NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. flu season is underway, with at least seven states reporting high levels of illnesses and cases rising in other parts of the country, health officials say.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">new flu data</a>&nbsp;on Friday, showing very high activity last week in Louisiana, and high activity in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico and South Carolina. It was also high in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, the U.S. territory where health officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/puerto-rico-flu-epidemic-0a9dda2ac3b407486d44412f6cbc62e0">declared</a>&nbsp;an influenza epidemic earlier this month.

“We’re off to the races,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert

Traditionally, the winter flu season ramps up in December or January. But it took off in October last year, and is making a November entrance this year.

Flu activity was moderate but rising in New York City, Arkansas, California, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. And while flu activity has been high in Alaska for weeks, the state did not report data last week, so it wasn't part of the latest count.

Tracking during flu season relies in part on reports of people with flu-like symptoms who go to doctor's offices or hospitals; many people with the flu are not tested, so their infections aren’t lab-confirmed. COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses can sometimes muddy the picture.

Alicia Budd, who leads the CDC’s flu surveillance team, said several indicators are showing “continued increases” in flu.

There are different kinds of flu viruses, and the version that's been spreading the most so far this year usually leads to a lesser amount of hospitalizations and deaths in the elderly — the group on whom flu tends to take the largest toll.

So far this fall, the CDC estimates at least 780,000 flu illnesses, at least 8,000 hospitalizations and at least 490 flu-related deaths — including at least one child.

Budd said that it’s not yet clear exactly how effective the current flu vaccines are, but the shots are well-matched to the flu strains that are showing up. In the U.S., about 35% of U.S. adults and 33% of children have been vaccinated against flu, current CDC data indicates. That's down compared to last year in both categories.

Flu vaccination rates are better than rates for the other two main respiratory viruses — COVID-19 and RSV. About 14% of adults and 5% of children have gotten the currently recommended COVID-19 shot, and about 13.5% of adults 60 and older have gotten one of the RSV shots that became available earlier this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700243960153.png" alt="CDC map for November 17" />
 <figcaption>CDC map for November 17</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. flu season is underway, with at least seven states reporting high levels of illnesses and cases rising in other parts of the country, health officials say.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">new flu data</a>&nbsp;on Friday, showing very high activity last week in Louisiana, and high activity in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico and South Carolina. It was also high in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, the U.S. territory where health officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/puerto-rico-flu-epidemic-0a9dda2ac3b407486d44412f6cbc62e0">declared</a>&nbsp;an influenza epidemic earlier this month.“We’re off to the races,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expertTraditionally, the winter flu season ramps up in December or January. But it took off in October last year, and is making a November entrance this year.Flu activity was moderate but rising in New York City, Arkansas, California, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. And while flu activity has been high in Alaska for weeks, the state did not report data last week, so it wasn't part of the latest count.Tracking during flu season relies in part on reports of people with flu-like symptoms who go to doctor's offices or hospitals; many people with the flu are not tested, so their infections aren’t lab-confirmed. COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses can sometimes muddy the picture.Alicia Budd, who leads the CDC’s flu surveillance team, said several indicators are showing “continued increases” in flu.There are different kinds of flu viruses, and the version that's been spreading the most so far this year usually leads to a lesser amount of hospitalizations and deaths in the elderly — the group on whom flu tends to take the largest toll.So far this fall, the CDC estimates at least 780,000 flu illnesses, at least 8,000 hospitalizations and at least 490 flu-related deaths — including at least one child.Budd said that it’s not yet clear exactly how effective the current flu vaccines are, but the shots are well-matched to the flu strains that are showing up. In the U.S., about 35% of U.S. adults and 33% of children have been vaccinated against flu, current CDC data indicates. That's down compared to last year in both categories.Flu vaccination rates are better than rates for the other two main respiratory viruses — COVID-19 and RSV. About 14% of adults and 5% of children have gotten the currently recommended COVID-19 shot, and about 13.5% of adults 60 and older have gotten one of the RSV shots that became available earlier this year.

The flu is soaring in 7 states and rising in others

A Girard school district policy banning long hair for boys is harmful and unlawful, ACLU letter says

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

TOPEKA — Officials at R.V. Haderlein Elementary in Girard forced an 8-year-old Native American boy to cut his hair, despite objections that he grew it out to connect with his cultural heritage.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas warned the district in a letter Friday that the school policy is both a violation of religious freedom and one that promotes “rigid gender norms.”

“The present-day harms of school policies that restrict Native American boys from wearing long hair must be understood in the historical context of multifaceted efforts to separate Native American children from their families and tribes and to deny them their rights of cultural and religious expression,”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aclukansas.org/en/girard-usd-248-re-hair-length-policy">the ACLU letter reads</a>. “Haderlein’s policy impacts Native American students disproportionately and perpetuates a legacy of cultural, psychological, and spiritual trauma and discrimination.”

R.V. Haderlein Elementary has a dress code policy mandating that boys wear their hair short, with “hair not to touch the collar of a crew neck t-shirt … or extend below the earlobes.” Female students aren’t subjected to the same mandate.

The 8-year-old boy, a member of the Wyandotte Nation, started growing his hair out after he attended the Nation’s annual gathering and saw the cultural tradition of men wearing their hair long. A common Wyandotte Nation spiritual and religious practice is for men to grow their hair out, only cutting it when in mourning.

In August, school officials warned the 8-year-old’s family that his hair needed to be cut to comply with the dress code, according to the ACLU letter. For his protection, the family has chosen not to be identified publicly.

In early September, his mother asked for an exemption to the policy because of his heritage and religious practices but was told this wasn’t allowed. On Friday, Sept. 22, Joni Benso, assistant principal at the school, sent an email to his mother. Benso said she had noted “concerns about the policy,” but told the mother she needed to cut his hair over the weekend or he would be sent home, according to the ACLU’s letter.&nbsp;

After several attempts to contact the district’s superintendent, the child’s mother cut his hair that weekend under the belief he would be sent home from school every day and potentially suspended, according to the ACLU’s account of events.&nbsp;

The superintendent, Todd Ferguson, said he could not comment on the case. Ferguson said the district would review the dress code policy during a December board meeting.

“Nothing matters more than creating a safe, respectful and caring school for every student,” Ferguson said. “I am unable to comment on individual students, families or employees, due to confidentiality laws. I can share that the USD 248 Board of Education is planning to review and consider updates to the dress code policy when they meet.”

The ACLU is now urging the school to accommodate the child and allow for an exemption to the policy, arguing the policy violates the Kansas Preservation of Religious Freedom Act, the U.S. Constitution, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Officials also advise the school to rescind the policy altogether and allow all boys to grow their hair out.

