BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Education Department called on every state, school and district on Tuesday to adopt policies on cellphone use in schools.

The department asks schools to have well-thought-out policies on the matter, but does not dictate exactly what those policies should be. An accompanying resource for schools notes the risk social media can pose to students’ mental health.

“In this digital age, every elementary, middle, and high school should have a clear, consistent, and research-informed policy to guide the use of phones and personal devices in school,” U.S Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a written statement.

“The evidence makes clear: there is no one-size-fits-all policy,” Cardona added, noting that “different school communities have different needs, and the nuances of this issue demand that local voices — parents, educators, and students — inform local decisions around the use of personal devices in school.”

The department acknowledged the role cellphones can play in keeping parents connected to their kids, especially in emergency situations, while also highlighting the increasing evidence on the harms social media can have on youth mental health, such as sleep deprivation and depression.

An increasing number of states and school districts have enacted policies either prohibiting or restricting students from using their cellphones in the classrooms.

Across the country, schools and districts continue to grapple with how to deal with kids’ cellphone use, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/29/cell-phone-schools-bans-states" target="_blank">more than half of all states</a>&nbsp;have sought to ban or restrict cellphone use in classrooms.

As of early November, at least eight states have passed statewide policies that either limit or prohibit cellphone use in the classrooms, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/a-look-at-state-efforts-to-ban-cellphones-in-schools-and-implications-for-youth-mental-health/" target="_blank">KFF</a>.

That includes California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia. A Minnesota law forces schools to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2024/08/29/minnesota-now-new-school-cellphone-policy-landscape-across-minnesota-locked-pouches" target="_blank">adopt a policy on cellphone use</a>&nbsp;by March 2025.

A handful of other states’&nbsp;<a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/11/01/oregon-department-of-education-offers-schools-guidance-on-limiting-student-cell-phone-use/" target="_blank">education departments</a>&nbsp;have issued&nbsp;<a href="https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/10/24/alaska-joins-growing-number-of-states-considering-crackdown-on-cellphones-in-schools/" target="_blank">policy recommendations</a>&nbsp;or pilot programs, while lawmakers in several more have introduced statewide legislation regarding cellphone use.

The guidance from the U.S. Education Department coincides with the release of a&nbsp;<a href="https://tech.ed.gov/device-policy-playbook/" target="_blank">resource</a>&nbsp;for education officials and local communities on adopting cellphone use policies.

In the playbook, Cardona points to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf" target="_blank">public warning</a>&nbsp;in 2023 on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/prodded-fed-parents-some-congress-try-curb-kids-use-social-media" target="_blank">social media’s effects</a>&nbsp;on youth mental health.

Murthy warns: “More research is needed to fully understand the impact of social media; however, the current body of evidence indicates that while social media may have benefits for some children and adolescents, there are ample indicators that social media can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents.”&nbsp;

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/shauneen-miranda/">SHAUNEEN MIRANDA</a>WASHINGTON — The U.S. Education Department called on every state, school and district on Tuesday to adopt policies on cellphone use in schools.The department asks schools to have well-thought-out policies on the matter, but does not dictate exactly what those policies should be. An accompanying resource for schools notes the risk social media can pose to students’ mental health.“In this digital age, every elementary, middle, and high school should have a clear, consistent, and research-informed policy to guide the use of phones and personal devices in school,” U.S Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a written statement.“The evidence makes clear: there is no one-size-fits-all policy,” Cardona added, noting that “different school communities have different needs, and the nuances of this issue demand that local voices — parents, educators, and students — inform local decisions around the use of personal devices in school.”The department acknowledged the role cellphones can play in keeping parents connected to their kids, especially in emergency situations, while also highlighting the increasing evidence on the harms social media can have on youth mental health, such as sleep deprivation and depression.<h2>Increasing state policies</h2>An increasing number of states and school districts have enacted policies either prohibiting or restricting students from using their cellphones in the classrooms.Across the country, schools and districts continue to grapple with how to deal with kids’ cellphone use, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/29/cell-phone-schools-bans-states" target="_blank">more than half of all states</a>&nbsp;have sought to ban or restrict cellphone use in classrooms.As of early November, at least eight states have passed statewide policies that either limit or prohibit cellphone use in the classrooms, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/a-look-at-state-efforts-to-ban-cellphones-in-schools-and-implications-for-youth-mental-health/" target="_blank">KFF</a>.That includes California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia. A Minnesota law forces schools to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2024/08/29/minnesota-now-new-school-cellphone-policy-landscape-across-minnesota-locked-pouches" target="_blank">adopt a policy on cellphone use</a>&nbsp;by March 2025.A handful of other states’&nbsp;<a href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/11/01/oregon-department-of-education-offers-schools-guidance-on-limiting-student-cell-phone-use/" target="_blank">education departments</a>&nbsp;have issued&nbsp;<a href="https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/10/24/alaska-joins-growing-number-of-states-considering-crackdown-on-cellphones-in-schools/" target="_blank">policy recommendations</a>&nbsp;or pilot programs, while lawmakers in several more have introduced statewide legislation regarding cellphone use.The guidance from the U.S. Education Department coincides with the release of a&nbsp;<a href="https://tech.ed.gov/device-policy-playbook/" target="_blank">resource</a>&nbsp;for education officials and local communities on adopting cellphone use policies.In the playbook, Cardona points to U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf" target="_blank">public warning</a>&nbsp;in 2023 on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/prodded-fed-parents-some-congress-try-curb-kids-use-social-media" target="_blank">social media’s effects</a>&nbsp;on youth mental health.Murthy warns: “More research is needed to fully understand the impact of social media; however, the current body of evidence indicates that while social media may have benefits for some children and adolescents, there are ample indicators that social media can also have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents.”&nbsp;

U.S. Education Department pings states, schools to set policies on cellphone use

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>&nbsp;- <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson’s ask for unity and civility turned into a warning Monday as he retained his title in an unopposed leadership election at the Kansas Statehouse.&nbsp;

As both parties elected the slate of leadership for the 2025 Legislature, Democrats prepared for a difficult session while Republicans emphasized a united front.&nbsp;

“What I ask is that we would treat each other with civility because that’s what brings the unity,” Masterson said. “So on the flipside of that ask is the warning, right? The warning — the kryptonite to that superpower of unity is the gossip circle, which is kind of the standard operating procedure in bodies of politic, right?”

Masterson’s&nbsp;nomination came from Sen. Rick Kloos, a Topeka Republican who was reelected as majority whip without opposition. Kloos said Masterson’s vision, strategy and hands-on approach made him the right person for the job. This will be Masterson’s second four-year term as Senate president.

Masterson, of Andover, requested his fellow legislators do their best to honor one another “in word and in deed.” Disagreement sells better in the news, he said.

Senate Republicans were fresh from an election that resulted in expanded supermajorities in both chambers. Democrats lost two seats in the November election, reducing their ranks from 11 to nine in the 40-member Senate. Calling themselves “the divine nine,” they retained Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, as their minority leader.

Sykes said Democrats were prepared to resist Republican attempts to pass damaging policies. She predicted an effort to overhaul the way Kansas Supreme Court members are nominated, with a goal of overturning a 2019 ruling that secured the right to terminate a pregnancy in Kansas. Sykes also said Republicans would try to pass private school vouchers, and that she was concerned the majority party would reduce budgets for state agencies and services in order to support tax cuts that won’t be sustainable.

“I think we all have a more difficult session ahead of us,” Sykes told her caucus, “but we’ve been mighty, and we will continue that.”

Republicans elected to the majority leader seat Sen. Chase Blasi, a former Masterson chief of staff who was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2023. He defeated current Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;Larry Alley, of Winfield. Sen. J.R. Claeys of Salina nominated Blasi, describing him as a “trusted adviser.”&nbsp;

Sen. Tim Shallenburger, a longtime politician and 2002 GOP gubernatorial candidate, defeated&nbsp;Wichita Republican Sen. Renee Erickson for the Senate vice president seat. Erickson is the current assistant majority leader. Shallenburger was speaker of the House in the ’90s, the 36th state treasurer, and chair of the Kansas Republican Party from 2005 to 2007. Sen.&nbsp;Elaine Bowers nominated him on the premise that his institutional knowledge and experience set him apart, she said.

