By&nbsp;Jim Garamone, U.S. Department of Defense

We stand with Israel," the president said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/10/10/remarks-by-president-biden-on-the-terrorist-attacks-in-israel-2/">during an announcement at the White House</a>.&nbsp;

The Hamas attack has been exceptionally brutal with hundreds of Israeli civilians killed and thousands wounded in the surprise attack out of Gaza that began Saturday.

(click below to watch the President's comments)

"There's still so many families desperately waiting to hear the fate of their loved ones, not knowing if they are alive or dead or hostages," the president said.

Hamas gunmen also kidnapped civilians and now leaders of the group have threatened to execute them.&nbsp; The State Department on Wednesday said the number of U.S. citizens confirmed to have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war has risen to 22. That’s an increase from the 14 who’d been confirmed dead on Tuesday.

"The brutality of Hamas, its bloodthirstiness, brings to mind the worst rampages of ISIS," Biden said. "This is terrorism."&nbsp;

"We will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself and respond to this attack," he continued. &nbsp;

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today and Biden assured him that the U.S. response to the events will be swift, decisive and overwhelming.

"My team has been in near constant communication with our Israeli partners and partners all across the region and the world from the moment this crisis began," the president said. "We're surging additional military assistance, including ammunition, and interceptors to replenish Iron Dome. We are going to make sure that Israel does not run out of these critical assets to defend its cities and its citizens."

Biden said that he will ask Congress "to take urgent action to fund the national security requirements of our critical partners. This is not about party or politics; this is about the security of our world, security of the United States of America."&nbsp;

The United States has also enhanced its military force posture in the region to strengthen deterrence. DOD has moved the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the eastern Mediterranean and bolstered fighter aircraft presence in the region.

These moves are not to deter Hamas, but any country or group that may think of taking advantage of the instability and confusion to pursue their own ends. "To any country, any organization, anyone thinking of taking advantage of the situation, I have one word: Don't," Biden said. "Our hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear."

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said there are U.S. citizens among the hostages Hamas has taken. "We are working with the Israeli government and with our regional partners on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the U.S. government to advise the Israeli government and coordinate with them on hostage recovery efforts," he said during a White House news conference. "As the President … said, there is no higher priority than the safety and well-being of American citizens being held hostage overseas."&nbsp;

Sullivan said military supplies are already flowing into Israel with interceptors for the Iron Dome missile defense shield leading the way. "We will be flowing in additional Iron Dome interceptors so that [the Israelis] have the capabilities they need to sustain their Iron Dome defense systems," he said. "We're also looking at other ways that we can help augment their air defense capabilities."&nbsp;

Sullivan said that Iran "is complicit in this attack, in a broad sense," meaning Iran has long funded and trained and supplied the terror group.&nbsp;

Iranian leaders "have provided capabilities, they have provided support, and they have had engagement in contact with Hamas over years and years," he said. "All of that has played a role in contributing to what we have seen now. As to the question of whether Iran knew about this attack in advance, or helped plan or direct this attack? We do not, as of the moment … have confirmation."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697042067511.png" alt="President Joe Biden speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone at the White House, Oct. 10, 2023. -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone at the White House, Oct. 10, 2023. -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;Jim Garamone, U.S. Department of DefenseWe stand with Israel," the president said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/10/10/remarks-by-president-biden-on-the-terrorist-attacks-in-israel-2/">during an announcement at the White House</a>.&nbsp;The Hamas attack has been exceptionally brutal with hundreds of Israeli civilians killed and thousands wounded in the surprise attack out of Gaza that began Saturday.(click below to watch the President's comments)<div>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7v40bJGqfEo?si=wCspaDDhv7t2n9B0&amp;start=5840" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>"There's still so many families desperately waiting to hear the fate of their loved ones, not knowing if they are alive or dead or hostages," the president said.Hamas gunmen also kidnapped civilians and now leaders of the group have threatened to execute them.&nbsp; The State Department on Wednesday said the number of U.S. citizens confirmed to have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war has risen to 22. That’s an increase from the 14 who’d been confirmed dead on Tuesday."The brutality of Hamas, its bloodthirstiness, brings to mind the worst rampages of ISIS," Biden said. "This is terrorism."&nbsp;"We will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself and respond to this attack," he continued. &nbsp;Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today and Biden assured him that the U.S. response to the events will be swift, decisive and overwhelming."My team has been in near constant communication with our Israeli partners and partners all across the region and the world from the moment this crisis began," the president said. "We're surging additional military assistance, including ammunition, and interceptors to replenish Iron Dome. We are going to make sure that Israel does not run out of these critical assets to defend its cities and its citizens."Biden said that he will ask Congress "to take urgent action to fund the national security requirements of our critical partners. This is not about party or politics; this is about the security of our world, security of the United States of America."&nbsp;The United States has also enhanced its military force posture in the region to strengthen deterrence. DOD has moved the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the eastern Mediterranean and bolstered fighter aircraft presence in the region.These moves are not to deter Hamas, but any country or group that may think of taking advantage of the instability and confusion to pursue their own ends. "To any country, any organization, anyone thinking of taking advantage of the situation, I have one word: Don't," Biden said. "Our hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear."National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said there are U.S. citizens among the hostages Hamas has taken. "We are working with the Israeli government and with our regional partners on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the U.S. government to advise the Israeli government and coordinate with them on hostage recovery efforts," he said during a White House news conference. "As the President … said, there is no higher priority than the safety and well-being of American citizens being held hostage overseas."&nbsp;Sullivan said military supplies are already flowing into Israel with interceptors for the Iron Dome missile defense shield leading the way. "We will be flowing in additional Iron Dome interceptors so that [the Israelis] have the capabilities they need to sustain their Iron Dome defense systems," he said. "We're also looking at other ways that we can help augment their air defense capabilities."&nbsp;Sullivan said that Iran "is complicit in this attack, in a broad sense," meaning Iran has long funded and trained and supplied the terror group.&nbsp;Iranian leaders "have provided capabilities, they have provided support, and they have had engagement in contact with Hamas over years and years," he said. "All of that has played a role in contributing to what we have seen now. As to the question of whether Iran knew about this attack in advance, or helped plan or direct this attack? We do not, as of the moment … have confirmation."

🎥 Number of US citizens killed in Israel continues to climb

JOHNSON COUNTY —After a Kansas bicyclist was struck and killed Oct. 6, in Johnson County, law enforcement authorities released a video reminding drivers to&nbsp;stay alert and remember to look both ways while initiating a right turn at an intersection.

In addition to the fatal accident in Olathe, the bicyclist in the video was hit at the intersection of 119th Street and Quivira Road in Overland Park last week.&nbsp;The bicyclist was injured but will recover.

JOHNSON COUNTY —After a Kansas bicyclist was struck and killed Oct. 6, in Johnson County, law enforcement authorities released a video reminding drivers to&nbsp;stay alert and remember to look both ways while initiating a right turn at an intersection.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Motorist please remember to look both ways while initiating a right turn at an intersection. The bicyclist was injured but will recover. <a href="https://t.co/gL7MyOoAMd">pic.twitter.com/gL7MyOoAMd</a>&mdash; Overland Park Police (@OverlandPark_PD) <a href="https://twitter.com/OverlandPark_PD/status/1711720262998032664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In addition to the fatal accident in Olathe, the bicyclist in the video was hit at the intersection of 119th Street and Quivira Road in Overland Park last week.&nbsp;The bicyclist was injured but will recover.

🎥Police use video to warn Kan. drivers to watch for bicyclists

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as 17-year-old Victor Carlton of Topeka.

Just before&nbsp;10:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of SE Pennsylvania Street in Topeka, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.

First responders located Carlton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.

