NEW YORK (AP) — Porn actor Stormy Daniels&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/trump-trial-updates-day-13">took the witness stand</a>&nbsp;Tuesday in the hush money case against Donald Trump, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/manhattan-new-york-new-york-city-michael-cohen-courts-73d00a3a59fa49489358d5120a2688cc">looked on</a>&nbsp;as she detailed their alleged sexual encounter and the payment she got to keep it quiet.

<a href="https://pdfs.nycourts.gov/PeopleVs.DTrump-71543/transcripts/5-7-2024/00054.html">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full transcript of Stormy Daniels testimony

Prosecutors allege Trump paid Daniels to keep quiet about the claims as he ran for president in 2016. Her testimony aired them very publicly as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee seeks to win the White House again.

Trump denies having sex with Daniels, and his lawyers unsuccessfully pushed for a mistrial midway through her testimony.

It's the biggest spectacle yet in the first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-criminal-trial-hush-money-stormy-daniels-5fdc819697a76536ed83cbf28d4a523c">criminal trial</a>&nbsp;of a former American president, now in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-hush-money-gag-order-d853768fff5fafbdee55623579889140">third week of testimony</a>&nbsp;in Manhattan.

Here are some takeaways from Daniels' testimony:

The case centers on a $130,000 payment to Daniels from Trump's then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, in the final weeks of Trump’s 2016 campaign. Prosecutors say it was part of a scheme to illegally influence the campaign by burying negative stories about him.

His lawyers have sought to show that Trump was trying to protect his reputation and family — not his campaign — by shielding them from embarrassing stories about his personal life.

Daniels, whose real name is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/stephanie-clifford">Stephanie Clifford</a>, told jurors that she started exotic dancing in high school and appearing in adult films at age 23, eventually moving on to direct more than 150 films and winning a roster of porn industry awards.

Daniels testified she first met and chatted with Trump at a 2006 Lake Tahoe celebrity golf outing where her studio was a sponsor.

He referred to her as “the smart one” and asked her if she wanted to go to dinner, she said. Daniels testified that she accepted Trump’s invitation because she wanted to avoid dinner with her co-workers and thought it might help her career. Trump had his bodyguard get her number, she said.

When they met up later in his penthouse, she appreciated that he seemed interested in the business aspects of the industry rather than the “sexy stuff." He also suggested putting her on his TV show, “The Apprentice,” a possibility she hoped could help establish her as a writer and director.

She left to use the bathroom and was startled to find Trump in his underwear when she returned, she said. She didn’t feel physically or verbally threatened but realized that he was “bigger and blocking the way,” she testified.

“The next thing I know was: I was on the bed,” and they were having sex, Daniels recalled. The encounter was brief but left her “shaking,” she said. “I just wanted to leave,” she testified.

Daniels was asked if Trump ever told her to keep things between them confidential and said, “Absolutely not.” She said she learned in 2011 that a magazine had learned the story of their encounter and she agreed to do an interview for $15,000 to make money and “control the narrative.” The story never ran.

In 2016, when Trump was running for president, Daniels said she authorized her manager to shop the story around but did not initially receive interest from news outlets. She said that changed in October with the release of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-access-hollywood-hush-money-new-york-2c52279a45ede2a111ff1fe447d2fdac">“Access Hollywood” tape</a>&nbsp;in which Trump bragged about grabbing women sexually without asking permission. She said she learned that Cohen wanted to buy her silence.

Midway through her testimony, Trump's lawyers moved for a mistrial.

Defense lawyer Todd Blanche argued that Daniels' testimony about the alleged encounter and other meetings with him had “nothing to do with this case,” and would unfairly prejudice the jury.

The judge rejected it, and he faulted defense attorneys for not raising more of their objections while she was testifying.

Before Daniels took the stand, Trump’s lawyers had tried to stop her from testifying about the encounter's details, saying it was irrelevant in “a case about books and records.”

Prosecutors countered that Daniels’ testimony gets at what Trump was trying to hide and they were “very mindful” not to draw too much graphic detail. Before Daniels took the stand, they told the judge the testimony would be “really basic,” and would not “involve any details of genitalia.”

While the judge didn’t side with Trump’s lawyers, he acknowledged that some details were excessive. The objections could potentially be used by Trump’s lawyers if he is convicted and they file an appeal.

Trump's lawyers tried to attack Daniels' credibility, suggesting she was motivated by money and that her account has shifted over the years.

“Am I correct that you hate President Trump?” Defense lawyer Susan Necheles asked Daniels at one point. Daniels acknowledged she did.

“And you want him to go to jail?” the lawyer asked.

“I want him to be held accountable,” Daniels said. Pressed again whether that meant going to jail, she said, “If he’s convicted.”

The defense pressed Daniels on the fact that she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stormy-daniels-trump-defamation-lawsuit-0ee5623fc8965ad3d2fc77a7126d24c7">owes Trump hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees</a>&nbsp;stemming from an unsuccessful defamation lawsuit and on a 2022 tweet in which she said she “will go to jail before I pay a penny.” Daniels dug in at times in the face of pointed questions, forcefully denying the idea that she had tried to extort Trump.

Trump whispered frequently to his attorney during Daniels’ testimony, and his expression seemed to be pained at one point as she recounted details about the dinner she says they shared. He shook his head and appeared to say something under his breath as Daniels testified that Trump told her he didn’t sleep in the same room as his wife.

At one point, the judge told defense lawyers during a sidebar conversation — out of earshot of the jury and the public — that he could hear Trump “cursing audibly" and see him shaking his head, according to a transcript of the proceedings.

“I am speaking to you here at the bench because I don’t want to embarrass him,” Judge Juan Merchan told Blanche, Trump's lawyer. Blanche assured the judge he would talk to his client.

“You need to speak to him. I won’t tolerate that,” the judge said.

On the way out of the courthouse, Trump called it “a very revealing day." He didn't address Daniels' testimony explicitly but claimed the prosecutors' case was “totally falling apart.”

Trump’s appearance in court Tuesday, like all other days he’s stuck in the courtroom, means he can’t be out on the campaign trail as he runs for president a third time. It’s a frequent source of his complaints, but Daniels' testimony in particular might underscore how much of a distraction the trial is from the business of running for president.

