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TOPEKA — A critic of now-rescinded COVID-19 mask mandates filed a federal lawsuit against the Lawrence public school district superintendent and school board members to challenge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

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another shooting in Wichita.

Just before midnight Thursday, police responded to reported a shooting in the 1100 Block of Cleveland in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.

First responders found a man with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. EMS transported to St. Francis Hospital for treatment of critical injures. Police have not reported any s uspect information or additional details.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another shooting in Wichita.Just before midnight Thursday, police responded to reported a shooting in the 1100 Block of Cleveland in Wichita, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.First responders found a man with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. EMS transported to St. Francis Hospital for treatment of critical injures. Police have not reported any s uspect information or additional details.

Kan. man reported in critical condition after shooting

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

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

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.

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.

<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.

Odds for more sports betting expansion could fade after growth to 38 states

COFFEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a business burglary.

On Dec. 26, Waverly Lumber, 109 West 4th in Waverly reported two work trucks, a trailer, various tools, electric wiring and custom doors had been stolen from the business, according to a media release from&nbsp;Coffey County Sheriff.

Officials have not released suspect information or reported an arrest.

COFFEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a business burglary.On Dec. 26, Waverly Lumber, 109 West 4th in Waverly reported two work trucks, a trailer, various tools, electric wiring and custom doors had been stolen from the business, according to a media release from&nbsp;Coffey County Sheriff.Officials have not released suspect information or reported an arrest.

Sheriff: Trucks, trailer and more taken from Kansas lumber yard

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.

Just after midnight Friday, crews responded to a fire at ahome in the 300 block of East 122nd Street in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

Crews faced heavy fire from the attic of a single-story home. The occupants of the home, three adults and three children were able to escape prior to KCFD arrival. 

No injuries were reported at this fire, according to Hopkins. The Red Cross is assisting the family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703867284913.png" alt="photo KCFD" />
 <figcaption>photo KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a house fire in Kansas City.Just after midnight Friday, crews responded to a fire at ahome in the 300 block of East 122nd Street in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.Crews faced heavy fire from the attic of a single-story home. The occupants of the home, three adults and three children were able to escape prior to KCFD arrival. No injuries were reported at this fire, according to Hopkins. The Red Cross is assisting the family.

3 adults, 3 children escape fire at Kansas City home

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

Homicide victim identified, search for Kan. suspect underway

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s Democratic secretary of state on Thursday removed former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;from the state’s presidential primary ballot under the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-2024-colorado-79373b5043976588b599fc00ede049e8">Constitution’s insurrection clause</a>, becoming the first election official to take action unilaterally as the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to decide whether Trump remains eligible to continue his campaign.

On social media Kansas junior U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "Nothing says “protect Democracy” quite like barring the current leader in every nationwide poll. The irony is that every state that continues to try this only makes President Trump stronger."

The decision by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows follows a ruling earlier this month by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-2024-colorado-d16dd8f354eeaf450558378c65fd79a2">Colorado Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;that booted Trump from the ballot there under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. That decision has been stayed until the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether Trump is barred by the Civil War-era provision, which prohibits those who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office.

The Trump campaign said it would appeal Bellows' decision to Maine's state courts, and Bellows suspended her ruling until that court system rules on the case. In the end, it is likely that the nation's highest court will have the final say on whether Trump appears on the ballot there and in the other states.

Bellows found that Trump could no longer run for his prior job because his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol violated Section 3, which bans from office those who “engaged in insurrection.” Bellows made the ruling after some state residents, including a bipartisan group of former lawmakers, challenged Trump’s position on the ballot.

“I do not reach this conclusion lightly,” Bellows wrote in her 34-page decision. “I am mindful that no Secretary of State has ever deprived a presidential candidate of ballot access based on Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment. I am also mindful, however, that no presidential candidate has ever before engaged in insurrection.”

The Trump campaign immediately slammed the ruling. “We are witnessing, in real-time, the attempted theft of an election and the disenfranchisement of the American voter,” campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.

Thursday's ruling demonstrates the need for the nation's highest court, which has never ruled on Section 3, to clarify what states can do.

