NEW YORK (AP) — Flu is decreasing in many parts of the U.S. after an alarmingly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-pandemics-covid-flu-7c784678637e51d4a8508f5dde70cded">early and strong start</a>&nbsp;to the season.

The number of flu hospital admissions fell for the second week in a row, according to a national surveillance system run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the percentage of doctor’s office visits due to fever and other flu-like symptoms has dropped for three weeks in a row.

“It looks like for this first wave of (flu) activity, maybe we’ve seen the worst of that,” said the CDC’s Lynnette Brammer, who leads the government agency’s tracking of flu in the United States.

But she added there is still a lot flu spreading out there. CDC data indicates flu activity last week was high or very high in 45 states.

And the current decline doesn’t mean flu will recede for the rest of the winter — second surges are common, said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert.

“Viruses love to make you look foolish when you’re predicting what they’re going to do,” he said.

The annual winter flu season usually doesn’t get going until December or January, but this one took off in early November. It has been complicated by the simultaneous spread of other viruses, including COVID-19&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-covid-pandemics-072e11e5e3af77aac19fe95773a69610">and RSV</a>.

The measure of traffic in doctor’s offices is based on reports of symptoms like fever, coughs and sore throats, not on lab-confirmed diagnoses, so it captures all respiratory illnesses together.

Whatever the current mix, the overall impact is waning. Health officials said Friday that 6.3% of outpatient medical visits last week were due to flu-like illnesses. It was as high as 7.5% but has been falling since the week of Thanksgiving.

Though flu activity remains high, officials said they’ve seen some decline in most parts of the country — including in the Southeast, where flu hit early and hard.

The CDC estimates there have been at least 190,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 deaths from flu so far this season. The deaths include at least 17 children.

Flu shots are recommended for nearly all Americans who are at least 6 months old or older. Health officials say it’s not too late to get vaccinated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671924986160.png" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Flu is decreasing in many parts of the U.S. after an alarmingly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-pandemics-covid-flu-7c784678637e51d4a8508f5dde70cded">early and strong start</a>&nbsp;to the season.The number of flu hospital admissions fell for the second week in a row, according to a national surveillance system run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And the percentage of doctor’s office visits due to fever and other flu-like symptoms has dropped for three weeks in a row.“It looks like for this first wave of (flu) activity, maybe we’ve seen the worst of that,” said the CDC’s Lynnette Brammer, who leads the government agency’s tracking of flu in the United States.But she added there is still a lot flu spreading out there. CDC data indicates flu activity last week was high or very high in 45 states.And the current decline doesn’t mean flu will recede for the rest of the winter — second surges are common, said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert.“Viruses love to make you look foolish when you’re predicting what they’re going to do,” he said.The annual winter flu season usually doesn’t get going until December or January, but this one took off in early November. It has been complicated by the simultaneous spread of other viruses, including COVID-19&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-covid-pandemics-072e11e5e3af77aac19fe95773a69610">and RSV</a>.The measure of traffic in doctor’s offices is based on reports of symptoms like fever, coughs and sore throats, not on lab-confirmed diagnoses, so it captures all respiratory illnesses together.Whatever the current mix, the overall impact is waning. Health officials said Friday that 6.3% of outpatient medical visits last week were due to flu-like illnesses. It was as high as 7.5% but has been falling since the week of Thanksgiving.Though flu activity remains high, officials said they’ve seen some decline in most parts of the country — including in the Southeast, where flu hit early and hard.The CDC estimates there have been at least 190,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 deaths from flu so far this season. The deaths include at least 17 children.Flu shots are recommended for nearly all Americans who are at least 6 months old or older. Health officials say it’s not too late to get vaccinated.“It’s not over,” Brammer said.

Flu starting to wane in US after brutal start to season

By KAYLA HARRIS and NEOMI DE ANDA <a href="https://theconversation.com/who-is-at-the-manger-nativity-sets-around-the-world-show-each-cultures-take-on-the-christmas-story-195536">The Conversation</a>

For many Christians around the world, celebrating the Nativity, or 
the birth of Jesus Christ, is the most important part of the Christmas 
season. 

Among the most common Christmas traditions are <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-st-francis-created-the-nativity-scene-with-a-miraculous-event-in-1223-124742">small sets of figures</a>
 depicting Joseph, Mary and Jesus that are displayed in individual 
homes, and live reenactments of the manger scene in communities and 
churches. While Nativity sets focus on the holy family, they can also 
include an angel, the <a href="https://theconversation.com/who-were-the-3-wise-men-who-visited-jesus-195159">three wise men</a> bringing gifts, shepherds or some barnyard animals.

Around the world, it is common to see particular cultural and 
religious traditions incorporated through the materials used, the types 
of gifts presented to Jesus, or the people and animals present at the 
manger.

The Marian Library at the University of Dayton has over <a href="https://udayton.edu/imri/mary/c/creche-collection-of-the-marian-library/index.php">3,600 Nativity sets</a>,
 also known as “crèches,” the French word for cribs. These Nativities 
are used to promote the study of culture and religion. Since one of us 
is a <a href="https://udayton.edu/directory/libraries/harriskayla.php">curator</a> for this collection and the other is a <a href="https://udayton.edu/directory/artssciences/religiousstudies/deanda_neomi.php">religious studies scholar</a>, we often notice how Nativities can be used to both depict the birth of Jesus and convey unique cultural beliefs.

In Nordic folklore, “<a href="https://www.patheos.com/blogs/matauryn/2018/12/07/the-mischievous-tomte-spirits-of-yule/">the tomte</a>,”
 or “nisse,” is a small creature that looks rather like a garden gnome 
figurine. These long-bearded, red-capped little lads are associated with
 <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yule-festival">Yule</a>, the celebration of the winter solstice in pre-Christian northern Europe.

While these folklore figures were often believed to be quite helpful 
around a farm, even doing chores in secret at night, they also have a 
mischievous or sometimes even scary side. For example, in one <a href="https://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/scandinavian-folk-belief-and-legend">legend</a>
 a young farm girl decides to put butter at the bottom of the porridge 
bowl left out for the nisse, instead of on top. The nisse was so angry 
he immediately went and killed the farm’s best cow. Once he discovered 
the butter at the bottom, he felt remorse, and to remedy the situation 
he stole a cow from the neighboring farm.

In Iceland, the mythical creatures are called <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-the-thirteen-yule-lads-icelands-own-mischievous-santa-clauses-180948162/">Yule Lads</a>,
 and they visit children’s homes in the lead-up to Christmas. A 2003 
Nativity scene by Icelandic crafter and artisan Kristin Karolina <a href="https://ecommons.udayton.edu/imri_creches/94/">blends the two holiday traditions</a>,
 depicting the birth of Jesus with a band of troublemakers. Made of 
knitted wool and sheepskin, the mischief-makers are licking the porridge
 spoon and stealing the Christmas meal through the chimney with a 
fishing pole.

Across the Atlantic, a different type of troublemaker can be found in
 Nativities: Devils are a common feature in Christmas rituals across 
Latin America.

Devils at the Nativity are a physical representation of evil in the 
world, even in the presence of the Christ child. They sometimes 
specifically represent what Catholic teachings consider “<a href="https://artuk.org/discover/stories/a-brief-art-history-of-the-seven-deadly-sins">the seven deadly sins</a>”: lust, greed, pride, envy, gluttony, sloth and wrath.

The devil can be found in other popular religious traditions of the 
Advent and Christmas seasons. One of these practices is the appearance 
of the devil as a character in a “pastorela,” a popular Mexican <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5-QxRZGcRA&amp;t=25s">dramatic portrayal</a> of the shepherds making their way to visit Jesus. In these <a href="https://www.proquest.com/openview/0beea9d3fac0789a/1.pdf?pq-origsite=gscholar&amp;cbl=54559">Nativity plays</a>, a devil character plays tricks and sets obstacles in the shepherds’ path, trying to keep them from Bethlehem.

Some pastorelas are set in modern times, with the devil role 
highlighting human sinfulness. But these plays end with a hopeful 
message: the love, peace and joy in the church’s teaching that God 
became human.

Another practice called “<a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/spanish/2018/12/09/guatemaltecos-quema-diablo-virgen-inmaculada-concepcion-tradiciones-cnnee-mirador-mundial.cnn">la quema del diablo</a>,” or “<a href="https://money.yahoo.com/devil-goes-flames-guatemala-christmas-000645414.html">burning of the devil</a>,”
 is held in Guatemala. Individuals and groups set fires in front of 
their homes and around their communities to symbolize cleansing the 
world of all evil. It is held on Dec. 7, in anticipation of the <a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/liturgical-holidays/solemnity-of-the-immaculate-conception-of-the-blessed-virgin-mar.html">Feast of the Immaculate Conception</a>
 on Dec. 8. This feast celebrates the church’s teaching that the Virgin 
Mary herself was conceived without sin, preparing her to become the 
mother of God.

Contrasted against the vivid colors and expressions in the Latin American depictions, Nativities representing <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/A-History-of-the-Amish/Steven-M-Nolt/9781680990652">the Amish culture</a>
 in the United States often feature faceless figures in plain clothing. 
Amish teachings highly value humility and simplicity – many churches, 
for example, <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/top-ten-faq/">forbid individuals to pose for a face-on photograph</a>, as this can be seen as a form of pride. Even Amish dolls for children are often created without individual faces.

While each Nativity set incorporates a different set of values and beliefs surrounding the birth of Christ, they are all examples of taking tenets of faith, which can often be abstract ideas, and representing them physically. And for many Christians, such traditions help represent their beliefs in a particularly powerful way: by picturing Jesus within their own culture.

Kayla Harris is a Librarian/Archivist at the Marian Library and Associate Professor, University of Dayton.

