Michael “Mike” Lee Beilman, 68, gained his angel wings February 17, 2024 after a long, vigilant battle with laryngeal cancer. He was born on October 8, 1955, in Hays, KS to Fred (Fritz) and Leona (Hartman) Beilman. He graduated from Hays High School in 1973 and married Linda (Braun) Beilman on September 2, 1977, in Victoria, KS.

Mike and Linda formerly of Hays, moved to Eudora, KS 12 years ago after the birth of their first granddaughter. Mike was a rural mail carrier for 20 years, worked at Advantage Glass Plus and for Price Truck Line in Hays. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was an avid fan of the KU Jayhawks and KC Chiefs and traveled to many games throughout his life. For many years, he belonged to a bowling team in Ellis, KS, affectionally known as the “Swill Hogs.” The name itself says enough, but the stories, nicknames, and endless nights of fun were always something Mike talked about. Mike also played on a co-ed softball team in Hays for many years called “Icee Hot.” His favorite hobby was fishing with close friends and sharing the story about the “big one that always got away!” A man with a lot of spirit and energy, he loved going on “ag tour” adventures in the country with his friends and son-in-law on the weekends. He always said that only those on an “ag tour” will fully understand the meaning behind them. Mike had a great love for animals and was most proud of his two daughters and four granddaughters. Mike had a life changing accident in 2006 that left him with a traumatic brain injury. Years later, this injury greatly changed his active lifestyle and impacted the quality of his once very vibrant mental health.

Left to mourn him are his loving wife, Linda of Eudora; his two daughters, Leah (Andrew) Hansen of Lenexa and Bethany (Kyle) Stadalman of Eudora; his four granddaughters, Kennedy, Hadley, Lucy and Mabel Stadalman of Eudora; his siblings, David (Mary) Beilman of Johnstown, CO, Jo Ellen Haselhorst of Thornton, CO and Janet (Steve) Hammerschmidt of Fleming Island, FL; mother-in-law, Stella Braun of Hays; sisters-in-law, Brenda Meder of Hays and Doreen (Tim) Koerner of Victoria; brother-in-law, Douglas (Machell) Braun of Victoria and his faithful dog companion, Lacee, along with many extended nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Albert R. Braun, brother Kenneth Beilman, brother-in-law, Dale Haselhorst, and nephew, Michael David Beilman.

Cremation has taken place. Following private family services, a Celebration of Life reception for friends and family will be held Sunday, March 10 from 2-4pm at the Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th, Hays, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mike’s memory to the Humane Society of the High Plains, 2050 US Hwy 40, Hays, KS 67601.

Michael “Mike” Lee Beilman, 68, gained his angel wings February 17, 2024 after a long, vigilant battle with laryngeal cancer. He was born on October 8, 1955, in Hays, KS to Fred (Fritz) and Leona (Hartman) Beilman. He graduated from Hays High School in 1973 and married Linda (Braun) Beilman on September 2, 1977, in Victoria, KS.Mike and Linda formerly of Hays, moved to Eudora, KS 12 years ago after the birth of their first granddaughter. Mike was a rural mail carrier for 20 years, worked at Advantage Glass Plus and for Price Truck Line in Hays. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was an avid fan of the KU Jayhawks and KC Chiefs and traveled to many games throughout his life. For many years, he belonged to a bowling team in Ellis, KS, affectionally known as the “Swill Hogs.” The name itself says enough, but the stories, nicknames, and endless nights of fun were always something Mike talked about. Mike also played on a co-ed softball team in Hays for many years called “Icee Hot.” His favorite hobby was fishing with close friends and sharing the story about the “big one that always got away!” A man with a lot of spirit and energy, he loved going on “ag tour” adventures in the country with his friends and son-in-law on the weekends. He always said that only those on an “ag tour” will fully understand the meaning behind them. Mike had a great love for animals and was most proud of his two daughters and four granddaughters. Mike had a life changing accident in 2006 that left him with a traumatic brain injury. Years later, this injury greatly changed his active lifestyle and impacted the quality of his once very vibrant mental health.Left to mourn him are his loving wife, Linda of Eudora; his two daughters, Leah (Andrew) Hansen of Lenexa and Bethany (Kyle) Stadalman of Eudora; his four granddaughters, Kennedy, Hadley, Lucy and Mabel Stadalman of Eudora; his siblings, David (Mary) Beilman of Johnstown, CO, Jo Ellen Haselhorst of Thornton, CO and Janet (Steve) Hammerschmidt of Fleming Island, FL; mother-in-law, Stella Braun of Hays; sisters-in-law, Brenda Meder of Hays and Doreen (Tim) Koerner of Victoria; brother-in-law, Douglas (Machell) Braun of Victoria and his faithful dog companion, Lacee, along with many extended nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Albert R. Braun, brother Kenneth Beilman, brother-in-law, Dale Haselhorst, and nephew, Michael David Beilman.Cremation has taken place. Following private family services, a Celebration of Life reception for friends and family will be held Sunday, March 10 from 2-4pm at the Hays Arts Center, 112 E. 11th, Hays, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mike’s memory to the Humane Society of the High Plains, 2050 US Hwy 40, Hays, KS 67601.

Michael “Mike” Lee Beilman

William Anthony Eilert, 35, passed away Saturday, February 17, 2024 in Wichita, Kansas. William was born October 30, 1988, to Kathleen (Ackerman) Eilert and Mark Eilert at US Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. He was their fourth child of five.

Born to a military family, William moved frequently as a child, first to Tennessee, and then again to Kansas where he began school, attending St. John’s Catholic Schools in Beloit. He attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, where he studied Engineering, and Manhattan Area Technical College, where he studied Computer Science. William worked as a bartender at Finn’s Neighborhood Pub for several years before finally returning to Beloit to work on the family farm, which he found much to his liking.

William was known for his gentle personality, agreeable demeanor, and brilliant sense of humor. He made fast friends in every walk of life and was quick to volunteer his help to a friend or family member’s personal problem or dizzying home construction project.&nbsp; William proved loyal to a fault, and many friends and family found themselves in his debt as the technical genius quickly absorbed a problem and set to work on their solution. William loved gaming with his friends and siblings, hunting, fishing, and playing with his beloved dog Trout.

Surviving are his parents: Kathleen (Ackerman) Eilert of Park, and Mark Eilert of Beloit, his grandparents: Robert and Alice Ackerman of Park, and Donald and Dolores Eilert of Beloit. He is also survived by his siblings and their families: Kenneth, Jillian, Josselyn, and Thomas Eilert of Indianapolis, Indiana, Matthew, Emma, Charly, Ellie, and Ralph Eilert of Park, Kelly, Manny, Emery, and Isabella Sandlin of Manhattan, and Benjamin, Sadie, Adalynn, Wyatt, and Rylee Eilert of Beloit. His many nieces and nephews held William as a doting and favored uncle.

Rosary and Funeral Services will be held at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church. The rosary will be held Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 7 p.m., and Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. Visitation will be held prior to the rosary on February 20, 2024 at Schoen Funeral Home And Monuments, from 1﹘5 p.m. with family present from 4 - 5 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to William Eilert memorial, to be designed at a later date to charity, or to St. John's Catholic Schools. In care of Schoen Funeral Home And Monuments, 302 N. Hersey Ave. Beloit KS, 67420.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708322654189.jpeg" alt="William Anthony Eilert" />
 <figcaption>William Anthony Eilert</figcaption>
 </figure>William Anthony Eilert, 35, passed away Saturday, February 17, 2024 in Wichita, Kansas. William was born October 30, 1988, to Kathleen (Ackerman) Eilert and Mark Eilert at US Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. He was their fourth child of five.Born to a military family, William moved frequently as a child, first to Tennessee, and then again to Kansas where he began school, attending St. John’s Catholic Schools in Beloit. He attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, where he studied Engineering, and Manhattan Area Technical College, where he studied Computer Science. William worked as a bartender at Finn’s Neighborhood Pub for several years before finally returning to Beloit to work on the family farm, which he found much to his liking.William was known for his gentle personality, agreeable demeanor, and brilliant sense of humor. He made fast friends in every walk of life and was quick to volunteer his help to a friend or family member’s personal problem or dizzying home construction project.&nbsp; William proved loyal to a fault, and many friends and family found themselves in his debt as the technical genius quickly absorbed a problem and set to work on their solution. William loved gaming with his friends and siblings, hunting, fishing, and playing with his beloved dog Trout.Surviving are his parents: Kathleen (Ackerman) Eilert of Park, and Mark Eilert of Beloit, his grandparents: Robert and Alice Ackerman of Park, and Donald and Dolores Eilert of Beloit. He is also survived by his siblings and their families: Kenneth, Jillian, Josselyn, and Thomas Eilert of Indianapolis, Indiana, Matthew, Emma, Charly, Ellie, and Ralph Eilert of Park, Kelly, Manny, Emery, and Isabella Sandlin of Manhattan, and Benjamin, Sadie, Adalynn, Wyatt, and Rylee Eilert of Beloit. His many nieces and nephews held William as a doting and favored uncle.Rosary and Funeral Services will be held at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church. The rosary will be held Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 7 p.m., and Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. Visitation will be held prior to the rosary on February 20, 2024 at Schoen Funeral Home And Monuments, from 1﹘5 p.m. with family present from 4 - 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to William Eilert memorial, to be designed at a later date to charity, or to St. John's Catholic Schools. In care of Schoen Funeral Home And Monuments, 302 N. Hersey Ave. Beloit KS, 67420.&nbsp;

William Anthony Eilert

OSAGE COUNTY, Mo. —The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the recovery of human remains, identified as Derek C. Holtmeyer, 35, of Linn, Missouri, according to a media release from the patrol.

