TOPEKA – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) announced that the investigation into around 100 suspicious letters sent to legislators and public officials has now expanded beyond Kansas, so the FBI will now be the agency leading the investigation, according to a media release from the KBI.

The KBI will continue to work with all law enforcement partners to bring these incidents to appropriate resolution.

“Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of Kansans, and holding those responsible for these crimes accountable, said KBI Director Tony Mattivi. “The KBI is so appreciative of the incredible coordination and outstanding response by countless federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as by fire departments, and hazmat teams to this unprecedented event.”

Since the first letters were handled and reported by officials, the KBI had over 60 special agents, forensic scientists and employees devoted to safely collecting or screening evidence, or managing and tracking response to the incidents. Additionally, 17 hazmat teams and 12 bomb squads responded across the state.

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with assistance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and other partners, updated findings on the white powder found in letters sent to Kansas legislators and public officials.

As of Sunday evening June 18, approximately 100 letters containing suspicious white powder have been received across the state of Kansas.

A small sample of the letters containing powder was sent to a laboratory that specializes in testing biological samples. Preliminary tests have returned from this lab indicating the substance is presumptively negative for common biological agents of concern. Further and more complete testing will be conducted on this sample, as well as on additional letters that have been collected, in an effort to determine the components of the substance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686969061366.jpeg" alt="photo -Courtesy Rep. Paul Waggoner" />
 <figcaption>photo -Courtesy Rep. Paul Waggoner</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) announced that the investigation into around 100 suspicious letters sent to legislators and public officials has now expanded beyond Kansas, so the FBI will now be the agency leading the investigation, according to a media release from the KBI.The KBI will continue to work with all law enforcement partners to bring these incidents to appropriate resolution.“Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of Kansans, and holding those responsible for these crimes accountable, said KBI Director Tony Mattivi. “The KBI is so appreciative of the incredible coordination and outstanding response by countless federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as by fire departments, and hazmat teams to this unprecedented event.”Since the first letters were handled and reported by officials, the KBI had over 60 special agents, forensic scientists and employees devoted to safely collecting or screening evidence, or managing and tracking response to the incidents. Additionally, 17 hazmat teams and 12 bomb squads responded across the state.-----------TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with assistance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and other partners, updated findings on the white powder found in letters sent to Kansas legislators and public officials.As of Sunday evening June 18, approximately 100 letters containing suspicious white powder have been received across the state of Kansas.A small sample of the letters containing powder was sent to a laboratory that specializes in testing biological samples. Preliminary tests have returned from this lab indicating the substance is presumptively negative for common biological agents of concern. Further and more complete testing will be conducted on this sample, as well as on additional letters that have been collected, in an effort to determine the components of the substance.

KBI: Investigation of suspicious letters expands beyond Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting in Topeka have identified the victim as 30-year-old Anthony Marshall III of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

Just before 11:30p..m. Sunday police responded to 4100 Block of Southwest of Twilight in Topeka, according to Lt. Stanley.

First responders found Marshall III with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooting was one of several in Topeka over the holiday weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just after 10p.m. Sunday police responded to report of a disturbance in the 3100 Block of SW Clay in Topeka, according to Stanley. First responders found a shooting victim who was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Just after 1:30.a.m. on Monday, police responded to the 1300 Block&nbsp; of Western Avenue in Topeka on reports of multiple gunshots in the area.

Officers found one person with a&nbsp;non-life-threatening gunshot wound, according to Stanley.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police have released no additional details including information on a suspect in the homicide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687170616581.png" alt="One died and two were wounded in Topeka over the weekend -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>One died and two were wounded in Topeka over the weekend -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting in Topeka have identified the victim as 30-year-old Anthony Marshall III of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.Just before 11:30p..m. Sunday police responded to 4100 Block of Southwest of Twilight in Topeka, according to Lt. Stanley.First responders found Marshall III with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.The shooting was one of several in Topeka over the holiday weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just after 10p.m. Sunday police responded to report of a disturbance in the 3100 Block of SW Clay in Topeka, according to Stanley. First responders found a shooting victim who was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.Just after 1:30.a.m. on Monday, police responded to the 1300 Block&nbsp; of Western Avenue in Topeka on reports of multiple gunshots in the area.Officers found one person with a&nbsp;non-life-threatening gunshot wound, according to Stanley.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police have released no additional details including information on a suspect in the homicide.

Police ID victim in Father's Day homicide in Kansas

By A.J Dome <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>

GARDEN CITY — It took six months for Mariah Magana and her team at Better Together GC to plan and host the first pride festival in Garden City.

Magana, co-founder of the civic engagement group, said she knew in October she wanted to do something, and “we needed to get a plan going.”

The plan materialized Saturday with the community’s inaugural GC Pride Fest. Hundreds of people came to Stevens Park in downtown Garden City for colorful vendors, splashes of rainbows, bubbles, face painting, live music and more. The event celebrating LGBTQ community and culture featured more than 45 vendors, organizations and food trucks.

Better Together GC formed last summer with the goal of introducing civic engagement opportunities to southwest Kansas youth. Isidro Marino, fellow co-founder of Better Together GC, said the group is composed mostly of college-age people.

“Advocacy and activism are something that really attracts us as young people,” Marino said. “We wanted to advocate for our community but also make an event that makes this a safe space and is also a welcoming community event for all.”

Marino, also a Garden City school board candidate, said he has noticed a shift toward LGBTQ acceptance among the largely conservative and religious populations in southwest Kansas, especially among Latino people. That shift is largely driven by events like Pride Fest and conversations among community members, he said.

“I think having people like me, myself, who is Mexican American, and others who identify as gay or bisexual or trans or lesbian … I think by hosting this event and having more community events where people can come out and enjoy each other and talk about issues is really is what’s shifting the culture and narrative of our community, and it’ll only happen as we continue having these events,” Marino said.

Marino and Magana said they didn’t hear or see any negative commentary, in person or on social media, regarding Pride Fest. However, an event last month not associated with Better Together GC, called Playchella, did receive backlash from local church officials for its schedule of events.

The owners of Hidden Trail Brewing in Garden City were set to host a second year of Playchella, an all-ages pride arts festival featuring puppet shows performed by Brett Crandall Studios as a fundraiser for the Wichita chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The event was well advertised on social media and on flyers posted throughout the community. Cornerstone Church pastor Jason Swann told churchgoers in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/live/hq3tSFgls-E?feature=share">his sermon May 28</a>&nbsp;that learning about the puppet shows “put a fire underneath me.”

Some of the puppet shows performed by Crandall depict the Disciples of Jesus as queer. Swann said in his sermon that the patrons of Cornerstone, which he claimed was the largest church in a 180-mile radius, had a “spiritual seat of authority” over southwest Kansas, and that he was against the event. He told the crowd he pushed back because of the younger children the puppet shows target, even though the event was listed as being for all ages.

Swann said he used the hashtag “groomers” in online statements against the show. “Groomer” is a term applied to pedophiles who influence young children into sexual activities.

Swann said he never called anyone a pedophile, but he did reaffirm his decision to use the term “groomer.”

“They’re utilizing puppets to begin the conversation of, ‘Who are you going to have sex with later,’ ” Swann said in his sermon. “If that ain’t grooming, then I don’t know what grooming is, I guess.”

Swann said he and Cornerstone patrons would not “picket or yell; that’s what dumb people do.”

“We’re going to affect their bottom line,” Swann said, “and next year, if they keep this crud up, they won’t be here.”

