TOPEKA— Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach Wednesday joined the states of Texas and Oklahoma in bringing a lawsuit against the Biden administration. The states argue that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service broke the law by designating the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species in Kansas under the Endangered Species Act.

<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/2023-04-11-states'-amended-complaint.pdf?sfvrsn=3ea3bd1a_2">Click here to read the</a> lawsuit

“These DC bureaucrats have probably never even stepped foot in the state of Kansas, let alone seen a prairie chicken. Yet there they sit in their offices 1,000 miles away making decisions that will directly affect Kansans’ lives. This listing will make drilling new oil wells in western Kansas almost impossible. It will force ranchers to get approval from federally designated agencies to graze cattle on their own property. It will have devastating impacts on Kansas ranchers, Kansas oil producers and even Kansas wind farms. And on top of that, it’s illegal,” Kobach said.

According to the lawsuit, the listing fails to adequately consider pre-existing and ongoing voluntary measures to protect the lesser prairie chickens, as well as the fact that rainfall amounts are the dominant factor in prairie chicken populations.&nbsp; It also restricts the personal property rights of Kansas landowners. And, the suit argues, it is unconstitutional.

&nbsp;“Lesser prairie chicken numbers are substantially driven by rainfall,” Kobach said. “Historically, their numbers decline when there is a drought, but they rebound dramatically once the rain returns.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615523825324.png" alt="Photo KDWP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KDWP</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA— Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach Wednesday joined the states of Texas and Oklahoma in bringing a lawsuit against the Biden administration. The states argue that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service broke the law by designating the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species in Kansas under the Endangered Species Act.<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/2023-04-11-states'-amended-complaint.pdf?sfvrsn=3ea3bd1a_2">Click here to read the</a> lawsuit“These DC bureaucrats have probably never even stepped foot in the state of Kansas, let alone seen a prairie chicken. Yet there they sit in their offices 1,000 miles away making decisions that will directly affect Kansans’ lives. This listing will make drilling new oil wells in western Kansas almost impossible. It will force ranchers to get approval from federally designated agencies to graze cattle on their own property. It will have devastating impacts on Kansas ranchers, Kansas oil producers and even Kansas wind farms. And on top of that, it’s illegal,” Kobach said.According to the lawsuit, the listing fails to adequately consider pre-existing and ongoing voluntary measures to protect the lesser prairie chickens, as well as the fact that rainfall amounts are the dominant factor in prairie chicken populations.&nbsp; It also restricts the personal property rights of Kansas landowners. And, the suit argues, it is unconstitutional.&nbsp;“Lesser prairie chicken numbers are substantially driven by rainfall,” Kobach said. “Historically, their numbers decline when there is a drought, but they rebound dramatically once the rain returns.”

Kansas sues Biden administration over lesser prairie chicken listing

WASHINGTON— A federal appeals court ruled that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">the abortion pill mifepristone</a>&nbsp;can still be used for now but restored restrictions on the drug in a decision that the Justice Department said Thursday it would swiftly challenge at the Supreme Court.

(Click below to watch the Task Force meeting)

At stake in an accelerating legal battle that began in Texas is nationwide access to the most common method of abortion in the U.S., less than a year&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/ss%20than%20a%20year%20after%20the%20reversal%20of%20Roe%20v.%20Wade%20resulted%20in%20more%20than%20a%20dozen%20states%20effectively%20banning%20abortion%20outright.">after the reversal of Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;prompted more than a dozen states to effectively ban abortion outright.

Vice President Harris was quick to criticize the decision. In a statement from her office she wrote, "Last night, the Fifth Circuit issued a decision which invalidates the scientific, independent judgment of the FDA about when and how a medicine is available to Americans. The Justice Department has already announced that they are seeking emergency relief from the Supreme Court." "More than 20 years ago, the FDA approved medication abortion as safe and effective for the American people. Last week, a Texas district court ruled to block access to this medication in every state in the country." "The Fifth Circuit’s decision—just like the district court’s—second-guesses the agency’s medical experts. If this decision stands, no medication—from chemotherapy drugs, to asthma medicine, to blood pressure pills, to insulin—would be safe from attacks. This decision threatens the rights of Americans across the country, who can look in their medicine cabinets and find medication prescribed by a doctor because the FDA engaged in a process to determine the efficacy and safety of that medication." "This lawsuit is the next step to a nationwide abortion ban. The decision severely limits access to mifepristone, standing between doctors and their patients. President Biden and our Administration remain firmly committed to protecting access to medication abortion, as the President and I have made clear since the day of the Supreme Court’s decision in&nbsp;Dobbs." "There is a reproductive health care crisis in America. Our Administration will continue fighting to protect women’s health and the right to make decisions about one’s own&nbsp;body."

In a ruling late Wednesday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans temporarily narrowed a ruling by a lower court judge in Texas that had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifepristone-texas-ee181214988044c096757696cf2a5f67">completely blocked</a>&nbsp;the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone. But a divided three-judge panel still reduced the period of pregnancy when the drug can be taken and said it could not be dispensed by mail.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23774813-5th-circuit-abortion-pill-stay-order">ruling</a>&nbsp;preventing the pill from being sent by mail amounts to another significant constraint of abortion access and was cheered by opponents of the drug. The Justice Department said it would ask the U.S. Supreme Court for an emergency order to put any action on hold.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681335836017.png" alt="Vice President Harris Convenes the Interagency Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access Wednesday-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Harris Convenes the Interagency Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access Wednesday-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON— A federal appeals court ruled that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">the abortion pill mifepristone</a>&nbsp;can still be used for now but restored restrictions on the drug in a decision that the Justice Department said Thursday it would swiftly challenge at the Supreme Court.(Click below to watch the Task Force meeting)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QN8ldI--Q18?start=3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>At stake in an accelerating legal battle that began in Texas is nationwide access to the most common method of abortion in the U.S., less than a year&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/ss%20than%20a%20year%20after%20the%20reversal%20of%20Roe%20v.%20Wade%20resulted%20in%20more%20than%20a%20dozen%20states%20effectively%20banning%20abortion%20outright.">after the reversal of Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;prompted more than a dozen states to effectively ban abortion outright.Vice President Harris was quick to criticize the decision. In a statement from her office she wrote, "Last night, the Fifth Circuit issued a decision which invalidates the scientific, independent judgment of the FDA about when and how a medicine is available to Americans. The Justice Department has already announced that they are seeking emergency relief from the Supreme Court." "More than 20 years ago, the FDA approved medication abortion as safe and effective for the American people. Last week, a Texas district court ruled to block access to this medication in every state in the country." "The Fifth Circuit’s decision—just like the district court’s—second-guesses the agency’s medical experts. If this decision stands, no medication—from chemotherapy drugs, to asthma medicine, to blood pressure pills, to insulin—would be safe from attacks. This decision threatens the rights of Americans across the country, who can look in their medicine cabinets and find medication prescribed by a doctor because the FDA engaged in a process to determine the efficacy and safety of that medication." "This lawsuit is the next step to a nationwide abortion ban. The decision severely limits access to mifepristone, standing between doctors and their patients. President Biden and our Administration remain firmly committed to protecting access to medication abortion, as the President and I have made clear since the day of the Supreme Court’s decision in&nbsp;Dobbs." "There is a reproductive health care crisis in America. Our Administration will continue fighting to protect women’s health and the right to make decisions about one’s own&nbsp;body." In a ruling late Wednesday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans temporarily narrowed a ruling by a lower court judge in Texas that had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifepristone-texas-ee181214988044c096757696cf2a5f67">completely blocked</a>&nbsp;the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of mifepristone. But a divided three-judge panel still reduced the period of pregnancy when the drug can be taken and said it could not be dispensed by mail.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23774813-5th-circuit-abortion-pill-stay-order">ruling</a>&nbsp;preventing the pill from being sent by mail amounts to another significant constraint of abortion access and was cheered by opponents of the drug. The Justice Department said it would ask the U.S. Supreme Court for an emergency order to put any action on hold.

🎥Vice President: There is a reproductive health care crisis in America

PAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement officers in rural Pawnee County had a surprise during a traffic stop Wednesday.