“The school’s discriminatory sex-based hair policy sends a damaging message to boys that they cannot be feminine in any way, and this message harms all students by promoting rigid views of gender norms and roles,” the ACLU letter reads.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700317850422.png" alt="The ACLU of Kansas on Friday sent a letter to Girard school officials warning them that their sex-based hair policy is unlawful. School officials forced an 8-year-old Native American boy to cut his hair in conflict with his religious practices. (Kansas Reflector illustration)" />
 <figcaption>The ACLU of Kansas on Friday sent a letter to Girard school officials warning them that their sex-based hair policy is unlawful. School officials forced an 8-year-old Native American boy to cut his hair in conflict with his religious practices. (Kansas Reflector illustration)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>A Girard school district policy banning long hair for boys is harmful and unlawful, ACLU letter says</h2>By&nbsp;RACHEL MIPRO&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Officials at R.V. Haderlein Elementary in Girard forced an 8-year-old Native American boy to cut his hair, despite objections that he grew it out to connect with his cultural heritage.The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas warned the district in a letter Friday that the school policy is both a violation of religious freedom and one that promotes “rigid gender norms.”“The present-day harms of school policies that restrict Native American boys from wearing long hair must be understood in the historical context of multifaceted efforts to separate Native American children from their families and tribes and to deny them their rights of cultural and religious expression,”&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.aclukansas.org/en/girard-usd-248-re-hair-length-policy">the ACLU letter reads</a>. “Haderlein’s policy impacts Native American students disproportionately and perpetuates a legacy of cultural, psychological, and spiritual trauma and discrimination.”R.V. Haderlein Elementary has a dress code policy mandating that boys wear their hair short, with “hair not to touch the collar of a crew neck t-shirt … or extend below the earlobes.” Female students aren’t subjected to the same mandate.The 8-year-old boy, a member of the Wyandotte Nation, started growing his hair out after he attended the Nation’s annual gathering and saw the cultural tradition of men wearing their hair long. A common Wyandotte Nation spiritual and religious practice is for men to grow their hair out, only cutting it when in mourning.In August, school officials warned the 8-year-old’s family that his hair needed to be cut to comply with the dress code, according to the ACLU letter. For his protection, the family has chosen not to be identified publicly.In early September, his mother asked for an exemption to the policy because of his heritage and religious practices but was told this wasn’t allowed. On Friday, Sept. 22, Joni Benso, assistant principal at the school, sent an email to his mother. Benso said she had noted “concerns about the policy,” but told the mother she needed to cut his hair over the weekend or he would be sent home, according to the ACLU’s letter.&nbsp;After several attempts to contact the district’s superintendent, the child’s mother cut his hair that weekend under the belief he would be sent home from school every day and potentially suspended, according to the ACLU’s account of events.&nbsp;The superintendent, Todd Ferguson, said he could not comment on the case. Ferguson said the district would review the dress code policy during a December board meeting.“Nothing matters more than creating a safe, respectful and caring school for every student,” Ferguson said. “I am unable to comment on individual students, families or employees, due to confidentiality laws. I can share that the USD 248 Board of Education is planning to review and consider updates to the dress code policy when they meet.”The ACLU is now urging the school to accommodate the child and allow for an exemption to the policy, arguing the policy violates the Kansas Preservation of Religious Freedom Act, the U.S. Constitution, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.Officials also advise the school to rescind the policy altogether and allow all boys to grow their hair out.“The school’s discriminatory sex-based hair policy sends a damaging message to boys that they cannot be feminine in any way, and this message harms all students by promoting rigid views of gender norms and roles,” the ACLU letter reads.

After Kan. school district forces Native American boy to cut his hair, ACLU sends warning

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Lawrence Police Officers are investigating a 5-month-old homicide and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police took 22-year-old Maliqe Crenshaw into custody&nbsp; during a car stop by members of the Lawrence Police tactical team in the 2200 block of Louisiana Street in Lawrence, according to a social media report.

&nbsp;Just after 1a.m. June 3, police responded to the 2400 block of Cedarwood Avenue in Lawrence after multiple residents reported hearing gunfire. A short time later, a man later identified as Cameron Renner was dropped off at LMH Health with multiple gunshot wounds, and was soon pronounced dead at the hospital. 

Investigators were eventually able to identify Renner with the public’s assistance. After a months-long investigation, police were able to tie forensic evidence to Crenshaw, leading to his arrest. 

A charging affidavit has been submitted to the District Attorney’s Office requesting charges be filed for 2nd Degree Murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700083413471.png" alt="Photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Lawrence Police Officers are investigating a 5-month-old homicide and have a suspect in custody.Just before 3p.m. Thursday, police took 22-year-old Maliqe Crenshaw into custody&nbsp; during a car stop by members of the Lawrence Police tactical team in the 2200 block of Louisiana Street in Lawrence, according to a social media report.&nbsp;Just after 1a.m. June 3, police responded to the 2400 block of Cedarwood Avenue in Lawrence after multiple residents reported hearing gunfire. A short time later, a man later identified as Cameron Renner was dropped off at LMH Health with multiple gunshot wounds, and was soon pronounced dead at the hospital. Investigators were eventually able to identify Renner with the public’s assistance. After a months-long investigation, police were able to tie forensic evidence to Crenshaw, leading to his arrest. A charging affidavit has been submitted to the District Attorney’s Office requesting charges be filed for 2nd Degree Murder.

Police capture suspect for 5-month-old Kan. murder 

WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is screening imports of cinnamon from multiple countries for toxic lead contamination after growing reports of children who were sickened after eating pouches of applesauce and apple puree.

Cinnamon from a manufacturer in Ecuador is the “likely source” of high levels of lead found in recalled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-lead-poisoning-children-cdc-applesauce-puree-793c33aa66544044ae6413f8d34e169a" target="_blank">pouches of applesauce puree</a>&nbsp;linked to illnesses in at least 34 children in 22 states, the FDA said Friday.

But the agency noted there have not been other reports of illness or elevated blood lead levels tied to the spice that’s popular in holiday baking.

The agency has not yet been able to collect and directly test samples of the cinnamon in the product. Import records show that WanaBana LLC of Coral Gables, Florida, received shipments of cinnamon apple fruit puree from Austrofood, a manufacturer in Ecuador.

One pouch of recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon puree collected from a Dollar Tree store was found to have lead levels more than 200 times higher than proposed FDA guidance would allow, officials said.

The agency does not regulate specific levels of heavy metals — including lead— in spices, said Joanne Slavin, a food science professor at the University of Minnesota.

Consumers should be aware that cinnamon may contain lead, she said, but the FDA’s release on Friday said there’s no indication that cinnamon products other than the applesauce puree are affected.

“I wouldn’t want to panic people and say if you put cinnamon in your pumpkin pie, you’re a bad grandma,” she said.

Illnesses linked to the pouches have been reported in children ages 1 to 3, with at least one child showing a blood lead level eight times higher than the level that raises concern, the&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00500.asp?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_511-DM117142&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=HAN%20500%20-%20General%20Public&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_511-DM117142" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;said.

There’s no safe level of lead exposure, but the CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels than most. The affected children’s blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.

The recalled fruit products include pouches of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce. They were sold at the Dollar Tree, on Amazon and in other online outlets.

Kids who may have eaten the products should be tested for lead levels, health officials said. Children who have fallen ill reported headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and anemia, but often kids may show no symptoms.