“It is clear that these decisions are going to keep popping up, and inconsistent decisions reached (like the many states keeping Trump on the ballot over challenges) until there is final and decisive guidance from the U.S. Supreme Court,” Rick Hasen, a law professor at the University of California-Los Angeles, wrote in response to the Maine decision. “It seems a certainty that SCOTUS will have to address the merits sooner or later.”

While Maine has just four electoral votes, it’s one of two states to split them. Trump won one of Maine’s electors in 2020, so having him off the ballot there, should he emerge as the Republican general election candidate, could have outsized implications in a race that is expected to be narrowly decided.

That's in contrast to Colorado, which Trump lost by 13 percentage points in 2020 and where he wasn't expected to compete in November if he wins the Republican presidential nomination.

In her decision, Bellows acknowledged that the U.S. Supreme Court will probably have the final word but said it was important she did her official duty.

That won her praise from the former state lawmakers who filed one of the petitions forcing her to consider the case.

“Secretary Bellows showed great courage in her ruling, and we look forward to helping her defend her judicious and correct decision in court. No elected official is above the law or our constitution, and today’s ruling reaffirms this most important of American principles,” Republican Kimberly Rosen, independent Thomas Saviello and Democrat Ethan Strimling said in a statement.

The Trump campaign on Tuesday requested that Bellows disqualify herself from the case because she'd previously tweeted that Jan. 6 was an "insurrection” and bemoaned that Trump was acquitted in his impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate after the capitol attack. She refused to step aside.

“My decision was based exclusively on the record presented to me at the hearing and was in no way influenced by my political affiliation or personal views about the events of Jan. 6, 2021,” Bellows told the Associated Press Thursday night.

Bellows is a former head of the Maine chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. All seven of the justices of the Colorado Supreme Court, which split 4-3 on whether to become the first court in history to declare a presidential candidate ineligible under Section 3, were appointed by Democrats. Two Washington, D.C.-based&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-14th-amendment-insurrection-2024-election-ballot-9c5f79203109ba221b35a48e708ad725">liberal groups</a>&nbsp;have launched the most serious prior challenges to Trump, in Colorado and a handful of other states.

That's led Trump to contend the dozens of lawsuits nationwide seeking to remove him from the ballot under Section 3 are a Democratic plot to end his campaign. But some of the most prominent advocates have been conservative legal theorists who argue that the text of the Constitution makes the former president ineligible to run again, just as if he failed to clear the document's age threshold — 35 years old — for the office.

