TEHRAN, Iran (AP)—On Saturday night and Sunday morning,&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp; forces, supported by U.S. European Command destroyers, successfully engaged and destroyed more than 80 one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and at least six ballistic missiles intended to strike Israel from Iran and Yemen, according to a statement Sunday night from the U.S. Central Command.

This attack included a ballistic missile on its launcher vehicle and seven UAVs destroyed on the ground in Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen prior to their launch.

CENTCOM remains postured to support Israel’s defense against these dangerous actions by Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran has sent a message to the U.S. warning Washington against cooperation with Israel in any military operation again Tehran following its unprecedented attack on Israel.

The state-run IRNA news agency quoted Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, as saying that Tehran had communicated its message to the U.S. through the Swiss Embassy, which handles U.S. interests in Iran in the absence of diplomatic relations.

President Ebrahim Raisi sent a message praising Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard for launching the attack, saying it had taught a lesson to the “Zionist regime.” He also warned that “any new adventure against the interests of the Iranian nation would be met with a heavier and regretful response from the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

State TV meanwhile broadcast interviews with people on the street who praised the Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel and thanked the Iranian military.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713135108047.png" alt="On Sunday, President Biden convened with fellow G7 leaders to discuss Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel. "We will continue to work together to stabilize the situation in the region and avoid further escalation," Biden wrote on social media." />
 <figcaption>On Sunday, President Biden convened with fellow G7 leaders to discuss Iran’s unprecedented attack against Israel. "We will continue to work together to stabilize the situation in the region and avoid further escalation," Biden wrote on social media.</figcaption>
 </figure>TEHRAN, Iran (AP)—On Saturday night and Sunday morning,&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp; forces, supported by U.S. European Command destroyers, successfully engaged and destroyed more than 80 one-way attack uncrewed aerial vehicles (OWA UAV) and at least six ballistic missiles intended to strike Israel from Iran and Yemen, according to a statement Sunday night from the U.S. Central Command.This attack included a ballistic missile on its launcher vehicle and seven UAVs destroyed on the ground in Iranian-backed Houthi controlled areas of Yemen prior to their launch.CENTCOM remains postured to support Israel’s defense against these dangerous actions by Iran.Meanwhile, Iran has sent a message to the U.S. warning Washington against cooperation with Israel in any military operation again Tehran following its unprecedented attack on Israel.The state-run IRNA news agency quoted Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, as saying that Tehran had communicated its message to the U.S. through the Swiss Embassy, which handles U.S. interests in Iran in the absence of diplomatic relations.President Ebrahim Raisi sent a message praising Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard for launching the attack, saying it had taught a lesson to the “Zionist regime.” He also warned that “any new adventure against the interests of the Iranian nation would be met with a heavier and regretful response from the Islamic Republic of Iran.”State TV meanwhile broadcast interviews with people on the street who praised the Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel and thanked the Iranian military.

Iran warns U.S. against helping Israel with any new attack 

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double-homicide at a park in the Kansas City area.

Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting at Wilbur Young Park, 1100 SE Adams Dairy Parkway in Blue Springs, according to a media release from police.

A 19-year-old&nbsp; and a 20-year-old were both shot, transported to local hospitals where both men were later declared deceased. 

&nbsp;A 17-year-old boy was shot and received non-life-threatening injuries. Police have no suspect is in custody and have not reported an suspect information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713133027789.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double-homicide at a park in the Kansas City area.Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to a shooting at Wilbur Young Park, 1100 SE Adams Dairy Parkway in Blue Springs, according to a media release from police.A 19-year-old&nbsp; and a 20-year-old were both shot, transported to local hospitals where both men were later declared deceased. &nbsp;A 17-year-old boy was shot and received non-life-threatening injuries. Police have no suspect is in custody and have not reported an suspect information.

Homicide: 2 dead, teen injured in Kansas City-area park killing

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations. 

Just before 2:30a.m. April 11, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2022 Honda Accord near 182nd and U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 During the course of the traffic stop the deputy developed probable cause that led to the search of the vehicle where 29.3 grams of methamphetamine was seized.

Mark Edward Grace, 41, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine greater than 3.5 grams, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia. Grace is being held in the Jackson County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713016358403.png" alt="Grace-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Grace-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations. Just before 2:30a.m. April 11, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a 2022 Honda Accord near 182nd and U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. During the course of the traffic stop the deputy developed probable cause that led to the search of the vehicle where 29.3 grams of methamphetamine was seized.Mark Edward Grace, 41, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine greater than 3.5 grams, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia. Grace is being held in the Jackson County Jail.

Sheriff: Kansas man accused of selling methamphetamine

TEXAS COUNTY, OK –On Sunday the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, FBI and the Texas County Sheriff's Office recovered two deceased persons in rural Texas County, according to a social media report from the Bureau.

"Both individuals will be transported to the Office of the Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner to determine identification and cause and manner of death."

On March 30, the Texas County Sheriff’s Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate the suspicious disappearance of 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley of Hugoton Kansas.

 Their vehicle was found abandoned near Highway 95 and Road L, south of Elkhart, Kansas, in rural Texas County. OSBI special agents immediately began investigating the vehicle and determined there was evidence to indicate foul play. 

On April 13, 43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams; 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly were arrested in Texas and Cimarron Counties, according to Hunter McKee with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

All four individuals were booked into the Texas County Jail on requested charges that include two counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Kidnapping, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder in the First Degree.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712053989356.png" alt="Jilian Kelley and Veronica Butler-photo OSBI" />
 <figcaption>Jilian Kelley and Veronica Butler-photo OSBI</figcaption>
 </figure>TEXAS COUNTY, OK –On Sunday the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, FBI and the Texas County Sheriff's Office recovered two deceased persons in rural Texas County, according to a social media report from the Bureau."Both individuals will be transported to the Office of the Oklahoma Chief Medical Examiner to determine identification and cause and manner of death."On March 30, the Texas County Sheriff’s Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate the suspicious disappearance of 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley of Hugoton Kansas. Their vehicle was found abandoned near Highway 95 and Road L, south of Elkhart, Kansas, in rural Texas County. OSBI special agents immediately began investigating the vehicle and determined there was evidence to indicate foul play. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713056452999.png" alt="Counterclockwise from top-43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams, 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly -photos Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation" />
 <figcaption>Counterclockwise from top-43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams, 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly -photos Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation</figcaption>
 </figure>On April 13, 43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams; 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly were arrested in Texas and Cimarron Counties, according to Hunter McKee with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.All four individuals were booked into the Texas County Jail on requested charges that include two counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Kidnapping, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder in the First Degree.

Bodies recovered near where 2 Kansas women went missing

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just after 4:30a.m. April 11., a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Dakota for traffic infractions near 142nd and U.S. High 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 A Jackson County Sheriff K9 was deployed which alerted to the presence of illegal drug contraband inside the vehicle. 

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted and 7.5 Grams of Methamphetamine was located along with drug paraphernalia. 

Deputies arrested Sandra Kay Groves, 66, of Topeka, on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712930112336.png" alt="Groves-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Groves-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just after 4:30a.m. April 11., a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Dakota for traffic infractions near 142nd and U.S. High 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. A Jackson County Sheriff K9 was deployed which alerted to the presence of illegal drug contraband inside the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted and 7.5 Grams of Methamphetamine was located along with drug paraphernalia. Deputies arrested Sandra Kay Groves, 66, of Topeka, on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.

Kansas woman caught drinking, driving and transporting meth

DOUGLAS COUNTY- Two Kansas men are going to prison for a fatal 2021 shooting in Lawrence.

Andrel Spates Jr. 22, Lawrence was sentenced to 17 years and two months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and Javier Romero, 22, Lawrence was sentenced to six years and three month, according to Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez.

&nbsp;They were sentenced in connection with the shooting death of 21-year-old Christian Willis, of Wichita.

 Spates pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and Romero pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in January 2024.

Charges stem from an incident that occurred in the 1500 block of Kentucky Street in Lawrence on September 8, 2021 during a drug transaction.  Police in Lawrence arrested Romero days after the crime.  U.S. Marshals tracked Spates to Tennessee and arrested him the following month.

