TOPEKA —It's time to vote for your favorite license plate among five designs created by Mammoth Creative Co., a Kansas-based marketing firm, in partnership with Kansas Tourism for the next official State of Kansas standard issue license plate.

<a href="https://appengine.egov.com/apps/ks/plates">Click here to vote</a>&nbsp;on your choice of design.

Voting will end at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 15.

The proposed designs were chosen in part because they align with Kansas Tourism design standards, with law enforcement needs, and with the following guidelines, according to a media release from the governor's office.

Kansans can vote on their favorite design as many times as they’d like between 9 a.m. CT on Monday, December 11, 2023, and 5 p.m. CT on Friday, December 15, 2023.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702310334406.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —It's time to vote for your favorite license plate among five designs created by Mammoth Creative Co., a Kansas-based marketing firm, in partnership with Kansas Tourism for the next official State of Kansas standard issue license plate.<a href="https://appengine.egov.com/apps/ks/plates">Click here to vote</a>&nbsp;on your choice of design.Voting will end at 5 p.m. on Friday, December 15.The proposed designs were chosen in part because they align with Kansas Tourism design standards, with law enforcement needs, and with the following guidelines, according to a media release from the governor's office.<ul>
 <li>License plate numbers will be seven (7) digits.</li><li>Any phrase, motto, or slogan must be placed at the bottom of the license plate.</li><li>Any graphic must be placed on either side of the license plate number.</li><li>Graphics must not resemble letters, numbers, or special characters in a way that would interfere with the ability to read the license plate number.</li><li>Background design must not interfere with the ability to read the license plate number.</li><li>The license plate must have a light background behind the license plate number, and the license plate number must be black.</li>
 </ul>Kansans can vote on their favorite design as many times as they’d like between 9 a.m. CT on Monday, December 11, 2023, and 5 p.m. CT on Friday, December 15, 2023.

Final day to vote on new Kansas license plate design

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress was departing Washington on Thursday without a deal to pass wartime support for Ukraine, but Senate negotiators and President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden’s</a>&nbsp;administration were still racing to wrap up a border security compromise to unlock the stalemate before the end of the year.

The Senate planned to come back next week in hopes of passing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">$110 billion package of aid</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and other national security and finalizing a deal to place new restrictions on asylum claims at the U.S. border. But the House showed no sign of returning to push the legislation through the full Congress.

Lawmakers leaving the impasse unresolved through the holidays would mean the Biden administration would have to rely on a dwindling supply of funds for Ukraine. The wartime aid has so far been vital to Ukraine’s defending against Russia’s invasion, but an emboldened Russian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-russia-press-conference-moscow-ukraine-ef4e88fda50e6ad75b8a1979b95d9fcc">Vladimir Putin earlier Thursday</a>&nbsp;recommitted to his goals in the war.

Repelling Russia has been one of Biden’s chief foreign policy goals. But the Democratic president is facing stiff opposition from Republicans in Congress — both from populist conservatives who no longer want to fund the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">nearly two-year-old conflict</a>&nbsp;and GOP senators who have been traditional allies to Ukraine’s defense but insist that the U.S. also enact policies aimed at cutting the historic number of migrants who are arriving at the U.S. border with Mexico.

Top administration officials, including White House chief of staff Jeff Zients and Biden’s legislative affairs director Shuwanza Goff, met with Senate negotiators Thursday evening. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, rescheduled the Senate to return to Washington on Monday to give negotiators more time to reach the framework of a deal.

“We have to get this done,” Schumer said, adding that he would push for a Senate vote on the funding package next week even if an agreement is not in place.

In an earlier speech on the Senate floor, Schumer said that the deadlock in Congress has left “Putin mocking our resolve.” He cast the decisions facing lawmakers as a potential turning point of history: “There is too much on the line for Ukraine, for America, for Western democracy, to throw in the towel right now.”

But the House ended work and departed for the holidays, with Republican Speaker Mike Johnson showing no sign he will have members return until the second week of January.