Holtmeyer’s body was located on February 8, 2024, by investigators with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop F/I Criminal Unit. On July 12, 2023, the family of Derek C. Holtmeyer contacted the Osage County Sheriff’s Office to report they had not had contact with him since the early morning hours of July 11, 2023. 

After taking a missing person’s report and conducting an exhaustive investigation into Holtmeyer’s disappearance, on October 13, 2023, Osage County Sheriff Michael Bonham formally requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol take over the investigation.

 At that time, the investigation into Holtmeyer’s disappearance was assigned to the Troop F/I Criminal Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control.On February 8, 2024, while conducting a ground search as part of their missing person investigation, patrol investigators located human remains in a wooded area near Chamois, Missouri, in Osage County. 

On February 15, 2024, the Boone County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the identity of the remains as Derek C. Holtmeyer, of Linn, Missouri. 

The investigation into Holtmeyer’s death and disappearance is on-going. The Osage County Sheriff’s Office and the Osage County Coroner are assisting with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708101438242.png" alt="Derek Holtmeyer-photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Derek Holtmeyer-photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY, Mo. —The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the recovery of human remains, identified as Derek C. Holtmeyer, 35, of Linn, Missouri, according to a media release from the patrol.Holtmeyer’s body was located on February 8, 2024, by investigators with the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop F/I Criminal Unit. On July 12, 2023, the family of Derek C. Holtmeyer contacted the Osage County Sheriff’s Office to report they had not had contact with him since the early morning hours of July 11, 2023. After taking a missing person’s report and conducting an exhaustive investigation into Holtmeyer’s disappearance, on October 13, 2023, Osage County Sheriff Michael Bonham formally requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol take over the investigation. At that time, the investigation into Holtmeyer’s disappearance was assigned to the Troop F/I Criminal Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control.On February 8, 2024, while conducting a ground search as part of their missing person investigation, patrol investigators located human remains in a wooded area near Chamois, Missouri, in Osage County. On February 15, 2024, the Boone County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the identity of the remains as Derek C. Holtmeyer, of Linn, Missouri. The investigation into Holtmeyer’s death and disappearance is on-going. The Osage County Sheriff’s Office and the Osage County Coroner are assisting with the investigation.

Human remains identified as missing Missouri man

LOGAN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another reported theft of cattle in Kansas.

On Wednesday, the Logan County Sheriff reported approximately 30 weaned calves, black and red angus mix with some baldies, 450 to 500 pounds were missing from Southern Logan County.

Please note the brand. If you have information please contact Logan County, Kansas Sheriff.

On November 17, 2023, the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office took a report of five black Angus cattle allegedly stolen from the 17000 block of Onaga Road, Onaga, Kansas, according to a media release.

The cattle are branded on their left hip and also had white ear tags. All five of the stolen cows had calves, and the calves were still present but not the cows.&nbsp;

In October, a dozen calves and a cow were stolen from from rancher Dan Oeding approximately 5 miles southeast of Wamego, according to the Wabaunsee County Sheriff. Livestock missing include Black Angus or Wagyu calves, one red calf and one Black Angus cow.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Wabaunsee County Sheriff at 785-765-3323. There is a reward offered&nbsp; for information that leads to the arrest of those who stole the cattle.

In August, Reno County Sheriff's Office said Circle H Cattle Company reported fifteen 400 to 500 pound calves stolen from the area of US 50 and Sterling Road, according to a social media report. The cattle went missing sometime between July 29, and August 6.

In mid-July, the Kansas Livestock Associated reported 17-head of 200-350 pound calves were stolen ten miles northeast of Atwood, according to a media release from the Rawlins County sheriff's office. The calves&nbsp; carried fresh brands of V arrow high on the right hip.

In April, the Sheridan County Sheriff's Department asked for the public's assistance in a case involving eighty 80 head of cattle missing from South of Hoxie, Kansas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708001081009.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>LOGAN COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another reported theft of cattle in Kansas.On Wednesday, the Logan County Sheriff reported approximately 30 weaned calves, black and red angus mix with some baldies, 450 to 500 pounds were missing from Southern Logan County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708001007265.png" alt="Photo Logan Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Logan Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Please note the brand. If you have information please contact Logan County, Kansas Sheriff.On November 17, 2023, the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office took a report of five black Angus cattle allegedly stolen from the 17000 block of Onaga Road, Onaga, Kansas, according to a media release.The cattle are branded on their left hip and also had white ear tags. All five of the stolen cows had calves, and the calves were still present but not the cows.&nbsp;In October, a dozen calves and a cow were stolen from from rancher Dan Oeding approximately 5 miles southeast of Wamego, according to the Wabaunsee County Sheriff. Livestock missing include Black Angus or Wagyu calves, one red calf and one Black Angus cow.Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Wabaunsee County Sheriff at 785-765-3323. There is a reward offered&nbsp; for information that leads to the arrest of those who stole the cattle.In August, Reno County Sheriff's Office said Circle H Cattle Company reported fifteen 400 to 500 pound calves stolen from the area of US 50 and Sterling Road, according to a social media report. The cattle went missing sometime between July 29, and August 6.In mid-July, the Kansas Livestock Associated reported 17-head of 200-350 pound calves were stolen ten miles northeast of Atwood, according to a media release from the Rawlins County sheriff's office. The calves&nbsp; carried fresh brands of V arrow high on the right hip.In April, the Sheridan County Sheriff's Department asked for the public's assistance in a case involving eighty 80 head of cattle missing from South of Hoxie, Kansas.

Sheriff reports cattle theft in NW Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday called for House Republicans to urgently bring a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-congress-senate-china-d7b4846de76a1dfe5d2207b7eb6eeead">$95.3 billion aid package</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan to a vote, warning that refusal to take up the bill, passed by the Senate in the morning, would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-ukraine-nato-congress-b1ae8f4702e430d1995d40f3bc05ea06">“playing into Putin’s hands</a>.”

(click below to watch the statement from President Biden)

“Supporting this bill is standing up to Putin," Biden said, raising his voice in strong comments from the White House as he referred to the Russian leader. “We can't walk away now. That's what Putin is betting on.”

But the package faces a deeply uncertain future in the House, where hardline Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump — the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, and a critic of support for Ukraine — oppose the legislation. Speaker Mike Johnson has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-congress-6970b539025d2de5ade9e3aff165c54f">cast new doubt</a>&nbsp;on the package and made clear that it could be weeks or months before Congress sends the legislation to Biden’s desk — if at all.

The potential impasse comes at a crucial point in the nearly two-year-old war, and supporters warn that abandoning Ukraine could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-ukraine-israel-trump-aid-biden-13d5461154e2755510d7149a5af9b97a">threaten national security across the globe</a>. Yet the months-long push to approve the $60 billion in aid for Kyiv that is included in the package has exposed growing political divisions in the Republican Party over the role of the United States abroad.

Biden also lashed at Trump, who on Saturday said during a campaign appearance that he once warned he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-nato-foreign-aid-russia-2b8054a9fe185eec34c2c541cece655d">allow Russia</a>&nbsp;to do whatever it wants to NATO member nations that are “delinquent” in devoting 2% of their gross domestic product to defense.

“When America gives its word it means something,” Biden said. “Donald Trump looks at this as if it’s a burden.”

The Senate vote came early Tuesday after a small group of Republicans opposed to the $60 billion for Ukraine held the Senate floor through the night, using the final hours of debate to argue that the U.S. should focus on its own problems before sending more money overseas. Yet 22 Republicans voted with nearly all Democrats to pass the package 70-29.

“With this bill, the Senate declares that American leadership will not waver, will not falter, will not fail,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who worked closely with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on the legislation.

The bill’s passage through the Senate with a flourish of GOP support was a welcome sign for Ukraine amid critical&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-money-congress-weapons-dd5076b30bf8fab5c914a1222186e7f0">shortages on the battlefield</a>.

“Ukrainian soldiers out of artillery shells, Ukrainian units rationing rounds of ammunition to defend themselves, Ukrainian families worried that the next Russian strike will permanently plunge them into darkness, or worse,” Biden said.

The president appealed to House members in stark terms and called on Johnson to let the matter come to a vote. Ukraine supporters were also hoping that the showing of bipartisan support in the Senate would pressure Johnson to advance the bill. McConnell has made the issue his top priority in recent months, and was resolute in the face of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-ukraine-republicans-senate-c5217d686c85837d2b9708aa197843f9">considerable pushback</a>&nbsp;from his own GOP conference.

Speaking directly to his detractors, the longtime Republican leader said in a statement, “History settles every account. And today, on the value of American leadership and strength, history will record that the Senate did not blink.”

Dollars provided by the legislation would purchase U.S.-made defense equipment, including munitions and air defense systems that authorities say are desperately needed as Russia batters the country. It also includes $8 billion for the government in Kyiv and other assistance.

“Putin’s ambitions have never been limited to Ukraine. His goals are far broader. This means that our defense solidarity must be even broader,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on social media.

In addition, the legislation would provide $14 billion for Israel’s war with Hamas, $8 billion for Taiwan and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter China, and $9.1 billion in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rafah-gaza-evacuation-palestinians-attack-israel-hamas-90bf78cfca6550dc229e7192f6724dfc">humanitarian assistance for Gaza</a>&nbsp;and the West Bank, Ukraine, and other populations caught in conflict zones across the globe.

