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

One of the anti-abortion doctors suing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to rescind its 2000 approval of a medication abortion regimen on the basis that one of the drugs is dangerous is now consulting on the development of a breast cancer treatment that involves the same drug: mifepristone. It is the family doctor’s latest foray into medical consulting outside his medical certifications.

George Delgado is joining the scientific advisory board of Res Nova Biologics Inc., which is developing a breast cancer treatment using mifepristone, despite plaintiffs’ arguments in the lawsuit that federal approval was illegally rushed (it was a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/legal-challenges-to-the-fda-approval-of-medication-abortion-pills/#:~:text=FDA%27s%20original%20approval%20of%20mifepristone,conditions%E2%80%9D%20as%20well%20as%20illnesses.">four-year process</a>) and that the drug’s approved use for first-trimester abortion should be reversed.

But in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231017959162/en/Res-Nova-Biologics-Recruits-Abortion-Pill-Reversal-Founder-to-Scientific-Advisory-Board">press release</a>&nbsp;announcing his role with Res Nova, he said: “In my opinion the concept of leveraging the effects of the abortion pill in life-saving as opposed to a life-taking scenario is extremely exciting. I am proud to join such a specialized team of therapeutic developers in advancing this novel approach to tumor immunotherapy.”

Delgado is among the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/65768749/parties/alliance-for-hippocratic-medicine-v-us-food-and-drug-administration/">four anti-abortion doctors</a>&nbsp;and four conservative Christian medical groups whose claims&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/suspect-science-and-claims-center-abortion-pill-lawsuit">are largely based</a>&nbsp;on anecdotes and research that has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/study-cited-texas-judge-abortion-pill-case-under-investigation">raised red flags</a>. And they contradict&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/washington-fda-lawsuit-part-larger-strategy-preserve-abortion-access">overwhelming evidence</a>&nbsp;that mifepristone is safe after 5.6 million uses and effective for first-trimester abortions, miscarriage management and other medical conditions. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/press-releases/restored-restrictions-mifepristone-step-backwards">American Medical Association</a>&nbsp;has accused the conservative courts that have advanced the case of&nbsp; “elevat(ing) speculative pseudoscience over data and evidence, arbitrarily rolling back access to a safe and effective drug and leaving millions of women without a critical medication for reproductive health care.”

Nevertheless, the fate of U.S. abortion access once again rests on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/abortion-rights-advocates-say-consequences-dire-if-scotus-declines-hear-pill-case">forthcoming decision</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Supreme Court, to either take up this case, or effectively reinstate old restrictions to the drug. Conservative judges in lower courts have relied on plaintiffs’ claims along with testimony from Delgado and the other doctors alleging personal harm because mifepristone is FDA-approved for abortion.

In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/65768749/1/52/alliance-for-hippocratic-medicine-v-us-food-and-drug-administration/">legal declaration</a>&nbsp;submitted in November 2022, Delgado wrote that he has treated women who “suffer complications from chemical abortions,” but he gave only examples of women whom he says felt regret and emotional distress. As an argument for standing, Delgado also said he loses money when patients have a medication abortion instead of seeking prenatal care services at his family practice in Escondido, California, which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://colfsclinic.org/faqs/">also offers</a>&nbsp;anti-abortion counseling and a controversial protocol claiming to reverse the effects of mifepristone. The American College of Obstetrician Gynecologists says this protocol is “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.acog.org/advocacy/facts-are-important/medication-abortion-reversal-is-not-supported-by-science">not supported by science</a>.”

“There is a tangible financial loss to my practice in losing the opportunity to render professional prenatal care for the mother or to care for babies who are never born,” he wrote.

Delgado is an outspoken anti-abortion activist best known for so-called “abortion pill reversal,” which is unregulated by the FDA and whose&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revealnews.org/podcast/the-religious-right-mobilized-to-end-roe-now-what/">unverified claims</a>&nbsp;led the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/25/revealed-doctor-reverse-abortion-trump-administration">AMA to sue</a>&nbsp;North Dakota in 2019 over a state law promoting the procedure. Delgado serves on the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists’&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://aaplog.org/about-us/aaplog-board/">board of directors</a>, despite not being an OB-GYN. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Delgado also testified as a medical expert&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/abortion-reversal-dr-george-delgado-inventor-enlists-in-the-covid-wars?source=articles&amp;via=twitter_page">to keep mega churches open</a>, though he is not a public health expert or epidemiologist. In legal filings he claimed expertise from having “treated many people with infectious diseases, including viral illnesses such as influenza, which tend to occur in epidemics.”

Now the family doctor has been recruited to the scientific advisory board of the biotech company based in Chula Vista, California, that is developing a breast cancer treatment using mifepristone.

Res Nova, a breast-cancer-focused spinoff of Therapeutic Solutions International, Inc., is developing FloraStilbene, a “proprietary formulation of RU-486 and pterostilbene which has been shown to overcome tumor associated immune suppression and increases responsiveness to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.” According to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231017959162/en/Res-Nova-Biologics-Recruits-Abortion-Pill-Reversal-Founder-to-Scientific-Advisory-Board">press release</a>&nbsp;(which refers to mifepristone as RU-486, the name the drug had during laboratory testing), the company “seeks to enter clinical trials of ‘repurposed’ abortion pill for breast cancer” and has signed with a compounding pharmacy.

“The similarities between pregnancy and oncology, including angiogenesis, immune modulation, and rapid growth are striking,” Delgado said.

Delgado is certified in family medicine and hospice and palliative medicine by the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://portfolio.theabfm.org/diplomate/find.aspx?token=0CBD01FABB27A0E64D95C399E1A0E1242EA8A60D14A9046225845DBF21E70F46DE7ECFE5919AC1BCF1A001919F3927EB7B8746797B0BC7B8D055114C184EB03FC8E64279">American Board of Family Medicine, and is not specialized in oncology or immunology.</a>&nbsp;The Res Nova advisory board members&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.resnovabiologics.com/home/the-company">currently listed on the website</a>&nbsp;(Delgado has not yet been added) includes members with diverse specialties, including a board-certified neurologist and neuro-oncologist, a pharmacist, an attorney, a technology executive, and an IT consultant.

Res Nova president and CEO Famela Ramos — who is a nurse, an unsuccessful&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ballotpedia.org/Famela_Ramos">congressional and school board candidate</a>, and on the board of an anti-abortion pregnancy center in Chula Vista — said she recruited Delgado partly because of the so-called abortion reversal technique he’s spent more than a decade developing and promoting.

“Having known the work of Dr. Delgado for many years and his great success in defending both the mother and the baby, it is exciting to have the opportunity to utilize his scientific and medical expertise in this unique intersection of reproductive medicine, immunology, and oncology,” Ramos said in the announcement, which refers to Delgado as an “expert in the biology of pregnancy and the abortion pill” and does not mention his lawsuit against mifepristone.

Delgado has also suggested that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://catholicspeakers.com/profiles/george-delgado-md">abortion is linked to breast cancer</a>, a common anti-abortion claim. But&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/medical-treatments/abortion-and-breast-cancer-risk.html">according to the American Cancer Society</a>, “scientific research studies have not found a cause-and-effect relationship between abortion and breast cancer.”

Ramos and Delgado declined to respond to States Newsroom’s questions.

Major U.S. medical groups have argued that Delagado’s lawsuit could have long-term consequences unrelated to pregnancy termination—and could&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/04/18/fda-approval-process-abortion-pill-ruling/">upend drug research and development</a>. Mifepristone is currently being&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/abortion-pill-may-treat-dozens-diseases-roe-reversal-might-upend-resea-rcna34812">investigated in clinic trials</a>&nbsp;for a variety of cancers and mental health disorders. This lawsuit targets mifepristone for the specific use of abortion, and the drug’s manufacturers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/abortion-pill-may-treat-dozens-diseases-roe-reversal-might-upend-resea-rcna34812">have said</a>&nbsp;restrictions on the medication abortion regimen would not apply to clinical trials investigating mifepristone for non-abortion use. However, researchers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/abortion-pill-may-treat-dozens-diseases-roe-reversal-might-upend-resea-rcna34812">have reported</a>&nbsp;that even before Roe v. Wade was overturned anti-abortion policies made it difficult to study mifepristone.