This incident is being investigated as a homicide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697030993587.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as 17-year-old Victor Carlton of Topeka.Just before&nbsp;10:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of SE Pennsylvania Street in Topeka, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.First responders located Carlton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.This incident is being investigated as a homicide.

Homicide: 17-year-old Kan. boy dead after shooting

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman found guilty by a jury in the death of a man whose body was found in rural Sumner County in November 2022 is going to prison.

On Tuesday morning, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 20-year-old Tehya Turner, 20 of Haysville, to just over 11-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She must also serve 36 months of post release supervision.

On November 29, 2022, police were contacted by a 69-year-old man who reported 41-year-old Brent Boone, of Wichita, missing under unusual circumstances, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Boone had last been seen on November 24, 2022, at 9:30 pm at his residence in the 1300 block of N. Pershing in Wichita before leaving in a vehicle with two individuals – identified as 31-year-old Saul Chavez Valenciana and 19- year-old Tehya Turner, both of Wichita.

Police believed that an altercation occurred inside the car, during which Boone was killed.

On November 30, a follow-up investigation led officers to a crime scene in the 9300 block of S. Pattie in Haysville, where they began processing evidence. Police located the vehicle on December 1, near 21st and Ridge, abandoned, according to Officer Ditch.

Further investigation led officers to a rural area Southwest of Clearwater, one mile west of N Clearwater Road and 140th Ave N, where Boone's body was located. .

Police took Turner into custody on Dec. 2, and a CrimeStoppers tip helped police arrest Valenciana on Dec. 19, 2022.&nbsp; A jury found him guilty in June and. he is being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670173983028.png" alt="Turner-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Turner-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman found guilty by a jury in the death of a man whose body was found in rural Sumner County in November 2022 is going to prison.On Tuesday morning, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 20-year-old Tehya Turner, 20 of Haysville, to just over 11-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She must also serve 36 months of post release supervision.On November 29, 2022, police were contacted by a 69-year-old man who reported 41-year-old Brent Boone, of Wichita, missing under unusual circumstances, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Boone had last been seen on November 24, 2022, at 9:30 pm at his residence in the 1300 block of N. Pershing in Wichita before leaving in a vehicle with two individuals – identified as 31-year-old Saul Chavez Valenciana and 19- year-old Tehya Turner, both of Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670023341610.png" alt="-Valenciana-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>-Valenciana-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Police believed that an altercation occurred inside the car, during which Boone was killed.On November 30, a follow-up investigation led officers to a crime scene in the 9300 block of S. Pattie in Haysville, where they began processing evidence. Police located the vehicle on December 1, near 21st and Ridge, abandoned, according to Officer Ditch.Further investigation led officers to a rural area Southwest of Clearwater, one mile west of N Clearwater Road and 140th Ave N, where Boone's body was located. .Police took Turner into custody on Dec. 2, and a CrimeStoppers tip helped police arrest Valenciana on Dec. 19, 2022.&nbsp; A jury found him guilty in June and. he is being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility.

Kan. woman sentenced for murder after man's body found in field

Family Dollar is initiating a voluntary retail level product recall of certain over-the-counter drug products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that were stored and shipped to certain stores on or around June 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023 due to product being stored by Family Dollar outside of labeled temperature requirements, according to a statement from the FDA.

<a href="https://www.familydollar.com/file/general/Posting%20for%20website%2010.6.23%20(2)[3].pdf">CLICK here</a> to see the full list of recalled items

As of Wednesday, Family Dollar is not aware of any consumer complaints or reports of illness related to this recall.

This recall only applies to Kansas, Nebraska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658512118386.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Family Dollar is initiating a voluntary retail level product recall of certain over-the-counter drug products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that were stored and shipped to certain stores on or around June 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023 due to product being stored by Family Dollar outside of labeled temperature requirements, according to a statement from the FDA.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697026655285.png" alt="These are just a few of the products involved in the large recall" />
 <figcaption>These are just a few of the products involved in the large recall</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.familydollar.com/file/general/Posting%20for%20website%2010.6.23%20(2)[3].pdf">CLICK here</a> to see the full list of recalled itemsAs of Wednesday, Family Dollar is not aware of any consumer complaints or reports of illness related to this recall.This recall only applies to Kansas, Nebraska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Family Dollar: Large product recall for stores in Kan., 22 other states

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after an armed suspect dies inside a Kansas home.

Just before 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a previous assault investigation in the 23500 block of West 126th&nbsp;Terrace in Olathe, according to a media release.

Officers arrived and contacted the reporting party. During the course of the investigation, the suspect, a man, ran past officers and was carrying a handgun.

As the man was gaining entry into a neighbor’s house, one officer discharged their department issued handgun at him. The man then ran inside the neighbor’s house and residents ran outside. 

A police react team was established, and a drone was used to clear the residence. Police found the man deceased inside the home. The manner of the man’s death and what occurred inside the residence is still under investigation. Officers were not injured.

The Johnson County Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigation Team (OICIIT) was activated.&nbsp; Investigators from multiple agencies are leading the investigation of the incident.&nbsp; The Johnson County Crime Lab is processing the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697020259585.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation Tuesday night-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation Tuesday night-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after an armed suspect dies inside a Kansas home.Just before 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a previous assault investigation in the 23500 block of West 126th&nbsp;Terrace in Olathe, according to a media release.Officers arrived and contacted the reporting party. During the course of the investigation, the suspect, a man, ran past officers and was carrying a handgun.As the man was gaining entry into a neighbor’s house, one officer discharged their department issued handgun at him. The man then ran inside the neighbor’s house and residents ran outside. A police react team was established, and a drone was used to clear the residence. Police found the man deceased inside the home. The manner of the man’s death and what occurred inside the residence is still under investigation. Officers were not injured.The Johnson County Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigation Team (OICIIT) was activated.&nbsp; Investigators from multiple agencies are leading the investigation of the incident.&nbsp; The Johnson County Crime Lab is processing the scene.

Officer shot at armed suspect entering Kan. home, found him dead

JERUSALEM-&nbsp;The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in order to deter any&nbsp;actor seeking to escalate the situation or widen the war, according to a media release from U.S. Central Command.

The forces in the area include the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), with its 8 squadrons of attack and support aircraft, and the Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).

Efforts to increase U.S. posture continue, including the rapid movement into theater of U.S. Air Force F-15s, F-16s and A-10s to augment existing fighter squadrons in the region.

"The arrival of these highly capable forces to the region&nbsp;is a strong signal of deterrence should any actor hostile to Israel consider trying to take advantage of this situation," said General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696972133403.png" alt="USS Gerald R. Ford -photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>USS Gerald R. Ford -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM-&nbsp;The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in order to deter any&nbsp;actor seeking to escalate the situation or widen the war, according to a media release from U.S. Central Command.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch: An Israeli cargo plane lands, delivering an initial shipment of advanced weaponry from the United States to Israel. <a href="https://t.co/TEv2g9gXyW">pic.twitter.com/TEv2g9gXyW</a>&mdash; Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_MOD/status/1711974859520041121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The forces in the area include the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), with its 8 squadrons of attack and support aircraft, and the Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).Efforts to increase U.S. posture continue, including the rapid movement into theater of U.S. Air Force F-15s, F-16s and A-10s to augment existing fighter squadrons in the region."The arrival of these highly capable forces to the region&nbsp;is a strong signal of deterrence should any actor hostile to Israel consider trying to take advantage of this situation," said General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

US warships, weapons arrive in Mediterranean to support Israel

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities have recovered a vehicle stolen in 2021, according to a social media report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Drug and Crime Control.

"Our officers often recover stolen vehicles and equipment, but it's not everyday they are able to recover a stolen 1956 Ford Thunderbird missing since 2021.&nbsp; It is now back in the hands of its owner."

