KANSAS CITY (AP) — Attorneys for a Missouri man scheduled to be executed next month are seeking a new hearing, citing sworn statements they call “clear and convincing evidence” that he didn't kill his girlfriend and her three children.

Leonard Taylor, 58, is scheduled to die by injection Feb. 7 for the 2004 killings of Angela Rowe, 28, along with her 10-year-old daughter Alexus Conley, 6-year-old daughter AcQreya Conley, and 5-year-old son Tyrese Conley. All four were found shot inside their home in the St. Louis County town of Jennings in 2004.

But on Friday, Taylor's attorneys asked St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell for a new hearing. A spokesman for Bell said Monday that the request is being reviewed.

A year-old provision in a Missouri law allows a prosecutor to file a motion asking for a hearing before a judge if there is new evidence of a wrongful conviction. Bell is a Democrat first elected in 2018. He created a Conviction and Incident Review Unit responsible for looking at, among other things, potential cases of wrongful convictions.

At issue are new sworn statements from Taylor's daughter, now 31, her sister and her mother. They claim that Taylor was in California at the time of the killings.

Police discovered the bodies on Dec. 3, 2004, after worried relatives requested a welfare check. Taylor, who had an extensive criminal record and was the live-in boyfriend of Angela Rowe, was arrested days later.

It's not known exactly when Rowe and her children were killed. The Missouri Attorney General's office believes it was before Taylor flew to California on Nov. 26, 2004.

But in the new filing, Taylor's attorneys said that while in California, Taylor met for the first time a girl he had fathered 13 years earlier. The statement from Deja Taylor said she and her father called Angela Rowe during his visit. She said she spoke with Rowe and one of the children — proof, Taylor's lawyers contend, that the family was still alive after Taylor left Missouri.

Deja Taylor's mother and sister corroborated her story, the court filing stated.

“All of the evidence in this case, both old and new, presents a compelling case that Leonard Taylor could not have possibly committed these murders because he was out of the state from the early morning hours of November 26, 2004, until he was arrested in Kentucky and returned to Missouri on December 9, 2004,” the court filing states.

A spokeswoman for Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey declined comment.

JENNINGS, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri inmate facing execution next month for allegedly killing his girlfriend and her three children in Jennings in 2004 has produced statements that he was 1800 miles away when the slayings took place.

Leonard Taylor, 45, is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on Feb. 7 for allegedly killing Angela Rowe, her two young daughters and her young son in November 2004.

<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lawyers-claim-jennings-man-on-death-row-was-1-800-miles-away-at-time-of/article_2916e903-3c5b-531c-afc1-5acdf592337e.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported</a>&nbsp;Monday that Taylor's attorneys, Kent Gipson and Kevin Schriener, have obtained statements from Taylor’s now 31-year-old daughter and her mother claiming that he was in California in November 2004 and couldn’t have committed the murders.

Taylor's attorneys hope to trigger a provision in a state law that allows a prosecutor to request a hearing before a judge if he or she has information that a defendant could be innocent or erroneously convicted. Christopher King, a spokesman for St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell, said Monday that prosecutors were reviewing the new information.

Prosecutors have alleged that Taylor killed the family, admitted it in a phone call to his brother and fled to California.

Taylor has claimed Rowe and the children were still alive when he boarded a flight from Lambert Field to Ontario, California, on the morning of Nov. 26, 2004.

Police discovered the bodies of Rowe, 28; her daughters, Alexus Conley, 10, and AcQreya Conley, 6; and her son, Tyrese Conley, 5, on Dec. 3 at a house. All four had been shot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673437071153.png" alt="Taylor-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Taylor-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Attorneys for a Missouri man scheduled to be executed next month are seeking a new hearing, citing sworn statements they call “clear and convincing evidence” that he didn't kill his girlfriend and her three children.Leonard Taylor, 58, is scheduled to die by injection Feb. 7 for the 2004 killings of Angela Rowe, 28, along with her 10-year-old daughter Alexus Conley, 6-year-old daughter AcQreya Conley, and 5-year-old son Tyrese Conley. All four were found shot inside their home in the St. Louis County town of Jennings in 2004.But on Friday, Taylor's attorneys asked St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell for a new hearing. A spokesman for Bell said Monday that the request is being reviewed.A year-old provision in a Missouri law allows a prosecutor to file a motion asking for a hearing before a judge if there is new evidence of a wrongful conviction. Bell is a Democrat first elected in 2018. He created a Conviction and Incident Review Unit responsible for looking at, among other things, potential cases of wrongful convictions.At issue are new sworn statements from Taylor's daughter, now 31, her sister and her mother. They claim that Taylor was in California at the time of the killings.Police discovered the bodies on Dec. 3, 2004, after worried relatives requested a welfare check. Taylor, who had an extensive criminal record and was the live-in boyfriend of Angela Rowe, was arrested days later.It's not known exactly when Rowe and her children were killed. The Missouri Attorney General's office believes it was before Taylor flew to California on Nov. 26, 2004.But in the new filing, Taylor's attorneys said that while in California, Taylor met for the first time a girl he had fathered 13 years earlier. The statement from Deja Taylor said she and her father called Angela Rowe during his visit. She said she spoke with Rowe and one of the children — proof, Taylor's lawyers contend, that the family was still alive after Taylor left Missouri.Deja Taylor's mother and sister corroborated her story, the court filing stated.“All of the evidence in this case, both old and new, presents a compelling case that Leonard Taylor could not have possibly committed these murders because he was out of the state from the early morning hours of November 26, 2004, until he was arrested in Kentucky and returned to Missouri on December 9, 2004,” the court filing states.A spokeswoman for Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey declined comment.-------------JENNINGS, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri inmate facing execution next month for allegedly killing his girlfriend and her three children in Jennings in 2004 has produced statements that he was 1800 miles away when the slayings took place.Leonard Taylor, 45, is scheduled to be executed by lethal injection on Feb. 7 for allegedly killing Angela Rowe, her two young daughters and her young son in November 2004.<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lawyers-claim-jennings-man-on-death-row-was-1-800-miles-away-at-time-of/article_2916e903-3c5b-531c-afc1-5acdf592337e.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported</a>&nbsp;Monday that Taylor's attorneys, Kent Gipson and Kevin Schriener, have obtained statements from Taylor’s now 31-year-old daughter and her mother claiming that he was in California in November 2004 and couldn’t have committed the murders.Taylor's attorneys hope to trigger a provision in a state law that allows a prosecutor to request a hearing before a judge if he or she has information that a defendant could be innocent or erroneously convicted. Christopher King, a spokesman for St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell, said Monday that prosecutors were reviewing the new information.Prosecutors have alleged that Taylor killed the family, admitted it in a phone call to his brother and fled to California.Taylor has claimed Rowe and the children were still alive when he boarded a flight from Lambert Field to Ontario, California, on the morning of Nov. 26, 2004.Police discovered the bodies of Rowe, 28; her daughters, Alexus Conley, 10, and AcQreya Conley, 6; and her son, Tyrese Conley, 5, on Dec. 3 at a house. All four had been shot.A jury convicted Taylor in 2008.

Inmate facing Feb. execution has new alibi in quadruple slaying

MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged child rape.

Just after 11:30a.m. Jan. 8, Sheriff's Detectives, along with Agents from Kansas Bureau of Investigations, arrived at 5130 County Road 5600 Cherryvale, Kansas to serve a felony rape of a minor and criminal threat warrant on 32-year-old Niklas Nelson, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.

