OMAHA (AP) –The Mega Millions jackpot climbed to an estimated $910 million after Tuesday night’s drawing produced no big winners, extending a stretch of bad luck dating back to April.

The numbers drawn were: 3, 5, 6, 44, 61 and the yellow ball 25

The absence of a winner for the estimated $820 million jackpot brings the count of fruitless drawings to 28, at least for the big prize.

The new $910 million prize is among the largest in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/top-10-us-lottery-jackpots-b24950a388d0a0f6544d2276956ff220">U.S. lottery history</a>&nbsp;and follows a $1.08 billion Powerball prize won by a player&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">July 19 in Los Angeles</a>. California lottery officials haven’t announced a winner for that jackpot, which was the sixth-largest in U.S. history.

The largest U.S. jackpot was a $2.04 billion Powerball prize won in November 2022.

Jackpots in the two lottery games grow so large because the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-mega-millions-winning-odds-numbers-a3e5a8e8e7ed15d7500c1d6acdab6785">steep odds make winning</a>&nbsp;so unlikely, allowing the grand prize to roll over again and again. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302.5 million.

The game pays out many more smaller prizes, which start at $2. The overall odds of winning any prize is 1 in 24.

Two tickets for Tuesday’s drawing matched all five white balls to win the game’s second-tier prize. One, sold in Texas, is worth $4 million because it included the optional Megaplier (available in most states with an extra $1 purchase), which was 4X on Tuesday night. The other was sold in Maryland and wins the standard $1 million prize.

The $910 million pot on the line Friday night will be that high only if a sole player wins and they choose to be paid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">through an annuity</a>&nbsp;of one immediate payment and 29 annual allotments. But jackpot winners nearly always take the cash in a lump sum, which for Friday night’s drawing would be an estimated $464.2 million.

Mega Millions is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690365684963.png" alt="Mega Million-AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)" />
 <figcaption>Mega Million-AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA (AP) –The Mega Millions jackpot climbed to an estimated $910 million after Tuesday night’s drawing produced no big winners, extending a stretch of bad luck dating back to April.The numbers drawn were: 3, 5, 6, 44, 61 and the yellow ball 25The absence of a winner for the estimated $820 million jackpot brings the count of fruitless drawings to 28, at least for the big prize.The new $910 million prize is among the largest in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/top-10-us-lottery-jackpots-b24950a388d0a0f6544d2276956ff220">U.S. lottery history</a>&nbsp;and follows a $1.08 billion Powerball prize won by a player&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">July 19 in Los Angeles</a>. California lottery officials haven’t announced a winner for that jackpot, which was the sixth-largest in U.S. history.The largest U.S. jackpot was a $2.04 billion Powerball prize won in November 2022.Jackpots in the two lottery games grow so large because the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-mega-millions-winning-odds-numbers-a3e5a8e8e7ed15d7500c1d6acdab6785">steep odds make winning</a>&nbsp;so unlikely, allowing the grand prize to roll over again and again. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302.5 million.The game pays out many more smaller prizes, which start at $2. The overall odds of winning any prize is 1 in 24.Two tickets for Tuesday’s drawing matched all five white balls to win the game’s second-tier prize. One, sold in Texas, is worth $4 million because it included the optional Megaplier (available in most states with an extra $1 purchase), which was 4X on Tuesday night. The other was sold in Maryland and wins the standard $1 million prize.The $910 million pot on the line Friday night will be that high only if a sole player wins and they choose to be paid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">through an annuity</a>&nbsp;of one immediate payment and 29 annual allotments. But jackpot winners nearly always take the cash in a lump sum, which for Friday night’s drawing would be an estimated $464.2 million.Mega Millions is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Mega Millions jackpot rises to $910 million after no one wins top prize

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple charges after he fled a weekend traffic stop.

Just after 2 a.m. on Sunday, police on patrol spotted a vehicle that had been reported stolen near SW 21st Street and Wanamaker Road in Topeka, according to a media release.

When officers attempted to pull the driver, later identified as 25-year-old Christian M. Gruber of Topeka, over, he refused to stop.

The driver finally was forced to stop after the vehicle crashed into a business in the 2800 Block SW Wanamaker Road.&nbsp; Officers found Gruber inside and he was allegedly in possession of illegal drugs.

EMS transported Gruber to local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and then arrested and booked into jail on requested charges of possession of stolen property, possession of opiates, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and interference with law enforcement.

Gruber has previous convictions that include burglary, aggravated battery and flee or attempted to elude law enforcement.

He is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690287554020.png" alt="Gruber-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Gruber-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on multiple charges after he fled a weekend traffic stop.Just after 2 a.m. on Sunday, police on patrol spotted a vehicle that had been reported stolen near SW 21st Street and Wanamaker Road in Topeka, according to a media release.When officers attempted to pull the driver, later identified as 25-year-old Christian M. Gruber of Topeka, over, he refused to stop.The driver finally was forced to stop after the vehicle crashed into a business in the 2800 Block SW Wanamaker Road.&nbsp; Officers found Gruber inside and he was allegedly in possession of illegal drugs.EMS transported Gruber to local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and then arrested and booked into jail on requested charges of possession of stolen property, possession of opiates, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and interference with law enforcement.Gruber has previous convictions that include burglary, aggravated battery and flee or attempted to elude law enforcement.He is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas felon jailed after crash while fleeing  traffic stop

LAWRENCE —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a bomb threat on the University of Kansas campus.

Just after 3p.m Monday, University of Kansas Police responded to bomb threat made against KU Football facilities, according to a statement from interim Deputy Chief Damon Tucker.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Anderson Family Football Complex, Beatty Family Pavilion and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium were evacuated and checked by law enforcement officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Investigators found no devices and police issued an all-clear at approximately 8 p.m..&nbsp;

Police identified and arrested a suspect for making the threats, according to Tucker. Law enforcement did not release a name.&nbsp; Online jail records indicate 21-year-old Joseph Michael Krause was booked into the Douglas County Jail just before 7p.m. Monday on requested charges of Aggravated criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption.

Krause is a red-shirt sophomore offensive lineman from Prairie Village, Kansas, <a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/season/2023-24/player/joe-krause/">according to the KU football</a> roster.&nbsp; Authorities have not officially linked Krause to the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690292402056.png" alt="Investigators found no devices and police issued an all-clear at approximately 8 p.m..-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Investigators found no devices and police issued an all-clear at approximately 8 p.m..-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with a bomb threat on the University of Kansas campus.Just after 3p.m Monday, University of Kansas Police responded to bomb threat made against KU Football facilities, according to a statement from interim Deputy Chief Damon Tucker.Out of an abundance of caution, the Anderson Family Football Complex, Beatty Family Pavilion and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium were evacuated and checked by law enforcement officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Investigators found no devices and police issued an all-clear at approximately 8 p.m..&nbsp;Police identified and arrested a suspect for making the threats, according to Tucker. Law enforcement did not release a name.&nbsp; Online jail records indicate 21-year-old Joseph Michael Krause was booked into the Douglas County Jail just before 7p.m. Monday on requested charges of Aggravated criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690281535043.png" alt="Krause-photo University of Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Krause-photo University of Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>Krause is a red-shirt sophomore offensive lineman from Prairie Village, Kansas, <a href="https://kuathletics.com/sports/football/roster/season/2023-24/player/joe-krause/">according to the KU football</a> roster.&nbsp; Authorities have not officially linked Krause to the incident.

KU football player charged in connection with alleged bomb threat

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide involving a 14-year-old boy stemming from a shooting incident.

Just after 10p.m. Monday, police responded to a call&nbsp;in the 600 block of S. Laura in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders located the teen with a gunshot wound in the 1100 block of E. Orme. Despite the efforts of EMS and Fire personnel to administer life-saving measures, the boy&nbsp; was pronounced deceased.

Police detectives ask that anyone with relevant information to reach out to them at 316-268-4407, the See Something Say Something Hotline at 316-519-2282, or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 316- 267-2111.&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide involving a 14-year-old boy stemming from a shooting incident.Just after 10p.m. Monday, police responded to a call&nbsp;in the 600 block of S. Laura in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders located the teen with a gunshot wound in the 1100 block of E. Orme. Despite the efforts of EMS and Fire personnel to administer life-saving measures, the boy&nbsp; was pronounced deceased.Police detectives ask that anyone with relevant information to reach out to them at 316-268-4407, the See Something Say Something Hotline at 316-519-2282, or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 316- 267-2111.&nbsp;

Homicide: 14-year-old boy dead in Kansas shooting

KANSAS CIty —A Kansas City man has been charged in the fatal shooting on July 17 of Jami Duncan in her Kansas City residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Mantonia M. Duncan, 37, faces felony charges of Murder 2nd Degree, Armed Criminal Action and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

According to court records, Kansas City Police Department officers dispatched to a Kansas City residence as part of an emergency medical response and observed a woman inside the residence lying on the floor. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Witnesses told police who had shot the victim and where he was. He was taken into custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690146829486.png" alt="Duncan-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Duncan-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CIty —A Kansas City man has been charged in the fatal shooting on July 17 of Jami Duncan in her Kansas City residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Mantonia M. Duncan, 37, faces felony charges of Murder 2nd Degree, Armed Criminal Action and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.According to court records, Kansas City Police Department officers dispatched to a Kansas City residence as part of an emergency medical response and observed a woman inside the residence lying on the floor. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Witnesses told police who had shot the victim and where he was. He was taken into custody.