Progressive lawmakers have objected to sending offensive weaponry to Israel, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent of Vermont, as well as two Democrats, Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Peter Welch of Vermont, voted against it.

“I cannot in good conscience support sending billions of additional taxpayer dollars for Prime Minister Netanyahu's military campaign in Gaza,” Welch said. “It’s a campaign that has killed and wounded a shocking number of civilians. It’s created a massive humanitarian crisis.”

The bill’s passage followed almost five months of torturous negotiations over an expansive proposal that would have paired the foreign aid with an overhaul of border and asylum policies. Republicans demanded the trade-off, saying the surge of migration into the United States had to be addressed alongside the security of allies.

But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-aid-border-security-386dcc54b29a5491f8bd87b727a284f8">a bipartisan deal on border security fell apart</a>&nbsp;just days after its unveiling, a head-spinning development that left negotiators deeply frustrated. Republicans declared the bill insufficient and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-aid-border-security-386dcc54b29a5491f8bd87b727a284f8">blocked it</a>&nbsp;on the Senate floor.

After the deal collapsed, the two leaders abandoned the border provisions and pushed forward with passing the foreign aid package alone — as Democrats had originally intended.

While the slimmed-down foreign aid bill eventually won a healthy showing of GOP support, several Republicans who had previously expressed support for Ukraine voted against it. The episode further exposed divisions in the party, made more public as Trump dug in and a handful of lawmakers openly called for McConnell to step down.

Sen. J.D. Vance, an Ohio Republican, argued that the U.S. should step back from the conflict and help broker an end to it with Russia's Putin. He questioned the wisdom of continuing to fuel Ukraine’s defense when Putin appears committed to fighting for years.

“I think it deals with the reality that we’re living in, which is they’re a more powerful country, and it’s their region of the world,” he said.

Vance, along with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and other opponents, spent several hours on the floor railing against the aid and complaining about Senate process. They dug in their heels to delay a final vote, speaking on the floor until daybreak.

Supporters of the aid pushed back, warning that bowing to Russia would be a historic mistake with devastating consequences. They pointed out that if Putin were to attack a NATO member in Europe, the U.S. would be bound by treaty to become directly involved in the conflict — a commitment that Trump has called into question as he seeks another term in the White House.

In the House, many Republicans have opposed the aid and are unlikely to cross Trump, but some key GOP lawmakers have signaled they will push to get it passed.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, R-Ohio, traveled to Ukraine last week with a bipartisan delegation and met with Zelenskyy. Turner posted on X, formerly Twitter, after the trip that “I reiterated America’s commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.”

But Speaker Johnson is in a tough position. A majority of his conference opposes the aid, and he is trying to lead the narrowest of majorities and avoid the fate of his predecessor, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted in October.

Johnson, R-La., said in a statement Monday that because the foreign aid package lacks border security provisions, it is “silent on the most pressing issue facing our country.” It was the latest — and potentially most consequential — sign of opposition to the Ukraine aid from House GOP leadership, who had rejected the bipartisan border compromise as "dead on arrival,” contributing to its rapid demise.

House Democratic leaders are looking at rarely used procedures to force a vote on the bill, but those represent a long-shot effort without Johnson's support.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a letter to fellow Democrats Tuesday, “The American people deserve an up or down vote, and we will use every available legislative tool to get comprehensive national security legislation over the finish line.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday called for House Republicans to urgently bring a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-congress-senate-china-d7b4846de76a1dfe5d2207b7eb6eeead">$95.3 billion aid package</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan to a vote, warning that refusal to take up the bill, passed by the Senate in the morning, would be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-ukraine-nato-congress-b1ae8f4702e430d1995d40f3bc05ea06">“playing into Putin’s hands</a>.”(click below to watch the statement from President Biden)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1328242457881111%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=290" 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>“Supporting this bill is standing up to Putin," Biden said, raising his voice in strong comments from the White House as he referred to the Russian leader. “We can't walk away now. That's what Putin is betting on.”But the package faces a deeply uncertain future in the House, where hardline Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump — the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, and a critic of support for Ukraine — oppose the legislation. Speaker Mike Johnson has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-congress-6970b539025d2de5ade9e3aff165c54f">cast new doubt</a>&nbsp;on the package and made clear that it could be weeks or months before Congress sends the legislation to Biden’s desk — if at all.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am grateful to <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenSchumer</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/LeaderMcConnell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LeaderMcConnell</a>, and every US Senator who has supported continued assistance to Ukraine as we fight for freedom, democracy, and the values we all hold dear. For us in Ukraine, continued US assistance helps to save human lives from Russian terror.…&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1757369670460424603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The potential impasse comes at a crucial point in the nearly two-year-old war, and supporters warn that abandoning Ukraine could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-ukraine-israel-trump-aid-biden-13d5461154e2755510d7149a5af9b97a">threaten national security across the globe</a>. Yet the months-long push to approve the $60 billion in aid for Kyiv that is included in the package has exposed growing political divisions in the Republican Party over the role of the United States abroad.Biden also lashed at Trump, who on Saturday said during a campaign appearance that he once warned he would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-nato-foreign-aid-russia-2b8054a9fe185eec34c2c541cece655d">allow Russia</a>&nbsp;to do whatever it wants to NATO member nations that are “delinquent” in devoting 2% of their gross domestic product to defense.“When America gives its word it means something,” Biden said. “Donald Trump looks at this as if it’s a burden.”The Senate vote came early Tuesday after a small group of Republicans opposed to the $60 billion for Ukraine held the Senate floor through the night, using the final hours of debate to argue that the U.S. should focus on its own problems before sending more money overseas. Yet 22 Republicans voted with nearly all Democrats to pass the package 70-29.“With this bill, the Senate declares that American leadership will not waver, will not falter, will not fail,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who worked closely with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on the legislation.The bill’s passage through the Senate with a flourish of GOP support was a welcome sign for Ukraine amid critical&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-money-congress-weapons-dd5076b30bf8fab5c914a1222186e7f0">shortages on the battlefield</a>.“Ukrainian soldiers out of artillery shells, Ukrainian units rationing rounds of ammunition to defend themselves, Ukrainian families worried that the next Russian strike will permanently plunge them into darkness, or worse,” Biden said.The president appealed to House members in stark terms and called on Johnson to let the matter come to a vote. Ukraine supporters were also hoping that the showing of bipartisan support in the Senate would pressure Johnson to advance the bill. McConnell has made the issue his top priority in recent months, and was resolute in the face of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-ukraine-republicans-senate-c5217d686c85837d2b9708aa197843f9">considerable pushback</a>&nbsp;from his own GOP conference.Speaking directly to his detractors, the longtime Republican leader said in a statement, “History settles every account. And today, on the value of American leadership and strength, history will record that the Senate did not blink.”Dollars provided by the legislation would purchase U.S.-made defense equipment, including munitions and air defense systems that authorities say are desperately needed as Russia batters the country. It also includes $8 billion for the government in Kyiv and other assistance.“Putin’s ambitions have never been limited to Ukraine. His goals are far broader. This means that our defense solidarity must be even broader,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on social media.In addition, the legislation would provide $14 billion for Israel’s war with Hamas, $8 billion for Taiwan and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter China, and $9.1 billion in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rafah-gaza-evacuation-palestinians-attack-israel-hamas-90bf78cfca6550dc229e7192f6724dfc">humanitarian assistance for Gaza</a>&nbsp;and the West Bank, Ukraine, and other populations caught in conflict zones across the globe.Progressive lawmakers have objected to sending offensive weaponry to Israel, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent of Vermont, as well as two Democrats, Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Peter Welch of Vermont, voted against it.“I cannot in good conscience support sending billions of additional taxpayer dollars for Prime Minister Netanyahu's military campaign in Gaza,” Welch said. “It’s a campaign that has killed and wounded a shocking number of civilians. It’s created a massive humanitarian crisis.”The bill’s passage followed almost five months of torturous negotiations over an expansive proposal that would have paired the foreign aid with an overhaul of border and asylum policies. Republicans demanded the trade-off, saying the surge of migration into the United States had to be addressed alongside the security of allies.But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-aid-border-security-386dcc54b29a5491f8bd87b727a284f8">a bipartisan deal on border security fell apart</a>&nbsp;just days after its unveiling, a head-spinning development that left negotiators deeply frustrated. Republicans declared the bill insufficient and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-aid-border-security-386dcc54b29a5491f8bd87b727a284f8">blocked it</a>&nbsp;on the Senate floor.After the deal collapsed, the two leaders abandoned the border provisions and pushed forward with passing the foreign aid package alone — as Democrats had originally intended.While the slimmed-down foreign aid bill eventually won a healthy showing of GOP support, several Republicans who had previously expressed support for Ukraine voted against it. The episode further exposed divisions in the party, made more public as Trump dug in and a handful of lawmakers openly called for McConnell to step down.Sen. J.D. Vance, an Ohio Republican, argued that the U.S. should step back from the conflict and help broker an end to it with Russia's Putin. He questioned the wisdom of continuing to fuel Ukraine’s defense when Putin appears committed to fighting for years.“I think it deals with the reality that we’re living in, which is they’re a more powerful country, and it’s their region of the world,” he said.Vance, along with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and other opponents, spent several hours on the floor railing against the aid and complaining about Senate process. They dug in their heels to delay a final vote, speaking on the floor until daybreak.Supporters of the aid pushed back, warning that bowing to Russia would be a historic mistake with devastating consequences. They pointed out that if Putin were to attack a NATO member in Europe, the U.S. would be bound by treaty to become directly involved in the conflict — a commitment that Trump has called into question as he seeks another term in the White House.In the House, many Republicans have opposed the aid and are unlikely to cross Trump, but some key GOP lawmakers have signaled they will push to get it passed.House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, R-Ohio, traveled to Ukraine last week with a bipartisan delegation and met with Zelenskyy. Turner posted on X, formerly Twitter, after the trip that “I reiterated America’s commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.”But Speaker Johnson is in a tough position. A majority of his conference opposes the aid, and he is trying to lead the narrowest of majorities and avoid the fate of his predecessor, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted in October.Johnson, R-La., said in a statement Monday that because the foreign aid package lacks border security provisions, it is “silent on the most pressing issue facing our country.” It was the latest — and potentially most consequential — sign of opposition to the Ukraine aid from House GOP leadership, who had rejected the bipartisan border compromise as "dead on arrival,” contributing to its rapid demise.House Democratic leaders are looking at rarely used procedures to force a vote on the bill, but those represent a long-shot effort without Johnson's support.House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a letter to fellow Democrats Tuesday, “The American people deserve an up or down vote, and we will use every available legislative tool to get comprehensive national security legislation over the finish line.”___

