SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on child abuse allegations.

Just after 9p.m., October 14, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office was notified of possible child abuse involving a 1-year-old and 3-year-old child that had been occurring at a residence in the 6900 block of SW Arborhaven Lane, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

An investigation followed and on October 16, Deputies arrested 23-year-old Jacob I. Reisinger and 32-year-old Veronica C. C. Nelson both of Topeka,

Reisinger was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include two counts of endangering a child, abuse of a child and aggravated battery as well as one count of criminal threat. 

Nelson was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on requested charges of two counts of endangering a child.

The victims are known to the suspects, according to Christian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697578759607.png" alt="Reisinger-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Reisinger-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on child abuse allegations.Just after 9p.m., October 14, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office was notified of possible child abuse involving a 1-year-old and 3-year-old child that had been occurring at a residence in the 6900 block of SW Arborhaven Lane, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.An investigation followed and on October 16, Deputies arrested 23-year-old Jacob I. Reisinger and 32-year-old Veronica C. C. Nelson both of Topeka,<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697578822840.png" alt="Nelson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Nelson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Reisinger was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include two counts of endangering a child, abuse of a child and aggravated battery as well as one count of criminal threat. Nelson was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections (SNDOC) on requested charges of two counts of endangering a child.The victims are known to the suspects, according to Christian.

Kansas couple accused of abuse involving 2 small children

BEIRUT (AP) — Coalition forces were slightly injured in Iraq in a spate of drone attacks over the last 24 hours at U.S. bases in Iraq as regional tensions flare following the deadly explosion at a hospital in Gaza.

Two drones targeted the al Asad airbase in western Iraq used by U.S. forces and one drone targeted a base in northern Iraq, a U.S. official told The Associated Press. U.S. forces intercepted all three, destroying two but only damaging the third, which led to minor injuries among coalition forces at the western base, according to a statement Wednesday by U.S. Central Command.

The U.S. official were not authorized to speak publicly on the attacks and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

“In this moment of heightened alert, we are vigilantly monitoring the situation in Iraq and the region. U.S. forces will defend U.S. and coalition forces against any threat,” Central Command said in the release.

Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have threatened to attack U.S. facilities there because of American support for Israel.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iranian-backed militias, issued a statement afterward claiming responsibility for the two attacks and saying it “heralds more operations” against the “American occupation.”

The salvos came at a time of increasing tension and fears of a broader regional conflict in the wake of the latest Hamas-Israel war.

Since the beginning of the war on Oct. 7, much attention has been focused on Hezbollah, the powerful Hamas ally across Israel’s northern border in Lebanon, and its formidable arsenal. The group has traded so-far limited strikes with Israel on the border in recent days.

But Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have also threatened to attack U.S. facilities over American support for Israel.

“Our missiles, drones, and special forces are ready to direct qualitative strikes at the American enemy in its bases and disrupt its interests if it intervenes in this battle,” Ahmad “Abu Hussein” al-Hamidawi, head of the Kataib Hezbollah militia, said in a statement last Wednesday. He also threatened to launch missiles at Israeli targets.

Following Tuesday night’s blast that killed hundreds at a hospital in Gaza, the group issued another statement in which it blamed the U.S. and its support for Israel for the catastrophe and called for an end to the U.S. presence in Iraq. Hamas has said the explosion in Gaza was from an Israeli airstrike, while Israel has blamed a misfired rocket by Palestinian militants.

“These evil people must leave the country. Otherwise, they will taste the fire of hell in this world before the afterlife,” the statement said.

A U.S. defense official, who wasn't authorized to comment to the media and spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the attack on the al-Asad military base in western Iraq.

Tashkil al-Waritheen, one of the Iranian-backed militias making up the larger group, claimed responsibility in a statement for a second drone attack, which it said had targeted the al-Harir airbase in northern Iraq. U.S. officials did not immediately comment on the claim of a second attack.

The government of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq said an intercepted drone crashed in an open area near the village of Batas.

Also on Wednesday, Iran-allied groups in Iraq announced that they had formed a “joint operations room” to help Hamas in its war effort.

Two officials with Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the issue, confirmed the attacks on the two bases Wednesday. They said the armed groups were on alert and prepared to join the wider battle against Israel, but that Iran had not yet given approval for them to open a new front. Leaders from some of the factions are now in Lebanon and Syria in case they get orders to proceed, one of the officials said.

Officials with the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad declined to comment.

Lahib Higel, a senior analyst for Iraq at the International Crisis Group, said in the short term, the Iraqi groups allied with Iran and Hamas are not likely to open a new front in the war, but that could change if the Hamas-Israel war escalates or becomes protracted.

“Geographically, obviously, they are several steps removed, so they’re not going to be the first to react” and are likely to serve in a supporting role, she said.

Renad Mansour, a senior research fellow at the Chatham House, said the Iran-backed groups in Iraq are split between those that are also political parties and have a stake in the Iraqi political system and the “vanguard” groups that are purely militant and tend to be more tightly controlled by Iran.

The latter, he said, have been used in the past as foot sodiers in regional conflicts, including in Yemen and Syria.

“This is what they’re designed to do,” Mansour said. “The question is more, will Iran and some of the leaders of these groups decide it’s in their interest to escalate?”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561036312700.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BEIRUT (AP) — Coalition forces were slightly injured in Iraq in a spate of drone attacks over the last 24 hours at U.S. bases in Iraq as regional tensions flare following the deadly explosion at a hospital in Gaza.Two drones targeted the al Asad airbase in western Iraq used by U.S. forces and one drone targeted a base in northern Iraq, a U.S. official told The Associated Press. U.S. forces intercepted all three, destroying two but only damaging the third, which led to minor injuries among coalition forces at the western base, according to a statement Wednesday by U.S. Central Command.The U.S. official were not authorized to speak publicly on the attacks and spoke on the condition of anonymity.“In this moment of heightened alert, we are vigilantly monitoring the situation in Iraq and the region. U.S. forces will defend U.S. and coalition forces against any threat,” Central Command said in the release.Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have threatened to attack U.S. facilities there because of American support for Israel.The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iranian-backed militias, issued a statement afterward claiming responsibility for the two attacks and saying it “heralds more operations” against the “American occupation.”The salvos came at a time of increasing tension and fears of a broader regional conflict in the wake of the latest Hamas-Israel war.Since the beginning of the war on Oct. 7, much attention has been focused on Hezbollah, the powerful Hamas ally across Israel’s northern border in Lebanon, and its formidable arsenal. The group has traded so-far limited strikes with Israel on the border in recent days.But Iranian-backed militias in Iraq have also threatened to attack U.S. facilities over American support for Israel.“Our missiles, drones, and special forces are ready to direct qualitative strikes at the American enemy in its bases and disrupt its interests if it intervenes in this battle,” Ahmad “Abu Hussein” al-Hamidawi, head of the Kataib Hezbollah militia, said in a statement last Wednesday. He also threatened to launch missiles at Israeli targets.Following Tuesday night’s blast that killed hundreds at a hospital in Gaza, the group issued another statement in which it blamed the U.S. and its support for Israel for the catastrophe and called for an end to the U.S. presence in Iraq. Hamas has said the explosion in Gaza was from an Israeli airstrike, while Israel has blamed a misfired rocket by Palestinian militants.“These evil people must leave the country. Otherwise, they will taste the fire of hell in this world before the afterlife,” the statement said.A U.S. defense official, who wasn't authorized to comment to the media and spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the attack on the al-Asad military base in western Iraq.Tashkil al-Waritheen, one of the Iranian-backed militias making up the larger group, claimed responsibility in a statement for a second drone attack, which it said had targeted the al-Harir airbase in northern Iraq. U.S. officials did not immediately comment on the claim of a second attack.The government of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq said an intercepted drone crashed in an open area near the village of Batas.Also on Wednesday, Iran-allied groups in Iraq announced that they had formed a “joint operations room” to help Hamas in its war effort.Two officials with Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the issue, confirmed the attacks on the two bases Wednesday. They said the armed groups were on alert and prepared to join the wider battle against Israel, but that Iran had not yet given approval for them to open a new front. Leaders from some of the factions are now in Lebanon and Syria in case they get orders to proceed, one of the officials said.Officials with the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad declined to comment.Lahib Higel, a senior analyst for Iraq at the International Crisis Group, said in the short term, the Iraqi groups allied with Iran and Hamas are not likely to open a new front in the war, but that could change if the Hamas-Israel war escalates or becomes protracted.“Geographically, obviously, they are several steps removed, so they’re not going to be the first to react” and are likely to serve in a supporting role, she said.Renad Mansour, a senior research fellow at the Chatham House, said the Iran-backed groups in Iraq are split between those that are also political parties and have a stake in the Iraqi political system and the “vanguard” groups that are purely militant and tend to be more tightly controlled by Iran.The latter, he said, have been used in the past as foot sodiers in regional conflicts, including in Yemen and Syria.“This is what they’re designed to do,” Mansour said. “The question is more, will Iran and some of the leaders of these groups decide it’s in their interest to escalate?”

