WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's top military and diplomatic leaders urged an increasingly divided Congress on Tuesday to send major immediate aid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine</a>, arguing at a Senate hearing that broad support for the assistance would signal U.S. strength to adversaries worldwide.

The testimony from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken came as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">administration’s massive $105 billion emergency aid request</a>&nbsp;for conflicts in the two countries encountered roadblocks.

While there is bipartisan support in the Democratic-led Senate for aid to both Ukraine and Israel, the request faces deep problems in the Republican-led House.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-republicans-emmer-mccarthy-54352a64be041cd445bda8df28b24f03">New Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;has proposed focusing on Israel alone, and slashing money for the Internal Revenue Service to pay for it.

(click below to watch Senator Moran's opening statement )

As the congressional divisions deepen, Blinken and Austin warned that the consequences of failing to help Ukraine in its war with Russia and Israel as it strikes back against Hamas would be dire. Inaction, they said, would threaten the security of the U.S. and the rest of the world.

“We now stand at a moment where many are again making the bet that the United States is too divided or distracted at home to stay the course,” Blinken said. “That is what is at stake.”

Austin said that if the United States fails to lead, ”the cost and the threats to the United States will only grow. We must not give our friends, our rivals, or our foes any reason to doubt America’s resolve."

Biden has requested $14.3 billion for Israel, $61.4 billion to support Ukraine, $9.1 billion for humanitarian efforts in Gaza and elsewhere and $7.4 billion for the Indo-Pacific, where the U.S. is focused on countering China's influence. Some of the Ukraine funding would go toward replenishing domestic stockpiles of weapons that have already been provided.

The White House has also requested roughly $14 billion to protect the U.S. border. That money would be used to boost the number of border agents, install new inspection machines to detect fentanyl and to increase staffing for processing asylum cases.

But the House is trying to set aside much of Biden's request for now to focus on a roughly $14.5 billion package for Israel. That plan faced immediate resistance among Senate Democrats — and put pressure on the Senate Republicans who support the Ukraine aid but are conscious of growing concerns about it within their party.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the House proposal "is clearly designed to divide Congress on a partisan basis, not unite us.” He said he hopes Johnson realizes he made a “grave mistake” and reverses course.

The two Cabinet secretaries argued that the aid should be tied together because the conflicts are interconnected. Blinken said that assisting Ukraine and Israel will strengthen the U.S. position against Iran, which is the biggest financial backer of Hamas.

“Since we cut off Russia’s traditional means of supplying its military, it has turned more and more to Iran for assistance,” Blinken said. “In return, Moscow has supplied Iran with increasingly advanced military technology, which poses a threat to Israel’s security. Allowing Russia to prevail with Iran’s support will embolden both Moscow and Tehran.”

Austin said the money would help Israel and Ukraine defend themselves against aggression — and also replenish U.S. stockpiles.

“In both Israel and Ukraine, democracies are fighting ruthless foes bent on their annihilation,” Austin said. “We will not let Hamas or Putin win. Today’s battles against aggression and terrorism will define global security for years to come.”

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Wash., said at the start of the hearing that she and the panel’s top Republican, Maine Sen. Susan Collins, were drafting “strong bipartisan legislation” that would include aid for both countries.

“Make no mistake, we need to address all of these priorities as part of one package — because the reality is these issues are all connected, and they are all urgent,” Murray said.

Blinken and Austin were repeatedly interrupted by dozens of protesters in the room who called for Israel to end its bombardment of the Gaza Strip, and the hearing had to be suspended as police cleared the room. “Cease-fire now!” they yelled. “Save the children of Gaza!”

After the protesters were escorted out, Blinken said he heard “the passions expressed in this room and outside this room.” He said that the U.S. is committed to protecting civilian life, “but all of us know the imperative of standing up with our allies and partners when their security, when their democracies, are threatened.”

Despite growing questions about the Ukraine aid within the Republican conference, Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell has forcefully advocated tying the aid for Ukraine and Israel together. He hosted Oksana Markarova, the Ukrainian ambassador to the United States, at an event in Kentucky on Monday and told the audience, “this is a moment for swift and decisive action.”

Senate Republicans who support the Ukraine aid are uncertain of the path forward. Further complicating the package, several of them have been negotiating border security measures that would go beyond Biden’s request, an attempt to help control the influx of migrants.

Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Senate Republican, said there are a significant number of Republicans “who believe that these are all vital national security interests and priorities of the United States.” At the same time, trying to pass all of them together is complicated, he said.

Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa said she wants to see Ukraine aid passed, and “I don’t care how it happens.” She said she is open to the IRS cuts that Republicans proposed for the Israel funding in the House.

Senate Republicans who have opposed additional Ukraine aid threw support behind the House approach. “We have a Republican majority in the House, we need to follow the speaker," said Florida Sen. Rick Scott.

The House could pass its Israel aid package by the end of the week. In an interview on Fox News on Monday, Johnson said the legislation would be offset by the IRS funding because “we're not just going to print money and send it overseas."

The top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, Massachusetts Rep. Richard Neal, and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., denounced the proposed IRS cuts as irresponsible.

“Hamas depends on sham charities and other illicit finance schemes to fund its operations, but this proposal would cut resources to IRS criminal investigators who are actively helping American allies stop terrorist financing and sanctions evaders,” Wyden said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698774267685.png" alt="Blinken and Austin were repeatedly interrupted by dozens of protesters in the room who called for Israel to end its bombardment of the Gaza Strip, and the hearing had to be suspended as police cleared the room. “Cease-fire now!” they yelled. “Save the children of Gaza!”-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Blinken and Austin were repeatedly interrupted by dozens of protesters in the room who called for Israel to end its bombardment of the Gaza Strip, and the hearing had to be suspended as police cleared the room. “Cease-fire now!” they yelled. “Save the children of Gaza!”-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's top military and diplomatic leaders urged an increasingly divided Congress on Tuesday to send major immediate aid to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine</a>, arguing at a Senate hearing that broad support for the assistance would signal U.S. strength to adversaries worldwide.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Secretary of State <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecBlinken</a> was interrupted by multiple pro-Palestinian protestors calling for a cease-fire in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza during his opening statement on supplemental funding for national security. <a href="https://t.co/yk6uXkTFxo">pic.twitter.com/yk6uXkTFxo</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1719386809346531465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The testimony from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken came as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">administration’s massive $105 billion emergency aid request</a>&nbsp;for conflicts in the two countries encountered roadblocks.While there is bipartisan support in the Democratic-led Senate for aid to both Ukraine and Israel, the request faces deep problems in the Republican-led House.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-republicans-emmer-mccarthy-54352a64be041cd445bda8df28b24f03">New Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;has proposed focusing on Israel alone, and slashing money for the Internal Revenue Service to pay for it.(click below to watch Senator Moran's opening statement )<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/24Y8wUVM_2k?si=ZyBzgspZbR_7K1pM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>As the congressional divisions deepen, Blinken and Austin warned that the consequences of failing to help Ukraine in its war with Russia and Israel as it strikes back against Hamas would be dire. Inaction, they said, would threaten the security of the U.S. and the rest of the world.“We now stand at a moment where many are again making the bet that the United States is too divided or distracted at home to stay the course,” Blinken said. “That is what is at stake.”Austin said that if the United States fails to lead, ”the cost and the threats to the United States will only grow. We must not give our friends, our rivals, or our foes any reason to doubt America’s resolve."Biden has requested $14.3 billion for Israel, $61.4 billion to support Ukraine, $9.1 billion for humanitarian efforts in Gaza and elsewhere and $7.4 billion for the Indo-Pacific, where the U.S. is focused on countering China's influence. Some of the Ukraine funding would go toward replenishing domestic stockpiles of weapons that have already been provided.The White House has also requested roughly $14 billion to protect the U.S. border. That money would be used to boost the number of border agents, install new inspection machines to detect fentanyl and to increase staffing for processing asylum cases.But the House is trying to set aside much of Biden's request for now to focus on a roughly $14.5 billion package for Israel. That plan faced immediate resistance among Senate Democrats — and put pressure on the Senate Republicans who support the Ukraine aid but are conscious of growing concerns about it within their party.Speaking on the Senate floor, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the House proposal "is clearly designed to divide Congress on a partisan basis, not unite us.” He said he hopes Johnson realizes he made a “grave mistake” and reverses course.The two Cabinet secretaries argued that the aid should be tied together because the conflicts are interconnected. Blinken said that assisting Ukraine and Israel will strengthen the U.S. position against Iran, which is the biggest financial backer of Hamas.“Since we cut off Russia’s traditional means of supplying its military, it has turned more and more to Iran for assistance,” Blinken said. “In return, Moscow has supplied Iran with increasingly advanced military technology, which poses a threat to Israel’s security. Allowing Russia to prevail with Iran’s support will embolden both Moscow and Tehran.”Austin said the money would help Israel and Ukraine defend themselves against aggression — and also replenish U.S. stockpiles.“In both Israel and Ukraine, democracies are fighting ruthless foes bent on their annihilation,” Austin said. “We will not let Hamas or Putin win. Today’s battles against aggression and terrorism will define global security for years to come.”Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Wash., said at the start of the hearing that she and the panel’s top Republican, Maine Sen. Susan Collins, were drafting “strong bipartisan legislation” that would include aid for both countries.“Make no mistake, we need to address all of these priorities as part of one package — because the reality is these issues are all connected, and they are all urgent,” Murray said.Blinken and Austin were repeatedly interrupted by dozens of protesters in the room who called for Israel to end its bombardment of the Gaza Strip, and the hearing had to be suspended as police cleared the room. “Cease-fire now!” they yelled. “Save the children of Gaza!”After the protesters were escorted out, Blinken said he heard “the passions expressed in this room and outside this room.” He said that the U.S. is committed to protecting civilian life, “but all of us know the imperative of standing up with our allies and partners when their security, when their democracies, are threatened.”Despite growing questions about the Ukraine aid within the Republican conference, Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell has forcefully advocated tying the aid for Ukraine and Israel together. He hosted Oksana Markarova, the Ukrainian ambassador to the United States, at an event in Kentucky on Monday and told the audience, “this is a moment for swift and decisive action.”Senate Republicans who support the Ukraine aid are uncertain of the path forward. Further complicating the package, several of them have been negotiating border security measures that would go beyond Biden’s request, an attempt to help control the influx of migrants.Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Senate Republican, said there are a significant number of Republicans “who believe that these are all vital national security interests and priorities of the United States.” At the same time, trying to pass all of them together is complicated, he said.Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa said she wants to see Ukraine aid passed, and “I don’t care how it happens.” She said she is open to the IRS cuts that Republicans proposed for the Israel funding in the House.Senate Republicans who have opposed additional Ukraine aid threw support behind the House approach. “We have a Republican majority in the House, we need to follow the speaker," said Florida Sen. Rick Scott.The House could pass its Israel aid package by the end of the week. In an interview on Fox News on Monday, Johnson said the legislation would be offset by the IRS funding because “we're not just going to print money and send it overseas."The top Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, Massachusetts Rep. Richard Neal, and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., denounced the proposed IRS cuts as irresponsible.“Hamas depends on sham charities and other illicit finance schemes to fund its operations, but this proposal would cut resources to IRS criminal investigators who are actively helping American allies stop terrorist financing and sanctions evaders,” Wyden said.