While Trump was stuck in a Manhattan courthouse away from voters and unable to speak for much of the day, his rival, Democratic President Joe Biden, was attending a Holocaust remembrance ceremony and condemning antisemitism.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715113495617.png" alt="-Photo of Trump and Stormy Daniels entered into evidence released by the New York State Court System&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>-Photo of Trump and Stormy Daniels entered into evidence released by the New York State Court System&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Porn actor Stormy Daniels&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/trump-trial-updates-day-13">took the witness stand</a>&nbsp;Tuesday in the hush money case against Donald Trump, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/manhattan-new-york-new-york-city-michael-cohen-courts-73d00a3a59fa49489358d5120a2688cc">looked on</a>&nbsp;as she detailed their alleged sexual encounter and the payment she got to keep it quiet.<a href="https://pdfs.nycourts.gov/PeopleVs.DTrump-71543/transcripts/5-7-2024/00054.html">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the full transcript of Stormy Daniels testimony<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715221476288.png" alt="On Wednesday night, the New York Courts released Stormy Daniels' testimony from the historic trump trial&nbsp;&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>On Wednesday night, the New York Courts released Stormy Daniels' testimony from the historic trump trial&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Prosecutors allege Trump paid Daniels to keep quiet about the claims as he ran for president in 2016. Her testimony aired them very publicly as the presumptive Republican presidential nominee seeks to win the White House again.Trump denies having sex with Daniels, and his lawyers unsuccessfully pushed for a mistrial midway through her testimony.It's the biggest spectacle yet in the first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-criminal-trial-hush-money-stormy-daniels-5fdc819697a76536ed83cbf28d4a523c">criminal trial</a>&nbsp;of a former American president, now in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-hush-money-gag-order-d853768fff5fafbdee55623579889140">third week of testimony</a>&nbsp;in Manhattan.Here are some takeaways from Daniels' testimony:WHO IS STORMY DANIELS?The case centers on a $130,000 payment to Daniels from Trump's then-lawyer, Michael Cohen, in the final weeks of Trump’s 2016 campaign. Prosecutors say it was part of a scheme to illegally influence the campaign by burying negative stories about him.His lawyers have sought to show that Trump was trying to protect his reputation and family — not his campaign — by shielding them from embarrassing stories about his personal life.Daniels, whose real name is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/stephanie-clifford">Stephanie Clifford</a>, told jurors that she started exotic dancing in high school and appearing in adult films at age 23, eventually moving on to direct more than 150 films and winning a roster of porn industry awards.MEETING TRUMPDaniels testified she first met and chatted with Trump at a 2006 Lake Tahoe celebrity golf outing where her studio was a sponsor.He referred to her as “the smart one” and asked her if she wanted to go to dinner, she said. Daniels testified that she accepted Trump’s invitation because she wanted to avoid dinner with her co-workers and thought it might help her career. Trump had his bodyguard get her number, she said.When they met up later in his penthouse, she appreciated that he seemed interested in the business aspects of the industry rather than the “sexy stuff." He also suggested putting her on his TV show, “The Apprentice,” a possibility she hoped could help establish her as a writer and director.She left to use the bathroom and was startled to find Trump in his underwear when she returned, she said. She didn’t feel physically or verbally threatened but realized that he was “bigger and blocking the way,” she testified.“The next thing I know was: I was on the bed,” and they were having sex, Daniels recalled. The encounter was brief but left her “shaking,” she said. “I just wanted to leave,” she testified.PAYMENTS FOR SILENCEDaniels was asked if Trump ever told her to keep things between them confidential and said, “Absolutely not.” She said she learned in 2011 that a magazine had learned the story of their encounter and she agreed to do an interview for $15,000 to make money and “control the narrative.” The story never ran.In 2016, when Trump was running for president, Daniels said she authorized her manager to shop the story around but did not initially receive interest from news outlets. She said that changed in October with the release of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-access-hollywood-hush-money-new-york-2c52279a45ede2a111ff1fe447d2fdac">“Access Hollywood” tape</a>&nbsp;in which Trump bragged about grabbing women sexually without asking permission. She said she learned that Cohen wanted to buy her silence.MISTRIAL PUSHMidway through her testimony, Trump's lawyers moved for a mistrial.Defense lawyer Todd Blanche argued that Daniels' testimony about the alleged encounter and other meetings with him had “nothing to do with this case,” and would unfairly prejudice the jury.The judge rejected it, and he faulted defense attorneys for not raising more of their objections while she was testifying.Before Daniels took the stand, Trump’s lawyers had tried to stop her from testifying about the encounter's details, saying it was irrelevant in “a case about books and records.”Prosecutors countered that Daniels’ testimony gets at what Trump was trying to hide and they were “very mindful” not to draw too much graphic detail. Before Daniels took the stand, they told the judge the testimony would be “really basic,” and would not “involve any details of genitalia.”While the judge didn’t side with Trump’s lawyers, he acknowledged that some details were excessive. The objections could potentially be used by Trump’s lawyers if he is convicted and they file an appeal.CROSS-EXAMINATIONTrump's lawyers tried to attack Daniels' credibility, suggesting she was motivated by money and that her account has shifted over the years.“Am I correct that you hate President Trump?” Defense lawyer Susan Necheles asked Daniels at one point. Daniels acknowledged she did.“And you want him to go to jail?” the lawyer asked.“I want him to be held accountable,” Daniels said. Pressed again whether that meant going to jail, she said, “If he’s convicted.”The defense pressed Daniels on the fact that she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stormy-daniels-trump-defamation-lawsuit-0ee5623fc8965ad3d2fc77a7126d24c7">owes Trump hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees</a>&nbsp;stemming from an unsuccessful defamation lawsuit and on a 2022 tweet in which she said she “will go to jail before I pay a penny.” Daniels dug in at times in the face of pointed questions, forcefully denying the idea that she had tried to extort Trump.TRUMP IN COURTTrump whispered frequently to his attorney during Daniels’ testimony, and his expression seemed to be pained at one point as she recounted details about the dinner she says they shared. He shook his head and appeared to say something under his breath as Daniels testified that Trump told her he didn’t sleep in the same room as his wife.At one point, the judge told defense lawyers during a sidebar conversation — out of earshot of the jury and the public — that he could hear Trump “cursing audibly" and see him shaking his head, according to a transcript of the proceedings.“I am speaking to you here at the bench because I don’t want to embarrass him,” Judge Juan Merchan told Blanche, Trump's lawyer. Blanche assured the judge he would talk to his client.“You need to speak to him. I won’t tolerate that,” the judge said.On the way out of the courthouse, Trump called it “a very revealing day." He didn't address Daniels' testimony explicitly but claimed the prosecutors' case was “totally falling apart.”A JARRING SPLIT SCREENTrump’s appearance in court Tuesday, like all other days he’s stuck in the courtroom, means he can’t be out on the campaign trail as he runs for president a third time. It’s a frequent source of his complaints, but Daniels' testimony in particular might underscore how much of a distraction the trial is from the business of running for president.While Trump was stuck in a Manhattan courthouse away from voters and unable to speak for much of the day, his rival, Democratic President Joe Biden, was attending a Holocaust remembrance ceremony and condemning antisemitism.

Read transcript of Stormy Daniels testimony in historic Trump trial

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.&nbsp; –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.&nbsp; Just after 10p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;May 6, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Escape for allegedly littering on 150th near U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The passenger, Justin Joe Riis, 30, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715105382072.png" alt="Riis-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Riis-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.&nbsp; –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.&nbsp; Just after 10p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;May 6, a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Ford Escape for allegedly littering on 150th near U.S. Highway 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The passenger, Justin Joe Riis, 30, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Kan. man accused of littering jailed for meth possession

LONDON (AP) — The pharma giant AstraZeneca has requested that the European authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine be pulled, according to the EU medicines regulator.

In an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/vaxzevria-previously-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca" target="_blank">update</a>&nbsp;on the European Medicines Agency’s website Wednesday, the regulator said that the approval for AstraZeneca’s Vaxzevria had been withdrawn “at the request of the marketing authorization holder.”

AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine was first given the nod by the EMA in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eu-authorizes-astrazeneca-vaccine-adults-18b545dd51ea56f422ff28cdeb2dd08b">January 2021</a>. Within weeks, however, concerns grew about the vaccine’s safety, when dozens of countries suspended the vaccine’s use after unusual but rare blood clots were detected in a small number of immunized people. The EU regulator concluded AstraZeneca’s shot didn’t raise the overall risk of clots, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/astrazeneca-vaccine-reputation-missteps-01332124d4c18aba556a53b1a57bcc84">doubts remained.</a>

Partial results from its first major trial — which Britain used to authorize the vaccine — were clouded by a manufacturing mistake that researchers didn’t immediately acknowledge. Insufficient data about how well the vaccine protected older people led some countries to initially restrict its use to younger populations before reversing course.

Billions of doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were distributed to poorer countries through a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poorer-countries-coronavirus-vaccine-0980fa905b6e1ce2f14a149cd2c438cd">U.N.-coordinated program,</a>&nbsp;as it was cheaper and easier to produce and distribute. But studies later suggested that the pricier messenger RNA vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna provided better protection against COVID-19 and its many variants, and most countries switched to those shots.

The U.K.'s national coronavirus immunization program in 2021 heavily relied on AstraZeneca’s vaccine, which was largely developed by scientists at Oxford University with significant financial government support. But even Britain later resorted to buying the mRNA vaccines for its COVID booster vaccination programs and the AstraZeneca vaccine is now rarely used globally.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616409995625.png" alt="Photo courtesy AstraZeneca" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy AstraZeneca</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — The pharma giant AstraZeneca has requested that the European authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine be pulled, according to the EU medicines regulator.In an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/vaxzevria-previously-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca" target="_blank">update</a>&nbsp;on the European Medicines Agency’s website Wednesday, the regulator said that the approval for AstraZeneca’s Vaxzevria had been withdrawn “at the request of the marketing authorization holder.”AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine was first given the nod by the EMA in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eu-authorizes-astrazeneca-vaccine-adults-18b545dd51ea56f422ff28cdeb2dd08b">January 2021</a>. Within weeks, however, concerns grew about the vaccine’s safety, when dozens of countries suspended the vaccine’s use after unusual but rare blood clots were detected in a small number of immunized people. The EU regulator concluded AstraZeneca’s shot didn’t raise the overall risk of clots, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/astrazeneca-vaccine-reputation-missteps-01332124d4c18aba556a53b1a57bcc84">doubts remained.</a>Partial results from its first major trial — which Britain used to authorize the vaccine — were clouded by a manufacturing mistake that researchers didn’t immediately acknowledge. Insufficient data about how well the vaccine protected older people led some countries to initially restrict its use to younger populations before reversing course.Billions of doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were distributed to poorer countries through a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poorer-countries-coronavirus-vaccine-0980fa905b6e1ce2f14a149cd2c438cd">U.N.-coordinated program,</a>&nbsp;as it was cheaper and easier to produce and distribute. But studies later suggested that the pricier messenger RNA vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna provided better protection against COVID-19 and its many variants, and most countries switched to those shots.The U.K.'s national coronavirus immunization program in 2021 heavily relied on AstraZeneca’s vaccine, which was largely developed by scientists at Oxford University with significant financial government support. But even Britain later resorted to buying the mRNA vaccines for its COVID booster vaccination programs and the AstraZeneca vaccine is now rarely used globally.

