KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and after asking the public for help have identified the victim and are still working to notify family, according to the Clay County Sheriff's Ofice

An employee at Rocky Hollow Park found the body at about 8:15 a.m. December 22, off a roadway at the park, located at 14812 Old Quarry Road, Excelsior Springs.

Charges have been filed against a suspect in the homicide of the man whose body was located at Rocky Hollow Park on Dec. 22. Investigators need help to locate 48-year-old Elena Delcarmen Flores. She has been charged with 1st-degree murder, armed criminal action and abandonment of a corpse, according to the Clay County Sheriff.

She lives in Gardner, Kansas but investigators believe she may no longer be in the KC metro area. She may also go by Elena Torres, Elena Flores Garcia or Elena Stores. She is 5-foot-5 and 200 pounds. If you know where she is, call&nbsp; 816-407-3723 or <a href="https://twitter.com/KCCrimeStop">@KCCrimeStop</a> at 816-474-TIPS (8477). 2/2

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703285918610.png" alt="Photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and after asking the public for help have identified the victim and are still working to notify family, according to the Clay County Sheriff's OficeAn employee at Rocky Hollow Park found the body at about 8:15 a.m. December 22, off a roadway at the park, located at 14812 Old Quarry Road, Excelsior Springs.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703802024415.png" alt="Flores-photo Clay Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Flores-photo Clay Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Charges have been filed against a suspect in the homicide of the man whose body was located at Rocky Hollow Park on Dec. 22. Investigators need help to locate 48-year-old Elena Delcarmen Flores. She has been charged with 1st-degree murder, armed criminal action and abandonment of a corpse, according to the Clay County Sheriff.She lives in Gardner, Kansas but investigators believe she may no longer be in the KC metro area. She may also go by Elena Torres, Elena Flores Garcia or Elena Stores. She is 5-foot-5 and 200 pounds. If you know where she is, call&nbsp; 816-407-3723 or <a href="https://twitter.com/KCCrimeStop">@KCCrimeStop</a> at 816-474-TIPS (8477). 2/2

Kansas woman accused in man's murder still missing

BEIRUT (AP) — The U.S. military said Sunday it shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired toward a container ship by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-gaza-israel-palestine-yemen-treasury-department-16cfb3b70904eb2cc6d0c2670e3bc37c">Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;in the Red Sea. Hours later, four boats tried to attack the same ship, but U.S. forces opened fire, killing several of the armed crews, the U.S. Central Command said. No one was injured on the ship.

The Singapore-flagged MAERSK HANZGHOU reported they had already been hit by a missile Saturday night while transiting the Southern Red Sea and requested assistance, CENTCOM said in a statement. The USS GRAVELY and USS LABOON responded to the call for help, and the Denmark-owned vessel was reportedly seaworthy and no injuries were noted, the statement added.

“This is the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since Nov. 19,” CENTCOM said.

In another statement, CENTCOM said the same ship issued an additional distress call about a second attack “by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats.” The attackers fired small arms weapons at the MAERSK HANZGHOU, getting to within 20 meters (about 65 feet) of the vessel, and attempted to it, CENTCOM said.

A contract-embarked security team on the ship returned fire, the central command said. U.S. helicopters from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and GRAVELY responded to the distress call and while issuing verbal warnings to the attackers, the small boat crews opened fire on the helicopters using small arms, the statement said.

“The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense,” sinking three of the four boats, killing the crews while the fourth boat fled the area, CENTCOM said, and no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment was reported.

The Iran-backed Houthis have claimed attacks on ships in the Red Sea that they say are either linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports. They say their attacks aim to end Israel’s air-and-ground offensive targeting the Gaza Strip following the attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Oct.7.

On Saturday, the top commander of U.S. naval forces in the Middle East said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-shipping-houthi-attacks-drones-missiles-1acc4ca5ebcaf6fee932a2061d451f59">Houthi rebels have shown no signs of ending their</a>&nbsp;“reckless” attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea even as more nations join the international maritime mission to protect vessels in the vital waterway and trade traffic begins to pick up.

JERUSALEM —At approximately 8:30 p.m. (Sanaa time) Saturday, the container ship Maersk Hangzhou reported that they were struck by a missile while transiting the Southern Red Sea, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

The Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned/operated container ship requested assistance, and the USS&nbsp; Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Laboon (DDG 58)&nbsp; responded to the ship. The vessel is reportedly seaworthy and there are no reported injuries.

While responding, the USS Gravely shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen toward the ships.

This is the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since Nov. 19.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza will continue for “many more months," pushing back against persistent international cease-fire calls after mounting civilian deaths, hunger and mass displacement in the besieged enclave.

Netanyahu thanked the Biden administration for its continued backing, including approval for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-israel-gaza-arms-hamas-bypass-congress-1dc77f20aac4a797df6a2338b677da4f">a new emergency weapons sale</a>, the second this month, and prevention of a U.N. Security Council resolution seeking an immediate cease-fire. Israel argues that ending the war now would mean victory for Hamas, a stance shared by the Biden administration, which at the same time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-oct-7-44c4229d4c1270d9cfa484b664a22071">urged Israel to do more</a>&nbsp;to avoid harm to Palestinian civilians.

In new fighting, Israeli warplanes struck the urban refugee camps of Nuseirat and Bureij in the center of the territory Saturday as ground forces pushed deeper into the southern city of Khan Younis.

The Health Ministry in Gaza said Saturday that more than 21,600 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">unprecedented air and ground offensive</a>&nbsp;since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attack</a>&nbsp;on southern Israel. The ministry, which does not distinguish between the deaths of civilians and combatants, said 165 Palestinians were killed over the past 24 hours. It has said about 70% of those killed have been women and children.

The number of Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza combat rose to 170, after the military announced two more deaths Saturday.

The war has displaced some 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents, sending swells of people seeking shelter in Israeli-designated safe areas that the military has nevertheless bombed. Palestinians are left with a sense that nowhere is safe in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-war-90e02d26420b8fe3157f73c256f9ed6a">tiny enclave</a>.

With Israeli forces expanding their ground offensive this week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-29-2023-d36675194a22db54970f38c1c2ed3937">tens of thousands more Palestinians streamed</a>&nbsp;into the already crowded city of Rafah at the southernmost end of Gaza.

Thousands of tents and makeshift shacks have sprung up on Rafah’s outskirts next to U.N. warehouses. Displaced people arrived in Rafah on foot or on trucks and carts piled high with mattresses. Those who did not find space in overwhelmed shelters pitched tents on roadsides.

“We don't have water. We don’t have enough food,” Nour Daher, a displaced woman, said Saturday from the sprawling tent camp. “The kids wake up in the morning wanting to eat, wanting to drink. It took us one hour to find water for them. We couldn’t bring them flour. Even when we wanted to take them to toilets, it took us one hour to walk.”

In the Nuseirat camp, resident Mustafa Abu Wawee said a strike hit the home of one of his relatives, killing two people.

“The (Israeli) occupation is doing everything to force people to leave,” he said over the phone while helping to search for four people missing under the rubble. “They want to break our spirit and will, but they will fail. We are here to stay.”

The State Department said Friday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress he approved a $147.5 million sale for equipment, including fuses, charges and primers, that is needed for 155 mm shells Israel bought previously.

It marked the second time this month that the Biden administration is bypassing Congress to approve an emergency weapons sale to Israel. Blinken made a similar decision on Dec. 9 to approve the sale to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition worth more than $106 million.

Both moves have come as President Joe Biden’s request for a nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">$106 billion aid package</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs remains stalled in Congress, caught up in a debate over U.S. immigration policy and border security. Some Democratic lawmakers have spoken of making the proposed $14.3 billion in American assistance to its Mideast ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-israel-gaza-aid-sanders-a760c44986e5381b146d370cada95b52">contingent on concrete steps</a>&nbsp;by Netanyahu’s government to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza during the war with Hamas.

Blinken, who has repeatedly traveled to the Middle East during the war, was expected back in Israel and other countries in the region in January. U.S. officials have urged Israel to start shifting from high intensity combat to more targeted operations, but said they were not imposing a deadline.

“As the chief of staff said this week, the war will continue many more months,” he told a televised news conference Saturday. "My policy is clear. We will continue to fight until we have achieved all the objectives of the war, first and foremost the annihilation of Hamas and the release of all the hostages.”