“What stands out to me about Senator Tim is his experience and deep understanding of Kansas history and its issues,” Bowers said.

Sen. Caryn Tyson, of Parker, clinched the assistant majority leader position with 23 votes to eight for Sen. Beverly Gossage, of Eudora. Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican who nominated her, cited her as a champion for collaboration and tax legislation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733338763560.png" alt=" Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, addresses fellow legislators Dec. 2, 2024, during Senate Republican leadership elections after an unopposed win allowing him to retain his seat. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, addresses fellow legislators Dec. 2, 2024, during Senate Republican leadership elections after an unopposed win allowing him to retain his seat. (Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>&nbsp;- <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a> TOPEKA — Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson’s ask for unity and civility turned into a warning Monday as he retained his title in an unopposed leadership election at the Kansas Statehouse.&nbsp;As both parties elected the slate of leadership for the 2025 Legislature, Democrats prepared for a difficult session while Republicans emphasized a united front.&nbsp;“What I ask is that we would treat each other with civility because that’s what brings the unity,” Masterson said. “So on the flipside of that ask is the warning, right? The warning — the kryptonite to that superpower of unity is the gossip circle, which is kind of the standard operating procedure in bodies of politic, right?”Masterson’s&nbsp;nomination came from Sen. Rick Kloos, a Topeka Republican who was reelected as majority whip without opposition. Kloos said Masterson’s vision, strategy and hands-on approach made him the right person for the job. This will be Masterson’s second four-year term as Senate president.Masterson, of Andover, requested his fellow legislators do their best to honor one another “in word and in deed.” Disagreement sells better in the news, he said.Senate Republicans were fresh from an election that resulted in expanded supermajorities in both chambers. Democrats lost two seats in the November election, reducing their ranks from 11 to nine in the 40-member Senate. Calling themselves “the divine nine,” they retained Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, as their minority leader.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733338713113.jpeg" alt=" Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, talks to reporters Dec. 2, 2024, at the Statehouse in Topeka following a meeting with her caucus. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, talks to reporters Dec. 2, 2024, at the Statehouse in Topeka following a meeting with her caucus. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Sykes said Democrats were prepared to resist Republican attempts to pass damaging policies. She predicted an effort to overhaul the way Kansas Supreme Court members are nominated, with a goal of overturning a 2019 ruling that secured the right to terminate a pregnancy in Kansas. Sykes also said Republicans would try to pass private school vouchers, and that she was concerned the majority party would reduce budgets for state agencies and services in order to support tax cuts that won’t be sustainable.“I think we all have a more difficult session ahead of us,” Sykes told her caucus, “but we’ve been mighty, and we will continue that.”Republicans elected to the majority leader seat Sen. Chase Blasi, a former Masterson chief of staff who was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2023. He defeated current Senate Majority Leader&nbsp;Larry Alley, of Winfield. Sen. J.R. Claeys of Salina nominated Blasi, describing him as a “trusted adviser.”&nbsp;Sen. Tim Shallenburger, a longtime politician and 2002 GOP gubernatorial candidate, defeated&nbsp;Wichita Republican Sen. Renee Erickson for the Senate vice president seat. Erickson is the current assistant majority leader. Shallenburger was speaker of the House in the ’90s, the 36th state treasurer, and chair of the Kansas Republican Party from 2005 to 2007. Sen.&nbsp;Elaine Bowers nominated him on the premise that his institutional knowledge and experience set him apart, she said.“What stands out to me about Senator Tim is his experience and deep understanding of Kansas history and its issues,” Bowers said.Sen. Caryn Tyson, of Parker, clinched the assistant majority leader position with 23 votes to eight for Sen. Beverly Gossage, of Eudora. Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican who nominated her, cited her as a champion for collaboration and tax legislation.

Kansas Senate president called for civility, while issuing warning, as chamber picked leaders

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Two Kansas officers avoided serious injuries while on the scene of weekend crash during a storm that brought heavy snow to the Kansas City metro.

Just before 8a.m. November 30, KHP Master Trooper Garver and an officer with the Kansas City Kansas Police Department were struck while on southbound Interstate 635 at State Avenue while working a non-injury crash due to slick roads due to the snow storm.



As Master Trooper Garver talked with the officer, he observed a car quickly approaching after losing control on the slick roads.

  Master Trooper Garver warned the KCK Officer to "watch out" as he was running away.  The officer put his emergency vehicle in drive and attempted to pull forward to avoid a collision. 

 Unfortunately, both law enforcement vehicles and a citizen's vehicle were struck. 

 Thankfully, no one was injured in the crash.

The outcome of this crash was mitigated because Master Trooper Garver and the KCK officer remained vigilant of their surroundings.

  As we continue to enter the winter weather months, remember to slow down for the road conditions and move over for all first responders.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Two Kansas officers avoided serious injuries while on the scene of weekend crash during a storm that brought heavy snow to the Kansas City metro.Just before 8a.m. November 30, KHP Master Trooper Garver and an officer with the Kansas City Kansas Police Department were struck while on southbound Interstate 635 at State Avenue while working a non-injury crash due to slick roads due to the snow storm.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">On Saturday, November 30, just before 8:00 am, Master Trooper Garver and an officer with the Kansas City Kansas Police Department - KCKPD were struck while on southbound I-635 at State Avenue working a non-injury crash due to a snow storm in Kansas Highway Patrol - Troop A.… <a href="https://t.co/rQiBmYvZp6">pic.twitter.com/rQiBmYvZp6</a>&mdash; KS Highway Patrol (@kshighwaypatrol) <a href="https://twitter.com/kshighwaypatrol/status/1864306808401142258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

As Master Trooper Garver talked with the officer, he observed a car quickly approaching after losing control on the slick roads. Master Trooper Garver warned the KCK Officer to "watch out" as he was running away. The officer put his emergency vehicle in drive and attempted to pull forward to avoid a collision. Unfortunately, both law enforcement vehicles and a citizen's vehicle were struck. Thankfully, no one was injured in the crash.

The outcome of this crash was mitigated because Master Trooper Garver and the KCK officer remained vigilant of their surroundings. As we continue to enter the winter weather months, remember to slow down for the road conditions and move over for all first responders.

🎥2 Kan. officers struck while working crash during snow storm

NEW YORK (AP) — UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed Wednesday morning in what investigators suspect was a targeted shooting outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference.

The killing was was a “brazen, targeted attack,” Jessica Tisch, the New York City police commissioner said.

Thompson, 50, was set to speak at an investor meeting when he was gunned down around 6:45 a.m. outside the New York Hilton Midtown by a shooter who fled on foot and then took an e-bike into Central Park, according to the New York Police Department.

Thompson was taken to a hospital but could not be saved. Police were still searching for the shooter as of late morning and no arrests had been made. Though officials said the attack appeared to be targeted, they did not yet have a motive for the shooting.

Mayor Eric Adams said police were reviewing evidence from the scene, including video.

"It seems to be clearly targeted by an individual and we will apprehend that individual,” Adams said.

UnitedHealthcare is the insurance arm of the health care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc. The Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company was scheduled to have its annual meeting with investors in New York City to update Wall Street on the company's direction and expectations for the coming year, according to a company media advisory. An announcement was made to attendees Wednesday morning that the conference was ending early.

The Hilton is in a bustling part of Manhattan, a short walk from tourist sites such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center, and often dense with tourists and office workers on weekday mornings. The popular Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting is set to take place Wednesday evening.

Part of the block where the shooting took place was cordoned off with police tape, with a large contingent of police officers at the scene. Many security cameras are nearby.

Thompson had served as CEO for more than three years and had been with the company since 2004.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovTimWalz/status/1864326551661154556">tweeted</a>&nbsp;that the state is “sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”

“This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota,” the Democrat wrote.

UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs.

NEW YORK (AP) — UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed Wednesday morning in what investigators suspect was a targeted shooting outside a Manhattan hotel where the company was holding an investor conference.