Troops injured after drone attack on US bases in Iraq 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two employees at a Kansas prison were fired, and six others were disciplined, after accusations that they mocked and failed to help an injured female inmate identified as 67-year-old Elizabeth Wince. She is listed as Kansas sex offender for a March 2020 rape conviction in Ford County, according to the Kansas Offender Registry.

Other inmates at the Topeka Correctional Facility said Wince spent two hours crawling back to her cell after hurting herself in September,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-10-17/kansas-prison-fires-2-employees-disciplines-6-for-mocking-injured-inmate-and-refusing-to-help">KCUR-FM</a>&nbsp;reported. Inmates told KCUR that prison staff called the injured woman “fat” and “lazy,” and didn't provide assistance because they thought she was faking.

Hours later, Wince was hospitalized with an injured foot, and didn't return to the prison for several weeks, the Kansas news service reported.

Kansas Department of Corrections spokesperson David Thompson said in a statement that officials take allegations of mistreatment seriously.

“We are confident that these actions represent a temporary lapse in judgment for the handful of staff that were involved and do not reflect a systemic issue at TCF or the larger correctional system,” Thompson said.

Prison staff will get training so that “employees feel empowered to challenge and report any order — including from a superior officer — that they feel is illegal, immoral, or unethical,” Thompson said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697658601408.png" alt="Wince has been listed as a registered sex offender since a 2020 conviction for rape in Ford County-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Wince has been listed as a registered sex offender since a 2020 conviction for rape in Ford County-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two employees at a Kansas prison were fired, and six others were disciplined, after accusations that they mocked and failed to help an injured female inmate identified as 67-year-old Elizabeth Wince. She is listed as Kansas sex offender for a March 2020 rape conviction in Ford County, according to the Kansas Offender Registry.Other inmates at the Topeka Correctional Facility said Wince spent two hours crawling back to her cell after hurting herself in September,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-10-17/kansas-prison-fires-2-employees-disciplines-6-for-mocking-injured-inmate-and-refusing-to-help">KCUR-FM</a>&nbsp;reported. Inmates told KCUR that prison staff called the injured woman “fat” and “lazy,” and didn't provide assistance because they thought she was faking.Hours later, Wince was hospitalized with an injured foot, and didn't return to the prison for several weeks, the Kansas news service reported.Kansas Department of Corrections spokesperson David Thompson said in a statement that officials take allegations of mistreatment seriously.“We are confident that these actions represent a temporary lapse in judgment for the handful of staff that were involved and do not reflect a systemic issue at TCF or the larger correctional system,” Thompson said.Prison staff will get training so that “employees feel empowered to challenge and report any order — including from a superior officer — that they feel is illegal, immoral, or unethical,” Thompson said.

Kan. prison employees fired after injured sex offender was mocked

LABETTE COUNTY —Law enforcement and wildlife officials are investigating a Mountain Lion sighting in Allen County and in the city of Parsons, according to a social media report from Parsons Police.

Police contacted Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.&nbsp;

According to the state agency, a mountain lion was documented on a security video dated October 13, along the northeast edge of the city of Parsons near Labette Creek. 

While this mountain lion is likely no longer in the city, residents should be alert. If the mountain lion is spotted in town, residents should promptly contact the Parsons Police Department at (620) 421-7060, so that local Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks officials may be dispatched.&nbsp;

While mountain lion attacks on people are extremely rare, residents should be aware of basic precautions. In the event of an encounter, do not approach the animal and do not run away. If children or pets are present, gather them or pick them up, and slowly back away. If a mountain lion still approaches, make yourself look as big as possible and speak in a loud, firm voice.

Since 2007, mountain lions have been confirmed more than 60 times in Kansas, including most recently in Allen County last week. 

So far, all have apparently been moving across the state; and no resident animals (those with an established home range) have been documented. As such, if given the opportunity, this mountain lion will naturally move on to other areas on its own.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606701454380.png" alt="Mountain lion viewed on a trail camera in Kiowa County in 2020-photo Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks" />
 <figcaption>Mountain lion viewed on a trail camera in Kiowa County in 2020-photo Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks</figcaption>
 </figure>LABETTE COUNTY —Law enforcement and wildlife officials are investigating a Mountain Lion sighting in Allen County and in the city of Parsons, according to a social media report from Parsons Police.Police contacted Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.&nbsp;According to the state agency, a mountain lion was documented on a security video dated October 13, along the northeast edge of the city of Parsons near Labette Creek. While this mountain lion is likely no longer in the city, residents should be alert. If the mountain lion is spotted in town, residents should promptly contact the Parsons Police Department at (620) 421-7060, so that local Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks officials may be dispatched.&nbsp;While mountain lion attacks on people are extremely rare, residents should be aware of basic precautions. In the event of an encounter, do not approach the animal and do not run away. If children or pets are present, gather them or pick them up, and slowly back away. If a mountain lion still approaches, make yourself look as big as possible and speak in a loud, firm voice.Since 2007, mountain lions have been confirmed more than 60 times in Kansas, including most recently in Allen County last week. So far, all have apparently been moving across the state; and no resident animals (those with an established home range) have been documented. As such, if given the opportunity, this mountain lion will naturally move on to other areas on its own.

Two new reports of mountain lions in Kansas 

SEDGWICK COUNTY- Law enforcement authorities are asking for the public's help in identifying two suspects in connection to a robbery.

Just after 1p.m. Tuesday, the suspect captured on security camera footage robbed the Credit Union of America in the 200 block of S. Ridge Road, according to Wichita Police..If you have any information on this crime, contact Detectives at 316-268-4407, See Something Say Something Hotline at 316-519-2282, or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697625962394.png" alt="Image Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY- Law enforcement authorities are asking for the public's help in identifying two suspects in connection to a robbery.Just after 1p.m. Tuesday, the suspect captured on security camera footage robbed the Credit Union of America in the 200 block of S. Ridge Road, according to Wichita Police..If you have any information on this crime, contact Detectives at 316-268-4407, See Something Say Something Hotline at 316-519-2282, or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Police ask for help to ID suspects in Kan. credit union robbery

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.S. vetoed a U.N. resolution Wednesday to condemn all violence against civilians in the Israel-Hamas war and to urge humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, saying it was too early to craft an appropriate Security Council response to the crisis.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the council needs to allow current diplomatic efforts, including by President Joe Biden, to unfold and to find out more facts on the ground first. She also criticized the measure for failing to underline Israel’s right to self-defense.

The resolution sponsored by Brazil had wide support and would have condemned all violence against civilians, including “the heinous terrorists attacks by Hamas” against Israel. The vote in the 15-member Security Council was 12 votes in favor and the U.S. against, with Russia and Britain abstaining.

Thomas-Greenfield said that Biden was in the region engaging in diplomacy hoping to protect civilians, secure the release of hostage and prevent the conflict from spreading. “We need to let that diplomacy play out,” she said.

She said the Security Council must speak out, but should be “informed by facts on the ground and support direct diplomacy efforts that can save lives -- the council needs to get this right.”

The American ambassador criticized the resolution for not saying anything about Israel’s right to self-defense following Hamas’ surprise Oct. 7 attacks that killed more than 1,400 people in Israel. Since then, the Gaza Health Ministry says nearly 3,500 people have been killed in Gaza and more than 12,000 wounded.

Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward also criticized the resolution’s failure to mention Israel’s right to self-defense.

The voting and debate followed Tuesday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-biden-rafah-e062825a375d9eb62e95509cab95b80c">huge explosion and fire at a Gaza City hospital</a>&nbsp;packed with patients, relatives and Palestinians seeking shelter, in which the Hamas-run health ministry said 500 people died. Hamas said it was from an Israeli airstrike, while Israel blamed a misfired rocket by the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad. Islamic Jihad denied any involvement.