In a Facebook post after the May 28 sermon, brewery co-owner Cody Cundiff wrote that he understood some people felt “hurt and attacked” by one of the themes covered in one of the puppet shows.

“I have taken what each of you have said to heart,” Cundiff wrote. “I’m sure we would all rather build a bridge than create a hard line of difference.”

As a compromise, Cundiff and Brett Crandall Studios removed one of the puppet shows that depicts David and Prince Jonathan in the David v. Goliath Bible story as queer. Hidden Trail Brewing bartender Ally Hamilton said the event was still well-attended.

“We really didn’t have any issues and had so much fun that day,” Hamilton said. “Just so much love, all in one place.”

Brett Crandall Studios performed its puppet shows at Pride Fest on Saturday, including the queer David and Prince Jonathan piece. About a dozen children laughed and commented along with Crandall’s enthusiastically performed one-man show.

Engaged couple Kaitlyn Hahn and Tucker Murray walked around Pride Fest holding a sign that read: “Everyone is Welcomed. Free Hugs and Kisses. Love is Not a Crime.” Hahn and Murray have been engaged since 2020.

“She thought I was weird at first,” Murray said.

“I did, I really did,” Hahn said. “But then I came to terms with my weirdness, and it just worked out perfect.”

Hahn and Murray both said it’s important to show compassion for marginalized populations in their community.

“It’s really important no matter where you are,” Hahn said. “Having a (Pride event) now, it just got me super excited. I just had to come out and show my support.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687280738989.png" alt="Actor Brett Crandall performs a part of his one-man puppet show at GC Pride Fest. In this particular puppet show, David and Prince Jonathan of the Bible’s David v. Goliath story are depicted as queer. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Actor Brett Crandall performs a part of his one-man puppet show at GC Pride Fest. In this particular puppet show, David and Prince Jonathan of the Bible’s David v. Goliath story are depicted as queer. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By A.J Dome <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> GARDEN CITY — It took six months for Mariah Magana and her team at Better Together GC to plan and host the first pride festival in Garden City.Magana, co-founder of the civic engagement group, said she knew in October she wanted to do something, and “we needed to get a plan going.”The plan materialized Saturday with the community’s inaugural GC Pride Fest. Hundreds of people came to Stevens Park in downtown Garden City for colorful vendors, splashes of rainbows, bubbles, face painting, live music and more. The event celebrating LGBTQ community and culture featured more than 45 vendors, organizations and food trucks.Better Together GC formed last summer with the goal of introducing civic engagement opportunities to southwest Kansas youth. Isidro Marino, fellow co-founder of Better Together GC, said the group is composed mostly of college-age people.“Advocacy and activism are something that really attracts us as young people,” Marino said. “We wanted to advocate for our community but also make an event that makes this a safe space and is also a welcoming community event for all.”Marino, also a Garden City school board candidate, said he has noticed a shift toward LGBTQ acceptance among the largely conservative and religious populations in southwest Kansas, especially among Latino people. That shift is largely driven by events like Pride Fest and conversations among community members, he said.“I think having people like me, myself, who is Mexican American, and others who identify as gay or bisexual or trans or lesbian … I think by hosting this event and having more community events where people can come out and enjoy each other and talk about issues is really is what’s shifting the culture and narrative of our community, and it’ll only happen as we continue having these events,” Marino said.<h2>Puppet show backlash</h2>Marino and Magana said they didn’t hear or see any negative commentary, in person or on social media, regarding Pride Fest. However, an event last month not associated with Better Together GC, called Playchella, did receive backlash from local church officials for its schedule of events.The owners of Hidden Trail Brewing in Garden City were set to host a second year of Playchella, an all-ages pride arts festival featuring puppet shows performed by Brett Crandall Studios as a fundraiser for the Wichita chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The event was well advertised on social media and on flyers posted throughout the community. Cornerstone Church pastor Jason Swann told churchgoers in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/live/hq3tSFgls-E?feature=share">his sermon May 28</a>&nbsp;that learning about the puppet shows “put a fire underneath me.”Some of the puppet shows performed by Crandall depict the Disciples of Jesus as queer. Swann said in his sermon that the patrons of Cornerstone, which he claimed was the largest church in a 180-mile radius, had a “spiritual seat of authority” over southwest Kansas, and that he was against the event. He told the crowd he pushed back because of the younger children the puppet shows target, even though the event was listed as being for all ages.Swann said he used the hashtag “groomers” in online statements against the show. “Groomer” is a term applied to pedophiles who influence young children into sexual activities.Swann said he never called anyone a pedophile, but he did reaffirm his decision to use the term “groomer.”“They’re utilizing puppets to begin the conversation of, ‘Who are you going to have sex with later,’ ” Swann said in his sermon. “If that ain’t grooming, then I don’t know what grooming is, I guess.”Swann said he and Cornerstone patrons would not “picket or yell; that’s what dumb people do.”“We’re going to affect their bottom line,” Swann said, “and next year, if they keep this crud up, they won’t be here.”In a Facebook post after the May 28 sermon, brewery co-owner Cody Cundiff wrote that he understood some people felt “hurt and attacked” by one of the themes covered in one of the puppet shows.“I have taken what each of you have said to heart,” Cundiff wrote. “I’m sure we would all rather build a bridge than create a hard line of difference.”As a compromise, Cundiff and Brett Crandall Studios removed one of the puppet shows that depicts David and Prince Jonathan in the David v. Goliath Bible story as queer. Hidden Trail Brewing bartender Ally Hamilton said the event was still well-attended.“We really didn’t have any issues and had so much fun that day,” Hamilton said. “Just so much love, all in one place.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687280664503.png" alt="Engaged couple Kaitlyn Hahn and Tucker Murray wanted to show their support for LGBTQ people. They carried this sign offering free affection. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Engaged couple Kaitlyn Hahn and Tucker Murray wanted to show their support for LGBTQ people. They carried this sign offering free affection. (AJ Dome for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Show of support</h2>Brett Crandall Studios performed its puppet shows at Pride Fest on Saturday, including the queer David and Prince Jonathan piece. About a dozen children laughed and commented along with Crandall’s enthusiastically performed one-man show.Engaged couple Kaitlyn Hahn and Tucker Murray walked around Pride Fest holding a sign that read: “Everyone is Welcomed. Free Hugs and Kisses. Love is Not a Crime.” Hahn and Murray have been engaged since 2020.“She thought I was weird at first,” Murray said.“I did, I really did,” Hahn said. “But then I came to terms with my weirdness, and it just worked out perfect.”Hahn and Murray both said it’s important to show compassion for marginalized populations in their community.“It’s really important no matter where you are,” Hahn said. “Having a (Pride event) now, it just got me super excited. I just had to come out and show my support.”

Pride event celebrated LGBTQ culture in southwest Kansas

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman for alleged theft.

Just before 8p.m. Sunday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office had a report of an individual driving a beige Toyota allegedly opening mailboxes in southern Jackson County near Hoyt, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. 

A short time later, Sheriff's Deputies located a vehicle matching the description near 126th and Q. Road.

 Deputies determined the vehicle, a 2007 Toyota Corolla had been reported stolen out of Omaha, Nebraska. The driver was identified as 28-year-old Tehya Rose Wright, of Mason City, Iowa. 

 Wright was arrested by deputies and remains in the Jackson County Jail on requested theft charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687225951388.png" alt="Wright-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Wright-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman for alleged theft.Just before 8p.m. Sunday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office had a report of an individual driving a beige Toyota allegedly opening mailboxes in southern Jackson County near Hoyt, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. A short time later, Sheriff's Deputies located a vehicle matching the description near 126th and Q. Road. Deputies determined the vehicle, a 2007 Toyota Corolla had been reported stolen out of Omaha, Nebraska. The driver was identified as 28-year-old Tehya Rose Wright, of Mason City, Iowa. Wright was arrested by deputies and remains in the Jackson County Jail on requested theft charges.