Likewise, until Bellows' decision, every top state election official, whether Democrat or Republican, had rejected requests to bar Trump from the ballot, saying they didn't have the power to remove him unless ordered to do so by a court.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s Democratic secretary of state on Thursday removed former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;from the state’s presidential primary ballot under the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-2024-colorado-79373b5043976588b599fc00ede049e8">Constitution’s insurrection clause</a>, becoming the first election official to take action unilaterally as the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to decide whether Trump remains eligible to continue his campaign.On social media Kansas junior U.S. Senator Roger Marshall wrote, "Nothing says “protect Democracy” quite like barring the current leader in every nationwide poll. The irony is that every state that continues to try this only makes President Trump stronger."The decision by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows follows a ruling earlier this month by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-insurrection-14th-amendment-2024-colorado-d16dd8f354eeaf450558378c65fd79a2">Colorado Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;that booted Trump from the ballot there under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. That decision has been stayed until the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether Trump is barred by the Civil War-era provision, which prohibits those who “engaged in insurrection” from holding office.The Trump campaign said it would appeal Bellows' decision to Maine's state courts, and Bellows suspended her ruling until that court system rules on the case. In the end, it is likely that the nation's highest court will have the final say on whether Trump appears on the ballot there and in the other states.Bellows found that Trump could no longer run for his prior job because his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol violated Section 3, which bans from office those who “engaged in insurrection.” Bellows made the ruling after some state residents, including a bipartisan group of former lawmakers, challenged Trump’s position on the ballot.“I do not reach this conclusion lightly,” Bellows wrote in her 34-page decision. “I am mindful that no Secretary of State has ever deprived a presidential candidate of ballot access based on Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment. I am also mindful, however, that no presidential candidate has ever before engaged in insurrection.”The Trump campaign immediately slammed the ruling. “We are witnessing, in real-time, the attempted theft of an election and the disenfranchisement of the American voter,” campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.Thursday's ruling demonstrates the need for the nation's highest court, which has never ruled on Section 3, to clarify what states can do.“It is clear that these decisions are going to keep popping up, and inconsistent decisions reached (like the many states keeping Trump on the ballot over challenges) until there is final and decisive guidance from the U.S. Supreme Court,” Rick Hasen, a law professor at the University of California-Los Angeles, wrote in response to the Maine decision. “It seems a certainty that SCOTUS will have to address the merits sooner or later.”While Maine has just four electoral votes, it’s one of two states to split them. Trump won one of Maine’s electors in 2020, so having him off the ballot there, should he emerge as the Republican general election candidate, could have outsized implications in a race that is expected to be narrowly decided.That's in contrast to Colorado, which Trump lost by 13 percentage points in 2020 and where he wasn't expected to compete in November if he wins the Republican presidential nomination.In her decision, Bellows acknowledged that the U.S. Supreme Court will probably have the final word but said it was important she did her official duty.That won her praise from the former state lawmakers who filed one of the petitions forcing her to consider the case.“Secretary Bellows showed great courage in her ruling, and we look forward to helping her defend her judicious and correct decision in court. No elected official is above the law or our constitution, and today’s ruling reaffirms this most important of American principles,” Republican Kimberly Rosen, independent Thomas Saviello and Democrat Ethan Strimling said in a statement.The Trump campaign on Tuesday requested that Bellows disqualify herself from the case because she'd previously tweeted that Jan. 6 was an "insurrection” and bemoaned that Trump was acquitted in his impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate after the capitol attack. She refused to step aside.“My decision was based exclusively on the record presented to me at the hearing and was in no way influenced by my political affiliation or personal views about the events of Jan. 6, 2021,” Bellows told the Associated Press Thursday night.Bellows is a former head of the Maine chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. All seven of the justices of the Colorado Supreme Court, which split 4-3 on whether to become the first court in history to declare a presidential candidate ineligible under Section 3, were appointed by Democrats. Two Washington, D.C.-based&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-14th-amendment-insurrection-2024-election-ballot-9c5f79203109ba221b35a48e708ad725">liberal groups</a>&nbsp;have launched the most serious prior challenges to Trump, in Colorado and a handful of other states.That's led Trump to contend the dozens of lawsuits nationwide seeking to remove him from the ballot under Section 3 are a Democratic plot to end his campaign. But some of the most prominent advocates have been conservative legal theorists who argue that the text of the Constitution makes the former president ineligible to run again, just as if he failed to clear the document's age threshold — 35 years old — for the office.Likewise, until Bellows' decision, every top state election official, whether Democrat or Republican, had rejected requests to bar Trump from the ballot, saying they didn't have the power to remove him unless ordered to do so by a court.

Kansas U.S. Senator: Barring Trump from ballot makes him stronger

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — A hard-hit Israeli kibbutz on Thursday announced the death of Judith Weinstein — an American woman who had been thought to be held hostage in Gaza.

The news came six days after Weinstein's husband, Gad Haggai, was also pronounced dead.

Weinstein, 70, who also had -Canadian-Israeli citizenship, and Haggai, 73, were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hostages-portraits-hamas-captives-e7213e6262cdb9c51ab174326874538c">taking an early morning walk</a>&nbsp;near their home in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-hostages-0c14750240138853a70e38b0c09ef157">Kibbutz Nir Oz</a>&nbsp;on the morning of Oct. 7 when Hamas militants burst across the border into Israel, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapping 240 others.

In the early hours of the morning, Weinstein was able to call emergency services and let them know that both she and her husband had been shot and send a message to her family.

Weinstein and her husband had been thought to be among the hostages still held in captivity in Gaza. But six days ago, the kibbutz announced that Haggai was killed Oct. 7 and his body was taken to Gaza.

On Thursday, the kibbutz said it had learned that Weinstein was also killed on Oct. 7 and her body is also being held in Gaza.

It was not immediately clear how Israeli authorities determined their deaths.

The couple are survived by two sons and two daughters and seven grandchildren, the kibbutz said.

President Joe Biden said he was “devastated” to learn of Weinstein's death, especially after hearing about the couple during a meeting with their daughter.