A person briefed on the investigation confirmed to The Associated Press that the victim was Thompson, the health insurance company's 50-year-old CEO. Speaking about the shooting, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said it did not appear to be a random attack.

Police said the shooter fled after the shooting, which happened around 6:45 a.m. outside a Hilton. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital but could not be saved.

Adams said police were reviewing evidence from the scene, including video.

"This was not what appears to be a just random act of violence. It seems to be clearly targeted by an individual and we will apprehend that individual,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733324311684.png" alt="Brian Thompson courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Brian Thompson courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed Wednesday morning in what investigators suspect was a targeted shooting outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733331413907.png" alt="photo NYPD" />
 <figcaption>photo NYPD</figcaption>
 </figure>The killing was was a “brazen, targeted attack,” Jessica Tisch, the New York City police commissioner said.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNYPD%2Fvideos%2F1503464993647472%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Thompson, 50, was set to speak at an investor meeting when he was gunned down around 6:45 a.m. outside the New York Hilton Midtown by a shooter who fled on foot and then took an e-bike into Central Park, according to the New York Police Department.Thompson was taken to a hospital but could not be saved. Police were still searching for the shooter as of late morning and no arrests had been made. Though officials said the attack appeared to be targeted, they did not yet have a motive for the shooting.Mayor Eric Adams said police were reviewing evidence from the scene, including video."It seems to be clearly targeted by an individual and we will apprehend that individual,” Adams said.UnitedHealthcare is the insurance arm of the health care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc. The Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company was scheduled to have its annual meeting with investors in New York City to update Wall Street on the company's direction and expectations for the coming year, according to a company media advisory. An announcement was made to attendees Wednesday morning that the conference was ending early.The Hilton is in a bustling part of Manhattan, a short walk from tourist sites such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center, and often dense with tourists and office workers on weekday mornings. The popular Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting is set to take place Wednesday evening.Part of the block where the shooting took place was cordoned off with police tape, with a large contingent of police officers at the scene. Many security cameras are nearby.Thompson had served as CEO for more than three years and had been with the company since 2004.Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovTimWalz/status/1864326551661154556">tweeted</a>&nbsp;that the state is “sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”“This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota,” the Democrat wrote.UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs.___NEW YORK (AP) — UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed Wednesday morning in what investigators suspect was a targeted shooting outside a Manhattan hotel where the company was holding an investor conference.A person briefed on the investigation confirmed to The Associated Press that the victim was Thompson, the health insurance company's 50-year-old CEO. Speaking about the shooting, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said it did not appear to be a random attack.Police said the shooter fled after the shooting, which happened around 6:45 a.m. outside a Hilton. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital but could not be saved.Adams said police were reviewing evidence from the scene, including video."This was not what appears to be a just random act of violence. It seems to be clearly targeted by an individual and we will apprehend that individual,” he said.UnitedHealthcare is the insurance arm of the health care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc. The Minnetonka, Minnesota-based company was scheduled to have its annual meeting with investors in New York City to update Wall Street on the company's direction and expectations for the coming year, according to a company media advisory. An announcement was made to attendees Wednesday morning that the conference was ending early.The Hilton is in a bustling part of Manhattan, a short walk from tourist sites such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center, and often dense with tourists and office workers on weekday mornings. The popular Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting is set to take place Wednesday evening.Part of the block where the shooting took place was cordoned off with police tape, with a large contingent of police officers at the scene. Many security cameras are nearby.Thompson had served as CEO for more than three years and had been with the company since 2004.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota. Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team. <a href="https://t.co/6lAL2lJXzn">https://t.co/6lAL2lJXzn</a>&mdash; Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovTimWalz/status/1864326551661154556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/GovTimWalz/status/1864326551661154556">tweeted</a>&nbsp;that the state is “sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”“This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota,” the Democrat wrote.UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs.-----------

Targeted attack: Gunman kills CEO of nation's largest healthcare insurer 

RILEY COUNTY—A man was injured in an accidental shooting in Manhattan.

Just before 7p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of discharging a firearm in the 2500 Block of Farm Bureau Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 19-year-old man shot himself in the foot.&nbsp; He was transported to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional details.

RILEY COUNTY—A man was injured in an accidental shooting in Manhattan.Just before 7p.m. Tuesday, officers filed a report of discharging a firearm in the 2500 Block of Farm Bureau Road, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 19-year-old man shot himself in the foot.&nbsp; He was transported to Via Christi for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp; The RCPD released no additional details.

Police: Kansas man hospitalized after accidental shooting 

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%20and%20HEATHER%20HOLLINGSWORTH%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH Associated Press</a>

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former police detective in Kansas who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-abuse-trial-roger-golubski-de11e2b098348066b4f37ebd304cbe6d">died in an apparent suicide</a>&nbsp;as he was about to stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting and terrorizing vulnerable women for decades wasn't supposed to have a gun while he was under house arrest.

Police found Roger Golubski dead on his back porch Monday morning after a neighbor reported hearing a gunshot, and there were no indications of foul play, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a statement. The judge’s order allowing Golubski to be under house arrest said he could not “possess a firearm, destructive device, or other weapon.”

Golubski's death — just as jury selection was to begin at the federal courthouse in Topeka — raised questions about why the 71-year-old wasn't behind bars, and how a gun came to be at his home in Edwardsville, outside Kansas City, Kansas.

"We will look into how he obtained the firearm as a part of the death investigation,” said Melissa Underwood, a bureau spokeswoman.

Golubski, once a highly regarded detective in Kansas City, was charged in 2022 with six felony counts of violating the civil rights of women and girls. Prosecutors say he sexually abused them and sometimes threatened to throw them or their relatives in jail if they didn't comply.

The trial was to focus on two women. One said Golubski began sexually abusing her when she was in middle school. The other said he began abusing her after her twin sons were arrested. Prosecutors said seven other women were planning to testify that Golubski abused or harassed them as well. Advocates for the women believe there are other victims who have either died or are afraid to come forward.

Prosecutors say that Golubski, who was white, victimized Black women and girls in some of Kansas City’s poorest neighborhoods.

Golubski’s prosecution followed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-fd1d4d05e561462a85abe50e7eaed4ec">hundreds of abuse cases</a>&nbsp;across the country where officers lost their badges after allegations of sexual assault.

After Golubski's death, the judge dismissed the case at the request of prosecutors.

Why was he under house arrest, not in custody?

Prosecutors wanted Golubski jailed almost immediately. They asked to have him taken into custody two days after a federal grand jury indicted him in September 2022.

But U.S. Magistrate Judge Rachel Schwartz&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-kansas-city-civil-rights-violations-ae8bc840668af84d343f444bf8aef79a">rejected their request,</a>&nbsp;concluding that while the allegations were “shocking,” Golubski was not the risk he was when the alleged abuse occurred years ago.

An attorney for Golubski described him as “sick and infirm,” saying he needed medical care for diabetes and to recover from quintuple bypass heart surgery. Golubski was undergoing kidney dialysis three times a week, and his trial was scheduled around those treatments.

Golubski's accusers believe he had too much freedom under house arrest. Some of them were especially angry after they saw video of him at a Culver’s restaurant following a medical appointment in January. Schwartz tightened conditions on Golubski’s house arrest after that, but didn't order him detained.

“The perception of people, rightly or wrongly, and regardless of the law, is that had they been in front of the court under similar circumstances, they probably would have been detained,” Cheryl Pilate, an attorney for some of Golubski’s accusers, said Tuesday.

Barry Grissom, who served as the top federal prosecutor in Kansas from 2010 to 2016, said Golubski’s longtime ties to the Kansas City area — something cited by the magistrate — argued against detention. Schwartz ordered Golubski to stay at home except for religious services and medical care. He was not allowed to get a passport.

“He hadn’t been found guilty — you know, it hadn’t been proved — so he still, like anybody, was presumed innocent,” Grissom said.

Sean O'Brien, a University of Missouri-Kansas City law professor, said officers would have searched Golubski's home when his house arrest started, but added that “it's not like they were surveilling his house 24/7.”

