WASHINGTON —President Joe Biden declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Kansas and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding from July 14 to July 21, 2023, according to a media release from the White House.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding in the counties of Allen, Barton, Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Finney, Ford, Greeley, Johnson, Kearny, Pawnee, Rawlins, Rice, Russell, Stafford, Thomas, Wallace, Wichita, Woodson, and Wyandotte.Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Mr. Andrew P. Meyer of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.&nbsp;Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698424803577.png" alt="Wheatland Electric" />
 <figcaption>Wheatland Electric</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —President Joe Biden declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Kansas and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding from July 14 to July 21, 2023, according to a media release from the White House.Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding in the counties of Allen, Barton, Clark, Comanche, Edwards, Finney, Ford, Greeley, Johnson, Kearny, Pawnee, Rawlins, Rice, Russell, Stafford, Thomas, Wallace, Wichita, Woodson, and Wyandotte.Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.Mr. Andrew P. Meyer of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.&nbsp;Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Biden approves Kansas disaster declaration for storms in July

BARTON COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Thursday in Barton County.

According to Sheriff Brian Bellendir, a 2015 Jeep Patriot driven by Megan Grieve, 38, Great Bend, was westbound on Kansas 156 and rear-ended a 2014 Kia Sorento driven by John Hartley, 73, Wichita, who and had stopped to make a left turn onto Northeast 110 Avenue.

The impact forced the Kia into eastbound lane. An eastbound Ford F550 truck driven by Kevin Houser of Raymore, Missouri, struck the Kia and overturned into the north ditch.

EMS transported Hartley, and his passenger Marilyn Hartley, 78&nbsp; Wichita, to Clara Barton Medical Center in Hoisington with non-life-threatening injuries. 

EMS also transported Grieve to the hospital in Great Bend with non-life-threatening injuries. Houser and a passenger in his truck, Kevin Bossaller, age 57, also of Raymore Missouri, were not injured in the collision.

Occupants of all of the vehicles were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, according to Bellendir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698424450261.jpeg" alt="Photo Barton Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Barton Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Thursday in Barton County.According to Sheriff Brian Bellendir, a 2015 Jeep Patriot driven by Megan Grieve, 38, Great Bend, was westbound on Kansas 156 and rear-ended a 2014 Kia Sorento driven by John Hartley, 73, Wichita, who and had stopped to make a left turn onto Northeast 110 Avenue.The impact forced the Kia into eastbound lane. An eastbound Ford F550 truck driven by Kevin Houser of Raymore, Missouri, struck the Kia and overturned into the north ditch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698424362989.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>EMS transported Hartley, and his passenger Marilyn Hartley, 78&nbsp; Wichita, to Clara Barton Medical Center in Hoisington with non-life-threatening injuries. EMS also transported Grieve to the hospital in Great Bend with non-life-threatening injuries. Houser and a passenger in his truck, Kevin Bossaller, age 57, also of Raymore Missouri, were not injured in the collision.Occupants of all of the vehicles were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash, according to Bellendir.

3 injured in 3-vehicle crash that blocked traffic in central Kansas

SOUTH CHINA SEA&nbsp;&nbsp;–&nbsp; A People’s Republic of China J-11 pilot executed an unsafe intercept of a U.S. Air Force B-52 aircraft, which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace on October 24, according to a statement from the U.S. Indo Pacific Command.

 During the night time intercept, the PRC pilot flew in an unsafe and unprofessional manner, demonstrated poor airmanship by closing with uncontrolled excessive speed, flying below, in front of, and within 10 feet of the B-52, putting both aircraft in danger of collision. We are concerned this pilot was unaware of how close he came to causing a collision.

The PRC intercept was conducted at night, with limited visibility, in a manner contrary to international air safety rules and norms. Military aircraft, when intentionally approaching another, shall operate with professional airmanship and give due regard for the safety of other aircraft.

This incident represents the latest example of what the Department of Defense described in the 2023 China Military Power Report (CMPR) as "unsafe, unprofessional, and other behaviors that seek to impinge upon the ability of the United States and other nations to safely conduct operations where international law allows," including more than 180 such interactions since the fall of 2021. On October 17, 2023, the Department released a collection of declassified images and videos depicting a dangerous pattern of coercive and risky operational behavior by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) against U.S. aircraft operating lawfully in international airspace in the East and South China Sea regions.&nbsp;<a href="about:blank">https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3559903/department-of-defense-releases-declassified-images-videos-of-coercive-and-risky/</a>

The U.S will continue to fly, sail, and operate – safely and responsibly – wherever international laws allow. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Joint Force remains dedicated to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and we expect all countries in the Indo-Pacific to operate in international airspace safely and in accordance with international law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698373007105.png" alt="Image from the encounter U.S. Indo&nbsp; Pacific Command" />
 <figcaption>Image from the encounter U.S. Indo&nbsp; Pacific Command</figcaption>
 </figure>SOUTH CHINA SEA&nbsp;&nbsp;–&nbsp; A People’s Republic of China J-11 pilot executed an unsafe intercept of a U.S. Air Force B-52 aircraft, which was lawfully conducting routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace on October 24, according to a statement from the U.S. Indo Pacific Command. During the night time intercept, the PRC pilot flew in an unsafe and unprofessional manner, demonstrated poor airmanship by closing with uncontrolled excessive speed, flying below, in front of, and within 10 feet of the B-52, putting both aircraft in danger of collision. We are concerned this pilot was unaware of how close he came to causing a collision.The PRC intercept was conducted at night, with limited visibility, in a manner contrary to international air safety rules and norms. Military aircraft, when intentionally approaching another, shall operate with professional airmanship and give due regard for the safety of other aircraft.This incident represents the latest example of what the Department of Defense described in the 2023 China Military Power Report (CMPR) as "unsafe, unprofessional, and other behaviors that seek to impinge upon the ability of the United States and other nations to safely conduct operations where international law allows," including more than 180 such interactions since the fall of 2021. On October 17, 2023, the Department released a collection of declassified images and videos depicting a dangerous pattern of coercive and risky operational behavior by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) against U.S. aircraft operating lawfully in international airspace in the East and South China Sea regions.&nbsp;<a href="about:blank">https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3559903/department-of-defense-releases-declassified-images-videos-of-coercive-and-risky/</a>The U.S will continue to fly, sail, and operate – safely and responsibly – wherever international laws allow. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Joint Force remains dedicated to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and we expect all countries in the Indo-Pacific to operate in international airspace safely and in accordance with international law.

Pentagon: Chinese jet flies within 10 feet of U.S. bomber

ATCHISON COUNTY—Nobody was injured but the driver was cited after a violent crash just after 1p.m. Thursday in Atchison.

According to Police Chief Mike Wilson, a Chevrolet SUV driven by Gregory Denton, 31, Atchison, was northbound in the 800 block South 5th Street in Atchison.