More than 120 hostages remain in Gaza, after militants seized more than 240 in the Oct. 7 assault that also killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Netanyahu is also at odds with the Biden administration over who should run Gaza after the war. He has rejected the U.S.-backed idea that a unified Palestinian government should run both Gaza and parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank as a precursor to eventual statehood. Instead, he has insisted on open-ended Israeli security control in Gaza, without saying what would come next.

Families of hostages and their supporters have demanded that the government prioritize hostage releases over other war objectives, and have staged large protests every weekend, including Saturday.

Egypt, one of the mediators between Israel and Hamas, has proposed a multistage plan that would kick off with a swap of hostages for prisoners, accompanied by a temporary cease-fire — along the lines of an exchange during a weeklong truce in November.

Hamas insists the war must end before it will discuss hostage releases. Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official in Beirut, reiterated that position Saturday, but also told The Associated Press that “we have not given any final answer so far” to the Egyptian proposal.

Asked about reports of possible progress toward a deal, Netanyahu said Saturday that “we see a possibility, maybe, for movement” but that he did not want to raise “exaggerated expectations.”

More than a week after a U.N. Security Council resolution called for the unhindered delivery of aid at scale across besieged Gaza, conditions have only worsened, U.N. agencies warned.

Aid officials said the aid entering Gaza remains woefully inadequate. Distributing goods is hampered by long delays at two border crossings, ongoing fighting, Israeli airstrikes, repeated cuts in internet and phone services and a breakdown of law and order that makes it difficult to secure aid convoys, they said.

Nearly the entire population is fully dependent on outside humanitarian aid, said Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-21-2023-7d9718b32bf0d308c44c7c9e3c4e0deb">quarter of the population</a>&nbsp;is starving because too few trucks enter with food, medicine, fuel and other supplies — sometimes fewer than 100 trucks a day, according to U.N. daily reports.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703990687604.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>BEIRUT (AP) — The U.S. military said Sunday it shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired toward a container ship by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-gaza-israel-palestine-yemen-treasury-department-16cfb3b70904eb2cc6d0c2670e3bc37c">Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;in the Red Sea. Hours later, four boats tried to attack the same ship, but U.S. forces opened fire, killing several of the armed crews, the U.S. Central Command said. No one was injured on the ship.The Singapore-flagged MAERSK HANZGHOU reported they had already been hit by a missile Saturday night while transiting the Southern Red Sea and requested assistance, CENTCOM said in a statement. The USS GRAVELY and USS LABOON responded to the call for help, and the Denmark-owned vessel was reportedly seaworthy and no injuries were noted, the statement added.“This is the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since Nov. 19,” CENTCOM said.In another statement, CENTCOM said the same ship issued an additional distress call about a second attack “by four Iranian-backed Houthi small boats.” The attackers fired small arms weapons at the MAERSK HANZGHOU, getting to within 20 meters (about 65 feet) of the vessel, and attempted to it, CENTCOM said.A contract-embarked security team on the ship returned fire, the central command said. U.S. helicopters from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and GRAVELY responded to the distress call and while issuing verbal warnings to the attackers, the small boat crews opened fire on the helicopters using small arms, the statement said.“The U.S. Navy helicopters returned fire in self-defense,” sinking three of the four boats, killing the crews while the fourth boat fled the area, CENTCOM said, and no damage to U.S. personnel or equipment was reported.The Iran-backed Houthis have claimed attacks on ships in the Red Sea that they say are either linked to Israel or heading to Israeli ports. They say their attacks aim to end Israel’s air-and-ground offensive targeting the Gaza Strip following the attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Oct.7.On Saturday, the top commander of U.S. naval forces in the Middle East said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-shipping-houthi-attacks-drones-missiles-1acc4ca5ebcaf6fee932a2061d451f59">Houthi rebels have shown no signs of ending their</a>&nbsp;“reckless” attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea even as more nations join the international maritime mission to protect vessels in the vital waterway and trade traffic begins to pick up.----------JERUSALEM —At approximately 8:30 p.m. (Sanaa time) Saturday, the container ship Maersk Hangzhou reported that they were struck by a missile while transiting the Southern Red Sea, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.The Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned/operated container ship requested assistance, and the USS&nbsp; Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Laboon (DDG 58)&nbsp; responded to the ship. The vessel is reportedly seaworthy and there are no reported injuries.While responding, the USS Gravely shot down two anti-ship ballistic missiles fired from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen toward the ships.This is the 23rd illegal attack by the Houthis on international shipping since Nov. 19.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza will continue for “many more months," pushing back against persistent international cease-fire calls after mounting civilian deaths, hunger and mass displacement in the besieged enclave.Netanyahu thanked the Biden administration for its continued backing, including approval for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-israel-gaza-arms-hamas-bypass-congress-1dc77f20aac4a797df6a2338b677da4f">a new emergency weapons sale</a>, the second this month, and prevention of a U.N. Security Council resolution seeking an immediate cease-fire. Israel argues that ending the war now would mean victory for Hamas, a stance shared by the Biden administration, which at the same time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-oct-7-44c4229d4c1270d9cfa484b664a22071">urged Israel to do more</a>&nbsp;to avoid harm to Palestinian civilians.In new fighting, Israeli warplanes struck the urban refugee camps of Nuseirat and Bureij in the center of the territory Saturday as ground forces pushed deeper into the southern city of Khan Younis.The Health Ministry in Gaza said Saturday that more than 21,600 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">unprecedented air and ground offensive</a>&nbsp;since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2">deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attack</a>&nbsp;on southern Israel. The ministry, which does not distinguish between the deaths of civilians and combatants, said 165 Palestinians were killed over the past 24 hours. It has said about 70% of those killed have been women and children.The number of Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza combat rose to 170, after the military announced two more deaths Saturday.The war has displaced some 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents, sending swells of people seeking shelter in Israeli-designated safe areas that the military has nevertheless bombed. Palestinians are left with a sense that nowhere is safe in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-war-90e02d26420b8fe3157f73c256f9ed6a">tiny enclave</a>.With Israeli forces expanding their ground offensive this week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-29-2023-d36675194a22db54970f38c1c2ed3937">tens of thousands more Palestinians streamed</a>&nbsp;into the already crowded city of Rafah at the southernmost end of Gaza.Thousands of tents and makeshift shacks have sprung up on Rafah’s outskirts next to U.N. warehouses. Displaced people arrived in Rafah on foot or on trucks and carts piled high with mattresses. Those who did not find space in overwhelmed shelters pitched tents on roadsides.“We don't have water. We don’t have enough food,” Nour Daher, a displaced woman, said Saturday from the sprawling tent camp. “The kids wake up in the morning wanting to eat, wanting to drink. It took us one hour to find water for them. We couldn’t bring them flour. Even when we wanted to take them to toilets, it took us one hour to walk.”In the Nuseirat camp, resident Mustafa Abu Wawee said a strike hit the home of one of his relatives, killing two people.“The (Israeli) occupation is doing everything to force people to leave,” he said over the phone while helping to search for four people missing under the rubble. “They want to break our spirit and will, but they will fail. We are here to stay.”MORE U.S. WEAPONS FOR ISRAELThe State Department said Friday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress he approved a $147.5 million sale for equipment, including fuses, charges and primers, that is needed for 155 mm shells Israel bought previously.It marked the second time this month that the Biden administration is bypassing Congress to approve an emergency weapons sale to Israel. Blinken made a similar decision on Dec. 9 to approve the sale to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition worth more than $106 million.Both moves have come as President Joe Biden’s request for a nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">$106 billion aid package</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs remains stalled in Congress, caught up in a debate over U.S. immigration policy and border security. Some Democratic lawmakers have spoken of making the proposed $14.3 billion in American assistance to its Mideast ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-israel-gaza-aid-sanders-a760c44986e5381b146d370cada95b52">contingent on concrete steps</a>&nbsp;by Netanyahu’s government to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza during the war with Hamas.THE WAR'S TIMELINEBlinken, who has repeatedly traveled to the Middle East during the war, was expected back in Israel and other countries in the region in January. U.S. officials have urged Israel to start shifting from high intensity combat to more targeted operations, but said they were not imposing a deadline.Netanyahu said Israel needs more time.“As the chief of staff said this week, the war will continue many more months,” he told a televised news conference Saturday. "My policy is clear. We will continue to fight until we have achieved all the objectives of the war, first and foremost the annihilation of Hamas and the release of all the hostages.”More than 120 hostages remain in Gaza, after militants seized more than 240 in the Oct. 7 assault that also killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians.Netanyahu is also at odds with the Biden administration over who should run Gaza after the war. He has rejected the U.S.-backed idea that a unified Palestinian government should run both Gaza and parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank as a precursor to eventual statehood. Instead, he has insisted on open-ended Israeli security control in Gaza, without saying what would come next.TRADING FOR HOSTAGESFamilies of hostages and their supporters have demanded that the government prioritize hostage releases over other war objectives, and have staged large protests every weekend, including Saturday.Egypt, one of the mediators between Israel and Hamas, has proposed a multistage plan that would kick off with a swap of hostages for prisoners, accompanied by a temporary cease-fire — along the lines of an exchange during a weeklong truce in November.Hamas insists the war must end before it will discuss hostage releases. Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official in Beirut, reiterated that position Saturday, but also told The Associated Press that “we have not given any final answer so far” to the Egyptian proposal.Asked about reports of possible progress toward a deal, Netanyahu said Saturday that “we see a possibility, maybe, for movement” but that he did not want to raise “exaggerated expectations.”DIFFICULTIES IN DELIVERING AIDMore than a week after a U.N. Security Council resolution called for the unhindered delivery of aid at scale across besieged Gaza, conditions have only worsened, U.N. agencies warned.Aid officials said the aid entering Gaza remains woefully inadequate. Distributing goods is hampered by long delays at two border crossings, ongoing fighting, Israeli airstrikes, repeated cuts in internet and phone services and a breakdown of law and order that makes it difficult to secure aid convoys, they said.Nearly the entire population is fully dependent on outside humanitarian aid, said Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-21-2023-7d9718b32bf0d308c44c7c9e3c4e0deb">quarter of the population</a>&nbsp;is starving because too few trucks enter with food, medicine, fuel and other supplies — sometimes fewer than 100 trucks a day, according to U.N. daily reports.___