AstraZeneca withdraws  COVID-19 vaccine from global market

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of State announced Tuesday a&nbsp;reward of up to $10,000,000&nbsp;for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction in any country of 31-year-old Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev for participating in, conspiring to participate in, or attempting to participate in LockBit ransomware activities, according to a media release.

Since January 2020, the LockBit ransomware variant has executed attacks against over 2,500 victims around the world, to include approximately 1,800 in the United States, issuing hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars in ransom demands and receiving at least as much as $150 million in actual ransom payments made in the form of digital currency.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, that prevents a user from accessing computer files, systems, or networks until a ransom is paid for their return.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ransomware incidents can cause costly disruptions to operations and the loss of critical information and data.

In addition, the U.S. Justice Department unsealed charges Tuesday against Khoroshev for his alleged role as the creator, developer, and administrator of the LockBit ransomware group from its inception in September 2019 through the present. At times, LockBit was the most prolific ransomware group in the world.

Khoroshev also known as LockBitSupp, LockBit, and putinkrab, Voronezh, Russia, is charged by a 26-count indictment returned by a grand jury in the District of New Jersey.

The indictment against Khoroshev unsealed Tuesday follows a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-and-uk-disrupt-lockbit-ransomware-variant">disruption</a>&nbsp;of LockBit ransomware in February by the U.K. National Crime Agency’s (NCA) Cyber Division, which worked in cooperation with the Justice Department, FBI, and other international law enforcement partners. As previously announced by the Department, authorities disrupted LockBit by seizing numerous public-facing websites used by LockBit to connect to the organization’s infrastructure and by seizing control of servers used by LockBit administrators, thereby disrupting the ability of LockBit actors to attack and encrypt networks and extort victims by threatening to publish stolen data. That disruption succeeded in greatly diminishing LockBit’s reputation and its ability to attack further victims, as alleged by the indictment unsealed today.

“Dmitry Khoroshev conceived, developed, and administered Lockbit, the most prolific ransomware variant and group in the world, enabling himself and his affiliates to wreak havoc and cause billions of dollars in damage to thousands of victims around the globe,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “He thought he could do so hidden by his notorious moniker ‘LockBitSupp,’ anonymous and free of any consequence, while he personally pocketed $100 million extorted from Lockbit’s victims. Through relentless investigation and coordination with our partners at the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, the FBI and abroad, we have proven him and his coconspirators wrong. Today’s indictment marks a significant milestone in the investigation and prosecution of LockBit, which has already led to charges against five other LockBit affiliates—two of whom are in custody awaiting trial—and a major disruption of the now discredited LockBit operation.”

In addition, as previously announced, law enforcement developed decryption capabilities that may enable hundreds of victims around the world to restore systems encrypted using the LockBit ransomware variant. Victims targeted by this malware are encouraged to contact the FBI at&nbsp;<a href="https://lockbitvictims.ic3.gov/" target="_blank">https://lockbitvictims.ic3.gov/</a>&nbsp;to enable law enforcement to determine whether affected systems can be successfully decrypted.

The FBI does not support the payment of a ransom in response to a ransomware attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;Paying ransom demands encourages more ransomware incidents and provides an incentive to become involved in this type of illegal activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are the victim of a ransomware incident, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://stopransomware.gov/">stopransomware.gov</a>.

Please direct information in response to the reward offer to the FBI via Signal at @FBISupp.01, via Telegram at @LockbitRewards, or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:fbisupp@fbi.gov">fbisupp@fbi.gov</a>.

ALL IDENTITIES ARE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715178127363.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of State announced Tuesday a&nbsp;reward of up to $10,000,000&nbsp;for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction in any country of 31-year-old Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev for participating in, conspiring to participate in, or attempting to participate in LockBit ransomware activities, according to a media release.Since January 2020, the LockBit ransomware variant has executed attacks against over 2,500 victims around the world, to include approximately 1,800 in the United States, issuing hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars in ransom demands and receiving at least as much as $150 million in actual ransom payments made in the form of digital currency.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, that prevents a user from accessing computer files, systems, or networks until a ransom is paid for their return.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ransomware incidents can cause costly disruptions to operations and the loss of critical information and data.In addition, the U.S. Justice Department unsealed charges Tuesday against Khoroshev for his alleged role as the creator, developer, and administrator of the LockBit ransomware group from its inception in September 2019 through the present. At times, LockBit was the most prolific ransomware group in the world.Khoroshev also known as LockBitSupp, LockBit, and putinkrab, Voronezh, Russia, is charged by a 26-count indictment returned by a grand jury in the District of New Jersey.The indictment against Khoroshev unsealed Tuesday follows a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-and-uk-disrupt-lockbit-ransomware-variant">disruption</a>&nbsp;of LockBit ransomware in February by the U.K. National Crime Agency’s (NCA) Cyber Division, which worked in cooperation with the Justice Department, FBI, and other international law enforcement partners. As previously announced by the Department, authorities disrupted LockBit by seizing numerous public-facing websites used by LockBit to connect to the organization’s infrastructure and by seizing control of servers used by LockBit administrators, thereby disrupting the ability of LockBit actors to attack and encrypt networks and extort victims by threatening to publish stolen data. That disruption succeeded in greatly diminishing LockBit’s reputation and its ability to attack further victims, as alleged by the indictment unsealed today.“Dmitry Khoroshev conceived, developed, and administered Lockbit, the most prolific ransomware variant and group in the world, enabling himself and his affiliates to wreak havoc and cause billions of dollars in damage to thousands of victims around the globe,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “He thought he could do so hidden by his notorious moniker ‘LockBitSupp,’ anonymous and free of any consequence, while he personally pocketed $100 million extorted from Lockbit’s victims. Through relentless investigation and coordination with our partners at the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, the FBI and abroad, we have proven him and his coconspirators wrong. Today’s indictment marks a significant milestone in the investigation and prosecution of LockBit, which has already led to charges against five other LockBit affiliates—two of whom are in custody awaiting trial—and a major disruption of the now discredited LockBit operation.”In addition, as previously announced, law enforcement developed decryption capabilities that may enable hundreds of victims around the world to restore systems encrypted using the LockBit ransomware variant. Victims targeted by this malware are encouraged to contact the FBI at&nbsp;<a href="https://lockbitvictims.ic3.gov/" target="_blank">https://lockbitvictims.ic3.gov/</a>&nbsp;to enable law enforcement to determine whether affected systems can be successfully decrypted.The FBI does not support the payment of a ransom in response to a ransomware attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;Paying ransom demands encourages more ransomware incidents and provides an incentive to become involved in this type of illegal activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you are the victim of a ransomware incident, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://stopransomware.gov/">stopransomware.gov</a>.Please direct information in response to the reward offer to the FBI via Signal at @FBISupp.01, via Telegram at @LockbitRewards, or by email at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:fbisupp@fbi.gov">fbisupp@fbi.gov</a>.ALL IDENTITIES ARE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

U.S. identifies senior leader of ransomware gang

COWLEY COUNTY —Winfield High School and Middle school were briefly locked down late Wednesday afternoon, according to a statement from USD 465.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Law enforcement authorities were on site and the dismissal was delayed. School busses were also going to run late. The students were in no direct danger and a "possible threat" was resolved, according to a statement just after 4p.m. from USD 465.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

COWLEY COUNTY —Winfield High School and Middle school were briefly locked down late Wednesday afternoon, according to a statement from USD 465.&nbsp;&nbsp;Law enforcement authorities were on site and the dismissal was delayed. School busses were also going to run late. The students were in no direct danger and a "possible threat" was resolved, according to a statement just after 4p.m. from USD 465.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Kan. high school, middle locked down due to possible threat

By TONY GUERRERO&nbsp;Hays Post

The Tiger Book Shop gives its final roar to the Hays community by selling its remaining inventory, a result of years of declining business.