Lead exposure can lead to serious learning, cognitive and behavior problems. Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699279077387.png" alt="FDA image" />
 <figcaption>FDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is screening imports of cinnamon from multiple countries for toxic lead contamination after growing reports of children who were sickened after eating pouches of applesauce and apple puree.Cinnamon from a manufacturer in Ecuador is the “likely source” of high levels of lead found in recalled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wanabana-lead-poisoning-children-cdc-applesauce-puree-793c33aa66544044ae6413f8d34e169a" target="_blank">pouches of applesauce puree</a>&nbsp;linked to illnesses in at least 34 children in 22 states, the FDA said Friday.But the agency noted there have not been other reports of illness or elevated blood lead levels tied to the spice that’s popular in holiday baking.The agency has not yet been able to collect and directly test samples of the cinnamon in the product. Import records show that WanaBana LLC of Coral Gables, Florida, received shipments of cinnamon apple fruit puree from Austrofood, a manufacturer in Ecuador.One pouch of recalled WanaBana apple cinnamon puree collected from a Dollar Tree store was found to have lead levels more than 200 times higher than proposed FDA guidance would allow, officials said.The agency does not regulate specific levels of heavy metals — including lead— in spices, said Joanne Slavin, a food science professor at the University of Minnesota.Consumers should be aware that cinnamon may contain lead, she said, but the FDA’s release on Friday said there’s no indication that cinnamon products other than the applesauce puree are affected.“I wouldn’t want to panic people and say if you put cinnamon in your pumpkin pie, you’re a bad grandma,” she said.Illnesses linked to the pouches have been reported in children ages 1 to 3, with at least one child showing a blood lead level eight times higher than the level that raises concern, the&nbsp;<a href="https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/han00500.asp?ACSTrackingID=USCDC_511-DM117142&amp;ACSTrackingLabel=HAN%20500%20-%20General%20Public&amp;deliveryName=USCDC_511-DM117142" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>&nbsp;said.There’s no safe level of lead exposure, but the CDC uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with higher levels than most. The affected children’s blood lead levels ranged from 4 to 29 micrograms per deciliter.The recalled fruit products include pouches of WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree and Schnucks and Weis brand cinnamon applesauce. They were sold at the Dollar Tree, on Amazon and in other online outlets.Kids who may have eaten the products should be tested for lead levels, health officials said. Children who have fallen ill reported headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and anemia, but often kids may show no symptoms.Lead exposure can lead to serious learning, cognitive and behavior problems. Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

FDA screens cinnamon imports after more kids ill from lead-tainted applesauce

HUTCHINSON— This week, a Reno County jury awarded a former Reno County resident $11,138,422.40 in damages for medical expenses and non-economic damages resulting from a skid steer accident, finding that Kubota’s SVL-90 skid steer failed to adequately warn of a crush hazard that paralyzed the resident, according to a media release from&nbsp;Mann, Wyatt and Tanksley Injury Attorneys.

The jury trial arose from an accident that happened on farm ground in rural Reno County on November 10, 2013. The plaintiff, Kolton Kincaid, was caught between the skid steer’s cab roof overhang and the grapple bucket while it was being raised, resulting in damage to his spinal cord.

Kubota wholly denied any wrongdoing and fought the case for nearly 8 years, claiming that the general safety instructions in the cab of the skid steer and in the operator’s manual were sufficient notice of the hazard.

There were no specific warnings about the crush point, and the jury found that the general safety instructions were vague and inadequate given that Kubota either knew or should have known about the hazard in their safety testing and development of the SVL-90. Kubota did not produce and present any safety testing information in its defense.

Before trial, Kubota offered $30,000.00 to settle the case.

Kincaid declined the offer and opted for a jury trial. His attorneys Michael Wyatt and Jesse Tanksley, law partners with Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys, successfully argued during the five-day trial that the defendant was significantly at fault for the accident, and that because of Kubota’s negligence, Kincaid sustained severe and permanent injuries that significantly affected his life and will require life-long medical treatment. The jury agreed and awarded Kincaid a total verdict of $11,138,422.40 for his past and future medical expenses, and his pain, suffering, and mental anguish. The verdict was more than 370 times the amount that Kubota had offered before trial.

Wyatt said, “I’m thankful the jury saw through the defense team’s arguments. They tried to avoid responsibility for the accident and directed the blame at everybody else, but the jury didn’t let them get away with it. We are so grateful for our client’s courage and perseverance in allowing us to litigate and try his case to a jury. We were blessed with an incredibly smart and compassionate jury that understood the value of what was taken from Kolton, despite his monumental efforts to rehabilitate and serve as an inspiration to every person he touches.”

Tanksley, a fellow Mann, Wyatt &amp; Tanksley partner, said the ultimate goal of taking Kolton’s case to trial was to publicly hold Kubota responsible for its negligence and ensure that Kolton recovered the money that he would need to pay for his medical treatment and interest in paraplegia advocacy and adaptive sports. Wyatt and Tanksley said they were proud of the fact that Kubota will be forced to look at its safety practices and the process of developing warnings to prevent deaths and catastrophic injuries like this.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to represent an exemplary and inspiring young man and ensure that he received justice, full compensation, and most importantly that his voice was heard,” Wyatt said.

HUTCHINSON— This week, a Reno County jury awarded a former Reno County resident $11,138,422.40 in damages for medical expenses and non-economic damages resulting from a skid steer accident, finding that Kubota’s SVL-90 skid steer failed to adequately warn of a crush hazard that paralyzed the resident, according to a media release from&nbsp;Mann, Wyatt and Tanksley Injury Attorneys.The jury trial arose from an accident that happened on farm ground in rural Reno County on November 10, 2013. The plaintiff, Kolton Kincaid, was caught between the skid steer’s cab roof overhang and the grapple bucket while it was being raised, resulting in damage to his spinal cord.Kubota wholly denied any wrongdoing and fought the case for nearly 8 years, claiming that the general safety instructions in the cab of the skid steer and in the operator’s manual were sufficient notice of the hazard.There were no specific warnings about the crush point, and the jury found that the general safety instructions were vague and inadequate given that Kubota either knew or should have known about the hazard in their safety testing and development of the SVL-90. Kubota did not produce and present any safety testing information in its defense.Before trial, Kubota offered $30,000.00 to settle the case.Kincaid declined the offer and opted for a jury trial. His attorneys Michael Wyatt and Jesse Tanksley, law partners with Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys, successfully argued during the five-day trial that the defendant was significantly at fault for the accident, and that because of Kubota’s negligence, Kincaid sustained severe and permanent injuries that significantly affected his life and will require life-long medical treatment. The jury agreed and awarded Kincaid a total verdict of $11,138,422.40 for his past and future medical expenses, and his pain, suffering, and mental anguish. The verdict was more than 370 times the amount that Kubota had offered before trial.Wyatt said, “I’m thankful the jury saw through the defense team’s arguments. They tried to avoid responsibility for the accident and directed the blame at everybody else, but the jury didn’t let them get away with it. We are so grateful for our client’s courage and perseverance in allowing us to litigate and try his case to a jury. We were blessed with an incredibly smart and compassionate jury that understood the value of what was taken from Kolton, despite his monumental efforts to rehabilitate and serve as an inspiration to every person he touches.”Tanksley, a fellow Mann, Wyatt &amp; Tanksley partner, said the ultimate goal of taking Kolton’s case to trial was to publicly hold Kubota responsible for its negligence and ensure that Kolton recovered the money that he would need to pay for his medical treatment and interest in paraplegia advocacy and adaptive sports. Wyatt and Tanksley said they were proud of the fact that Kubota will be forced to look at its safety practices and the process of developing warnings to prevent deaths and catastrophic injuries like this.“We are so grateful for the opportunity to represent an exemplary and inspiring young man and ensure that he received justice, full compensation, and most importantly that his voice was heard,” Wyatt said.

Kan. jury awards man over $11 million for skid steer accident

WASHINGTON (AP)— Militants attacked U.S. military bases in Syria and Iraq on Friday, conducting three strikes on facilities using one-way attack drones that wounded one soldier, two U.S. officials said on the condition of anonymity to provide sensitive details of the strikes.

The attacks have been launched almost daily since Oct. 17, the day a blast at a Gaza hospital killed hundreds and sparked protests across the region. The U.S. has repeatedly warned the groups to desist and avoid escalating the war between Israel and Hamas into a wider conflict.

The three additional attacks on U.S. military facilities on Friday bring the total number of attacks on U.S. and coalition military facilities in Iraq and Syria to at least 60 since Oct. 17. At least 59 service members have been wounded, but the Pentagon has said all were minor injuries and those troops were able to return to duty.