U.S. warship sinks 3 terrorist boats during attack in Red Sea

JOHNSON COUNTY—A Kansas man has been charged in connection with a shooting during during a welfare check.

Gary Wheeler, 66, Shawnee is charged with attempted capital murder and discharging a gun into an occupied dwelling after a&nbsp;standoff in the 6300 block&nbsp;of Albervan December 21, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

On the night of the incident, Wheeler's neighbor reported they heard gunshots. Shawnee Police responded to check the Wheeler's welfare&nbsp; after he was reportedly making claims he was going to hurt himself and others.&nbsp;

When officers arrived, Wheeler fired additional shots as officers approached his residence. Police took him into custody without incident. He’s being held on a $1 million bond. He is due in court Jan. 4, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703601146423.png" alt="Wheeler-photo Johnson Co." />
 <figcaption>Wheeler-photo Johnson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—A Kansas man has been charged in connection with a shooting during during a welfare check.Gary Wheeler, 66, Shawnee is charged with attempted capital murder and discharging a gun into an occupied dwelling after a&nbsp;standoff in the 6300 block&nbsp;of Albervan December 21, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.On the night of the incident, Wheeler's neighbor reported they heard gunshots. Shawnee Police responded to check the Wheeler's welfare&nbsp; after he was reportedly making claims he was going to hurt himself and others.&nbsp;When officers arrived, Wheeler fired additional shots as officers approached his residence. Police took him into custody without incident. He’s being held on a $1 million bond. He is due in court Jan. 4, according to online jail records.

Kansas man charged for firing shots at police during standoff

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are using a unique new tool to stop criminals.&nbsp;&nbsp;A couple of Lenexa police dayshift sergeants were out patrolling earlier this month when they tried to make a traffic stop that turned out to be a stolen car. 

The driver attempted to elude but he was no match for the Grappler Police Bumper. 

The driver was safely taken into custody and&nbsp; charged by the Johnson County District Attorneys Office with the stolen car, felony fleeing, possession of meth, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

"More great work by our officers to combat crime in our community, and doing so safely and effectively using the latest tools and resources."

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are using a unique new tool to stop criminals.&nbsp;&nbsp;A couple of Lenexa police dayshift sergeants were out patrolling earlier this month when they tried to make a traffic stop that turned out to be a stolen car. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Desk jockeys? No way! Our supervisors still get out there and do great police work! A couple of our dayshift sergeants were out patrolling recently when they tried to make a traffic stop that turned out to be a stolen car. The driver attempted to elude but he was no match for the… <a href="https://t.co/gDpdjOxv0T">pic.twitter.com/gDpdjOxv0T</a>&mdash; Lenexa Police (@LenexaPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/LenexaPolice/status/1737544082115764410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The driver attempted to elude but he was no match for the Grappler Police Bumper. The driver was safely taken into custody and&nbsp; charged by the Johnson County District Attorneys Office with the stolen car, felony fleeing, possession of meth, and possession of drug paraphernalia. "More great work by our officers to combat crime in our community, and doing so safely and effectively using the latest tools and resources."

🎥Kan. police  video shows new tool stopping stolen car suspect

BAGHDAD (AP) — Three overnight airstrikes on eastern Syria near a strategic border crossing with Iraq killed six Iran-backed militants Saturday, two members of Iraqi militia groups told The Associated Press.

The strikes on the border region of Boukamal came hours after an umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militants known as the Islamic Resistance claimed an attack on a U.S. military base in northern Iraq's city of Irbil.

The group has conducted over a hundred attacks on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/biden-orders-strike-on-iranian-aligned-group-after-3-us-troops-injured-in-drone-attack-in-iraq-0000018ca42cda5ba79ee5bc274e0000">U.S. positions in Iraq</a>&nbsp;and eastern Syria since the onset of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 7.

Four of the militants killed were from Lebanon's powerful&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hezbollah">Hezbollah</a>&nbsp;group, while the other two were Syrian, the militia group members said. Another two were injured, they added. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not cleared to speak with journalists.

Meanwhile, an activist collective that covers news in the area, Deir Ezzor 24, said the airstrikes hit two militant posts and a weapons warehouse that it says was recently stocked with rocket launchers and munitions.

Britain-backed opposition war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that in addition to the weapons warehouse, the strikes targeted a militants' convoy that had arrived in Syria from Iraq and a location where a militia affiliated with Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was training.

The monitoring group reported that the strikes killed nine people — three Syrians and six people from other nationalities.

A U.S. official said the United States did not carry out the strikes. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations.

Washington has confirmed previous strikes on Iran-backed militia positions following the surge of attacks over the past two months.

President Joe Biden last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-kataib-hezbollah-drone-strike-us-military-injured-b4b4480e2cae6e7ad26e88eb625ab397">ordered the U.S. military to carry out strikes</a>&nbsp;on Iranian-backed Iraqi groups following a rocket attack that wounded three U.S. troops.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-iran-us-gaza-israel-hamas-0b99659922bf1174f86e390808e5bfde">The spike in tension has put Baghdad in a delicate situation</a>. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has tried to ease the strain between the militant groups that helped him reach power and the U.S. where Iraq's foreign reserves are housed.

The Boukamal region in Deir el-Zour, Syria, located along the Iraqi border, has been a strategic area for Iran-backed militants since it was taken back from the extremist Islamic State group in 2019. U.S. coalition forces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-politics-israel-government-d1fec7d8c997214ed3ae291c041a2e18">conducted strikes targeting convoys there</a>&nbsp;before the recent spike in tensions.

Later, Syrian state media reported that Israeli airstrikes over areas south of the city of Aleppo caused damage, but no casualties were reported. Pro-government radio station Sham FM said the strikes were near Aleppo's airport but did not damage it.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said just one of six Israeli missiles landed near the airport and that the rest landed in areas where Iran-backed militants and weapons warehouses were present. It said the strikes killed or wounded seven people, without giving further details.

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets inside government-controlled parts of war-torn Syria in recent years.

It does not usually acknowledge such airstrikes. When it has, however, it said it was targeting Iran-backed groups there that supported Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government.