 Upon arrival, agents and detectives contacted Nelson’s father and learned that Nelson was hiding inside the large metal shop on the property, in the second level/roof area. He also possibly had a handgun in his possession. 

 Agents and detectives surrounded the large shop and began attempting to call Nelson out using a PA system and started the armed and barricaded subject procedure. 

 Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property.  The Montgomery County Emergency Response Team (SERT) was activated and responded to the scene.  KBI responded with their Armored Rescue Vehicle for the SERT team to use.  Kansas Highway Patrol responded with their helicopter to assist in case Nelson fled on foot. 

 The SERT team started evaluating the situation.  With the use of less lethal chemicals, and other less lethal tools, the SERT team was able to take Nelson into custody. 

Nelson was transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections where he was booked into DOC on the arrest warrant with requested charges of rape, interference with law enforcement, and possession of methamphetamine.  The case has been submitted to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673366027322.png" alt="Nelson-photo Montgomery Co." />
 <figcaption>Nelson-photo Montgomery Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged child rape.Just after 11:30a.m. Jan. 8, Sheriff's Detectives, along with Agents from Kansas Bureau of Investigations, arrived at 5130 County Road 5600 Cherryvale, Kansas to serve a felony rape of a minor and criminal threat warrant on 32-year-old Niklas Nelson, according to Sheriff Ron Wade. Upon arrival, agents and detectives contacted Nelson’s father and learned that Nelson was hiding inside the large metal shop on the property, in the second level/roof area. He also possibly had a handgun in his possession. Agents and detectives surrounded the large shop and began attempting to call Nelson out using a PA system and started the armed and barricaded subject procedure. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property. The Montgomery County Emergency Response Team (SERT) was activated and responded to the scene. KBI responded with their Armored Rescue Vehicle for the SERT team to use. Kansas Highway Patrol responded with their helicopter to assist in case Nelson fled on foot. The SERT team started evaluating the situation. With the use of less lethal chemicals, and other less lethal tools, the SERT team was able to take Nelson into custody. Nelson was transported to the Montgomery County Department of Corrections where he was booked into DOC on the arrest warrant with requested charges of rape, interference with law enforcement, and possession of methamphetamine. The case has been submitted to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office.

Kan. child rape suspect in custody after standoff with KBI

ATCHINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug charges after a weekend arrest.&nbsp;

Just before 6:30p.m. Saturday, police arrested 24-year-old&nbsp;Austin L. Lurquin of Atchison, in the 1600 block of Main on District and Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He is also facing requested charges of possession of fentanyl after officers found it on his person.&nbsp;

In January of 2022, police arrested him for alleged drug possession, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673273013220.png" alt="Lurquin-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Lurquin-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHINSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug charges after a weekend arrest.&nbsp;Just before 6:30p.m. Saturday, police arrested 24-year-old&nbsp;Austin L. Lurquin of Atchison, in the 1600 block of Main on District and Municipal Court warrants for failure to appear in court, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He is also facing requested charges of possession of fentanyl after officers found it on his person.&nbsp;In January of 2022, police arrested him for alleged drug possession, according to online jail records.

Police found fentanyl during arrest, booking of Kan. man

Correction 4:00 p.m., Jan. 10: This story&nbsp;incorrectly posted the name of the arrested person in this story. A correction has been made to note: Kezia Shibler was arrested in this incident.

RILEY COUNTY—Police arrested a Riley County woman after a 2-vehicle crash that occurred just after 8a.m. Monday in Manhattan.

According to the Riley County Police Department activity report a 2023 Kia Forte driven by Kezia Shibler, 26, of Riley, was southbound on Seth Child Road at Kimball Avenue.&nbsp;

A 2011 Toyota Prius driven by Alorrah Wileman, 19, of Manhattan pulled onto Seth Child Road from Gary Avenue in front of the Kia narrowly avoiding a crash. 

Shibler then sped up, passed the Prius, switched lanes to get in front of the Toyota then hit her brakes. This caused caused the Prius to rear-end the Kia. 

Following an investigation, police arrested Shibler on a requested charge of aggravated battery. She was issued a total bond of $5,000, and is no longer in custody. There were no major injuries reported, according to the RCPD.

Correction 4:00 p.m., Jan. 10: This story&nbsp;incorrectly posted the name of the arrested person in this story. A correction has been made to note: Kezia Shibler was arrested in this incident.RILEY COUNTY—Police arrested a Riley County woman after a 2-vehicle crash that occurred just after 8a.m. Monday in Manhattan.According to the Riley County Police Department activity report a 2023 Kia Forte driven by Kezia Shibler, 26, of Riley, was southbound on Seth Child Road at Kimball Avenue.&nbsp;A 2011 Toyota Prius driven by Alorrah Wileman, 19, of Manhattan pulled onto Seth Child Road from Gary Avenue in front of the Kia narrowly avoiding a crash. Shibler then sped up, passed the Prius, switched lanes to get in front of the Toyota then hit her brakes. This caused caused the Prius to rear-end the Kia. Following an investigation, police arrested Shibler on a requested charge of aggravated battery. She was issued a total bond of $5,000, and is no longer in custody. There were no major injuries reported, according to the RCPD.

UPDATE: Riley Co. woman arrested after allegedly causing rear-end crash

OKLAHOMA COUNTY —Oklahoma City Police have made an arrest in the New Year's Day shooting that left a Fort Hays State University student-athlete dead.

J'Coal Glover, 30, was taken into custody Jan. 7 after a review of security camera footage at the scene of the shooting, which left Daniel Howard, 20, fatally injured and five others with gunshot wounds.

The shooting occurred after a fight that had broken out inside the Sunset Patio Lounge spilled into the parking lot outside.

According to the probable cause affidavit, security footage showed Glover leaving the scene, retrieving an item from a vehicle and returning. A second suspect, using Glover as concealment, was then seen firing multiple rounds at the victims. Records indicate Glover did not fire the weapon.

Glover and the second unidentified suspect then fled the scene, according to records.

Glover was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and denied bail, according to the Oklahoma County Detention Center admissions document.

Howard played two years at Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M before transferring to FHSU in the spring of 2022. Howard, a defensive back, played in all 11 games last season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673372993423.jpeg" alt="Glover / Oklahoma County Detention Center" />
 <figcaption>Glover / Oklahoma County Detention Center</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA COUNTY —Oklahoma City Police have made an arrest in the New Year's Day shooting that left a Fort Hays State University student-athlete dead.J'Coal Glover, 30, was taken into custody Jan. 7 after a review of security camera footage at the scene of the shooting, which left Daniel Howard, 20, fatally injured and five others with gunshot wounds.The shooting occurred after a fight that had broken out inside the Sunset Patio Lounge spilled into the parking lot outside.According to the probable cause affidavit, security footage showed Glover leaving the scene, retrieving an item from a vehicle and returning. A second suspect, using Glover as concealment, was then seen firing multiple rounds at the victims. Records indicate Glover did not fire the weapon.Glover and the second unidentified suspect then fled the scene, according to records.Glover was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and denied bail, according to the Oklahoma County Detention Center admissions document.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672768574845.jpeg" alt="Howard-photo courtesy FHSU" />
 <figcaption>Howard-photo courtesy FHSU</figcaption>
 </figure>Howard played two years at Northeastern Oklahoma A&amp;M before transferring to FHSU in the spring of 2022. Howard, a defensive back, played in all 11 games last season.