Already mifepristone can be difficult to access for people who want abortions, but now the drug is also hard to access for the off-label use of miscarriage management because of high demand and confusion around medication abortion laws, according to States Newsroom affiliate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/many-women-cant-access-miscarriage-drug-because-its-also-used-abortions">Stateline</a>.

“Dr. Delgado’s research interest in mifepristone as a potential preventive for cancer demonstrates the significant medical value that mifepristone provides,” said Molly Meegan, chief legal officer and general counsel for the American College of Obstetrician Gynecologists, which has filed friend-of-the-court briefs defending mifepristone’s approval and safety record in the FDA lawsuit.

Delgado helped create a network of anti-abortion health care providers willing to perform the so-called abortion pill reversal treatment without much data behind it and based on the doctor’s training at an institute that teaches a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/18/magazine/a-new-front-in-the-war-over-reproductive-rights-abortion-pill-reversal.html">Catholic-friendly approach</a>&nbsp;to reproductive health. The anti-abortion pregnancy center network Heartbeat International now manages the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.heartbeatinternational.org/our-work/apr">Abortion Pill Rescue Network</a>.

The FDA’s medication abortion regimen, which is currently recommended for up to 10 weeks’ gestation, involves mifepristone to block the hormone progesterone, followed by the medication misoprostol which causes contractions. The “reversal” protocol has patients forgo the second drug in the regimen and receive doses of progesterone. States Newsroom&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/how-make-state-abortion-ban-go-national">has interviewed</a>&nbsp;a patient who remained pregnant and gave birth to a healthy baby after going through this treatment at an anti-abortion pregnancy center in Idaho. But medical groups like ACOG and the AMA say there’s not enough evidence to show that it’s the progesterone that continues the pregnancy versus not completing the abortion regimen. The one attempt at a controlled study of this protocol&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.thecut.com/2019/12/abortion-reversal-study-stopped-after-women-hospitalized.html">ended prematurely</a>&nbsp;because the OB-GYN and mifepristone expert leading the study determined it was unsafe after three patients hemorrhaged.

Though several states have passed laws requiring abortion clinics to tell patients they could potentially reverse their abortions if they change their minds, some states are now pushing back on the promotion and marketing of this treatment.

The California attorney general is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://calmatters.org/health/2023/09/california-sues-crisis-pregnancy-centers-abortion-reversal/">suing Heartbeat International</a>&nbsp;and another California-based crisis pregnancy network that have widely marketed “abortion pill reversal” despite its unproven claims, under the state’s False Advertising and Unfair Competition laws.