For about 19 years, the local bookstore served Fort Hays State University students and faculty, providing course materials and tiger-themed apparel.

Jerome Conner, the store manager, has led the shop for 17 years and said the bookstore tried to adapt to the evolving landscape of school textbooks.

"A lot of the industry went to textbook rentals," Conner said. "We went along with that and gave cheaper options to students so they didn't have to pay as much upfront."

The store, 509 W. Seventh St., will close on May 15. It will host a "final liquidation" sale, during which customers can save 50 to 70% on clothing, merchandise, books and more.

The remaining textbooks on sale for $5 or less are older editions. Students may still find course materials that are beneficial for current classes.

After the store's closure, textbooks will no longer be purchasable through the bookshop website.

Conner said the decline in business was ongoing due to a shift in buying habits, further amplified during the pandemic.

"When COVID hit, everything went online with the campus," he said. "it made it more tricky to let students know we were here, and we never really bounced back since then."

The bookstore's student workforce decreased over time, reflecting a decline in business activity and long lines it once experienced.

Following the closure, Conner said students seeking books will need to turn to online resources or purchase from other students instead of relying on the local shop.

"We may be one of the last off-campus bookstores in the state of Kansas," he said.

FHSU operates an official&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsu.textbookx.com/institutional/index.php">online bookstore</a>&nbsp;that provides price matching, free shipping and digital books. Additionally, within the Memorial Union, the&nbsp;<a href="https://victoreapparelandgiftco.myresero.com/">Victor E. Apparel &amp; Gift Co.</a>&nbsp;offers similar apparel and school supplies.

The shop maintained strong ties with FHSU departments and organizations, allowing quick and easy textbook access.

"Thanks for the many years of supporting our business," Conner said.

The bookstore served more than a dozen generations of Tigers, but the building's roots date back as far as 40 years under different ownership.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tigerbookshop.com/default.asp?">Tiger Book Shop</a>&nbsp;is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The bookstore made its announcement in a Facebook&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1054574966118334&amp;set=a.278801510362354">Post</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715012152835.jpeg" alt="The Tiger Book Shop with a sign reading "going out of business" on its window. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>The Tiger Book Shop with a sign reading "going out of business" on its window. Photo By Tony Guerrero/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO&nbsp;Hays PostThe Tiger Book Shop gives its final roar to the Hays community by selling its remaining inventory, a result of years of declining business.For about 19 years, the local bookstore served Fort Hays State University students and faculty, providing course materials and tiger-themed apparel.Jerome Conner, the store manager, has led the shop for 17 years and said the bookstore tried to adapt to the evolving landscape of school textbooks."A lot of the industry went to textbook rentals," Conner said. "We went along with that and gave cheaper options to students so they didn't have to pay as much upfront."The store, 509 W. Seventh St., will close on May 15. It will host a "final liquidation" sale, during which customers can save 50 to 70% on clothing, merchandise, books and more.The remaining textbooks on sale for $5 or less are older editions. Students may still find course materials that are beneficial for current classes.After the store's closure, textbooks will no longer be purchasable through the bookshop website.Conner said the decline in business was ongoing due to a shift in buying habits, further amplified during the pandemic."When COVID hit, everything went online with the campus," he said. "it made it more tricky to let students know we were here, and we never really bounced back since then."The bookstore's student workforce decreased over time, reflecting a decline in business activity and long lines it once experienced.Following the closure, Conner said students seeking books will need to turn to online resources or purchase from other students instead of relying on the local shop."We may be one of the last off-campus bookstores in the state of Kansas," he said.FHSU operates an official&nbsp;<a href="https://fhsu.textbookx.com/institutional/index.php">online bookstore</a>&nbsp;that provides price matching, free shipping and digital books. Additionally, within the Memorial Union, the&nbsp;<a href="https://victoreapparelandgiftco.myresero.com/">Victor E. Apparel &amp; Gift Co.</a>&nbsp;offers similar apparel and school supplies.The shop maintained strong ties with FHSU departments and organizations, allowing quick and easy textbook access."Thanks for the many years of supporting our business," Conner said.The bookstore served more than a dozen generations of Tigers, but the building's roots date back as far as 40 years under different ownership.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tigerbookshop.com/default.asp?">Tiger Book Shop</a>&nbsp;is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.The bookstore made its announcement in a Facebook&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1054574966118334&amp;set=a.278801510362354">Post</a>.

Historic off-campus bookstore in Kansas set to close

WICHITA&nbsp;— Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday joined higher education leaders from the University of Kansas,&nbsp;Wichita State University and WSU Tech to break ground on the new $302 million Wichita Biomedical Campus., according to a media release from the governor's office.

“The Wichita Biomedical Campus will revolutionize health care education and put Wichita on the map as a hub for health care and innovative scientific research,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “The ripple effects of this campus include better health outcomes for everyday Kansans and, for the people in the region, access to superb health care in their own backyard.”

The new campus will become a central location for the WSU College of Health Professions and Speech Language Hearing Clinic, WSU Tech’s health care program, and the Wichita campuses of KU School of Medicine and KU School of Pharmacy. It will join a string of health care facilities in downtown Wichita, including the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ascension Via Christi, and the new COMCARE facility being constructed for the mental health services provider.

"As we celebrate the beginnings of the Wichita Biomedical Campus, we're celebrating the future of our city and our state,"&nbsp;said Wichita State University President Rick Muma. "This facility will truly revolutionize the way health care professionals learn, research, innovate, and care for patients, and it sets Wichita up to become a premier health care hub in the nation."

“When you think about the opportunities that this presents our students for the future, to be co-located with the people who they’ll be working with every single day, it really gives us a leg up,”&nbsp;said University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod.

The biomedical campus is expected to bring 3,000 students, 200 faculty and staff, and 1,600 related jobs to the city’s core with future growth opportunities.

“The Kansas Framework for Growth, our state’s economic development strategic plan, calls for targeted investments in community assets that can help deliver prosperity,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp; “The Wichita Biomedical Campus will propel our state forward as a leader in healthcare innovation and is a perfect example of how the Kelly-Toland Administration is committed to making Kansas the best state in the nation to live, work, and raise a family.”

“The Wichita Biomedical Campus is transforming downtown Wichita and creating incredible industry depth and diversification,”&nbsp;said Partnership President Jeff Fluhr. “Today marks a remarkable moment in our city’s history, and the Partnership is honored to support this critical investment in the future of our city, region, and state.”

Construction on the first phase of the campus is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715196108554.png" alt="Wichita Biomedical Campus rendering photo courtesy Wichita State University" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Biomedical Campus rendering photo courtesy Wichita State University</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA&nbsp;— Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday joined higher education leaders from the University of Kansas,&nbsp;Wichita State University and WSU Tech to break ground on the new $302 million Wichita Biomedical Campus., according to a media release from the governor's office.“The Wichita Biomedical Campus will revolutionize health care education and put Wichita on the map as a hub for health care and innovative scientific research,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “The ripple effects of this campus include better health outcomes for everyday Kansans and, for the people in the region, access to superb health care in their own backyard.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715196149369.png" alt="Governor Kelly at the groundbreaking." />
 <figcaption>Governor Kelly at the groundbreaking.</figcaption>
 </figure>The new campus will become a central location for the WSU College of Health Professions and Speech Language Hearing Clinic, WSU Tech’s health care program, and the Wichita campuses of KU School of Medicine and KU School of Pharmacy. It will join a string of health care facilities in downtown Wichita, including the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ascension Via Christi, and the new COMCARE facility being constructed for the mental health services provider."As we celebrate the beginnings of the Wichita Biomedical Campus, we're celebrating the future of our city and our state,"&nbsp;said Wichita State University President Rick Muma. "This facility will truly revolutionize the way health care professionals learn, research, innovate, and care for patients, and it sets Wichita up to become a premier health care hub in the nation."“When you think about the opportunities that this presents our students for the future, to be co-located with the people who they’ll be working with every single day, it really gives us a leg up,”&nbsp;said University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod.The biomedical campus is expected to bring 3,000 students, 200 faculty and staff, and 1,600 related jobs to the city’s core with future growth opportunities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715196062730.png" alt="Groundbreaking photo courtesy Wichita State University" />
 <figcaption>Groundbreaking photo courtesy Wichita State University</figcaption>
 </figure>“The Kansas Framework for Growth, our state’s economic development strategic plan, calls for targeted investments in community assets that can help deliver prosperity,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.&nbsp; “The Wichita Biomedical Campus will propel our state forward as a leader in healthcare innovation and is a perfect example of how the Kelly-Toland Administration is committed to making Kansas the best state in the nation to live, work, and raise a family.”“The Wichita Biomedical Campus is transforming downtown Wichita and creating incredible industry depth and diversification,”&nbsp;said Partnership President Jeff Fluhr. “Today marks a remarkable moment in our city’s history, and the Partnership is honored to support this critical investment in the future of our city, region, and state.”Construction on the first phase of the campus is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.&nbsp;

KU, Wichita State break ground on Wichita biomedical campus

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has announced he will sign legislation limiting Planned Parenthood’s ability to serve low-income patients at a ceremony in his Capitol office Thursday.&nbsp;

The new law, which will go into effect Aug. 28,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%202634">will end Medicaid reimbursements to any health centers affiliated with abortion providers.</a>&nbsp;In Missouri, the law would apply to Planned Parenthood.&nbsp;

“This is something Republicans have been working for years, since we captured the majority,” said state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican who sponsored a version of the legislation. She added: “It’s a huge victory. Missouri has a long history of being a pro-life state.”&nbsp;

Nearly every abortion, with exceptions for medical emergencies, has been illegal in Missouri since 2022. However, the state’s Planned Parenthood clinics have continued to operate, providing services such as contraceptive care, STI testing, cancer screenings and wellness checks.