🎥 Biden threatens House GOP who oppose Ukraine funding

Sunday, October 8th, 1933-Tuesday, February 13th, 2024

A full obituary will be posted when available.

<h2>Nanette Baumfalk (French)</h2>Sunday, October 8th, 1933-Tuesday, February 13th, 2024A full obituary will be posted when available.

Nanette Baumfalk (French)

‘I think a little of it is just cross-border xenophobia for want of a better term,’ says a lawyer for Liberty Hospital

By ALLISON KITE&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>

Liberty Hospital would be at risk of falling into the hands of a for-profit chain and losing important services if Missouri lawmakers block a proposed takeover by the University of Kansas Health System, a board member for the Northland hospital argued last week.&nbsp;

Speaking to a Missouri Senate committee,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.libertyhospital.org/">Liberty Hospital</a>&nbsp;board president Dennis Carter implored lawmakers not to pass legislation meant to kill the proposed deal.&nbsp;

Doing so, he said, could result in the public hospital getting scooped up by a chain that he fears would shutter its labor and delivery center and Level II trauma center.&nbsp;

“If we go for-profit, we’ll be a little bit more than a triage center, but we will not be what Liberty Hospital and the people who voted us into office want us to be,” Carter said.

Liberty’s leadership started looking for another health system in May to forge a partnership to help the hospital meet growing demand in the Kansas City suburbs north of the Missouri River. It announced in October that it had chosen the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/">University of Kansas Health System</a>.

But the idea of the Kansas institution&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/11/university-of-kansas-deal-with-missouri-hospital-feels-terribly-wrong-to-lawmakers/">taking over a Missouri hospital sparked opposition</a>&nbsp;from lawmakers in both states. Kansas Sen. J.R. Claeys, a Republican from Salina, introduced legislation requiring KU health system receive legislative approval before investing in a facility outside of the state.&nbsp;

And in Missouri, Sen. Greg Razer, a Kansas City Democrat, is sponsoring legislation that would prohibit Missouri hospitals from partnering with an out-of-state health system “operated by an institution of higher education” unless a supermajority of voters approve the deal.&nbsp;

Razer said he receives medical care from KU and has no issue with the quality of care the institution provides. He says he objects to the idea of a hospital, governed by a board largely appointed by the Kansas governor, running a Missouri institution.

“Borders have a purpose of being there,” Razer said.&nbsp;

Razer also cited Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who recently argued the proposed arrangement is not legal without legislative approval. While public subdivisions in Missouri —&nbsp;like hospital districts or cities —&nbsp;can enter agreements with subdivisions in other states, Kansas law considers the agreements interstate compacts, which require legislative approval, Bailey argued in a letter to Missouri Senate leadership.

Chuck Hatfield, an attorney representing Liberty, said in an interview that executives had spoken to Bailey and there was a “misconception” that the deal would involve an interstate compact.

Instead, Hatfield said, the Liberty hospital district will still own the buildings and land as a political subdivision. The New Liberty Hospital Corporation, the nonprofit that currently operates the hospital, will add the University of Kansas Health System, also a nonprofit, as a “member, which will operate the hospital.

“I’m very confident after talking with them that we have or will be able to satisfy all of their concerns,” Hatfield said.&nbsp;

Madeleine Sieren, a spokeswoman for Bailey, said the attorney general’s position had not changed.&nbsp;

In testimony on Razer’s bill, Hatfield said KU would invest “hundreds of millions of dollars” at Liberty. In an interview, he said, those investments are still the subject of negotiations.&nbsp;

When Liberty started looking for a partner, Hatfield said, one of the primary issues was the need for capital to upgrade their electronic record and IT systems, invest in new equipment and keep up with building maintenance.&nbsp;

Much like countless rural hospitals, he said, Liberty can’t come up with the funds needed to keep up with upgrades.

Hatfield noted both he and Razer attended the University of Missouri and “were taught to hate KU.”&nbsp;

“I think a little of it is just cross-border xenophobia for want of a better term,” Hatfield said, “and I don’t think that’s an appropriate way to make healthcare decisions.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707764113575.png" alt=" The University of Kansas Health System, which has its primary location in Kansas City, Kansas, is set to partner with Liberty Hospital, sparking discontent among some state lawmakers. (Allison Kite/Missouri Independent)" />
 <figcaption> The University of Kansas Health System, which has its primary location in Kansas City, Kansas, is set to partner with Liberty Hospital, sparking discontent among some state lawmakers. (Allison Kite/Missouri Independent)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘I think a little of it is just cross-border xenophobia for want of a better term,’ says a lawyer for Liberty Hospital</h2>By ALLISON KITE&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/21/missouri-judge-once-again-delays-decision-on-closing-agape-boarding-school/">Missouri Independent</a>Liberty Hospital would be at risk of falling into the hands of a for-profit chain and losing important services if Missouri lawmakers block a proposed takeover by the University of Kansas Health System, a board member for the Northland hospital argued last week.&nbsp;Speaking to a Missouri Senate committee,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.libertyhospital.org/">Liberty Hospital</a>&nbsp;board president Dennis Carter implored lawmakers not to pass legislation meant to kill the proposed deal.&nbsp;Doing so, he said, could result in the public hospital getting scooped up by a chain that he fears would shutter its labor and delivery center and Level II trauma center.&nbsp;“If we go for-profit, we’ll be a little bit more than a triage center, but we will not be what Liberty Hospital and the people who voted us into office want us to be,” Carter said.Liberty’s leadership started looking for another health system in May to forge a partnership to help the hospital meet growing demand in the Kansas City suburbs north of the Missouri River. It announced in October that it had chosen the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/">University of Kansas Health System</a>.But the idea of the Kansas institution&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/11/university-of-kansas-deal-with-missouri-hospital-feels-terribly-wrong-to-lawmakers/">taking over a Missouri hospital sparked opposition</a>&nbsp;from lawmakers in both states. Kansas Sen. J.R. Claeys, a Republican from Salina, introduced legislation requiring KU health system receive legislative approval before investing in a facility outside of the state.&nbsp;The bill has not yet received a hearing.And in Missouri, Sen. Greg Razer, a Kansas City Democrat, is sponsoring legislation that would prohibit Missouri hospitals from partnering with an out-of-state health system “operated by an institution of higher education” unless a supermajority of voters approve the deal.&nbsp;Razer said he receives medical care from KU and has no issue with the quality of care the institution provides. He says he objects to the idea of a hospital, governed by a board largely appointed by the Kansas governor, running a Missouri institution.“Borders have a purpose of being there,” Razer said.&nbsp;Razer also cited Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who recently argued the proposed arrangement is not legal without legislative approval. While public subdivisions in Missouri —&nbsp;like hospital districts or cities —&nbsp;can enter agreements with subdivisions in other states, Kansas law considers the agreements interstate compacts, which require legislative approval, Bailey argued in a letter to Missouri Senate leadership.Chuck Hatfield, an attorney representing Liberty, said in an interview that executives had spoken to Bailey and there was a “misconception” that the deal would involve an interstate compact.Instead, Hatfield said, the Liberty hospital district will still own the buildings and land as a political subdivision. The New Liberty Hospital Corporation, the nonprofit that currently operates the hospital, will add the University of Kansas Health System, also a nonprofit, as a “member, which will operate the hospital.“I’m very confident after talking with them that we have or will be able to satisfy all of their concerns,” Hatfield said.&nbsp;Madeleine Sieren, a spokeswoman for Bailey, said the attorney general’s position had not changed.&nbsp;In testimony on Razer’s bill, Hatfield said KU would invest “hundreds of millions of dollars” at Liberty. In an interview, he said, those investments are still the subject of negotiations.&nbsp;When Liberty started looking for a partner, Hatfield said, one of the primary issues was the need for capital to upgrade their electronic record and IT systems, invest in new equipment and keep up with building maintenance.&nbsp;Much like countless rural hospitals, he said, Liberty can’t come up with the funds needed to keep up with upgrades.Hatfield noted both he and Razer attended the University of Missouri and “were taught to hate KU.”&nbsp;“I think a little of it is just cross-border xenophobia for want of a better term,” Hatfield said, “and I don’t think that’s an appropriate way to make healthcare decisions.”&nbsp;

Mo. lawmakers debate blocking University of Kan. deal with Liberty hospital

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate early Tuesday passed a $95.3 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-military-aid-ukraine-israel-gaza-0b9c866308cc4c8c13c3f54494371f0b">aid package</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, pushing ahead after months of difficult negotiations and amid growing political divisions in the Republican Party over the role of the United States abroad.