According to a social media report from Great Bend Police, both of the K9 teams assisted in an enforcement activity in Pawnee Co. During the course of the enforcement, Officer Taylor Reed conducted a traffic stop for a minor violation. 

The driver was 28-year-old Rudy Ford, a defensive back with the Green Bay Packers. The seven-year NFL veteran played college football at Auburn, according <a href="https://www.packers.com/team/players-roster/rudy-ford-2/">to his Packer bio.</a>

"This interaction went great, but it makes you think. We have over 18,000 cars a day drive down 10th Street in Great Bend. Good, bad or otherwise, you just don’t know who is passing through our communities."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681403259712.png" alt="photo courtesy Great Bend Police" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Great Bend Police</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement officers in rural Pawnee County had a surprise during a traffic stop Wednesday.According to a social media report from Great Bend Police, both of the K9 teams assisted in an enforcement activity in Pawnee Co. During the course of the enforcement, Officer Taylor Reed conducted a traffic stop for a minor violation. The driver was 28-year-old Rudy Ford, a defensive back with the Green Bay Packers. The seven-year NFL veteran played college football at Auburn, according <a href="https://www.packers.com/team/players-roster/rudy-ford-2/">to his Packer bio.</a><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgreatbendpd%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0ag8xZxjUM7Qg2PzMNBkNgtsrzeoZ2eL2ZGF78AcwSqET7BBjWMRtGxzHpic92rXzl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="538" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>"This interaction went great, but it makes you think. We have over 18,000 cars a day drive down 10th Street in Great Bend. Good, bad or otherwise, you just don’t know who is passing through our communities."

Green Bay Packer stopped for traffic violation in rural Kansas

DICKINSON COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp; The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Herington man on Wednesday for allegedly intimidating a witness in a felony investigation, according to a media release from the KBI.

Shortly before 1 p.m. Wednesday, Russell L. Thomas, 61, of Herington, was arrested on a warrant for aggravated intimidation of a witness. This crime is alleged to have occurred on April 7. Thomas is a middle school science teacher at Herington USD 487, according to the district web site.

Thomas was booked into the Dickinson County Jail. Bond was set at $50,000. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681400869626.png" alt="Thomas-photo Dickinson County." />
 <figcaption>Thomas-photo Dickinson County.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp; The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Herington man on Wednesday for allegedly intimidating a witness in a felony investigation, according to a media release from the KBI.Shortly before 1 p.m. Wednesday, Russell L. Thomas, 61, of Herington, was arrested on a warrant for aggravated intimidation of a witness. This crime is alleged to have occurred on April 7. Thomas is a middle school science teacher at Herington USD 487, according to the district web site.Thomas was booked into the Dickinson County Jail. Bond was set at $50,000. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Kan. teacher accused of witness intimidation is out on bond

HUGOTON –&nbsp; Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday attended the groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate upcoming improvements to the Cimarron Valley Railroad in southwest Kansas from Dodge City to Hugoton, according to a media release from her office.

 The railway was awarded nearly $15 million from both private and public sources, including the federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) fund and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), to complete the Southwest Kansas Infrastructure Upgrade Project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Governor Kelly directly advocated for the project’s grant application to the Federal Railroad Administration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“These upgrades are not just an investment in our infrastructure, but an investment in our agriculture industry – and our economy as a whole,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“By rehabilitating over 85 miles of an essential rail line in southwest Kansas, this project will make it easier and more efficient for local businesses to transport biodiesel and other agricultural products.”&nbsp;

“The Cimarron Valley Railroad has been committed to transporting Kansas-grown goods across the country and the world in a safe, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient way for over two decades. These funds will help us continue to do that,”&nbsp;said Nathan Champion, President of the Cimarron Valley Railroad.&nbsp;“We are thankful for the partnerships – both public and private – that have helped make these upgrades happen to ensure uninterrupted transportation of essential goods throughout local, national, and international markets.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

State legislators also attended the event.&nbsp;

“Upgrading the Cimarron Valley Railroad is essential to keeping our communities connected and their economies thriving,”&nbsp;said Representative David Younger. “Investing in our rural areas will improve rail operations, our economic competitiveness, and safety in the region and statewide. This is a great day for Southwest Kansas and our state as a whole.” &nbsp;

The upgrades are particularly beneficial to our agriculture communities: these funds will transform the line into an efficient agricultural thoroughfare that will connect Kansas to more markets. Freight is crucial to Kansas agricultural communities, and these upgrades ensure it remains one of the safest, most efficient modes of transportation at their disposal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

HUGOTON –&nbsp; Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday attended the groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate upcoming improvements to the Cimarron Valley Railroad in southwest Kansas from Dodge City to Hugoton, according to a media release from her office.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It was a pleasure to be in Hugoton today to break ground on a $15M project to upgrade the Cimarron Valley Railroad. This makes food and fuel transport across southwest Kansas easier and more efficient than ever, boosting our agriculture industry and economy. <a href="https://t.co/mrNR8PZ2O4">pic.twitter.com/mrNR8PZ2O4</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1646210742222307328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> The railway was awarded nearly $15 million from both private and public sources, including the federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) fund and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), to complete the Southwest Kansas Infrastructure Upgrade Project.&nbsp;&nbsp;Governor Kelly directly advocated for the project’s grant application to the Federal Railroad Administration.&nbsp;&nbsp;“These upgrades are not just an investment in our infrastructure, but an investment in our agriculture industry – and our economy as a whole,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“By rehabilitating over 85 miles of an essential rail line in southwest Kansas, this project will make it easier and more efficient for local businesses to transport biodiesel and other agricultural products.”&nbsp;“The Cimarron Valley Railroad has been committed to transporting Kansas-grown goods across the country and the world in a safe, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient way for over two decades. These funds will help us continue to do that,”&nbsp;said Nathan Champion, President of the Cimarron Valley Railroad.&nbsp;“We are thankful for the partnerships – both public and private – that have helped make these upgrades happen to ensure uninterrupted transportation of essential goods throughout local, national, and international markets.”&nbsp;&nbsp;State legislators also attended the event.&nbsp;“Upgrading the Cimarron Valley Railroad is essential to keeping our communities connected and their economies thriving,”&nbsp;said Representative David Younger. “Investing in our rural areas will improve rail operations, our economic competitiveness, and safety in the region and statewide. This is a great day for Southwest Kansas and our state as a whole.” &nbsp;The upgrades are particularly beneficial to our agriculture communities: these funds will transform the line into an efficient agricultural thoroughfare that will connect Kansas to more markets. Freight is crucial to Kansas agricultural communities, and these upgrades ensure it remains one of the safest, most efficient modes of transportation at their disposal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Gov. breaks ground on $15M railroad upgrades in Southwest Kansas

KINGMAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 2a.m. Thursday in Kingman County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Kenworth semi driven by Lawrence Eugene Kempf, 57, Amarillo, Texas, was westbound on U.S. 54 four miles east of Kingman.

The semi struck a pedestrian identified as Daniel&nbsp;Guevara, 63, Kansas City, Missouri, who was in the roadway near the center line.&nbsp;

Guevara was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Livingston's Funeral Home.

&nbsp;Kempf was properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665405753233.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KINGMAN COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 2a.m. Thursday in Kingman County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Kenworth semi driven by Lawrence Eugene Kempf, 57, Amarillo, Texas, was westbound on U.S. 54 four miles east of Kingman.The semi struck a pedestrian identified as Daniel&nbsp;Guevara, 63, Kansas City, Missouri, who was in the roadway near the center line.&nbsp;Guevara was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Livingston's Funeral Home.&nbsp;Kempf was properly restrained and not injured, according to the KHP.

Man dead after struck by a semi on Kansas highway

LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sex crime and asking the public for help to identify a suspect.

Just before 3p.m. Monday,&nbsp; Sheriff's Deputies responded to report of an alleged sexual assault in the 300 block of Seventh Street, in the Lyon County community of Americus, according to&nbsp;Detective Eric Williams.

A 14-year-old girl in the home reported that she was raped. The girl was home alone at the time of the assault and stated that an unknown man entered the home through the unlocked back door. 

