from the fact that the Israeli government is blocking virtually all food from getting in,” he said, adding that “the Biden administration seems to be closing its eyes to that reality, but putting its head in the sand won’t feed anyone.”The U.S., Israel’s main backer, provided a record amount of military support in the first year of the war. At the same time, the Biden administration repeatedly urged Israel to allow more access to aid deliveries in Gaza overall, and warned that failing to do so could trigger U.S. restrictions on military support. The administration recently said Israel was making improvements and declined to carry out its threat of restrictions.Military support for Israel’s war in Gaza is politically charged in the U.S., with Republicans and some Democrats staunchly opposed any effort to limit U.S. support over the suffering of Palestinian civilians trapped in the conflict. The Biden administration’s reluctance to do more to press Israel for improved treatment of civilians undercut support for Democrats in last month’s elections.___Sam Mednick and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.