The vote came after a small group of Republicans opposed to the $60 billion for Ukraine held the Senate floor through the night, using the final hours of debate to argue that the U.S. should focus on its own problems before sending more money overseas. But more than a dozen Republicans voted with almost all Democrats to pass the package 70-29, with supporters arguing that abandoning Ukraine could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-ukraine-israel-trump-aid-biden-13d5461154e2755510d7149a5af9b97a">threaten national security across the globe</a>.

“It’s been years, perhaps decades, since the Senate has passed a bill that so greatly impacts not just our national security, not just the security of our allies, but also the security of western democracy,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who worked closely with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on the legislation.

The bill’s passage through the Senate was a welcome sign for Ukraine amid critical&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-money-congress-weapons-dd5076b30bf8fab5c914a1222186e7f0">shortages on the battlefield</a>. The final vote gained 22 Republicans including Kansas Senator Jerry Moran supporting its passage, while two Democrats, Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Peter Welch of Vermont, as well as Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent, voted against it. Progressive lawmakers have objected to sending offensive weaponry to Israel.

The other Republicans voting for the bill included Senators Boozman Capito, Cassidy, Collins, Cornyn, Cramer, Crapo, Ernst, Grassley, Hoeven, Kennedy, McConnell, Murkowski, Risch, Romney, Rounds, Sullivan, Thune, Tillis, Wicker, and Young.&nbsp;

Yet the package faces a deeply uncertain future in the House, where hardline Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump — the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, and a critic of support for Ukraine — oppose the legislation.

Speaker Mike Johnson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-congress-6970b539025d2de5ade9e3aff165c54f">cast new doubt</a>&nbsp;on the package in a statement Monday evening, making clear that it could be weeks or months before Congress sends the legislation to President Joe Biden's desk — if at all.

Still, the vote was a win for both Senate leaders. Schumer noted the strong bipartisan support and projected that if the House speaker brings it forward it would have the same strong support in that chamber. McConnell has made Ukraine his top priority in recent months, and was resolute in the face of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-ukraine-republicans-senate-c5217d686c85837d2b9708aa197843f9">considerable pushback</a>&nbsp;from his own GOP conference.

Speaking directly to his detractors in a floor speech on Sunday, McConnell said that “the eyes of the world” were on the U.S. Senate.

“Will we give those who wish us harm more reason to question our resolve, or will we recommit to exercising American strength?” McConnell asked.

In addition, the legislation would provide $14 billion for Israel’s war with Hamas, $8 billion for Taiwan and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter China, and $9.2 billion in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rafah-gaza-evacuation-palestinians-attack-israel-hamas-90bf78cfca6550dc229e7192f6724dfc">humanitarian assistance for Gaza</a>.

The bill’s passage followed almost five months of torturous negotiations over an expansive bill that would have paired the foreign aid with an overhaul of border and asylum policies. Republicans demanded the trade-off, saying the surge of migration into the United States had to be addressed alongside the security of allies.

But a bipartisan deal on border security struck by Republican Sen. James Lankford fell apart just days after its unveiling, a head-spinning development that left negotiators deeply frustrated. Republicans declared the bill insufficient and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-aid-border-security-386dcc54b29a5491f8bd87b727a284f8">blocked it</a>&nbsp;on the Senate floor.

After the border bill collapsed, the two leaders abandoned the border provisions and pushed forward with passing the foreign aid package alone — as Democrats had originally intended.

While the slimmed-down foreign aid bill eventually won enough Republican support to pass, several GOP senators who had previously expressed support for Ukraine voted against it. The episode further exposed divisions in the party, made more public as Trump dug in and a handful of lawmakers openly called for McConnell to step down.

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., became emotional as he talked about the drudgery of the Senate and spending time away from his family to get little done. “But every so often there are issues that come before us that seem to be the ones that explain why we are here,” he said, his voice cracking.

Moran conceded that the cost of the package was heavy for him, but pointed out that if Putin were to attack a NATO member in Europe, the U.S. would be bound by treaty to become directly involved in the conflict — a commitment that Trump has called into question as he seeks another term in the White House.

Supporters of the aid pushed back, warning that bowing to Russia would be a historic mistake with devastating consequences. In an unusually raw back-and-forth, GOP senators who support the aid challenged some of the opponents directly on the floor.

North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis angrily rebutted some of their arguments, noting that the money would only help Ukraine for less than a year and that much of it would go to replenishing U.S. military stocks.

“Why am I so focused on this vote?” Tillis said. “Because I don’t want to be on the pages of history that we will regret if we walk away. You will see the alliance that is supporting Ukraine crumble. You will ultimately see China become emboldened. And I am not going to be on that page of history.”

At a rally Saturday, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-nato-foreign-aid-russia-2b8054a9fe185eec34c2c541cece655d">said that he had once told</a>&nbsp;a NATO ally he would encourage Russia “to do whatever the hell they want” to members that are “delinquent” in their financial and military commitments to the alliance. The former president has&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/pronto/20e902788e8701999ce0424f73d478cc">led his party away</a>&nbsp;from the foreign policy doctrines of aggressive American involvement overseas and toward an “America First” isolationism.

Evoking the slogan, Moran said, “I believe in America first, but unfortunately America first means we have to engage in the world.”

While the vast majority of House Republicans have opposed the aid and are unlikely to cross Trump, a handful of GOP lawmakers have signaled they will push to get it passed.

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, R-Ohio, traveled to Ukraine last week with a bipartisan delegation and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Turner posted on X, formerly Twitter, after the trip that “I reiterated America’s commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.”

Johnson, R-La., said in a statement Monday that because the foreign aid package lacks border security provisions, it is “silent on the most pressing issue facing our country.” It was the latest — and potentially most consequential — sign of opposition to the Ukraine aid from House GOP leadership, who had rejected the bipartisan border plan as a “non-starter,” contributing to its rapid demise.

“Now, in the absence of having received any single border policy change from the Senate, the House will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters,” Johnson said. “America deserves better than the Senate’s status quo.”

Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a Virginia Democrat, traveled to Kyiv last week with Turner and other House members. She said the trip underscored to her how Ukraine is still in a fight for its very existence.

As the group traveled through Kyiv in armored vehicles, she said, they witnessed signs of an active war, from sandbagged shelters to burned-out cars and memorials to those killed. During the meeting with Zelenskyy, she said the U.S. lawmakers tried to offer assurances that the American people still stand with his country.