She described the suspect as a middle-aged Hispanic male. The girl told investigators she had seen a suspicious man driving a white/silver passenger car while walking just prior to the assault. The girl was taken to Newman Regional Health for observation and treatment.

If you have any information about this incident or any video evidence, please contact Lyon County Communications at (620) 341-3205 and request to speak to a deputy. At this time the Sheriff’s Office does not believe there is a threat to the public.

LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sex crime and asking the public for help to identify a suspect.Just before 3p.m. Monday,&nbsp; Sheriff's Deputies responded to report of an alleged sexual assault in the 300 block of Seventh Street, in the Lyon County community of Americus, according to&nbsp;Detective Eric Williams.A 14-year-old girl in the home reported that she was raped. The girl was home alone at the time of the assault and stated that an unknown man entered the home through the unlocked back door. She described the suspect as a middle-aged Hispanic male. The girl told investigators she had seen a suspicious man driving a white/silver passenger car while walking just prior to the assault. The girl was taken to Newman Regional Health for observation and treatment.If you have any information about this incident or any video evidence, please contact Lyon County Communications at (620) 341-3205 and request to speak to a deputy. At this time the Sheriff’s Office does not believe there is a threat to the public.

Sheriff investigating alleged Kan. home invasion sex assault

KANSAS CITY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department have initiated a death investigation after a body was discovered Wednesday afternoon in the Kansas River, according to a media release.

Just after 4:30p.m. first responders were dispatched to the area of S. 26th and Kansas Avenue. Due to the location of the body, KCK Fire Dept. Water Rescue launched from Kaw Point, and a short time later, were able to recover the body of an adult male. 

Police released no additional details late Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681383507977.png" alt="File photo courtesy KCK Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>File photo courtesy KCK Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department have initiated a death investigation after a body was discovered Wednesday afternoon in the Kansas River, according to a media release.Just after 4:30p.m. first responders were dispatched to the area of S. 26th and Kansas Avenue. Due to the location of the body, KCK Fire Dept. Water Rescue launched from Kaw Point, and a short time later, were able to recover the body of an adult male. Police released no additional details late Wednesday.

Man’s body recovered from Kansas River

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal appeals court preserved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">access to the abortion pill mifepristone</a>&nbsp;for now but reduced the period of pregnancy when the drug can be used and said it could not be dispensed by mail.

The ruling late Wednesday temporarily narrowed a decision by a lower court judge in Texas that had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifepristone-texas-ee181214988044c096757696cf2a5f67">completely blocked</a>&nbsp;the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the nation’s most commonly used method of abortion. Still, preventing the pill from being sent by mail amounts to another major curtailing of abortion access, less than a year after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">reversal of Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;resulted in more than a dozen states effectively banning abortion outright.

The case is likely to go to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“We are going to continue to fight in the courts, we believe the law is on our side, and we will prevail," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday, speaking to reporters from Dublin during a visit by President Joe Biden.

Mifepristone was approved for use by the FDA more than two decades ago and is used in combination with a second drug, misoprostol.

In a far-reaching ruling last week, a federal judge blocked the FDA’s approval of the pill following a lawsuit by the drug's opponents. There is virtually no precedent for a lone judge overturning the regulator's medical decisions.

The ruling was put on pause to allow an appeal.

Just before midnight Wednesday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled that the FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone in 2000 could remain in effect.

But in the 2-1 vote, the panel of judges put on hold changes made by the regulator since 2016 that relaxed the rules for prescribing and dispensing mifepristone. Those included extending the period of pregnancy when the drug can be used from seven weeks to 10, and also allowing it to be dispensed by mail, without any need to visit a doctor’s office.

The two judges who voted to tighten restrictions, Kurt Engelhardt and Andrew Oldham, are both appointees of former President Donald Trump. The third judge, Catharina Haynes, is an appointee of former President George W. Bush. She said she would have put the lower court ruling on hold entirely for now to allow oral arguments in the case.

Either side, or both, could take the case to the Supreme Court. Opponents of the drug could seek to keep the full lower court ruling in effect. The Biden administration, meanwhile, could ask the high court to allow all the FDA changes to remain in place while the case continues to play out.

Adding to the uncertainty, a separate federal judge in Washington last week ordered the FDA not to do anything that might block mifepristone’s availability in 17 Democrat-led states suing to keep it on the market. The judge in that case has not yet to responded to the Justice Department seeking additional clarity this week.

The appeals court judges in the majority in Wednesday's decision noted that the Biden administration and mifepristone’s manufacturer “warn us of significant public consequences” that would result if mifepristone were withdrawn entirely from the market under the lower court ruling.

But the judges suggested changes the FDA made making mifepristone easier to obtain since 2016 were less consequential than its initial approval of the drug in 2000. It would be “difficult” to argue the changes were “so critical to the public given that the nation operated — and mifepristone was administered to millions of women — without them for sixteen years” the judges wrote.

When the drug was initially approved in 2000, the FDA limited its use to up to seven weeks of pregnancy. It also required three in-person office visits: the first to administer mifepristone, the next to administer the second drug misoprostol and the third to address any complications. It also required a doctor’s supervision and a reporting system for any serious consequences associated with the drug.

If the appeals court's action stands, those would again be the terms under which mifepristone could be dispensed for now.

Democratic leaders in states where abortion remains legal since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pills-mifepristone-states-lawsuits-ac6dc09c0dd66a146d3ddfde061fc1a6">say they are preparing</a>&nbsp;in case mifepristone becomes restricted.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Tuesday that her state would stockpile 150,000 doses of misoprostol.

The White House also has contingency plans in place, but Jean-Pierre held off on detailing them while the legal action continued. Instead, she detailed a proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-abortion-pills-ruling-mifepristone-texas-c1f4530d67858f6c95cef99282b8b209">a new federal rule</a>&nbsp;to limit how law enforcement and state officials collect medical records if they investigate women who flee their home states to seek abortions elsewhere.

Pharmaceutical executives this week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-pills-4b65ecc66d1b908019bdf3843a428d5a">also signed a letter</a>&nbsp;that condemned the Texas ruling and warned that FDA approval of other drugs could be at risk if U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s decision stands.

The lawsuit challenging mifepristone's approval was brought by the Alliance Defending Freedom, which was also involved in the Mississippi case&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">that led to Roe v. Wade being overturned</a>. At the core of the lawsuit is the allegation that the FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone was flawed because the agency did not adequately review safety risks.

A spokesperson for the Alliance Defending Freedom did not immediately return a message Thursday morning asking what steps it might take next.