Authorities released no additional details on where they located the vehicle or an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696989448347.png" alt="Photo MSHP DDCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP DDCC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities have recovered a vehicle stolen in 2021, according to a social media report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Drug and Crime Control."Our officers often recover stolen vehicles and equipment, but it's not everyday they are able to recover a stolen 1956 Ford Thunderbird missing since 2021.&nbsp; It is now back in the hands of its owner."Authorities released no additional details on where they located the vehicle or an arrest.

Troopers recover 1956 Ford Thunderbird missing since 2021

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Republican majority is stuck, one week after the ouster of Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">Kevin McCarthy</a>, with lawmakers unable to coalesce around a new leader in a stalemate that threatens to keep Congress partly shuttered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-mccarthy-vacancy-scalise-jordan-israel-58c7df019c59e144b2a526c657cf6087">indefinitely</a>.

On Tuesday evening, two leading contenders for the gavel, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, outlined their visions behind closed doors at a lengthy candidate forum. But they appeared to be splitting the vote among their Republican colleagues.

McCarthy, meanwhile, who had openly positioned himself to reclaim the gavel he just lost, told his colleagues during the private meeting not to nominate him this time. Instead, he read a poem from Mother Teresa and delivered a prayer.

“I don’t know how the hell you get to 218," Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, said afterward, referring to the majority vote typically needed to seize the gavel. “It could be a long week.”

House Republicans took the majority aspiring to operate as a team, and run government more like a business, but have drifted far from that goal. Just 10 months in power, the historic ouster of their House speaker — a first in the U.S. — and the prolonged infighting it has unleashed are undercutting the Republicans' ability to govern at a time of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates">crisis at home and abroad</a>.

Now, as House Republicans push ahead toward snap elections Wednesday aimed at finding a new nominee for speaker, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-republican-lawmakers-house-opponents-33c7d984964916f29d548b5b1dfe508b">hard-right coalition of lawmakers</a>&nbsp;that ousted McCarthy has shown what an oversized role a few lawmakers can have in choosing the successor.

“This is a hard conference to lead,” said Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark. “A lot of free agents.”

Both Scalise and Jordan are working furiously to shore up support. Both are easily winning over dozens of supporters and could win the majority of Republicans, about 110 votes.

But it's unclear if either Scalise or Jordan can amass the 217 votes that would be needed in a floor vote to overcome opposition from Democrats. There are currently two vacancies in the 435-seat House.

Many Republicans want to prevent the spectacle of a messy House floor fight like the grueling January brawl when McCarthy became speaker.

“We’re in a similar situation that we were back in January,” said Doug Heye, a former Republican leadership aide, adding the political optics of the feud look “terrible” to American voters.

Some have proposed a rules change that Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the interim speaker pro tempore, is considering to ensure a majority vote during closed balloting Wednesday before the nominee is presented for a full floor vote.

McCarthy himself appeared to agree with a consensus approach. “They shouldn’t come out of there until they decide that they have enough votes for whoever they bring to the floor,” McCarthy said.

But short of a rules change, Republican lawmakers would be expected to agree to a majority-wins process — whichever candidate wins the internal private vote would be given the full backing of the Republicans on the House floor.

It’s no guarantee — with trust low among House Republicans and tensions high, those normal protocols could be challenged. Both Scalise and Jordan indicated they would support the eventual nominee, lawmakers said. But many lawmakers remained undecided.

“I am not thrilled with either choice right now,” said Rep. Ken Buck, a Colorado Republican who voted to oust McCarthy.

While both are conservatives from the right flank, neither Scalise nor Jordan is the heir apparent to McCarthy.

Scalise as the second-ranking Republican would be next in line for the gavel and is seen as a hero among colleagues for having survived severe injuries from a mass shooting during a congressional baseball practice in 2017. Now battling blood cancer, the Louisianan is not a clear lock.

“We’re going to go get this done tomorrow, and the House is going to get back to work,” Scalise said as he exited the meeting.

Jordan is a high-profile political firebrand known for his close&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-speaker-mccarthy-capitol-hill-432f89f6826b2b4f51990ae4b4d293fb">alliance with Donald Trump</a>, particularly when the then-president was working to overturn the results of the 2020 election, leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Trump has backed Jordan's bid for the gavel.

Scalise and Jordan presented similar views at the forum about cutting spending and securing the southern border with Mexico, top Republican priorities.

Several lawmakers, including Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who engineered McCarthy's ouster said they would be willing to support either Scalise or Jordan.

“I think it’s a competitive race for speaker because we’ve got two greats,” said Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky.

Barr said he was working to help secure votes for Scalise, but would be comfortable with either candidate.

Others though, particularly more centrist conservative Republicans from districts that are narrowly split between the parties, are holding out for another choice.

“Personally, I’m still with McCarthy," said Rep. David Valadao, a Republican who represents a California district not far from the former speaker's district.

“We’ll see how that plays out, but I do know a large percentage of the membership wants to be there with him as well.”

McCarthy headed into the evening forum insisting he was not, at the moment, a candidate for speaker.

But the California Republican gave a nod to his own short track record as speaker — being ousted by the far-right flank after he led Congress to approve a stopgap spending bill to prevent a disruptive federal government shutdown.

“I think it’s important whoever takes that job is willing to risk the job for doing what’s right for the American public,” McCarthy said.

For now, McHenry is effectively in charge. He has shown little interest in expanding his power beyond the role he was assigned — an interim leader tasked with ensuring the election of the next speaker.

The role was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to ensure the continuity of government. McHenry's name was at the top of a list submitted by McCarthy when he became speaker in January.

While some Republicans, and Democrats, are open to empowering McHenry the longer he holds the temporary position, that seems unlikely as the speaker's fight drags on.