Witness leads police to suspect in Kansas City woman's murder

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday blocked a rule that allows immigration authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-mexico-costa-rica-donald-trump-1a5a89459fb0b61f04f8500789b9b221">to deny asylum</a>&nbsp;to migrants who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border without first applying online or seeking protection in a country they passed through. But the judge delayed his ruling from taking effect immediately to give the administration time to appeal.

The order from U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar of the Northern District of California takes away&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-donald-trump-mobile-phones-1502c6d6125c1dede583002722144488">a key enforcement tool</a>&nbsp;set in place by the Biden administration as coronavirus-based restrictions on asylum expired in May. The use of a rule known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-be4e0b15b27adb9bede87b9bbefb798d">Title 42</a>&nbsp;allowed the U.S. to expel millions of people starting in early 2020 on the grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19.

The new rule imposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-asylum-rules-immigration-title-42-biden-e77b4730682d889a2376b868c2fcac18">severe limitations on migrants seeking asylum</a>. It included room for exceptions and did not apply to children traveling alone. Tigar's order will not take effect for two weeks.

Immigrant rights groups that sued argued it was a violation of U.S. law that protects the right to asylum regardless of how a person enters the country. The groups said it forced migrants to seek protection in countries that don’t have the same robust asylum system and human rights protections as the United States and leaves them in a dangerous limbo. They also argued that the CBP One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-us-mexico-migrant-app-expansion-654a78fbe23dbb3fa5c10167c3c22af6">app the government wants migrants to use</a>&nbsp;doesn't have enough appointments and isn’t available in enough languages.

The Biden administration said the asylum rule was a key part of its strategy to strike a balance between strict border enforcement and ensuring several avenues for migrants to pursue valid asylum claims. The rule was a response to political and economic instability fueling an exodus of migrants from countries including Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru and Venezuela.

Critics have argued that the rule is essentially a newer version of two efforts by President Donald Trump to limit asylum at the southern border. The Supreme Court eventually allowed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-courts-supreme-courts-az-state-wire-immigration-a817cf3affb04f3d8ad3c4940366a5fe">the Trump administration to limit asylum for</a>&nbsp;people who don't apply for protection in a country they travel through before coming to the U.S. to go into effect. But another Trump effort to bar people from applying for asylum except at an official border entry point was caught up in litigation and never took effect.

In announcing the new rule, the Biden administration emphasized the complex dynamics at play when it comes to immigration that at one time consisted largely of adults from Mexico seeking to come to the U.S. They could easily be returned home. Now migrants come from across the Western Hemisphere and beyond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632317716965.png" alt="Photo Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>Photo Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge on Tuesday blocked a rule that allows immigration authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-mexico-costa-rica-donald-trump-1a5a89459fb0b61f04f8500789b9b221">to deny asylum</a>&nbsp;to migrants who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border without first applying online or seeking protection in a country they passed through. But the judge delayed his ruling from taking effect immediately to give the administration time to appeal.The order from U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar of the Northern District of California takes away&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-united-states-government-donald-trump-mobile-phones-1502c6d6125c1dede583002722144488">a key enforcement tool</a>&nbsp;set in place by the Biden administration as coronavirus-based restrictions on asylum expired in May. The use of a rule known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-border-title-42-mexico-asylum-be4e0b15b27adb9bede87b9bbefb798d">Title 42</a>&nbsp;allowed the U.S. to expel millions of people starting in early 2020 on the grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19.The new rule imposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-asylum-rules-immigration-title-42-biden-e77b4730682d889a2376b868c2fcac18">severe limitations on migrants seeking asylum</a>. It included room for exceptions and did not apply to children traveling alone. Tigar's order will not take effect for two weeks.Immigrant rights groups that sued argued it was a violation of U.S. law that protects the right to asylum regardless of how a person enters the country. The groups said it forced migrants to seek protection in countries that don’t have the same robust asylum system and human rights protections as the United States and leaves them in a dangerous limbo. They also argued that the CBP One&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/border-us-mexico-migrant-app-expansion-654a78fbe23dbb3fa5c10167c3c22af6">app the government wants migrants to use</a>&nbsp;doesn't have enough appointments and isn’t available in enough languages.The Biden administration said the asylum rule was a key part of its strategy to strike a balance between strict border enforcement and ensuring several avenues for migrants to pursue valid asylum claims. The rule was a response to political and economic instability fueling an exodus of migrants from countries including Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Peru and Venezuela.Critics have argued that the rule is essentially a newer version of two efforts by President Donald Trump to limit asylum at the southern border. The Supreme Court eventually allowed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-courts-supreme-courts-az-state-wire-immigration-a817cf3affb04f3d8ad3c4940366a5fe">the Trump administration to limit asylum for</a>&nbsp;people who don't apply for protection in a country they travel through before coming to the U.S. to go into effect. But another Trump effort to bar people from applying for asylum except at an official border entry point was caught up in litigation and never took effect.In announcing the new rule, the Biden administration emphasized the complex dynamics at play when it comes to immigration that at one time consisted largely of adults from Mexico seeking to come to the U.S. They could easily be returned home. Now migrants come from across the Western Hemisphere and beyond.

Judge rules against Biden's new immigration policy

NEW YORK (AP) — UPS has reached a tentative contract with its 340,000-person union, potentially averting a strike that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-strike-delivery-supply-chain-union-labor-16270bd5699419398de376e07ada06ba">threatened to disrupt package deliveries for millions</a>&nbsp;of businesses and households nationwide.

The agreement was announced Tuesday, the first day that UPS and the Teamsters had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-teamsters-labor-contract-talks-strike-6cb8662aed18d4ef2700d77f6ccac5ea">returned to the table</a>&nbsp;after contentious negotiations broke down earlier this month.

Negotiators had already reached tentative agreements on several issues but continued to clash over pay for part-time workers, who make up more than half of the UPS employees represented by the union.

The Teamsters hailed the agreement as “historic."

Under the tentative agreement, which still needs union members' approval, full- and part-time union workers will get $2.75 more per hour in 2023, and $7.50 more over the duration of the five-year contract. The agreement also includes a provision to increase starting pay for part-time workers — whom the union says are the most at risk of exploitation — from $16.20 per hour to $21 per hour. The average pay for part-timers had been $20.

Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said in a statement that UPS put $30 billion more on the table due to the negotiations, saying the deal “sets a new standard in the labor movement.”

The two sides had already tentatively agreed to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a full holiday and to end forced overtime on drivers’ days off. Tentative agreements on safety issues had also been reached, including equipping more trucks with air conditioning.

UPS had also agreed to eliminate a lower-paid category of drivers who work shifts that include weekends, and convert them into regular full-time drivers. Under the agreement, the company will create 7,500 full-time jobs and fill 22,500 open positions, allowing more part-timers to transition to full-time.

“Together we reached a win-win-win agreement on the issues that are important to Teamsters leadership, our employees and to UPS and our customers,” Carol Tomé, UPS CEO, said in a written statement.

Voting on the new contract begins Aug. 3 and concludes Aug. 22.

Industry groups, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, labor leaders and the White House applauded the deal.

“This agreement is a testament to the power of employers and employees coming together to work out their differences at the bargaining table in a manner that helps businesses succeed while helping workers secure pay and benefits they can raise a family on and retire with dignity and respect,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.

Union members, angered by a contract they say union leadership forced on them five years ago, argued that they have shouldered the more than 140% profit growth at UPS as the pandemic increased delivery demand. Unionized workers said they wanted to right what they saw as a bad contract.

Union leadership was upended last year with the election of O’Brien, a vocal critic of union president James Hoffa — son of the famed Teamsters firebrand — who signed off on that contract.

The 24 million packages UPS ships daily amounts to about a quarter of all U.S. parcel volume, according to the global shipping and logistics firm Pitney Bowes. According to UPS, that’s equivalent to about 6% of the nation’s gross domestic product.

During the last breakdown in labor talks a quarter of a century ago, 185,000 UPS workers walked out for 15 days,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b198ce2db4be584f82c53afc0dee6930">crippling the company</a>. A walkout this time would have had much further-reaching implications, with millions of Americans now accustomed to online shopping and speedy delivery.