“But, you know, once he’s there — you know, people coming and going — anybody could have brought a gun to him or maybe the search wasn’t that thorough,” O'Brien said.

Golubski worked for decades for the Kansas City police department before retiring from there in 2010. He then worked for the Edwardsville police, leaving that department in 2016.

Edwardsville Chief Rance Quinn said in an email Tuesday that the department issues firearms to its officers and those in good standing are allowed to store them outside the department. The firearm can become a gift to an employee who retires, but Golubski did not get such a gift upon leaving in 2016, Quinn said.

Quinn said none of the department's firearms were missing Monday morning and that "the firearm found on scene was not the make/model of firearm used by the Edwardsville PD.”

In Kansas City, police officers buy the firearms they'll use on duty from a list of approved weapons and, if they cover the cost themselves, keep them after leaving the department, said spokesperson Nancy Chartrand. It was not immediately clear whether Golubski did that.

Christopher Joseph, Golubski's lead attorney, said in an email Tuesday that he'd expected to meet Golubski in Topeka on Monday morning and go to the courthouse, some 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Golubski's home in Edwardsville. Golubski hadn't skipped a court appearance before Monday.

“I was in regular contact with Roger, including over the weekend,” Joseph said. “I saw no warning signs. His defense team was confident about the prospect of acquittal.”

Joseph said Golubski himself did not believe he could get a fair trial because of media coverage of his case and that he only learned Monday morning that Golubski was despondent over that coverage.

“Roger’s death should not be considered an admission of guilt,” Joseph said. “Instead, it should be a warning about the power of the media to pick a narrative and present it as truth.”

Golubski was at the center of a string of lawsuits and criminal allegations that led the Wyandotte County prosecutor’s office to begin a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-bd0898c8649b1ede27e2c3749547bbed">$1.7 million</a>&nbsp;effort to reexamine cases he worked on during his 35 years on the force.

One double murder case Golubski investigated resulted in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-03a51b0fe56481f586ef8e031d2ffc2c">exoneration</a>&nbsp;of a man wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for 23 years, and government payments totaling $14 million to the man. A criminal justice organization&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-crime-police-54f4c7a47df11cd937aacdb180b4b25e">run by rapper Jay-Z</a>&nbsp;is suing to obtain police records.

Pilate said only a small subset of Golubski's victims were willing to come forward and that his trial would have represented “just a first step toward accountability” for local police and government officials.

"And then when the time finally arrived for accountability, it was yanked away from them,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663616484786.png" alt="Golubski photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Golubski photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JOHN%20HANNA%20and%20HEATHER%20HOLLINGSWORTH%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JOHN HANNA and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH Associated Press</a>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former police detective in Kansas who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-abuse-trial-roger-golubski-de11e2b098348066b4f37ebd304cbe6d">died in an apparent suicide</a>&nbsp;as he was about to stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting and terrorizing vulnerable women for decades wasn't supposed to have a gun while he was under house arrest.Police found Roger Golubski dead on his back porch Monday morning after a neighbor reported hearing a gunshot, and there were no indications of foul play, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a statement. The judge’s order allowing Golubski to be under house arrest said he could not “possess a firearm, destructive device, or other weapon.”Golubski's death — just as jury selection was to begin at the federal courthouse in Topeka — raised questions about why the 71-year-old wasn't behind bars, and how a gun came to be at his home in Edwardsville, outside Kansas City, Kansas."We will look into how he obtained the firearm as a part of the death investigation,” said Melissa Underwood, a bureau spokeswoman.<h2>Why was Golubski on trial?</h2>Golubski, once a highly regarded detective in Kansas City, was charged in 2022 with six felony counts of violating the civil rights of women and girls. Prosecutors say he sexually abused them and sometimes threatened to throw them or their relatives in jail if they didn't comply.The trial was to focus on two women. One said Golubski began sexually abusing her when she was in middle school. The other said he began abusing her after her twin sons were arrested. Prosecutors said seven other women were planning to testify that Golubski abused or harassed them as well. Advocates for the women believe there are other victims who have either died or are afraid to come forward.Prosecutors say that Golubski, who was white, victimized Black women and girls in some of Kansas City’s poorest neighborhoods.Golubski’s prosecution followed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-fd1d4d05e561462a85abe50e7eaed4ec">hundreds of abuse cases</a>&nbsp;across the country where officers lost their badges after allegations of sexual assault.After Golubski's death, the judge dismissed the case at the request of prosecutors.<h2>Why was he under house arrest, not in custody?</h2>Prosecutors wanted Golubski jailed almost immediately. They asked to have him taken into custody two days after a federal grand jury indicted him in September 2022.But U.S. Magistrate Judge Rachel Schwartz&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-kansas-city-civil-rights-violations-ae8bc840668af84d343f444bf8aef79a">rejected their request,</a>&nbsp;concluding that while the allegations were “shocking,” Golubski was not the risk he was when the alleged abuse occurred years ago.An attorney for Golubski described him as “sick and infirm,” saying he needed medical care for diabetes and to recover from quintuple bypass heart surgery. Golubski was undergoing kidney dialysis three times a week, and his trial was scheduled around those treatments.<h2>Did Golubski get special treatment?</h2>Golubski's accusers believe he had too much freedom under house arrest. Some of them were especially angry after they saw video of him at a Culver’s restaurant following a medical appointment in January. Schwartz tightened conditions on Golubski’s house arrest after that, but didn't order him detained.“The perception of people, rightly or wrongly, and regardless of the law, is that had they been in front of the court under similar circumstances, they probably would have been detained,” Cheryl Pilate, an attorney for some of Golubski’s accusers, said Tuesday.Barry Grissom, who served as the top federal prosecutor in Kansas from 2010 to 2016, said Golubski’s longtime ties to the Kansas City area — something cited by the magistrate — argued against detention. Schwartz ordered Golubski to stay at home except for religious services and medical care. He was not allowed to get a passport.“He hadn’t been found guilty — you know, it hadn’t been proved — so he still, like anybody, was presumed innocent,” Grissom said.<h2>And how did he get a gun?</h2>That's unclear.Sean O'Brien, a University of Missouri-Kansas City law professor, said officers would have searched Golubski's home when his house arrest started, but added that “it's not like they were surveilling his house 24/7.”“But, you know, once he’s there — you know, people coming and going — anybody could have brought a gun to him or maybe the search wasn’t that thorough,” O'Brien said.Golubski worked for decades for the Kansas City police department before retiring from there in 2010. He then worked for the Edwardsville police, leaving that department in 2016.Edwardsville Chief Rance Quinn said in an email Tuesday that the department issues firearms to its officers and those in good standing are allowed to store them outside the department. The firearm can become a gift to an employee who retires, but Golubski did not get such a gift upon leaving in 2016, Quinn said.Quinn said none of the department's firearms were missing Monday morning and that "the firearm found on scene was not the make/model of firearm used by the Edwardsville PD.”In Kansas City, police officers buy the firearms they'll use on duty from a list of approved weapons and, if they cover the cost themselves, keep them after leaving the department, said spokesperson Nancy Chartrand. It was not immediately clear whether Golubski did that.<h2>What was Golubski's state of mind?</h2>Christopher Joseph, Golubski's lead attorney, said in an email Tuesday that he'd expected to meet Golubski in Topeka on Monday morning and go to the courthouse, some 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Golubski's home in Edwardsville. Golubski hadn't skipped a court appearance before Monday.“I was in regular contact with Roger, including over the weekend,” Joseph said. “I saw no warning signs. His defense team was confident about the prospect of acquittal.”Joseph said Golubski himself did not believe he could get a fair trial because of media coverage of his case and that he only learned Monday morning that Golubski was despondent over that coverage.“Roger’s death should not be considered an admission of guilt,” Joseph said. “Instead, it should be a warning about the power of the media to pick a narrative and present it as truth.”<h2>Some are still waiting for justice</h2>Golubski was at the center of a string of lawsuits and criminal allegations that led the Wyandotte County prosecutor’s office to begin a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-bd0898c8649b1ede27e2c3749547bbed">$1.7 million</a>&nbsp;effort to reexamine cases he worked on during his 35 years on the force.One double murder case Golubski investigated resulted in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-03a51b0fe56481f586ef8e031d2ffc2c">exoneration</a>&nbsp;of a man wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for 23 years, and government payments totaling $14 million to the man. A criminal justice organization&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-crime-police-54f4c7a47df11cd937aacdb180b4b25e">run by rapper Jay-Z</a>&nbsp;is suing to obtain police records.Pilate said only a small subset of Golubski's victims were willing to come forward and that his trial would have represented “just a first step toward accountability” for local police and government officials."And then when the time finally arrived for accountability, it was yanked away from them,” she said.

