KANSAS CITY (AP) —The FBI is warning sports leagues about crime organizations targeting professional athletes following a string of burglaries at the homes of prominent NFL and NBA players.

The athletes' homes are targeted due to the perception they may contain high-end goods like designer handbags, jewelry, watches and cash, the FBI said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/fbi-issues-warning-burglaries-pro-athletes-homes/story?id=117197676">Liaison Information Report obtained by ABC News.</a>

The NFL and NBA already have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-security-alert-burglaries-mahomes-kelce-960075221367266fbee98f711a74c094">issued security alerts</a>&nbsp;to their players after the break-ins, some of which have come when players were away with their teams for road games. The NFL’s alert says homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.”

Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is the latest professional athlete whose home has been burglarized. Lara Beth Seager, the star guard’s business manager, told multiple media outlets Saturday there was a break-in at Doncic’s home. Seager said nobody was home at the time of the incident Friday night, and Doncic filed a police report.

Star NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City and Joe Burrow of Cincinnati, along with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, have been victims, as have NBA players Bobby Portis of Milwaukee and Mike Conley Jr. of Minnesota.

Organized theft groups from South America use publicly available information and social media to identify athletes' habits and track their comings and goings, the FBI report said. The groups use technology allowing them to bypass alarm systems, block wireless internet connections and disable devices, cover security cameras and hide their identities.

Athletes are encouraged to report suspicious activity, keep records of valuables and where they are kept, employ extra security and use caution on social media. The FBI also suggested athletes avoid posting pictures of valuables, the interior of their homes and real-time posts when on vacation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1721167941490.jpeg" alt="File photo AP" />
 <figcaption>File photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —The FBI is warning sports leagues about crime organizations targeting professional athletes following a string of burglaries at the homes of prominent NFL and NBA players.The athletes' homes are targeted due to the perception they may contain high-end goods like designer handbags, jewelry, watches and cash, the FBI said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/fbi-issues-warning-burglaries-pro-athletes-homes/story?id=117197676">Liaison Information Report obtained by ABC News.</a>The NFL and NBA already have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-security-alert-burglaries-mahomes-kelce-960075221367266fbee98f711a74c094">issued security alerts</a>&nbsp;to their players after the break-ins, some of which have come when players were away with their teams for road games. The NFL’s alert says homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become “increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/11/1732291591919.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is the latest professional athlete whose home has been burglarized. Lara Beth Seager, the star guard’s business manager, told multiple media outlets Saturday there was a break-in at Doncic’s home. Seager said nobody was home at the time of the incident Friday night, and Doncic filed a police report.Star NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City and Joe Burrow of Cincinnati, along with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, have been victims, as have NBA players Bobby Portis of Milwaukee and Mike Conley Jr. of Minnesota.Organized theft groups from South America use publicly available information and social media to identify athletes' habits and track their comings and goings, the FBI report said. The groups use technology allowing them to bypass alarm systems, block wireless internet connections and disable devices, cover security cameras and hide their identities.Athletes are encouraged to report suspicious activity, keep records of valuables and where they are kept, employ extra security and use caution on social media. The FBI also suggested athletes avoid posting pictures of valuables, the interior of their homes and real-time posts when on vacation.

FBI warning leagues about organized crime groups targeting pro athletes

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road-rage incident in Manhattan and have made an arrest.

Just before 4p.m. on December 27, officers filed a report of aggravated battery in the 700 block of Fort Riley Blvd., according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 46-year-old man, 20-year-old woman and an 18-year-old woman&nbsp; reported a road-rage incident escalated. Officers report the alleged subject, a 60-year-old man, was also listed as a victim as he reported harm was threatened upon him after he pointed a gun in the direction of the three other victims. 

David Beck of Manhattan was arrested for criminal threat and aggravated assault. Total bond was set at $10,000. Beck is not longer in custody, according to the RCPD.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged road-rage incident in Manhattan and have made an arrest.Just before 4p.m. on December 27, officers filed a report of aggravated battery in the 700 block of Fort Riley Blvd., according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 46-year-old man, 20-year-old woman and an 18-year-old woman&nbsp; reported a road-rage incident escalated. Officers report the alleged subject, a 60-year-old man, was also listed as a victim as he reported harm was threatened upon him after he pointed a gun in the direction of the three other victims. David Beck of Manhattan was arrested for criminal threat and aggravated assault. Total bond was set at $10,000. Beck is not longer in custody, according to the RCPD.

Man jailed for alleged road-rage incident in Manhattan

PALM BEACH, FL—President-elect Donald Trump is just a couple of weeks from beginning his second term in office.

He took time to visit with Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall on Monday in Florida.

According to his social media page, Marshall wrote, "It was great to bring my family to see our 45th and soon-to-be 47th president. My daughter, Lauren, and I are ready for President Trump to head to Washington and Make America Great Again.

Marshall did not reveal what he discussed with the president-elect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735611961132.png" alt="Photo U.S. Senator Roger Marshall" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Senator Roger Marshall</figcaption>
 </figure>PALM BEACH, FL—President-elect Donald Trump is just a couple of weeks from beginning his second term in office.He took time to visit with Kansas U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall on Monday in Florida.According to his social media page, Marshall wrote, "It was great to bring my family to see our 45th and soon-to-be 47th president. My daughter, Lauren, and I are ready for President Trump to head to Washington and Make America Great Again.Marshall did not reveal what he discussed with the president-elect.

Kansas U.S. Senator meets with President-elect Trump

KANSAS CITY—Two people died in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Monday in Kansas City.

A black Chrysler 300 and a silver Dodge Charger were street racing Southbound on Wornall from 99th Street at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sgt. Phil DiMartino.

At the same time, a silver Honda HRV was making a left turn onto Carondolet from Wornall.

The Chrysler struck the Honda. The driver and passenger of the Honda were both pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Chrysler was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. This is fatality # 96 and #97 compared to #101 from last year, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; Names of those who died and additional details have not been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735607871090.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Two people died in an accident just before 10:30a.m. Monday in Kansas City.A black Chrysler 300 and a silver Dodge Charger were street racing Southbound on Wornall from 99th Street at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD&nbsp;Sgt. Phil DiMartino.At the same time, a silver Honda HRV was making a left turn onto Carondolet from Wornall.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735607895651.png" alt="Photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>The Chrysler struck the Honda. The driver and passenger of the Honda were both pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Chrysler was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. This is fatality # 96 and #97 compared to #101 from last year, according to DiMartino.&nbsp; Names of those who died and additional details have not been released.

KCPD: Street racing led to double-fatal crash

TOPEKA—Governor Kelly attended the annual Statehouse Kwanzaa celebration on Monday.

On social media the Governor wrote, "The Kwanzaa celebration is a reminder of the hope and strength we can inspire in our communities by coming together. By lighting the kinara, we're reaffirming Kansas' commitment to the guiding principles and rich history of Kwanzaa."

The weeklong Kwanzaa holiday from Dec. 26 through Jan 1. celebrates African-American family, community and culture. Its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735608499331.jpeg" alt="Photos courtesy office of the Kansas governor" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy office of the Kansas governor</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—Governor Kelly attended the annual Statehouse Kwanzaa celebration on Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735608734861.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On social media the Governor wrote, "The Kwanzaa celebration is a reminder of the hope and strength we can inspire in our communities by coming together. By lighting the kinara, we're reaffirming Kansas' commitment to the guiding principles and rich history of Kwanzaa."The weeklong Kwanzaa holiday from Dec. 26 through Jan 1. celebrates African-American family, community and culture. Its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa.

