KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are&nbsp;&nbsp;investigating a homicide in Kansas City.

Just before 4a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to an apartment in the 900 block of E 134th Street on a reported Welfare Check, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez

When officers arrived to the apartment, they located evidence of a possible disturbance that may have occurred inside. They entered the apartment to check for any victims or injured persons. While searching the apartment for anyone in need of possible assistance, a woman was located suffering from apparent bodily trauma and she unresponsive, according to Gonzalez.

&nbsp;EMS personnel also responded to the scene and declared the victim deceased.

Preliminary information indicated the victim and an adult male subject were involved in a verbal altercation the turned physical. Due to the help of the public and neighboring police agencies, detectives were able to quickly locate a male subject of interest and take him into custody for further questioning. 

Detectives are not looking for any additional subjects of interest at this time. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene to begin gathering evidence and collecting any witness statements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735222031093.png" alt="Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are&nbsp;&nbsp;investigating a homicide in Kansas City.Just before 4a.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to an apartment in the 900 block of E 134th Street on a reported Welfare Check, according to KCPD Officer&nbsp;Officer Alayna GonzalezWhen officers arrived to the apartment, they located evidence of a possible disturbance that may have occurred inside. They entered the apartment to check for any victims or injured persons. While searching the apartment for anyone in need of possible assistance, a woman was located suffering from apparent bodily trauma and she unresponsive, according to Gonzalez.&nbsp;EMS personnel also responded to the scene and declared the victim deceased.Preliminary information indicated the victim and an adult male subject were involved in a verbal altercation the turned physical. Due to the help of the public and neighboring police agencies, detectives were able to quickly locate a male subject of interest and take him into custody for further questioning. Detectives are not looking for any additional subjects of interest at this time. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene to begin gathering evidence and collecting any witness statements.

Homicide: Woman found dead in Kansas City apartment

SALINA – Millie Moye’s longtime dream is to see a thriving Boys &amp; Girls Club of Salina serving local kids and teens.

“As a mother of two, grandmother of three, great-grandmother of seven, and sister to 14 siblings, I have had the privilege of teaching thousands of students throughout my life,” said Millie Moye. “For over 20 years, I have carried a dream close to my heart: to establish a Boys &amp; Girls Club in Salina, Kansas. I’ve shared this vision with my husband and anyone who would listen, fueled by a deep desire to create a safe space that offers mentorship, friendship, fun, and a sense of belonging.”

Millie’s enthusiasm for the project is contagious. In 2023, a local advisory group was established to transform her dream into reality. Group members include Millie Moye, Roy and Donice Applequist, Jon Blanchard, Heidi Brown, Gabe Grant, Annie Grevas, Nikki Kerwin, Greta Lagerberg, Brenda McDaniel, Nancy Presnal, Mike Schrage, and Phil Smith-Hanes. 

Meeting the “basic needs” of youth is a guiding principle for Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The advisory group’s research indicates that many young people in Salina are struggling with a lack of stability and safety, academic success, sense of belonging, poverty issues, encouragement, support, and positive role modeling.

“From the data gathered in our community, we believe there is not only the need for additional support for our youth, but most particularly, from an organization that specializes in serving and supporting youth needs,” said Greta Lagerberg, an advisory group member and retired counselor for USD 305. “The Boys &amp; Girls Club is a perfect fit. We are honored to be a part of doing the work to create a place for Salina’s youth to grow, for we know that today’s students will be tomorrow’s workforce and citizens.”

The Salina advisory group is working closely with the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson to navigate the many steps to opening a successful Club afterschool and summer program for Salina students.

“This community group is so dedicated and driven to make something great for kids,” said Lance Patterson, CEO of the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson. “I am happy that we can help make it happen.

With the opening of a fund, we are one step closer to changing lives in Salina.” Today the group is one step closer to a Boys &amp; Girls Club in Salina. An organizational fund has been established at the Greater Salina Community Foundation. Group members are actively raising funds. 

To make a gift for the 2024 tax year, interested donors are encouraged to postmark a check or give online at gscf.org before December 31. Gifts for the Boys &amp; Girls Club of Salina Fund should note that they are “nonendowed” to ensure they can be used for operations and capital to establish a Club site.

The Greater Salina Community foundation accepts gifts of cash and check, as well as noncash gifts including retirement plans, stocks, cryptocurrency, life insurance, grain, livestock, closely held stock, real estate and tangible personal property.

“The Boys and Girls Club will be an investment in a healthier, more economically thriving community,” said Millie Moye. “For me, this is not just a dream—it’s a mission to leave Salina better for the generations to come.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735235557039.jpeg" alt="Boys &amp; Girls Club of Salina advisory group signing the fund agreement- courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Boys &amp; Girls Club of Salina advisory group signing the fund agreement- courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Boys and Girls Club of SalinaSALINA – Millie Moye’s longtime dream is to see a thriving Boys &amp; Girls Club of Salina serving local kids and teens.“As a mother of two, grandmother of three, great-grandmother of seven, and sister to 14 siblings, I have had the privilege of teaching thousands of students throughout my life,” said Millie Moye. “For over 20 years, I have carried a dream close to my heart: to establish a Boys &amp; Girls Club in Salina, Kansas. I’ve shared this vision with my husband and anyone who would listen, fueled by a deep desire to create a safe space that offers mentorship, friendship, fun, and a sense of belonging.”Millie’s enthusiasm for the project is contagious. In 2023, a local advisory group was established to transform her dream into reality. Group members include Millie Moye, Roy and Donice Applequist, Jon Blanchard, Heidi Brown, Gabe Grant, Annie Grevas, Nikki Kerwin, Greta Lagerberg, Brenda McDaniel, Nancy Presnal, Mike Schrage, and Phil Smith-Hanes. Meeting the “basic needs” of youth is a guiding principle for Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The advisory group’s research indicates that many young people in Salina are struggling with a lack of stability and safety, academic success, sense of belonging, poverty issues, encouragement, support, and positive role modeling.“From the data gathered in our community, we believe there is not only the need for additional support for our youth, but most particularly, from an organization that specializes in serving and supporting youth needs,” said Greta Lagerberg, an advisory group member and retired counselor for USD 305. “The Boys &amp; Girls Club is a perfect fit. We are honored to be a part of doing the work to create a place for Salina’s youth to grow, for we know that today’s students will be tomorrow’s workforce and citizens.”The Salina advisory group is working closely with the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson to navigate the many steps to opening a successful Club afterschool and summer program for Salina students.“This community group is so dedicated and driven to make something great for kids,” said Lance Patterson, CEO of the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Hutchinson. “I am happy that we can help make it happen.With the opening of a fund, we are one step closer to changing lives in Salina.” Today the group is one step closer to a Boys &amp; Girls Club in Salina. An organizational fund has been established at the Greater Salina Community Foundation. Group members are actively raising funds. To make a gift for the 2024 tax year, interested donors are encouraged to postmark a check or give online at gscf.org before December 31. Gifts for the Boys &amp; Girls Club of Salina Fund should note that they are “nonendowed” to ensure they can be used for operations and capital to establish a Club site.The Greater Salina Community foundation accepts gifts of cash and check, as well as noncash gifts including retirement plans, stocks, cryptocurrency, life insurance, grain, livestock, closely held stock, real estate and tangible personal property.“The Boys and Girls Club will be an investment in a healthier, more economically thriving community,” said Millie Moye. “For me, this is not just a dream—it’s a mission to leave Salina better for the generations to come.

Now accepting gifts to create a Boys & Girls Club of Salina 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in a duplex fire on Christmas night.

Just after 11p.m. Wednesday, someone walking a dog saw flames coming out of the back window of a home in the&nbsp;&nbsp;700 block of E. Meadowlark in Derby and called 911, according to Derby Fire Chief John Turner.

Crews arrived, entered the home and found a man in his 70s in the back of the residence who was pronounced dead at the scene. A pet cat also died, according to Turner.