Suspect in stolen car was opening mailboxes in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-hunter-biden">President Joe Biden’s son Hunter</a>&nbsp;has been charged with failing to pay federal income tax and illegally possessing a weapon and has reached an agreement with the Justice Department, according to&nbsp;a letter filed in U.S. District Court&nbsp;in Delaware.

As part of the agreement, made public Tuesday, Hunter Biden will plead guilty to misdemeanor tax offenses and is expected to reach an agreement with prosecutors on the felony charge of illegally possessing a firearm as a drug user. It is somewhat unusual to resolve a federal criminal case at the same time the charges are filed in court, though it is not totally unheard of.

The deal ends a long-running Justice Department investigation into Biden’s second son, who has acknowledged struggling with addiction following the 2015 death of his brother Beau Biden. It also averts a trial that would have generated days or weeks or distracting headlines for a White House that has strenuously sought to keep its distance from the Justice Department.

Christopher Clark, a lawyer for the younger Biden, said in a statement that it was his understanding that the five-year investigation had now been resolved.

“I know Hunter believes it is important to take responsibility for these mistakes he made during a period of turmoil and addiction in his life," Clark said. “He looks forward to continuing his recovery and moving forward.”

The news comes as congressional Republicans pursue their own investigations into nearly every facet of Hunter Biden’s business dealings, including examining foreign payments and other aspects of his finances. It also comes days after a 37-count indictment came down against former President Donald Trump for mishandling classified documents on his Florida estate, another case with even more dramatic political implications.

Joe Biden has also faced questions about his son’s business dealings and drug addiction.

The gun charge states that Hunter Biden possessed a handgun, a Colt Cobra 38 special, despite knowing he was a drug user for 11 days in October 2018. The count carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, but the Justice Department says Hunter Biden has reached a pretrial agreement on that charge. Full details were not immediately available.

The White House had no immediate comment on the case.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/robert-hunter-biden">President Joe Biden’s son Hunter</a>&nbsp;has been charged with failing to pay federal income tax and illegally possessing a weapon and has reached an agreement with the Justice Department, according to&nbsp;a letter filed in U.S. District Court&nbsp;in Delaware.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687268829862.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>As part of the agreement, made public Tuesday, Hunter Biden will plead guilty to misdemeanor tax offenses and is expected to reach an agreement with prosecutors on the felony charge of illegally possessing a firearm as a drug user. It is somewhat unusual to resolve a federal criminal case at the same time the charges are filed in court, though it is not totally unheard of.The deal ends a long-running Justice Department investigation into Biden’s second son, who has acknowledged struggling with addiction following the 2015 death of his brother Beau Biden. It also averts a trial that would have generated days or weeks or distracting headlines for a White House that has strenuously sought to keep its distance from the Justice Department.Christopher Clark, a lawyer for the younger Biden, said in a statement that it was his understanding that the five-year investigation had now been resolved.“I know Hunter believes it is important to take responsibility for these mistakes he made during a period of turmoil and addiction in his life," Clark said. “He looks forward to continuing his recovery and moving forward.”The news comes as congressional Republicans pursue their own investigations into nearly every facet of Hunter Biden’s business dealings, including examining foreign payments and other aspects of his finances. It also comes days after a 37-count indictment came down against former President Donald Trump for mishandling classified documents on his Florida estate, another case with even more dramatic political implications.Joe Biden has also faced questions about his son’s business dealings and drug addiction.The gun charge states that Hunter Biden possessed a handgun, a Colt Cobra 38 special, despite knowing he was a drug user for 11 days in October 2018. The count carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, but the Justice Department says Hunter Biden has reached a pretrial agreement on that charge. Full details were not immediately available.The White House had no immediate comment on the case.

President Biden's son reaches plea deal on tax, gun charges

WASHINGTON— China’s main diplomat for the Western Hemisphere says U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to China “marks a new beginning” as their nations seek to repair damaged relations. 

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall criticized Blinken's visit. On social media, Marshall wrote, "&nbsp;Did we forget communist China had a spy balloon in our backyard just 4 months ago?"

"Sec. Blinken’s trip to China for the Big Guy to ‘ease tensions’ is an embarrassment. Since when did America go to her bullies to ask them to play nice?&nbsp; Peace through STRENGTH."

Blinken met Monday with Chinese President Xi Jinping and says they agreed to “stabilize” deteriorated ties. But Blinken left Beijing with his biggest ask rebuffed: Blinken says China is not ready to resume military-to-military contacts, something the U.S. considers crucial.

 Chinese diplomat Yang Tao blames the issue squarely on U.S. sanctions, which Blinken says revolve entirely around threats to American security. Yet Blinken and Xi pronounce themselves satisfied with progress made during two days of talks, without pointing to specific areas of agreement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687169037256.png" alt="U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Monday, June 19, 2023. (Leah Millis/Pool Photo via AP)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Monday, June 19, 2023. (Leah Millis/Pool Photo via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON— China’s main diplomat for the Western Hemisphere says U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to China “marks a new beginning” as their nations seek to repair damaged relations. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall criticized Blinken's visit. On social media, Marshall wrote, "&nbsp;Did we forget communist China had a spy balloon in our backyard just 4 months ago?""Sec. Blinken’s trip to China for the Big Guy to ‘ease tensions’ is an embarrassment. Since when did America go to her bullies to ask them to play nice?&nbsp; Peace through STRENGTH."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Had a candid, substantive, and constructive conversation with People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping in Beijing today. We discussed a range of important issues, including the need to manage our relationship responsibly. <a href="https://t.co/Q8kuMm6kly">pic.twitter.com/Q8kuMm6kly</a>&mdash; Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1670802364075212801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Blinken met Monday with Chinese President Xi Jinping and says they agreed to “stabilize” deteriorated ties. But Blinken left Beijing with his biggest ask rebuffed: Blinken says China is not ready to resume military-to-military contacts, something the U.S. considers crucial. Chinese diplomat Yang Tao blames the issue squarely on U.S. sanctions, which Blinken says revolve entirely around threats to American security. Yet Blinken and Xi pronounce themselves satisfied with progress made during two days of talks, without pointing to specific areas of agreement.

Kan. U.S. Senator: Sec. of State trip to China an embarrassment

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Enforcement of a Kansas abortion law based in junk science has been indefinitely delayed, in what abortion providers call a temporary relief for a “dangerous and misleading” practice.

On Tuesday, Kansas abortion providers reached an agreement with Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach to not enforce a new law on “abortion reversal” until the resolution of their original motion for temporary injunction. A&nbsp;hearing is set for August.

Kobach said the temporary halt was the most effective way to proceed with the lawsuit.

“The portions of the act that existed prior to 2023 remain in full effect,” Kobach said. “The new portions are only temporarily delayed during the first phase of litigation. The parties have agreed that this is the most efficient way to proceed.”

The agreement comes after&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://reproductiverights.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/KS_WRTK-Act-Complaint.pdf">a June 6 lawsuit</a>&nbsp;combating the “abortion reversal” law, filed in the Johnson County District Court. Other restrictions challenged in the lawsuit include a 30-minute wait time between meeting with an abortion provider and receiving abortion care, and bureaucratic requirements on font size, typeface and color for abortion form-related communications. The plaintiffs, including Hodes and Nauser of the landmark 2019 abortion case and Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, asked the court to block&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2264/">the law</a>&nbsp;before it takes effect July 1.