Suspect arrested in shooting that killed FHSU player

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal gunfight and have made two arrests.

Just after noon January 5, police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the 2300 block of North Piatt in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Officers arrived on the scene and located 43-year-old Mareo Dupree with a gunshot wound to his torso and he was conscious and breathing. 

While officers were investigating, 47-year-old Jamar White arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported Dupree was to an area hospital where he later died, according to Ditch.

The investigation revealed that there had been a feud over a drug debt between White and the occupants of the residence including Dupree and&nbsp;30-year-old Darries Mitchell.

White drove by the residence a couple of times firing rounds at the house before an exchange of gunfire occurred between Mitchell and White.

Police arrested Mitchell on a requested charge of Aggravated Battery and White on a requested charge of 1st Degree Murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673361937461.png" alt="White-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>White-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal gunfight and have made two arrests.Just after noon January 5, police were dispatched to a shooting at a home in the 2300 block of North Piatt in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Officers arrived on the scene and located 43-year-old Mareo Dupree with a gunshot wound to his torso and he was conscious and breathing. While officers were investigating, 47-year-old Jamar White arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his upper body. EMS transported Dupree was to an area hospital where he later died, according to Ditch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673362007556.png" alt="Mitchell-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>The investigation revealed that there had been a feud over a drug debt between White and the occupants of the residence including Dupree and&nbsp;30-year-old Darries Mitchell.White drove by the residence a couple of times firing rounds at the house before an exchange of gunfire occurred between Mitchell and White.Police arrested Mitchell on a requested charge of Aggravated Battery and White on a requested charge of 1st Degree Murder.

Police: 2 jailed after fatal Kansas drug debt gunfight

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend homicide have identified the victim as 45-year-old Shawn A. Carter of Topeka.

Just before 9a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1300 Block of SE Madison in Topeka, according to Lt. Donna Eubanks.

First responders found Carter suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no additional details Monday afternoon and have not reported an arrest.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend homicide.

First responders found one victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no additional details and have not reported an arrest.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a weekend homicide have identified the victim as 45-year-old Shawn A. Carter of Topeka.Just before 9a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1300 Block of SE Madison in Topeka, according to Lt. Donna Eubanks.First responders found Carter suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no additional details Monday afternoon and have not reported an arrest.---------------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend homicide.Just before 9a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1300 Block of SE Madison in Topeka, according to Lt. Donna Eubanks.First responders found one victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no additional details and have not reported an arrest.

Police ID 45-year-old Kan. man who died in weekend shooting

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Doctors who treated Damar Hamlin said the Bills safety was moved to a hospital in Buffalo on Monday, an uplifting sign of the remarkable progress he has made a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/Bills-damar-hamlin-collapse-what-happened-d73a76f2f7f736b652e95896dfaa0900">going into cardiac arrest and having to be resuscitated</a>&nbsp;on the field during a game in Cincinnati.

Hamlin was discharged from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in the morning and flown to Buffalo, where he will continue his recovery.

“I can confirm that he is doing well. And this is the beginning of the next stage of his recovery,” Dr. William Knight said.

Doctors said Hamlin has been walking since Friday, and eating regular food and undergoing therapy. They said he was on a normal or even accelerated trajectory in his recovery from cardiac arrest, which is considered a life-threatening event, and that normal recovery can be measured from weeks to months.

“We continue to be ecstatic about his recovery,” Dr. Timothy Pritts said.

Hamlin’s return comes a day after he cheered on the Bills from his hospital bed during their regular season-ending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-england-patriots-buffalo-bills-miami-dolphins-york-jets-nfl-25243cdf2ceb3780419859fc39537ef4">35-23 win</a>&nbsp;over the New England Patriots. The game proved to be a cathartic outpouring of support for the Bills and Hamlin.

Hamlin was so excited watching teammate Nyheim Hines return the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown that “he jumped up and down, got out of his chair, set every alarm off in the ICU in the process,” Pritts said with a laugh.

Pritts said it was still premature to comment on the potential cause of Hamlin’s cardiac arrest.

The Bills wore No. 3 Hamlin patches on their jerseys Sunday and honored their teammate by raising three fingers in the closing minutes, while tight end Dawson Knox celebrated his touchdown by forming his hands into the shape of a heart. Fans joined in, with many holding up red heart and No. 3 signs.

“Watching the world come together around me on Sunday was truly an amazing feeling,” Hamlin said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HamlinIsland/status/1612546415787384837?s=20&amp;t=ZRcRcD8Go886siarMcqHxA" target="_blank">tweet</a>&nbsp;announcing he was heading home to Buffalo, “with a lot of love in my heart.

“The same love you all have shown me is the same love that I plan to put back into the world n more.”

The 24-year-old from the Pittsburgh area has made significant progress in his recovery since spending his first two days at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center under sedation and breathing through a ventilator.

He was awakened on Wednesday night and was eventually able to grip people’s hands. By Friday, Hamlin was able to breathe on his own and even addressed the team by videoconference, in which he told the Bills, “Love you boys.”

The last update from doctors came on Saturday, when they described Hamlin’s neurological function as “excellent,” though he remained listed in critical condition.

Later that day, Hamlin tweeted: “Putting love into the world comes back 3xs as much… thankful for everyone who has reached out and prayed. This will make me stronger on the road to recovery, keep praying for me!”

The NFL will showed support for Hamlin during all Week 18 games by including a pregame moment of support, painting Hamlin’s No. 3 on the 30-yard line and pregame shirts with “Love for Damar 3.”

Hamlin’s heart stopped on Monday night after making what appeared to be a routine tackle in the first quarter against the Bengals. The game was initially suspended before officially being canceled later in the week.

News of Hamlin’s discharge from the hospital in Cincinnati was greeted with enthusiasm.

“That’s unbelievable,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said.

