WASHINGTON — In response to the ongoing deadly attacks on Israel, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall has announced his office’s assistance in helping any Kansan in Israel safely evacuate to a neighboring country or the U.S. Since Saturday morning’s attacks, the Senator’s offices has already helped four Americans in Israel move to neighboring countries.&nbsp;

“I strongly condemn the attacks on Israel and my office stands ready to assist Kansans find their way out and on to safety,” Marshall said. “We have successfully helped Americans escape from other dangerous situations in foreign nations and we stand ready to do the same in Israel.”

Any Kansans with family or loved ones in Israel is asked to email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:EvacHelp@marshall.senate.gov">EvacHelp@marshall.senate.gov</a>&nbsp;or call (785)829-9000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696679013332.png" alt="Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis southern Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)" />
 <figcaption>Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis southern Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — In response to the ongoing deadly attacks on Israel, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall has announced his office’s assistance in helping any Kansan in Israel safely evacuate to a neighboring country or the U.S. Since Saturday morning’s attacks, the Senator’s offices has already helped four Americans in Israel move to neighboring countries.&nbsp;“I strongly condemn the attacks on Israel and my office stands ready to assist Kansans find their way out and on to safety,” Marshall said. “We have successfully helped Americans escape from other dangerous situations in foreign nations and we stand ready to do the same in Israel.”Any Kansans with family or loved ones in Israel is asked to email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:EvacHelp@marshall.senate.gov">EvacHelp@marshall.senate.gov</a>&nbsp;or call (785)829-9000.

Senator’s office provides assistance to Kansans in Israel

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Longtime environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine activist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;said Monday he'll run for president as an independent and drop his Democratic primary bid, adding a wrinkle to a 2024 race heading toward a likely rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Speaking Monday from Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, where America’s founding documents were adopted, Kennedy said there is a “rising tide of discontent” in the country and said he wants to make a “new Declaration of Independence” — from corporations, the media and the two major political parties.

“I’ve come here today to declare our independence from the tyranny of corruption which robs us of affordable lives, our belief in the future, and our respect for each other,” Kennedy said. “But to do that I must first declare my own independence. Independence from the Democratic Party and from all other political parties.”

Kennedy, a member of one of the most famous Democratic families in politics, was running&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-biden-trump-third-parties-e0f57b636d1365050102a8aebfb65712">a long-shot primary bid</a>&nbsp;and has better favorability ratings among Republicans than Democrats. It’s unclear whether GOP support would translate to a general election when Kennedy would also be running against Trump. Allies of both Biden and Trump have at times questioned whether Kennedy would be a spoiler against their candidate.

“The truth is, they’re both right," Kennedy said in his speech. “My intention is to spoil it for both of them."

Biden’s allies so far have dismissed Kennedy’s primary campaign as unserious. Asked for comment ahead of the announcement, a Democratic National Committee spokesman responded with an eye roll emoji.

The Republican National Committee published a fact sheet before Kennedy's speech titled “Radical DEMOCRAT RFK Jr.” that lists times he supported liberal politicians or ideas. The document also listed times he supported conspiracy theories about COVID-19 or “stolen-election claims” related to the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections that Democrats lost to President George W. Bush. Trump continues to promote&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">the disproved theory</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">his loss to Biden</a>&nbsp;was the result of a stolen election.

Hundreds of supporters gathered for Kennedy's remarks, at times chanting, “RFK, all the way!” Campaign signs teased a potential new slogan: “Declare your independence.”

Among Kennedy's fans in the crowd were several voters who said they don’t identify as Democratic or Republican and view Kennedy as a truth teller and a breath of fresh air.

“He tells it how it is,” said Julia Hill, a 23-year-old student from New Jersey. “He doesn’t sound like a politician.”

Other supporters, such as Brent Snyder, a disabled veteran from south Philadelphia, said they had voted for Trump in the past but were looking for a change.

“The last couple years I’ve been noticing the Republican Party’s been going a way I didn’t like,” Snyder said. “Not that I agree with everything that’s happening to Trump, but I think right now he has more baggage than his country needs. The division right now is just terrible. We need someone to bring both sides together to make us work.”

Four of Kennedy's 10 siblings put out a joint statement denouncing his candidacy and saying they were saddened by his announcement.

“The decision of our brother Bobby to run as a third party candidate against Joe Biden is dangerous to our country,” it read. “Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment.”

Monday's announcement comes less than a week after the progressive activist Cornel West&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cornel-west-president-independent-green-party-2024-57dd7dbc0bccc10ea866005663398823">abandoned his Green Party bid</a>&nbsp;in favor of an independent White House run. Meanwhile, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-labels-bipartisan-presidential-candidate-d230dd3a3da6d78da6707c0165aa6443">centrist group No Labels</a>&nbsp;is actively securing ballot access for a yet-to-be-named candidate.

Kennedy has spent weeks accusing the DNC of “rigging” the party’s primary against him and threatening that he might need to consider alternatives.

In campaign emails and videos, he blasted the DNC’s decision not to host debates between Biden and other candidates and railed against the committee’s plan to give South Carolina rather than Iowa or New Hampshire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-iowa-e46b21ac9ed4ac96be6791bf7afc163d">the leadoff spot on the primary calendar</a>&nbsp;this election cycle.

“If they jam me, I’m going to look at every option,” he said in September at a New Hampshire barbecue held by Republican former Sen. Scott Brown.

Far-right and anti-vaccine influencers close to Kennedy also sent strong signals on social media suggesting he should or would leave the Democratic Party. Last month, Joseph Mercola, an influential anti-vaccine doctor who is allied with Kennedy, ran a poll on X, formerly known as Twitter, asking if Kennedy should quit the party.

While Kennedy has long&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-kennedy-election-2024-president-campaign-621c9e9641381a1b2677df9de5a09731">identified as a Democrat</a>&nbsp;and frequently invokes his late father, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and his uncle President John F. Kennedy on the campaign trail, he has built&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-rfk-jr-built-anti-vaccine-juggernaut-amid-covid-4997be1bcf591fe8b7f1f90d16c9321e">close relationships with far-right figures</a>&nbsp;in recent years. He appeared on a channel run by the Sandy Hook conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and headlined a stop on the ReAwaken America Tour, the Christian nationalist road show put together by Trump’s former national security adviser Michael Flynn.

Polls show far more Republicans than Democrats have a favorable opinion of Kennedy. He also has gained support from some far-right conservatives for his fringe views, including his vocal distrust of COVID-19 vaccines, which studies have shown are safe and effective against severe disease and death.

Kennedy’s anti-vaccine organization, Children’s Health Defense, currently has a lawsuit pending against a number of news organizations, among them The Associated Press, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by taking action to identify misinformation, including about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. Kennedy took leave from the group when he announced his run for president but is listed as one of its attorneys in the lawsuit.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Longtime environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine activist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-f-kennedy-jr">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>&nbsp;said Monday he'll run for president as an independent and drop his Democratic primary bid, adding a wrinkle to a 2024 race heading toward a likely rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A9opkWJn5aE?si=WQExXSDie9KfTFHo&amp;start=1262" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Speaking Monday from Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, where America’s founding documents were adopted, Kennedy said there is a “rising tide of discontent” in the country and said he wants to make a “new Declaration of Independence” — from corporations, the media and the two major political parties.“I’ve come here today to declare our independence from the tyranny of corruption which robs us of affordable lives, our belief in the future, and our respect for each other,” Kennedy said. “But to do that I must first declare my own independence. Independence from the Democratic Party and from all other political parties.”Kennedy, a member of one of the most famous Democratic families in politics, was running&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2024-biden-trump-third-parties-e0f57b636d1365050102a8aebfb65712">a long-shot primary bid</a>&nbsp;and has better favorability ratings among Republicans than Democrats. It’s unclear whether GOP support would translate to a general election when Kennedy would also be running against Trump. Allies of both Biden and Trump have at times questioned whether Kennedy would be a spoiler against their candidate.“The truth is, they’re both right," Kennedy said in his speech. “My intention is to spoil it for both of them."Biden’s allies so far have dismissed Kennedy’s primary campaign as unserious. Asked for comment ahead of the announcement, a Democratic National Committee spokesman responded with an eye roll emoji.The Republican National Committee published a fact sheet before Kennedy's speech titled “Radical DEMOCRAT RFK Jr.” that lists times he supported liberal politicians or ideas. The document also listed times he supported conspiracy theories about COVID-19 or “stolen-election claims” related to the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections that Democrats lost to President George W. Bush. Trump continues to promote&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-michael-pence-electoral-college-elections-health-2d9bd47a8bd3561682ac46c6b3873a10">the disproved theory</a>&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">his loss to Biden</a>&nbsp;was the result of a stolen election.Hundreds of supporters gathered for Kennedy's remarks, at times chanting, “RFK, all the way!” Campaign signs teased a potential new slogan: “Declare your independence.”Among Kennedy's fans in the crowd were several voters who said they don’t identify as Democratic or Republican and view Kennedy as a truth teller and a breath of fresh air.“He tells it how it is,” said Julia Hill, a 23-year-old student from New Jersey. “He doesn’t sound like a politician.”Other supporters, such as Brent Snyder, a disabled veteran from south Philadelphia, said they had voted for Trump in the past but were looking for a change.“The last couple years I’ve been noticing the Republican Party’s been going a way I didn’t like,” Snyder said. “Not that I agree with everything that’s happening to Trump, but I think right now he has more baggage than his country needs. The division right now is just terrible. We need someone to bring both sides together to make us work.”Four of Kennedy's 10 siblings put out a joint statement denouncing his candidacy and saying they were saddened by his announcement.“The decision of our brother Bobby to run as a third party candidate against Joe Biden is dangerous to our country,” it read. “Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment.”Monday's announcement comes less than a week after the progressive activist Cornel West&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cornel-west-president-independent-green-party-2024-57dd7dbc0bccc10ea866005663398823">abandoned his Green Party bid</a>&nbsp;in favor of an independent White House run. Meanwhile, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/no-labels-bipartisan-presidential-candidate-d230dd3a3da6d78da6707c0165aa6443">centrist group No Labels</a>&nbsp;is actively securing ballot access for a yet-to-be-named candidate.Kennedy has spent weeks accusing the DNC of “rigging” the party’s primary against him and threatening that he might need to consider alternatives.In campaign emails and videos, he blasted the DNC’s decision not to host debates between Biden and other candidates and railed against the committee’s plan to give South Carolina rather than Iowa or New Hampshire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-iowa-e46b21ac9ed4ac96be6791bf7afc163d">the leadoff spot on the primary calendar</a>&nbsp;this election cycle.“If they jam me, I’m going to look at every option,” he said in September at a New Hampshire barbecue held by Republican former Sen. Scott Brown.Far-right and anti-vaccine influencers close to Kennedy also sent strong signals on social media suggesting he should or would leave the Democratic Party. Last month, Joseph Mercola, an influential anti-vaccine doctor who is allied with Kennedy, ran a poll on X, formerly known as Twitter, asking if Kennedy should quit the party.While Kennedy has long&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rfk-kennedy-election-2024-president-campaign-621c9e9641381a1b2677df9de5a09731">identified as a Democrat</a>&nbsp;and frequently invokes his late father, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and his uncle President John F. Kennedy on the campaign trail, he has built&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-rfk-jr-built-anti-vaccine-juggernaut-amid-covid-4997be1bcf591fe8b7f1f90d16c9321e">close relationships with far-right figures</a>&nbsp;in recent years. He appeared on a channel run by the Sandy Hook conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and headlined a stop on the ReAwaken America Tour, the Christian nationalist road show put together by Trump’s former national security adviser Michael Flynn.Polls show far more Republicans than Democrats have a favorable opinion of Kennedy. He also has gained support from some far-right conservatives for his fringe views, including his vocal distrust of COVID-19 vaccines, which studies have shown are safe and effective against severe disease and death.Kennedy’s anti-vaccine organization, Children’s Health Defense, currently has a lawsuit pending against a number of news organizations, among them The Associated Press, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by taking action to identify misinformation, including about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. Kennedy took leave from the group when he announced his run for president but is listed as one of its attorneys in the lawsuit.