In fact, Johnson’s office sent around a clip from a Zelenskyy interview suggesting aid could wait until the new year.

Senate Republicans also expressed doubt there was time left this year to both reach an agreement and work through writing the text of legislation, with Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio saying there would be a “revolt” by Republicans if they were forced into a quick vote.

A core group of Senate negotiators and Biden administration officials were expected to work through the weekend narrowing a list of priorities aimed at curtailing the number of migrants applying for asylum at the U.S. border.

“We are making progress, I feel more confident today than I did yesterday,” Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent who has often been central to Senate deal-making, told The Associated Press.

Faced with historic numbers of migrants at the U.S. border with Mexico, the White House has negotiated a change to the law that would allow Homeland Security officials to stop migrants from applying for asylum if the number of total crossings exceeded a certain capacity.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-israel-funding-us-mexico-border-e1da808689aeef52308d19010a5e3cfa">Negotiators have also considered several other policies</a>&nbsp;that resemble those pursued under former President Donald Trump’s administration, including detaining people who claim asylum at the border and granting nationwide authority to quickly remove migrants who have been in the U.S. for less than two years.

Sinema declined to discuss details of the talks but said her aim was to craft a package that has both the policy and funding to “create an orderly, safe, secure and humane process” for seeking asylum or immigrating for “other legal reasons.” She added that negotiators understand they will lose support from wings of both conservatives and progressives, but were aiming to pass the package in the Senate with majorities of both parties.

“There will probably be folks on the edges of the political spectrum who are not happy with a solution that secures our border, brings order and is humane,” Sinema said.

In one friction point in talks, the White House has resisted Republican demands to curtail&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-haiti-cuba-nicaragua-venezuela-trial-982e96527e266b46dc95388f31a93824">a humanitarian parole program</a>&nbsp;that has allowed tens of thousands of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to enter the U.S., often at ports of entry other than the border, according to several people familiar with the talks who discussed them only on the condition of anonymity.

Still, immigration advocates have been dismayed at the White House’s concessions in the talks.

Sen. Alex Padilla, the California Democrat who has spearheaded Senate resistance to the plans, said he has told Biden “to be careful because Republicans are hellbent on dragging us into harmful policy territory.”

Congress has struggled for decades to find any agreement on border and immigration policy, yet Republicans argue that the Biden administration opened the door for a policy negotiation both by including border-related funding in the national security package and openly calling for Congress to take up reforms.

But the complicated and contentious nature of the issue prompted many GOP senators to conclude that there would be no deal for Ukraine aid this year, even as they pledged to prove Putin wrong for doubting U.S. support for Ukraine.

“Sometimes democracies take a little more time, but the resolve is real,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D.

Some Democrats fretted that leaving the funding deadlock hanging for weeks could precipitate the deal’s collapse.

