HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas knows that for the over 1 million Kansans estimated to do their year end holiday travel by car in 2022, they'll pay less at the pump than they did last year at this time.

To find out gas prices along your route, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/">gasprices.aaa.com</a>.

"The average today in Kansas is $2.76 a gallon," Steward said Thursday. "That's down 50 cents just in the last month. If we look back to where we were a year ago, it was at $2.98, so we're 20, 22 cents less than that. It's certainly a good trend that we've been seeing for drivers, in terms of saving money."

The national average as of Thursday was $3.10 a gallon. Area counties are, as usual on both sides of the state average.

"We've got some competing factors going on right now," Steward said. "Projections of a lot of people traveling for the holidays, but people may be delaying those trips a day or two because of this weather."

Making sure your car is ready for your holiday trip is important.

"If you can, make sure that you get your car in and you get it checked out before you hit the road," Steward said. "Pay special attention to the battery, your tires, make sure your tires are properly inflated and have good tread, so you have traction if there is bad weather. Check systems like antifreeze, make sure that's in good shape, hoses and belts.&nbsp; Make sure your vehicle is in overall good shape."

NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas knows that for the over 1 million Kansans estimated to do their year end holiday travel by car in 2022, they'll pay less at the pump than they did last year at this time.To find out gas prices along your route, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/">gasprices.aaa.com</a>."The average today in Kansas is $2.76 a gallon," Steward said Thursday. "That's down 50 cents just in the last month. If we look back to where we were a year ago, it was at $2.98, so we're 20, 22 cents less than that. It's certainly a good trend that we've been seeing for drivers, in terms of saving money."The national average as of Thursday was $3.10 a gallon. Area counties are, as usual on both sides of the state average."We've got some competing factors going on right now," Steward said. "Projections of a lot of people traveling for the holidays, but people may be delaying those trips a day or two because of this weather."Making sure your car is ready for your holiday trip is important."If you can, make sure that you get your car in and you get it checked out before you hit the road," Steward said. "Pay special attention to the battery, your tires, make sure your tires are properly inflated and have good tread, so you have traction if there is bad weather. Check systems like antifreeze, make sure that's in good shape, hoses and belts.&nbsp; Make sure your vehicle is in overall good shape."

AAA: Gas prices in Kansas down from last Christmas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Jan. 6 committee's final report asserts that Donald Trump criminally engaged in a "multi-part conspiracy" to overturn the lawful results of the 2020 presidential election and failed to act to stop his supporters from attacking the Capitol, concluding an extraordinary 18-month investigation into the former president and the violent insurrection two years ago.

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

Trump "lit that fire," the committee's chairman, Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson, writes.

The 814-page report released Thursday comes after the panel interviewed more than 1,000 witnesses, held 10 hearings and obtained more than a million pages of documents. The witnesses — ranging from many of Trump's closest aides to law enforcement to some of the rioters themselves — detailed Trump's "premeditated" actions in the weeks ahead of the attack and how his wide-ranging efforts to overturn his defeat directly influenced those who brutally pushed past the police and smashed through the windows and doors of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

The central cause was "one man," the report says: Trump.

The insurrection gravely threatened democracy and "put the lives of American lawmakers at risk," the bipartisan nine-member panel concluded, offering so far the most definitive account of a dark chapter in modern American history. It functions not only as a compendium of the most dramatic moments of testimony from months of hearings, but also as a document meant to be preserved for future generations.

In a foreword to the report, outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the findings should be a "clarion call to all Americans: to vigilantly guard our Democracy and to give our vote only to those dutiful in their defense of our Constitution."

The report's eight chapters tell the story largely as the panel's hearings did this summer — describing the many facets of the remarkable plan that Trump and his advisers devised to try and void President Joe Biden's victory. The lawmakers describe the former president's pressure on states, federal officials, lawmakers and Vice President Mike Pence to game the system or break the law.

