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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Homicide: Search continues for Kansas teen suspect

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KANSAS CITY. (AP) — A man has been found guilty in the death of a woman whose remains were found inside a duffel bag along a rural northwest Missouri road almost two weeks after she was killed at a Kansas City hotel.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-independence-crime-27059ade94e6411b6294c46eac52f160">Marcus Brooks</a>&nbsp;was convicted Thursday of first-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Ariel Starcher, a mother of two from Independence.

A Missouri Transportation Department worker found the bag with Starcher’s body inside it in February 2020 around 45 miles north of Kansas City. She had died of suffocation, and also suffered a broken neck.

Key testimony against him came from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b7f202fc026be6249d5c5c8ec0410477">Taylor Stoughton,</a>&nbsp;who pleaded guilty last year to second-degree murder, as Brooks’ accomplice. She and Brooks were arrested a year after the killing.

At the time, Starcher's grandfather, Jim Starcher, told WDAF-TV that his granddaughter knew Brooks and sometimes called him for rides. Her friends had made the family nervous, he told The Kansas City Star.

“I always worried about her, the life she was going through,” he told The Kansas City Star. “She was trying to change her life, get her life straightened out. But it’s just one step forward and four steps back."

The defense argued that Stoughton was the one to suffocate and bind Starcher. Brooks said he was in the shower at the time and only helped dispose of the body. Special Public Defender Steven Willibey also questioned Stoughton’s testimony, noting that a plea agreement shortens her potential sentence.

But Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Davidson said Brooks' DNA was found underneath Starcher's fingernails and that one was torn, suggesting she had been killed trying fight off her attacker.

Stoughton will be sentenced Nov. 20 and Brooks on Dec. 21.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700232241175.jpeg" alt="Marcus Brooks-photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>Marcus Brooks-photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY. (AP) — A man has been found guilty in the death of a woman whose remains were found inside a duffel bag along a rural northwest Missouri road almost two weeks after she was killed at a Kansas City hotel.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-independence-crime-27059ade94e6411b6294c46eac52f160">Marcus Brooks</a>&nbsp;was convicted Thursday of first-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Ariel Starcher, a mother of two from Independence.A Missouri Transportation Department worker found the bag with Starcher’s body inside it in February 2020 around 45 miles north of Kansas City. She had died of suffocation, and also suffered a broken neck.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628710419571.jpeg" alt="Taylor Stoughton-photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>Taylor Stoughton-photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Key testimony against him came from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b7f202fc026be6249d5c5c8ec0410477">Taylor Stoughton,</a>&nbsp;who pleaded guilty last year to second-degree murder, as Brooks’ accomplice. She and Brooks were arrested a year after the killing.At the time, Starcher's grandfather, Jim Starcher, told WDAF-TV that his granddaughter knew Brooks and sometimes called him for rides. Her friends had made the family nervous, he told The Kansas City Star.“I always worried about her, the life she was going through,” he told The Kansas City Star. “She was trying to change her life, get her life straightened out. But it’s just one step forward and four steps back."The defense argued that Stoughton was the one to suffocate and bind Starcher. Brooks said he was in the shower at the time and only helped dispose of the body. Special Public Defender Steven Willibey also questioned Stoughton’s testimony, noting that a plea agreement shortens her potential sentence.But Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Davidson said Brooks' DNA was found underneath Starcher's fingernails and that one was torn, suggesting she had been killed trying fight off her attacker.Stoughton will be sentenced Nov. 20 and Brooks on Dec. 21.

Man guilty in death of woman whose body was found in duffel bag 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KCPD investigating double homicide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Founding member of Kool & The Gang dies at 74

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moran calls on Biden to enforce mandated sanctions on Iran

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

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

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

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

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

Sheriff: Kansas man caught with cocaine, stolen firearm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FDA records show no prior inspections for Kilitch Healthcare.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sanitation issues: FDA expands eyedrops recall

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

HILL CITY — A sign that was posted in a bar in Hill City sparked vandalism at the business and resulted in the local chamber of commerce moving its annual banquet.