🎥RFK Jr. launches independent bid for president

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen accused in the deadly shooting of a 16-year-old Kansas boy made his first court appearance in the case Thursday.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=743084">Tyshon Jacques, 18,</a> was charged with 2nd degree intentional murder, according to the Sedegwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 3:30 p.m. Oct. 2, police were dispatched to a shooting call at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and 3rd Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebilledo.

The calling party reported seeing a slow-moving vehicle hit a pole and several people exiting the vehicle and running in different directions.

First responders located&nbsp; 18-year-old Jaqualen Dupree of Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;inside the vehicle he was driving unconscious and with an apparent gunshot wound to his upper body. Officers and EMS personnel began providing life-saving efforts. Dupree was transported to a local hospital in critical condition where he was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.

On Tuesday, police reported the arrest of an 18-year-old Jacques. He remains jailed on a $500,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696349576450.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen accused in the deadly shooting of a 16-year-old Kansas boy made his first court appearance in the case Thursday.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=743084">Tyshon Jacques, 18,</a> was charged with 2nd degree intentional murder, according to the Sedegwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 3:30 p.m. Oct. 2, police were dispatched to a shooting call at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and 3rd Street in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebilledo.The calling party reported seeing a slow-moving vehicle hit a pole and several people exiting the vehicle and running in different directions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696532369096.png" alt="Jacques-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Jacques-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders located&nbsp; 18-year-old Jaqualen Dupree of Wichita.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;inside the vehicle he was driving unconscious and with an apparent gunshot wound to his upper body. Officers and EMS personnel began providing life-saving efforts. Dupree was transported to a local hospital in critical condition where he was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.On Tuesday, police reported the arrest of an 18-year-old Jacques. He remains jailed on a $500,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

18-year-old charged in death of 16-year-old Kansas boy

OSAGE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 2p.m. Sunday in Osage County.

According to Sheriff Chris Wells, a 2020 Ram 1500 driven by&nbsp;Raul A. Reza-Lujan 36, Hutchinson, was southbound in the 32,400 block of South Shawnee Heights Road, near Melvern.

The driver lost control of the pickup.&nbsp; It left the roadway to the west and rolled.&nbsp;Reza-Lujan, the only occupant, was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the sheriff's office.

According to Sheriff Chris Wells, a 2020 Ram 1500 was southbound in the 32,400 block of South Shawnee Heights Road, near Melvern.

The driver lost control of the pickup.&nbsp; It left the roadway to the west and rolled. The driver and only occupant was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Police have not released the victim's name.

OSAGE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 2p.m. Sunday in Osage County.According to Sheriff Chris Wells, a 2020 Ram 1500 driven by&nbsp;Raul A. Reza-Lujan 36, Hutchinson, was southbound in the 32,400 block of South Shawnee Heights Road, near Melvern.The driver lost control of the pickup.&nbsp; It left the roadway to the west and rolled.&nbsp;Reza-Lujan, the only occupant, was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the sheriff's office.-----------OSAGE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 2p.m. Sunday in Osage County.According to Sheriff Chris Wells, a 2020 Ram 1500 was southbound in the 32,400 block of South Shawnee Heights Road, near Melvern.The driver lost control of the pickup.&nbsp; It left the roadway to the west and rolled. The driver and only occupant was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Police have not released the victim's name.

Sheriff ID's Kansas man as victim in pickup rollover crash

TOPEKA&nbsp; —The ruling Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday, firing thousands of rockets as dozens of fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land and sea, catching the country off guard on a major holiday. Hundreds were killed or taken hostage.&nbsp;Preliminary reports also indicate at least four American citizens were killed in the attacks.

 On Sunday, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach moved to light Memorial Hall in blue and white as a show of solidarity with Israel, according to a statement from Kobach's office.

Memorial Hall is&nbsp;the state building that houses the Secretary of State and Attorney General offices.He also requested in a letter to the Governor, Kansas Senate President, and Speaker of the Kansas House that the Capitol and other state buildings be illuminated with blue and white lights as well.

"Kansas must stand united with Israel, our democratic ally in the Middle East. The terrorists who attacked Israel hate America too. We must stand with our friends in Israel and recognize that the United States is a target as well," Kobach said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696864223580.png" alt="Photo by Danedri Herbert courtesy Kan. Attorney General's Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Danedri Herbert courtesy Kan. Attorney General's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp; —The ruling Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday, firing thousands of rockets as dozens of fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land and sea, catching the country off guard on a major holiday. Hundreds were killed or taken hostage.&nbsp;Preliminary reports also indicate at least four American citizens were killed in the attacks. On Sunday, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach moved to light Memorial Hall in blue and white as a show of solidarity with Israel, according to a statement from Kobach's office.Memorial Hall is&nbsp;the state building that houses the Secretary of State and Attorney General offices.He also requested in a letter to the Governor, Kansas Senate President, and Speaker of the Kansas House that the Capitol and other state buildings be illuminated with blue and white lights as well."Kansas must stand united with Israel, our democratic ally in the Middle East. The terrorists who attacked Israel hate America too. We must stand with our friends in Israel and recognize that the United States is a target as well," Kobach said.

Kan. AG lights Memorial Hall blue in solidarity with Israel

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement have located the body of a missing Kansas City man.

On Saturday morning, a property owner north of Mosby, Missouri, discovered a vehicle on his property and alerted the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, according to a social media report from Cameron Police.

 When deputies arrived on scene, they discovered a body, later identified as 61 year-old Roger Hunt, a short distance from the vehicle. Hunt was reported missing last week to Kansas City, Kansas police by family who told police he returned to his home in Kansas City on October 2 around 7a.m. after getting off work. but then left again sometime before 1p.m..

 He had not been heard from since.The death remains under investigation by the Clay County Sheriff’s office, but at this time, foul play does not appear to have been a factor in his death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696799312337.png" alt="Roger Hunt-photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Roger Hunt-photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement have located the body of a missing Kansas City man.On Saturday morning, a property owner north of Mosby, Missouri, discovered a vehicle on his property and alerted the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, according to a social media report from Cameron Police. When deputies arrived on scene, they discovered a body, later identified as 61 year-old Roger Hunt, a short distance from the vehicle. Hunt was reported missing last week to Kansas City, Kansas police by family who told police he returned to his home in Kansas City on October 2 around 7a.m. after getting off work. but then left again sometime before 1p.m.. He had not been heard from since.The death remains under investigation by the Clay County Sheriff’s office, but at this time, foul play does not appear to have been a factor in his death.

Police ID body as missing Kansas City man

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a high-speed pursuit in Douglas County that saw a police officer injured.

Just after 1:30a.m. Saturday, Douglas County sheriff's deputies responded to a backup request from Eudora police who were working a car stop, according to a media release.

While traveling to the scene, police advised the suspect vehicle fled westbound on Kansas 10 toward Lawrence. As the car drove away, one of the police officers had been caught in the drivers side door and almost trapped.