In the two months between the election and the insurrection, the report says, "President Trump or his inner circle engaged in at least 200 apparent acts of public or private outreach, pressure, or condemnation, targeting either State legislators or State or local election administrators, to overturn State election results."

Trump's repeated, false claims of widespread voter fraud resonated with his supporters, the committee said, and were amplified on social media, building on the distrust of government he had fostered for his four years in office. And he did little to stop them when they resorted to violence and stormed the Capitol, interrupting the certification of Biden's victory.

The massive, damning report comes as Trump is running again for the presidency and also facing multiple federal investigations, including probes of his role in the insurrection and the presence of classified documents at his Florida estate. This week is particularly fraught for him, as a House committee said it will release his tax returns after he has fought for years to keep them private. And Trump has been blamed by Republicans for a worse-than-expected showing in the midterm elections, leaving him in his most politically vulnerable state since he was elected in 2016.

In a series of policy recommendations, the seven Democrats and two Republicans on the committee suggest that Trump should be barred from future office, noting that the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution holds that anyone who has taken an oath to uphold the Constitution can be prevented from holding office for engaging in insurrection or rebellion.

"He is unfit for any office," writes the committee's vice chairwoman, Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming.

Posting on his social media site, Trump called the report "highly partisan" and falsely claimed it didn't include his statement on Jan. 6 that his supporters should protest "peacefully and patriotically." The committee did include that statement, though, and noted that he followed that comment with election falsehoods and charged language exhorting the crowd to "fight like hell."

The report details a multitude of failings by law enforcement and intelligence agencies, noting that many of the rioters came with weapons and had openly planned for violence online. "The failure to sufficiently share and act upon that intelligence jeopardized the lives of the police officers defending the Capitol and everyone in it," the report says.

At the same time, the committee makes an emphatic point that security failures are not the primary cause for the insurrection.

"The President of the United States inciting a mob to march on the Capitol and impede the work of Congress is not a scenario our intelligence and law enforcement communities envisioned for this country," Thompson wrote.

"Donald Trump lit that fire," Thompson writes. "But in the weeks beforehand, the kindling he ultimately ignited was amassed in plain sight."

The report details Trump's inaction as his loyalists were storming the building, detailing the hours when he watched the violence on television but did nothing to stop it.

A White House photographer snapped a picture of Trump at 1:21 p.m., learning of the riot from the employee after he returned to the White House after his speech — and after his own security officials had rebuffed his efforts to go to the Capitol himself. "By that time, if not sooner, he had been made aware of the violent riot," the report states.

In total, 187 minutes elapsed between the time Trump finished his speech at the Ellipse and his first effort to get the rioters to disperse, through an eventual video message in which he asked his supporters to go home even as he reassured them, "We love you, you're very special."

That inaction was a "dereliction of duty," the report says, noting that Trump had more power than any other person as the nation's commander-in-chief. "He willfully remained idle even as others, including his own Vice President, acted."

During those hours, Pence huddled in the Capitol, begging security officials for a quicker National Guard response as rioters outside called for his hanging because he would not illegally try to thwart Biden's win. And inside the White House, dozens of staffers and associates pleaded with Trump to make a forceful statement.

"We all look like domestic terrorists now," longtime aide Hope Hicks texted Julie Radford, who served as Ivanka Trump's chief of staff, in the aftermath.

The report says "virtually everyone on the White House staff" interviewed by the committee condemned a tweet by Trump at 2:24 p.m. that day — just as the rioters were first breaking into the Capitol — that Vice President Mike Pence "didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution."

"Attacking the VP? Wtf is wrong with him," Hicks texted another colleague that evening.

The investigation's release is a final act for House Democrats who are ceding power to Republicans in less than two weeks, and have spent much of their four years in power investigating Trump. Democrats impeached Trump twice, the second time a week after the insurrection. He was acquitted by the Senate both times. Other Democratic-led probes investigated his finances, his businesses, his foreign ties and his family.