BAGHDAD (AP) — Three overnight airstrikes on eastern Syria near a strategic border crossing with Iraq killed six Iran-backed militants Saturday, two members of Iraqi militia groups told The Associated Press.The strikes on the border region of Boukamal came hours after an umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militants known as the Islamic Resistance claimed an attack on a U.S. military base in northern Iraq's city of Irbil.The group has conducted over a hundred attacks on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/biden-orders-strike-on-iranian-aligned-group-after-3-us-troops-injured-in-drone-attack-in-iraq-0000018ca42cda5ba79ee5bc274e0000">U.S. positions in Iraq</a>&nbsp;and eastern Syria since the onset of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 7.Four of the militants killed were from Lebanon's powerful&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hezbollah">Hezbollah</a>&nbsp;group, while the other two were Syrian, the militia group members said. Another two were injured, they added. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not cleared to speak with journalists.Meanwhile, an activist collective that covers news in the area, Deir Ezzor 24, said the airstrikes hit two militant posts and a weapons warehouse that it says was recently stocked with rocket launchers and munitions.Britain-backed opposition war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that in addition to the weapons warehouse, the strikes targeted a militants' convoy that had arrived in Syria from Iraq and a location where a militia affiliated with Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard was training.The monitoring group reported that the strikes killed nine people — three Syrians and six people from other nationalities.A U.S. official said the United States did not carry out the strikes. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations.Washington has confirmed previous strikes on Iran-backed militia positions following the surge of attacks over the past two months.President Joe Biden last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-kataib-hezbollah-drone-strike-us-military-injured-b4b4480e2cae6e7ad26e88eb625ab397">ordered the U.S. military to carry out strikes</a>&nbsp;on Iranian-backed Iraqi groups following a rocket attack that wounded three U.S. troops.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-iran-us-gaza-israel-hamas-0b99659922bf1174f86e390808e5bfde">The spike in tension has put Baghdad in a delicate situation</a>. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has tried to ease the strain between the militant groups that helped him reach power and the U.S. where Iraq's foreign reserves are housed.The Boukamal region in Deir el-Zour, Syria, located along the Iraqi border, has been a strategic area for Iran-backed militants since it was taken back from the extremist Islamic State group in 2019. U.S. coalition forces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-politics-israel-government-d1fec7d8c997214ed3ae291c041a2e18">conducted strikes targeting convoys there</a>&nbsp;before the recent spike in tensions.Later, Syrian state media reported that Israeli airstrikes over areas south of the city of Aleppo caused damage, but no casualties were reported. Pro-government radio station Sham FM said the strikes were near Aleppo's airport but did not damage it.The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said just one of six Israeli missiles landed near the airport and that the rest landed in areas where Iran-backed militants and weapons warehouses were present. It said the strikes killed or wounded seven people, without giving further details.Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on targets inside government-controlled parts of war-torn Syria in recent years.It does not usually acknowledge such airstrikes. When it has, however, it said it was targeting Iran-backed groups there that supported Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government.—-

U.S. denies participation in air raids that killed Iran-backed militants

LYON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Saturday in Lyon County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Freightliner semi driven by Raul&nbsp;Romero-Ruiz, 43,&nbsp; Distrito Federal, Mexico\, was southbound on Interstate 35 just south of Burlingame Road..

 Vehicle one moved into the left lane to let a vehicle merge onto the interstate. A pedestrian identified as Dylan Edward&nbsp;Moellenberndt, 29, Admire,&nbsp;entered the roadway from the left and walked into the left lane. 

The semi struck&nbsp;Moellenberndt. He was pronouncd dead at athe scene and was transported to&nbsp;Charter Funeral Home. Romero-Ruiz and a passenger in the semi were not injured.

LYON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6:30a.m. Saturday in Lyon County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Freightliner semi driven by Raul&nbsp;Romero-Ruiz, 43,&nbsp; Distrito Federal, Mexico\, was southbound on Interstate 35 just south of Burlingame Road.. Vehicle one moved into the left lane to let a vehicle merge onto the interstate. A pedestrian identified as Dylan Edward&nbsp;Moellenberndt, 29, Admire,&nbsp;entered the roadway from the left and walked into the left lane. The semi struck&nbsp;Moellenberndt. He was pronouncd dead at athe scene and was transported to&nbsp;Charter Funeral Home. Romero-Ruiz and a passenger in the semi were not injured.

Kansas man dead after struck by a  semi

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

Spiehs raises constitutional issues after banned from district property

TOPEKA — A critic of now-rescinded COVID-19 mask mandates filed a federal lawsuit against the Lawrence public school district superintendent and school board members to challenge constitutionality of his banishment from district property and a prohibition against his in-person commentary at district board meetings.

Stilwell attorney Linus Baker raised First and 14th amendment arguments in a filing in U.S. District Court on behalf of Justin Spiehs, an unsuccessful candidate for Douglas County Commission. Baker asserted in the court document Spiehs’ speech rights were violated because Lawrence school district officials opposed his political views. The attorney said Spiehs’ right to equal protection under the Constitution was violated because other people with similar views weren’t comparably punished by district officials.

“Those restrictions are not reasonable,” Baker said. “If the government opens a forum for discussion, it cannot undermine that discussion by excluding otherwise relevant speech.”

Spiehs, who resides in Johnson County, filed a separate lawsuit alleging freedom of speech infractions against the Lawrence City Commission in November.

In both cases, Spiehs urged the federal court to award him unspecified damages as well as issue orders providing him the right to speak freely at school or city meetings in Lawrence.

Spiehs began to draw attention to himself in Lawrence and Topeka while objecting to public health orders associated with emergence of the pandemic and rapidly escalating infections and fatalities. The death of 10,200 Kansans has been linked to COVID-19.

Spiehs regularly picketed Lawrence school district headquarters. In 2021, he was banned from the district’s property. He delivered obscenity-laced testimony about the pandemic during a meeting of the Kansas Legislature at the Capitol. He was arrested in Lawrence on suspicion of aggravated assault for allegedly threatening people with a sign post during a vaccine clinic for children. He was convicted of two misdemeanors and placed on probation for one year.

He was forbidden from offering in-person public comment at Lawrence school board meetings, but allowed to address the board in writing or through a video or telephone conferencing system. In 2022, he was denied access to the Webex communication system for 90 days after violating school board rules.

Baker described his client as&nbsp;a community activist willing to speak about matters “government does not like to hear in ways that might be considered shocking, rudely truthful, earthy or even crass.”

In terms of the school district lawsuit, Lawrence Superintendent Anthony Lewis wasn’t available to comment Wednesday. The lawsuit says Lewis affirmed in a Dec. 6 email that Spiehs remained banned from Lawrence school district property.

Lewis indicated the exclusion was tied to issuance by Lawrence police of a “no trespass” directive against Spiehs in October 2021. Spiehs came to attention of police by declining to wear a mask at a Lawrence High School event. His lawyer said masks exacerbated Spiehs’ medical condition. Spiehs has a doctorate in human development and a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy.

“A remnant of the masking psychosis from the COVID-19 paranoia is on full display in this lawsuit,” Baker said. “As a result of Dr. Spiehs’ protests and that one-time occurrence, the defendant Lewis has diagnosed Dr.&nbsp;Spiehs with a critical-analysis leprosy — one that must be forever quarantined.”

Baker said Lewis decided “from his&nbsp;righteous governmental altar, and with the full approval of the government board members, that Dr. Spiehs shalt not step foot on USD 497 property ever again.” The decision should be viewed as a retaliatory campaign to deter Spiehs from making comments in public considered negative or embarrassing to school district staff or students, he said.

Baker claimed there was no school board policy in 2021 or 2022 limiting the scope of a person’s remarks at school board meetings.

“The&nbsp;government defendants cannot prohibit future expressive activity by Dr. Spiehs as a result of some purported past unlawful conduct,” Baker said. “This is raw retaliatory censorship.”