The suspect vehicle continue westbound into Lawrence at more than 100 miles-per-hour while also driving into the opposing lane of travel.&nbsp; The pursuit exited Lawrence on Haskell and East 1500 Road and into the rural area where a deputy performed a successful tactical vehicle intervention in the 1500 Block of North 1100 Road to disable the car.

Deputies took the suspect, a 21-year-old man from Lawrence into custody.&nbsp; &nbsp;The police officer did suffer a minor injury but was assessed at LMH Health and released, according to Eudora Police.

 Lawrence Douglas County Fire and Medical checked the suspect at the scene and he was later transported to the hospital for an examination.&nbsp;&nbsp;

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a high-speed pursuit in Douglas County that saw a police officer injured.Just after 1:30a.m. Saturday, Douglas County sheriff's deputies responded to a backup request from Eudora police who were working a car stop, according to a media release.While traveling to the scene, police advised the suspect vehicle fled westbound on Kansas 10 toward Lawrence. As the car drove away, one of the police officers had been caught in the drivers side door and almost trapped.The suspect vehicle continue westbound into Lawrence at more than 100 miles-per-hour while also driving into the opposing lane of travel.&nbsp; The pursuit exited Lawrence on Haskell and East 1500 Road and into the rural area where a deputy performed a successful tactical vehicle intervention in the 1500 Block of North 1100 Road to disable the car.Deputies took the suspect, a 21-year-old man from Lawrence into custody.&nbsp; &nbsp;The police officer did suffer a minor injury but was assessed at LMH Health and released, according to Eudora Police. Lawrence Douglas County Fire and Medical checked the suspect at the scene and he was later transported to the hospital for an examination.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. officer injured after caught in car door before 100mph chase

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting and have identified the victim as 43-year-old Broderick A. Brown.

Just after noon Saturday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2700 block of Independence Avenue in Kansas City, according to Sheriff Darryl Forte'.

First responders located Brown inside a business who was unresponsive. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; 

Brown and a person of interest in the shooting were both inside the business when an interaction led to shots being fired, according to an investigation by Kansas City Police.

Police were questioning on suspect and have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696716538765.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting and have identified the victim as 43-year-old Broderick A. Brown.Just after noon Saturday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2700 block of Independence Avenue in Kansas City, according to Sheriff Darryl Forte'.First responders located Brown inside a business who was unresponsive. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Brown and a person of interest in the shooting were both inside the business when an interaction led to shots being fired, according to an investigation by Kansas City Police.Police were questioning on suspect and have not reported an arrest.

Police ID victim in Kansas City-area business killing

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sunday he has ordered the Ford carrier strike group to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean to be ready to assist Israel after the surprise attack by Hamas that has left more than 1,000 dead and thousands wounded on both sides.

The USS Gerald R. Ford and its approximately 5,000 sailors and deck of warplanes will be accompanied by cruisers and destroyers in a show of force that is meant to be ready to respond to anything, from possibly interdicting additional weapons from reaching Hamas and conducting surveillance.

The large deployment, which also includes a host of ships and warplanes, underscores the concern that the United States has in trying to deter the conflict from growing. The Israeli government formally declared war Sunday and gave the green light for “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. was trying to verify reports that several Americans were killed and some were taken captive by Hamas.

Along with the Ford the U.S. is sending the cruiser USS Normandy, destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt and the U.S. is augmenting Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.

“The U.S. maintains ready forces globally to further reinforce this deterrence posture if required,” Austin said in a statement.

In addition, the Biden administration “will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions. The first security assistance will begin moving today and arriving in the coming days,” Austin said.

The Norfolk, Virginia-based carrier strike group( was already in the Mediterranean. Last week it was conducting naval exercises with Italy in the Ionian Sea. It’s the United States newest and most advanced aircraft carrier and this is its first full deployment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696803172229.png" alt="The USS Gerald R. Ford and its approximately 5,000 sailors and deck of warplanes will be accompanied by cruisers and destroyers in a show of force that is meant to be ready to respond to anything, from possibly interdicting additional weapons from reaching Hamas and conducting surveillance.-photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>The USS Gerald R. Ford and its approximately 5,000 sailors and deck of warplanes will be accompanied by cruisers and destroyers in a show of force that is meant to be ready to respond to anything, from possibly interdicting additional weapons from reaching Hamas and conducting surveillance.-photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Sunday he has ordered the Ford carrier strike group to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean to be ready to assist Israel after the surprise attack by Hamas that has left more than 1,000 dead and thousands wounded on both sides.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Strengthening our joint force posture, in addition to the materiel support—including munitions—that we will rapidly provide to Israel, underscores the United States’ ironclad support for Israel.&mdash; Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1711075334827675754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The USS Gerald R. Ford and its approximately 5,000 sailors and deck of warplanes will be accompanied by cruisers and destroyers in a show of force that is meant to be ready to respond to anything, from possibly interdicting additional weapons from reaching Hamas and conducting surveillance.The large deployment, which also includes a host of ships and warplanes, underscores the concern that the United States has in trying to deter the conflict from growing. The Israeli government formally declared war Sunday and gave the green light for “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas.Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. was trying to verify reports that several Americans were killed and some were taken captive by Hamas.Along with the Ford the U.S. is sending the cruiser USS Normandy, destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt and the U.S. is augmenting Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.“The U.S. maintains ready forces globally to further reinforce this deterrence posture if required,” Austin said in a statement.In addition, the Biden administration “will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions. The first security assistance will begin moving today and arriving in the coming days,” Austin said.The Norfolk, Virginia-based carrier strike group( was already in the Mediterranean. Last week it was conducting naval exercises with Italy in the Ionian Sea. It’s the United States newest and most advanced aircraft carrier and this is its first full deployment.

 US sending warships, weapons to support Israel

DETROIT (AP) — Union workers at Mack Trucks went on strike Monday after voting down a tentative five-year contract agreement that negotiators had reached with the company.

The United Auto Workers said 4,000 unionized workers walked out at 7 a.m., adding to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-strike-ford-general-motors-stellantis-5f185f6615a1b3690af744641508c8e2">labor turmoil in the industry</a>&nbsp;that has ensnared all three big Detroit automakers.

With those workers joining picket lines, the total number of UAW members that are on strike now exceeds 30,000 across 22 states, the union said Monday.

Union President Shawn Fain said in a letter to Mack parent company Volvo Trucks that 73% of workers voted against the deal in results counted on Sunday.

The UAW represents Mack workers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida. Union leaders had reached a tentative agreement on the deal on Oct. 1.

UAW Locals 171, 677, 1247, 2301, and 2420 in UAW Region 8 and Region 9 represent workers at Mack Trucks in Macungie and Middletown, Pennsylvania; Hagerstown and Baltimore, Maryland; and Jacksonville, Florida.

The deal negotiators had reached with Mack just over a week ago included a 19% pay raise over the life of the contract with 10% upon ratification. There also was a $3,500 ratification bonus, no increase in weekly health care contributions, increased annual lump sum payments for retirees and a $1,000 annual 401(k) lump sum to offset health care costs for employees who don’t get health insurance after retirement.

Fain said in his letter to Volvo Trucks' head of labor relations that employees working early Monday would exit the factories after performing tasks needed to prevent damage to company equipment.

Fain wrote that UAW members and workers across the country are seeking their fair share in wages and benefits.

The company and union are still apart on work schedules, health and safety, pensions, health care, prescription drug coverage, overtime and other issues, he wrote.

The contract may have been sunk by high expectations Fain has set in bargaining with Detroit’s three automakers. In those talks, the UAW has asked for 36% raises over four years, while Ford has offered 23% and the other two firms are at 20%.

“I’m inspired to see UAW members at Mack Trucks holding out for a better deal, and ready to stand up and walk off the job to win it,” Fain said in a prepared statement. “The members have the final say, and it’s their solidarity and organization that will win a fair contract at Mack.”

Mack Trucks President Stephen Roy said in a statement Sunday night that the company is “surprised and disappointed” that the union chose to strike. The union, he wrote, called the tentative agreement a record for the heavy truck industry. “We trust that other stakeholders also appreciate that our market, business and competitive set are very different from those of the passenger car makers,” the statement said.

Mack, he wrote, is part of the only heavy truck manufacturing group that assembles all of its vehicles and engines for North America in the U.S., competing against trucks built in lower-cost countries.

The company is committed to collective bargaining and is confident both sides will reach a deal that delivers competitive wages and benefits while safeguarding the company’s future, the statement said.

The UAW went on strike at selected factories run by automakers General Motors, Ford and Jeep maker Stellantis on Sept. 15. It started with one assembly plant for each company, then spread to 38 GM and Stellantis parts warehouses. Two additional assembly plants at Ford and GM were added later.

DETROIT (AP) — Union workers at Mack Trucks have voted down a tentative five-year contract agreement reached with the company and plan to strike at 7 a.m. Monday, the United Auto Workers union says.

The UAW represents about 4,000 Mack workers in three states. Union leaders had reached a tentative agreement on the deal on Oct. 1.

The deal included a 19% pay raise over the life of the contract with 10% upon ratification. There also was a $3,500 ratification bonus, no increase in weekly health care contributions, increased annual lump sum payments for retirees and a $1,000 annual 401(k) lump sum to offset health care costs for employees who don’t get health insurance after retirement.

Fain said in his letter to Volvo Trucks’ head of labor relations that employees working early Monday will exit the factories after performing tasks needed to prevent damage to company equipment.

The workers are in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida.

Fain wrote that UAW members and workers across the country are seeking their fair share in wages and benefits. “The union remains committed to exploring all options for reaching an agreement, but we clearly are not there yet.”