🎥Protestors interrupt Senate hearing on funding for Israel 

HASKELL COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 8a.m. Tuesday in Haskell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 GMC Sierra driven by Christian&nbsp;Gonzalez, 21, Dodge City, was&nbsp;westbound on U.S. 56 nine miles east of Sublette.

The driver fell asleep and the pickup drifted into the north ditch. The driver over-corrected and entered a side skid. The pickup ramped a field entrance and rolled and the driver was ejected.

Gonzalez was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Weeks Funeral Home. EMS transported a passenger Raul U.&nbsp;Ochoa-Corral, 20, Dodge City, to the Satanta Hospital.&nbsp; They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

HASKELL COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 8a.m. Tuesday in Haskell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 GMC Sierra driven by Christian&nbsp;Gonzalez, 21, Dodge City, was&nbsp;westbound on U.S. 56 nine miles east of Sublette.The driver fell asleep and the pickup drifted into the north ditch. The driver over-corrected and entered a side skid. The pickup ramped a field entrance and rolled and the driver was ejected.Gonzalez was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Weeks Funeral Home. EMS transported a passenger Raul U.&nbsp;Ochoa-Corral, 20, Dodge City, to the Satanta Hospital.&nbsp; They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kan. man fell asleep, dies after ejected in pickup crash

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

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039"></a>LEAVENWORTH — Heavy construction machinery did the real work in advance of Monday’s groundbreaking for a $532 million Leavenworth federal prison and satellite prison camp to replace an antiquated structure constructed in 1897 that served as the nation’s first maximum-security prison.

After the speeches and applause, a gaggle of local, state and federal politicians and Federal Bureau of Prisons officials dutifully grabbed ceremonial shovels and gouged the frigid dirt at their feet to celebrate a step forward for public safety.

The imposing stone facade of the U.S. Penitentiary known as “Big Top” remained solid, but the federal prison’s electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems long ago surpassed operational limits. The new prison project — a top priority of local officials in Leavenworth for two decades — belatedly gained traction in Congress about five years ago based on an understanding something had to be done in response to the old prison’s excessive operational costs and lack of space for educational and fellowship programs designed to reduce recidivism.

“It’s an opportunity for us to make certain that the Leavenworth federal penitentiary is here for a generation to come,” said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, the Kansas Republican who chairs the Senate subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Bureau of Prisons. “The 100-plus-year-old facility that we have here doesn’t really create the opportunities for professionals to work side-by-side with the inmates and try to find a way to change their lives.”

The senator said the future prison complex was the second-largest federal investment in Kansas history — trailing only the $1.2 billion National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan.

Federal Correctional Institution Leavenworth and the adjacent Federal Prison Camp would be constructed over a three-year period with anticipated completion in May 2026. The site was undeveloped ground owned by the Bureau of Prisons east of the existing penitentiary. When operational, inmates from the old prison would be transferred to the new facility. The old and new facilities would be rated for about 1,400 inmates and both would be staffed by about 340 correctional officers and staff.

No decision about future use of the old penitentiary complex has been made public, a prison official said.

Jordan Toot, a case manager at the nearby U.S. Penitentiary and member of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 919, stood with more than a dozen other people at the prison entrance where dignitaries arrived for the groundbreaking. His handheld sign made the point: “Protect Those That Protect America.” Others in the picket line suggested “BOP Can’t Staff Existing Facility” and “My Grampy Matters.”

“We’re about 40 correctional officiers short right now — 190 is what they allow us to hire,” Toot said. “Someone has to be there for certain jobs. So, if someone is sick … somebody is going to have to stay an extra eight hours. They’re working a straight 16-hour day.”

Correctional officer Joe Gulley, who has been at the penitentiary for 22 years, said double-shifts were a grind. The Bureau of Prisons should modify the compensation structure to attract more applicants, eliminate subjective reasons for rejecting those that applied and work harder to retain veteran officers, he said. The current personnel system at the Leavenworth prison functioned by relying on voluntary or compelled overtime, he said.

“The reason why our staffing is so low is because it’s beneficial for the BOP,” Gulley said. “It’s more expensive to have the employees and pay the benefits than it is to pay the overtime to the employees you currently have.”

Toot and Gulley said sections of the Leavenworth prison were over capacity in terms of inmate population, which led to frequent lockdowns and a more hostile environment for employees and prisoners.

Toot said the existing penitentary was “falling apart” and the new prison complex would be better for prisoners and staff. It was unlikely, Toot said, to resolve the staffing shortage.

Leavenworth Mayor Jermaine Wilson said prison facilities were part of the DNA of Leavenworth. He said there was never a doubt the city was the best location to build a replacement for the oldest facility within the Bureau of Prisons.

“Anything worth having is worth fighting for,” he said. “It takes time and it took a lot of perserverance and work to make this happen.”

Although $5.4 million in planning funding was provided in 2000, little progress was made over the next decade on securing meaningful appropriations for a new prison. In 2009, funding was allocated to undertake the years-long environmental review and public consultation process. In 2018, Moran became chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, which had jurisdiction of the Bureau of Prisons.

In fiscal years 2019, 2020 and 2021, Congress provided allocations of $175 million, $181 million and $176 million for prison construction in Leavenworth.

“For 150 years, this community has embraced this challenge,” said U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas. “I want to make a special shout out to my correctional officers. I know the challenges. I’ve heard the challenges you have. Working 16-hour shifts … is unacceptable.”

Marshall said he was certain Colette Peters, director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, had heard the same concerns. The senator said “we’re going to do everything we can to correct that.”

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said she was pleased the new federal prison would allow for more complete adoption of best practices for handling prison populations, including provisions for safety of employees and rehabilitation of inmates.

“Long before I got into politics, I worked in a minimum-security prison,” she said. “Prisons, rather than be exclusively punitive, should be places of rehabilitation. We know that 98% of incarcerated in Kansas will be released.”