Ex-officer who died of apparent suicide before trial was not supposed to have a gun

By SUMMER BALLENTINE and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Abortion-rights advocates are asking a judge Wednesday to overturn Missouri’s near-total ban on the procedure, less than a month after voters backed an abortion-rights&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-amendment-ballot-election-f114445b087e77d0cc786d3eeb2eb615">constitutional amendment</a>.

Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang was set to hear arguments from Planned Parenthood and the state’s Republican Attorney General’s Office over whether to issue a temporary order blocking enforcement of Missouri’s numerous abortion laws.

“If left in place, the above-described restrictions will continue to be catastrophic for Missourians," lawyers for abortion-rights supporters wrote in a court brief. "They will either prevent care altogether or severely delay or interfere with care.”

Missouri is one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measures-harris-trump-florida-missouri-49c9073cbb6056b66a8a7d0d099795d1">five states where voters approved ballot measures</a>&nbsp;this year to add the right to an abortion to their state constitutions. Nevada voters also approved an amendment, but they’ll need to pass it again in 2026 for it to take effect. Another that bans discrimination on the basis of “pregnancy outcomes” prevailed in New York.

Reproductive rights advocates in Arizona on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-election-canvass-abortion-0a899d1a78fc8e8b76bf8f75e868e249">sued to undo</a>&nbsp;a 15-week abortion ban that conflicts with that state's new constitutional amendment expanding access up to fetal viability.

The Missouri amendment does not specifically override any state laws. Instead the measure leaves it to advocates to ask courts to knock down bans that they believe would now be unconstitutional.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, an abortion opponent, last week issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-fed343e84ce8e07c0f5d7bb32fda57e9">an opinion</a>&nbsp;agreeing that most abortions will be legal when the amendment takes effect Thursday.

But Bailey’s office is still fighting for a ban on most abortions after viability, along with a number of regulations that Planned Parenthood argues made it nearly impossible to offer abortions in the state even before abortion was almost completely banned in 2022.

Missouri’s constitutional amendment allows lawmakers to restrict abortion after viability, with exceptions to “protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.”

The term “viability” is used by health care providers to describe whether a pregnancy is expected to continue developing normally or whether a fetus might survive outside the uterus. Though there’s no defined time frame, doctors say it is sometime after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-science-health-birmingham-7fc806f3c06aeae94c5d6ed1b06a6461">21st week</a>&nbsp;of pregnancy.

Other abortion laws that Bailey is defending include a 72-hour waiting period before an abortion can be performed; bans on abortions based on race, sex or a possible Down syndrome diagnosis; and a requirement that medical facilities that provide abortions be licensed as ambulatory surgical centers.

The Attorney General's Office argued that Planned Parenthood has not proven it will be negatively impacted by those laws, noting that no abortions have been scheduled yet.

“Planned Parenthood concedes they have no appointments scheduled for right after the amendment goes into effect and have not even tried to obtain relevant licenses or create necessary complication plans," state attorneys wrote in a court brief.

It is unclear when Zhang will rule on the request for a preliminary injunction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725887984419.png" alt="Photo by Anna Spoerre" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Anna Spoerre</figcaption>
 </figure>By SUMMER BALLENTINE and HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Abortion-rights advocates are asking a judge Wednesday to overturn Missouri’s near-total ban on the procedure, less than a month after voters backed an abortion-rights&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-amendment-ballot-election-f114445b087e77d0cc786d3eeb2eb615">constitutional amendment</a>.Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang was set to hear arguments from Planned Parenthood and the state’s Republican Attorney General’s Office over whether to issue a temporary order blocking enforcement of Missouri’s numerous abortion laws.“If left in place, the above-described restrictions will continue to be catastrophic for Missourians," lawyers for abortion-rights supporters wrote in a court brief. "They will either prevent care altogether or severely delay or interfere with care.”Missouri is one of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measures-harris-trump-florida-missouri-49c9073cbb6056b66a8a7d0d099795d1">five states where voters approved ballot measures</a>&nbsp;this year to add the right to an abortion to their state constitutions. Nevada voters also approved an amendment, but they’ll need to pass it again in 2026 for it to take effect. Another that bans discrimination on the basis of “pregnancy outcomes” prevailed in New York.Reproductive rights advocates in Arizona on Tuesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-election-canvass-abortion-0a899d1a78fc8e8b76bf8f75e868e249">sued to undo</a>&nbsp;a 15-week abortion ban that conflicts with that state's new constitutional amendment expanding access up to fetal viability.The Missouri amendment does not specifically override any state laws. Instead the measure leaves it to advocates to ask courts to knock down bans that they believe would now be unconstitutional.Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, an abortion opponent, last week issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-missouri-ballot-fed343e84ce8e07c0f5d7bb32fda57e9">an opinion</a>&nbsp;agreeing that most abortions will be legal when the amendment takes effect Thursday.But Bailey’s office is still fighting for a ban on most abortions after viability, along with a number of regulations that Planned Parenthood argues made it nearly impossible to offer abortions in the state even before abortion was almost completely banned in 2022.Missouri’s constitutional amendment allows lawmakers to restrict abortion after viability, with exceptions to “protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.”The term “viability” is used by health care providers to describe whether a pregnancy is expected to continue developing normally or whether a fetus might survive outside the uterus. Though there’s no defined time frame, doctors say it is sometime after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-technology-science-health-birmingham-7fc806f3c06aeae94c5d6ed1b06a6461">21st week</a>&nbsp;of pregnancy.Other abortion laws that Bailey is defending include a 72-hour waiting period before an abortion can be performed; bans on abortions based on race, sex or a possible Down syndrome diagnosis; and a requirement that medical facilities that provide abortions be licensed as ambulatory surgical centers.The Attorney General's Office argued that Planned Parenthood has not proven it will be negatively impacted by those laws, noting that no abortions have been scheduled yet.“Planned Parenthood concedes they have no appointments scheduled for right after the amendment goes into effect and have not even tried to obtain relevant licenses or create necessary complication plans," state attorneys wrote in a court brief.It is unclear when Zhang will rule on the request for a preliminary injunction.

Judge to consider first lawsuit to overturn Missouri's near-total abortion ban

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating the murder&nbsp; over the the Thanksgiving weekend have identified the victim as 17-year-old&nbsp;Nicholas Brooks of Kansas City, Kansas, according a media release from police.

Just before 11:30 a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the area of N. 2nd Street and Quindaro Blvd. in Kansas City, Kansas, after reports of a deceased person inside a vehicle.

First responders found Brooks inside a vehicle with an apparent gunshot wound. This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.&nbsp; Police have not reported possible suspect details.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating the murder&nbsp; over the the Thanksgiving weekend have identified the victim as 17-year-old&nbsp;Nicholas Brooks of Kansas City, Kansas, according a media release from police.Just before 11:30 a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the area of N. 2nd Street and Quindaro Blvd. in Kansas City, Kansas, after reports of a deceased person inside a vehicle.First responders found Brooks inside a vehicle with an apparent gunshot wound. This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.&nbsp; Police have not reported possible suspect details.

Victim in Thanksgiving weekend killing was 17-year-old Kan. boy

JERUSALEM —U.S. forces destroyed imminent threats to&nbsp;U.S. and Coalition forces near military support site Euphrates.

On Tuesday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed several weapon systems in the vicinity of Military Support Site Euphrates that included three truck mounted Multiple Rocket Launchers, a T-64 tank, an armored personnel carrier and mortars that presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and Coalition forces, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

The self-defense strike occurred after the truck mounted Multiple Rocket Launcher, armored personnel carrier and mortars were fired toward U.S. forces.