On Monday, the panel officially passed their investigation to the Justice Department, recommending the department investigate the former president on four crimes, including aiding an insurrection. While the criminal referrals have no legal standing, they are a final statement from the committee after its extensive, year-and-a-half-long probe.

The committee has also begun to release hundreds of transcripts of its interviews. On Thursday, the panel released transcripts of two closed-door interviews with former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson, who testified in person at one of the televised hearings over the summer and described in vivid detail Trump's actions and inaction inside the White House.

In the two interviews, both conducted after her June appearance at the hearing, Hutchinson described how many of Trump's allies, including her lawyer, pressured her not to say too much in her committee interviews.

Follow the AP's coverage of the Capitol insurrection at https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671793065512.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Jan. 6 committee's final report asserts that Donald Trump criminally engaged in a "multi-part conspiracy" to overturn the lawful results of the 2020 presidential election and failed to act to stop his supporters from attacking the Capitol, concluding an extraordinary 18-month investigation into the former president and the violent insurrection two years ago.<a href="https://january6th.house.gov/sites/democrats.january6th.house.gov/files/Report_FinalReport_Jan6SelectCommittee.pdf">Click here to read</a> the reportTrump "lit that fire," the committee's chairman, Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson, writes.The 814-page report released Thursday comes after the panel interviewed more than 1,000 witnesses, held 10 hearings and obtained more than a million pages of documents. The witnesses — ranging from many of Trump's closest aides to law enforcement to some of the rioters themselves — detailed Trump's "premeditated" actions in the weeks ahead of the attack and how his wide-ranging efforts to overturn his defeat directly influenced those who brutally pushed past the police and smashed through the windows and doors of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.The central cause was "one man," the report says: Trump.The insurrection gravely threatened democracy and "put the lives of American lawmakers at risk," the bipartisan nine-member panel concluded, offering so far the most definitive account of a dark chapter in modern American history. It functions not only as a compendium of the most dramatic moments of testimony from months of hearings, but also as a document meant to be preserved for future generations.In a foreword to the report, outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the findings should be a "clarion call to all Americans: to vigilantly guard our Democracy and to give our vote only to those dutiful in their defense of our Constitution."The report's eight chapters tell the story largely as the panel's hearings did this summer — describing the many facets of the remarkable plan that Trump and his advisers devised to try and void President Joe Biden's victory. The lawmakers describe the former president's pressure on states, federal officials, lawmakers and Vice President Mike Pence to game the system or break the law.In the two months between the election and the insurrection, the report says, "President Trump or his inner circle engaged in at least 200 apparent acts of public or private outreach, pressure, or condemnation, targeting either State legislators or State or local election administrators, to overturn State election results."Trump's repeated, false claims of widespread voter fraud resonated with his supporters, the committee said, and were amplified on social media, building on the distrust of government he had fostered for his four years in office. And he did little to stop them when they resorted to violence and stormed the Capitol, interrupting the certification of Biden's victory.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614042711157.png" alt="photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>The massive, damning report comes as Trump is running again for the presidency and also facing multiple federal investigations, including probes of his role in the insurrection and the presence of classified documents at his Florida estate. This week is particularly fraught for him, as a House committee said it will release his tax returns after he has fought for years to keep them private. And Trump has been blamed by Republicans for a worse-than-expected showing in the midterm elections, leaving him in his most politically vulnerable state since he was elected in 2016.In a series of policy recommendations, the seven Democrats and two Republicans on the committee suggest that Trump should be barred from future office, noting that the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution holds that anyone who has taken an oath to uphold the Constitution can be prevented from holding office for engaging in insurrection or rebellion."He is unfit for any office," writes the committee's vice chairwoman, Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming.Posting on his social media site, Trump called the report "highly partisan" and falsely claimed it didn't include his statement on Jan. 6 that his supporters should protest "peacefully and patriotically." The committee did include that statement, though, and noted that he followed that comment with election falsehoods and charged language exhorting the crowd to "fight like hell."The report details a multitude of failings by law enforcement and intelligence agencies, noting that many of the rioters came with weapons and had openly planned for violence online. "The failure to sufficiently share and act upon that intelligence jeopardized the lives of the police officers defending the Capitol and everyone in it," the report says.At the same time, the committee makes an emphatic point that security failures are not the primary cause for the insurrection."The President of the United States inciting a mob to march on the Capitol and impede the work of Congress is not a scenario our intelligence and law enforcement communities envisioned for this country," Thompson wrote."Donald Trump lit that fire," Thompson writes. "But in the weeks beforehand, the kindling he ultimately ignited was amassed in plain sight."The report details Trump's inaction as his loyalists were storming the building, detailing the hours when he watched the violence on television but did nothing to stop it.A White House photographer snapped a picture of Trump at 1:21 p.m., learning of the riot from the employee after he returned to the White House after his speech — and after his own security officials had rebuffed his efforts to go to the Capitol himself. "By that time, if not sooner, he had been made aware of the violent riot," the report states.In total, 187 minutes elapsed between the time Trump finished his speech at the Ellipse and his first effort to get the rioters to disperse, through an eventual video message in which he asked his supporters to go home even as he reassured them, "We love you, you're very special."That inaction was a "dereliction of duty," the report says, noting that Trump had more power than any other person as the nation's commander-in-chief. "He willfully remained idle even as others, including his own Vice President, acted."During those hours, Pence huddled in the Capitol, begging security officials for a quicker National Guard response as rioters outside called for his hanging because he would not illegally try to thwart Biden's win. And inside the White House, dozens of staffers and associates pleaded with Trump to make a forceful statement.But he did not."We all look like domestic terrorists now," longtime aide Hope Hicks texted Julie Radford, who served as Ivanka Trump's chief of staff, in the aftermath.The report says "virtually everyone on the White House staff" interviewed by the committee condemned a tweet by Trump at 2:24 p.m. that day — just as the rioters were first breaking into the Capitol — that Vice President Mike Pence "didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution.""Attacking the VP? Wtf is wrong with him," Hicks texted another colleague that evening.The investigation's release is a final act for House Democrats who are ceding power to Republicans in less than two weeks, and have spent much of their four years in power investigating Trump. Democrats impeached Trump twice, the second time a week after the insurrection. He was acquitted by the Senate both times. Other Democratic-led probes investigated his finances, his businesses, his foreign ties and his family.On Monday, the panel officially passed their investigation to the Justice Department, recommending the department investigate the former president on four crimes, including aiding an insurrection. While the criminal referrals have no legal standing, they are a final statement from the committee after its extensive, year-and-a-half-long probe.The committee has also begun to release hundreds of transcripts of its interviews. On Thursday, the panel released transcripts of two closed-door interviews with former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson, who testified in person at one of the televised hearings over the summer and described in vivid detail Trump's actions and inaction inside the White House.In the two interviews, both conducted after her June appearance at the hearing, Hutchinson described how many of Trump's allies, including her lawyer, pressured her not to say too much in her committee interviews.___Follow the AP's coverage of the Capitol insurrection at https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege

Read the Jan. 6 panel's final report on the Capitol insurrection

DOUGLAS COUNTY—A police officer is recovering after responding just after 1a.m. Thursday to a fire at a home in the 2400 block of Brookside in the city of Lawrence.

 Arriving officers found a large working fire. Four officers entered the residence to try to find victims.&nbsp; Fortunately, no one was inside. One officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

There were no other serious injuries. Police credited Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical for taking care of the injured officer, and extinguishing the fire. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671793898011.png" alt="Image Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Image Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—A police officer is recovering after responding just after 1a.m. Thursday to a fire at a home in the 2400 block of Brookside in the city of Lawrence.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is a quick snippet of edited video from the body camera footage of responding officers at this morning&#39;s fire. The video has been heavily edited for time and privacy considerations. <a href="https://t.co/W6ws8lDFqz">pic.twitter.com/W6ws8lDFqz</a>&mdash; Lawrence Police (@LawrenceKS_PD) <a href="https://twitter.com/LawrenceKS_PD/status/1606028894485692416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div> Arriving officers found a large working fire. Four officers entered the residence to try to find victims.&nbsp; Fortunately, no one was inside. One officer was transported to a local hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671796812239.png" alt="Photo courtesy Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical</figcaption>
 </figure>There were no other serious injuries. Police credited Lawrence-Douglas County Fire and Medical for taking care of the injured officer, and extinguishing the fire. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.