Earlier this year Colorado became the first state to ban the procedure, which was followed by a lawsuit from a Catholic clinic. State regulators&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/abortion-reversal-ban-survives-test-colorado-regulatory-board-rules">have ruled</a>&nbsp;that so-called “abortion reversal treatments” are not an accepted medical practice. But over the weekend, a federal judge appointed by former President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-blocks-colorado-ban-abortion-reversal-treatment?eType=EmailBlastContent&amp;eId=35e5c507-3f4a-44bb-9c54-618cb363e695">blocked the new state law</a>, citing the plaintiffs’ religious freedom.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;SOFIA RESNICK&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>One of the anti-abortion doctors suing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to rescind its 2000 approval of a medication abortion regimen on the basis that one of the drugs is dangerous is now consulting on the development of a breast cancer treatment that involves the same drug: mifepristone. It is the family doctor’s latest foray into medical consulting outside his medical certifications.George Delgado is joining the scientific advisory board of Res Nova Biologics Inc., which is developing a breast cancer treatment using mifepristone, despite plaintiffs’ arguments in the lawsuit that federal approval was illegally rushed (it was a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/legal-challenges-to-the-fda-approval-of-medication-abortion-pills/#:~:text=FDA%27s%20original%20approval%20of%20mifepristone,conditions%E2%80%9D%20as%20well%20as%20illnesses.">four-year process</a>) and that the drug’s approved use for first-trimester abortion should be reversed.But in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231017959162/en/Res-Nova-Biologics-Recruits-Abortion-Pill-Reversal-Founder-to-Scientific-Advisory-Board">press release</a>&nbsp;announcing his role with Res Nova, he said: “In my opinion the concept of leveraging the effects of the abortion pill in life-saving as opposed to a life-taking scenario is extremely exciting. I am proud to join such a specialized team of therapeutic developers in advancing this novel approach to tumor immunotherapy.”Delgado is among the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/65768749/parties/alliance-for-hippocratic-medicine-v-us-food-and-drug-administration/">four anti-abortion doctors</a>&nbsp;and four conservative Christian medical groups whose claims&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/suspect-science-and-claims-center-abortion-pill-lawsuit">are largely based</a>&nbsp;on anecdotes and research that has&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/study-cited-texas-judge-abortion-pill-case-under-investigation">raised red flags</a>. And they contradict&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/washington-fda-lawsuit-part-larger-strategy-preserve-abortion-access">overwhelming evidence</a>&nbsp;that mifepristone is safe after 5.6 million uses and effective for first-trimester abortions, miscarriage management and other medical conditions. The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/press-releases/restored-restrictions-mifepristone-step-backwards">American Medical Association</a>&nbsp;has accused the conservative courts that have advanced the case of&nbsp; “elevat(ing) speculative pseudoscience over data and evidence, arbitrarily rolling back access to a safe and effective drug and leaving millions of women without a critical medication for reproductive health care.”Nevertheless, the fate of U.S. abortion access once again rests on a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/abortion-rights-advocates-say-consequences-dire-if-scotus-declines-hear-pill-case">forthcoming decision</a>&nbsp;from the U.S. Supreme Court, to either take up this case, or effectively reinstate old restrictions to the drug. Conservative judges in lower courts have relied on plaintiffs’ claims along with testimony from Delgado and the other doctors alleging personal harm because mifepristone is FDA-approved for abortion.In a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/65768749/1/52/alliance-for-hippocratic-medicine-v-us-food-and-drug-administration/">legal declaration</a>&nbsp;submitted in November 2022, Delgado wrote that he has treated women who “suffer complications from chemical abortions,” but he gave only examples of women whom he says felt regret and emotional distress. As an argument for standing, Delgado also said he loses money when patients have a medication abortion instead of seeking prenatal care services at his family practice in Escondido, California, which&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://colfsclinic.org/faqs/">also offers</a>&nbsp;anti-abortion counseling and a controversial protocol claiming to reverse the effects of mifepristone. The American College of Obstetrician Gynecologists says this protocol is “<a target="_blank" href="https://www.acog.org/advocacy/facts-are-important/medication-abortion-reversal-is-not-supported-by-science">not supported by science</a>.”“There is a tangible financial loss to my practice in losing the opportunity to render professional prenatal care for the mother or to care for babies who are never born,” he wrote.Delgado is an outspoken anti-abortion activist best known for so-called “abortion pill reversal,” which is unregulated by the FDA and whose&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://revealnews.org/podcast/the-religious-right-mobilized-to-end-roe-now-what/">unverified claims</a>&nbsp;led the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/25/revealed-doctor-reverse-abortion-trump-administration">AMA to sue</a>&nbsp;North Dakota in 2019 over a state law promoting the procedure. Delgado serves on the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists’&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://aaplog.org/about-us/aaplog-board/">board of directors</a>, despite not being an OB-GYN. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Delgado also testified as a medical expert&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/abortion-reversal-dr-george-delgado-inventor-enlists-in-the-covid-wars?source=articles&amp;via=twitter_page">to keep mega churches open</a>, though he is not a public health expert or epidemiologist. In legal filings he claimed expertise from having “treated many people with infectious diseases, including viral illnesses such as influenza, which tend to occur in epidemics.”Now the family doctor has been recruited to the scientific advisory board of the biotech company based in Chula Vista, California, that is developing a breast cancer treatment using mifepristone.Res Nova, a breast-cancer-focused spinoff of Therapeutic Solutions International, Inc., is developing FloraStilbene, a “proprietary formulation of RU-486 and pterostilbene which has been shown to overcome tumor associated immune suppression and increases responsiveness to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.” According to the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231017959162/en/Res-Nova-Biologics-Recruits-Abortion-Pill-Reversal-Founder-to-Scientific-Advisory-Board">press release</a>&nbsp;(which refers to mifepristone as RU-486, the name the drug had during laboratory testing), the company “seeks to enter clinical trials of ‘repurposed’ abortion pill for breast cancer” and has signed with a compounding pharmacy.“The similarities between pregnancy and oncology, including angiogenesis, immune modulation, and rapid growth are striking,” Delgado said.Delgado is certified in family medicine and hospice and palliative medicine by the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://portfolio.theabfm.org/diplomate/find.aspx?token=0CBD01FABB27A0E64D95C399E1A0E1242EA8A60D14A9046225845DBF21E70F46DE7ECFE5919AC1BCF1A001919F3927EB7B8746797B0BC7B8D055114C184EB03FC8E64279">American Board of Family Medicine, and is not specialized in oncology or immunology.</a>&nbsp;The Res Nova advisory board members&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.resnovabiologics.com/home/the-company">currently listed on the website</a>&nbsp;(Delgado has not yet been added) includes members with diverse specialties, including a board-certified neurologist and neuro-oncologist, a pharmacist, an attorney, a technology executive, and an IT consultant.Res Nova president and CEO Famela Ramos — who is a nurse, an unsuccessful&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://ballotpedia.org/Famela_Ramos">congressional and school board candidate</a>, and on the board of an anti-abortion pregnancy center in Chula Vista — said she recruited Delgado partly because of the so-called abortion reversal technique he’s spent more than a decade developing and promoting.“Having known the work of Dr. Delgado for many years and his great success in defending both the mother and the baby, it is exciting to have the opportunity to utilize his scientific and medical expertise in this unique intersection of reproductive medicine, immunology, and oncology,” Ramos said in the announcement, which refers to Delgado as an “expert in the biology of pregnancy and the abortion pill” and does not mention his lawsuit against mifepristone.Delgado has also suggested that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://catholicspeakers.com/profiles/george-delgado-md">abortion is linked to breast cancer</a>, a common anti-abortion claim. But&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/medical-treatments/abortion-and-breast-cancer-risk.html">according to the American Cancer Society</a>, “scientific research studies have not found a cause-and-effect relationship between abortion and breast cancer.”Ramos and Delgado declined to respond to States Newsroom’s questions.Major U.S. medical groups have argued that Delagado’s lawsuit could have long-term consequences unrelated to pregnancy termination—and could&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/04/18/fda-approval-process-abortion-pill-ruling/">upend drug research and development</a>. Mifepristone is currently being&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/abortion-pill-may-treat-dozens-diseases-roe-reversal-might-upend-resea-rcna34812">investigated in clinic trials</a>&nbsp;for a variety of cancers and mental health disorders. This lawsuit targets mifepristone for the specific use of abortion, and the drug’s manufacturers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/abortion-pill-may-treat-dozens-diseases-roe-reversal-might-upend-resea-rcna34812">have said</a>&nbsp;restrictions on the medication abortion regimen would not apply to clinical trials investigating mifepristone for non-abortion use. However, researchers&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/abortion-pill-may-treat-dozens-diseases-roe-reversal-might-upend-resea-rcna34812">have reported</a>&nbsp;that even before Roe v. Wade was overturned anti-abortion policies made it difficult to study mifepristone.Already mifepristone can be difficult to access for people who want abortions, but now the drug is also hard to access for the off-label use of miscarriage management because of high demand and confusion around medication abortion laws, according to States Newsroom affiliate&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/many-women-cant-access-miscarriage-drug-because-its-also-used-abortions">Stateline</a>.“Dr. Delgado’s research interest in mifepristone as a potential preventive for cancer demonstrates the significant medical value that mifepristone provides,” said Molly Meegan, chief legal officer and general counsel for the American College of Obstetrician Gynecologists, which has filed friend-of-the-court briefs defending mifepristone’s approval and safety record in the FDA lawsuit.Delgado helped create a network of anti-abortion health care providers willing to perform the so-called abortion pill reversal treatment without much data behind it and based on the doctor’s training at an institute that teaches a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/18/magazine/a-new-front-in-the-war-over-reproductive-rights-abortion-pill-reversal.html">Catholic-friendly approach</a>&nbsp;to reproductive health. The anti-abortion pregnancy center network Heartbeat International now manages the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.heartbeatinternational.org/our-work/apr">Abortion Pill Rescue Network</a>.The FDA’s medication abortion regimen, which is currently recommended for up to 10 weeks’ gestation, involves mifepristone to block the hormone progesterone, followed by the medication misoprostol which causes contractions. The “reversal” protocol has patients forgo the second drug in the regimen and receive doses of progesterone. States Newsroom&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/how-make-state-abortion-ban-go-national">has interviewed</a>&nbsp;a patient who remained pregnant and gave birth to a healthy baby after going through this treatment at an anti-abortion pregnancy center in Idaho. But medical groups like ACOG and the AMA say there’s not enough evidence to show that it’s the progesterone that continues the pregnancy versus not completing the abortion regimen. The one attempt at a controlled study of this protocol&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.thecut.com/2019/12/abortion-reversal-study-stopped-after-women-hospitalized.html">ended prematurely</a>&nbsp;because the OB-GYN and mifepristone expert leading the study determined it was unsafe after three patients hemorrhaged.Though several states have passed laws requiring abortion clinics to tell patients they could potentially reverse their abortions if they change their minds, some states are now pushing back on the promotion and marketing of this treatment.The California attorney general is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://calmatters.org/health/2023/09/california-sues-crisis-pregnancy-centers-abortion-reversal/">suing Heartbeat International</a>&nbsp;and another California-based crisis pregnancy network that have widely marketed “abortion pill reversal” despite its unproven claims, under the state’s False Advertising and Unfair Competition laws.Earlier this year Colorado became the first state to ban the procedure, which was followed by a lawsuit from a Catholic clinic. State regulators&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/abortion-reversal-ban-survives-test-colorado-regulatory-board-rules">have ruled</a>&nbsp;that so-called “abortion reversal treatments” are not an accepted medical practice. But over the weekend, a federal judge appointed by former President Donald Trump&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-blocks-colorado-ban-abortion-reversal-treatment?eType=EmailBlastContent&amp;eId=35e5c507-3f4a-44bb-9c54-618cb363e695">blocked the new state law</a>, citing the plaintiffs’ religious freedom.

Doctor suing FDA recruited to advisory board to ‘repurpose’ abortion pill

KANSAS CITY, MO. (AP) — The NFL placed Kansas City Chiefs receiver Justyn Ross on the Commissioner Exempt List on Friday, three days after he pleaded not guilty to charges of misdemeanor domestic battery and criminal damage to property.

Ross is not allowed to practice or attend games while on the list.

Ross was released from jail Tuesday after posting $2,500 bond. He is due again in court on Dec. 4. The Chiefs said they were aware of his arrest but had no comment.

Ross was arrested Monday, and the sheriff’s office in Johnson County, Kansas, originally indicated on his booking record that he was accused of causing damage of up to $25,000, which would have been a felony. That total was adjusted to under $1,000.

The 23-year-old Ross has been a bit player for the defending Super Bowl champions this season. He has been active in their first seven games but has just three catches for 34 yards.