The vehicle left the roadway and struck a fence and a house on the west side of the street.&nbsp; Denton was cited for driving while revoked. Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698416245457.png" alt="Photos Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Nobody was injured but the driver was cited after a violent crash just after 1p.m. Thursday in Atchison.According to Police Chief Mike Wilson, a Chevrolet SUV driven by Gregory Denton, 31, Atchison, was northbound in the 800 block South 5th Street in Atchison.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698416046423.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The vehicle left the roadway and struck a fence and a house on the west side of the street.&nbsp; Denton was cited for driving while revoked. Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

Kansas driver without a license crashed into house

NEW YORK (AP) — Sixty years after the onset of Beatlemania and with two of the quartet now dead, artificial intelligence has enabled the release next week of what is promised to be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/beatles-artificial-intelligence-record-paul-mccartney-2dc3d8c818e12b708d4e9409cb7dc856">last “new” Beatles song</a>.

The track, called “Now And Then,” will be available Thursday, Nov. 2, as part of a single paired with “Love Me Do,” the very first Beatles single that came out in 1962 in England, it was announced Thursday.

“Now And Then” comes from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goldradiouk.com/artists/the-beatles/free-bird-real-love-anthology/">same batch of unreleased demos</a>&nbsp;written by the late John Lennon, which were taken by his former bandmates to construct the songs “Free As a Bird” and “Real Love,” released in the mid-1990s.

Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison worked on “Now And Then” in the same sessions, but technological limitations stood in the way.

With the help of artificial intelligence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/peter-jackson">director Peter Jackson</a>&nbsp;cleared those problems up by “separating” Lennon's original vocals from a piano used in the late 1970s. The much clearer vocals allowed McCartney and Starr to complete the track last year.

The survivors packed plenty into it. The new single contains guitar that Harrison had recorded nearly three decades ago, a new drum part by Starr, with McCartney's bass, piano and a slide guitar solo he added as a tribute to Harrison, who died in 2001. McCartney and Starr sang backup.

McCartney also added a string arrangement written with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2006/11/25/son-of-beatles-producer-mixes-matches-to-create-new-hits/30284217007/">Giles Martin</a>, son of the late Beatles producer George Martin.

As if that wasn't enough, they weaved in backing vocals from the original Beatles recordings of “Here, There and Everywhere,” “Eleanor Rigby” and “Because.”

“There it was, John's voice, crystal clear,” McCartney said in the announcement. “It's quite emotional. And we all play on it, it's a genuine Beatles recording. In 2023 to still be working on Beatles music, and about to release a new song the public haven't heard, I think it's quite an exciting thing.”

Harrison's widow, Olivia, said he felt in the 1990s that the technical problems made it impossible to release a song that met the band's standards. With the improvements, “he would have wholeheartedly” joined Paul and Ringo in completing the song now if he were still alive, she said.

Next Wednesday, the day before the song's release,&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeatles.lnk.to/NowAndThenShortFilmTrailerPR">a 12-minute film</a>&nbsp;that tells the story of the new recording will be made public.

Later in the month, expanded versions of the Beatles' compilations “1962-1966” and “1967-1970” will be released. “Now And Then,” despite coming much later than 1970, will be added to the latter collection.

The surviving Beatles have skillfully released new projects, like remixes of their old albums that include studio outtakes and Jackson's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-peter-jackson-e81542a42c74446ad837075140777d65">“Get Back” film</a>, usually timed to appeal to nostalgic fans around the holiday season.

This year, it's the grand finale of new music.

NEW YORK (AP) — Sixty years after the onset of Beatlemania and with two of the quartet now dead, artificial intelligence has enabled the release next week of what is promised to be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/beatles-artificial-intelligence-record-paul-mccartney-2dc3d8c818e12b708d4e9409cb7dc856">last “new” Beatles song</a>.The track, called “Now And Then,” will be available Thursday, Nov. 2, as part of a single paired with “Love Me Do,” the very first Beatles single that came out in 1962 in England, it was announced Thursday.“Now And Then” comes from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goldradiouk.com/artists/the-beatles/free-bird-real-love-anthology/">same batch of unreleased demos</a>&nbsp;written by the late John Lennon, which were taken by his former bandmates to construct the songs “Free As a Bird” and “Real Love,” released in the mid-1990s.Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison worked on “Now And Then” in the same sessions, but technological limitations stood in the way.With the help of artificial intelligence,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/peter-jackson">director Peter Jackson</a>&nbsp;cleared those problems up by “separating” Lennon's original vocals from a piano used in the late 1970s. The much clearer vocals allowed McCartney and Starr to complete the track last year.The survivors packed plenty into it. The new single contains guitar that Harrison had recorded nearly three decades ago, a new drum part by Starr, with McCartney's bass, piano and a slide guitar solo he added as a tribute to Harrison, who died in 2001. McCartney and Starr sang backup.McCartney also added a string arrangement written with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2006/11/25/son-of-beatles-producer-mixes-matches-to-create-new-hits/30284217007/">Giles Martin</a>, son of the late Beatles producer George Martin.As if that wasn't enough, they weaved in backing vocals from the original Beatles recordings of “Here, There and Everywhere,” “Eleanor Rigby” and “Because.”“There it was, John's voice, crystal clear,” McCartney said in the announcement. “It's quite emotional. And we all play on it, it's a genuine Beatles recording. In 2023 to still be working on Beatles music, and about to release a new song the public haven't heard, I think it's quite an exciting thing.”Harrison's widow, Olivia, said he felt in the 1990s that the technical problems made it impossible to release a song that met the band's standards. With the improvements, “he would have wholeheartedly” joined Paul and Ringo in completing the song now if he were still alive, she said.Next Wednesday, the day before the song's release,&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeatles.lnk.to/NowAndThenShortFilmTrailerPR">a 12-minute film</a>&nbsp;that tells the story of the new recording will be made public.Later in the month, expanded versions of the Beatles' compilations “1962-1966” and “1967-1970” will be released. “Now And Then,” despite coming much later than 1970, will be added to the latter collection.The surviving Beatles have skillfully released new projects, like remixes of their old albums that include studio outtakes and Jackson's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-arts-and-entertainment-peter-jackson-e81542a42c74446ad837075140777d65">“Get Back” film</a>, usually timed to appeal to nostalgic fans around the holiday season.This year, it's the grand finale of new music.

The final new Beatles song will be released next week

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Shocked and fearful Maine residents kept to their homes Friday as hundreds of heavily armed police and FBI agents searched intensely for Robert Card, an Army reservist authorities say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-what-we-know-40e373f7f2f0e0fb012ad4b26f4b78cd">fatally shot 18 people</a>&nbsp;at a bowling alley and a bar in the worst mass killing in state history.

Much of Thursday’s search focused on a large property belonging to one of Card’s relatives in rural Bowdoin, where trucks and vans full of armed agents from the FBI and other agencies eventually surrounded a home. Concerned locals said Card could have the upper hand in navigating the rural, wooded area that he knows well.

The Cards have lived in Bowdoin for generations, neighbors said. Various members of the Card family own hundreds of acres in the area.

Richard Goddard, who lives on the road where the search took place, knows the Card family. Robert Card knows the terrain well, Goddard said.

“This is is his stomping ground. He grew up here," he said. “He knows every ledge to hide behind, every thicket.”