“He was clear that our continued support is critical to their ability to win the war,” Spanberger said. “It’s critical to their own freedom. And importantly, it’s critical to U.S. national security interests.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707796196671.png" alt="Sen. Jerry Moran became emotional as he talked about the drudgery of the Senate and spending time away from his family to get little done. “But every so often there are issues that come before us that seem to be the ones that explain why we are here,” he said, his voice cracking.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moran conceded that the cost of the package was heavy for him, but pointed out that if Putin were to attack a NATO member in Europe, the U.S. would be bound by treaty to become directly involved in the conflict." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Jerry Moran became emotional as he talked about the drudgery of the Senate and spending time away from his family to get little done. “But every so often there are issues that come before us that seem to be the ones that explain why we are here,” he said, his voice cracking.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moran conceded that the cost of the package was heavy for him, but pointed out that if Putin were to attack a NATO member in Europe, the U.S. would be bound by treaty to become directly involved in the conflict.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate early Tuesday passed a $95.3 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-military-aid-ukraine-israel-gaza-0b9c866308cc4c8c13c3f54494371f0b">aid package</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, pushing ahead after months of difficult negotiations and amid growing political divisions in the Republican Party over the role of the United States abroad.The vote came after a small group of Republicans opposed to the $60 billion for Ukraine held the Senate floor through the night, using the final hours of debate to argue that the U.S. should focus on its own problems before sending more money overseas. But more than a dozen Republicans voted with almost all Democrats to pass the package 70-29, with supporters arguing that abandoning Ukraine could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-ukraine-israel-trump-aid-biden-13d5461154e2755510d7149a5af9b97a">threaten national security across the globe</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;I believe in America First, but unfortunately America First means we have to engage in the world.&quot;-Senator Moran (R-KS) from the Senate floor in support of the $95B foreign aid to Israel, Ukraine &amp; Taiwan bill. <a href="https://t.co/ID6c1qL7MP">pic.twitter.com/ID6c1qL7MP</a>&mdash; Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) <a href="https://twitter.com/CraigCaplan/status/1757175089731170755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“It’s been years, perhaps decades, since the Senate has passed a bill that so greatly impacts not just our national security, not just the security of our allies, but also the security of western democracy,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who worked closely with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on the legislation.The bill’s passage through the Senate was a welcome sign for Ukraine amid critical&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-money-congress-weapons-dd5076b30bf8fab5c914a1222186e7f0">shortages on the battlefield</a>. The final vote gained 22 Republicans including Kansas Senator Jerry Moran supporting its passage, while two Democrats, Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Peter Welch of Vermont, as well as Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent, voted against it. Progressive lawmakers have objected to sending offensive weaponry to Israel.The other Republicans voting for the bill included Senators Boozman Capito, Cassidy, Collins, Cornyn, Cramer, Crapo, Ernst, Grassley, Hoeven, Kennedy, McConnell, Murkowski, Risch, Romney, Rounds, Sullivan, Thune, Tillis, Wicker, and Young.&nbsp;Yet the package faces a deeply uncertain future in the House, where hardline Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump — the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, and a critic of support for Ukraine — oppose the legislation.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My statement on Senate’s failure to address the most critical aspect of national security supplemental legislation: <a href="https://t.co/ENjJ0WzKsK">pic.twitter.com/ENjJ0WzKsK</a>&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1757210505570087039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Speaker Mike Johnson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-aid-congress-6970b539025d2de5ade9e3aff165c54f">cast new doubt</a>&nbsp;on the package in a statement Monday evening, making clear that it could be weeks or months before Congress sends the legislation to President Joe Biden's desk — if at all.Still, the vote was a win for both Senate leaders. Schumer noted the strong bipartisan support and projected that if the House speaker brings it forward it would have the same strong support in that chamber. McConnell has made Ukraine his top priority in recent months, and was resolute in the face of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcconnell-ukraine-republicans-senate-c5217d686c85837d2b9708aa197843f9">considerable pushback</a>&nbsp;from his own GOP conference.Speaking directly to his detractors in a floor speech on Sunday, McConnell said that “the eyes of the world” were on the U.S. Senate.“Will we give those who wish us harm more reason to question our resolve, or will we recommit to exercising American strength?” McConnell asked.Dollars provided by the legislation would purchase U.S.-made defense equipment, including munitions and air defense systems that authorities say are desperately needed as Russia batters the country. It also includes $8 billion for the government in Kyiv and other assistance.In addition, the legislation would provide $14 billion for Israel’s war with Hamas, $8 billion for Taiwan and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter China, and $9.2 billion in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rafah-gaza-evacuation-palestinians-attack-israel-hamas-90bf78cfca6550dc229e7192f6724dfc">humanitarian assistance for Gaza</a>.The bill’s passage followed almost five months of torturous negotiations over an expansive bill that would have paired the foreign aid with an overhaul of border and asylum policies. Republicans demanded the trade-off, saying the surge of migration into the United States had to be addressed alongside the security of allies.But a bipartisan deal on border security struck by Republican Sen. James Lankford fell apart just days after its unveiling, a head-spinning development that left negotiators deeply frustrated. Republicans declared the bill insufficient and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-aid-border-security-386dcc54b29a5491f8bd87b727a284f8">blocked it</a>&nbsp;on the Senate floor.After the border bill collapsed, the two leaders abandoned the border provisions and pushed forward with passing the foreign aid package alone — as Democrats had originally intended.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707792235922.png" alt="Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., arrives as the Senate prepares a procedural vote on an emergency spending package on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., arrives as the Senate prepares a procedural vote on an emergency spending package on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My statement on today&#39;s vote. ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/PAcnRyILda">pic.twitter.com/PAcnRyILda</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1757479640036249601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>While the slimmed-down foreign aid bill eventually won enough Republican support to pass, several GOP senators who had previously expressed support for Ukraine voted against it. The episode further exposed divisions in the party, made more public as Trump dug in and a handful of lawmakers openly called for McConnell to step down.Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., became emotional as he talked about the drudgery of the Senate and spending time away from his family to get little done. “But every so often there are issues that come before us that seem to be the ones that explain why we are here,” he said, his voice cracking.Moran conceded that the cost of the package was heavy for him, but pointed out that if Putin were to attack a NATO member in Europe, the U.S. would be bound by treaty to become directly involved in the conflict — a commitment that Trump has called into question as he seeks another term in the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Democrats&#39; border ‘efforts’ were only ever a charade to find an avenue for more Ukraine funding. It&#39;s never been about helping Israel or addressing the historic border crisis- it&#39;s always been about finding a vessel for more Ukraine funding. <a href="https://t.co/21PH5Qerdf">pic.twitter.com/21PH5Qerdf</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1757190709445042555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Sen. J.D. Vance, an Ohio Republican, argued that the U.S. should step back from the conflict and help broker an end to it with Russia's Putin. He questioned the wisdom of continuing to fuel Ukraine’s defense when Putin appears committed to fighting for years.“I think it deals with the reality that we’re living in, which is they’re a more powerful country, and it’s their region of the world,” he said.Vance, along with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and other opponents, spent several hours on the floor railing against the aid and complaining about Senate process. They dug in their heels to delay a final vote, speaking on the floor until daybreak.Supporters of the aid pushed back, warning that bowing to Russia would be a historic mistake with devastating consequences. In an unusually raw back-and-forth, GOP senators who support the aid challenged some of the opponents directly on the floor.North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis angrily rebutted some of their arguments, noting that the money would only help Ukraine for less than a year and that much of it would go to replenishing U.S. military stocks.“Why am I so focused on this vote?” Tillis said. “Because I don’t want to be on the pages of history that we will regret if we walk away. You will see the alliance that is supporting Ukraine crumble. You will ultimately see China become emboldened. And I am not going to be on that page of history.”At a rally Saturday, Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-nato-foreign-aid-russia-2b8054a9fe185eec34c2c541cece655d">said that he had once told</a>&nbsp;a NATO ally he would encourage Russia “to do whatever the hell they want” to members that are “delinquent” in their financial and military commitments to the alliance. The former president has&nbsp;<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/pronto/20e902788e8701999ce0424f73d478cc">led his party away</a>&nbsp;from the foreign policy doctrines of aggressive American involvement overseas and toward an “America First” isolationism.Evoking the slogan, Moran said, “I believe in America first, but unfortunately America first means we have to engage in the world.”While the vast majority of House Republicans have opposed the aid and are unlikely to cross Trump, a handful of GOP lawmakers have signaled they will push to get it passed.House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, R-Ohio, traveled to Ukraine last week with a bipartisan delegation and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Turner posted on X, formerly Twitter, after the trip that “I reiterated America’s commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia.”But Speaker Johnson is in a tough position. A majority of his conference opposes the aid, and he is trying to lead the narrowest of majorities and avoid the fate of his predecessor, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted in October.Johnson, R-La., said in a statement Monday that because the foreign aid package lacks border security provisions, it is “silent on the most pressing issue facing our country.” It was the latest — and potentially most consequential — sign of opposition to the Ukraine aid from House GOP leadership, who had rejected the bipartisan border plan as a “non-starter,” contributing to its rapid demise.“Now, in the absence of having received any single border policy change from the Senate, the House will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters,” Johnson said. “America deserves better than the Senate’s status quo.”Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a Virginia Democrat, traveled to Kyiv last week with Turner and other House members. She said the trip underscored to her how Ukraine is still in a fight for its very existence.As the group traveled through Kyiv in armored vehicles, she said, they witnessed signs of an active war, from sandbagged shelters to burned-out cars and memorials to those killed. During the meeting with Zelenskyy, she said the U.S. lawmakers tried to offer assurances that the American people still stand with his country.“He was clear that our continued support is critical to their ability to win the war,” Spanberger said. “It’s critical to their own freedom. And importantly, it’s critical to U.S. national security interests.”

Moran's emotional plea helps Senate pass $95B aid package for Ukraine, Israel 

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas county jail inmate with a history of health issue died on Sunday.

On January 28, EMS transported a Sedgwick County inmate to a local hospital&nbsp; due to chronic medical problems, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Nathan Gibbs.

The 36-year-old inmate identified as Kelly Junius Peterson, according to Sedgwick County booking records, was being evaluated by the Detention Facility Medical Clinic for the past three years after reporting difficulties with his chronic medical issues to jail medical staff. He was hospitalized for a total of 25 times since his arrest in October of 2020&nbsp;on felony charges of Criminal Sodomy, Aggravated Indecent Liberties and Sexual Exploitation of a child.

The hospital staff had been attempting to treat Peterson, but his condition had a very small chance of survival.&nbsp; Based on medical advice, on February 8, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office contacted Peterson's family and made accommodations for them to visit him. 

Just before 5:30p.m. Sunday Peterson was pronounced deceased. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigation Division were notified.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707701963256.png" alt="PETERSON-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>PETERSON-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas county jail inmate with a history of health issue died on Sunday.On January 28, EMS transported a Sedgwick County inmate to a local hospital&nbsp; due to chronic medical problems, according to Sedgwick County Sheriff's Lt. Nathan Gibbs.The 36-year-old inmate identified as Kelly Junius Peterson, according to Sedgwick County booking records, was being evaluated by the Detention Facility Medical Clinic for the past three years after reporting difficulties with his chronic medical issues to jail medical staff. He was hospitalized for a total of 25 times since his arrest in October of 2020&nbsp;on felony charges of Criminal Sodomy, Aggravated Indecent Liberties and Sexual Exploitation of a child.He was hospitalized eight times in 2023.The hospital staff had been attempting to treat Peterson, but his condition had a very small chance of survival.&nbsp; Based on medical advice, on February 8, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office contacted Peterson's family and made accommodations for them to visit him. Just before 5:30p.m. Sunday Peterson was pronounced deceased. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigation Division were notified.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. inmate jailed for child sex crime allegations has died

By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays Post

Cassie Waldschmidt grew up in small-town America but had her sights set on bigger things.