Council members rejected two proposed Russian amendments to the resolution, which failed to get the minimum nine “yes” votes. One called for a “humanitarian cease-fire” and the other would condemn indiscriminate attacks on civilians and “civilian objects” in Gaza, which include hospitals and schools.

Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said the Brazil resolution, which called for “humanitarian pauses” to deliver aid, wouldn’t have helped to avoid Tuesday’s explosion at the Gaza hospital. “It is only a cease-fire that will help to do this," he said.

He told council members who abstained or opposed the Russian amendments – the U.S. voted against both – that they will have to “bear responsibility” for what happens now to people in their own countries, the region, “and the people who are living under this deadly threat.”

Nebenzia accused the United States of “hypocrisy” and “double standards,” saying the Americans didn’t want a solution in the Security Council.

Brazil’s U.N. Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, the current council president, called the defeated resolution “robust and balanced.” stressing that it also called for the immediate release of all hostages, protection of civilians in Gaza from forced relocation, and “the ethical necessity” to provide them with food, fuel, water and medicine.

“Sadly, very sadly, the council was yet again unable to adopt a resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” he said. “Council paralysis in the face of a humanitarian catastrophe is not in the interest of the international community.”

France, China, the United Arab Emirates, the Arab representative on the Security Council, and many other council members also expressed regret and disappointment at the U.S. veto.

The divided Security Council has been even more polarized since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and the votes on the Brazil resolution reflected the divisions.

Immediately after Tuesday's votes and speeches, the council started an emergency meeting to discuss the explosion at the Gaza hospital. Russia, the United Arab Emirates and China called for the emergency session.

The council's actions took place amid frantic diplomatic efforts to prevent the Israeli-Hamas conflict from spreading, including Biden’s lightning trip to Israel where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths noted in a video briefing from Doha, Quatar, that Tuesday's massive explosion deprived Gaza of a hospital that cared for more than 45,000 patients a year.

After the hospital blast, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas backed out of a meeting with Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and King Abdullah II of Jordan, leading the Jordanians to cancel the meeting,

The 22-member Arab Group at the United Nations expressed “outrage” at the hospital deaths and called for an immediate cease-fire to avoid further Palestinian casualties and the opening of a corridor to safely deliver aid to millions in Gaza.

Egypt’s U.N. ambassador, Osama Mahmoud, told reporters that a summit will take place Saturday in Cairo as scheduled with regional leaders and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The five permanent Security Council nations are also invited, he said.

Mahmoud said the summit will address the humanitarian crisis sparked by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, how to achieve a cease-fire, and whether “any serious attempt to have a political horizon” exists to tackle the issues blocking an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement.

U.N. Mideast envoy Tor Wennesland told the emergency council meeting, “I fear that we are at the brink of a deep and dangerous abyss that could change the trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, if not of the Middle East as a whole.”

After a century of conflict and half a century of Israeli occupation, he said the international community has “failed collectively” to help Israel and the Palestinians reach a political settlement. And he warned that events following the Hamas attacks “have served to re-ignite grievances and re-animate alliances across the region.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697659524198.png" alt="-U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield" />
 <figcaption>-U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield</figcaption>
 </figure>UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.S. vetoed a U.N. resolution Wednesday to condemn all violence against civilians in the Israel-Hamas war and to urge humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, saying it was too early to craft an appropriate Security Council response to the crisis.U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the council needs to allow current diplomatic efforts, including by President Joe Biden, to unfold and to find out more facts on the ground first. She also criticized the measure for failing to underline Israel’s right to self-defense.The resolution sponsored by Brazil had wide support and would have condemned all violence against civilians, including “the heinous terrorists attacks by Hamas” against Israel. The vote in the 15-member Security Council was 12 votes in favor and the U.S. against, with Russia and Britain abstaining.Thomas-Greenfield said that Biden was in the region engaging in diplomacy hoping to protect civilians, secure the release of hostage and prevent the conflict from spreading. “We need to let that diplomacy play out,” she said.She said the Security Council must speak out, but should be “informed by facts on the ground and support direct diplomacy efforts that can save lives -- the council needs to get this right.”The American ambassador criticized the resolution for not saying anything about Israel’s right to self-defense following Hamas’ surprise Oct. 7 attacks that killed more than 1,400 people in Israel. Since then, the Gaza Health Ministry says nearly 3,500 people have been killed in Gaza and more than 12,000 wounded.Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward also criticized the resolution’s failure to mention Israel’s right to self-defense.The voting and debate followed Tuesday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-biden-rafah-e062825a375d9eb62e95509cab95b80c">huge explosion and fire at a Gaza City hospital</a>&nbsp;packed with patients, relatives and Palestinians seeking shelter, in which the Hamas-run health ministry said 500 people died. Hamas said it was from an Israeli airstrike, while Israel blamed a misfired rocket by the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad. Islamic Jihad denied any involvement.Council members rejected two proposed Russian amendments to the resolution, which failed to get the minimum nine “yes” votes. One called for a “humanitarian cease-fire” and the other would condemn indiscriminate attacks on civilians and “civilian objects” in Gaza, which include hospitals and schools.Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said the Brazil resolution, which called for “humanitarian pauses” to deliver aid, wouldn’t have helped to avoid Tuesday’s explosion at the Gaza hospital. “It is only a cease-fire that will help to do this," he said.He told council members who abstained or opposed the Russian amendments – the U.S. voted against both – that they will have to “bear responsibility” for what happens now to people in their own countries, the region, “and the people who are living under this deadly threat.”Nebenzia accused the United States of “hypocrisy” and “double standards,” saying the Americans didn’t want a solution in the Security Council.Brazil’s U.N. Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, the current council president, called the defeated resolution “robust and balanced.” stressing that it also called for the immediate release of all hostages, protection of civilians in Gaza from forced relocation, and “the ethical necessity” to provide them with food, fuel, water and medicine.“Sadly, very sadly, the council was yet again unable to adopt a resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” he said. “Council paralysis in the face of a humanitarian catastrophe is not in the interest of the international community.”France, China, the United Arab Emirates, the Arab representative on the Security Council, and many other council members also expressed regret and disappointment at the U.S. veto.The divided Security Council has been even more polarized since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and the votes on the Brazil resolution reflected the divisions.Immediately after Tuesday's votes and speeches, the council started an emergency meeting to discuss the explosion at the Gaza hospital. Russia, the United Arab Emirates and China called for the emergency session.The council's actions took place amid frantic diplomatic efforts to prevent the Israeli-Hamas conflict from spreading, including Biden’s lightning trip to Israel where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths noted in a video briefing from Doha, Quatar, that Tuesday's massive explosion deprived Gaza of a hospital that cared for more than 45,000 patients a year.After the hospital blast, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas backed out of a meeting with Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and King Abdullah II of Jordan, leading the Jordanians to cancel the meeting,The 22-member Arab Group at the United Nations expressed “outrage” at the hospital deaths and called for an immediate cease-fire to avoid further Palestinian casualties and the opening of a corridor to safely deliver aid to millions in Gaza.Egypt’s U.N. ambassador, Osama Mahmoud, told reporters that a summit will take place Saturday in Cairo as scheduled with regional leaders and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The five permanent Security Council nations are also invited, he said.Mahmoud said the summit will address the humanitarian crisis sparked by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, how to achieve a cease-fire, and whether “any serious attempt to have a political horizon” exists to tackle the issues blocking an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement.U.N. Mideast envoy Tor Wennesland told the emergency council meeting, “I fear that we are at the brink of a deep and dangerous abyss that could change the trajectory of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, if not of the Middle East as a whole.”After a century of conflict and half a century of Israeli occupation, he said the international community has “failed collectively” to help Israel and the Palestinians reach a political settlement. And he warned that events following the Hamas attacks “have served to re-ignite grievances and re-animate alliances across the region.”

US vetoes UN resolution condemning violence against civilians in Israel

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Natalee Holloway was beaten to death on a beach in Aruba and her body pushed out to sea after refusing the advances of the chief suspect in the 2005 killing, who admitted to the murder before pleading guilty Wednesday to extorting money from the missing teen’s mother.

Although Joran van der Sloot isn’t charged in Holloway’s death, his confession may finally resolve a case that has captivated the public’s attention for nearly two decades, spawning extensive news coverage, books, movies and podcasts.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s over,” Beth Holloway, Natalee's mother, told reporters outside the federal courthouse in Alabama. “Joran van der Sloot is no longer the suspect in my daughter’s murder. He is a killer.”