Card and anyone else inside the home were repeatedly ordered to surrender on Thursday. But hours later, after repeated announcements and a search, authorities moved off and it was still unclear whether Card had ever been at the location, state police said.

“You need to come outside now with nothing in your hands. Your hands in the air,” police said through a loudspeaker. In most instances when police execute warrants — even for suspects wanted for violent crimes — they move quickly to enter the home.

Several homes were being searched and every lead pursued in the hunt for Card, a 40-year-old with firearms instructor training. Authorities said he should be considered armed and dangerous and not approached.

Card&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lewiston-maine-shootings-49da6d06a8b5a15d3b619b3927bc33ff">is suspected of opening fire</a>&nbsp;with at least one rifle at a bar and a bowling alley Wednesday in Lewiston, which is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Bowdoin and is Maine’s second-largest city. The evening shootings killed 18 people and wounded 13 others, with three people still hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-victims-1be7d14e90ef6c91ca23819163d29f3e">victims of the shootings</a>&nbsp;include Bob Violette, 76, a retiree who was coaching a youth bowling league and was described as devoted, approachable and kind. Auburn City Councilor Leroy Walker told media outlets that his son, Joe, a manager at the bar and grille, died going after the shooter with a butcher knife. Peyton Brewer-Ross was a dedicated pipefitter at Bath Iron Works whose death leaves a gaping void in the lives of his partner, young daughter and friends, members of his union said.

The manager of the youth bowling league vowed that the league would survive despite the devastating grief members were feeling.

“The people we lost were not just random league bowlers, they were people who contributed significantly to the development of our sport and our experience,” said Mark Fortier, who is also the manager of the Maine State U.S. Bowling Congress.

Authorities have not said how many guns were used or how they were obtained.

Schools, doctor’s offices and grocery stores closed and people stayed behind locked doors in cities as far as 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the scenes of the shootings. Maine’s largest city, Portland, closed its public buildings, while Canada Border Services Agency issued an “armed and dangerous” alert to its officers stationed along the U.S. border.

Streets in Lewiston and surrounding communities were virtually deserted late Thursday night. The occasional truck or police patrol would drive through neighborhoods dotted with illuminated giant pumpkins and ghosts for Halloween.

Schools in Lewiston and Portland remained closed Friday. Bates College in Lewiston also cancelled classes Friday and postponed the inauguration of the school’s first Black president.

April Stevens lives in the same neighborhood where one of the shootings took place. She turned on all her lights overnight and locked her doors. She knew someone killed at the bar and another person injured who needed surgery.

“We’re praying for everyone,” Stevens said through tears.

The search for the suspected shooter also prompted dread elsewhere in Maine. In Portland, some restaurants and bars closed their doors, bringing an unusual early evening quiet to the typically bustling downtown.

One popular sea food joint posted a sign on its door saying it would remain closed while the staff awaited word on the manhunt. Another restaurant canceled reservation Thursday “for the safety of our guests and staff.”

The attacks stunned a state of only 1.3 million people that has one of the country’s lowest homicide rates: 29 killings in all of 2022.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills promised to do whatever was needed to find Card and to “hold whoever is responsible for this atrocity accountable ... and to seek full justice for the victims and their families.”

As authorities searched for Card, details about his recent behavior emerged. Card underwent a mental health evaluation in mid-July after he began acting erratically while with his reserve regiment, a U.S. official told The Associated Press.

A bulletin sent to police across the country after the attack said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks this past summer after “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” a military base.

Maine doesn’t require permits to carry guns, and the state has a longstanding culture of gun ownership that is tied to its traditions of hunting and sport shooting. Keeping in mind the strong support for gun rights,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-control-lewiston-maine-shooting-c0ea366da50bd9d9dd4fb1aac256c049">lawmakers passed a “yellow flag” law</a>&nbsp;in 2019 that would require police to seek a medical evaluation of anyone believed to be dangerous before then trying to take their guns away. However, critics charged that it was a weaker version of the tougher “red flag” laws that many other states have adopted.

A neighbor, Dave Letarte, said Card’s family let them deer hunt on their property and were kind, although Letarte said he noticed Card appeared to have mental problems for a while.

“People have problems, but you don’t expect them to go on the deep end like that,” Letarte said. “When we saw it on the news last night, I was shocked.”

Thursday, a herd of cows grazed on one Card property adjacent to where law enforcement searched. Neighbors said the Cards owned the local sawmill, and that years ago a member of the Card family donated the land for a local church. Another neighbor who checked her yearbook told the AP that when Card was a freshman in high school, there were two other Cards in the same class.

A telephone number listed for Card in public records was not in service. A woman who answered a phone number for one of Card’s relatives said Thursday afternoon the family was helping the FBI. She didn’t give her name or additional details.

Eight murder warrants were issued for Card after authorities identified eight of the victims, police said. Ten more will likely be issued once the names of the rest of the dead are confirmed, said Maine State Police Col. William Ross.

Three of the 13 people wounded in the shootings were in critical condition and five were hospitalized but stable, Central Maine Medical Center officials said.

The attack started at Just-In-Time Recreation, where a children’s bowling league was taking place, just before 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Patrick Poulin was supposed to be at the bowling center with his 15-year-old son, who is in a league that was practicing Wednesday. They stayed home, but he estimates there were probably several dozen young bowlers, ages 4 to 18, along with their parents, in the facility. Poulin’s brother was there, he said, and shepherded some of the children outside when the shooting began.

“He’s pretty shook up,” Poulin said Thursday. “And it’s just sinking in today, like, wow, I was very close to being there. And a lot of the people that got hurt, I know.”

Less than 15 minutes later, numerous 911 calls started coming in from Schemengees Bar and Grille a few miles away.

The search for Card covered both land and water. The Coast Guard sent out a patrol boat Thursday morning along the Kennebec River, but after hours of searching, they found “nothing out of the ordinary,” said Chief Petty Officer Ryan Smith, who is in charge of the Coast Guard’s Boothbay Harbor Station.

A car believed to belong to Card had been discovered by a boat launch in the town of Lisbon near the Androscoggin River, which connects to the Kennebec, and Card’s 15-foot (4.5-meter) boat remains unaccounted for, Smith said.

In many past U.S. mass shootings, the suspect was found — whether dead or alive — within minutes. But Card was still on the loose more than a full day after the shootings.

At Bates College, students stayed in dorms with the blinds closed, said Diana Florence, whose son is a sophomore. She has a daughter who is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which was locked down twice last month for a shooting and a man with a gun.

“I could not believe it — that this is happening again. It’s happening to my son after it just happened to my daughter,” she said in a phone interview Thursday.