Gov. attends Kwanzaa celebration at the Kansas Statehouse

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Monday that the United States will send nearly $2.5 billion more in weapons to Ukraine as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-weapons-russia-trump-biden-himars-zelenskyy-7b2560ad6bd54a6275da0ceb5241c0e8">his administration works quickly to spend</a>&nbsp;all the money it has available to help Kyiv fight off Russia before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President-elect Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;takes office.

The package includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-military-aid-kyiv-biden-9b926a275c235c59d591a649e2450746">$1.25 billion in presidential drawdown authority</a>, which allows the military to pull existing stock from its shelves and gets weapons to the battlefield faster. It also has $1.22 billion in longer-term weapons packages to be put on contract through the separate Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, or USAI.

According to the Department of Defense, the weapons include:

Munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS); HAWK air defense munitions; Stinger missiles; Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) munitions; Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition; Air-to-ground munitions; High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs); Unmanned Aerials Systems (UAS); Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems; Tube-launched, Optically guided, Wire-tracked (TOW) missiles; Small arms and ammunition and grenades; Demolitions equipment and munitions; Secure communications equipment; Commercial satellite imagery services; Medical equipment; Clothing and individual equipment; and Spare parts, maintenance and sustainment support, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation.

Biden said all longer-term USAI funds have now been spent and pledged to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-military-aid-russia-biden-efbcff8ed068e621055e8fa70b5905e1">use all the remaining drawdown money before leaving office</a>.

“I’ve directed my administration to continue surging as much assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible,” Biden said in a statement. “At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in this war over the remainder of my time in office.”

The new aid comes as Russia has launched a barrage of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-missile-energy-infrastructure-christmas-906dafcdbc66bc4976b0428a5cc0d263">attacks against Ukraine’s power facilities</a>&nbsp;in recent days, although Ukraine has said it intercepted a significant number of the missiles and drones. Russian and Ukrainian forces are also still in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kursk-d297a59fb9eb7db08bd742e1dd0aa753">bitter battle around the Russian border region of Kursk</a>, where Moscow has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-north-korea-fe2506b30c4289a19a41c332f3dbe49c">sent thousands of North Korean troops</a>&nbsp;to help reclaim territory taken by Ukraine.

The Biden administration is pushing to get weapons into Ukraine to give Kyiv the strongest negotiating position possible before Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. Trump has talked about getting some type of negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia and has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-donald-trump-campaigns-foreign-policy-4625a28e59996ff16085fdf30910a449">praised Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>.

Many U.S. and European leaders are concerned that Trump's talk of a settlement might result in a poor deal for Ukraine, and they worry that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-russia-ukraine-atacms-f3ca80252ea2812b6ab4f6844f7ecd23">he won’t provide Ukraine</a>&nbsp;with all the weapons funding approved by Congress.

Including Monday's announcement, the U.S. has provided more than $65 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded its neighbor in February 2022.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717851301558.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Monday that the United States will send nearly $2.5 billion more in weapons to Ukraine as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-weapons-russia-trump-biden-himars-zelenskyy-7b2560ad6bd54a6275da0ceb5241c0e8">his administration works quickly to spend</a>&nbsp;all the money it has available to help Kyiv fight off Russia before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President-elect Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;takes office.The package includes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-military-aid-kyiv-biden-9b926a275c235c59d591a649e2450746">$1.25 billion in presidential drawdown authority</a>, which allows the military to pull existing stock from its shelves and gets weapons to the battlefield faster. It also has $1.22 billion in longer-term weapons packages to be put on contract through the separate Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, or USAI.According to the Department of Defense, the weapons include:Munitions for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS); HAWK air defense munitions; Stinger missiles; Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (c-UAS) munitions; Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS);155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition; Air-to-ground munitions; High-speed Anti-radiation missiles (HARMs); Unmanned Aerials Systems (UAS); Javelin and AT-4 anti-armor systems; Tube-launched, Optically guided, Wire-tracked (TOW) missiles; Small arms and ammunition and grenades; Demolitions equipment and munitions; Secure communications equipment; Commercial satellite imagery services; Medical equipment; Clothing and individual equipment; and Spare parts, maintenance and sustainment support, ancillary equipment, services, training, and transportation.Biden said all longer-term USAI funds have now been spent and pledged to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-military-aid-russia-biden-efbcff8ed068e621055e8fa70b5905e1">use all the remaining drawdown money before leaving office</a>.“I’ve directed my administration to continue surging as much assistance to Ukraine as quickly as possible,” Biden said in a statement. “At my direction, the United States will continue to work relentlessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in this war over the remainder of my time in office.”The new aid comes as Russia has launched a barrage of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-missile-energy-infrastructure-christmas-906dafcdbc66bc4976b0428a5cc0d263">attacks against Ukraine’s power facilities</a>&nbsp;in recent days, although Ukraine has said it intercepted a significant number of the missiles and drones. Russian and Ukrainian forces are also still in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kursk-d297a59fb9eb7db08bd742e1dd0aa753">bitter battle around the Russian border region of Kursk</a>, where Moscow has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-north-korea-fe2506b30c4289a19a41c332f3dbe49c">sent thousands of North Korean troops</a>&nbsp;to help reclaim territory taken by Ukraine.The Biden administration is pushing to get weapons into Ukraine to give Kyiv the strongest negotiating position possible before Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. Trump has talked about getting some type of negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia and has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-donald-trump-campaigns-foreign-policy-4625a28e59996ff16085fdf30910a449">praised Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>.Many U.S. and European leaders are concerned that Trump's talk of a settlement might result in a poor deal for Ukraine, and they worry that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-putin-russia-ukraine-atacms-f3ca80252ea2812b6ab4f6844f7ecd23">he won’t provide Ukraine</a>&nbsp;with all the weapons funding approved by Congress.Including Monday's announcement, the U.S. has provided more than $65 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since Russia invaded its neighbor in February 2022.

Read list of $2.5 billion in new weapons U.S. sending to Ukraine

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a violent attack that sent a man to the hospital on Christmas Eve.

The attack occurred in the bathroom of The Blind Pig, a bar at 2501 Market Street in Salina, according to Salina Police Capt. David Villanueva.

The 26-year-old victim was slashed across the neck with a box cutter, leaving a three-and-a-half-inch laceration.&nbsp; After the attack, Salina police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Jayson Nung Alexander Adams of Salina.

 Adams was arrested on requested charges of attempted second-degree murder.&nbsp;

Police confirmed that the victim, who sustained significant injuries, was treated and released from Salina Regional Health Center.

As for the motive behind the attack, police have not yet determined why the attack occurred. The victim, when questioned, was unable to explain why Adams would attack him, leaving many unanswered questions that will likely be addressed during court proceedings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735395902324.jpeg" alt="Adams-photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Adams-photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a violent attack that sent a man to the hospital on Christmas Eve.The attack occurred in the bathroom of The Blind Pig, a bar at 2501 Market Street in Salina, according to Salina Police Capt. David Villanueva.The 26-year-old victim was slashed across the neck with a box cutter, leaving a three-and-a-half-inch laceration.&nbsp; After the attack, Salina police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Jayson Nung Alexander Adams of Salina. Adams was arrested on requested charges of attempted second-degree murder.&nbsp;Police confirmed that the victim, who sustained significant injuries, was treated and released from Salina Regional Health Center.As for the motive behind the attack, police have not yet determined why the attack occurred. The victim, when questioned, was unable to explain why Adams would attack him, leaving many unanswered questions that will likely be addressed during court proceedings.

Kan. man accused in Christmas Eve box cutter attack

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a stolen vehicle was located on SE California Avenue in Topeka.