The consulting firm Anderson Economic Group estimated a 10-day UPS strike could have cost the U.S. economy more than $7 billion and triggered “significant and lasting harm” to business and workers.

Logistics experts warned that the other U.S. shipping companies combined do not have the capacity to handle all the packages that would come their way during any UPS work stoppage, and that prices on shipping and goods would inevitably increase. Meanwhile, customers who shop online could have faced higher shipping fees and longer waits.

In recent weeks, large and small businesses worked to create contingency plans in the event of a strike.

Joseph Debicella, a small business owner who runs an online site that sells bridesmaids' gifts, said his company ships roughly 50% of its orders through UPS. He hasn’t used FedEx before, but created an account with the company two weeks ago as chatter over a strike picked up. He was also hearing about the negotiations from his UPS driver, who told him his deliveries were getting lighter as the July 31 deadline for a new contract neared.

Macy’s CEO Jeff Gennette told The Associated Press that the department store chain was considering its options and that its supply chain team was mapping out what a strike would look like and how it would affect shipping.

If ratified, the deal could prevent major disruption just as retailers are in the throes of the back-to-school shopping season — the second largest sales period behind the winter holidays.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association, a national retail trade group that counts retailers including Best Buy, CVS Health and Kohl’s as members, called the tentative pact “an enormous relief to retailers, who have been navigating the possibility of a strike and the associated uncertainty for weeks.”

”We’re grateful that this challenge, which would have had a price tag in the billions of dollars and a long runway for recovery, was avoided," the group said in a statement.

Labor experts see the showdown as a demonstration of labor power at a time of low U.S. union membership. Unions have grown more active this summer thanks to several organized labor pushes at major companies.

Hollywood actors and screenwriters are picketing over pay issues. United Auto Workers are considering a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uaw-strike-auto-electric-vehicles-contract-wages-f97630a69a3b62079bd65d3821f9a5d8">potential strike</a>.

“This is how it’s done!” Association of Flight Attendants-CWA President Sara Nelson said in a statement after UPS the deal was announced. “And this labor solidarity summer just got stronger.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686070070872.png" alt="The Teamsters called the tentative agreement “historic” and “overwhelmingly lucrative”-file photo" />
 <figcaption>The Teamsters called the tentative agreement “historic” and “overwhelmingly lucrative”-file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — UPS has reached a tentative contract with its 340,000-person union, potentially averting a strike that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-strike-delivery-supply-chain-union-labor-16270bd5699419398de376e07ada06ba">threatened to disrupt package deliveries for millions</a>&nbsp;of businesses and households nationwide.The agreement was announced Tuesday, the first day that UPS and the Teamsters had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ups-teamsters-labor-contract-talks-strike-6cb8662aed18d4ef2700d77f6ccac5ea">returned to the table</a>&nbsp;after contentious negotiations broke down earlier this month.Negotiators had already reached tentative agreements on several issues but continued to clash over pay for part-time workers, who make up more than half of the UPS employees represented by the union.The Teamsters hailed the agreement as “historic."Under the tentative agreement, which still needs union members' approval, full- and part-time union workers will get $2.75 more per hour in 2023, and $7.50 more over the duration of the five-year contract. The agreement also includes a provision to increase starting pay for part-time workers — whom the union says are the most at risk of exploitation — from $16.20 per hour to $21 per hour. The average pay for part-timers had been $20.Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien said in a statement that UPS put $30 billion more on the table due to the negotiations, saying the deal “sets a new standard in the labor movement.”The two sides had already tentatively agreed to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a full holiday and to end forced overtime on drivers’ days off. Tentative agreements on safety issues had also been reached, including equipping more trucks with air conditioning.UPS had also agreed to eliminate a lower-paid category of drivers who work shifts that include weekends, and convert them into regular full-time drivers. Under the agreement, the company will create 7,500 full-time jobs and fill 22,500 open positions, allowing more part-timers to transition to full-time.“Together we reached a win-win-win agreement on the issues that are important to Teamsters leadership, our employees and to UPS and our customers,” Carol Tomé, UPS CEO, said in a written statement.Voting on the new contract begins Aug. 3 and concludes Aug. 22.Industry groups, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, labor leaders and the White House applauded the deal.“This agreement is a testament to the power of employers and employees coming together to work out their differences at the bargaining table in a manner that helps businesses succeed while helping workers secure pay and benefits they can raise a family on and retire with dignity and respect,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.Union members, angered by a contract they say union leadership forced on them five years ago, argued that they have shouldered the more than 140% profit growth at UPS as the pandemic increased delivery demand. Unionized workers said they wanted to right what they saw as a bad contract.Union leadership was upended last year with the election of O’Brien, a vocal critic of union president James Hoffa — son of the famed Teamsters firebrand — who signed off on that contract.The 24 million packages UPS ships daily amounts to about a quarter of all U.S. parcel volume, according to the global shipping and logistics firm Pitney Bowes. According to UPS, that’s equivalent to about 6% of the nation’s gross domestic product.During the last breakdown in labor talks a quarter of a century ago, 185,000 UPS workers walked out for 15 days,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b198ce2db4be584f82c53afc0dee6930">crippling the company</a>. A walkout this time would have had much further-reaching implications, with millions of Americans now accustomed to online shopping and speedy delivery.The consulting firm Anderson Economic Group estimated a 10-day UPS strike could have cost the U.S. economy more than $7 billion and triggered “significant and lasting harm” to business and workers.Logistics experts warned that the other U.S. shipping companies combined do not have the capacity to handle all the packages that would come their way during any UPS work stoppage, and that prices on shipping and goods would inevitably increase. Meanwhile, customers who shop online could have faced higher shipping fees and longer waits.In recent weeks, large and small businesses worked to create contingency plans in the event of a strike.Joseph Debicella, a small business owner who runs an online site that sells bridesmaids' gifts, said his company ships roughly 50% of its orders through UPS. He hasn’t used FedEx before, but created an account with the company two weeks ago as chatter over a strike picked up. He was also hearing about the negotiations from his UPS driver, who told him his deliveries were getting lighter as the July 31 deadline for a new contract neared.Macy’s CEO Jeff Gennette told The Associated Press that the department store chain was considering its options and that its supply chain team was mapping out what a strike would look like and how it would affect shipping.If ratified, the deal could prevent major disruption just as retailers are in the throes of the back-to-school shopping season — the second largest sales period behind the winter holidays.The Retail Industry Leaders Association, a national retail trade group that counts retailers including Best Buy, CVS Health and Kohl’s as members, called the tentative pact “an enormous relief to retailers, who have been navigating the possibility of a strike and the associated uncertainty for weeks.””We’re grateful that this challenge, which would have had a price tag in the billions of dollars and a long runway for recovery, was avoided," the group said in a statement.Labor experts see the showdown as a demonstration of labor power at a time of low U.S. union membership. Unions have grown more active this summer thanks to several organized labor pushes at major companies.Hollywood actors and screenwriters are picketing over pay issues. United Auto Workers are considering a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uaw-strike-auto-electric-vehicles-contract-wages-f97630a69a3b62079bd65d3821f9a5d8">potential strike</a>.“This is how it’s done!” Association of Flight Attendants-CWA President Sara Nelson said in a statement after UPS the deal was announced. “And this labor solidarity summer just got stronger.”_______

UPS reaches tentative contract with 340,000 unionized workers

By SAM BAILEY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Emporia State University has accrued almost $18,000 in service fees to the Office of Administrative Hearings for the appeals of professors fired in September 2022.

In October 2022, ESU president Ken Hush signed an interagency agreement between the university and OAH outlining financial arrangements for the services provided by the office and that its director would assign presiding officers for the cases.

“That’s a lot of money for a university that supposedly is in such financial distress that they had to fire all of us to pay,” said Rachelle Smith, a former ESU English professor who was fired as part of the restructuring that allowed for the termination of 33 faculty members.

The agreement outlined a service bill of $115 per hour with a tenth of an hour minimum charge. As of March 30, $17,761.75 had been accrued in payments.

Kansas Reflector obtained billing information from OAH through an open records request.

In June, Gwen Larson, spokeswoman for ESU, said the university had not received a billing statement. She did not respond to a request for comment for this article.&nbsp;

After the faculty members were fired, a number of them appealed the termination with OAH. Of those who appealed, five were reinstated because the university failed to provide a specific reason for firing them. ESU responded with petitions in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/06/08/a-short-lived-victory-emporia-state-university-takes-reinstated-professors-to-district-court/">Lyon County District Court</a>&nbsp;seeking to reverse the orders and rule in favor of the university.