“Actions speak louder than words,” said Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702600274009.png" alt="Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says there will be a vote next week on the national security supplemental aid request for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, as well as border security.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says there will be a vote next week on the national security supplemental aid request for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, as well as border security.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress was departing Washington on Thursday without a deal to pass wartime support for Ukraine, but Senate negotiators and President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden’s</a>&nbsp;administration were still racing to wrap up a border security compromise to unlock the stalemate before the end of the year.The Senate planned to come back next week in hopes of passing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">$110 billion package of aid</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine, Israel and other national security and finalizing a deal to place new restrictions on asylum claims at the U.S. border. But the House showed no sign of returning to push the legislation through the full Congress.Lawmakers leaving the impasse unresolved through the holidays would mean the Biden administration would have to rely on a dwindling supply of funds for Ukraine. The wartime aid has so far been vital to Ukraine’s defending against Russia’s invasion, but an emboldened Russian President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/putin-russia-press-conference-moscow-ukraine-ef4e88fda50e6ad75b8a1979b95d9fcc">Vladimir Putin earlier Thursday</a>&nbsp;recommitted to his goals in the war.Repelling Russia has been one of Biden’s chief foreign policy goals. But the Democratic president is facing stiff opposition from Republicans in Congress — both from populist conservatives who no longer want to fund the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">nearly two-year-old conflict</a>&nbsp;and GOP senators who have been traditional allies to Ukraine’s defense but insist that the U.S. also enact policies aimed at cutting the historic number of migrants who are arriving at the U.S. border with Mexico.Top administration officials, including White House chief of staff Jeff Zients and Biden’s legislative affairs director Shuwanza Goff, met with Senate negotiators Thursday evening. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, rescheduled the Senate to return to Washington on Monday to give negotiators more time to reach the framework of a deal.“We have to get this done,” Schumer said, adding that he would push for a Senate vote on the funding package next week even if an agreement is not in place.In an earlier speech on the Senate floor, Schumer said that the deadlock in Congress has left “Putin mocking our resolve.” He cast the decisions facing lawmakers as a potential turning point of history: “There is too much on the line for Ukraine, for America, for Western democracy, to throw in the towel right now.”But the House ended work and departed for the holidays, with Republican Speaker Mike Johnson showing no sign he will have members return until the second week of January.In fact, Johnson’s office sent around a clip from a Zelenskyy interview suggesting aid could wait until the new year.Senate Republicans also expressed doubt there was time left this year to both reach an agreement and work through writing the text of legislation, with Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio saying there would be a “revolt” by Republicans if they were forced into a quick vote.A core group of Senate negotiators and Biden administration officials were expected to work through the weekend narrowing a list of priorities aimed at curtailing the number of migrants applying for asylum at the U.S. border.“We are making progress, I feel more confident today than I did yesterday,” Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, an Arizona independent who has often been central to Senate deal-making, told The Associated Press.Faced with historic numbers of migrants at the U.S. border with Mexico, the White House has negotiated a change to the law that would allow Homeland Security officials to stop migrants from applying for asylum if the number of total crossings exceeded a certain capacity.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-israel-funding-us-mexico-border-e1da808689aeef52308d19010a5e3cfa">Negotiators have also considered several other policies</a>&nbsp;that resemble those pursued under former President Donald Trump’s administration, including detaining people who claim asylum at the border and granting nationwide authority to quickly remove migrants who have been in the U.S. for less than two years.Sinema declined to discuss details of the talks but said her aim was to craft a package that has both the policy and funding to “create an orderly, safe, secure and humane process” for seeking asylum or immigrating for “other legal reasons.” She added that negotiators understand they will lose support from wings of both conservatives and progressives, but were aiming to pass the package in the Senate with majorities of both parties.“There will probably be folks on the edges of the political spectrum who are not happy with a solution that secures our border, brings order and is humane,” Sinema said.In one friction point in talks, the White House has resisted Republican demands to curtail&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-biden-haiti-cuba-nicaragua-venezuela-trial-982e96527e266b46dc95388f31a93824">a humanitarian parole program</a>&nbsp;that has allowed tens of thousands of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to enter the U.S., often at ports of entry other than the border, according to several people familiar with the talks who discussed them only on the condition of anonymity.Still, immigration advocates have been dismayed at the White House’s concessions in the talks.Sen. Alex Padilla, the California Democrat who has spearheaded Senate resistance to the plans, said he has told Biden “to be careful because Republicans are hellbent on dragging us into harmful policy territory.”Congress has struggled for decades to find any agreement on border and immigration policy, yet Republicans argue that the Biden administration opened the door for a policy negotiation both by including border-related funding in the national security package and openly calling for Congress to take up reforms.But the complicated and contentious nature of the issue prompted many GOP senators to conclude that there would be no deal for Ukraine aid this year, even as they pledged to prove Putin wrong for doubting U.S. support for Ukraine.“Sometimes democracies take a little more time, but the resolve is real,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D.Some Democrats fretted that leaving the funding deadlock hanging for weeks could precipitate the deal’s collapse.“Actions speak louder than words,” said Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado.