Just before 3p.m., December 27, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a stolen black 2020 Chevrolet Trax from the 3000 block of SE Starlight Drive, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.

Shortly before 3:45 p.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 2400 block of SE California Avenue and one individual was taken into custody. Michael A. Woodworth, 46, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Theft from motor vehicle; $25,000 &lt; $100,000;&nbsp;Possession of stolen property; $25,000 to $100,000 and&nbsp;Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant.

Woodworth has previous convictions for Interference with law enforcement by destroying evidence in a felony case and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735524569546.png" alt="Woodworth -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Woodworth -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a stolen vehicle was located on SE California Avenue in Topeka.Just before 3p.m., December 27, deputies with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office took a report of a stolen black 2020 Chevrolet Trax from the 3000 block of SE Starlight Drive, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.Shortly before 3:45 p.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 2400 block of SE California Avenue and one individual was taken into custody. Michael A. Woodworth, 46, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Theft from motor vehicle; $25,000 &lt; $100,000;&nbsp;Possession of stolen property; $25,000 to $100,000 and&nbsp;Possession of an opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant.Woodworth has previous convictions for Interference with law enforcement by destroying evidence in a felony case and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kansas felon caught driving a stolen SUV

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Monday endorsed House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-mike-johnson-majority-trump-election-65d7217e4541cd314849c9a0da2b0081">Mike Johnson</a>, providing crucial backing for the Louisiana Republican as he prepares for what is expected to be another contentious speakership race this week.

Trump said in a post on his social media platform that Johnson “is a good, hard working, religious man” and said he “will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN.”

“Mike has my Complete &amp; Total Endorsement," he wrote.

Johnson thanked Trump for the endorsement and added, “The American people demand and deserve that we waste no time. Let’s get to work!”

The signal of support from Trump comes despite his frustration with a spending deal Johnson pushed through the House days before Christmas that failed to achieve his central goal of raising the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-shutdown-explainer-22ff94a8f8b188c722ff8fab3f7093d0">debt limit</a>.

But other Republicans have been less forgiving. Far-right criticism over the spending ordeal has left Johnson’s continued leadership of the incoming GOP majority once again in jeopardy. Though a deal was reached, averting a holiday shutdown, Johnson had to rely on Democrats to keep the government running, highlighting the limits of his influence and exposing cracks in his party’s support.

The speaker’s first two funding plans collapsed as Trump, who does not take the oath of office until Jan. 20, interceded with calls to suspend or lift the government debt ceiling.

Johnson, who has worked hard to stay close to Trump over the last several months, convinced the president-elect that he would meet his demands to raise the debt limit in 2025.

Trump had remained quiet about Johnson's fate before a Jan. 3 leadership vote for over a week, even as some Republicans signaled that they may not support Johnson for the role.

Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-primary-election-victoria-spartz-ukraine-57fb403caa6a9bbe459639baacfdb7fa">Victoria Spartz</a>, one of the Republicans who opposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kevin-mccarthy">Kevin McCarthy’s</a>&nbsp;initial bid for the speakership, said in a statement Monday that “our next speaker must show courageous leadership to get our country back on track.”

The Indiana lawmaker went on to make a series of demands for the next leader of the GOP majority, which included major spending reform. Rep. Andy Harris, who is the chair of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, had also indicated that Johnson's future as speaker is not guaranteed before the holidays.

In a Dec. 20 post on X, Harris said that Republicans have not done enough to bring down “spending, deficits and inflation" since Trump's electoral victory in November.

Because of this, Harris wrote, “I am now undecided on what House leadership should look like in the 119th Congress.”

Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri in Washington contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734277230811.png" alt="File photo House Speaker Mike Johnson and President-elect Trump at the Army Navy football game earlier this month." />
 <figcaption>File photo House Speaker Mike Johnson and President-elect Trump at the Army Navy football game earlier this month.</figcaption>
 </figure>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Monday endorsed House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-mike-johnson-majority-trump-election-65d7217e4541cd314849c9a0da2b0081">Mike Johnson</a>, providing crucial backing for the Louisiana Republican as he prepares for what is expected to be another contentious speakership race this week.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank you, President Trump! I’m honored and humbled by your support, as always. Together, we will quickly deliver on your America First agenda and usher in the new golden age of America. The American people demand and deserve that we waste no time. Let’s get to work! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/ljGrB08dRh">pic.twitter.com/ljGrB08dRh</a>&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1873758339324362916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump said in a post on his social media platform that Johnson “is a good, hard working, religious man” and said he “will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN.”“Mike has my Complete &amp; Total Endorsement," he wrote.Johnson thanked Trump for the endorsement and added, “The American people demand and deserve that we waste no time. Let’s get to work!”The signal of support from Trump comes despite his frustration with a spending deal Johnson pushed through the House days before Christmas that failed to achieve his central goal of raising the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debt-ceiling-shutdown-explainer-22ff94a8f8b188c722ff8fab3f7093d0">debt limit</a>.But other Republicans have been less forgiving. Far-right criticism over the spending ordeal has left Johnson’s continued leadership of the incoming GOP majority once again in jeopardy. Though a deal was reached, averting a holiday shutdown, Johnson had to rely on Democrats to keep the government running, highlighting the limits of his influence and exposing cracks in his party’s support.The speaker’s first two funding plans collapsed as Trump, who does not take the oath of office until Jan. 20, interceded with calls to suspend or lift the government debt ceiling.Johnson, who has worked hard to stay close to Trump over the last several months, convinced the president-elect that he would meet his demands to raise the debt limit in 2025.Trump had remained quiet about Johnson's fate before a Jan. 3 leadership vote for over a week, even as some Republicans signaled that they may not support Johnson for the role.Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-primary-election-victoria-spartz-ukraine-57fb403caa6a9bbe459639baacfdb7fa">Victoria Spartz</a>, one of the Republicans who opposed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kevin-mccarthy">Kevin McCarthy’s</a>&nbsp;initial bid for the speakership, said in a statement Monday that “our next speaker must show courageous leadership to get our country back on track.”The Indiana lawmaker went on to make a series of demands for the next leader of the GOP majority, which included major spending reform. Rep. Andy Harris, who is the chair of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, had also indicated that Johnson's future as speaker is not guaranteed before the holidays.In a Dec. 20 post on X, Harris said that Republicans have not done enough to bring down “spending, deficits and inflation" since Trump's electoral victory in November.Because of this, Harris wrote, “I am now undecided on what House leadership should look like in the 119th Congress.”___Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri in Washington contributed to this report.

Read Trump's endorsement of Johnson to stay on as House Speaker

SEDGWICK COUNTY — The Sedgwick County Zoo reported on Monday that they recently learned of a positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or bird flu identified within Sedgwick County.

"While this strain doesn't pose a high risk to human health, it does put many Zoo animals at risk. To ensure their safety, we've activated our HPAI action plan."

 As a result, the Tropics building at the zoo will be temporarily closed and Penguin Encounters will be discontinued. 

"Our dedicated animal care staff is working tirelessly to provide the birds with the best care, following strict safety protocols." 

"We appreciate your understanding and support. We'll keep you updated regarding the reopening and the resumption of our Penguin Encounters."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733747978622.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — The Sedgwick County Zoo reported on Monday that they recently learned of a positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or bird flu identified within Sedgwick County."While this strain doesn't pose a high risk to human health, it does put many Zoo animals at risk. To ensure their safety, we've activated our HPAI action plan." As a result, the Tropics building at the zoo will be temporarily closed and Penguin Encounters will be discontinued. "Our dedicated animal care staff is working tirelessly to provide the birds with the best care, following strict safety protocols." "We appreciate your understanding and support. We'll keep you updated regarding the reopening and the resumption of our Penguin Encounters."&nbsp;

Bird flu prompts temporary closures at Kansas zoo 

President Joe Biden has scheduled a state funeral in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter on Jan. 9.