Peters, who also addressed those at the groundbreaking, said she was proud of federal prison system employees who “come to work everyday, putting their lives on the line, in tough conditions.”

“We’ve been using the word crisis, and we need a new word, because it’s bigger than that,” Peters said. “I’m enthused because healthy and safe facilities are what’s best for our communities. We’re now talking about the principles of normalcy and humanity in order to do exactly what the governor said: Make individuals good neighbors when they come back to our communities.”

She said Leavenworth’s new prison would have space for state-of-the-art programs for treatment, education, work and to connect with family in a more normalized environment.

“That will make our prisons safer and will allow those in our care and custody to come home and back to our communities better served and better integrated,” the director said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698754180009.png" alt="&nbsp;U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, Leavenworth Mayor Jermaine Wilson and Gov. Laura Kelly at the groundbreaking for a $532 million federal prison and prison camp at Leavenworth to replace a facility built in 1897. courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, Leavenworth Mayor Jermaine Wilson and Gov. Laura Kelly at the groundbreaking for a $532 million federal prison and prison camp at Leavenworth to replace a facility built in 1897. courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a><a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039"></a>LEAVENWORTH — Heavy construction machinery did the real work in advance of Monday’s groundbreaking for a $532 million Leavenworth federal prison and satellite prison camp to replace an antiquated structure constructed in 1897 that served as the nation’s first maximum-security prison.After the speeches and applause, a gaggle of local, state and federal politicians and Federal Bureau of Prisons officials dutifully grabbed ceremonial shovels and gouged the frigid dirt at their feet to celebrate a step forward for public safety.The imposing stone facade of the U.S. Penitentiary known as “Big Top” remained solid, but the federal prison’s electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems long ago surpassed operational limits. The new prison project — a top priority of local officials in Leavenworth for two decades — belatedly gained traction in Congress about five years ago based on an understanding something had to be done in response to the old prison’s excessive operational costs and lack of space for educational and fellowship programs designed to reduce recidivism.“It’s an opportunity for us to make certain that the Leavenworth federal penitentiary is here for a generation to come,” said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, the Kansas Republican who chairs the Senate subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Bureau of Prisons. “The 100-plus-year-old facility that we have here doesn’t really create the opportunities for professionals to work side-by-side with the inmates and try to find a way to change their lives.”The senator said the future prison complex was the second-largest federal investment in Kansas history — trailing only the $1.2 billion National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan.Federal Correctional Institution Leavenworth and the adjacent Federal Prison Camp would be constructed over a three-year period with anticipated completion in May 2026. The site was undeveloped ground owned by the Bureau of Prisons east of the existing penitentiary. When operational, inmates from the old prison would be transferred to the new facility. The old and new facilities would be rated for about 1,400 inmates and both would be staffed by about 340 correctional officers and staff.No decision about future use of the old penitentiary complex has been made public, a prison official said.<h2>The labor shortage</h2>Jordan Toot, a case manager at the nearby U.S. Penitentiary and member of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 919, stood with more than a dozen other people at the prison entrance where dignitaries arrived for the groundbreaking. His handheld sign made the point: “Protect Those That Protect America.” Others in the picket line suggested “BOP Can’t Staff Existing Facility” and “My Grampy Matters.”“We’re about 40 correctional officiers short right now — 190 is what they allow us to hire,” Toot said. “Someone has to be there for certain jobs. So, if someone is sick … somebody is going to have to stay an extra eight hours. They’re working a straight 16-hour day.”Correctional officer Joe Gulley, who has been at the penitentiary for 22 years, said double-shifts were a grind. The Bureau of Prisons should modify the compensation structure to attract more applicants, eliminate subjective reasons for rejecting those that applied and work harder to retain veteran officers, he said. The current personnel system at the Leavenworth prison functioned by relying on voluntary or compelled overtime, he said.“The reason why our staffing is so low is because it’s beneficial for the BOP,” Gulley said. “It’s more expensive to have the employees and pay the benefits than it is to pay the overtime to the employees you currently have.”Toot and Gulley said sections of the Leavenworth prison were over capacity in terms of inmate population, which led to frequent lockdowns and a more hostile environment for employees and prisoners.Toot said the existing penitentary was “falling apart” and the new prison complex would be better for prisoners and staff. It was unlikely, Toot said, to resolve the staffing shortage.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698754127017.png" alt="U.S. Bureau of Prisons employees in American Federation of Government Employees Local 919 picket outside the U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth to bring attention to staff shortages. They stood at the entrance where dignitaries arrived for groundbreaking of a new federal prison. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Bureau of Prisons employees in American Federation of Government Employees Local 919 picket outside the U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth to bring attention to staff shortages. They stood at the entrance where dignitaries arrived for groundbreaking of a new federal prison. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The vision</h2>Leavenworth Mayor Jermaine Wilson said prison facilities were part of the DNA of Leavenworth. He said there was never a doubt the city was the best location to build a replacement for the oldest facility within the Bureau of Prisons.“Anything worth having is worth fighting for,” he said. “It takes time and it took a lot of perserverance and work to make this happen.”Although $5.4 million in planning funding was provided in 2000, little progress was made over the next decade on securing meaningful appropriations for a new prison. In 2009, funding was allocated to undertake the years-long environmental review and public consultation process. In 2018, Moran became chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, which had jurisdiction of the Bureau of Prisons.In fiscal years 2019, 2020 and 2021, Congress provided allocations of $175 million, $181 million and $176 million for prison construction in Leavenworth.“For 150 years, this community has embraced this challenge,” said U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas. “I want to make a special shout out to my correctional officers. I know the challenges. I’ve heard the challenges you have. Working 16-hour shifts … is unacceptable.”Marshall said he was certain Colette Peters, director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, had heard the same concerns. The senator said “we’re going to do everything we can to correct that.”Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said she was pleased the new federal prison would allow for more complete adoption of best practices for handling prison populations, including provisions for safety of employees and rehabilitation of inmates.“Long before I got into politics, I worked in a minimum-security prison,” she said. “Prisons, rather than be exclusively punitive, should be places of rehabilitation. We know that 98% of incarcerated in Kansas will be released.”Peters, who also addressed those at the groundbreaking, said she was proud of federal prison system employees who “come to work everyday, putting their lives on the line, in tough conditions.”“We’ve been using the word crisis, and we need a new word, because it’s bigger than that,” Peters said. “I’m enthused because healthy and safe facilities are what’s best for our communities. We’re now talking about the principles of normalcy and humanity in order to do exactly what the governor said: Make individuals good neighbors when they come back to our communities.”She said Leavenworth’s new prison would have space for state-of-the-art programs for treatment, education, work and to connect with family in a more normalized environment.“That will make our prisons safer and will allow those in our care and custody to come home and back to our communities better served and better integrated,” the director said.

Politicians mark start of $532M project to replace Kan. 126-year-old penitentiary

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly Sunday morning shooting outside a Wichita nightclub have captured the suspect identified as 33-year-old Terrence Johnson, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Police reported the arrest just before 1p.m. Tuesday. Police have not reported details on the arrest.&nbsp;

At 12:30 a.m. Sunday, police were monitoring at Onyx, 10001 E. Kellogg in Wichita, when they heard multiple gunshots, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders located 23-year-old Jaylon Pete of Wichita in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Two other individuals, a 26-year-old man and a 24-year-old man both of Wichita, were struck by gunfire during the shooting.&nbsp;They were transported to local area hospitals for treatment of serious non-life threatening injuries.

Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation suggest that the suspect now identified as Johnson was involved in a disturbance inside the club, according to Wichita Police Lt. Aaron Moses during a Monday news conference. Johnson went outside to get a handgun and attempted to re-enter the club. but was unable to do so due to safety measured implemented by the club management.

Through extensive investigation and tips from the public, police have probable cause to believe Johnson was the shooter Sunday morning, according to Lt. Moses.&nbsp;

Less than thirty minutes after the deadly shooting, police responded to a domestic violence call in the 1700 Block of North Pinecrest in Wichita. During the investigation of the call, officers arrested Johnson for alleged misdemeanor criminal damage to property.  Police had no information at that time Johnson was a suspect in the deadly nightclub shooting.