Since graduating from Ellis High School in 2019, Waldschmidt has skydived in Australia, kayaked in Canada and gone snorkeling in the Caribbean. She has seen the sights in Spain and Tasmania and relaxed on beaches in Hawaii, French Polynesia and the Turks and Caicos Islands – and much, much more.

Waldschmidt, who considers herself the adventurous sort, knew from an early age she wanted to make a career out of dancing. So soon after graduating, she moved to Las Vegas to pursue her dream.

“I was a little nervous at first, especially when you move from a small town like Ellis,” Waldschmidt said. “I never drove in the city before. That stood out.”

After several dancing gigs (one-off performances), Waldschmidt landed a role in a Vegas show in December 2021.

“I was so excited,” Waldschmidt said. “I immediately started crying. I was so happy.”

“It felt like everything I was working for finally was coming to fruition,” she added. “Getting your first show – I can’t explain the feeling I had.”

But Waldschmidt’s dream was to become a dancer on a cruise ship.

“I loved it, but I knew there was more I wanted&nbsp; to do,” Waldschmidt said. “It wasn’t my final stop.”

Waldschmidt had applied numerous times previously to become a cast member on a cruise.&nbsp;

Then a fellow dancer in her first show, who had danced on a cruise ship, encouraged Waldschmidt to try again and mention her name when applying.

Disappointment is part of being a dancer, Waldschmidt said. You accept it as a possibility and continue working for your dream.

“It’s a constant battle you have with yourself,” Waldschmidt said. “When you’re first starting out at auditions, you’re going to be told ‘no’ 90 percent of the time.”

“It can be really disheartening because it’s something you really want,” she added. “You really have to remind yourself that perseverance is the biggest thing. Nobody likes rejection, but that’s a big part of what we do.”

That made it all the sweeter for&nbsp;Waldschmidt when she opened her email one day in July 2022 and saw a contract offer from Princess Cruises.

“I think I was the most excited I’ve been in my entire life,” she said.

Waldschmidt moved from Las Vegas to Los Angeles for rehearsals with her cast members, then they all flew to Sydney, Australia.&nbsp;

After a day of sight-seeing, Waldschmidt boarded the Majestic Princess on Oct. 31, 2022. It was a two-week cruise, which typically means two shows a night three different nights. There also would be smaller performances during the cruise.

For her high school graduation, Waldschmidt’s three older siblings gifted her with a cruise so she could see what it was like.

“I immediately fell in love with it,” Waldschmidt said. “The shows were fascinating. This was something I really wanted to do.”

Waldschmidt’s dance teacher when she was growing up was Alyssa Dechant, owner of Styles Dance Centre. Dechant was not surprised by Waldschmidt’s success.

“Cassie was one of the hardest working kids I’ve ever had,” Dechant said. “I knew she could do anything she wanted to.”

“I work with a lot of very uniquely talented dancers,” she added. “Cassie was just so determined.”

That determination saw Waldschmidt through tough times just starting out. She graduated from Las Vegas’ Theater Arts Preparatory School in March 2020 – right when the COVID-19 pandemic sent the world to a screeching halt.

“It definitely put a stop to everything entertainment-wise,” Waldschmidt said.

Waldschmidt moved back home and worked at Hays restaurants before moving back to Las Vegas a year later. She then landed a summer job as a performer at an amusement park in Pennsylvania before returning to Las Vegas that fall. She worked gigs there until getting a role in her first show.

“It definitely changed everything I thought was going to happen,” Waldschmidt said of the pandemic. “It ended up working out pretty well.”

Waldschmidt determined that dance was for her even though she had track scholarship offers coming out of high school.

She qualified for state track all four years, competing in four events as both a junior and senior.&nbsp;

Waldschmidt, who holds the school record in the 400-meter dash, was runner-up in that event at state her last two years.

“I can always go back to college if this doesn’t work,” said Waldschmidt, now 23. “I only have one shot of being young and giving it a shot.”

Waldschmidt is set for her third cruise later this month. Performing for others is special for her.

“I like entertaining people and being onstage,” Waldschmidt said. “Some people express themselves through painting, some people express themselves through writing.”

“When you see me the most vulnerable is when I’m dancing,” she added. “I think it’s just rewarding to share part of myself with people. When I’m dancing, it’s the most open and vulnerable I can possibly be.”

While enjoying cruising and still wanting to continue doing it for a while longer, eventually Waldschmidt would like to live and perform in shows in California.

But that’s in the future. Now, she is dancing the night away and seeing what life has to offer.

“Sometimes, it doesn’t feel real,” Waldschmidt said. “Sometimes, I have to pinch myself a little bit.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707514447727.jpeg" alt="Cassie Waldschmidt" />
 <figcaption>Cassie Waldschmidt</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700680730977.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays PostCassie Waldschmidt grew up in small-town America but had her sights set on bigger things.Since graduating from Ellis High School in 2019, Waldschmidt has skydived in Australia, kayaked in Canada and gone snorkeling in the Caribbean. She has seen the sights in Spain and Tasmania and relaxed on beaches in Hawaii, French Polynesia and the Turks and Caicos Islands – and much, much more.Waldschmidt, who considers herself the adventurous sort, knew from an early age she wanted to make a career out of dancing. So soon after graduating, she moved to Las Vegas to pursue her dream.“I was a little nervous at first, especially when you move from a small town like Ellis,” Waldschmidt said. “I never drove in the city before. That stood out.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707514568206.jpeg" alt="Cassie Waldschmidt, who grew up in Ellis, first worked as a dancer in Las Vegas after graduating from high school. Third from left, she is in a go-go costume for a performance. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Cassie Waldschmidt, who grew up in Ellis, first worked as a dancer in Las Vegas after graduating from high school. Third from left, she is in a go-go costume for a performance. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>After several dancing gigs (one-off performances), Waldschmidt landed a role in a Vegas show in December 2021.“I was so excited,” Waldschmidt said. “I immediately started crying. I was so happy.”“It felt like everything I was working for finally was coming to fruition,” she added. “Getting your first show – I can’t explain the feeling I had.”But Waldschmidt’s dream was to become a dancer on a cruise ship.“I loved it, but I knew there was more I wanted&nbsp; to do,” Waldschmidt said. “It wasn’t my final stop.”Waldschmidt had applied numerous times previously to become a cast member on a cruise.&nbsp;No luck.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707514618857.jpeg" alt="In her time off from her main job as a cruise ship dancer, Waldschmidt went sky diving in Australia. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>In her time off from her main job as a cruise ship dancer, Waldschmidt went sky diving in Australia. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Then a fellow dancer in her first show, who had danced on a cruise ship, encouraged Waldschmidt to try again and mention her name when applying.Disappointment is part of being a dancer, Waldschmidt said. You accept it as a possibility and continue working for your dream.“It’s a constant battle you have with yourself,” Waldschmidt said. “When you’re first starting out at auditions, you’re going to be told ‘no’ 90 percent of the time.”“It can be really disheartening because it’s something you really want,” she added. “You really have to remind yourself that perseverance is the biggest thing. Nobody likes rejection, but that’s a big part of what we do.”That made it all the sweeter for&nbsp;Waldschmidt when she opened her email one day in July 2022 and saw a contract offer from Princess Cruises.“I think I was the most excited I’ve been in my entire life,” she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707514660505.jpeg" alt="Waldschmidt got to see a koala bear up close and personal while in Australia. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Waldschmidt got to see a koala bear up close and personal while in Australia. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Waldschmidt moved from Las Vegas to Los Angeles for rehearsals with her cast members, then they all flew to Sydney, Australia.&nbsp;After a day of sight-seeing, Waldschmidt boarded the Majestic Princess on Oct. 31, 2022. It was a two-week cruise, which typically means two shows a night three different nights. There also would be smaller performances during the cruise.For her high school graduation, Waldschmidt’s three older siblings gifted her with a cruise so she could see what it was like.“I immediately fell in love with it,” Waldschmidt said. “The shows were fascinating. This was something I really wanted to do.”Waldschmidt’s dance teacher when she was growing up was Alyssa Dechant, owner of Styles Dance Centre. Dechant was not surprised by Waldschmidt’s success.“Cassie was one of the hardest working kids I’ve ever had,” Dechant said. “I knew she could do anything she wanted to.”“I work with a lot of very uniquely talented dancers,” she added. “Cassie was just so determined.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707514701657.jpeg" alt="Waldschmidt rehearsed before her first time performing on a cruise ship. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Waldschmidt rehearsed before her first time performing on a cruise ship. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>That determination saw Waldschmidt through tough times just starting out. She graduated from Las Vegas’ Theater Arts Preparatory School in March 2020 – right when the COVID-19 pandemic sent the world to a screeching halt.“It definitely put a stop to everything entertainment-wise,” Waldschmidt said.Waldschmidt moved back home and worked at Hays restaurants before moving back to Las Vegas a year later. She then landed a summer job as a performer at an amusement park in Pennsylvania before returning to Las Vegas that fall. She worked gigs there until getting a role in her first show.“It definitely changed everything I thought was going to happen,” Waldschmidt said of the pandemic. “It ended up working out pretty well.”Waldschmidt determined that dance was for her even though she had track scholarship offers coming out of high school.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707514743792.jpeg" alt="The night before her first cruise in October 2022, Waldschmidt visited the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The night before her first cruise in October 2022, Waldschmidt visited the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>She qualified for state track all four years, competing in four events as both a junior and senior.&nbsp;Waldschmidt, who holds the school record in the 400-meter dash, was runner-up in that event at state her last two years.“I can always go back to college if this doesn’t work,” said Waldschmidt, now 23. “I only have one shot of being young and giving it a shot.”Waldschmidt is set for her third cruise later this month. Performing for others is special for her.“I like entertaining people and being onstage,” Waldschmidt said. “Some people express themselves through painting, some people express themselves through writing.”“When you see me the most vulnerable is when I’m dancing,” she added. “I think it’s just rewarding to share part of myself with people. When I’m dancing, it’s the most open and vulnerable I can possibly be.”While enjoying cruising and still wanting to continue doing it for a while longer, eventually Waldschmidt would like to live and perform in shows in California.But that’s in the future. Now, she is dancing the night away and seeing what life has to offer.“Sometimes, it doesn’t feel real,” Waldschmidt said. “Sometimes, I have to pinch myself a little bit.”

