KANSAS CITY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 18-year-old Amir Terry of Missouri, according to a statement from police.

Just after 9:30p.m. Dec, 18, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4000 block of Lloyd Street in Kansas City, Kansas.

At the scene, police discovered Terry with apparent gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to an area hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

The KCKPD Major Case Unit is in charge of the investigation. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

KANSAS CITY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 18-year-old Amir Terry of Missouri, according to a statement from police.Just after 9:30p.m. Dec, 18, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4000 block of Lloyd Street in Kansas City, Kansas.At the scene, police discovered Terry with apparent gunshot wounds. EMS transported him to an area hospital, where he later died of his injuries.The KCKPD Major Case Unit is in charge of the investigation. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

Police ID teen victim in fatal Kansas shooting

TOPEKA — Former United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be the keynote speaker of the statewide advocacy organization’s&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xMoaPPb5AT9gK2ZghUpLrO14qz0DBQpbFmB7BE_1-ZF8uCQlUzDwIOabe1nnc0E5MRoIUSZJP_4yvIjuNpeT-Hdd8tlLNFTcE3Rlu7lXZ2Jt87TYlTHgXRyfRNcpOLfNdKWDq9c67ApUVYW6uWs3WJl1OgGttOJagahR8vb9W_w=&amp;c=CLLBsFaC9_xMLxS4bZ9unIHFMnIYHkfVojbZw9NQ2VwUBQU1TFKevw==&amp;ch=t4DtqkqQrIuvzObwmmk7hh3QXEG-ky25_Nbk20HOa_UuXy-2Xbb9sw==" target="_blank">2023 Annual Dinne</a>r, according to a media release from the&nbsp;The Kansas Chamber. Presenting this year’s annual meeting is online retail and web service provider, Amazon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pompeo served as the former United States Secretary of State. He previously served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and as the Congressman from Kansas 4th Congressional District.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xMoaPPb5AT9gK2ZghUpLrO14qz0DBQpbFmB7BE_1-ZF8uCQlUzDwIOabe1nnc0E5MRoIUSZJP_4yvIjuNpeT-Hdd8tlLNFTcE3Rlu7lXZ2Jt87TYlTHgXRyfRNcpOLfNdKWDq9c67ApUVYW6uWs3WJl1OgGttOJagahR8vb9W_w=&amp;c=CLLBsFaC9_xMLxS4bZ9unIHFMnIYHkfVojbZw9NQ2VwUBQU1TFKevw==&amp;ch=t4DtqkqQrIuvzObwmmk7hh3QXEG-ky25_Nbk20HOa_UuXy-2Xbb9sw==" target="_blank">2023 Kansas Chamber Annual Dinner</a>&nbsp;is Wednesday, April 26 at the Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka. The dinner is one of the largest annual statewide gatherings of business and political leaders in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pompeo has been rumored to be considering a run for President in 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635265707672.png" alt="Mike Pompeo -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Mike Pompeo -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Former United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will be the keynote speaker of the statewide advocacy organization’s&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xMoaPPb5AT9gK2ZghUpLrO14qz0DBQpbFmB7BE_1-ZF8uCQlUzDwIOabe1nnc0E5MRoIUSZJP_4yvIjuNpeT-Hdd8tlLNFTcE3Rlu7lXZ2Jt87TYlTHgXRyfRNcpOLfNdKWDq9c67ApUVYW6uWs3WJl1OgGttOJagahR8vb9W_w=&amp;c=CLLBsFaC9_xMLxS4bZ9unIHFMnIYHkfVojbZw9NQ2VwUBQU1TFKevw==&amp;ch=t4DtqkqQrIuvzObwmmk7hh3QXEG-ky25_Nbk20HOa_UuXy-2Xbb9sw==" target="_blank">2023 Annual Dinne</a>r, according to a media release from the&nbsp;The Kansas Chamber. Presenting this year’s annual meeting is online retail and web service provider, Amazon.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pompeo served as the former United States Secretary of State. He previously served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and as the Congressman from Kansas 4th Congressional District.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xMoaPPb5AT9gK2ZghUpLrO14qz0DBQpbFmB7BE_1-ZF8uCQlUzDwIOabe1nnc0E5MRoIUSZJP_4yvIjuNpeT-Hdd8tlLNFTcE3Rlu7lXZ2Jt87TYlTHgXRyfRNcpOLfNdKWDq9c67ApUVYW6uWs3WJl1OgGttOJagahR8vb9W_w=&amp;c=CLLBsFaC9_xMLxS4bZ9unIHFMnIYHkfVojbZw9NQ2VwUBQU1TFKevw==&amp;ch=t4DtqkqQrIuvzObwmmk7hh3QXEG-ky25_Nbk20HOa_UuXy-2Xbb9sw==" target="_blank">2023 Kansas Chamber Annual Dinner</a>&nbsp;is Wednesday, April 26 at the Stormont Vail Events Center in Topeka. The dinner is one of the largest annual statewide gatherings of business and political leaders in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;Pompeo has been rumored to be considering a run for President in 2024.

Former Sec. of State Pompeo to speak at Kansas Chamber dinner

TROY, Mo. (AP) — A former sheriff's deputy who investigated a murder case that became the subject of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arts-and-entertainment-new-york-renee-zellweger-0c8670bc85d728fa549369b42cdd8c66">NBC show starring Renee Zellweger</a>&nbsp;is now accused of harassing and stalking a detective who was investigating him for potential misconduct.

Mike Merkel, 42, was charged Tuesday and accused of photographing and sending threatening messages to the detective, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-investigator-in-pam-hupp-case-charged-with-stalking-head-of-corruption-probe/article_77d0f2cf-6c36-506f-bb6f-087f9b2f1af1.html?utm_source=stltoday.com&amp;utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletter-templates%2Flocal%2Ftrending&amp;utm_medium=PostUp&amp;utm_content=512db4a43bb9d36846d602e8f8abda4905e6dcb2">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;reported.

Merkel was among the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office detectives who initially interviewed Pamela Hupp after Hupp's friend, Elizabeth “Betsy” Faria was stabbed to death in 2011. The investigation resulted in a 2013 murder conviction for Faria's husband, Russell Faria. He was later acquitted and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-michael-brown-0a8cb30de974ff20f3dd4313a349305c">Hupp was charged</a>&nbsp;— a move that resulted in scrutiny of the initial investigation.

The case drew national attention and was the subject of “The Thing About Pam," which ran on NBC earlier this year.

Court records show that in addition to Merkel, his wife Becky and his brother Kevin Merkel — a Drug Enforcement Administration agent — also were charged with first-degree harassment and second-degree stalking of a law enforcement officer. It was not immediately clear whether they have attorneys who could comment.

Russell Faria served more than three years behind bars before being acquitted at his second trial in 2015.

Scrutiny of the botched case intensified in 2016 when Hupp fatally shot Louis Gumpenberger, 33, in her O’Fallon, Missouri, home. Hupp claimed Gumpenberger had tried to kidnap her at knifepoint, but her story quickly unraveled. She was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e6af4be707fd496ca1abee10016f6bb5">sentenced to life in prison.</a>

Wood, who was elected in 2018, charged Hupp in June 2021 with first-degree murder in Betsy Faria’s death. At the same time, Wood announced misconduct probes into the original investigations of the Faria case.

Prosecutors allege that Mike and Becky Merkel followed and photographed the Lincoln County detective leading the new investigation while he was at dinner March 14 at a Texas Roadhouse in Wentzville, Missouri. That night, the detective allegedly received texts and photos of himself at the restaurant from a masked number.

“I have video of you drinking and getting into your county car,” one read. “We are watching you closely. You should stop throwing stones at glass houses or yours will come down first and fast.”

Troy police said surveillance footage showed Mike and Becky Merkel taking photographs of the detective’s vehicle the night of the threats. Warrants revealed the texts were sent using a number-masking app from a phone issued by the DEA to Kevin Merkel, according to court documents.