Biden also declared Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning across the U.S. Carter, the longest-lived former president, died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100.

Biden also ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days from Sunday.

Text of the official White House Executive Order is below.

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1.&nbsp; All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed on January 9, 2025, as a mark of respect for James Earl Carter, Jr., the thirty-ninth President of the United States.&nbsp;

Sec. 2.&nbsp; The heads of executive departments and agencies may determine that certain offices and installations of their organizations, or parts thereof, must remain open and that certain employees must report for duty on January 9, 2025, for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need.

Sec. 3.&nbsp; January 9, 2025, shall be considered as falling within the scope of Executive Order 11582 of February 11, 1971, and of 5 U.S.C. 5546 and 6103(b) and other similar statutes insofar as they relate to the pay and leave of employees of the&nbsp;United States.&nbsp;

Sec. 4. &nbsp;The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall take such actions as may be necessary to implement this order.

Sec. 5. &nbsp;General Provisions. &nbsp;(a) &nbsp;Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i)&nbsp; &nbsp;the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) &nbsp;the functions of the Director of the Office of&nbsp;Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (b) &nbsp;This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (c) &nbsp;This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667594213472.png" alt="Former President Jimmy Carter photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former President Jimmy Carter photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>President Joe Biden has scheduled a state funeral in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter on Jan. 9.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: President Biden complete remarks on death of former President Jimmy Carter. <a href="https://t.co/Sea2QtgMPW">pic.twitter.com/Sea2QtgMPW</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1873534289557545352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden also declared Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning across the U.S. Carter, the longest-lived former president, died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Carter was an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian. He will be greatly missed. <a href="https://t.co/OamGQ13u9U">pic.twitter.com/OamGQ13u9U</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1873745890105561445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden also ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days from Sunday.Text of the official White House Executive Order is below.By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:Section 1.&nbsp; All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government shall be closed on January 9, 2025, as a mark of respect for James Earl Carter, Jr., the thirty-ninth President of the United States.&nbsp;Sec. 2.&nbsp; The heads of executive departments and agencies may determine that certain offices and installations of their organizations, or parts thereof, must remain open and that certain employees must report for duty on January 9, 2025, for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need.Sec. 3.&nbsp; January 9, 2025, shall be considered as falling within the scope of Executive Order 11582 of February 11, 1971, and of 5 U.S.C. 5546 and 6103(b) and other similar statutes insofar as they relate to the pay and leave of employees of the&nbsp;United States.&nbsp;Sec. 4. &nbsp;The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall take such actions as may be necessary to implement this order.Sec. 5. &nbsp;General Provisions. &nbsp;(a) &nbsp;Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:(i)&nbsp; &nbsp;the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or(ii) &nbsp;the functions of the Director of the Office of&nbsp;Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (b) &nbsp;This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (c) &nbsp;This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Most federal employees will have Jan. 9 off in observance of Jimmy Carter

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Sunday in Wichita.

A mini-bike driven by 25-year-old Kevin Wilson of Wichita was eastbound on East Gilbert Avenue and did not stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Edgemoor Avenue, according to Wichita Police Officer Juan Rebolledo.

The mini bike collided with the front driver's side of a transport van driven by a 65-year-old Wichita resident. First responders found Wilson unresponsive and not breathing, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp; Officers administered life-saving measures until EMS arrived and pronounced him deceased at the scene.

&nbsp;The driver of the van remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

Preliminary findings indicate that speed is suspected to be a contributing factor in the crash. This incident remains under active investigation, according to Rebolledo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735575071169.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 11:30a.m. Sunday in Wichita.A mini-bike driven by 25-year-old Kevin Wilson of Wichita was eastbound on East Gilbert Avenue and did not stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Edgemoor Avenue, according to Wichita Police Officer Juan Rebolledo.The mini bike collided with the front driver's side of a transport van driven by a 65-year-old Wichita resident. First responders found Wilson unresponsive and not breathing, according to Rebolledo.&nbsp; Officers administered life-saving measures until EMS arrived and pronounced him deceased at the scene.&nbsp;The driver of the van remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.Preliminary findings indicate that speed is suspected to be a contributing factor in the crash. This incident remains under active investigation, according to Rebolledo.

Police: Speed a factor in fatal Kansas mini-bike, van crash

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — On Jan. 1, 2025, Kansans will no longer pay state sales tax on groceries. They will still pay city- and county-imposed taxes, but the current state tax of 2% will be reduced to zero.&nbsp;

A&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/11/kelly-goes-shopping-for-sweet-food-sales-tax-repeal-settles-for-gradual-reduction/">2022 law</a>&nbsp;set out a three-year plan to reduce the state’s sales tax on groceries, which was at 6.5% in 2022. In 2023, it was reduced to 4%, and in 2024 to 2%. When the bill was introduced, Kansas had one of the highest food sales taxes, second to Mississippi with 7%.&nbsp;

City and county grocery taxes will still be added. They range from 0%, in 11 counties, to a high of 2.25% in Sherman County. Most counties have between 0.01% to 2% grocery taxes. Twelve counties have a grocery tax higher than 2%. The average monthly household cost for groceries is about $500 per month, so it’s estimated that the average Sherman County household would pay about $11 per month on grocery tax. In 2022, they would have paid around $34 per month.&nbsp;

Nancy Hamilton, a health psychologist, says the burden of the food sales tax — and other regressive taxes — fall the heaviest on low-income communities.&nbsp;

“Eliminating sales tax on food should have a greater benefit for those with the least because they spend the greatest proportion of their income on necessities like food,” Hamilton said.&nbsp;

The Kansas Health Institute found that not only did the tax harm low-income Kansans financially, but also in terms of health.&nbsp;

“Taxes are a financial driver within the overall food system that impact household purchasing power and behavior, community health and nutrition,” they said.&nbsp;

The 2022 law was passed with bipartisan support, unanimously in the Senate and with an overwhelming majority in the House. Gov. Laura Kelly said that the tax cut is a “win for the Kansas people,” after hearing Kansans’ concerns with inflation on food.&nbsp;

When the law was passed, food prices had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/" target="_blank">increased by 9.9%</a>. In 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/" target="_blank">they increased by 5.8%</a>.&nbsp;