The victim was home alone at the time of the fire. There were reports of another resident but that person was accounted for, according to Turner. The other portion of the duplex did have some smoke damage.&nbsp; Investigators are working to confirm what caused the fire. The victim's name has not been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735252885062.png" alt="Investigators are working to confirm what caused the fire. -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Investigators are working to confirm what caused the fire. -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —One person died in a duplex fire on Christmas night.Just after 11p.m. Wednesday, someone walking a dog saw flames coming out of the back window of a home in the&nbsp;&nbsp;700 block of E. Meadowlark in Derby and called 911, according to Derby Fire Chief John Turner.Crews arrived, entered the home and found a man in his 70s in the back of the residence who was pronounced dead at the scene. A pet cat also died, according to Turner.The victim was home alone at the time of the fire. There were reports of another resident but that person was accounted for, according to Turner. The other portion of the duplex did have some smoke damage.&nbsp; Investigators are working to confirm what caused the fire. The victim's name has not been released.

Kansas man, pet cat dead after duplex fire on Christmas

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon house cat died after eating pet food that tested positive for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/angela-rasmussen-california-bird-flu-saskatchewan-animals-0299de6bbc3740c8be3c348b1c6055e3">bird flu</a>, Oregon authorities said, prompting a recall of raw frozen pet food that was sold nationwide.

Northwest Naturals, a pet food company based in Portland, Oregon, said Tuesday it had voluntarily recalled one batch of its two-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after it tested positive for the virus. The product was sold through distributors in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, as well as Canada’s British Columbia.

“We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food,” Oregon Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz said in a Tuesday news release. “This cat was strictly an indoor cat; it was not exposed to the virus in its environment, and results from the genome sequencing confirmed that the virus recovered from the raw pet food and infected cat were exact matches to each other.”

The recalled product is packaged in two-pound plastic bags with “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. The company and Oregon authorities said that consumers who bought the recalled product should throw it away immediately and contact the place of purchase for a refund.

No&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-severe-louisiana-2b4a5f55a05cf8be9b169c15e8b9582d">human cases</a>&nbsp;of bird flu have been linked to the incident, but those who were in contact with the cat are being monitored for flu symptoms, Oregon authorities said.

More than 60 people in eight states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-h5n1-spread-people-e5edab844b409b8ba21feaecb10156d0">have been infected</a>, with mostly mild illnesses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. One person in Louisiana has been hospitalized with the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-severe-louisiana-2b4a5f55a05cf8be9b169c15e8b9582d">first known severe illness</a>&nbsp;caused by the virus, health officials said last week.

So far, the CDC has confirmed one human case of bird flu in Oregon. The person was linked to a previously reported outbreak at a commercial poultry operation and fully recovered after experiencing mild illness, according to a November news release from the Oregon Health Authority.

In late October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that a pig at a backyard farm in Oregon was found to have bird flu, marking the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-pig-oregon-1f340a8f8c781e20478cbddabd2d9e18">first detection of the virus in U.S. swine</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733747978622.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon house cat died after eating pet food that tested positive for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/angela-rasmussen-california-bird-flu-saskatchewan-animals-0299de6bbc3740c8be3c348b1c6055e3">bird flu</a>, Oregon authorities said, prompting a recall of raw frozen pet food that was sold nationwide.Northwest Naturals, a pet food company based in Portland, Oregon, said Tuesday it had voluntarily recalled one batch of its two-pound Feline Turkey Recipe raw frozen pet food after it tested positive for the virus. The product was sold through distributors in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, as well as Canada’s British Columbia.“We are confident that this cat contracted H5N1 by eating the Northwest Naturals raw and frozen pet food,” Oregon Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian Dr. Ryan Scholz said in a Tuesday news release. “This cat was strictly an indoor cat; it was not exposed to the virus in its environment, and results from the genome sequencing confirmed that the virus recovered from the raw pet food and infected cat were exact matches to each other.”The recalled product is packaged in two-pound plastic bags with “best if used by” dates of May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026. The company and Oregon authorities said that consumers who bought the recalled product should throw it away immediately and contact the place of purchase for a refund.No&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-severe-louisiana-2b4a5f55a05cf8be9b169c15e8b9582d">human cases</a>&nbsp;of bird flu have been linked to the incident, but those who were in contact with the cat are being monitored for flu symptoms, Oregon authorities said.More than 60 people in eight states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-h5n1-spread-people-e5edab844b409b8ba21feaecb10156d0">have been infected</a>, with mostly mild illnesses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. One person in Louisiana has been hospitalized with the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-severe-louisiana-2b4a5f55a05cf8be9b169c15e8b9582d">first known severe illness</a>&nbsp;caused by the virus, health officials said last week.So far, the CDC has confirmed one human case of bird flu in Oregon. The person was linked to a previously reported outbreak at a commercial poultry operation and fully recovered after experiencing mild illness, according to a November news release from the Oregon Health Authority.In late October, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that a pig at a backyard farm in Oregon was found to have bird flu, marking the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-pig-oregon-1f340a8f8c781e20478cbddabd2d9e18">first detection of the virus in U.S. swine</a>.

House cat died after eating pet food that tested positive for bird flu

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ryan-wesley-routh">man accused of attempting to assassinate</a>&nbsp;President-elect Donald Trump in South Florida won't be tried until September 2025, a federal judge ruled this week.

Ryan Routh's trial will begin Sept. 8 instead of the previously scheduled Feb. 10, 2025 start date, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon said in an order released on Monday.

Routh, 58, a Hawaii resident, has pleaded not guilty.

Routh's attorneys&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-florida-assassination-attempt-routh-4d1772992e6897648f07da7c120a4a18">had asked the judge</a>&nbsp;to delay the trial until no earlier than next December, saying they needed more time to review the evidence against him and decide whether to mount an insanity defense.

Routh owned 17 cellphones and numerous other electronic devices, and there are hundreds of hours of police body camera and surveillance videos that have been provided to the defense, Routh's attorneys argued during a hearing two weeks ago in Fort Pierce, Florida.

In her order, Cannon said she wanted to err on the side of providing more time given the seriousness of the allegations, but that starting the trial no earlier than December would be an excessive amount. A September trial date didn't amount to an “unreasonable delay,” she said.

The judge said that any insanity defense or any request related to Routh's mental competency must be made by early February. Any visit to the scene of the assassination attempt must be made by the end of February.

Prosecutors say Routh methodically plotted to kill Trump for weeks before aiming a rifle through the shrubbery as Trump played golf on Sept. 15, 2024 at his West Palm Beach country club. Before Trump came into view, Routh was spotted by a Secret Service agent. Routh allegedly aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot. Prosecutors say he left behind a note describing his intentions.

He was arrested a short time later driving on a nearby interstate.

Routh’s charge of attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate carries a potential life sentence in the event of a conviction. Other charges include assaulting a federal officer and three firearms counts. He is being held without bail at the federal jail in Miami.

Routh’s arrest came two months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vp-vance-rubio-7c7ba6b99b5f38d2d840ed95b2fdc3e5">Trump was shot and wounded</a>&nbsp;in the ear in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-secret-service-assassination-attempt-campaign-7dca5e30730287f46cceaa35437f0d47">The Secret Service acknowledged failings</a>&nbsp;leading up to that shooting but has said security worked as it should have to thwart the potential Florida attack.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726536262473.png" alt="Routh during his arrest -photo Martin County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Routh during his arrest -photo Martin County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ryan-wesley-routh">man accused of attempting to assassinate</a>&nbsp;President-elect Donald Trump in South Florida won't be tried until September 2025, a federal judge ruled this week.Ryan Routh's trial will begin Sept. 8 instead of the previously scheduled Feb. 10, 2025 start date, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon said in an order released on Monday.Routh, 58, a Hawaii resident, has pleaded not guilty.Routh's attorneys&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-florida-assassination-attempt-routh-4d1772992e6897648f07da7c120a4a18">had asked the judge</a>&nbsp;to delay the trial until no earlier than next December, saying they needed more time to review the evidence against him and decide whether to mount an insanity defense.Routh owned 17 cellphones and numerous other electronic devices, and there are hundreds of hours of police body camera and surveillance videos that have been provided to the defense, Routh's attorneys argued during a hearing two weeks ago in Fort Pierce, Florida.In her order, Cannon said she wanted to err on the side of providing more time given the seriousness of the allegations, but that starting the trial no earlier than December would be an excessive amount. A September trial date didn't amount to an “unreasonable delay,” she said.The judge said that any insanity defense or any request related to Routh's mental competency must be made by early February. Any visit to the scene of the assassination attempt must be made by the end of February.Prosecutors say Routh methodically plotted to kill Trump for weeks before aiming a rifle through the shrubbery as Trump played golf on Sept. 15, 2024 at his West Palm Beach country club. Before Trump came into view, Routh was spotted by a Secret Service agent. Routh allegedly aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot. Prosecutors say he left behind a note describing his intentions.He was arrested a short time later driving on a nearby interstate.Routh’s charge of attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate carries a potential life sentence in the event of a conviction. Other charges include assaulting a federal officer and three firearms counts. He is being held without bail at the federal jail in Miami.Routh’s arrest came two months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-vp-vance-rubio-7c7ba6b99b5f38d2d840ed95b2fdc3e5">Trump was shot and wounded</a>&nbsp;in the ear in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-secret-service-assassination-attempt-campaign-7dca5e30730287f46cceaa35437f0d47">The Secret Service acknowledged failings</a>&nbsp;leading up to that shooting but has said security worked as it should have to thwart the potential Florida attack.