Mifepristone has been used by millions of women over the past 23 years, and complications from mifepristone occur at a lower rate than problems in wisdom teeth removal, colonoscopies and other routine procedures, medical groups have recently noted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680967457500.png" alt="About 60% of abortions in Kansas involve the abortion pill. photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>About 60% of abortions in Kansas involve the abortion pill. photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A federal appeals court preserved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">access to the abortion pill mifepristone</a>&nbsp;for now but reduced the period of pregnancy when the drug can be used and said it could not be dispensed by mail.The ruling late Wednesday temporarily narrowed a decision by a lower court judge in Texas that had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-mifepristone-texas-ee181214988044c096757696cf2a5f67">completely blocked</a>&nbsp;the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the nation’s most commonly used method of abortion. Still, preventing the pill from being sent by mail amounts to another major curtailing of abortion access, less than a year after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">reversal of Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;resulted in more than a dozen states effectively banning abortion outright.The case is likely to go to the U.S. Supreme Court.“We are going to continue to fight in the courts, we believe the law is on our side, and we will prevail," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday, speaking to reporters from Dublin during a visit by President Joe Biden.Mifepristone was approved for use by the FDA more than two decades ago and is used in combination with a second drug, misoprostol.In a far-reaching ruling last week, a federal judge blocked the FDA’s approval of the pill following a lawsuit by the drug's opponents. There is virtually no precedent for a lone judge overturning the regulator's medical decisions.The ruling was put on pause to allow an appeal.Just before midnight Wednesday, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled that the FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone in 2000 could remain in effect.But in the 2-1 vote, the panel of judges put on hold changes made by the regulator since 2016 that relaxed the rules for prescribing and dispensing mifepristone. Those included extending the period of pregnancy when the drug can be used from seven weeks to 10, and also allowing it to be dispensed by mail, without any need to visit a doctor’s office.The two judges who voted to tighten restrictions, Kurt Engelhardt and Andrew Oldham, are both appointees of former President Donald Trump. The third judge, Catharina Haynes, is an appointee of former President George W. Bush. She said she would have put the lower court ruling on hold entirely for now to allow oral arguments in the case.Either side, or both, could take the case to the Supreme Court. Opponents of the drug could seek to keep the full lower court ruling in effect. The Biden administration, meanwhile, could ask the high court to allow all the FDA changes to remain in place while the case continues to play out.Adding to the uncertainty, a separate federal judge in Washington last week ordered the FDA not to do anything that might block mifepristone’s availability in 17 Democrat-led states suing to keep it on the market. The judge in that case has not yet to responded to the Justice Department seeking additional clarity this week.The appeals court judges in the majority in Wednesday's decision noted that the Biden administration and mifepristone’s manufacturer “warn us of significant public consequences” that would result if mifepristone were withdrawn entirely from the market under the lower court ruling.But the judges suggested changes the FDA made making mifepristone easier to obtain since 2016 were less consequential than its initial approval of the drug in 2000. It would be “difficult” to argue the changes were “so critical to the public given that the nation operated — and mifepristone was administered to millions of women — without them for sixteen years” the judges wrote.When the drug was initially approved in 2000, the FDA limited its use to up to seven weeks of pregnancy. It also required three in-person office visits: the first to administer mifepristone, the next to administer the second drug misoprostol and the third to address any complications. It also required a doctor’s supervision and a reporting system for any serious consequences associated with the drug.If the appeals court's action stands, those would again be the terms under which mifepristone could be dispensed for now.Democratic leaders in states where abortion remains legal since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pills-mifepristone-states-lawsuits-ac6dc09c0dd66a146d3ddfde061fc1a6">say they are preparing</a>&nbsp;in case mifepristone becomes restricted.New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Tuesday that her state would stockpile 150,000 doses of misoprostol.The White House also has contingency plans in place, but Jean-Pierre held off on detailing them while the legal action continued. Instead, she detailed a proposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-abortion-pills-ruling-mifepristone-texas-c1f4530d67858f6c95cef99282b8b209">a new federal rule</a>&nbsp;to limit how law enforcement and state officials collect medical records if they investigate women who flee their home states to seek abortions elsewhere.Pharmaceutical executives this week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-pills-4b65ecc66d1b908019bdf3843a428d5a">also signed a letter</a>&nbsp;that condemned the Texas ruling and warned that FDA approval of other drugs could be at risk if U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk’s decision stands.The lawsuit challenging mifepristone's approval was brought by the Alliance Defending Freedom, which was also involved in the Mississippi case&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">that led to Roe v. Wade being overturned</a>. At the core of the lawsuit is the allegation that the FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone was flawed because the agency did not adequately review safety risks.A spokesperson for the Alliance Defending Freedom did not immediately return a message Thursday morning asking what steps it might take next.Mifepristone has been used by millions of women over the past 23 years, and complications from mifepristone occur at a lower rate than problems in wisdom teeth removal, colonoscopies and other routine procedures, medical groups have recently noted.___

Appeals court temporarily preserves access to abortion pill 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting have a suspect in custody.

Just after 2.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the 1300 block of SW Polk Street in Topeka, according police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

First responders located one individual with life-threatening injuries. That individual was then transported to a local hospital to be treated.

On Wednesday afternoon, investigators arrested 23-year-old&nbsp; Jeremy B. Rath of Topeka, on requested charges of Aggravated battery, Criminal possession of firearm, Felony obstruction and for two Warrants.

Police did not release on update on the condition of the victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681333676937.png" alt="Rath-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Rath-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting have a suspect in custody.Just after 2.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the 1300 block of SW Polk Street in Topeka, according police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.First responders located one individual with life-threatening injuries. That individual was then transported to a local hospital to be treated.On Wednesday afternoon, investigators arrested 23-year-old&nbsp; Jeremy B. Rath of Topeka, on requested charges of Aggravated battery, Criminal possession of firearm, Felony obstruction and for two Warrants.Police did not release on update on the condition of the victim.

Kansas man accused in shooting that critically injured victim

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Thursday conducted its first intercontinental ballistic missile launch in a month, possibly testing a new more mobile, harder-to-detect missile for the first time, its neighbors said, as it extends its provocative run of weapons tests.

Japan briefly urged residents on a northern island to take shelter in an indication of its vigilance over North Korea's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-nuclear-threat-810afe432743ba9ab0d8543daac160b2">evolving missile threats</a>.

The missile was launched on a high angle from near the North Korean capital of Pyongyang and fell in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan following a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) flight, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staffs said in a statement.

It described its range as medium or longer. The U.S. National Security Council called it a long-range missile and Japan’s government said it likely had an intercontinental range.

South Korea’s military believes North Korea launched a new type of ballistic missile, possibly using solid fuel, a defense official said under the condition of anonymity because of office rules.

If the launch involved a solid-fuel ICBM, it would be the North’s first test of such a weapon. North Korea’s known ICBMs all use liquid propellants that must be fueled before launches.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-63ddab6200055a838ad84b5a67c0626e">But the fuel in a solid-propellant weapon</a>&nbsp;is already loaded, allowing it to be moved easier and fired faster.

A solid-fuel ICBM is one of the key high-tech weapons that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to build to better cope with what he calls U.S. military threats. He also wants a multiwarhead missile, a nuclear-powered submarine, a hypersonic missile and a spy satellite.

Kim Dong-yub, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said the launch may have involved a new intermediate- or long-range missile powered by solid propellants, or be linked to North Korean preparation to launch a spy satellite.

U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the latest launch “needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region.” Watson said the United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-japan-united-states-tokyo-south-korea-7397d3c81ecc6ceff76a4f0ffe25ec24">security of the American homeland and South Korean and Japanese allies</a>.

During an emergency meeting of Seoul's National Security Council, officials stressed the need to tighten three-way security cooperation with Washington and Tokyo. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a meeting of his NSC to analyze the launch and Japan’s response.

The nuclear envoys of Seoul, Washington and Tokyo held a telephone conversation where they called for a “decisive and united international response” to North Korean provocations and stronger efforts to stem illicit North Korean funding of its weapons program.

North Korea commonly test-launches missiles toward the international waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, using elevated trajectories to avoid neighboring countries. South Korea and Japan typically don’t issue evacuation orders unless they determine the North Korean weapon is flying in their direction.

Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada told reporters the North Korean missile launched Thursday did not reach Japan’s exclusive economic zone. But Japanese authorities still urged people on the northernmost island of Hokkaido to seek shelter and temporarily suspended train, bus and subway services there. Local communities also activated alert sirens through community speakers, urging people to evacuate.

The government then retracted its missile alert, saying there was no possibility of the missile landing near Hokkaido. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters the alert was based on the Japanese Defense Ministry’s early assessment of the missile’s path and was an “appropriate” step to prioritize people’s safety.

Japanese authorities issued a similar evacuation order in October when a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seoul-south-korea-north-joint-chiefs-of-staff-1026206c80666f1fcdb3983ebf45e14b">North Korean intermediate-range missile flew over Japan</a>&nbsp;in a launch that demonstrated the weapon's potential to reach the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam.

Thursday’s launch was the North’s first long-range missile firing since the country&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missile-launch-us-military-drills-fbbe3be09a9bd812baa541ea9b84832e">tested its longest-range, liquid-fueled Hwasong-17 ICBM</a>&nbsp;on March 16. Kim Jong Un reviewed his country’s attack plans Monday and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-kim-jong-un-nuclear-arsenal-9b1093e2939b87facfdf1f74612d3738">vowed to enhance his nuclear arsenal</a>&nbsp;in more “practical and offensive” ways.

North Korea has launched about 100 missiles since the start of 2022, many of them nuclear-capable weapons that place the U.S. mainland, South Korea or Japan within striking distance.