“I mean, just think about it — that was one week, not even a week ago. There’s no one in this room that would have expected he’d be in Buffalo,” he added. “God is great. He works miracles. This is certainly a miracle, there’s no question. ... And just an amazing moment for Damar.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672714269393.png" alt="Damar Hamlin photo courtesy Buffalo Bills" />
 <figcaption>Damar Hamlin photo courtesy Buffalo Bills</figcaption>
 </figure>ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Doctors who treated Damar Hamlin said the Bills safety was moved to a hospital in Buffalo on Monday, an uplifting sign of the remarkable progress he has made a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/Bills-damar-hamlin-collapse-what-happened-d73a76f2f7f736b652e95896dfaa0900">going into cardiac arrest and having to be resuscitated</a>&nbsp;on the field during a game in Cincinnati.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">An amazing update. ❤️💙 <a href="https://t.co/Do1P1nKQWI">pic.twitter.com/Do1P1nKQWI</a>&mdash; Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1612542457383718912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Hamlin was discharged from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in the morning and flown to Buffalo, where he will continue his recovery.“I can confirm that he is doing well. And this is the beginning of the next stage of his recovery,” Dr. William Knight said.Doctors said Hamlin has been walking since Friday, and eating regular food and undergoing therapy. They said he was on a normal or even accelerated trajectory in his recovery from cardiac arrest, which is considered a life-threatening event, and that normal recovery can be measured from weeks to months.“We continue to be ecstatic about his recovery,” Dr. Timothy Pritts said.Hamlin’s return comes a day after he cheered on the Bills from his hospital bed during their regular season-ending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-england-patriots-buffalo-bills-miami-dolphins-york-jets-nfl-25243cdf2ceb3780419859fc39537ef4">35-23 win</a>&nbsp;over the New England Patriots. The game proved to be a cathartic outpouring of support for the Bills and Hamlin.Hamlin was so excited watching teammate Nyheim Hines return the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown that “he jumped up and down, got out of his chair, set every alarm off in the ICU in the process,” Pritts said with a laugh.Pritts said it was still premature to comment on the potential cause of Hamlin’s cardiac arrest.The Bills wore No. 3 Hamlin patches on their jerseys Sunday and honored their teammate by raising three fingers in the closing minutes, while tight end Dawson Knox celebrated his touchdown by forming his hands into the shape of a heart. Fans joined in, with many holding up red heart and No. 3 signs.“Watching the world come together around me on Sunday was truly an amazing feeling,” Hamlin said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/HamlinIsland/status/1612546415787384837?s=20&amp;t=ZRcRcD8Go886siarMcqHxA" target="_blank">tweet</a>&nbsp;announcing he was heading home to Buffalo, “with a lot of love in my heart.“The same love you all have shown me is the same love that I plan to put back into the world n more.”The 24-year-old from the Pittsburgh area has made significant progress in his recovery since spending his first two days at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center under sedation and breathing through a ventilator.He was awakened on Wednesday night and was eventually able to grip people’s hands. By Friday, Hamlin was able to breathe on his own and even addressed the team by videoconference, in which he told the Bills, “Love you boys.”The last update from doctors came on Saturday, when they described Hamlin’s neurological function as “excellent,” though he remained listed in critical condition.Later that day, Hamlin tweeted: “Putting love into the world comes back 3xs as much… thankful for everyone who has reached out and prayed. This will make me stronger on the road to recovery, keep praying for me!”The NFL will showed support for Hamlin during all Week 18 games by including a pregame moment of support, painting Hamlin’s No. 3 on the 30-yard line and pregame shirts with “Love for Damar 3.”Hamlin’s heart stopped on Monday night after making what appeared to be a routine tackle in the first quarter against the Bengals. The game was initially suspended before officially being canceled later in the week.News of Hamlin’s discharge from the hospital in Cincinnati was greeted with enthusiasm.“That’s unbelievable,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said.“I mean, just think about it — that was one week, not even a week ago. There’s no one in this room that would have expected he’d be in Buffalo,” he added. “God is great. He works miracles. This is certainly a miracle, there’s no question. ... And just an amazing moment for Damar.”___

Bills' Hamlin out of hospital, back in Buffalo to continue recovery

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting in Manhattan have made another arrest.

Just after 3a.m. Saturday, Junction City police arrested 24-year-old Jordan Prather of Junction City on a Riley County District Court warrant for first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated assault, according to the Riley County Police Dept. activity report.

These charges were brought by the Riley County Attorney's Office for Prather's involvement in the homicide of Joshua Wardi on February 5, 2022.&nbsp;

At that time, RCPD officers working in the police substation in Aggieville heard gunshots. The officers immediately responded in the direction of the gunfire that occurred outside a bar near 12th and Moro Street, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp; Officers found a 21-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound. They also observed an armed man nearby who ran from the area. Two officers chased the suspect on foot, while the third officer remained with the shooting victim and rendered first-aid.

The victim was later identified as Joshua J. Wardi, 21, of Fort Riley. Preliminary information indicated that as the armed suspect fled, he turned the corner onto 12th Street. During the foot chase, one of the RCPD officers fired two rounds at the suspect, striking him in the leg, and causing him to stop part way down the block, between Moro Street and Laramie Street.

Officers secured the handgun and provided medical assistance. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

The shooting suspect was identified as Tremelle R. Montgomery, 19, of Fort Riley. EMS transported him to Ascension Via Christi hospital in Manhattan where he was then transferred to a Topeka hospital. Wardi was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The investigation suggests that earlier Friday night Wardi and Montgomery patronized the same bar in Aggieville. Later, while visiting outside in separate groups of friends, they engaged in a verbal altercation. At that time witnesses say Montgomery pulled out a gun and shot Wardi. Montgomery remains jailed in Riley County, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673278266130.png" alt="Prather-photo from a domestic battery arrest in Jan. 2022" />
 <figcaption>Prather-photo from a domestic battery arrest in Jan. 2022</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting in Manhattan have made another arrest.Just after 3a.m. Saturday, Junction City police arrested 24-year-old Jordan Prather of Junction City on a Riley County District Court warrant for first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated assault, according to the Riley County Police Dept. activity report.These charges were brought by the Riley County Attorney's Office for Prather's involvement in the homicide of Joshua Wardi on February 5, 2022.&nbsp;At that time, RCPD officers working in the police substation in Aggieville heard gunshots. The officers immediately responded in the direction of the gunfire that occurred outside a bar near 12th and Moro Street, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp; Officers found a 21-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound. They also observed an armed man nearby who ran from the area. Two officers chased the suspect on foot, while the third officer remained with the shooting victim and rendered first-aid.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644236764866.png" alt="-KBI on the scene of the&nbsp; Feb. 2022 investigation photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>-KBI on the scene of the&nbsp; Feb. 2022 investigation photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>The victim was later identified as Joshua J. Wardi, 21, of Fort Riley. Preliminary information indicated that as the armed suspect fled, he turned the corner onto 12th Street. During the foot chase, one of the RCPD officers fired two rounds at the suspect, striking him in the leg, and causing him to stop part way down the block, between Moro Street and Laramie Street.Officers secured the handgun and provided medical assistance. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.The shooting suspect was identified as Tremelle R. Montgomery, 19, of Fort Riley. EMS transported him to Ascension Via Christi hospital in Manhattan where he was then transferred to a Topeka hospital. Wardi was pronounced deceased at the scene.The investigation suggests that earlier Friday night Wardi and Montgomery patronized the same bar in Aggieville. Later, while visiting outside in separate groups of friends, they engaged in a verbal altercation. At that time witnesses say Montgomery pulled out a gun and shot Wardi. Montgomery remains jailed in Riley County, according to online jail records.

Junction City man arrested for role in Aggieville killing

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.

Just after 10:30p.m. Friday, police arrested 44-year-old&nbsp;George N. Lewis of Atchison in the 500 block North 9th for fleeing and attempting to elude, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He is also facing requested charges of driving while suspended, no insurance and reckless driving.&nbsp;

In August, Lewis spent time in custody on requested charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to online jail records. He has two previous convictions for burglary, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673273691206.png" alt="Lewis-photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Lewis-photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.Just after 10:30p.m. Friday, police arrested 44-year-old&nbsp;George N. Lewis of Atchison in the 500 block North 9th for fleeing and attempting to elude, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.He is also facing requested charges of driving while suspended, no insurance and reckless driving.&nbsp;In August, Lewis spent time in custody on requested charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to online jail records. He has two previous convictions for burglary, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon accused of attempting to flee from police

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a weekend homicide.Just before 9a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 1300 Block of SE Madison in Topeka, according to Lt. Donna Eubanks.First responders found one victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no additional details and have not reported an arrest.

Police: One dead in weekend Kansas shooting 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and released a video asking for help to identify suspects.

Just before 2:30a.m. November 21, police responded to an assault call at the QuikTrip in the 1000 block of W 31st Street South in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy. A 911 caller reported two suspects had stolen items from the store and one of them threw a hot drink in an employees face. 