The families "have been living through hell for weeks. No family should have to endure such an ordeal,” he said in a statement.

Weinstein was born in New York and was an active member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, a small community near the Gaza border where she taught English to children with special needs. The kibbutz said she also taught meditation techniques to children and teenagers who suffered from anxiety as a result of rocket fire from Gaza. Haggai was a retired chef and jazz musician.

“Judy dedicated her life to serving others, spending years teaching English and using her passions for poetry, puppeteering, and mindfulness to empower children of all backgrounds,” her family said in a statement.

Al Haggai, one of the couple's sons, told Israel's Channel 13 that the family had originally hoped their mother's multiple citizenships would allow her to be released during the week-long ceasefire in late November, when 105 hostages were let go. Almost all were women and children.

He said that when his mother's name was not on any of the daily lists, he started to suspect that something happened to her.

According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, at least 23 of the approximately 129 hostages believed to be held in Gaza have either died or been killed in captivity.

Nir Oz was one of the hardest-hit Israeli communities on Oct. 7, with roughly one- quarter of its residents killed or kidnapped.

The families of missing hostages have drawn widespread support and sympathy in Israel as they press the government to reach a new cease-fire deal to bring home their loved-ones.

Netanyahu met Thursday in Tel Aviv with some of the families, where he told them there were behind-the-scene efforts to bring the hostages home, according to a statement from his office.

“I can’t elaborate on the details, we are working to return everyone,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703800478199.png" alt="Weinstein photo courtesy <a href="https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/">Hostages and Missing Families Forum</a>" />
 <figcaption>Weinstein photo courtesy <a href="https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/">Hostages and Missing Families Forum</a></figcaption>
 </figure>TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — A hard-hit Israeli kibbutz on Thursday announced the death of Judith Weinstein — an American woman who had been thought to be held hostage in Gaza.The news came six days after Weinstein's husband, Gad Haggai, was also pronounced dead.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703271147260.png" alt="Gag Haggai photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/">Hostages and Missing Families Forum</a>" />
 <figcaption>Gag Haggai photo courtesy&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/">Hostages and Missing Families Forum</a></figcaption>
 </figure>Weinstein, 70, who also had -Canadian-Israeli citizenship, and Haggai, 73, were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hostages-portraits-hamas-captives-e7213e6262cdb9c51ab174326874538c">taking an early morning walk</a>&nbsp;near their home in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-hostages-0c14750240138853a70e38b0c09ef157">Kibbutz Nir Oz</a>&nbsp;on the morning of Oct. 7 when Hamas militants burst across the border into Israel, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapping 240 others.In the early hours of the morning, Weinstein was able to call emergency services and let them know that both she and her husband had been shot and send a message to her family.Weinstein and her husband had been thought to be among the hostages still held in captivity in Gaza. But six days ago, the kibbutz announced that Haggai was killed Oct. 7 and his body was taken to Gaza.On Thursday, the kibbutz said it had learned that Weinstein was also killed on Oct. 7 and her body is also being held in Gaza.It was not immediately clear how Israeli authorities determined their deaths.The couple are survived by two sons and two daughters and seven grandchildren, the kibbutz said.President Joe Biden said he was “devastated” to learn of Weinstein's death, especially after hearing about the couple during a meeting with their daughter.The families "have been living through hell for weeks. No family should have to endure such an ordeal,” he said in a statement.Weinstein was born in New York and was an active member of Kibbutz Nir Oz, a small community near the Gaza border where she taught English to children with special needs. The kibbutz said she also taught meditation techniques to children and teenagers who suffered from anxiety as a result of rocket fire from Gaza. Haggai was a retired chef and jazz musician.“Judy dedicated her life to serving others, spending years teaching English and using her passions for poetry, puppeteering, and mindfulness to empower children of all backgrounds,” her family said in a statement.Al Haggai, one of the couple's sons, told Israel's Channel 13 that the family had originally hoped their mother's multiple citizenships would allow her to be released during the week-long ceasefire in late November, when 105 hostages were let go. Almost all were women and children.He said that when his mother's name was not on any of the daily lists, he started to suspect that something happened to her.According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, at least 23 of the approximately 129 hostages believed to be held in Gaza have either died or been killed in captivity.Nir Oz was one of the hardest-hit Israeli communities on Oct. 7, with roughly one- quarter of its residents killed or kidnapped.The families of missing hostages have drawn widespread support and sympathy in Israel as they press the government to reach a new cease-fire deal to bring home their loved-ones.Netanyahu met Thursday in Tel Aviv with some of the families, where he told them there were behind-the-scene efforts to bring the hostages home, according to a statement from his office.“I can’t elaborate on the details, we are working to return everyone,” he said.