Missouri Republicans have argued that no additional money should be going to Planned Parenthood, since Missouri’s locations are affiliated with clinics in Kansas and Illinois, where abortion is legal and where many Missourians travel for the procedure.

Democrats, Planned Parenthood and other health institutes have argued that the bill would cause the most harm to Missouri’s most vulnerable population, who may be forced to find a new provider. But the state’s public health safety net is already strained and will have a difficult time absorbing the thousands of displaced patients.&nbsp;

Two weeks ago, the Missouri House approved<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/24/bill-medicaid-reimbursements-planned-parenthood-governor/">&nbsp;the legislation, originally filed by Republican state Rep, Cody Smith</a>&nbsp;of Carthage, though it did so without approving an emergency clause which would have put the bill into effect immediately upon the governor’s signing.

Coleman’s version of the bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/08/missouri-abortion-legislation-defund-planned-parenthood-defund/">was blocked by a Democratic filibuster in February</a>. A second filibuster by Senate Democrats in April was abandoned after 11 hours when Republicans agreed to remove a provision that would have ended contracts with organizations founded by eugenicists.

Missouri Republicans have twice before tried to pass a similar restriction through the state budget, attempts that were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-supreme-court-again-says-state-cant-deny-medicaid-funds-to-planned-parenthood/">ruled unconstitutional by state courts.</a>

A similar restriction went into effect in Arkansas several years ago when the law was upheld by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis. At that time, Planned Parenthood clinics in Arkansas immediately stopped seeing Medicaid patients.&nbsp;

After the bill cleared the legislature, Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood of St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, which have clinics in Missouri, said in a statement that they will continue trying to serve all patients, “no matter what.”&nbsp;

As of March, Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri had been without Medicaid reimbursements for two years. At the time, Emily Wales, CEO and president of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said her organization offset the cost of care for Missouri Medicaid patients through private fundraising.&nbsp;

MO HealthNet, the state’s Medicaid program, serves low-income and disabled citizens and has long banned funding for abortion, with limited exceptions.&nbsp;

Planned Parenthood has said nearly one in five of their Missouri patients are on Medicaid.

The Missouri Family Health Council Inc. has been particularly vocal against the bill, saying it could harm thousands of patients.

The health care nonprofit found through informal surveying that across Missouri’s safety net clinics, wait times over the past two years averaged between five and seven weeks, with some clinics as few as two weeks and some pausing new patients completely. Meanwhile, wait times at the state’s Planned Parenthood clinics averaged between the same day and three days to get an appointment.&nbsp;

In 2022, across all 68 safety net clinics in the state that take Title X funding, around 24% of the clients were on Medicaid, said Michelle Trupiano, the council’s executive director.

The Independent’s Jason Hancock contributed.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665657445227.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/annaspoerre/">ANNA SPOERRE</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-senate-committee-advances-bill-to-ban-texting-while-driving/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has announced he will sign legislation limiting Planned Parenthood’s ability to serve low-income patients at a ceremony in his Capitol office Thursday.&nbsp;The new law, which will go into effect Aug. 28,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB%202634">will end Medicaid reimbursements to any health centers affiliated with abortion providers.</a>&nbsp;In Missouri, the law would apply to Planned Parenthood.&nbsp;“This is something Republicans have been working for years, since we captured the majority,” said state Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, an Arnold Republican who sponsored a version of the legislation. She added: “It’s a huge victory. Missouri has a long history of being a pro-life state.”&nbsp;Nearly every abortion, with exceptions for medical emergencies, has been illegal in Missouri since 2022. However, the state’s Planned Parenthood clinics have continued to operate, providing services such as contraceptive care, STI testing, cancer screenings and wellness checks.Missouri Republicans have argued that no additional money should be going to Planned Parenthood, since Missouri’s locations are affiliated with clinics in Kansas and Illinois, where abortion is legal and where many Missourians travel for the procedure.Democrats, Planned Parenthood and other health institutes have argued that the bill would cause the most harm to Missouri’s most vulnerable population, who may be forced to find a new provider. But the state’s public health safety net is already strained and will have a difficult time absorbing the thousands of displaced patients.&nbsp;Two weeks ago, the Missouri House approved<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/04/24/bill-medicaid-reimbursements-planned-parenthood-governor/">&nbsp;the legislation, originally filed by Republican state Rep, Cody Smith</a>&nbsp;of Carthage, though it did so without approving an emergency clause which would have put the bill into effect immediately upon the governor’s signing.Coleman’s version of the bill&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2024/02/08/missouri-abortion-legislation-defund-planned-parenthood-defund/">was blocked by a Democratic filibuster in February</a>. A second filibuster by Senate Democrats in April was abandoned after 11 hours when Republicans agreed to remove a provision that would have ended contracts with organizations founded by eugenicists.Missouri Republicans have twice before tried to pass a similar restriction through the state budget, attempts that were&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-supreme-court-again-says-state-cant-deny-medicaid-funds-to-planned-parenthood/">ruled unconstitutional by state courts.</a>A similar restriction went into effect in Arkansas several years ago when the law was upheld by the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis. At that time, Planned Parenthood clinics in Arkansas immediately stopped seeing Medicaid patients.&nbsp;After the bill cleared the legislature, Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood of St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, which have clinics in Missouri, said in a statement that they will continue trying to serve all patients, “no matter what.”&nbsp;As of March, Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri had been without Medicaid reimbursements for two years. At the time, Emily Wales, CEO and president of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said her organization offset the cost of care for Missouri Medicaid patients through private fundraising.&nbsp;MO HealthNet, the state’s Medicaid program, serves low-income and disabled citizens and has long banned funding for abortion, with limited exceptions.&nbsp;Planned Parenthood has said nearly one in five of their Missouri patients are on Medicaid.The Missouri Family Health Council Inc. has been particularly vocal against the bill, saying it could harm thousands of patients.The health care nonprofit found through informal surveying that across Missouri’s safety net clinics, wait times over the past two years averaged between five and seven weeks, with some clinics as few as two weeks and some pausing new patients completely. Meanwhile, wait times at the state’s Planned Parenthood clinics averaged between the same day and three days to get an appointment.&nbsp;In 2022, across all 68 safety net clinics in the state that take Title X funding, around 24% of the clients were on Medicaid, said Michelle Trupiano, the council’s executive director.The Independent’s Jason Hancock contributed.&nbsp;

Mo. governor to sign bill ending Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and have made an arrest.

Just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 1900 Block of North Hallock after a man walked into the emergency room at KU Medical Center and told staff he had just killed someone, according to a statement from KCK Police.

Officers arrived at the North Hallock address and found a woman inside the residence who was dead from a gunshot wound.

Police took the man at KU Medical Center into custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715181815635.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and have made an arrest.Just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the 1900 Block of North Hallock after a man walked into the emergency room at KU Medical Center and told staff he had just killed someone, according to a statement from KCK Police.Officers arrived at the North Hallock address and found a woman inside the residence who was dead from a gunshot wound.Police took the man at KU Medical Center into custody.

Man told KUMC ER staff he just killed someone

&nbsp;By BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

MANHATTAN - On Wednesday, Kansas State University announced the pledge of $1 million from ADM, a global leader in human and animal nutrition to&nbsp;Kansas State University’s Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation.

Kansas State University’s Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation includes one of four new or renovated facilities in the University's College of Agriculture's Agriculture Innovation Initiative.