Natalee Holloway went missing during a high school graduation trip with classmates. She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/timeline-peru-sloot-natalee-holloway-extradition-165b7745e8210488316da1be6d30d855">was last seen</a>&nbsp;on May 30, 2005, leaving a bar with van der Sloot, a Dutch citizen and student at an international school on the Caribbean island where he grew up. He was questioned in the disappearance but never prosecuted. A judge declared Holloway dead, but her body was never found.

Van der Sloot, now 36, pleaded guilty to the extortion and fraud charges in exchange for a 20-year sentence. That prison term will run concurrently with a 28-year sentence he's serving in Peru for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-crime-peru-alabama-birmingham-b61a4dfc829e429a942854d33b86cde5">killing Stephany Flores</a>&nbsp;in 2010.

U.S. Judge Anna Manasco said the details of his confession factored into her sentencing decision.

“You have brutally murdered — in separate instances years apart — two young women who refused your sexual advances,” she said.

Shackled and wearing an orange jail uniform, van der Sloot told the crowded courtroom he hoped the confession provides closure.

“I would like the chance to apologize to the Holloway family, my own family,” he said, later adding, “I am no longer the person I was back then.”

The judge said the plea deal required van der Sloot to provide all the information he knew about Natalie Holloway’s disappearance, allow her parents to hear in “real time” his discussion with law enforcement, and take a polygraph test.

After the hearing, Beth Holloway told reporters she was “absolutely confident” that they finally got the truth from van der Sloot after years of lies.

Court documents offer a transcript of his confession.

In an interview conducted by his attorney, he says he and Holloway were lying on the beach kissing. She started to resist, but he kept touching her, so she kneed him between the legs. He stood up and kicked her “extremely hard” in the face while she was still lying down.

At that point, he said, she was “unconscious, possibly even uh, even dead, but definitely unconscious.” He said he picked up a nearby cinderblock and brought it down on her face.

Frightened and unsure what to do, he said he dragged her body until he was knee-deep in the waves, then pushed her out to sea.

The Holloway family has long sought answers about the disappearance, and van der Sloot has given different accounts over the years, at one point saying Holloway was buried in gravel under the foundation of a house but later admitting that was untrue.

Five years after the killing, an FBI sting recorded the extortion attempt in which van der Sloot asked for $250,000 from Beth Holloway to reveal the location of her daughter’s remains. He agreed to accept $25,000 to disclose the location, and asked for the other $225,000 once the remains were recovered.

Van der Sloot chose “greed over Beth Holloway’s grief,” prosecutor Lloyd Peeples told the judge Wednesday.

Van der Sloot moved from Aruba to Peru before he could be arrested in the extortion case. The government of Peru agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/natalee-holloway-van-der-sloot-arraignment-c69b0d1606980df065b954e94da9ac01">temporarily extradite</a>&nbsp;him to face trial on the extortion charge, and he will return to Peruvian custody after his case is concluded.

While giving her impact statement Wednesday, Beth Holloway turned to stare directly at her daughter's killer, sitting just a few feet away in court.

“You look like hell, Joran,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697654645147.png" alt="FBI image" />
 <figcaption>FBI image</figcaption>
 </figure>BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Natalee Holloway was beaten to death on a beach in Aruba and her body pushed out to sea after refusing the advances of the chief suspect in the 2005 killing, who admitted to the murder before pleading guilty Wednesday to extorting money from the missing teen’s mother.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697655838625.png" alt="Joran van der Sloot-Shelby Co. Alabama Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Joran van der Sloot-Shelby Co. Alabama Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Although Joran van der Sloot isn’t charged in Holloway’s death, his confession may finally resolve a case that has captivated the public’s attention for nearly two decades, spawning extensive news coverage, books, movies and podcasts.“As far as I’m concerned, it’s over,” Beth Holloway, Natalee's mother, told reporters outside the federal courthouse in Alabama. “Joran van der Sloot is no longer the suspect in my daughter’s murder. He is a killer.”Natalee Holloway went missing during a high school graduation trip with classmates. She&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/timeline-peru-sloot-natalee-holloway-extradition-165b7745e8210488316da1be6d30d855">was last seen</a>&nbsp;on May 30, 2005, leaving a bar with van der Sloot, a Dutch citizen and student at an international school on the Caribbean island where he grew up. He was questioned in the disappearance but never prosecuted. A judge declared Holloway dead, but her body was never found.Van der Sloot, now 36, pleaded guilty to the extortion and fraud charges in exchange for a 20-year sentence. That prison term will run concurrently with a 28-year sentence he's serving in Peru for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-crime-peru-alabama-birmingham-b61a4dfc829e429a942854d33b86cde5">killing Stephany Flores</a>&nbsp;in 2010.U.S. Judge Anna Manasco said the details of his confession factored into her sentencing decision.“You have brutally murdered — in separate instances years apart — two young women who refused your sexual advances,” she said.Shackled and wearing an orange jail uniform, van der Sloot told the crowded courtroom he hoped the confession provides closure.“I would like the chance to apologize to the Holloway family, my own family,” he said, later adding, “I am no longer the person I was back then.”The judge said the plea deal required van der Sloot to provide all the information he knew about Natalie Holloway’s disappearance, allow her parents to hear in “real time” his discussion with law enforcement, and take a polygraph test.After the hearing, Beth Holloway told reporters she was “absolutely confident” that they finally got the truth from van der Sloot after years of lies.Court documents offer a transcript of his confession.In an interview conducted by his attorney, he says he and Holloway were lying on the beach kissing. She started to resist, but he kept touching her, so she kneed him between the legs. He stood up and kicked her “extremely hard” in the face while she was still lying down.At that point, he said, she was “unconscious, possibly even uh, even dead, but definitely unconscious.” He said he picked up a nearby cinderblock and brought it down on her face.Frightened and unsure what to do, he said he dragged her body until he was knee-deep in the waves, then pushed her out to sea.The Holloway family has long sought answers about the disappearance, and van der Sloot has given different accounts over the years, at one point saying Holloway was buried in gravel under the foundation of a house but later admitting that was untrue.Five years after the killing, an FBI sting recorded the extortion attempt in which van der Sloot asked for $250,000 from Beth Holloway to reveal the location of her daughter’s remains. He agreed to accept $25,000 to disclose the location, and asked for the other $225,000 once the remains were recovered.Van der Sloot chose “greed over Beth Holloway’s grief,” prosecutor Lloyd Peeples told the judge Wednesday.Van der Sloot moved from Aruba to Peru before he could be arrested in the extortion case. The government of Peru agreed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/natalee-holloway-van-der-sloot-arraignment-c69b0d1606980df065b954e94da9ac01">temporarily extradite</a>&nbsp;him to face trial on the extortion charge, and he will return to Peruvian custody after his case is concluded.While giving her impact statement Wednesday, Beth Holloway turned to stare directly at her daughter's killer, sitting just a few feet away in court.“You look like hell, Joran,” she said.

After 18-years suspect admits he killed Natalee Holloway on Aruba 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jim-jordan-house-speaker-republicans-0f759a46f63aa9daf9e6939e45799329">Jim Jordan</a>&nbsp;failed again Wednesday on a crucial second ballot to become House speaker, the hard-fighting ally of Donald Trump losing even more GOP colleagues who refused to give him the the gavel.

Next steps were highly uncertain as a bipartisan group of lawmakers floated an extraordinary plan — to give the interim speaker-pro-tempore, Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., more power to reopen the House and temporarily conduct routine business.

What was clear was that Jordan's path to become House speaker was almost certainly lost. He was opposed by two more than the 20 Republican detractors he lost in first round voting the day before.

The House gaveled in with angry, frustrated GOP lawmakers looking at other options. And as the rollcall was underway, a few new detractors emerged to oppose Jordan who did not seem to be picking up new votes beyond one lawmaker who was absent the day before.

Ahead of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-vote-guide-jordan-410d2f46378a7ab2fee9d6534fd2ef76">morning vote</a>, Jordan made an unexpected plea for party unity, the combative Judiciary Committee chairman telling his colleagues on social media, “We must stop attacking each other and come together.”