The employee was treated on scene for minor injuries, and video surveillance was obtained that shows two suspects selecting various snack items before throwing a hot cup of liquid in themclerks face and leaving the store. 

The suspects fled in a grey/silver sedan. Anyone with information regarding this crime, or any crime that occurred in Sedgwick County is eligible to receive a reward by submitting a tip through Crime Stoppers by calling 316- 267-2111 or online at www.stopcrime316.com. Tipsters are always anonymous – CrimeStoppers will never ask someone to identify themselves. If your information leads to an arrest in a felony case, you could be eligible to receive up to $2,500.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673020200305.png" alt="Image from the video -Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image from the video -Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a robbery and released a video asking for help to identify suspects.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZUpAu3A-HAQ?start=2" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Just before 2:30a.m. November 21, police responded to an assault call at the QuikTrip in the 1000 block of W 31st Street South in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy. A 911 caller reported two suspects had stolen items from the store and one of them threw a hot drink in an employees face. The employee was treated on scene for minor injuries, and video surveillance was obtained that shows two suspects selecting various snack items before throwing a hot cup of liquid in themclerks face and leaving the store. The suspects fled in a grey/silver sedan. Anyone with information regarding this crime, or any crime that occurred in Sedgwick County is eligible to receive a reward by submitting a tip through Crime Stoppers by calling 316- 267-2111 or online at www.stopcrime316.com. Tipsters are always anonymous – CrimeStoppers will never ask someone to identify themselves. If your information leads to an arrest in a felony case, you could be eligible to receive up to $2,500.

🎥Suspects threw hot drink at employee before Kan. robbery

LANSING, Kan. – Following an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Kansas City Missouri Police Department, a Kansas City man was arrested for the suspected 2014 murder of a 16-year-old girl, according to a media release from the KBI.&nbsp;

Just after 1p.m. Friday, Billy I. Dupree, 38, of Kansas City, Kansas, an inmate at the Lansing Correctional Facility, was arrested for first-degree murder connected to the death of 16-year-old D.K., a resident of Kansas City, Missouri. 

KBI agents obtained an arrest warrant, which was served to Dupree with assistance from the Kansas Department of Corrections, at the Lansing Correctional Facility where Dupree was incarcerated.

On December 21, 2014, the body of the 16-year-old teen was discovered in Kansas City, Missouri, near 24th St. and Monroe Ave. on December 21, 2014.

In August 2022, the Kansas Attorney General’s Office requested the KBI join the homicide investigation when the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department determined the murder had taken place in Kansas City, Kansas, and not in their jurisdiction.

Dupree has previous convictions that included aggravated indecent liberties with minors, aggravated assault, robbery, criminal restraint, criminal damage to property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He has been registered as a sex offender since June 0f 2014.

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office is expected to prosecute the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673217941215.png" alt="Dupree has previous convictions that included aggravated indecent liberties with minors, aggravated assault, robbery, criminal restraint, criminal damage to property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Dupree has previous convictions that included aggravated indecent liberties with minors, aggravated assault, robbery, criminal restraint, criminal damage to property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>LANSING, Kan. – Following an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Kansas City Missouri Police Department, a Kansas City man was arrested for the suspected 2014 murder of a 16-year-old girl, according to a media release from the KBI.&nbsp;Just after 1p.m. Friday, Billy I. Dupree, 38, of Kansas City, Kansas, an inmate at the Lansing Correctional Facility, was arrested for first-degree murder connected to the death of 16-year-old D.K., a resident of Kansas City, Missouri. KBI agents obtained an arrest warrant, which was served to Dupree with assistance from the Kansas Department of Corrections, at the Lansing Correctional Facility where Dupree was incarcerated.On December 21, 2014, the body of the 16-year-old teen was discovered in Kansas City, Missouri, near 24th St. and Monroe Ave. on December 21, 2014.In August 2022, the Kansas Attorney General’s Office requested the KBI join the homicide investigation when the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department determined the murder had taken place in Kansas City, Kansas, and not in their jurisdiction.Dupree has previous convictions that included aggravated indecent liberties with minors, aggravated assault, robbery, criminal restraint, criminal damage to property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He has been registered as a sex offender since June 0f 2014.The Kansas Attorney General’s Office is expected to prosecute the case.

Kansas sex offender accused of girl's 2014 murder

BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities  investigating a shooting have identified the suspect as Mark Alan Edmundson, 48, of St Joseph.

Just after 4 p.m. January 2, Brown County dispatch received a call of a possible shooting and battery in the vicinity of US 36 Highway near Timber, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Deputies responded and located a woman who suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the lower leg.&nbsp; She was transported to Amberwell Hospital in Hiawatha by Town and Country Ambulance where she was treated and released.

It was learned that the suspect later identified as Edmundson had fled the scene before deputies arrived and an Attempt To Locate was immediately issued by Brown County Dispatch to surrounding areas.

A short time later investigators were notified that Edmundson had been located in St Joseph, Missouri and was in custody.

Sheriff Merchant reported on Friday that Edmundson is being held in Buchanan County on charges of Felony Trafficking Dangerous Drugs in the 2nd Degree by the St Joseph Police Department.

During the initial investigation deputies arrested Shane Meggison 55, Hiawatha, on charges of Child Endangerment,&nbsp; Felony, Obstruction, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana and&nbsp; No Drug Tax Stamp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673108328741.png" alt=" Edmundson-photo Buchanan County" />
 <figcaption> Edmundson-photo Buchanan County</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting have identified the suspect as Mark Alan Edmundson, 48, of St Joseph.Just after 4 p.m. January 2, Brown County dispatch received a call of a possible shooting and battery in the vicinity of US 36 Highway near Timber, according to Sheriff John Merchant.Deputies responded and located a woman who suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the lower leg.&nbsp; She was transported to Amberwell Hospital in Hiawatha by Town and Country Ambulance where she was treated and released. It was learned that the suspect later identified as Edmundson had fled the scene before deputies arrived and an Attempt To Locate was immediately issued by Brown County Dispatch to surrounding areas. A short time later investigators were notified that Edmundson had been located in St Joseph, Missouri and was in custody.Sheriff Merchant reported on Friday that Edmundson is being held in Buchanan County on charges of Felony Trafficking Dangerous Drugs in the 2nd Degree by the St Joseph Police Department.During the initial investigation deputies arrested Shane Meggison 55, Hiawatha, on charges of Child Endangerment,&nbsp; Felony, Obstruction, Possession of Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana and&nbsp; No Drug Tax Stamp.

Sheriff IDs suspect after woman found shot in the leg

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Following an arrest Thursday of a suspect for the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of three children near a Wichita elementary school, police are investigating an incident that could have have a similar outcome.

Just before 10a.m. Friday, police were contacted by a mother who&nbsp; reported that on Thursday, her 13-year-old daughter was walking to school at approximately 6:30 a.m. near Douglas and West Street in Wichita.

An unknown man in a blue or green sedan approached and attempted to coerce her to get closer to his vehicle.

The 13-year-old ignored the man and continued walking, and reported the incident to her mother Thursday night.

Police investigators are working to identify the suspect in this case, and at this time it is not believed to be connected to the earlier incidents that took place in East Wichita on Wednesday and Thursday involving an abduction of three juveniles.