When they were fired, the professors were given a list of factors contributing to the decision, including cost of operations and reduction of revenue for specific schools or departments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Once they spent this money, when the decision didn’t turn out the way they thought it should, they’re spending more money to sue in another venue to get the outcome that they want,” Smith said. “This isn’t what a state government should be doing.”

The office upheld the firings of two professors and has not released a decision on four others. Three professors decided to drop their appeals and retire, including Smith.&nbsp;

Of these retirees was Mel Storm, a former English professor who taught at ESU for 52 years and was named Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor in 2021. Storm said that in his notice of retirement he made clear that he was not retiring voluntarily, but because he had to or be fired.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Turning 80 only days after his final day as a faculty member of the university, Storm said he had no intention of retiring and wanted to continue teaching as long as his health allowed. He said he was probably as resentful as other faculty members because he had given so much of his life to ESU.&nbsp;

“The university is taking a substantial pot of money that seems to grow, that could have been put into the strengthening and continuation of academic programs, and using that money to defend the results of some very bad decision making,” Storm said.

On July 12, 11 of the professors&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/07/13/fired-emporia-state-university-professors-file-lawsuit-allege-conspiracy-against-tenure/">filed a federal lawsuit</a>&nbsp;accusing ESU administrators, Kansas Board of Regents members and others of conspiring to fire tenured and “problematic” professors.

Phillip Gragson and Amanda Vogelsberg, the professor’s attorneys, declined to comment for this article.

With multiple appeals awaiting decisions by the Office of Administrative Hearings, the interagency agreement has been extended for another year, expiring June 30, 2024, said Loren Snell, acting director and public information officer. He said the office doesn’t expect proceedings to last the entire year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690302547377.png" alt=" As of March 30, the Office of Administrative Hearings provided $17,761.75 in services to Emporia State University for handling the appeals of fired professors. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> As of March 30, the Office of Administrative Hearings provided $17,761.75 in services to Emporia State University for handling the appeals of fired professors. (Max McCoy/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SAM BAILEY <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/06/grieving-moms-plea-to-kansas-lawmakers-do-something-this-epidemic-is-killing-our-kids/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Emporia State University has accrued almost $18,000 in service fees to the Office of Administrative Hearings for the appeals of professors fired in September 2022.In October 2022, ESU president Ken Hush signed an interagency agreement between the university and OAH outlining financial arrangements for the services provided by the office and that its director would assign presiding officers for the cases.“That’s a lot of money for a university that supposedly is in such financial distress that they had to fire all of us to pay,” said Rachelle Smith, a former ESU English professor who was fired as part of the restructuring that allowed for the termination of 33 faculty members.The agreement outlined a service bill of $115 per hour with a tenth of an hour minimum charge. As of March 30, $17,761.75 had been accrued in payments.Kansas Reflector obtained billing information from OAH through an open records request.In June, Gwen Larson, spokeswoman for ESU, said the university had not received a billing statement. She did not respond to a request for comment for this article.&nbsp;After the faculty members were fired, a number of them appealed the termination with OAH. Of those who appealed, five were reinstated because the university failed to provide a specific reason for firing them. ESU responded with petitions in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/06/08/a-short-lived-victory-emporia-state-university-takes-reinstated-professors-to-district-court/">Lyon County District Court</a>&nbsp;seeking to reverse the orders and rule in favor of the university.When they were fired, the professors were given a list of factors contributing to the decision, including cost of operations and reduction of revenue for specific schools or departments.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Once they spent this money, when the decision didn’t turn out the way they thought it should, they’re spending more money to sue in another venue to get the outcome that they want,” Smith said. “This isn’t what a state government should be doing.”The office upheld the firings of two professors and has not released a decision on four others. Three professors decided to drop their appeals and retire, including Smith.&nbsp;Of these retirees was Mel Storm, a former English professor who taught at ESU for 52 years and was named Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor in 2021. Storm said that in his notice of retirement he made clear that he was not retiring voluntarily, but because he had to or be fired.&nbsp;&nbsp;Turning 80 only days after his final day as a faculty member of the university, Storm said he had no intention of retiring and wanted to continue teaching as long as his health allowed. He said he was probably as resentful as other faculty members because he had given so much of his life to ESU.&nbsp;“The university is taking a substantial pot of money that seems to grow, that could have been put into the strengthening and continuation of academic programs, and using that money to defend the results of some very bad decision making,” Storm said.On July 12, 11 of the professors&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/07/13/fired-emporia-state-university-professors-file-lawsuit-allege-conspiracy-against-tenure/">filed a federal lawsuit</a>&nbsp;accusing ESU administrators, Kansas Board of Regents members and others of conspiring to fire tenured and “problematic” professors.Phillip Gragson and Amanda Vogelsberg, the professor’s attorneys, declined to comment for this article.With multiple appeals awaiting decisions by the Office of Administrative Hearings, the interagency agreement has been extended for another year, expiring June 30, 2024, said Loren Snell, acting director and public information officer. He said the office doesn’t expect proceedings to last the entire year.

Emporia State racks up $18K bill for fired professors’ appeals

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a multi-vehicle crash that injured a driver just before 12:30p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.

KCPD officers were in pursuit of a red Toyota Corolla taken in a robbery/carjacking, according to Police&nbsp;Captain Corey Carlisle .

The Toyota traveled down the embankment from the entrance ramp to southbound Interstate 435 from Bannister and into the southbound lanes of Interstate 435. 

A black Volvo T6 was traveling in the #2 lane on the interstate and braked to avoid the Toyota. 

A Freightliner semi-truck and car carrier rear-ended the Volvo and pushed it west across all lanes of Interstate 435 and into the ditch. 

The Freightliner then struck the Toyota. EMS transported the driver of the Volvo to a local hospital in critical condition. The driver of the Freightliner and the occupants of the Toyota were uninjured in the collision.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police released no names or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690312856227.png" alt="Traffic backed up due to the 3-vehicle crash -photo KC Scout" />
 <figcaption>Traffic backed up due to the 3-vehicle crash -photo KC Scout</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a multi-vehicle crash that injured a driver just before 12:30p.m. Tuesday in Kansas City.KCPD officers were in pursuit of a red Toyota Corolla taken in a robbery/carjacking, according to Police&nbsp;Captain Corey Carlisle .The Toyota traveled down the embankment from the entrance ramp to southbound Interstate 435 from Bannister and into the southbound lanes of Interstate 435. A black Volvo T6 was traveling in the #2 lane on the interstate and braked to avoid the Toyota. A Freightliner semi-truck and car carrier rear-ended the Volvo and pushed it west across all lanes of Interstate 435 and into the ditch. The Freightliner then struck the Toyota. EMS transported the driver of the Volvo to a local hospital in critical condition. The driver of the Freightliner and the occupants of the Toyota were uninjured in the collision.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police released no names or additional details.

Driver injured after crash during KCPD chase of carjacking suspect

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;'s dog&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-cats-dogs-5c25b03c70692de43705c48d885c9269">Commander</a>&nbsp;bit Secret Service officers at least 10 times between October 2022 and January, including one incident that required a trip to the hospital for an injured law enforcement officer, according to records from the Department of Homeland Security.

The conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch on Tuesday released nearly 200 pages of Secret Service records that it obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit. The group said it filed suit after the agency, a division of DHS, “failed to respond adequately” to its request last December for records about biting incidents involving the purebred German Shepherd Dog. The group said it filed the request after receiving a tip about Commander's behavior.

The White House and the Secret Service appeared to play down the situation on Tuesday.

Elizabeth Alexander, communications director for first lady Jill Biden, said in an email that the White House complex is a “unique and often stressful environment” for family pets and that the Biden family was “working through ways to make this situation better for everyone.”

Anthony Guglielmi, chief spokesperson for the Secret Service, said in a separate email that his agency has for the past several presidents “navigated how best to operate around family pets and these incidents are no exception. We take the safety and wellbeing of our employees extremely seriously."

The Secret Service provides security protection for the president and his family, and scores of its officers are posted around the executive mansion and its sprawling grounds.

Biden received Commander in December 2021 as a gift from his brother James. The president's previous dog, another German shepherd named&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/major-biden-dog-bite-white-house-2b1d3f05f2ed91b611998d7363b1ccae">Major</a>, had been sent to live with friends in Delaware after some biting incidents of his own involving Secret Service officers and White House staff.

The family also has a cat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-jill-biden-cats-e3164173bf418f28495a79cd9319ce11">Willow</a>.

On Nov. 3, 2022, a Secret Service official emailed colleagues that Commander had bitten a uniformed officer twice — on the upper right arm and thigh. Staff from the White House medical unit treated the officer and decided to have the individual taken to a hospital.

A captain of the Uniform Division emailed later that day that he had been advised that Commander was up to date on his vaccinations.

A note the following day added details about the attack, including that the officer who was bitten used a steel cart to protect himself from another attack. The officer later was placed on several days of restricted duty based on doctors' advice.