“We take this seriously because I’m not going to tolerate people blackmailing my investigator,” Wood told the Post-Dispatch. He said his office found no evidence that the detective had any impairment when driving his department vehicle the night of the threats.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1626115461659.png" alt="Hupp is serving a life sentence for killing a disabled man in 2016 -photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Hupp is serving a life sentence for killing a disabled man in 2016 -photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>TROY, Mo. (AP) — A former sheriff's deputy who investigated a murder case that became the subject of an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arts-and-entertainment-new-york-renee-zellweger-0c8670bc85d728fa549369b42cdd8c66">NBC show starring Renee Zellweger</a>&nbsp;is now accused of harassing and stalking a detective who was investigating him for potential misconduct.Mike Merkel, 42, was charged Tuesday and accused of photographing and sending threatening messages to the detective, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/former-investigator-in-pam-hupp-case-charged-with-stalking-head-of-corruption-probe/article_77d0f2cf-6c36-506f-bb6f-087f9b2f1af1.html?utm_source=stltoday.com&amp;utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletter-templates%2Flocal%2Ftrending&amp;utm_medium=PostUp&amp;utm_content=512db4a43bb9d36846d602e8f8abda4905e6dcb2">St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>&nbsp;reported.Merkel was among the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office detectives who initially interviewed Pamela Hupp after Hupp's friend, Elizabeth “Betsy” Faria was stabbed to death in 2011. The investigation resulted in a 2013 murder conviction for Faria's husband, Russell Faria. He was later acquitted and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-michael-brown-0a8cb30de974ff20f3dd4313a349305c">Hupp was charged</a>&nbsp;— a move that resulted in scrutiny of the initial investigation.The case drew national attention and was the subject of “The Thing About Pam," which ran on NBC earlier this year.Court records show that in addition to Merkel, his wife Becky and his brother Kevin Merkel — a Drug Enforcement Administration agent — also were charged with first-degree harassment and second-degree stalking of a law enforcement officer. It was not immediately clear whether they have attorneys who could comment.Russell Faria served more than three years behind bars before being acquitted at his second trial in 2015.Scrutiny of the botched case intensified in 2016 when Hupp fatally shot Louis Gumpenberger, 33, in her O’Fallon, Missouri, home. Hupp claimed Gumpenberger had tried to kidnap her at knifepoint, but her story quickly unraveled. She was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e6af4be707fd496ca1abee10016f6bb5">sentenced to life in prison.</a>Wood, who was elected in 2018, charged Hupp in June 2021 with first-degree murder in Betsy Faria’s death. At the same time, Wood announced misconduct probes into the original investigations of the Faria case.Prosecutors allege that Mike and Becky Merkel followed and photographed the Lincoln County detective leading the new investigation while he was at dinner March 14 at a Texas Roadhouse in Wentzville, Missouri. That night, the detective allegedly received texts and photos of himself at the restaurant from a masked number.“I have video of you drinking and getting into your county car,” one read. “We are watching you closely. You should stop throwing stones at glass houses or yours will come down first and fast.”Troy police said surveillance footage showed Mike and Becky Merkel taking photographs of the detective’s vehicle the night of the threats. Warrants revealed the texts were sent using a number-masking app from a phone issued by the DEA to Kevin Merkel, according to court documents.“We take this seriously because I’m not going to tolerate people blackmailing my investigator,” Wood told the Post-Dispatch. He said his office found no evidence that the detective had any impairment when driving his department vehicle the night of the threats.

Investigator in notorious murder case faces charges

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on felony allegations following a traffic sto.

Just before 3a.m. Dec. 20,&nbsp;a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop near NW Gordon Street and NW Jackson Street on a gray 2013 Audi A4 passenger car for a traffic violation, according to Deputy Abigail Christian During the investigation, a firearm and illegal narcotics were located.

The driver, Jonathan T. Sibert, 21, of Topeka, was arrested on scene, booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container, vehicle registration violations and failing to properly signal turn.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671751359315.png" alt="Sibert-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Sibert-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on felony allegations following a traffic sto.Just before 3a.m. Dec. 20,&nbsp;a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop near NW Gordon Street and NW Jackson Street on a gray 2013 Audi A4 passenger car for a traffic violation, according to Deputy Abigail Christian During the investigation, a firearm and illegal narcotics were located.The driver, Jonathan T. Sibert, 21, of Topeka, was arrested on scene, booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, transporting an open container, vehicle registration violations and failing to properly signal turn.

Kansas felon caught transporting drugs, firearm

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas judge on Wednesday declined to order a new trial for two men who claimed a disgraced police detective helped convict them for a 1997 murder they did not commit.

Brian Betts, 46, and Celester McKinney, 52, alleged that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c465a1483c9295eb465847fb8c3463eb">former Kansas City, Kansas, detective Roger Golubski</a>&nbsp;and another detective coerced their uncle into identifying them as the shooters in the death of 17-year-old Gregory Miller.

Judge Gunnar Sundby ruled the men did not prove their case, despite a “cloud of doubt” over Golubski, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article270212742.html#storylink=cpy">reported.</a>

Golubski was indicted in September on federal charges that accuse him of sexually assaulting and kidnapping a woman and a teenager from 1998 to 2002. He also faces a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-city-indictments-337f9df63faf6c5ff8d3d50623b902c2">separate federal indictment</a>&nbsp;alleging he was part of a sex trafficking ring involving girls between 1996 and 1998.

The FBI&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-kansas-city-kansas-4d005737c9046b7d65363a6e82f93493">has been investigating</a>&nbsp;allegations that Golubski, who is white, sexually assaulted Black women for decades in Kansas City, Kansas, and exchanged drugs for information during criminal investigations.

Golubski, who is under house arrest, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

During a hearing in October, Carter Betts said Golubski and another detective, identified as W.K. Smith, said Betts and his family would suffer if he didn't testify against his nephews. Betts originally didn’t remember Golubski’s name, but identified him in a photo, noting the detective's distinctive mustache.

Betts and McKinney, who are Black, both testified that they were at their homes sleeping when Miller was killed and they had no motive to kill the teenager.

Golubski testified at the hearing that he never pressured witnesses into false testimony and did not help investigate Miller’s murder. He also said he had no connection to Miller’s family, although he had been married to Miller’s aunt.

Sundby, who is retired but heard the case as a senior judge, said he wasn't convinced by Betts' testimony. He noted Betts testified several times about his interactions with Kansas City, Kansas, police, including times when he did not allege coercion or claimed it was Smith who pressured him.

“It would be easy, under this new cloud of doubt cast about Mr. Golubski, to use that as leverage to secure relief from conviction,” Sundby said. “I do not find his testimony to be credible.”

Brian Betts' mother, Ellen Betts, said the family plans to appeal Sundby's decision.

Miller’s family believes Betts and McKinney are guilty. They created a petition urging officials to keep them in prison, saying they were “trying to use the situation” with Golubski to be freed.

The allegations in Betts' and McKinney's case came to light when another Kansas City, Kansas, man, Lamonte McIntyre,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f0aeacf5fd0e4297a8d7b0ca4cda363e">was freed</a>&nbsp;after serving 23 years in prison for a double murder he did not commit. McIntyre alleged Golubski framed him because his mother rejected the detective's sexual advances.

The local government settled the lawsuit for $12.5 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671662017570.png" alt="Betts-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Betts-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas judge on Wednesday declined to order a new trial for two men who claimed a disgraced police detective helped convict them for a 1997 murder they did not commit.Brian Betts, 46, and Celester McKinney, 52, alleged that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c465a1483c9295eb465847fb8c3463eb">former Kansas City, Kansas, detective Roger Golubski</a>&nbsp;and another detective coerced their uncle into identifying them as the shooters in the death of 17-year-old Gregory Miller.Judge Gunnar Sundby ruled the men did not prove their case, despite a “cloud of doubt” over Golubski, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article270212742.html#storylink=cpy">reported.</a>Golubski was indicted in September on federal charges that accuse him of sexually assaulting and kidnapping a woman and a teenager from 1998 to 2002. He also faces a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-city-indictments-337f9df63faf6c5ff8d3d50623b902c2">separate federal indictment</a>&nbsp;alleging he was part of a sex trafficking ring involving girls between 1996 and 1998.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671661943257.png" alt="McKinney-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>McKinney-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>The FBI&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-kansas-city-kansas-4d005737c9046b7d65363a6e82f93493">has been investigating</a>&nbsp;allegations that Golubski, who is white, sexually assaulted Black women for decades in Kansas City, Kansas, and exchanged drugs for information during criminal investigations.Golubski, who is under house arrest, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.During a hearing in October, Carter Betts said Golubski and another detective, identified as W.K. Smith, said Betts and his family would suffer if he didn't testify against his nephews. Betts originally didn’t remember Golubski’s name, but identified him in a photo, noting the detective's distinctive mustache.Betts and McKinney, who are Black, both testified that they were at their homes sleeping when Miller was killed and they had no motive to kill the teenager.Golubski testified at the hearing that he never pressured witnesses into false testimony and did not help investigate Miller’s murder. He also said he had no connection to Miller’s family, although he had been married to Miller’s aunt.Sundby, who is retired but heard the case as a senior judge, said he wasn't convinced by Betts' testimony. He noted Betts testified several times about his interactions with Kansas City, Kansas, police, including times when he did not allege coercion or claimed it was Smith who pressured him.“It would be easy, under this new cloud of doubt cast about Mr. Golubski, to use that as leverage to secure relief from conviction,” Sundby said. “I do not find his testimony to be credible.”Brian Betts' mother, Ellen Betts, said the family plans to appeal Sundby's decision.Miller’s family believes Betts and McKinney are guilty. They created a petition urging officials to keep them in prison, saying they were “trying to use the situation” with Golubski to be freed.The allegations in Betts' and McKinney's case came to light when another Kansas City, Kansas, man, Lamonte McIntyre,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f0aeacf5fd0e4297a8d7b0ca4cda363e">was freed</a>&nbsp;after serving 23 years in prison for a double murder he did not commit. McIntyre alleged Golubski framed him because his mother rejected the detective's sexual advances.The local government settled the lawsuit for $12.5 million.

Judge won't overturn convictions in Kansas murder case

REPUBLIC COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Republic County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 International semi driven by Richard Paul, 50, Port Saint Lucie, Florida, was eastbound on U.S 36 one half mile east of U.S. 81.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It jackknifed and struck a westbound 2004 Buick LeSabre driven by Fred L. Mikesell, 60, Scandia. The impact pushed the Buick off the north side of the roadway where it struck a tree.