Judge issues new ruling against Trump would-be assassin

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon acknowledged this week that there are more than 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq, the total routinely touted publicly. It also said the number of forces in Syria has grown over the past “several years” due to increasing threats, but was not openly disclosed.

Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, said in a statement that there are “at least 2,500” U.S. military personnel in Iraq “plus some additional, temporary enablers” that are on rotational deployments. He said that due to diplomatic considerations, the department will not provide more specifics.

The U.S. concluded sensitive negotiations with the government of Iraq in September that called for troops to begin leaving after the November election. The presence of U.S. troops there has long been a political liability for Iraqi leaders who are under increased pressure and influence from Iran.

U.S. officials have not provided details about the withdrawal agreement, but it calls for the mission against the Islamic State group to end by September 2025, and that some U.S. troops will remain through 2026 to support the anti-IS mission in Syria. Some troops may stay in the Kurdistan region after that because the regional government would like them to stay.

Ryder announced last week that there are about 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria – more than double the 900 that the U.S. had acknowledged publicly until now. On Monday he said the extra 1,100 deploy for shorter times to do force protection, transportation, maintenance and other missions. He said the number has fluctuated for the past several years and increased “over time.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon acknowledged this week that there are more than 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq, the total routinely touted publicly. It also said the number of forces in Syria has grown over the past “several years” due to increasing threats, but was not openly disclosed.Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, said in a statement that there are “at least 2,500” U.S. military personnel in Iraq “plus some additional, temporary enablers” that are on rotational deployments. He said that due to diplomatic considerations, the department will not provide more specifics.The U.S. concluded sensitive negotiations with the government of Iraq in September that called for troops to begin leaving after the November election. The presence of U.S. troops there has long been a political liability for Iraqi leaders who are under increased pressure and influence from Iran.U.S. officials have not provided details about the withdrawal agreement, but it calls for the mission against the Islamic State group to end by September 2025, and that some U.S. troops will remain through 2026 to support the anti-IS mission in Syria. Some troops may stay in the Kurdistan region after that because the regional government would like them to stay.Ryder announced last week that there are about 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria – more than double the 900 that the U.S. had acknowledged publicly until now. On Monday he said the extra 1,100 deploy for shorter times to do force protection, transportation, maintenance and other missions. He said the number has fluctuated for the past several years and increased “over time.”

Pentagon quietly increases number of US troops in Iraq, Syria

DONIPHAN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Wednesday in Doniphan County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Toyota Tundra driven by Maria Ann&nbsp;Keys, 37, Bendena, was northbound on Kansas 7 just north of 120th Road

The pickup crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2002 Chevy Suburban driven by Kace Rayelee Keller, 22, Troy, head-on.

A passenger in the SUV identified as Katlyn&nbsp; Folsom, 22, Troy, was pronounced dead at at the sene and was transported to&nbsp; Becker-Dyer Funeral Home. EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. Keys was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

DONIPHAN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Wednesday in Doniphan County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Toyota Tundra driven by Maria Ann&nbsp;Keys, 37, Bendena, was northbound on Kansas 7 just north of 120th RoadThe pickup crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2002 Chevy Suburban driven by Kace Rayelee Keller, 22, Troy, head-on.A passenger in the SUV identified as Katlyn&nbsp; Folsom, 22, Troy, was pronounced dead at at the sene and was transported to&nbsp; Becker-Dyer Funeral Home. EMS transported both drivers to Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph. Keys was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman killed in Christmas Day head-on crash

TOPEKA— The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Kansas City is asking for help to locate two wanted fugitives known for alleged sleight-of-hand thefts at jewelry stores, according to a statement from the ageney.

Authorities are searching for 53-year-old&nbsp;Vasile Sava&nbsp;and 54-year-old&nbsp;Onita Rostas.&nbsp;Authorities believe Sava and Rostas are married, and may be using a variety of aliases.

In January, Sava and Rostas were the subjects of arrest warrants, issued by United States District Court, District of Kansas, after being charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Sava and Rostas, along with other suspects, targeted multiple jewelry businesses, according to a statement from the FBI. The suspects would enter the stores in groups of two or more. One of the suspects would distract or separate the employees while another would remove, conceal, and ultimately make off with items of jewelry that had been on display. The FBI calls this practice a sleight-of-hand distraction theft.

The thieves would then take the stolen jewelry elsewhere in the U.S. to be sold, prosecutors said.

The jewelry stores in Kansas Marks Jewelers in Lawrence; Calhoun's in Topeka, Venable Jewlers in McPherson and G. Thomas in Manhattan.

The pair may be living in or operating across multiple states including California, Texas, Florida, Maryland, and Virginia.

It is unknown if the pair has ties to the Kansas City area.

Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact any law enforcement agency, or reach out to the FBI directly through&nbsp;<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">this tip website</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734634218307.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA— The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Kansas City is asking for help to locate two wanted fugitives known for alleged sleight-of-hand thefts at jewelry stores, according to a statement from the ageney.Authorities are searching for 53-year-old&nbsp;Vasile Sava&nbsp;and 54-year-old&nbsp;Onita Rostas.&nbsp;Authorities believe Sava and Rostas are married, and may be using a variety of aliases.In January, Sava and Rostas were the subjects of arrest warrants, issued by United States District Court, District of Kansas, after being charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734634248605.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Sava and Rostas, along with other suspects, targeted multiple jewelry businesses, according to a statement from the FBI. The suspects would enter the stores in groups of two or more. One of the suspects would distract or separate the employees while another would remove, conceal, and ultimately make off with items of jewelry that had been on display. The FBI calls this practice a sleight-of-hand distraction theft.The thieves would then take the stolen jewelry elsewhere in the U.S. to be sold, prosecutors said.The jewelry stores in Kansas Marks Jewelers in Lawrence; Calhoun's in Topeka, Venable Jewlers in McPherson and G. Thomas in Manhattan.The pair may be living in or operating across multiple states including California, Texas, Florida, Maryland, and Virginia.It is unknown if the pair has ties to the Kansas City area.Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact any law enforcement agency, or reach out to the FBI directly through&nbsp;<a href="https://tips.fbi.gov/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">this tip website</a>

FBI: Search continues for Kan. jewelry store robbery suspects

KANSAS CITY—A nurse at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Kansas City, Missouri has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to child pornography.

Paul Robert Wyatt, 56, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., was charged in a three-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Tuesday, Dec. 17. 

The indictment was unsealed and made public&nbsp; following Wyatt’s arrest and initial court appearance.

Wyatt is employed as a nurse at the Kansas City V.A. Medical Center on Linwood Boulevard in Kansas City, Mo.

The federal indictment alleges that Wyatt distributed child pornography over the internet on Sept. 9, 2023. The indictment also charges Wyatt with one count of receiving child pornography on Oct. 12, 2023, and one count of possessing child pornography (which involved a victim under the age of 12) on Nov. 22, 2023.