McHenry told reporters it's “my goal” to keep to the schedule to have hold a House speaker election on Wednesday. He quickly gaveled the House in and out of a brief session Tuesday, with no business conducted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696366148194.png" alt="A view of the House during the vote count to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>A view of the House during the vote count to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Republican majority is stuck, one week after the ouster of Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">Kevin McCarthy</a>, with lawmakers unable to coalesce around a new leader in a stalemate that threatens to keep Congress partly shuttered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-mccarthy-vacancy-scalise-jordan-israel-58c7df019c59e144b2a526c657cf6087">indefinitely</a>.On Tuesday evening, two leading contenders for the gavel, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, outlined their visions behind closed doors at a lengthy candidate forum. But they appeared to be splitting the vote among their Republican colleagues.McCarthy, meanwhile, who had openly positioned himself to reclaim the gavel he just lost, told his colleagues during the private meeting not to nominate him this time. Instead, he read a poem from Mother Teresa and delivered a prayer.“I don’t know how the hell you get to 218," Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, said afterward, referring to the majority vote typically needed to seize the gavel. “It could be a long week.”House Republicans took the majority aspiring to operate as a team, and run government more like a business, but have drifted far from that goal. Just 10 months in power, the historic ouster of their House speaker — a first in the U.S. — and the prolonged infighting it has unleashed are undercutting the Republicans' ability to govern at a time of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates">crisis at home and abroad</a>.Now, as House Republicans push ahead toward snap elections Wednesday aimed at finding a new nominee for speaker, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-republican-lawmakers-house-opponents-33c7d984964916f29d548b5b1dfe508b">hard-right coalition of lawmakers</a>&nbsp;that ousted McCarthy has shown what an oversized role a few lawmakers can have in choosing the successor.“This is a hard conference to lead,” said Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark. “A lot of free agents.”Both Scalise and Jordan are working furiously to shore up support. Both are easily winning over dozens of supporters and could win the majority of Republicans, about 110 votes.But it's unclear if either Scalise or Jordan can amass the 217 votes that would be needed in a floor vote to overcome opposition from Democrats. There are currently two vacancies in the 435-seat House.Many Republicans want to prevent the spectacle of a messy House floor fight like the grueling January brawl when McCarthy became speaker.“We’re in a similar situation that we were back in January,” said Doug Heye, a former Republican leadership aide, adding the political optics of the feud look “terrible” to American voters.Some have proposed a rules change that Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the interim speaker pro tempore, is considering to ensure a majority vote during closed balloting Wednesday before the nominee is presented for a full floor vote.McCarthy himself appeared to agree with a consensus approach. “They shouldn’t come out of there until they decide that they have enough votes for whoever they bring to the floor,” McCarthy said.But short of a rules change, Republican lawmakers would be expected to agree to a majority-wins process — whichever candidate wins the internal private vote would be given the full backing of the Republicans on the House floor.It’s no guarantee — with trust low among House Republicans and tensions high, those normal protocols could be challenged. Both Scalise and Jordan indicated they would support the eventual nominee, lawmakers said. But many lawmakers remained undecided.“I am not thrilled with either choice right now,” said Rep. Ken Buck, a Colorado Republican who voted to oust McCarthy.While both are conservatives from the right flank, neither Scalise nor Jordan is the heir apparent to McCarthy.Scalise as the second-ranking Republican would be next in line for the gavel and is seen as a hero among colleagues for having survived severe injuries from a mass shooting during a congressional baseball practice in 2017. Now battling blood cancer, the Louisianan is not a clear lock.“We’re going to go get this done tomorrow, and the House is going to get back to work,” Scalise said as he exited the meeting.Jordan is a high-profile political firebrand known for his close&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-speaker-mccarthy-capitol-hill-432f89f6826b2b4f51990ae4b4d293fb">alliance with Donald Trump</a>, particularly when the then-president was working to overturn the results of the 2020 election, leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Trump has backed Jordan's bid for the gavel.Scalise and Jordan presented similar views at the forum about cutting spending and securing the southern border with Mexico, top Republican priorities.Several lawmakers, including Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who engineered McCarthy's ouster said they would be willing to support either Scalise or Jordan.“I think it’s a competitive race for speaker because we’ve got two greats,” said Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky.Barr said he was working to help secure votes for Scalise, but would be comfortable with either candidate.Others though, particularly more centrist conservative Republicans from districts that are narrowly split between the parties, are holding out for another choice.“Personally, I’m still with McCarthy," said Rep. David Valadao, a Republican who represents a California district not far from the former speaker's district.“We’ll see how that plays out, but I do know a large percentage of the membership wants to be there with him as well.”McCarthy headed into the evening forum insisting he was not, at the moment, a candidate for speaker.But the California Republican gave a nod to his own short track record as speaker — being ousted by the far-right flank after he led Congress to approve a stopgap spending bill to prevent a disruptive federal government shutdown.“I think it’s important whoever takes that job is willing to risk the job for doing what’s right for the American public,” McCarthy said.For now, McHenry is effectively in charge. He has shown little interest in expanding his power beyond the role he was assigned — an interim leader tasked with ensuring the election of the next speaker.The role was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to ensure the continuity of government. McHenry's name was at the top of a list submitted by McCarthy when he became speaker in January.While some Republicans, and Democrats, are open to empowering McHenry the longer he holds the temporary position, that seems unlikely as the speaker's fight drags on.McHenry told reporters it's “my goal” to keep to the schedule to have hold a House speaker election on Wednesday. He quickly gaveled the House in and out of a brief session Tuesday, with no business conducted.

A week without a House speaker, GOP no closer to choosing a new leader

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City-area man now faces an additional 14 felony charges for an Aug. 2, 2023, shooting spree that began in Grandview and ended in Kansas City, plus charges for an earlier Raytown shooting, accoring to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Cameron K. Harper, 22, Grandview, now faces the following felony charges: two counts of Murder 1st Degree, four counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Assault 1st Degree, one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and eight counts of Armed Criminal Action.*

In early August, the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office announced three initial charges against Harper and reported that an investigation was continuing into other shootings.

Court records earlier detailed that Grandview police were dispatched the morning of August 2, 2023, to a residence in Grandview and found the victim of a shooting in a white vehicle. The incident was near two other shootings that morning.

The suspect was driving a vehicle described as a green pickup truck with a lawn mower in the back. Officers arrested the suspect within three hours. Police located guns and shell casings that matched casings at the shootings. Ballistics also linked the suspect to a homicide in Raytown on July 31, 2023

Recently, a Jackson County Grand Jury added several new or enhanced felony charges related to the Grandview and Kansas City shootings and a fatal shooting in Raytown on July 31, 2023. Video from the Raytown shooting showed an older model green pickup truck with a lawnmower in back.

The victims in these shootings have no connection to each other or to the suspect.

Prosecutor Baker earlier praised the joint efforts by law enforcement to quickly arrest and investigate this case. Harper remains in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691153144673.png" alt="Harper-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Harper-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City-area man now faces an additional 14 felony charges for an Aug. 2, 2023, shooting spree that began in Grandview and ended in Kansas City, plus charges for an earlier Raytown shooting, accoring to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Cameron K. Harper, 22, Grandview, now faces the following felony charges: two counts of Murder 1st Degree, four counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Assault 1st Degree, one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and eight counts of Armed Criminal Action.*In early August, the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office announced three initial charges against Harper and reported that an investigation was continuing into other shootings.Court records earlier detailed that Grandview police were dispatched the morning of August 2, 2023, to a residence in Grandview and found the victim of a shooting in a white vehicle. The incident was near two other shootings that morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690992870073.png" alt="Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide asked the public for help in identifying the suspect and vehicle.-photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide asked the public for help in identifying the suspect and vehicle.-photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect was driving a vehicle described as a green pickup truck with a lawn mower in the back. Officers arrested the suspect within three hours. Police located guns and shell casings that matched casings at the shootings. Ballistics also linked the suspect to a homicide in Raytown on July 31, 2023Recently, a Jackson County Grand Jury added several new or enhanced felony charges related to the Grandview and Kansas City shootings and a fatal shooting in Raytown on July 31, 2023. Video from the Raytown shooting showed an older model green pickup truck with a lawnmower in back.The victims in these shootings have no connection to each other or to the suspect.Prosecutor Baker earlier praised the joint efforts by law enforcement to quickly arrest and investigate this case. Harper remains in custody.

KC murder suspect identified by green pickup faces new charges

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the murder of a Kansas woman and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 3p.m. Sept. 6, police were dispatched to the 2300 block of N. Chautauqua in Wichita for a welfare check&nbsp; on66-year-old Brenda McNeely, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

&nbsp;Officers received information that she could be inside the residence and possibly injured and in need of help. The door to the residence was forced open and officers located with a fatal stab wound inside of the residence. She would be pronounced deceased on the scene.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect identified as 35-<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=350241">year-old Antonio Jones</a>, according to booking records, was involved in a disturbance with Brenda, which ultimately led to her stabbing.

Officers acted swiftly and diligently, pursued leads to apprehend Jones. who has now been taken into custody.&nbsp; He is being held in Sedgwick County on a $250,000 on charges of First Degree Murder, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696771038409.png" alt="Jones-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the murder of a Kansas woman and have a suspect in custody.Just after 3p.m. Sept. 6, police were dispatched to the 2300 block of N. Chautauqua in Wichita for a welfare check&nbsp; on66-year-old Brenda McNeely, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp;Officers received information that she could be inside the residence and possibly injured and in need of help. The door to the residence was forced open and officers located with a fatal stab wound inside of the residence. She would be pronounced deceased on the scene.The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect identified as 35-<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=350241">year-old Antonio Jones</a>, according to booking records, was involved in a disturbance with Brenda, which ultimately led to her stabbing. Officers acted swiftly and diligently, pursued leads to apprehend Jones. who has now been taken into custody.&nbsp; He is being held in Sedgwick County on a $250,000 on charges of First Degree Murder, according to online jail records.