The North’s testing spree is largely in protest of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missiles-f7584ba0845643c1e5892720092ccebf">South Korean-U.S. military drills</a>&nbsp;that it views as a rehearsal for an invasion. Some observers say North Korea uses its rivals' drills as a pretext to modernize its weapons arsenal and pressure Washington and Seoul to make concessions such as the lifting of economic sanctions. South Korean and U.S. officials say their drills are defensive in nature and were arranged to respond to North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threats.

Later Thursday, China, North Korea’s last major ally, reiterated its blame for the heightened animosities on the U.S. and South Korea.

“The negative impact of the U.S. military exercises and strategic weapons deployed around the peninsula a few days ago is obvious to all,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in a briefing.

North Korea unveiled a new type of nuclear warhead in late March, raising concerns it could conduct its first nuclear test in more than five years.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-north-korea-south-nuclear-weapons-f409b488bb38ad3cfc37d1f8d29a6857">Foreign experts debate whether North Korea has developed warheads</a>&nbsp;small and light enough to fit on its more advanced missiles.

South Korean officials say North Korea has not been responding to South Korean calls on a set of cross-border inter-Korean hotlines for about a week. Communications on those channels are meant to prevent accidental clashes along the rivals’ disputed western sea boundary.

On Tuesday, South Korean Unification Minister Kwon Youngse expressed “strong regret” over what he called North Korea’s “unilateral and irresponsible attitude” over the hotlines.

North Korea's advancing nuclear arsenal is expected to be a major topic during a summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden later this month in Washington.

Experts say the discussions between world leaders at Japan’s Group of Seven meetings in May could be crucial for maintaining diplomatic pressure on North Korea. U.N. Security Council permanent members China and Russia have blocked tighter sanctions on North Korea in recent months, underscoring a divide deepened by Russia’s war on Ukraine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667483523229.png" alt="A TV screen showing a news program reporting about North Korea's missile launch with file footage is seen at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)" />
 <figcaption>A TV screen showing a news program reporting about North Korea's missile launch with file footage is seen at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Thursday conducted its first intercontinental ballistic missile launch in a month, possibly testing a new more mobile, harder-to-detect missile for the first time, its neighbors said, as it extends its provocative run of weapons tests.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ALERT: The Japanese government is warning that North Korea appears to have launched at least one ballistic missile. The government is urging everyone in Hokkaido to seek shelter. Follow local media for guidance. <a href="https://t.co/Pw4PeRBqav">pic.twitter.com/Pw4PeRBqav</a>&mdash; U.S. Embassy Tokyo, ACS (@ACSTokyo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ACSTokyo/status/1646289607699431426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Japan briefly urged residents on a northern island to take shelter in an indication of its vigilance over North Korea's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-nuclear-threat-810afe432743ba9ab0d8543daac160b2">evolving missile threats</a>.The missile was launched on a high angle from near the North Korean capital of Pyongyang and fell in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan following a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) flight, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staffs said in a statement.It described its range as medium or longer. The U.S. National Security Council called it a long-range missile and Japan’s government said it likely had an intercontinental range.South Korea’s military believes North Korea launched a new type of ballistic missile, possibly using solid fuel, a defense official said under the condition of anonymity because of office rules.If the launch involved a solid-fuel ICBM, it would be the North’s first test of such a weapon. North Korea’s known ICBMs all use liquid propellants that must be fueled before launches.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-63ddab6200055a838ad84b5a67c0626e">But the fuel in a solid-propellant weapon</a>&nbsp;is already loaded, allowing it to be moved easier and fired faster.A solid-fuel ICBM is one of the key high-tech weapons that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed to build to better cope with what he calls U.S. military threats. He also wants a multiwarhead missile, a nuclear-powered submarine, a hypersonic missile and a spy satellite.Kim Dong-yub, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said the launch may have involved a new intermediate- or long-range missile powered by solid propellants, or be linked to North Korean preparation to launch a spy satellite.U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the latest launch “needlessly raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region.” Watson said the United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-japan-united-states-tokyo-south-korea-7397d3c81ecc6ceff76a4f0ffe25ec24">security of the American homeland and South Korean and Japanese allies</a>.During an emergency meeting of Seoul's National Security Council, officials stressed the need to tighten three-way security cooperation with Washington and Tokyo. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a meeting of his NSC to analyze the launch and Japan’s response.The nuclear envoys of Seoul, Washington and Tokyo held a telephone conversation where they called for a “decisive and united international response” to North Korean provocations and stronger efforts to stem illicit North Korean funding of its weapons program.North Korea commonly test-launches missiles toward the international waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan, using elevated trajectories to avoid neighboring countries. South Korea and Japan typically don’t issue evacuation orders unless they determine the North Korean weapon is flying in their direction.Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada told reporters the North Korean missile launched Thursday did not reach Japan’s exclusive economic zone. But Japanese authorities still urged people on the northernmost island of Hokkaido to seek shelter and temporarily suspended train, bus and subway services there. Local communities also activated alert sirens through community speakers, urging people to evacuate.The government then retracted its missile alert, saying there was no possibility of the missile landing near Hokkaido. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters the alert was based on the Japanese Defense Ministry’s early assessment of the missile’s path and was an “appropriate” step to prioritize people’s safety.Japanese authorities issued a similar evacuation order in October when a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seoul-south-korea-north-joint-chiefs-of-staff-1026206c80666f1fcdb3983ebf45e14b">North Korean intermediate-range missile flew over Japan</a>&nbsp;in a launch that demonstrated the weapon's potential to reach the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam.Thursday’s launch was the North’s first long-range missile firing since the country&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missile-launch-us-military-drills-fbbe3be09a9bd812baa541ea9b84832e">tested its longest-range, liquid-fueled Hwasong-17 ICBM</a>&nbsp;on March 16. Kim Jong Un reviewed his country’s attack plans Monday and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-kim-jong-un-nuclear-arsenal-9b1093e2939b87facfdf1f74612d3738">vowed to enhance his nuclear arsenal</a>&nbsp;in more “practical and offensive” ways.North Korea has launched about 100 missiles since the start of 2022, many of them nuclear-capable weapons that place the U.S. mainland, South Korea or Japan within striking distance.The North’s testing spree is largely in protest of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-missiles-f7584ba0845643c1e5892720092ccebf">South Korean-U.S. military drills</a>&nbsp;that it views as a rehearsal for an invasion. Some observers say North Korea uses its rivals' drills as a pretext to modernize its weapons arsenal and pressure Washington and Seoul to make concessions such as the lifting of economic sanctions. South Korean and U.S. officials say their drills are defensive in nature and were arranged to respond to North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threats.Later Thursday, China, North Korea’s last major ally, reiterated its blame for the heightened animosities on the U.S. and South Korea.“The negative impact of the U.S. military exercises and strategic weapons deployed around the peninsula a few days ago is obvious to all,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in a briefing.North Korea unveiled a new type of nuclear warhead in late March, raising concerns it could conduct its first nuclear test in more than five years.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-north-korea-south-nuclear-weapons-f409b488bb38ad3cfc37d1f8d29a6857">Foreign experts debate whether North Korea has developed warheads</a>&nbsp;small and light enough to fit on its more advanced missiles.South Korean officials say North Korea has not been responding to South Korean calls on a set of cross-border inter-Korean hotlines for about a week. Communications on those channels are meant to prevent accidental clashes along the rivals’ disputed western sea boundary.On Tuesday, South Korean Unification Minister Kwon Youngse expressed “strong regret” over what he called North Korea’s “unilateral and irresponsible attitude” over the hotlines.North Korea's advancing nuclear arsenal is expected to be a major topic during a summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden later this month in Washington.Experts say the discussions between world leaders at Japan’s Group of Seven meetings in May could be crucial for maintaining diplomatic pressure on North Korea. U.N. Security Council permanent members China and Russia have blocked tighter sanctions on North Korea in recent months, underscoring a divide deepened by Russia’s war on Ukraine.___

N. Korea fires missile that may have been new type of weapon

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in southeast Kansas are investigating "Pothole Bandits."

During the early morning hours of Wednesday, police responded to the 700 block of north Montgomery Street in Sedan for the report of a mysterious growth sprouting from several potholes, according to a social media report.

 Once on scene, officers discovered a number of potholes had been filled with plants. 