In the lawsuit against the Lawrence City Commission, Baker said Spiehs was repeatedly removed from the commission’s public comment sessions based on determinations by the mayor that his statements weren’t germane to city business. In one exchange, Spiehs called the mayor a Nazi.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703887746326.png" alt=" Justin Spiehs filed a federal lawsuit alleging constitutional violations by the Lawrence public school superintendent and school board members for banning him from district property and limiting his speech rights at school board meetings. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Justin Spiehs filed a federal lawsuit alleging constitutional violations by the Lawrence public school superintendent and school board members for banning him from district property and limiting his speech rights at school board meetings. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Spiehs raises constitutional issues after banned from district property</h2>TOPEKA — A critic of now-rescinded COVID-19 mask mandates filed a federal lawsuit against the Lawrence public school district superintendent and school board members to challenge constitutionality of his banishment from district property and a prohibition against his in-person commentary at district board meetings.Stilwell attorney Linus Baker raised First and 14th amendment arguments in a filing in U.S. District Court on behalf of Justin Spiehs, an unsuccessful candidate for Douglas County Commission. Baker asserted in the court document Spiehs’ speech rights were violated because Lawrence school district officials opposed his political views. The attorney said Spiehs’ right to equal protection under the Constitution was violated because other people with similar views weren’t comparably punished by district officials.“Those restrictions are not reasonable,” Baker said. “If the government opens a forum for discussion, it cannot undermine that discussion by excluding otherwise relevant speech.”Spiehs, who resides in Johnson County, filed a separate lawsuit alleging freedom of speech infractions against the Lawrence City Commission in November.In both cases, Spiehs urged the federal court to award him unspecified damages as well as issue orders providing him the right to speak freely at school or city meetings in Lawrence.Spiehs began to draw attention to himself in Lawrence and Topeka while objecting to public health orders associated with emergence of the pandemic and rapidly escalating infections and fatalities. The death of 10,200 Kansans has been linked to COVID-19.Spiehs regularly picketed Lawrence school district headquarters. In 2021, he was banned from the district’s property. He delivered obscenity-laced testimony about the pandemic during a meeting of the Kansas Legislature at the Capitol. He was arrested in Lawrence on suspicion of aggravated assault for allegedly threatening people with a sign post during a vaccine clinic for children. He was convicted of two misdemeanors and placed on probation for one year.He was forbidden from offering in-person public comment at Lawrence school board meetings, but allowed to address the board in writing or through a video or telephone conferencing system. In 2022, he was denied access to the Webex communication system for 90 days after violating school board rules.Baker described his client as&nbsp;a community activist willing to speak about matters “government does not like to hear in ways that might be considered shocking, rudely truthful, earthy or even crass.”In terms of the school district lawsuit, Lawrence Superintendent Anthony Lewis wasn’t available to comment Wednesday. The lawsuit says Lewis affirmed in a Dec. 6 email that Spiehs remained banned from Lawrence school district property.Lewis indicated the exclusion was tied to issuance by Lawrence police of a “no trespass” directive against Spiehs in October 2021. Spiehs came to attention of police by declining to wear a mask at a Lawrence High School event. His lawyer said masks exacerbated Spiehs’ medical condition. Spiehs has a doctorate in human development and a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy.“A remnant of the masking psychosis from the COVID-19 paranoia is on full display in this lawsuit,” Baker said. “As a result of Dr. Spiehs’ protests and that one-time occurrence, the defendant Lewis has diagnosed Dr.&nbsp;Spiehs with a critical-analysis leprosy — one that must be forever quarantined.”Baker said Lewis decided “from his&nbsp;righteous governmental altar, and with the full approval of the government board members, that Dr. Spiehs shalt not step foot on USD 497 property ever again.” The decision should be viewed as a retaliatory campaign to deter Spiehs from making comments in public considered negative or embarrassing to school district staff or students, he said.Baker claimed there was no school board policy in 2021 or 2022 limiting the scope of a person’s remarks at school board meetings.“The&nbsp;government defendants cannot prohibit future expressive activity by Dr. Spiehs as a result of some purported past unlawful conduct,” Baker said. “This is raw retaliatory censorship.”In the lawsuit against the Lawrence City Commission, Baker said Spiehs was repeatedly removed from the commission’s public comment sessions based on determinations by the mayor that his statements weren’t germane to city business. In one exchange, Spiehs called the mayor a Nazi.

Critic of masks alleges ‘righteous governmental altar’ in lawsuit against Lawrence schools

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the 180th homicide in Kansas City, Missouri this. year.

Just after 7:30 p.m. Friday, police responded to report of gunfire in the 5200 Block of Lyon Avenue, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'. 

First responders found a man in the street near a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to process the scene to recover any evidence and speak to any potential witnesses.

The homicide is the most ever in the city for a calendar year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703942352508.png" alt="KCPD crime scene investigation Friday night-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>KCPD crime scene investigation Friday night-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the 180th homicide in Kansas City, Missouri this. year.Just after 7:30 p.m. Friday, police responded to report of gunfire in the 5200 Block of Lyon Avenue, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'. First responders found a man in the street near a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to process the scene to recover any evidence and speak to any potential witnesses.The homicide is the most ever in the city for a calendar year.

Grim milestone: KCPD investigates 180th homicide of the year

GREENE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10:30p.m. Friday in Greene County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Ford F250 driven by Jeremy L. Moore, 40, Springfield, was eastbound on Farm Road 102 just north of Springfield.

The pickup traveled off the right side of the road at a bridge. The pickup struck the concrete support. Moore was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

GREENE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10:30p.m. Friday in Greene County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2022 Ford F250 driven by Jeremy L. Moore, 40, Springfield, was eastbound on Farm Road 102 just north of Springfield.The pickup traveled off the right side of the road at a bridge. The pickup struck the concrete support. Moore was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man dies after pickup strikes concrete bridge support

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY — The search continues for an inmate who escaped from a satellite camp at the Leavenworth Penitentiary, according to a statement from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.

Just after 4p.m. Nov. 10, authorities discovered&nbsp; 50-year-old James Thompson was missing.

Thompson is described as white male with brown hair and brown eyes. He’s 6-foot-2 and weighs approximately 202 pounds.

U.S. Marshals and the FBI were informed that he’s missing from the minimum security facility. 

Last week, a federal grand jury indicted James Thompson on one count of escape from custody.&nbsp;

Thompson was sentenced to 80 months in prison in the Northern District of Georgia for mail fraud.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699585891299.png" alt="Thompson-photo Bureau of Prisons" />
 <figcaption>Thompson-photo Bureau of Prisons</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY — The search continues for an inmate who escaped from a satellite camp at the Leavenworth Penitentiary, according to a statement from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.Just after 4p.m. Nov. 10, authorities discovered&nbsp; 50-year-old James Thompson was missing.Thompson is described as white male with brown hair and brown eyes. He’s 6-foot-2 and weighs approximately 202 pounds.U.S. Marshals and the FBI were informed that he’s missing from the minimum security facility. Last week, a federal grand jury indicted James Thompson on one count of escape from custody.&nbsp;Thompson was sentenced to 80 months in prison in the Northern District of Georgia for mail fraud.

Inmate who escaped from Kan. penitentiary camp is still missing

WASHINGTON (AP) — For the second time this month the Biden administration is bypassing Congress to approve an emergency weapons sale to Israel as Israel continues to prosecute its war against Hamas in Gaza under increasing international criticism.

The State Department said Friday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had told Congress that he had made a second emergency determination covering a $147.5 million sale for equipment, including fuses, charges and primers, that is needed to make the 155 mm shells that Israel has already purchased function.

“Given the urgency of Israel’s defensive needs, the secretary notified Congress that he had exercised his delegated authority to determine an emergency existed necessitating the immediate approval of the transfer,” the department said.

“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to ensure Israel is able to defend itself against the threats it faces,” it said.

The emergency determination means the purchase will bypass the congressional review requirement for foreign military sales. Such determinations are rare, but not unprecedented, when administrations see an urgent need for weapons to be delivered without waiting for lawmakers’ approval.

Blinken made a similar decision on Dec. 9, to approve the sale to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition worth more than $106 million.

Both moves have come as President Joe Biden’s request for a nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">$106 billion aid package</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs remains stalled in Congress, caught up in a debate over U.S. immigration policy and border security. Some Democratic lawmakers have spoken of making the proposed $14.3 billion in American assistance to its Mideast ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-israel-gaza-aid-sanders-a760c44986e5381b146d370cada95b52">contingent on concrete steps</a>&nbsp;by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza during the war with Hamas.

The State Department sought to counter potential criticism of the sale on human rights grounds by saying it was in constant touch with Israel to emphasize the importance of minimizing civilian casualties, which have soared since Israel began its response to the Hamas attacks in Israel on Oct. 7.

“We continue to strongly emphasize to the government of Israel that they must not only comply with international humanitarian law, but also take every feasible step to prevent harm to civilians,” it said.

“Hamas hides behind civilians and has embedded itself among the civilian population, but that does not lessen Israel’s responsibility and strategic imperative to distinguish between civilians and Hamas terrorists as it conducts its military operations,” the department said. “This type of campaign can only be won by protecting civilians.”

Bypassing Congress with emergency determinations for arms sales is an unusual step that has in the past met resistance from lawmakers, who normally have a period of time to weigh in on proposed weapons transfers and, in some cases, block them.

In May 2019, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made an emergency determination for an $8.1 billion sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan after it became clear that the Trump administration would have trouble overcoming lawmakers’ concerns about the Saudi and UAE-led war in Yemen.

Pompeo came under heavy criticism for the move, which some believed may have violated the law because many of the weapons involved had yet to be built and could not be delivered urgently. But he was cleared of any wrongdoing after an internal investigation.