Mikesell was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Bachelor Funeral Home. Paul was not injured. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

REPUBLIC COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 5:30p.m. Wednesday in Republic County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 International semi driven by Richard Paul, 50, Port Saint Lucie, Florida, was eastbound on U.S 36 one half mile east of U.S. 81.The driver lost control of the vehicle. It jackknifed and struck a westbound 2004 Buick LeSabre driven by Fred L. Mikesell, 60, Scandia. The impact pushed the Buick off the north side of the roadway where it struck a tree.Mikesell was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Bachelor Funeral Home. Paul was not injured. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

KHP IDs Kansas man who died in crash with a semi

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed a massive $1.7 trillion spending bill Thursday that finances federal agencies through September and provides another significant round of military and economic aid to Ukraine one day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's dramatic address to a joint meeting of Congress.

The bill, which runs for 4,155 pages, includes about $772.5 billion for domestic programs and $858 billion for defense and would finance federal agencies through the fiscal year at the end of September.

The bill passed by a vote of 68-29. Eighteen Republicans voted for the bill including Kansas Senator Jerry Moran and Missouri Senator Roy Blunt. Kansas junior Senator Roger Marshall and Missouri Senator Josh Hawley voted no.

The measure&nbsp;now goes to the House for a final vote on Friday before it can be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.

“This is one of the most significant appropriations packages we have done in a very long time,” Schumer said. “The range of people it helps is large and deep," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. said moments before the vote.

Lawmakers were racing to get the bill approved before a partial government shutdown would occur at midnight Friday, and many were anxious to complete the task before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-weather-storm-updates-c0d9d7a04fa48359a0a40a7b9ff1b970">a deep freeze and wintry conditions</a>&nbsp;left them stranded in Washington for the holidays. Many also want to lock in government funding before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-house-control-79475a4fc11e4375cd0dded651b9eede">a new GOP-controlled House</a>&nbsp;next year could make it harder to find compromise on spending.

Senators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-68c65b3274e552f36f16853f24fedbb9">heard from Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;about the importance of U.S. aid to his country for its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war with Russia</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday night. The measure provides about $45 billion in military, economic and humanitarian assistance for the devastated nation and NATO allies, more than Biden even requested, raising total assistance so far to more than $100 billion.

“Your money is not charity,” Zelenskyy told lawmakers and Americans watching from home. “It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”

Lawmakers were in disagreement over which amendments were to be voted upon to lock in a final vote on an expedited basis. The impasses had the potential to prevent passage of the bill before the midnight Friday deadline. But negotiations overnight led to a breakthrough and senators gathered early Thursday morning to work through more than a dozen amendments before getting to a final vote.

The spending bill is supported by Schumer and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, though for different reasons.

McConnell cited the bill's 10% boost in defense spending, which he says will give America's Armed Forces the funding and certainty needed to ensure the country's security.

“The world’s greatest military will get the funding increase that it needs, outpacing inflation," McConnell said. “Meanwhile, non-defense, non-veterans spending will come in below the rate of inflation, for a real-dollar cut."

McConnell faced pushback from many Republicans who don’t support the spending bill and resent being forced to vote on such a massive package with so little time before a potential shutdown and the Christmas holiday.

“There has not been enough time for a single person to have read this entire bill. The bill and process ignores soaring inflation, rising interest rates and our ballooning debt of $31 trillion," said Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. “Enough is enough."

For two senators, the bill puts the finishing touches on their work in Washington. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., is retiring after serving some 48 years in the Senate and as the current chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He negotiated the bill for months with Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama, the committee's ranking Republican, who was elected to the Senate in 1986 and is also retiring.

“What a capstone to a brilliant career," Schumer said.

The bill also contains roughly $40 billion in emergency spending in the U.S., mostly to assist communities across the country recovering from drought, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

And, of course, it includes scores of policy changes unrelated to spending that lawmakers sought to include in what is going to be the last major bill of the Congress, else they start from scratch next year in a divided Congress where Republicans will be returning to the majority in the House.

One of the most notable examples was a historic revision to federal election law that aims to prevent any future presidents or presidential candidates from trying to overturn an election. The bipartisan overhaul of the Electoral Count Act is in direct response to former President Donald Trump’s efforts to convince Republican lawmakers and then-Vice President Mike Pence to object to the certification of Biden’s victory on Jan. 6, 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671738424869.png" alt="Lawmakers were racing to get the bill approved before a partial government shutdown would occur at midnight Friday. -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Lawmakers were racing to get the bill approved before a partial government shutdown would occur at midnight Friday. -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed a massive $1.7 trillion spending bill Thursday that finances federal agencies through September and provides another significant round of military and economic aid to Ukraine one day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's dramatic address to a joint meeting of Congress.The bill, which runs for 4,155 pages, includes about $772.5 billion for domestic programs and $858 billion for defense and would finance federal agencies through the fiscal year at the end of September.The bill passed by a vote of 68-29. Eighteen Republicans voted for the bill including Kansas Senator Jerry Moran and Missouri Senator Roy Blunt. Kansas junior Senator Roger Marshall and Missouri Senator Josh Hawley voted no.The measure&nbsp;now goes to the House for a final vote on Friday before it can be sent to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.“This is one of the most significant appropriations packages we have done in a very long time,” Schumer said. “The range of people it helps is large and deep," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. said moments before the vote.Lawmakers were racing to get the bill approved before a partial government shutdown would occur at midnight Friday, and many were anxious to complete the task before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/winter-weather-storm-updates-c0d9d7a04fa48359a0a40a7b9ff1b970">a deep freeze and wintry conditions</a>&nbsp;left them stranded in Washington for the holidays. Many also want to lock in government funding before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-house-control-79475a4fc11e4375cd0dded651b9eede">a new GOP-controlled House</a>&nbsp;next year could make it harder to find compromise on spending.Senators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-68c65b3274e552f36f16853f24fedbb9">heard from Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;about the importance of U.S. aid to his country for its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war with Russia</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday night. The measure provides about $45 billion in military, economic and humanitarian assistance for the devastated nation and NATO allies, more than Biden even requested, raising total assistance so far to more than $100 billion.“Your money is not charity,” Zelenskyy told lawmakers and Americans watching from home. “It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way.”Lawmakers were in disagreement over which amendments were to be voted upon to lock in a final vote on an expedited basis. The impasses had the potential to prevent passage of the bill before the midnight Friday deadline. But negotiations overnight led to a breakthrough and senators gathered early Thursday morning to work through more than a dozen amendments before getting to a final vote.The spending bill is supported by Schumer and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, though for different reasons.McConnell cited the bill's 10% boost in defense spending, which he says will give America's Armed Forces the funding and certainty needed to ensure the country's security.“The world’s greatest military will get the funding increase that it needs, outpacing inflation," McConnell said. “Meanwhile, non-defense, non-veterans spending will come in below the rate of inflation, for a real-dollar cut."McConnell faced pushback from many Republicans who don’t support the spending bill and resent being forced to vote on such a massive package with so little time before a potential shutdown and the Christmas holiday.“There has not been enough time for a single person to have read this entire bill. The bill and process ignores soaring inflation, rising interest rates and our ballooning debt of $31 trillion," said Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. “Enough is enough."For two senators, the bill puts the finishing touches on their work in Washington. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., is retiring after serving some 48 years in the Senate and as the current chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He negotiated the bill for months with Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama, the committee's ranking Republican, who was elected to the Senate in 1986 and is also retiring.“What a capstone to a brilliant career," Schumer said.The bill also contains roughly $40 billion in emergency spending in the U.S., mostly to assist communities across the country recovering from drought, hurricanes and other natural disasters.And, of course, it includes scores of policy changes unrelated to spending that lawmakers sought to include in what is going to be the last major bill of the Congress, else they start from scratch next year in a divided Congress where Republicans will be returning to the majority in the House.One of the most notable examples was a historic revision to federal election law that aims to prevent any future presidents or presidential candidates from trying to overturn an election. The bipartisan overhaul of the Electoral Count Act is in direct response to former President Donald Trump’s efforts to convince Republican lawmakers and then-Vice President Mike Pence to object to the certification of Biden’s victory on Jan. 6, 2021.

Moran votes yes, Marshall no; Senate OKs $1.7T spending bill  

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt admits that the Title 42 pandemic mechanism to control immigration isn't the preferred way to handle the issue.

"The concept isn't hard," Schmidt said. "You want to have robust immigration into the country, we're a nation of immigrants. We need labor, especially in many parts of Kansas. We need people. But, you want to control who is coming in and make policy choices on how many people can come, when they can come, what purposes they can come, who can come, as opposed to flinging open the door and saying whoever gets across the border is allowed in."

The public health reasons for keeping the border secure are what conservative state attorneys general argue is working for now and reducing what would otherwise be a flood of immigrants.

"We lost in the lower courts," Schmidt said. "We have temporarily won in the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this week when Chief Justice Roberts entered an administrative stay and said, whoa, everybody just pause. Keep Title 42 in place, keep using the baling wire to hold the door closed while we sort out the legalities here. That's the current state of play."