The U.S. mission in Syria remains unchanged as U.S. and Coalition forces continue to focus on the enduring defeat of ISIS.  The ongoing support of regional partners and operations in Syria are unrelated to recent events in northwest Syria.

U.S. forces continue to monitor the situation and remain in constant communication with our other forces in the region as the situation develops.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1728066701383.png" alt="A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor -photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM —U.S. forces destroyed imminent threats to&nbsp;U.S. and Coalition forces near military support site Euphrates.On Tuesday, U.S. forces successfully destroyed several weapon systems in the vicinity of Military Support Site Euphrates that included three truck mounted Multiple Rocket Launchers, a T-64 tank, an armored personnel carrier and mortars that presented a clear and imminent threat to U.S. and Coalition forces, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.The self-defense strike occurred after the truck mounted Multiple Rocket Launcher, armored personnel carrier and mortars were fired toward U.S. forces.The U.S. mission in Syria remains unchanged as U.S. and Coalition forces continue to focus on the enduring defeat of ISIS. The ongoing support of regional partners and operations in Syria are unrelated to recent events in northwest Syria.U.S. forces continue to monitor the situation and remain in constant communication with our other forces in the region as the situation develops.

U.S. military destroys imminent threat to U.S. and coalition forces

DECATUR COUNTY –&nbsp;The Oberlin Police Department reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that 97-year-old Loyal Shirley was located and is now safe.

MARSHALL COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation issued a Statewide Silver Alert for a missing Marshall County man. 

The whereabouts of 97-year-old Loyal Shirley are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Mr. Shirley was last seen on Dec. 3, around 7 p.m. He is driving a 2013 Silver Cadillac XTS bearing Kansas tag 8051AFY. An AirTag pinged him approximately two miles east of Mankato, Kansas at 7:40 p.m. 

Shirley is described as a white male who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs around 200 pounds. He has white hair and blue eyes. 

Shirley was last seen wearing a blue and grey sweatshirt and a plaid shirt with black or grey slacks.

If you see Loyal Shirley, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, call the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office at (785) 562-3141.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733310166694.png" alt="Loyal Shirley courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Loyal Shirley courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>DECATUR COUNTY –&nbsp;The Oberlin Police Department reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that 97-year-old Loyal Shirley was located and is now safe.The silver alert is canceled.----------MARSHALL COUNTY —The Kansas Bureau of Investigation issued a Statewide Silver Alert for a missing Marshall County man. The whereabouts of 97-year-old Loyal Shirley are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.Mr. Shirley was last seen on Dec. 3, around 7 p.m. He is driving a 2013 Silver Cadillac XTS bearing Kansas tag 8051AFY. An AirTag pinged him approximately two miles east of Mankato, Kansas at 7:40 p.m. Shirley is described as a white male who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs around 200 pounds. He has white hair and blue eyes. Shirley was last seen wearing a blue and grey sweatshirt and a plaid shirt with black or grey slacks.If you see Loyal Shirley, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about his whereabouts, call the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office at (785) 562-3141.

KBI: Statewide Silver Alert canceled, missing Kansas man found

🎧 Supreme Court hears case on gender-affirming care for minors

BONNE TERRE, Mo. (AP) — Rowan Ford knew&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-date-set-christopher-collings-e81def9fe66d34cab516b7945be057b5">Christopher Collings</a>&nbsp;as “Uncle Chris” after he spent several months living with her family. On Tuesday, Collings was executed for sexually assaulting and killing the child, then dumping her body in a sinkhole outside a small Missouri town.

Collings, 49, was put to death with a single dose of pentobarbital on Tuesday evening at the state prison in Bonne Terre, Missouri. The execution was the 23rd in the U.S. this year and the fourth in Missouri. Only Alabama with six and Texas with five have performed more executions in 2024.

Collings spoke with a spiritual adviser who was at his side as the process began. Shortly thereafter, the inmate appeared to breathe heavily and swallow hard. After a few seconds, all movement stopped. He was officially declared dead nine minutes after the injection.

Collings’ fate was sealed Monday when the U.S. Supreme Court turned aside an appeal and Republican Gov. Mike Parson denied clemency.

“Right or wrong I accept this situation for what it is,” Collings said in a written final statement. “To anyone that I have hurt in this life I am sorry. I hope that you are able to get closure and move on.” He added, “I hope to see you in heaven one day.”

Parson, in a statement, said he hopes that “all those who knew and loved Rowan may find peace in knowing that justice has been done.”

Rowan was a fourth-grader described by teachers at Collings’ trial as a hard-working and happy student, a lover of Barbie who had her room painted pink. Collings was a friend of Rowan’s stepfather, David Spears, and lived for several months in 2007 at the home Rowan shared with her mother, Colleen Munson, and Spears. Collings sometimes helped Rowan with her homework.

Collings told authorities that he drank heavily and smoked marijuana with Spears and another man in the hours before the attack on Rowan, according to court records. Collings said he picked up the still-sleeping child from her bed, took her to the camper where he lived, and assaulted her.

Collings planned to take Rowan back home, leading her outside the camper facing away from him so that she couldn’t identify him, he said in his confession. But when moonlight lit up the darkness, Rowan was able to see Collings, he told police. He said he “freaked out,” grabbed a rope from a nearby pickup truck, and strangled her.

Munson returned home from work at 9 a.m. on Nov. 3 and was alarmed when she couldn’t find Rowan, walking the neighborhood looking for her. Court records said Spears insisted Rowan was at a friend’s house. But when Rowan failed to return home by the afternoon, the mother called the police, prompting a massive search.

Collings, Spears and the third man became the focus of police attention because they were the last people seen at Rowan’s home. Collings confessed to the crime and told police that after killing Rowan, he took the body to a sinkhole. He burned the rope used in the attack, along with the clothes he was wearing and his blood-stained mattress, prosecutors said.

Court documents and the clemency petition said Spears also implicated himself in the crimes. A transcript of Spears’ statement to police, cited in the clemency petition, said Spears told police that Collings handed him a cord and Spears killed Rowan.

“I choke her with it. I realize she’s gone. She’s ... she’s really gone,” Spears said, according to the transcript. Meanwhile, court documents said it was Spears who led authorities to the sinkhole where the body was found.

But Spears was allowed to plead to lesser charges. It wasn’t clear why. Prosecutors at the original trial didn’t respond to messages seeking comment.

Spears served more than seven years in prison before being released in 2015. No phone listing for him could be found.

Collings’ attorney, Jeremy Weis, said the inmate was a loving father and a changed man in prison and didn't deserve to die, despite his crimes.