The owner of the Cowboy Junction in Hill City posted a sign in the bar that said "No Coon Tunes."

Someone took a photo of the sign and posted it on Facebook. The post appeared on "The State of Kansas," a satirical Facebook page. It went viral from there. Facebook removed the image from "The State of Kansas" Facebook page.

Following the Facebook post, someone spray-painted the message "KKK Club" on the outdoor sign for the club.

Graham County Sheriff Cole Presley said Thursday the department had no suspects in the vandalism case, but the case is still under investigation. 

"It's concerning, and we don't want to see anything escalate," Presley said.

He added, "I want to reassure the public that we are investigating what has occurred here because we fear an escalation. I don't want anyone to think we are ignoring this case at all. We're not."

Kathie Hildebrand, wife of owner Ralph Hildebrand, said the offending sign has been removed, and the spray paint has been removed from their vandalized sign.

However, she said she has been receiving unwanted messages on Facebook and has been receiving "nasty phone calls" since the photo of the sign in the bar was posted on social media.

Hildebrand called the whole situation a disaster.

She said Cowboy Junction is a county music bar. Most of its regular clients are older and like to dance to country music, Hildebrand said.

Recently some younger white females came into the bar and played non-country music that owner Ralph Hildebrand did not feel was consistent with the theme of the bar, Kathie said. That is when he posted the sign.

Although Ralph Hildebrand's wife spoke to the Hays Post, but she said she did not think Ralph would respond for comment.

Kathie said the issue with the unwanted music could have been addressed better.

She said the establishment has welcomed customers of color for a variety of events.

She said she hoped to move on from the incident.

"I'm trying to get rid of it," she said. "I'm trying to get away from it."

The director of the Hill City Chamber of Commerce said the chamber made the decision to move its annual banquet, which had been scheduled for the Cowboy Junction, to the Graham County Fairgrounds.

She said she did not want to comment further on the issue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700163561435.png" alt="The sign on the left was hung in the Cowboy Junction Bar in Hill City. After the sign went viral on Facebook, the outdoor sign at the club was vandalized (pictured right). Images shared via Facebook" />
 <figcaption>The sign on the left was hung in the Cowboy Junction Bar in Hill City. After the sign went viral on Facebook, the outdoor sign at the club was vandalized (pictured right). Images shared via Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHILL CITY — A sign that was posted in a bar in Hill City sparked vandalism at the business and resulted in the local chamber of commerce moving its annual banquet.The owner of the Cowboy Junction in Hill City posted a sign in the bar that said "No Coon Tunes."Someone took a photo of the sign and posted it on Facebook. The post appeared on "The State of Kansas," a satirical Facebook page. It went viral from there. Facebook removed the image from "The State of Kansas" Facebook page.Following the Facebook post, someone spray-painted the message "KKK Club" on the outdoor sign for the club.Graham County Sheriff Cole Presley said Thursday the department had no suspects in the vandalism case, but the case is still under investigation. "It's concerning, and we don't want to see anything escalate," Presley said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700163767935.jpeg" alt="Ralph Hildebrand posted the following post on Facebook in response to the concerns about the sign. Posted to Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Ralph Hildebrand posted the following post on Facebook in response to the concerns about the sign. Posted to Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>He added, "I want to reassure the public that we are investigating what has occurred here because we fear an escalation. I don't want anyone to think we are ignoring this case at all. We're not."Kathie Hildebrand, wife of owner Ralph Hildebrand, said the offending sign has been removed, and the spray paint has been removed from their vandalized sign.However, she said she has been receiving unwanted messages on Facebook and has been receiving "nasty phone calls" since the photo of the sign in the bar was posted on social media.Hildebrand called the whole situation a disaster.She said Cowboy Junction is a county music bar. Most of its regular clients are older and like to dance to country music, Hildebrand said.Recently some younger white females came into the bar and played non-country music that owner Ralph Hildebrand did not feel was consistent with the theme of the bar, Kathie said. That is when he posted the sign.Although Ralph Hildebrand's wife spoke to the Hays Post, but she said she did not think Ralph would respond for comment.Kathie said the issue with the unwanted music could have been addressed better."Everybody takes it wrong," she said."We aren't really racist," she said.She said the establishment has welcomed customers of color for a variety of events.She said she hoped to move on from the incident."I'm trying to get rid of it," she said. "I'm trying to get away from it."The director of the Hill City Chamber of Commerce said the chamber made the decision to move its annual banquet, which had been scheduled for the Cowboy Junction, to the Graham County Fairgrounds.She said she did not want to comment further on the issue.