The program was supposed to end Dec. 21, but now it's unclear what will happen. According to&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/3782776-biden-administration-asks-chief-justice-to-allow-title-42-to-end/">The Hill</a>, the government has asked that the policy remain in place until Dec. 27 if Roberts rules before Friday, or give the administration two business days to prepare if the ruling comes after that time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612447541601.png" alt="Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt</figcaption>
 </figure>NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt admits that the Title 42 pandemic mechanism to control immigration isn't the preferred way to handle the issue."The concept isn't hard," Schmidt said. "You want to have robust immigration into the country, we're a nation of immigrants. We need labor, especially in many parts of Kansas. We need people. But, you want to control who is coming in and make policy choices on how many people can come, when they can come, what purposes they can come, who can come, as opposed to flinging open the door and saying whoever gets across the border is allowed in."The public health reasons for keeping the border secure are what conservative state attorneys general argue is working for now and reducing what would otherwise be a flood of immigrants."We lost in the lower courts," Schmidt said. "We have temporarily won in the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this week when Chief Justice Roberts entered an administrative stay and said, whoa, everybody just pause. Keep Title 42 in place, keep using the baling wire to hold the door closed while we sort out the legalities here. That's the current state of play."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632317716965.png" alt="Photo Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>Photo Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>The program was supposed to end Dec. 21, but now it's unclear what will happen. According to&nbsp;<a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/3782776-biden-administration-asks-chief-justice-to-allow-title-42-to-end/">The Hill</a>, the government has asked that the policy remain in place until Dec. 27 if Roberts rules before Friday, or give the administration two business days to prepare if the ruling comes after that time.

Kan. AG on Title 42 immigration policy as it remains in effect

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A popular baby chimp born in mid-November at The Sedgwick County Zoo died Thursday morning.

According to a statement from the zoo, "Friends, our hearts are broken. It is with the greatest sadness that we have to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Kucheza, 5-week-old chimpanzee."

Keepers found Kucheza (koo-CHAY-zuh) which means “play” in Swahili, deceased, and cradled in his mother Mahale’s arms, when they arrived at the zoo Thursday morning.

"Mahale is not quite ready to part with him, but when our team is able, a full medical assessment will be done to determine the cause of death."

When the chimp was born, he had to be put on oxygen for a few days. Click below to watch the video, that received national attention, of the moment mother and baby were reunited.

"Mahale’s love for Kucheza was and will continue to be felt by billions of people around the world. In his few short weeks of life, Kucheza brought joy and light to so many, and sparked an opportunity to educate the world about chimpanzees, the dangers they face in the wild, and most importantly - why we should care."

"We’ll continue to share these messages and inspire respect and conservation for Kucheza’s wild counterparts in his honor."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668771125682.png" alt="photo courtesy Sedgwick County zoo" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Sedgwick County zoo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A popular baby chimp born in mid-November at The Sedgwick County Zoo died Thursday morning.According to a statement from the zoo, "Friends, our hearts are broken. It is with the greatest sadness that we have to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Kucheza, 5-week-old chimpanzee."Keepers found Kucheza (koo-CHAY-zuh) which means “play” in Swahili, deceased, and cradled in his mother Mahale’s arms, when they arrived at the zoo Thursday morning."Mahale is not quite ready to part with him, but when our team is able, a full medical assessment will be done to determine the cause of death."When the chimp was born, he had to be put on oxygen for a few days. Click below to watch the video, that received national attention, of the moment mother and baby were reunited.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=322&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSedgwickCountyZoo%2Fvideos%2F492332559533758%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=1" width="560" height="322" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>"Mahale’s love for Kucheza was and will continue to be felt by billions of people around the world. In his few short weeks of life, Kucheza brought joy and light to so many, and sparked an opportunity to educate the world about chimpanzees, the dangers they face in the wild, and most importantly - why we should care.""We’ll continue to share these messages and inspire respect and conservation for Kucheza’s wild counterparts in his honor."

Baby chimp who made national headlines dies at Kan. zoo

WASHINGTON—The United State's Senate is working to pass a year-end, $1.7 trillion bill to fund the government. The measure released early Tuesday gives lawmakers a chance to stuff as many priorities as they can into what is likely to be the last major bill of the current Congress.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Kansas junior Senator Roger Marshall, voted against advancing the&nbsp;4,155-page spending plan. Jerry Moran voted with Democrats to advance the bill.

On social media, Marshall criticized many wasteful items included in the budget.

"In the next few months, Americans will be filing their taxes. Their hard-earned money should be going towards providing for their families during this record inflation caused by Joe Biden. Instead, this is what their elected officials will be spending it on: $47 billion deficit spending to fund the war in Ukraine and designates a “Ukrainian Independence Park” in Washington, D.C."&nbsp; For this reason, Marshall did not attend Ukraine President Zelensky's speech before a joint session of congress on Wednesday.

According to Marshall, the bill also includes "$575 million in a global health section allocated for “family planning/reproductive health, including in areas where population growth threatens biodiversity or endangered species.”

"$3.2 billion to continue processing and releasing illegal migrants at a faster pace and larger scale."

"An extra $212.1 million to the Dept. of Justice to further prosecutions Jan. 6 defendants and investigate and charge hundreds more."

"$410 million to "remain available" to reimburse Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia and Oman for "enhanced border security." At least $150 million of that must go to Jordan, according to the bill."

"$3.6 million for a Michelle Obama Trail in Georgia."

"$1.7 billion for ATF to enforce regulations that will take away Americans 2A rights."

"$800 million for grants for liberal cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago to receive illegal aliens."

"$750,000 for “LGBT and Gender Non-Conforming housing” in Albany, New York."

"$370 billion on Green New Deal style handouts to “green” industries."

Congress is racing to complete passage of the plan before a midnight Friday deadline or face the prospect of a partial government shutdown going into the Christmas holiday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660841461588.png" alt="Senator Roger Marshall" />
 <figcaption>Senator Roger Marshall</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON—The United State's Senate is working to pass a year-end, $1.7 trillion bill to fund the government. The measure released early Tuesday gives lawmakers a chance to stuff as many priorities as they can into what is likely to be the last major bill of the current Congress.&nbsp;On Tuesday, Kansas junior Senator Roger Marshall, voted against advancing the&nbsp;4,155-page spending plan. Jerry Moran voted with Democrats to advance the bill.On social media, Marshall criticized many wasteful items included in the budget."In the next few months, Americans will be filing their taxes. Their hard-earned money should be going towards providing for their families during this record inflation caused by Joe Biden. Instead, this is what their elected officials will be spending it on: $47 billion deficit spending to fund the war in Ukraine and designates a “Ukrainian Independence Park” in Washington, D.C."&nbsp; For this reason, Marshall did not attend Ukraine President Zelensky's speech before a joint session of congress on Wednesday.According to Marshall, the bill also includes "$575 million in a global health section allocated for “family planning/reproductive health, including in areas where population growth threatens biodiversity or endangered species.”"$3.2 billion to continue processing and releasing illegal migrants at a faster pace and larger scale.""An extra $212.1 million to the Dept. of Justice to further prosecutions Jan. 6 defendants and investigate and charge hundreds more.""$410 million to "remain available" to reimburse Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia and Oman for "enhanced border security." At least $150 million of that must go to Jordan, according to the bill.""$3.6 million for a Michelle Obama Trail in Georgia.""$1.7 billion for ATF to enforce regulations that will take away Americans 2A rights.""$800 million for grants for liberal cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago to receive illegal aliens.""$750,000 for “LGBT and Gender Non-Conforming housing” in Albany, New York.""$370 billion on Green New Deal style handouts to “green” industries."Congress is racing to complete passage of the plan before a midnight Friday deadline or face the prospect of a partial government shutdown going into the Christmas holiday.

Marshall critical of $1.7 trillion spending bill, skips Zelensky speech

DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government’s road safety agency says it is investigating allegations that Hertz rented vehicles to customers without getting required recall repairs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in a document posted Tuesday on its website that it has information indicating Hertz rented Nissan and Ford vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls.

The agency says that would violate the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act. It has opened an investigation to audit Hertz’s recall record.

Hertz said that it’s reviewing NHTSA’s request for information. “We are committed to providing safe rentals for our customers,” the Florida company said.

NHTSA said Tuesday that it began getting information late last year that Hertz may have rented vehicles with open recalls. “Information gathered by the agency to date, including from vehicle manufacturers, suggests repairs required under multiple NHTSA safety recalls were not made prior to the rental of such affected vehicles to Hertz customers,” the agency said in a prepared statement.

NHTSA says the vehicles are from the 2018 through 2020 model years.

In 2016, Congress passed a transportation bill with a provision that stops companies from renting vehicles unless recall repairs have been made.

The measure was originally named the Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act. The sisters were killed in a 2004 head-on crash when a power steering hose defect in a rented Chrysler PT Cruiser caused a fire and the car went out of control.

The vehicle was rented from Enterprise and had an open safety recall that had not been repaired.

DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government’s road safety agency says it is investigating allegations that Hertz rented vehicles to customers without getting required recall repairs.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in a document posted Tuesday on its website that it has information indicating Hertz rented Nissan and Ford vehicles with unrepaired safety recalls.The agency says that would violate the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act. It has opened an investigation to audit Hertz’s recall record.Hertz said that it’s reviewing NHTSA’s request for information. “We are committed to providing safe rentals for our customers,” the Florida company said.NHTSA said Tuesday that it began getting information late last year that Hertz may have rented vehicles with open recalls. “Information gathered by the agency to date, including from vehicle manufacturers, suggests repairs required under multiple NHTSA safety recalls were not made prior to the rental of such affected vehicles to Hertz customers,” the agency said in a prepared statement.NHTSA says the vehicles are from the 2018 through 2020 model years.In 2016, Congress passed a transportation bill with a provision that stops companies from renting vehicles unless recall repairs have been made.The measure was originally named the Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act. The sisters were killed in a 2004 head-on crash when a power steering hose defect in a rented Chrysler PT Cruiser caused a fire and the car went out of control.The vehicle was rented from Enterprise and had an open safety recall that had not been repaired.