Neomi De Anda is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Dayton.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671574698331.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By KAYLA HARRIS and NEOMI DE ANDA <a href="https://theconversation.com/who-is-at-the-manger-nativity-sets-around-the-world-show-each-cultures-take-on-the-christmas-story-195536">The Conversation</a>For many Christians around the world, celebrating the Nativity, or 
the birth of Jesus Christ, is the most important part of the Christmas 
season. Among the most common Christmas traditions are <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-st-francis-created-the-nativity-scene-with-a-miraculous-event-in-1223-124742">small sets of figures</a>
 depicting Joseph, Mary and Jesus that are displayed in individual 
homes, and live reenactments of the manger scene in communities and 
churches. While Nativity sets focus on the holy family, they can also 
include an angel, the <a href="https://theconversation.com/who-were-the-3-wise-men-who-visited-jesus-195159">three wise men</a> bringing gifts, shepherds or some barnyard animals. Around the world, it is common to see particular cultural and 
religious traditions incorporated through the materials used, the types 
of gifts presented to Jesus, or the people and animals present at the 
manger.The Marian Library at the University of Dayton has over <a href="https://udayton.edu/imri/mary/c/creche-collection-of-the-marian-library/index.php">3,600 Nativity sets</a>,
 also known as “crèches,” the French word for cribs. These Nativities 
are used to promote the study of culture and religion. Since one of us 
is a <a href="https://udayton.edu/directory/libraries/harriskayla.php">curator</a> for this collection and the other is a <a href="https://udayton.edu/directory/artssciences/religiousstudies/deanda_neomi.php">religious studies scholar</a>, we often notice how Nativities can be used to both depict the birth of Jesus and convey unique cultural beliefs. <h2>Troublemakers in Scandinavia</h2>In Nordic folklore, “<a href="https://www.patheos.com/blogs/matauryn/2018/12/07/the-mischievous-tomte-spirits-of-yule/">the tomte</a>,”
 or “nisse,” is a small creature that looks rather like a garden gnome 
figurine. These long-bearded, red-capped little lads are associated with
 <a href="https://www.britannica.com/topic/Yule-festival">Yule</a>, the celebration of the winter solstice in pre-Christian northern Europe.While these folklore figures were often believed to be quite helpful 
around a farm, even doing chores in secret at night, they also have a 
mischievous or sometimes even scary side. For example, in one <a href="https://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/scandinavian-folk-belief-and-legend">legend</a>
 a young farm girl decides to put butter at the bottom of the porridge 
bowl left out for the nisse, instead of on top. The nisse was so angry 
he immediately went and killed the farm’s best cow. Once he discovered 
the butter at the bottom, he felt remorse, and to remedy the situation 
he stole a cow from the neighboring farm. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671574786755.png" alt="Yuletide Lads,’ a Nativity set created by Icelandic artist Kristin Karolina.
 The Marian Library, University of Dayton., <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/">CC BY-NC-SA</a>" />
 <figcaption>Yuletide Lads,’ a Nativity set created by Icelandic artist Kristin Karolina.
 The Marian Library, University of Dayton., <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/">CC BY-NC-SA</a></figcaption>
 </figure>In Iceland, the mythical creatures are called <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/meet-the-thirteen-yule-lads-icelands-own-mischievous-santa-clauses-180948162/">Yule Lads</a>,
 and they visit children’s homes in the lead-up to Christmas. A 2003 
Nativity scene by Icelandic crafter and artisan Kristin Karolina <a href="https://ecommons.udayton.edu/imri_creches/94/">blends the two holiday traditions</a>,
 depicting the birth of Jesus with a band of troublemakers. Made of 
knitted wool and sheepskin, the mischief-makers are licking the porridge
 spoon and stealing the Christmas meal through the chimney with a 
fishing pole. <h2>The devil is in the details</h2>Across the Atlantic, a different type of troublemaker can be found in
 Nativities: Devils are a common feature in Christmas rituals across 
Latin America.Devils at the Nativity are a physical representation of evil in the 
world, even in the presence of the Christ child. They sometimes 
specifically represent what Catholic teachings consider “<a href="https://artuk.org/discover/stories/a-brief-art-history-of-the-seven-deadly-sins">the seven deadly sins</a>”: lust, greed, pride, envy, gluttony, sloth and wrath.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671574844154.png" alt=" ‘The Devil Never Far,’ a Nativity set by Sotero Lemus Gervasio of Mexico. The Marian Library, University of Dayton, CC BY-NC-SA " />
 <figcaption> ‘The Devil Never Far,’ a Nativity set by Sotero Lemus Gervasio of Mexico. The Marian Library, University of Dayton, CC BY-NC-SA </figcaption>
 </figure>The devil can be found in other popular religious traditions of the 
Advent and Christmas seasons. One of these practices is the appearance 
of the devil as a character in a “pastorela,” a popular Mexican <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5-QxRZGcRA&amp;t=25s">dramatic portrayal</a> of the shepherds making their way to visit Jesus. In these <a href="https://www.proquest.com/openview/0beea9d3fac0789a/1.pdf?pq-origsite=gscholar&amp;cbl=54559">Nativity plays</a>, a devil character plays tricks and sets obstacles in the shepherds’ path, trying to keep them from Bethlehem. Some pastorelas are set in modern times, with the devil role 
highlighting human sinfulness. But these plays end with a hopeful 
message: the love, peace and joy in the church’s teaching that God 
became human.Another practice called “<a href="https://www.cnn.com/videos/spanish/2018/12/09/guatemaltecos-quema-diablo-virgen-inmaculada-concepcion-tradiciones-cnnee-mirador-mundial.cnn">la quema del diablo</a>,” or “<a href="https://money.yahoo.com/devil-goes-flames-guatemala-christmas-000645414.html">burning of the devil</a>,”
 is held in Guatemala. Individuals and groups set fires in front of 
their homes and around their communities to symbolize cleansing the 
world of all evil. It is held on Dec. 7, in anticipation of the <a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/liturgical-holidays/solemnity-of-the-immaculate-conception-of-the-blessed-virgin-mar.html">Feast of the Immaculate Conception</a>
 on Dec. 8. This feast celebrates the church’s teaching that the Virgin 
Mary herself was conceived without sin, preparing her to become the 
mother of God.<h2>Alike in the eyes of God</h2>Contrasted against the vivid colors and expressions in the Latin American depictions, Nativities representing <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/A-History-of-the-Amish/Steven-M-Nolt/9781680990652">the Amish culture</a>
 in the United States often feature faceless figures in plain clothing. 
Amish teachings highly value humility and simplicity – many churches, 
for example, <a href="https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/top-ten-faq/">forbid individuals to pose for a face-on photograph</a>, as this can be seen as a form of pride. Even Amish dolls for children are often created without individual faces.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671574888217.png" alt=" ‘Amish Christmas,’ a Nativity set by U.S.-based artist Esther Glock O'Hara. The Marian Library, University of Dayton, CC BY-NC-SA " />
 <figcaption> ‘Amish Christmas,’ a Nativity set by U.S.-based artist Esther Glock O'Hara. The Marian Library, University of Dayton, CC BY-NC-SA </figcaption>
 </figure>While each Nativity set incorporates a different set of values and beliefs surrounding the birth of Christ, they are all examples of taking tenets of faith, which can often be abstract ideas, and representing them physically. And for many Christians, such traditions help represent their beliefs in a particularly powerful way: by picturing Jesus within their own culture.Kayla Harris is a Librarian/Archivist at the Marian Library and Associate Professor, University of Dayton.Neomi De Anda is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Dayton.<div><iframe src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/195536/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" width="1" height="1" style="border: none !important" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>

Nativity sets offer cultural takes on the Christmas story

FRANKLIN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. on Saturday.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Buick Lucerne driven by Robert J. Rogers, 61, Muscatine, Iowa, was southbound on Interstate 35 just north of U.S. 59.

The car traveled off the roadway to the left and struck a guard rail. Rogers was pronounced dead at the scene. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

FRANKLIN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. on Saturday.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Buick Lucerne driven by Robert J. Rogers, 61, Muscatine, Iowa, was southbound on Interstate 35 just north of U.S. 59.The car traveled off the roadway to the left and struck a guard rail. Rogers was pronounced dead at the scene. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Man dead after Christmas Eve crash on Kansas highway

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that fatally injured a man and woman and critically injured two other men all from Wichita.

Just before 10p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 900 block of South Mission in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Robelledo

At the scene, police located two victims,&nbsp;a 22-year-0ld man and a 42-year-old man, with multiple gunshot wounds. EMS transported them to an area hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The victims underwent surgery and on Saturday afternoon, police reported they were reported in stable condition.

During the initial contact, officers learned that two additional victims were inside an apartment near where the two men had been shot. Officers entered the apartment and located a man and woman unconscious and not breathing. They were pronounced deceased on the scene.

Due to the lack of cooperation from some of the victims and witnesses, investigators have not been able to fully determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting. This was not a random incident, according to Robelledo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671918579268.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that fatally injured a man and woman and critically injured two other men all from Wichita.Just before 10p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 900 block of South Mission in Wichita, according to Officer Juan RobelledoAt the scene, police located two victims,&nbsp;a 22-year-0ld man and a 42-year-old man, with multiple gunshot wounds. EMS transported them to an area hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The victims underwent surgery and on Saturday afternoon, police reported they were reported in stable condition.During the initial contact, officers learned that two additional victims were inside an apartment near where the two men had been shot. Officers entered the apartment and located a man and woman unconscious and not breathing. They were pronounced deceased on the scene.Due to the lack of cooperation from some of the victims and witnesses, investigators have not been able to fully determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting. This was not a random incident, according to Robelledo.

Police: Victims not cooperating; 2 dead, 2 injured in Kan. shooting

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND — Randy Smith 
made a life of law enforcement. It may come as a surprise, but he also 
made it as a Santa. Since 1968, Smith has donned the red and white 
costume of the jolly fellow for local Christmas celebrations. Now 54 
years and many Christmas wishes later, this will likely be his last year
 playing Santa Claus.

"It all started way back when my wife was 
working at Alco," Smith said. "Sunflower Early Education wanted to do a 
fundraiser, and they needed a Santa Claus to take pictures. That's when 
it started."

Smith was a reserve officer with the Great Bend 
Police Department in 1968. While law enforcement proved to be his 
calling, he also wanted to follow the path of his uncle, Ray Smith, who 
also dressed as Santa. Once he started playing the role, it just took 
off.