🎥 Kansas officer recovering after responding to house fire

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">The White House</a>&nbsp;said Thursday that the Wagner Group, a private Russian military company, has taken delivery of an arms shipment from North Korea to help bolster its forces as it fights side-by-side with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russian troops in Ukraine.</a>&nbsp;Russia has also turned to Iran to provide drones to use against Ukraine.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said U.S. intelligence officials determined that North Korea completed an initial arms shipment that included rockets and missiles last month.

“We assess that the amount of material delivered to Wagner will not change battlefield dynamics in Ukraine,” Kirby said. “But we’re certainly concerned that North Korea is planning to deliver more military equipment."

The White House has expressed alarm about Wagner's growing involvement in the war as it has been particularly active in the eastern Donbas region. Kirby said in certain instances Russian military officials have even been “subordinate to Wagner's command."

Biden administration officials said with the arms sales to the private military group North Korea is violating U.N. sanctions that ban Pyongyang from importing or exporting weapons.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. envoy to the United Nations, called it “despicable” that Russia, a permanent veto-wielding member of the U.N. Security Council, which imposed the sanctions, is now using weapons procured from North Korea and Iran “to pursue its war of aggression against Ukraine.”

Kirby said the U.S. now assesses that Wagner has some 50,000 personnel fighting in Ukraine, including 10,000 contractors and 40,000 convicts that the company has recruited from prisons.

The U.S. assesses that Wagner, owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is spending about $100 million a month in the fight, Kirby said.

Wagner Group mercenaries have also been accused by Western countries and UN experts of numerous human rights abuses throughout Africa, including in the Central African Republic, Libya and Mali. Earlier this month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced he had de&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/islamic-state-group-putin-religion-united-states-africa-61336a4ce8ca2ab1793a2b6d1b986493">signated the Wagner Group as an “entity of particular concern”</a>&nbsp;for its activities in the Central African Republic.

Wagner has faced U.S. sanctions since 2017. The Commerce Department on Wednesday unveiled new export restrictions targeting Wagner in a bid to further restrict its access to technology and supplies.

The White House has repeatedly sought to spotlight intelligence findings that show Russia — struggling to maintain a steady supply of arms for its war in Ukraine and pinched by sanctions that are limiting access to key components for weapons manufacturing — has limited options to help it resupply weapons.

Russia has also turned to Iran to provide drones to use against Ukraine, and the Biden administration has expressed concern that Russia may seek to acquire additional advanced conventional weapons from Iran. The White House has previously said that Moscow turn to North Korea for artillery.

The British government also condemned Russia for Wagner arm's purchase.

“The fact that President Putin is turning to North Korea for help is a sign of Russia’s desperation and isolation," Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said in a statement. “We will work with our partners to ensure that North Korea pays a high price for supporting Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.”

North Korea has sought to strengthen relations with Russia as much of Europe and the West has pulled away from Moscow.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have heightened because of concerns about North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The North has carried out a series of weapons demonstrations, while the U.S. and South Korea held stepped up joint defense exercises.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/linda-thomas-greenfield">Thomas-Greenfield</a>&nbsp;said Wagner's purchase “contributes to instability on the Korean Peninsula by giving the DPRK funds it can use to further develop its prohibited weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.”