The fact that he is playing at all is noteworthy. After a standout first two seasons at Clemson, Ross was found to have a congenital fusion condition in his neck and spinal area that required career-threatening surgery. Ross returned to play another season for the Tigers, then turned professional, where the Chiefs were one of the few teams willing to clear him medically to play.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698197296137.png" alt="Ross-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Ross-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, MO. (AP) — The NFL placed Kansas City Chiefs receiver Justyn Ross on the Commissioner Exempt List on Friday, three days after he pleaded not guilty to charges of misdemeanor domestic battery and criminal damage to property.Ross is not allowed to practice or attend games while on the list.Ross was released from jail Tuesday after posting $2,500 bond. He is due again in court on Dec. 4. The Chiefs said they were aware of his arrest but had no comment.Ross was arrested Monday, and the sheriff’s office in Johnson County, Kansas, originally indicated on his booking record that he was accused of causing damage of up to $25,000, which would have been a felony. That total was adjusted to under $1,000.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698113130170.png" alt="Ross photo KC Chiefs" />
 <figcaption>Ross photo KC Chiefs</figcaption>
 </figure>The 23-year-old Ross has been a bit player for the defending Super Bowl champions this season. He has been active in their first seven games but has just three catches for 34 yards.The fact that he is playing at all is noteworthy. After a standout first two seasons at Clemson, Ross was found to have a congenital fusion condition in his neck and spinal area that required career-threatening surgery. Ross returned to play another season for the Tigers, then turned professional, where the Chiefs were one of the few teams willing to clear him medically to play.___

NFL puts Chiefs receiver on exempt list after domestic battery arrest

Kansas economic incentives bind taxpayers, Cerner and Sporting KC

By TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The state of Kansas reached a $7 million settlement with the parent company of Sporting Kansas City to resolve a dispute about repayment of taxpayer-funded economic development incentives relied upon to build Cerner Corp.’s office complex in Wyandotte County, officials said Friday.

OnGoal, the parent company of the professional soccer franchise, pledged to complete the settlement payments in 2025. Cerner’s exodus from Wyandotte County had left OnGoal responsible for the IT company’s economic development obligations.

Payments would be distributed this way: Willa Gill Services Center, $2 million; 2026 FIFA World Cup, $2 million; Quindaro Ruins, $1 million; community projects east of I-635, $1 million; Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, $500,000; Wyandotte County Historical Museum, $250,000; and Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame, $250,000.

The administration of Gov. Sam Brownback provided Cerner with $48 million in incentives in 2010 to build an office complex in Wyandotte County in exchange for the company’s promise to shower 4,500 jobs on Kansas. In 2011, the job metric obligations linked to the government-backed incentives were dropped in concert with a deal with OnGoal that led to construction of the soccer stadium for Sporting Kansas City.

Overhaul of the original Brownback agreement with Cerner didn’t eliminate expectations the company would generate payroll tax collections sufficient to cover economic incentives provided by Kansas taxpayers for the office space opened in 2013.

In 2021, Cerner put the set of office towers in western Kansas City, Kansas, up for sale and relocated employees. Cerner was later bought by Oracle.

The Brownback-era arrangement involving Cerner and OnGoal permitted the state to invoke clawback mechanisms to recoup up to $3.04 million annually for five consecutive years if Cerner didn’t meet payroll requirements. For the year ending Dec. 31, 2021, payroll tax collections were insufficient and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County demanded in July 2022 the first $3.04 million payment from OnGoal. That prompted negotiations led by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

“Since day one of my administration, I have directed the Department of Commerce to pursue business deals in a way that benefits our communities,” Gov. Laura Kelly said. “Often that means creating jobs and bringing in investment, but — as this agreement shows — it also means holding businesses accountable and protecting taxpayer dollars.”

The Brownback-era arrangement spawning construction of the office complex and the soccer stadium intertwined Cerner, OnGoal, the Unified Government and the state of Kansas. A special entity, Kansas Unified Development LLC, had been launched to handle development of the stadium and Cerner’s offices. To protect taxpayers, OnGoal — the parent of Sporting Kansas City — agreed to be responsible for financial clawbacks if Cerner failed to meet economic development targets.

Once Cerner bolted from Wyandotte County, it left guarantor OnGoal with potential repayment obligations of $15 million.

Attorney Korb Maxwell, speaking on behalf of OnGoal, said the company appreciated its partnership with the state and county.

“For more than a decade, OnGoal has been committed and invested in the local community and looks forward to further enhancing Kansas City, Kansas, as a major destination,” Maxwell said.

Lt. Gov. David Toland, secretary of the Department of Commerce, said the agency shielded taxpayers by enforcing clawback provisions embedded in economic development incentive programs. OnGoal’s contributions could begin in November with regard to Quindaro and Memorial Hall. Other payments should be completed by the end of 2025.

“This agreement ensures sales tax dollars still are being utilized to further the state’s tourism goals and put money back into the community to have lasting impact,” Toland said.

David Johnson, administrator of the Unified Government, said the settlement provided grants to important projects, including an effort to better serve homeless people.

“Funds will support ongoing efforts to provide supportive services for the unhoused – all important initiatives to our economic future,” he said. “We are grateful for the willingness of the state and developer to work with us to make this a reality.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698492647458.png" alt="Cerner Corp.’s failure to meet economic development obligations linked to construction of an office complex in Wyandotte County led to a $7 million settlement with the parent company of Sporting Kansas City, which had guaranteed Cerner’s repayment of taxpayer-backed incentives in a package deal enabling construction of the team’s soccer stadium in Wyandotte County. -image courtesy Sporting Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Cerner Corp.’s failure to meet economic development obligations linked to construction of an office complex in Wyandotte County led to a $7 million settlement with the parent company of Sporting Kansas City, which had guaranteed Cerner’s repayment of taxpayer-backed incentives in a package deal enabling construction of the team’s soccer stadium in Wyandotte County. -image courtesy Sporting Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas economic incentives bind taxpayers, Cerner and Sporting KC</h2>By TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The state of Kansas reached a $7 million settlement with the parent company of Sporting Kansas City to resolve a dispute about repayment of taxpayer-funded economic development incentives relied upon to build Cerner Corp.’s office complex in Wyandotte County, officials said Friday.OnGoal, the parent company of the professional soccer franchise, pledged to complete the settlement payments in 2025. Cerner’s exodus from Wyandotte County had left OnGoal responsible for the IT company’s economic development obligations.Payments would be distributed this way: Willa Gill Services Center, $2 million; 2026 FIFA World Cup, $2 million; Quindaro Ruins, $1 million; community projects east of I-635, $1 million; Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, $500,000; Wyandotte County Historical Museum, $250,000; and Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame, $250,000.The administration of Gov. Sam Brownback provided Cerner with $48 million in incentives in 2010 to build an office complex in Wyandotte County in exchange for the company’s promise to shower 4,500 jobs on Kansas. In 2011, the job metric obligations linked to the government-backed incentives were dropped in concert with a deal with OnGoal that led to construction of the soccer stadium for Sporting Kansas City.Overhaul of the original Brownback agreement with Cerner didn’t eliminate expectations the company would generate payroll tax collections sufficient to cover economic incentives provided by Kansas taxpayers for the office space opened in 2013.In 2021, Cerner put the set of office towers in western Kansas City, Kansas, up for sale and relocated employees. Cerner was later bought by Oracle.The Brownback-era arrangement involving Cerner and OnGoal permitted the state to invoke clawback mechanisms to recoup up to $3.04 million annually for five consecutive years if Cerner didn’t meet payroll requirements. For the year ending Dec. 31, 2021, payroll tax collections were insufficient and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County demanded in July 2022 the first $3.04 million payment from OnGoal. That prompted negotiations led by the Kansas Department of Commerce.“Since day one of my administration, I have directed the Department of Commerce to pursue business deals in a way that benefits our communities,” Gov. Laura Kelly said. “Often that means creating jobs and bringing in investment, but — as this agreement shows — it also means holding businesses accountable and protecting taxpayer dollars.”The Brownback-era arrangement spawning construction of the office complex and the soccer stadium intertwined Cerner, OnGoal, the Unified Government and the state of Kansas. A special entity, Kansas Unified Development LLC, had been launched to handle development of the stadium and Cerner’s offices. To protect taxpayers, OnGoal — the parent of Sporting Kansas City — agreed to be responsible for financial clawbacks if Cerner failed to meet economic development targets.Once Cerner bolted from Wyandotte County, it left guarantor OnGoal with potential repayment obligations of $15 million.Attorney Korb Maxwell, speaking on behalf of OnGoal, said the company appreciated its partnership with the state and county.“For more than a decade, OnGoal has been committed and invested in the local community and looks forward to further enhancing Kansas City, Kansas, as a major destination,” Maxwell said.Lt. Gov. David Toland, secretary of the Department of Commerce, said the agency shielded taxpayers by enforcing clawback provisions embedded in economic development incentive programs. OnGoal’s contributions could begin in November with regard to Quindaro and Memorial Hall. Other payments should be completed by the end of 2025.“This agreement ensures sales tax dollars still are being utilized to further the state’s tourism goals and put money back into the community to have lasting impact,” Toland said.David Johnson, administrator of the Unified Government, said the settlement provided grants to important projects, including an effort to better serve homeless people.“Funds will support ongoing efforts to provide supportive services for the unhoused – all important initiatives to our economic future,” he said. “We are grateful for the willingness of the state and developer to work with us to make this a reality.”