A Douglas County judge ordered that both must serve 36 months of post-release supervision and said they both must also register as violent offenders for 15 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705575983793.png" alt="Romero-photo Douglas Co." />
 <figcaption>Romero-photo Douglas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY- Two Kansas men are going to prison for a fatal 2021 shooting in Lawrence.Andrel Spates Jr. 22, Lawrence was sentenced to 17 years and two months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and Javier Romero, 22, Lawrence was sentenced to six years and three month, according to Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633554885919.png" alt="Spates-photo Madison Co. Tennessee Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Spates-photo Madison Co. Tennessee Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;They were sentenced in connection with the shooting death of 21-year-old Christian Willis, of Wichita. Spates pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and Romero pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in January 2024.Charges stem from an incident that occurred in the 1500 block of Kentucky Street in Lawrence on September 8, 2021 during a drug transaction. Police in Lawrence arrested Romero days after the crime. U.S. Marshals tracked Spates to Tennessee and arrested him the following month.A Douglas County judge ordered that both must serve 36 months of post-release supervision and said they both must also register as violent offenders for 15 years.

Suspect captured in Tennessee sentenced for Kansas murder

NEW YORK (AP) — Much like nutritional labels on food products, “broadband labels” for internet packages will soon tell you just what is going into the pricing of your service, thanks to new rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission this week.

“If you’ve ever shopped for home or mobile internet, you can understand how hard it can be to understand what you’re actually paying for,” said Jon Donenberg, Deputy Director of the White House National Economic Council, on a call with reporters. "The broadband nutrition label is a tool that can help consumers make sure they have a clear, straightforward explanation of home and mobile services before signing up for anything.”

Following the design of FDA food labels, these broadband labels will provide easy-to-understand, accurate information about the cost and performance of high-speed internet service to help consumers avoid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/junk-fees-hidden-federal-trade-commission-2271f63bb842958a430f39cf1cffeca8">junk fees, price hikes, and other unexpected costs.</a>

Internet service providers selling home access or mobile broadband plans will be required to have a label for each plan beginning April 10.

The labels will be mandated to appear at any point of sale, including online and in stores, and they will be required to disclose all pricing information — including introductory rates, data allowances, and speeds. The labels will also include links to information about network management practices and privacy policies.

Hidden fees and unexpected rate hikes have dogged consumers shopping for internet service for years, and the Biden administration has been cracking down on “junk fees” (opaque and misleading fee structures) across industries — including banking, hotel and airline pricing, and utility and phone services — for the past several years.

On a call Tuesday, a spokesperson for the FCC clarified that the labels “cannot be buried in multiple clicks” or hidden in a way that a consumer might miss.

“Fees can make it hard to understand the true cost of an internet plan," said Donenberg, adding that the agency is “committed to rooting out surprise junk fees that some companies pile on to your bills.”

2. Whether that price will change after a certain period and what it will change to

3. Complete list of monthly and one-time fees, and early termination fee

4. Whether the company participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program and link to check if one qualifies

5. “Typical” download and upload speeds, and latency

7. Links to network management (e.g., zero rating and content blocking) and privacy policies

WHAT IF I DON’T UNDERSTAND SOMETHING ON THE LABELS?

<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-governmental-affairs/consumer-broadband-labels-glossary-terminology">A glossary</a>&nbsp;is available to help consumers better understand the information displayed on the label.

WHAT IF A PROVIDER DOESN’T DISPLAY THE LABEL?

If a provider does not display their labels or posts inaccurate information about its fees or service plans, consumers can file a complaint with the&nbsp;<a href="https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/">FCC Consumer Complaint Center</a>.

While many providers will begin displaying their labels in April, some firms with less than 100,000 subscribers will have until Oct. 10, 2024, to comply with the FCC rules.

“The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.”

NEW YORK (AP) — Much like nutritional labels on food products, “broadband labels” for internet packages will soon tell you just what is going into the pricing of your service, thanks to new rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission this week.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hidden fees on internet bills add up quickly – so our Administration is taking action. Starting today, large internet providers are required to tell you exactly what you’re paying and what you’re getting when you purchase your internet plan – all on one simple label. <a href="https://t.co/Y9YlD7HUgW">pic.twitter.com/Y9YlD7HUgW</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1778120772118032854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“If you’ve ever shopped for home or mobile internet, you can understand how hard it can be to understand what you’re actually paying for,” said Jon Donenberg, Deputy Director of the White House National Economic Council, on a call with reporters. "The broadband nutrition label is a tool that can help consumers make sure they have a clear, straightforward explanation of home and mobile services before signing up for anything.”Following the design of FDA food labels, these broadband labels will provide easy-to-understand, accurate information about the cost and performance of high-speed internet service to help consumers avoid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/junk-fees-hidden-federal-trade-commission-2271f63bb842958a430f39cf1cffeca8">junk fees, price hikes, and other unexpected costs.</a>Internet service providers selling home access or mobile broadband plans will be required to have a label for each plan beginning April 10.The labels will be mandated to appear at any point of sale, including online and in stores, and they will be required to disclose all pricing information — including introductory rates, data allowances, and speeds. The labels will also include links to information about network management practices and privacy policies.Here's what you need to know.WHAT'S BEHIND THE NEW LABELING?Hidden fees and unexpected rate hikes have dogged consumers shopping for internet service for years, and the Biden administration has been cracking down on “junk fees” (opaque and misleading fee structures) across industries — including banking, hotel and airline pricing, and utility and phone services — for the past several years.On a call Tuesday, a spokesperson for the FCC clarified that the labels “cannot be buried in multiple clicks” or hidden in a way that a consumer might miss.“Fees can make it hard to understand the true cost of an internet plan," said Donenberg, adding that the agency is “committed to rooting out surprise junk fees that some companies pile on to your bills.”1. Monthly price and contract length2. Whether that price will change after a certain period and what it will change to3. Complete list of monthly and one-time fees, and early termination fee4. Whether the company participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program and link to check if one qualifies5. “Typical” download and upload speeds, and latency6. Data cap and price beyond that cap7. Links to network management (e.g., zero rating and content blocking) and privacy policiesWHAT IF I DON’T UNDERSTAND SOMETHING ON THE LABELS?<a href="https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-governmental-affairs/consumer-broadband-labels-glossary-terminology">A glossary</a>&nbsp;is available to help consumers better understand the information displayed on the label.WHAT IF A PROVIDER DOESN’T DISPLAY THE LABEL?If a provider does not display their labels or posts inaccurate information about its fees or service plans, consumers can file a complaint with the&nbsp;<a href="https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/">FCC Consumer Complaint Center</a>.WHEN DO THESE RULES TAKE EFFECT?While many providers will begin displaying their labels in April, some firms with less than 100,000 subscribers will have until Oct. 10, 2024, to comply with the FCC rules.“The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.”

FCC made it easier to compare fees, pricing of internet providers

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cows has grown to affect&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock">more than two dozen herds</a>&nbsp;in eight states, just weeks after the nation's largest egg producer found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-texas-mississippi-chickens-dbae49f8786dda586036c1b86b9d0997">the virus</a>&nbsp;in its chickens.

Health officials stress that the risk to the public is low and that the U.S. food supply remains safe and stable.

“At this time, there continues to be no concern that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health, or that it affects the safety of the interstate commercial milk supply,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a statement.

Here’s what you need to know about bird flu and food:

WHICH STATES HAVE FOUND BIRD FLU IN DAIRY COWS?

As of Friday, the strain of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-avian-flu-chickens-eggs-03793b5b1cb7429ce293e8577aef0358">bird flu</a>&nbsp;that has killed millions of wild birds in recent years has been found in at least 26 dairy herds in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock">eight U.S. states</a>: Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and South Dakota.

The virus, known as Type A H5N1, has been detected in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disease-outbreaks-hong-kong-health-bird-flu-animals-75e5d058e0fda23b5359f66cafb74cdf">range of mammals</a>&nbsp;over the last few years, but this is the first time it has been found in cattle, according to federal health and animal agencies. Genetic analysis of the virus does not show that it has changed to spread more easily in people, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

HOW IS BIRD FLU AFFECTING FOOD PRODUCTION?