K-State students will experience elevated academic experiences, find support in food product development, food safety and security, and continue sparking innovation within the industry with the help of this investment by ADM.

“I want to thank ADM for its investment in our Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation,” said Ernie Minton, Eldon Gideon Dean for the College of Agriculture and Director of K-State Research and Extension. “The College of Agriculture is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 higher education ag programs in the nation, and this donation will help ensure we remain at the top in educating students, leading in research and helping our partners feed a hungry world.” &nbsp;

Within the Global Center, thirty percent will be dedicated to on-site collaboration between private enterprises and public resources with state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms and interdisciplinary partner spaces.

“ADM is excited to support the development of the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation at Kansas State University. The facility will not only foster new collaborations across the university, but it will enhance the student experience by way of research, creativity and innovation,” said Tedd Kruse, president of ADM Milling. “ADM’s purpose is to unlock the power of nature to enrich the quality of life, and as a milling and baking solutions leader, we are proud to support K-State’s Agricultural Innovation Initiative to help deliver a pathway for highly trained students to lead the advancement of new technologies and change within the industry.”

The Agriculture Innovation Initiative also includes the&nbsp;Agronomy Research and Innovation Center, the Bilbrey Family Event Center, and Call and Weber halls.&nbsp;

The upgrades to the Global Center will support continued grain, food, animal and agronomy research at K-State.

“Our Agriculture Innovation Initiative marks a significant milestone for land-grant universities, especially in K-State’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and development,” said university President Richard Linton. “By fostering greater collaboration across departments and colleges, we’ll broaden the university’s research opportunities and outcomes while working alongside other organizations and private industry partners. This represents an exciting new chapter for K-State, solidifying its position as the next-generation university in education, research and industry.”

A groundbreaking ceremony for the facility is scheduled for May 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715177468466.jpeg" alt="Rendering from K-State" />
 <figcaption>Rendering from K-State</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostMANHATTAN - On Wednesday, Kansas State University announced the pledge of $1 million from ADM, a global leader in human and animal nutrition to&nbsp;Kansas State University’s Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation.Kansas State University’s Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation includes one of four new or renovated facilities in the University's College of Agriculture's Agriculture Innovation Initiative.K-State students will experience elevated academic experiences, find support in food product development, food safety and security, and continue sparking innovation within the industry with the help of this investment by ADM.“I want to thank ADM for its investment in our Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation,” said Ernie Minton, Eldon Gideon Dean for the College of Agriculture and Director of K-State Research and Extension. “The College of Agriculture is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 higher education ag programs in the nation, and this donation will help ensure we remain at the top in educating students, leading in research and helping our partners feed a hungry world.” &nbsp;Within the Global Center, thirty percent will be dedicated to on-site collaboration between private enterprises and public resources with state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms and interdisciplinary partner spaces.“ADM is excited to support the development of the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation at Kansas State University. The facility will not only foster new collaborations across the university, but it will enhance the student experience by way of research, creativity and innovation,” said Tedd Kruse, president of ADM Milling. “ADM’s purpose is to unlock the power of nature to enrich the quality of life, and as a milling and baking solutions leader, we are proud to support K-State’s Agricultural Innovation Initiative to help deliver a pathway for highly trained students to lead the advancement of new technologies and change within the industry.”The Agriculture Innovation Initiative also includes the&nbsp;Agronomy Research and Innovation Center, the Bilbrey Family Event Center, and Call and Weber halls.&nbsp;The upgrades to the Global Center will support continued grain, food, animal and agronomy research at K-State.“Our Agriculture Innovation Initiative marks a significant milestone for land-grant universities, especially in K-State’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and development,” said university President Richard Linton. “By fostering greater collaboration across departments and colleges, we’ll broaden the university’s research opportunities and outcomes while working alongside other organizations and private industry partners. This represents an exciting new chapter for K-State, solidifying its position as the next-generation university in education, research and industry.”A groundbreaking ceremony for the facility is scheduled for May 17.

 ADM makes $1 million donation for K-State's Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas jail deputy is accused in connection with violent mistreatment of an inmate.

On April 22, an inmate was banging on the doors of his cell and yelling for an extended period, according to a media release from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office. The inmate was told to stop at least twice but continued and started banging on other objects located in the booking cell.

A team of deputies went to the cell to put the inmate in a more secure cell and to prevent damage to the cell.

Once deputies entered the cell, the inmate sat down on a bench and placed his hands toward his chest in a passive-resistant manner when detention deputy identified as 19-year-old Kymbal Britt punched the inmate six to eight times in the head and body.

Other deputies intervened and placed the inmate into handcuffs. No injuries were observed or reported.

The sheriff's office conducted a criminal investigation into the incident and presented the facts to the district attorney’s office Monday. The district attorney charged Britt with one count of misdemeanor battery. 

Britt was fired on April 22. He had worked for the sheriff's office since April of 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas jail deputy is accused in connection with violent mistreatment of an inmate.On April 22, an inmate was banging on the doors of his cell and yelling for an extended period, according to a media release from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office. The inmate was told to stop at least twice but continued and started banging on other objects located in the booking cell.A team of deputies went to the cell to put the inmate in a more secure cell and to prevent damage to the cell.Once deputies entered the cell, the inmate sat down on a bench and placed his hands toward his chest in a passive-resistant manner when detention deputy identified as 19-year-old Kymbal Britt punched the inmate six to eight times in the head and body.Other deputies intervened and placed the inmate into handcuffs. No injuries were observed or reported.The sheriff's office conducted a criminal investigation into the incident and presented the facts to the district attorney’s office Monday. The district attorney charged Britt with one count of misdemeanor battery. Britt was fired on April 22. He had worked for the sheriff's office since April of 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kansas jail deputy fired after allegedly punching an inmate

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. paused a shipment of bombs to Israel last week over concerns that Israel was approaching a decision on launching a full-scale assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah against the wishes of the U.S., a senior administration official said Tuesday.&nbsp; On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, " catering to his pro-terrorist, pro-Hamas faction of his party, Joe Biden is blocking aid to Israel. We are demanding answers.

The shipment was supposed to consist of 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, according to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter, with the focus of U.S. concern being the larger explosives and how they could be used in a dense urban setting. More than 1 million civilians are sheltering in Rafah after evacuating other parts of Gaza amid Israel's war on Hamas, which came after the militant group's deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

President Joe Biden's administration in April began reviewing future transfers of military assistance to Israel as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government appeared to move closer toward an invasion of Rafah, despite months of opposition from the White House. The official said the decision to pause the shipment was made last week and no final decision had been made yet on whether to proceed with the shipment at a later date.

The State Department is separately considering whether to approve the continued transfer of Joint Direct Attack Munition kits, which place precision guidance systems onto bombs, to Israel, but the review didn't pertain to imminent shipments.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. paused a shipment of bombs to Israel last week over concerns that Israel was approaching a decision on launching a full-scale assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah against the wishes of the U.S., a senior administration official said Tuesday.&nbsp; On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, " catering to his pro-terrorist, pro-Hamas faction of his party, Joe Biden is blocking aid to Israel. We are demanding answers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715134220290.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The shipment was supposed to consist of 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, according to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter, with the focus of U.S. concern being the larger explosives and how they could be used in a dense urban setting. More than 1 million civilians are sheltering in Rafah after evacuating other parts of Gaza amid Israel's war on Hamas, which came after the militant group's deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7.President Joe Biden's administration in April began reviewing future transfers of military assistance to Israel as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government appeared to move closer toward an invasion of Rafah, despite months of opposition from the White House. The official said the decision to pause the shipment was made last week and no final decision had been made yet on whether to proceed with the shipment at a later date.The State Department is separately considering whether to approve the continued transfer of Joint Direct Attack Munition kits, which place precision guidance systems onto bombs, to Israel, but the review didn't pertain to imminent shipments.

Kan. Senator wants answers after U.S. paused bomb shipment to Israel

KANSAS CITY —One person is dead and two others hospitalized after a shooting at a home in Kansas City.

Just after 7:30p.m.Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a a shooting at a home in the 11700 block of Corrington Avenue in Kansas City, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Officers located several individuals who summoned officers to a nearby residence. As officers approached the home, a woman was observed just outside the residence, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and unresponsive.&nbsp; Medical aid was rendered until EMS responded and transported her to an area hospital where she was listed in critical condition, according to Gonzalez.