“We share Chris's desire that his death will provide a measure of closure for the victim's family and that the people hurt by him will be able to carry on,” Weis said in a statement. “What occurred today, though, was an act of vengeance, but it will not define Chris, nor will it be how we remember him.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1723583895173.png" alt="Collings photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Collings photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>BONNE TERRE, Mo. (AP) — Rowan Ford knew&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-execution-date-set-christopher-collings-e81def9fe66d34cab516b7945be057b5">Christopher Collings</a>&nbsp;as “Uncle Chris” after he spent several months living with her family. On Tuesday, Collings was executed for sexually assaulting and killing the child, then dumping her body in a sinkhole outside a small Missouri town.Collings, 49, was put to death with a single dose of pentobarbital on Tuesday evening at the state prison in Bonne Terre, Missouri. The execution was the 23rd in the U.S. this year and the fourth in Missouri. Only Alabama with six and Texas with five have performed more executions in 2024.Collings spoke with a spiritual adviser who was at his side as the process began. Shortly thereafter, the inmate appeared to breathe heavily and swallow hard. After a few seconds, all movement stopped. He was officially declared dead nine minutes after the injection.Collings’ fate was sealed Monday when the U.S. Supreme Court turned aside an appeal and Republican Gov. Mike Parson denied clemency.“Right or wrong I accept this situation for what it is,” Collings said in a written final statement. “To anyone that I have hurt in this life I am sorry. I hope that you are able to get closure and move on.” He added, “I hope to see you in heaven one day.”Parson, in a statement, said he hopes that “all those who knew and loved Rowan may find peace in knowing that justice has been done.”Rowan was a fourth-grader described by teachers at Collings’ trial as a hard-working and happy student, a lover of Barbie who had her room painted pink. Collings was a friend of Rowan’s stepfather, David Spears, and lived for several months in 2007 at the home Rowan shared with her mother, Colleen Munson, and Spears. Collings sometimes helped Rowan with her homework.Collings told authorities that he drank heavily and smoked marijuana with Spears and another man in the hours before the attack on Rowan, according to court records. Collings said he picked up the still-sleeping child from her bed, took her to the camper where he lived, and assaulted her.Collings planned to take Rowan back home, leading her outside the camper facing away from him so that she couldn’t identify him, he said in his confession. But when moonlight lit up the darkness, Rowan was able to see Collings, he told police. He said he “freaked out,” grabbed a rope from a nearby pickup truck, and strangled her.Munson returned home from work at 9 a.m. on Nov. 3 and was alarmed when she couldn’t find Rowan, walking the neighborhood looking for her. Court records said Spears insisted Rowan was at a friend’s house. But when Rowan failed to return home by the afternoon, the mother called the police, prompting a massive search.Collings, Spears and the third man became the focus of police attention because they were the last people seen at Rowan’s home. Collings confessed to the crime and told police that after killing Rowan, he took the body to a sinkhole. He burned the rope used in the attack, along with the clothes he was wearing and his blood-stained mattress, prosecutors said.Court documents and the clemency petition said Spears also implicated himself in the crimes. A transcript of Spears’ statement to police, cited in the clemency petition, said Spears told police that Collings handed him a cord and Spears killed Rowan.“I choke her with it. I realize she’s gone. She’s ... she’s really gone,” Spears said, according to the transcript. Meanwhile, court documents said it was Spears who led authorities to the sinkhole where the body was found.But Spears was allowed to plead to lesser charges. It wasn’t clear why. Prosecutors at the original trial didn’t respond to messages seeking comment.Spears served more than seven years in prison before being released in 2015. No phone listing for him could be found.Collings’ attorney, Jeremy Weis, said the inmate was a loving father and a changed man in prison and didn't deserve to die, despite his crimes.“We share Chris's desire that his death will provide a measure of closure for the victim's family and that the people hurt by him will be able to carry on,” Weis said in a statement. “What occurred today, though, was an act of vengeance, but it will not define Chris, nor will it be how we remember him.”

Man who killed 9-year-old apologized before execution

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

A 42-year-old Hays man was sentenced last month to more than two and a half years in prison for killing a man outside a Hays bar in June 2023.

Keith Allen Ostrom was initially charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of 63-year-old Larry Braun outside the Horseshoe Bar in Hays on June 25, 2023.

Ostrom was sentenced Wednesday, Nov. 20, to 32 months in prison by Ellis County District Court Judge Glenn Braun.

According to the Hays Police Department, in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 26, 2023, 63-year-old Larry D. Braun was shot in the neck following an incident at the Horseshoe Bar.

Braun died as a result of his wounds, and police arrested Ostrom.

Court documents showed that Ostrom had claimed that the shooting was in self-defense. He, at one point during the investigation, told police that he believed Braun had a knife.

Court documents indicated Ostrom claimed the shooting was self-defense. At one point during the investigation, he told police he believed Braun had a knife.

However, according to the initial police report, Ostrom did not tell police on the scene about the knife.

Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson said a witness to the event that night, who was sober, told police that Braun did not have a knife, but during grand jury testimony, the witness said Braun did have a knife.

Anderson said the questions about self-defense were the main reason he presented the case to a grand jury.

On Aug. 9, 2023, the 15-member grand jury returned an indictment charging Ostrom with voluntary manslaughter, criminal discharge of a firearm, possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol and endangerment.

In October, Ostrom pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.

At sentencing, Ostrom’s attorney requested the judge sentence him to probation instead of prison.

They cited his lack of criminal history, his age, and his current medical condition—he has a kidney condition that requires several dialysis treatments a week—as all reasons why the judge should sentence Ostrom to probation instead of prison.

Braun denied the motion, saying that if you take a life in Ellis County, there have to be consequences.

He sentenced Ostrom to 32 months in prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733240682925.png" alt="Ostrom is being held in the Lansing Correctional Facility" />
 <figcaption>Ostrom is being held in the Lansing Correctional Facility</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostA 42-year-old Hays man was sentenced last month to more than two and a half years in prison for killing a man outside a Hays bar in June 2023.Keith Allen Ostrom was initially charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of 63-year-old Larry Braun outside the Horseshoe Bar in Hays on June 25, 2023.Ostrom was sentenced Wednesday, Nov. 20, to 32 months in prison by Ellis County District Court Judge Glenn Braun.According to the Hays Police Department, in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 26, 2023, 63-year-old Larry D. Braun was shot in the neck following an incident at the Horseshoe Bar.Braun died as a result of his wounds, and police arrested Ostrom.Court documents showed that Ostrom had claimed that the shooting was in self-defense. He, at one point during the investigation, told police that he believed Braun had a knife.Court documents indicated Ostrom claimed the shooting was self-defense. At one point during the investigation, he told police he believed Braun had a knife.However, according to the initial police report, Ostrom did not tell police on the scene about the knife.Ellis County Attorney Robert Anderson said a witness to the event that night, who was sober, told police that Braun did not have a knife, but during grand jury testimony, the witness said Braun did have a knife.Anderson said the questions about self-defense were the main reason he presented the case to a grand jury.On Aug. 9, 2023, the 15-member grand jury returned an indictment charging Ostrom with voluntary manslaughter, criminal discharge of a firearm, possession of a firearm while under the influence of alcohol and endangerment.In October, Ostrom pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.At sentencing, Ostrom’s attorney requested the judge sentence him to probation instead of prison.They cited his lack of criminal history, his age, and his current medical condition—he has a kidney condition that requires several dialysis treatments a week—as all reasons why the judge should sentence Ostrom to probation instead of prison.Braun denied the motion, saying that if you take a life in Ellis County, there have to be consequences.He sentenced Ostrom to 32 months in prison.

Prison for killing outside NW Kansas bar

SUMNER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Sumner County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Edward&nbsp;Fitzpatrick, 73, Neosho Falls, was northbound on U.S. 81 one half mile east of north Seneca Road.

The pickup traveled left of center and into the north ditch. The driver overcorrected and the pickup struck a barrier, continued in the ditch and came to rest on its roof in the Ninnescha River. 

EMS transported Fitzpatrick to Wesley Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733275271710.png" alt="Image courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Sumner County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chevy Silverado driven by&nbsp; Edward&nbsp;Fitzpatrick, 73, Neosho Falls, was northbound on U.S. 81 one half mile east of north Seneca Road.The pickup traveled left of center and into the north ditch. The driver overcorrected and the pickup struck a barrier, continued in the ditch and came to rest on its roof in the Ninnescha River. EMS transported Fitzpatrick to Wesley Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after pickup lands on its roof in a river

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s the final holiday stretch for President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden">Jill</a>, who has decked out the White House with some whimsical decorations to evoke the “peace and light” of the season.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/holidays-2024/">Click here to see</a> more on the White House decorations

<a href="file:///Users/stanwunruh/Downloads/Holiday-Tourbook-2024.pdf">Click here to see</a> the White House holiday gift guide

The festive display includes a towering Christmas tree surrounded by an amusement park-style carousel, brass-colored bells and sleigh bells lining a hallway, and a ceiling design that mimics snowfall.

The first lady invited National Guard families to be among the first members of the public to see the decorations, which are based on the theme of “A Season of Peace and Light.” She also spoke at a separate event held to thank the volunteers who helped with the monumental job of decorating the interior and exterior of the White House.

“This would not be possible without your work,” she said. “It’s been incredible to watch all of you transform this space year after year, and you traded time with families for hours of gluing.”