“This development offers our providers temporary relief from a new law that would force them to lie to patients with dangerous and misleading information about ‘abortion pill reversal, ’ “said Emily Wales, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Great Plains. “But the long-term work continues to ensure providers always have open and honest conversations with patients and that patients have the information to give accurate and informed consent.”&nbsp;

The law requires abortion providers statewide to tell patients the effects of mifepristone, the first of two pills used in medication abortion, is reversible.&nbsp;

Supporters of the “reversal” method point to a debunked study to claim pregnancy can be preserved if the pregnant person takes progesterone within a certain time frame after taking the first abortion pill. Other studies have shown the process has significant health risks, including hemorrhaging.&nbsp;The legislation passed in late April, following a Republican push to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto.&nbsp;

Danielle Underwood, spokeswoman for the anti-abortion organization Kansans for Life, said the organization supports Kobach’s efforts to litigate.

“We appreciate the Attorney General’s efforts to vigorously fight back against this unprecedented attack on a woman’s right to make an informed decision before undergoing an abortion,” Underwood said.

Under the law, physicians who refuse to talk to their patients about “abortion reversal” on more than one occasion could face up to a year of jail time.&nbsp;Health care facilities that prescribe or administer mifepristone would be fined $10,000 if they refuse to put up a mandatory notice.

Defendants in the case include Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, Johnson County District Attorney Stephen Howe, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett, along with Susan Gile and Ronald Varner, officials from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687294518449.png" alt=" The "abortion reversal" law is one of several pieces of anti-abortion legislation passed by Kansas' GOP-dominated Legislature in recent months. (Margaret Mellott/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> The "abortion reversal" law is one of several pieces of anti-abortion legislation passed by Kansas' GOP-dominated Legislature in recent months. (Margaret Mellott/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/04/05/kansas-lawmakers-debate-definition-of-female-and-male-for-county-jails/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Enforcement of a Kansas abortion law based in junk science has been indefinitely delayed, in what abortion providers call a temporary relief for a “dangerous and misleading” practice.On Tuesday, Kansas abortion providers reached an agreement with Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach to not enforce a new law on “abortion reversal” until the resolution of their original motion for temporary injunction. A&nbsp;hearing is set for August.Kobach said the temporary halt was the most effective way to proceed with the lawsuit.“The portions of the act that existed prior to 2023 remain in full effect,” Kobach said. “The new portions are only temporarily delayed during the first phase of litigation. The parties have agreed that this is the most efficient way to proceed.”The agreement comes after&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://reproductiverights.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/KS_WRTK-Act-Complaint.pdf">a June 6 lawsuit</a>&nbsp;combating the “abortion reversal” law, filed in the Johnson County District Court. Other restrictions challenged in the lawsuit include a 30-minute wait time between meeting with an abortion provider and receiving abortion care, and bureaucratic requirements on font size, typeface and color for abortion form-related communications. The plaintiffs, including Hodes and Nauser of the landmark 2019 abortion case and Comprehensive Health of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, asked the court to block&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2264/">the law</a>&nbsp;before it takes effect July 1.“This development offers our providers temporary relief from a new law that would force them to lie to patients with dangerous and misleading information about ‘abortion pill reversal, ’ “said Emily Wales, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Great Plains. “But the long-term work continues to ensure providers always have open and honest conversations with patients and that patients have the information to give accurate and informed consent.”&nbsp;The law requires abortion providers statewide to tell patients the effects of mifepristone, the first of two pills used in medication abortion, is reversible.&nbsp;Supporters of the “reversal” method point to a debunked study to claim pregnancy can be preserved if the pregnant person takes progesterone within a certain time frame after taking the first abortion pill. Other studies have shown the process has significant health risks, including hemorrhaging.&nbsp;The legislation passed in late April, following a Republican push to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto.&nbsp;Danielle Underwood, spokeswoman for the anti-abortion organization Kansans for Life, said the organization supports Kobach’s efforts to litigate.“We appreciate the Attorney General’s efforts to vigorously fight back against this unprecedented attack on a woman’s right to make an informed decision before undergoing an abortion,” Underwood said.Under the law, physicians who refuse to talk to their patients about “abortion reversal” on more than one occasion could face up to a year of jail time.&nbsp;Health care facilities that prescribe or administer mifepristone would be fined $10,000 if they refuse to put up a mandatory notice.Defendants in the case include Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, Johnson County District Attorney Stephen Howe, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett, along with Susan Gile and Ronald Varner, officials from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts.

Enforcement of Kan. 'abortion reversal’ law delayed after agreement with AG

BOSTON (AP) — In early June, sporadic but serious service disruptions plagued Microsoft's flagship office suite — including the Outlook email and OneDrive file-sharing apps — and cloud computing platform. A shadowy hacktivist group claimed responsibility, saying it flooded the sites with junk traffic in distributed denial-of-service attacks.

Initially reticent to name the cause, Microsoft has now disclosed that DDoS attacks by the murky upstart were indeed to blame.

But the software giant has offered few details — and did not immediately comment on how many customers were affected and whether the impact was global. A spokeswoman confirmed that the group that calls itself Anonymous Sudan was behind the attacks. It claimed responsibility on its Telegram social media channel at the time. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trustwave.com/en-us/resources/blogs/spiderlabs-blog/anonymous-sudan-religious-hacktivists-or-russian-front-group/">security researchers</a>&nbsp;believe the group to be Russian.

Microsoft’s explanation in a&nbsp;<a href="https://msrc.microsoft.com/blog/2023/06/microsoft-response-to-layer-7-distributed-denial-of-service-ddos-attacks/">blog post Friday evening</a>&nbsp;followed a request by The Associated Press two days earlier. Slim on details, the post said the attacks “temporarily impacted availability” of some services. It said the attackers were focused on “disruption and publicity” and likely used rented cloud infrastructure and virtual private networks to bombard Microsoft servers from so-called botnets of zombie computers around the globe.

Microsoft said there was no evidence any customer data was accessed or compromised.

While DDoS attacks are mainly a nuisance — making websites unreachable without penetrating them — security experts say they can disrupt the work of millions if they successfully interrupt the services of a software service giant like Microsoft on which so much global commerce depends.

It's not clear if that's what happened here.

“We really have no way to measure the impact if Microsoft doesn’t provide that info,” said Jake Williams, a prominent cybersecurity researcher and a former National Security Agency offensive hacker. Williams said he was not aware of Outlook previously being attacked at this scale.

“We know some resources were inaccessible for some, but not others. This often happens with DDoS of globally distributed systems,” Williams added. He said Microsoft's apparent unwillingness to provide an objective measure of customer impact “probably speaks to the magnitude.”

Microsoft dubbed the attackers Storm-1359, using a&nbsp;<a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/security/intelligence/microsoft-threat-actor-naming?view=o365-worldwide">designator it assigns to groups</a>&nbsp;whose affiliation it has not yet established. Cybersecurity sleuthing tends to take time — and even then can be a challenge if the adversary is skilled.

Pro-Russian hacking groups including Killnet — which the cybersecurity firm Mandiant says is Kremlin-affiliated — have been bombarding government and other websites of Ukraine's allies with DDoS attacks.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-atlanta-680cf93f7eb0300127448c35299ad66e">In October</a>, some U.S. airport sites were hit. Analyst Alexander Leslie of the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future said it's unlikely Anonymous Sudan is located as it claims in Sudan, an African country. The group works closely with Killnet and other pro-Kremlin groups to spread pro-Russian propaganda and disinformation, he said.