"My first outfit came from Alco," he said. "I bought it from them for
 $10. It was corduroy. It was about eight years later that I ended up 
buying an expensive suit for both me and my wife. It just kept growing 
and growing."

Smith worked for the Great Bend Police Department 
for 13 years, then worked as an agent with the Kansas Bureau of 
Investigation for 26 years. He spent 14 years as an instructor at Barton
 Community College, and now works part-time for the sheriff's office. 
The law enforcement community allowed him to be someone else each 
December. 

"I had a Santa's Workshop on a Friday night, and I was 
working with the KBI at the time," he recalls. "We were working a crime 
scene in Ness County. They let me leave to come back and do that, then 
go back and do the crime scene. Everybody worked with us."

Being Santa grew and grew over the years. Smith worked the Santa's 
Workshop at the Great Bend Rec Center for many years. All the while, he 
never did it for the money, and often helped raise money for others. "I 
think maybe we'd take $20 out for gas, but the rest of it all went to 
somebody that needed it," he said.

One of Smith's favorite Santa 
memories involved going into a local store. He knew many of the 
shoppers, but no one knew who was behind the beard. Even his 
granddaughters and great-granddaughters, who would eventually become 
elves, were kept in the dark.

"My oldest granddaughter, Kenda, was
 working at Dillons, and Dillons had me in there," he said. "It was so 
much fun, me knowing the people in Great Bend, them not knowing who I 
was, and being able to pick on them. It was so much fun."

Over the
 years, Smith cannot recall a single incident of a child getting sick or
 having an accident while on his lap. Once his late wife, Sandy, became 
Mrs. Claus, she took the crying children and warmed them up to the idea 
of meeting Santa. The Christmas wishes ranged from the trending new toy 
to far more noble ideas.

"You would be surprised to know that every year, at least four or 
five kids would ask that there be peace on earth," said Smith. 
"Amazingly, there were several individuals with disabilities that wanted
 everyone to love one another."

But dressing up for Christmas, 
like all things, has to end sometime. Sandy passed away in June 2020, 
just after the couple's 55th wedding anniversary. Randy recently donated
 her Mrs. Claus costume to the Santas Around the World display in 
downtown Great Bend. Randy was diagnosed with lung cancer last December,
 and had surgery to remove the cancer in February.

Smith may be hanging up his Santa suit for good after the 2022 season, but it has provided him with a lifetime of memories.

"To
 me the greatest gift of all is love and a hug," he said. "It's not the 
presents, it's not all of that. It's families smiling, it's the 
laughter. We're celebrating Jesus' birthday, but each one of us is a 
child of God, and we each celebrate our birthdays. It's kind of a family
 affair is the way I look at Christmas. It's family, it's friends, it's 
everybody enjoying one another."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671724140502.png" alt="Randy Smith has spent the last 54 years listening to the Christmas wishes of children, including a great-granddaughter, as Santa Claus. (photo by Amy Stein Photography)" />
 <figcaption>Randy Smith has spent the last 54 years listening to the Christmas wishes of children, including a great-granddaughter, as Santa Claus. (photo by Amy Stein Photography)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostGREAT BEND — Randy Smith 
made a life of law enforcement. It may come as a surprise, but he also 
made it as a Santa. Since 1968, Smith has donned the red and white 
costume of the jolly fellow for local Christmas celebrations. Now 54 
years and many Christmas wishes later, this will likely be his last year
 playing Santa Claus."It all started way back when my wife was 
working at Alco," Smith said. "Sunflower Early Education wanted to do a 
fundraiser, and they needed a Santa Claus to take pictures. That's when 
it started."Smith was a reserve officer with the Great Bend 
Police Department in 1968. While law enforcement proved to be his 
calling, he also wanted to follow the path of his uncle, Ray Smith, who 
also dressed as Santa. Once he started playing the role, it just took 
off.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671724189007.png" alt="Randy as a child with his uncle, Ray Smith, who also dressed as Santa. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Randy as a child with his uncle, Ray Smith, who also dressed as Santa. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>"My first outfit came from Alco," he said. "I bought it from them for
 $10. It was corduroy. It was about eight years later that I ended up 
buying an expensive suit for both me and my wife. It just kept growing 
and growing."Smith worked for the Great Bend Police Department 
for 13 years, then worked as an agent with the Kansas Bureau of 
Investigation for 26 years. He spent 14 years as an instructor at Barton
 Community College, and now works part-time for the sheriff's office. 
The law enforcement community allowed him to be someone else each 
December. "I had a Santa's Workshop on a Friday night, and I was 
working with the KBI at the time," he recalls. "We were working a crime 
scene in Ness County. They let me leave to come back and do that, then 
go back and do the crime scene. Everybody worked with us."Being Santa grew and grew over the years. Smith worked the Santa's 
Workshop at the Great Bend Rec Center for many years. All the while, he 
never did it for the money, and often helped raise money for others. "I 
think maybe we'd take $20 out for gas, but the rest of it all went to 
somebody that needed it," he said.One of Smith's favorite Santa 
memories involved going into a local store. He knew many of the 
shoppers, but no one knew who was behind the beard. Even his 
granddaughters and great-granddaughters, who would eventually become 
elves, were kept in the dark."My oldest granddaughter, Kenda, was
 working at Dillons, and Dillons had me in there," he said. "It was so 
much fun, me knowing the people in Great Bend, them not knowing who I 
was, and being able to pick on them. It was so much fun."Over the
 years, Smith cannot recall a single incident of a child getting sick or
 having an accident while on his lap. Once his late wife, Sandy, became 
Mrs. Claus, she took the crying children and warmed them up to the idea 
of meeting Santa. The Christmas wishes ranged from the trending new toy 
to far more noble ideas."You would be surprised to know that every year, at least four or 
five kids would ask that there be peace on earth," said Smith. 
"Amazingly, there were several individuals with disabilities that wanted
 everyone to love one another."But dressing up for Christmas, 
like all things, has to end sometime. Sandy passed away in June 2020, 
just after the couple's 55th wedding anniversary. Randy recently donated
 her Mrs. Claus costume to the Santas Around the World display in 
downtown Great Bend. Randy was diagnosed with lung cancer last December,
 and had surgery to remove the cancer in February.Smith may be hanging up his Santa suit for good after the 2022 season, but it has provided him with a lifetime of memories."To
 me the greatest gift of all is love and a hug," he said. "It's not the 
presents, it's not all of that. It's families smiling, it's the 
laughter. We're celebrating Jesus' birthday, but each one of us is a 
child of God, and we each celebrate our birthdays. It's kind of a family
 affair is the way I look at Christmas. It's family, it's friends, it's 
everybody enjoying one another."

54 years of Santa: Kansas man recalls a life in red and white

NEW YORK (AP) — It took less than a day for the Jan. 6 report to go from public unveiling to the bestseller list on Amazon.com.

By late Friday, three editions of the Congressional probe of the 2021 siege of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump were in the top 30 on Amazon.

<a href="https://january6th.house.gov/sites/democrats.january6th.house.gov/files/Report_FinalReport_Jan6SelectCommittee.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the report&nbsp;

The editions include one with a foreword by MSNBC anchor Ari Melber, published by Harper Paperbacks; A Celadon Books release with a foreword by New Yorker editor David Remnick and an epilogue by Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Democrat and member of the House Select Committee; and a volume by the Hachette Book Group imprint Twelve, published in coordination with The New York Times.

The 814-page document, released late Thursday, is not copyrighted, can be published by anyone and is otherwise available for free on various government and media web sites. Previous government publications, from the Sept. 11 commission report to Robert Mueller's probe into Trump's ties to Russian officials when he ran for president in 2016, have been bestsellers. The Sept. 11 report was even a finalist in 2004 for the National Book Award.

As with other government releases, publishers have rushed to get their books out quickly to capitalize on public interest. All three bestselling editions will be out within the next two weeks, along with books from Random House and Melville House Books.

The Jan. 6 report culminates an 18-month investigation, which included more than 1,000 witness interviews and more than a million pages of source material. The committee of seven Democrats and two Republicans blamed the insurrection on Trump, finding a “multi-part conspiracy” orchestrated by the president and his closest allies in an effort to overturn his loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Trump, a Republican, has already announced his candidacy for 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671793283931.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — It took less than a day for the Jan. 6 report to go from public unveiling to the bestseller list on Amazon.com.By late Friday, three editions of the Congressional probe of the 2021 siege of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of then-President Donald Trump were in the top 30 on Amazon.<a href="https://january6th.house.gov/sites/democrats.january6th.house.gov/files/Report_FinalReport_Jan6SelectCommittee.pdf">Click here to read</a>&nbsp;the report&nbsp;The editions include one with a foreword by MSNBC anchor Ari Melber, published by Harper Paperbacks; A Celadon Books release with a foreword by New Yorker editor David Remnick and an epilogue by Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Democrat and member of the House Select Committee; and a volume by the Hachette Book Group imprint Twelve, published in coordination with The New York Times.The 814-page document, released late Thursday, is not copyrighted, can be published by anyone and is otherwise available for free on various government and media web sites. Previous government publications, from the Sept. 11 commission report to Robert Mueller's probe into Trump's ties to Russian officials when he ran for president in 2016, have been bestsellers. The Sept. 11 report was even a finalist in 2004 for the National Book Award.As with other government releases, publishers have rushed to get their books out quickly to capitalize on public interest. All three bestselling editions will be out within the next two weeks, along with books from Random House and Melville House Books.The Jan. 6 report culminates an 18-month investigation, which included more than 1,000 witness interviews and more than a million pages of source material. The committee of seven Democrats and two Republicans blamed the insurrection on Trump, finding a “multi-part conspiracy” orchestrated by the president and his closest allies in an effort to overturn his loss to Democrat Joe Biden. Trump, a Republican, has already announced his candidacy for 2024.

Editions of Jan. 6 report already on Amazon best seller list

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal crash have identified the victim as&nbsp;50-year-old Nicky Ball of Wichita, according to Officer Juan&nbsp; Rebolledo.