US probes reports that Hertz rented cars with open recalls

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, Jerry Moran, James Inhofe (OK), and James Lankford (OK), along with U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann, Jake LaTurner, Ron Estes, Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), Frank Lucas (OK-03), and Stephanie Bice (OK-05) officially introduced a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Prairie-Chicken-CRA.pdf" target="_blank">Congressional Review Act</a>&nbsp;(CRA) joint resolution of disapproval in their respective chambers to strike down the Biden Administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-marshall-moran-rep-mann-condemn-listing-of-lesser-prairie-chicken-as-threatened-species/" target="_blank">recent listing of the lesser prairie-chicken (LPC)</a>&nbsp;under the&nbsp;Endangered Species Act&nbsp;(ESA). If the CRA resolution is enacted, the measure would prevent the listing from having any force or effect, according to a statement from Marshall's office.

<a>“The recent listing of the lesser prairie-chicken is terrible for Kansas’ economy but great for the climate activists who have way too much influence over President Biden. Private property in the LPC range might as well be federal lands if this egregious policy goes into effect,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“While high inflation is the greatest challenge facing our nation, this listing will increase financial difficulties for the Kansans who raise cattle for your hamburgers and drill oil for your gasoline. This President says lowering costs is a priority, but yet again he is making decisions that will do the exact opposite.”</a>

“The decision to list the lesser prairie-chicken as threatened will negatively impact crucial industries in our state and place unnecessary restrictions on farmers, ranchers and energy producers,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Kansas and surrounding states have contributed millions of public and private dollars to successfully conserve the habitat area and increase the population of the bird. Listing of the lesser prairie-chicken will harm our state’s wildlife conservation efforts in the future by removing any incentive for similar local efforts.”

“I was extremely disappointed to learn the Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to list the Lesser Prairie Chicken under the Endangered Species Act (ESA),”&nbsp;Senator Inhofe said. “I have emphasized time and again the harm this listing will have on Americans, especially those in our agriculture and oil and gas industry. The reality is that this listing is also entirely unnecessary due to successful conservation efforts benefiting the LPC and its habitat. I am glad to join my colleagues in introducing a resolution that would overturn the unnecessary listing of the LPC under the ESA.”

“The Endangered Species Act is being used as a tool for a federal takeover of energy, agriculture, and commerce in my great state,”&nbsp;said Senator Lankford.&nbsp;“Oklahoma energy, agriculture, and construction companies have cooperated with the federal process to recover the Lesser Prairie Chicken and prevent its listing under the Endangered Species Act. Now Fish &amp; Wildlife is moving to list the Chicken under the Act, which would create new requirements—no longer voluntary—for Oklahomans and other states. I remain opposed to listing the Chicken under the ESA, which is why I’m standing up with our neighbors in Kansas and elsewhere against this rule.”&nbsp;

“I refuse to sit idly by while the United States Fish and Wildlife Service imposes burdensome regulations on producers with no input from Congress,”&nbsp;said Rep. Mann. “The designation of the lesser prairie-chicken as a threatened species in places like Kansas is unacceptable. This resolution calls for an absolute refusal of this rule, which should have no force or effect until Congress is consulted. At a time when inflation is at a 40-year high and families are struggling to fuel their cars while keeping food on their tables, we should be working to eliminate barriers for the agriculture and energy sectors, not hamstringing hardworking Americans with government overreach. Since this rule threatens the livelihoods of the men and women who feed, fuel, and clothe us all, I hope that all my colleagues in Congress will join me in refusing to accept it.”&nbsp;

"Agriculture and energy producers in Kansas are already suffering from the Biden Administration's failed policies and burdensome government regulations,"&nbsp;said Rep. LaTurner. "The decision by Washington bureaucrats to designate the lesser prairie-chicken as an endangered species is completely unnecessary as landowner and state-level efforts to restore the LPC habitat have been successful. All this reckless listing will do is create additional red tape making it more difficult for hard-working Kansans to succeed."

"Time and again we've seen the Biden administration assert their overreaching and burdensome regulations on the lives of hardworking Kansans. The recent classification of the lesser prairie-chicken is another example of using Washington bureaucrats to dictate how Kansans live and work. The farmers, ranchers and energy producers of the Midwest have made great strides in conserving our land and protecting our natural resources. Now it's necessary for Congress to rein in these out-of-control regulators and restore the rights of Kansas ranchers and energy producers,"&nbsp;said Rep. Estes.

“Once again, the federal government is playing its 20-year back-and-forth game, re-listing the Lesser Prairie Chicken as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act,”&nbsp;Rep. Mullin said.&nbsp;“I firmly believe that the radical environmentalists are doing all they can to hinder energy independence and production in Oklahoma. We do not need the federal government interfering in state business — this is not a one size fits all solution. Our farmers, ranchers, and domestic producers deserve better.”

“I am extremely frustrated at the actions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listing the Lesser Prairie-Chicken under the Endangered Species Act,”&nbsp;said Rep. Lucas. “The Fish and Wildlife Service’s listing of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken creates an unnecessary and burdensome layer of regulation on Oklahoma’s agriculture and oil and gas industry, despite strong conservation efforts by farmers, ranchers, and landowners in Oklahoma and other states. In fact, the extensive conservation measures that were developed by states, landowners, and industry stakeholders has benefited the Lesser Prairie-Chicken and the population of the species has increased by more than 50 percent since the Fish and Wildlife Service began their process. I’m proud to join my colleagues across Oklahoma and Kansas in introducing this legislation to strike down the Biden Administration’s illogical action’s listing the Lesser Prairie-Chicken under the Endangered Species Act.”

Washington, D.C.&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, Jerry Moran, James Inhofe (OK), and James Lankford (OK), along with U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann, Jake LaTurner, Ron Estes, Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), Frank Lucas (OK-03), and Stephanie Bice (OK-05) officially introduced a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Prairie-Chicken-CRA.pdf" target="_blank">Congressional Review Act</a>&nbsp;(CRA) joint resolution of disapproval in their respective chambers to strike down the Biden Administration’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-marshall-moran-rep-mann-condemn-listing-of-lesser-prairie-chicken-as-threatened-species/" target="_blank">recent listing of the lesser prairie-chicken (LPC)</a>&nbsp;under the&nbsp;Endangered Species Act&nbsp;(ESA). If the CRA resolution is enacted, the measure would prevent the listing from having any force or effect, according to a statement from Marshall's office.<a>“The recent listing of the lesser prairie-chicken is terrible for Kansas’ economy but great for the climate activists who have way too much influence over President Biden. Private property in the LPC range might as well be federal lands if this egregious policy goes into effect,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“While high inflation is the greatest challenge facing our nation, this listing will increase financial difficulties for the Kansans who raise cattle for your hamburgers and drill oil for your gasoline. This President says lowering costs is a priority, but yet again he is making decisions that will do the exact opposite.”</a>“The decision to list the lesser prairie-chicken as threatened will negatively impact crucial industries in our state and place unnecessary restrictions on farmers, ranchers and energy producers,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran.&nbsp;“Kansas and surrounding states have contributed millions of public and private dollars to successfully conserve the habitat area and increase the population of the bird. Listing of the lesser prairie-chicken will harm our state’s wildlife conservation efforts in the future by removing any incentive for similar local efforts.”“I was extremely disappointed to learn the Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to list the Lesser Prairie Chicken under the Endangered Species Act (ESA),”&nbsp;Senator Inhofe said. “I have emphasized time and again the harm this listing will have on Americans, especially those in our agriculture and oil and gas industry. The reality is that this listing is also entirely unnecessary due to successful conservation efforts benefiting the LPC and its habitat. I am glad to join my colleagues in introducing a resolution that would overturn the unnecessary listing of the LPC under the ESA.”“The Endangered Species Act is being used as a tool for a federal takeover of energy, agriculture, and commerce in my great state,”&nbsp;said Senator Lankford.&nbsp;“Oklahoma energy, agriculture, and construction companies have cooperated with the federal process to recover the Lesser Prairie Chicken and prevent its listing under the Endangered Species Act. Now Fish &amp; Wildlife is moving to list the Chicken under the Act, which would create new requirements—no longer voluntary—for Oklahomans and other states. I remain opposed to listing the Chicken under the ESA, which is why I’m standing up with our neighbors in Kansas and elsewhere against this rule.”&nbsp;“I refuse to sit idly by while the United States Fish and Wildlife Service imposes burdensome regulations on producers with no input from Congress,”&nbsp;said Rep. Mann. “The designation of the lesser prairie-chicken as a threatened species in places like Kansas is unacceptable. This resolution calls for an absolute refusal of this rule, which should have no force or effect until Congress is consulted. At a time when inflation is at a 40-year high and families are struggling to fuel their cars while keeping food on their tables, we should be working to eliminate barriers for the agriculture and energy sectors, not hamstringing hardworking Americans with government overreach. Since this rule threatens the livelihoods of the men and women who feed, fuel, and clothe us all, I hope that all my colleagues in Congress will join me in refusing to accept it.”&nbsp;"Agriculture and energy producers in Kansas are already suffering from the Biden Administration's failed policies and burdensome government regulations,"&nbsp;said Rep. LaTurner. "The decision by Washington bureaucrats to designate the lesser prairie-chicken as an endangered species is completely unnecessary as landowner and state-level efforts to restore the LPC habitat have been successful. All this reckless listing will do is create additional red tape making it more difficult for hard-working Kansans to succeed.""Time and again we've seen the Biden administration assert their overreaching and burdensome regulations on the lives of hardworking Kansans. The recent classification of the lesser prairie-chicken is another example of using Washington bureaucrats to dictate how Kansans live and work. The farmers, ranchers and energy producers of the Midwest have made great strides in conserving our land and protecting our natural resources. Now it's necessary for Congress to rein in these out-of-control regulators and restore the rights of Kansas ranchers and energy producers,"&nbsp;said Rep. Estes.“Once again, the federal government is playing its 20-year back-and-forth game, re-listing the Lesser Prairie Chicken as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act,”&nbsp;Rep. Mullin said.&nbsp;“I firmly believe that the radical environmentalists are doing all they can to hinder energy independence and production in Oklahoma. We do not need the federal government interfering in state business — this is not a one size fits all solution. Our farmers, ranchers, and domestic producers deserve better.”“I am extremely frustrated at the actions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listing the Lesser Prairie-Chicken under the Endangered Species Act,”&nbsp;said Rep. Lucas. “The Fish and Wildlife Service’s listing of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken creates an unnecessary and burdensome layer of regulation on Oklahoma’s agriculture and oil and gas industry, despite strong conservation efforts by farmers, ranchers, and landowners in Oklahoma and other states. In fact, the extensive conservation measures that were developed by states, landowners, and industry stakeholders has benefited the Lesser Prairie-Chicken and the population of the species has increased by more than 50 percent since the Fish and Wildlife Service began their process. I’m proud to join my colleagues across Oklahoma and Kansas in introducing this legislation to strike down the Biden Administration’s illogical action’s listing the Lesser Prairie-Chicken under the Endangered Species Act.”