Negotiated $7 million deal resolves fallout from Cerner’s exit from Wyandotte County

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting at a house party in Manhattan have made three arrests and need the public's assistance finding Marc Oliver, 18, of Manhattan.

Oliver is believed to be armed and dangerous. Do not approach him if seen. If you have any information on Oliver's whereabouts, please contact the Riley County Police Department at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. In an emergency call 911. You can submit tips online here: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353&amp;fbclid=IwAR1GHVjFgfT3ues8-8f91kX8WxuPB2Km53SLcXi2j3GMvavjQuRYfzwpJh0" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353</a>#

Just before 3a.m. October 21, the Riley County Police Department Communication Center received several 911 calls reporting gunfire.&nbsp;When officers arrived on scene, they found 2 male victims with gunshot wounds. A 3rd male victim arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound from the incident.&nbsp;

On Thursday evening police reported the arrest of 21-year-old Cordarius Gowdy; 18-year-old Damerius McGee both of Ogden and Christopher Stowers, 21, of Manhattan on requested charges&nbsp; of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery and one count of firing into an occupied dwelling.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698364743811.png" alt="Oliver photo RCPD" />
 <figcaption>Oliver photo RCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting at a house party in Manhattan have made three arrests and need the public's assistance finding Marc Oliver, 18, of Manhattan.Oliver is believed to be armed and dangerous. Do not approach him if seen. If you have any information on Oliver's whereabouts, please contact the Riley County Police Department at (785) 537-2112 or Crime Stoppers at (785) 539-7777. In an emergency call 911. You can submit tips online here: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353&amp;fbclid=IwAR1GHVjFgfT3ues8-8f91kX8WxuPB2Km53SLcXi2j3GMvavjQuRYfzwpJh0" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353</a>#Just before 3a.m. October 21, the Riley County Police Department Communication Center received several 911 calls reporting gunfire.&nbsp;When officers arrived on scene, they found 2 male victims with gunshot wounds. A 3rd male victim arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound from the incident.&nbsp;On Thursday evening police reported the arrest of 21-year-old Cordarius Gowdy; 18-year-old Damerius McGee both of Ogden and Christopher Stowers, 21, of Manhattan on requested charges&nbsp; of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery and one count of firing into an occupied dwelling.

Armed, dangerous Kan. shooting suspect still hiding from police

By&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/58550/jim-garamone/">Jim Garamone</a>, Department of Defense

U.S. efforts in the Middle East remain focused on supporting Israel's defense needs as the nation battles Hamas terrorists in Gaza, deterring other actors who seek to use the Hamas war on Israel as a pretext to expand the conflict and to ensure force protection for U.S. forces serving in the region, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said today.&nbsp;

Approximately 900 U.S. troops are in the process of deploying to the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Ryder said.&nbsp;

These include forces that had previously been put on prepare-to-deploy status and they are deploying from the continental United States. &nbsp;

Deployed and deploying units include a terminal high-altitude area defense battery from Fort Bliss, Texas; Patriot batteries from Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Patriot and Avenger batteries from Fort Liberty, North Carolina and associated air defense headquarters elements from Fort Bliss and Fort Cavazos, Texas. &nbsp;

"I won't talk specific deployment locations for these forces, I can confirm that they are not going to Israel," Ryder said. The units and personnel are intended to support regional deterrence efforts and further bolster U.S. force protection capabilities.&nbsp;

Ryder said that between October 17 and 26, U.S. and coalition forces have been attacked at least 12 separate times in Iraq and four separate times in Syria, by a mix of one-way attack drones and rockets. The general would not provide specific groups that have claimed responsibility for these attacks. All he would say is "we know that these groups are affiliated with Iran."&nbsp;

Ryder said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III continued his near-daily calls to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. He received updates on Israeli operations and Israeli military needs. "During the discussion, Secretary Austin reiterated the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid can be delivered into Gaza and repeated our calls for Israel to ensure the protection of civilians," the general said. &nbsp;

Ryder confirmed that the United States is sending two U.S. Iron Dome systems to Israel to help further bolster air defense capabilities and protect citizens from rocket attacks. &nbsp;

Israel is not the only hotspot in the world, and Ryder said the United States is sending a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3569812/biden-administration-announces-additional-security-assistance-for-ukraine/">$150 million package of military aid</a>&nbsp;to support Ukraine's urgent security needs. "This marks the 49th provision of equipment from DOD inventories to Ukraine since August 2021," he said. "This crucial security assistance includes air defense capabilities, artillery, ammunition, anti-tank weapons and other important aid to help Ukraine counter Russia's ongoing aggression and continue its fight for independence and freedom."&nbsp;

The general reiterated U.S. leaders' pledges to Ukraine that the United States will stand with Ukraine "and we will continue to have their backs."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698490072758.png" alt="Three U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., arrive at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 23, 2023. The aircraft provide aerial refueling, as well as rapid and reliable passenger and cargo airlift and aero-medical evacuations. The KC-135 is deployed within the Centcom area of responsibility to help defend U.S. interests, promote regional security, and deter aggression in the region. Photo courtesy&nbsp;Air Force&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Three U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., arrive at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 23, 2023. The aircraft provide aerial refueling, as well as rapid and reliable passenger and cargo airlift and aero-medical evacuations. The KC-135 is deployed within the Centcom area of responsibility to help defend U.S. interests, promote regional security, and deter aggression in the region. Photo courtesy&nbsp;Air Force&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/58550/jim-garamone/">Jim Garamone</a>, Department of DefenseU.S. efforts in the Middle East remain focused on supporting Israel's defense needs as the nation battles Hamas terrorists in Gaza, deterring other actors who seek to use the Hamas war on Israel as a pretext to expand the conflict and to ensure force protection for U.S. forces serving in the region, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said today.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698490193609.png" alt="The New Jersey Air National Guard’s 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrives within U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, bolstering U.S. posture to defend U.S. forces and deter further aggression in the region.Photo By:Air Force Tech. Sgt. Megan Floyd" />
 <figcaption>The New Jersey Air National Guard’s 119th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrives within U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility, bolstering U.S. posture to defend U.S. forces and deter further aggression in the region.Photo By:Air Force Tech. Sgt. Megan Floyd</figcaption>
 </figure>Approximately 900 U.S. troops are in the process of deploying to the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Ryder said.&nbsp;These include forces that had previously been put on prepare-to-deploy status and they are deploying from the continental United States. &nbsp;Deployed and deploying units include a terminal high-altitude area defense battery from Fort Bliss, Texas; Patriot batteries from Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Patriot and Avenger batteries from Fort Liberty, North Carolina and associated air defense headquarters elements from Fort Bliss and Fort Cavazos, Texas. &nbsp;"I won't talk specific deployment locations for these forces, I can confirm that they are not going to Israel," Ryder said. The units and personnel are intended to support regional deterrence efforts and further bolster U.S. force protection capabilities.&nbsp;Ryder said that between October 17 and 26, U.S. and coalition forces have been attacked at least 12 separate times in Iraq and four separate times in Syria, by a mix of one-way attack drones and rockets. The general would not provide specific groups that have claimed responsibility for these attacks. All he would say is "we know that these groups are affiliated with Iran."&nbsp;Ryder said Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III continued his near-daily calls to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. He received updates on Israeli operations and Israeli military needs. "During the discussion, Secretary Austin reiterated the importance of ensuring humanitarian aid can be delivered into Gaza and repeated our calls for Israel to ensure the protection of civilians," the general said. &nbsp;Ryder confirmed that the United States is sending two U.S. Iron Dome systems to Israel to help further bolster air defense capabilities and protect citizens from rocket attacks. &nbsp;Israel is not the only hotspot in the world, and Ryder said the United States is sending a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3569812/biden-administration-announces-additional-security-assistance-for-ukraine/">$150 million package of military aid</a>&nbsp;to support Ukraine's urgent security needs. "This marks the 49th provision of equipment from DOD inventories to Ukraine since August 2021," he said. "This crucial security assistance includes air defense capabilities, artillery, ammunition, anti-tank weapons and other important aid to help Ukraine counter Russia's ongoing aggression and continue its fight for independence and freedom."&nbsp;The general reiterated U.S. leaders' pledges to Ukraine that the United States will stand with Ukraine "and we will continue to have their backs."