Agriculture officials in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.avma.org/news/states-begin-restrict-cattle-imports-those-influenza-cases">at least 17 states</a>&nbsp;have restricted imports of dairy cattle from states where the virus has been detected, but, so far, government agencies say it’s had little effect on commercial milk production. Officials believe cows likely have been infected by exposure to wild birds, but said cow-to-cow spread&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-fda-cdc-share-update-hpai-detections-dairy-cattle">“cannot be ruled out."</a>

Farmers are testing cows that show symptoms of infection, including sharply reduced milk supply and lethargy. Animals that show signs or test positive for illness are being separated from other animals on the farms. The animals appear to recover within two weeks.

U.S. egg producers are watching the situation closely after bird flu was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-avian-flu-chickens-eggs-03793b5b1cb7429ce293e8577aef0358">detected in chickens in Texas and Michigan.</a>&nbsp;Millions of birds have been killed, but the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/egg-guidance-regulation-and-other-information/questions-and-answers-regarding-safety-eggs-during-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-outbreaks">FDA said</a>&nbsp;the risk of affected eggs getting into the retail market or causing infections in humans is low because of federal inspections and other safeguards.

Scientists say there’s no evidence to suggest that people can contract the virus by consuming food that’s been pasteurized, or heat-treated — or properly cooked.

“It’s not a food safety concern,” said Lee-Ann Jaykus, an emeritus food microbiologist and virologist at North Carolina State University.

Two people in U.S. have been infected with bird flu to date.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-texas-cows-355f1e288e72df8b81b0e2efd8b3ae2f">A Texas dairy worker</a>&nbsp;who was in close contact with an infected cow recently developed a mild eye infection and has recovered. In 2022, a prison inmate in a work program&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-colorado-b98906e0a1899bb1f92da30a7b1dbe28">caught it</a>&nbsp;while killing infected birds at a Colorado poultry farm. His only symptom was fatigue, and he recovered.

IS GROCERY STORE MILK SAFE FROM BIRD FLU?

Yes, according to food safety experts and government officials.

U.S. producers are barred from selling milk from sick cows and must divert and destroy it. In addition, milk sold across state lines is required to be pasteurized, or heat-treated using a process that kills bacteria and viruses, including influenza.

“We firmly believe that pasteurization provides a safe milk supply,” Tracey Forfa, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine told a webinar audience this week.

The FDA and the CDC are less certain about unpasteurized, or raw, milk sold in many states, saying there’s limited information about the possible transmission of the H5N1 virus in such products.

So far, no herds linked to raw milk providers have reported cows infected with bird flu, but the agencies recommend that the industry not make or sell raw milk or raw milk cheese products made with milk from cows that show symptoms — or are exposed to infected cows.

U.S. health officials have long warned against the risk of foodborne illness tied to raw milk, which the CDC said caused more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk/rawmilk-outbreaks.">200 outbreaks</a>&nbsp;that sickened more than 2,600 people between 1998 and 2018.

Still, raw milk proponents like Mark McAfee, owner of Raw Farm USA in Fresno, Calif., said the outbreak of H5N1 in commercial cows appears to have spurred higher sales of the products, despite federal warnings.

CAN YOU CATCH BIRD FLU FROM EGGS OR MEAT?

Only dairy cows, not beef cattle, have been infected or shown signs of illness to date, agriculture officials said.

The largest egg producer in the U.S. temporarily halted operations on April 2 after finding bird flu in its chickens. Cal-Maine Foods culled about 1.6 million laying hens and another 337,000 pullets, or young hens, after the detection.

The company said there was no risk to eggs in the market and that no eggs had been recalled.

Eggs that are handled properly and cooked thoroughly are safe to eat, said Barbara Kowalcyk, director of the Center for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at George Washington University.

“A lot of people like runny eggs. Personally, if I eat an egg, it’s very well cooked,” she said.

Still, Kowalcyk and others cautioned that the situation could change.

“This is an emerging issue and clearly this pathogen is evolving and there’s a lot that we don’t know,” she said. “I do think that everybody is trying to figure it out as quickly as possible.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636037846131.jpeg" alt="Photo USDA" />
 <figcaption>Photo USDA</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —A bird flu outbreak in U.S. dairy cows has grown to affect&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock">more than two dozen herds</a>&nbsp;in eight states, just weeks after the nation's largest egg producer found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-texas-mississippi-chickens-dbae49f8786dda586036c1b86b9d0997">the virus</a>&nbsp;in its chickens.Health officials stress that the risk to the public is low and that the U.S. food supply remains safe and stable.“At this time, there continues to be no concern that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health, or that it affects the safety of the interstate commercial milk supply,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a statement.Here’s what you need to know about bird flu and food:WHICH STATES HAVE FOUND BIRD FLU IN DAIRY COWS?As of Friday, the strain of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-avian-flu-chickens-eggs-03793b5b1cb7429ce293e8577aef0358">bird flu</a>&nbsp;that has killed millions of wild birds in recent years has been found in at least 26 dairy herds in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/livestock">eight U.S. states</a>: Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and South Dakota.The virus, known as Type A H5N1, has been detected in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/disease-outbreaks-hong-kong-health-bird-flu-animals-75e5d058e0fda23b5359f66cafb74cdf">range of mammals</a>&nbsp;over the last few years, but this is the first time it has been found in cattle, according to federal health and animal agencies. Genetic analysis of the virus does not show that it has changed to spread more easily in people, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.HOW IS BIRD FLU AFFECTING FOOD PRODUCTION?Agriculture officials in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.avma.org/news/states-begin-restrict-cattle-imports-those-influenza-cases">at least 17 states</a>&nbsp;have restricted imports of dairy cattle from states where the virus has been detected, but, so far, government agencies say it’s had little effect on commercial milk production. Officials believe cows likely have been infected by exposure to wild birds, but said cow-to-cow spread&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/news/agency-announcements/usda-fda-cdc-share-update-hpai-detections-dairy-cattle">“cannot be ruled out."</a>Farmers are testing cows that show symptoms of infection, including sharply reduced milk supply and lethargy. Animals that show signs or test positive for illness are being separated from other animals on the farms. The animals appear to recover within two weeks.U.S. egg producers are watching the situation closely after bird flu was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-avian-flu-chickens-eggs-03793b5b1cb7429ce293e8577aef0358">detected in chickens in Texas and Michigan.</a>&nbsp;Millions of birds have been killed, but the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/food/egg-guidance-regulation-and-other-information/questions-and-answers-regarding-safety-eggs-during-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-outbreaks">FDA said</a>&nbsp;the risk of affected eggs getting into the retail market or causing infections in humans is low because of federal inspections and other safeguards.DOES PASTEURIZATION KILL BIRD FLU?Scientists say there’s no evidence to suggest that people can contract the virus by consuming food that’s been pasteurized, or heat-treated — or properly cooked.“It’s not a food safety concern,” said Lee-Ann Jaykus, an emeritus food microbiologist and virologist at North Carolina State University.Two people in U.S. have been infected with bird flu to date.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-texas-cows-355f1e288e72df8b81b0e2efd8b3ae2f">A Texas dairy worker</a>&nbsp;who was in close contact with an infected cow recently developed a mild eye infection and has recovered. In 2022, a prison inmate in a work program&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-environment-colorado-b98906e0a1899bb1f92da30a7b1dbe28">caught it</a>&nbsp;while killing infected birds at a Colorado poultry farm. His only symptom was fatigue, and he recovered.IS GROCERY STORE MILK SAFE FROM BIRD FLU?Yes, according to food safety experts and government officials.U.S. producers are barred from selling milk from sick cows and must divert and destroy it. In addition, milk sold across state lines is required to be pasteurized, or heat-treated using a process that kills bacteria and viruses, including influenza.“We firmly believe that pasteurization provides a safe milk supply,” Tracey Forfa, director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine told a webinar audience this week.IS RAW MILK SAFE FROM BIRD FLU?The FDA and the CDC are less certain about unpasteurized, or raw, milk sold in many states, saying there’s limited information about the possible transmission of the H5N1 virus in such products.So far, no herds linked to raw milk providers have reported cows infected with bird flu, but the agencies recommend that the industry not make or sell raw milk or raw milk cheese products made with milk from cows that show symptoms — or are exposed to infected cows.U.S. health officials have long warned against the risk of foodborne illness tied to raw milk, which the CDC said caused more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk/rawmilk-outbreaks.">200 outbreaks</a>&nbsp;that sickened more than 2,600 people between 1998 and 2018.Still, raw milk proponents like Mark McAfee, owner of Raw Farm USA in Fresno, Calif., said the outbreak of H5N1 in commercial cows appears to have spurred higher sales of the products, despite federal warnings.CAN YOU CATCH BIRD FLU FROM EGGS OR MEAT?Only dairy cows, not beef cattle, have been infected or shown signs of illness to date, agriculture officials said.The largest egg producer in the U.S. temporarily halted operations on April 2 after finding bird flu in its chickens. Cal-Maine Foods culled about 1.6 million laying hens and another 337,000 pullets, or young hens, after the detection.The company said there was no risk to eggs in the market and that no eggs had been recalled.Eggs that are handled properly and cooked thoroughly are safe to eat, said Barbara Kowalcyk, director of the Center for Food Safety and Nutrition Security at George Washington University.“A lot of people like runny eggs. Personally, if I eat an egg, it’s very well cooked,” she said.Still, Kowalcyk and others cautioned that the situation could change.“This is an emerging issue and clearly this pathogen is evolving and there’s a lot that we don’t know,” she said. “I do think that everybody is trying to figure it out as quickly as possible.”___