Just after 4:30p.m. Friday, a 1999 Toyota Avalon driven by Ball was southbound on Sheridan Ave at 18th Street North in Wichita.

The Toyota entered the intersection. A westbound Suzuki Grand Vitara traveling&nbsp;driven by a 21-year-old woman struck the Toyota.

Officers arrived on the scene and located Ball unconscious and unresponsive. EMS pronounced him deceased on the scene. 

The intersection of 18th Street and Sheridan Ave is uncontrolled, according to Robolledo.&nbsp; Police do not believe speed or alcohol contributed to the crash.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671911904758.png" alt="Friday accident scene photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Friday accident scene photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal crash have identified the victim as&nbsp;50-year-old Nicky Ball of Wichita, according to Officer Juan&nbsp; Rebolledo.Just after 4:30p.m. Friday, a 1999 Toyota Avalon driven by Ball was southbound on Sheridan Ave at 18th Street North in Wichita.The Toyota entered the intersection. A westbound Suzuki Grand Vitara traveling&nbsp;driven by a 21-year-old woman struck the Toyota.Officers arrived on the scene and located Ball unconscious and unresponsive. EMS pronounced him deceased on the scene. The intersection of 18th Street and Sheridan Ave is uncontrolled, according to Robolledo.&nbsp; Police do not believe speed or alcohol contributed to the crash.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation.

Police ID Kansas man who died in 2-vehicle crash

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting have a suspect in custody.

On Dec. 20, police&nbsp;responded to report of a shooting in the 200 Block of SW Fillmore in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.

&nbsp;Responding officer located a man who was involved in the incident. Officers then made contact with another subject involved identified as 33-year-old Dylan McDaniel of Topeka, at a local hospital, who was suffering from a non-life-threatening gun shot wound.

As a result of the investigation police transported McDaniel to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of aggravated assault.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671806665257.png" alt="McDaniel-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>McDaniel-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting have a suspect in custody.On Dec. 20, police&nbsp;responded to report of a shooting in the 200 Block of SW Fillmore in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks.&nbsp;Responding officer located a man who was involved in the incident. Officers then made contact with another subject involved identified as 33-year-old Dylan McDaniel of Topeka, at a local hospital, who was suffering from a non-life-threatening gun shot wound.As a result of the investigation police transported McDaniel to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of aggravated assault.

Police found Kan. suspect with gunshot wound at the hospital

JACKSON COUNTY —A Kansas woman died from injuries an accident that occurred just after 7p.m. Wednesday in Jackson County.

A 2008 Honda Civid driven by&nbsp;Sydney Prine, 23, of Holton, was northbound on U.S. 75 Highway near 214th Road south of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

She lost control of the car on the ice covered road.&nbsp; The Honda struck a truck belonging to a first responder who was already on the scene along with other responders of an earlier accident caused from the slick conditions. 

Jackson County EMS transported Prine was to Stormont Vail Regional Medical Center where she died.&nbsp; The sheriff's office released no additional details.

JACKSON COUNTY —A Kansas woman died from injuries an accident that occurred just after 7p.m. Wednesday in Jackson County.A 2008 Honda Civid driven by&nbsp;Sydney Prine, 23, of Holton, was northbound on U.S. 75 Highway near 214th Road south of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.She lost control of the car on the ice covered road.&nbsp; The Honda struck a truck belonging to a first responder who was already on the scene along with other responders of an earlier accident caused from the slick conditions. Jackson County EMS transported Prine was to Stormont Vail Regional Medical Center where she died.&nbsp; The sheriff's office released no additional details.

Kan. woman dies after car strikes first responder's vehicle

CASS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged animal cruelty.&nbsp;

Just after 3p.m. Thursday, deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant on Roush Road in rural Pleasant Hill, according to a media release. A Cass County Judge had issued a search warrant for the property. 

 Sheriff Jeff Weber activated the Disaster Emergency Response Team, as well as the Criminal Apprehension Units to assist in the operation in temperatures near zero.

With assistance from the Harrisonville and Raymore Animal Control Officers, 30 dogs were collected.&nbsp; All animals were seen by veterinarians, who were on scene during the operation, prior to being transported to a local shelter for safekeeping.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The sheriff's office released no additional details and have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671890688109.png" alt="The dogs were seized in frigid temperatures on Thursday -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The dogs were seized in frigid temperatures on Thursday -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>CASS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged animal cruelty.&nbsp;Just after 3p.m. Thursday, deputies with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant on Roush Road in rural Pleasant Hill, according to a media release. A Cass County Judge had issued a search warrant for the property. Sheriff Jeff Weber activated the Disaster Emergency Response Team, as well as the Criminal Apprehension Units to assist in the operation in temperatures near zero.With assistance from the Harrisonville and Raymore Animal Control Officers, 30 dogs were collected.&nbsp; All animals were seen by veterinarians, who were on scene during the operation, prior to being transported to a local shelter for safekeeping.&nbsp;&nbsp;The sheriff's office released no additional details and have not reported an arrest.

Deputies rescue 30 dogs from rural home near Kansas City

WASHINGTON—President Biden delivered a Christmas address to the nation. Click below to watch or read the transcript below the video.

THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; Good afternoon.&nbsp; “How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is given.” There is a certain stillness at the center of the Christmas story.&nbsp; A silent night when all the world goes quiet and all the glamour, all the noise, everything that divides us, everything that pits us against one another, everything — everything that seems so important but really isn’t, this all fades away in stillness of the winter’s evening.&nbsp; And we look to the sky, to a lone star, shining brighter than all the rest, guiding us to the birth of a child — a child Christians believe to be the son of God; miraculously now, here among us on Earth, bringing hope, love and peace and joy to the world.