Man accused in stabbing death of 66-year-old Kan. woman

WASHINGTON —In early September, the Biden administration cleared the way for the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-iran-us-prisoners-swap-deal-billions-e17dc67521798a2836ab4a3213e9277b">five American citizens detained in Iran</a>&nbsp;by issuing a blanket waiver for international banks to transfer $6 billion in frozen Iranian money from South Korea to Qatar without fear of U.S. sanctions. In addition, as part of the deal, the administration agreed to release five Iranian citizens held in the United States.

On Tuesday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall called on Joe Biden to immediately freeze the $6B he signed over to Iran.&nbsp; On social media Marshall wrote, "Iran has bankrolled Hamas and helped them plan their barbaric attacks on Israel. The president should have never brokered billion-dollar deals with rogue nations like Iran."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed off on the sanctions waivers for Iran a month after U.S. and Iranian officials said an agreement in principle was in place.&nbsp; Congress was not informed of the waiver decision until after the fact, according to the notification, which was obtained by The Associated Press.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696679013332.png" alt="Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis southern Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)" />
 <figcaption>Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis southern Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —In early September, the Biden administration cleared the way for the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-iran-us-prisoners-swap-deal-billions-e17dc67521798a2836ab4a3213e9277b">five American citizens detained in Iran</a>&nbsp;by issuing a blanket waiver for international banks to transfer $6 billion in frozen Iranian money from South Korea to Qatar without fear of U.S. sanctions. In addition, as part of the deal, the administration agreed to release five Iranian citizens held in the United States.On Tuesday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall called on Joe Biden to immediately freeze the $6B he signed over to Iran.&nbsp; On social media Marshall wrote, "Iran has bankrolled Hamas and helped them plan their barbaric attacks on Israel. The president should have never brokered billion-dollar deals with rogue nations like Iran."Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed off on the sanctions waivers for Iran a month after U.S. and Iranian officials said an agreement in principle was in place.&nbsp; Congress was not informed of the waiver decision until after the fact, according to the notification, which was obtained by The Associated Press.

Kan. Senator calls for Biden to freeze $6 billion he signed over to Iran

RUSSELL COUNTY —First responders are still searching for a man who reportedly fell out of a boat at Wilson Lake on Sunday, according to a media release from the Russell County Sheriff.

At 4:04 p.m. Oct. 8, a woman called Russell County 911 Dispatch to report that a man had fallen off a boat at Wilson Lake.

Dispatch learned that the man and woman had been boating toward the west end of Wilson Lake when the male occupant fell out of the boat and possibly struck his head on the boat as he fell.

Emergency crews were notified of the situation and units responded from the Russell County Sheriff’s Office along with units from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Russell County EMS, and multiple rural fire agencies.

RUSSELL COUNTY —First responders are still searching for a man who reportedly fell out of a boat at Wilson Lake on Sunday, according to a media release from the Russell County Sheriff.At 4:04 p.m. Oct. 8, a woman called Russell County 911 Dispatch to report that a man had fallen off a boat at Wilson Lake.Dispatch learned that the man and woman had been boating toward the west end of Wilson Lake when the male occupant fell out of the boat and possibly struck his head on the boat as he fell.Emergency crews were notified of the situation and units responded from the Russell County Sheriff’s Office along with units from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Russell County EMS, and multiple rural fire agencies.

Sheriff: Search continues for man who fell from boat at Kan. lake

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and fire crews worked together to save a person having a mental health crisis who went to the top of a business in Wichita.

On Monday, police were dispatched to respond to a situation in the 700 block of East Central in Wichita, according to a media release.

 A concerned citizen had reported a person on the roof of a Wichita business. Patrol officers swiftly arrived at the scene, collaborating with the department's commissioned call center to pinpoint the person's location through video surveillance. 

The police department's commitment to utilizing advanced technology ensures offices can respond effectively to such situations. Police also worked closely with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wichitafiredepartment?__cft__[0]=AZVU05R_aajs4a9ANji0pNo8usH1r5Bynhcelk809l9X7wuUkAdk0_gycGADngWxU578WnacBvBpQcicR7SXMHrSD4IJSS3PFvVDdzojshCVnDrKfJkUTomPu_ILA--ayZxmKMclQI0Vd7iI1GONNww8okf2PDPaW6w4HQTFMsN0vssqCO5WCQcyE-XS0OSV7WA&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Wichita Fire Department</a> to ensure the safe removal of the individual from the rooftop.

The fire department's assistance was invaluable, and police thanked them for their support. Following the successful resolution of the situation, the individual was transported to a nearby hospital for a mental health evaluation. 

On social media Wichita Police wrote, "the well-being of our community members is our utmost concern. Instances like these underline the importance of our ongoing investment in technology and rigorous training for our officers. We remain dedicated to working hand in hand with our community to provide the essential services everyone deserves.Your safety and well-being are our top priorities

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696961563889.png" alt="photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and fire crews worked together to save a person having a mental health crisis who went to the top of a business in Wichita.On Monday, police were dispatched to respond to a situation in the 700 block of East Central in Wichita, according to a media release. A concerned citizen had reported a person on the roof of a Wichita business. Patrol officers swiftly arrived at the scene, collaborating with the department's commissioned call center to pinpoint the person's location through video surveillance. The police department's commitment to utilizing advanced technology ensures offices can respond effectively to such situations. Police also worked closely with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wichitafiredepartment?__cft__[0]=AZVU05R_aajs4a9ANji0pNo8usH1r5Bynhcelk809l9X7wuUkAdk0_gycGADngWxU578WnacBvBpQcicR7SXMHrSD4IJSS3PFvVDdzojshCVnDrKfJkUTomPu_ILA--ayZxmKMclQI0Vd7iI1GONNww8okf2PDPaW6w4HQTFMsN0vssqCO5WCQcyE-XS0OSV7WA&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Wichita Fire Department</a> to ensure the safe removal of the individual from the rooftop. The fire department's assistance was invaluable, and police thanked them for their support. Following the successful resolution of the situation, the individual was transported to a nearby hospital for a mental health evaluation. On social media Wichita Police wrote, "the well-being of our community members is our utmost concern. Instances like these underline the importance of our ongoing investment in technology and rigorous training for our officers. We remain dedicated to working hand in hand with our community to provide the essential services everyone deserves.Your safety and well-being are our top priorities

First responders save person from roof of Kansas business

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday confirmed that U.S. citizens are among the hostages captured by Hamas in this weekend’s attack on Israel and he condemned the militant group for “sheer evil” for its shocking multipronged attack on Israel launched from the Gaza Strip that has killed hundreds of civilians, including at least 14 American citizens.

(Click below to watch a replay of the President's comments)

Biden and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;spoke by phone earlier on Tuesday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;to discuss the situation on the ground. Biden outlined the actions he and other allies have taken to support Israel in the aftermath of the attack and expressed his horror about “sickening” reports of torture inflicted by militants on innocent civilians.

“Our hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear,” said Biden, who compared Hamas action to the terrorist group ISIS. He added, “Let there be no doubt. The United States has Israel’s back. We’ll make sure the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself today, tomorrow as we always have.”

Biden, in his public remarks and statements since Hamas launched its attacks, has repeatedly emphasized his shock over the breadth and brutality of the Hamas assault — a blitz by land, sea and air that surprised Israeli and U.S. intelligence and that has killed hundreds Israelis and left even more wounded.

Retaliatory strikes by Israel on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gaza-strip">Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;have also left hundreds of dead and wounded Palestinians in the blockaded 141-square mile area, one the poorest places in the world. The death toll was expected to grow as Israel pummeled Gaza with airstrikes and sent tens of thousands of Palestinians fleeing into U.N. shelters.