On Friday a one-way drone targeted Al Harir air base in Erbil, with no casualties reported, but a damage assessment was still ongoing. Multiple one-way drones attacked Al Asad air base in Iraq but caused no injuries or infrastructure damage, and another multiple one-way drone attack at Tall Baydar, Syria, resulted in minor injuries to one service member who was able to return to duty, one of the defense officials said.

WASHINGTON (AP)— Militants attacked U.S. military bases in Syria and Iraq on Friday, conducting three strikes on facilities using one-way attack drones that wounded one soldier, two U.S. officials said on the condition of anonymity to provide sensitive details of the strikes.The attacks have been launched almost daily since Oct. 17, the day a blast at a Gaza hospital killed hundreds and sparked protests across the region. The U.S. has repeatedly warned the groups to desist and avoid escalating the war between Israel and Hamas into a wider conflict.The three additional attacks on U.S. military facilities on Friday bring the total number of attacks on U.S. and coalition military facilities in Iraq and Syria to at least 60 since Oct. 17. At least 59 service members have been wounded, but the Pentagon has said all were minor injuries and those troops were able to return to duty.On Friday a one-way drone targeted Al Harir air base in Erbil, with no casualties reported, but a damage assessment was still ongoing. Multiple one-way drones attacked Al Asad air base in Iraq but caused no injuries or infrastructure damage, and another multiple one-way drone attack at Tall Baydar, Syria, resulted in minor injuries to one service member who was able to return to duty, one of the defense officials said.

Militants attack 3 U.S. bases in Syria and Iraq, 1 soldier wounded 

SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting continue asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

On October 11, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

 First responders found 18-year-old s Ra’Juan Spicer,suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene.&nbsp;

Police are attempting to locate Reginald Rucker-Plakio, 17, of Topeka, in reference to the homicide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699048664862.png" alt="Rucker-Plakio-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Rucker-Plakio-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly shooting continue asking the public for help to locate a suspect.On October 11, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks. First responders found 18-year-old s Ra’Juan Spicer,suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at the scene.&nbsp;Police are attempting to locate Reginald Rucker-Plakio, 17, of Topeka, in reference to the homicide.

Homicide: Search continues for Kansas teen suspect

WASHINGTON —House Speaker Mike Johnson Friday&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cha.house.gov/cha-subcommittee-reading-room-fe781e74-d577-4f64-93cc-fc3a8dd8df18">released the January 6th tapes</a>&nbsp;all&nbsp;44,000 hours.

<a href="https://cha.house.gov/cha-subcommittee-reading-room-fe781e74-d577-4f64-93cc-fc3a8dd8df18">Click here to view</a> all the videos

In a statement from his office Johnson wrote, "When I ran for Speaker, I promised to make accessible to the American people the 44,000 hours of video from Capitol Hill security taken on January 6, 2021."

"Truth and transparency are critical. Today, we will begin immediately posting video on a public website and move as quickly as possible to add to the website nearly all of the footage, more than 40,000 hours. In the meantime, a public viewing room will ensure that every citizen can view every minute of the videos uncensored."

"This decision will provide millions of Americans, criminal defendants, public interest organizations, and the media an ability to see for themselves what happened that day, rather than having to rely upon the interpretation of a small group of government officials."

"I commend Chairman Loudermilk and his team for their diligent work to ensure the thousands of hours of videos are promptly processed to be uploaded to the committee’s public website."

"Processing will involve blurring the faces of private citizens on the yet unreleased tapes to avoid any persons from being targeted for retaliation of any kind and segregating an estimated 5% of the videos that may involve sensitive security information related to the building architecture."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700262204221.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —House Speaker Mike Johnson Friday&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cha.house.gov/cha-subcommittee-reading-room-fe781e74-d577-4f64-93cc-fc3a8dd8df18">released the January 6th tapes</a>&nbsp;all&nbsp;44,000 hours.<a href="https://cha.house.gov/cha-subcommittee-reading-room-fe781e74-d577-4f64-93cc-fc3a8dd8df18">Click here to view</a> all the videos<div>x<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, I am keeping my promise to the American people and making all the January 6th tapes available to ALL Americans.&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1725609920312041652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a statement from his office Johnson wrote, "When I ran for Speaker, I promised to make accessible to the American people the 44,000 hours of video from Capitol Hill security taken on January 6, 2021.""Truth and transparency are critical. Today, we will begin immediately posting video on a public website and move as quickly as possible to add to the website nearly all of the footage, more than 40,000 hours. In the meantime, a public viewing room will ensure that every citizen can view every minute of the videos uncensored.""This decision will provide millions of Americans, criminal defendants, public interest organizations, and the media an ability to see for themselves what happened that day, rather than having to rely upon the interpretation of a small group of government officials.""I commend Chairman Loudermilk and his team for their diligent work to ensure the thousands of hours of videos are promptly processed to be uploaded to the committee’s public website.""Processing will involve blurring the faces of private citizens on the yet unreleased tapes to avoid any persons from being targeted for retaliation of any kind and segregating an estimated 5% of the videos that may involve sensitive security information related to the building architecture."

🎥 44,000 hours of Jan. 6 security footage now online for public access

KANSAS CITY. (AP) — A man has been found guilty in the death of a woman whose remains were found inside a duffel bag along a rural northwest Missouri road almost two weeks after she was killed at a Kansas City hotel.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-independence-crime-27059ade94e6411b6294c46eac52f160">Marcus Brooks</a>&nbsp;was convicted Thursday of first-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Ariel Starcher, a mother of two from Independence.

A Missouri Transportation Department worker found the bag with Starcher’s body inside it in February 2020 around 45 miles north of Kansas City. She had died of suffocation, and also suffered a broken neck.

Key testimony against him came from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b7f202fc026be6249d5c5c8ec0410477">Taylor Stoughton,</a>&nbsp;who pleaded guilty last year to second-degree murder, as Brooks’ accomplice. She and Brooks were arrested a year after the killing.

At the time, Starcher's grandfather, Jim Starcher, told WDAF-TV that his granddaughter knew Brooks and sometimes called him for rides. Her friends had made the family nervous, he told The Kansas City Star.

“I always worried about her, the life she was going through,” he told The Kansas City Star. “She was trying to change her life, get her life straightened out. But it’s just one step forward and four steps back."

The defense argued that Stoughton was the one to suffocate and bind Starcher. Brooks said he was in the shower at the time and only helped dispose of the body. Special Public Defender Steven Willibey also questioned Stoughton’s testimony, noting that a plea agreement shortens her potential sentence.

But Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Davidson said Brooks' DNA was found underneath Starcher's fingernails and that one was torn, suggesting she had been killed trying fight off her attacker.

Stoughton will be sentenced Nov. 20 and Brooks on Dec. 21.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700232241175.jpeg" alt="Marcus Brooks-photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>Marcus Brooks-photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY. (AP) — A man has been found guilty in the death of a woman whose remains were found inside a duffel bag along a rural northwest Missouri road almost two weeks after she was killed at a Kansas City hotel.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-michael-brown-independence-crime-27059ade94e6411b6294c46eac52f160">Marcus Brooks</a>&nbsp;was convicted Thursday of first-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Ariel Starcher, a mother of two from Independence.A Missouri Transportation Department worker found the bag with Starcher’s body inside it in February 2020 around 45 miles north of Kansas City. She had died of suffocation, and also suffered a broken neck.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628710419571.jpeg" alt="Taylor Stoughton-photo Buchanan Co." />
 <figcaption>Taylor Stoughton-photo Buchanan Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Key testimony against him came from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b7f202fc026be6249d5c5c8ec0410477">Taylor Stoughton,</a>&nbsp;who pleaded guilty last year to second-degree murder, as Brooks’ accomplice. She and Brooks were arrested a year after the killing.At the time, Starcher's grandfather, Jim Starcher, told WDAF-TV that his granddaughter knew Brooks and sometimes called him for rides. Her friends had made the family nervous, he told The Kansas City Star.“I always worried about her, the life she was going through,” he told The Kansas City Star. “She was trying to change her life, get her life straightened out. But it’s just one step forward and four steps back."The defense argued that Stoughton was the one to suffocate and bind Starcher. Brooks said he was in the shower at the time and only helped dispose of the body. Special Public Defender Steven Willibey also questioned Stoughton’s testimony, noting that a plea agreement shortens her potential sentence.But Buchanan County Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Davidson said Brooks' DNA was found underneath Starcher's fingernails and that one was torn, suggesting she had been killed trying fight off her attacker.Stoughton will be sentenced Nov. 20 and Brooks on Dec. 21.