The shootings mark the 36th&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-killings-united-states-list-8eea3427796229eb127e052b3c66c691">mass killing</a>&nbsp;in the United States this year, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/18/mass-killings-database-us-events-since-2006/9705311002/">database</a>&nbsp;maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698329122278.png" alt="Card photo Lewiston Police" />
 <figcaption>Card photo Lewiston Police</figcaption>
 </figure>LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Shocked and fearful Maine residents kept to their homes Friday as hundreds of heavily armed police and FBI agents searched intensely for Robert Card, an Army reservist authorities say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-what-we-know-40e373f7f2f0e0fb012ad4b26f4b78cd">fatally shot 18 people</a>&nbsp;at a bowling alley and a bar in the worst mass killing in state history.Much of Thursday’s search focused on a large property belonging to one of Card’s relatives in rural Bowdoin, where trucks and vans full of armed agents from the FBI and other agencies eventually surrounded a home. Concerned locals said Card could have the upper hand in navigating the rural, wooded area that he knows well.The Cards have lived in Bowdoin for generations, neighbors said. Various members of the Card family own hundreds of acres in the area.Richard Goddard, who lives on the road where the search took place, knows the Card family. Robert Card knows the terrain well, Goddard said.“This is is his stomping ground. He grew up here," he said. “He knows every ledge to hide behind, every thicket.”Card and anyone else inside the home were repeatedly ordered to surrender on Thursday. But hours later, after repeated announcements and a search, authorities moved off and it was still unclear whether Card had ever been at the location, state police said.“You need to come outside now with nothing in your hands. Your hands in the air,” police said through a loudspeaker. In most instances when police execute warrants — even for suspects wanted for violent crimes — they move quickly to enter the home.Several homes were being searched and every lead pursued in the hunt for Card, a 40-year-old with firearms instructor training. Authorities said he should be considered armed and dangerous and not approached.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698285792740.png" alt="Security image Lewiston Police" />
 <figcaption>Security image Lewiston Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Card&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lewiston-maine-shootings-49da6d06a8b5a15d3b619b3927bc33ff">is suspected of opening fire</a>&nbsp;with at least one rifle at a bar and a bowling alley Wednesday in Lewiston, which is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Bowdoin and is Maine’s second-largest city. The evening shootings killed 18 people and wounded 13 others, with three people still hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-victims-1be7d14e90ef6c91ca23819163d29f3e">victims of the shootings</a>&nbsp;include Bob Violette, 76, a retiree who was coaching a youth bowling league and was described as devoted, approachable and kind. Auburn City Councilor Leroy Walker told media outlets that his son, Joe, a manager at the bar and grille, died going after the shooter with a butcher knife. Peyton Brewer-Ross was a dedicated pipefitter at Bath Iron Works whose death leaves a gaping void in the lives of his partner, young daughter and friends, members of his union said.The manager of the youth bowling league vowed that the league would survive despite the devastating grief members were feeling.“The people we lost were not just random league bowlers, they were people who contributed significantly to the development of our sport and our experience,” said Mark Fortier, who is also the manager of the Maine State U.S. Bowling Congress.Authorities have not said how many guns were used or how they were obtained.Schools, doctor’s offices and grocery stores closed and people stayed behind locked doors in cities as far as 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the scenes of the shootings. Maine’s largest city, Portland, closed its public buildings, while Canada Border Services Agency issued an “armed and dangerous” alert to its officers stationed along the U.S. border.Streets in Lewiston and surrounding communities were virtually deserted late Thursday night. The occasional truck or police patrol would drive through neighborhoods dotted with illuminated giant pumpkins and ghosts for Halloween.Schools in Lewiston and Portland remained closed Friday. Bates College in Lewiston also cancelled classes Friday and postponed the inauguration of the school’s first Black president.April Stevens lives in the same neighborhood where one of the shootings took place. She turned on all her lights overnight and locked her doors. She knew someone killed at the bar and another person injured who needed surgery.“We’re praying for everyone,” Stevens said through tears.The search for the suspected shooter also prompted dread elsewhere in Maine. In Portland, some restaurants and bars closed their doors, bringing an unusual early evening quiet to the typically bustling downtown.One popular sea food joint posted a sign on its door saying it would remain closed while the staff awaited word on the manhunt. Another restaurant canceled reservation Thursday “for the safety of our guests and staff.”The attacks stunned a state of only 1.3 million people that has one of the country’s lowest homicide rates: 29 killings in all of 2022.Maine Gov. Janet Mills promised to do whatever was needed to find Card and to “hold whoever is responsible for this atrocity accountable ... and to seek full justice for the victims and their families.”As authorities searched for Card, details about his recent behavior emerged. Card underwent a mental health evaluation in mid-July after he began acting erratically while with his reserve regiment, a U.S. official told The Associated Press.A bulletin sent to police across the country after the attack said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks this past summer after “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” a military base.Maine doesn’t require permits to carry guns, and the state has a longstanding culture of gun ownership that is tied to its traditions of hunting and sport shooting. Keeping in mind the strong support for gun rights,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gun-control-lewiston-maine-shooting-c0ea366da50bd9d9dd4fb1aac256c049">lawmakers passed a “yellow flag” law</a>&nbsp;in 2019 that would require police to seek a medical evaluation of anyone believed to be dangerous before then trying to take their guns away. However, critics charged that it was a weaker version of the tougher “red flag” laws that many other states have adopted.A neighbor, Dave Letarte, said Card’s family let them deer hunt on their property and were kind, although Letarte said he noticed Card appeared to have mental problems for a while.“People have problems, but you don’t expect them to go on the deep end like that,” Letarte said. “When we saw it on the news last night, I was shocked.”Thursday, a herd of cows grazed on one Card property adjacent to where law enforcement searched. Neighbors said the Cards owned the local sawmill, and that years ago a member of the Card family donated the land for a local church. Another neighbor who checked her yearbook told the AP that when Card was a freshman in high school, there were two other Cards in the same class.A telephone number listed for Card in public records was not in service. A woman who answered a phone number for one of Card’s relatives said Thursday afternoon the family was helping the FBI. She didn’t give her name or additional details.Eight murder warrants were issued for Card after authorities identified eight of the victims, police said. Ten more will likely be issued once the names of the rest of the dead are confirmed, said Maine State Police Col. William Ross.Three of the 13 people wounded in the shootings were in critical condition and five were hospitalized but stable, Central Maine Medical Center officials said.The attack started at Just-In-Time Recreation, where a children’s bowling league was taking place, just before 7 p.m. Wednesday.Patrick Poulin was supposed to be at the bowling center with his 15-year-old son, who is in a league that was practicing Wednesday. They stayed home, but he estimates there were probably several dozen young bowlers, ages 4 to 18, along with their parents, in the facility. Poulin’s brother was there, he said, and shepherded some of the children outside when the shooting began.“He’s pretty shook up,” Poulin said Thursday. “And it’s just sinking in today, like, wow, I was very close to being there. And a lot of the people that got hurt, I know.”Less than 15 minutes later, numerous 911 calls started coming in from Schemengees Bar and Grille a few miles away.The search for Card covered both land and water. The Coast Guard sent out a patrol boat Thursday morning along the Kennebec River, but after hours of searching, they found “nothing out of the ordinary,” said Chief Petty Officer Ryan Smith, who is in charge of the Coast Guard’s Boothbay Harbor Station.A car believed to belong to Card had been discovered by a boat launch in the town of Lisbon near the Androscoggin River, which connects to the Kennebec, and Card’s 15-foot (4.5-meter) boat remains unaccounted for, Smith said.In many past U.S. mass shootings, the suspect was found — whether dead or alive — within minutes. But Card was still on the loose more than a full day after the shootings.At Bates College, students stayed in dorms with the blinds closed, said Diana Florence, whose son is a sophomore. She has a daughter who is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which was locked down twice last month for a shooting and a man with a gun.“I could not believe it — that this is happening again. It’s happening to my son after it just happened to my daughter,” she said in a phone interview Thursday.The shootings mark the 36th&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-killings-united-states-list-8eea3427796229eb127e052b3c66c691">mass killing</a>&nbsp;in the United States this year, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/18/mass-killings-database-us-events-since-2006/9705311002/">database</a>&nbsp;maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.---------

Manhunt for Maine mass killer continues; towns locked down

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend shooting in Kansas City reported Thursday the victim has died.