Alexander said the Bidens have been working with the Secret Service and the White House residence staff “on additional leashing protocols and training” for Commander, as well as establishing designated areas where he can run around for exercise.

“The president and first lady are incredibly grateful to the Secret Service and Executive Residence staff for all they do to keep them, their family and the country safe,” Alexander added.

Guglielmi said Secret Service employees are encouraged to report job-related injuries to their immediate supervisors for appropriate documentation.

“As such, we are aware of past incidents involving first-family pets and these instances were treated similarly to comparable workplace injuries, to include with relevant notifications and reporting procedures followed,” he said.

“While special agents and officers neither care for nor handle the first family's pets, we continuously work with all applicable entities to minimize adverse impacts in an environment that includes pets,” Guglielmi added.

Commander is often seen being handled by the White House's chief groundskeeper.

The New York Post was first to report on Commander's biting incidents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644616777097.png" alt="The White House and the Secret Service appeared to play down the situation on Tuesday.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The White House and the Secret Service appeared to play down the situation on Tuesday.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;'s dog&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-cats-dogs-5c25b03c70692de43705c48d885c9269">Commander</a>&nbsp;bit Secret Service officers at least 10 times between October 2022 and January, including one incident that required a trip to the hospital for an injured law enforcement officer, according to records from the Department of Homeland Security.The conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch on Tuesday released nearly 200 pages of Secret Service records that it obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit. The group said it filed suit after the agency, a division of DHS, “failed to respond adequately” to its request last December for records about biting incidents involving the purebred German Shepherd Dog. The group said it filed the request after receiving a tip about Commander's behavior.The White House and the Secret Service appeared to play down the situation on Tuesday.Elizabeth Alexander, communications director for first lady Jill Biden, said in an email that the White House complex is a “unique and often stressful environment” for family pets and that the Biden family was “working through ways to make this situation better for everyone.”Anthony Guglielmi, chief spokesperson for the Secret Service, said in a separate email that his agency has for the past several presidents “navigated how best to operate around family pets and these incidents are no exception. We take the safety and wellbeing of our employees extremely seriously."The Secret Service provides security protection for the president and his family, and scores of its officers are posted around the executive mansion and its sprawling grounds.Biden received Commander in December 2021 as a gift from his brother James. The president's previous dog, another German shepherd named&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/major-biden-dog-bite-white-house-2b1d3f05f2ed91b611998d7363b1ccae">Major</a>, had been sent to live with friends in Delaware after some biting incidents of his own involving Secret Service officers and White House staff.The family also has a cat,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-jill-biden-cats-e3164173bf418f28495a79cd9319ce11">Willow</a>.On Nov. 3, 2022, a Secret Service official emailed colleagues that Commander had bitten a uniformed officer twice — on the upper right arm and thigh. Staff from the White House medical unit treated the officer and decided to have the individual taken to a hospital.A captain of the Uniform Division emailed later that day that he had been advised that Commander was up to date on his vaccinations.A note the following day added details about the attack, including that the officer who was bitten used a steel cart to protect himself from another attack. The officer later was placed on several days of restricted duty based on doctors' advice.Alexander said the Bidens have been working with the Secret Service and the White House residence staff “on additional leashing protocols and training” for Commander, as well as establishing designated areas where he can run around for exercise.“The president and first lady are incredibly grateful to the Secret Service and Executive Residence staff for all they do to keep them, their family and the country safe,” Alexander added.Guglielmi said Secret Service employees are encouraged to report job-related injuries to their immediate supervisors for appropriate documentation.“As such, we are aware of past incidents involving first-family pets and these instances were treated similarly to comparable workplace injuries, to include with relevant notifications and reporting procedures followed,” he said.“While special agents and officers neither care for nor handle the first family's pets, we continuously work with all applicable entities to minimize adverse impacts in an environment that includes pets,” Guglielmi added.Commander is often seen being handled by the White House's chief groundskeeper.The New York Post was first to report on Commander's biting incidents.

Biden's dog sends Secret Service officer to the hospital

TOPEKA– Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced Monday that Dr. Lindsey Dinkel has been appointed Superintendent at Larned State Hospital (LSH) effective August 20, 2023, when current Superintendent Lesia Dipman officially retires.

“Dr. Dinkel has the clinical and academic familiarity with hospital programs to seamlessly take over the role of superintendent and continue the hospital’s progress toward improved resident experiences and exceptional mental health care,”&nbsp;KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “I believe her range of professional knowledge is an asset that will enable her to transition smoothly and contribute immediately in this role.”

Dr. Dinkel has more than 10 years of experience in the mental health field including roles in clinical, administrative, research, and academic settings. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Fort Hays State University followed by her master’s degree in forensic psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Dr. Dinkel became a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology in 2020 with a specialization in Mental Health Policy and Practice. She began as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Kansas in 2013 and became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in 2018. She has specialized in treating mental illness in the forensic population and held clinical roles in other settings including child welfare, in-patient psychiatric care, involuntary commitment, and outpatient community service. Dr. Dinkel has been an active adjunct instructor teaching in the fields of forensic psychology, criminal justice, and counseling. She has held several roles during her tenure at LSH, including contract therapist within the Sexual Predator Treatment Program, Chief Operations Officer, and Assistant Superintendent.&nbsp;

Dr. Dinkel will have a month to work alongside Superintendent Dipman to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.&nbsp;

“KDADS and the State of Kansas extends its sincere gratitude to Superintendent Dipman for her steadfast commitment to the Larned community, her staff, and the residents we care for at the hospital,”&nbsp;KDADS Deputy Secretary of Hospitals and Facilities Scott Brunner said. “Lesia has been instrumental in leading the hospital through some very challenging times in her years in this role and is known and respected for successfully tackling some of the unique concerns on campus as well as her administrative and crisis management skills. She has been a great asset who will be missed.”

&nbsp;LSH Superintendent Dipman has served the State of Kansas for 38 years, starting her career at LSH in 1984, working in various positions from food services to the nursing department, and in multiple departments, from the State Security Hospital to the adolescent unit and youth center. Dipman attended Fort Hays State University and Kansas State University (KSU) and earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from KSU in 1994. By 2004, she was promoted to Director of Social Services at the hospital, and a year later earned a master’s degree in social work from Newman University in Wichita.&nbsp;

In 2006, Dipman transferred to the State Security Program at LSH as the Administrative Program Director, her most recent position before being named Acting Superintendent by KDADS Secretary Howard in February 2019, then Superintendent in May 2019.

In her nearly 5 years as Superintendent, Dipman was instrumental in leading LSH staff through the COVID-19 pandemic by adapting the hospital’s incident response plan to effectively operate in an infectious disease incident. She oversaw the isolation and quarantine processes in three separate hospital programs while continuing to admit patients regardless of COVID status and keep patients and staff safe. While other state agencies moved to remote work, Dipman’s staff continued to provide 24/7 care across hospital programs and units. She advocated for staff pay increases to retain direct care and security staff, including base pay increases, incentive payments during the pandemic, and incentives for hourly employees working through the COVID-19 public health emergency. Dipman also led the implementation effort for statutory changes passed in 2022 to increase the number of providers conducting forensic competency evaluations in jails and expanding mobile restoration services among more than 20 counties.