USAF KC-135 refueling tankers, more U.S. troops sent to Middle East

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — The Army reservist who opened fire in a bowling alley and then at a bar in Lewiston, Maine, killing 18 people, was found dead Friday from a self-inflicted gunshot, ending an intensive two-day search that had the state on edge.

Robert Card, a firearms instructor who grew up in the area, was found dead in nearby Lisbon Falls, Gov. Janet Mills said at a Friday night news conference.

“Like many people I’m breathing a sigh of relief tonight knowing that Robert Card is no longer a threat to anyone,” Mills said.

April Stevens, a Lewiston resident who knew one of the victims, said she was relieved to learn that the “monster and coward” who inflicted so much pain was no longer a danger.

“I’m relieved but not happy," she said. "There was too much death. Too many people were hurt. Relieved, yes, happy, no.”

Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck said Card was found at 7:45 p.m. near the Androscoggin River, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) southeast of where the second shooting occurred Wednesday evening. He declined to divulge the location but an official told The Associated Press the body was at a recycling center from which Card had been fired.

The official was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Mills said she had called President Joe Biden to alert him that Card was dead.

“Tonight we’re grateful that Lewiston and surrounding communities are safe after spending excruciating days hiding in their homes,” Biden said in a statement. He added that “Americans should not have to live like this” and called on Congress to take action on gun violence.

The deadliest shootings in Maine history stunned a state of 1.3 million people that has relatively little violent crime and had only 29 killings in all of 2022. In Lewiston, the 37,000 residents and those in surrounding communities were told to stay in their homes as hundreds of police officers, sheriff’s deputies, FBI agents and other law enforcement officials swarmed the area.

Card, 40, of Bowdoin, was a U.S. Army reservist. Leo Madden, who said he ran Maine Recycling Corp. for decades, told the AP that Card worked there for a couple of years and nothing about him stood out. Madden said he didn’t remember when Card was employed or whether he was fired or quit.

Last summer, Card underwent a mental health evaluation after he began acting erratically during training, a U.S. official told the AP. A bulletin sent to police across the country shortly after the attack said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks after “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” a military base.

A U.S. official said Card was training with the Army Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment in West Point, New York, when commanders became concerned about him. State police took Card to the Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point for evaluation, according to the official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the information and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

On Wednesday, Card attacked the bowling alley first, then went to the bar. Police were quickly sent to both locations but Card was able to escape. For the next two days authorities scoured the woods and hundreds of acres of Card's family-owned property, and sent dive teams with sonar to the bottom of the Androscoggin River.

Law enforcement officials had said they hadn't seen Card since his vehicle was left at a boat ramp Wednesday shortly after the shootings.

Hours before Card's body was found, the names and pictures of the 15 men, two women and 14-year-old boy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-lewiston-deaf-community-a6bfb5f48e45fd7a20317010bf6e18e8">who died</a>&nbsp;in the shootings were released at a news conference.

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 news outlets that his son, Joe, a manager at the bar and grill, 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 Maine Educational Center for the Deaf said the shootings killed at least four members of their community.

Prior to finding Card's body, divers searched the water near a boat launch in Lisbon, and a farming business in the same town. At points throughout the day Friday, police vehicles were seen speeding through several towns, lights flashing and sirens blaring.

A gun was found in Card’s car, which was discovered at a boat ramp, and federal agents were testing it to determine if it was used in the shooting, two law enforcement officials told the AP. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity. Authorities have said publicly that the shooter used at least one rifle. They have not released any other details, including how the suspect obtained the firearm.

Authorities found a suicide note at a home associated with Card on Thursday that was addressed to his son, the law enforcement officials said. They said it didn’t provide any specific motive for the shooting. Authorities also recovered Card’s cellphone in the home, making a search more complicated because authorities routinely use phones to track suspects, the officials said.

The Cards have lived in Bowdoin for generations, neighbors said, and various members of the family own hundreds of acres in the area. The family owned the local sawmill and years ago donated the land for a local church.

Family members of Card told federal investigators that he had recently discussed hearing voices and became more focused on the bowling alley and bar, according to the law enforcement officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. When he was hospitalized in July in New York, Card had told military officials he had been hearing voices and said he wanted to harm other soldiers, the officials said.

Authorities had banned hunting in several communities, in a state where it is immensely popular. However, following confirmation of Card’s death, a public safety alert was issued that announced: “The search is over for Mr. Card. The caution is over. Hunting may resume.”

The Lewiston shootings were 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.

LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — The man wanted in the mass shooting at a bowling alley and bar that killed 18 people and wounded 13 was found dead Friday, bringing an end to a search that put the entire state of Maine on edge for the last two days.

Robert Card, who was wanted in connection with the shootings at Schemengees Bar and Grille and at Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley in Lewiston, is believed to have died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a law enforcement official tells The Associated Press.

The official was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity. A 10 p.m. news conference was scheduled by police.

The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office confirmed Card's death in a Facebook post, saying the suspect in the shootings “has been located and is deceased.”

Card, 40, of Bowdoin, Maine, was a U.S. Army reservist who underwent a mental health evaluation in mid-July after he began acting erratically during training, a U.S. official told The Associated Press.

Card had been sought since the Wednesday night shootings, and murder warrants were issued against him.

A bulletin sent to police across the country shortly 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.

A U.S. official said Card was training with the Army Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment in West Point, New York, when commanders became concerned about him.

State police took Card to the Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point for evaluation, according to the official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the information and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity

Authorities had scoured the woods and hundreds of acres of family-owned property, sent dive teams with sonar to the bottom of a river and scrutinized a possible suicide note Friday in the second day of their intensive search for Card.

Authorities lifted their shelter in place order Friday evening, nearly 48 hours after the shootings.

The names and pictures of the 16 males and 2 females&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-lewiston-deaf-community-a6bfb5f48e45fd7a20317010bf6e18e8">who died</a>&nbsp;were released as State Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck asked for a moment of silence at a news conference. Their ages ranged from 14 to 76.

Law enforcement officials had said they hadn't not seen suspect Card since his vehicle was left at a boat ramp Wednesday shortly after the shootings.

Authorities say Card, who had firearms training,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lewiston-maine-shootings-49da6d06a8b5a15d3b619b3927bc33ff">opened fire</a>&nbsp;at the bar and a bowling alley Wednesday in Lewiston, Maine’s second-largest city.

The city held an online vigil Friday night with local clergy members, prayer and music. Residents expressed their shock and pain in chat postings, describing themselves as angry, grieving, tired and heartbroken. Those watching at home were urged to light candles.

One poster, Victoria, wrote: “I lost 2 people that I cared truly about and a close family friend that is currently fighting for his life in ICU. My heart’s shattered.”

Police and other law enforcement officers were spotted in several areas around the region on Friday. Divers searched the water near a boat launch in Lisbon, and a farming business in the same town. At points throughout the day, police vehicles were seen speeding through several towns, lights flashing and sirens blaring.

A gun was found in Card’s car, which was discovered at a boat ramp, and federal agents were testing it to determine if it was used in the shooting, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity. Authorities have said publicly that the shooter used at least one rifle. They have not released any other details, including how the suspect obtained the firearm.

Federal agents conducted several searches of properties associated with Card on Thursday, collecting a number of items, including electronics, the officials said. Investigators are also analyzing Card’s financial information and reviewing his social media posts, writings and his mental health history, they said.

“This is his stomping ground,” Richard Goddard, who lives on the road where a search took place on Thursday, said of the suspect. “He knows every ledge to hide behind, every thicket.”

Police said Thursday that Card would be charged with 18 counts of murder.

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

The Maine Educational Center for the Deaf said the shootings killed at least four members of their community, many of whom were ardent advocates for the deaf and hard of hearing.