Senators delay holiday to work on $110B funding for Ukraine, Israel

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating report of a stolen vehicle and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

Just before 11a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the area of the 1600 block of NE 54th Street on the report of an unknown white female going door to door and acting suspiciously, according to Lt. Scott Wanamaker.&nbsp;

 While deputies were responding to the area, another homeowner whom lived in the area contacted the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center to report that he was following a vehicle that he believed was just stolen from his neighbor in the 1700 block of NE 54th Street. 

The caller eventually lost sight of the stolen vehicle due to the erratic driving of the suspect.

A short time later, members of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrant’s Unit were attempting to serve a warrant in the 1100 block of SW Washburn Avenue. 

While approaching the residence on foot the deputies recognized the vehicle that had been reported to be stolen occupied by an unknown man. 

As the deputies were approaching the stolen vehicle the man fled the scene driving the vehicle towards the deputies on foot and striking the Fugitive Warrants Unit vehicle. 

A short time later the stolen vehicle was found nearby and abandoned. A search of the area was conducted by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s office and the Topeka Police Department, but the male suspect was not located.

Anyone with information or video of the subject(s) that were seen in the area of NE 54th street or the 1100 block SW Washburn Ave is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office as soon as possible at (785) 251-2200.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating report of a stolen vehicle and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.Just before 11a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the area of the 1600 block of NE 54th Street on the report of an unknown white female going door to door and acting suspiciously, according to Lt. Scott Wanamaker.&nbsp; While deputies were responding to the area, another homeowner whom lived in the area contacted the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center to report that he was following a vehicle that he believed was just stolen from his neighbor in the 1700 block of NE 54th Street. The caller eventually lost sight of the stolen vehicle due to the erratic driving of the suspect.A short time later, members of the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Warrant’s Unit were attempting to serve a warrant in the 1100 block of SW Washburn Avenue. While approaching the residence on foot the deputies recognized the vehicle that had been reported to be stolen occupied by an unknown man. As the deputies were approaching the stolen vehicle the man fled the scene driving the vehicle towards the deputies on foot and striking the Fugitive Warrants Unit vehicle. A short time later the stolen vehicle was found nearby and abandoned. A search of the area was conducted by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s office and the Topeka Police Department, but the male suspect was not located.Anyone with information or video of the subject(s) that were seen in the area of NE 54th street or the 1100 block SW Washburn Ave is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office as soon as possible at (785) 251-2200.

Suspect in stolen vehicle struck Kan. fugitive warrants unit vehicle

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man was sentenced for a violent armed robbery from an auto repair shop&nbsp; in 2020 that was working on his vehicle..

&nbsp;A Jackson County judge sentenced 44-year-old Tomorren Garrett to 10 years in state prison for convictions related to the robbery, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

In September 2023, jurors convicted Garrett of two counts of Robbery in the 1st Degree and two counts of Armed Criminal Action for a robbery at a Truman Road auto repair shop.&nbsp;

According to a probable cause statement, in April of 2020,&nbsp;Officers of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department were notified of an armed robbery that occurred at 1700 Truman Rd (Ebenezer Auto).

Upon officers arrival they contacted several employees who were victims of the incident.

The owner of the business stated&nbsp; Garrett brought them a vehicle to repair approximately two and a half weeks ago. Garrett brought them parts for the vehicle and they agreed on a labor price of $700.00. Garrett gave them a $350.00 deposit to complete the work. 

When Garrett came in the store to check the status of his vehicle he was talking with an employee of the business who told him his vehicle heads don't have compression. Garrett got upset, asked for his parts back, and left the business. Approximately 5 minutes later, Garrett came back armed with a handgun and put the gun in his right pant pocket. Garrett stated, “No you will listen, I'm going to kill you and I want my money”. An employee gave Garrett $110.00 but Garrett demanded that she gives him all the money that she had. Garrett then pushed another employee and told him to give more money. The employee&nbsp; gave Garrett $300.00. 