KANSAS CITY—A nurse at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Kansas City, Missouri has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to child pornography.Paul Robert Wyatt, 56, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., was charged in a three-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Tuesday, Dec. 17. The indictment was unsealed and made public&nbsp; following Wyatt’s arrest and initial court appearance.Wyatt is employed as a nurse at the Kansas City V.A. Medical Center on Linwood Boulevard in Kansas City, Mo.The federal indictment alleges that Wyatt distributed child pornography over the internet on Sept. 9, 2023. The indictment also charges Wyatt with one count of receiving child pornography on Oct. 12, 2023, and one count of possessing child pornography (which involved a victim under the age of 12) on Nov. 22, 2023.

VA nurse in KC accused of having child porn involving a juvenile victim

MANHATTAN — Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a Christmas morning house fire in Manhattan.

Just after 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to house fire at 2717 Wyndham Heights Drive, according to a media release.&nbsp;

Crews found a single-family dwelling with heavy fire and smoke coming from the back of the house. Fire crews aggressively attacked the fire and searched the house for occupants, but none were found.&nbsp; 

The fire reached a second alarm before it was contained within 30 minutes.&nbsp; A total of 17 firefighters responded on 6 fire apparatus with fire units clearing by 10:30 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;The house is a one-story with a walk-out basement.&nbsp; Two occupants live in the home, but neither were home when firefighters arrived on the scene.&nbsp;

 The building is no longer habitable. Loss is estimated at $250,000 to contents and $450,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Kenny Fischer of the same address.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735159100227.png" alt="-Photo Manhattan fire department" />
 <figcaption>-Photo Manhattan fire department</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — Fire investigators are working to determine the cause of a Christmas morning house fire in Manhattan.Just after 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to house fire at 2717 Wyndham Heights Drive, according to a media release.&nbsp;Crews found a single-family dwelling with heavy fire and smoke coming from the back of the house. Fire crews aggressively attacked the fire and searched the house for occupants, but none were found.&nbsp; The fire reached a second alarm before it was contained within 30 minutes.&nbsp; A total of 17 firefighters responded on 6 fire apparatus with fire units clearing by 10:30 a.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;The house is a one-story with a walk-out basement.&nbsp; Two occupants live in the home, but neither were home when firefighters arrived on the scene.&nbsp; The building is no longer habitable. Loss is estimated at $250,000 to contents and $450,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Kenny Fischer of the same address.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kan. home no longer habitable after fire Christmas morning

Hang onto those stocking-stuffer lottery tickets.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-powerball-lottery-price-6d07dbc300b42565f3d87c058841b816">Mega Millions</a>&nbsp;jackpot has surpassed $1 billion after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn on Christmas Eve. That means the estimated jackpot for Friday's drawing is $1.15 billion, potentially the fifth-largest jackpot in the game's history.

“We know that many people will likely receive tickets to Friday’s drawing as holiday gifts, and what a gift that would turn out to be if you ended up with a ticket worth a $1.15 billion jackpot,” Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium said in a Wednesday statement.

The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350, while the odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are 1 in 24, according to lottery officials.

Tickets for the game are sold in 45 states, along with Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mega Millions tickets are $2 a piece. Half of the proceeds from the sale of each ticket remains in the state where the ticket was sold. Drawings are held at 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Hang onto those stocking-stuffer lottery tickets.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-powerball-lottery-price-6d07dbc300b42565f3d87c058841b816">Mega Millions</a>&nbsp;jackpot has surpassed $1 billion after no ticket matched all six numbers drawn on Christmas Eve. That means the estimated jackpot for Friday's drawing is $1.15 billion, potentially the fifth-largest jackpot in the game's history.“We know that many people will likely receive tickets to Friday’s drawing as holiday gifts, and what a gift that would turn out to be if you ended up with a ticket worth a $1.15 billion jackpot,” Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium said in a Wednesday statement.The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350, while the odds of winning any Mega Millions prize are 1 in 24, according to lottery officials.Tickets for the game are sold in 45 states, along with Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mega Millions tickets are $2 a piece. Half of the proceeds from the sale of each ticket remains in the state where the ticket was sold. Drawings are held at 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Jackpot for Mega Millions surges past $1 billion 

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) — Victims' families and others affected by crimes that resulted in federal death row convictions shared a range of emotions on Monday, from relief to anger, after President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-death-row-commutations-trump-executions-f67b5e04453cd1aa6383c516bc14f300">commuted dozens of the sentences</a>.

On social media President-elect Trump criticized Biden.

Biden converted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The inmates include people who were convicted in the slayings of police, military officers and federal prisoners and guards. Others were involved in deadly robberies and drug deals.

Three inmates will remain on federal death row:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/dylann-roof">Dylann Roof</a>, convicted of the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; the 2013 Boston Marathon Bomber,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/dzhokhar-tsarnaev">Dzhokhar Tsarnaev</a>, and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting-death-penalty-27e3b1a505cacdd674ee9b8a179aa1a8">Tree of life Synagogue in 2018</a>, the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history.

Opponents of the death penalty&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-celebrates-president-bidens-historic-federal-death-row-commutations">lauded Biden</a>&nbsp;for a decision they'd long sought. Supporters of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, a vocal advocate of expanding capital punishment, criticized the move&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenTomCotton/status/1871161007805989141">as an assault to common decency</a>&nbsp;just weeks before the president-elect takes office.

Victims' families and former colleagues share relief and anger

Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner was killed by an inmate whose death sentence was commuted, said the execution of “the person who killed my police partner and best friend would have brought me no peace.”

“The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said in a statement also issued by the White House, “and what is consistent with the faith he and I share.”

Heather Turner, whose mother, Donna Major, was killed in a bank robbery in South Carolina in 2017, called Biden's commutation of the killer's sentence a “clear gross abuse of power” in a Facebook post, adding that the weeks she spent in court with the hope of justice were now “just a waste of time.”

“At no point did the president consider the victims,” Turner wrote. “He, and his supporters, have blood on their hands.”

Decision to leave Roof on death row met with conflicting emotions

There has always been a broad range of opinions on what punishment Roof should face from the families of the nine people killed and the survivors of the massacre at the Mother Emanuel AME Church. Many forgave him, but some say they can’t forget and their forgiveness doesn’t mean they don’t want to see him put to death for what he did.

Felicia Sanders survived the shooting shielding her granddaughter while watching Roof kill her son, Tywanza, and her aunt, Susie Jackson. Sanders brought her bullet-torn bloodstained Bible to his sentencing and said then she can’t even close her eyes to pray because Roof started firing during the closing prayer of Bible study that night.

In a text message to her lawyer, Andy Savage, Sanders called Biden’s decision to not spare Roof’s life a wonderful Christmas gift.

Michael Graham, whose sister, Cynthia Hurd, was killed, told The Associated Press that Roof’s lack of remorse and simmering white nationalism in the country means he is the kind of dangerous and evil person the death penalty is intended for.

“This was a crime against a race of people," Graham said. “It didn’t matter who was there, only that they were Black.”

But the Rev. Sharon Richer, who was Tywanza Sanders’ cousin and whose mother, Ethel Lance, was killed, criticized Biden for not sparing Roof and clearing out all of death row. She said every time Roof’s case comes up through numerous appeals it is like reliving the massacre all over again.

“I need the President to understand that when you put a killer on death row, you also put their victims' families in limbo with the false promise that we must wait until there is an execution before we can begin to heal,” Richer said in a statement.

Richer, a board member of Death Penalty Action, which seeks to abolish capital punishment, was driven to tears by conflicting emotions during a Zoom news conference Monday.

“The families are left to be hostages for the years and years of appeals that are to come,” Richer said. “I’ve got to stay away from the news today. I’ve got to turn the TV off — because whose face am I going to see?”

Biden is giving more attention to the three inmates he chose not to spare, something they all wanted as a part of what drove them to kill, said Abraham Bonowitz, Death Penalty Action’s executive director.

“These three racists and terrorists who have been left on death row came to their crimes from political motivations. When Donald Trump gets to execute them what will really be happening is they will be given a global platform for their agenda of hatred,” Bonowitz said.

Biden had faced pressure from advocacy organizations to commute federal death sentences, and several praised him for taking action in his final month in office.

Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, said in a statement that Biden “has shown our country — and the rest of the world — that the brutal and inhumane policies of our past do not belong in our future.”