Bird flu is spreading to more farm animals. Are milk and eggs safe?

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary at a school and have made an arrest.

Just after 3:30 a.m. April 10, police responded to a reported burglary at Sheldon Headstart, 1155 SW Seabrook Avenue in Topeka, according to Police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

Officers located a suspect identified as Blayne R. Blevins, 31, of Topeka, with stolen property. As a result of the investigation, Blevins was later arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated crime, Theft &lt;$1,500 From Building and interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713015241337.png" alt="Blevins-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Blevins-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary at a school and have made an arrest.Just after 3:30 a.m. April 10, police responded to a reported burglary at Sheldon Headstart, 1155 SW Seabrook Avenue in Topeka, according to Police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.Officers located a suspect identified as Blayne R. Blevins, 31, of Topeka, with stolen property. As a result of the investigation, Blevins was later arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated crime, Theft &lt;$1,500 From Building and interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution.

Burglary suspect caught taking items from Kansas school

Governor vetoes bills on rules and regulations, plastic bags and hair removal

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly chose not to veto a bill Friday that earned bipartisan support among House and Senate members eager to require commercial websites to deploy age-verification software to limit online access by Kansas minors to nudity or sexually exciting images and text.

Kelly, a Democratic governor working with a Legislature brandishing Republican supermajorities, said she would allow Senate Bill 394 to become law without her signature despite reservations the restrictions could trample constitutional rights and inspire legal challenges.

The bill was approved unanimously in the Senate and on a 92-31 vote by the House. That left little doubt the Senate could muster 27 votes and the House could bring together 84 votes to beat a veto.

“While well-meaning in its efforts to protect children from content the Legislature considers ‘harmful to minors,’ this bill is vague in its application and may end up infringing on constitutional rights, which is an issue being litigated in other jurisdictions over similar bills,” Kelly said.

Under the bill, parents or guardians of anyone under 18 gaining access to online pornography could file a lawsuit and seek damages of $50,000 or more against companies that didn’t successfully screen minors from material depicting or describing nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement or sadomasochistic abuse in a manner offensive to community standards. The mandate would apply to websites if at least one-fourth of viewed pages in any month contained material offensive to minors.

Identical versions of the bill were introduced by Salina Sen. J.R. Claeys and Wichita Rep. Patrick Penn, both Republicans, to require identity verification technology to deflect youthful consumers who might be drawn to raunchy online content posted anywhere in the world. The attorney general would be responsible for investigating reports of noncompliance. He could seek penalties of $500 to $10,000 for each underage visit to an off-limits site.

“Defending the integrity of the family is a core value of the Catholic church,” said Chuck Weber, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference and a proponent of the bill. “SB 394 is very good legislation that will help prevent the pornography industry from capturing and addicting our youth to destructive behavior.”

On Friday, the Kansas governor vetoed a bill that would require the state budget director to determine the cost of complying with all rules and regulations drafted by state agencies. It would grant the gubernatorially appointed budget director authority to reject rules and regulations.

Kelly said the bill was objectionable because it “would insert bureaucratic red tape intended to legislatively interfere with the timely implementation of necessary and important rules and regulations. Many of these regulations are for the protection and safety of Kansans.”

The vote in the Senate was 27-13. It cleared the House 81-39.

The measure was championed by lawmakers keen to rein in state regulations or rules considered burdensome or that added to the cost of doing business in Kansas. It would target any rule or regulation if implementation or compliance costs incurred by a business over a five-year period topped $1 million. That benchmark could be exceeded if the Legislature ratified the proposed state rule or regulation.

“This veto can be easily explained by a difference in philosophies,” said House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita. “The governor and her party believe that more government control is the answer to our problems. House Republicans believe there should be checks placed on the administrative state and that’s why we’ll be working to override her veto and rein in the power grab by unelected bureaucrats.”

Randy Stookey, a lobbyist representing the Kansas Grain and Feed Association, said regulatory compliance with state rules and regulations often came at a high cost.

“This economic impact is something that must be considered carefully,” he said. “Modeled after recent legislation in other states, the bill would enhance the review of required state agency analysis of the implementation and compliance costs of proposed regulations on the regulated community.”

The Legislature approved a bill advocated by business lobbying interests to prohibit cities and county governments from regulating containers used to distribute goods. The bill would forbid government intrusion into design of bags, cups, packages, containers, bottles, devices — even straws — preferred by a retailer.

House Bill 2446 would allow containers made of paper, plastic, cardboard, cloth, aluminum, glass or recycled materials. In other words, the prohibition against Lawrence businesses using single-use thin plastic bags — common in grocery stores or for carry-out food — would be nullified.

Kelly vetoed the bill because she considered it an overreach by the Legislature into decisions of officials elected to serve in municipal government.

“I believe in local control and that local officials should be held accountable by their constituents, stakeholders and businesses,” Kelly said. “This bill lacks sufficient protection to ensure local units of government are able to play a meaningful role in decision making on issues impacting their communities.”

Meanwhile, Kelly vetoed Senate Bill 434 that would deregulate the practice of hair removal known as “sugaring.” She expressed concern withdrawing the state from oversight of temporary hair removal by application of sugar, lemon and water, or its equivalent, could be harmful to minors.

“I have serious concerns that deregulating sugaring … could lead to safety and sanitation problems,” Kelly said. “We have a responsibility to protect Kansans, and this deregulation would threaten the health and safety of Kansans, particularly our children.”