More than 300 volunteers spent the past week decorating the White House’s public spaces and its 83 Christmas trees with nearly 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) of ribbon, more than 28,000 ornaments, over 2,200 paper doves and some 165,000 lights used on wreaths, garlands and other displays.

The official White House tree, a towering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-christmas-tree-north-carolina-helene-e4868d6b13c65cd4944c5fe26fafb058">Fraser fir from North Carolina</a>&nbsp;that was anchored to the ceiling of the Blue Room after a chandelier was removed, sits at the center of a colorful carousel with reindeer, swans and other animals bobbing up and down on poles. The tree is awash in twinkling multicolored lights and three-dimensional holiday sweets like peppermints and ribbon candies. It also sports the names of every U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia.

Guests enter the White House beneath a rotating starlight and quickly come upon the Gold Star tree, honoring the families of fallen service members. The tree is made of six gold-toned stars, one for each of the six branches of the military, stacked one on top of the other.

The bells lining the East Colonnade hallway are meant to symbolize the sounds of the holidays. The ceiling and windows upstairs in the East Room are covered with reflective decorations designed to create the feeling of snow falling. Silhouettes of people holding hands decorate the bases of two large Christmas trees that flank the center door of the room.

Light shines through colored glass ornaments and prisms in the Green Room while paper doves in the Red Room carry messages of peace. Doves are also suspended overhead along the Cross Hall, which runs between the East Room and the State Dining Room.

In the State Dining Room, a starburst made out of sugar shines above the massive gingerbread White House, which includes snow-covered South Grounds dotted with dozens of twinkling mini Christmas trees and a scene of people ice skating in a rink on the South Lawn.

The sugary confection — which is for display purposes only and never eaten — was built using 25 sheets of gingerbread dough, 10 sheets of sugar cookie dough, 65 pounds (29.48 kilograms) of pastillage, a sugar paste, 45 pounds (20.41 kilograms) of chocolate, 50 pounds (22.68 kilograms) of royal icing, and 10 pounds (4.54 kilograms) of gum paste.

Military families from the USS Delaware and the USS Gabrielle Giffords, two Navy vessels that Jill Biden sponsors, to make paper garlands decorating the State Dining Room, including two large trees there.

As part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jill-biden-michelle-obama-michael-pence-volunteer-forces-c13b158b555669e8e46191f641e1538d">Joining Forces</a>, Jill Biden’s White House initiative to support military families, the first lady allowed National Guard families to be the first to experience the decor. She invited their children — girls in sparkly dresses and shoes and boys sporting bow ties — to join her on the stage as she thanked their parents for serving their country.

<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">The Bidens’ late son, Beau</a>, was a major in the Delaware Army National Guard. He died of brain cancer in 2015 at age 46.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733259936609.png" alt="Photo White House" />
 <figcaption>Photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s the final holiday stretch for President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and his wife,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jill-biden">Jill</a>, who has decked out the White House with some whimsical decorations to evoke the “peace and light” of the season.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/holidays-2024/">Click here to see</a> more on the White House decorations<a href="file:///Users/stanwunruh/Downloads/Holiday-Tourbook-2024.pdf">Click here to see</a> the White House holiday gift guideThe festive display includes a towering Christmas tree surrounded by an amusement park-style carousel, brass-colored bells and sleigh bells lining a hallway, and a ceiling design that mimics snowfall.The first lady invited National Guard families to be among the first members of the public to see the decorations, which are based on the theme of “A Season of Peace and Light.” She also spoke at a separate event held to thank the volunteers who helped with the monumental job of decorating the interior and exterior of the White House.“This would not be possible without your work,” she said. “It’s been incredible to watch all of you transform this space year after year, and you traded time with families for hours of gluing.”More than 300 volunteers spent the past week decorating the White House’s public spaces and its 83 Christmas trees with nearly 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) of ribbon, more than 28,000 ornaments, over 2,200 paper doves and some 165,000 lights used on wreaths, garlands and other displays.The official White House tree, a towering&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-christmas-tree-north-carolina-helene-e4868d6b13c65cd4944c5fe26fafb058">Fraser fir from North Carolina</a>&nbsp;that was anchored to the ceiling of the Blue Room after a chandelier was removed, sits at the center of a colorful carousel with reindeer, swans and other animals bobbing up and down on poles. The tree is awash in twinkling multicolored lights and three-dimensional holiday sweets like peppermints and ribbon candies. It also sports the names of every U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia.Guests enter the White House beneath a rotating starlight and quickly come upon the Gold Star tree, honoring the families of fallen service members. The tree is made of six gold-toned stars, one for each of the six branches of the military, stacked one on top of the other.The bells lining the East Colonnade hallway are meant to symbolize the sounds of the holidays. The ceiling and windows upstairs in the East Room are covered with reflective decorations designed to create the feeling of snow falling. Silhouettes of people holding hands decorate the bases of two large Christmas trees that flank the center door of the room.Light shines through colored glass ornaments and prisms in the Green Room while paper doves in the Red Room carry messages of peace. Doves are also suspended overhead along the Cross Hall, which runs between the East Room and the State Dining Room.In the State Dining Room, a starburst made out of sugar shines above the massive gingerbread White House, which includes snow-covered South Grounds dotted with dozens of twinkling mini Christmas trees and a scene of people ice skating in a rink on the South Lawn.The sugary confection — which is for display purposes only and never eaten — was built using 25 sheets of gingerbread dough, 10 sheets of sugar cookie dough, 65 pounds (29.48 kilograms) of pastillage, a sugar paste, 45 pounds (20.41 kilograms) of chocolate, 50 pounds (22.68 kilograms) of royal icing, and 10 pounds (4.54 kilograms) of gum paste.Military families from the USS Delaware and the USS Gabrielle Giffords, two Navy vessels that Jill Biden sponsors, to make paper garlands decorating the State Dining Room, including two large trees there.As part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jill-biden-michelle-obama-michael-pence-volunteer-forces-c13b158b555669e8e46191f641e1538d">Joining Forces</a>, Jill Biden’s White House initiative to support military families, the first lady allowed National Guard families to be the first to experience the decor. She invited their children — girls in sparkly dresses and shoes and boys sporting bow ties — to join her on the stage as she thanked their parents for serving their country.<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">The Bidens’ late son, Beau</a>, was a major in the Delaware Army National Guard. He died of brain cancer in 2015 at age 46.

White House holiday theme: Season of Peace and Light

The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic concluded its two-year investigation into the COVID-19 pandemic and released a final report titled “After Action Review of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Lessons Learned and a Path Forward.” 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733226536127.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic concluded its two-year investigation into the COVID-19 pandemic and released a final report titled “After Action Review of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Lessons Learned and a Path Forward.” <a href="https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/12.04.2024-SSCP-FINAL-REPORT.pdf">Click here to read</a> the reportThe final report will serve as a road map for Congress, the Executive Branch, and the private sector to prepare for and respond to future pandemics. Since February 2023, the Select Subcommittee has sent more than 100 investigative letters, conducted more than 30 transcribed interviews and depositions, held 25 hearings and meetings, and reviewed more than one million pages of documents. Members and staff have exposed high-level corruption in America’s public health system, confirmed the most likely origin of the pandemic, held COVID-19 bad actors publicly accountable, fostered bipartisan consensus on consequential pandemic-era issues, and more. This 520-page final report details all findings of the Select Subcommittee’s investigation.“This work will help the United States, and the world, predict the next pandemic, prepare for the next pandemic, protect ourselves from the next pandemic, and hopefully prevent the next pandemic. Members of the 119th Congress should continue and build off this work, there is more information to find and honest actions to be taken,”&nbsp;wrote Chairman Wenstrup in a letter to Congress. “The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a distrust in leadership. Trust is earned. Accountability, transparency, honesty, and integrity will regain this trust. A future pandemic requires a whole of America response managed by those without personal benefit or bias. We can always do better, and for the sake of future generations of Americans, we must. It can be done.”On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 10:30am, the Select Subcommittee will hold a markup of the final report and officially submit the report to the Congressional record.&nbsp;