On Friday, the union decided not to expand the strikes to any more plants for the time being after GM agreed to bring its electric vehicle battery factories into the UAW’s national contract, assuring that they’ll be unionized. The union also reported progress with all three automakers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696847042061.png" alt="The UAW represents about 4,000 Mack workers in three states." />
 <figcaption>The UAW represents about 4,000 Mack workers in three states.</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Union workers at Mack Trucks went on strike Monday after voting down a tentative five-year contract agreement that negotiators had reached with the company.The United Auto Workers said 4,000 unionized workers walked out at 7 a.m., adding to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/auto-workers-strike-ford-general-motors-stellantis-5f185f6615a1b3690af744641508c8e2">labor turmoil in the industry</a>&nbsp;that has ensnared all three big Detroit automakers.With those workers joining picket lines, the total number of UAW members that are on strike now exceeds 30,000 across 22 states, the union said Monday.Union President Shawn Fain said in a letter to Mack parent company Volvo Trucks that 73% of workers voted against the deal in results counted on Sunday.The UAW represents Mack workers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida. Union leaders had reached a tentative agreement on the deal on Oct. 1.UAW Locals 171, 677, 1247, 2301, and 2420 in UAW Region 8 and Region 9 represent workers at Mack Trucks in Macungie and Middletown, Pennsylvania; Hagerstown and Baltimore, Maryland; and Jacksonville, Florida.The deal negotiators had reached with Mack just over a week ago included a 19% pay raise over the life of the contract with 10% upon ratification. There also was a $3,500 ratification bonus, no increase in weekly health care contributions, increased annual lump sum payments for retirees and a $1,000 annual 401(k) lump sum to offset health care costs for employees who don’t get health insurance after retirement.Fain said in his letter to Volvo Trucks' head of labor relations that employees working early Monday would exit the factories after performing tasks needed to prevent damage to company equipment.Fain wrote that UAW members and workers across the country are seeking their fair share in wages and benefits.The company and union are still apart on work schedules, health and safety, pensions, health care, prescription drug coverage, overtime and other issues, he wrote.The contract may have been sunk by high expectations Fain has set in bargaining with Detroit’s three automakers. In those talks, the UAW has asked for 36% raises over four years, while Ford has offered 23% and the other two firms are at 20%.“I’m inspired to see UAW members at Mack Trucks holding out for a better deal, and ready to stand up and walk off the job to win it,” Fain said in a prepared statement. “The members have the final say, and it’s their solidarity and organization that will win a fair contract at Mack.”Mack Trucks President Stephen Roy said in a statement Sunday night that the company is “surprised and disappointed” that the union chose to strike. The union, he wrote, called the tentative agreement a record for the heavy truck industry. “We trust that other stakeholders also appreciate that our market, business and competitive set are very different from those of the passenger car makers,” the statement said.Mack, he wrote, is part of the only heavy truck manufacturing group that assembles all of its vehicles and engines for North America in the U.S., competing against trucks built in lower-cost countries.The company is committed to collective bargaining and is confident both sides will reach a deal that delivers competitive wages and benefits while safeguarding the company’s future, the statement said.The UAW went on strike at selected factories run by automakers General Motors, Ford and Jeep maker Stellantis on Sept. 15. It started with one assembly plant for each company, then spread to 38 GM and Stellantis parts warehouses. Two additional assembly plants at Ford and GM were added later.---------------DETROIT (AP) — Union workers at Mack Trucks have voted down a tentative five-year contract agreement reached with the company and plan to strike at 7 a.m. Monday, the United Auto Workers union says.Union President Shawn Fain said in a letter to Mack parent company Volvo Trucks that 73% of workers voted against the deal in results counted on Sunday.The UAW represents about 4,000 Mack workers in three states. Union leaders had reached a tentative agreement on the deal on Oct. 1.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING: 4,000 UAW members at Mack Trucks have voted to REJECT a tentative agreement, and will STRIKE at 7 am on Monday. &quot;I&#39;m inspired to see UAW members at Mack holding out for a better deal, and ready to stand up and walk off the job to win it,&quot; said UAW President Shawn Fain. <a href="https://t.co/YFYfqikSMh">pic.twitter.com/YFYfqikSMh</a>&mdash; UAW (@UAW) <a href="https://twitter.com/UAW/status/1711186526153900080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The deal included a 19% pay raise over the life of the contract with 10% upon ratification. There also was a $3,500 ratification bonus, no increase in weekly health care contributions, increased annual lump sum payments for retirees and a $1,000 annual 401(k) lump sum to offset health care costs for employees who don’t get health insurance after retirement.Fain said in his letter to Volvo Trucks’ head of labor relations that employees working early Monday will exit the factories after performing tasks needed to prevent damage to company equipment.The workers are in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida.Fain wrote that UAW members and workers across the country are seeking their fair share in wages and benefits. “The union remains committed to exploring all options for reaching an agreement, but we clearly are not there yet.”The company and union are still apart on work schedules, health and safety, pensions, health care, prescription drug coverage, overtime and other issues, he wrote.The contract may have been sunk by high expectations Fain has set in bargaining with Detroit’s three automakers. In those talks, the UAW has asked for 36% raises over four years, while Ford has offered 23% and the other two firms are at 20%.Mack Trucks President Stephen Roy said in a statement Sunday night that the company is “surprised and disappointed” that the union chose to strike. The union, he wrote, called the tentative agreement a record for the heavy truck industry. “We trust that other stakeholders also appreciate that our market, business and competitive set are very different from those of the passenger car makers,” the statement said.Mack, he wrote, is part of the only heavy truck manufacturing group that assembles all of its vehicles and engines for North America in the U.S., competing against trucks built in lower-cost countries.The company is committed to collective bargaining and is confident both sides will reach a deal that delivers competitive wages and benefits while safeguarding the company’s future, the statement said.The UAW went on strike at selected factories run by automakers General Motors, Ford and Jeep maker Stellantis on Sept. 15. It started with one assembly plant for each company, then spread to 38 GM and Stellantis parts warehouses. Two additional assembly plants at Ford and GM were added later.On Friday, the union decided not to expand the strikes to any more plants for the time being after GM agreed to bring its electric vehicle battery factories into the UAW’s national contract, assuring that they’ll be unionized. The union also reported progress with all three automakers.

Workers at Mack Trucks go on strike after rejecting contract deal

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

On Oct. 6, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 1900 Block of SE 24th Street related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrants, officers located methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. As a result, Baileah Flynn, 25, was transported to the Shawnee County Department and booked into jail on requested charges Possession of methamphetamines and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696588969908.png" alt="Flynn-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Flynn-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.On Oct. 6, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 1900 Block of SE 24th Street related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.While conducting the search warrants, officers located methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. As a result, Baileah Flynn, 25, was transported to the Shawnee County Department and booked into jail on requested charges Possession of methamphetamines and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police found meth and marijuana at Kansas home

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man from Texas is going to prison for a deadly Memorial Day weekend crash in 2021 that killed a Kansas woman.

A judge sentenced 37-year-old Scott Cabrales to 24 months with 36 months post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In July, Cabrales he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence and no proof of insurance, according to the district attorney's office.

In May of 2021, police responded to an injury accident with a driver pinned in a vehicle at Maple and Martinson, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officer’s located 80-year-old Frankie Baxter pinned inside of a vehicle. Police with the assistance of the Wichita Fire Department removed her from the vehicle and she pronounced deceased on the scene, according to Davidson.

The investigation revealed that Baxter was driving a 2015 Hyundai Tucson northbound on Elizabeth Street in Wichita. She turned to travel eastbound on Maple.

A 2008 Maxda Six driven by Cabrales, who lived in Wichita at the time, was eastbound on Maple at a high rate of speed and believed to be under the influence of alcohol.&nbsp; The Mazda struck the rear driver's side of the Hyundai. The impact caused the Hyundai to strike the curb and a tree.

EMS transported Cabrales to an area hospital for medical treatment of minor injuries and then booked him into jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/2/1676078965589.png" alt="Cabrales-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Cabrales-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A man from Texas is going to prison for a deadly Memorial Day weekend crash in 2021 that killed a Kansas woman.A judge sentenced 37-year-old Scott Cabrales to 24 months with 36 months post-release supervision, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In July, Cabrales he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence and no proof of insurance, according to the district attorney's office.In May of 2021, police responded to an injury accident with a driver pinned in a vehicle at Maple and Martinson, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officer’s located 80-year-old Frankie Baxter pinned inside of a vehicle. Police with the assistance of the Wichita Fire Department removed her from the vehicle and she pronounced deceased on the scene, according to Davidson.The investigation revealed that Baxter was driving a 2015 Hyundai Tucson northbound on Elizabeth Street in Wichita. She turned to travel eastbound on Maple.A 2008 Maxda Six driven by Cabrales, who lived in Wichita at the time, was eastbound on Maple at a high rate of speed and believed to be under the influence of alcohol.&nbsp; The Mazda struck the rear driver's side of the Hyundai. The impact caused the Hyundai to strike the curb and a tree.EMS transported Cabrales to an area hospital for medical treatment of minor injuries and then booked him into jail.

Man sentenced for crash that killed 80-year-old Kan. woman

WASHINGTON (AP) — Updated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-coronavirus-234f27c74438fb4812a014dbd98ddbde">COVID-19 vaccines</a>&nbsp;may be getting a little easier for adults to find but they’re still frustratingly scarce for young children. Health officials said Thursday the kid shots have started shipping — and reminded most everyone to get a fall flu shot too.