She said it was proper to keep regulation of the industry within purview of the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. She said practitioners should be held to health and safety standards of cosmetologists, which would include criminal background checks, training and state licensing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713106461171.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly decided to allow a bill regulating access by Kansas minors to pornographic websites to become law without her signature, but vetoed bills that could undermine crafting of state rules and regulations, interfere with municipal government decisions and improperly deregulate the business of temporary hair removal. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly decided to allow a bill regulating access by Kansas minors to pornographic websites to become law without her signature, but vetoed bills that could undermine crafting of state rules and regulations, interfere with municipal government decisions and improperly deregulate the business of temporary hair removal. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Governor vetoes bills on rules and regulations, plastic bags and hair removal</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly chose not to veto a bill Friday that earned bipartisan support among House and Senate members eager to require commercial websites to deploy age-verification software to limit online access by Kansas minors to nudity or sexually exciting images and text.Kelly, a Democratic governor working with a Legislature brandishing Republican supermajorities, said she would allow Senate Bill 394 to become law without her signature despite reservations the restrictions could trample constitutional rights and inspire legal challenges.The bill was approved unanimously in the Senate and on a 92-31 vote by the House. That left little doubt the Senate could muster 27 votes and the House could bring together 84 votes to beat a veto.“While well-meaning in its efforts to protect children from content the Legislature considers ‘harmful to minors,’ this bill is vague in its application and may end up infringing on constitutional rights, which is an issue being litigated in other jurisdictions over similar bills,” Kelly said.Under the bill, parents or guardians of anyone under 18 gaining access to online pornography could file a lawsuit and seek damages of $50,000 or more against companies that didn’t successfully screen minors from material depicting or describing nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement or sadomasochistic abuse in a manner offensive to community standards. The mandate would apply to websites if at least one-fourth of viewed pages in any month contained material offensive to minors.Identical versions of the bill were introduced by Salina Sen. J.R. Claeys and Wichita Rep. Patrick Penn, both Republicans, to require identity verification technology to deflect youthful consumers who might be drawn to raunchy online content posted anywhere in the world. The attorney general would be responsible for investigating reports of noncompliance. He could seek penalties of $500 to $10,000 for each underage visit to an off-limits site.“Defending the integrity of the family is a core value of the Catholic church,” said Chuck Weber, executive director of the Kansas Catholic Conference and a proponent of the bill. “SB 394 is very good legislation that will help prevent the pornography industry from capturing and addicting our youth to destructive behavior.”<h2>More red tape</h2>On Friday, the Kansas governor vetoed a bill that would require the state budget director to determine the cost of complying with all rules and regulations drafted by state agencies. It would grant the gubernatorially appointed budget director authority to reject rules and regulations.Kelly said the bill was objectionable because it “would insert bureaucratic red tape intended to legislatively interfere with the timely implementation of necessary and important rules and regulations. Many of these regulations are for the protection and safety of Kansans.”The vote in the Senate was 27-13. It cleared the House 81-39.The measure was championed by lawmakers keen to rein in state regulations or rules considered burdensome or that added to the cost of doing business in Kansas. It would target any rule or regulation if implementation or compliance costs incurred by a business over a five-year period topped $1 million. That benchmark could be exceeded if the Legislature ratified the proposed state rule or regulation.“This veto can be easily explained by a difference in philosophies,” said House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita. “The governor and her party believe that more government control is the answer to our problems. House Republicans believe there should be checks placed on the administrative state and that’s why we’ll be working to override her veto and rein in the power grab by unelected bureaucrats.”Randy Stookey, a lobbyist representing the Kansas Grain and Feed Association, said regulatory compliance with state rules and regulations often came at a high cost.“This economic impact is something that must be considered carefully,” he said. “Modeled after recent legislation in other states, the bill would enhance the review of required state agency analysis of the implementation and compliance costs of proposed regulations on the regulated community.”<h2>Regulating bags, hair</h2>The Legislature approved a bill advocated by business lobbying interests to prohibit cities and county governments from regulating containers used to distribute goods. The bill would forbid government intrusion into design of bags, cups, packages, containers, bottles, devices — even straws — preferred by a retailer.House Bill 2446 would allow containers made of paper, plastic, cardboard, cloth, aluminum, glass or recycled materials. In other words, the prohibition against Lawrence businesses using single-use thin plastic bags — common in grocery stores or for carry-out food — would be nullified.Kelly vetoed the bill because she considered it an overreach by the Legislature into decisions of officials elected to serve in municipal government.“I believe in local control and that local officials should be held accountable by their constituents, stakeholders and businesses,” Kelly said. “This bill lacks sufficient protection to ensure local units of government are able to play a meaningful role in decision making on issues impacting their communities.”Meanwhile, Kelly vetoed Senate Bill 434 that would deregulate the practice of hair removal known as “sugaring.” She expressed concern withdrawing the state from oversight of temporary hair removal by application of sugar, lemon and water, or its equivalent, could be harmful to minors.“I have serious concerns that deregulating sugaring … could lead to safety and sanitation problems,” Kelly said. “We have a responsibility to protect Kansans, and this deregulation would threaten the health and safety of Kansans, particularly our children.”She said it was proper to keep regulation of the industry within purview of the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. She said practitioners should be held to health and safety standards of cosmetologists, which would include criminal background checks, training and state licensing.

Anti-porn bill inspiring bipartisan support among Kansas lawmakers to become law

WASHINGTON —Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launch much more destructive ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

Kansas and Missouri lawmakers shared their thoughts on the attack.

Iran had been threatening to attack Israel after an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-syria-israel-hezbollah-gaza-damascus-f7a1af3a9fc67de1962d4f1589d7e9f0">airstrike earlier this week widely</a>&nbsp;blamed on Israel destroyed Iran’s consulate in Syria, killing 12 people, including two elite Iranian generals.

The Israeli Defense Forces said in a statement early Sunday the “vast majority” of missiles launched from Iran were intercepted outside of Israel’s borders. Israel has made missile defense a priority, with a variety of air-defense systems available to shoot down incoming missile and drone fire.

Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israel’s six-month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-gaza-war-oct-7-327bfeb7bfce5cb0de1568bf41a0ff06">war against Hamas militants</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip. The war erupted after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a devastating cross-border attack on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others.

An Israeli offensive in Gaza has caused widespread devastation and killed over 33,000 people, according to local health officials.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713060652576.png" alt="Photo Israel Defense Force" />
 <figcaption>Photo Israel Defense Force</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launch much more destructive ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.Kansas and Missouri lawmakers shared their thoughts on the attack.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The United States stands with the people of Israel against Iran’s unprecedented attack. I expect decisive action from the Biden Administration to defend Israel from harm and condemn Iran’s attack. We must make it clear that Iran’s behavior will not be tolerated.&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1779280674144346123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Now more than ever, America must stand unequivocally with Israel&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1779303706569191727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We brought aid for Israel to the Senate floor FOUR TIMES since the unprovoked, brutal attacks on Oct 7th. Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats blocked our efforts every single time. Actions speak louder than words. <a href="https://t.co/AvhYAnGM0m">https://t.co/AvhYAnGM0m</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1779310513488327088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Join me in praying for the people of Israel as they fight to defend themselves from ruthless attacks carried out by the Iranian regime. America must ALWAYS stand with our strongest ally in the Middle East—Israel. 🇺🇸🇮🇱&mdash; Rep. Jake LaTurner (@RepLaTurner) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepLaTurner/status/1779280432174961112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fact. Good thing “the adults are back in charge.” <a href="https://t.co/fSrNeciOnS">https://t.co/fSrNeciOnS</a>&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1779254395407888691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The reported attacks launched by Iran against Israel confirms what we’ve know since the beginning. Iran wants to see Israel wiped off the face of the Earth, but instead of funding proxies, they’ve taken action themselves. America must stand with Israel, and do whatever…&mdash; Rep. Mark Alford (@RepMarkAlford) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMarkAlford/status/1779258042367840371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sending my prayers to the Israeli people. We will ALWAYS have your back.&mdash; Rep. Jason Smith (@RepJasonSmith) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepJasonSmith/status/1779264018684711198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Iran had been threatening to attack Israel after an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-syria-israel-hezbollah-gaza-damascus-f7a1af3a9fc67de1962d4f1589d7e9f0">airstrike earlier this week widely</a>&nbsp;blamed on Israel destroyed Iran’s consulate in Syria, killing 12 people, including two elite Iranian generals.The Israeli Defense Forces said in a statement early Sunday the “vast majority” of missiles launched from Iran were intercepted outside of Israel’s borders. Israel has made missile defense a priority, with a variety of air-defense systems available to shoot down incoming missile and drone fire.Israel and Iran have been on a collision course throughout Israel’s six-month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-gaza-war-oct-7-327bfeb7bfce5cb0de1568bf41a0ff06">war against Hamas militants</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip. The war erupted after Hamas and Islamic Jihad, two militant groups backed by Iran, carried out a devastating cross-border attack on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people in Israel and kidnapped 250 others.An Israeli offensive in Gaza has caused widespread devastation and killed over 33,000 people, according to local health officials.