Biden said he has directed his team to share intelligence and military experts to consult and advise Israelis. He also confirmed that the U.S. believes that Americans are among dozens of hostages taken by Hamas.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the U.S. does not know the precise number of American hostages that were taken. Sullivan said that the U.S., at the moment, has no plans of putting U.S. troops on the ground.

“As president I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans being held hostage around the world,” Biden said.

The White House on Monday confirmed that it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-state-department-39b9e7f15334ff756f022704f9516867">already begun delivering critically needed munitions and military equipment</a>&nbsp;to Israel, and the Pentagon was reviewing its inventories to see what else can be sent quickly to boost its ally in the war against Hamas.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-american-carrier-strike-force-mediterranean-db05d535a9ebb931f684f758c9b6f628">Ford carrier strike group</a>&nbsp;has arrived in the far Eastern Mediterranean, within range to provide a host of air support or long-range strike options for Israel if requested, but also to surge U.S. military presence there to prevent the war from spilling over into a more dangerous regional conflict, officials said.

The Pentagon has said that the U.S. warplanes, destroyers and cruisers that sailed with the Ford will conduct maritime and air operations which could include intelligence collection, interdictions and long-range strikes.

Along with the Ford, the U.S. is sending the cruiser USS Normandy and destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt, and the U.S. is augmenting Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.

“Let me say again to any country, any organization, anyone thinking of taking advantage of the situation,” Biden said. “I have one word: Don’t."

Biden is dispatching his top diplomat to Israel on an urgent mission to show U.S. support after the attacks, the State Department said Tuesday.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Secretary of State Antony Blinken would travel in the coming days to deliver a message of solidarity and support. He said Blinken will also “talk about what additional resources we can give them.”

Blinken will leave Wednesday and is expected to arrive Thursday.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters traveling with him Tuesday to a Ukraine contact group meeting in Brussels that a small group of U.S. special operations forces is also working with the Israelis to help with planning and intelligence.

Biden on Monday in a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak underscored the “legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people” and their decades-long push for sovereignty. But the leaders also sought to separate the Palestinians’ aspirations from the “appalling acts of terrorism” by Hamas.

Americans have had a gloomy outlook on Biden’s performance on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Six in 10 Americans (61%)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-israel-united-states-biden-netanyahu-41ba5cb189185f3e4956f4465c00999f">disapproved of how Biden was handling the conflict</a>&nbsp;between the Israelis and Palestinians, according to an August poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About one-third (35%) of U.S. adults approved, which was slightly lower than Biden’s overall approval rating of 42% in the same poll.

Four in 10 Americans (44%) said the U.S. gives about the right amount of support to Israel in the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Republicans were more likely than Democrats to say the U.S. should offer more support to Israel. Four in 10 Americans (42%) said the correct amount of support is given to the Palestinians. Democrats and Independents were more likely than Republicans to say the Palestinians should receive more support.

The current crisis seems certain to further test public sentiment about Biden’s Mideast foreign policy approach.

The Biden White House has pointed to its handling of the last conflict between Israel and Gaza in 2021 as playing a crucial part in limiting the length and loss of life in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-was-the-outcome-of-israel-gaza-war-4f94e80a9d6f53ecd5353db83ed27526">a war that stretched over 11 days</a>&nbsp;and killed at least 250 people in Gaza and 13 in Israel.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-was-the-outcome-of-israel-gaza-war-4f94e80a9d6f53ecd5353db83ed27526">During the 2021 conflict,</a>&nbsp;Biden limited his public commentary while pressing Netanyahu in private to end the conflict. His behind-the-scenes effort played out even as some of the president’s fellow Democrats pressured him to speak out against the Israelis as the death toll climbed in Gaza and as tens of thousands of Palestinians were displaced by the aerial bombardment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-middle-east-business-israel-palestinian-conflict-health-d2781b6e5aea8602547c5c0b4112e977">White House officials said at the time.</a>

But this conflict is unlikely to end so quickly. Domestic and international pressure could quickly mount on Biden to pressure Netanyahu to wind down operations to prevent the suffering of innocent Gazans.

Netanyahu said on Saturday that civilians in Gaza should leave areas near where Hamas is operating as the Israeli military planned to take defining action against the the militant group.

Sullivan said U.S. government officials have discussed details with Israel and Egyptian officials about where people in Gaza should go.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696938143887.png" alt="The White House lit up blue and white Monday night as a symbol of the United States’ enduring support and solidarity with the people of Israel in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks committed by Hamas.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The White House lit up blue and white Monday night as a symbol of the United States’ enduring support and solidarity with the people of Israel in the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks committed by Hamas.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday confirmed that U.S. citizens are among the hostages captured by Hamas in this weekend’s attack on Israel and he condemned the militant group for “sheer evil” for its shocking multipronged attack on Israel launched from the Gaza Strip that has killed hundreds of civilians, including at least 14 American citizens.(Click below to watch a replay of the President's comments)<div>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7v40bJGqfEo?si=wCspaDDhv7t2n9B0&amp;start=5840" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Biden and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Vice President Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;spoke by phone earlier on Tuesday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/benjamin-netanyahu">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>&nbsp;to discuss the situation on the ground. Biden outlined the actions he and other allies have taken to support Israel in the aftermath of the attack and expressed his horror about “sickening” reports of torture inflicted by militants on innocent civilians.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden on Hamas attacks against Israel: &quot;This was an act of sheer evil.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/JlfEvefe4f">pic.twitter.com/JlfEvefe4f</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1711824332270248058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Our hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear,” said Biden, who compared Hamas action to the terrorist group ISIS. He added, “Let there be no doubt. The United States has Israel’s back. We’ll make sure the Jewish and democratic state of Israel can defend itself today, tomorrow as we always have.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696961319712.png" alt="President Biden on Tuesday sat down with our teams to receive a situation update on the terrorist attack in Israel and to direct next steps.&nbsp;We connected with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss coordination to support Israel, deter hostile actors, and protect innocent people." />
 <figcaption>President Biden on Tuesday sat down with our teams to receive a situation update on the terrorist attack in Israel and to direct next steps.&nbsp;We connected with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss coordination to support Israel, deter hostile actors, and protect innocent people.</figcaption>
 </figure>Biden, in his public remarks and statements since Hamas launched its attacks, has repeatedly emphasized his shock over the breadth and brutality of the Hamas assault — a blitz by land, sea and air that surprised Israeli and U.S. intelligence and that has killed hundreds Israelis and left even more wounded.Retaliatory strikes by Israel on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/gaza-strip">Gaza Strip</a>&nbsp;have also left hundreds of dead and wounded Palestinians in the blockaded 141-square mile area, one the poorest places in the world. The death toll was expected to grow as Israel pummeled Gaza with airstrikes and sent tens of thousands of Palestinians fleeing into U.N. shelters.Biden said he has directed his team to share intelligence and military experts to consult and advise Israelis. He also confirmed that the U.S. believes that Americans are among dozens of hostages taken by Hamas.White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the U.S. does not know the precise number of American hostages that were taken. Sullivan said that the U.S., at the moment, has no plans of putting U.S. troops on the ground.“As president I have no higher priority than the safety of Americans being held hostage around the world,” Biden said.The White House on Monday confirmed that it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-state-department-39b9e7f15334ff756f022704f9516867">already begun delivering critically needed munitions and military equipment</a>&nbsp;to Israel, and the Pentagon was reviewing its inventories to see what else can be sent quickly to boost its ally in the war against Hamas.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-american-carrier-strike-force-mediterranean-db05d535a9ebb931f684f758c9b6f628">Ford carrier strike group</a>&nbsp;has arrived in the far Eastern Mediterranean, within range to provide a host of air support or long-range strike options for Israel if requested, but also to surge U.S. military presence there to prevent the war from spilling over into a more dangerous regional conflict, officials said.The Pentagon has said that the U.S. warplanes, destroyers and cruisers that sailed with the Ford will conduct maritime and air operations which could include intelligence collection, interdictions and long-range strikes.Along with the Ford, the U.S. is sending the cruiser USS Normandy and destroyers USS Thomas Hudner, USS Ramage, USS Carney, and USS Roosevelt, and the U.S. is augmenting Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.“Let me say again to any country, any organization, anyone thinking of taking advantage of the situation,” Biden said. “I have one word: Don’t."Biden is dispatching his top diplomat to Israel on an urgent mission to show U.S. support after the attacks, the State Department said Tuesday.State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Secretary of State Antony Blinken would travel in the coming days to deliver a message of solidarity and support. He said Blinken will also “talk about what additional resources we can give them.”Blinken will leave Wednesday and is expected to arrive Thursday.Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters traveling with him Tuesday to a Ukraine contact group meeting in Brussels that a small group of U.S. special operations forces is also working with the Israelis to help with planning and intelligence.Biden on Monday in a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak underscored the “legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people” and their decades-long push for sovereignty. But the leaders also sought to separate the Palestinians’ aspirations from the “appalling acts of terrorism” by Hamas.Americans have had a gloomy outlook on Biden’s performance on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Six in 10 Americans (61%)&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-israel-united-states-biden-netanyahu-41ba5cb189185f3e4956f4465c00999f">disapproved of how Biden was handling the conflict</a>&nbsp;between the Israelis and Palestinians, according to an August poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. About one-third (35%) of U.S. adults approved, which was slightly lower than Biden’s overall approval rating of 42% in the same poll.Four in 10 Americans (44%) said the U.S. gives about the right amount of support to Israel in the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Republicans were more likely than Democrats to say the U.S. should offer more support to Israel. Four in 10 Americans (42%) said the correct amount of support is given to the Palestinians. Democrats and Independents were more likely than Republicans to say the Palestinians should receive more support.The current crisis seems certain to further test public sentiment about Biden’s Mideast foreign policy approach.The Biden White House has pointed to its handling of the last conflict between Israel and Gaza in 2021 as playing a crucial part in limiting the length and loss of life in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-was-the-outcome-of-israel-gaza-war-4f94e80a9d6f53ecd5353db83ed27526">a war that stretched over 11 days</a>&nbsp;and killed at least 250 people in Gaza and 13 in Israel.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-was-the-outcome-of-israel-gaza-war-4f94e80a9d6f53ecd5353db83ed27526">During the 2021 conflict,</a>&nbsp;Biden limited his public commentary while pressing Netanyahu in private to end the conflict. His behind-the-scenes effort played out even as some of the president’s fellow Democrats pressured him to speak out against the Israelis as the death toll climbed in Gaza and as tens of thousands of Palestinians were displaced by the aerial bombardment,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-middle-east-business-israel-palestinian-conflict-health-d2781b6e5aea8602547c5c0b4112e977">White House officials said at the time.</a>But this conflict is unlikely to end so quickly. Domestic and international pressure could quickly mount on Biden to pressure Netanyahu to wind down operations to prevent the suffering of innocent Gazans.Netanyahu said on Saturday that civilians in Gaza should leave areas near where Hamas is operating as the Israeli military planned to take defining action against the the militant group.Sullivan said U.S. government officials have discussed details with Israel and Egyptian officials about where people in Gaza should go.