Edward Amoroso, NYU professor and CEO of TAG Cyber, said the Microsoft incident highlights how DDoS attacks remain “a significant risk that we all just agree to avoid talking about. It’s not controversial to call this an unsolved problem.”

He said Microsoft's difficulties fending of this particular attack suggest “a single point of failure.” The best defense against these attacks is to distribute a service massively, on a content distribution network for example.

Indeed, the techniques the attackers used are not old, said U.K. security researcher Kevin Beaumont. “One dates back to&nbsp;<a>2009</a>,” he said.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/outlook-microsoft-outage-down-ee5430f6a4636b297c64f0c0b695cfc3">Serious impacts</a>&nbsp;from the Microsoft 365 office suite interruptions were reported on Monday June 5, peaking at 18,000 outage and problem reports on the tracker Downdetector shortly after 11 a.m. Eastern time.

On Twitter that day,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MSFT365Status/status/1665744417783775232?s=20">Microsoft said</a>&nbsp;Outlook, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business were affected.

Attacks continued through the week, with Microsoft confirming on June 9 that its Azure&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/azuresupport/status/1667206178210816002?s=46">cloud computing platform</a>&nbsp;had been affected.

On June 8, the computer security news site BleepingComputer.com&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/BleepinComputer/status/1666873449908776961?s=20">reported</a>&nbsp;that cloud-based OneDrive file-hosting was down globally for a time.

Microsoft said at the time that desktop OneDrive clients were not affected, BleepingComputer reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674062921987.jpeg" alt="Microsoft Visitor Center in Redmond, Wash. / AP Photo, Ted S. Warren" />
 <figcaption>Microsoft Visitor Center in Redmond, Wash. / AP Photo, Ted S. Warren</figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — In early June, sporadic but serious service disruptions plagued Microsoft's flagship office suite — including the Outlook email and OneDrive file-sharing apps — and cloud computing platform. A shadowy hacktivist group claimed responsibility, saying it flooded the sites with junk traffic in distributed denial-of-service attacks.Initially reticent to name the cause, Microsoft has now disclosed that DDoS attacks by the murky upstart were indeed to blame.But the software giant has offered few details — and did not immediately comment on how many customers were affected and whether the impact was global. A spokeswoman confirmed that the group that calls itself Anonymous Sudan was behind the attacks. It claimed responsibility on its Telegram social media channel at the time. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trustwave.com/en-us/resources/blogs/spiderlabs-blog/anonymous-sudan-religious-hacktivists-or-russian-front-group/">security researchers</a>&nbsp;believe the group to be Russian.Microsoft’s explanation in a&nbsp;<a href="https://msrc.microsoft.com/blog/2023/06/microsoft-response-to-layer-7-distributed-denial-of-service-ddos-attacks/">blog post Friday evening</a>&nbsp;followed a request by The Associated Press two days earlier. Slim on details, the post said the attacks “temporarily impacted availability” of some services. It said the attackers were focused on “disruption and publicity” and likely used rented cloud infrastructure and virtual private networks to bombard Microsoft servers from so-called botnets of zombie computers around the globe.Microsoft said there was no evidence any customer data was accessed or compromised.While DDoS attacks are mainly a nuisance — making websites unreachable without penetrating them — security experts say they can disrupt the work of millions if they successfully interrupt the services of a software service giant like Microsoft on which so much global commerce depends.It's not clear if that's what happened here.“We really have no way to measure the impact if Microsoft doesn’t provide that info,” said Jake Williams, a prominent cybersecurity researcher and a former National Security Agency offensive hacker. Williams said he was not aware of Outlook previously being attacked at this scale.“We know some resources were inaccessible for some, but not others. This often happens with DDoS of globally distributed systems,” Williams added. He said Microsoft's apparent unwillingness to provide an objective measure of customer impact “probably speaks to the magnitude.”Microsoft dubbed the attackers Storm-1359, using a&nbsp;<a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/security/intelligence/microsoft-threat-actor-naming?view=o365-worldwide">designator it assigns to groups</a>&nbsp;whose affiliation it has not yet established. Cybersecurity sleuthing tends to take time — and even then can be a challenge if the adversary is skilled.Pro-Russian hacking groups including Killnet — which the cybersecurity firm Mandiant says is Kremlin-affiliated — have been bombarding government and other websites of Ukraine's allies with DDoS attacks.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-atlanta-680cf93f7eb0300127448c35299ad66e">In October</a>, some U.S. airport sites were hit. Analyst Alexander Leslie of the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future said it's unlikely Anonymous Sudan is located as it claims in Sudan, an African country. The group works closely with Killnet and other pro-Kremlin groups to spread pro-Russian propaganda and disinformation, he said.Edward Amoroso, NYU professor and CEO of TAG Cyber, said the Microsoft incident highlights how DDoS attacks remain “a significant risk that we all just agree to avoid talking about. It’s not controversial to call this an unsolved problem.”He said Microsoft's difficulties fending of this particular attack suggest “a single point of failure.” The best defense against these attacks is to distribute a service massively, on a content distribution network for example.Indeed, the techniques the attackers used are not old, said U.K. security researcher Kevin Beaumont. “One dates back to&nbsp;<a>2009</a>,” he said.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/outlook-microsoft-outage-down-ee5430f6a4636b297c64f0c0b695cfc3">Serious impacts</a>&nbsp;from the Microsoft 365 office suite interruptions were reported on Monday June 5, peaking at 18,000 outage and problem reports on the tracker Downdetector shortly after 11 a.m. Eastern time.On Twitter that day,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MSFT365Status/status/1665744417783775232?s=20">Microsoft said</a>&nbsp;Outlook, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business were affected.Attacks continued through the week, with Microsoft confirming on June 9 that its Azure&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/azuresupport/status/1667206178210816002?s=46">cloud computing platform</a>&nbsp;had been affected.On June 8, the computer security news site BleepingComputer.com&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/BleepinComputer/status/1666873449908776961?s=20">reported</a>&nbsp;that cloud-based OneDrive file-hosting was down globally for a time.Microsoft said at the time that desktop OneDrive clients were not affected, BleepingComputer reported.

Microsoft: Disruptions to Outlook, cloud platform were cyberattacks

KANSAS CITY —A juvenile injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City has died.

The juvenile identified Monday as&nbsp; 16-year-old Alexander Robinson was walking in the construction zone next to the #2 lane of southbound Interstate 29, according to Officer Corey Lisle.&nbsp;

Just past the bridge that crosses over NW 72nd Street, a southbound semi&nbsp; struck Robinson who died on Sunday, according to Lisle.

 The semi-truck failed to stop and left the scene and continues southbound. EMS transported the Robinson to a local hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; Police have released no additional details as they continue to investigate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686838013146.png" alt="Image KC Scout just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday" />
 <figcaption>Image KC Scout just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A juvenile injured in an accident just after 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Kansas City has died.The juvenile identified Monday as&nbsp; 16-year-old Alexander Robinson was walking in the construction zone next to the #2 lane of southbound Interstate 29, according to Officer Corey Lisle.&nbsp;Just past the bridge that crosses over NW 72nd Street, a southbound semi&nbsp; struck Robinson who died on Sunday, according to Lisle. The semi-truck failed to stop and left the scene and continues southbound. EMS transported the Robinson to a local hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; Police have released no additional details as they continue to investigate.