At least four administrations have used the authority since 1979. President George H.W. Bush’s administration used it during the Gulf War to get arms quickly to Saudi Arabia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702300715756.png" alt="Blinken with Israel President&nbsp;Isaac Herzog earlier this month-file photo" />
 <figcaption>Blinken with Israel President&nbsp;Isaac Herzog earlier this month-file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — For the second time this month the Biden administration is bypassing Congress to approve an emergency weapons sale to Israel as Israel continues to prosecute its war against Hamas in Gaza under increasing international criticism.The State Department said Friday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had told Congress that he had made a second emergency determination covering a $147.5 million sale for equipment, including fuses, charges and primers, that is needed to make the 155 mm shells that Israel has already purchased function.“Given the urgency of Israel’s defensive needs, the secretary notified Congress that he had exercised his delegated authority to determine an emergency existed necessitating the immediate approval of the transfer,” the department said.“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to ensure Israel is able to defend itself against the threats it faces,” it said.The emergency determination means the purchase will bypass the congressional review requirement for foreign military sales. Such determinations are rare, but not unprecedented, when administrations see an urgent need for weapons to be delivered without waiting for lawmakers’ approval.Blinken made a similar decision on Dec. 9, to approve the sale to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition worth more than $106 million.Both moves have come as President Joe Biden’s request for a nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">$106 billion aid package</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and other national security needs remains stalled in Congress, caught up in a debate over U.S. immigration policy and border security. Some Democratic lawmakers have spoken of making the proposed $14.3 billion in American assistance to its Mideast ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-israel-gaza-aid-sanders-a760c44986e5381b146d370cada95b52">contingent on concrete steps</a>&nbsp;by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza during the war with Hamas.The State Department sought to counter potential criticism of the sale on human rights grounds by saying it was in constant touch with Israel to emphasize the importance of minimizing civilian casualties, which have soared since Israel began its response to the Hamas attacks in Israel on Oct. 7.“We continue to strongly emphasize to the government of Israel that they must not only comply with international humanitarian law, but also take every feasible step to prevent harm to civilians,” it said.“Hamas hides behind civilians and has embedded itself among the civilian population, but that does not lessen Israel’s responsibility and strategic imperative to distinguish between civilians and Hamas terrorists as it conducts its military operations,” the department said. “This type of campaign can only be won by protecting civilians.”Bypassing Congress with emergency determinations for arms sales is an unusual step that has in the past met resistance from lawmakers, who normally have a period of time to weigh in on proposed weapons transfers and, in some cases, block them.In May 2019, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made an emergency determination for an $8.1 billion sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan after it became clear that the Trump administration would have trouble overcoming lawmakers’ concerns about the Saudi and UAE-led war in Yemen.Pompeo came under heavy criticism for the move, which some believed may have violated the law because many of the weapons involved had yet to be built and could not be delivered urgently. But he was cleared of any wrongdoing after an internal investigation.At least four administrations have used the authority since 1979. President George H.W. Bush’s administration used it during the Gulf War to get arms quickly to Saudi Arabia.

Bypassing Congress again: U.S. selling more weapons to Israel

SHAWNEE COUNTY,– Sheriff Brian C. Hill announces a 27-year-old male was arrested and facing multiple charges including, possession of stolen property and possession of methamphetamine, following a suspicious vehicle investigation Saturday evening.

Shortly after 9:30p.m. Dec. 23, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office investigated a suspicious vehicle in the 3600 block of South West 21st Street, according to Lt. Scott Wanamaker.

During the investigation the Deputy learned that the vehicle, a white 2013 Buick Enclave was reported stolen through the Topeka Police Department. Deputies also found illegal narcotics.

They arrested 27-year-old Dylan K. Dow of Topeka.&nbsp; He remains jailed without bond on requested charges of possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and parking/standing/or stopping in a prohibited area.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for battery, theft,&nbsp; burglary, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and flee or attempt to elude law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703713536487.png" alt="Dow-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Dow-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY,– Sheriff Brian C. Hill announces a 27-year-old male was arrested and facing multiple charges including, possession of stolen property and possession of methamphetamine, following a suspicious vehicle investigation Saturday evening.Shortly after 9:30p.m. Dec. 23, a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office investigated a suspicious vehicle in the 3600 block of South West 21st Street, according to Lt. Scott Wanamaker.During the investigation the Deputy learned that the vehicle, a white 2013 Buick Enclave was reported stolen through the Topeka Police Department. Deputies also found illegal narcotics.They arrested 27-year-old Dylan K. Dow of Topeka.&nbsp; He remains jailed without bond on requested charges of possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and parking/standing/or stopping in a prohibited area.&nbsp; He has previous convictions for battery, theft,&nbsp; burglary, criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and flee or attempt to elude law enforcement.

Kansas felon on parole caught with reported stolen SUV

SALINE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 2p.m. Friday in Saline County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 GMC Acadia driven by Katherine E.&nbsp; Peroni-Searles, 30, Concordia, Missouri, was northbound on U.S. 65 just north of Keokuk Avenue.

The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The SUV traveled off the right side of the road, through the separator, struck an embankment, went airborne and impacted the ground multiple times.&nbsp;Peroni-Searles was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.

Life Flight Eagle transported a 7-year-old boy in the SUV to Children's Mercy in Kansas City. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

SALINE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 2p.m. Friday in Saline County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2012 GMC Acadia driven by Katherine E.&nbsp; Peroni-Searles, 30, Concordia, Missouri, was northbound on U.S. 65 just north of Keokuk Avenue.The driver failed to negotiate a curve. The SUV traveled off the right side of the road, through the separator, struck an embankment, went airborne and impacted the ground multiple times.&nbsp;Peroni-Searles was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.Life Flight Eagle transported a 7-year-old boy in the SUV to Children's Mercy in Kansas City. The driver was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Mo. woman dead, 7-year-old airlifted to hospital after violent crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured two Kansas boys.

Just after 11:30p.m. Thursday, police responded to a "check shots" incident near Elm and Dellrose in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford

First responders located a total of 15 cartridge casings.&nbsp; A short time later, two boys, ages 15 and 11, walked into Wesley Hospital. Both had a gunshot wound to their leg. The injuries appear to be non-life-threatening, according to Ford.

At this time, investigators believe; the two boys were operating a vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703880585132.png" alt="Police near the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCh" />
 <figcaption>Police near the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy KWCh</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured two Kansas boys.Just after 11:30p.m. Thursday, police responded to a "check shots" incident near Elm and Dellrose in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew FordFirst responders located a total of 15 cartridge casings.&nbsp; A short time later, two boys, ages 15 and 11, walked into Wesley Hospital. Both had a gunshot wound to their leg. The injuries appear to be non-life-threatening, according to Ford.At this time, investigators believe; the two boys were operating a vehicle.

Police: 11 and 15-year-old, operating a vehicle, injured in gunfire

DENVER (AP) — Police were still searching Friday for a Colorado woman suspected of killing her two young children and wounding a third after police initially responded to a report of a burglary in their home.

Kimberlee Singler, 35, was cooperative at first with police investigating the Dec. 19 deaths but then went missing as the probe, which eventually determined the burglary report was unfounded, continued, according to Colorado Springs Police Department spokesperson Ira Cronin.

Police were able to present evidence to obtain a warrant for Singler's arrest on Tuesday but police believe she had already disappeared by then, Cronin said.

Singler, who was not under surveillance, was last seen on Saturday in Colorado Springs, he said.

“In the initial stages of the investigation, we were treating her as a victim of a burglary,” Cronin said.

The children's deaths came amid an ongoing legal battle between Singler and her ex-husband over parenting time and other issues, according to court filings. Court hearings had been scheduled for next month.

Rex Harris, a lawyer for the ex-husband, did not immediately return a telephone call or email.

Police said they answered a 911 call reporting a burglary at an apartment complex at around 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 19 and found the bodies of Singler's 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son.

Singler and her 11-year-old daughter were also injured and taken to hospitals for treatment.

Cronin said he could not release details about how the children or Singler were injured. The 11-year-old girl was hospitalized for a few days and then released. She is recovering well physically in Colorado Springs and is not with her mother, Cronin said. Singler's injuries were minor, he said.

He declined to say whether Singler herself had reported the burglary.