Man guilty in death of woman whose body was found in duffel bag 

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery at a retailer in Johnson County and asking the public for help to ID three suspects.

"Walk in, fill your arms, walk out without paying. That's exactly what these three did recently at a Lenexa retailer, according to police

Officers need help identify these individuals for prosecution and to let them know this is not okay in Lenexa. 

The suspect left in a silver car with a paper license plate. If you have information that could assist&nbsp; in this investigation, please call a detective at 913-825-8097.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery at a retailer in Johnson County and asking the public for help to ID three suspects.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Walk in, fill your arms, walk out without paying. That&#39;s exactly what these three did recently at a Lenexa retailer. We&#39;d appreciate any assistance in helping us to identify these individuals for prosecution and to let them know this is not okay in Lenexa. They left in a silver… <a href="https://t.co/8I77XiqP50">pic.twitter.com/8I77XiqP50</a>&mdash; Lenexa Police (@LenexaPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/LenexaPolice/status/1725570993748336703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Walk in, fill your arms, walk out without paying. That's exactly what these three did recently at a Lenexa retailer, according to policeOfficers need help identify these individuals for prosecution and to let them know this is not okay in Lenexa. The suspect left in a silver car with a paper license plate. If you have information that could assist&nbsp; in this investigation, please call a detective at 913-825-8097.

🎥Police ask for help to ID suspect in Kan. retail theft

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred just before 9:30p.m. Thursday.

According to Sheriff Daryl Forte', first responders found the victims at 42nd and Sterling in Kansas City. 

One man was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported another man to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Police have not released the names of the victims or reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700247623825.png" alt="photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred just before 9:30p.m. Thursday.According to Sheriff Daryl Forte', first responders found the victims at 42nd and Sterling in Kansas City. One man was pronounced deceased at the scene. EMS transported another man to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Police have not released the names of the victims or reported an arrest.

KCPD investigating double homicide

NEW YORK (AP) — George “Funky” Brown, the co-founder and longtime drummer of Kool &amp; The Gang who helped write such hits as “Too Hot,” “Ladies Night,” “Joanna” and the party favorite “Celebration,” died Thursday in Los Angeles at age 74.

Brown died after a battle with cancer, according to a statement released by Universal Music. He had retired earlier in the year, nearly 60 years after the band began, and revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

Kool &amp; The Gang has sold millions of records with its catchy blend of jazz, funk and soul, what Brown liked to call “the sound of happiness.” In 1964, Brown helped launch the Grammy-winning group, originally called the Jazziacs, along with such friends as bassist Robert “Kool” Bell, brother Ronald Bell on keyboards and guitarist Charles Smith.

After years of relative obscurity, name changes and personnel changes, Kool &amp; The Gang broke through in the mid-1970s with “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging” among others songs and peaked in the late '70s-mid 1980s, with hits ranging from the ballads “Cherish” and “Joanna” to the up-tempo, chart-topping “Celebration,” now a standard at weddings and other festive gatherings.

In 2023, Brown produced the band's latest album, “People Just Wanna Have Fun,” and released his memoir “Too Hot: Kool &amp; The Gang &amp; Me.”

He is survived by his wife, Hanh Brown, and his five children. In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that donations can be made in his honor to the Lung Cancer Society of America.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700251186896.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — George “Funky” Brown, the co-founder and longtime drummer of Kool &amp; The Gang who helped write such hits as “Too Hot,” “Ladies Night,” “Joanna” and the party favorite “Celebration,” died Thursday in Los Angeles at age 74.Brown died after a battle with cancer, according to a statement released by Universal Music. He had retired earlier in the year, nearly 60 years after the band began, and revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.Kool &amp; The Gang has sold millions of records with its catchy blend of jazz, funk and soul, what Brown liked to call “the sound of happiness.” In 1964, Brown helped launch the Grammy-winning group, originally called the Jazziacs, along with such friends as bassist Robert “Kool” Bell, brother Ronald Bell on keyboards and guitarist Charles Smith.After years of relative obscurity, name changes and personnel changes, Kool &amp; The Gang broke through in the mid-1970s with “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging” among others songs and peaked in the late '70s-mid 1980s, with hits ranging from the ballads “Cherish” and “Joanna” to the up-tempo, chart-topping “Celebration,” now a standard at weddings and other festive gatherings.In 2023, Brown produced the band's latest album, “People Just Wanna Have Fun,” and released his memoir “Too Hot: Kool &amp; The Gang &amp; Me.”He is survived by his wife, Hanh Brown, and his five children. In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that donations can be made in his honor to the Lung Cancer Society of America.

Founding member of Kool & The Gang dies at 74

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran&nbsp; and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) led their colleagues in calling on President Biden to immediately enforce oil sanctions on Iran as mandated by Congress.

The letter also urges the administration to permanently freeze the $6 billion funding mechanism established in September’s hostage agreement with Iran.

<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/d/7/d7f05058-dba9-48fb-a58f-045059608341/993C9D31FCC5A6543E147C42984AFC26.letter-to-president-biden-on-iranian-oil-sanctions-with-signatures.pdf">Click here to read</a> the full letter

“For far too long, Iran has evaded consequence for its complacency in funding radical terror,”&nbsp;the senators wrote.&nbsp;“To prevent further atrocities and to fulfill our promise of providing unwavering support to our most important ally in the Middle East, we urge your administration to take the necessary means in severing financial avenues available to Iran, specifically cracking down on oil exports.”

The letter was signed by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R- W.V.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

WASHINGTON, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran&nbsp; and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) led their colleagues in calling on President Biden to immediately enforce oil sanctions on Iran as mandated by Congress.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700171313612.png" alt="A portion of the letter from the Senators" />
 <figcaption>A portion of the letter from the Senators</figcaption>
 </figure>The letter also urges the administration to permanently freeze the $6 billion funding mechanism established in September’s hostage agreement with Iran.<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/d/7/d7f05058-dba9-48fb-a58f-045059608341/993C9D31FCC5A6543E147C42984AFC26.letter-to-president-biden-on-iranian-oil-sanctions-with-signatures.pdf">Click here to read</a> the full letter“For far too long, Iran has evaded consequence for its complacency in funding radical terror,”&nbsp;the senators wrote.&nbsp;“To prevent further atrocities and to fulfill our promise of providing unwavering support to our most important ally in the Middle East, we urge your administration to take the necessary means in severing financial avenues available to Iran, specifically cracking down on oil exports.”The letter was signed by Sens. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R- W.V.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

Moran calls on Biden to enforce mandated sanctions on Iran

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after noon November 13, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 35 in Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

 During the stop, deputy found illegal narcotics and a stolen firearm.