A surprisingly large and politically diverse group of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jim-jordan-house-speaker-mccarthy-trump-f2b2bf9dc834742bde93d5fc918d9940">20 Republicans had rejected Jordan's nomination</a>&nbsp;the day before, many resenting the hardball tactics seeking to enforce support, and viewing the Ohio congressman as too extreme for the powerful position of House speaker, second in line to the presidency.

The House has hit a standstill, stuck while Jordan worked to shore up backing from Republican colleagues for the job to replace the ousted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">Kevin McCarthy</a>. Republicans are exhausted by the infighting since McCarthy's sudden removal by hard-liners, who are now within reach of a central seat of U.S. power.

The vote for House speaker, once a formality in Congress, has devolved into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-jordan-scalise-mccarthy-election-votes-explainer-db85c1d80dcc36f296245851ad1278ab">another bitter showdown for the gavel</a>.

With Republicans in majority control 221-212, Jordan must pick up most of his GOP foes to win. Tuesday's tally, with 200 Republicans voting for Jordan including the four GOP members of the Kansas delegation and 212 for the Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, left no candidate with a clear majority, as the 20 Republicans voted for someone else. .

In nominating Jordan, veteran Republican Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma said it was time to end the upheaval that he had warned against with McCarthy’s sudden ouster.

“We have a chance today to end that chaos, end that uncertainty,” Cole said.

He said that Jordan was “not a shrinking violet” but someone who could lead the House.

Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar noted that Jeffries continues to win more votes and is the best choice to move the country forward.

“The country cannot afford more delays and more chaos,” Aguilar said.

Bipartisan groups of lawmakers have been floating ways to operate the House by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-powers-mchenry-875bebd218096a5252840cd8f52cc137">giving greater power</a>&nbsp;to McHenry or another temporary speaker. The House had never ousted its speaker before McCarthy.

The novel concept of boosting the interim speaker's role was gaining favor with a pair of surprising high-profile Republicans: Former GOP speakers Newt Gingrich and John Boehner.

Gingrich said while he likes Jordan, he has “no faith” the nominee can get much beyond the 200 votes he won in the first vote.

“We can’t sit around and suck our thumbs and hope the world will wait until the House Republicans get their act together,” Gingrich told Fox News' Sean Hannity on his show.

Boehner reposted Gingrich's views saying, “I agree,” on social media.

The two men have deep experience with the subject. Both were chased to early retirement by threats of ouster from right-flank insurgents&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-republican-lawmakers-house-opponents-33c7d984964916f29d548b5b1dfe508b">like those who toppled McCarthy</a>.

“The Republicans are unable to function right now,” said Jeffries. He said talks would “accelerate” between Democrats and Republicans on alternative plans.

“Jim Jordan will be a great speaker,” Trump had said Tuesday said outside a courthouse in Manhattan, where he is facing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-trial-net-worth-new-york-067501b1d742d4dccba2521ac3262fdb">business fraud charges</a>. "I think he’s going to have the votes soon, if not today, over the next day or two."

Flexing their independence, the holdouts are a mix of pragmatists — ranging from seasoned legislators and committee chairs worried about governing, to newer lawmakers from districts where voters back home prefer President Joe Biden to Trump.

Some Republicans resent being pressured by Jordan’s allies and say they are being threatened with primary opponents if they don’t support him as speaker. Others are simply upset at the way the whole process has dragged out.

One holdout, Republican Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado, said Tuesday that Jordan’s role in the runup to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the Jan. 6, 2021, attack</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol and his refusal to admit that Biden, a Democrat, won the 2020 election remained an issue.

Jordan has been a top Trump ally, particularly during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the Jan. 6 Capitol attack</a>&nbsp;by the former president’s backers who were trying to overturn the 2020 election he lost to Biden. Days later, Trump awarded Jordan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jim-jordan-impeachments-capitol-siege-eeadab127460dd5170e79608f654aca6">a Medal of Freedom</a>.

The political climb has been steep for Jordan, the combative Judiciary Committee chairman and a founding member of the right-flank Freedom Caucus. He is known more as a chaos agent than a skilled legislator, raising questions about how he would lead. Congress faces daunting challenges, risking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-congress-republicans-732baaa19c91f981e492fd0e6a76aba8">a federal shutdown</a>&nbsp;at home if it fails to fund the government and fielding Biden's requests for aid to help&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/a">Israel</a>&nbsp;in the wars abroad.

First elected in 2006, Jordan has few bills to his name from his time in office. He also faces questions about his past. Some years ago, Jordan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-6fb5bfff7db9439883907efce5c119fb">denied allegations</a>&nbsp;from former wrestlers during his time as an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State University who accused him of knowing about claims they were inappropriately groped by an Ohio doctor. Jordan has said he was never aware of any abuse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697646116539.png" alt="View of the House during the vote count on Wednesday-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>View of the House during the vote count on Wednesday-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Rep.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jim-jordan-house-speaker-republicans-0f759a46f63aa9daf9e6939e45799329">Jim Jordan</a>&nbsp;failed again Wednesday on a crucial second ballot to become House speaker, the hard-fighting ally of Donald Trump losing even more GOP colleagues who refused to give him the the gavel.Next steps were highly uncertain as a bipartisan group of lawmakers floated an extraordinary plan — to give the interim speaker-pro-tempore, Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., more power to reopen the House and temporarily conduct routine business.What was clear was that Jordan's path to become House speaker was almost certainly lost. He was opposed by two more than the 20 Republican detractors he lost in first round voting the day before.The House gaveled in with angry, frustrated GOP lawmakers looking at other options. And as the rollcall was underway, a few new detractors emerged to oppose Jordan who did not seem to be picking up new votes beyond one lawmaker who was absent the day before.Ahead of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-vote-guide-jordan-410d2f46378a7ab2fee9d6534fd2ef76">morning vote</a>, Jordan made an unexpected plea for party unity, the combative Judiciary Committee chairman telling his colleagues on social media, “We must stop attacking each other and come together.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697645753911.png" alt="Rep. Jim Jordan&nbsp; (front row middle) watches the vote count) photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Jim Jordan&nbsp; (front row middle) watches the vote count) photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>A surprisingly large and politically diverse group of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jim-jordan-house-speaker-mccarthy-trump-f2b2bf9dc834742bde93d5fc918d9940">20 Republicans had rejected Jordan's nomination</a>&nbsp;the day before, many resenting the hardball tactics seeking to enforce support, and viewing the Ohio congressman as too extreme for the powerful position of House speaker, second in line to the presidency.The House has hit a standstill, stuck while Jordan worked to shore up backing from Republican colleagues for the job to replace the ousted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">Kevin McCarthy</a>. Republicans are exhausted by the infighting since McCarthy's sudden removal by hard-liners, who are now within reach of a central seat of U.S. power.The vote for House speaker, once a formality in Congress, has devolved into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/speaker-jordan-scalise-mccarthy-election-votes-explainer-db85c1d80dcc36f296245851ad1278ab">another bitter showdown for the gavel</a>.With Republicans in majority control 221-212, Jordan must pick up most of his GOP foes to win. Tuesday's tally, with 200 Republicans voting for Jordan including the four GOP members of the Kansas delegation and 212 for the Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, left no candidate with a clear majority, as the 20 Republicans voted for someone else. .In nominating Jordan, veteran Republican Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma said it was time to end the upheaval that he had warned against with McCarthy’s sudden ouster.“We have a chance today to end that chaos, end that uncertainty,” Cole said.He said that Jordan was “not a shrinking violet” but someone who could lead the House.Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar noted that Jeffries continues to win more votes and is the best choice to move the country forward.“The country cannot afford more delays and more chaos,” Aguilar said.Bipartisan groups of lawmakers have been floating ways to operate the House by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-powers-mchenry-875bebd218096a5252840cd8f52cc137">giving greater power</a>&nbsp;to McHenry or another temporary speaker. The House had never ousted its speaker before McCarthy.The novel concept of boosting the interim speaker's role was gaining favor with a pair of surprising high-profile Republicans: Former GOP speakers Newt Gingrich and John Boehner.Gingrich said while he likes Jordan, he has “no faith” the nominee can get much beyond the 200 votes he won in the first vote.“We can’t sit around and suck our thumbs and hope the world will wait until the House Republicans get their act together,” Gingrich told Fox News' Sean Hannity on his show.Boehner reposted Gingrich's views saying, “I agree,” on social media.The two men have deep experience with the subject. Both were chased to early retirement by threats of ouster from right-flank insurgents&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-republican-lawmakers-house-opponents-33c7d984964916f29d548b5b1dfe508b">like those who toppled McCarthy</a>.“The Republicans are unable to function right now,” said Jeffries. He said talks would “accelerate” between Democrats and Republicans on alternative plans.“Jim Jordan will be a great speaker,” Trump had said Tuesday said outside a courthouse in Manhattan, where he is facing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-trial-net-worth-new-york-067501b1d742d4dccba2521ac3262fdb">business fraud charges</a>. "I think he’s going to have the votes soon, if not today, over the next day or two."Flexing their independence, the holdouts are a mix of pragmatists — ranging from seasoned legislators and committee chairs worried about governing, to newer lawmakers from districts where voters back home prefer President Joe Biden to Trump.Some Republicans resent being pressured by Jordan’s allies and say they are being threatened with primary opponents if they don’t support him as speaker. Others are simply upset at the way the whole process has dragged out.One holdout, Republican Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado, said Tuesday that Jordan’s role in the runup to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the Jan. 6, 2021, attack</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol and his refusal to admit that Biden, a Democrat, won the 2020 election remained an issue.Jordan has been a top Trump ally, particularly during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the Jan. 6 Capitol attack</a>&nbsp;by the former president’s backers who were trying to overturn the 2020 election he lost to Biden. Days later, Trump awarded Jordan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-jim-jordan-impeachments-capitol-siege-eeadab127460dd5170e79608f654aca6">a Medal of Freedom</a>.The political climb has been steep for Jordan, the combative Judiciary Committee chairman and a founding member of the right-flank Freedom Caucus. He is known more as a chaos agent than a skilled legislator, raising questions about how he would lead. Congress faces daunting challenges, risking&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-congress-republicans-732baaa19c91f981e492fd0e6a76aba8">a federal shutdown</a>&nbsp;at home if it fails to fund the government and fielding Biden's requests for aid to help&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/a">Israel</a>&nbsp;in the wars abroad.First elected in 2006, Jordan has few bills to his name from his time in office. He also faces questions about his past. Some years ago, Jordan&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-6fb5bfff7db9439883907efce5c119fb">denied allegations</a>&nbsp;from former wrestlers during his time as an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State University who accused him of knowing about claims they were inappropriately groped by an Ohio doctor. Jordan has said he was never aware of any abuse.