Teen struck by semi while walking in KC construction zone has died

By JENNIFER SHUTT&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans outlined&nbsp; how they would cut $130 billion from the dozen annual government funding bills — a total that is significantly lower than the level both parties agreed to in the debt limit deal just two weeks ago.

The spending levels likely set up a stalemate later this year between the GOP House and Democratic Senate that could lead to a partial government shutdown.

Contentious policy riders added by Republicans — such as a ban on funding for the teaching or promotion of critical race theory and a proposal that would eliminate pharmacies’ ability to dispense the abortion pill after receiving a prescription — likely won’t make it into the final versions of spending bills, though they will add hurdles to the process.

Appropriations Committee Chair Kay Granger, a Texas Republican, said during the markup that Congress has “no choice but to reduce spending where we can.”

Granger also contended that the debt limit agreement set a ceiling, not a floor, on government spending.

“The allocations before us reflect the change members on my side of the aisle want to see by returning spending to responsible levels,” Granger said.

“They also fulfill our commitment to focus our limited resources on the core responsibilities of the federal government — national security, veterans, and border security are our priorities,” Granger added.

Connecticut Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the committee’s ranking member, said the change in spending levels shows Republicans “have no desire to govern in anything resembling a serious manner.”

“These Republican allocations, secretly leaked to the press before they were shared with members of this committee, are a complete affront, an abrogation of the deal your speaker just reached with the president of the United States,” DeLauro said.

“These allocations are either an attempt to appease the same reckless faction that would rather have us default than uphold our constitutional duty, or they are evidence that the same Republican members who voted for the debt deal no longer support it,” she added.

The committee, in a sign of significant tension, abruptly adjourned Wednesday evening before voting to adopt&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/republicans.appropriations.house.gov/files/documents/FY24%20House%20Subcommittee%20Allocations%206.13.23_0.pdf">the spending levels.&nbsp;</a>

The funding levels apply to the discretionary spending in the dozen annual appropriations bills, which include about one-third of all federal spending.

The allocations would reduce funding across broad swaths of the federal government, with the more substantial cuts hitting the Financial Services, Interior-Environment and State-Foreign Operations bills. That means funding for everything from national parks to housing to climate initiatives could be affected.

Republicans aren’t proposing spending cuts for the Defense, Homeland Security or Military Construction-VA spending bills.

The total funding level is lower than<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-sends-biden-debt-limit-legislation-ahead-monday-default-deadline">&nbsp;the spending agreement Speaker Kevin McCarthy brokered during debt limit negotiations&nbsp;</a>with the Biden administration.

That decision is expected to inflict headaches later in the year when the Republican House and Democratically controlled Senate negotiate conferenced bills that can pass both chambers.

That bipartisan spending agreement set defense discretionary spending at $886 billion and approved $704 billion for nondefense accounts during the fiscal year set to begin Oct. 1.

But conservative Republicans have pressed for what McCarthy promised them behind closed doors in order to secure the speaker’s gavel in January — last year’s spending levels.

The White House signaled Tuesday it’s not open to renegotiating the debt limit agreement.

“We made a deal, and we will uphold our end of this deal. And so they need to uphold theirs. And so I’ll just leave it there,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Senate Majority Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said Tuesday he doesn’t expect the spending levels will “have much support in the Senate among Democrats or Republicans.”

Here’s a look at the broad plans by House Republicans on the Appropriations Committee for spending during fiscal 2024:

Agriculture:&nbsp;Republicans proposed $17.8 billion in discretionary spending for the bill that funds the Agriculture Department as well as the Food and Drug Administration. That’s a decrease from the $25.48 billion Congress approved for the current fiscal year.

Commerce-Justice-Science:&nbsp;The House bill for fiscal 2024 would provide $58.7 billion for the departments of Commerce and Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Science Foundation. That’s a decrease from $83.85 billion in current funding.

Defense:&nbsp;House Republicans plan to give the Pentagon $826.4 billion during the upcoming fiscal year, an increase from $797.7 billion.

Energy-Water:&nbsp;The $52.4 billion in funding would mark a decrease from the enacted level of $54.65 billion. The bill funds the Energy Department as well as more than a dozen agencies, including the Appalachian Regional Commission, Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, Denali Commission, Great Lakes Authority, Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Tennessee Valley Authority.

Financial Services and General Government:&nbsp;GOP lawmakers on the spending panel approved $11.3 billion for fiscal 2024, a major decrease from the current funding level of $27.7 billion.

The measure provides funds for the Treasury Department and the federal judiciary as well as dozens of other offices, including the Executive Office of the President, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission, National Archives and Records Administration and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Homeland Security:&nbsp;The annual funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement as well as Customs and Border Protection, totals $62.8 billion in discretionary spending. That’s an increase from $60.7 billion in current funding.

Interior-Environment:&nbsp;House Republicans plan to appropriate $25.4 billion for the annual funding bill for the Interior Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Forest Service, Indian Health Services, Smithsonian Institution and a couple dozen other federal programs. The proposed funding level would mark a big decrease from the current spending level of $40.45 billion.

Labor-Health and Human Services-Education:&nbsp;House Republicans proposed a cut to the funding level for the largest nondefense spending bill. The party’s allocation sets a $147.1 billion topline for the bill, compared to its current level of $209.9 billion in base discretionary funding. The measure includes funding for the departments of Education, Health and Human Services and Labor.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, National Labor Relations Board and Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission are among the smaller agencies funded within the bill.

Legislative Branch:&nbsp;The bill that funds congressional operations — including the U.S. Capitol Police, the Government Accountability Office, the Library of Congress and more — would get $6.8 billion under the House GOP proposal. That’s a decrease from the current funding level of $6.9 billion.

Military Construction-VA:&nbsp;House GOP appropriators will direct $155.7 billion in discretionary spending to the bill that covers the costs of the Veterans Affairs Department as well as military construction projects. The proposed spending level is an overall increase from the enacted level of $135.2 billion in discretionary funding.

State-Foreign Operations:&nbsp;The spending bill for the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, Peace Corps and several other programs would get $41.4 billion, a decrease from the $61.76 billion current funding level.

Transportation-HUD:&nbsp;Republicans on the Appropriations Committee approved spending $65.2 billion to fund the Housing and Urban Development and Transportation departments during the upcoming fiscal year. That represents a decrease from the current funding level of $90.96 billion.

The bill funds other smaller federal agencies as well, including the Federal Maritime Commission, National Transportation Safety Board and United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.

The House Appropriations Committee will include more details about how much Republicans want to spend on specific departments, agencies and programs that make up each bill as the legislation moves through committee in the weeks ahead.

The legislation will likely change when the committee debates the bills and during House floor debate.

The Senate Appropriations Committee is taking a different approach to its fiscal 2024 funding process than colleagues across the Capitol.

Chair Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat, and Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, plan to release and debate bipartisan bills later this month.

“We have to show there is a bipartisan vision to strengthen our nation’s competitiveness and security by investing in American leadership across the board and across the world — and a bipartisan will to get it done,” Murray and Collins said in a joint statement released in May. “We are determined to show that commitment exists through the Senate appropriations process.”

After the House and Senate each debate their dozen appropriations bills, they’ll head to conference later this year.

If Republicans and Democrats from both chambers agree on spending levels and policy during those closed-door meetings, the final bills will head back to the floors for votes before heading to President Joe Biden for his signature.

If they cannot agree by Oct. 1, they’ll need to pass a short-term funding patch or begin a partial government shutdown.

Congress needs to pass all of the spending bills before 2024, or a new provision from the debt limit deal will implement a 1% across the board cut until they become law.