"We are asking the public's assistance in the apprehension of these suspects who have been aptly dubbed, 'The Pothole Bandits.' These bandits are described as having a facetious look in their eye, ornery grins, green thumbs and wearing fast running shoes. Any help in this matter will be greatly appreciated. 

"Seriously though, we absolutely get the humor in your prank, but the only people you're hurting are the city employees who have the laborious task of cleaning these holes out. If you have questions, comments, ideas or concerns about the roadways in Sedan, please reach out to the mayor, a council person or address the council at the next meeting."

Sedan is located approximately 100 miles southeast of Wichita.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681330525098.png" alt="Photo courtesy Sedan Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Sedan Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities in southeast Kansas are investigating "Pothole Bandits."During the early morning hours of Wednesday, police responded to the 700 block of north Montgomery Street in Sedan for the report of a mysterious growth sprouting from several potholes, according to a social media report. Once on scene, officers discovered a number of potholes had been filled with plants. "We are asking the public's assistance in the apprehension of these suspects who have been aptly dubbed, 'The Pothole Bandits.' These bandits are described as having a facetious look in their eye, ornery grins, green thumbs and wearing fast running shoes. Any help in this matter will be greatly appreciated. "Seriously though, we absolutely get the humor in your prank, but the only people you're hurting are the city employees who have the laborious task of cleaning these holes out. If you have questions, comments, ideas or concerns about the roadways in Sedan, please reach out to the mayor, a council person or address the council at the next meeting."Sedan is located approximately 100 miles southeast of Wichita.

Kan. community doesn't want flowers planted in potholes

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a deadly drug deal shooting he committed in 2019. Orlando Howard, 19, was sentenced to nearly 14 years in&nbsp;prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

&nbsp;Howard was&nbsp;one of four who were charged in the killing of Jerome Armbeck. Just after 6 p.m. Aug. 19, 2019, police&nbsp; responded to a shooting call in the 4600 block of east Boston in Wichita, according to office Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

First responders found Armbeck in an open field with multiple gunshot wounds to his body. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Investigators learned a disturbance occurred between Howard, then just 17, Armbeck, 18-year-old Pierce Jackson and 20-year-old Marcus Lamar&nbsp; in the 4600 block of east Boston when a suspect fired multiple times from a firearm, striking Armbeck. 

The crime was not a random incident. It was drug related, according to Davidson.&nbsp;

Earlier, co-defendant Marcus Lamar was sentenced to five years in&nbsp;prison for his role in the crime, according to the district attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622208321450.png" alt="-Howard photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>-Howard photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man is going to prison for a deadly drug deal shooting he committed in 2019. Orlando Howard, 19, was sentenced to nearly 14 years in&nbsp;prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;Howard was&nbsp;one of four who were charged in the killing of Jerome Armbeck. Just after 6 p.m. Aug. 19, 2019, police&nbsp; responded to a shooting call in the 4600 block of east Boston in Wichita, according to office Charley Davidson.&nbsp;First responders found Armbeck in an open field with multiple gunshot wounds to his body. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators learned a disturbance occurred between Howard, then just 17, Armbeck, 18-year-old Pierce Jackson and 20-year-old Marcus Lamar&nbsp; in the 4600 block of east Boston when a suspect fired multiple times from a firearm, striking Armbeck. The crime was not a random incident. It was drug related, according to Davidson.&nbsp;Earlier, co-defendant Marcus Lamar was sentenced to five years in&nbsp;prison for his role in the crime, according to the district attorney.---------

Prison for Kan. drug deal killing committed at the age of 17

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — An 80-year-old Kansas man was pursued by police and tased by a deputy — all for driving 3 mph (5 kph) over the speed limit, a federal lawsuit claims.

John J. Sigg sued Monday, naming Allen County Sheriff Bryan J. Murphy and former Deputy Joseph Stotler. Sigg's lawsuit seeks $250,000 in actual damages and an equal amount in punitive damages.

Murphy and Stotler do not yet have attorneys. An email message left Wednesday with the sheriff wasn't immediately returned. No phone listing for Stotler could be found and it wasn't immediately clear when, or why, he left the department.

On April 16, 2021, Sigg was clocked by an Iola, Kansas, officer going 38 mph (61 kph) in a 35 mph (56 kph) speed zone. A pursuit began. The lawsuit said Sigg was unaware police were following him even though law enforcement vehicles from other departments joined the pursuit in an area that is about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City, Missouri.

Sigg drove to a car lot operated by his family. When he got out of his car, officers surrounded him and two officers from nearby Chanute, Kansas, drew their guns, the lawsuit said.

“Sigg looked at them quizzically and raised his hands,” the lawsuit stated. That's when Stotler demanded that Sigg get on the ground and without warning, used the Taser on him, even though the maker of the stun gun had warned against using it on the elderly, the lawsuit stated.

“At no time after exiting his vehicle did Sigg make a hostile motion or make physical or verbal threats,” the lawsuit stated. “There was no risk that the 80 year old man was going to run from the officers and they had no concern that Sigg had a firearm.”

The lawsuit said Sigg began mumbling in a way that was “hard to understand,” and told an officer he didn't feel right. Sigg was treated at an emergency room.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — An 80-year-old Kansas man was pursued by police and tased by a deputy — all for driving 3 mph (5 kph) over the speed limit, a federal lawsuit claims.John J. Sigg sued Monday, naming Allen County Sheriff Bryan J. Murphy and former Deputy Joseph Stotler. Sigg's lawsuit seeks $250,000 in actual damages and an equal amount in punitive damages.Murphy and Stotler do not yet have attorneys. An email message left Wednesday with the sheriff wasn't immediately returned. No phone listing for Stotler could be found and it wasn't immediately clear when, or why, he left the department.On April 16, 2021, Sigg was clocked by an Iola, Kansas, officer going 38 mph (61 kph) in a 35 mph (56 kph) speed zone. A pursuit began. The lawsuit said Sigg was unaware police were following him even though law enforcement vehicles from other departments joined the pursuit in an area that is about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City, Missouri.Sigg drove to a car lot operated by his family. When he got out of his car, officers surrounded him and two officers from nearby Chanute, Kansas, drew their guns, the lawsuit said.“Sigg looked at them quizzically and raised his hands,” the lawsuit stated. That's when Stotler demanded that Sigg get on the ground and without warning, used the Taser on him, even though the maker of the stun gun had warned against using it on the elderly, the lawsuit stated.“At no time after exiting his vehicle did Sigg make a hostile motion or make physical or verbal threats,” the lawsuit stated. “There was no risk that the 80 year old man was going to run from the officers and they had no concern that Sigg had a firearm.”The lawsuit said Sigg began mumbling in a way that was “hard to understand,” and told an officer he didn't feel right. Sigg was treated at an emergency room.

80-year-old Kan. man says he was chased, tased for speeding

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of thefts and have a suspect in custody.

On Monday, police were investigating a series of past retail thefts that were reported over the weekend in Topeka, according to department spokesperson Rosie Nichols

 These thefts occurred in the 2900 block of SW Wanamaker Road, the 5900 block of SW Huntoon Avenue and the 2600 block of SE California Avenue.

The suspect was identified, with assistance from the State of Kansas Parole Office, as Dustin J. Spooner, 38, of Topeka. 

Just before 8 p.m. on Monday, officers located Spooner near SE 26th Street and SE California Avnue, where they arrested and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Felony Theft, and Parole Violation Warrant

Spooner has 12 prior felony convictions in the state of Kansas, which include four prior theft convictions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681224995770.png" alt="Spooner-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Spooner-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of thefts and have a suspect in custody.On Monday, police were investigating a series of past retail thefts that were reported over the weekend in Topeka, according to department spokesperson Rosie Nichols These thefts occurred in the 2900 block of SW Wanamaker Road, the 5900 block of SW Huntoon Avenue and the 2600 block of SE California Avenue.The suspect was identified, with assistance from the State of Kansas Parole Office, as Dustin J. Spooner, 38, of Topeka. Just before 8 p.m. on Monday, officers located Spooner near SE 26th Street and SE California Avnue, where they arrested and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Felony Theft, and Parole Violation WarrantSpooner has 12 prior felony convictions in the state of Kansas, which include four prior theft convictions.------------

Kan. felon with a dozen convictions jailed for alleged theft

SHAWNEE COUNTY— A man accused in connection with an accident that left a former Kansas State University student dead in December of 2021 has been charged with vehicular homicide.