Just after 10:30p.m. October 21, police responded to a shooting at 3835 Main, according to Sheriff Darryl Forte'.

First responders found an unresponsive woman later identified as 33-year-old Courtney Wickman in the alley of a restaurant.&nbsp; EMS transported her to a local hospital with critical injuries. She died as a result of her injuries.

According to police, a suspect in the shooting identified as 21-year-old Katera Mayfield, was shooting at a security guard when Wickman was hit. Deputies found Mayfield this week in Osage County dead of an apparent suicide.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend shooting in Kansas City reported Thursday the victim has died.Just after 10:30p.m. October 21, police responded to a shooting at 3835 Main, according to Sheriff Darryl Forte'.First responders found an unresponsive woman later identified as 33-year-old Courtney Wickman in the alley of a restaurant.&nbsp; EMS transported her to a local hospital with critical injuries. She died as a result of her injuries.According to police, a suspect in the shooting identified as 21-year-old Katera Mayfield, was shooting at a security guard when Wickman was hit. Deputies found Mayfield this week in Osage County dead of an apparent suicide.

Woman mistakenly shot coming from KC restaurant has died

&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/135693/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>&nbsp;, Department of Defense&nbsp;

The Defense Department announced Thursday an additional security assistance package valued at up to $150 million to help Ukraine counter Russia's unprovoked invasion.

The package includes additional air defense equipment, artillery rounds and antitank weapons, among other equipment, to meet Ukraine’s battlefield needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The latest round of assistance marks the 49th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. It reflects the United States’ continued commitment to supporting Ukraine and ensuring its defenders are armed with critical capabilities.&nbsp;

Last week President Joe Biden underscored the need for U.S. leadership against Russia's ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine and following the deadly attack against Israel by Hamas terrorists.&nbsp;

Biden pledged the U.S. will not waiver in support of its allies.&nbsp;

"American leadership is what holds the world together," Biden said in an Oval Office address last Thursday. "American alliances are what keep us, America, safe. American values are what make us a partner that other nations want to work with."&nbsp;

"To put all that at risk if we walk away from Ukraine, if we turn our backs on Israel, it's just not worth it," he said.&nbsp;

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S. has rallied a coalition of nations in support of Ukraine and committed more than $43.9 billion in assistance to help the country defend itself.&nbsp;

Biden has formally asked Congress to approve a supplemental funding request that ensures the U.S. will continue to support its allies.&nbsp;

The request, submitted last week, includes funds for additional weapons and equipment to help Ukraine succeed on the battlefield and shore up its economy and critical infrastructure as it defends against Russian aggression.&nbsp;

The request also includes funds to strengthen Israel's air defenses and replenish DOD’s weaponry inventory, which the department has drawn from to help arm Israel quickly since the attacks.&nbsp;

Additionally, the president is requesting funds to provide humanitarian assistance for those impacted by both wars.&nbsp;

The request also includes funds to strengthen U.S. security in the Indo-Pacific and along the U.S. southern border.&nbsp;

"It's a smart investment that's going to pay dividends for American security for generations, help us keep American troops out of harm's way, help us build a world that is safer, more peaceful and more prosperous for our children and grandchildren," Biden said.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698356993512.png" alt="Pallets of ammunition are loaded onto an 86th Airlift Wing C-130J Super Hercules at Ramstein Air Base, Germany&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Capt. Emma Quirk" />
 <figcaption>Pallets of ammunition are loaded onto an 86th Airlift Wing C-130J Super Hercules at Ramstein Air Base, Germany&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Capt. Emma Quirk</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/135693/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>&nbsp;, Department of Defense&nbsp;The Defense Department announced Thursday an additional security assistance package valued at up to $150 million to help Ukraine counter Russia's unprovoked invasion.The package includes additional air defense equipment, artillery rounds and antitank weapons, among other equipment, to meet Ukraine’s battlefield needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;The latest round of assistance marks the 49th drawdown of equipment from DOD inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. It reflects the United States’ continued commitment to supporting Ukraine and ensuring its defenders are armed with critical capabilities.&nbsp;Last week President Joe Biden underscored the need for U.S. leadership against Russia's ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine and following the deadly attack against Israel by Hamas terrorists.&nbsp;Biden pledged the U.S. will not waiver in support of its allies.&nbsp;"American leadership is what holds the world together," Biden said in an Oval Office address last Thursday. "American alliances are what keep us, America, safe. American values are what make us a partner that other nations want to work with."&nbsp;"To put all that at risk if we walk away from Ukraine, if we turn our backs on Israel, it's just not worth it," he said.&nbsp;Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S. has rallied a coalition of nations in support of Ukraine and committed more than $43.9 billion in assistance to help the country defend itself.&nbsp;Biden has formally asked Congress to approve a supplemental funding request that ensures the U.S. will continue to support its allies.&nbsp;The request, submitted last week, includes funds for additional weapons and equipment to help Ukraine succeed on the battlefield and shore up its economy and critical infrastructure as it defends against Russian aggression.&nbsp;The request also includes funds to strengthen Israel's air defenses and replenish DOD’s weaponry inventory, which the department has drawn from to help arm Israel quickly since the attacks.&nbsp;Additionally, the president is requesting funds to provide humanitarian assistance for those impacted by both wars.&nbsp;The request also includes funds to strengthen U.S. security in the Indo-Pacific and along the U.S. southern border.&nbsp;"It's a smart investment that's going to pay dividends for American security for generations, help us keep American troops out of harm's way, help us build a world that is safer, more peaceful and more prosperous for our children and grandchildren," Biden said.&nbsp;

U.S. sending additional $150M in military aid to Ukraine 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Crews investigated areas along the Arkansas River this week for possible trapped citizens, according to a social media report from the Wichita Fire Department.

 Homeless encampments were potentially at risk due to rapidly rising water after 4 inches of rain. 

The island turned out unoccupied. The fire department indicated they will continue to be monitor the area.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698360395626.png" alt="Photo Wichita Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Crews investigated areas along the Arkansas River this week for possible trapped citizens, according to a social media report from the Wichita Fire Department. Homeless encampments were potentially at risk due to rapidly rising water after 4 inches of rain. The island turned out unoccupied. The fire department indicated they will continue to be monitor the area.