Kan. and Mo. lawmakers respond to Iran attack on Israel

SHAWNEE COUNTY —The search for a suspect wanted in connection with a deadly shooting at Reser's Fine Foods&nbsp;3167 SE 10th Street in Topeka on Thursday is over.

According to online jail records, 65-year-0ld Eddie Holmes of Topeka is in custody on requested charges of 2nd Degree Murder and&nbsp;Criminal poss of weapon by felon, in connection with the shooting death of 39-year-old Reginald D. Previtte, 39, of Topeka. Police have not reported the circumstances surrounding Holmes' arrest.

Just after 4:30 p.m. Thursday, police responded to a reported shooting at the plant, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

First responders found Previtte suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was later pronounced deceased by medical personnel.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the deadly shooting at&nbsp;Reser's Fine Foods, 3167 SE 10th Street in Topeka on Thursday are searching for a suspect.

Police are attempting to locate Eddie Holmes, 65, of Topeka, in reference the shooting death of 39-year-old  Reginald D. Previtte, 39, of Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

If you have any information related to where Eddie Holmes may be, please contact TPD at telltpd@topeka.org or submit anonymous tips through Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234- 0007 or online at www.tp3tips.com/128. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713091143058.png" alt="Holmes-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Holmes-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —The search for a suspect wanted in connection with a deadly shooting at Reser's Fine Foods&nbsp;3167 SE 10th Street in Topeka on Thursday is over.According to online jail records, 65-year-0ld Eddie Holmes of Topeka is in custody on requested charges of 2nd Degree Murder and&nbsp;Criminal poss of weapon by felon, in connection with the shooting death of 39-year-old Reginald D. Previtte, 39, of Topeka. Police have not reported the circumstances surrounding Holmes' arrest.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712883470826.png" alt="photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 4:30 p.m. Thursday, police responded to a reported shooting at the plant, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.First responders found Previtte suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was later pronounced deceased by medical personnel.----------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the deadly shooting at&nbsp;Reser's Fine Foods, 3167 SE 10th Street in Topeka on Thursday are searching for a suspect.Police are attempting to locate Eddie Holmes, 65, of Topeka, in reference the shooting death of 39-year-old Reginald D. Previtte, 39, of Topeka, according to Topeka Police Lt. Edward Stanley.Just after 4:30 p.m. Thursday, police responded to a reported shooting at the plant, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.First responders found Previtte suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was later pronounced deceased by medical personnel.If you have any information related to where Eddie Holmes may be, please contact TPD at telltpd@topeka.org or submit anonymous tips through Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234- 0007 or online at www.tp3tips.com/128.

Police capture suspect wanted for fatal shooting at Kan. food plant 

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden lauded American forces who helped Israel down “nearly all” of the drones and missiles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-attacks-f27cda966ac274982d968cbcc033eff0">fired by Iran</a>&nbsp;and vowed to coordinate a global response to Tehran's unprecedented attack. The Pentagon said U.S. forces intercepted “dozens of missiles” and drones launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen that were headed toward Israel.

With regional tensions at their highest since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;began six months ago, Biden pledged on Saturday that American support for Israel's defense against attacks by Iran and its proxies is “ironclad.” The attack marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, risking a wider regional conflict.

Biden made clear in a call to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not participate in any offensive action against Iran, according to a senior administration official who was not authorized to publicly discuss the private conversation and spoke on condition of anonmymity.

The U.S. and Israel had been bracing for an attack for days after Iran said it would retaliate for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-syria-airstrike-iranian-embassy-edca34c52d38c8bc57281e4ebf33b240">suspected Israeli strike</a>&nbsp;this month on an Iranian consular building in Syria that killed 12 people, including two senior Iranian generals in the Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force.

“At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week,” Biden said in a statement late Saturday. "Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles."

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a statement said the U.S. took out dozens of the attacks, but did not provide details on ships or aircraft involved in the operation that commanders had been preparing for over the past two weeks.

“Our forces remain postured to protect U.S. troops and partners in the region, provide further support for Israel’s defense, and enhance regional stability,” Austin said, adding that troops are standing ready to prevent any further conflict.

Biden had cut short a weekend stay at his Delaware beach house to meet with his national security team at the White House, returning to Washington minutes before Israeli officials confirmed that they had detected drones being launched toward their territory from Iran.

He convened a principals meeting of the National Security Council in the White House Situation Room to discuss the unfolding situation, the White House said, before speaking with Netanyahu.

“I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel,” Biden said.

Biden added that he would convene a meeting of the Group of Seven advanced democracies on Sunday “to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack.”

The Pentagon reported that Austin had spoken twice with his Israeli counterpart to praise the “extraordinary defensive measures and strong cooperation undertaken to defeat this Iranian attack against Israel” and again stated clearly that "Israel could count on full U.S. support to defend Israel against any future attacks by Iran and its regional proxies.” National security adviser Jake Sullivan also spoke with his counterpart to reinforce Washington's “ironclad commitment to the security of Israel.”

National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement that “Iran has begun an airborne attack against Israel.” She added: “The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran.”

Biden on Friday said the United States was "devoted” to defending Israel and that “Iran will not succeed.” Asked by reporters what his message was for Iran, the president’s only reply was: “Don’t.”

He ignored a question about what would trigger a direct U.S. military response.

The U.S., along with its allies, have sent direct messages to Tehran to warn against further escalating the conflict.

During the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, there have been near-daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group along the Israel-Lebanon border. U.S. officials have recorded more than 150 attacks by Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria on U.S. forces at bases in those countries since war started on Oct. 7.

One attack in late January killed three U.S. service members in Jordan. In retaliation, the U.S. launched a massive air assault, hitting more than 85 targets at seven locations in Iraq and Syria.

Meantime, on Saturday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strait-of-hormuz-vessel-33fcffde2d867380e98c89403776a8ac">commandos from Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard</a>&nbsp;rappelled from a helicopter onto an Israeli-affiliated container ship near the Strait of Hormuz and seized the vessel.

Watson, the NSC spokesperson, said the U.S. strongly condemned the seizure and urged Iran to release the ship and crew immediately.

“We will work with our partners to hold Iran to account for its actions,” she said.

Also Saturday, the Israeli-occupied West Bank also saw some of the worst violence since Hamas' attack on Israel.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says U.S. forces helped Israel down “nearly all” of the drones and missiles launched by Iran and pledged to convene allies to develop a unified response.

Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke early Sunday, Israeli time, their governments said. Biden said in a statement that he reaffirmed “America’s ironclad commitment” to Israel’s security — a departure from his harsh criticism over Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza.

“At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week,” Biden said in the statement. “Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles.”

Meanwhile,&nbsp; Iran has sent a message to the U.S. warning Washington against cooperation with Israel in any military operation again Tehran following its unprecedented attack on Israel.