The FBI is assisting in the search for Singler at the request of police, Vikki Migoya, a spokesperson for the agency's Denver office, said Thursday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703882523257.png" alt="Singler photo Colorado Springs Police" />
 <figcaption>Singler photo Colorado Springs Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Police were still searching Friday for a Colorado woman suspected of killing her two young children and wounding a third after police initially responded to a report of a burglary in their home.Kimberlee Singler, 35, was cooperative at first with police investigating the Dec. 19 deaths but then went missing as the probe, which eventually determined the burglary report was unfounded, continued, according to Colorado Springs Police Department spokesperson Ira Cronin.Police were able to present evidence to obtain a warrant for Singler's arrest on Tuesday but police believe she had already disappeared by then, Cronin said.Singler, who was not under surveillance, was last seen on Saturday in Colorado Springs, he said.“In the initial stages of the investigation, we were treating her as a victim of a burglary,” Cronin said.The children's deaths came amid an ongoing legal battle between Singler and her ex-husband over parenting time and other issues, according to court filings. Court hearings had been scheduled for next month.Rex Harris, a lawyer for the ex-husband, did not immediately return a telephone call or email.Police said they answered a 911 call reporting a burglary at an apartment complex at around 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 19 and found the bodies of Singler's 9-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son.Singler and her 11-year-old daughter were also injured and taken to hospitals for treatment.Cronin said he could not release details about how the children or Singler were injured. The 11-year-old girl was hospitalized for a few days and then released. She is recovering well physically in Colorado Springs and is not with her mother, Cronin said. Singler's injuries were minor, he said.He declined to say whether Singler herself had reported the burglary.The FBI is assisting in the search for Singler at the request of police, Vikki Migoya, a spokesperson for the agency's Denver office, said Thursday._____

Police search for Colorado mother suspected of killing her 2 children

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Authorities have identified Melinda Sue McCluskey, 57, whose last known address was rural Edgerton, as the person found deceased in the Kansas River on December 21, according to Douglas County sheriff's department spokesman George&nbsp;George Diepenbrock.

Detectives worked with the coroner’s office to confirm a positive identification and notified McCluskey’s family members on Friday. &nbsp;

Family members had reported her missing to law enforcement in Douglas County on Dec. 3. At this time, there is no indication of foul play. Results of a coroner’s report are pending.&nbsp;

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Authorities are investigating after a body was found in the Kansas River.

Just after 1p.m. Thursday a person reported seeing a possible body in the water about 300 yards east of Bowersock Dam at the Kansas River, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's office.

The Douglas County Underwater Search and Recovery team and sheriff's office investigators responded and recovered a body in shallow water in that area.

Deputies and Coroner Scene Investigators are working on making a positive identification of the person. The sheriff's office released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703204320774.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Authorities have identified Melinda Sue McCluskey, 57, whose last known address was rural Edgerton, as the person found deceased in the Kansas River on December 21, according to Douglas County sheriff's department spokesman George&nbsp;George Diepenbrock.Detectives worked with the coroner’s office to confirm a positive identification and notified McCluskey’s family members on Friday. &nbsp;Family members had reported her missing to law enforcement in Douglas County on Dec. 3. At this time, there is no indication of foul play. Results of a coroner’s report are pending.&nbsp;-------------DOUGLAS COUNTY —Authorities are investigating after a body was found in the Kansas River.Just after 1p.m. Thursday a person reported seeing a possible body in the water about 300 yards east of Bowersock Dam at the Kansas River, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's office.The Douglas County Underwater Search and Recovery team and sheriff's office investigators responded and recovered a body in shallow water in that area.Deputies and Coroner Scene Investigators are working on making a positive identification of the person. The sheriff's office released no additional details.

Sheriff IDs body of woman found in Kansas River

KANSAS CITY (AP) — At his suburban St. Louis home, Brett Koenig can pull out his smartphone and open a sports betting app. But he can't place a bet. He is blocked by a pop-up message noting he is not in a legal location.

Missouri is one of a dozen states where sports wagering remains illegal more than five years after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f3fa1f71b8f44378a7e2c51d321b13b4?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way</a>&nbsp;for states to adopt it.

“It just seems silly that everyone else can do it and we can’t,” said Koenig, who has launched a social media campaign called "Let MO Play" to rally support for legal sports betting in his home state.

Other states have reaped a total of over $4 billion of taxes from more than $280 billion wagered on sports since 2018. Vermont will become the latest to accept sports bets,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vermont-online-sports-betting-17c4132daa8c30858ecf6644de38bc1a?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">starting Jan. 11</a>, But the odds for expansion to additional states appear iffy in 2024 because of political resistance and the sometimes competing financial interests of existing gambling operators.

“The handful of states yet to legalize are last for a reason: They all have multiple obstacles," said Becca Giden, policy director at Eilers &amp; Krejcik Gaming, a California-based consulting firm.

After a “whirlwind” of expansion, the playing field for further sports betting has narrowed to a group of states where various stakeholders all “want to kind of maximize what they get out of the legalization framework," said Chris Cylke, senior vice president of government relations at the American Gaming Association, which represents the industry. "So that can create some friction.”

The states where sports betting remains illegal are Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Utah.

California and Texas, the nation's two most populous states, would be the biggest prizes for sports bettors. But neither appear particularly likely to adopt it in 2024.

Voters in California last year overwhelmingly defeated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-sports-california-f4f4f87d391d31a18c781256b42c8133?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">two rival sports betting initiatives</a>&nbsp;following a record $463 million raised by supporters and opponents. The advertising barrage was fueled by divisions among online gaming companies, tribal casinos and horse tracks. Those tensions have continued, with Native American tribes objecting to a new sports betting initiative that is seeking signatures to appear on the 2024 ballot.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dallas-mavericks-mark-cuban-adelson-family-sale-28b58fc35f5c4159b5a4b61c749186b3?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">proposed sale</a>&nbsp;of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team to a politically active family that runs the Las Vegas Sands casino company has raised speculation of a bigger push for legal sports betting in Texas. But the state Legislature is not in regular session in 2024, and Texas has no means of placing citizen initiatives on the ballot.

Neighboring Oklahoma already has scores of casinos run by tribes. Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahoma.gov/governor/newsroom/newsroom/2023/november2023/governor-stitt-announces-plan-to-bring-sports-betting-to-oklahom.html">announced a plan</a>&nbsp;in November to allow in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and online sports wagering through platforms licensed by the state. But his plan doesn’t appear to have support from tribes, with whom Stitt has been feuding.

Minnesota is perhaps the next likeliest state to authorize sports betting, but that probably would require a bipartisan vote in the Senate, where Democrats hold a slim one-seat advantage over Republicans. Lawmakers this past year struggled to resolve differences between tribal casinos, which want exclusive rights over online and in-person sports betting, and horse racing tracks, which also want a greater share of the gambling market. But they will try again.

“From the perspective of the tribes, the moment is now, and they'd like to see it done this year,” said Democratic state Sen. Matt Klein, a sponsor of sports betting legislation.

Efforts to legalize sports betting in Missouri have repeatedly stalled in the state Senate, where Republican Sen. Denny Hoskins insists it must be paired with the regulation of legally questionable slot-machine-style video games that have popped up in convenience stores and truck stops. Casinos oppose that.

Online sports wagering companies, casinos, professional sports teams and video gaming terminal interests have combined to hire about 80 lobbyists in Missouri.

The St. Louis Cardinals also are leading a coalition of the state's professional sports teams proposing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-betting-missouri-cardinals-chiefs-royals-26b7c94ad2d96ad05c2f4a396ba4e795?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">an initiative petition</a>&nbsp;to put sports betting on the November ballot. But Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden doubts the prospects of both the initiative petition and legislation, bemoaning that Missouri may "lose out on probably some fairly significant economic activity.”

Data suggests Missourians are interested in sports betting. From mid-June to mid-December, the technology firm GeoComply Solutions processed over 13.5 million location checks from 280,000 devices located in Missouri attempting to access mobile sports betting sites. About 48% were trying to use sportsbooks in Kansas, and 40% in Illinois. They were blocked from doing so.

When Koenig wants to bet on sports, he drives 45 minutes from his Missouri home to Illinois. He is not alone.

GeoComply processed 42,000 location checks from 1,900 online sports betting accounts that traveled from Missouri to an Illinois border town in the past six months. When the Kansas City Chiefs hosted the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 10, GeoComply tallied 786 location checks from 570 sportsbook accounts traveling from Missouri border towns into Kansas.

“It’s very easy for people to cross over, place their bets and then return to their home and watch the game,” GeoComply spokesman John Pappas said. "We see this thousands of times a day, a week, in any given state where it’s not legal.”

In Georgia, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has expressed an openness to legalizing sports betting. But the effort stalled this past year when the Senate rejected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gambling-gaming-sports-betting-georgia-51ba7da58835cf3ae47bf3dc67eb9324?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">a proposed constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;that would have let voters decide the issue. The debate is complex because proponents of casinos and horse racing want to leverage sports wagering to also legalize those forms of gambling.