🎥Biden confirms Americans among hostages captured in Israel

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 practice among some federal judges in the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals to require use of pronouns preferred by attorneys, litigants and witnesses was potentially unconstitutional and undermined judicial impartiality, the Kansas attorney general said Tuesday.

Attorney General Kris Kobach, a Republican elected in 2022, submitted a letter of complaint to the appellate court’s chief judge arguing for termination of the practice followed by at least five district court judges within the 10th Circuit.

He said lawyers in the attorney general’s office objected to the idea of undermining clarity of judicial proceedings when individuals sought to impose on others their applicable pronouns, such as “they” or “them,” which the attorney general asserted were based on a person’s “internal feelings.”

“The courtroom is no place to dismantle science, butcher the English language and deny constitutional rights in order to spare an individual’s feelings,” Kobach said. “It is neither proper nor prudent for judges to expect that parties refer to counsel, litigants or witnesses by idiosyncratically selected pronouns.”

The Kansas attorney general has been at the forefront of legal actions in state and federal court to undermine the right of transgender Kansans to secure a birth certificate or driver’s license that reflected their gender identity. Kobach, in addition to majorities in the Kansas Legislature, have intensified in recent years a campaign to require official state documents exclusively reference an individual’s sex assigned at birth.

In the letter, Kobach theorized a judicial mandate forcing people to affirm another’s selected pronoun equated to compelled speech that violated the First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution. He said expecting others to use preferred pronouns wasn’t a measure of respect, but an intrusion into religious freedom.

He pointed as evidence to the Bible and Christian interpretation of Genesis 1:27 that concentrated on a male and female dichotomy among persons.

The subject of gender identity was a growing segment of litigation, Kobach said, and a judge requiring people appearing in court to address others with certain pronouns “may reveal a prejudgment on issues.” Adhering to traditional use of the English language with respect to pronouns was an indicator of a court’s neutrality, he said.

“The government compelling specific speech is unconstitutional. But it’s particularly troubling in a courtroom, where the scales of justice should be balanced,” Kobach said. “The requirement gives the appearance that a judge has staked out a position on a controversial issue that is not yet settled in law.”

The attorney general directed his letter to Chief Judge Jerome Holmes, who was nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2006.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696964058270.png" alt=" Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach requested the chief judge of the 10th Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals stop federal district court judges from requiring attorneys to use the personal pronouns preferred by others. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach requested the chief judge of the 10th Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals stop federal district court judges from requiring attorneys to use the personal pronouns preferred by others. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>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 practice among some federal judges in the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals to require use of pronouns preferred by attorneys, litigants and witnesses was potentially unconstitutional and undermined judicial impartiality, the Kansas attorney general said Tuesday.Attorney General Kris Kobach, a Republican elected in 2022, submitted a letter of complaint to the appellate court’s chief judge arguing for termination of the practice followed by at least five district court judges within the 10th Circuit.He said lawyers in the attorney general’s office objected to the idea of undermining clarity of judicial proceedings when individuals sought to impose on others their applicable pronouns, such as “they” or “them,” which the attorney general asserted were based on a person’s “internal feelings.”“The courtroom is no place to dismantle science, butcher the English language and deny constitutional rights in order to spare an individual’s feelings,” Kobach said. “It is neither proper nor prudent for judges to expect that parties refer to counsel, litigants or witnesses by idiosyncratically selected pronouns.”The Kansas attorney general has been at the forefront of legal actions in state and federal court to undermine the right of transgender Kansans to secure a birth certificate or driver’s license that reflected their gender identity. Kobach, in addition to majorities in the Kansas Legislature, have intensified in recent years a campaign to require official state documents exclusively reference an individual’s sex assigned at birth.In the letter, Kobach theorized a judicial mandate forcing people to affirm another’s selected pronoun equated to compelled speech that violated the First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution. He said expecting others to use preferred pronouns wasn’t a measure of respect, but an intrusion into religious freedom.He pointed as evidence to the Bible and Christian interpretation of Genesis 1:27 that concentrated on a male and female dichotomy among persons.The subject of gender identity was a growing segment of litigation, Kobach said, and a judge requiring people appearing in court to address others with certain pronouns “may reveal a prejudgment on issues.” Adhering to traditional use of the English language with respect to pronouns was an indicator of a court’s neutrality, he said.“The government compelling specific speech is unconstitutional. But it’s particularly troubling in a courtroom, where the scales of justice should be balanced,” Kobach said. “The requirement gives the appearance that a judge has staked out a position on a controversial issue that is not yet settled in law.”The attorney general directed his letter to Chief Judge Jerome Holmes, who was nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2006.