The state-run IRNA news agency quoted Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, as saying that Tehran had communicated its message to the U.S. through the Swiss Embassy, which handles U.S. interest in Iran in the absence of diplomatic relations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713097769608.png" alt="On Saturday evening President Biden met with his national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. "Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," Biden wrote on social media-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>On Saturday evening President Biden met with his national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. "Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," Biden wrote on social media-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden lauded American forces who helped Israel down “nearly all” of the drones and missiles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-attacks-f27cda966ac274982d968cbcc033eff0">fired by Iran</a>&nbsp;and vowed to coordinate a global response to Tehran's unprecedented attack. The Pentagon said U.S. forces intercepted “dozens of missiles” and drones launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen that were headed toward Israel.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I condemn Iran&#39;s attacks in the strongest possible terms and reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel. My full statement on Iran’s attacks against Israel: <a href="https://t.co/EuPJZoGw6w">pic.twitter.com/EuPJZoGw6w</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1779347601764020297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>With regional tensions at their highest since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;began six months ago, Biden pledged on Saturday that American support for Israel's defense against attacks by Iran and its proxies is “ironclad.” The attack marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, risking a wider regional conflict.Biden made clear in a call to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not participate in any offensive action against Iran, according to a senior administration official who was not authorized to publicly discuss the private conversation and spoke on condition of anonmymity.The U.S. and Israel had been bracing for an attack for days after Iran said it would retaliate for a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-syria-airstrike-iranian-embassy-edca34c52d38c8bc57281e4ebf33b240">suspected Israeli strike</a>&nbsp;this month on an Iranian consular building in Syria that killed 12 people, including two senior Iranian generals in the Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force.“At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week,” Biden said in a statement late Saturday. "Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles."Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a statement said the U.S. took out dozens of the attacks, but did not provide details on ships or aircraft involved in the operation that commanders had been preparing for over the past two weeks.“Our forces remain postured to protect U.S. troops and partners in the region, provide further support for Israel’s defense, and enhance regional stability,” Austin said, adding that troops are standing ready to prevent any further conflict.Biden had cut short a weekend stay at his Delaware beach house to meet with his national security team at the White House, returning to Washington minutes before Israeli officials confirmed that they had detected drones being launched toward their territory from Iran.He convened a principals meeting of the National Security Council in the White House Situation Room to discuss the unfolding situation, the White House said, before speaking with Netanyahu.“I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel,” Biden said.Biden added that he would convene a meeting of the Group of Seven advanced democracies on Sunday “to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack.”The Pentagon reported that Austin had spoken twice with his Israeli counterpart to praise the “extraordinary defensive measures and strong cooperation undertaken to defeat this Iranian attack against Israel” and again stated clearly that "Israel could count on full U.S. support to defend Israel against any future attacks by Iran and its regional proxies.” National security adviser Jake Sullivan also spoke with his counterpart to reinforce Washington's “ironclad commitment to the security of Israel.”National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement that “Iran has begun an airborne attack against Israel.” She added: “The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran.”Biden on Friday said the United States was "devoted” to defending Israel and that “Iran will not succeed.” Asked by reporters what his message was for Iran, the president’s only reply was: “Don’t.”He ignored a question about what would trigger a direct U.S. military response.The U.S., along with its allies, have sent direct messages to Tehran to warn against further escalating the conflict.During the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, there have been near-daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group along the Israel-Lebanon border. U.S. officials have recorded more than 150 attacks by Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria on U.S. forces at bases in those countries since war started on Oct. 7.One attack in late January killed three U.S. service members in Jordan. In retaliation, the U.S. launched a massive air assault, hitting more than 85 targets at seven locations in Iraq and Syria.Meantime, on Saturday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/strait-of-hormuz-vessel-33fcffde2d867380e98c89403776a8ac">commandos from Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard</a>&nbsp;rappelled from a helicopter onto an Israeli-affiliated container ship near the Strait of Hormuz and seized the vessel.Watson, the NSC spokesperson, said the U.S. strongly condemned the seizure and urged Iran to release the ship and crew immediately.“We will work with our partners to hold Iran to account for its actions,” she said.Also Saturday, the Israeli-occupied West Bank also saw some of the worst violence since Hamas' attack on Israel.___WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says U.S. forces helped Israel down “nearly all” of the drones and missiles launched by Iran and pledged to convene allies to develop a unified response.Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke early Sunday, Israeli time, their governments said. Biden said in a statement that he reaffirmed “America’s ironclad commitment” to Israel’s security — a departure from his harsh criticism over Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza.“At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week,” Biden said in the statement. “Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our servicemembers, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles.”Meanwhile,&nbsp; Iran has sent a message to the U.S. warning Washington against cooperation with Israel in any military operation again Tehran following its unprecedented attack on Israel.The state-run IRNA news agency quoted Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, the chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, as saying that Tehran had communicated its message to the U.S. through the Swiss Embassy, which handles U.S. interest in Iran in the absence of diplomatic relations.President Ebrahim Raisi sent a message praising Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard for launching the attack, saying it had taught a lesson to the “Zionist regime.” He also warned that “any new adventure against the interests of the Iranian nation would be met with a heavier and regretful response from the Islamic Republic of Iran.”State TV meanwhile broadcast interviews with people on the street who praised the Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel and thanked the Iranian military.

Biden: U.S. forces helped Israel down Iranian drones, missiles 

TEXAS COUNTY, OK – On March 30, 2024, the Texas County Sheriff’s Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate the suspicious disappearance of 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley of Hugoton Kansas, according to a media release from the Bureau.

The OSBI and local law enforcement are still currently working to locate the two victims. 

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the OSBI at tips@osbi.ok.gov or 1-800-522-8017. Our agency would like to thank the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/texascountysheriff?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Texas County Sheriff's Department</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FBI?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Oklahoma.Highway.Patrol?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Oklahoma Highway Patrol</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KBIKansas?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Bureau of Investigation</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Highway Patrol</a>, and several other local agencies for assisting us with this case.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712053989356.png" alt="Jilian Kelley and Veronica Butler-photo OSBI" />
 <figcaption>Jilian Kelley and Veronica Butler-photo OSBI</figcaption>
 </figure>TEXAS COUNTY, OK – On March 30, 2024, the Texas County Sheriff’s Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate the suspicious disappearance of 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley of Hugoton Kansas, according to a media release from the Bureau. Their vehicle was found abandoned near Highway 95 and Road L, south of Elkhart, Kansas, in rural Texas County. OSBI special agents immediately began investigating the vehicle and determined there was evidence to indicate foul play. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713056452999.png" alt="Counterclockwise from top-43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams, 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly -photos Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation" />
 <figcaption>Counterclockwise from top-43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams, 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly -photos Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation</figcaption>
 </figure>On April 13, 43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams; 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly were arrested in Texas and Cimarron Counties, according to Hunter McKee with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.All four individuals were booked into the Texas County Jail on requested charges that include two counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Kidnapping, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder in the First Degree.The OSBI and local law enforcement are still currently working to locate the two victims. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the OSBI at tips@osbi.ok.gov or 1-800-522-8017. Our agency would like to thank the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/texascountysheriff?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Texas County Sheriff's Department</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FBI?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Oklahoma.Highway.Patrol?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Oklahoma Highway Patrol</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KBIKansas?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Bureau of Investigation</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Highway Patrol</a>, and several other local agencies for assisting us with this case.&nbsp;

4 face murder charge as search continues for 2 Kansas women 

READING, Pa. (AP) — Conjoined twins Lori and George Schappell, who pursued separate careers, interests and relationships during lives that defied medical expectations, died this month in Pennsylvania, according to <a href="https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/schappell/lori">funeral home officials</a>. They were 62.

The twins, listed by Guinness World Records as the oldest living conjoined twins, died April 7 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, according to obituaries posted by Leibensperger Funeral Homes of Hamburg. The cause of death was not detailed.

“When we were born, the doctors didn’t think we’d make 30, but we proved them wrong,” Lori said in an interview when they turned 50, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. George came out as transgender in 2007.

The twins, born Sept. 18, 1961, in West Reading, Pennsylvania, had distinct brains but were joined at the skull. George, who had spina bifida and was 4 inches shorter, was wheeled around by Lori on an adaptive wheeled stool. Despite each having to go where the other went, it was “very important” to both “to live as independently as possible,” the obituary said.

Both graduated from a public high school and took college classes. George went along for six years as Lori worked in a hospital laundry. Lori — “a trophy-winning bowler,” according to the obituary notice — gave up the job in 1996 so her sibling could launch a country music career.

“Since the age of 24, they have maintained their own residence and have traveled extensively,” the obituary notice said. Over the years, they appeared in many documentaries and talk shows, as well as in an episode of the FX medical drama “Nip/Tuck.”

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Lori was once engaged to be married but that her fiance died in an automobile accident.

“When I went on dates,” Lori said, “George would bring along books to read.”

The twins said in a 1997 documentary that they had different bathing schedules and showered one at a time. George spoke of giving someone you love and respect “the privacy and compromise in situations that you would want them to give you.” Lori said compromise meant "you don’t get everything you want right when you want it.”