About 2 million Americans have gotten the new COVID-19 shot in the&nbsp; weeks since its approval despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccine-delays-cdc-moderna-pfizer-ba66d06cbcc31ba4b22d60e93d3d5024">early barriers from insurance companies</a>&nbsp;and other glitches, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

For the first time, the U.S. has vaccines to fight a trio of viruses that cause fall and winter misery. But health officials worry that shot fatigue and hassles in getting them will leave too many people needlessly unprotected.

“We need to use them,” Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Thursday. “Right now is the right time.”

A flu vaccination and that updated COVID-19 shot are urged for just about everyone, starting with babies as young as 6 months.

Also this year, a vaccine against another scary virus called RSV is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rsv-vaccine-adults-gsk-pfizer-cdc-virus-592dcd5ae36cdbec8c003511f5fd27f0">recommended for people 60 and older</a>&nbsp;and for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rsv-vaccine-infants-cdc-e30abab0c84ab22ddddc4963dad7c0ad">certain pregnant women</a>. And for babies,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rsv-babies-drug-cdc-astrazeneca-sanofi-shot-c03b72aaa51e59176cfa3feb3ceac06c">a vaccinelike medicine</a>&nbsp;to guard against that respiratory syncytial virus is expected to arrive next month.

“These vaccines may not be perfect in being able to prevent absolutely every infection with these illnesses, but they turn a wild infection into a milder one,” said Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

This year’s vaccine is updated to protect against newer versions of the constantly evolving coronavirus. Already there’s been a late summer jump in infections, hospitalizations and deaths. And so far the new vaccine recipe appears to be a good match to the variants currently circulating.

Protection against COVID-19, whether from vaccination or from an earlier infection, wanes over time — and most Americans haven’t had a vaccine dose in about a year. Everyone 5 and older will need just one shot this fall even if they’ve never had a prior vaccination, while younger children may need additional doses depending on their vaccination and infection history.

The rollout's start has been messy. This time the government isn't buying and distributing shots for free. Now drugstores, doctors' offices and other providers had to place their own orders, and sometimes canceled appointments if supplies didn't arrive in time. Some people had to wait for their insurance companies to update the billing codes needed to cover them or risk paying out of pocket.

Manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna have shipped millions of doses, and say there’s plenty of supply — and in recent days, more appointments have started opening, at least for people 12 and older. In a Wednesday meeting, insurance companies told HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra they've largely resolved the paperwork issues blocking some patients' vaccinations.

The shots are supposed to be provided free in-network to the insured. For the uninsured or underinsured, CDC has opened what it's calling a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/bridge/index.html">“bridge”</a>&nbsp;program to provide free shots at certain sites.

WHY CAN’T PARENTS FIND COVID-19 SHOTS FOR YOUNGER KIDS?

Adult doses got shipped first, CDC’s Cohen said. Doses for the under-12 set have begun shipping, and “the supply is filling out,” she said.

Drugstore chain CVS said its doses for ages 5 and older began arriving last week, although supplies vary by location, while its MinuteClinic locations anticipate opening appointments for tots as young as 18 months in the coming days.

As for pediatricians, they’ve had to guess how many doses to buy up-front while waiting to learn how much insurance companies would reimburse them for each shot, said Dr. Jesse Hackell of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He said early parent demand is heartening but that pediatricians expect to spend lots of time this fall explaining to hesitant families how important COVID-19 vaccination is even for healthy children.

In Redmond, Washington, Ania Mitros got herself, her husband and her 13-year-old vaccinated pretty easily but despite calls to multiple pharmacies and clinics can't find anyone to tell her when shots for her 8- and 11-year-old will be available. “There need to be clear expectations,” she said.

Fewer Americans got a flu vaccine last year than before the coronavirus pandemic –- a discouraging gap that CDC hopes to reverse.

People need a flu vaccine every fall because influenza also mutates each year. Like with COVID-19, flu is most dangerous to older adults, the very young and people with weak immune systems, lung, heart or other chronic health problems, or who are pregnant.

There are multiple kinds of flu vaccines, including a nasal spray version for certain younger people. More important, three kinds are specifically recommended for seniors because they do a better job revving up an older adult’s immune system.

CAN I GET A FLU SHOT AND COVID-19 SHOT AT THE SAME TIME?

Yes, although one in each arm might be more comfortable.

RSV is a cold-like nuisance for most people, and not as well-known as the flu. But RSV packs hospitals every winter and kills several hundred tots and thousands of seniors. The CDC says already, RSV cases are rising in the Southeast.

RSV vaccines from GSK and Pfizer are approved for adults 60 and older.

Drugstores have adequate supplies but some seniors are reporting hurdles such as requirements to get a prescription. That’s because the CDC recommended that seniors talk with their doctors about the new vaccine. Cohen said it was meant just for education about a virus that people may not know much about.

“We want folks to ... get access to the vaccine as quickly as possible,” she said.

The FDA also has approved Pfizer’s RSV vaccine to be given late in pregnancy so moms-to-be pass virus-fighting antibodies to their fetuses, offering some protection at birth. The CDC is recommending that pregnancy vaccinations be offered between September and January, when RSV tends to be most common.

There's no vaccine for children but babies whose mothers didn't get vaccinated in pregnancy may get&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rsv-babies-drug-cdc-astrazeneca-sanofi-shot-c03b72aaa51e59176cfa3feb3ceac06c">an injection of lab-made antibodies</a>&nbsp;to guard against RSV. Called Beyfortus, the one-dose shot from Sanofi and AstraZeneca is different than a vaccine, which teaches the body to make its own infection-fighting antibodies, but is similarly protective. Cohen said it should be available in October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672157207598.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Updated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-coronavirus-234f27c74438fb4812a014dbd98ddbde">COVID-19 vaccines</a>&nbsp;may be getting a little easier for adults to find but they’re still frustratingly scarce for young children. Health officials said Thursday the kid shots have started shipping — and reminded most everyone to get a fall flu shot too.About 2 million Americans have gotten the new COVID-19 shot in the&nbsp; weeks since its approval despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccine-delays-cdc-moderna-pfizer-ba66d06cbcc31ba4b22d60e93d3d5024">early barriers from insurance companies</a>&nbsp;and other glitches, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.For the first time, the U.S. has vaccines to fight a trio of viruses that cause fall and winter misery. But health officials worry that shot fatigue and hassles in getting them will leave too many people needlessly unprotected.“We need to use them,” Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Thursday. “Right now is the right time.”A flu vaccination and that updated COVID-19 shot are urged for just about everyone, starting with babies as young as 6 months.Also this year, a vaccine against another scary virus called RSV is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rsv-vaccine-adults-gsk-pfizer-cdc-virus-592dcd5ae36cdbec8c003511f5fd27f0">recommended for people 60 and older</a>&nbsp;and for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rsv-vaccine-infants-cdc-e30abab0c84ab22ddddc4963dad7c0ad">certain pregnant women</a>. And for babies,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rsv-babies-drug-cdc-astrazeneca-sanofi-shot-c03b72aaa51e59176cfa3feb3ceac06c">a vaccinelike medicine</a>&nbsp;to guard against that respiratory syncytial virus is expected to arrive next month.“These vaccines may not be perfect in being able to prevent absolutely every infection with these illnesses, but they turn a wild infection into a milder one,” said Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.Some things to know:WHY DO I NEED ANOTHER COVID-19 SHOT?This year’s vaccine is updated to protect against newer versions of the constantly evolving coronavirus. Already there’s been a late summer jump in infections, hospitalizations and deaths. And so far the new vaccine recipe appears to be a good match to the variants currently circulating.Protection against COVID-19, whether from vaccination or from an earlier infection, wanes over time — and most Americans haven’t had a vaccine dose in about a year. Everyone 5 and older will need just one shot this fall even if they’ve never had a prior vaccination, while younger children may need additional doses depending on their vaccination and infection history.HOW HARD IS IT TO FIND COVID-19 SHOTS?The rollout's start has been messy. This time the government isn't buying and distributing shots for free. Now drugstores, doctors' offices and other providers had to place their own orders, and sometimes canceled appointments if supplies didn't arrive in time. Some people had to wait for their insurance companies to update the billing codes needed to cover them or risk paying out of pocket.Manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna have shipped millions of doses, and say there’s plenty of supply — and in recent days, more appointments have started opening, at least for people 12 and older. In a Wednesday meeting, insurance companies told HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra they've largely resolved the paperwork issues blocking some patients' vaccinations.The shots are supposed to be provided free in-network to the insured. For the uninsured or underinsured, CDC has opened what it's calling a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/bridge/index.html">“bridge”</a>&nbsp;program to provide free shots at certain sites.WHY CAN’T PARENTS FIND COVID-19 SHOTS FOR YOUNGER KIDS?Adult doses got shipped first, CDC’s Cohen said. Doses for the under-12 set have begun shipping, and “the supply is filling out,” she said.Drugstore chain CVS said its doses for ages 5 and older began arriving last week, although supplies vary by location, while its MinuteClinic locations anticipate opening appointments for tots as young as 18 months in the coming days.As for pediatricians, they’ve had to guess how many doses to buy up-front while waiting to learn how much insurance companies would reimburse them for each shot, said Dr. Jesse Hackell of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He said early parent demand is heartening but that pediatricians expect to spend lots of time this fall explaining to hesitant families how important COVID-19 vaccination is even for healthy children.In Redmond, Washington, Ania Mitros got herself, her husband and her 13-year-old vaccinated pretty easily but despite calls to multiple pharmacies and clinics can't find anyone to tell her when shots for her 8- and 11-year-old will be available. “There need to be clear expectations,” she said.WHAT ABOUT FLU VACCINE?Fewer Americans got a flu vaccine last year than before the coronavirus pandemic –- a discouraging gap that CDC hopes to reverse.People need a flu vaccine every fall because influenza also mutates each year. Like with COVID-19, flu is most dangerous to older adults, the very young and people with weak immune systems, lung, heart or other chronic health problems, or who are pregnant.There are multiple kinds of flu vaccines, including a nasal spray version for certain younger people. More important, three kinds are specifically recommended for seniors because they do a better job revving up an older adult’s immune system.CAN I GET A FLU SHOT AND COVID-19 SHOT AT THE SAME TIME?Yes, although one in each arm might be more comfortable.WHO NEEDS THE NEW RSV VACCINE?RSV is a cold-like nuisance for most people, and not as well-known as the flu. But RSV packs hospitals every winter and kills several hundred tots and thousands of seniors. The CDC says already, RSV cases are rising in the Southeast.RSV vaccines from GSK and Pfizer are approved for adults 60 and older.Drugstores have adequate supplies but some seniors are reporting hurdles such as requirements to get a prescription. That’s because the CDC recommended that seniors talk with their doctors about the new vaccine. Cohen said it was meant just for education about a virus that people may not know much about.“We want folks to ... get access to the vaccine as quickly as possible,” she said.WHAT ABOUT BABIES AND RSV?The FDA also has approved Pfizer’s RSV vaccine to be given late in pregnancy so moms-to-be pass virus-fighting antibodies to their fetuses, offering some protection at birth. The CDC is recommending that pregnancy vaccinations be offered between September and January, when RSV tends to be most common.There's no vaccine for children but babies whose mothers didn't get vaccinated in pregnancy may get&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rsv-babies-drug-cdc-astrazeneca-sanofi-shot-c03b72aaa51e59176cfa3feb3ceac06c">an injection of lab-made antibodies</a>&nbsp;to guard against RSV. Called Beyfortus, the one-dose shot from Sanofi and AstraZeneca is different than a vaccine, which teaches the body to make its own infection-fighting antibodies, but is similarly protective. Cohen said it should be available in October.___