Kan. delegation unveils measure nullifying lesser prairie-chicken listing

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities including the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just before 11 a.m., Tuesday, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant just west of the city of Odin at 774 NE. 140 Road in northeastern Barton County, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

Deputies gained entry to the single residence and located the occupants, identified as 42-year-old Michael Clark and&nbsp; 41-year-old&nbsp; Dallas Lemonds.

During the course of the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office discovered a substantial amount of controlled substances. Deputies found more than 12 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, one pound of marijuana, half a pound of suspected Psilocybin mushrooms, as well as prescription medications. 

It is estimated the street value of the controlled substances is in excess of $200,000. Further investigation revealed a stolen GMC truck from Wichita and a stolen riding John Deere lawnmower from Barber County. Firearms were also located inside the residence.

Deputies arrested Clark and Lemonds at the scene and transported them to the Barton County jail on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of hallucinogenic drugs, criminal possession of a firearm, and possession of stolen property. Both are being held in lieu of a $500,000 bond, according to Bellendir.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation as well as a detective from the Great Bend Police Department.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671645544590.jpeg" alt="Deputies on the scene of the investigation -photo Sheriff Brian Bellendir" />
 <figcaption>Deputies on the scene of the investigation -photo Sheriff Brian Bellendir</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities including the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just before 11 a.m., Tuesday, the Barton County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant just west of the city of Odin at 774 NE. 140 Road in northeastern Barton County, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.Deputies gained entry to the single residence and located the occupants, identified as 42-year-old Michael Clark and&nbsp; 41-year-old&nbsp; Dallas Lemonds.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671645596691.jpeg" alt="Michael Clark-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Michael Clark-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the course of the investigation, the Sheriff’s Office discovered a substantial amount of controlled substances. Deputies found more than 12 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, one pound of marijuana, half a pound of suspected Psilocybin mushrooms, as well as prescription medications. It is estimated the street value of the controlled substances is in excess of $200,000. Further investigation revealed a stolen GMC truck from Wichita and a stolen riding John Deere lawnmower from Barber County. Firearms were also located inside the residence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671645626633.jpeg" alt="Dallas Lemonds-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Dallas Lemonds-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies arrested Clark and Lemonds at the scene and transported them to the Barton County jail on requested charges of distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of hallucinogenic drugs, criminal possession of a firearm, and possession of stolen property. Both are being held in lieu of a $500,000 bond, according to Bellendir.The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation as well as a detective from the Great Bend Police Department.&nbsp;

Deputies find drugs with street value of $200K at Kan. home

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration said Wednesday it will release doses of prescription flu medicine from the Strategic National Stockpile to states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-covid-flu-6b5b3a2e04f2c63683e44013e7814177">as flu-sickened patients</a>&nbsp;continue to flock to hospitals and doctors' offices around the country.

This year's flu season has hit hard and early. Some people are even noticing bare shelves at pharmacies and grocery stores when they make a run for over-the-counter medicines as cases have spiked. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the flu has resulted in 150,000 hospitalizations and 9,300 deaths so far this season.

“Jurisdictions will be able to get the support they need to keep Americans healthy as flu cases rise this winter,” Dawn O’Connell, an assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the Health and Human Services Department, which oversees the CDC, said in a statement.

States will be able to request doses of the prescription flu medication Tamiflu kept in the Strategic National Stockpile from HHS. The administration is not releasing how many doses will be made available. Antiviral medications were released from the stockpile more than a decade ago during the H1N1, also known as swine flu, pandemic.

Last week, the federal agency also announced it would allow states to dip into statewide stockpiles for Tamiflu, making millions of treatment courses available. Tamiflu can be prescribed to treat flu in people over the age of 2 weeks old.

This flu season is coming on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-reveals-winter-covid-plans-test-kits-2b015ef4e3c97520a3981c47d00467c3">heels of a nasty spike of RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, cases in children and just as COVID-19 cases are climbing</a>&nbsp;— again.

Spot shortages of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-prescription-drugs-children-422dca9684a866ff06bcd537a0dd740d">over-the-counter pain relievers and medicines</a>&nbsp;have been reported at stores around the country, particularly for children.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf hosted conversations Tuesday with leaders representing pharmaceutical companies to discuss how manufacturers are working to keep in-demand remedies available. The companies told the agencies that they are not seeing widespread shortages. Meanwhile, major drug makers like Johnson &amp; Johnson and Perrigo report their production lines are running around the clock.

Pharmacies, however, are limiting purchases of certain medicines, the Associated Press reported Monday. CVS Health, for example, has placed a two-product limit on all children’s pain relief products bought through its pharmacies or online. Walgreens is limiting customers online to six purchases of children’s over-the-counter fever reducing products.

The FDA has not reported a shortage of Tamiflu. However, the federal agency says the prescription antibiotic amoxicillin is in short supply due to increased demand.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671488759640.jpeg" alt="A sign is placed near the section for children's medicine, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022 at a CVS in Greenlawn, N.Y. Caring for a sick child has become even more stressful than usual for many U.S. parents in recent weeks due to shortages of Children’s Tylenol and other medicines. (AP Photo/Leon Keith)" />
 <figcaption>A sign is placed near the section for children's medicine, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022 at a CVS in Greenlawn, N.Y. Caring for a sick child has become even more stressful than usual for many U.S. parents in recent weeks due to shortages of Children’s Tylenol and other medicines. (AP Photo/Leon Keith)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration said Wednesday it will release doses of prescription flu medicine from the Strategic National Stockpile to states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-covid-flu-6b5b3a2e04f2c63683e44013e7814177">as flu-sickened patients</a>&nbsp;continue to flock to hospitals and doctors' offices around the country.This year's flu season has hit hard and early. Some people are even noticing bare shelves at pharmacies and grocery stores when they make a run for over-the-counter medicines as cases have spiked. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the flu has resulted in 150,000 hospitalizations and 9,300 deaths so far this season.“Jurisdictions will be able to get the support they need to keep Americans healthy as flu cases rise this winter,” Dawn O’Connell, an assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the Health and Human Services Department, which oversees the CDC, said in a statement.States will be able to request doses of the prescription flu medication Tamiflu kept in the Strategic National Stockpile from HHS. The administration is not releasing how many doses will be made available. Antiviral medications were released from the stockpile more than a decade ago during the H1N1, also known as swine flu, pandemic.Last week, the federal agency also announced it would allow states to dip into statewide stockpiles for Tamiflu, making millions of treatment courses available. Tamiflu can be prescribed to treat flu in people over the age of 2 weeks old.This flu season is coming on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-house-reveals-winter-covid-plans-test-kits-2b015ef4e3c97520a3981c47d00467c3">heels of a nasty spike of RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, cases in children and just as COVID-19 cases are climbing</a>&nbsp;— again.Spot shortages of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-prescription-drugs-children-422dca9684a866ff06bcd537a0dd740d">over-the-counter pain relievers and medicines</a>&nbsp;have been reported at stores around the country, particularly for children.HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf hosted conversations Tuesday with leaders representing pharmaceutical companies to discuss how manufacturers are working to keep in-demand remedies available. The companies told the agencies that they are not seeing widespread shortages. Meanwhile, major drug makers like Johnson &amp; Johnson and Perrigo report their production lines are running around the clock.Pharmacies, however, are limiting purchases of certain medicines, the Associated Press reported Monday. CVS Health, for example, has placed a two-product limit on all children’s pain relief products bought through its pharmacies or online. Walgreens is limiting customers online to six purchases of children’s over-the-counter fever reducing products.The FDA has not reported a shortage of Tamiflu. However, the federal agency says the prescription antibiotic amoxicillin is in short supply due to increased demand.___

As flu rages, US releases medicine from national stockpile

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a body found in rural Shawnee County.