At 2:16a.m., officers booked Johnson into the Sedgwick County Jail for the criminal damage case and he bonded out just after 3:30a.m., according to online jail records. Police didn't identify him as a suspect in the nightclub killing until afternoon Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The facts of this case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for formal charging consideration. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698775452875.png" alt="Johnson-photo Wichita Police." />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Wichita Police.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly Sunday morning shooting outside a Wichita nightclub have captured the suspect identified as 33-year-old Terrence Johnson, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.Police reported the arrest just before 1p.m. Tuesday. Police have not reported details on the arrest.&nbsp;At 12:30 a.m. Sunday, police were monitoring at Onyx, 10001 E. Kellogg in Wichita, when they heard multiple gunshots, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders located 23-year-old Jaylon Pete of Wichita in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Two other individuals, a 26-year-old man and a 24-year-old man both of Wichita, were struck by gunfire during the shooting.&nbsp;They were transported to local area hospitals for treatment of serious non-life threatening injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698581256538.png" alt="Security camera image Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation suggest that the suspect now identified as Johnson was involved in a disturbance inside the club, according to Wichita Police Lt. Aaron Moses during a Monday news conference. Johnson went outside to get a handgun and attempted to re-enter the club. but was unable to do so due to safety measured implemented by the club management.Through extensive investigation and tips from the public, police have probable cause to believe Johnson was the shooter Sunday morning, according to Lt. Moses.&nbsp;Less than thirty minutes after the deadly shooting, police responded to a domestic violence call in the 1700 Block of North Pinecrest in Wichita. During the investigation of the call, officers arrested Johnson for alleged misdemeanor criminal damage to property. Police had no information at that time Johnson was a suspect in the deadly nightclub shooting.At 2:16a.m., officers booked Johnson into the Sedgwick County Jail for the criminal damage case and he bonded out just after 3:30a.m., according to online jail records. Police didn't identify him as a suspect in the nightclub killing until afternoon Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;The facts of this case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for formal charging consideration.

Police capture suspect in Kansas nightclub killing

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is moving toward a narrower student loan relief plan that would target specific groups of borrowers — those with soaring interest, for example — rather than a sweeping plan like the one the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-supreme-court-653c2e9c085863bdbf81f125f87669fa">Supreme Court rejected</a>&nbsp;in June.

The Education Department on Monday released a draft of new federal rules paving the way for a second attempt at student loan relief. The proposal targets groups that are seen as especially vulnerable, focusing on those who owe so much, or make so little income, that they otherwise may never repay their loans.

Though full details are likely months away, the department says it wants to cancel some or all student debt for: borrowers whose balances exceed what they originally owed; those who have loans that entered repayment 25 or more years ago; those who used loans to attend career-training programs that led to “unreasonable” debt loads or insufficient earnings; those who are eligible for other loan forgiveness programs but did not apply.

A fifth group is also being discussed — “those who are experiencing financial hardship that the current student loan system does not currently adequately address.”

“President Biden and I are committed to helping borrowers who’ve been failed by our country’s broken and unaffordable student loan system,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement. "We are fighting to ensure that student debt does not stand in the way of opportunity or prevent borrowers from realizing the benefits of their higher education.”

President Joe Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-plan-d9c8e18774a744187c9af634bf4eb728">initial plan</a>&nbsp;was broader. It would have canceled up to $20,000 in federal student loans for those with annual incomes below $125,000 or couples below $250,000. But after that was rejected by the court’s conservative majority, he called on the Education Department to try again using a different legal basis.

The new proposal aims to tackle issues that are seen as some of the biggest culprits behind skyrocketing debt.

It would help counter interest that snowballs beyond borrowers' original balances. It would offer relief to borrowers who attended for-profit college programs with poor outcomes. It would also help older borrowers who took out loans decades ago and struggle to make payments.

The department says it will continue to refine the proposal as it goes through a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-debt-cancellation-college-7c8d3736578eb799e2f976d2f8feee79">federal rulemaking process</a>. The public will be able to provide written feedback next year.

The draft proposal would give the department authority to wipe away federal student loans entirely for borrowers in some categories.

For those who started repaying loans more than 25 years ago, the proposal says that “the secretary may waive the outstanding balance of a loan” — amounting to total cancellation. It's the same for borrowers who are eligible for other cancellation programs but haven't applied.

Loans used to attend low-value college programs would also be wiped away. Borrowers would fall into that category if they attended a program that fails new standards outlined in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-for-profit-student-debt-tuition-b4db9895af1ce6ac6737aa2dad015551">separate federal rule</a>&nbsp;known as gainful employment.

For those with snowballing interest, the proposal would reset their loans back to the original balance, effectively canceling unpaid interest.

Even a more limited plan for relief is sure to draw fierce opposition from Republicans, who see cancellation as an unfair burden on taxpayers.

The latest attempt rests on the Higher Education Act of 1965, a wide-reaching law that gives the education secretary power to “compromise, waive or release” certain debts. But the law is unclear on how the secretary can wield that authority, creating a legal gray area that has been the subject of debate since Biden took office.

The proposal aims to settle the dispute by creating new federal rules detailing cases that merit cancellation. Before the rules can be enacted, they must be weighed by a committee of government outsiders in a process known as negotiated rulemaking. The new draft will be taken up when the committee meets next week.

The committee is made up of negotiators who represent a range of viewpoints on student loans. It includes students and officials from a range of colleges, along with loan servicers, state officials and advocates including the NAACP.

Meetings began earlier this month and are scheduled to continue into December.

At the end of the process, negotiators will vote on a proposed rule. If they reach consensus, the department will move forward with it. If they don’t, the agency will propose its own plan, which can be finalized after a public comment period.

Biden called for a plan to help “as many borrowers as possible,” but his administration seems to be moving away from the type of mass cancellation that he promised in August 2022.

That plan was estimated to cost $400 billion. It’s unclear how much the second proposal will cost.

In a separate action on Monday, the Education Department moved to correct errors by a student loan servicer that failed to send billing statements on time.

The department is withholding $7.2 million in payment to the loan servicer MOHELA after finding that it failed to send timely billing statements to 2.5 million borrowers recently. In some cases, borrowers received their bills within seven days of their due date. As a result, the department said, 800,000 borrowers were delinquent on their payments.

The department ordered MOHELA to put all affected borrowers into forbearance — a temporary hold on payments — until the issue is resolved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695745650600.png" alt="The new proposal aims to tackle issues that are seen as some of the biggest culprits behind skyrocketing debt.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The new proposal aims to tackle issues that are seen as some of the biggest culprits behind skyrocketing debt.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is moving toward a narrower student loan relief plan that would target specific groups of borrowers — those with soaring interest, for example — rather than a sweeping plan like the one the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-supreme-court-653c2e9c085863bdbf81f125f87669fa">Supreme Court rejected</a>&nbsp;in June.The Education Department on Monday released a draft of new federal rules paving the way for a second attempt at student loan relief. The proposal targets groups that are seen as especially vulnerable, focusing on those who owe so much, or make so little income, that they otherwise may never repay their loans.Though full details are likely months away, the department says it wants to cancel some or all student debt for: borrowers whose balances exceed what they originally owed; those who have loans that entered repayment 25 or more years ago; those who used loans to attend career-training programs that led to “unreasonable” debt loads or insufficient earnings; those who are eligible for other loan forgiveness programs but did not apply.A fifth group is also being discussed — “those who are experiencing financial hardship that the current student loan system does not currently adequately address.”“President Biden and I are committed to helping borrowers who’ve been failed by our country’s broken and unaffordable student loan system,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement. "We are fighting to ensure that student debt does not stand in the way of opportunity or prevent borrowers from realizing the benefits of their higher education.”President Joe Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-plan-d9c8e18774a744187c9af634bf4eb728">initial plan</a>&nbsp;was broader. It would have canceled up to $20,000 in federal student loans for those with annual incomes below $125,000 or couples below $250,000. But after that was rejected by the court’s conservative majority, he called on the Education Department to try again using a different legal basis.The new proposal aims to tackle issues that are seen as some of the biggest culprits behind skyrocketing debt.It would help counter interest that snowballs beyond borrowers' original balances. It would offer relief to borrowers who attended for-profit college programs with poor outcomes. It would also help older borrowers who took out loans decades ago and struggle to make payments.The department says it will continue to refine the proposal as it goes through a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loans-debt-cancellation-college-7c8d3736578eb799e2f976d2f8feee79">federal rulemaking process</a>. The public will be able to provide written feedback next year.The draft proposal would give the department authority to wipe away federal student loans entirely for borrowers in some categories.For those who started repaying loans more than 25 years ago, the proposal says that “the secretary may waive the outstanding balance of a loan” — amounting to total cancellation. It's the same for borrowers who are eligible for other cancellation programs but haven't applied.Loans used to attend low-value college programs would also be wiped away. Borrowers would fall into that category if they attended a program that fails new standards outlined in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-for-profit-student-debt-tuition-b4db9895af1ce6ac6737aa2dad015551">separate federal rule</a>&nbsp;known as gainful employment.For those with snowballing interest, the proposal would reset their loans back to the original balance, effectively canceling unpaid interest.Even a more limited plan for relief is sure to draw fierce opposition from Republicans, who see cancellation as an unfair burden on taxpayers.The latest attempt rests on the Higher Education Act of 1965, a wide-reaching law that gives the education secretary power to “compromise, waive or release” certain debts. But the law is unclear on how the secretary can wield that authority, creating a legal gray area that has been the subject of debate since Biden took office.The proposal aims to settle the dispute by creating new federal rules detailing cases that merit cancellation. Before the rules can be enacted, they must be weighed by a committee of government outsiders in a process known as negotiated rulemaking. The new draft will be taken up when the committee meets next week.The committee is made up of negotiators who represent a range of viewpoints on student loans. It includes students and officials from a range of colleges, along with loan servicers, state officials and advocates including the NAACP.Meetings began earlier this month and are scheduled to continue into December.At the end of the process, negotiators will vote on a proposed rule. If they reach consensus, the department will move forward with it. If they don’t, the agency will propose its own plan, which can be finalized after a public comment period.Biden called for a plan to help “as many borrowers as possible,” but his administration seems to be moving away from the type of mass cancellation that he promised in August 2022.That plan was estimated to cost $400 billion. It’s unclear how much the second proposal will cost.In a separate action on Monday, the Education Department moved to correct errors by a student loan servicer that failed to send billing statements on time.The department is withholding $7.2 million in payment to the loan servicer MOHELA after finding that it failed to send timely billing statements to 2.5 million borrowers recently. In some cases, borrowers received their bills within seven days of their due date. As a result, the department said, 800,000 borrowers were delinquent on their payments.The department ordered MOHELA to put all affected borrowers into forbearance — a temporary hold on payments — until the issue is resolved.