American woman believed held hostage in Gaza is dead

RENO COUNTY—A veterinary service in Reno County is reporting a case of rabies.

On Thursday afternoon,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/nvscares?__cft__[0]=AZW30lIKDqa6rfQCYG3NkIlWa441ZWleXtPybltiEf8z9ONna1ISzoEm5HcGJPMLdHfr8ru-6m662CoKS1IMe14G6eHOelYT67iGLjNVYOO-JpivlP1gvt_vbGMBZZJJZcmu1ZSvLzlbcTdacgqCQUYv&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Ninnescah Veterinary Service LLC</a>,&nbsp;13408 S. Mohawk Road, Hutchinson, shared on social media they. had just diagnosed a positive case of rabies in a farm cat.

"We treat every bite wound from a non vaccinated animal very serious as it may life or death situation."&nbsp; "We had a client pick up a farm cat and was severely bit on the arm."

"Under the advice of Dr Clay the farm cat was brought into the clinic and euthanized for testing. Dr Clay informed the client to go to the emergency room and start rabies vaccinations immediately and not to wait for the test to come back from the lab."

"The owner complied to this recommendation and received her rabies vaccine and immunoglobulins."

"Two days later we got the results that the cat was indeed positive for rabies.  This is the exact reason we push rabies vaccinations in pets so hard. We receive a lot of push back on rabies vaccine daily as if we are trying to up sale that vaccine to pet owners.  We are truly pushing rabies vaccine as a public safety service."

"Rabies is a deadly disease but fortunately the vaccine is very effective in preventing the disease. Please get you pets vaccinated for rabies. It could be a matter of life and death for not only your pet but also you."

RENO COUNTY—A veterinary service in Reno County is reporting a case of rabies.On Thursday afternoon,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/nvscares?__cft__[0]=AZW30lIKDqa6rfQCYG3NkIlWa441ZWleXtPybltiEf8z9ONna1ISzoEm5HcGJPMLdHfr8ru-6m662CoKS1IMe14G6eHOelYT67iGLjNVYOO-JpivlP1gvt_vbGMBZZJJZcmu1ZSvLzlbcTdacgqCQUYv&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Ninnescah Veterinary Service LLC</a>,&nbsp;13408 S. Mohawk Road, Hutchinson, shared on social media they. had just diagnosed a positive case of rabies in a farm cat. "We treat every bite wound from a non vaccinated animal very serious as it may life or death situation."&nbsp; "We had a client pick up a farm cat and was severely bit on the arm." "Under the advice of Dr Clay the farm cat was brought into the clinic and euthanized for testing. Dr Clay informed the client to go to the emergency room and start rabies vaccinations immediately and not to wait for the test to come back from the lab.""The owner complied to this recommendation and received her rabies vaccine and immunoglobulins.""Two days later we got the results that the cat was indeed positive for rabies. This is the exact reason we push rabies vaccinations in pets so hard. We receive a lot of push back on rabies vaccine daily as if we are trying to up sale that vaccine to pet owners. We are truly pushing rabies vaccine as a public safety service.""Rabies is a deadly disease but fortunately the vaccine is very effective in preventing the disease. Please get you pets vaccinated for rabies. It could be a matter of life and death for not only your pet but also you."

Kansas veterinarian reports a person bit by cat with rabies

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a high-speed chase and crash that injured a teen.

Just before 11:30a.m. Thursday, police investigators were monitoring a residence in Wichita for a felony shooting suspect, according to Police spokesman Andrew Ford.