Though still a toss-up, Georgia may be the most realistic candidate to authorize sports betting in 2024, Giden said. She expects a well-funded lobbying effort from the likes of online betting operators and sports teams.

To legally bet on sports in Alabama also would require a constitutional amendment approved by voters. In the Legislature, sports wagering proposals have become intertwined with broader efforts to expand gambling beyond the current tribal casinos, dog racing tracks and charitable bingo operators. None have been successful yet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662056609748.png" alt="Last summer, Governor Kelly signed bipartisan legislation to legalize sports betting in Kansas. A week before football season began, she&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTMuNzE0NzE2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3YvZ292ZXJub3ItbGF1cmEta2VsbHktcGxhY2VzLWZpcnN0LWxlZ2FsLXNwb3J0cy1iZXQtaW4ta2Fuc2FzLyJ9.Vskklr-8vX_PHzEbTwW3Txd41JD2c25bz2i1xlD6S5M/s/1303160919/br/154412150731-l" target="_blank">made</a>&nbsp;the state’s first legal sports bet at Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas, wagering $15 dollars in honor of Patrick Mahomes on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl.&nbsp; She donated the winnings to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTMuNzE0NzE2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy4xNWFuZHRoZW1haG9taWVzLm9yZy8ifQ.QTFBEOnjdY6V63L1YCgcfXAULG--XYgXv9pnxGrMZqI/s/1303160919/br/154412150731-l" target="_blank">15 and&nbsp;Mahomies&nbsp;Foundation</a>-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Last summer, Governor Kelly signed bipartisan legislation to legalize sports betting in Kansas. A week before football season began, she&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTMuNzE0NzE2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3YvZ292ZXJub3ItbGF1cmEta2VsbHktcGxhY2VzLWZpcnN0LWxlZ2FsLXNwb3J0cy1iZXQtaW4ta2Fuc2FzLyJ9.Vskklr-8vX_PHzEbTwW3Txd41JD2c25bz2i1xlD6S5M/s/1303160919/br/154412150731-l" target="_blank">made</a>&nbsp;the state’s first legal sports bet at Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas, wagering $15 dollars in honor of Patrick Mahomes on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl.&nbsp; She donated the winnings to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzAyMTMuNzE0NzE2MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy4xNWFuZHRoZW1haG9taWVzLm9yZy8ifQ.QTFBEOnjdY6V63L1YCgcfXAULG--XYgXv9pnxGrMZqI/s/1303160919/br/154412150731-l" target="_blank">15 and&nbsp;Mahomies&nbsp;Foundation</a>-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — At his suburban St. Louis home, Brett Koenig can pull out his smartphone and open a sports betting app. But he can't place a bet. He is blocked by a pop-up message noting he is not in a legal location.Missouri is one of a dozen states where sports wagering remains illegal more than five years after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/f3fa1f71b8f44378a7e2c51d321b13b4?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way</a>&nbsp;for states to adopt it.“It just seems silly that everyone else can do it and we can’t,” said Koenig, who has launched a social media campaign called "Let MO Play" to rally support for legal sports betting in his home state.Other states have reaped a total of over $4 billion of taxes from more than $280 billion wagered on sports since 2018. Vermont will become the latest to accept sports bets,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/vermont-online-sports-betting-17c4132daa8c30858ecf6644de38bc1a?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">starting Jan. 11</a>, But the odds for expansion to additional states appear iffy in 2024 because of political resistance and the sometimes competing financial interests of existing gambling operators.“The handful of states yet to legalize are last for a reason: They all have multiple obstacles," said Becca Giden, policy director at Eilers &amp; Krejcik Gaming, a California-based consulting firm.After a “whirlwind” of expansion, the playing field for further sports betting has narrowed to a group of states where various stakeholders all “want to kind of maximize what they get out of the legalization framework," said Chris Cylke, senior vice president of government relations at the American Gaming Association, which represents the industry. "So that can create some friction.”The states where sports betting remains illegal are Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Utah.California and Texas, the nation's two most populous states, would be the biggest prizes for sports bettors. But neither appear particularly likely to adopt it in 2024.Voters in California last year overwhelmingly defeated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-sports-california-f4f4f87d391d31a18c781256b42c8133?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">two rival sports betting initiatives</a>&nbsp;following a record $463 million raised by supporters and opponents. The advertising barrage was fueled by divisions among online gaming companies, tribal casinos and horse tracks. Those tensions have continued, with Native American tribes objecting to a new sports betting initiative that is seeking signatures to appear on the 2024 ballot.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dallas-mavericks-mark-cuban-adelson-family-sale-28b58fc35f5c4159b5a4b61c749186b3?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">proposed sale</a>&nbsp;of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team to a politically active family that runs the Las Vegas Sands casino company has raised speculation of a bigger push for legal sports betting in Texas. But the state Legislature is not in regular session in 2024, and Texas has no means of placing citizen initiatives on the ballot.Neighboring Oklahoma already has scores of casinos run by tribes. Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt&nbsp;<a href="https://oklahoma.gov/governor/newsroom/newsroom/2023/november2023/governor-stitt-announces-plan-to-bring-sports-betting-to-oklahom.html">announced a plan</a>&nbsp;in November to allow in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and online sports wagering through platforms licensed by the state. But his plan doesn’t appear to have support from tribes, with whom Stitt has been feuding.Minnesota is perhaps the next likeliest state to authorize sports betting, but that probably would require a bipartisan vote in the Senate, where Democrats hold a slim one-seat advantage over Republicans. Lawmakers this past year struggled to resolve differences between tribal casinos, which want exclusive rights over online and in-person sports betting, and horse racing tracks, which also want a greater share of the gambling market. But they will try again.“From the perspective of the tribes, the moment is now, and they'd like to see it done this year,” said Democratic state Sen. Matt Klein, a sponsor of sports betting legislation.Efforts to legalize sports betting in Missouri have repeatedly stalled in the state Senate, where Republican Sen. Denny Hoskins insists it must be paired with the regulation of legally questionable slot-machine-style video games that have popped up in convenience stores and truck stops. Casinos oppose that.Online sports wagering companies, casinos, professional sports teams and video gaming terminal interests have combined to hire about 80 lobbyists in Missouri.The St. Louis Cardinals also are leading a coalition of the state's professional sports teams proposing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-betting-missouri-cardinals-chiefs-royals-26b7c94ad2d96ad05c2f4a396ba4e795?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">an initiative petition</a>&nbsp;to put sports betting on the November ballot. But Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden doubts the prospects of both the initiative petition and legislation, bemoaning that Missouri may "lose out on probably some fairly significant economic activity.”Data suggests Missourians are interested in sports betting. From mid-June to mid-December, the technology firm GeoComply Solutions processed over 13.5 million location checks from 280,000 devices located in Missouri attempting to access mobile sports betting sites. About 48% were trying to use sportsbooks in Kansas, and 40% in Illinois. They were blocked from doing so.When Koenig wants to bet on sports, he drives 45 minutes from his Missouri home to Illinois. He is not alone.GeoComply processed 42,000 location checks from 1,900 online sports betting accounts that traveled from Missouri to an Illinois border town in the past six months. When the Kansas City Chiefs hosted the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 10, GeoComply tallied 786 location checks from 570 sportsbook accounts traveling from Missouri border towns into Kansas.“It’s very easy for people to cross over, place their bets and then return to their home and watch the game,” GeoComply spokesman John Pappas said. "We see this thousands of times a day, a week, in any given state where it’s not legal.”In Georgia, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has expressed an openness to legalizing sports betting. But the effort stalled this past year when the Senate rejected&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gambling-gaming-sports-betting-georgia-51ba7da58835cf3ae47bf3dc67eb9324?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">a proposed constitutional amendment</a>&nbsp;that would have let voters decide the issue. The debate is complex because proponents of casinos and horse racing want to leverage sports wagering to also legalize those forms of gambling.Though still a toss-up, Georgia may be the most realistic candidate to authorize sports betting in 2024, Giden said. She expects a well-funded lobbying effort from the likes of online betting operators and sports teams.To legally bet on sports in Alabama also would require a constitutional amendment approved by voters. In the Legislature, sports wagering proposals have become intertwined with broader efforts to expand gambling beyond the current tribal casinos, dog racing tracks and charitable bingo operators. None have been successful yet.Republican state Sen. Greg Albritton said some lawmakers are working on new gambling legislation that would include casinos, a lottery and sports betting."Whatever happens, if I have my way, this issue will be debated this year,” he said.