TOPEKA– Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Secretary Laura Howard announced Monday that Dr. Lindsey Dinkel has been appointed Superintendent at Larned State Hospital (LSH) effective August 20, 2023, when current Superintendent Lesia Dipman officially retires.“Dr. Dinkel has the clinical and academic familiarity with hospital programs to seamlessly take over the role of superintendent and continue the hospital’s progress toward improved resident experiences and exceptional mental health care,”&nbsp;KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “I believe her range of professional knowledge is an asset that will enable her to transition smoothly and contribute immediately in this role.”Dr. Dinkel has more than 10 years of experience in the mental health field including roles in clinical, administrative, research, and academic settings. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Fort Hays State University followed by her master’s degree in forensic psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.Dr. Dinkel became a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology in 2020 with a specialization in Mental Health Policy and Practice. She began as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of Kansas in 2013 and became a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in 2018. She has specialized in treating mental illness in the forensic population and held clinical roles in other settings including child welfare, in-patient psychiatric care, involuntary commitment, and outpatient community service. Dr. Dinkel has been an active adjunct instructor teaching in the fields of forensic psychology, criminal justice, and counseling. She has held several roles during her tenure at LSH, including contract therapist within the Sexual Predator Treatment Program, Chief Operations Officer, and Assistant Superintendent.&nbsp;Dr. Dinkel will have a month to work alongside Superintendent Dipman to facilitate a smooth leadership transition.&nbsp;“KDADS and the State of Kansas extends its sincere gratitude to Superintendent Dipman for her steadfast commitment to the Larned community, her staff, and the residents we care for at the hospital,”&nbsp;KDADS Deputy Secretary of Hospitals and Facilities Scott Brunner said. “Lesia has been instrumental in leading the hospital through some very challenging times in her years in this role and is known and respected for successfully tackling some of the unique concerns on campus as well as her administrative and crisis management skills. She has been a great asset who will be missed.”&nbsp;LSH Superintendent Dipman has served the State of Kansas for 38 years, starting her career at LSH in 1984, working in various positions from food services to the nursing department, and in multiple departments, from the State Security Hospital to the adolescent unit and youth center. Dipman attended Fort Hays State University and Kansas State University (KSU) and earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from KSU in 1994. By 2004, she was promoted to Director of Social Services at the hospital, and a year later earned a master’s degree in social work from Newman University in Wichita.&nbsp;In 2006, Dipman transferred to the State Security Program at LSH as the Administrative Program Director, her most recent position before being named Acting Superintendent by KDADS Secretary Howard in February 2019, then Superintendent in May 2019.In her nearly 5 years as Superintendent, Dipman was instrumental in leading LSH staff through the COVID-19 pandemic by adapting the hospital’s incident response plan to effectively operate in an infectious disease incident. She oversaw the isolation and quarantine processes in three separate hospital programs while continuing to admit patients regardless of COVID status and keep patients and staff safe. While other state agencies moved to remote work, Dipman’s staff continued to provide 24/7 care across hospital programs and units. She advocated for staff pay increases to retain direct care and security staff, including base pay increases, incentive payments during the pandemic, and incentives for hourly employees working through the COVID-19 public health emergency. Dipman also led the implementation effort for statutory changes passed in 2022 to increase the number of providers conducting forensic competency evaluations in jails and expanding mobile restoration services among more than 20 counties.

New Superintendent appointed at Larned State Hospital

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Internal Revenue Service said Monday it is ending its decades-old policy of making unannounced home and business visits, in an effort to help keep its workers safe and to combat scammers who pose as IRS agents.

Effective immediately, revenue agents will no longer make unplanned visits to taxpayers' homes and businesses “except in a few unique circumstances,” the Treasury Department said in a statement. The agency will instead mail letters to people to schedule meetings.

“Today’s announcement is the right thing to do, at the right time," new IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel told reporters on a call Monday.

The change ends "an era at the IRS,” he said, reversing a practice by revenue officers whose duties include visiting homes and firms to resolve taxpayers' liabilities by collecting unpaid taxes and unfiled tax returns.

The agency in recent years has experienced more threats, in part tied to conspiracy theories that agents were going to target middle-income taxpayers more aggressively after the passage of a climate, health care and tax bill that provided $80 billion to step up tax collections.

In response, the agency last August&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-misinformation-health-care-reform-internal-revenue-service-fb835c1099dad4cca5ff893bfd07d466">announced</a>&nbsp;a comprehensive review of safety at its facilities. And in May, the agency said it would begin limiting workers’ personal identifying information on communications with taxpayers.

The Treasury Department’s inspector general for tax administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tigta.gov/sites/default/files/reports/2023-05/2023ier004fr.pdf">said in a report</a>&nbsp;that it was “concerned that taxpayers and anti-government or anti-tax groups with malevolent intent may use the Internet or social media to track down and identify IRS employees, their families, their homes, and personal information to threaten, intimidate, or locate them for physical violence.”

The National Treasury Employees Union, which represents IRS workers, commended the agency for ending unannounced visits.

”The officers we represent will continue to efficiently and effectively carry out their mission of helping taxpayers meet their lawful tax obligations through other means of communication," union leader Tony Reardon said in an emailed statement.

The issue of home visits has been politically contentious this year.

Ohio House Republican Jim Jordan&nbsp;<a href="https://judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/republicans-judiciary.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2023-03-27-jdj-to-irs-re-matt-taibbi_redacted.pdf">sent a letter to Werfel</a>&nbsp;and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in March, asking why journalist Matt Taibbi received an unannounced home visit from an IRS agent shortly he gave testimony on Capitol Hill regarding his research into Twitter records.

Werfel said he thinks “the issues raised by unannounced visits, including ones that have been raised to us by the U.S. Congress, will be significantly mitigated" by the policy change.

The agency said an increase in scam artists posing as IRS agents also had created confusion about unannounced home visits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690229574211.png" alt="&nbsp;The exterior of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building in Washington on (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;The exterior of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building in Washington on (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Internal Revenue Service said Monday it is ending its decades-old policy of making unannounced home and business visits, in an effort to help keep its workers safe and to combat scammers who pose as IRS agents.Effective immediately, revenue agents will no longer make unplanned visits to taxpayers' homes and businesses “except in a few unique circumstances,” the Treasury Department said in a statement. The agency will instead mail letters to people to schedule meetings.“Today’s announcement is the right thing to do, at the right time," new IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel told reporters on a call Monday.The change ends "an era at the IRS,” he said, reversing a practice by revenue officers whose duties include visiting homes and firms to resolve taxpayers' liabilities by collecting unpaid taxes and unfiled tax returns.The agency in recent years has experienced more threats, in part tied to conspiracy theories that agents were going to target middle-income taxpayers more aggressively after the passage of a climate, health care and tax bill that provided $80 billion to step up tax collections.In response, the agency last August&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-misinformation-health-care-reform-internal-revenue-service-fb835c1099dad4cca5ff893bfd07d466">announced</a>&nbsp;a comprehensive review of safety at its facilities. And in May, the agency said it would begin limiting workers’ personal identifying information on communications with taxpayers.The Treasury Department’s inspector general for tax administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tigta.gov/sites/default/files/reports/2023-05/2023ier004fr.pdf">said in a report</a>&nbsp;that it was “concerned that taxpayers and anti-government or anti-tax groups with malevolent intent may use the Internet or social media to track down and identify IRS employees, their families, their homes, and personal information to threaten, intimidate, or locate them for physical violence.”The National Treasury Employees Union, which represents IRS workers, commended the agency for ending unannounced visits.”The officers we represent will continue to efficiently and effectively carry out their mission of helping taxpayers meet their lawful tax obligations through other means of communication," union leader Tony Reardon said in an emailed statement.The issue of home visits has been politically contentious this year.Ohio House Republican Jim Jordan&nbsp;<a href="https://judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/republicans-judiciary.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2023-03-27-jdj-to-irs-re-matt-taibbi_redacted.pdf">sent a letter to Werfel</a>&nbsp;and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in March, asking why journalist Matt Taibbi received an unannounced home visit from an IRS agent shortly he gave testimony on Capitol Hill regarding his research into Twitter records.Werfel said he thinks “the issues raised by unannounced visits, including ones that have been raised to us by the U.S. Congress, will be significantly mitigated" by the policy change.The agency said an increase in scam artists posing as IRS agents also had created confusion about unannounced home visits.

IRS  ending surprise visits to taxpayers to protect worker safety

BILLINGS, Montana (AP) — Wildlife workers put out bear traps for a third night Monday as they try to capture a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/grizzly-bear-attack-yellowstone-montana-d1ecb3cb3539751422196fc0ce61bb27">grizzly bear that killed</a>&nbsp;a woman who was traveling alone on a forest trail near Yellowstone National Park.

Amie Adamson, 48, Derby, Kansas, died in Saturday's fatal mauling near the Montana-Idaho border, the Gallatin County Coroner's Office said. The victim was a marathon runner, and officials said she was likely running or walking at the time of the attack.

Officials ruled out a rare&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-montana-wildlife-chico-a8c0b75ae1390130fce3834157ea1dc8">predatory attack</a>, which suggests Adamson instead died following a chance bear encounter as she traveled by herself in a wooded area frequented by grizzly and black bears.

She was killed a few hundred yards from a trailhead and a private campground and RV park, said Morgan Jacobsen with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The bear was traveling with one or more cubs, and there were no indications that it tried to eat the victim.

Authorities have not decided whether they would kill the adult bear if it’s captured or whether they would relocate it, Jacobsen said.

Adamson is a former English teacher who left the classroom in 2015 to backpack across much of the U.S. and later wrote a book, “Walking Out,” about her career and experiences.

The victim's mother described her as a hiker, marathon runner and “just a beautiful free spirit." KWCH-TV in Wichita reported.

“She lived for experiences,” Janet Adamson said, adding that her daughter did not care about material possessions and died “doing what she loved."

A hiker found her body around 8 a.m. Saturday. The cause of death was excessive blood loss caused by a bear mauling, the coroner’s office said.

Adamson was wearing running shoes and did not have bear spray, a deterrent that wildlife experts recommend people carry in areas frequented by bears, Jacobsen said.