A passenger of the vehicle, Dominick E. Washington, 35, of Wichita was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of cocaine, Possession of ecstasy, Possession of stolen firearm and an Arrest warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700092539850.png" alt="Washington-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Washington-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after noon November 13, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 35 in Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, deputy found illegal narcotics and a stolen firearm.A passenger of the vehicle, Dominick E. Washington, 35, of Wichita was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of possession of cocaine, Possession of ecstasy, Possession of stolen firearm and an Arrest warrant.

Sheriff: Kansas man caught with cocaine, stolen firearm

WASHINGTON (AP) — An Indian company that recently recalled eyedrops sold in the U.S. had a host of sanitation and manufacturing problems, including barefoot workers, cracked floors and altered records, U.S. health inspectors found.

Food and Drug Administration officials uncovered more than a dozen problems at the Mumbai plant operated by Kilitch Healthcare India, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/173608/download">preliminary inspection report</a>&nbsp;posted by the agency. The factory produced more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-recall-fda-infection-cvs-rite-aid-a9471104de34efd152137d3fdba9c260">two dozen varieties of eyedrops</a>&nbsp;that were subject to an FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-certain-eye-drops-several-major-brands-due-risk-eye">safety warning</a>&nbsp;last month.

The products were sold by CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid and other national retailers who said they would be removed from store shelves. New details about the plant's problems emerged after FDA inspectors visited the plant late last month.

Agency inspectors documented factory workers not wearing masks, gloves and gowns and working barefoot in areas that are supposed to be sterile. A manager told FDA officials “that this is their standard practice,” according to the report.

Elsewhere, FDA staff noted cracked floors, plus water stains and peeling paint on walls and ceilings.

The FDA report also suggests factory officials would routinely omit or falsify contamination test results.

For instance, a factory microbiologist said that a bacterial sample that could trigger “an alert or action limit” would not be documented. Instead, officials would perform additional cleaning and then record a figure that indicated sterility. This occurred “two or three times per month,” according to the microbiologist.

The FDA's initial findings are likely to be followed by a formal report and a warning letter to the company.

On Monday, Kilitch Healthcare officially recalled the lubricating eyedrops, sold in 27 different brands and formulations. The agency&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kilitch-healthcare-india-limited-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-various-eye-drops-potential">published the notice</a>&nbsp;to its website Wednesday. The recall is something of a formality, since the FDA had already alerted U.S. stores and consumers to the problem.

FDA officials don't have the legal authority to force drug manufacturers to recall their products, and instead rely on companies to “voluntarily” do so. The FDA had recommended the recall on Oct. 25 and shortly thereafter blocked imports from Kilitch.

Drugmakers and distributors “are responsible for the quality of their products,” but the FDA recently asked Congress for the authority to mandate such recalls, an agency spokeswoman said in a statement Thursday.

Kilitch Healthcare said it has not received “any reports of adverse events” related to its products. The drops could cause vision loss or blindness, according to the FDA.

The lubricating drops were distributed in the U.S. by Velocity Pharma, based in Farmingdale, New York, and carry expiration dates between November 2023 and September 2025.

FDA records show no prior inspections for Kilitch Healthcare.

The FDA is responsible for assuring the safety of foreign products shipped to the U.S., though it has long struggled to keep pace with international pharmaceutical supply chains that increasingly begin in India.

Recently, the agency has been working to make up for missed inspections that weren't conducted during COVID-19. Agency records show FDA didn't conduct any inspections in India during fiscal year 2021, at the height of the pandemic. Inspections rose to 177 in fiscal 2023, but that was still about half the number of inspections that the FDA was conducting the year before COVID-19.

CVS Health said in a statement that it previously “stopped the sale in-store and online” of all the eyedrops cited by the FDA. Customers can return them to CVS for a full refund.

Target did not respond to emailed questions about the products. Cardinal Health, a medical supply company, also did not respond to emails.

Earlier this year, federal officials linked an unrelated outbreak of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-business-health-4572be6da44f4fab4e0f691f5e37e3ed">drug-resistant bacteria</a>&nbsp;to eyedrops from two different companies, EzriCare and Delsam Pharma.

More than 80 people in the U.S. tested positive for eye infections from the rare bacterial strain, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/crpa-artificial-tears.html#anchor_1674746879046">most recent update</a>&nbsp;from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among them, 14 people suffered vision loss, four had to have an eye removed and four died, the CDC said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — An Indian company that recently recalled eyedrops sold in the U.S. had a host of sanitation and manufacturing problems, including barefoot workers, cracked floors and altered records, U.S. health inspectors found.Food and Drug Administration officials uncovered more than a dozen problems at the Mumbai plant operated by Kilitch Healthcare India, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/media/173608/download">preliminary inspection report</a>&nbsp;posted by the agency. The factory produced more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eyedrops-recall-fda-infection-cvs-rite-aid-a9471104de34efd152137d3fdba9c260">two dozen varieties of eyedrops</a>&nbsp;that were subject to an FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-certain-eye-drops-several-major-brands-due-risk-eye">safety warning</a>&nbsp;last month.The products were sold by CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid and other national retailers who said they would be removed from store shelves. New details about the plant's problems emerged after FDA inspectors visited the plant late last month.Agency inspectors documented factory workers not wearing masks, gloves and gowns and working barefoot in areas that are supposed to be sterile. A manager told FDA officials “that this is their standard practice,” according to the report.Elsewhere, FDA staff noted cracked floors, plus water stains and peeling paint on walls and ceilings.The FDA report also suggests factory officials would routinely omit or falsify contamination test results.For instance, a factory microbiologist said that a bacterial sample that could trigger “an alert or action limit” would not be documented. Instead, officials would perform additional cleaning and then record a figure that indicated sterility. This occurred “two or three times per month,” according to the microbiologist.The FDA's initial findings are likely to be followed by a formal report and a warning letter to the company.On Monday, Kilitch Healthcare officially recalled the lubricating eyedrops, sold in 27 different brands and formulations. The agency&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/kilitch-healthcare-india-limited-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-various-eye-drops-potential">published the notice</a>&nbsp;to its website Wednesday. The recall is something of a formality, since the FDA had already alerted U.S. stores and consumers to the problem.FDA officials don't have the legal authority to force drug manufacturers to recall their products, and instead rely on companies to “voluntarily” do so. The FDA had recommended the recall on Oct. 25 and shortly thereafter blocked imports from Kilitch.Drugmakers and distributors “are responsible for the quality of their products,” but the FDA recently asked Congress for the authority to mandate such recalls, an agency spokeswoman said in a statement Thursday.Kilitch Healthcare said it has not received “any reports of adverse events” related to its products. The drops could cause vision loss or blindness, according to the FDA.The lubricating drops were distributed in the U.S. by Velocity Pharma, based in Farmingdale, New York, and carry expiration dates between November 2023 and September 2025.FDA records show no prior inspections for Kilitch Healthcare.The FDA is responsible for assuring the safety of foreign products shipped to the U.S., though it has long struggled to keep pace with international pharmaceutical supply chains that increasingly begin in India.Recently, the agency has been working to make up for missed inspections that weren't conducted during COVID-19. Agency records show FDA didn't conduct any inspections in India during fiscal year 2021, at the height of the pandemic. Inspections rose to 177 in fiscal 2023, but that was still about half the number of inspections that the FDA was conducting the year before COVID-19.CVS Health said in a statement that it previously “stopped the sale in-store and online” of all the eyedrops cited by the FDA. Customers can return them to CVS for a full refund.Target did not respond to emailed questions about the products. Cardinal Health, a medical supply company, also did not respond to emails.Earlier this year, federal officials linked an unrelated outbreak of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-city-business-health-4572be6da44f4fab4e0f691f5e37e3ed">drug-resistant bacteria</a>&nbsp;to eyedrops from two different companies, EzriCare and Delsam Pharma.More than 80 people in the U.S. tested positive for eye infections from the rare bacterial strain, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/crpa-artificial-tears.html#anchor_1674746879046">most recent update</a>&nbsp;from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among them, 14 people suffered vision loss, four had to have an eye removed and four died, the CDC said.