 NWester: Ellis’ Waldschmidt dancing ’round world

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — First lady Jill Biden said in an email to campaign donors over the weekend she didn't know what the special counsel was trying to achieve when he suggested President Joe Biden could not remember when his oldest son died.

”We should give everyone grace, and I can’t imagine someone would try to use our son’s death to score political points," she wrote. "If you’ve experienced a loss like that, you know that you don’t measure it in years -- you measure it in grief."

It was an emphatic defense of her husband in a note to supporters as Biden's team worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-special-counsel-classified-documents-election-2024-a54f03441e8145f9d6915858caaac37e">alleviate Democratic concerns</a>&nbsp;over the alarms raised by a special counsel about Biden’s age and memory, in a report determining that Biden would not be charged with any criminal activity for possessing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-hur-garland-classified-documents-836b99fe9cbef9ba7d32602f4928efec">classified documents after he left office.</a>

Special Counsel Robert Hur, a Republican former U.S. attorney appointed by Donald Trump, found the president should not face charges for retaining the documents, and described as a hypothetical defense that the 81-year-old president could show his memory was “hazy,” “fuzzy,” “faulty,” “poor” and having “significant limitations," and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-age-trump-2024-4791639cc06cc0affee55aba80c7e6b3">added that during an interview with investigators</a>&nbsp;that Biden couldn't recall ”even within years" when his oldest son Beau had died.

“Believe me, like anyone who has lost a child, Beau and his death never leave him," Jill Biden said.

It was an unusually personal observation for a special counsel investigating the president's handling of classified documents.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">Beau Biden died in 2015 from a brain tumor.</a>&nbsp;It's something that Biden speaks of regularly, and cites as both a reason why he didn't run in 2016 and a later motivator for his successful 2020 run.

“May 30th is a day forever etched on our hearts,” Jill Biden said in a note to supporters about the day Beau Biden died. “It shattered me, it shattered our family. ... What helped me, and what helped Joe, was to find purpose. That’s what keeps Joe going, serving you and the country we love.”

The references to Beau Biden in Hur's report enraged the president, who later said: “How in the hell dare he raise that?”

(click below to watch President Biden answer questions about his age)

Biden mentioned that he had sat for five hours of interviews with Hur’s team over two days on Oct. 8 and 9, “even though Israel had just been attacked on October 7th and I was in the middle of handling an international crisis.”

Voters have been concerned about his age. In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-poll-trump-2024-620e0a5cfa0039a6448f607c17c7f23e">an August poll</a>&nbsp;by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs, 77% of U.S. adults said Biden is too old to be effective for four more years. It was one of the rare sources of bipartisan agreement during a politically polarized era, with 89% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats saying Biden’s age is a problem.

“Joe is 81, that’s true, but he’s 81 doing more in an hour than most people do in a day. Joe has wisdom, empathy, and vision,” Jill Biden said. “His age, with his experience and expertise, is an incredible asset and he proves it every day.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707678366989.png" alt="First lady Jill Biden during opening comments at a Women's Health conference Feb. 7, in Atlanta-White House image" />
 <figcaption>First lady Jill Biden during opening comments at a Women's Health conference Feb. 7, in Atlanta-White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — First lady Jill Biden said in an email to campaign donors over the weekend she didn't know what the special counsel was trying to achieve when he suggested President Joe Biden could not remember when his oldest son died.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707662434941.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707662459491.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>”We should give everyone grace, and I can’t imagine someone would try to use our son’s death to score political points," she wrote. "If you’ve experienced a loss like that, you know that you don’t measure it in years -- you measure it in grief."It was an emphatic defense of her husband in a note to supporters as Biden's team worked to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-special-counsel-classified-documents-election-2024-a54f03441e8145f9d6915858caaac37e">alleviate Democratic concerns</a>&nbsp;over the alarms raised by a special counsel about Biden’s age and memory, in a report determining that Biden would not be charged with any criminal activity for possessing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-hur-garland-classified-documents-836b99fe9cbef9ba7d32602f4928efec">classified documents after he left office.</a>Special Counsel Robert Hur, a Republican former U.S. attorney appointed by Donald Trump, found the president should not face charges for retaining the documents, and described as a hypothetical defense that the 81-year-old president could show his memory was “hazy,” “fuzzy,” “faulty,” “poor” and having “significant limitations," and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-classified-documents-age-trump-2024-4791639cc06cc0affee55aba80c7e6b3">added that during an interview with investigators</a>&nbsp;that Biden couldn't recall ”even within years" when his oldest son Beau had died.“Believe me, like anyone who has lost a child, Beau and his death never leave him," Jill Biden said.It was an unusually personal observation for a special counsel investigating the president's handling of classified documents.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-d8f69eb645d74b7886387f713981b739">Beau Biden died in 2015 from a brain tumor.</a>&nbsp;It's something that Biden speaks of regularly, and cites as both a reason why he didn't run in 2016 and a later motivator for his successful 2020 run.“May 30th is a day forever etched on our hearts,” Jill Biden said in a note to supporters about the day Beau Biden died. “It shattered me, it shattered our family. ... What helped me, and what helped Joe, was to find purpose. That’s what keeps Joe going, serving you and the country we love.”The references to Beau Biden in Hur's report enraged the president, who later said: “How in the hell dare he raise that?”(click below to watch President Biden answer questions about his age)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F690627529895091%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=243" 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>Biden mentioned that he had sat for five hours of interviews with Hur’s team over two days on Oct. 8 and 9, “even though Israel had just been attacked on October 7th and I was in the middle of handling an international crisis.”Voters have been concerned about his age. In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-age-poll-trump-2024-620e0a5cfa0039a6448f607c17c7f23e">an August poll</a>&nbsp;by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs, 77% of U.S. adults said Biden is too old to be effective for four more years. It was one of the rare sources of bipartisan agreement during a politically polarized era, with 89% of Republicans and 69% of Democrats saying Biden’s age is a problem.“Joe is 81, that’s true, but he’s 81 doing more in an hour than most people do in a day. Joe has wisdom, empathy, and vision,” Jill Biden said. “His age, with his experience and expertise, is an incredible asset and he proves it every day.”

Read First lady's email that questions special counsel report to 'score political points'

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.&nbsp;– For the third time in four days, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked four Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to a statement from the agency.

The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace. This Russian activity is not seen as a threat.

An ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security.

In February of 2023, U.S. aircraft including two F16 fighters intercepted four Russian aircraft that flew into a buffer zone of international airspace near Alaska. This was a few days before the U.S. reported shooting down&nbsp; UFOs in the region.

In October 2022, NORAD detected, tracked, positively identified and intercepted two Russian Tu-95 Bear-H bombers entering and operating within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone.&nbsp; This was

NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft to detect and track aircraft and inform appropriate actions. NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America.

NORAD released no additional details on the Russian aircraft tracked this week.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.&nbsp;– For the third time in four days, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) detected and tracked four Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to a statement from the agency.The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace. This Russian activity is not seen as a threat.An ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security.In February of 2023, U.S. aircraft including two F16 fighters intercepted four Russian aircraft that flew into a buffer zone of international airspace near Alaska. This was a few days before the U.S. reported shooting down&nbsp; UFOs in the region.In October 2022, NORAD detected, tracked, positively identified and intercepted two Russian Tu-95 Bear-H bombers entering and operating within the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone.&nbsp; This wasNORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft to detect and track aircraft and inform appropriate actions. NORAD remains ready to employ a number of response options in defense of North America.NORAD released no additional details on the Russian aircraft tracked this week.

NORAD: Russian aircraft tracked near Alaska 3 days this week

JOHNSON COUNTY —A man is going to prison for a violent sex crime.

On Tuesday, 33-year-old Uzziel Badillo-Villalobos was sentenced to just over 12-years in prison, according to Johnson County District Attorney's office.

The sentence stems from an October 2019 incident, according to the&nbsp; &nbsp;district attorney's office. In May of 2020 Badillo-Villalobos was arrested in connection with the crime.

Je was also required to register as a sex offender this week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1707304491634.png" alt="Badillo-Villalobos" />
 <figcaption>Badillo-Villalobos</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A man is going to prison for a violent sex crime.On Tuesday, 33-year-old Uzziel Badillo-Villalobos was sentenced to just over 12-years in prison, according to Johnson County District Attorney's office.The sentence stems from an October 2019 incident, according to the&nbsp; &nbsp;district attorney's office. In May of 2020 Badillo-Villalobos was arrested in connection with the crime.Je was also required to register as a sex offender this week.