She had been working nearby and often ran or walked on the trail in the early morning, according to officials and local residents.

“This person was likely out for a morning jog along the trail, and that's when this happened,” said Jacobsen.

Tracks of a grizzly bear and at least one cub were found at the scene of the attack, which occurred near the Buttermilk Trailhead 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of West Yellowstone, a busy summer tourist town and gateway to the national park.

The trail is used by hikers, horseback riders and people in off-road vehicles.

Rangers issued an emergency closure for areas of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It did not include Yellowstone National Park.

Local resident Bill Youngwirth said people in the area were aware of the mauling and the forest closure, but they weren't panicked over the attack because the bear could have struck out defensively after being surprised when the victim came around a corner.

The attack happened about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from several vacation homes that Youngwirth rents adjacent to the forest.

“I tell everybody, ‘Better take bear spray and know how to use it,’" he said. “And the big thing is, don't go alone."

A trail camera captured an image of a grizzly bear with two cubs in the area on Saturday night. There have been no sightings since, Jacobsen said. Traps set for the bears on Saturday and Sunday nights came up empty, and attempts to locate the bears from an aircraft were unsuccessful.

As time goes by, he added, trapping becomes less effective as chances increase of catching a bear that wasn’t involved in the attack.

Laura Skinner, who co-owns West Yellowstone Rodeo and Creek Side Trail Rides, said the attack did not interrupt its horseback rides on private property or its nightly rodeos.

“We have bears all the time. The only precaution we’re taking is we’re checking trails. We send a rider out first to check to make sure there’s nothing there,” she said.

“I’m pretty sure with all the activity with them tracking it and trying to hunt it down, it’s probably nowhere near here,” she added.

Grizzly bear populations in the northern U.S. Rocky Mountains grew significantly over the past several and the animals in recent years have been showing up in places they hadn't been seen for generations. Since 2010, grizzlies in and around Yellowstone have killed at least nine people. Attacks remain relatively rare in the region, which draws several million tourists each summer.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/general-news-environment-and-nature-bb6affb5e4b5e0a8ad177e334c7453a1">backcountry guide was killed near</a>&nbsp;West Yellowstone two years ago when he was mauled by a large grizzly bear that wildlife officials said was probably defending a nearby moose carcass. And a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-billings-bears-livingston-7da5ab6a9c2f0f0df726cba561466284">hiker was killed</a>&nbsp;north of Yellowstone park last year in a suspected grizzly encounter in a remote area of the Absaroka Mountains south of Livingston, Montana.

Encounters with humans can prove deadly for bears, too: A five-year-old female grizzly in Glacier National Park was euthanized last week after officials said it got used to eating food from campgrounds and was becoming increasingly aggressive.

Grizzlies are protected under federal law outside of Alaska. Elected officials in the Yellowstone region are pushing to lift protections and allow grizzly hunting.

State officials last week warned visitors and residents of grizzly bear sightings throughout the state, “particularly in areas between the Northern Continental Divide and the Greater Yellowstone ecosystems.”

They implored those camping and visiting parks to carry bear spray, store their food while outside and tend to their garbage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690248696605.png" alt="Amie Adamson-photo courtesy Janet Adamson" />
 <figcaption>Amie Adamson-photo courtesy Janet Adamson</figcaption>
 </figure>BILLINGS, Montana (AP) — Wildlife workers put out bear traps for a third night Monday as they try to capture a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/grizzly-bear-attack-yellowstone-montana-d1ecb3cb3539751422196fc0ce61bb27">grizzly bear that killed</a>&nbsp;a woman who was traveling alone on a forest trail near Yellowstone National Park.Amie Adamson, 48, Derby, Kansas, died in Saturday's fatal mauling near the Montana-Idaho border, the Gallatin County Coroner's Office said. The victim was a marathon runner, and officials said she was likely running or walking at the time of the attack.Officials ruled out a rare&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/california-montana-wildlife-chico-a8c0b75ae1390130fce3834157ea1dc8">predatory attack</a>, which suggests Adamson instead died following a chance bear encounter as she traveled by herself in a wooded area frequented by grizzly and black bears.She was killed a few hundred yards from a trailhead and a private campground and RV park, said Morgan Jacobsen with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The bear was traveling with one or more cubs, and there were no indications that it tried to eat the victim.Authorities have not decided whether they would kill the adult bear if it’s captured or whether they would relocate it, Jacobsen said.Adamson is a former English teacher who left the classroom in 2015 to backpack across much of the U.S. and later wrote a book, “Walking Out,” about her career and experiences.The victim's mother described her as a hiker, marathon runner and “just a beautiful free spirit." KWCH-TV in Wichita reported.“She lived for experiences,” Janet Adamson said, adding that her daughter did not care about material possessions and died “doing what she loved."A hiker found her body around 8 a.m. Saturday. The cause of death was excessive blood loss caused by a bear mauling, the coroner’s office said.Adamson was wearing running shoes and did not have bear spray, a deterrent that wildlife experts recommend people carry in areas frequented by bears, Jacobsen said.She had been working nearby and often ran or walked on the trail in the early morning, according to officials and local residents.“This person was likely out for a morning jog along the trail, and that's when this happened,” said Jacobsen.Tracks of a grizzly bear and at least one cub were found at the scene of the attack, which occurred near the Buttermilk Trailhead 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of West Yellowstone, a busy summer tourist town and gateway to the national park.The trail is used by hikers, horseback riders and people in off-road vehicles.Rangers issued an emergency closure for areas of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It did not include Yellowstone National Park.Local resident Bill Youngwirth said people in the area were aware of the mauling and the forest closure, but they weren't panicked over the attack because the bear could have struck out defensively after being surprised when the victim came around a corner.The attack happened about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from several vacation homes that Youngwirth rents adjacent to the forest.“I tell everybody, ‘Better take bear spray and know how to use it,’" he said. “And the big thing is, don't go alone."A trail camera captured an image of a grizzly bear with two cubs in the area on Saturday night. There have been no sightings since, Jacobsen said. Traps set for the bears on Saturday and Sunday nights came up empty, and attempts to locate the bears from an aircraft were unsuccessful.As time goes by, he added, trapping becomes less effective as chances increase of catching a bear that wasn’t involved in the attack.Laura Skinner, who co-owns West Yellowstone Rodeo and Creek Side Trail Rides, said the attack did not interrupt its horseback rides on private property or its nightly rodeos.“We have bears all the time. The only precaution we’re taking is we’re checking trails. We send a rider out first to check to make sure there’s nothing there,” she said.“I’m pretty sure with all the activity with them tracking it and trying to hunt it down, it’s probably nowhere near here,” she added.Grizzly bear populations in the northern U.S. Rocky Mountains grew significantly over the past several and the animals in recent years have been showing up in places they hadn't been seen for generations. Since 2010, grizzlies in and around Yellowstone have killed at least nine people. Attacks remain relatively rare in the region, which draws several million tourists each summer.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/general-news-environment-and-nature-bb6affb5e4b5e0a8ad177e334c7453a1">backcountry guide was killed near</a>&nbsp;West Yellowstone two years ago when he was mauled by a large grizzly bear that wildlife officials said was probably defending a nearby moose carcass. And a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/montana-billings-bears-livingston-7da5ab6a9c2f0f0df726cba561466284">hiker was killed</a>&nbsp;north of Yellowstone park last year in a suspected grizzly encounter in a remote area of the Absaroka Mountains south of Livingston, Montana.Encounters with humans can prove deadly for bears, too: A five-year-old female grizzly in Glacier National Park was euthanized last week after officials said it got used to eating food from campgrounds and was becoming increasingly aggressive.Grizzlies are protected under federal law outside of Alaska. Elected officials in the Yellowstone region are pushing to lift protections and allow grizzly hunting.State officials last week warned visitors and residents of grizzly bear sightings throughout the state, “particularly in areas between the Northern Continental Divide and the Greater Yellowstone ecosystems.”They implored those camping and visiting parks to carry bear spray, store their food while outside and tend to their garbage.

Traps set for grizzly bear that killed Kan. woman near Yellowstone National Park

CLAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities spent most late Sunday and early Monday searching for a suspect in the woods&nbsp;approximately 30 miles northeast of Kansas City.

On Monday, the Excelsior Springs Fire Department executed a rope rescue of the injured man who had fallen down a 30+ foot ravine,&nbsp; according to the Excelsior Springs Police.

On Sunday the man had fled from officers into a tree line. Despite officers searching for an extended period of time, they were unable to locate him due to the dark and heavily wooded nature of the search area. 

At first light, officers returned and resumed their search, eventually locating him. Medical aid was immediately called for and, just before the rain and lightening rolled in on Monday. the man was successfully rescued. 