On Wednesday, officials with the Douglas County Nebraska Sheriff's office contacted the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office for assistance, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Just before 3pm, law enforcement officers with the Shawnee County Criminal Investigations Division began an investigation in the 2200 block of SW 57th Street

 A search warrant was executed. A deceased human body was discovered. Authorities have not made a positive identification of the body, according to Christian. The Topeka Police Department and Shawnee County Coroner’s Office are assisting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671675110683.png" alt="Photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a body found in rural Shawnee County.On Wednesday, officials with the Douglas County Nebraska Sheriff's office contacted the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office for assistance, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Just before 3pm, law enforcement officers with the Shawnee County Criminal Investigations Division began an investigation in the 2200 block of SW 57th Street<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671675092235.png" alt="Photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure> A search warrant was executed. A deceased human body was discovered. Authorities have not made a positive identification of the body, according to Christian. The Topeka Police Department and Shawnee County Coroner’s Office are assisting.

Sheriff: Authorities work to ID body found in rural Kansas 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Momentum toward passing a $1.7 trillion government funding bill with more aid for Ukraine slowed considerably Wednesday as lawmakers struggled to reach an agreement on amendments needed to get to a final vote and avoid a partial government shutdown at midnight Friday.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the Senate was making progress, but lawmakers exited the chamber late in the evening looking glum and talking of a standoff.

“This bill is hanging by a thread," said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del.

At issue is a proposed amendment from Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, seeking to extend pandemic-era restrictions on asylum seekers at the border, also referred to as Title 42.

“Sen. Schumer doesn't want to have a vote on Title 42 because he presumably knows it will pass," Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said. But the House won't go along, he said, and “everything falls apart."

The impasse came just hours after Ukrainian&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-68c65b3274e552f36f16853f24fedbb9?utm_source=apnews&amp;utm_medium=featuredcard&amp;utm_campaign=leadsubstory_01">President Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;sought to assure lawmakers during a joint meeting of Congress that the aid the U.S. is providing was much appreciated and could “speed up our victory.” He projected confidence throughout and even told lawmakers in his closing: “Merry Christmas and a happy victorious New Year."

“Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way,” Zelenskyy said.

The measure includes $44.9 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine and NATO allies, above even President Joe Biden’s request, and ensures that funding flows to the war effort for months to come. The measure would also boost U.S. defense spending by about 10% to $858 billion, addressing concerns from some lawmakers that more investment in the nation's military is needed to ensure America's security.

Schumer’s hope was that the chamber would approve the bill as soon as Wednesday night, but several lawmakers exited the chamber saying they didn't expect any more votes that night. Once the Senate votes, the House will then have to take it up and pass the measure before midnight Friday to avoid a partial-government shutdown.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., emerged from a late-night meeting in Schumer's office saying she was optimistic “about putting together a path" that would lead to the bill's passage in the Senate on Thursday.

Schumer and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., took to the floor Wednesday morning urging colleagues to vote for the measure, though they emphasized different priorities.

Schumer said the worst thing Congress could do now is give Russian President Vladimir Putin any signal that the U.S. was wavering in its commitment to defend Ukraine.

He doubled down on that message in the evening, saying he had just met with Zelenskyy.

“He made it clear that without this aid package, the Ukrainians will be in real trouble and could even lose the war," Schumer said. “So that makes the urgency of getting this legislation done all the more important."

McConnell is facing pushback from many Republicans who don't support the spending bill and resent being forced to vote on such a massive package with so little time before a potential shutdown and the Christmas holiday. He highlighted the bill's spending boost for defense and said that non-defense spending, when excluding a big boost for veterans health care, would increase below the rate of inflation.

“If Republicans controlled this chamber, we would have handled the appropriations process entirely differently from top to bottom," McConnell said. “But given the reality of where we stand today, senators have two options this week, just two: we will either give our Armed Forces the resources and the certainty that they need, or we will deny it to them."

The bill, which runs for 4,155 pages, includes about $772.5 billion for non-defense, discretionary programs and $858 billion for defense and would finance agencies through September.

Lawmakers worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-3e0fef206f524f6b1b67f7c36178a688">stuff as many priorities</a>&nbsp;as they could into the sprawling package, likely the last major bill of the current Congress. That includes $27 billion in disaster funding to help communities recovering from disasters and extreme weather events as well as an overhaul of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-susan-collins-west-virginia-c9c15562ad910bbc0ba6ef1eecbfc158">federal election law</a>&nbsp;that aims to prevent any future presidents or presidential candidates from trying to overturn an election.

The bipartisan electoral overhaul was a direct response to former President Donald Trump’s efforts to convince Republican lawmakers and then-Vice President Mike Pence to object to the certification of Biden’s victory on Jan. 6, 2021.

The spending bill also contains scores of policy changes that lawmakers worked furiously to include to avoid having to start over in the new Congress next year.

Examples include a provision from Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-politics-d33e58c76bb3c13297c72816ef4e6231">that bans TikTok</a>&nbsp;on government cell phones due to security concerns. Another provision supported by the Maine delegation was added to aid the state's lobster and Jonah crab fisheries, delaying regulations proposed to help save endangered North Atlantic right whales. And, on the health care front, the bill requires states to keep&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-covid-304d921beee43d29f1862cd4d6ab5297">children enrolled in Medicaid</a>&nbsp;on coverage for at least a year, which advocates say increases access to preventative care.

However, millions who enrolled in the health care program for low-income Americans could start to lose coverage on April 1 because the bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-covid-304d921beee43d29f1862cd4d6ab5297">sunsets a requirement</a>&nbsp;of the COVID-19 public health emergency that prohibited states from booting people off Medicaid.

The bill also provides roughly $15.3 billion for more than 7,200 projects that lawmakers sought for their home states and districts. Under revamped rules for community project funding, also referred to as earmarks, lawmakers must post their requests online and attest they have no financial interest in the projects. Still, many fiscal conservatives criticize the earmarking as leading to unnecessary spending.

Some Republican senators are raising objections to the measure, not only because the amount of spending but because of Congress's habit of placing 12 separate appropriations bills into one massive package long after the fiscal year has begun and just before critical deadlines approach.

“Giving us a bill at 1:28 in the morning, that's over 4,000 pages, that nobody will have an opportunity to read, that we'll have no idea what's in it, is not the way to run your personal life, your business life or your government," said Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. “This has to stop."

House Republicans, including Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., likely the next speaker of the House, are encouraging their colleagues in the Senate to only support a short-term extension. That way, they would have more ability to shape the legislation. McCarthy spoke to senators during their caucus lunch Wednesday. A notice sent by GOP leadership to House members urged them to vote against the measure when it comes to the House.