Republicans, including Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, on the other hand, criticized the move — and argued its moral ground was shaky given the three exceptions.

“Once again, Democrats side with depraved criminals over their victims, public order, and common decency,” Cotton wrote on X. “Democrats can’t even defend Biden’s outrageous decision as some kind of principled, across-the-board opposition to the death penalty since he didn’t commute the three most politically toxic cases.”

Liz Murrill, Louisiana's Republican attorney general, criticized the commuted sentence of Len Davis, a former New Orleans policeman convicted of orchestrating the killing of a woman who had filed a complaint against him.

“We can’t trust the Feds to get justice for victims of heinous crimes, so it’s long past time for the state to get it done,” the tough-on-crime Republican said in a written statement to the AP.

One inmate's attorney expresses thanks — and his remorse

Two men whose sentences were commuted were Norris Holder and Billie Jerome Allen, on death row for opening fire with assault rifles during a 1997 bank robbery in St. Louis, killing a guard, 46-year-old Richard Heflin.

Holder’s attorney, Madeline Cohen, said in an email that Holder, who is Black, was sentenced to death by an all-white jury. She said his case “reflects many of the system’s flaws,” and thanked Biden for commuting his sentence.

“Norris’ case exemplifies the racial bias and arbitrariness that led the President to commute federal death sentences,” Cohen said. “Norris has always been deeply remorseful for the pain his actions caused, and we hope this decision brings some measure of closure to Richard Heflin’s family.”

Swenson reported from Seattle. Associated Press writers Jim Salter in O'Fallon, Missouri, and Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734957421965.png" alt="According to the U.S. Attorney, in 2014, a federal jury in Louisiana decided that Thomas Sanders, 57, should be put to death for the brutal kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Lexis Roberts in the fall of 2010. Sanders drove several days across the country before he murdered the girl in a wooded area in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. Evidence at trial established that Sanders shot Lexis Roberts four times, cut her throat, and left her body in the woods where a hunter found her body . President Biden commuted his sentence-photo Yavapai County, AZ Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>According to the U.S. Attorney, in 2014, a federal jury in Louisiana decided that Thomas Sanders, 57, should be put to death for the brutal kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Lexis Roberts in the fall of 2010. Sanders drove several days across the country before he murdered the girl in a wooded area in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. Evidence at trial established that Sanders shot Lexis Roberts four times, cut her throat, and left her body in the woods where a hunter found her body . President Biden commuted his sentence-photo Yavapai County, AZ Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) — Victims' families and others affected by crimes that resulted in federal death row convictions shared a range of emotions on Monday, from relief to anger, after President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-death-row-commutations-trump-executions-f67b5e04453cd1aa6383c516bc14f300">commuted dozens of the sentences</a>.On social media President-elect Trump criticized Biden.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1735074506437.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Biden converted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The inmates include people who were convicted in the slayings of police, military officers and federal prisoners and guards. Others were involved in deadly robberies and drug deals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734969024431.png" alt="Serial killer Jorge Torrez, sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia also pleaded guilty for the fatal stabbings of 8-year-old Laura Hobbs and 9-year-old Krystal Tobias on Mother's Day 2005. President Biden commuted his sentence-photo Lake County, Illinois Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Serial killer Jorge Torrez, sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia also pleaded guilty for the fatal stabbings of 8-year-old Laura Hobbs and 9-year-old Krystal Tobias on Mother's Day 2005. President Biden commuted his sentence-photo Lake County, Illinois Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>Three inmates will remain on federal death row:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/dylann-roof">Dylann Roof</a>, convicted of the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; the 2013 Boston Marathon Bomber,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/dzhokhar-tsarnaev">Dzhokhar Tsarnaev</a>, and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting-death-penalty-27e3b1a505cacdd674ee9b8a179aa1a8">Tree of life Synagogue in 2018</a>, the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history.Opponents of the death penalty&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-celebrates-president-bidens-historic-federal-death-row-commutations">lauded Biden</a>&nbsp;for a decision they'd long sought. Supporters of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, a vocal advocate of expanding capital punishment, criticized the move&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/SenTomCotton/status/1871161007805989141">as an assault to common decency</a>&nbsp;just weeks before the president-elect takes office.<h2>Victims' families and former colleagues share relief and anger</h2>Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner was killed by an inmate whose death sentence was commuted, said the execution of “the person who killed my police partner and best friend would have brought me no peace.”“The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said in a statement also issued by the White House, “and what is consistent with the faith he and I share.”Heather Turner, whose mother, Donna Major, was killed in a bank robbery in South Carolina in 2017, called Biden's commutation of the killer's sentence a “clear gross abuse of power” in a Facebook post, adding that the weeks she spent in court with the hope of justice were now “just a waste of time.”“At no point did the president consider the victims,” Turner wrote. “He, and his supporters, have blood on their hands.”<h2>Decision to leave Roof on death row met with conflicting emotions</h2>There has always been a broad range of opinions on what punishment Roof should face from the families of the nine people killed and the survivors of the massacre at the Mother Emanuel AME Church. Many forgave him, but some say they can’t forget and their forgiveness doesn’t mean they don’t want to see him put to death for what he did.Felicia Sanders survived the shooting shielding her granddaughter while watching Roof kill her son, Tywanza, and her aunt, Susie Jackson. Sanders brought her bullet-torn bloodstained Bible to his sentencing and said then she can’t even close her eyes to pray because Roof started firing during the closing prayer of Bible study that night.In a text message to her lawyer, Andy Savage, Sanders called Biden’s decision to not spare Roof’s life a wonderful Christmas gift.Michael Graham, whose sister, Cynthia Hurd, was killed, told The Associated Press that Roof’s lack of remorse and simmering white nationalism in the country means he is the kind of dangerous and evil person the death penalty is intended for.“This was a crime against a race of people," Graham said. “It didn’t matter who was there, only that they were Black.”But the Rev. Sharon Richer, who was Tywanza Sanders’ cousin and whose mother, Ethel Lance, was killed, criticized Biden for not sparing Roof and clearing out all of death row. She said every time Roof’s case comes up through numerous appeals it is like reliving the massacre all over again.“I need the President to understand that when you put a killer on death row, you also put their victims' families in limbo with the false promise that we must wait until there is an execution before we can begin to heal,” Richer said in a statement.Richer, a board member of Death Penalty Action, which seeks to abolish capital punishment, was driven to tears by conflicting emotions during a Zoom news conference Monday.“The families are left to be hostages for the years and years of appeals that are to come,” Richer said. “I’ve got to stay away from the news today. I’ve got to turn the TV off — because whose face am I going to see?”Biden is giving more attention to the three inmates he chose not to spare, something they all wanted as a part of what drove them to kill, said Abraham Bonowitz, Death Penalty Action’s executive director.“These three racists and terrorists who have been left on death row came to their crimes from political motivations. When Donald Trump gets to execute them what will really be happening is they will be given a global platform for their agenda of hatred,” Bonowitz said.<h2>Politicians and advocacy groups speak up</h2>Biden had faced pressure from advocacy organizations to commute federal death sentences, and several praised him for taking action in his final month in office.Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, said in a statement that Biden “has shown our country — and the rest of the world — that the brutal and inhumane policies of our past do not belong in our future.”Republicans, including Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, on the other hand, criticized the move — and argued its moral ground was shaky given the three exceptions.“Once again, Democrats side with depraved criminals over their victims, public order, and common decency,” Cotton wrote on X. “Democrats can’t even defend Biden’s outrageous decision as some kind of principled, across-the-board opposition to the death penalty since he didn’t commute the three most politically toxic cases.”Liz Murrill, Louisiana's Republican attorney general, criticized the commuted sentence of Len Davis, a former New Orleans policeman convicted of orchestrating the killing of a woman who had filed a complaint against him.“We can’t trust the Feds to get justice for victims of heinous crimes, so it’s long past time for the state to get it done,” the tough-on-crime Republican said in a written statement to the AP.<h2>One inmate's attorney expresses thanks — and his remorse</h2>Two men whose sentences were commuted were Norris Holder and Billie Jerome Allen, on death row for opening fire with assault rifles during a 1997 bank robbery in St. Louis, killing a guard, 46-year-old Richard Heflin.Holder’s attorney, Madeline Cohen, said in an email that Holder, who is Black, was sentenced to death by an all-white jury. She said his case “reflects many of the system’s flaws,” and thanked Biden for commuting his sentence.“Norris’ case exemplifies the racial bias and arbitrariness that led the President to commute federal death sentences,” Cohen said. “Norris has always been deeply remorseful for the pain his actions caused, and we hope this decision brings some measure of closure to Richard Heflin’s family.”___Swenson reported from Seattle. Associated Press writers Jim Salter in O'Fallon, Missouri, and Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, contributed to this report.