Officers were then notified of an additional victim inside of the home that had been struck by gunfire. First responders located the man suffering from apparent gunshot trauma and unresponsive. Responding officers rendered medical aid until EMS arrived and pronounced the him deceased on scene.

An additional teenage male victim arrived at an area hospital a short time later believed to be involved in this incident. He was listed in critical condition.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are unknown at this time. Detectives are actively working on identifying a person of interest and police do not currently have anyone in custody.&nbsp;Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to gather evidence and collect witness statements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715167763674.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation-photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation-photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —One person is dead and two others hospitalized after a shooting at a home in Kansas City.Just after 7:30p.m.Tuesday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a a shooting at a home in the 11700 block of Corrington Avenue in Kansas City, according to&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Officers located several individuals who summoned officers to a nearby residence. As officers approached the home, a woman was observed just outside the residence, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and unresponsive.&nbsp; Medical aid was rendered until EMS responded and transported her to an area hospital where she was listed in critical condition, according to Gonzalez.Officers were then notified of an additional victim inside of the home that had been struck by gunfire. First responders located the man suffering from apparent gunshot trauma and unresponsive. Responding officers rendered medical aid until EMS arrived and pronounced the him deceased on scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715167851598.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>An additional teenage male victim arrived at an area hospital a short time later believed to be involved in this incident. He was listed in critical condition.The circumstances surrounding the incident are unknown at this time. Detectives are actively working on identifying a person of interest and police do not currently have anyone in custody.&nbsp;Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to gather evidence and collect witness statements.

KC triple shooting: Man dead, woman and teen critically injured

KANSAS CITY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred just before 9:30p.m. Friday in Kansas City have identified the victim as 46-year-old Kita Bee, who was named Marcus Elbert at birth, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

A silver Chevy Silverado was westbound on Independence Avenue at Indiana Avenue. The pickup struck Bee in the #1 lane and fled the scene, with a witness following the vehicle to another location. 

The Chevy driver returned to the scene of the crash. There is also evidence a second vehicle may have also struck the pedestrian and that vehicle fled the scene, in an unknown direction.

Detectives have located the second vehicle and identified the driver. They are not looking for anyone additional in regard to this investigation.

KANSAS CITY — Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred just before 9:30p.m. Friday in Kansas City have identified the victim as 46-year-old Kita Bee, who was named Marcus Elbert at birth, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.A silver Chevy Silverado was westbound on Independence Avenue at Indiana Avenue. The pickup struck Bee in the #1 lane and fled the scene, with a witness following the vehicle to another location. The Chevy driver returned to the scene of the crash. There is also evidence a second vehicle may have also struck the pedestrian and that vehicle fled the scene, in an unknown direction.Detectives have located the second vehicle and identified the driver. They are not looking for anyone additional in regard to this investigation.

Hit-and-run: KCPD locates 2nd vehicle that struck pedestrian

WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has finished construction of a temporary pier and causeway that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-aid-gaza-us-port-pier-d4d9ea94550aed2d24a258dfd98d866e">will be used to deliver aid to Gaza</a>&nbsp;through a maritime system, but plans to move it into place on the shore are on hold due to weather and other logistics.

Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokeswoman, told reporters on Tuesday that U.S. military ships and the assembled pier are at Israel’s Ashdod port. High winds and sea swells are making it too dangerous for the U.S. military to install the pier at the Gaza beach.

Singh says the U.S. hopes to install the pier and causeway later this week, if the weather permits.

Meanwhile, humanitarian aid is being loaded onto a large container ship, the Sagamore, in Cyprus, for eventual delivery to Gaza, Singh said.

The U.S. hopes the pier can be used to bring more humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the U.N. says there is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-famine-world-food-program-israel-hamas-war-476941bf2dc259f85a706408b2a665ff">a full-blown famine</a>&nbsp;in the north.

Meanwhile, a&nbsp;White House spokesman on Tuesday expressed guarded optimism that Israel and Hamas “should be able to close the remaining gaps” to complete an agreement that would lead to release of hostages and pave the way for an extended truce in the seven-month war in Gaza.

“It’s based on our understanding of where the text is right now,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said of the administration’s optimism. “Again, Hamas responded yesterday and there were amendments offered. Again, that’s the task of negotiating. That’s what negotiations are all about. It’s our understanding from looking at the text that we feel it suggests that we should be able to close these gaps.”

Talks are to continue on Tuesday in Cairo. Kirby declined to put a timeline on when Americans officials believe a deal can be sealed.

“Everybody’s coming. Qatar is coming. The Israelis are coming. Obviously, the Egyptians will be there of course, and Bill Burns will be there,” Kirby said. “That’s not insignificant. Everybody is coming to the table.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1714471004272.png" alt="File Photos U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>File Photos U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has finished construction of a temporary pier and causeway that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-aid-gaza-us-port-pier-d4d9ea94550aed2d24a258dfd98d866e">will be used to deliver aid to Gaza</a>&nbsp;through a maritime system, but plans to move it into place on the shore are on hold due to weather and other logistics.Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokeswoman, told reporters on Tuesday that U.S. military ships and the assembled pier are at Israel’s Ashdod port. High winds and sea swells are making it too dangerous for the U.S. military to install the pier at the Gaza beach.Singh says the U.S. hopes to install the pier and causeway later this week, if the weather permits.Meanwhile, humanitarian aid is being loaded onto a large container ship, the Sagamore, in Cyprus, for eventual delivery to Gaza, Singh said.The U.S. hopes the pier can be used to bring more humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the U.N. says there is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaza-famine-world-food-program-israel-hamas-war-476941bf2dc259f85a706408b2a665ff">a full-blown famine</a>&nbsp;in the north.Meanwhile, a&nbsp;White House spokesman on Tuesday expressed guarded optimism that Israel and Hamas “should be able to close the remaining gaps” to complete an agreement that would lead to release of hostages and pave the way for an extended truce in the seven-month war in Gaza.“It’s based on our understanding of where the text is right now,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said of the administration’s optimism. “Again, Hamas responded yesterday and there were amendments offered. Again, that’s the task of negotiating. That’s what negotiations are all about. It’s our understanding from looking at the text that we feel it suggests that we should be able to close these gaps.”Talks are to continue on Tuesday in Cairo. Kirby declined to put a timeline on when Americans officials believe a deal can be sealed.“Everybody’s coming. Qatar is coming. The Israelis are coming. Obviously, the Egyptians will be there of course, and Bill Burns will be there,” Kirby said. “That’s not insignificant. Everybody is coming to the table.”

US military finishes Gaza pier, plans to move it into place on hold

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide at at Kansas home have identified the victim as 46-year-old Kenton Williams.

Just after 10:30a.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the 2400 block of Alden. Street, according to a media release.

First responders discovered Williams with apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene.&nbsp; Detectives detained one person. 

This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.&nbsp; The is the ninth homicide of the year in Kansas City, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1714911509914.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide at at Kansas home have identified the victim as 46-year-old Kenton Williams.Just after 10:30a.m. Saturday, police&nbsp;were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the 2400 block of Alden. Street, according to a media release.First responders discovered Williams with apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene.&nbsp; Detectives detained one person. This incident remains under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit.&nbsp; The is the ninth homicide of the year in Kansas City, Kansas.

Homicide: Police ID victim who died in shooting at Kansas home

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A tornado destroyed homes, forced the evacuation of a nursing home and toppled trees and power lines when it roared through a small Oklahoma town, one of several twisters that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-severe-weather-tornado-oklahoma-kansas-045c7c09fd7f3c630f071645603a57cb">erupted in the central United States</a>&nbsp;amid a series of powerful storms that stretched into Tuesday. At least one death was reported.

The tornado ripped through the 1,000-person town of Barnsdall, about a 40-minute drive north of Tulsa, on Monday night. Investigators with the National Weather service reported they found "low end EF4 damage." An <a href="https://www.weather.gov/tae/ef_scale">EF4 tornado generates winds speeds 166-200 mph.</a>

It was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/storms-severe-weather-texas-oklahoma-69888f6a0a53659a26dc286905de9566">the second tornado to hit</a>&nbsp;the town in five weeks — a twister on April 1 with maximum wind speeds of 90 to 100 mph damaged homes and blew down trees and power poles in Barnsdall.