NW Kan. bar under fire for racist sign; sheriff investigating vandalism

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Federal civil rights investigation at Kansas school district 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Woman in KC-area mall shooting died from her injuries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Search continues for inmate from satellite camp at Kan. penitentiary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Biden signs bill pushing budget fight into new year

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Former KCMO officer sentenced for child sex crimes 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas sheriff's K9 killed during arrest of robbery suspect

OSAGE COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before 5p.m. Nov. 14, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of California Street and Nichols Street in Osage City for a traffic offense, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. The driver of the vehicle, Paige D. Schrader, 32, of Melvern was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, Driving with a suspended driver’s license and an&nbsp;&nbsp;Expired vehicle registration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700092422551.png" alt="Schrader-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Schrader-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just before 5p.m. Nov. 14, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of California Street and Nichols Street in Osage City for a traffic offense, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. The driver of the vehicle, Paige D. Schrader, 32, of Melvern was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, Driving with a suspended driver’s license and an&nbsp;&nbsp;Expired vehicle registration.

Sheriff: Kansas woman was transporting meth

KANSAS CITY(AP) — Missouri lawmakers intended to “impose their religious beliefs on everyone" in the state when they passed a restrictive abortion ban, lawyers for a group of religious leaders who support abortion rights said at a court hearing Thursday.

But attorneys for the state countered that just because some supporters of the law oppose abortion on religious grounds doesn't mean that the law forces their beliefs on anyone else.

Thirteen Christian, Jewish and Unitarian Universalist leaders filed suit in January seeking a permanent injunction barring Missouri from enforcing its abortion law and a declaration that provisions violate the Missouri Constitution. Thursday's hearing in St. Louis concerned the state's request to dismiss the lawsuit. Judge Jason Sengheiser said he'll likely rule in January.

The Missouri lawsuit is one of 38 filed in 23 states challenging&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-health-indiana-state-government-reproductive-rights-7308b2edc8a8ac62446d821abc5fae59">restrictive abortion laws</a>&nbsp;enacted after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022</a>, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/state-court-abortion-litigation-tracker#arizona">Brennan Center for Justice</a>. The landmark ruling left abortion rights up to each state to decide.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the faith leaders by Americans United for Separation of Church &amp; State and the National Women’s Law Center, said sponsors and supporters of the Missouri measure “repeatedly emphasized their religious intent in enacting the legislation.”

The lawsuit quotes the bill’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Nick Schroer, as saying that “as a Catholic I do believe life begins at conception and that is built into our legislative findings.” A co-sponsor, Republican state Rep. Barry Hovis, said he was motivated “from the Biblical side of it,” according to the lawsuit.