Biden considers narrower student loan relief targeting groups of borrowers

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing that critically injured a man.

Just after 4a.m. Monday, police officers were dispatched to the area of 1800 S. Broadway in Wichita to a stabbing call, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders discovered a 31-year-old victim who had sustained two stab wounds. EMS transported him to a local area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a disturbance took place in the parking lot which involved the victim and the suspect. This altercation resulted in the victim being stabbed twice. The Wichita Police Department is working diligently to uncover further details and the circumstances surrounding this incident.

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing that critically injured a man.Just after 4a.m. Monday, police officers were dispatched to the area of 1800 S. Broadway in Wichita to a stabbing call, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders discovered a 31-year-old victim who had sustained two stab wounds. EMS transported him to a local area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.Preliminary investigations revealed that a disturbance took place in the parking lot which involved the victim and the suspect. This altercation resulted in the victim being stabbed twice. The Wichita Police Department is working diligently to uncover further details and the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Police investigate parking lot stabbing of 31-year-old Kan. man

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after noon Monday in Shawnee County.

The two vehicle crash occurred&nbsp;&nbsp;near NW St. John Street&nbsp; and NW Tyler Street, according to police department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

Emergency crews transported 33-year-old&nbsp;Alycia A. Noriega of Topeka to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. She died late Monday afternoon, according to police.

The accident remains under investigation. Police released no additional details Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698703321792.png" alt="Police near the scene of the deadly crash" />
 <figcaption>Police near the scene of the deadly crash</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after noon Monday in Shawnee County.The two vehicle crash occurred&nbsp;&nbsp;near NW St. John Street&nbsp; and NW Tyler Street, according to police department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.Emergency crews transported 33-year-old&nbsp;Alycia A. Noriega of Topeka to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. She died late Monday afternoon, according to police.The accident remains under investigation. Police released no additional details Tuesday..

Police ID Kansas woman who died after 2-vehicle crash

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jaredstrong/">JARED STRONG</a>

Federal agricultural officials plan to spend up to $2.3 billion to promote farm exports and to send U.S. grain to countries that are suffering food shortages.

“This will complement existing trade promotion programs as we await Congress’s action on both the budget and the farm bill,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said Tuesday.

The farm bill — which governs policy and spending for farm, food and conservation programs — is up for renewal, which typically happens every five years. Some of its provisions expired at the end of September, and more will expire at the end of the year.

<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/06/farm-bill-stalled-amid-u-s-house-speaker-battle-delay-of-spending-bills/">It’s unclear</a>&nbsp;when federal lawmakers will approve a new farm bill. The U.S. House of Representatives has been without a speaker for about three weeks and, consequently, unable to act on legislation.

A popular trade promotion program that was created in 2018 amid then-President Donald Trump’s trade war with China and other countries is also set to expire next year.

“We continue to look for ways in which we can increase trade opportunities for U.S. agriculture, especially because of the strength of the U.S. economy and the difficulties experienced in the global economy,” Vilsack said. “We now find ourselves with unusual trade deficits in agricultural products.”

The new federal funding — $1.3 billion for the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program and $1 billion to combat global hunger — will be paid out of the Commodity Credit Corporation, which the Biden administration has used for myriad new agriculture initiatives, including those that promote&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/02/07/usda-pledges-1b-for-climate-smart-ag-products/">“climate smart” practices</a>.

Some Republican lawmakers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/08/09/usdas-climate-grants-for-farms-and-forests-run-into-republican-buzzsaw/">have criticized</a>&nbsp;the use of CCC funds for those initiatives. The CCC was created decades ago to assist farmers with catastrophic crop losses, but the USDA has broad spending authority over it.

The latest announced spending was the result of an August request from the top Democrat and Republican of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

“We write to urge you to consider using your authorities with regard to the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to support the creation of new and better market opportunities for our nation’s farmers by addressing two key needs: trade promotion, and in-kind international food assistance,” U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, and John Boozman, an Arkansas Republican,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/090623_stabenow-boozman_to_vilsack_re_ccc_request.pdf">wrote to the USDA</a>.

They noted bipartisan support for the food assistance because “Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine continues to disrupt supply chains and perpetuate humanitarian crises in the region and around the world.”

Russia invaded Ukraine about 20 months ago. As the fighting continues, Russia has sought to block grain from being exported by Ukraine, especially through its Black Sea ports. Ukraine is a major producer of corn and wheat.

The USDA will use up to $1 billion to buy commodities and distribute them with the help of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the lead federal agency for international emergency food aid programs.

Vilsack said the USDA hopes to finalize the details of the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program funding in the coming months.

This story was originally published by t<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/24/feds-pledge-2-3-billion-to-boost-ag-exports-amid-farm-bill-uncertainty/">he Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698495317565.png" alt=" U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack talks trade at a Woodward farm on Aug. 18, 2022 (Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch)." />
 <figcaption> U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack talks trade at a Woodward farm on Aug. 18, 2022 (Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch).</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jaredstrong/">JARED STRONG</a>Federal agricultural officials plan to spend up to $2.3 billion to promote farm exports and to send U.S. grain to countries that are suffering food shortages.“This will complement existing trade promotion programs as we await Congress’s action on both the budget and the farm bill,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said Tuesday.The farm bill — which governs policy and spending for farm, food and conservation programs — is up for renewal, which typically happens every five years. Some of its provisions expired at the end of September, and more will expire at the end of the year.<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/06/farm-bill-stalled-amid-u-s-house-speaker-battle-delay-of-spending-bills/">It’s unclear</a>&nbsp;when federal lawmakers will approve a new farm bill. The U.S. House of Representatives has been without a speaker for about three weeks and, consequently, unable to act on legislation.A popular trade promotion program that was created in 2018 amid then-President Donald Trump’s trade war with China and other countries is also set to expire next year.“We continue to look for ways in which we can increase trade opportunities for U.S. agriculture, especially because of the strength of the U.S. economy and the difficulties experienced in the global economy,” Vilsack said. “We now find ourselves with unusual trade deficits in agricultural products.”The new federal funding — $1.3 billion for the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program and $1 billion to combat global hunger — will be paid out of the Commodity Credit Corporation, which the Biden administration has used for myriad new agriculture initiatives, including those that promote&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2022/02/07/usda-pledges-1b-for-climate-smart-ag-products/">“climate smart” practices</a>.Some Republican lawmakers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/08/09/usdas-climate-grants-for-farms-and-forests-run-into-republican-buzzsaw/">have criticized</a>&nbsp;the use of CCC funds for those initiatives. The CCC was created decades ago to assist farmers with catastrophic crop losses, but the USDA has broad spending authority over it.The latest announced spending was the result of an August request from the top Democrat and Republican of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.“We write to urge you to consider using your authorities with regard to the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to support the creation of new and better market opportunities for our nation’s farmers by addressing two key needs: trade promotion, and in-kind international food assistance,” U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, and John Boozman, an Arkansas Republican,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/090623_stabenow-boozman_to_vilsack_re_ccc_request.pdf">wrote to the USDA</a>.They noted bipartisan support for the food assistance because “Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine continues to disrupt supply chains and perpetuate humanitarian crises in the region and around the world.”Russia invaded Ukraine about 20 months ago. As the fighting continues, Russia has sought to block grain from being exported by Ukraine, especially through its Black Sea ports. Ukraine is a major producer of corn and wheat.The USDA will use up to $1 billion to buy commodities and distribute them with the help of the U.S. Agency for International Development, the lead federal agency for international emergency food aid programs.Vilsack said the USDA hopes to finalize the details of the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program funding in the coming months.This story was originally published by t<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/10/24/feds-pledge-2-3-billion-to-boost-ag-exports-amid-farm-bill-uncertainty/">he Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>, a States Newsroom affiliate.&nbsp;

Feds pledge $2.3 billion to boost ag exports amid farm bill uncertainty

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators are warning consumers not to use more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-certain-eye-drops-several-major-brands-due-risk-eye">two dozen varieties</a>&nbsp;of over-the-counter eyedrops because of the risk of infections that could lead to blindness.