Yes, it’s a story that’s 2,000 years old, but it’s still very much alive today.&nbsp; Just look into the eyes of a child on Christmas morning, or listen to the laughter of a family together this holiday season after years — after years of being apart.&nbsp; Just feel the hope rising in your chest as you sing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” even though you’ve sung the countless times before. Yes, even after 2,000 years, Christmas still has the power to lift us up, to bring us together, to change lives, to change the world. The Christmas story is at the heart of the Christmas — Christian faith.&nbsp; But the message of hope, love, peace, and joy, they’re also universal. It speaks to all of us, whether we’re Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, or any other faith, or no faith at all.&nbsp; It speaks to all of us as human beings who are here on this Earth to care for one another, to look out for one another, to love one another. The message of Christmas is always important, but it’s especially important through tough times, like the ones we’ve been through the past few years. The pandemic has taken so much from us.&nbsp; We’ve lost so much time with one another.&nbsp; We’ve lost so many people — people we loved.&nbsp; Over a million lives lost in America alone.&nbsp; That’s a million empty chairs breaking hearts in homes all across the country. Our politics has gotten so angry, so mean, so partisan.&nbsp; And too often we see each other as enemies, not as neighbors; as Democrats or Republicans, not as fellow Americans.&nbsp; We’ve become too divided. But as tough as these times have been, if we look a little closer, we see bright spots all across the country: the strength, the determination, the resilience that’s long defined America. We’re surely making progress.&nbsp; Things are getting better.&nbsp; COVID lon- — no longer controls our lives.&nbsp; Our kids are back in school.&nbsp; People are back to work.&nbsp; In fact, more people are working than ever before. Americans are building again, innovating again, dreaming again. So my hope this Christmas season is that we take a few moments of quiet reflection and find that stillness in the heart of Christmas — that’s at the heart of Christmas, and look — really look at each other, not as Democrats or Republicans, not as members of “Team Red” or “Team Blue,” but as who we really are: fellow Americans.&nbsp; Fellow human beings worthy of being treated with dignity and respect. I sincerely hope this holiway [sic] se- — this holiday season will drain the poison that has infected our politics and set us against one another. I hope this Christmas season marks a fresh start for our nation, because there is so much that unites us as Americans, so much more that unites us than divides us. We’re truly blessed to live in this nation.&nbsp; And I truly hope we take the time to look out — look out for one another.&nbsp;&nbsp; Not at one — for one another. So many people struggle at Christmas.&nbsp; It can be a time of great pain and terrible loneliness.&nbsp; I know, like many of you know.&nbsp; It was 50 years ago this week that I lost my first wife and my infant daughter in a car accident, and my two sons were badly injured, when they were out shopping for a Christmas tree.&nbsp; I know how hard this time of year can be. But here’s what I learned long ago: No one — no one can ever know what someone else is going through, what’s really going on in their life, what they’re struggling with, what they’re trying to overcome. That’s why sometimes the smallest act of kindness can mean so much.&nbsp; A simple smile.&nbsp; A hug.&nbsp; An unexpected phone call.&nbsp; A quiet cup of coffee.&nbsp; Simple acts of kindness that can lift a spirit, provide compo- — comfort, and perhaps maybe even save a life. So, this Christmas, let’s spread a little kindness. This Christmas, let’s be that — that helping hand, that strong shoulder, that friendly voice when no one else seems to care for those who are struggling, in trouble, in need.&nbsp; It just might be the best gift you can ever give. And let’s be sure to remember the brave women and men in uniform who defend and protect our nation.&nbsp; Many of them — many of them are away from their families at this time of year.&nbsp; Let’s keep them in our prayers. You know, and I believe Christmas is a season of hope.&nbsp; And throughout the life of this country, it’s been during the weeks of December — even in the midst of some of our toughest days — that some of the best chapters of our story have been written. It was during these weeks back in 1862 that President Lincoln prepared the Emancipation Proclamation, which he issued on New Year’s Day. At Christmas 1941, in the week — weeks after Pearl Harbor, Franklin Delano Roosevelt hosted Winston Churchill in this White House.&nbsp; Together, they planned the Allied strategy to defeat fascism and autocracy. And it was 1968 that the most terrible year — of years — a year of assassination and riot, of war and chaos — that the astronauts of Apollo 8 circled the Moon and spoke to us here on Earth. From the silence of space, on a silent night on a Christmas Eve, they read the story of Christmas — Creation from the King James Bible.&nbsp; It went: “In the beginning God created Heaven and Earth.&nbsp; And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” That light is still with us, illuminating our way forward as Americans and as citizens of the world.&nbsp; A light that burned in the beginning and at Bethlehem.&nbsp; A light that shines still today in our own time, our own lives. As we sing “O’ Holy Night” — “His law is love, and His Gospel is peace” — may I wish you and for you, and for our nation, now and always, is that we’ll live in the light — the light of liberty and hope, of love and generosity, of kindness and compassion, of dignity and decency. So, from the Biden family, we wish you and your family peace, joy, health, and happiness. Merry Christmas.&nbsp; Happy Holidays.&nbsp; And all the best in the New Year. God bless you all.&nbsp; And may God protect our troops.&nbsp; Thank you.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671757062612.png" alt="White House photo" />
 <figcaption>White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON—President Biden delivered a Christmas address to the nation. Click below to watch or read the transcript below the video.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F588586266408213%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=5" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>THE PRESIDENT:&nbsp; Good afternoon.&nbsp; “How silently, how silently, the wondrous Gift is given.” There is a certain stillness at the center of the Christmas story.&nbsp; A silent night when all the world goes quiet and all the glamour, all the noise, everything that divides us, everything that pits us against one another, everything — everything that seems so important but really isn’t, this all fades away in stillness of the winter’s evening.&nbsp; And we look to the sky, to a lone star, shining brighter than all the rest, guiding us to the birth of a child — a child Christians believe to be the son of God; miraculously now, here among us on Earth, bringing hope, love and peace and joy to the world.Yes, it’s a story that’s 2,000 years old, but it’s still very much alive today.&nbsp; Just look into the eyes of a child on Christmas morning, or listen to the laughter of a family together this holiday season after years — after years of being apart.&nbsp; Just feel the hope rising in your chest as you sing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” even though you’ve sung the countless times before. Yes, even after 2,000 years, Christmas still has the power to lift us up, to bring us together, to change lives, to change the world. The Christmas story is at the heart of the Christmas — Christian faith.&nbsp; But the message of hope, love, peace, and joy, they’re also universal. It speaks to all of us, whether we’re Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, or any other faith, or no faith at all.&nbsp; It speaks to all of us as human beings who are here on this Earth to care for one another, to look out for one another, to love one another. The message of Christmas is always important, but it’s especially important through tough times, like the ones we’ve been through the past few years. The pandemic has taken so much from us.&nbsp; We’ve lost so much time with one another.&nbsp; We’ve lost so many people — people we loved.&nbsp; Over a million lives lost in America alone.&nbsp; That’s a million empty chairs breaking hearts in homes all across the country. Our politics has gotten so angry, so mean, so partisan.&nbsp; And too often we see each other as enemies, not as neighbors; as Democrats or Republicans, not as fellow Americans.&nbsp; We’ve become too divided. But as tough as these times have been, if we look a little closer, we see bright spots all across the country: the strength, the determination, the resilience that’s long defined America. We’re surely making progress.&nbsp; Things are getting better.&nbsp; COVID lon- — no longer controls our lives.&nbsp; Our kids are back in school.&nbsp; People are back to work.&nbsp; In fact, more people are working than ever before. Americans are building again, innovating again, dreaming again. So my hope this Christmas season is that we take a few moments of quiet reflection and find that stillness in the heart of Christmas — that’s at the heart of Christmas, and look — really look at each other, not as Democrats or Republicans, not as members of “Team Red” or “Team Blue,” but as who we really are: fellow Americans.&nbsp; Fellow human beings worthy of being treated with dignity and respect. I sincerely hope this holiway [sic] se- — this holiday season will drain the poison that has infected our politics and set us against one another. I hope this Christmas season marks a fresh start for our nation, because there is so much that unites us as Americans, so much more that unites us than divides us. We’re truly blessed to live in this nation.&nbsp; And I truly hope we take the time to look out — look out for one another.&nbsp;&nbsp; Not at one — for one another. So many people struggle at Christmas.&nbsp; It can be a time of great pain and terrible loneliness.&nbsp; I know, like many of you know.&nbsp; It was 50 years ago this week that I lost my first wife and my infant daughter in a car accident, and my two sons were badly injured, when they were out shopping for a Christmas tree.&nbsp; I know how hard this time of year can be. But here’s what I learned long ago: No one — no one can ever know what someone else is going through, what’s really going on in their life, what they’re struggling with, what they’re trying to overcome. That’s why sometimes the smallest act of kindness can mean so much.&nbsp; A simple smile.&nbsp; A hug.&nbsp; An unexpected phone call.&nbsp; A quiet cup of coffee.&nbsp; Simple acts of kindness that can lift a spirit, provide compo- — comfort, and perhaps maybe even save a life. So, this Christmas, let’s spread a little kindness. This Christmas, let’s be that — that helping hand, that strong shoulder, that friendly voice when no one else seems to care for those who are struggling, in trouble, in need.&nbsp; It just might be the best gift you can ever give. And let’s be sure to remember the brave women and men in uniform who defend and protect our nation.&nbsp; Many of them — many of them are away from their families at this time of year.&nbsp; Let’s keep them in our prayers. You know, and I believe Christmas is a season of hope.&nbsp; And throughout the life of this country, it’s been during the weeks of December — even in the midst of some of our toughest days — that some of the best chapters of our story have been written. It was during these weeks back in 1862 that President Lincoln prepared the Emancipation Proclamation, which he issued on New Year’s Day. At Christmas 1941, in the week — weeks after Pearl Harbor, Franklin Delano Roosevelt hosted Winston Churchill in this White House.&nbsp; Together, they planned the Allied strategy to defeat fascism and autocracy. And it was 1968 that the most terrible year — of years — a year of assassination and riot, of war and chaos — that the astronauts of Apollo 8 circled the Moon and spoke to us here on Earth. From the silence of space, on a silent night on a Christmas Eve, they read the story of Christmas — Creation from the King James Bible.&nbsp; It went: “In the beginning God created Heaven and Earth.&nbsp; And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” That light is still with us, illuminating our way forward as Americans and as citizens of the world.&nbsp; A light that burned in the beginning and at Bethlehem.&nbsp; A light that shines still today in our own time, our own lives. As we sing “O’ Holy Night” — “His law is love, and His Gospel is peace” — may I wish you and for you, and for our nation, now and always, is that we’ll live in the light — the light of liberty and hope, of love and generosity, of kindness and compassion, of dignity and decency. So, from the Biden family, we wish you and your family peace, joy, health, and happiness. Merry Christmas.&nbsp; Happy Holidays.&nbsp; And all the best in the New Year. God bless you all.&nbsp; And may God protect our troops.&nbsp; Thank you.

🎥President Biden urges unity in Christmas address

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Sedgwick County District Attorney's office has charged a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s deputy with misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The charge stems from an incident with a citizen that occurred while the deputy 28-year-old Cameron Zane was working an approved off-duty job as a uniformed Sheriff’s deputy.

&nbsp;Zane has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for 3 years. In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The Sedgwick County District Attorney's office has charged a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s deputy with misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.The charge stems from an incident with a citizen that occurred while the deputy 28-year-old Cameron Zane was working an approved off-duty job as a uniformed Sheriff’s deputy.&nbsp;Zane has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for 3 years. In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.

Kan. sheriff's deputy charged with disorderly conduct

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple felony charges in connection with the Dec. 14, fatal shooting of Curtis Henderson in the 3600 block of Jefferson Street in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Francisco J. Enriquez, 51, faces Murder 2nd Degree, two Unlawful Use of a Weapon charges and two Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, Kansas City police on Dec. 14, 2022, were dispatched to the 3600 block of Jefferson Street and found the victim 58-year-old Curtis Henderson on the front porch of the residence. He had been shot. KCPD detectives found video from the residence showing the victim and the defendant arguing. 

When the victim put his hands up in a boxing stance, the defendant pulled out a gun and fired a shot, hitting the victim. The defendant fired a second shot in the general direction of the house. Spent shell casings were found at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671574237996.png" alt=" Enriquez-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption> Enriquez-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man faces multiple felony charges in connection with the Dec. 14, fatal shooting of Curtis Henderson in the 3600 block of Jefferson Street in Kansas City, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Francisco J. Enriquez, 51, faces Murder 2nd Degree, two Unlawful Use of a Weapon charges and two Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records, Kansas City police on Dec. 14, 2022, were dispatched to the 3600 block of Jefferson Street and found the victim 58-year-old Curtis Henderson on the front porch of the residence. He had been shot. KCPD detectives found video from the residence showing the victim and the defendant arguing. When the victim put his hands up in a boxing stance, the defendant pulled out a gun and fired a shot, hitting the victim. The defendant fired a second shot in the general direction of the house. Spent shell casings were found at the scene.

Video shows KC murder suspect, victim arguing before gunshots

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a body found in rural Shawnee County have confirmed the identity as 43-year-old Cari Allen, according to the Douglas County Nebraska Sheriff's office.&nbsp;She was last seen Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 p.m.&nbsp;

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

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

 A search warrant was executed after a human body was discovered.&nbsp;

On December 6, authorities in Caye Caulker, an island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean, arrested 47-year-old Aldrick Scott of Topeka, according to the Douglas County Nebraska sheriff's office in connection with Allen's disappearance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671675110683.png" alt="Photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a body found in rural Shawnee County have confirmed the identity as 43-year-old Cari Allen, according to the Douglas County Nebraska Sheriff's office.&nbsp;She was last seen Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 p.m.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669587276863.png" alt="Cari Allen-photo Douglas Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Cari Allen-photo Douglas Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, officials with the Douglas County Nebraska Sheriff's office contacted the Shawnee County Kansas Sheriff's Office for assistance in the case, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Just before 3p.m. Wednesday, law enforcement officers with the Shawnee County Criminal Investigations Division began an investigation in the 2200 block of SW 57th Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671675092235.png" alt="Photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure> A search warrant was executed after a human body was discovered.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669652492930.png" alt="Scott-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Scott-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>On December 6, authorities in Caye Caulker, an island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean, arrested 47-year-old Aldrick Scott of Topeka, according to the Douglas County Nebraska sheriff's office in connection with Allen's disappearance.