Kan. AG wants judges to stop requiring use of a person’s preferred personal pronoun

TOPEKA&nbsp;– On Tuesday Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansas will designate Juneteenth as a state holiday, joining&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnBld3Jlc2VhcmNoLm9yZy9zaG9ydC1yZWFkcy8yMDIzLzA2LzA5L21vcmUtdGhhbi1oYWxmLW9mLXN0YXRlcy1ub3ctcmVjb2duaXplLWp1bmV0ZWVudGgtYXMtYW4tb2ZmaWNpYWwtaG9saWRheS8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMxMDEwLjgzODQyMTUxIn0.i4djhKk4Qzget8SPZXpqO4eigz2zJrrrjCloOpoXBck/s/1303160919/br/227678724748-l" target="_blank">28&nbsp;other&nbsp;states</a>&nbsp;and the District of Columbia, according to a media release from her office.

“Juneteenth marks a significant point our nation’s history and has long been celebrated in Kansas and across the United States,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Establishing Juneteenth as a state holiday provides Kansans an opportunity to celebrate our state’s diversity and honor the ongoing struggles for racial equality.”&nbsp;

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day the last enslaved Americans received word that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery more than 2 years after the end of the Civil War. Governor Kelly has issued proclamations recognizing Juneteenth every year since 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I am thrilled that Juneteenth will be a state holiday,”&nbsp;said Stacey Knoell, Executive Director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission.&nbsp;“This day is a perfect example of the importance of learning the full picture of history, not to cast blame but to find reasons for acknowledging resilience. I hope this day can become one where Kansans can unite in celebration.”&nbsp;

In 2021, Juneteenth became the first federal holiday created in more than 40 years. Since then, Kansas’ neighboring states of Nebraska, Missouri, and Colorado have also established Juneteenth as a state holiday. The holiday will apply to Executive Branch employees under Governor Kelly’s jurisdiction.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685725545610.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– On Tuesday Governor Laura Kelly announced that Kansas will designate Juneteenth as a state holiday, joining&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnBld3Jlc2VhcmNoLm9yZy9zaG9ydC1yZWFkcy8yMDIzLzA2LzA5L21vcmUtdGhhbi1oYWxmLW9mLXN0YXRlcy1ub3ctcmVjb2duaXplLWp1bmV0ZWVudGgtYXMtYW4tb2ZmaWNpYWwtaG9saWRheS8iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMxMDEwLjgzODQyMTUxIn0.i4djhKk4Qzget8SPZXpqO4eigz2zJrrrjCloOpoXBck/s/1303160919/br/227678724748-l" target="_blank">28&nbsp;other&nbsp;states</a>&nbsp;and the District of Columbia, according to a media release from her office.“Juneteenth marks a significant point our nation’s history and has long been celebrated in Kansas and across the United States,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Establishing Juneteenth as a state holiday provides Kansans an opportunity to celebrate our state’s diversity and honor the ongoing struggles for racial equality.”&nbsp;Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day the last enslaved Americans received word that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation to abolish slavery more than 2 years after the end of the Civil War. Governor Kelly has issued proclamations recognizing Juneteenth every year since 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I am thrilled that Juneteenth will be a state holiday,”&nbsp;said Stacey Knoell, Executive Director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission.&nbsp;“This day is a perfect example of the importance of learning the full picture of history, not to cast blame but to find reasons for acknowledging resilience. I hope this day can become one where Kansans can unite in celebration.”&nbsp;In 2021, Juneteenth became the first federal holiday created in more than 40 years. Since then, Kansas’ neighboring states of Nebraska, Missouri, and Colorado have also established Juneteenth as a state holiday. The holiday will apply to Executive Branch employees under Governor Kelly’s jurisdiction.&nbsp;

Governor designates Juneteenth as new state holiday in Kansas

The Hays USD 489 school board voted to offer free breakfast to all students at its meeting on Monday. The free breakfasts will start on Monday, Oct. 16.

During the pandemic, breakfast and lunches were provided free to all students thanks to federal funding.

Jessica Younker, director of USD 489 nutrition services, said 700 to 800 students per day were eating school breakfast when the meals were free. That has dropped to 500 meals now that families have to pay again.

The highest utilization of breakfast now is at Hays High School. The district offers a second-chance breakfast after the first period. It serves an additional 100 students off of carts during that seven-minute passing period.

If the number of students eating breakfast goes back to COVID levels, the school district should have enough funds on hand to cover the cost of the free breakfasts, Younker said.

If it increases beyond COVID levels, the nutrition program will need to dip into its reserves, Younker said.

Superintendent Ron Wilson said providing breakfast will provide a quality learning experience for all students.

Providing free breakfast to all students should eliminate the stigma of eating breakfast at school, Younker said.

"It's much easier to teach a kid who is focused on learning and not focused on their tummy growling," Younker said.&nbsp;

She said her department is working to change the breakfast menus to make them more appealing to kids.

"We are adding some new stuff and listening to kids about what they want and what they don't want," she said.

"This eliminates the money factor. If kids don’t eat at home, they can eat at school and not worry about that."

Board members applauded Younker for bringing the plan to the school board. The program was unanimously approved.

"I applaud this focus on kids," Craig Pallister, board member, said. "If a kindergartener or first grader or second grader or junior is sitting in a classroom, it's not their fault they're hungry.

"We can look at the money situation next year and see if we can extend that."

Ken Brooks said, "This is incredible work for kids."

By CRISTINA JANNEY&nbsp;Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board voted to offer free breakfast to all students at its meeting on Monday. The free breakfasts will start on Monday, Oct. 16.During the pandemic, breakfast and lunches were provided free to all students thanks to federal funding.Jessica Younker, director of USD 489 nutrition services, said 700 to 800 students per day were eating school breakfast when the meals were free. That has dropped to 500 meals now that families have to pay again.The highest utilization of breakfast now is at Hays High School. The district offers a second-chance breakfast after the first period. It serves an additional 100 students off of carts during that seven-minute passing period.If the number of students eating breakfast goes back to COVID levels, the school district should have enough funds on hand to cover the cost of the free breakfasts, Younker said.If it increases beyond COVID levels, the nutrition program will need to dip into its reserves, Younker said.Superintendent Ron Wilson said providing breakfast will provide a quality learning experience for all students.Providing free breakfast to all students should eliminate the stigma of eating breakfast at school, Younker said."It's much easier to teach a kid who is focused on learning and not focused on their tummy growling," Younker said.&nbsp;She said her department is working to change the breakfast menus to make them more appealing to kids."We are adding some new stuff and listening to kids about what they want and what they don't want," she said."This eliminates the money factor. If kids don’t eat at home, they can eat at school and not worry about that."Board members applauded Younker for bringing the plan to the school board. The program was unanimously approved."I applaud this focus on kids," Craig Pallister, board member, said. "If a kindergartener or first grader or second grader or junior is sitting in a classroom, it's not their fault they're hungry."We can look at the money situation next year and see if we can extend that."Ken Brooks said, "This is incredible work for kids."Lincoln Elementary School received a state grant this school year to provide free breakfasts and lunches to all students due to socioeconomic factors of its students.&nbsp;Kerri Lacy, Lincoln principal, said school meal utilization has increased by 30 to 35 percent since the free meals were offered.The school board also reviewed two enrollment policies.Kyzer Fox, HHS senior, spoke during the public comment session of the meeting."Obviously, I won't personally go to school in the new high school," he said ..."But I'm very happy that my siblings will be able to learn in an upgraded educational environment."Ground was broken Wednesday on a new $105-million high school.He said he is more likely to come back to Hays to raise his family because of the new school.Three people spoke against private bathrooms planned for the new high school during the public comment session.