House in chaos; still no Speaker: Kan. GOP lawmakers vote Jordan

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations after a crash.

Just after 11p.m.&nbsp; October 16, a sheriff's deputy responded to single-car non-injury accident in the 6900 block of SW 93rd Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.&nbsp; During the investigation, the deputy found illegal narcotics.

The driver, Lauren M. Croucher, 24, of Emporia, was arrested, booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697579560825.png" alt="Croucher-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Croucher-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations after a crash.Just after 11p.m.&nbsp; October 16, a sheriff's deputy responded to single-car non-injury accident in the 6900 block of SW 93rd Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.&nbsp; During the investigation, the deputy found illegal narcotics.The driver, Lauren M. Croucher, 24, of Emporia, was arrested, booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession

Kan. deputy found meth during investigation of car crash

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined his Senate Republican colleagues to demand that the Biden Administration freeze and rescind the $6 billion in assets that Joe Biden sent to Iran last month, just weeks before Hamas’ barbaric attack on Israel. It has since been widely<a href="https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/iran-israel-hamas-strike-planning-bbe07b25" target="_blank">&nbsp;reported</a>&nbsp;that Iran helped plan Hamas’ the attacks on Israel that left 30 American citizens dead and dozens more unaccounted for.

“The White House has to make a choice.&nbsp;You cannot be pro-Israel and pro-Iran, you have to make that decision. There's no way that you can support both of these people.”

“I have a hunch that the moment the Biden administration unfroze this $6 billion was the sentinel moment when the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard told Hamas, ‘let's go forward with this plan.’”

“Joe Biden is the most pro-Iranian president we've ever had. Think about it, it goes way beyond this $6 billion we're talking about. Under this administration, the Iranian reserves have went from $6 billion to $60 billion. So they have $60 billion in reserve, well, how come?”

“Since the moment Joe Biden got in office, he turned his head to the sanctions that we've had. The Iranian ghost armada has grown from 60 ships to 300 ships, taking Iranian or Russian oil, and selling that to China, now to the tune of a billion dollars a week. So Joe Biden is allowing Iran to make a billion dollars a week now to fund terrorism.”

“Let's think about Joe Biden's relationship with Iran for just a second here. From even the time he's campaigning he all but guaranteed that Iran would be able to develop nuclear weapons. And for all practical purposes, they have them. They've enriched uranium up to 60%, they can put that uranium in series and quickly have an atomic bomb. Think about the consequences of that.”

“So Iran not only funds the terrorists, they feed the terrorists, they arm the terrorists, they plan the terrorist attacks, just like they planned this attack as well. They coordinate all these terrorist attacks.”

“Joe Biden is in bed with Iran for all practical purposes, he empowers them. So he says he's pro-Israel, but his actions say he's pro-Iran, and you have to choose one or the other.”&nbsp;

“Our number one priority should be to get American hostages and American citizens back home safely.”&nbsp;

“We need to disavow our relationship with Iran and condemn them.&nbsp;Why won't this White House step up and condemn Iran yet?&nbsp;Have we heard anything yet from this White House condemning what Iran has done?”

“Finally, this is the third point we need to make. Let's talk about Hamas just for a second. In the same sense that the United States cannot tolerate nuclear warheads in Cuba,&nbsp;Israel cannot live with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined his Senate Republican colleagues to demand that the Biden Administration freeze and rescind the $6 billion in assets that Joe Biden sent to Iran last month, just weeks before Hamas’ barbaric attack on Israel. It has since been widely<a href="https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/iran-israel-hamas-strike-planning-bbe07b25" target="_blank">&nbsp;reported</a>&nbsp;that Iran helped plan Hamas’ the attacks on Israel that left 30 American citizens dead and dozens more unaccounted for.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Joe Biden *says* he stands with Israel, but his actions say otherwise. Make no mistake, Joe Biden is the MOST pro-Iran president in our nation&#39;s history. <a href="https://t.co/JaZDIusphg">pic.twitter.com/JaZDIusphg</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1714351238903468442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“The White House has to make a choice.&nbsp;You cannot be pro-Israel and pro-Iran, you have to make that decision. There's no way that you can support both of these people.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Iran bankrolled Hamas and helped them plan the attacks on Israel as Joe Biden spent the past 2.5 years unleashing their revenue streams. Iran is the head of the snake who has been empowered by Joe Biden&#39;s leadership. If he won&#39;t revoke the $6B &amp; cut off Iran, we will. <a href="https://t.co/jfx1VYAZmJ">https://t.co/jfx1VYAZmJ</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1714609695304913147?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“I have a hunch that the moment the Biden administration unfroze this $6 billion was the sentinel moment when the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard told Hamas, ‘let's go forward with this plan.’”“Joe Biden is the most pro-Iranian president we've ever had. Think about it, it goes way beyond this $6 billion we're talking about. Under this administration, the Iranian reserves have went from $6 billion to $60 billion. So they have $60 billion in reserve, well, how come?”“Since the moment Joe Biden got in office, he turned his head to the sanctions that we've had. The Iranian ghost armada has grown from 60 ships to 300 ships, taking Iranian or Russian oil, and selling that to China, now to the tune of a billion dollars a week. So Joe Biden is allowing Iran to make a billion dollars a week now to fund terrorism.”“Let's think about Joe Biden's relationship with Iran for just a second here. From even the time he's campaigning he all but guaranteed that Iran would be able to develop nuclear weapons. And for all practical purposes, they have them. They've enriched uranium up to 60%, they can put that uranium in series and quickly have an atomic bomb. Think about the consequences of that.”“So Iran not only funds the terrorists, they feed the terrorists, they arm the terrorists, they plan the terrorist attacks, just like they planned this attack as well. They coordinate all these terrorist attacks.”“Joe Biden is in bed with Iran for all practical purposes, he empowers them. So he says he's pro-Israel, but his actions say he's pro-Iran, and you have to choose one or the other.”&nbsp;“Our number one priority should be to get American hostages and American citizens back home safely.”&nbsp;“We need to disavow our relationship with Iran and condemn them.&nbsp;Why won't this White House step up and condemn Iran yet?&nbsp;Have we heard anything yet from this White House condemning what Iran has done?”“Finally, this is the third point we need to make. Let's talk about Hamas just for a second. In the same sense that the United States cannot tolerate nuclear warheads in Cuba,&nbsp;Israel cannot live with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.”