Sheriff confirms body of missing woman found in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man involved in a fatal Thanksgiving Day crash in 2021 has entered a plea in the case.

On Monday, Garrett Myers of Andover&nbsp;pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence and aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 8p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday Nov. 25, 2021, police responded to report of an accident at 13th and Hillside in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Investigators determined a truck driven by Myers struck an SUV driven by 65-year-old Leroy Grim, of Wichita, who was stopped westbound at the intersection. Grim was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported a 67-year-old woman in the SUV to an area hospital. Police arrested Myers.&nbsp; 

Sentencing is scheduled for February 2, 2023, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638389226894.png" alt="Meyers-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Meyers-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man involved in a fatal Thanksgiving Day crash in 2021 has entered a plea in the case.On Monday, Garrett Myers of Andover&nbsp;pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence and aggravated battery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 8p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday Nov. 25, 2021, police responded to report of an accident at 13th and Hillside in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.Investigators determined a truck driven by Myers struck an SUV driven by 65-year-old Leroy Grim, of Wichita, who was stopped westbound at the intersection. Grim was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported a 67-year-old woman in the SUV to an area hospital. Police arrested Myers.&nbsp; Sentencing is scheduled for February 2, 2023, according to the district attorney's office.

Kansas man entered plea in deadly DUI crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The operator of a pipeline that spilled about 14,000 bathtubs' worth of heavy crude oil into a northeastern Kansas creek said Friday that it has permission from U.S. government regulators to reopen the repaired segment where the rupture occurred.

Canada-based TC Energy did not say exactly when it would reopen the section of its Keystone pipeline system from Steele City near the Nebraska-Kansas border to Cushing in northern Oklahoma. The company said it will have crews working through the Christmas holiday and also conducting “rigorous testing and inspections.”

“This will take several days,” the company said in a statement. “We will continue to prioritize the safety of people and the environment.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-spills-business-texas-canada-kansas-34d8391337583fc242407141d24d66c2">The Dec. 7 spill</a>&nbsp;forced the company to shut down the Keystone system and dumped about 14,000 barrels of crude into a creek running through rural pastureland in Washington County, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Kansas City. Each barrel is 42 gallons, the size of a household bathtub.

The company and government officials have said drinking water supplies were not affected, and no one was evacuated. However, Kansas City's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-12-22/pipeline-company-says-kansas-oil-spill-contained-but-chemicals-found-downstream">KCUR-FM reported</a>&nbsp;this week that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment found chemicals from the spill downstream past two earthen dams constructed to contain the oil, potentially endangering animals that ingest it.

TC Energy reopened most of the 2,700-mile (4,345-kilometer) Keystone system last week. The system carries crude oil extracted from tar sands in western Canada to the Gulf Coast, with a spur also moving crude to south-central Illinois.

The Kansas spill was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-spills-business-texas-kansas-us-environmental-protection-agency-eda391fc0924b34a08ff840615a7bc58">the largest onshore in nine years</a>&nbsp;and larger than 22 previous spills on the Keystone system combined, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data. The company received permission to reopen the pipeline across Kansas and into northern Oklahoma from the Department of Transportation's pipeline safety arm.

Concerns that spills could pollute waterways spurred opposition to plans by TC Energy to build another crude oil pipeline in the same system, the 1,200-mile (1,900-kilometer) Keystone XL, across Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. President Joe Biden’s cancelation of a permit for the project led the company to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-keystone-pipeline-canada-environment-and-nature-141eabd7cca6449dfbd2dab8165812f2">pull the plug last year.</a>

The company has not identified the Kansas spill's cause. Zack Pistora, who lobbies at the Kansas Statehouse for the Sierra Club, said the pipeline segment shouldn't reopen until the cause is known.

“Isn't the next spill just an accident waiting to happen?” he said in an interview Friday.

The company said it has removed the ruptured pipeline section and sent it to an independent lab for analysis. It also said it had recovered almost 7,600 barrels of oil, a little more than half of what was leaked.

Meanwhile, some Democrats in the Republican-controlled Legislature want to reconsider the state's policy of exempting companies from local property taxes for 10 years if they build pipelines through Kansas to spur energy development. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/state/2022/12/23/kansas-could-revisit-pipeline-tax-exemption-after-keystone-oil-spill/69745205007/">told The Topeka Capital-Journal</a>&nbsp;in an interview this week that the policy was “a big mistake” and should have been reconsidered “a long time ago.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670881926358.png" alt="photo courtesy U.S. Environmental Protection Agency" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The operator of a pipeline that spilled about 14,000 bathtubs' worth of heavy crude oil into a northeastern Kansas creek said Friday that it has permission from U.S. government regulators to reopen the repaired segment where the rupture occurred.Canada-based TC Energy did not say exactly when it would reopen the section of its Keystone pipeline system from Steele City near the Nebraska-Kansas border to Cushing in northern Oklahoma. The company said it will have crews working through the Christmas holiday and also conducting “rigorous testing and inspections.”“This will take several days,” the company said in a statement. “We will continue to prioritize the safety of people and the environment.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-spills-business-texas-canada-kansas-34d8391337583fc242407141d24d66c2">The Dec. 7 spill</a>&nbsp;forced the company to shut down the Keystone system and dumped about 14,000 barrels of crude into a creek running through rural pastureland in Washington County, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) northwest of Kansas City. Each barrel is 42 gallons, the size of a household bathtub.The company and government officials have said drinking water supplies were not affected, and no one was evacuated. However, Kansas City's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-12-22/pipeline-company-says-kansas-oil-spill-contained-but-chemicals-found-downstream">KCUR-FM reported</a>&nbsp;this week that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment found chemicals from the spill downstream past two earthen dams constructed to contain the oil, potentially endangering animals that ingest it.TC Energy reopened most of the 2,700-mile (4,345-kilometer) Keystone system last week. The system carries crude oil extracted from tar sands in western Canada to the Gulf Coast, with a spur also moving crude to south-central Illinois.The Kansas spill was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oil-spills-business-texas-kansas-us-environmental-protection-agency-eda391fc0924b34a08ff840615a7bc58">the largest onshore in nine years</a>&nbsp;and larger than 22 previous spills on the Keystone system combined, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data. The company received permission to reopen the pipeline across Kansas and into northern Oklahoma from the Department of Transportation's pipeline safety arm.Concerns that spills could pollute waterways spurred opposition to plans by TC Energy to build another crude oil pipeline in the same system, the 1,200-mile (1,900-kilometer) Keystone XL, across Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. President Joe Biden’s cancelation of a permit for the project led the company to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-joe-biden-keystone-pipeline-canada-environment-and-nature-141eabd7cca6449dfbd2dab8165812f2">pull the plug last year.</a>The company has not identified the Kansas spill's cause. Zack Pistora, who lobbies at the Kansas Statehouse for the Sierra Club, said the pipeline segment shouldn't reopen until the cause is known.“Isn't the next spill just an accident waiting to happen?” he said in an interview Friday.The company said it has removed the ruptured pipeline section and sent it to an independent lab for analysis. It also said it had recovered almost 7,600 barrels of oil, a little more than half of what was leaked.Meanwhile, some Democrats in the Republican-controlled Legislature want to reconsider the state's policy of exempting companies from local property taxes for 10 years if they build pipelines through Kansas to spur energy development. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/state/2022/12/23/kansas-could-revisit-pipeline-tax-exemption-after-keystone-oil-spill/69745205007/">told The Topeka Capital-Journal</a>&nbsp;in an interview this week that the policy was “a big mistake” and should have been reconsidered “a long time ago.”

Company: Regulators OK reopening of Kansas pipeline segment

SHANNON COUNTY, Mo.—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 11a.m. Friday in Shannon County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Toyota Corolla driven by Krishi V. Panchal, 20, Wichita, was eastbound on Highway 60 two miles east of Winona.

The the car traveled off the road, overturned and ejected a passenger.&nbsp;Shrey Patel, 23, Wichita, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Yarber Funeral Home in Mountain View. 

EMS transported Panchal and a passenger Yatrik J. Patel, 21, Wichita, to Popular Bluff Regional Medical Center. Shrey Patel was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

SHANNON COUNTY, Mo.—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 11a.m. Friday in Shannon County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2020 Toyota Corolla driven by Krishi V. Panchal, 20, Wichita, was eastbound on Highway 60 two miles east of Winona.The the car traveled off the road, overturned and ejected a passenger.&nbsp;Shrey Patel, 23, Wichita, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Yarber Funeral Home in Mountain View. EMS transported Panchal and a passenger Yatrik J. Patel, 21, Wichita, to Popular Bluff Regional Medical Center. Shrey Patel was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Kansas man dies, 2 injured after rollover crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — A $1.7 trillion spending bill financing federal agencies through September and providing more aid to a devastated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine</a>&nbsp;cleared the House on Friday as lawmakers race to finish their work for the year and avoid a partial government shutdown.

The bill passed mostly along party lines, 225-201. It now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.

Passage of the bill represented a closing act for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Rep. Nancy Pelosi's</a>&nbsp;second stint as House speaker, and for the Democratic majority she led back to power in the 2018 election. Republicans will take control of the House next year and Rep. Kevin McCarthy is campaigning to replace her.

He is appealing for support from staunch conservatives in his caucus who have largely trashed the size of the bill and many of the priorities it contains. He spoke with a raised voice for about 25 minutes, assailing the bill for spending too much and doing too little to curb illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl across the U.S.-Mexico border.

“This is a monstrosity that is one of the most shameful acts I've ever seen in this body," McCarthy said of the legislation.

The speech prompted a quick quip from Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., who said “after listening to that, it's clear he doesn't have the votes yet," a reference to McCarthy's campaign to become speaker.