The suspect sustain serious injuries. He was being treated at an area hospital. The police department thanked the fire crews for their hard work.&nbsp; Police did not release details on what charges the man might face when he is released from the hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690242690740.png" alt="photo courtesy Excelsior Springs Police" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Excelsior Springs Police</figcaption>
 </figure>CLAY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities spent most late Sunday and early Monday searching for a suspect in the woods&nbsp;approximately 30 miles northeast of Kansas City.On Monday, the Excelsior Springs Fire Department executed a rope rescue of the injured man who had fallen down a 30+ foot ravine,&nbsp; according to the Excelsior Springs Police.On Sunday the man had fled from officers into a tree line. Despite officers searching for an extended period of time, they were unable to locate him due to the dark and heavily wooded nature of the search area. At first light, officers returned and resumed their search, eventually locating him. Medical aid was immediately called for and, just before the rain and lightening rolled in on Monday. the man was successfully rescued. The suspect sustain serious injuries. He was being treated at an area hospital. The police department thanked the fire crews for their hard work.&nbsp; Police did not release details on what charges the man might face when he is released from the hospital.

Wanted man injured after falling 30 feet into ravine near Kansas City

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea, South Korea’s military said Tuesday, adding to a recent streak in weapons testing that is apparently in protest of the U.S. sending major naval assets to South Korea in a show of force.

In its third round of launches since last week, North Korea fired the missiles just before midnight from an area near its capital, Pyongyang, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said. It said both missiles traveled around 400 kilometers (248 miles) before landing in waters off the Korean Peninsula’s eastern coast.

Its statement called North Korea’s missile launches a “grave provocation” that threatens regional peace and stability.

The launches came hours after South Korea’s navy said a nuclear-propelled U.S. submarine — the USS Annapolis — arrived at a port on Jeju Island. That underscored the allies' efforts to boost the visibility of U.S. strategic assets in the region to intimidate the North.

Last week, the USS Kentucky became the first U.S. nuclear-armed submarine to come to South Korea since the 1980s. North Korea reacted to its arrival by test-firing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missiles-us-nuclear-submarine-9a915fab65631ad2094f78e0d1d942cf">ballistic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missiles-us-submarine-travis-king-c9fd009a622f1823b823b623ca04c218">cruise missiles</a>&nbsp;last week in apparent demonstrations that it could make nuclear strikes on South Korea and deployed U.S. naval vessels.

Also on Monday, the American-led U.N. Command said it has started “a conversation” with North Korea about a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-citizen-crossed-border-e4aaa883901052e65f5c400c8279438b">U.S. soldier who ran into the North</a>&nbsp;last week across one of the world’s most heavily fortified borders.

Andrew Harrison, a British lieutenant general who is deputy commander at the U.N. Command, which oversees implementation of the 1953 armistice that ended fighting in the Korean War, declined to comment about the state of the inquiry to North Korea or say what the command knows about Pvt. Travis King’s condition.

“I am in life an optimist, and I remain optimistic,” Harrison said during a news conference in Seoul.

In Washington, State Deptartment spokesman Matthew Miller said North Korea had only “acknowledged” receiving the U.N. message last week and had not provided any information or commented further since then.

“There have been no new contacts since last week,” Miller said, adding that North Korea also had not responded to messages sent by U.S. civilian or military officials.

North Korea has remained publicly silent about King, who crossed the border during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-tourist-witness-92f96befe0b2b8d2e7d016d645d21180">a tour of Panmunjom</a>&nbsp;while he was supposed to be heading to Fort Bliss, Texas, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.

The U.S. still has not been able to ascertain&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-3abebaf8aa599c92c92621b98dacb30a">King’s condition</a>, a senior administration official said Monday in Washington. Asked if U.S. officials had a better understanding of whether King intended to defect, the official said they still had “no indication about what was going on in his mind that day.” The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667483523229.png" alt="A TV screen showing a news program reporting about North Korea's missile launch with file footage is seen at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea Nov. 3, 2022. North Korea (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)" />
 <figcaption>A TV screen showing a news program reporting about North Korea's missile launch with file footage is seen at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea Nov. 3, 2022. North Korea (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into its eastern sea, South Korea’s military said Tuesday, adding to a recent streak in weapons testing that is apparently in protest of the U.S. sending major naval assets to South Korea in a show of force.In its third round of launches since last week, North Korea fired the missiles just before midnight from an area near its capital, Pyongyang, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said. It said both missiles traveled around 400 kilometers (248 miles) before landing in waters off the Korean Peninsula’s eastern coast.Its statement called North Korea’s missile launches a “grave provocation” that threatens regional peace and stability.The launches came hours after South Korea’s navy said a nuclear-propelled U.S. submarine — the USS Annapolis — arrived at a port on Jeju Island. That underscored the allies' efforts to boost the visibility of U.S. strategic assets in the region to intimidate the North.Last week, the USS Kentucky became the first U.S. nuclear-armed submarine to come to South Korea since the 1980s. North Korea reacted to its arrival by test-firing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missiles-us-nuclear-submarine-9a915fab65631ad2094f78e0d1d942cf">ballistic</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missiles-us-submarine-travis-king-c9fd009a622f1823b823b623ca04c218">cruise missiles</a>&nbsp;last week in apparent demonstrations that it could make nuclear strikes on South Korea and deployed U.S. naval vessels.Also on Monday, the American-led U.N. Command said it has started “a conversation” with North Korea about a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-citizen-crossed-border-e4aaa883901052e65f5c400c8279438b">U.S. soldier who ran into the North</a>&nbsp;last week across one of the world’s most heavily fortified borders.Andrew Harrison, a British lieutenant general who is deputy commander at the U.N. Command, which oversees implementation of the 1953 armistice that ended fighting in the Korean War, declined to comment about the state of the inquiry to North Korea or say what the command knows about Pvt. Travis King’s condition.“I am in life an optimist, and I remain optimistic,” Harrison said during a news conference in Seoul.In Washington, State Deptartment spokesman Matthew Miller said North Korea had only “acknowledged” receiving the U.N. message last week and had not provided any information or commented further since then.“There have been no new contacts since last week,” Miller said, adding that North Korea also had not responded to messages sent by U.S. civilian or military officials.North Korea has remained publicly silent about King, who crossed the border during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-tourist-witness-92f96befe0b2b8d2e7d016d645d21180">a tour of Panmunjom</a>&nbsp;while he was supposed to be heading to Fort Bliss, Texas, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.The U.S. still has not been able to ascertain&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-3abebaf8aa599c92c92621b98dacb30a">King’s condition</a>, a senior administration official said Monday in Washington. Asked if U.S. officials had a better understanding of whether King intended to defect, the official said they still had “no indication about what was going on in his mind that day.” The official was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.Analysts say North Korea may wait weeks or even months to provide meaningful information about King to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-11a0429e279d498f8c3aa9c10f818b32">maximize leverage</a>&nbsp;and add urgency to U.S. efforts to secure his release. Some say North Korea may try to wrest concessions from Washington, such as tying his release to the United States cutting back its military activities with South Korea.King’s crossing came at a time of high tensions in the Korean Peninsula, where the pace of both North Korea’s weapons demonstrations and the United States’ combined military exercises have intensified in a tit-for-tat cycle.In between the ballistic and cruise missile launches last week, North Korea’s defense minister also issued a veiled threat, saying the Kentucky’s docking in South Korea could be grounds for the North to use a nuclear weapon against it. North Korea has used similar rhetoric before, but the statement underscored how strained relations are now.The United States and South Korea have expanded their combined military exercises and increased regional deployments of U.S. aircraft and ships, including bombers, aircraft carriers and submarines to counter the nuclear threats posed by North Korea, which has test-fired around 100 missiles since the start of 2022.The Annapolis, whose main mission is destroying enemy ships and submarines, is powered by a nuclear reactor but is armed with conventional weapons. The sub mainly docked at Jeju to load supplies, but Jang Do Young, a spokesperson for South Korea’s navy, said the U.S. and South Korean militaries were discussing whether to arrange training involving the vessel.The Koreas are still technically at war since a peace treaty was never signed.Their armistice becomes 70 years old Thursday, an anniversary South Korea will mark with solemn ceremonies honoring the dead that will involve invited foreign war veterans.North Korea, which celebrates the date as victory day for the “great Fatherland Liberation War,” plans huge festivities that will likely include a military parade in the capital, Pyongyang, where leader Kim Jong Un may showcase his nuclear-capable missiles designed to target regional rivals and the United States.North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency said Monday that a Chinese delegation led by Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the standing committee of the country’s National People’s Congress, would attend the celebrations.Visits by foreign guests to North Korea have been extremely rare since the start of the pandemic, which prompted the North to seal its borders to protect its poor healthcare system. North Korea since last year has been gradually reopening trade with China in an apparent effort to salvage a crippled economy damaged further by the pandemic-related border controls.