Officers observed a man get into a vehicle and drive away. Officers followed and attempted to pull the vehicle over. The driver fled from the traffic stop that prompted a pursuit. During the chase, the suspect vehicle crashed and ran from the car.&nbsp;

Police took him into custody. However, the man was not the felony shooting suspect they hoped to arrest, according to Ford. Police are not sure why the driver fled. He had no warrants for arrest. Police continue to investigate and are holding him on a requested charge of flee and elude. The 13-year-old was treated for non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the suspect in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703786886226.png" alt="Police at the crash scene Thursday afternoon -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the crash scene Thursday afternoon -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after a high-speed chase and crash that injured a teen.Just before 11:30a.m. Thursday, police investigators were monitoring a residence in Wichita for a felony shooting suspect, according to Police spokesman Andrew Ford.Officers observed a man get into a vehicle and drive away. Officers followed and attempted to pull the vehicle over. The driver fled from the traffic stop that prompted a pursuit. During the chase, the suspect vehicle crashed and ran from the car.&nbsp;Police took him into custody. However, the man was not the felony shooting suspect they hoped to arrest, according to Ford. Police are not sure why the driver fled. He had no warrants for arrest. Police continue to investigate and are holding him on a requested charge of flee and elude. The 13-year-old was treated for non-life threatening injuries.&nbsp; Police have not released the name of the suspect in custody.

Driver in custody, 13-year-old injured after Kan. chase and crash

JERUSALEM —The USS MASON (DDG 87) shot down one drone and one anti-ship ballistic missile in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Houthis between 5:45 - 6: 10 p.m. (Sanaa time) on Thursday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.

There was no damage to any of the 18 ships in the area or reported injuries. This is the 22nd attempted attack by Houthis on international shipping since Oct. 19.

Meanwhile, a Hamas official said Thursday that a “partial or temporary cessation of aggression” wouldn’t be enough to free the more than 100 hostages who Israel says remain in captivity in Gaza.

The Israeli-Hamas war has already driven around 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million people from their homes, leveling the northern part of the territory and heightening fears about a similar fate for the south as Israel's air and ground offensive widens.

Dozens were killed Thursday during Israel's bombardment of cities, towns and refugee camps across Gaza. More than 20,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed since the start of the war, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza</a>, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants among the dead.

Hamas has put up steep resistance despite Israel's vow to dismantle the militant group.

About 1,200 people were killed after Hamas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">raided southern Israel</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 7, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hostages-gaza-b6ffc286ca7d4b48caaada43e9c6e411">around 240 people taken hostage</a>.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke Thursday with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about the next steps in the war, with Austin stressing “the importance of protecting Gaza’s civilians and accelerating humanitarian assistance.”

The talks came as a hard-hit Israeli kibbutz announced the death of an American-Canadian-Israeli woman who was believed to have been held hostage and whose husband was recently declared dead.

JERUSALEM —The USS MASON (DDG 87) shot down one drone and one anti-ship ballistic missile in the Southern Red Sea that were fired by the Houthis between 5:45 - 6: 10 p.m. (Sanaa time) on Thursday, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command.There was no damage to any of the 18 ships in the area or reported injuries. This is the 22nd attempted attack by Houthis on international shipping since Oct. 19.Meanwhile, a Hamas official said Thursday that a “partial or temporary cessation of aggression” wouldn’t be enough to free the more than 100 hostages who Israel says remain in captivity in Gaza.The Israeli-Hamas war has already driven around 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million people from their homes, leveling the northern part of the territory and heightening fears about a similar fate for the south as Israel's air and ground offensive widens.Dozens were killed Thursday during Israel's bombardment of cities, towns and refugee camps across Gaza. More than 20,000 Palestinians, two-thirds of them women and children, have been killed since the start of the war, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza</a>, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants among the dead.Hamas has put up steep resistance despite Israel's vow to dismantle the militant group.About 1,200 people were killed after Hamas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-attack-military-war-a8f63b07641212f0de61861844e5e71e">raided southern Israel</a>&nbsp;on Oct. 7, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hostages-gaza-b6ffc286ca7d4b48caaada43e9c6e411">around 240 people taken hostage</a>.Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke Thursday with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about the next steps in the war, with Austin stressing “the importance of protecting Gaza’s civilians and accelerating humanitarian assistance.”The talks came as a hard-hit Israeli kibbutz announced the death of an American-Canadian-Israeli woman who was believed to have been held hostage and whose husband was recently declared dead.