Police notified the school district and extra patrols have been assigned to the area.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Wichita Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Following an arrest Thursday of a suspect for the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of three children near a Wichita elementary school, police are investigating an incident that could have have a similar outcome.Just before 10a.m. Friday, police were contacted by a mother who&nbsp; reported that on Thursday, her 13-year-old daughter was walking to school at approximately 6:30 a.m. near Douglas and West Street in Wichita.An unknown man in a blue or green sedan approached and attempted to coerce her to get closer to his vehicle.The 13-year-old ignored the man and continued walking, and reported the incident to her mother Thursday night.Police investigators are working to identify the suspect in this case, and at this time it is not believed to be connected to the earlier incidents that took place in East Wichita on Wednesday and Thursday involving an abduction of three juveniles.Police notified the school district and extra patrols have been assigned to the area.Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Wichita Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Police: Kansas teen reports man tried to coerce her into car

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden conferred high honors Friday on those who stood against the Jan. 6 Capitol mob two years ago and the menacing effort in state after state to upend the election, declaring “America is a land of laws, not chaos,” even as disarray rendered Congress dysfunctional for a fourth straight day.

(Click below to watch the honor ceremony)

Democrats at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue commemorated the police officers attacked that day and the local election workers and state officials who faced fierce intimidation from supporters of former President Donald Trump, who fought to keep him in office after his defeat.

“Our democracy held,” Biden said in awarding Presidential Citizens Medals to about a dozen recipients from across the country in the White House East Room. "We the people did not flinch."

Yet democracy's vulnerability was equally on display at the Capitol as Republicans struggled to break their stalemate over the next House speaker, leaving that chamber in limbo for what should have been the first week under a GOP majority.

A resolution to the immediate crisis may be near as GOP leadership continued negotiations to appease its hard-right flank. Rep. Kevin McCarthy flipped more than a dozen colleagues to support him in his quest to lead the chamber, finally showing progress but still short of a majority.

Hours earlier, lawmakers held a moment of silence to commemorate the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the building that drew mostly Democrats, with brief remarks from Democratic leaders past and incoming — Reps. Nancy Pelosi and Hakeem Jeffries — and none from the GOP.

The event was focused on the Capitol Police officers who protected the building that day and families of law enforcement officers who died after the riot. Jeffries said 140 officers were seriously injured and “many more will forever be scarred by the bloodthirsty violence of the insurrectionist mob. We stand here today with our democracy intact because of those officers.”

At the White House ceremony, Biden described the violence in evocative and at times graphic detail — the officer speared by a flagpole flying the American flag, the beatings, the bloodshed and racist screams from rioters who professed to be pro-law enforcement as they overran police and hunted for lawmakers.

“Sick insurrectionists,” he said. “We must say clearly with a united voice that there is no place ... for voter intimidation or election violence."

Although the horrors of that day came down on members of both parties, it is being remembered in a largely polarized fashion now, like other aspects of political life in a divided country.

Biden, in his afternoon remarks, played up the heroism of the honorees, whether in the face of the violent Capitol mob or the horde of Trump-inspired agitators who threatened election workers or otherwise sought to overturn the results.

But he couldn't ignore warning signs that it could happen again.

In the midterms, candidates who denied the outcome of 2020’s free and fair election were defeated for many pivotal statewide positions overseeing elections in battleground states, as were a number of election deniers seeking seats in Congress.

Yet many of the lawmakers who brought baseless claims of election fraud or excused the violence on Jan. 6 continue to serve and are newly empowered.

Trump’s 2024 candidacy has been slow off the starting blocks, but his war chest is full and some would-be rivals for the Republican presidential nomination have channeled his false claims about the 2020 race.

As well, several lawmakers who echoed his lies about a stolen election at the time are central in the effort to derail McCarthy’s ascension to speaker — unswayed by Trump’s appeals from afar to support him and end the fight.

The protracted struggle leaves the House leaderless, unable to pass bills and powerless to do much more than hold vote after vote for speaker until a majority is reached. Everything from national security briefings to helping their constituents navigate the federal bureaucracy is on pause because the members-elect can’t yet take their oath of office.

Some Democrats see a throughline from Jan. 6.

The chaos of the speaker’s election “is about destruction of an institution in a different way,” said Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, one of the lawmakers who fled the rioters two years ago.

Then, the insurrectionists trapped some lawmakers in the House chamber but never breached it. They held up national business for hours that day.

Now some have felt trapped in the same chamber by the repeated, fruitless votes for speaker and House business is held up for this week and perhaps longer.

“The stream of continuity here is extremism, elements of Trumpism, norms don’t matter,” says Democratic Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois. “It’s not about governing, it’s about pontificating and advocating an extremist point of view.”

Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster of New Hampshire said, “It is a very small minority who want to throw this institution into chaos.”

At least nine people who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, died during or after the rioting, including a woman who was shot and killed by police as she tried to break into the House chamber and three other Trump supporters whom authorities said suffered medical emergencies.

Two officers, Howard Liebengood of the Capitol Police and Jeffrey Smith of the Metropolitan Police, were at the Capitol that Jan. 6 and died by suicide in the days following the attack. Biden honored both Friday with posthumous medals.

A third officer, Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, collapsed and died after engaging with the protesters. A medical examiner later determined he died of natural causes.

The Metropolitan Police announced months later that two more of their officers who had responded to the insurrection, Kyle DeFreytag and Gunther Hashida, had also died by suicide.

On Capitol Hill, the mostly Democratic lawmakers held a 140-second moment of silence in honor of those officers as some of their families said their names and a bell was rung in their honor.

“I wish we didn’t have to be here,” said Ken Sicknick, brother of Brian Sicknick, after the ceremony.

After the unsatisfying midterm election for Trump allies, the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack wrapped up its work with a recommendation to the Justice Department to prosecute the former president. A special counsel and ultimately Attorney General Merrick Garland will now decide whether to indict him.

While the congressional investigations have ended, the criminal cases are still very much continuing, both for the 950 arrested and charged in the violent attack and for Trump and his associates who remain under investigation. The second seditious conspiracy trial begins this week, for members of the far-right Proud Boys.

In a measured but significant step, Congress in December amended the Electoral Count Act to limit the role of the vice president in counting electoral votes, to make it harder for individual lawmakers to mount objections to properly certified election results and to eliminate “fake electors” like those deployed by Trump allies in a bid to overturn his defeat to Biden.

After all that, Biden, who made it a tentpole of his agenda to prove to the world that democracies can deliver for their citizens, said he hoped that this was “the first time we’re really getting through the whole issue relating to Jan. 6. Things are settling out.”

But then came the fight for speaker, rare in the annals of Congress.

“And now, for the first time in 100 years, we can’t move?” Biden said earlier this week. “It’s not a good look. It’s not a good thing.”