“We know this has a religious purpose because when the lawmakers passed the law 2019, they told us that,” said K.M. Bell, an attorney for the plaintiffs.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661521097697.png" alt="Within minutes of the Supreme Court decision, then-Attorney General Eric Schmitt and Gov. Mike Parson, both Republicans, filed paperwork to immediately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-missouri-government-and-politics-7bb5798bae32c3f15abad3a10941dfb5">enact a 2019 law</a>&nbsp;prohibiting abortions “except in cases of medical emergency.” Schmitt is now the junior U.S. Senator for Missouri photo by Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent." />
 <figcaption>Within minutes of the Supreme Court decision, then-Attorney General Eric Schmitt and Gov. Mike Parson, both Republicans, filed paperwork to immediately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-missouri-government-and-politics-7bb5798bae32c3f15abad3a10941dfb5">enact a 2019 law</a>&nbsp;prohibiting abortions “except in cases of medical emergency.” Schmitt is now the junior U.S. Senator for Missouri photo by Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY(AP) — Missouri lawmakers intended to “impose their religious beliefs on everyone" in the state when they passed a restrictive abortion ban, lawyers for a group of religious leaders who support abortion rights said at a court hearing Thursday.But attorneys for the state countered that just because some supporters of the law oppose abortion on religious grounds doesn't mean that the law forces their beliefs on anyone else.Thirteen Christian, Jewish and Unitarian Universalist leaders filed suit in January seeking a permanent injunction barring Missouri from enforcing its abortion law and a declaration that provisions violate the Missouri Constitution. Thursday's hearing in St. Louis concerned the state's request to dismiss the lawsuit. Judge Jason Sengheiser said he'll likely rule in January.The Missouri lawsuit is one of 38 filed in 23 states challenging&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-health-indiana-state-government-reproductive-rights-7308b2edc8a8ac62446d821abc5fae59">restrictive abortion laws</a>&nbsp;enacted after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022</a>, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/state-court-abortion-litigation-tracker#arizona">Brennan Center for Justice</a>. The landmark ruling left abortion rights up to each state to decide.The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the faith leaders by Americans United for Separation of Church &amp; State and the National Women’s Law Center, said sponsors and supporters of the Missouri measure “repeatedly emphasized their religious intent in enacting the legislation.”The lawsuit quotes the bill’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Nick Schroer, as saying that “as a Catholic I do believe life begins at conception and that is built into our legislative findings.” A co-sponsor, Republican state Rep. Barry Hovis, said he was motivated “from the Biblical side of it,” according to the lawsuit.“We know this has a religious purpose because when the lawmakers passed the law 2019, they told us that,” said K.M. Bell, an attorney for the plaintiffs.But Maria Lanahan, Missouri's deputy solicitor general, told the judge that lawmakers had varying reasons for supporting the law. She said that while the abortion ban “was in harmony” with the religious beliefs of some members of the Legislature, no one was “compelled to support any system of worship.”Within minutes of the Supreme Court decision, then-Attorney General Eric Schmitt and Gov. Mike Parson, both Republicans, filed paperwork to immediately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-missouri-government-and-politics-7bb5798bae32c3f15abad3a10941dfb5">enact a 2019 law</a>&nbsp;prohibiting abortions “except in cases of medical emergency.” That law contained a provision making it effective only if Roe v. Wade was overturned.The law makes it a felony punishable by five to 15 years in prison to perform or induce an abortion. Medical professionals who do so also could lose their licenses. The law says that women who undergo abortions cannot be prosecuted.Missouri already had some of the nation’s more restrictive abortion laws and had seen a significant decline in the number of abortions performed, with residents instead traveling to clinics just across the state line in Illinois and Kansas.Lawsuits in other states have taken similar approaches.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-indiana-government-and-politics-a987c724aa4502bca17f4eb34b7b1860">In Indiana</a>, lawyers for five anonymous women — who are Jewish, Muslim and spiritual — and advocacy group Hoosier Jews for Choice argued that state’s ban infringes on their beliefs. Their lawsuit specifically highlights the Jewish teaching that a fetus becomes a living person at birth and that Jewish law prioritizes the mother’s life and health. A state appeals court is scheduled to hear arguments Dec. 6.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-2022-midterm-elections-health-kentucky-legislature-26ecd225013231ee8766248633d289a3">In Kentucky</a>, three Jewish women sued, claiming the state’s ban violates their religious rights under the state’s constitution and religious freedom law. They allege that Kentucky’s Republican-dominated legislature “imposed sectarian theology” by prohibiting nearly all abortions.