&nbsp;John Alfred Moulden, 38, Knoxville, Tennessee also faces charges that include failure to stop at an accident known to result in death and driving at an unsafe speed for prevailing conditions, according to online jail records.&nbsp; He was booked in Shawnee County last week and is no longer in custody, according to the department of corrections.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just after 3:30p.m. on Sunday December 5, 2021, an International semi driven by&nbsp; Moulden was westbound in the left lane on Interstate 70 and unable to move into the right lane due to a rollover accident near SW West Union Road involving a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by&nbsp;Dakota B. Swader, 20, of Topeka that entered the center median and came to rest upside down.&nbsp;

A pedestrian identified as Autumn Johnson, a 21-year-old Kansas State University student from Wasilla, Alaska,&nbsp; parked her vehicle on the right shoulder of west bound Interstate 70 along with other vehicles.

Johnson exited the vehicle and ran through traffic toward the median to assist Swader, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian. The semi struck Johnson.

EMS transported Johnson to Stormont Vail in Topeka where she died.&nbsp; &nbsp; American Medical Response transported Swader to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.&nbsp;

Johnson was<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/about/news-events-publications/lifelines/2112.html"> hailed as a hero</a> following the tragedy.&nbsp; She was a first-year veterinary science student at K-State.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681295093233.png" alt="Moulden-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Moulden-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY— A man accused in connection with an accident that left a former Kansas State University student dead in December of 2021 has been charged with vehicular homicide.&nbsp;John Alfred Moulden, 38, Knoxville, Tennessee also faces charges that include failure to stop at an accident known to result in death and driving at an unsafe speed for prevailing conditions, according to online jail records.&nbsp; He was booked in Shawnee County last week and is no longer in custody, according to the department of corrections.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported that just after 3:30p.m. on Sunday December 5, 2021, an International semi driven by&nbsp; Moulden was westbound in the left lane on Interstate 70 and unable to move into the right lane due to a rollover accident near SW West Union Road involving a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by&nbsp;Dakota B. Swader, 20, of Topeka that entered the center median and came to rest upside down.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639150010314.png" alt="Autumn Johnson-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Autumn Johnson-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>A pedestrian identified as Autumn Johnson, a 21-year-old Kansas State University student from Wasilla, Alaska,&nbsp; parked her vehicle on the right shoulder of west bound Interstate 70 along with other vehicles.Johnson exited the vehicle and ran through traffic toward the median to assist Swader, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian. The semi struck Johnson.EMS transported Johnson to Stormont Vail in Topeka where she died.&nbsp; &nbsp; American Medical Response transported Swader to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.&nbsp;Johnson was<a href="https://www.vet.k-state.edu/about/news-events-publications/lifelines/2112.html"> hailed as a hero</a> following the tragedy.&nbsp; She was a first-year veterinary science student at K-State.

Driver in I-70 crash that killed KSU student faces charges

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a federal rule in 24 states that is intended to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-arizona-state-government-donald-trump-8d46b14c20cb0effcb52ace48220dcce">protect thousands of small streams</a>, wetlands and other waterways throughout the nation.

U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland in Bismarck, North Dakota, halted the regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed by the 24 states, most of which are led by Republicans. The regulations were finalized in December 2022, repealing a rule implemented during President Donald Trump's administration but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/environment-and-nature-2998bdb80aadc14ef8d4c6d2fe040988">thrown out by federal courts</a>.

Opponents of the regulations, which define which “waters of the United States” are protected by the Clean Water Act, have called the rules an example of federal overreach and argued they would unfairly burden farmers and ranchers.

The preliminary injunction affects Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. An injunction was previously issued that halted the rules in Texas and Idaho.

"Once again, the courts have affirmed that the Biden administration’s WOTUS rule is overreaching and harmful to America’s beef farmers and ranchers,” said Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer and president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. “Cattle producers in 26 states now have some additional certainty while this rule is being litigated and we are optimistic that the Supreme Court will provide nationwide clarity on the federal government’s proper jurisdiction over water.”

The EPA said in a statement that the agency and the Army Corps of Engineers were reviewing the decision but still believe the regulations were “the best” interpretation of the Clean Water Act. The agency says its rules would still stand in states not included in the injunction.

“The agencies remain committed to establishing and implementing a durable definition of ‘waters of the United States’ informed by diverse perspectives,” the EPA said in the statement. “Our goal is to protect public health, the environment, and downstream communities while supporting economic opportunity, agriculture, and industries that depend on clean water.”

The injunction comes less than a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-epa-clean-water-wotus-congress-07bb00728e9411106828676e321f7e43">President Joe Biden vetoed</a>&nbsp;a congressional resolution that would have overturned the rule. The House and Senate had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epa-biden-water-sackett-wotus-congress-senate-ec5a4b66376fdc9252f77575e29043ce">used the Congressional Review Act</a>&nbsp;to block the regulations, with several Democrats joining Republicans in opposing the regulations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631029867595.jpeg" alt="The preliminary injunction affects 24 states -Photo (Unsplash)" />
 <figcaption>The preliminary injunction affects 24 states -Photo (Unsplash)</figcaption>
 </figure>DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a federal rule in 24 states that is intended to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-arizona-state-government-donald-trump-8d46b14c20cb0effcb52ace48220dcce">protect thousands of small streams</a>, wetlands and other waterways throughout the nation.U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland in Bismarck, North Dakota, halted the regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed by the 24 states, most of which are led by Republicans. The regulations were finalized in December 2022, repealing a rule implemented during President Donald Trump's administration but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/environment-and-nature-2998bdb80aadc14ef8d4c6d2fe040988">thrown out by federal courts</a>.Opponents of the regulations, which define which “waters of the United States” are protected by the Clean Water Act, have called the rules an example of federal overreach and argued they would unfairly burden farmers and ranchers.The preliminary injunction affects Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. An injunction was previously issued that halted the rules in Texas and Idaho."Once again, the courts have affirmed that the Biden administration’s WOTUS rule is overreaching and harmful to America’s beef farmers and ranchers,” said Todd Wilkinson, a South Dakota cattle producer and president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. “Cattle producers in 26 states now have some additional certainty while this rule is being litigated and we are optimistic that the Supreme Court will provide nationwide clarity on the federal government’s proper jurisdiction over water.”The EPA said in a statement that the agency and the Army Corps of Engineers were reviewing the decision but still believe the regulations were “the best” interpretation of the Clean Water Act. The agency says its rules would still stand in states not included in the injunction.“The agencies remain committed to establishing and implementing a durable definition of ‘waters of the United States’ informed by diverse perspectives,” the EPA said in the statement. “Our goal is to protect public health, the environment, and downstream communities while supporting economic opportunity, agriculture, and industries that depend on clean water.”The injunction comes less than a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-epa-clean-water-wotus-congress-07bb00728e9411106828676e321f7e43">President Joe Biden vetoed</a>&nbsp;a congressional resolution that would have overturned the rule. The House and Senate had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epa-biden-water-sackett-wotus-congress-senate-ec5a4b66376fdc9252f77575e29043ce">used the Congressional Review Act</a>&nbsp;to block the regulations, with several Democrats joining Republicans in opposing the regulations.

Judge blocks rule in Kansas, Missouri intended to protect waterways

KANSAS CITY —After a brawl that saw dozens of teens kicked out of Worlds of Fun on Saturday, the park announced a new <a href="https://www.worldsoffun.com/code-of-conduct?fbclid=IwAR36RYGMub8iU1oMP2Pv9OtZJFg1Yf_ixuOYsi10bNyhsNweBHOfKL3QvgQ">code of conduct, chaperone po</a>licy on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.worldsoffun.com/code-of-conduct?fbclid=IwAR36RYGMub8iU1oMP2Pv9OtZJFg1Yf_ixuOYsi10bNyhsNweBHOfKL3QvgQ">Click here for more on&nbsp;</a>the policy and and answers to questions.