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. Gov. Janet Mills said Friday that many Maine residents will know someone who died.

“It is often said that our state is ‘one big, small town’ because Maine is such a close-knit community. As a result, many of us know the victims personally, including me," she said in a statement. “Tonight, I ask Maine people to join me in reading their stories, learning who they were, celebrating them as beloved people, and mourning them as irreplaceable.”

Schools, public buildings and many businesses remained closed Friday. Bates College in Lewiston canceled classes and postponed the inauguration of the school’s first Black president.

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="Robert Card-photo Lewiston Police" />
 <figcaption>Robert Card-photo Lewiston Police</figcaption>
 </figure>LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — The Army reservist who opened fire in a bowling alley and then at a bar in Lewiston, Maine, killing 18 people, was found dead Friday from a self-inflicted gunshot, ending an intensive two-day search that had the state on edge.Robert Card, a firearms instructor who grew up in the area, was found dead in nearby Lisbon Falls, Gov. Janet Mills said at a Friday night news conference.“Like many people I’m breathing a sigh of relief tonight knowing that Robert Card is no longer a threat to anyone,” Mills said.April Stevens, a Lewiston resident who knew one of the victims, said she was relieved to learn that the “monster and coward” who inflicted so much pain was no longer a danger.“I’m relieved but not happy," she said. "There was too much death. Too many people were hurt. Relieved, yes, happy, no.”Maine Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck said Card was found at 7:45 p.m. near the Androscoggin River, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) southeast of where the second shooting occurred Wednesday evening. He declined to divulge the location but an official told The Associated Press the body was at a recycling center from which Card had been fired.The official was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.Mills said she had called President Joe Biden to alert him that Card was dead.“Tonight we’re grateful that Lewiston and surrounding communities are safe after spending excruciating days hiding in their homes,” Biden said in a statement. He added that “Americans should not have to live like this” and called on Congress to take action on gun violence.The deadliest shootings in Maine history stunned a state of 1.3 million people that has relatively little violent crime and had only 29 killings in all of 2022. In Lewiston, the 37,000 residents and those in surrounding communities were told to stay in their homes as hundreds of police officers, sheriff’s deputies, FBI agents and other law enforcement officials swarmed the area.Card, 40, of Bowdoin, was a U.S. Army reservist. Leo Madden, who said he ran Maine Recycling Corp. for decades, told the AP that Card worked there for a couple of years and nothing about him stood out. Madden said he didn’t remember when Card was employed or whether he was fired or quit.Last summer, Card underwent a mental health evaluation after he began acting erratically during training, a U.S. official told the AP. A bulletin sent to police across the country shortly after the attack said Card had been committed to a mental health facility for two weeks after “hearing voices and threats to shoot up” a military base.A U.S. official said Card was training with the Army Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment in West Point, New York, when commanders became concerned about him. State police took Card to the Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point for evaluation, according to the official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the information and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.On Wednesday, Card attacked the bowling alley first, then went to the bar. Police were quickly sent to both locations but Card was able to escape. For the next two days authorities scoured the woods and hundreds of acres of Card's family-owned property, and sent dive teams with sonar to the bottom of the Androscoggin River.Law enforcement officials had said they hadn't seen Card since his vehicle was left at a boat ramp Wednesday shortly after the shootings.Hours before Card's body was found, the names and pictures of the 15 men, two women and 14-year-old boy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-lewiston-deaf-community-a6bfb5f48e45fd7a20317010bf6e18e8">who died</a>&nbsp;in the shootings were released at a news conference.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 news outlets that his son, Joe, a manager at the bar and grill, 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 Maine Educational Center for the Deaf said the shootings killed at least four members of their community.Prior to finding Card's body, divers searched the water near a boat launch in Lisbon, and a farming business in the same town. At points throughout the day Friday, police vehicles were seen speeding through several towns, lights flashing and sirens blaring.A gun was found in Card’s car, which was discovered at a boat ramp, and federal agents were testing it to determine if it was used in the shooting, two law enforcement officials told the AP. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity. Authorities have said publicly that the shooter used at least one rifle. They have not released any other details, including how the suspect obtained the firearm.Authorities found a suicide note at a home associated with Card on Thursday that was addressed to his son, the law enforcement officials said. They said it didn’t provide any specific motive for the shooting. Authorities also recovered Card’s cellphone in the home, making a search more complicated because authorities routinely use phones to track suspects, the officials said.The Cards have lived in Bowdoin for generations, neighbors said, and various members of the family own hundreds of acres in the area. The family owned the local sawmill and years ago donated the land for a local church.Family members of Card told federal investigators that he had recently discussed hearing voices and became more focused on the bowling alley and bar, according to the law enforcement officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. When he was hospitalized in July in New York, Card had told military officials he had been hearing voices and said he wanted to harm other soldiers, the officials said.Authorities had banned hunting in several communities, in a state where it is immensely popular. However, following confirmation of Card’s death, a public safety alert was issued that announced: “The search is over for Mr. Card. The caution is over. Hunting may resume.”The Lewiston shootings were 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.LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — The man wanted in the mass shooting at a bowling alley and bar that killed 18 people and wounded 13 was found dead Friday, bringing an end to a search that put the entire state of Maine on edge for the last two days.Robert Card, who was wanted in connection with the shootings at Schemengees Bar and Grille and at Just-In-Time Recreation bowling alley in Lewiston, is believed to have died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a law enforcement official tells The Associated Press.The official was not authorized to discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity. A 10 p.m. news conference was scheduled by police.The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office confirmed Card's death in a Facebook post, saying the suspect in the shootings “has been located and is deceased.”Card, 40, of Bowdoin, Maine, was a U.S. Army reservist who underwent a mental health evaluation in mid-July after he began acting erratically during training, a U.S. official told The Associated Press.Card had been sought since the Wednesday night shootings, and murder warrants were issued against him.A bulletin sent to police across the country shortly 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.A U.S. official said Card was training with the Army Reserve’s 3rd Battalion, 304th Infantry Regiment in West Point, New York, when commanders became concerned about him.State police took Card to the Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point for evaluation, according to the official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the information and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymityAuthorities had scoured the woods and hundreds of acres of family-owned property, sent dive teams with sonar to the bottom of a river and scrutinized a possible suicide note Friday in the second day of their intensive search for Card.Authorities lifted their shelter in place order Friday evening, nearly 48 hours after the shootings.The names and pictures of the 16 males and 2 females&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maine-shooting-lewiston-deaf-community-a6bfb5f48e45fd7a20317010bf6e18e8">who died</a>&nbsp;were released as State Public Safety Commissioner Mike Sauschuck asked for a moment of silence at a news conference. Their ages ranged from 14 to 76.Law enforcement officials had said they hadn't not seen suspect Card since his vehicle was left at a boat ramp Wednesday shortly after the shootings.Authorities say Card, who had firearms training,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lewiston-maine-shootings-49da6d06a8b5a15d3b619b3927bc33ff">opened fire</a>&nbsp;at the bar and a bowling alley Wednesday in Lewiston, Maine’s second-largest city.The city held an online vigil Friday night with local clergy members, prayer and music. Residents expressed their shock and pain in chat postings, describing themselves as angry, grieving, tired and heartbroken. Those watching at home were urged to light candles.One poster, Victoria, wrote: “I lost 2 people that I cared truly about and a close family friend that is currently fighting for his life in ICU. My heart’s shattered.”Police and other law enforcement officers were spotted in several areas around the region on Friday. Divers searched the water near a boat launch in Lisbon, and a farming business in the same town. At points throughout the day, police vehicles were seen speeding through several towns, lights flashing and sirens blaring.A gun was found in Card’s car, which was discovered at a boat ramp, and federal agents were testing it to determine if it was used in the shooting, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity. Authorities have said publicly that the shooter used at least one rifle. They have not released any other details, including how the suspect obtained the firearm.Authorities found a suicide note at a home associated with Card on Thursday that was addressed to his son, the law enforcement officials said. They said it didn’t provide any specific motive for the shooting. Authorities also recovered Card’s cellphone in the home, making a search more complicated because authorities routinely use phones to track suspects, the officials said.Federal agents conducted several searches of properties associated with Card on Thursday, collecting a number of items, including electronics, the officials said. Investigators are also analyzing Card’s financial information and reviewing his social media posts, writings and his mental health history, they said.The Cards have lived in Bowdoin for generations, neighbors said, and various members of the family own hundreds of acres in the area. The family owned the local sawmill and years ago donated the land for a local church.“This is his stomping ground,” Richard Goddard, who lives on the road where a search took place on Thursday, said of the suspect. “He knows every ledge to hide behind, every thicket.”Family members of Card told federal investigators that he had recently discussed hearing voices and became more focused on the bowling alley and bar, according to the law enforcement officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. When he was hospitalized in July in New York, Card had told military officials he had been hearing voices and said he wanted to harm other soldiers, the officials said.Police said Thursday that Card would be charged with 18 counts of murder.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 news outlets that his son, Joe, a manager at the bar and grill, 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 Maine Educational Center for the Deaf said the shootings killed at least four members of their community, many of whom were ardent advocates for the deaf and hard of hearing.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. Gov. Janet Mills said Friday that many Maine residents will know someone who died.“It is often said that our state is ‘one big, small town’ because Maine is such a close-knit community. As a result, many of us know the victims personally, including me," she said in a statement. “Tonight, I ask Maine people to join me in reading their stories, learning who they were, celebrating them as beloved people, and mourning them as irreplaceable.”Schools, public buildings and many businesses remained closed Friday. Bates College in Lewiston canceled classes and postponed the inauguration of the school’s first Black president.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.___