Relief, anger: Families and Trump react to Biden's death row commutations

WASHINGTON (AP) —Approximately 1 million taxpayers will automatically receive special payments of up to $1,400 from the IRS in the coming weeks. The money will be directly deposited into eligible people's bank accounts or sent in the mail by a paper check.

The IRS said it's distributing about $2.4 billion to taxpayers who failed to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. People who missed one of the COVID stimulus payments or had received less than the full amount were able to claim the credit. But the IRS on Friday said it discovered many eligible taxpayers hadn't done so.

“Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a statement.

Here's more about the unexpected cash this group of taxpayers will soon receive:

What's the likelihood I'll receive a check?

Sorry, it's probably pretty low. The IRS said most taxpayers eligible for the federal stimulus payments, formally known as Economic Impact Payments, have already received them.

The special payments announced by the IRS are being sent to those taxpayers who filed a 2021 tax return but left the data field for the Recovery Rebate Credit blank or they filled it out as $0 when they were actually eligible for the credit.

Eligible taxpayers don't have to take any action. The payments will go out automatically this month and should arrive by direct deposit or check by late January 2025. They'll be sent to the bank account listed on the taxpayer's 2023 return or to the address IRS has on file.

Payments will vary but the maximum amount will be $1,400 per individual. The IRS has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-recovery-rebate-credit-questions-and-answers">posted information online</a>&nbsp;about eligibility and how the payment was calculated.

IRS plans to send separate letters to eligible taxpayers notifying them of the special payment.

What if I haven't filed my 2021 tax return yet?

You still might be able to receive the money. However, taxpayers need to file a tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by the April 15, 2025 deadline, even if any income from a job, business or other source was minimal or nonexistent, according to IRS.

How many rounds of COVID stimulus payments were there?

There were three rounds of payments to households impacted by the pandemic, totaling $814 billion. IRS based the amounts that taxpayers received on their income, tax filing status and number of children or qualifying dependents.

In March 2020, eligible individuals received up to $1,200 per income tax filer and $500 per child under the CARES Act. In December 2020, eligible individuals received up to $600 per income tax filer and $600 per child under the Consolidated Appropriations Act. In March 2021, eligible individuals received up to $1,400 per income tax filer and $1,400 per child under the American Rescue Plan Act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690229574211.png" alt="Photo AP" />
 <figcaption>Photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Approximately 1 million taxpayers will automatically receive special payments of up to $1,400 from the IRS in the coming weeks. The money will be directly deposited into eligible people's bank accounts or sent in the mail by a paper check.The IRS said it's distributing about $2.4 billion to taxpayers who failed to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. People who missed one of the COVID stimulus payments or had received less than the full amount were able to claim the credit. But the IRS on Friday said it discovered many eligible taxpayers hadn't done so.“Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a statement.Here's more about the unexpected cash this group of taxpayers will soon receive:<h2>What's the likelihood I'll receive a check?</h2>Sorry, it's probably pretty low. The IRS said most taxpayers eligible for the federal stimulus payments, formally known as Economic Impact Payments, have already received them.The special payments announced by the IRS are being sent to those taxpayers who filed a 2021 tax return but left the data field for the Recovery Rebate Credit blank or they filled it out as $0 when they were actually eligible for the credit.<h2>How will this work?</h2>Eligible taxpayers don't have to take any action. The payments will go out automatically this month and should arrive by direct deposit or check by late January 2025. They'll be sent to the bank account listed on the taxpayer's 2023 return or to the address IRS has on file.Payments will vary but the maximum amount will be $1,400 per individual. The IRS has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2021-recovery-rebate-credit-questions-and-answers">posted information online</a>&nbsp;about eligibility and how the payment was calculated.IRS plans to send separate letters to eligible taxpayers notifying them of the special payment.<h2>What if I haven't filed my 2021 tax return yet?</h2>You still might be able to receive the money. However, taxpayers need to file a tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by the April 15, 2025 deadline, even if any income from a job, business or other source was minimal or nonexistent, according to IRS.<h2>How many rounds of COVID stimulus payments were there?</h2>There were three rounds of payments to households impacted by the pandemic, totaling $814 billion. IRS based the amounts that taxpayers received on their income, tax filing status and number of children or qualifying dependents.In March 2020, eligible individuals received up to $1,200 per income tax filer and $500 per child under the CARES Act. In December 2020, eligible individuals received up to $600 per income tax filer and $600 per child under the Consolidated Appropriations Act. In March 2021, eligible individuals received up to $1,400 per income tax filer and $1,400 per child under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Happy Holidays: IRS is sending special payments to some taxpayers

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>

WASHINGTON — A Kansas City, Missouri, man who pleaded guilty to entering the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and expects a pardon from President-elect Donald Trump will be allowed to attend Trump’s inauguration, a federal judge ordered Thursday.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who presided over Trump’s election subversion case in the District of Columbia, granted Eric Lee Peterson’s request to attend the president-elect’s swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C., as well as a request to expand his local travel restrictions while on bond.

Peterson’s attorney Michael Bullotta argued in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25466047-petersonmotionleave/" target="_blank">motion</a>&nbsp;filed Tuesday that his client deserved the exceptions because he does not have a criminal record and “(h)is offense was entering and remaining in the Capitol for about 8 minutes without proper authorization.”

“Apart from being reasonable on their face, these two modification requests are even more appropriate in light of the incoming Trump administration’s confirmations that President Trump will fully pardon those in Mr. Peterson’s position on his first day in office on January 20, 2025. Thus, his scheduled sentencing hearing before this Court on January 27, 2025 will likely be rendered moot,” Bullotta wrote.

Trump repeatedly promised on the campaign trail to pardon the Jan. 6 defendants, whom he exalted as “patriots,” “warriors” and “hostages.”

The president-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-says-liz-cheney-mississippi-congressman-should-go-jail-jan-6-probe" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;during a Dec. 8 interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker” that he’s “going to be acting very quickly” to pardon the defendants on day one — though he indicated he might make exceptions “if somebody was radical, crazy.”

During that interview, Trump also threatened imprisonment for former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming and current Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, who together oversaw the congressional committee to investigate the Jan. 6 attack.

Peterson pleaded guilty to knowingly and unlawfully entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, for which he faces up to one year in prison, plus a fine.

As part of the plea, he agreed to pay $500 in restitution toward the estimated $2.8 million in damages to the Capitol, according to court filings. Peterson also agreed to hand over to authorities access to all of his social media communication on and around the date of the riot.

Approximately 1,572 people faced federal charges following the attack on the Capitol that stopped Congress for hours from certifying the 2020 presidential election victory for Joe Biden.

Lawmakers and Vice President Mike Pence evacuated to secured locations within the Capitol as rioters assaulted roughly 140 police officers and vandalized several parts of the building, including lawmakers’ offices.

Peterson is among the 996 defendants who pleaded guilty to charges, according to the latest Department of Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/47-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">data</a>.

Peterson appeared on both surveillance video from inside the Capitol and publicly available third-party video taken outside the building during the riot, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25466034-petersonstatementofoffense/" target="_blank">statement of offense</a>&nbsp;signed by Peterson on Oct. 29.

Peterson, in a pink t-shirt over a dark hooded sweatshirt, stood among the crowd of rioters outside the locked Rotunda doors “as the building alarm audibly blared from within the Capitol building,” according to the statement.

Further, the court filing states Peterson entered the building at 3:03 p.m. Eastern and “walked right by a police officer posted at the doors.”

While inside the Rotunda, where several U.S. Capitol Police were present, Peterson took cell phone photos. He exited the building at 3:11 p.m., but remained on the Capitol’s restricted Upper West Terrace afterward, according to the statement.