Sanitation issues: FDA expands eyedrops recall

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

HILL CITY — A sign that was posted in a bar in Hill City sparked vandalism at the business and resulted in the local chamber of commerce moving its annual banquet.

The owner of the Cowboy Junction in Hill City posted a sign in the bar that said "No Coon Tunes."

Someone took a photo of the sign and posted it on Facebook. The post appeared on "The State of Kansas," a satirical Facebook page. It went viral from there. Facebook removed the image from "The State of Kansas" Facebook page.

Following the Facebook post, someone spray-painted the message "KKK Club" on the outdoor sign for the club.

Graham County Sheriff Cole Presley said Thursday the department had no suspects in the vandalism case, but the case is still under investigation. 

"It's concerning, and we don't want to see anything escalate," Presley said.

He added, "I want to reassure the public that we are investigating what has occurred here because we fear an escalation. I don't want anyone to think we are ignoring this case at all. We're not."

Kathie Hildebrand, wife of owner Ralph Hildebrand, said the offending sign has been removed, and the spray paint has been removed from their vandalized sign.

However, she said she has been receiving unwanted messages on Facebook and has been receiving "nasty phone calls" since the photo of the sign in the bar was posted on social media.

Hildebrand called the whole situation a disaster.

She said Cowboy Junction is a county music bar. Most of its regular clients are older and like to dance to country music, Hildebrand said.

Recently some younger white females came into the bar and played non-country music that owner Ralph Hildebrand did not feel was consistent with the theme of the bar, Kathie said. That is when he posted the sign.

Although Ralph Hildebrand's wife spoke to the Hays Post, but she said she did not think Ralph would respond for comment.

Kathie said the issue with the unwanted music could have been addressed better.

She said the establishment has welcomed customers of color for a variety of events.

She said she hoped to move on from the incident.

"I'm trying to get rid of it," she said. "I'm trying to get away from it."

The director of the Hill City Chamber of Commerce said the chamber made the decision to move its annual banquet, which had been scheduled for the Cowboy Junction, to the Graham County Fairgrounds.

She said she did not want to comment further on the issue.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700163561435.png" alt="The sign on the left was hung in the Cowboy Junction Bar in Hill City. After the sign went viral on Facebook, the outdoor sign at the club was vandalized (pictured right). Images shared via Facebook" />
 <figcaption>The sign on the left was hung in the Cowboy Junction Bar in Hill City. After the sign went viral on Facebook, the outdoor sign at the club was vandalized (pictured right). Images shared via Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHILL CITY — A sign that was posted in a bar in Hill City sparked vandalism at the business and resulted in the local chamber of commerce moving its annual banquet.The owner of the Cowboy Junction in Hill City posted a sign in the bar that said "No Coon Tunes."Someone took a photo of the sign and posted it on Facebook. The post appeared on "The State of Kansas," a satirical Facebook page. It went viral from there. Facebook removed the image from "The State of Kansas" Facebook page.Following the Facebook post, someone spray-painted the message "KKK Club" on the outdoor sign for the club.Graham County Sheriff Cole Presley said Thursday the department had no suspects in the vandalism case, but the case is still under investigation. "It's concerning, and we don't want to see anything escalate," Presley said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700163767935.jpeg" alt="Ralph Hildebrand posted the following post on Facebook in response to the concerns about the sign. Posted to Facebook" />
 <figcaption>Ralph Hildebrand posted the following post on Facebook in response to the concerns about the sign. Posted to Facebook</figcaption>
 </figure>He added, "I want to reassure the public that we are investigating what has occurred here because we fear an escalation. I don't want anyone to think we are ignoring this case at all. We're not."Kathie Hildebrand, wife of owner Ralph Hildebrand, said the offending sign has been removed, and the spray paint has been removed from their vandalized sign.However, she said she has been receiving unwanted messages on Facebook and has been receiving "nasty phone calls" since the photo of the sign in the bar was posted on social media.Hildebrand called the whole situation a disaster.She said Cowboy Junction is a county music bar. Most of its regular clients are older and like to dance to country music, Hildebrand said.Recently some younger white females came into the bar and played non-country music that owner Ralph Hildebrand did not feel was consistent with the theme of the bar, Kathie said. That is when he posted the sign.Although Ralph Hildebrand's wife spoke to the Hays Post, but she said she did not think Ralph would respond for comment.Kathie said the issue with the unwanted music could have been addressed better."Everybody takes it wrong," she said."We aren't really racist," she said.She said the establishment has welcomed customers of color for a variety of events.She said she hoped to move on from the incident."I'm trying to get rid of it," she said. "I'm trying to get away from it."The director of the Hill City Chamber of Commerce said the chamber made the decision to move its annual banquet, which had been scheduled for the Cowboy Junction, to the Graham County Fairgrounds.She said she did not want to comment further on the issue.

NW Kan. bar under fire for racist sign; sheriff investigating vandalism

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican attorney general in Kansas is appealing a state judge’s ruling that has blocked enforcement of multiple abortion restrictions, including a new limit on medication and an older rule forcing patients to wait 24 hours before they can get the procedure.

Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a notice Thursday in Johnson County District Court in the Kansas City area, saying he will ask higher courts to overturn Judge K. Christopher Jayaram's decision last month.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medications-restrictions-kansas-f1435cc5538ae6e19cd481a58e82aa7f">The judge concluded</a>&nbsp;that abortion providers were likely to successfully argue in a lawsuit that the restrictions violate the Kansas Constitution.

“The attorney general has a responsibility to protect women against radicals who want to deny them the ability to make informed decisions about their own health and the welfare of their babies,” Kobach spokesperson Danedri Herbert said in an email.

Jayaram's order is set to remain in effect through a trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-waiting-period-medication-reversal-1f0f5fad64b4180997d0f32a32d047dd">the providers' lawsuit</a>&nbsp;at the end of June 2024. Some of the blocked restrictions have been in place for years. The state imposed its waiting period in 1997.

The newest restriction, in place July 1, required providers to tell patients that a medication abortion can be stopped. But the regimen to do that has been described by major medical groups as inadequately tested, ineffective and potentially unsafe.

The legal battle in Kansas highlights the importance of state courts in attempts to preserve access after the U.S. Supreme Court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">decision in Dobbs v. Jackson</a>&nbsp;last year ended protections under the U.S. Constitution and allowed states to ban abortion.

The Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">ruled in 2019</a>&nbsp;that the state constitution protects access to abortion as a “fundamental” right. In August 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">voters statewide rejected</a>&nbsp;a proposed constitutional change from Republican lawmakers to nullify that decision and allow greater restrictions or a ban.

Abortion opponents argue that even with last year's vote, the state can impose “reasonable” restrictions and ensure that patients are well-informed.

But Jayaram concluded there is "credible evidence” that up to 40% of the information that clinics were required to provide before an abortion was medically inaccurate.