What to know as fall vaccinations against COVID, flu and RSV underway

By RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The death of a homeless 5-year-old girl has reignited anger and conversation about the efficacy of the state’s child welfare services.

During a Wednesday meeting on child welfare oversight, lawmakers questioned Kansas Department for Children and Families secretary Laura Howard about the case.

“There’s a very tragic murder that took place here in Shawnee County just a couple of days ago, where a 5-year-old child was brutally killed,” Howard said. “Very, very tragic circumstances.”

On Monday, officers were sent to a gas station in southeast Topeka, where first responders were treating a young child who had been sexually assaulted, according to police. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced dead.&nbsp;

Her former neighbors said she had been living in a homeless camp at the time of her death, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2023/10/05/zoey-felix-former-topeka-home-city-evergy-utilities-shut-off/71061637007/">Topeka Capital-Journal reported</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Howard said she couldn’t legally say anything about the case in a public setting before investigation protocols had been settled but would speak with lawmakers privately during an executive session. During the meeting, lawmakers talked with Howard behind closed doors.&nbsp;

“I know it sounds technical, but it’s the law,” Howard said. “It’s really about protecting children and families. I can make comments in a closed executive session that this committee has the authority to do.”

In cases where a child dies in state custody, or in cases that had been referred to DCF investigators before the child’s death, DCF has to decide whether the child’s death was the result of abuse or neglect. If it is, DCF has seven days to release information on reports of abuse or neglect received by the agency, as well as the department’s response to these reports when the information is requested.

That law grew out of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/17/parents-grandparents-of-kansas-foster-kids-cry-out-for-new-oversight-office/">another case</a>&nbsp;that sparked public horror and outcry — a 7-year-old boy who was killed in 2015 after DCF ignored repeated warnings about his living conditions.

His case, along with repeated&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/23/audit-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-scrutinizes-financial-controls-it-costs-ceo-travel-ppp-loan/">oversight failures</a>&nbsp;within the foster care system, was the impetus for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/17/parents-grandparents-of-kansas-foster-kids-cry-out-for-new-oversight-office/">the creation of the Office of the Child Advocate</a>. In a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/reports/scdrb/2023-scdrb-annual-report-final.pdf?sfvrsn=e98abf1a_4">&nbsp;recently released report</a>&nbsp;on adolescent deaths in the state for 2021, officials asked for more oversight of the child welfare system.

A board of health professionals, law enforcement officers, educators and attorneys examines each child death in Kansas, and the resulting report in 2021 recommended consistent case monitoring and better communication within child welfare agencies.&nbsp;

Between 2019 to 2021, 392 out of 1,074 child fatalities reviewed by the board had history with DCF’s child protective services, according to a yearly analysis, with situations like being held in state custody, having siblings removed from the home, or having open child protective services cases.&nbsp;

There were 32 child homicides in 2021. Twenty-three of those families had been involved with child protective services before death.&nbsp;

“Additional child welfare improvement is needed in Kansas to reduce the number of child abuse and neglect deaths,” according to the report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696769820568.png" alt=" In reviews of child fatalities from 2021, DCF had been involved with a majority of the children before they died. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> In reviews of child fatalities from 2021, DCF had been involved with a majority of the children before they died. (Sam Bailey/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The death of a homeless 5-year-old girl has reignited anger and conversation about the efficacy of the state’s child welfare services.During a Wednesday meeting on child welfare oversight, lawmakers questioned Kansas Department for Children and Families secretary Laura Howard about the case.“There’s a very tragic murder that took place here in Shawnee County just a couple of days ago, where a 5-year-old child was brutally killed,” Howard said. “Very, very tragic circumstances.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696600819324.png" alt="Authorities continue to investigate the tragic death of 5-year-old Zoey Felix photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Authorities continue to investigate the tragic death of 5-year-old Zoey Felix photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, officers were sent to a gas station in southeast Topeka, where first responders were treating a young child who had been sexually assaulted, according to police. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced dead.&nbsp;Her former neighbors said she had been living in a homeless camp at the time of her death, the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/local/2023/10/05/zoey-felix-former-topeka-home-city-evergy-utilities-shut-off/71061637007/">Topeka Capital-Journal reported</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Howard said she couldn’t legally say anything about the case in a public setting before investigation protocols had been settled but would speak with lawmakers privately during an executive session. During the meeting, lawmakers talked with Howard behind closed doors.&nbsp;“I know it sounds technical, but it’s the law,” Howard said. “It’s really about protecting children and families. I can make comments in a closed executive session that this committee has the authority to do.”In cases where a child dies in state custody, or in cases that had been referred to DCF investigators before the child’s death, DCF has to decide whether the child’s death was the result of abuse or neglect. If it is, DCF has seven days to release information on reports of abuse or neglect received by the agency, as well as the department’s response to these reports when the information is requested.That law grew out of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/17/parents-grandparents-of-kansas-foster-kids-cry-out-for-new-oversight-office/">another case</a>&nbsp;that sparked public horror and outcry — a 7-year-old boy who was killed in 2015 after DCF ignored repeated warnings about his living conditions.His case, along with repeated&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/23/audit-of-kansas-foster-care-provider-scrutinizes-financial-controls-it-costs-ceo-travel-ppp-loan/">oversight failures</a>&nbsp;within the foster care system, was the impetus for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/02/17/parents-grandparents-of-kansas-foster-kids-cry-out-for-new-oversight-office/">the creation of the Office of the Child Advocate</a>. In a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/reports/scdrb/2023-scdrb-annual-report-final.pdf?sfvrsn=e98abf1a_4">&nbsp;recently released report</a>&nbsp;on adolescent deaths in the state for 2021, officials asked for more oversight of the child welfare system.A board of health professionals, law enforcement officers, educators and attorneys examines each child death in Kansas, and the resulting report in 2021 recommended consistent case monitoring and better communication within child welfare agencies.&nbsp;Between 2019 to 2021, 392 out of 1,074 child fatalities reviewed by the board had history with DCF’s child protective services, according to a yearly analysis, with situations like being held in state custody, having siblings removed from the home, or having open child protective services cases.&nbsp;There were 32 child homicides in 2021. Twenty-three of those families had been involved with child protective services before death.&nbsp;“Additional child welfare improvement is needed in Kansas to reduce the number of child abuse and neglect deaths,” according to the report.

Child’s murder reignites debate on how Kan. protects children from abuse and neglect

WASHINGTON (AP) - Preliminary reports indicate at least four American citizens were killed in the attacks against Israel, a United States official told AP on Sunday.

Earlier Sunday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN that the U.S. could soon be sending additional military assets to Israel after the surprise attack by Hamas that has left more than 1,000 dead and thousands wounded on both sides.

We want to make sure that Israel has what it needs,” Blinken told CNN on Sunday.

Blinken said an announcement on additional aid to Israel could be made as soon as Sunday.

The number of dead in Israel following the attack by Hamas on Saturday is likely to be over 500.

Israel formally declared war on Hamas on Sunday.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Israeli government formally declared war Sunday and gave the green light for “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas for its surprise attack from the Gaza Strip, portending greater fighting ahead as the toll from the conflict passed 900 dead and thousands wounded on both sides.

More than 24 hours after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates">Hamas launched its unprecedented incursion</a>&nbsp;out of Gaza, Israeli forces were still trying to crush the last groups of militant fighters holed up in several towns of southern Israel. At least 600 people have reportedly been killed in Israel — a staggering toll on a scale the country has not experienced in decades — and more than 300 have been killed in Gaza as Israeli airstrikes pound the territory.