The Food and Drug Administration advisory applies to lubricating drops sold by six companies, including CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid and Cardinal Health. Consumers should stop using the products immediately and avoid purchasing any that remain on pharmacy and store shelves, the FDA said in a statement.

The agency asked the companies to recall their products last week, because FDA inspectors found unsanitary conditions and bacteria at the facility producing the drops. The FDA did not disclose the location of the factory or when it was inspected.

No injuries related to the products had been reported at the time of the announcement, but the FDA encouraged doctors and patients to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program">submit cases</a>&nbsp;through the agency’s online reporting system.

Earlier this year, federal officials linked an outbreak of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-business-health-4572be6da44f4fab4e0f691f5e37e3ed">drug-resistant bacteria</a>&nbsp;to eyedrops from two companies, EzriCare and Delsam Pharma. More than 80 people in the U.S. tested positive for eye infections from the rare bacterial strain, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/crpa-artificial-tears.html#anchor_1674746879046">most recent update</a>&nbsp;from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators are warning consumers not to use more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-certain-eye-drops-several-major-brands-due-risk-eye">two dozen varieties</a>&nbsp;of over-the-counter eyedrops because of the risk of infections that could lead to blindness.The Food and Drug Administration advisory applies to lubricating drops sold by six companies, including CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid and Cardinal Health. Consumers should stop using the products immediately and avoid purchasing any that remain on pharmacy and store shelves, the FDA said in a statement.The agency asked the companies to recall their products last week, because FDA inspectors found unsanitary conditions and bacteria at the facility producing the drops. The FDA did not disclose the location of the factory or when it was inspected.No injuries related to the products had been reported at the time of the announcement, but the FDA encouraged doctors and patients to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program">submit cases</a>&nbsp;through the agency’s online reporting system.Earlier this year, federal officials linked an outbreak of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-business-health-4572be6da44f4fab4e0f691f5e37e3ed">drug-resistant bacteria</a>&nbsp;to eyedrops from two companies, EzriCare and Delsam Pharma. More than 80 people in the U.S. tested positive for eye infections from the rare bacterial strain, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/crpa-artificial-tears.html#anchor_1674746879046">most recent update</a>&nbsp;from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Infection, blindness: FDA warning for dozens of over-the-counter eye drops

RED WILLOW COUNTY, Neb. —One person died in a small plane crash just before noon Monday in southwest Nebraska.

The small plane crashed 1/8 of a mile southwest of the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport property, according to McCook City Manager Nate Schneider.&nbsp;

There were two occupants in the airplane. First responders found one deceased, and the second occupant was transported to the Community Hospital of McCook for treatment.

City of McCook personnel were on the scene of the crash and have contacted the appropriate federal agencies.&nbsp;

Officials secured the crash site and it will be maintained until investigators from the appropriate federal agencies arrive.&nbsp; Officials have not released names of the pilot or passenger.&nbsp; McCook is located 28 miles north of Oberlin, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698756364119.png" alt="Photo courtesy KLKN TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KLKN TV</figcaption>
 </figure>RED WILLOW COUNTY, Neb. —One person died in a small plane crash just before noon Monday in southwest Nebraska.The small plane crashed 1/8 of a mile southwest of the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport property, according to McCook City Manager Nate Schneider.&nbsp;There were two occupants in the airplane. First responders found one deceased, and the second occupant was transported to the Community Hospital of McCook for treatment.City of McCook personnel were on the scene of the crash and have contacted the appropriate federal agencies.&nbsp;Officials secured the crash site and it will be maintained until investigators from the appropriate federal agencies arrive.&nbsp; Officials have not released names of the pilot or passenger.&nbsp; McCook is located 28 miles north of Oberlin, Kansas.

One dead after small plane crash in Nebraska 

CALDWELL COUNTY —One person died in an accident during a police chase just before 7a.m. Monday in Caldwell County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Mazda 3 driven by Sheila G. Roesch, 46, Overland Park, was northbound on MO 13 two miles north of Kingston, being pursued by law enforcement at a high rate of speed.&nbsp;

The car traveled through a construction barrier, off the east side of the road, struck a vertical light trailer, traveled down an embankment and caught fire.

Roesch was pronounced dead at the scene. The Caldwell County Cororner transported her to Bram Funeral Home in Hamilton.

In June, Roesch was jailed in Johnson County on a requested charge of aggravated domestic battery, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698713067647.png" alt="Roesch-photo from an arrest in June in Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Roesch-photo from an arrest in June in Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>CALDWELL COUNTY —One person died in an accident during a police chase just before 7a.m. Monday in Caldwell County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Mazda 3 driven by Sheila G. Roesch, 46, Overland Park, was northbound on MO 13 two miles north of Kingston, being pursued by law enforcement at a high rate of speed.&nbsp;The car traveled through a construction barrier, off the east side of the road, struck a vertical light trailer, traveled down an embankment and caught fire.Roesch was pronounced dead at the scene. The Caldwell County Cororner transported her to Bram Funeral Home in Hamilton.In June, Roesch was jailed in Johnson County on a requested charge of aggravated domestic battery, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

Kan. woman dies after crash, fire during high-speed police chase

WASHINGTON —On&nbsp;Monday, the President and First Lady are hosted a Halloween event that welcomed local public school students and military-connected children to the White House for trick-or-treating.&nbsp;

A teacher for more than three decades, including years spent as a reading specialist, First Lady Jill Biden created this year’s theme, “Hallo-READ!,” with the White House’s festive décor featuring famous literary characters, ghoulish tales, and ghost story time. Dr. Biden’s theme encourages families and children to grab a flashlight, pick out their favorite Halloween book, and relish in the spooktacular thrill of reading together.&nbsp;

Children were able to trick-or-treat along the South Lawn of the White House up to the South Portico to receive both candy and books from the President and First Lady, as well as other White House friends and neighbors, including representatives from: the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, Department of State, Department of Agriculture, Department of the Treasury, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Energy, Department of Housing and Urban Development, FEMA, NASA, National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, United States Secret Service,&nbsp;White House staff, and the White House Military Office.&nbsp; Children will also get to participate in spooky story time with special guests reading their favorite books of the season.&nbsp;

Approximately 8,000 guests participated in this year’s Halloween event at the White House, with each family receiving chocolate and candy treats provided by the National Confectioners Association and its member companies.

 In a nod to this year’s “Hallo-READ!” theme, each family also received donated books from Scholastic to read and enjoy. Instacart provided overall support for the Halloween celebration, in addition to supplying Halloween tote bags and treats to each child. In the spirit of hands-on learning, the company will also distribute recipe cards to teach children and their families how to make deliciously spooky, easy Halloween-themed treats together. 

Costumed characters strolled the South Lawn for the Halloween festivities, including Clifford the Big Red Dog, Greg Heffley from&nbsp;Diary of a Wimpy Kid, as well as Disney friends Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, and Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers.