“Russia is not only defending the DPRK as it engages in unlawful and threatening behavior, Russia is now a partner to such behavior," Thomas-Greenfield added.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663760963726.jpeg" alt="Image from a video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, Russian President Vladimir Putin (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)" />
 <figcaption>Image from a video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, Russian President Vladimir Putin (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">The White House</a>&nbsp;said Thursday that the Wagner Group, a private Russian military company, has taken delivery of an arms shipment from North Korea to help bolster its forces as it fights side-by-side with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russian troops in Ukraine.</a>&nbsp;Russia has also turned to Iran to provide drones to use against Ukraine.White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said U.S. intelligence officials determined that North Korea completed an initial arms shipment that included rockets and missiles last month.“We assess that the amount of material delivered to Wagner will not change battlefield dynamics in Ukraine,” Kirby said. “But we’re certainly concerned that North Korea is planning to deliver more military equipment."The White House has expressed alarm about Wagner's growing involvement in the war as it has been particularly active in the eastern Donbas region. Kirby said in certain instances Russian military officials have even been “subordinate to Wagner's command."Biden administration officials said with the arms sales to the private military group North Korea is violating U.N. sanctions that ban Pyongyang from importing or exporting weapons.Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. envoy to the United Nations, called it “despicable” that Russia, a permanent veto-wielding member of the U.N. Security Council, which imposed the sanctions, is now using weapons procured from North Korea and Iran “to pursue its war of aggression against Ukraine.”Kirby said the U.S. now assesses that Wagner has some 50,000 personnel fighting in Ukraine, including 10,000 contractors and 40,000 convicts that the company has recruited from prisons.The U.S. assesses that Wagner, owned by Yevgeny Prigozhin, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is spending about $100 million a month in the fight, Kirby said.Wagner Group mercenaries have also been accused by Western countries and UN experts of numerous human rights abuses throughout Africa, including in the Central African Republic, Libya and Mali. Earlier this month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced he had de&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/islamic-state-group-putin-religion-united-states-africa-61336a4ce8ca2ab1793a2b6d1b986493">signated the Wagner Group as an “entity of particular concern”</a>&nbsp;for its activities in the Central African Republic.Wagner has faced U.S. sanctions since 2017. The Commerce Department on Wednesday unveiled new export restrictions targeting Wagner in a bid to further restrict its access to technology and supplies.The White House has repeatedly sought to spotlight intelligence findings that show Russia — struggling to maintain a steady supply of arms for its war in Ukraine and pinched by sanctions that are limiting access to key components for weapons manufacturing — has limited options to help it resupply weapons.Russia has also turned to Iran to provide drones to use against Ukraine, and the Biden administration has expressed concern that Russia may seek to acquire additional advanced conventional weapons from Iran. The White House has previously said that Moscow turn to North Korea for artillery.The British government also condemned Russia for Wagner arm's purchase.“The fact that President Putin is turning to North Korea for help is a sign of Russia’s desperation and isolation," Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said in a statement. “We will work with our partners to ensure that North Korea pays a high price for supporting Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.”North Korea has sought to strengthen relations with Russia as much of Europe and the West has pulled away from Moscow.Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have heightened because of concerns about North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The North has carried out a series of weapons demonstrations, while the U.S. and South Korea held stepped up joint defense exercises.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/linda-thomas-greenfield">Thomas-Greenfield</a>&nbsp;said Wagner's purchase “contributes to instability on the Korean Peninsula by giving the DPRK funds it can use to further develop its prohibited weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.”“Russia is not only defending the DPRK as it engages in unlawful and threatening behavior, Russia is now a partner to such behavior," Thomas-Greenfield added.

White House: Iran, North Korea give weapons to Russia

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

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

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

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

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

Police ID teen victim in fatal Kansas shooting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Investigator in notorious murder case faces charges

GEARY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 7p.m. Wednesday in Geary County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Toyota Tacoma driven by&nbsp; Zachary P. Bealer,&nbsp; 33, Kansas City, Mo., was westbound on Interstate 70 at McDowell Creek Road

The driver lost control of the pickup. It spun across the median. An eastbound 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by Rhoda Yoder, 32, Trinidad, Colorado, rear-ended the Toyota.