🎥 Kan. Senator: Biden is the most pro-Iran president in our history

KANSAS CITY —The iconic Western Auto sign in Kansas City is shining bright again after a quick fix this week. The T in the sign was out and sportscaster Al Michaels referred to it while on the air during the Chiefs Thursday night game Oct. 12.

On social media, Mayor Quinton Lucas joked, "Kansas City will take the power source from the ferris wheel and apply it to the T in the Wes ern Auto sign."

On Tuesday night Lucas thanked Midwest Sign Company for their efforts and "of course, legendary sportscaster Al Michaels."

KANSAS CITY —The iconic Western Auto sign in Kansas City is shining bright again after a quick fix this week. The T in the sign was out and sportscaster Al Michaels referred to it while on the air during the Chiefs Thursday night game Oct. 12.On social media, Mayor Quinton Lucas joked, "Kansas City will take the power source from the ferris wheel and apply it to the T in the Wes ern Auto sign."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yeah, they put us on blast. Condo association--We need y&#39;all to fix before playoffs. <a href="https://t.co/sAE1odPSiY">https://t.co/sAE1odPSiY</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1712639821426950397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I appreciate our office’s communication with the condo owners’ association from the Western Auto Lofts. While there is some complication to fixing the “T” in the sign, we’re excited to work with them on a long-term solution for a Kansas City icon.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1714310944556515547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Shining bright! Thanks for the quick assist from our friends at Midwest Sign Company and, of course, legendary sportscaster Al Michaels. <a href="https://t.co/0smpcb39tj">pic.twitter.com/0smpcb39tj</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1714480415421915145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On Tuesday night Lucas thanked Midwest Sign Company for their efforts and "of course, legendary sportscaster Al Michaels."

 Kansas City’s Western Auto building sign gets repaired

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Child welfare officials investigated the family of a 5-year-old Kansas girl five times in the 13 months before she was raped and killed, but couldn't confirm allegations of neglect or drug use by her mother, and the family repeatedly declined offers of help, a report released Tuesday showed.

The report by the state Department of Children and Families said in one case, the agency confirmed that the mother wasn't properly supervising Zoey Felix, but the girl was placed with her father and because of that, “No safety concerns were identified.” After receiving allegations in late August of drug use and lack of utilities in the home, child welfare officials made seven failed attempts to reach the family over the next month.

On Oct. 2, Zoey died after fire crews couldn't resuscitate her at a gas station. Neighbors believe Zoey and her father had been camping in a grove of trees on a vacant lot nearby.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">Mickel Cherry,</a>&nbsp;a 25-year-old homeless man, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">charged</a>&nbsp;with first-degree murder, rape and capital murder, and could face the death penalty. Authorities haven't said how Zoey died.

“Zoey Felix’s death was an unacceptable tragedy," Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement accompanying the Department of Children and Families' two-page summary of its interactions with the girl's family.

Kelly said she plans to push for legislation next year that would expedite the release of information when a child dies of abuse or neglect. Her administration pushed for such a change in 2021, but a bill never passed.

Currently, DCF only releases a summary of its involvement initially and can't do so until attorneys vet the document. Typically, the full case reports aren’t released until after the prosecution is completed, which can take well over a year.

This has left an information vacuum in Zoey's case that was exacerbated Tuesday when a judge sealed the arrest affidavit that was used to support criminal charges against Cherry.

Judge Christopher Turner concluded that releasing the records would jeopardize the safety of witnesses or sources or “cause the destruction of evidence.”

Cherry’s attorney, Mark Manna, of the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit, has declined to comment. Cherry’s family didn’t respond to phone messages, and his Facebook friends described him as chronically homeless.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-9816c6dd6f49dde6cfeb6fd435836eb0">Neighbors</a>&nbsp;said Zoey wandered their neighborhood dirty and hungry. Several reported calling child welfare to express concerns.

According to the summary from DCF, child welfare officials said they received the first tip about Zoey on Sept. 8, 2022, alleging poor conditions in the home and possible drug use in the presence of a child. The mother agreed to a drug screen and it came back negative, the agency said.

The agency also said in its summary that Zoey's mother was working with court services. By then, she had been charged with domestic battery against her husband and teenage daughter, court records show. The DCF summary said the agency offered help to the family, but they declined and the case was closed.

Another complaint alleging an unsupervised child was lodged with the agency on Nov. 8, 2002. Just six days earlier, Zoey's mother had called to report that the then 4-year-old was missing, a police incident report shows. Zoey was found unharmed a short time later.

The DCF summary made no reference to Zoey's disappearance, and it was unclear whether that prompted the complaint. The summary said simply that the case was unsubstantiated and offers of help were denied.

Later that month, Zoey's mother was arrested after crashing her car near a north Topeka bar while driving drunk with Zoey in the front seat. A sworn statement from a Topeka police officer, which also was released Tuesday, said the mother was “having difficulty standing upright, attempting to walk away with a small child.”

He also wrote that in looking into her car, he saw two open bottles of vodka, one half-full and the other, three-quarters full. The officer said that in interviews, Zoey said her mother had been drinking from both bottles before and while driving.

The officer wrote that the mother was uncooperative and, “She was taken to the ground in order to be handcuffed.”

The DCF summary said welfare workers left Zoey in her father’s care; court records show he was living with a girlfriend at the time. Zoey's mother was jailed until March, when she pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery and driving under the influence and was sentenced to probation.

Zoey's father was evicted from his apartment in May. Another tip the agency received that month alleged there were no operating utilities in the mother's home, but the agency found the home to be “livable," with utilities, food and no signs of drugs. Again, the family declined services.

Then on Aug. 29, another complaint alleged drug use and no utilities, prompting the seven failed attempts by the agency to contact the family in September.

But during that time, police went to the home twice, once even tracking down Zoey and talking to her. But officers were told by Zoey’s father that she wasn’t living there, city spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker said.

The second time police responded, an officer stood outside as belongings were retrieved from the house, a police report said. Police reports do not explain where Zoey, her sister, her father and Cherry went after that, but neighbors said they were living in a makeshift camp.

Laura Howard, the top administrator for the Department for Children and Families, vowed to launch a thorough investigation.

“We will take every step necessary," she wrote in a statement.