 Authorities monitor Kan. homeless encampment after 4 inches of rain

KANSAS CITY —The Amber Alert for 1-year-old Kemaya Hill was canceled just before 11p.m. Thursday. According to Kansas City Police she was located in Lees Summit and is safe.&nbsp; The investigation into the robbery and kidnapping continues.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities in Kansas City issued an Amber Alert late Thursday.

Authorities were looking for a White 2008 Saturn Vue with Missouri license EG6A5J and a broken rear passenger wing window, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.&nbsp; The owner of the vehicle was assaulted by two unknown black women according to the MSHP. The suspect stole the vehicle with the child still in the vehicle. The Saturn was last seen in the area of 42nd and Nolan Road in Independence.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

KANSAS CITY —The Amber Alert for 1-year-old Kemaya Hill was canceled just before 11p.m. Thursday. According to Kansas City Police she was located in Lees Summit and is safe.&nbsp; The investigation into the robbery and kidnapping continues.---------------KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities in Kansas City issued an Amber Alert late Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698375386733.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities were looking for a White 2008 Saturn Vue with Missouri license EG6A5J and a broken rear passenger wing window, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.&nbsp; The owner of the vehicle was assaulted by two unknown black women according to the MSHP. The suspect stole the vehicle with the child still in the vehicle. The Saturn was last seen in the area of 42nd and Nolan Road in Independence.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Amber Alert canceled, missing 1-year-old found safe

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military launched airstrikes early Friday on two locations in eastern Syria linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Pentagon said, in retaliation for a slew of drone and missile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-navy-warship-missiles-intercepted-2f5fc9c8a3737f762b29d5c53ec08a5b">attacks against U.S. bases and personnel</a>&nbsp;in the region that began early last week.

The U.S. strikes reflect the Biden administration's determination to maintain a delicate balance. The U.S. wants to hit Iranian-backed groups suspected of targeting the U.S. as strongly as possible to deter future aggression, possibly fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-raid-2964c54724e0e80382dd29756b3427bf">Israel's war against Hamas</a>, while also working to avoid inflaming the region and provoking a wider conflict.

According to the Pentagon, there have been at least 12 attacks on U.S. bases and personnel in Iraq and four in Syria since Oct. 17. Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said 21 U.S. personnel were injured in two of those assaults that used drones to target al-Asad Airbase in Iraq and al-Tanf Garrison in Syria.

In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the “precision self-defense strikes are a response to a series of ongoing and mostly unsuccessful attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17.”

He said President Joe Biden directed the narrowly tailored strikes “to make clear that the United States will not tolerate such attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests.” And he added that the operation was separate and distinct from Israel's war against Hamasa.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military launched airstrikes early Friday on two locations in eastern Syria linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Pentagon said, in retaliation for a slew of drone and missile&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-navy-warship-missiles-intercepted-2f5fc9c8a3737f762b29d5c53ec08a5b">attacks against U.S. bases and personnel</a>&nbsp;in the region that began early last week.The U.S. strikes reflect the Biden administration's determination to maintain a delicate balance. The U.S. wants to hit Iranian-backed groups suspected of targeting the U.S. as strongly as possible to deter future aggression, possibly fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-raid-2964c54724e0e80382dd29756b3427bf">Israel's war against Hamas</a>, while also working to avoid inflaming the region and provoking a wider conflict.According to the Pentagon, there have been at least 12 attacks on U.S. bases and personnel in Iraq and four in Syria since Oct. 17. Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said 21 U.S. personnel were injured in two of those assaults that used drones to target al-Asad Airbase in Iraq and al-Tanf Garrison in Syria.In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the “precision self-defense strikes are a response to a series of ongoing and mostly unsuccessful attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17.”He said President Joe Biden directed the narrowly tailored strikes “to make clear that the United States will not tolerate such attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests.” And he added that the operation was separate and distinct from Israel's war against Hamasa.

US strikes Iran-linked sites in Syria in retaliation for attacks on US troops

WICHITA, KAN. – A para educator in Wichita has been sentenced to prison. Daniel Alonso-Hernandez, 34 of Wichita, admitted having sexual relations with two female high school students, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In September, Alonso-Hernandez pled guilty to unlawful sexual relations and aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He was a para at South High School at the time.

On Tuesday, District Judge Eric Williams followed the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines and sentenced Alonso-Hernandez to 77 months in prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642615381537.png" alt="Alonso-Hernandez" />
 <figcaption>Alonso-Hernandez</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A para educator in Wichita has been sentenced to prison. Daniel Alonso-Hernandez, 34 of Wichita, admitted having sexual relations with two female high school students, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In September, Alonso-Hernandez pled guilty to unlawful sexual relations and aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He was a para at South High School at the time.On Tuesday, District Judge Eric Williams followed the Kansas Sentencing Guidelines and sentenced Alonso-Hernandez to 77 months in prison.

Para-educator admitted having sex with Kan. high school students

BARBER COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before noon Thursday in Barber County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Peterbilt tractor truck driven by Joshua David Wayne&nbsp;Rainey, 40, Enid, Oklahoma, was westbound on K2 just west of Kansas 8 highway.

The driver maneuvered around the railroad crossings. A train collided with the truck..&nbsp;Rainey was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Lanman's Mortuary.&nbsp; The KHP reported no additional details.

BARBER COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before noon Thursday in Barber County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Peterbilt tractor truck driven by Joshua David Wayne&nbsp;Rainey, 40, Enid, Oklahoma, was westbound on K2 just west of Kansas 8 highway.The driver maneuvered around the railroad crossings. A train collided with the truck..&nbsp;Rainey was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Lanman's Mortuary.&nbsp; The KHP reported no additional details.

Man dies after train, truck crash in Kansas 

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man found guilty of murder in 2021 drive-by shooting is going to prison.&nbsp;

Jesus Manzano-Legarda, 23, Wichita, was found guilty of 1st-degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm in the killing of&nbsp;23-year-old Jacquez Carter of Wichita.

Judge Bruce Brown sentenced him life with the possibility of parole after serving 25 years for the 1st-degree murder and 13 months for the charge of criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

On Sept. 15, 2021, police responded to an injury accident at Harry and Washington regarding a vehicle that hit a pole, according to Office Trevor Macy.

Upon arrival, officers located a white Chevy Monte Carlo that was wrecked and occupied by 23-year-old Jacquez Carter of Wichita who had been shot.

First responders removed Carter from the vehicle, performed life-saving measures but he was pronounced deceased on the scene.

Investigators learned Carter was driving eastbound on Harry Street stopped at Topeka Street in the inside lane at the red light. While stopped, a white SUV pulled into the oncoming lanes beside Carter and a passenger believed to be&nbsp;Manzano-Legarda fired multiple times at Carter, striking him and his vehicle.