An eastbound 2016 Dodge Ram driven by Kinsey Davidson, 32, Cleveland, Tennessee, struck the Chevy and then the Toyota.

After impact the Toyota came to rest approximately 80 feet down the embankment.

&nbsp;Bealer was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Johnson's Funeral Chapel.&nbsp; There were no other injuries. All were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

GEARY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 7p.m. Wednesday in Geary County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2003 Toyota Tacoma driven by&nbsp; Zachary P. Bealer,&nbsp; 33, Kansas City, Mo., was westbound on Interstate 70 at McDowell Creek RoadThe driver lost control of the pickup. It spun across the median. An eastbound 2020 Chevy Silverado driven by Rhoda Yoder, 32, Trinidad, Colorado, rear-ended the Toyota.An eastbound 2016 Dodge Ram driven by Kinsey Davidson, 32, Cleveland, Tennessee, struck the Chevy and then the Toyota.After impact the Toyota came to rest approximately 80 feet down the embankment.&nbsp;Bealer was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Johnson's Funeral Chapel.&nbsp; There were no other injuries. All were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver dies after 3-vehicle I-70 crash

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

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

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

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

Kansas felon caught transporting drugs, firearm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The local government settled the lawsuit for $12.5 million.

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

Judge won't overturn convictions in Kansas murder case

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/manhattan-democrat-to-resign-from-kansas-senate-midway-through-4-year-term/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Democrat Tom Hawk of 
Manhattan said Thursday he would retire Jan. 10 midway through his 
four-year term in the Kansas Senate.

Hawk, 76, is a retired school superintendent and teacher who had a 
33-year career in public education. He served three terms in the Kansas 
House before he was defeated for re-election in 2010. In 2012, he won the first 
of three elections for Kansas Senate.

He represents the 22nd District in the Senate that includes Riley, Geary and Clay counties.

“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve our state
 and represent my pocket of Kansas in the Legislature,” Hawk said. “I am
 grateful to my neighbors for placing their trust in me to be their 
voice in Topeka over these past 10 plus years.”

The 2023 Legislature convenes Jan. 9. Hawk’s exit from the Senate 
would officially transpire the next day. He serves on the Senate’s 
budget, transportation and utilities committees.

Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, said residents of 
Hawk’s district were fortunate to be represented by Hawk. She said his 
work to secure K-12 and university funding and to advance bipartisan 
legislation, including the state highway plan, would benefit the state 
for generations.

“His intellect, attention to detail and inimitable wit made our team 
stronger,” Sykes said. “Our caucus will feel a little emptier and a lot 
less funny without Tom Hawk in the room every day. ”

His seat in the Kansas Senate will be filled through a selection 
process organized by the Kansas Democratic Party. Republicans in the 
Kansas Senate hold a 29-11 advantage over the minority party. The full 
Senate doesn’t face reelection until 2024.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671736518528.png" alt="Manhattan Democratic Sen. Tom Hawk, right, said he would resign from the Senate one day into the 2023 legislative session. Democrats will appoint a replacement for Hawk. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislative YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption>Manhattan Democratic Sen. Tom Hawk, right, said he would resign from the Senate one day into the 2023 legislative session. Democrats will appoint a replacement for Hawk. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislative YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/manhattan-democrat-to-resign-from-kansas-senate-midway-through-4-year-term/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Democrat Tom Hawk of 
Manhattan said Thursday he would retire Jan. 10 midway through his 
four-year term in the Kansas Senate.Hawk, 76, is a retired school superintendent and teacher who had a 
33-year career in public education. He served three terms in the Kansas 
House before he was defeated for re-election in 2010. In 2012, he won the first 
of three elections for Kansas Senate.He represents the 22nd District in the Senate that includes Riley, Geary and Clay counties.“It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve our state
 and represent my pocket of Kansas in the Legislature,” Hawk said. “I am
 grateful to my neighbors for placing their trust in me to be their 
voice in Topeka over these past 10 plus years.”The 2023 Legislature convenes Jan. 9. Hawk’s exit from the Senate 
would officially transpire the next day. He serves on the Senate’s 
budget, transportation and utilities committees.Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes, of Lenexa, said residents of 
Hawk’s district were fortunate to be represented by Hawk. She said his 
work to secure K-12 and university funding and to advance bipartisan 
legislation, including the state highway plan, would benefit the state 
for generations.“His intellect, attention to detail and inimitable wit made our team 
stronger,” Sykes said. “Our caucus will feel a little emptier and a lot 
less funny without Tom Hawk in the room every day. ”His seat in the Kansas Senate will be filled through a selection 
process organized by the Kansas Democratic Party. Republicans in the 
Kansas Senate hold a 29-11 advantage over the minority party. The full 
Senate doesn’t face reelection until 2024.