Authorities were still trying to determine how many civilians and soldiers were seized by Hamas fighters during the mayhem and taken back to Gaza. From videos and witnesses, the captives are known to include women, children, and the elderly.

As many as 1,000 Hamas fighters were involved in the assault, U.S. Secretary of State Andrew Blinken said on ABC’s “This Week” – a high figure that underscored the extent of planning by the militant group ruling Gaza. The gunmen rampaged for hours, firing on civilians in towns, along highways and at a techno music festival being held in the desert near Gaza.

Civilians on both sides were already paying a high price.

A line of Israelis snaked outside a central Israel police station to supply DNA samples and other means that could help identify missing family members. Israeli TV news aired a stream of accounts from relatives of captive or missing Israelis who wept and begged for assistance and information.

In Gaza, the tiny enclave of 2.3 million people sealed off by an Israeli-Egyptian blockade for 16 years since the Hamas takeover, residents feared an intensified onslaught. Israeli strikes flattened a number of residential buildings. More than 20,000 people who fled their homes crowded into schools run by the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNWRA, the agency said.

Several Israeli media outlets, citing rescue service officials, said at least 600 people have been killed in Israel, including 44 soldiers. The Gaza Health Ministry said 313 people, including 20 children, were killed in the territory. Some 2,000 people have been wounded on each side. An Israeli official said security forces have killed 400 militants and captured dozens more.

An exchange of fire in northern Israel with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah raised fears of a spread of the conflict. Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets and shells Sunday at three Israeli positions in a disputed area along the border, and the Israeli military fired back using armed drones. Two children were lightly wounded by broken glass on the Lebanese side, according to the nearby Marjayoun Hospital.

The Israeli military said the situation since was calm after the exchange.

Iranian-backed Hezbollah is estimated to have tens of thousands of rockets at its disposal. Since its brutal 2006 war with Israel, Hezbollah has stayed on the sidelines amid previous outbreaks of Israeli-Hamas fighting. But if destruction in Gaza escalates, it may feel pressure to intervene.

A major question was whether Israel will launch a ground assault into Gaza, a move that in the past has brought intensified casualties.

The declaration of war announced by Israel’s Security Cabinet was largely symbolic, said Yohanan Plesner, the head of the Israel Democracy Institute, a local think tank. But it “demonstrates that the government thinks we are entering a more lengthy, intense and significant period of war.”

Israel has carried out major military campaigns over the past four decades in Lebanon and Gaza that it portrayed as wars, but without a formal declaration.

The Security Cabinet also approved “significant military steps.” The steps were not defined, but the declaration appears to give the military and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a wide mandate.

Speaking on national television Saturday, Netanyahu vowed that Hamas “will pay an unprecedented price.” He further warned: “This war will take time. It will be difficult.”

In a statement, his office said the aim will be the destruction of Hamas’ “military and governing capabilities” to an extent that prevents it from threatening Israelis “for many years.”

Israelis were still reeling from the breadth, ferocity and surprise of the Hamas assault. The group’s fighters broke through Israel’s security fence surrounding the Gaza Strip early Saturday. Using motorcycles and pickup trucks, even paragliders and speedboats on the coast, they moved into nearby Israeli communities — as many as 22 locations.

The high death toll and slow response to the onslaught pointed to a major intelligence failure and undermined the long-held perception that Israel has eyes and ears everywhere in the small, densely populated territory it has controlled for decades.

Hamas said that overnight it continued to send forces and equipment into southern Israel. On Sunday, fighting continued in some parts of the south, and gunmen still held hostages in some locations, Israeli Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters. The Israeli military said it was evacuating at least five towns close to Gaza.

“We will go through every community until we kill every terrorist that is in Israeli territory,” Hagari said. In Gaza, “every terrorist located in a house, all the commanders in houses, will be hit by Israeli fire. That will continue escalating in the coming hours.”

Israel struck 426 targets in Gaza so far, its military said Sunday. Much of the territory’s population was thrown into darkness Saturday night as Israel cut off electricity and said it would no longer supply power, fuel or other goods to the territory.

One woman sheltering at an UNWRA school in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood described a panicked flight from her home in the middle of the night. The Israeli military made announcements on loudspeakers telling people to leave.

“We didn’t know where to go,” she said. “It was a miracle we arrived at the schools because there was no transport.”

The presence of hostages in Gaza complicates Israel’s response. Hamas officials have said they will seek the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners, and Israel has a history of making heavily lopsided exchanges to bring captive Israelis home.

The military has confirmed that a “substantial” number of Israelis were abducted Saturday without giving an exact figure.