By JENNIFER SHUTT&nbsp; <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans outlined&nbsp; how they would cut $130 billion from the dozen annual government funding bills — a total that is significantly lower than the level both parties agreed to in the debt limit deal just two weeks ago.The spending levels likely set up a stalemate later this year between the GOP House and Democratic Senate that could lead to a partial government shutdown.Contentious policy riders added by Republicans — such as a ban on funding for the teaching or promotion of critical race theory and a proposal that would eliminate pharmacies’ ability to dispense the abortion pill after receiving a prescription — likely won’t make it into the final versions of spending bills, though they will add hurdles to the process.Appropriations Committee Chair Kay Granger, a Texas Republican, said during the markup that Congress has “no choice but to reduce spending where we can.”Granger also contended that the debt limit agreement set a ceiling, not a floor, on government spending.“The allocations before us reflect the change members on my side of the aisle want to see by returning spending to responsible levels,” Granger said.“They also fulfill our commitment to focus our limited resources on the core responsibilities of the federal government — national security, veterans, and border security are our priorities,” Granger added.Connecticut Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the committee’s ranking member, said the change in spending levels shows Republicans “have no desire to govern in anything resembling a serious manner.”“These Republican allocations, secretly leaked to the press before they were shared with members of this committee, are a complete affront, an abrogation of the deal your speaker just reached with the president of the United States,” DeLauro said.“These allocations are either an attempt to appease the same reckless faction that would rather have us default than uphold our constitutional duty, or they are evidence that the same Republican members who voted for the debt deal no longer support it,” she added.The committee, in a sign of significant tension, abruptly adjourned Wednesday evening before voting to adopt&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/republicans.appropriations.house.gov/files/documents/FY24%20House%20Subcommittee%20Allocations%206.13.23_0.pdf">the spending levels.&nbsp;</a><h2>No reductions for defense</h2>The funding levels apply to the discretionary spending in the dozen annual appropriations bills, which include about one-third of all federal spending.The allocations would reduce funding across broad swaths of the federal government, with the more substantial cuts hitting the Financial Services, Interior-Environment and State-Foreign Operations bills. That means funding for everything from national parks to housing to climate initiatives could be affected.Republicans aren’t proposing spending cuts for the Defense, Homeland Security or Military Construction-VA spending bills.The total funding level is lower than<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-sends-biden-debt-limit-legislation-ahead-monday-default-deadline">&nbsp;the spending agreement Speaker Kevin McCarthy brokered during debt limit negotiations&nbsp;</a>with the Biden administration.That decision is expected to inflict headaches later in the year when the Republican House and Democratically controlled Senate negotiate conferenced bills that can pass both chambers.That bipartisan spending agreement set defense discretionary spending at $886 billion and approved $704 billion for nondefense accounts during the fiscal year set to begin Oct. 1.But conservative Republicans have pressed for what McCarthy promised them behind closed doors in order to secure the speaker’s gavel in January — last year’s spending levels.The White House signaled Tuesday it’s not open to renegotiating the debt limit agreement.“We made a deal, and we will uphold our end of this deal. And so they need to uphold theirs. And so I’ll just leave it there,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.Senate Majority Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said Tuesday he doesn’t expect the spending levels will “have much support in the Senate among Democrats or Republicans.”Here’s a look at the broad plans by House Republicans on the Appropriations Committee for spending during fiscal 2024:Agriculture:&nbsp;Republicans proposed $17.8 billion in discretionary spending for the bill that funds the Agriculture Department as well as the Food and Drug Administration. That’s a decrease from the $25.48 billion Congress approved for the current fiscal year.Commerce-Justice-Science:&nbsp;The House bill for fiscal 2024 would provide $58.7 billion for the departments of Commerce and Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Science Foundation. That’s a decrease from $83.85 billion in current funding.Defense:&nbsp;House Republicans plan to give the Pentagon $826.4 billion during the upcoming fiscal year, an increase from $797.7 billion.Energy-Water:&nbsp;The $52.4 billion in funding would mark a decrease from the enacted level of $54.65 billion. The bill funds the Energy Department as well as more than a dozen agencies, including the Appalachian Regional Commission, Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, Denali Commission, Great Lakes Authority, Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Tennessee Valley Authority.Financial Services and General Government:&nbsp;GOP lawmakers on the spending panel approved $11.3 billion for fiscal 2024, a major decrease from the current funding level of $27.7 billion.The measure provides funds for the Treasury Department and the federal judiciary as well as dozens of other offices, including the Executive Office of the President, Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission, National Archives and Records Administration and the Securities and Exchange Commission.Homeland Security:&nbsp;The annual funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement as well as Customs and Border Protection, totals $62.8 billion in discretionary spending. That’s an increase from $60.7 billion in current funding.Interior-Environment:&nbsp;House Republicans plan to appropriate $25.4 billion for the annual funding bill for the Interior Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Forest Service, Indian Health Services, Smithsonian Institution and a couple dozen other federal programs. The proposed funding level would mark a big decrease from the current spending level of $40.45 billion.Labor-Health and Human Services-Education:&nbsp;House Republicans proposed a cut to the funding level for the largest nondefense spending bill. The party’s allocation sets a $147.1 billion topline for the bill, compared to its current level of $209.9 billion in base discretionary funding. The measure includes funding for the departments of Education, Health and Human Services and Labor.The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, National Labor Relations Board and Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission are among the smaller agencies funded within the bill.Legislative Branch:&nbsp;The bill that funds congressional operations — including the U.S. Capitol Police, the Government Accountability Office, the Library of Congress and more — would get $6.8 billion under the House GOP proposal. That’s a decrease from the current funding level of $6.9 billion.Military Construction-VA:&nbsp;House GOP appropriators will direct $155.7 billion in discretionary spending to the bill that covers the costs of the Veterans Affairs Department as well as military construction projects. The proposed spending level is an overall increase from the enacted level of $135.2 billion in discretionary funding.State-Foreign Operations:&nbsp;The spending bill for the State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, Peace Corps and several other programs would get $41.4 billion, a decrease from the $61.76 billion current funding level.Transportation-HUD:&nbsp;Republicans on the Appropriations Committee approved spending $65.2 billion to fund the Housing and Urban Development and Transportation departments during the upcoming fiscal year. That represents a decrease from the current funding level of $90.96 billion.The bill funds other smaller federal agencies as well, including the Federal Maritime Commission, National Transportation Safety Board and United States Interagency Council on Homelessness.<h2>Battles ahead</h2>The House Appropriations Committee will include more details about how much Republicans want to spend on specific departments, agencies and programs that make up each bill as the legislation moves through committee in the weeks ahead.The legislation will likely change when the committee debates the bills and during House floor debate.The Senate Appropriations Committee is taking a different approach to its fiscal 2024 funding process than colleagues across the Capitol.Chair Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat, and Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, plan to release and debate bipartisan bills later this month.“We have to show there is a bipartisan vision to strengthen our nation’s competitiveness and security by investing in American leadership across the board and across the world — and a bipartisan will to get it done,” Murray and Collins said in a joint statement released in May. “We are determined to show that commitment exists through the Senate appropriations process.”After the House and Senate each debate their dozen appropriations bills, they’ll head to conference later this year.If Republicans and Democrats from both chambers agree on spending levels and policy during those closed-door meetings, the final bills will head back to the floors for votes before heading to President Joe Biden for his signature.If they cannot agree by Oct. 1, they’ll need to pass a short-term funding patch or begin a partial government shutdown.Congress needs to pass all of the spending bills before 2024, or a new provision from the debt limit deal will implement a 1% across the board cut until they become law.