DCF opened another investigation as a result of Zoey’s death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696600819324.png" alt="Zoey Felix -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Zoey Felix -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Child welfare officials investigated the family of a 5-year-old Kansas girl five times in the 13 months before she was raped and killed, but couldn't confirm allegations of neglect or drug use by her mother, and the family repeatedly declined offers of help, a report released Tuesday showed.The report by the state Department of Children and Families said in one case, the agency confirmed that the mother wasn't properly supervising Zoey Felix, but the girl was placed with her father and because of that, “No safety concerns were identified.” After receiving allegations in late August of drug use and lack of utilities in the home, child welfare officials made seven failed attempts to reach the family over the next month.On Oct. 2, Zoey died after fire crews couldn't resuscitate her at a gas station. Neighbors believe Zoey and her father had been camping in a grove of trees on a vacant lot nearby.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696342029742.png" alt="Cherry photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cherry photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">Mickel Cherry,</a>&nbsp;a 25-year-old homeless man, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">charged</a>&nbsp;with first-degree murder, rape and capital murder, and could face the death penalty. Authorities haven't said how Zoey died.“Zoey Felix’s death was an unacceptable tragedy," Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement accompanying the Department of Children and Families' two-page summary of its interactions with the girl's family.Kelly said she plans to push for legislation next year that would expedite the release of information when a child dies of abuse or neglect. Her administration pushed for such a change in 2021, but a bill never passed.Currently, DCF only releases a summary of its involvement initially and can't do so until attorneys vet the document. Typically, the full case reports aren’t released until after the prosecution is completed, which can take well over a year.This has left an information vacuum in Zoey's case that was exacerbated Tuesday when a judge sealed the arrest affidavit that was used to support criminal charges against Cherry.Judge Christopher Turner concluded that releasing the records would jeopardize the safety of witnesses or sources or “cause the destruction of evidence.”Cherry’s attorney, Mark Manna, of the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit, has declined to comment. Cherry’s family didn’t respond to phone messages, and his Facebook friends described him as chronically homeless.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-9816c6dd6f49dde6cfeb6fd435836eb0">Neighbors</a>&nbsp;said Zoey wandered their neighborhood dirty and hungry. Several reported calling child welfare to express concerns.According to the summary from DCF, child welfare officials said they received the first tip about Zoey on Sept. 8, 2022, alleging poor conditions in the home and possible drug use in the presence of a child. The mother agreed to a drug screen and it came back negative, the agency said.The agency also said in its summary that Zoey's mother was working with court services. By then, she had been charged with domestic battery against her husband and teenage daughter, court records show. The DCF summary said the agency offered help to the family, but they declined and the case was closed.Another complaint alleging an unsupervised child was lodged with the agency on Nov. 8, 2002. Just six days earlier, Zoey's mother had called to report that the then 4-year-old was missing, a police incident report shows. Zoey was found unharmed a short time later.The DCF summary made no reference to Zoey's disappearance, and it was unclear whether that prompted the complaint. The summary said simply that the case was unsubstantiated and offers of help were denied.Later that month, Zoey's mother was arrested after crashing her car near a north Topeka bar while driving drunk with Zoey in the front seat. A sworn statement from a Topeka police officer, which also was released Tuesday, said the mother was “having difficulty standing upright, attempting to walk away with a small child.”He also wrote that in looking into her car, he saw two open bottles of vodka, one half-full and the other, three-quarters full. The officer said that in interviews, Zoey said her mother had been drinking from both bottles before and while driving.The officer wrote that the mother was uncooperative and, “She was taken to the ground in order to be handcuffed.”The DCF summary said welfare workers left Zoey in her father’s care; court records show he was living with a girlfriend at the time. Zoey's mother was jailed until March, when she pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery and driving under the influence and was sentenced to probation.Zoey's father was evicted from his apartment in May. Another tip the agency received that month alleged there were no operating utilities in the mother's home, but the agency found the home to be “livable," with utilities, food and no signs of drugs. Again, the family declined services.Then on Aug. 29, another complaint alleged drug use and no utilities, prompting the seven failed attempts by the agency to contact the family in September.But during that time, police went to the home twice, once even tracking down Zoey and talking to her. But officers were told by Zoey’s father that she wasn’t living there, city spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker said.The second time police responded, an officer stood outside as belongings were retrieved from the house, a police report said. Police reports do not explain where Zoey, her sister, her father and Cherry went after that, but neighbors said they were living in a makeshift camp.Laura Howard, the top administrator for the Department for Children and Families, vowed to launch a thorough investigation.“We will take every step necessary," she wrote in a statement.DCF opened another investigation as a result of Zoey’s death.

Report: Kan. agency investigated girl's family 5 times before her murder

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">former detective</a>&nbsp;in Missouri convicted in the death a Black man in 2019 is now jailed after losing an appeal of his conviction despite unusual support from the state's Republican attorney general.

Eric J. DeValkenaere had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">free on bond</a>&nbsp;during the appeal, but a judge revoked bond Tuesday and ordered a warrant for his arrest. DeValkenaere went to the Platte County jail himself Tuesday and surrendered, Maj. Erik Holland of the sheriff's office told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article280645500.html">Kansas City Star</a>. He will be held there until he is transferred to a Missouri prison.

DeValkenaere’s lawyer declined comment to The Associated Press.

DeValkenaere, who is white, was found guilty in 2021 of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb. Lamb was parking a pickup truck in his Kansas City back yard when the officer shot him after reports Lamb was in a car chase with his girlfriend.

The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.

Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.

On Tuesday, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously there had been enough evidence to convict DeValkenaere. He had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">sentenced</a>&nbsp;to three years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and six years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run consecutively.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">an unusual legal move</a>, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in June asked the appeals court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial. In Missouri, the attorney general's office handles criminal appeals and typically defends convictions, rather than appealing them.

A spokesperson on Tuesday said the attorney general's office is reviewing the appeals court decision.

Police said DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, went to Lamb’s home after reports he'd been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective. The judge said the officers had no probable cause to believe any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.

Rumors had swirled this summer that Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning or granting clemency to DeValkenaere. That prompted Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker to send the governor a letter urging him not to do so. Civil rights advocates warned that releasing the former detective could cause unrest in the city and damage an already tense relationship between police and Kansas City’s Black community.

On Tuesday, Parson spokesperson Johnathan Shiflett said in an email that the governor is “assessing the situation," and no decision has been reached on whether to grant a pardon.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A white former detective in Missouri who shot and killed a Black man in 2019 has lost an appeal of his conviction despite unusual support from the state’s Republican attorney general, with judges on Tuesday ordering the ex-officer placed under arrest.

Eric J. DeValkenaere was found guilty in 2021 of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb.

 Lamb was parking a pickup truck in his Kansas City back yard when the officer shot him, after reports Lamb was in a car chase with his girlfriend. The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.

Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting, but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697577882618.png" alt="Eric J. DeValkenaere is being held in Platte Co." />
 <figcaption>Eric J. DeValkenaere is being held in Platte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">former detective</a>&nbsp;in Missouri convicted in the death a Black man in 2019 is now jailed after losing an appeal of his conviction despite unusual support from the state's Republican attorney general.Eric J. DeValkenaere had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">free on bond</a>&nbsp;during the appeal, but a judge revoked bond Tuesday and ordered a warrant for his arrest. DeValkenaere went to the Platte County jail himself Tuesday and surrendered, Maj. Erik Holland of the sheriff's office told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article280645500.html">Kansas City Star</a>. He will be held there until he is transferred to a Missouri prison.DeValkenaere’s lawyer declined comment to The Associated Press.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592995037957.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>DeValkenaere, who is white, was found guilty in 2021 of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb. Lamb was parking a pickup truck in his Kansas City back yard when the officer shot him after reports Lamb was in a car chase with his girlfriend.The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.On Tuesday, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously there had been enough evidence to convict DeValkenaere. He had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">sentenced</a>&nbsp;to three years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and six years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run consecutively.In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">an unusual legal move</a>, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in June asked the appeals court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial. In Missouri, the attorney general's office handles criminal appeals and typically defends convictions, rather than appealing them.A spokesperson on Tuesday said the attorney general's office is reviewing the appeals court decision.Police said DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, went to Lamb’s home after reports he'd been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective. The judge said the officers had no probable cause to believe any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.Rumors had swirled this summer that Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning or granting clemency to DeValkenaere. That prompted Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker to send the governor a letter urging him not to do so. Civil rights advocates warned that releasing the former detective could cause unrest in the city and damage an already tense relationship between police and Kansas City’s Black community.On Tuesday, Parson spokesperson Johnathan Shiflett said in an email that the governor is “assessing the situation," and no decision has been reached on whether to grant a pardon.------------KANSAS CITY (AP) — A white former detective in Missouri who shot and killed a Black man in 2019 has lost an appeal of his conviction despite unusual support from the state’s Republican attorney general, with judges on Tuesday ordering the ex-officer placed under arrest.Eric J. DeValkenaere was found guilty in 2021 of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb. Lamb was parking a pickup truck in his Kansas City back yard when the officer shot him, after reports Lamb was in a car chase with his girlfriend. The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting, but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.On Tuesday, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously that there had been enough evidence to convict DeValkenaere. He had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">sentenced</a>&nbsp;to three years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and six years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run consecutively.The former detective has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">free on bond</a>&nbsp;during the appeal, but the judges revoked his bond Tuesday and ordered a warrant for his arrest.DeValkenaere’s lawyer declined to comment.In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">an unusual legal move</a>, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in June asked the appeals court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial for him. In Missouri, the attorney general's office handles criminal appeals and typically defends convictions, rather than appealing them.A spokesperson on Tuesday said the attorney general's office is reviewing the appeals court decision.Police said DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, went to Lamb’s home after reports he'd been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective. The judge said the officers had no probable cause to believe that any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.Rumors had swirled this summer that Republican Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning or granting clemency to DeValkenaere. That prompted Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker to send the governor a letter urging him not to do so. Civil rights advocates warned that releasing the former detective could cause unrest in the city and damage an already tense relationship between police and Kansas City’s Black community.On Tuesday, a Parson spokesperson said the governor is “assessing the situation.”“Governor Parson will give the same thorough review to Mr. DeValkenaere’s case that he gives to all others that come across his desk,” Johnathan Shiflett said in an email. "No decision regarding a pardon has been made at this time."