An Egyptian official said Israel sought help from Cairo to ensure the safety of the hostages, and that Egypt’s intelligence chief contacted Hamas and the smaller but more radical Islamic Jihad group, which also took part in the incursion, to seek information. Egypt has often mediated between the two sides in the past.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696679013332.png" alt="Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis southern Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. The militant Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday, firing thousands of rockets as dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land, and sea and catching the country off-guard on a major holiday. (AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)" />
 <figcaption>Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis southern Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. The militant Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel at daybreak Saturday, firing thousands of rockets as dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land, and sea and catching the country off-guard on a major holiday. (AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) - Preliminary reports indicate at least four American citizens were killed in the attacks against Israel, a United States official told AP on Sunday.Earlier Sunday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CNN that the U.S. could soon be sending additional military assets to Israel after the surprise attack by Hamas that has left more than 1,000 dead and thousands wounded on both sides.We want to make sure that Israel has what it needs,” Blinken told CNN on Sunday.Blinken said an announcement on additional aid to Israel could be made as soon as Sunday.The number of dead in Israel following the attack by Hamas on Saturday is likely to be over 500.Israel formally declared war on Hamas on Sunday.-------------TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Israeli government formally declared war Sunday and gave the green light for “significant military steps” to retaliate against Hamas for its surprise attack from the Gaza Strip, portending greater fighting ahead as the toll from the conflict passed 900 dead and thousands wounded on both sides.More than 24 hours after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates">Hamas launched its unprecedented incursion</a>&nbsp;out of Gaza, Israeli forces were still trying to crush the last groups of militant fighters holed up in several towns of southern Israel. At least 600 people have reportedly been killed in Israel — a staggering toll on a scale the country has not experienced in decades — and more than 300 have been killed in Gaza as Israeli airstrikes pound the territory.Authorities were still trying to determine how many civilians and soldiers were seized by Hamas fighters during the mayhem and taken back to Gaza. From videos and witnesses, the captives are known to include women, children, and the elderly.As many as 1,000 Hamas fighters were involved in the assault, U.S. Secretary of State Andrew Blinken said on ABC’s “This Week” – a high figure that underscored the extent of planning by the militant group ruling Gaza. The gunmen rampaged for hours, firing on civilians in towns, along highways and at a techno music festival being held in the desert near Gaza.Civilians on both sides were already paying a high price.A line of Israelis snaked outside a central Israel police station to supply DNA samples and other means that could help identify missing family members. Israeli TV news aired a stream of accounts from relatives of captive or missing Israelis who wept and begged for assistance and information.In Gaza, the tiny enclave of 2.3 million people sealed off by an Israeli-Egyptian blockade for 16 years since the Hamas takeover, residents feared an intensified onslaught. Israeli strikes flattened a number of residential buildings. More than 20,000 people who fled their homes crowded into schools run by the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNWRA, the agency said.Several Israeli media outlets, citing rescue service officials, said at least 600 people have been killed in Israel, including 44 soldiers. The Gaza Health Ministry said 313 people, including 20 children, were killed in the territory. Some 2,000 people have been wounded on each side. An Israeli official said security forces have killed 400 militants and captured dozens more.An exchange of fire in northern Israel with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah raised fears of a spread of the conflict. Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets and shells Sunday at three Israeli positions in a disputed area along the border, and the Israeli military fired back using armed drones. Two children were lightly wounded by broken glass on the Lebanese side, according to the nearby Marjayoun Hospital.The Israeli military said the situation since was calm after the exchange.Iranian-backed Hezbollah is estimated to have tens of thousands of rockets at its disposal. Since its brutal 2006 war with Israel, Hezbollah has stayed on the sidelines amid previous outbreaks of Israeli-Hamas fighting. But if destruction in Gaza escalates, it may feel pressure to intervene.A major question was whether Israel will launch a ground assault into Gaza, a move that in the past has brought intensified casualties.The declaration of war announced by Israel’s Security Cabinet was largely symbolic, said Yohanan Plesner, the head of the Israel Democracy Institute, a local think tank. But it “demonstrates that the government thinks we are entering a more lengthy, intense and significant period of war.”Israel has carried out major military campaigns over the past four decades in Lebanon and Gaza that it portrayed as wars, but without a formal declaration.The Security Cabinet also approved “significant military steps.” The steps were not defined, but the declaration appears to give the military and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a wide mandate.Speaking on national television Saturday, Netanyahu vowed that Hamas “will pay an unprecedented price.” He further warned: “This war will take time. It will be difficult.”In a statement, his office said the aim will be the destruction of Hamas’ “military and governing capabilities” to an extent that prevents it from threatening Israelis “for many years.”Israelis were still reeling from the breadth, ferocity and surprise of the Hamas assault. The group’s fighters broke through Israel’s security fence surrounding the Gaza Strip early Saturday. Using motorcycles and pickup trucks, even paragliders and speedboats on the coast, they moved into nearby Israeli communities — as many as 22 locations.The high death toll and slow response to the onslaught pointed to a major intelligence failure and undermined the long-held perception that Israel has eyes and ears everywhere in the small, densely populated territory it has controlled for decades.Hamas said that overnight it continued to send forces and equipment into southern Israel. On Sunday, fighting continued in some parts of the south, and gunmen still held hostages in some locations, Israeli Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters. The Israeli military said it was evacuating at least five towns close to Gaza.“We will go through every community until we kill every terrorist that is in Israeli territory,” Hagari said. In Gaza, “every terrorist located in a house, all the commanders in houses, will be hit by Israeli fire. That will continue escalating in the coming hours.”Israel struck 426 targets in Gaza so far, its military said Sunday. Much of the territory’s population was thrown into darkness Saturday night as Israel cut off electricity and said it would no longer supply power, fuel or other goods to the territory.One woman sheltering at an UNWRA school in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood described a panicked flight from her home in the middle of the night. The Israeli military made announcements on loudspeakers telling people to leave.“We didn’t know where to go,” she said. “It was a miracle we arrived at the schools because there was no transport.”The presence of hostages in Gaza complicates Israel’s response. Hamas officials have said they will seek the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners, and Israel has a history of making heavily lopsided exchanges to bring captive Israelis home.The military has confirmed that a “substantial” number of Israelis were abducted Saturday without giving an exact figure.An Egyptian official said Israel sought help from Cairo to ensure the safety of the hostages, and that Egypt’s intelligence chief contacted Hamas and the smaller but more radical Islamic Jihad group, which also took part in the incursion, to seek information. Egypt has often mediated between the two sides in the past.The official said Palestinian leaders claimed they don’t yet have a “full picture” of the number of hostages but said those who were brought into Gaza were taken to “secure locations” across the territory.“It’s clear that they have a big number — several dozens,” said the official, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to brief media.Egypt also spoke with both sides about a potential cease-fire, but the official said Israel was not open to a truce “at this stage.”In Iran, which has long supported Hamas and other militant groups, senior officials have openly praised the incursion. President Ebrahim Raisi spoke by phone with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Islamic Jihad leader Ziad al-Nakhalah, the state-run IRNA news agency reported Sunday.The shadowy leader of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammed Deif, said the assault, named “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm,” was in response to the 16-year blockade of Gaza, the Israeli occupation and a series of recent incidents that have brought Israeli-Palestinian tensions to a fever pitch.Over the past year, Israel’s far-right government has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-settlements-west-bank-biden-49c4788ffc5f5ee41d5c48365ac5395b">ramped up settlement construction</a>&nbsp;in the occupied West Bank.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestine-settler-bedouin-displacement-violence-un-108e11712310b5ea099dbded7be8effb">Israeli settler violence</a>&nbsp;has displaced hundreds of Palestinians there, and tensions have flared around the Al-Aqsa mosque,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-violence-jerusalem-explainer-1a269c8cc748d8e6f5eb9eabb6d9b860">a flashpoint Jerusalem holy site</a>.TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli soldiers battled Hamas fighters in the streets of southern Israel on Sunday and launched retaliation strikes that leveled buildings in Gaza, while in northern Israel a brief exchange of strikes with Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group raised fears of a broader conflict.There was still some fighting underway more than 24 hours after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates">an unprecedented surprise attack</a>&nbsp;from Gaza, in which Hamas militants, backed by a volley of thousands of rockets, broke through Israel's security barrier and rampaged through nearby communities. They took captives back into the coastal Gaza enclave, including women, children and the elderly, who they will likely try to trade for thousands of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Hundreds have been killed on both sides.The high death toll, multiple captives and a slow response to the onslaught pointed to a major intelligence failure and undermined the long-held perception that Israel has eyes and ears everywhere in the small, densely populated territory it has controlled for decades.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was at war and would exact a heavy price from its enemies. Hamas leaders said they were prepared for further escalation.A major question now was whether Israel will launch a ground assault into Gaza, a move that in the past has brought intensified casualties. Netanyahu vowed that Hamas “will pay an unprecedented price.” But, he warned, “This war will take time. It will be difficult.”Civilians paid a staggering cost for the violence on both sides. Israeli media, citing rescue service officials, said at least 300 people were killed in Israel, including 44 soldiers, while officials in Gaza said 313 people had died in the territory. An Israeli official said the military had killed 400 militants and captured dozens more.Israeli TV news aired a stream of accounts from the relatives of captive or missing Israelis, who wailed and begged for assistance amid a fog of uncertainty surrounding the fate of their loved ones. In Gaza, residents fled homes near the border to escape Israeli strikes, fleeing deeper inside the territory after warnings in Arabic from the Israeli military.In neighboring Egypt, a policeman shot dead two Israeli tourists and an Egyptian at a tourist site in Alexandria, the Interior Ministry said. Egypt made peace with Israel decades ago, but anti-Israel sentiment runs high in the country, especially during bouts of Israeli-Palestinian violence.The flare-up on Israel's northern border also threatened to draw into the battle Hezbollah, a fierce enemy of Israel's which is backed by Iran and estimated to have tens of thousands of rockets at its disposal. Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets and shells on Sunday at three Israeli positions in a disputed area along the border and Israel’s military fired back using armed drones. Two children were lightly wounded by broken glass on the Lebanese side, according to the nearby Marjayoun Hospital.Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military official, told reporters the situation at the northern border was calm after the exchange. But he said fighting was still underway in the south and that there were still hostage situations there.He said troops had moved into every community near the Gaza frontier, where they planned to evacuate all civilians and scour the area for militants.“We will go through every community until we kill every terrorist that is in Israeli territory," he said. In Gaza, “every terrorist located in a house, all the commanders in houses, will be hit by Israeli fire. That will continue escalating in the coming hours.”Hamas said that overnight it had continued to send forces and equipment into “a number of locations inside our occupied territories,” referring to Israel. Hamas-linked media reported that the son of Nizar Awadallah, a senior political official, was killed. The Islamic militant group has not reported any senior members being captured, killed or wounded.The surprise attack Saturday was the deadliest on Israel in decades. In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-militants-conflict-war-b6ea877aa1ee96303aa0870d741da777">an assault of startling breadth</a>, Hamas gunmen used explosives to break through the border fence enclosing Gaza, then crossed with motorcycles, pickup trucks, paragliders and speed boats on the coast.They rolled into as many as 22 locations outside the Gaza Strip early Saturday morning, including towns and other communities as far as 24 kilometers (15 miles) from the Gaza border, while Hamas launched thousands of rockets at Israeli cities.“Israel is waking up this morning to a terrible morning,” said Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, an Israeli military spokesman. “There are a lot of people killed ... children, grandmothers, families, bodies.”Israeli media said at least 300 people were killed and 1,500 wounded in Saturday’s attack. Hamas fighters took an unknown number of civilians and soldiers captive into Gaza, and a line of Israelis with missing relatives snaked outside a police station in central Israel to supply investigators with DNA samples and other means that could help identify their family members.Israel struck 426 targets in Gaza, its military said, flattening residential buildings in giant explosions.Among the 313 killed in Gaza were 20 children, and close to 2,000 people were wounded, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinians, said more than 20,000 Palestinians left Gaza's border region to head further inside the territory and take refuge in U.N. schools.In a televised address Saturday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military will use all of its strength to destroy Hamas’ capabilities.“Get out of there now,” he told Gaza residents, who have no way to leave the tiny, overcrowded Mediterranean territory. Gaza’s 2.3 million people have endured a border blockade, enforced to varying degrees by Israel and Egypt, since Hamas militants seized control in 2007.In Gaza, much of the population was thrown into darkness Saturday night as Israel cut off electricity and said it would no longer supply power, fuel or other goods to the territory.Hamas said it had planned for a long fight. “We are prepared for all options, including all-out war,” the deputy head of the Hamas political bureau, Saleh al-Arouri, told Al-Jazeera TV.Israel has a history of making heavily lopsided exchanges to bring captive Israelis home. The military has confirmed that a “substantial” number of Israelis were abducted Saturday without giving an exact figure.An Egyptian official said Israel has sought help from Cairo to ensure the safety of the hostages, and that Egypt’s intelligence chief had contacted Hamas and the smaller but more radical Islamic Jihad group, which also took part in the incursion, to seek information. Egypt has often mediated between the two sides in the past.The official said Palestinian leaders claimed that they don’t yet have a “full picture” of hostages, but said those who were brought into Gaza were taken to “secure locations” across the territory.“It’s clear that they have a big number — several dozens,” said the official, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to brief media.Egypt also spoke with both sides about a potential cease-fire, but the official said Israel was not open to a truce “at this stage.”The shadowy leader of Hamas’ military wing, Mohammed Deif, said the assault, named “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm,” was in response to the 16-year blockade of Gaza, and a series of recent incidents that have brought Israeli-Palestinian tensions to a fever pitch.Over the past year, Israel’s far-right government has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-settlements-west-bank-biden-49c4788ffc5f5ee41d5c48365ac5395b">ramped up settlement construction</a>&nbsp;in the occupied West Bank,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestine-settler-bedouin-displacement-violence-un-108e11712310b5ea099dbded7be8effb">Israeli settler violence</a>&nbsp;has displaced hundreds of Palestinians there, and tensions have flared around the Al-Aqsa mosque,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-violence-jerusalem-explainer-1a269c8cc748d8e6f5eb9eabb6d9b860">a flashpoint Jerusalem holy site</a>.President Joe Biden said from the White House that the U.S. “stands with the people of Israel in the face of these terrorist assaults," and said Israel has the right to defend itself.___