“This deal is designed to sideline the incoming Republican House Majority by extending many programs for multiple years and providing large funding increases for Democrat priorities on top of the exorbitant spending that has already been appropriated this year," the notice stated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671577993523.png" alt="At issue is a proposed amendment from Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, seeking to extend pandemic-era restrictions on asylum seekers at the border, also referred to as Title 42. - photo courtesy Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>At issue is a proposed amendment from Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, seeking to extend pandemic-era restrictions on asylum seekers at the border, also referred to as Title 42. - photo courtesy Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Momentum toward passing a $1.7 trillion government funding bill with more aid for Ukraine slowed considerably Wednesday as lawmakers struggled to reach an agreement on amendments needed to get to a final vote and avoid a partial government shutdown at midnight Friday.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said the Senate was making progress, but lawmakers exited the chamber late in the evening looking glum and talking of a standoff.“This bill is hanging by a thread," said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del.At issue is a proposed amendment from Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, seeking to extend pandemic-era restrictions on asylum seekers at the border, also referred to as Title 42.“Sen. Schumer doesn't want to have a vote on Title 42 because he presumably knows it will pass," Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said. But the House won't go along, he said, and “everything falls apart."The impasse came just hours after Ukrainian&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-68c65b3274e552f36f16853f24fedbb9?utm_source=apnews&amp;utm_medium=featuredcard&amp;utm_campaign=leadsubstory_01">President Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;sought to assure lawmakers during a joint meeting of Congress that the aid the U.S. is providing was much appreciated and could “speed up our victory.” He projected confidence throughout and even told lawmakers in his closing: “Merry Christmas and a happy victorious New Year."“Your money is not charity. It’s an investment in the global security and democracy that we handle in the most responsible way,” Zelenskyy said.The measure includes $44.9 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine and NATO allies, above even President Joe Biden’s request, and ensures that funding flows to the war effort for months to come. The measure would also boost U.S. defense spending by about 10% to $858 billion, addressing concerns from some lawmakers that more investment in the nation's military is needed to ensure America's security.Schumer’s hope was that the chamber would approve the bill as soon as Wednesday night, but several lawmakers exited the chamber saying they didn't expect any more votes that night. Once the Senate votes, the House will then have to take it up and pass the measure before midnight Friday to avoid a partial-government shutdown.Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., emerged from a late-night meeting in Schumer's office saying she was optimistic “about putting together a path" that would lead to the bill's passage in the Senate on Thursday.Schumer and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., took to the floor Wednesday morning urging colleagues to vote for the measure, though they emphasized different priorities.Schumer said the worst thing Congress could do now is give Russian President Vladimir Putin any signal that the U.S. was wavering in its commitment to defend Ukraine.He doubled down on that message in the evening, saying he had just met with Zelenskyy.“He made it clear that without this aid package, the Ukrainians will be in real trouble and could even lose the war," Schumer said. “So that makes the urgency of getting this legislation done all the more important."McConnell is facing pushback from many Republicans who don't support the spending bill and resent being forced to vote on such a massive package with so little time before a potential shutdown and the Christmas holiday. He highlighted the bill's spending boost for defense and said that non-defense spending, when excluding a big boost for veterans health care, would increase below the rate of inflation.“If Republicans controlled this chamber, we would have handled the appropriations process entirely differently from top to bottom," McConnell said. “But given the reality of where we stand today, senators have two options this week, just two: we will either give our Armed Forces the resources and the certainty that they need, or we will deny it to them."The bill, which runs for 4,155 pages, includes about $772.5 billion for non-defense, discretionary programs and $858 billion for defense and would finance agencies through September.Lawmakers worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-3e0fef206f524f6b1b67f7c36178a688">stuff as many priorities</a>&nbsp;as they could into the sprawling package, likely the last major bill of the current Congress. That includes $27 billion in disaster funding to help communities recovering from disasters and extreme weather events as well as an overhaul of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-susan-collins-west-virginia-c9c15562ad910bbc0ba6ef1eecbfc158">federal election law</a>&nbsp;that aims to prevent any future presidents or presidential candidates from trying to overturn an election.The bipartisan electoral overhaul was a direct response to former President Donald Trump’s efforts to convince Republican lawmakers and then-Vice President Mike Pence to object to the certification of Biden’s victory on Jan. 6, 2021.The spending bill also contains scores of policy changes that lawmakers worked furiously to include to avoid having to start over in the new Congress next year.Examples include a provision from Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-politics-d33e58c76bb3c13297c72816ef4e6231">that bans TikTok</a>&nbsp;on government cell phones due to security concerns. Another provision supported by the Maine delegation was added to aid the state's lobster and Jonah crab fisheries, delaying regulations proposed to help save endangered North Atlantic right whales. And, on the health care front, the bill requires states to keep&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-covid-304d921beee43d29f1862cd4d6ab5297">children enrolled in Medicaid</a>&nbsp;on coverage for at least a year, which advocates say increases access to preventative care.However, millions who enrolled in the health care program for low-income Americans could start to lose coverage on April 1 because the bill&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-covid-304d921beee43d29f1862cd4d6ab5297">sunsets a requirement</a>&nbsp;of the COVID-19 public health emergency that prohibited states from booting people off Medicaid.The bill also provides roughly $15.3 billion for more than 7,200 projects that lawmakers sought for their home states and districts. Under revamped rules for community project funding, also referred to as earmarks, lawmakers must post their requests online and attest they have no financial interest in the projects. Still, many fiscal conservatives criticize the earmarking as leading to unnecessary spending.Some Republican senators are raising objections to the measure, not only because the amount of spending but because of Congress's habit of placing 12 separate appropriations bills into one massive package long after the fiscal year has begun and just before critical deadlines approach.“Giving us a bill at 1:28 in the morning, that's over 4,000 pages, that nobody will have an opportunity to read, that we'll have no idea what's in it, is not the way to run your personal life, your business life or your government," said Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla. “This has to stop."House Republicans, including Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., likely the next speaker of the House, are encouraging their colleagues in the Senate to only support a short-term extension. That way, they would have more ability to shape the legislation. McCarthy spoke to senators during their caucus lunch Wednesday. A notice sent by GOP leadership to House members urged them to vote against the measure when it comes to the House.“This deal is designed to sideline the incoming Republican House Majority by extending many programs for multiple years and providing large funding increases for Democrat priorities on top of the exorbitant spending that has already been appropriated this year," the notice stated.

Fight over immigration puts $1.7 trillion spending bill in jeopardy

CASS COUNTY —Two inmates who escaped Dec. 12 from&nbsp;the jail in Cass County, Missouri south of Kansas City are still missing, according to the FBI.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $5,000 each for information that leads directly to the capture of 33-year-old Trevor Sparks and 43-year-old Sergio Perez- Martinez. The FBI is offering $10k each to anyone who can provide information leading to the capture of&nbsp; Martinez or Sparks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Perez-Martinez of Panorama City, California and Sparks of Kansas City escaped on Monay. Authorities did not know they were missing until Tuesday.

Perez Mertinez&nbsp; was being held for possession of dangerous drugs. Sparks was jailed on money laundering charges, according to the sheriff's office.

A third individual, Steven Lydell Williams, Sr., 64, Kansas City, has been charged&nbsp; with aiding or assisting in the escape.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at (816) 380-5200, or call 911.&nbsp; Submit a tip to the Marshals<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/tips/index.htm?fbclid=IwAR2np8V0SoqQyr6Znkz_ykiw2FsK7SY3PkQN_uuUCJz41bCD_XDGusIXZJw"> here</a>&nbsp; or contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at <a href="https://t.co/49eEgggFOb" target="_blank">http://tips.fbi.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670539649262.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CASS COUNTY —Two inmates who escaped Dec. 12 from&nbsp;the jail in Cass County, Missouri south of Kansas City are still missing, according to the FBI.The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $5,000 each for information that leads directly to the capture of 33-year-old Trevor Sparks and 43-year-old Sergio Perez- Martinez. The FBI is offering $10k each to anyone who can provide information leading to the capture of&nbsp; Martinez or Sparks.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670539680558.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Perez-Martinez of Panorama City, California and Sparks of Kansas City escaped on Monay. Authorities did not know they were missing until Tuesday.Perez Mertinez&nbsp; was being held for possession of dangerous drugs. Sparks was jailed on money laundering charges, according to the sheriff's office.A third individual, Steven Lydell Williams, Sr., 64, Kansas City, has been charged&nbsp; with aiding or assisting in the escape. Anyone with any information is urged to contact the Cass County Sheriff’s Office at (816) 380-5200, or call 911.&nbsp; Submit a tip to the Marshals<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/tips/index.htm?fbclid=IwAR2np8V0SoqQyr6Znkz_ykiw2FsK7SY3PkQN_uuUCJz41bCD_XDGusIXZJw"> here</a>&nbsp; or contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at <a href="https://t.co/49eEgggFOb" target="_blank">http://tips.fbi.gov</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Search continues, reward offered for 2 KC-area fugitives

SALINE COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Saline County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Mazda Tribute driven by Sawyer B.&nbsp;Lysell-Alkire, 16, Lindsborg, was southbound on Interstate 135 at the Lindsborg exit. 

The SUV entered the west ditch, overturned and came to rest on its top.

A passenger identified as 21-year-old Grant L.&nbsp;Lysell-Alkire was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Christian's Funeral Home. EMS transported Sawyer&nbsp;Lysell-Alkire to Salina Regional Health Center. They were both properly retrained, according to the KHP.

SALINE COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Saline County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Mazda Tribute driven by Sawyer B.&nbsp;Lysell-Alkire, 16, Lindsborg, was southbound on Interstate 135 at the Lindsborg exit. The SUV entered the west ditch, overturned and came to rest on its top.A passenger identified as 21-year-old Grant L.&nbsp;Lysell-Alkire was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Christian's Funeral Home. EMS transported Sawyer&nbsp;Lysell-Alkire to Salina Regional Health Center. They were both properly retrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after SUV rollover accident

WICHITA, KAN.– A federal jury convicted a former member of the Kansas legislature of defrauding federal and state agencies by a total of $355,550 in COVIID-19 business recovery funds, according to the United State's Attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581011016098.png" alt="Former State Rep. Michael Capps-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Former State Rep. Michael Capps-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN.– A federal jury convicted a former member of the Kansas legislature of defrauding federal and state agencies by a total of $355,550 in COVIID-19 business recovery funds, according to the United State's Attorney.Michael Capps, 44, of Wichita was found guilty of submitting false and fraudulent documents on behalf of his companies to Emprise Bank for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) loans, as well as to the Kansas Department of Commerce for Small Business Working Capital grants.The jury convicted Capps of false statement to a bank for a PPP loan,&nbsp; count of bank fraud – PPP loan, two counts of false statement to the SBA for EIDL loan,&nbsp;two counts of wire fraud SBA,,&nbsp;&nbsp;two counts of wire fraud Kansas Department of Commerce and four counts of money laundering.Capps represented Kansas House District 85 that includes portions of Sedgwick and Butler Counties from August of 2018-to January of 2021.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case.