“Kansans made it clear they don’t want politicians interfering with their health care decisions and the courts reaffirmed that right," said Anamarie Rebori-Simmons, spokesperson for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which operates a Kansas City-area clinic that sued. "The attorney general continues to disregard the will of those he serves.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a notice Thursday in Johnson County District Court saying he will ask higher courts to overturn Judge K. Christopher Jayaram's decision last month-AP file photo" />
 <figcaption>Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a notice Thursday in Johnson County District Court saying he will ask higher courts to overturn Judge K. Christopher Jayaram's decision last month-AP file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican attorney general in Kansas is appealing a state judge’s ruling that has blocked enforcement of multiple abortion restrictions, including a new limit on medication and an older rule forcing patients to wait 24 hours before they can get the procedure.Attorney General Kris Kobach filed a notice Thursday in Johnson County District Court in the Kansas City area, saying he will ask higher courts to overturn Judge K. Christopher Jayaram's decision last month.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-medications-restrictions-kansas-f1435cc5538ae6e19cd481a58e82aa7f">The judge concluded</a>&nbsp;that abortion providers were likely to successfully argue in a lawsuit that the restrictions violate the Kansas Constitution.“The attorney general has a responsibility to protect women against radicals who want to deny them the ability to make informed decisions about their own health and the welfare of their babies,” Kobach spokesperson Danedri Herbert said in an email.Jayaram's order is set to remain in effect through a trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kansas-waiting-period-medication-reversal-1f0f5fad64b4180997d0f32a32d047dd">the providers' lawsuit</a>&nbsp;at the end of June 2024. Some of the blocked restrictions have been in place for years. The state imposed its waiting period in 1997.The newest restriction, in place July 1, required providers to tell patients that a medication abortion can be stopped. But the regimen to do that has been described by major medical groups as inadequately tested, ineffective and potentially unsafe.The legal battle in Kansas highlights the importance of state courts in attempts to preserve access after the U.S. Supreme Court’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">decision in Dobbs v. Jackson</a>&nbsp;last year ended protections under the U.S. Constitution and allowed states to ban abortion.The Kansas Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">ruled in 2019</a>&nbsp;that the state constitution protects access to abortion as a “fundamental” right. In August 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-primary-elections-kansas-abortion-b6d62a852c2ce4617f2c03589fbb523e">voters statewide rejected</a>&nbsp;a proposed constitutional change from Republican lawmakers to nullify that decision and allow greater restrictions or a ban.Abortion opponents argue that even with last year's vote, the state can impose “reasonable” restrictions and ensure that patients are well-informed.But Jayaram concluded there is "credible evidence” that up to 40% of the information that clinics were required to provide before an abortion was medically inaccurate.“Kansans made it clear they don’t want politicians interfering with their health care decisions and the courts reaffirmed that right," said Anamarie Rebori-Simmons, spokesperson for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which operates a Kansas City-area clinic that sued. "The attorney general continues to disregard the will of those he serves.”

Kansas to appeal ruling blocking abortion rules, including a medication restriction

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Maize USD 266 is <a href="https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/sharedancestry-list.html">being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights</a>.&nbsp;

According to an email to parents Thursday night, "A copy of the complaint was not provided to Maize USD 266 by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, so we are unable to make any further comment regarding this matter.&nbsp;

"Maize USD 266 takes allegations of discrimination seriously and is committed to cooperating fully with any investigation. The school district is dedicated to providing a place for teaching and learning that prioritizes and champions respect and inclusivity and where all students and employees feel safe and valued."

Five of the complaints nationally allege antisemitic harassment and two allege anti-Muslim harassment. No word has been given on the specific grounds for the USD 266 complaint.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700225536281.png" alt="Photo courtesy Maize USD 266" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Maize USD 266</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Maize USD 266 is <a href="https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/sharedancestry-list.html">being investigated by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights</a>.&nbsp;According to an email to parents Thursday night, "A copy of the complaint was not provided to Maize USD 266 by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, so we are unable to make any further comment regarding this matter.&nbsp;"Maize USD 266 takes allegations of discrimination seriously and is committed to cooperating fully with any investigation. The school district is dedicated to providing a place for teaching and learning that prioritizes and champions respect and inclusivity and where all students and employees feel safe and valued."Five of the complaints nationally allege antisemitic harassment and two allege anti-Muslim harassment. No word has been given on the specific grounds for the USD 266 complaint.

Federal civil rights investigation at Kansas school district 

KANSAS CITY —A pregnant woman wounded in a Kansas City-area mall shooting November 10 has died.

According to an online fundraiser,&nbsp;19-year-old Karla Brown died from her injuries in the shooting.

According to&nbsp; court records, officers responded to Independence Center Mall on a reported shooting. An officer on off-duty assignment at Dillards arrived on the shooting scene first. He found three injured victims. One of the three was Brown who was most critically injured and reportedly was pregnant.

Surveillance video showed a group that included the critically injured woman, encountered a second group in the mall that included a suspect identified as 21-year-old MarkAnthony Geer.

The two groups passed each other at the mall entrance. A verbal argument began. A victim uninvolved with either group was shot in the leg. The rest of the second group ran to the parking lot.&nbsp; Brown had not followed closely with her group when it encountered the other group. She appeared to be sitting down on a bench about 30 feet away. Witnesses identified the shooter as Geer or a man who matched his appearance.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/karla-and-baby-girl?utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;mibextid=Zxz2cZ&amp;fbclid=IwAR27TrW4Ge-JnbRfZLpFx8cSwSZuy63YrBESxOvoOTZys2FZhAlUjotFlq8">Click here to view </a>the online fundraiser

Greer is being held in Jackson County on requested charges that include three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and three counts of Armed Criminal Action. Prosecutors are expected to file additional charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700172176646.png" alt="GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A pregnant woman wounded in a Kansas City-area mall shooting November 10 has died.According to an online fundraiser,&nbsp;19-year-old Karla Brown died from her injuries in the shooting.According to&nbsp; court records, officers responded to Independence Center Mall on a reported shooting. An officer on off-duty assignment at Dillards arrived on the shooting scene first. He found three injured victims. One of the three was Brown who was most critically injured and reportedly was pregnant.Surveillance video showed a group that included the critically injured woman, encountered a second group in the mall that included a suspect identified as 21-year-old MarkAnthony Geer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699966010607.png" alt="Greer photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Greer photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The two groups passed each other at the mall entrance. A verbal argument began. A victim uninvolved with either group was shot in the leg. The rest of the second group ran to the parking lot.&nbsp; Brown had not followed closely with her group when it encountered the other group. She appeared to be sitting down on a bench about 30 feet away. Witnesses identified the shooter as Geer or a man who matched his appearance.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/karla-and-baby-girl?utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=facebook&amp;mibextid=Zxz2cZ&amp;fbclid=IwAR27TrW4Ge-JnbRfZLpFx8cSwSZuy63YrBESxOvoOTZys2FZhAlUjotFlq8">Click here to view </a>the online fundraiserGreer is being held in Jackson County on requested charges that include three counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and three counts of Armed Criminal Action. Prosecutors are expected to file additional charges.

Woman in KC-area mall shooting died from her injuries

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of a pedestrian accident that critically injured a child, according to Shawnee Police spokesperson Emily Rittman.

Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the pedestrian accident in the 11400 Block of west 75th Street near Shawnee Elementary School.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation of a pedestrian accident that critically injured a child, according to Shawnee Police spokesperson Emily Rittman.Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the pedestrian accident in the 11400 Block of west 75th Street near Shawnee Elementary School.According to the initial investigation, the driver of an eastbound vehicle&nbsp; on 75th Street struck a four-year-old child. Johnson County MED-ACT&nbsp; transported the child for treatment of critical injuries. The child remains hospitalized, according to Rittman.&nbsp; The driver remained at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Shawnee Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit is in charge of the investigation.