Conjoined twins occur once in every 50,000 to 60,000 births when identical twins from a single embryo fail to separate. About 70% are female, and most are stillborn. Only a small percentage are joined at the head, with nearly three-quarters joined at the chest and others at the abdomen or pelvis.

Separation was deemed risky for the Schappell twins, but Lori Schappell told The Associated Press in a 2002 interview at the twins’ apartment in a high-rise seniors complex that she didn't think such an operation was necessary in any case.

“You don’t mess with what God made, even if it means you enjoy both children for a shorter time,” she said. In the 1997 documentary, George also strongly ruled out the idea of separation, saying, “Why fix what is not broken?”

It isn't immediately clear who will now take the title of oldest living conjoined twins. The oldest ever documented were Ronnie and Donnie Galyon, who died in 2020 at age 68. Eng and Chang Bunker, the 19th century “Siamese Twins” who gained fame as a circus act, lived to be 63.

The Schappell twins' survivors include their father and six siblings. Private services are planned, the funeral home said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713034834727.png" alt="George (Dori) Schappell-Photo courtesy Leibensperger Funeral Home" />
 <figcaption>George (Dori) Schappell-Photo courtesy Leibensperger Funeral Home</figcaption>
 </figure>READING, Pa. (AP) — Conjoined twins Lori and George Schappell, who pursued separate careers, interests and relationships during lives that defied medical expectations, died this month in Pennsylvania, according to <a href="https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/schappell/lori">funeral home officials</a>. They were 62.The twins, listed by Guinness World Records as the oldest living conjoined twins, died April 7 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, according to obituaries posted by Leibensperger Funeral Homes of Hamburg. The cause of death was not detailed.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713034956068.png" alt="FILE - Conjoined 40-year-old twins George, left, and Lori Schappell are seen in their Reading, Pa., home, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002. Lori and George Schappell, who pursued separate careers, interests and relationships during lives that defied medical expectations, died April 7, 2024, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. They were 62. (AP Photo/Brad C. Bower, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Conjoined 40-year-old twins George, left, and Lori Schappell are seen in their Reading, Pa., home, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002. Lori and George Schappell, who pursued separate careers, interests and relationships during lives that defied medical expectations, died April 7, 2024, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. They were 62. (AP Photo/Brad C. Bower, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>“When we were born, the doctors didn’t think we’d make 30, but we proved them wrong,” Lori said in an interview when they turned 50, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. George came out as transgender in 2007.The twins, born Sept. 18, 1961, in West Reading, Pennsylvania, had distinct brains but were joined at the skull. George, who had spina bifida and was 4 inches shorter, was wheeled around by Lori on an adaptive wheeled stool. Despite each having to go where the other went, it was “very important” to both “to live as independently as possible,” the obituary said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713034808967.png" alt="Lori Schappell-Photo courtesy Leibensperger Funeral Home" />
 <figcaption>Lori Schappell-Photo courtesy Leibensperger Funeral Home</figcaption>
 </figure>Both graduated from a public high school and took college classes. George went along for six years as Lori worked in a hospital laundry. Lori — “a trophy-winning bowler,” according to the obituary notice — gave up the job in 1996 so her sibling could launch a country music career.“Since the age of 24, they have maintained their own residence and have traveled extensively,” the obituary notice said. Over the years, they appeared in many documentaries and talk shows, as well as in an episode of the FX medical drama “Nip/Tuck.”The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Lori was once engaged to be married but that her fiance died in an automobile accident.“When I went on dates,” Lori said, “George would bring along books to read.”The twins said in a 1997 documentary that they had different bathing schedules and showered one at a time. George spoke of giving someone you love and respect “the privacy and compromise in situations that you would want them to give you.” Lori said compromise meant "you don’t get everything you want right when you want it.”Conjoined twins occur once in every 50,000 to 60,000 births when identical twins from a single embryo fail to separate. About 70% are female, and most are stillborn. Only a small percentage are joined at the head, with nearly three-quarters joined at the chest and others at the abdomen or pelvis.Separation was deemed risky for the Schappell twins, but Lori Schappell told The Associated Press in a 2002 interview at the twins’ apartment in a high-rise seniors complex that she didn't think such an operation was necessary in any case.“You don’t mess with what God made, even if it means you enjoy both children for a shorter time,” she said. In the 1997 documentary, George also strongly ruled out the idea of separation, saying, “Why fix what is not broken?”It isn't immediately clear who will now take the title of oldest living conjoined twins. The oldest ever documented were Ronnie and Donnie Galyon, who died in 2020 at age 68. Eng and Chang Bunker, the 19th century “Siamese Twins” who gained fame as a circus act, lived to be 63.The Schappell twins' survivors include their father and six siblings. Private services are planned, the funeral home said.

Oldest living conjoined twins, Lori and George Schappell, die at 62

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly signed legislation updating the state’s worker compensation system Thursday to place into law details of compromises negotiated by labor and business interests that were unanimously endorsed in the House and Senate.

The legislation substantially increased maximum compensation for injured workers or their dependents and added a cost-of-living adjustment to those benefits beginning in July 2027.

Under Senate Bill 430, the parties would exchange medical records in a timely way, limit use of independent medical examinations and could settle cases could be without a formal hearing.

The bill sent to the governor in late March would reduce the Social Security retirement offset for certain disability benefits and extend worker compensation coverage to members of the Kansas National Guard.

“This legislation is a win for our workforce, our businesses and organized labor,” Kelly said. “The reforms in this legislation will create a more just and efficient workers compensation system that increases the benefits for injured workers while creating administrative efficiencies and maintaining stability for businesses.”

Rep. Jason Probst, D-Hutchinson, said the deal followed years of erosion in basic protections for employees under the system relied upon to compensate people for injuries occurring on the job.

“This compromise package signals a shift in how we will treat and assist employees in our state who suffer a tragic workplace injury,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713015977836.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill reforming the state’s worker compensation system that was unanimously approved by the 2024 Legislature. Contents of the bill was negotiated by labor and business interests before presented to the House and Senate. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill reforming the state’s worker compensation system that was unanimously approved by the 2024 Legislature. Contents of the bill was negotiated by labor and business interests before presented to the House and Senate. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly signed legislation updating the state’s worker compensation system Thursday to place into law details of compromises negotiated by labor and business interests that were unanimously endorsed in the House and Senate.The legislation substantially increased maximum compensation for injured workers or their dependents and added a cost-of-living adjustment to those benefits beginning in July 2027.Under Senate Bill 430, the parties would exchange medical records in a timely way, limit use of independent medical examinations and could settle cases could be without a formal hearing.The bill sent to the governor in late March would reduce the Social Security retirement offset for certain disability benefits and extend worker compensation coverage to members of the Kansas National Guard.“This legislation is a win for our workforce, our businesses and organized labor,” Kelly said. “The reforms in this legislation will create a more just and efficient workers compensation system that increases the benefits for injured workers while creating administrative efficiencies and maintaining stability for businesses.”Rep. Jason Probst, D-Hutchinson, said the deal followed years of erosion in basic protections for employees under the system relied upon to compensate people for injuries occurring on the job.“This compromise package signals a shift in how we will treat and assist employees in our state who suffer a tragic workplace injury,” he said.The Kansas Trial Lawyers Association and the Kansas Chamber took part of year-long conversations with the Kansas AFL-CIO and other interest groups about details of the legislation. Four attorneys aligned with labor interests and four attorneys with business interests took part in negotiations.“When it comes to crafting good policy when both sides of the issue are so polarized, a lot of collaboration is needed. Thankfully, experienced, level-headed professionals on both sides of this issue were able and willing to work together,” said Rep. Sean Tarwater, a Stilwell Republican who chaired the House commerce committee. “My job was to help navigate the legislative process, and their collaboration made it easy.”Amber Shultz, secretary of the Kansas Department of Labor, said the bill represented a positive step toward a balance between realities of the business world and workers’ needs.“We are proud to have come together with attorneys representing business and labor organizations to address the concerns of our stakeholders and contribute to a more fair and equitable system,” she said.