“You take a 6.5% reduction in the cost of food for people — that makes a huge difference to many, many people,”&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/icymi-food-sales-tax-axed-by-governor-kelly-to-be-fully-eliminated-in-2025/#:~:text=State%20sales%20tax%20on%20food,accordance%20with%20House%20Bill%202106." target="_blank">Kelly said</a>. “Now I think we calculated that the average family of four would save over $500 a year, just on sales tax elimination.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735234496874.png" alt=" Gov. Laura Kelly stopped at Mi Pueblito Meat Market, a Latino-owned grocery store in Topeka, in May 2022, to promote a reduction in the state food tax. " />
 <figcaption> Gov. Laura Kelly stopped at Mi Pueblito Meat Market, a Latino-owned grocery store in Topeka, in May 2022, to promote a reduction in the state food tax. </figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ghills/">GRACE HILLS</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — On Jan. 1, 2025, Kansans will no longer pay state sales tax on groceries. They will still pay city- and county-imposed taxes, but the current state tax of 2% will be reduced to zero.&nbsp;A&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/05/11/kelly-goes-shopping-for-sweet-food-sales-tax-repeal-settles-for-gradual-reduction/">2022 law</a>&nbsp;set out a three-year plan to reduce the state’s sales tax on groceries, which was at 6.5% in 2022. In 2023, it was reduced to 4%, and in 2024 to 2%. When the bill was introduced, Kansas had one of the highest food sales taxes, second to Mississippi with 7%.&nbsp;City and county grocery taxes will still be added. They range from 0%, in 11 counties, to a high of 2.25% in Sherman County. Most counties have between 0.01% to 2% grocery taxes. Twelve counties have a grocery tax higher than 2%. The average monthly household cost for groceries is about $500 per month, so it’s estimated that the average Sherman County household would pay about $11 per month on grocery tax. In 2022, they would have paid around $34 per month.&nbsp;Nancy Hamilton, a health psychologist, says the burden of the food sales tax — and other regressive taxes — fall the heaviest on low-income communities.&nbsp;“Eliminating sales tax on food should have a greater benefit for those with the least because they spend the greatest proportion of their income on necessities like food,” Hamilton said.&nbsp;The Kansas Health Institute found that not only did the tax harm low-income Kansans financially, but also in terms of health.&nbsp;“Taxes are a financial driver within the overall food system that impact household purchasing power and behavior, community health and nutrition,” they said.&nbsp;The 2022 law was passed with bipartisan support, unanimously in the Senate and with an overwhelming majority in the House. Gov. Laura Kelly said that the tax cut is a “win for the Kansas people,” after hearing Kansans’ concerns with inflation on food.&nbsp;When the law was passed, food prices had&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/" target="_blank">increased by 9.9%</a>. In 2023,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-price-outlook/summary-findings/" target="_blank">they increased by 5.8%</a>.&nbsp;“You take a 6.5% reduction in the cost of food for people — that makes a huge difference to many, many people,”&nbsp;<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/icymi-food-sales-tax-axed-by-governor-kelly-to-be-fully-eliminated-in-2025/#:~:text=State%20sales%20tax%20on%20food,accordance%20with%20House%20Bill%202106." target="_blank">Kelly said</a>. “Now I think we calculated that the average family of four would save over $500 a year, just on sales tax elimination.”

State sales tax on groceries drops to zero Jan. 1 

SALINE COUNTY —Police are investigating a violent attack involving a machete and have made an arrest.

The altercation occurred between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. December 27 following a heated dispute the previous evening, according to Salina Police Captain David Villanueva.

"Apparently, there were folks hanging out together. They know each other. There was some alcohol involved and that night before, there was some words between the victim and the suspect," Villanueva said. 

The suspect identified as 48-year-old&nbsp;Tualagi Masaniai allegedly had threatened the victim with a knife and also had made comments that he would “choke the person out, or cause him harm,” according to Captain Villanueva.

The following morning, Tualagi came to the 38-year-old victim's house in the 400 Block of South 4th Street in Salina.

According to the police report, Masaniai allegedly struck the victim in the face with a machete, creating a vertical laceration extending from the victim’s eye to his nose. Villanueva described the injury as severe, noting that it exposed facial substructures beneath the skin. The victim was treated for his injuries at Salina Regional Health Center. Police did not have an update on his condition Monday.

A police search of Masaniai’s residence uncovered a machete, described by investigators as a two-and-a-half to three-foot-long bush blade with blood on it. Additional evidence was also recovered from the suspect’s vehicle.

Police found Masaniai at a motel on South Broadway in Salina and arrested him on requested charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery and criminal threat.&nbsp; Villanueva said that the prior verbal threats, combined with the attack, led to the attempted first-degree murder charge.

Police did not release any additional information on the relationship between Masaniai and victim or the number of individuals present during the initial altercation on Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735579321439.jpeg" alt="Tualagi Masaniai-photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Tualagi Masaniai-photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Police are investigating a violent attack involving a machete and have made an arrest.The altercation occurred between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. December 27 following a heated dispute the previous evening, according to Salina Police Captain David Villanueva."Apparently, there were folks hanging out together. They know each other. There was some alcohol involved and that night before, there was some words between the victim and the suspect," Villanueva said. The suspect identified as 48-year-old&nbsp;Tualagi Masaniai allegedly had threatened the victim with a knife and also had made comments that he would “choke the person out, or cause him harm,” according to Captain Villanueva.The following morning, Tualagi came to the 38-year-old victim's house in the 400 Block of South 4th Street in Salina.According to the police report, Masaniai allegedly struck the victim in the face with a machete, creating a vertical laceration extending from the victim’s eye to his nose. Villanueva described the injury as severe, noting that it exposed facial substructures beneath the skin. The victim was treated for his injuries at Salina Regional Health Center. Police did not have an update on his condition Monday.A police search of Masaniai’s residence uncovered a machete, described by investigators as a two-and-a-half to three-foot-long bush blade with blood on it. Additional evidence was also recovered from the suspect’s vehicle.Police found Masaniai at a motel on South Broadway in Salina and arrested him on requested charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery and criminal threat.&nbsp; Villanueva said that the prior verbal threats, combined with the attack, led to the attempted first-degree murder charge.Police did not release any additional information on the relationship between Masaniai and victim or the number of individuals present during the initial altercation on Friday.

Police: Kansas man struck victim in face with machete

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal appeals court on Monday upheld a jury’s finding in a civil case that Donald Trump sexually abused a columnist in an upscale department store dressing room in the mid-1990s.

<a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca2.60504/gov.uscourts.ca2.60504.176.1.pdf">Click here to read</a> the court's ruling

The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a written opinion upholding the $5 million award that the Manhattan jury granted to E. Jean Carroll for defamation and sexual abuse.

The longtime magazine columnist had testified at a 2023 trial that Trump turned a friendly encounter in spring 1996 into a violent attack after they playfully entered the store’s dressing room.

Trump skipped the trial after repeatedly denying the attack ever happened. But he briefly testified at a follow-up defamation trial earlier this year that resulted in an $83.3 million award. The second trial resulted from comments then-President Trump made in 2019 after Carroll first made the accusations publicly in a memoir.

In its ruling, a three-judge panel of the appeals court rejected claims by Trump's lawyers that trial Judge Lewis A. Kaplan had made multiple decisions that spoiled the trial, including by permitting two other women who had accused Trump of sexually abusing them to testify.

The judge also had allowed the jury to view the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape in which Trump boasted in 2005 about grabbing women’s genitals because when someone is a star, “you can do anything.”

“We conclude that Mr. Trump has not demonstrated that the district court erred in any of the challenged rulings," the 2nd Circuit said. “Further, he has not carried his burden to show that any claimed error or combination of claimed errors affected his substantial rights as required to warrant a new trial.”

In September, both Carroll, 81, and Trump, 78, attended oral arguments by the 2nd Circuit.

Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesperson, said in a statement that Trump was elected by voters who delivered "an overwhelming mandate, and they demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all of the Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded Carroll Hoax, which will continue to be appealed.”

Roberta Kaplan, a lawyer who represented Carroll during the trial and is not related to the judge, said in a statement: “Both E. Jean Carroll and I are gratified by today’s decision. We thank the Second Circuit for its careful consideration of the parties’ arguments.”

The first jury found in May 2023 that Trump sexually abused Carroll and defamed her with comments he made in October 2022. That jury&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-carroll-trial-fe68259a4b98bb3947d42af9ec83d7db">awarded Carroll $5 million</a>.