Peterson was arrested in early August and originally faced a total of four charges that included disorderly conduct and parading, picketing and demonstrating inside the Capitol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734701734862.png" alt="Eric Lee Peterson, of Kansas City, Missouri, pleaded guilty to knowingly and unlawfully entering the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In this Department of Justice photo, he is shown during the U.S. Capitol attack. (Photo from U.S. Department of Justice court filing)" />
 <figcaption>Eric Lee Peterson, of Kansas City, Missouri, pleaded guilty to knowingly and unlawfully entering the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In this Department of Justice photo, he is shown during the U.S. Capitol attack. (Photo from U.S. Department of Justice court filing)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>WASHINGTON — A Kansas City, Missouri, man who pleaded guilty to entering the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and expects a pardon from President-elect Donald Trump will be allowed to attend Trump’s inauguration, a federal judge ordered Thursday.U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who presided over Trump’s election subversion case in the District of Columbia, granted Eric Lee Peterson’s request to attend the president-elect’s swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C., as well as a request to expand his local travel restrictions while on bond.Peterson’s attorney Michael Bullotta argued in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25466047-petersonmotionleave/" target="_blank">motion</a>&nbsp;filed Tuesday that his client deserved the exceptions because he does not have a criminal record and “(h)is offense was entering and remaining in the Capitol for about 8 minutes without proper authorization.”“Apart from being reasonable on their face, these two modification requests are even more appropriate in light of the incoming Trump administration’s confirmations that President Trump will fully pardon those in Mr. Peterson’s position on his first day in office on January 20, 2025. Thus, his scheduled sentencing hearing before this Court on January 27, 2025 will likely be rendered moot,” Bullotta wrote.Trump repeatedly promised on the campaign trail to pardon the Jan. 6 defendants, whom he exalted as “patriots,” “warriors” and “hostages.”The president-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/trump-says-liz-cheney-mississippi-congressman-should-go-jail-jan-6-probe" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;during a Dec. 8 interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press with Kristen Welker” that he’s “going to be acting very quickly” to pardon the defendants on day one — though he indicated he might make exceptions “if somebody was radical, crazy.”During that interview, Trump also threatened imprisonment for former GOP Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming and current Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, who together oversaw the congressional committee to investigate the Jan. 6 attack.Peterson pleaded guilty to knowingly and unlawfully entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, for which he faces up to one year in prison, plus a fine.As part of the plea, he agreed to pay $500 in restitution toward the estimated $2.8 million in damages to the Capitol, according to court filings. Peterson also agreed to hand over to authorities access to all of his social media communication on and around the date of the riot.Approximately 1,572 people faced federal charges following the attack on the Capitol that stopped Congress for hours from certifying the 2020 presidential election victory for Joe Biden.Lawmakers and Vice President Mike Pence evacuated to secured locations within the Capitol as rioters assaulted roughly 140 police officers and vandalized several parts of the building, including lawmakers’ offices.Peterson is among the 996 defendants who pleaded guilty to charges, according to the latest Department of Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/47-months-jan-6-attack-us-capitol" target="_blank">data</a>.Peterson appeared on both surveillance video from inside the Capitol and publicly available third-party video taken outside the building during the riot, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25466034-petersonstatementofoffense/" target="_blank">statement of offense</a>&nbsp;signed by Peterson on Oct. 29.Peterson, in a pink t-shirt over a dark hooded sweatshirt, stood among the crowd of rioters outside the locked Rotunda doors “as the building alarm audibly blared from within the Capitol building,” according to the statement.Further, the court filing states Peterson entered the building at 3:03 p.m. Eastern and “walked right by a police officer posted at the doors.”While inside the Rotunda, where several U.S. Capitol Police were present, Peterson took cell phone photos. He exited the building at 3:11 p.m., but remained on the Capitol’s restricted Upper West Terrace afterward, according to the statement.Peterson was arrested in early August and originally faced a total of four charges that included disorderly conduct and parading, picketing and demonstrating inside the Capitol.

Jan. 6 defendant from KC allowed by court to attend Trump inauguration 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged arson fire in Topeka and have made an arrest

Just after 3:30a.m. Monday crews&nbsp;from the Topeka Fire Department&nbsp;responded to a report fire at&nbsp;Capitol City Smoke &amp; Grocery 500 S.W. 6th Avenue, according to fire department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

 Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke and flames coming from a single-story business and were able to quickly extinguish the fire, keeping it contained to the business where it started. 

No occupants were located and no injuries were reported. Investigators determined the fire was&nbsp;intentionally set. As a result of the investigation, police arrested 38-year-old Derrick J. Martinez and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on one count of arson and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

The total estimated loss associated with the fire was approximately $7,500.&nbsp;Working smoke detectors were not located in the structure where the fire originated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734967280892.png" alt="Martinez-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Martinez-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged arson fire in Topeka and have made an arrestJust after 3:30a.m. Monday crews&nbsp;from the Topeka Fire Department&nbsp;responded to a report fire at&nbsp;Capitol City Smoke &amp; Grocery 500 S.W. 6th Avenue, according to fire department spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke and flames coming from a single-story business and were able to quickly extinguish the fire, keeping it contained to the business where it started. No occupants were located and no injuries were reported. Investigators determined the fire was&nbsp;intentionally set. As a result of the investigation, police arrested 38-year-old Derrick J. Martinez and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on one count of arson and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.The total estimated loss associated with the fire was approximately $7,500.&nbsp;Working smoke detectors were not located in the structure where the fire originated.

Man accused of starting fire at Kansas convenience store

FINNEY COUNTY —"Looks like Santa got caught in the fast lane," according to a social media report from the Kansas Highway Patrol."

"Technical Trooper Bradley stopped this certainly jolly driver this holiday season traveling 130mph."

"While Santa flies safely across the sky, we’re on the ground ensuring everyone’s safety this holiday season. Slow down, obey speed limits, drive sober and enjoy the ride. Let’s make sure the holidays are merry and bright for all."&nbsp; The ticket cost 'Santa' $828.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734973034345.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —"Looks like Santa got caught in the fast lane," according to a social media report from the Kansas Highway Patrol."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734973014100.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Technical Trooper Bradley stopped this certainly jolly driver this holiday season traveling 130mph.""While Santa flies safely across the sky, we’re on the ground ensuring everyone’s safety this holiday season. Slow down, obey speed limits, drive sober and enjoy the ride. Let’s make sure the holidays are merry and bright for all."&nbsp; The ticket cost 'Santa' $828.

KHP: Santa got caught in the fast lane doing 130mph

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20CRARY%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID CRARY &nbsp;AP National Writer</a>

Hanukkah,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hanukkah-2024-judaism-traditions-menorahs-2ae36f203b08c138e079d37015792562">Judaism’s eight-day Festival of Lights</a>, begins this year on Christmas Day, which has only happened four times since 1900.

For some rabbis, the intersection of the two religious holidays provides an auspicious occasion for interfaith engagement.

“This can be a profound opportunity for learning and collaboration and togetherness,” said Rabbi Josh Stanton, a vice president of the Jewish Federations of North America. He oversees interfaith initiatives involving the 146 local and regional Jewish federations that his organization represents.

“The goal is not proselytizing; it's learning deeply from each other,” he said. “It’s others seeing you as you see yourself.”

One example of togetherness: a Chicanukah party hosted Thursday evening by several Jewish organizations in Houston, bringing together members of the city’s Latino and Jewish communities for a “cross cultural holiday celebration." The venue: Houston’s Holocaust museum.

The food on offer was a blend of the two cultures — for example a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-holidays-thanksgiving-hanukkah-c5b1b216731f106483a740b8c6700a84">latke</a>&nbsp;bar featuring guacamole, chili con queso and pico de gallo, as well as applesauce and sour cream. The doughnut-like pastries were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hanukkah-jelly-doughnuts-food-recipes-holidays-sweets-5e04b9acbf4d4529383b731acdeab4d8">sufganiyot</a>&nbsp;— a Hanukkah specialty — and buñuelos, And the mariachi band took a crack at playing the Jewish folk song “Hava Nagila.”

“What really brings us together is our shared values — our faith, our families, our heritage,” said Erica Winsor, public affairs officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston.