The National Weather Service’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/240506_rpts.html">Storm Prediction Center</a>&nbsp;cited 17 reports of tornadoes from Monday evening through early Tuesday in the central part of the United States. Eight of the twisters were in Oklahoma, two each in Kansas, South Dakota and Iowa, and one each in Nebraska, Missouri and Tennessee. The powerful storms come amid a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bizarre-weather-climate-heat-flood-extreme-e13a4a5f2c4de870269b36d5de570aa5">wild swing in severe weather</a>&nbsp;across the globe that includes some of the worst-ever flooding in Brazil and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/weather-schools-heatstroke-students-heat-wave-asia-90fefbcae1e9a1de6faf108aa90cc076">brutal Asian heat wave</a>.

At least least 30 to 40 homes in the Barnsdall area were damaged Monday night, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported, and a nursing home said it evacuated residents because a gas leak could not be turned off due to storm damage.

One person died in the town and at least one is missing, Barnsdall Mayor Johnny Kelley said.

“There are several homes destroyed, completely leveled,” he said. “The toughest thing on me as the mayor is this is a small community. I know 75 to 80% of the people in this town.”

First responders rescued about 25 people, including children, from heavily damaged homes where buildings had collapsed on or around them, Kelley said. About a half dozen people suffered injuries, including a firefighter who was taken to a hospital with chest pains, he said.

Authorities launched a secondary search Tuesday morning to find one person who was still missing, Kelley said. A second missing person was found safe, but injured, at a local hospital, he said.

The Barnsdall Nursing Home posted online that all residents were accounted for with no injuries. They were being taken to other facilities. It asked families to bear with them “as it is chaos in town ... Please pray for us.”

Aerial videos from Barnsdall showed several well-built homes reduced to piles of rubble and others with roofs torn off and damaged walls still standing. The powerful twister tossed vehicles, downed power lines and stripped limbs and bark from trees across the town. A 160-acre wax manufacturing facility in the community also sustained heavy damage, Kelley said.

Damage also was reported in Bartlesville, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast.

“We did take a direct hit from a tornado" in the city, said Kary Fox of the Washington County Emergency Management.

At the Hampton Inn in Bartlesville, several splintered 2x4s were driven into the south side of the building. Chunks of insulation, twisted metal and other debris was scattered over the hotel’s lawn, and vehicles in the parking lot were heavily damaged with smashed-out windows.

Matthew Macedo, 30, who was staying at the hotel, said he rushed with his coworker to the hotel lobby after hearing the tornado sirens and was then ushered into the hotel laundry room to wait out the storm.

“We lost power. ... That’s kind of the first indicator that things were real,” he said. “When the impact occurred, it was incredibly sudden.”

As soon as they knew they were in the clear, Macedo left the room to find glass and roofing debris littered across the floors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715119879691.png" alt="Tornado damage image by Brenna Rose courtesy KTUL TV" />
 <figcaption>Tornado damage image by Brenna Rose courtesy KTUL TV</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A tornado destroyed homes, forced the evacuation of a nursing home and toppled trees and power lines when it roared through a small Oklahoma town, one of several twisters that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-states-severe-weather-tornado-oklahoma-kansas-045c7c09fd7f3c630f071645603a57cb">erupted in the central United States</a>&nbsp;amid a series of powerful storms that stretched into Tuesday. At least one death was reported.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">[4:12 pm - 5/7/24] Our survey team looking at the damage from last night&#39;s Barnsdall tornado have found low end EF4 damage. They continue to survey damage along the track so this rating remains preliminary. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/okwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#okwx</a>&mdash; NWS Tulsa (@NWStulsa) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWStulsa/status/1787953782485381377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The tornado ripped through the 1,000-person town of Barnsdall, about a 40-minute drive north of Tulsa, on Monday night. Investigators with the National Weather service reported they found "low end EF4 damage." An <a href="https://www.weather.gov/tae/ef_scale">EF4 tornado generates winds speeds 166-200 mph.</a>It was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/storms-severe-weather-texas-oklahoma-69888f6a0a53659a26dc286905de9566">the second tornado to hit</a>&nbsp;the town in five weeks — a twister on April 1 with maximum wind speeds of 90 to 100 mph damaged homes and blew down trees and power poles in Barnsdall.The National Weather Service’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/240506_rpts.html">Storm Prediction Center</a>&nbsp;cited 17 reports of tornadoes from Monday evening through early Tuesday in the central part of the United States. Eight of the twisters were in Oklahoma, two each in Kansas, South Dakota and Iowa, and one each in Nebraska, Missouri and Tennessee. The powerful storms come amid a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bizarre-weather-climate-heat-flood-extreme-e13a4a5f2c4de870269b36d5de570aa5">wild swing in severe weather</a>&nbsp;across the globe that includes some of the worst-ever flooding in Brazil and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/weather-schools-heatstroke-students-heat-wave-asia-90fefbcae1e9a1de6faf108aa90cc076">brutal Asian heat wave</a>.At least least 30 to 40 homes in the Barnsdall area were damaged Monday night, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported, and a nursing home said it evacuated residents because a gas leak could not be turned off due to storm damage.One person died in the town and at least one is missing, Barnsdall Mayor Johnny Kelley said.“There are several homes destroyed, completely leveled,” he said. “The toughest thing on me as the mayor is this is a small community. I know 75 to 80% of the people in this town.”First responders rescued about 25 people, including children, from heavily damaged homes where buildings had collapsed on or around them, Kelley said. About a half dozen people suffered injuries, including a firefighter who was taken to a hospital with chest pains, he said.Authorities launched a secondary search Tuesday morning to find one person who was still missing, Kelley said. A second missing person was found safe, but injured, at a local hospital, he said.The Barnsdall Nursing Home posted online that all residents were accounted for with no injuries. They were being taken to other facilities. It asked families to bear with them “as it is chaos in town ... Please pray for us.”Aerial videos from Barnsdall showed several well-built homes reduced to piles of rubble and others with roofs torn off and damaged walls still standing. The powerful twister tossed vehicles, downed power lines and stripped limbs and bark from trees across the town. A 160-acre wax manufacturing facility in the community also sustained heavy damage, Kelley said.Damage also was reported in Bartlesville, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast.“We did take a direct hit from a tornado" in the city, said Kary Fox of the Washington County Emergency Management.At the Hampton Inn in Bartlesville, several splintered 2x4s were driven into the south side of the building. Chunks of insulation, twisted metal and other debris was scattered over the hotel’s lawn, and vehicles in the parking lot were heavily damaged with smashed-out windows.Matthew Macedo, 30, who was staying at the hotel, said he rushed with his coworker to the hotel lobby after hearing the tornado sirens and was then ushered into the hotel laundry room to wait out the storm.“We lost power. ... That’s kind of the first indicator that things were real,” he said. “When the impact occurred, it was incredibly sudden.”As soon as they knew they were in the clear, Macedo left the room to find glass and roofing debris littered across the floors.“An AC unit went through the first floor on the southern side of the hotel,” he said.The main threat was shifting east Tuesday, said Roger Edwards, lead forecaster with the Storm Prediction Center, though it is not as intense a threat as on Monday.The center warned of an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms across the Ohio Valley on Tuesday with a possibility of a few, potentially strong, tornadoes, hail and severe, damaging winds.The storms began earlier Monday with gusty winds and rain. But after dark, tornadoes were spotted skirting northern Oklahoma. At one point in the evening, a storm in the small town of Covington had “produced tornadoes off and on for over an hour,” the National Weather Service said. Throughout the area, wind farm turbines spun rapidly in the wind and blinding rain.The weather service in Tulsa had warned Monday evening that “a large and life-threatening tornado” was headed toward Barnsdall, with wind gusts up to 70 mph (112 kph).The storms tore through Oklahoma as areas, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornadoes-storms-oklahoma-damage-3106c502a148f7ea969809cbd3b2d6ba">Sulphur</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornadoes-oklahoma-sulphur-5fa3a64e552ab91e8d76dabe21f70fd6">Holdenville</a>, were still recovering from a tornado that killed four and left thousands without power late last month. Both the Plains and Midwest have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tornado-nebraska-midwest-iowa-missouri-kansas-491cd033f91eb27f4139bf5582e57903">hammered by tornadoes this spring</a>.Oklahoma and Kansas had been under a high-risk weather warning Monday. The last time such a warning was issued was March 31, 2023, when a massive&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-storms-tornadoes-midwest-south-4d35ce15af18e6cd50fda3aeb7a57176">storm system tore through parts of the South and Midwest</a>&nbsp;including Arkansas, Illinois and rural Indiana.The entire week is looking stormy across the U.S. The eastern U.S. and the South are expected to get the brunt of the bad weather through the rest of the week, including in Indianapolis, Memphis, Nashville, St. Louis and Cincinnati, cities where more than 21 million people live. It should be clear over the weekend.