The White House was decorated with autumnal foliage, stacks of books, and multi-dimensional displays of ghoulish literary characters and tales.&nbsp; A spooky story time corner also was part of the Halloween festivities this year, featuring author Brad Meltzer and illustrator Chris Eliopoulos, author Jeff Kinney, Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, and other special guests.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698711670678.png" alt="Hallo-READ! at the White House and First lady Jill Biden read a book in the spooky story time corner. She’s dressed as Willow the cat&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Hallo-READ! at the White House and First lady Jill Biden read a book in the spooky story time corner. She’s dressed as Willow the cat&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —On&nbsp;Monday, the President and First Lady are hosted a Halloween event that welcomed local public school students and military-connected children to the White House for trick-or-treating.&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Welcome to “Hallo-READ” at the White House! From famous literary tales and ghost stories to the spooktacular thrill of reading — we hope families and children pick out their favorite Halloween book, grab a flashlight, and take a moment to enjoy story time together. <a href="https://t.co/PJO0UEi8lH">pic.twitter.com/PJO0UEi8lH</a>&mdash; Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1719183997811445957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A teacher for more than three decades, including years spent as a reading specialist, First Lady Jill Biden created this year’s theme, “Hallo-READ!,” with the White House’s festive décor featuring famous literary characters, ghoulish tales, and ghost story time. Dr. Biden’s theme encourages families and children to grab a flashlight, pick out their favorite Halloween book, and relish in the spooktacular thrill of reading together.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698713432917.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Children were able to trick-or-treat along the South Lawn of the White House up to the South Portico to receive both candy and books from the President and First Lady, as well as other White House friends and neighbors, including representatives from: the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, Department of State, Department of Agriculture, Department of the Treasury, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Energy, Department of Housing and Urban Development, FEMA, NASA, National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, United States Secret Service,&nbsp;White House staff, and the White House Military Office.&nbsp; Children will also get to participate in spooky story time with special guests reading their favorite books of the season.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698711412812.png" alt="photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>Approximately 8,000 guests participated in this year’s Halloween event at the White House, with each family receiving chocolate and candy treats provided by the National Confectioners Association and its member companies. In a nod to this year’s “Hallo-READ!” theme, each family also received donated books from Scholastic to read and enjoy. Instacart provided overall support for the Halloween celebration, in addition to supplying Halloween tote bags and treats to each child. In the spirit of hands-on learning, the company will also distribute recipe cards to teach children and their families how to make deliciously spooky, easy Halloween-themed treats together. Costumed characters strolled the South Lawn for the Halloween festivities, including Clifford the Big Red Dog, Greg Heffley from&nbsp;Diary of a Wimpy Kid, as well as Disney friends Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, and Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers.The White House was decorated with autumnal foliage, stacks of books, and multi-dimensional displays of ghoulish literary characters and tales.&nbsp; A spooky story time corner also was part of the Halloween festivities this year, featuring author Brad Meltzer and illustrator Chris Eliopoulos, author Jeff Kinney, Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, and other special guests.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

First Lady welcomes Trick-or-Treaters to the White House for “Hallo-READ

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after three vehicle and a home were struck by gunfire early Sunday morning in the 1400 Block of U.S. 40 north of Lawrence known as the Tee Pee Junction, according to a media release from the Douglas County Sheriff.

Deputies responded to the disturbance just after 3a.m. Sunday. Witnesses at the scene reported shots from the parking lot appeared to be fired after two separate groups were ejected from a party on the property. Deputies recovered evidence on the scene indicating damage to the vehicle and residence.

The crowd had largely disbursed when deputies arrived. There were no injuries reported. Anyone with information on the alleged crime is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating after three vehicle and a home were struck by gunfire early Sunday morning in the 1400 Block of U.S. 40 north of Lawrence known as the Tee Pee Junction, according to a media release from the Douglas County Sheriff.Deputies responded to the disturbance just after 3a.m. Sunday. Witnesses at the scene reported shots from the parking lot appeared to be fired after two separate groups were ejected from a party on the property. Deputies recovered evidence on the scene indicating damage to the vehicle and residence.The crowd had largely disbursed when deputies arrived. There were no injuries reported. Anyone with information on the alleged crime is asked to contact the Douglas County Sheriff.

Vehicles, home hit by gunfire outside party in rural Kansas 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The golden shovels were out on Monday in Hutchinson. The groundbreaking ceremony took place with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, Amber Hotel LLC and many community leaders who helped make the new Hilton Garden Inn project at 1715 North Waldron happen.

"This 112 room hotel is going to help fill some of the void," said chamber CEO Debra Teufel. "We hope it proves out that it will be just the first step in new investment for Raju Sheth and his development teams."

Sheth is familiar with working in Hutchinson. He helped develop the Holiday Inn Express and Fairfield Inn projects previously.

"It was a lot of back and forth," Sheth said. "It takes time. As things have changed after COVID, the process has become very long. I would have really liked to break ground six months ago, but no engineering firm would make drawings for six or seven months. Then, all the approval process with the franchise. That takes a long time, but we are glad to be here. One of the biggest things that happened to make this project possible is the financing from the bank, the First National Bank."

Darrel Miller of First National Bank spoke about his memories of when he realized just how dire the hotel situation was in Hutchinson.

"I was in a meeting on the north side of town," Miller said. "I drove back to the bank and I drove down Lorraine Street and there were crews putting plywood on a building there on Lorraine Street. I'll never forget that. I think you all know what building I'm talking about. I went back to the bank and I thought. This is a plight and it's a blight in Hutchinson, so I resolved that day that if there was ever a chance that something like this would come to Hutchinson, that we would be a part of it."

Miller also acknowledged Pat Fallon of Plains State Bank, as they are also assisting on the project.

The project goal is to finish by March of 2025, in time for the 2025 NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698705945819.jpeg" alt="Community leaders from across Hutchinson joined Amber Hotel, LLC developers and city officials, along with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce at a groundbreaking for the new Hilton Garden Inn on October 30, 2023. Photo by Nick Gosnell." />
 <figcaption>Community leaders from across Hutchinson joined Amber Hotel, LLC developers and city officials, along with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce at a groundbreaking for the new Hilton Garden Inn on October 30, 2023. Photo by Nick Gosnell.</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL&nbsp;Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The golden shovels were out on Monday in Hutchinson. The groundbreaking ceremony took place with the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, Amber Hotel LLC and many community leaders who helped make the new Hilton Garden Inn project at 1715 North Waldron happen."This 112 room hotel is going to help fill some of the void," said chamber CEO Debra Teufel. "We hope it proves out that it will be just the first step in new investment for Raju Sheth and his development teams."Sheth is familiar with working in Hutchinson. He helped develop the Holiday Inn Express and Fairfield Inn projects previously."It was a lot of back and forth," Sheth said. "It takes time. As things have changed after COVID, the process has become very long. I would have really liked to break ground six months ago, but no engineering firm would make drawings for six or seven months. Then, all the approval process with the franchise. That takes a long time, but we are glad to be here. One of the biggest things that happened to make this project possible is the financing from the bank, the First National Bank."Darrel Miller of First National Bank spoke about his memories of when he realized just how dire the hotel situation was in Hutchinson."I was in a meeting on the north side of town," Miller said. "I drove back to the bank and I drove down Lorraine Street and there were crews putting plywood on a building there on Lorraine Street. I'll never forget that. I think you all know what building I'm talking about. I went back to the bank and I thought. This is a plight and it's a blight in Hutchinson, so I resolved that day that if there was ever a chance that something like this would come to Hutchinson, that we would be a part of it."Miller also acknowledged Pat Fallon of Plains State Bank, as they are also assisting on the project.The project goal is to finish by March of 2025, in time for the 2025 NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament.

Ground broken on $18 million Hutchinson hotel project

WASHINGTON (AP)— The Pentagon continues to provide weapons shipments almost on a daily basis to Israel, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters Monday.

Despite the rising number of civilian casualties, “we are not putting any limits on how Israel uses weapons,” Singh said. “That is really up to the Israeli Defense Force to use and how they are going to conduct their operations.”

Singh did not answer a question on whether there were concerns inside the Pentagon about the way the weapons were being used, but said that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has regularly emphasized the need for Israel to follow the laws of armed conflict and avoid civilian casualties as much as possible.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Israeli ground forces are attacking Hamas militants and infrastructure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-gaza-war-news-10-31-2023-54ab6bd7f6861be86266770c245827e1">in northern Gaza</a>&nbsp;as warplanes strike across the sealed-off territory. Buoyed by the first successful rescue of a captive held by Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for a cease-fire and again vowed to crush the militant group’s ability to govern Gaza or threaten Israel.

More than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians have fled their homes, with hundreds of thousands sheltering in packed U.N.-run schools-turned-shelters or in hospitals alongside thousands of wounded patients.

The Palestinian death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has reached 8,306, according to the Hamas-run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>. In the occupied West Bank, more than 122 Palestinians have been killed in violence and Israeli raids.