Rabbi Peter Tarlow, executive director of the Houston-based Center for Latino-Jewish Relations, said the first Chicanukah event 12 years ago drew 20 people, while this year the crowd numbered about 300, and could have been larger had not attendance been capped. He said the party-goers were a roughly even mix of Latinos — some of them Jews with Latin American origins — and “Anglo” Jews.

“There’s too much hate, too much separation against both Jews and Latinos,” Tarlow said. “This is a way we can come together and show we support each other.”

While Hanukkah is intended as an upbeat, celebratory holiday, rabbis note that it’s taking place this year amid continuing conflicts involving Israeli forces in the Middle East, and apprehension over widespread&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australia-antisemitism-law-places-worship-0df991f4df85c68a4b9cc49d8ec2c6d2">incidents of antisemitism</a>.

Rabbi Moshe Hauer, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union, acknowledged that many Jews may be feeling anxious heading into Hanukkah this year. But he voiced confidence that most would maintain the key tradition: the lighting of candles on menorah candelabras and displaying where they’re visible through household windows and in public spaces.

“The posture of our community — without stridency, just with determination — is that the menorah should be in our windows, in a place where the public sees it,” Hauer said.

“It is less for us, the Jewish community, than for the world,” he added. “We have to share that light. Putting the menorah in the window is our expression of working to be a light among the nations.”

Hauer concurred with Stanton that this year’s overlap of Hanukkah and Christmas is “an exceptional opportunity to see and experience the diversity of America and the diversity of its communities of faith.”

Rabbi Motti Seligson, public relations director for the Hasidic movement Chabad-Lubavitch, noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of a milestone in the public lightings of menorahs. It was on Dec. 8, 1974 — as part of an initiative launched by the Lubavitcher leader, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson — that a menorah was lit outside Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, where the Liberty Bell was housed at the time.

"Hanukkah is a celebration of religious liberty, so that it’s not taken for granted,” Seligson said. “One of the ways of doing that is by celebrating it publicly.”

He said Chabad was organizing about 15,000 public menorah lightings this year through its numerous branches around the world.

“There certainly is some apprehension,” Seligson said, referring to concerns about antisemitism and political friction. “Some people question whether Jews will be celebrating as openly as in the past.”

“What I’m hearing is there’s no way that we can’t,” he added. “The only way through these difficult times is by standing stronger and prouder and shining brighter than ever.”

“Through our history, we’ve been through moments that are easy and moments that are hard,” he said. “Safety for us does not come from hiding. It comes from reaching out.”

Why is Hanukkah so late this year? The simple answer is that the Jewish calendar is based on lunar cycles, and is not in sync with the Gregorian calendar which sets Christmas on Dec. 25. Hanukkah always begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, a date which occurs between late November and late December on the Gregorian calendar.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20CRARY%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID CRARY &nbsp;AP National Writer</a>Hanukkah,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hanukkah-2024-judaism-traditions-menorahs-2ae36f203b08c138e079d37015792562">Judaism’s eight-day Festival of Lights</a>, begins this year on Christmas Day, which has only happened four times since 1900.For some rabbis, the intersection of the two religious holidays provides an auspicious occasion for interfaith engagement.“This can be a profound opportunity for learning and collaboration and togetherness,” said Rabbi Josh Stanton, a vice president of the Jewish Federations of North America. He oversees interfaith initiatives involving the 146 local and regional Jewish federations that his organization represents.“The goal is not proselytizing; it's learning deeply from each other,” he said. “It’s others seeing you as you see yourself.”One example of togetherness: a Chicanukah party hosted Thursday evening by several Jewish organizations in Houston, bringing together members of the city’s Latino and Jewish communities for a “cross cultural holiday celebration." The venue: Houston’s Holocaust museum.The food on offer was a blend of the two cultures — for example a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-holidays-thanksgiving-hanukkah-c5b1b216731f106483a740b8c6700a84">latke</a>&nbsp;bar featuring guacamole, chili con queso and pico de gallo, as well as applesauce and sour cream. The doughnut-like pastries were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hanukkah-jelly-doughnuts-food-recipes-holidays-sweets-5e04b9acbf4d4529383b731acdeab4d8">sufganiyot</a>&nbsp;— a Hanukkah specialty — and buñuelos, And the mariachi band took a crack at playing the Jewish folk song “Hava Nagila.”“What really brings us together is our shared values — our faith, our families, our heritage,” said Erica Winsor, public affairs officer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston.Rabbi Peter Tarlow, executive director of the Houston-based Center for Latino-Jewish Relations, said the first Chicanukah event 12 years ago drew 20 people, while this year the crowd numbered about 300, and could have been larger had not attendance been capped. He said the party-goers were a roughly even mix of Latinos — some of them Jews with Latin American origins — and “Anglo” Jews.“There’s too much hate, too much separation against both Jews and Latinos,” Tarlow said. “This is a way we can come together and show we support each other.”While Hanukkah is intended as an upbeat, celebratory holiday, rabbis note that it’s taking place this year amid continuing conflicts involving Israeli forces in the Middle East, and apprehension over widespread&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australia-antisemitism-law-places-worship-0df991f4df85c68a4b9cc49d8ec2c6d2">incidents of antisemitism</a>.Rabbi Moshe Hauer, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union, acknowledged that many Jews may be feeling anxious heading into Hanukkah this year. But he voiced confidence that most would maintain the key tradition: the lighting of candles on menorah candelabras and displaying where they’re visible through household windows and in public spaces.“The posture of our community — without stridency, just with determination — is that the menorah should be in our windows, in a place where the public sees it,” Hauer said.“It is less for us, the Jewish community, than for the world,” he added. “We have to share that light. Putting the menorah in the window is our expression of working to be a light among the nations.”Hauer concurred with Stanton that this year’s overlap of Hanukkah and Christmas is “an exceptional opportunity to see and experience the diversity of America and the diversity of its communities of faith.”Rabbi Motti Seligson, public relations director for the Hasidic movement Chabad-Lubavitch, noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of a milestone in the public lightings of menorahs. It was on Dec. 8, 1974 — as part of an initiative launched by the Lubavitcher leader, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson — that a menorah was lit outside Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, where the Liberty Bell was housed at the time."Hanukkah is a celebration of religious liberty, so that it’s not taken for granted,” Seligson said. “One of the ways of doing that is by celebrating it publicly.”He said Chabad was organizing about 15,000 public menorah lightings this year through its numerous branches around the world.“There certainly is some apprehension,” Seligson said, referring to concerns about antisemitism and political friction. “Some people question whether Jews will be celebrating as openly as in the past.”“What I’m hearing is there’s no way that we can’t,” he added. “The only way through these difficult times is by standing stronger and prouder and shining brighter than ever.”Stanton concurred.“Through our history, we’ve been through moments that are easy and moments that are hard,” he said. “Safety for us does not come from hiding. It comes from reaching out.”Why is Hanukkah so late this year? The simple answer is that the Jewish calendar is based on lunar cycles, and is not in sync with the Gregorian calendar which sets Christmas on Dec. 25. Hanukkah always begins on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, a date which occurs between late November and late December on the Gregorian calendar.The last time Hanukkah began on Christmas Day was in 2005. But the term “Chrismukkah” — signifying the overlap of the two holidays — had become a popular term before then. The term gained extra currency in 2003, when the character Seth Cohen on the TV drama “The O.C.” embraced the fusion holiday as a tribute to his Jewish father and Protestant mother.This season, the Hallmark Channel introduced a new Christmas movie called “Leah’s Perfect Gift,” depicting a young Jewish woman who had admired Christmas from a distance, and gets a chance to experience it up close when her boyfriend invites her to spend the holidays with his family. Spoiler alert: All does not go smoothly.Despite such storylines suggesting a fascination with Christmas among some Jews, Stanton says research by the Jewish Federations reveals a surge in Jews seeking deeper connections to their own traditions and community, as well as a surge in Jews volunteering for charitable activities during the holidays.“The opportunity is to share with others how we celebrate Hanukkah,” he said. “It’s a holiday of freedom, hope, showing proudly you are Jewish.” ___Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/ap-twir">collaboration</a>&nbsp;with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.