In January, a second jury&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-carroll-defamation-trial-e4ea8b93cdeb29857864ffd8d14be888">awarded Carroll an additional $83.3 million</a>&nbsp;in damages for comments Trump had made about her while he was president, finding that they were defamatory. That jury had been instructed by the judge to accept the first jury’s finding that Trump had sexually abused Carroll. The appeal of that verdict has not yet been heard.

Carroll testified during both trials that her life as an Elle magazine columnist was spoiled by Trump’s public comments, which she said motivated some people to send her death threats and leave her fearful to leave the upstate New York cabin where she lives.

Trump testified for under three minutes at the second trial and was not permitted to challenge conclusions reached by the May 2023 jury. Still, he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-carroll-defamation-lawsuit-70d4477120399373934253c7e450643e">animated in the courtroom</a>&nbsp;throughout the two-week trial, and jurors could hear him grumbling about the case.

During appeals arguments in September, Trump lawyer D. John Sauer said testimony from witnesses who recalled Carroll telling them about the 1996 encounter with Trump immediately afterward was improper because the witnesses had “egregious bias” against Trump.

And the attorney said the judge also should have excluded the testimony of the two women who said Trump committed similar acts of sex abuse against them in the 1970s and in 2005. Trump has denied those allegations too.

The 2nd Circuit wrote: “In each of the three encounters, Mr. Trump engaged in an ordinary conversation with a woman he barely knew, then abruptly lunged at her in a semi-public place and proceeded to kiss and forcefully touch her without her consent. The acts are sufficiently similar to show a pattern.”

It said the “Access Hollywood” tape was “directly corroborative” of the testimony by the women of the pattern of behavior they experienced.

The Associated Press does not identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they come forward publicly, as Carroll has done.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735576738520.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — A federal appeals court on Monday upheld a jury’s finding in a civil case that Donald Trump sexually abused a columnist in an upscale department store dressing room in the mid-1990s.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706306535436.png" alt="File photo - E. Jean Carroll E.&nbsp;leaves court in New York City after a jury awarded her $83.3 million in damages in her defamation suit against former&nbsp;President Donald Trump.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo - E. Jean Carroll E.&nbsp;leaves court in New York City after a jury awarded her $83.3 million in damages in her defamation suit against former&nbsp;President Donald Trump.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca2.60504/gov.uscourts.ca2.60504.176.1.pdf">Click here to read</a> the court's rulingThe 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a written opinion upholding the $5 million award that the Manhattan jury granted to E. Jean Carroll for defamation and sexual abuse.The longtime magazine columnist had testified at a 2023 trial that Trump turned a friendly encounter in spring 1996 into a violent attack after they playfully entered the store’s dressing room.Trump skipped the trial after repeatedly denying the attack ever happened. But he briefly testified at a follow-up defamation trial earlier this year that resulted in an $83.3 million award. The second trial resulted from comments then-President Trump made in 2019 after Carroll first made the accusations publicly in a memoir.In its ruling, a three-judge panel of the appeals court rejected claims by Trump's lawyers that trial Judge Lewis A. Kaplan had made multiple decisions that spoiled the trial, including by permitting two other women who had accused Trump of sexually abusing them to testify.The judge also had allowed the jury to view the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape in which Trump boasted in 2005 about grabbing women’s genitals because when someone is a star, “you can do anything.”“We conclude that Mr. Trump has not demonstrated that the district court erred in any of the challenged rulings," the 2nd Circuit said. “Further, he has not carried his burden to show that any claimed error or combination of claimed errors affected his substantial rights as required to warrant a new trial.”In September, both Carroll, 81, and Trump, 78, attended oral arguments by the 2nd Circuit.Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesperson, said in a statement that Trump was elected by voters who delivered "an overwhelming mandate, and they demand an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all of the Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded Carroll Hoax, which will continue to be appealed.”Roberta Kaplan, a lawyer who represented Carroll during the trial and is not related to the judge, said in a statement: “Both E. Jean Carroll and I are gratified by today’s decision. We thank the Second Circuit for its careful consideration of the parties’ arguments.”The first jury found in May 2023 that Trump sexually abused Carroll and defamed her with comments he made in October 2022. That jury&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-carroll-trial-fe68259a4b98bb3947d42af9ec83d7db">awarded Carroll $5 million</a>.In January, a second jury&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-carroll-defamation-trial-e4ea8b93cdeb29857864ffd8d14be888">awarded Carroll an additional $83.3 million</a>&nbsp;in damages for comments Trump had made about her while he was president, finding that they were defamatory. That jury had been instructed by the judge to accept the first jury’s finding that Trump had sexually abused Carroll. The appeal of that verdict has not yet been heard.Carroll testified during both trials that her life as an Elle magazine columnist was spoiled by Trump’s public comments, which she said motivated some people to send her death threats and leave her fearful to leave the upstate New York cabin where she lives.Trump testified for under three minutes at the second trial and was not permitted to challenge conclusions reached by the May 2023 jury. Still, he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-carroll-defamation-lawsuit-70d4477120399373934253c7e450643e">animated in the courtroom</a>&nbsp;throughout the two-week trial, and jurors could hear him grumbling about the case.During appeals arguments in September, Trump lawyer D. John Sauer said testimony from witnesses who recalled Carroll telling them about the 1996 encounter with Trump immediately afterward was improper because the witnesses had “egregious bias” against Trump.And the attorney said the judge also should have excluded the testimony of the two women who said Trump committed similar acts of sex abuse against them in the 1970s and in 2005. Trump has denied those allegations too.The 2nd Circuit wrote: “In each of the three encounters, Mr. Trump engaged in an ordinary conversation with a woman he barely knew, then abruptly lunged at her in a semi-public place and proceeded to kiss and forcefully touch her without her consent. The acts are sufficiently similar to show a pattern.”It said the “Access Hollywood” tape was “directly corroborative” of the testimony by the women of the pattern of behavior they experienced.The Associated Press does not identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted unless they come forward publicly, as Carroll has done.

Read the ruling: Court upholds award in sex abuse verdict against Trump

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas felon is recovering from injuries after a crash during a&nbsp; police chase in Shawnee County.

Just after 9p.m. December 27, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received notification of a theft at a business in the 2600 block of NW Rochester Road, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.&nbsp;

A deputy located the suspect's red Chevrolet Blazer northbound in the 4000 Block NW Rochester Road in Topeka.

The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle near NW 46th Street and NW Topeka Boulevard, but the driver refused to stop, initiating a pursuit. 

The driver, later identified as 52-year-old Clifford H. Swarthout, Jr.,&nbsp; continued southbound on NW Topeka Boulevard and then westbound on NW 39th Street. The driver failed to negotiate the T-intersection at NW Button Road and left the roadway. 

The vehicle came to rest in the trees on it’s side. Both occupants were extricated from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital by American Medical Response (AMR) with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Topeka Police Department handled the female passenger in regards to the initial theft. The male driver, Clifford H. Swarthout Jr., 52, of Topeka, was taken into custody and once released from the hospital will be booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following requested charges&nbsp;Aggravated battery;&nbsp;Flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and&nbsp;Driving while license suspended.