Pelosi said “we have a big bill here because we had big needs for the country," then turned her focus to McCarthy:

“It was sad to hear the minority leader say that this legislation is the most shameful thing to be seen on the House floor in this Congress," Pelosi said. “I can't help but wonder, had he forgotten January 6th?”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-4ce3cf1ee887747b13fe8d007b8ffd75">Senate passed the defense-heavy measure</a>&nbsp;with significant bipartisan support on Thursday, but the vote was much more split in the House. Some 30 GOP lawmakers promised to block any legislative priority that comes from those Republican senators who voted for the bill and leadership urged a no vote.

The bill runs for 4,155 pages, not including amendments the Senate added. It contains about a 6% percent increase in spending for domestic initiatives, to $772.5 billion. Spending on defense programs will increase by about 10% to $858 billion.

The bill's passage came only hours before financing for federal agencies expires. Lawmakers have passed two stopgap spending measures to keep the government operating so far for this budget year and a third was set to pass Friday as well to ensure services continue until Biden could sign the full-year measure, called an omnibus, into law.

The massive bill wraps together 12 appropriations bills, aid to Ukraine and disaster relief for communities recovering from hurricanes, flooding and wildfires. It also contains scores of policy changes that lawmakers worked to include in the final major bill being considered by the current Congress.

Lawmakers provided roughly $45 billion for Ukraine and NATO allies, more than even Biden requested, an acknowledgment that future rounds of funding are not guaranteed with a new GOP-led House.

In a dramatic address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday night,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-68c65b3274e552f36f16853f24fedbb9">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;told lawmakers that the aid was not charity, but an investment in global security and democracy.

Though Ukraine aid has largely had bipartisan support, some House Republicans have been critical of the effort, arguing the money is better spent on priorities in the U.S.

“How can we send an additional $47 BILLION to Ukraine for security while terrorists, drugs, and criminals flood our southern border?” tweeted Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont.

“$100 billion to Ukraine. Let’s put that in perspective,” tweeted Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who included past rounds of aid in his count. “That’s more than $200 million this year from each Congressional district. What could your congressman have done for your district with $200 million?”

McCarthy has warned that Republicans would not write a “blank check” for Ukraine in the next Congress. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said after Thursday's vote he’s having trouble understanding the concerns.

“I’m just befuddled by some of these right-wing Republicans who don’t want to help Ukraine,” Schumer said. “It’s always been, the more hard right you were, the more anti-Soviet you were, but all of a sudden, they’re pro. I hope it’s not a residue of Trump.”

The Senate passed the funding package Thursday by a vote of 68-29 but it takes time for the Senate clerk's office to review the bill and include amendments that were added that day. As a result, the bill ended up passing with a half-empty House chamber. More than 220 lawmakers sought the option to vote by proxy, and many raced to get out of town before risking canceled flights and spending Christmas in Washington.

Republicans have vowed that abolishing the practice of remote voting will be among their first acts in the majority next year.

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

And it has scores of policy changes largely unrelated to spending that lawmakers worked furiously behind the scenes to include, else they start from scratch next year in a divided Congress where Republicans will be returning to the majority in the House.

One of the most notable examples was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-susan-collins-west-virginia-c9c15562ad910bbc0ba6ef1eecbfc158">historic revision</a>&nbsp;to federal election law that aims to prevent any future presidents or presidential candidates from trying to overturn an election.

The bipartisan overhaul of the Electoral Count Act is in direct response to former President Donald Trump’s efforts to persuade Republican lawmakers and then-Vice President Mike Pence to object to the certification of Biden’s victory on Jan. 6, 2021.

Among the spending increases Democrats emphasized: a $500 increase in the maximum size of Pell grants for low-income college students, a $100 million increase in block grants to states for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs, a 22% increase in spending on VA medical care and $3.7 billion to provide emergency relief to farmers and ranchers hit by natural disasters, just to name a few.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671663729826.png" alt="The bill passed mostly along party lines, 225-201. It now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.-photo courtesy Architect of the Capitol" />
 <figcaption>The bill passed mostly along party lines, 225-201. It now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.-photo courtesy Architect of the Capitol</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A $1.7 trillion spending bill financing federal agencies through September and providing more aid to a devastated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Ukraine</a>&nbsp;cleared the House on Friday as lawmakers race to finish their work for the year and avoid a partial government shutdown.The bill passed mostly along party lines, 225-201. It now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.Passage of the bill represented a closing act for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Rep. Nancy Pelosi's</a>&nbsp;second stint as House speaker, and for the Democratic majority she led back to power in the 2018 election. Republicans will take control of the House next year and Rep. Kevin McCarthy is campaigning to replace her.He is appealing for support from staunch conservatives in his caucus who have largely trashed the size of the bill and many of the priorities it contains. He spoke with a raised voice for about 25 minutes, assailing the bill for spending too much and doing too little to curb illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl across the U.S.-Mexico border.“This is a monstrosity that is one of the most shameful acts I've ever seen in this body," McCarthy said of the legislation.The speech prompted a quick quip from Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., who said “after listening to that, it's clear he doesn't have the votes yet," a reference to McCarthy's campaign to become speaker.Pelosi said “we have a big bill here because we had big needs for the country," then turned her focus to McCarthy:“It was sad to hear the minority leader say that this legislation is the most shameful thing to be seen on the House floor in this Congress," Pelosi said. “I can't help but wonder, had he forgotten January 6th?”The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-4ce3cf1ee887747b13fe8d007b8ffd75">Senate passed the defense-heavy measure</a>&nbsp;with significant bipartisan support on Thursday, but the vote was much more split in the House. Some 30 GOP lawmakers promised to block any legislative priority that comes from those Republican senators who voted for the bill and leadership urged a no vote.The bill runs for 4,155 pages, not including amendments the Senate added. It contains about a 6% percent increase in spending for domestic initiatives, to $772.5 billion. Spending on defense programs will increase by about 10% to $858 billion.The bill's passage came only hours before financing for federal agencies expires. Lawmakers have passed two stopgap spending measures to keep the government operating so far for this budget year and a third was set to pass Friday as well to ensure services continue until Biden could sign the full-year measure, called an omnibus, into law.The massive bill wraps together 12 appropriations bills, aid to Ukraine and disaster relief for communities recovering from hurricanes, flooding and wildfires. It also contains scores of policy changes that lawmakers worked to include in the final major bill being considered by the current Congress.Lawmakers provided roughly $45 billion for Ukraine and NATO allies, more than even Biden requested, an acknowledgment that future rounds of funding are not guaranteed with a new GOP-led House.In a dramatic address to a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday night,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-68c65b3274e552f36f16853f24fedbb9">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy</a>&nbsp;told lawmakers that the aid was not charity, but an investment in global security and democracy.Though Ukraine aid has largely had bipartisan support, some House Republicans have been critical of the effort, arguing the money is better spent on priorities in the U.S.“How can we send an additional $47 BILLION to Ukraine for security while terrorists, drugs, and criminals flood our southern border?” tweeted Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont.“$100 billion to Ukraine. Let’s put that in perspective,” tweeted Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who included past rounds of aid in his count. “That’s more than $200 million this year from each Congressional district. What could your congressman have done for your district with $200 million?”McCarthy has warned that Republicans would not write a “blank check” for Ukraine in the next Congress. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said after Thursday's vote he’s having trouble understanding the concerns.“I’m just befuddled by some of these right-wing Republicans who don’t want to help Ukraine,” Schumer said. “It’s always been, the more hard right you were, the more anti-Soviet you were, but all of a sudden, they’re pro. I hope it’s not a residue of Trump.”The Senate passed the funding package Thursday by a vote of 68-29 but it takes time for the Senate clerk's office to review the bill and include amendments that were added that day. As a result, the bill ended up passing with a half-empty House chamber. More than 220 lawmakers sought the option to vote by proxy, and many raced to get out of town before risking canceled flights and spending Christmas in Washington.Republicans have vowed that abolishing the practice of remote voting will be among their first acts in the majority next year.The funding bill also contains roughly $40 billion in emergency spending in the U.S., mostly to assist communities across the country recovering from drought, hurricanes and other natural disasters.And it has scores of policy changes largely unrelated to spending that lawmakers worked furiously behind the scenes to include, else they start from scratch next year in a divided Congress where Republicans will be returning to the majority in the House.One of the most notable examples was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-susan-collins-west-virginia-c9c15562ad910bbc0ba6ef1eecbfc158">historic revision</a>&nbsp;to federal election law that aims to prevent any future presidents or presidential candidates from trying to overturn an election.The bipartisan overhaul of the Electoral Count Act is in direct response to former President Donald Trump’s efforts to persuade Republican lawmakers and then-Vice President Mike Pence to object to the certification of Biden’s victory on Jan. 6, 2021.Among the spending increases Democrats emphasized: a $500 increase in the maximum size of Pell grants for low-income college students, a $100 million increase in block grants to states for substance abuse prevention and treatment programs, a 22% increase in spending on VA medical care and $3.7 billion to provide emergency relief to farmers and ranchers hit by natural disasters, just to name a few.The bill also provides roughly $15.3 billion for more than 7,200 projects that lawmakers sought for their home states and districts. Under revamped rules for community project funding, also referred to as earmarks, lawmakers must post their requests online and attest they have no financial interest in the projects. Still, many fiscal conservatives criticize the earmarking as leading to unnecessary spending.

Christmas: House OKs $1.7 trillion spending bill; $45 billion for Ukraine 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The drawn-out saga of Title 42, the set of emergency powers that allows border officials to quickly turn away migrants, has been chaotic at the U.S.-Mexico border. In Washington, it hasn't unfolded much better.

The Supreme Court is weighing whether to keep the powers in place following months of legal battles brought on by Republican-led states after President Joe Biden's administration moved to end the Trump-era policy, which was set to lapse this week until the court agreed to take it up.

The administration has yet to lay out any systemic changes to manage an expected surge of migrants if the restrictions end. And a bipartisan immigration bill in Congress has been buried just as Republicans are set to take control of the House.

In short, America is right back where it has been. A divided nation is unable to agree on what a longer-term fix to the immigration system should look like. Basic questions — for example, should more immigrants be allowed in, or fewer? — are unanswered. Meantime the asylum system continues to strain under increasing numbers of migrants.