The white SUV then fled the scene. Carter began driving eastbound on Harry and lost control of the vehicle at Harry and Meade, struck a light pole and a utility pole at Harry and Washington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631742123130.png" alt="MANZANO-LEGARDA-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>MANZANO-LEGARDA-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man found guilty of murder in 2021 drive-by shooting is going to prison.&nbsp;Jesus Manzano-Legarda, 23, Wichita, was found guilty of 1st-degree murder and criminal discharge of a firearm in the killing of&nbsp;23-year-old Jacquez Carter of Wichita.Judge Bruce Brown sentenced him life with the possibility of parole after serving 25 years for the 1st-degree murder and 13 months for the charge of criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.On Sept. 15, 2021, police responded to an injury accident at Harry and Washington regarding a vehicle that hit a pole, according to Office Trevor Macy.Upon arrival, officers located a white Chevy Monte Carlo that was wrecked and occupied by 23-year-old Jacquez Carter of Wichita who had been shot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631150186772.png" alt="Police at the scene of the fatal shooting investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the fatal shooting investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>First responders removed Carter from the vehicle, performed life-saving measures but he was pronounced deceased on the scene.Investigators learned Carter was driving eastbound on Harry Street stopped at Topeka Street in the inside lane at the red light. While stopped, a white SUV pulled into the oncoming lanes beside Carter and a passenger believed to be&nbsp;Manzano-Legarda fired multiple times at Carter, striking him and his vehicle.The white SUV then fled the scene. Carter began driving eastbound on Harry and lost control of the vehicle at Harry and Meade, struck a light pole and a utility pole at Harry and Washington.----------

Kansas man sentenced for drive-by killing of 21-year-old

WASHINGTON (AP)— The Pentagon said Thursday that there was an attempted attack at Irbil air base in Iraq but there were no casualties and only minor damage to the facilities.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, declined to detail which Iranian-backed groups may be responsible for the recent spate of attacks at bases in Iraq and Syria.

He said there have been at least 12 attacks in Iraq and four in Syria, and that 21 U.S. personnel received minor injuries in two separate attacks early last week. Of those, 19 people had some type of traumatic brain injury, and all 21 returned to duty.

WASHINGTON (AP)— The Pentagon said Thursday that there was an attempted attack at Irbil air base in Iraq but there were no casualties and only minor damage to the facilities.Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, declined to detail which Iranian-backed groups may be responsible for the recent spate of attacks at bases in Iraq and Syria.He said there have been at least 12 attacks in Iraq and four in Syria, and that 21 U.S. personnel received minor injuries in two separate attacks early last week. Of those, 19 people had some type of traumatic brain injury, and all 21 returned to duty.

Pentagon: US troops attacked at airbase in Iraq

KANSAS CITY — A&nbsp;former Kansas City police detective&nbsp;convicted in the 2019 death of a Black man is now in custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Eric&nbsp;DeValkenaere, 45, is being held in the Western Reception and Diagnostic Corrections&nbsp; Center in St. Joseph, according to online jail records.

Last week,&nbsp;DeValkenaere's attorney announced he&nbsp; plans another appeal in the case. The&nbsp;lawyer asked appeals court judges to reinstate&nbsp;DeValkenaere's bond so he can remain free pending requests for a rehearing or an appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court.

The former officer had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">free on bond</a>&nbsp;during his initial appeal, but judges revoked bond after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">upholding his conviction</a>&nbsp;of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb.

DeValkenaere surrendered himself October 17 and was transferred from a Platte County jail to state prison this week.

Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey's office supports DeValkenaere's bond request. Bailey has played&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">an unusual role</a>&nbsp;in the former detective's case, in June asking the appeals court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial. In Missouri, the attorney general’s office handles criminal appeals and typically defends convictions, rather than appealing them.

Rumors have swirled that Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning or granting clemency to DeValkenaere, although on Tuesday spokesperson Johnathan Shiflett said in an email that the governor is “assessing the situation” and no decision has been reached on whether to grant a pardon.

Lamb’s stepfather, Aqil Bey, during an October 18, press conference asked Parson to think about Lamb when deciding whether to pardon DeValkenaere.

“We pray that he take into consideration who Cameron Lamb was, what he would offer this city and could offer this city as an upstanding citizen (and) as a father to his children,” Bey said.

Kansas City Law Enforcement Accountability Project founder Steve Young asked supporters to call Parson and request that he not pardon DeValkenaere.

“He has one foot in and one foot out (of jail),” Young said. “Who gets that kind of privilege?”

DeValkenaere, who is white, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-race-and-ethnicity-kansas-city-933d3aba9b37c83145fba5818d557c02">found guilty</a>&nbsp;in 2021 in the death of Lamb, who was parking a pickup truck in his backyard in Kansas City when the officer shot him.

The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.

Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting, but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.

On October 16, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously there had been enough evidence to convict DeValkenaere. He had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">sentenced to three years</a>&nbsp;in prison for involuntary manslaughter and six years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run consecutively.

Police said DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, went to Lamb’s home after reports he'd been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective. The judge said the officers had no probable cause to believe any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest, and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698332674249.png" alt="DeValkenaere photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>DeValkenaere photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — A&nbsp;former Kansas City police detective&nbsp;convicted in the 2019 death of a Black man is now in custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections.Eric&nbsp;DeValkenaere, 45, is being held in the Western Reception and Diagnostic Corrections&nbsp; Center in St. Joseph, according to online jail records.Last week,&nbsp;DeValkenaere's attorney announced he&nbsp; plans another appeal in the case. The&nbsp;lawyer asked appeals court judges to reinstate&nbsp;DeValkenaere's bond so he can remain free pending requests for a rehearing or an appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court.The former officer had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">free on bond</a>&nbsp;during his initial appeal, but judges revoked bond after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">upholding his conviction</a>&nbsp;of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb.DeValkenaere surrendered himself October 17 and was transferred from a Platte County jail to state prison this week.Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey's office supports DeValkenaere's bond request. Bailey has played&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">an unusual role</a>&nbsp;in the former detective's case, in June asking the appeals court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial. In Missouri, the attorney general’s office handles criminal appeals and typically defends convictions, rather than appealing them.Rumors have swirled that Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning or granting clemency to DeValkenaere, although on Tuesday spokesperson Johnathan Shiflett said in an email that the governor is “assessing the situation” and no decision has been reached on whether to grant a pardon.Lamb’s stepfather, Aqil Bey, during an October 18, press conference asked Parson to think about Lamb when deciding whether to pardon DeValkenaere.“We pray that he take into consideration who Cameron Lamb was, what he would offer this city and could offer this city as an upstanding citizen (and) as a father to his children,” Bey said.Kansas City Law Enforcement Accountability Project founder Steve Young asked supporters to call Parson and request that he not pardon DeValkenaere.“He has one foot in and one foot out (of jail),” Young said. “Who gets that kind of privilege?”DeValkenaere, who is white, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-race-and-ethnicity-kansas-city-933d3aba9b37c83145fba5818d557c02">found guilty</a>&nbsp;in 2021 in the death of Lamb, who was parking a pickup truck in his backyard in Kansas City when the officer shot him.The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting, but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.On October 16, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously there had been enough evidence to convict DeValkenaere. He had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">sentenced to three years</a>&nbsp;in prison for involuntary manslaughter and six years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run consecutively.Police said DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, went to Lamb’s home after reports he'd been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective. The judge said the officers had no probable cause to believe any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest, and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.-The Associated Press contributed to this report

Ex-KC officer who killed Black man moved to prison

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman criticized a resolution offered by Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall that would overturn recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ students in school nutrition programs, according to a media release from Fetterman's office.