Maine mass killing suspect found dead, ending search that put entire state on edge

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating alleged fraud are asking the public for help to find a Kansas woman identified as Barbara Kennedy.

According to the Shawnee County Sheriff's office Kennedy is accused of making false claims in Medicaid statements. The total loss is over $250,000.

Anyone with information on Kennedy or where she is should contact the Shawnee County Sheriff's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698420970713.png" alt="Kennedy-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kennedy-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating alleged fraud are asking the public for help to find a Kansas woman identified as Barbara Kennedy.According to the Shawnee County Sheriff's office Kennedy is accused of making false claims in Medicaid statements. The total loss is over $250,000.Anyone with information on Kennedy or where she is should contact the Shawnee County Sheriff's office.

Sheriff: Woman wanted for $250K in Kansas Medicaid fraud

JACKSON COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

At 7a.m. October 26, a Sheriff's Deputy stopped a maroon 2022 Kia for an alleged traffic infraction near 134th and U.S. 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 The driver, Stephanie Renee Craddock, 41, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698440533105.png" alt="Craddock-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Craddock-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.At 7a.m. October 26, a Sheriff's Deputy stopped a maroon 2022 Kia for an alleged traffic infraction near 134th and U.S. 75, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. The driver, Stephanie Renee Craddock, 41, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and interference with law enforcement.

Kansas woman accused of transporting meth

WASHINGTON (AP)— White House National Security spokesman John Kirby repeatedly refused to comment on Israel saying its ground forces were expanding activity in Gaza and also refused to comment on what a satisfactory long-term objective might be for the fighting.

“We’re not drawing red lines for Israel,” Kirby said Friday on a call with reporters. “We’re going to continue to support them” but “since the very beginning we have, and will continue to have, conversations about the manner that they are doing this.”

Kirby said the U.S. is still evaluating the impact of airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias and “we will not hesitate to take further actions in our own self-defense.”

He also said 10 additional trucks filled with humanitarian aid had made it to Gaza, bringing the total to 84, but that the U.S. is aware that fuel there “is only anticipated to last a couple of days.”

The White House previously said President Joe Biden was briefed Friday morning by his national security team on the latest developments in Israel and Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military on Friday said its ground forces were “expanding their activity” in the Gaza Strip, as the army moved closer to a full-on ground invasion of the besieged territory.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the army’s spokesman, said aerial attacks had been targeting Hamas tunnels and other targets.

“In addition to the attacks that we carried out in recent days, ground forces are expanding their activity this evening,” he said. “The IDF is acting with great force ... to achieve the objectives of the war.”

Israel has amassed hundreds of thousands of troops along the border with Gaza ahead of an expected ground offensive against the Hamas militant group.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698432477305.png" alt="In this undated image taken from video released by Israeli Defense Forces" />
 <figcaption>In this undated image taken from video released by Israeli Defense Forces</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)— White House National Security spokesman John Kirby repeatedly refused to comment on Israel saying its ground forces were expanding activity in Gaza and also refused to comment on what a satisfactory long-term objective might be for the fighting.“We’re not drawing red lines for Israel,” Kirby said Friday on a call with reporters. “We’re going to continue to support them” but “since the very beginning we have, and will continue to have, conversations about the manner that they are doing this.”Kirby said the U.S. is still evaluating the impact of airstrikes against Iranian-backed militias and “we will not hesitate to take further actions in our own self-defense.”He also said 10 additional trucks filled with humanitarian aid had made it to Gaza, bringing the total to 84, but that the U.S. is aware that fuel there “is only anticipated to last a couple of days.”The White House previously said President Joe Biden was briefed Friday morning by his national security team on the latest developments in Israel and Gaza.Meanwhile, the Israeli military on Friday said its ground forces were “expanding their activity” in the Gaza Strip, as the army moved closer to a full-on ground invasion of the besieged territory.Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the army’s spokesman, said aerial attacks had been targeting Hamas tunnels and other targets.“In addition to the attacks that we carried out in recent days, ground forces are expanding their activity this evening,” he said. “The IDF is acting with great force ... to achieve the objectives of the war.”Israel has amassed hundreds of thousands of troops along the border with Gaza ahead of an expected ground offensive against the Hamas militant group.

White House official: We're not drawing red lines for Israel 

TOPEKA—&nbsp;Today, in honor of the 18 people who lost their lives in the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state effective immediately until sundown on Monday, October 30, 2023, according to a media release from her office.

“The State of Kansas stands in solidarity with Maine and mourns the victims who lost their lives to this senseless act of violence in Lewiston,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Our thoughts are with the families grieving their loved ones during this tragedy.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590152550739.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—&nbsp;Today, in honor of the 18 people who lost their lives in the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, Governor Laura Kelly has directed flags be lowered to half-staff throughout the state effective immediately until sundown on Monday, October 30, 2023, according to a media release from her office.“The State of Kansas stands in solidarity with Maine and mourns the victims who lost their lives to this senseless act of violence in Lewiston,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “Our thoughts are with the families grieving their loved ones during this tragedy.”&nbsp;

Gov. directs all Kansas flags at half-staff to honor Lewiston mass shooting

CHASE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6a.m. Friday in Chase County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic driven by Maria&nbsp;Munoz Alonso, 26, Kansas City, Kansas, was westbound on U.S. 50 eight miles east of Strong City.

The car crossed the centerline and struck an eastbound 2023 Kenworth semi driven by Samuel Dean&nbsp;Strubhar,&nbsp; 53, Lyons, on the south shoulder.

Alonso was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. One juvenile was present in the car; juvenile record protected data, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Strubhar was not injured. Alonso was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

CHASE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6a.m. Friday in Chase County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic driven by Maria&nbsp;Munoz Alonso, 26, Kansas City, Kansas, was westbound on U.S. 50 eight miles east of Strong City.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 Traffic Alert 🚨 Troopers are on the scene of a mult-vehicle crash on Highway 50 in eastern Chase County. Please expect delays as KDOT provides assistance with traffic. Stay informed with updates on <a href="https://t.co/WzS6CWVVxl">https://t.co/WzS6CWVVxl</a> <a href="https://t.co/GUf2mpA70r">pic.twitter.com/GUf2mpA70r</a>&mdash; Trooper Ben (@TrooperBenKHP) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrooperBenKHP/status/1717879291789062264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The car crossed the centerline and struck an eastbound 2023 Kenworth semi driven by Samuel Dean&nbsp;Strubhar,&nbsp; 53, Lyons, on the south shoulder.Alonso was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. One juvenile was present in the car; juvenile record protected data, according to the KHP.&nbsp; Strubhar was not injured. Alonso was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dies after crash with a semi

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.

<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.---------