More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, most of them civilians slain in the initial Hamas rampage that started the fighting Oct. 7. In addition, 240 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by the militant group. One of the captives, a female Israeli soldier,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-gaza-war-news-10-30-2023-131e9537aaad8e74586cc114d2668e5a">was rescued</a>&nbsp;in a special forces operation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698490072758.png" alt="Three U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., arrive at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 23, 2023. The aircraft provide aerial refueling, as well as rapid and reliable passenger and cargo airlift and aero-medical evacuations. The KC-135 is deployed within the Centcom area of responsibility to help defend U.S. interests, promote regional security, and deter aggression in the region. Photo courtesy Air Force&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Three U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., arrive at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 23, 2023. The aircraft provide aerial refueling, as well as rapid and reliable passenger and cargo airlift and aero-medical evacuations. The KC-135 is deployed within the Centcom area of responsibility to help defend U.S. interests, promote regional security, and deter aggression in the region. Photo courtesy Air Force&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)— The Pentagon continues to provide weapons shipments almost on a daily basis to Israel, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters Monday.Despite the rising number of civilian casualties, “we are not putting any limits on how Israel uses weapons,” Singh said. “That is really up to the Israeli Defense Force to use and how they are going to conduct their operations.”Singh did not answer a question on whether there were concerns inside the Pentagon about the way the weapons were being used, but said that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has regularly emphasized the need for Israel to follow the laws of armed conflict and avoid civilian casualties as much as possible.Meanwhile,&nbsp;Israeli ground forces are attacking Hamas militants and infrastructure&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-gaza-war-news-10-31-2023-54ab6bd7f6861be86266770c245827e1">in northern Gaza</a>&nbsp;as warplanes strike across the sealed-off territory. Buoyed by the first successful rescue of a captive held by Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for a cease-fire and again vowed to crush the militant group’s ability to govern Gaza or threaten Israel.More than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians have fled their homes, with hundreds of thousands sheltering in packed U.N.-run schools-turned-shelters or in hospitals alongside thousands of wounded patients.The Palestinian death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has reached 8,306, according to the Hamas-run&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Gaza</a>. In the occupied West Bank, more than 122 Palestinians have been killed in violence and Israeli raids.More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, most of them civilians slain in the initial Hamas rampage that started the fighting Oct. 7. In addition, 240 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza by the militant group. One of the captives, a female Israeli soldier,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-gaza-war-news-10-30-2023-131e9537aaad8e74586cc114d2668e5a">was rescued</a>&nbsp;in a special forces operation.

US continues to provide Israel with weapon shipments daily 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly Sunday morning shooting outside a Wichita nightclub continue the search for the shooter identified as 33-year-old Terrence Johnson. 

Police arrested him minutes after the shooting in connection with another crime involving his family. He was booked into jail for the misdemeanor and released before investigators determined he was the alleged nightclub killer.

Just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday, police were monitoring at Onyx 10001  E. Kellogg when they heard multiple gunshots, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

Through extensive investigation and tips from the public, police have probable cause to believe Johnson was the shooter Sunday morning, according to Lt. Moses. Police continue to ask the public for help to find him. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Less than thirty minutes after the deadly shooting, police responded to a domestic violence call in the 1700 Block of North Pinecrest in Wichita. During the investigation of the call, officers arrested Johnson for alleged misdemeanor criminal damage to property.&nbsp; Police had no information at that time Johnson was a suspect in the deadly nightclub shooting.&nbsp;

Anyone with information on Johnson or where he is should call 911.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681929650.png" alt="Johnson-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly Sunday morning shooting outside a Wichita nightclub continue the search for the shooter identified as 33-year-old Terrence Johnson. Police arrested him minutes after the shooting in connection with another crime involving his family. He was booked into jail for the misdemeanor and released before investigators determined he was the alleged nightclub killer.Just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday, police were monitoring at Onyx 10001 E. Kellogg when they heard multiple gunshots, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders located 23-year-old Jaylon Pete of Wichita in the parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Two other individuals, a 26-year-old man and a 24-year-old man both of Wichita, were struck by gunfire during the shooting.&nbsp;They were transported to local area hospitals for treatment of serious non-life threatening injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698581256538.png" alt="Security camera image Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation suggest that the suspect now identified as Johnson was involved in a disturbance inside the club, according to Wichita Police Lt. Aaron Moses during a Monday news conference. Johnson went outside to get a handgun and attempted to re-enter the club. but was unable to do so due to safety measured implemented by the club management.Through extensive investigation and tips from the public, police have probable cause to believe Johnson was the shooter Sunday morning, according to Lt. Moses. Police continue to ask the public for help to find him. He should be considered armed and dangerous.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698684116919.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Less than thirty minutes after the deadly shooting, police responded to a domestic violence call in the 1700 Block of North Pinecrest in Wichita. During the investigation of the call, officers arrested Johnson for alleged misdemeanor criminal damage to property.&nbsp; Police had no information at that time Johnson was a suspect in the deadly nightclub shooting.&nbsp;At 2:16a.m., officers booked Johnson into the Sedgwick County Jail for the criminal damage case and he bonded out just after 3:30a.m., according to online jail records. Police didn't identify him as a suspect in the nightclub killing until afternoon Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anyone with information on Johnson or where he is should call 911.&nbsp;

Suspect in Kansas nightclub killing is still hiding from police

TROY, Mo. (AP) — A prosecutor has dropped and refiled the murder case against Pamela Hupp, a killing that inspired a TV miniseries.

Lincoln County, Missouri Prosecuting Attorney Mike Wood&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-michael-brown-0a8cb30de974ff20f3dd4313a349305c">charged Hupp with first-degree murder</a>&nbsp;in July 2021, accusing her of killing her friend, Betsy Faria, a decade earlier. Faria's husband, Russ, spent time in prison for the crime before his conviction was overturned.

On Friday, Wood told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/prosecutors-refile-pam-hupp-murder-case-still-aim-for-2025-trial/article_2a3ffb84-7506-11ee-82c0-83ee5039a777.html">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;that his office decided to refile the case to petition for a closer venue. The original case had been moved on a change of venue to Springfield, about four hours away from Lincoln County.

Wood hopes the move will ease the financial and travel burden on prosecutors, witnesses and Faria’s family.

“It was too much to ask of witnesses and Besty Faria’s loved ones,” he said.

Phone calls seeking comment Saturday from Hupp's attorney were unanswered.

Prosecutors allege Hupp fatally stabbed Faria in 2011 for the $150,000 life insurance policy that Faria had switched over to Hupp days before her death. They say Hupp staged the scene to implicate Russ Faria.

Russ Faria was sentenced in 2013 to life in prison but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-07b3b943963347bd9c74dede5e782e59">the conviction was overturned</a>&nbsp;in 2015. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department last year reached a $2 million settlement with him for the wrongful conviction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626115461659.png" alt="Hupp photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Hupp photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TROY, Mo. (AP) — A prosecutor has dropped and refiled the murder case against Pamela Hupp, a killing that inspired a TV miniseries.Lincoln County, Missouri Prosecuting Attorney Mike Wood&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-michael-brown-0a8cb30de974ff20f3dd4313a349305c">charged Hupp with first-degree murder</a>&nbsp;in July 2021, accusing her of killing her friend, Betsy Faria, a decade earlier. Faria's husband, Russ, spent time in prison for the crime before his conviction was overturned.On Friday, Wood told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/prosecutors-refile-pam-hupp-murder-case-still-aim-for-2025-trial/article_2a3ffb84-7506-11ee-82c0-83ee5039a777.html">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;that his office decided to refile the case to petition for a closer venue. The original case had been moved on a change of venue to Springfield, about four hours away from Lincoln County.Wood hopes the move will ease the financial and travel burden on prosecutors, witnesses and Faria’s family.“It was too much to ask of witnesses and Besty Faria’s loved ones,” he said.Phone calls seeking comment Saturday from Hupp's attorney were unanswered.Prosecutors allege Hupp fatally stabbed Faria in 2011 for the $150,000 life insurance policy that Faria had switched over to Hupp days before her death. They say Hupp staged the scene to implicate Russ Faria.Russ Faria was sentenced in 2013 to life in prison but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-07b3b943963347bd9c74dede5e782e59">the conviction was overturned</a>&nbsp;in 2015. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department last year reached a $2 million settlement with him for the wrongful conviction.The Faria case was the subject of an NBC miniseries last year, “The Thing About Pam,” which starred Renee Zellweger.Hupp already is in prison for another killing. In 2019, she was sentenced to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e6af4be707fd496ca1abee10016f6bb5">life in prison</a>&nbsp;without the possibility for parole for the 2016 fatal shooting of 33-year-old Louis Gumpenberger.In that case, Hupp staged a fake kidnapping to divert attention from herself in a reinvestigation of the Faria killing, prosecutors said. They claimed she lured Gumpenberger to her home with claims she was a producer for NBC’s Dateline in need of help reenacting a 911 call. Gumpenberger had mental and physical disabilities from an accident.