Garrett then produced a handgun and struck an employee in the face with the handgun. Another employee approached Garrett.&nbsp; When Garrett’s girlfriend warned Garrett that the employee was approaching him. Garrett hit the employee in the face with the handgun. Garrett then left the scene but came back a short time later and was yelling at the owner to come outside.

 Garrett remained on scene when the officers arrived and was arrested. He later&nbsp;admitted going to Ebenezer Auto and confronting employees about his vehicle.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702395793776.png" alt="Garrett-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Garrett-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man was sentenced for a violent armed robbery from an auto repair shop&nbsp; in 2020 that was working on his vehicle..&nbsp;A Jackson County judge sentenced 44-year-old Tomorren Garrett to 10 years in state prison for convictions related to the robbery, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.In September 2023, jurors convicted Garrett of two counts of Robbery in the 1st Degree and two counts of Armed Criminal Action for a robbery at a Truman Road auto repair shop.&nbsp;According to a probable cause statement, in April of 2020,&nbsp;Officers of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department were notified of an armed robbery that occurred at 1700 Truman Rd (Ebenezer Auto).Upon officers arrival they contacted several employees who were victims of the incident.The owner of the business stated&nbsp; Garrett brought them a vehicle to repair approximately two and a half weeks ago. Garrett brought them parts for the vehicle and they agreed on a labor price of $700.00. Garrett gave them a $350.00 deposit to complete the work. When Garrett came in the store to check the status of his vehicle he was talking with an employee of the business who told him his vehicle heads don't have compression. Garrett got upset, asked for his parts back, and left the business. Approximately 5 minutes later, Garrett came back armed with a handgun and put the gun in his right pant pocket. Garrett stated, “No you will listen, I'm going to kill you and I want my money”. An employee gave Garrett $110.00 but Garrett demanded that she gives him all the money that she had. Garrett then pushed another employee and told him to give more money. The employee&nbsp; gave Garrett $300.00. Garrett then produced a handgun and struck an employee in the face with the handgun. Another employee approached Garrett.&nbsp; When Garrett’s girlfriend warned Garrett that the employee was approaching him. Garrett hit the employee in the face with the handgun. Garrett then left the scene but came back a short time later and was yelling at the owner to come outside. Garrett remained on scene when the officers arrived and was arrested. He later&nbsp;admitted going to Ebenezer Auto and confronting employees about his vehicle.&nbsp;

Man robbed Kansas City repair shop working on his vehicle

SHAWNEE COUYNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas offender for new crimses after an arrest.

Just after 3a.m. Tuesday, police observed a suspicious person inside Tortilla Jacks, 1618 SW Washburn Avenue, in Topeka, according to&nbsp; police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

Police contacted the owners and received permission to enter as no one was permitted to be there.

Officers found damage to the property and eventually located the individual, later identified as Jeffrey E. Peak, 37, of Topeka, as well as narcotics. As a result of the investigation, Peak was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated crime, Criminal Trespass; Unknown Circumstance, Aggravated criminal damage &gt;$5k; intent to steal scrap metal; infrastructure of building and Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702395036710.png" alt="Peak-photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Peak-photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUYNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas offender for new crimses after an arrest.Just after 3a.m. Tuesday, police observed a suspicious person inside Tortilla Jacks, 1618 SW Washburn Avenue, in Topeka, according to&nbsp; police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.Police contacted the owners and received permission to enter as no one was permitted to be there.Officers found damage to the property and eventually located the individual, later identified as Jeffrey E. Peak, 37, of Topeka, as well as narcotics. As a result of the investigation, Peak was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary; Dwelling to commit felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated crime, Criminal Trespass; Unknown Circumstance, Aggravated criminal damage &gt;$5k; intent to steal scrap metal; infrastructure of building and Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body.

Police catch registered offender in restaurant after hours

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A federal grand jury in Montana has indicted two men accused of killing about 3,600 birds, including bald eagles and golden eagles, and selling them on the black market.

The indictment returned in U.S. District Court last week charges Simon Paul and Travis John Branson with 13 counts of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles and one count each of conspiracy and violating the Lacey Act, which prohibits trafficking of illegally taken wildlife.