“Look,” he went on, “how do you think it looks to the rest of the world?”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden conferred high honors Friday on those who stood against the Jan. 6 Capitol mob two years ago and the menacing effort in state after state to upend the election, declaring “America is a land of laws, not chaos,” even as disarray rendered Congress dysfunctional for a fourth straight day.(Click below to watch the honor ceremony)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F717552403405632%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=66" width="560" height="314" 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>Democrats at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue commemorated the police officers attacked that day and the local election workers and state officials who faced fierce intimidation from supporters of former President Donald Trump, who fought to keep him in office after his defeat.“Our democracy held,” Biden said in awarding Presidential Citizens Medals to about a dozen recipients from across the country in the White House East Room. "We the people did not flinch."Yet democracy's vulnerability was equally on display at the Capitol as Republicans struggled to break their stalemate over the next House speaker, leaving that chamber in limbo for what should have been the first week under a GOP majority.A resolution to the immediate crisis may be near as GOP leadership continued negotiations to appease its hard-right flank. Rep. Kevin McCarthy flipped more than a dozen colleagues to support him in his quest to lead the chamber, finally showing progress but still short of a majority.Hours earlier, lawmakers held a moment of silence to commemorate the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the building that drew mostly Democrats, with brief remarks from Democratic leaders past and incoming — Reps. Nancy Pelosi and Hakeem Jeffries — and none from the GOP.The event was focused on the Capitol Police officers who protected the building that day and families of law enforcement officers who died after the riot. Jeffries said 140 officers were seriously injured and “many more will forever be scarred by the bloodthirsty violence of the insurrectionist mob. We stand here today with our democracy intact because of those officers.”At the White House ceremony, Biden described the violence in evocative and at times graphic detail — the officer speared by a flagpole flying the American flag, the beatings, the bloodshed and racist screams from rioters who professed to be pro-law enforcement as they overran police and hunted for lawmakers.“Sick insurrectionists,” he said. “We must say clearly with a united voice that there is no place ... for voter intimidation or election violence."Although the horrors of that day came down on members of both parties, it is being remembered in a largely polarized fashion now, like other aspects of political life in a divided country.Biden, in his afternoon remarks, played up the heroism of the honorees, whether in the face of the violent Capitol mob or the horde of Trump-inspired agitators who threatened election workers or otherwise sought to overturn the results.But he couldn't ignore warning signs that it could happen again.In the midterms, candidates who denied the outcome of 2020’s free and fair election were defeated for many pivotal statewide positions overseeing elections in battleground states, as were a number of election deniers seeking seats in Congress.Yet many of the lawmakers who brought baseless claims of election fraud or excused the violence on Jan. 6 continue to serve and are newly empowered.Trump’s 2024 candidacy has been slow off the starting blocks, but his war chest is full and some would-be rivals for the Republican presidential nomination have channeled his false claims about the 2020 race.As well, several lawmakers who echoed his lies about a stolen election at the time are central in the effort to derail McCarthy’s ascension to speaker — unswayed by Trump’s appeals from afar to support him and end the fight.The protracted struggle leaves the House leaderless, unable to pass bills and powerless to do much more than hold vote after vote for speaker until a majority is reached. Everything from national security briefings to helping their constituents navigate the federal bureaucracy is on pause because the members-elect can’t yet take their oath of office.Some Democrats see a throughline from Jan. 6.The chaos of the speaker’s election “is about destruction of an institution in a different way,” said Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, one of the lawmakers who fled the rioters two years ago.Then, the insurrectionists trapped some lawmakers in the House chamber but never breached it. They held up national business for hours that day.Now some have felt trapped in the same chamber by the repeated, fruitless votes for speaker and House business is held up for this week and perhaps longer.“The stream of continuity here is extremism, elements of Trumpism, norms don’t matter,” says Democratic Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois. “It’s not about governing, it’s about pontificating and advocating an extremist point of view.”Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster of New Hampshire said, “It is a very small minority who want to throw this institution into chaos.”At least nine people who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, died during or after the rioting, including a woman who was shot and killed by police as she tried to break into the House chamber and three other Trump supporters whom authorities said suffered medical emergencies.Two officers, Howard Liebengood of the Capitol Police and Jeffrey Smith of the Metropolitan Police, were at the Capitol that Jan. 6 and died by suicide in the days following the attack. Biden honored both Friday with posthumous medals.A third officer, Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, collapsed and died after engaging with the protesters. A medical examiner later determined he died of natural causes.The Metropolitan Police announced months later that two more of their officers who had responded to the insurrection, Kyle DeFreytag and Gunther Hashida, had also died by suicide.On Capitol Hill, the mostly Democratic lawmakers held a 140-second moment of silence in honor of those officers as some of their families said their names and a bell was rung in their honor.“I wish we didn’t have to be here,” said Ken Sicknick, brother of Brian Sicknick, after the ceremony.After the unsatisfying midterm election for Trump allies, the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack wrapped up its work with a recommendation to the Justice Department to prosecute the former president. A special counsel and ultimately Attorney General Merrick Garland will now decide whether to indict him.While the congressional investigations have ended, the criminal cases are still very much continuing, both for the 950 arrested and charged in the violent attack and for Trump and his associates who remain under investigation. The second seditious conspiracy trial begins this week, for members of the far-right Proud Boys.In a measured but significant step, Congress in December amended the Electoral Count Act to limit the role of the vice president in counting electoral votes, to make it harder for individual lawmakers to mount objections to properly certified election results and to eliminate “fake electors” like those deployed by Trump allies in a bid to overturn his defeat to Biden.After all that, Biden, who made it a tentpole of his agenda to prove to the world that democracies can deliver for their citizens, said he hoped that this was “the first time we’re really getting through the whole issue relating to Jan. 6. Things are settling out.”But then came the fight for speaker, rare in the annals of Congress.“And now, for the first time in 100 years, we can’t move?” Biden said earlier this week. “It’s not a good look. It’s not a good thing.”“Look,” he went on, “how do you think it looks to the rest of the world?”

🎥Jan. 6 remembrance led by Dems; GOP wrestles with its rebels

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man who claims he was framed for a 2002 murder alleges in a federal lawsuit that the Kansas Department of Corrections is not providing proper medical treatment for his terminal cancer.

Lawyers for John Keith Calvin, 56, said in an emergency filing last week that the corrections department refuses to give Calvin intravenous nourishment he needs while he fights stage 4 colon cancer, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article270772607.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>&nbsp;Thursday.

The lawsuit asks a judge to require the corrections department to send Calvin to a hospital that can provide necessary care. His attorneys say he has lost 70 pounds in the past three months and will “quickly die” without court intervention. Calvin is eligible for parole in May.

The Department of Corrections did not immediately return messages seeking comment on the lawsuit.

According to the complaint, Calvin was moved in November to a medical center in Wichita after he had blood in his stool and serious abdominal pain. Doctors planned to perform surgery but did not do so after realizing Calvin was “too full of cancer,” and he was discharged without further treatment.

Calvin was hospitalized again in December after a tube that collects urine detached, causing it to drain into his body.

During both hospitalizations, corrections officials refused to tell his lawyers and family where he was being treated, according to the lawsuit.

“The KDOC’s active hiding of Mr. Calvin, and the KDOC’s refusal to allow his attorneys to speak with him, is interfering with their efforts to adequately and effectively advocate on his behalf,” his lawyers wrote.

Calvin was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder and attempted robbery in the Dec. 12, 2002, killing of John Coates in Kansas City, Kansas.

Calvin’s co-defendant, Melvin Lee White Jr., who took a plea deal and served a five-year sentence, testified that he killed Coates himself. He said Calvin was with him at the time but didn't know White planned to kill Coates, according to court records.

Calvin's attorneys also allege that he was framed by former detective Roger Golubski, who has been accused by federal prosecutors and civil rights groups of framing Black citizens and sexually harassing Black women and girls for years in Kansas City, Kansas.

Golubski currently is on house arrest after being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-city-indictments-civil-rights-violations-c465a1483c9295eb465847fb8c3463eb">indicted in September</a>&nbsp;on federal civil rights charges accusing him of sexually assaulting and kidnapping a woman and a teenager between 1998 and 2002. He was also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-city-indictments-337f9df63faf6c5ff8d3d50623b902c2">indicted in November</a>&nbsp;on charges alleging he was part of a sex trafficking ring involving underage girls at a Kansas City, Kansas, apartment complex between 1996 and 1998.