The Biden administration has been reluctant to take hardline measures that would resemble those of his predecessor. That's resulted in a barrage of criticism from Republicans who are using Title 42 to hammer the president as ineffective on border security. The rules were introduced as an emergency health measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“The Democrats have lost the messaging war on this," said Charles Foster, a longtime immigration attorney in Texas who served as an immigration policy adviser to Republican George W. Bush but now considers himself independent. "The tragedy is, Democrats more than anyone should focus on this issue, because unless and until it can be fixed, and the perception changes, we’ll get nothing ever through Congress."

Anyone who comes to the U.S. has the right to ask for asylum, but laws are narrow on who actually gets it. Under Biden, migrants arriving at the border are often let into the country and allowed to work while their cases progress. That process takes years because of a 2-million-case backlog in the immigration court system that was exacerbated by Trump-era rules.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-mexico-2d6872921b9d21347175b50f30d31539">Title 42 allows border officials</a>&nbsp;to deny people the right to seek asylum, and they have done so 2.5 million times since March 2020. The emergency health authority has been applied disproportionately to those from countries that Mexico agreed to take back: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and more recently Venezuela, in addition to Mexico.

“There is not going to be a good moment, politically speaking,” to end the restrictions, said Jorge Loweree of the American Immigration Council. The administration should have been preparing all along to create a better system for asylum seekers," Loweree said.

“It has allowed the other side to weaponize this issue. And the longer it remains in place, the longer the weapon will remain effective.”

The authority was first invoked at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic by President Donald Trump, whose immigration policies were aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-politics-f106b3351f6148a98f8f24c536f464ed">keeping out as many migrants as possible</a>. He also drastically reduced the number of refugees allowed into the country, added restrictions to the asylum process&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-az-state-wire-tx-state-wire-ma-state-wire-ut-state-wire-7851364613cf0afbf67cf7930949f7d3">that clogged the system and kept migrants in detention</a>, and reduced legal immigration pathways.

Biden has been working to expand legal immigration and has undone some of the most restrictive Trump policies. But the administration kept the policy in place until this spring, and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-venezuela-donald-trump-mexico-409a67bb33d547bc5438a4d7160576f6">expanded its use</a>&nbsp;after announcing it would end.

Republican say there will be even more chaos if it's lifted. But even with Title 42 in place, border officials have been encountering more migrants than ever before. In the budget year that ended Sept. 30, migrants were stopped 2.38 million times, up 37% from 1.73 million times the year before.

“I don’t know why it’s taking them so long to get serious about deterrence,” Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia said of the Biden administration. Capito is an incoming member of the Senate Republican leadership and the top GOP senator on the committee that oversees money for Homeland Security, the federal agency that manages border security.

Border officials have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-28ce8e9b1cb7b99d73c8043badbbe270">braced for an expected increase</a>, and migrants who have arrived are unsure of how asylum processes will work when the policy ends. Homeland Security officials have reported faster processing for migrants in custody on the border, more temporary detention tents, staffing increases and more criminal prosecutions of smugglers.

They say progress has been made on a plan announced in April but large-scale changes are needed. Meanwhile, the Senate's Republican leadership killed a bipartisan immigration bill that would have addressed some of these issues.

The split isn't just inside Congress.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-2022-midterm-elections-covid-health-media-2ebbd3849ca35ec76f0f91120639d9d4">One in 3 U.S. adults believes</a>&nbsp;an effort is underway to replace native-born Americans with immigrants for electoral gains, according to an AP-NORC survey.

Biden and his aides have said they are working to divert migrants coming out of Central America and helping provide aid to poorer nations that are bleeding people headed for the U.S. But the president is limited without action from Congress.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the administration is surging assistance to the border and will continue to do so. But “the removal of Title 42 does not mean the border is open,” she said. "Anyone who suggests otherwise is simply doing the work of these smugglers who again are spreading misinformation, which is very dangerous.”

A year-long appropriations bill passed the Senate on Thursday that would give the Border Patrol 17% more money, as well as 13% more for the Justice Department to develop an electronic case management system for immigration courts.

But Citizenship and Immigration Services, central in the asylum process, only got one third of what Biden had proposed to speed up the system.

Democrats, for their part, say they want policies that reflect America's reputation as a haven for those fleeing persecution. But they can’t agree on what that looks like.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., has been working on the issue for 20 years. This week, he stood on the Senate floor, sounding dejected as he talked about how Congress couldn't push through reform.

“It is a humanitarian and security nightmare that is only getting worse,” he said. “We're being flooded at the border by people who want to be in the United States, safely in the United States.”

Why, he asked, can't Washington figure out a better way?

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632317817548.png" alt="The Supreme Court is weighing whether to keep the powers in place following months of legal battles-photo Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>The Supreme Court is weighing whether to keep the powers in place following months of legal battles-photo Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The drawn-out saga of Title 42, the set of emergency powers that allows border officials to quickly turn away migrants, has been chaotic at the U.S.-Mexico border. In Washington, it hasn't unfolded much better.The Supreme Court is weighing whether to keep the powers in place following months of legal battles brought on by Republican-led states after President Joe Biden's administration moved to end the Trump-era policy, which was set to lapse this week until the court agreed to take it up.The administration has yet to lay out any systemic changes to manage an expected surge of migrants if the restrictions end. And a bipartisan immigration bill in Congress has been buried just as Republicans are set to take control of the House.In short, America is right back where it has been. A divided nation is unable to agree on what a longer-term fix to the immigration system should look like. Basic questions — for example, should more immigrants be allowed in, or fewer? — are unanswered. Meantime the asylum system continues to strain under increasing numbers of migrants.The Biden administration has been reluctant to take hardline measures that would resemble those of his predecessor. That's resulted in a barrage of criticism from Republicans who are using Title 42 to hammer the president as ineffective on border security. The rules were introduced as an emergency health measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.“The Democrats have lost the messaging war on this," said Charles Foster, a longtime immigration attorney in Texas who served as an immigration policy adviser to Republican George W. Bush but now considers himself independent. "The tragedy is, Democrats more than anyone should focus on this issue, because unless and until it can be fixed, and the perception changes, we’ll get nothing ever through Congress."Anyone who comes to the U.S. has the right to ask for asylum, but laws are narrow on who actually gets it. Under Biden, migrants arriving at the border are often let into the country and allowed to work while their cases progress. That process takes years because of a 2-million-case backlog in the immigration court system that was exacerbated by Trump-era rules.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-mexico-2d6872921b9d21347175b50f30d31539">Title 42 allows border officials</a>&nbsp;to deny people the right to seek asylum, and they have done so 2.5 million times since March 2020. The emergency health authority has been applied disproportionately to those from countries that Mexico agreed to take back: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and more recently Venezuela, in addition to Mexico.“There is not going to be a good moment, politically speaking,” to end the restrictions, said Jorge Loweree of the American Immigration Council. The administration should have been preparing all along to create a better system for asylum seekers," Loweree said.“It has allowed the other side to weaponize this issue. And the longer it remains in place, the longer the weapon will remain effective.”The authority was first invoked at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic by President Donald Trump, whose immigration policies were aimed at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-donald-trump-us-news-ap-top-news-politics-f106b3351f6148a98f8f24c536f464ed">keeping out as many migrants as possible</a>. He also drastically reduced the number of refugees allowed into the country, added restrictions to the asylum process&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/courts-az-state-wire-tx-state-wire-ma-state-wire-ut-state-wire-7851364613cf0afbf67cf7930949f7d3">that clogged the system and kept migrants in detention</a>, and reduced legal immigration pathways.Biden has been working to expand legal immigration and has undone some of the most restrictive Trump policies. But the administration kept the policy in place until this spring, and even&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-venezuela-donald-trump-mexico-409a67bb33d547bc5438a4d7160576f6">expanded its use</a>&nbsp;after announcing it would end.Republican say there will be even more chaos if it's lifted. But even with Title 42 in place, border officials have been encountering more migrants than ever before. In the budget year that ended Sept. 30, migrants were stopped 2.38 million times, up 37% from 1.73 million times the year before.“I don’t know why it’s taking them so long to get serious about deterrence,” Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia said of the Biden administration. Capito is an incoming member of the Senate Republican leadership and the top GOP senator on the committee that oversees money for Homeland Security, the federal agency that manages border security.Border officials have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-28ce8e9b1cb7b99d73c8043badbbe270">braced for an expected increase</a>, and migrants who have arrived are unsure of how asylum processes will work when the policy ends. Homeland Security officials have reported faster processing for migrants in custody on the border, more temporary detention tents, staffing increases and more criminal prosecutions of smugglers.They say progress has been made on a plan announced in April but large-scale changes are needed. Meanwhile, the Senate's Republican leadership killed a bipartisan immigration bill that would have addressed some of these issues.The split isn't just inside Congress.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-2022-midterm-elections-covid-health-media-2ebbd3849ca35ec76f0f91120639d9d4">One in 3 U.S. adults believes</a>&nbsp;an effort is underway to replace native-born Americans with immigrants for electoral gains, according to an AP-NORC survey.Biden and his aides have said they are working to divert migrants coming out of Central America and helping provide aid to poorer nations that are bleeding people headed for the U.S. But the president is limited without action from Congress.White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the administration is surging assistance to the border and will continue to do so. But “the removal of Title 42 does not mean the border is open,” she said. "Anyone who suggests otherwise is simply doing the work of these smugglers who again are spreading misinformation, which is very dangerous.”A year-long appropriations bill passed the Senate on Thursday that would give the Border Patrol 17% more money, as well as 13% more for the Justice Department to develop an electronic case management system for immigration courts.But Citizenship and Immigration Services, central in the asylum process, only got one third of what Biden had proposed to speed up the system.Democrats, for their part, say they want policies that reflect America's reputation as a haven for those fleeing persecution. But they can’t agree on what that looks like.Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., has been working on the issue for 20 years. This week, he stood on the Senate floor, sounding dejected as he talked about how Congress couldn't push through reform.“It is a humanitarian and security nightmare that is only getting worse,” he said. “We're being flooded at the border by people who want to be in the United States, safely in the United States.”Why, he asked, can't Washington figure out a better way?