D.C. spending standoff ahead;  House GOP demand $130 billion in cuts 

HALIFAX (AP) —Rescuers in a remote area of the Atlantic Ocean raced against time Tuesday to find&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/titanic-shipwreck-titan-submersible-search-deepsea-atlantic-a89dbd2f6d3edd7e4a52566e451a5e6d">a missing submersible</a>&nbsp;before the oxygen supply runs out for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/titanic-shipwreck-titan-submersible-search-deepsea-atlantic-a89dbd2f6d3edd7e4a52566e451a5e6d">five people</a>&nbsp;who were on a mission to document the wreckage of the Titanic.

Authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/titanic-wreckage-missing-submersible-62fadef7a55af0022e3dc75df862a5c1">reported the carbon-fiber vessel overdue Sunday night</a>, setting off an international rescue effort in waters about 435 miles (700 kilometers) south of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Aboard were a pilot, a renowned British adventurer, two members of an iconic Pakistani business family and a Titanic expert.

Named the Titan, the submersible had a 96-hour oxygen supply when it put to sea at roughly 6 a.m. Sunday, according to David Concannon, an adviser to OceanGate Expeditions, which oversaw the mission.

That means the oxygen supply could run out Thursday morning.

CBS News journalist David Pogue, who traveled to Titanic aboard the Titan last year, said the vehicle uses two communication systems: text messages that go back and forth to a surface ship and safety pings that are emitted every 15 minutes to indicate that the sub is still working.

Both of those systems stopped about an hour and 45 minutes after the Titan submerged.

"There are only two things that could mean. Either they lost all power or the ship developed a hull breach and it imploded instantly. Both of those are devastatingly hopeless,” Pogue told CBC on Tuesday.

Experts said the rescuers face steep challenges.

Alistair Greig, a professor of marine engineering at University College London, said submersibles typically have a drop weight, which is “a mass they can release in the case of an emergency to bring them up to the surface using buoyancy.”

“If there was a power failure and/or communication failure, this might have happened, and the submersible would then be bobbing about on the surface waiting to be found,” Greig said.

Another scenario is a leak in the pressure hull, in which case the prognosis is not good, he said.

“If it has gone down to the seabed and can’t get back up under its own power, options are very limited,” Greig said. “While the submersible might still be intact, if it is beyond the continental shelf, there are very few vessels that can get that deep, and certainly not divers.”

Even if they could go that deep, he doubts rescuers could attach to the submersible.

By Tuesday morning, an area totaling 10,000 square miles had been searched, the U.S. Coast Guard tweeted.

The Canadian research icebreaker Polar Prince, which was supporting the Titan, was to continue conducting surface searches with help from a Canadian Boeing P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, the Coast Guard said on Twitter. Two U.S. Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft also conducted overflights.

The Canadian military dropped sonar buoys to listen for any possible sounds from the Titan.

Concannon, who said he was supposed to be on the dive but could not go, said officials were also working to get a remotely operated vehicle that can dive to a depth of 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) to the site as soon as possible.

OceanGate’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arts-and-entertainment-environment-and-nature-science-f73cc9d0dbced13398bc04bf388e6eba">expeditions to the Titanic wreck site</a>&nbsp;include archaeologists and marine biologists. The company also brings people who pay to come along, known as “mission specialists.” They take turns operating sonar equipment and performing other tasks in the submersible.

The Coast Guard said Monday that the Titan carried a pilot and four “mission specialists." However, OceanGate's website suggests that the fifth person may be a so-called “content expert” who guides the paying customers.

OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush told The Associated Press in June 2021 that the Titan's technology was “very cutting edge" and was developed with the help of NASA and aerospace manufacturers.

“This is the only submersible – crewed submersible – that’s made of carbon fiber and titanium," Rush said, calling it the “largest carbon fiber structure that we know of,” with 5-inch-thick carbon fiber and 3.25-inch-thick titanium.

Authorities have yet to formally identify those on board, though some names have been confirmed.

British businessman Hamish Harding, who lives in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, was one of the mission specialists, according to Action Aviation, a company where Harding serves as chairman.

Harding is a billionaire adventurer who holds three Guinness world records, including the longest duration at full ocean depth by a crewed vessel. In March 2021, he and ocean explorer Victor Vescovo descended to the lowest depth of the Mariana Trench. In June 2022, he went into space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket.

Also on board were Pakistani nationals Shahzada Dawood and his son Suleman, according to a family statement. The Dawoods belong to one of Pakistan's most prominent families. Their eponymous firm invests across the country in agriculture, industries and the health sector.

Shahzada Dawood also is on the board of trustees for the California-based SETI Institute that searches for extraterrestrial intelligence.

French explorer and Titanic expert Paul-Henry Nargeolet was also aboard, according to David Gallo, a senior adviser for strategic initiatives and special projects at RMS Titanic. Gallo identified Nargeolet, a friend who has led multiple expeditions to the Titanic, on Tuesday during an interview with CNN.

The expedition was OceanGate’s third annual voyage to chronicle the deterioration of Titanic, which struck an iceberg and sank in 1912, killing all but about 700 of the roughly 2,200 passengers and crew. Since the wreckage’s discovery in 1985, it has been slowly succumbing to metal-eating bacteria.

OceanGate’s website described the “mission support fee” for the 2023 expedition as $250,000 a person.

Recalling his own trip aboard the Titan, Pogue said the vessel got turned around looking for the Titanic.

“There’s no GPS underwater, so the surface ship is supposed to guide the sub to the shipwreck by sending text messages,” Pogue said in a segment aired on “CBS Sunday Morning.” “But on this dive, communications somehow broke down. The sub never found the wreck.”

HALIFAX (AP) —Rescuers in a remote area of the Atlantic Ocean raced against time early Tuesday to find&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/titanic-shipwreck-titan-submersible-search-deepsea-atlantic-a89dbd2f6d3edd7e4a52566e451a5e6d">a missing submersible carrying five people</a>&nbsp;on a mission to document the wreckage of the Titanic.

The carbon-fiber submersible named the Titan, part of a mission by OceanGate Expeditions, carried a pilot, a renowned British adventurer, two members of an iconic Pakistani business family and a Titanic expert. Authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/titanic-wreckage-missing-submersible-62fadef7a55af0022e3dc75df862a5c1">reported the vessel overdue Sunday night</a>&nbsp;about 435 miles (700 kilometers) south of St. John’s, Newfoundland, according to Canada's Joint Rescue Coordination Center.

Every passing minute, however, puts the Titan's crew at greater risk. The submersible had a 96-hour oxygen supply when it put to sea at roughly 6 a.m. Sunday, according to David Concannon, an adviser to OceanGate.

“It is a remote area — and it is a challenge to conduct a search in that remote area,” said Rear Adm. John Mauger, a commander for the U.S. Coast Guard, which also is searching for the Titan.

Mauger told NBC’s “Today” show on Tuesday that his crews were working to prioritize underwater search efforts and get equipment there that can be helpful to the search.

“We’re working very, very hard to make sure that we bring all assets ... to bring leading technical experts to understand what capability is available, what capability we can get to the team," he said.

The Canadian research icebreaker Polar Prince, which was supporting the Titan, reportedly lost contact with the vessel about an hour and 45 minutes after it submerged. The Polar Prince was to continue to do surface searches throughout the night and a Canadian Boeing P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft will resume their surface and subsurface search in the morning, the U.S. Coast Guard said on Twitter. Two U.S. Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft also have conducted overflights.

The Canadian military also dropped sonar buoys to listen for any possible sounds from the Titan.