Swarthout has numerous previous felony convictions that include forgery, theft, burglary and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735524980127.png" alt="Swarthout has numerous previous felony convictions that include forgery, theft, burglary and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-Photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Swarthout has numerous previous felony convictions that include forgery, theft, burglary and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.-Photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas felon is recovering from injuries after a crash during a&nbsp; police chase in Shawnee County.Just after 9p.m. December 27, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received notification of a theft at a business in the 2600 block of NW Rochester Road, according to Sheriff Brian Hill.&nbsp;A deputy located the suspect's red Chevrolet Blazer northbound in the 4000 Block NW Rochester Road in Topeka.The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle near NW 46th Street and NW Topeka Boulevard, but the driver refused to stop, initiating a pursuit. The driver, later identified as 52-year-old Clifford H. Swarthout, Jr.,&nbsp; continued southbound on NW Topeka Boulevard and then westbound on NW 39th Street. The driver failed to negotiate the T-intersection at NW Button Road and left the roadway. The vehicle came to rest in the trees on it’s side. Both occupants were extricated from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital by American Medical Response (AMR) with non-life-threatening injuries.The Topeka Police Department handled the female passenger in regards to the initial theft. The male driver, Clifford H. Swarthout Jr., 52, of Topeka, was taken into custody and once released from the hospital will be booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following requested charges&nbsp;Aggravated battery;&nbsp;Flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and&nbsp;Driving while license suspended.Swarthout has numerous previous felony convictions that include forgery, theft, burglary and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. felon hospitalized after crash during police chase

Former President&nbsp;Jimmy Carter has died&nbsp;at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977 and then built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

Carter died Sunday, coming up on two years after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia.

Kansas lawmakers issued statement about the former President on social media.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit the official tribute website to the life of President Carter at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jimmycartertribute.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cnina.pardo%40cartercenter.org%7C91568bb26a924c33adea08dd284e71ad%7C16decddb28ac4bea8fc95844aadea669%7C0%7C0%7C638711039552458792%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2BL7wuK9%2BVXZ9gaA9dPs1umaY5zYLqBBGytTSjnf%2FE3M%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.jimmycartertribute.org</a>. This site includes the official online condolence book as well as print and visual biographical materials commemorating his life.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735528950240.png" alt="Former President Jimmy Carter photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former President Jimmy Carter photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Former President&nbsp;Jimmy Carter has died&nbsp;at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977 and then built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.Carter died Sunday, coming up on two years after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia.Kansas lawmakers issued statement about the former President on social media.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Jimmy Carter was a truly moral man. His innate humanity, his humility, his devotion to serving his community and his country, and his belief that the world could live in peace is the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. A corresponding order for flag honors is to come. <a href="https://t.co/2ROqmzBxqY">pic.twitter.com/2ROqmzBxqY</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1873525957140877691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Carter lived a life of service to his nation as a member of the U.S. Navy, the Governor of Georgia and the President of the United States. Today, we mourn the loss of a leader and champion of human rights. Robba and I offer our prayers and sincerest condolences to the…&mdash; Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) <a href="https://twitter.com/JerryMoran/status/1873515797001458050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am saddened to hear the passing of President Jimmy Carter. His story is one of unwavering commitment to public service, extending long before and far beyond his time in the White House. His life was a devoted journey of protecting and serving our great nation, and giving back…&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1873496280380448930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President Joe Biden has scheduled a state funeral in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter on Jan. 9.Members of the public are encouraged to visit the official tribute website to the life of President Carter at&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jimmycartertribute.org%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cnina.pardo%40cartercenter.org%7C91568bb26a924c33adea08dd284e71ad%7C16decddb28ac4bea8fc95844aadea669%7C0%7C0%7C638711039552458792%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2BL7wuK9%2BVXZ9gaA9dPs1umaY5zYLqBBGytTSjnf%2FE3M%3D&amp;reserved=0">www.jimmycartertribute.org</a>. This site includes the official online condolence book as well as print and visual biographical materials commemorating his life.

Kan. lawmakers reflect on the life of former President Jimmy Carter

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas have identified the victim as 18-year-old&nbsp;Zamauria Jones, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.

Just after 10p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 7600 block of Monroe Avenue on a reported sound of shots call for service. While officers were on the way to the call, they were flagged down by an individual who stated she was transporting a shooting victim, later identified as Jones, to the hospital and needed help.

Officers immediately removed Jones from the vehicle. She was unresponsive and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. 

Medical aid was provided for Jones by officers on scene until emergency medical personnel responded. Jones was immediately transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

Police have not reported information indicating what lead up to the shooting. Police are working to gather information on anyone who may be responsible for this incident. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735481260828.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement investigating a weekend homicide in Kansas have identified the victim as 18-year-old&nbsp;Zamauria Jones, according to KCPD Officer Alayna Gonzalez.Just after 10p.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the 7600 block of Monroe Avenue on a reported sound of shots call for service. While officers were on the way to the call, they were flagged down by an individual who stated she was transporting a shooting victim, later identified as Jones, to the hospital and needed help.Officers immediately removed Jones from the vehicle. She was unresponsive and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. Medical aid was provided for Jones by officers on scene until emergency medical personnel responded. Jones was immediately transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced deceased.Police have not reported information indicating what lead up to the shooting. Police are working to gather information on anyone who may be responsible for this incident.

Homicide: KCPD flagged down by driver taking woman to hospital

SALINA—All dogs at the animal shelter in Salina are currently under quarantine, according to a social media report from Salina Animal Services.

The quarantine is a precautionary measure&nbsp;due to a recent Giardia outbreak. Giardia is a tiny parasite (germ) that causes diarrhea, according to the CDC.

"The health and safety of our animals are our top priority, and we are currently consulting with a local veterinarian to manage the situation and ensure proper care," the shelter wrote.

"We appreciate your understanding and support during this time. If you are interested in adopting, please stay tuned for further updates as we continue to monitor the situation. Thank you for your patience!For any questions, please feel free to reach out to us directly."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689626848974.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA—All dogs at the animal shelter in Salina are currently under quarantine, according to a social media report from Salina Animal Services.The quarantine is a precautionary measure&nbsp;due to a recent Giardia outbreak. Giardia is a tiny parasite (germ) that causes diarrhea, according to the CDC."The health and safety of our animals are our top priority, and we are currently consulting with a local veterinarian to manage the situation and ensure proper care," the shelter wrote."We appreciate your understanding and support during this time. If you are interested in adopting, please stay tuned for further updates as we continue to monitor the situation. Thank you for your patience!For any questions, please feel free to reach out to us directly."

All dogs at Salina Animal Shelter under quarantine

By&nbsp;ANNA KAMINSKI <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

While thousands of patients cross the border with medical cards in hand, countless more are buying recreational cannabis without a prescription. That’s unlikely to change as some Kansas lawmakers signal resistance to medical legalization in 2025.

TOPEKA — Thousands of Kansans are crossing the Missouri border with medical marijuana cards in hand, and that’s unlikely to change as Kansas lawmakers resist medical legalization in 2025.

Legislators&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/28/kansas-senate-committee-tables-medical-marijuana-bill-until-2025-legislative-session/" target="_blank">tabled</a>&nbsp;a medical marijuana bill in March and promised to revisit it at the beginning of the 2025 session, which begins Jan. 13. In October, a majority of medical marijuana committee members declined in a 5-4 vote to urge the Legislature to pass a medical marijuana bill.

Anyone can bring a bill for consideration at any time, said Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, at the October committee meeting.

“But I think it would not be the place of this committee to force upon the Legislature a bill when a large number — well, quite a few of the committee — I think still have a lot of questions,” he said.

Thompson has been cautioning legislators against making a hasty decision for at least two&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/01/despite-high-hopes-success-of-kansas-marijuana-legislation-remains-unclear/" target="_blank">years</a>.

Nearly 2,200 Kansans are medical marijuana patients in Missouri, according to October data obtained through a public records request from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Outgoing Rep. Dennis “Boog” Highberger, a Lawrence Democrat, pointed to polls that show more than&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/01/kansans-support-marijuana-legalization-lawmakers-wont-bite/" target="_blank">70% of Kansans favor legalization</a>.