Golubski has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Calvin is represented by lawyers who have sought investigations of Golubski or advocated for his other alleged victims.

After more then 19 years in prison, his daughters Kiardra Calvin and Jalisa Bluford told the Star they hope he can be moved to a facility in time to see his family, including grandchildren he has not met.

“We’re all walking on eggshells on a day to day basis,” Bluford said. “We don’t know how long he has to live. We just put it in God’s hands.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672953153801.png" alt="Calvin- has convictions for murder, robbery and theft, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Calvin- has convictions for murder, robbery and theft, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man who claims he was framed for a 2002 murder alleges in a federal lawsuit that the Kansas Department of Corrections is not providing proper medical treatment for his terminal cancer.Lawyers for John Keith Calvin, 56, said in an emergency filing last week that the corrections department refuses to give Calvin intravenous nourishment he needs while he fights stage 4 colon cancer, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article270772607.html#storylink=cpy">reported</a>&nbsp;Thursday.The lawsuit asks a judge to require the corrections department to send Calvin to a hospital that can provide necessary care. His attorneys say he has lost 70 pounds in the past three months and will “quickly die” without court intervention. Calvin is eligible for parole in May.The Department of Corrections did not immediately return messages seeking comment on the lawsuit.According to the complaint, Calvin was moved in November to a medical center in Wichita after he had blood in his stool and serious abdominal pain. Doctors planned to perform surgery but did not do so after realizing Calvin was “too full of cancer,” and he was discharged without further treatment.Calvin was hospitalized again in December after a tube that collects urine detached, causing it to drain into his body.During both hospitalizations, corrections officials refused to tell his lawyers and family where he was being treated, according to the lawsuit.“The KDOC’s active hiding of Mr. Calvin, and the KDOC’s refusal to allow his attorneys to speak with him, is interfering with their efforts to adequately and effectively advocate on his behalf,” his lawyers wrote.Calvin was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder and attempted robbery in the Dec. 12, 2002, killing of John Coates in Kansas City, Kansas.Calvin’s co-defendant, Melvin Lee White Jr., who took a plea deal and served a five-year sentence, testified that he killed Coates himself. He said Calvin was with him at the time but didn't know White planned to kill Coates, according to court records.Calvin's attorneys also allege that he was framed by former detective Roger Golubski, who has been accused by federal prosecutors and civil rights groups of framing Black citizens and sexually harassing Black women and girls for years in Kansas City, Kansas.Golubski currently is on house arrest after being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-city-indictments-civil-rights-violations-c465a1483c9295eb465847fb8c3463eb">indicted in September</a>&nbsp;on federal civil rights charges accusing him of sexually assaulting and kidnapping a woman and a teenager between 1998 and 2002. He was also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-city-indictments-337f9df63faf6c5ff8d3d50623b902c2">indicted in November</a>&nbsp;on charges alleging he was part of a sex trafficking ring involving underage girls at a Kansas City, Kansas, apartment complex between 1996 and 1998.Golubski has pleaded not guilty to all charges.Calvin is represented by lawyers who have sought investigations of Golubski or advocated for his other alleged victims.After more then 19 years in prison, his daughters Kiardra Calvin and Jalisa Bluford told the Star they hope he can be moved to a facility in time to see his family, including grandchildren he has not met.“We’re all walking on eggshells on a day to day basis,” Bluford said. “We don’t know how long he has to live. We just put it in God’s hands.”

Kansas inmate alleges he is being denied cancer treatment

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/06/manhattan-city-commissioner-selected-to-complete-senate-term-of-democrat-tom-hawk/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Democrats selected a 
10-year member of the Manhattan City Commission to fill the Kansas 
Senate seat to be vacated by retirement Sen. Tom Hawk.

Usha Reddi, who served twice as mayor of Manhattan, ran for the U.S. 
Senate in 2020 before suspending that campaign as the COVID-19 pandemic 
expanded its reach in Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673028076936.png" alt="Manhattan City Commission member Usha Reddi was chosen to replace retiring Democratic state Sen. Tom Hawk, top row in mask, on Jan. 10. She has served on the city commission since 2013 and was a candidate for U.S. Senate until ending that campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Manhattan City Commission member Usha Reddi was chosen to replace retiring Democratic state Sen. Tom Hawk, top row in mask, on Jan. 10. She has served on the city commission since 2013 and was a candidate for U.S. Senate until ending that campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/01/06/manhattan-city-commissioner-selected-to-complete-senate-term-of-democrat-tom-hawk/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Democrats selected a 
10-year member of the Manhattan City Commission to fill the Kansas 
Senate seat to be vacated by retirement Sen. Tom Hawk.Usha Reddi, who served twice as mayor of Manhattan, ran for the U.S. 
Senate in 2020 before suspending that campaign as the COVID-19 pandemic 
expanded its reach in Kansas.She was chosen by precinct members in Riley, Clay and Geary counties 
Thursday to complete two years of Hawk’s term. In December, Hawk said he
 would retire from the Legislature on Jan. 10 — one day after opening of
 the annual session.“I’m thrilled to represent Senate District 22,” Reddi said. “Senator 
Tom Hawk is an outstanding leader and I’m sure I’ll be reaching out to 
him many times.”She was initially elected the Manhattan City Commission in 2013 and 
reelected in 2017 and 2021. She was mayor in 2016-2017 and 2020.Reddi, like Hawk, worked in public education. Hawk is a former 
superintendent and teacher, while Reddi was a first-grade teacher in 
Manhattan-Ogden public schools for more than 10 years. She earned 
degrees elementary education at Kansas State University and 
developmental psychology from Ohio State University. She also completed a
 master’s degree in educational leadership at Kansas State.Reddi’s family immigrated from India to the United States in 1973 
when she was eight years old. She has resided in Manhattan for 28 years.“Many of us have known Usha in her capacity as a community leader for
 years now, and we look forward to bringing her into the fold when she 
joins us as a legislative colleague,” said Senate Democratic Leader 
Dinah Sykes of Lenexa.In terms of the 2023 legislative session, there will be two 
Republican and one Democratic newcomers in the Senate. The GOP will 
still have a 29-11 advantage over Democrats.The 40-member Senate wasn’t on the ballot in 2022, but Sen. Ron 
Ryckman Sr., R-Meade, won a special election to retain his seat. He was 
appointed in 2021 to replace the late Sen. Bud Estes.Sen. Richard Hilderbrand, a Republican from Cherokee County, said he 
would resign Sunday from the Legislature. He was appointed to the Senate
 in 2017 and was elected in 2020 to a full term. Republicans in the 13th
 Senate of southeast Kansas will choose a replacement.Meanwhile, Wichita Republican Sen. Gene Suellentrop stepped down Jan.
 2 from District 27. The Sedgwick County Republican Party’s precinct 
vote resulted in nomination of Chase Blasi, who served on the staff of 
Senate President Ty Masterson of Andover, to represent Suellentrop’s 
district. Blasi defeated Karl Peterjohn, who is on the Sedgwick County 
Commission.“There are too many things in my life that are more important, at 
this stage, than serving in the Kansas Legislature,” Suellentrop said.Suellentrop was removed from his post as Senate majority leader after
 arrested in March 2021 in Topeka for driving at high speeds the wrong 
way on Interstate 70. He was found to have a 0.17% blood-alcohol level, 
which was twice the legal limit. He spent two days in jail after 
convicted of driving under the influence and reckless driving.