“I can’t even believe that this resolution is even real. This makes it possible for some random lunch lady to deny lunch to a hungry child because she says her god tells her to. School lunch should be free, and certainly free of judgment."

“Don’t we have better things to do in the upper chamber than picking on kids because of who they are?”

&nbsp;Under provisions of the Congressional Review Act, S.J. Res. 42, offered by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) would overturn recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that brings USDA-funded nutrition assistance programs into compliance with recent Supreme Court rulings pertaining to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. In July 2020, the Supreme Court held in&nbsp;Bostock v. Clayton&nbsp;that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Under the Biden administration, many agencies, including USDA, have issued supplemental guidance to comply with this ruling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698238511425.png" alt="“Don’t we have better things to do in the upper chamber than picking on kids because of who they are?" Senator John Fetterman said. courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>“Don’t we have better things to do in the upper chamber than picking on kids because of who they are?" Senator John Fetterman said. courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday Pennsylvania U.S. Senator John Fetterman criticized a resolution offered by Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall that would overturn recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prevent discrimination against LGBTQ+ students in school nutrition programs, according to a media release from Fetterman's office.“I can’t even believe that this resolution is even real. This makes it possible for some random lunch lady to deny lunch to a hungry child because she says her god tells her to. School lunch should be free, and certainly free of judgment."“Don’t we have better things to do in the upper chamber than picking on kids because of who they are?”&nbsp;Under provisions of the Congressional Review Act, S.J. Res. 42, offered by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) would overturn recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that brings USDA-funded nutrition assistance programs into compliance with recent Supreme Court rulings pertaining to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. In July 2020, the Supreme Court held in&nbsp;Bostock v. Clayton&nbsp;that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Under the Biden administration, many agencies, including USDA, have issued supplemental guidance to comply with this ruling.

Fetterman ‘can’t believe’ Kan. Senator's resolution on school lunch ‘is even real’

TOPEKA — A Kansas sex offender was sentenced Wednesday to 37 months in prison for directing a third party to illegally purchase a firearm for him.

According to court documents, Jonathan Lee Hunt, 34, of Hiawatha pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting another in providing false statements in the acquisition of a firearm.

In April 2021, Hunt instructed another person to submit false information in order to purchase a Taurus, Model G3, 9mm pistol on his behalf. Hunt is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior qualifying felony conviction.

Hunt has previous felony convictions for theft, burglary, drugs and has been listed as a registered sex offender since 2010 for an attempted indecent liberties with a child conviction in Leavenworth County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698273332660.png" alt="Hunt has been listed as a registered sex offender since 2010" />
 <figcaption>Hunt has been listed as a registered sex offender since 2010</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — A Kansas sex offender was sentenced Wednesday to 37 months in prison for directing a third party to illegally purchase a firearm for him.According to court documents, Jonathan Lee Hunt, 34, of Hiawatha pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting another in providing false statements in the acquisition of a firearm.In April 2021, Hunt instructed another person to submit false information in order to purchase a Taurus, Model G3, 9mm pistol on his behalf. Hunt is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior qualifying felony conviction.Hunt has previous felony convictions for theft, burglary, drugs and has been listed as a registered sex offender since 2010 for an attempted indecent liberties with a child conviction in Leavenworth County.

Kan. sex offender sentenced for illegal firearm purchase

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

Early this morning, the Kansas Wesleyan University security staff saw bubbling foam from the Pioneer Hall fountain, a now familiar sight for the university.

According to Salina Police Department sergeant Kyle Tonniges, this is not the first time someone vandalized the water feature with soap.

At around 5:30 a.m., Kansas Wesleyan staff found the water fountain overflowing with soap and reported to SPD that three suspects, one man and two women, visited the fountain around 2 a.m.

The three suspects drove away in a silver-white SUV and have not been identified by SPD.

According to Tonniges, the current damage is $1,500 but could be more if the drainage system needs to be repaired.

"If there's any sort of damage to the pipes or pumps, it would be a lot more, but at this point, it's got to be at least $1,500 to drain it, clean it and refill it," Tonniges said.

Tonniges said Kansas Wesleyan is reviewing footage of the incident and that the current damages are a felony offense.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698336604878.png" alt="Kansas Wesleyan -Google image" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Wesleyan -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostEarly this morning, the Kansas Wesleyan University security staff saw bubbling foam from the Pioneer Hall fountain, a now familiar sight for the university.According to Salina Police Department sergeant Kyle Tonniges, this is not the first time someone vandalized the water feature with soap.At around 5:30 a.m., Kansas Wesleyan staff found the water fountain overflowing with soap and reported to SPD that three suspects, one man and two women, visited the fountain around 2 a.m.The three suspects drove away in a silver-white SUV and have not been identified by SPD.According to Tonniges, the current damage is $1,500 but could be more if the drainage system needs to be repaired."If there's any sort of damage to the pipes or pumps, it would be a lot more, but at this point, it's got to be at least $1,500 to drain it, clean it and refill it," Tonniges said.Tonniges said Kansas Wesleyan is reviewing footage of the incident and that the current damages are a felony offense.

Prank caused $1,500 damage to fountain at Kansas Wesleyan 

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — Maine’s governor says 18 people were killed and 13 were injured in shootings in Maine. Gov. Janet Mills made the remarks at a press conference Thursday.

A man shot and killed the victims at a bowling alley and restaurant in Lewiston and then fled into the night, sparking a massive search by hundreds of officers while frightened residents stayed locked in their homes Thursday under a shelter-in-place advisory.

Mills said the shooting suspect, Robert Card, is considered armed and dangerous, warns people not to approach him.

A police bulletin identified Card, 40, as a person of interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-what-we-know-40e373f7f2f0e0fb012ad4b26f4b78cd">the attack in Lewiston that sent panicked bowlers scrambling</a>&nbsp;behind pins, into corners and a back room when shots rang out around 7 p.m. Wednesday. Card was described as a firearms instructor believed to be in the U.S. Army Reserve and assigned to a training facility in Saco, Maine.

The document, circulated to law enforcement officials, said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks in the summer of 2023. It did not provide details about his treatment or condition but said Card had reported “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” the military base. A telephone number listed for Card in public records was not in service.

Maine State Police spokesperson Shannon Moss said the bowling alley shooting happened first.

Earlier, Lewiston Police said that they were dealing with an active shooter incident at Schemengees Bar and Grille and at Sparetime Recreation, a bowling alley about 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) away. A number of parents and children were at Sparetime as part of a children's bowling league.

One bowler, who identified himself only as Brandon, said he heard about 10 shots, thinking the first was a balloon popping.

“I had my back turned to the door. And as soon as I turned and saw it was not a balloon — he was holding a weapon — I just booked it,” he told The Associated Press.

Brandon said he scrambled down the length of the alley, sliding into the pin area and climbing up to hide in the machinery.