Kansas State senator resigns midway through term

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

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

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

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

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

KHP IDs Kansas man who died in crash with a semi

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

GEARY COUNTY - Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to Milford Lake on Thursday at 9:42 a.m. on the report of an individual stranded on the water in a disabled jon boat.

Geary County Dispatch was contacted by Justin Howe of Fort Riley when the motor on the jon boat died while he was attempting to retrieve geese decoys off the lake. After the motor died, the boat drifted away from where Howe had been hunting, and got stuck in ice, eventually becoming frozen in place.

When Howe contacted dispatch he advised them he had been in the boat, on the lake for approximately 40 minutes.

From the shore, Deputies located Howe in the jon boat around 10:20 am, the Geary County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit used the City of Milford boat ramp to access Milford Lake, after breaking ice at the ramp, and were able to launch into the lake at 11:09 a.m.

Junction City Fire/EMS also responded to the City of Milford boat ramp, ready to assist if medical attention was needed.

Dense fog made it difficult for the Marine unit to locate Howe and his jon boat.

The Marine Unit's engine experienced mechanical issues while searching for Howe and the engine went into limp mode.

Geary County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit was able to locate Hoe and his jon boat about 100 yards from them before they made the decision to figure out an alternative plan.

The Marine Unit had to break ice around Howe's jon boat to get close enough for him to board the Marine unit boat.

Howe and the Marine Unit members arrived at the City of Milford boat ramp at 11:55 a.m. where they were screened by the Junction City Fire Department EMT's before being released.

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostGEARY COUNTY - Geary County Sheriff's Deputies responded to Milford Lake on Thursday at 9:42 a.m. on the report of an individual stranded on the water in a disabled jon boat.Geary County Dispatch was contacted by Justin Howe of Fort Riley when the motor on the jon boat died while he was attempting to retrieve geese decoys off the lake. After the motor died, the boat drifted away from where Howe had been hunting, and got stuck in ice, eventually becoming frozen in place.When Howe contacted dispatch he advised them he had been in the boat, on the lake for approximately 40 minutes.From the shore, Deputies located Howe in the jon boat around 10:20 am, the Geary County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit used the City of Milford boat ramp to access Milford Lake, after breaking ice at the ramp, and were able to launch into the lake at 11:09 a.m.<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/dfb4u318-60zMcgvZ.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Geary County Water Rescue 122222" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>Junction City Fire/EMS also responded to the City of Milford boat ramp, ready to assist if medical attention was needed.Dense fog made it difficult for the Marine unit to locate Howe and his jon boat.The Marine Unit's engine experienced mechanical issues while searching for Howe and the engine went into limp mode.Geary County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit was able to locate Hoe and his jon boat about 100 yards from them before they made the decision to figure out an alternative plan.The Marine Unit had to break ice around Howe's jon boat to get close enough for him to board the Marine unit boat.Howe and the Marine Unit members arrived at the City of Milford boat ramp at 11:55 a.m. where they were screened by the Junction City Fire Department EMT's before being released.

📷: Sheriff: Man, boat rescued from Kan. lake in freezing fog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baby chimp who made national headlines dies at Kan. zoo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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