“I think if we don’t come back to this in January, it will just die or get punted until next year,” he said.

Medical and recreational sales in Missouri in 2024 have totaled more than $1.3 billion combined as of October, according to the state’s cannabis patient, caregiver and consumer&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/stats.php" target="_blank">data</a>. Most of the sales, about $1.1 billion worth, were recreational, which began in February 2023.

Taxes gleaned from marijuana sales — 4% on medical and 6% on recreational — have funneled millions of dollars to Missouri’s veterans commission, public defense system and a substance use treatment program within the health department.

The Kansas Cannabis Chamber of Commerce has been watching the number of people taking Kansas dollars to Missouri, but its focus has shifted to hemp instead of marijuana after years of adversarial legislative sessions, said Erren Wright, the chamber’s board president.

Small businesses and community members are suffering, she said. All the while, she said legislators continue to act in bad faith.

“We’re really unhappy with the way Kansas is going about this,” Wright said.

Grace Hoge, a spokeswoman for Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s office, said medical marijuana legalization is a widely supported, “commonsense” policy.

“Gov. Kelly has been consistent in her belief that legalizing medical marijuana would improve Kansas’ overall health and economy and help those who suffer from chronic pain and serious illnesses,” Hoge said. “She will continue to support the passage of a Kansas-specific approach that is both feasible and well-regulated.”

Some legislators expressed interest at the October meeting in waiting to see the results of marijuana ballot measures in Nebraska and Florida in the 2024 general election.

Nebraska voters approved a medical marijuana program, joining the ranks of other Kansas neighbors Colorado, Missouri and Oklahoma. While&nbsp;<a href="https://floridaphoenix.com/2024/11/05/amendment-3-comes-up-short-of-the-60-required-for-passage/" target="_blank">a majority of Florida voters favored</a>&nbsp;a ballot measure to legalize recreational cannabis, it was 4 percentage points short of the required 60% threshold for passage. Recreational cannabis is permitted for people 21 and older in Missouri and Colorado.

Colorado doesn’t allow medical marijuana cardholders to live outside the state upon applying, said Mariah La Rue, a spokeswoman for the Colorado Center for Health and Environmental Data. Similarly, Oklahoma requires out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders to possess licenses from their own state.

The true number of Kansans crossing state lines to access some form of legal cannabis is unknown.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is aware of the exploration of legalized cannabis in and around Kansas, but it’s focused on impaired driving, said April McCollum, a spokeswoman for the patrol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734976451995.png" alt="Kansas legislators tabled a medical marijuana bill in March and promised to revisit it at the beginning of the 2025 session, which begins Jan. 13. In October, a majority of medical marijuana committee members declined in a 5-4 vote to urge the Legislature to pass a medical marijuana bill. Tim Carpenter / Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Kansas legislators tabled a medical marijuana bill in March and promised to revisit it at the beginning of the 2025 session, which begins Jan. 13. In October, a majority of medical marijuana committee members declined in a 5-4 vote to urge the Legislature to pass a medical marijuana bill. Tim Carpenter / Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;ANNA KAMINSKI <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>While thousands of patients cross the border with medical cards in hand, countless more are buying recreational cannabis without a prescription. That’s unlikely to change as some Kansas lawmakers signal resistance to medical legalization in 2025.</h2>TOPEKA — Thousands of Kansans are crossing the Missouri border with medical marijuana cards in hand, and that’s unlikely to change as Kansas lawmakers resist medical legalization in 2025.Legislators&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/03/28/kansas-senate-committee-tables-medical-marijuana-bill-until-2025-legislative-session/" target="_blank">tabled</a>&nbsp;a medical marijuana bill in March and promised to revisit it at the beginning of the 2025 session, which begins Jan. 13. In October, a majority of medical marijuana committee members declined in a 5-4 vote to urge the Legislature to pass a medical marijuana bill.Anyone can bring a bill for consideration at any time, said Sen. Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, at the October committee meeting.“But I think it would not be the place of this committee to force upon the Legislature a bill when a large number — well, quite a few of the committee — I think still have a lot of questions,” he said.Thompson has been cautioning legislators against making a hasty decision for at least two&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/01/despite-high-hopes-success-of-kansas-marijuana-legislation-remains-unclear/" target="_blank">years</a>.Nearly 2,200 Kansans are medical marijuana patients in Missouri, according to October data obtained through a public records request from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.Outgoing Rep. Dennis “Boog” Highberger, a Lawrence Democrat, pointed to polls that show more than&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/11/01/kansans-support-marijuana-legalization-lawmakers-wont-bite/" target="_blank">70% of Kansans favor legalization</a>.“I think if we don’t come back to this in January, it will just die or get punted until next year,” he said.Medical and recreational sales in Missouri in 2024 have totaled more than $1.3 billion combined as of October, according to the state’s cannabis patient, caregiver and consumer&nbsp;<a href="https://health.mo.gov/safety/cannabis/stats.php" target="_blank">data</a>. Most of the sales, about $1.1 billion worth, were recreational, which began in February 2023.Taxes gleaned from marijuana sales — 4% on medical and 6% on recreational — have funneled millions of dollars to Missouri’s veterans commission, public defense system and a substance use treatment program within the health department.The Kansas Cannabis Chamber of Commerce has been watching the number of people taking Kansas dollars to Missouri, but its focus has shifted to hemp instead of marijuana after years of adversarial legislative sessions, said Erren Wright, the chamber’s board president.Small businesses and community members are suffering, she said. All the while, she said legislators continue to act in bad faith.“We’re really unhappy with the way Kansas is going about this,” Wright said.Grace Hoge, a spokeswoman for Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s office, said medical marijuana legalization is a widely supported, “commonsense” policy.“Gov. Kelly has been consistent in her belief that legalizing medical marijuana would improve Kansas’ overall health and economy and help those who suffer from chronic pain and serious illnesses,” Hoge said. “She will continue to support the passage of a Kansas-specific approach that is both feasible and well-regulated.”<h2>Cannabis on all four corners</h2>Some legislators expressed interest at the October meeting in waiting to see the results of marijuana ballot measures in Nebraska and Florida in the 2024 general election.Nebraska voters approved a medical marijuana program, joining the ranks of other Kansas neighbors Colorado, Missouri and Oklahoma. While&nbsp;<a href="https://floridaphoenix.com/2024/11/05/amendment-3-comes-up-short-of-the-60-required-for-passage/" target="_blank">a majority of Florida voters favored</a>&nbsp;a ballot measure to legalize recreational cannabis, it was 4 percentage points short of the required 60% threshold for passage. Recreational cannabis is permitted for people 21 and older in Missouri and Colorado.Colorado doesn’t allow medical marijuana cardholders to live outside the state upon applying, said Mariah La Rue, a spokeswoman for the Colorado Center for Health and Environmental Data. Similarly, Oklahoma requires out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders to possess licenses from their own state.The true number of Kansans crossing state lines to access some form of legal cannabis is unknown.The Kansas Highway Patrol is aware of the exploration of legalized cannabis in and around Kansas, but it’s focused on impaired driving, said April McCollum, a spokeswoman for the patrol.“We strive to provide our troopers and other officers both in and out of state with the most current and reliable methods for removing impaired drivers from our roadways,” she said. “We will continue to remain focused on these efforts.”This story was originally published by&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/12/09/thousands-of-kansans-are-missouri-medical-marijuana-patients/" target="_blank">Kansas Reflector</a>.