Just before 7:30 p.m. April 8, a sheriff's deputy working off-duty security at the Kansas City theme park heard on the radio from park security about a fight involving multiple juveniles and a large crowd inside the park, according to the Clay County Sheriff's office.

There were an estimated 100 to 150 teenagers involved, none of whom appeared to be accompanied by an adult. Deputies working off duty, Worlds of Fun security officers, and KCPD officers working off duty attempted to break up the crowd and move them out of the park.

Multiple fights continued to break out among the juveniles as officials tried to move them out. More Clay County Sheriff deputies and KCPD officers arrived to assist. Some juveniles said another juvenile had displayed a gun, but law enforcement was never able to verify that claim.

As a Clay County deputy escorted a group of juveniles from the park, a teenage girl refused to leave and punched him in the face. She was arrested and turned over to her parents. He had only superficial injuries.

Once the group had been pushed out to the parking lot, fights broke out in the parking lot. Deputies and KCPD officers then broke up those fights and dispersed the crowd. The park was cleared by about 8:30 p.m.

KANSAS CITY —After a brawl that saw dozens of teens kicked out of Worlds of Fun on Saturday, the park announced a new <a href="https://www.worldsoffun.com/code-of-conduct?fbclid=IwAR36RYGMub8iU1oMP2Pv9OtZJFg1Yf_ixuOYsi10bNyhsNweBHOfKL3QvgQ">code of conduct, chaperone po</a>licy on Wednesday.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fworldsoffun%2Fphotos%2Fa.129663303249%2F10159529519533250%2F&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="737" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div><a href="https://www.worldsoffun.com/code-of-conduct?fbclid=IwAR36RYGMub8iU1oMP2Pv9OtZJFg1Yf_ixuOYsi10bNyhsNweBHOfKL3QvgQ">Click here for more on&nbsp;</a>the policy and and answers to questions.Just before 7:30 p.m. April 8, a sheriff's deputy working off-duty security at the Kansas City theme park heard on the radio from park security about a fight involving multiple juveniles and a large crowd inside the park, according to the Clay County Sheriff's office.There were an estimated 100 to 150 teenagers involved, none of whom appeared to be accompanied by an adult. Deputies working off duty, Worlds of Fun security officers, and KCPD officers working off duty attempted to break up the crowd and move them out of the park.Multiple fights continued to break out among the juveniles as officials tried to move them out. More Clay County Sheriff deputies and KCPD officers arrived to assist. Some juveniles said another juvenile had displayed a gun, but law enforcement was never able to verify that claim.As a Clay County deputy escorted a group of juveniles from the park, a teenage girl refused to leave and punched him in the face. She was arrested and turned over to her parents. He had only superficial injuries.Once the group had been pushed out to the parking lot, fights broke out in the parking lot. Deputies and KCPD officers then broke up those fights and dispersed the crowd. The park was cleared by about 8:30 p.m.

Changes at Worlds of Fun following weekend brawl at the park

WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. has named a <a href="https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/Xylazine.pdf">veterinary tranquilizer</a> as an “emerging threat” when it's mixed with the powerful opioid fentanyl, clearing the way for more efforts to stop the spread of xylazine.

<a href="https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-reports-widespread-threat-fentanyl-mixed-xylazine">Click here to read the DEA</a> warning

The Office of National Drug Control Policy announced the designation Wednesday, the first time the office has used it since the category for fast-growing drug dangers was created in 2019.

Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the drug policy office, said xylazine (pronounced ZAI’-luh-zeen) has become increasingly common in all regions of the country.

It was detected in about 800 drug deaths in the U.S. in 2020 — most of them in the Northeast. By 2021, it was present in more than 3,000 fatalities —with the most in the South — according to a report last year from the Drug Enforcement Administration.

“We cannot ignore what we’re seeing," Gupta said. "We must act and act now.”

Xylazine was approved for veterinary use in 1971. Sometimes known as “tranq,” it's been showing up in supplies of illicit drugs used by humans in major quantities in only the last several years.

It's believed to be added to other drugs to increase profits. Officials are trying to understand how much of it is diverted from veterinary uses and how much is made illicitly.

The drug causes breathing and heart rates to slow down, sometimes to deadly levels, and causes skin abscesses and ulcers that can require amputation. Withdrawal is also painful.

While it's often used in conjunction with opioids, including fentanyl and related illicit lab-made drugs, it's not an opioid. And there are no known antidotes.

Gupta said his office is requesting $11 million as part of its budget to develop a strategy to tackle the drug's spread. Plans include developing an antidote, learning more about how it is introduced into illicit drug supplies so that can be disrupted, and looking into whether Congress should classify it as a controlled substance.

Gupta said it needs to be available for veterinary uses even amid crackdowns on the supply used by people. He also said systems to detect the drug and data about where it's being used need to be improved.

The drug is part of a deepening overdose crisis in the U.S.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 107,000 people died from overdoses in the 12 months that ended Oct. 31, 2022. Before 2020, the number of overdose deaths had never topped 100,000.

Most of the deaths were linked to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Like xylazine, they're often added to other drugs — and users don't always know they're getting them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681297269107.png" alt="Photo DEA" />
 <figcaption>Photo DEA</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —The U.S. has named a <a href="https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/Xylazine.pdf">veterinary tranquilizer</a> as an “emerging threat” when it's mixed with the powerful opioid fentanyl, clearing the way for more efforts to stop the spread of xylazine.<a href="https://www.dea.gov/alert/dea-reports-widespread-threat-fentanyl-mixed-xylazine">Click here to read the DEA</a> warningThe Office of National Drug Control Policy announced the designation Wednesday, the first time the office has used it since the category for fast-growing drug dangers was created in 2019.Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the drug policy office, said xylazine (pronounced ZAI’-luh-zeen) has become increasingly common in all regions of the country.It was detected in about 800 drug deaths in the U.S. in 2020 — most of them in the Northeast. By 2021, it was present in more than 3,000 fatalities —with the most in the South — according to a report last year from the Drug Enforcement Administration.“We cannot ignore what we’re seeing," Gupta said. "We must act and act now.”Xylazine was approved for veterinary use in 1971. Sometimes known as “tranq,” it's been showing up in supplies of illicit drugs used by humans in major quantities in only the last several years.It's believed to be added to other drugs to increase profits. Officials are trying to understand how much of it is diverted from veterinary uses and how much is made illicitly.The drug causes breathing and heart rates to slow down, sometimes to deadly levels, and causes skin abscesses and ulcers that can require amputation. Withdrawal is also painful.While it's often used in conjunction with opioids, including fentanyl and related illicit lab-made drugs, it's not an opioid. And there are no known antidotes.Gupta said his office is requesting $11 million as part of its budget to develop a strategy to tackle the drug's spread. Plans include developing an antidote, learning more about how it is introduced into illicit drug supplies so that can be disrupted, and looking into whether Congress should classify it as a controlled substance.Gupta said it needs to be available for veterinary uses even amid crackdowns on the supply used by people. He also said systems to detect the drug and data about where it's being used need to be improved.The drug is part of a deepening overdose crisis in the U.S.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 107,000 people died from overdoses in the 12 months that ended Oct. 31, 2022. Before 2020, the number of overdose deaths had never topped 100,000.Most of the deaths were linked to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Like xylazine, they're often added to other drugs — and users don't always know they're getting them.

Emerging U.S. threat: Fentanyl laced animal tranquilizer 

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;Health reported 903&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">&nbsp;new</a> <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">coronavirus cases</a> in Kansas from April 5, to April 12, for a total of 943,653 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 1,006 cases the previous week.

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">the state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;13 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on April 5 for a total of 10,167 since the state started reporting COVID illness and deaths.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">Click here</a>&nbsp;for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

Kansas provides fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”

The health department updates data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;Health reported 903&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">&nbsp;new</a> <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">coronavirus cases</a> in Kansas from April 5, to April 12, for a total of 943,653 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 1,006 cases the previous week.On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">the state reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;13 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on April 5 for a total of 10,167 since the state started reporting COVID illness and deaths.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3097/2023-COVID-19-Summary-and-Historical-Binder-PDF?bidId=">Click here</a>&nbsp;for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas provides fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department updates data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.