“The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act was enacted in 1940 to protect the bald eagle, recognizing that the bald eagle is not merely a bird of biological interest, but this country’s national symbol which reflects America’s ideals of freedom,” the indictment states. The act was extended in 1962 to include golden eagles.

Branson, Paul and others hunted and killed thousands of birds, including eagles, on the Flathead Indian Reservation and elsewhere, then illegally sold them for significant sums of cash across the United States and elsewhere, the indictment states.

Investigators found messages from Branson and others describing the illegal taking of eagles, saying he was “committing felonies” and telling buyers he was “on a killing spree” to collect more eagle tail feathers for future sales, according to the indictment.

The indictment alleges that Paul and Branson conspired to kill and sell the eagles illegally near Ronan, Montana, from 2015 and 2021. From 2019 and 2021, Branson traveled from Washington state to the reservation to shoot the eagles, and Paul, who lived near the reservation, was a shooter and shipper for Branson.

“When Branson arrived on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Paul would meet and help kill, transport, and ship bald and golden eagles for future sales on the black market,” the indictment states.

Paul and Branson were issued summons to appear for arraignments on Jan. 8.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670010827440.jpeg" alt="photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A federal grand jury in Montana has indicted two men accused of killing about 3,600 birds, including bald eagles and golden eagles, and selling them on the black market.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702572574202.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The indictment returned in U.S. District Court last week charges Simon Paul and Travis John Branson with 13 counts of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles and one count each of conspiracy and violating the Lacey Act, which prohibits trafficking of illegally taken wildlife.“The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act was enacted in 1940 to protect the bald eagle, recognizing that the bald eagle is not merely a bird of biological interest, but this country’s national symbol which reflects America’s ideals of freedom,” the indictment states. The act was extended in 1962 to include golden eagles.Branson, Paul and others hunted and killed thousands of birds, including eagles, on the Flathead Indian Reservation and elsewhere, then illegally sold them for significant sums of cash across the United States and elsewhere, the indictment states.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702572624186.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators found messages from Branson and others describing the illegal taking of eagles, saying he was “committing felonies” and telling buyers he was “on a killing spree” to collect more eagle tail feathers for future sales, according to the indictment.The indictment alleges that Paul and Branson conspired to kill and sell the eagles illegally near Ronan, Montana, from 2015 and 2021. From 2019 and 2021, Branson traveled from Washington state to the reservation to shoot the eagles, and Paul, who lived near the reservation, was a shooter and shipper for Branson.“When Branson arrived on the Flathead Indian Reservation, Paul would meet and help kill, transport, and ship bald and golden eagles for future sales on the black market,” the indictment states.Paul and Branson were issued summons to appear for arraignments on Jan. 8.

Two charged with killing, selling bald and golden eagles

WASHINGTON — First lady Jill Biden shared a unique video on social media Wednesday featuring the Dorrance Dance talented tappers at the White House with "their playful interpretation of The Nutcracker Suite."

&nbsp;Viewers shared a variety of positive and negative reviews of the "bit of magic, wonder, and joy,”&nbsp; as described by the first lady.&nbsp; She hopes viewers enjoy it.

WASHINGTON — First lady Jill Biden shared a unique video on social media Wednesday featuring the Dorrance Dance talented tappers at the White House with "their playful interpretation of The Nutcracker Suite."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A bit of magic, wonder, and joy brought to you by the talented tappers of Dorrance Dance, performing their playful interpretation of The Nutcracker Suite. Enjoy! 💕 <a href="https://t.co/qXtCm4t37o">pic.twitter.com/qXtCm4t37o</a>&mdash; Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1735074586721468855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;Viewers shared a variety of positive and negative reviews of the "bit of magic, wonder, and joy,”&nbsp; as described by the first lady.&nbsp; She hopes viewers enjoy it.

🎥First lady shares unusual White House Christmas video

GRAY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8a.m. Thursday in Gray County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Kia Sportage driven by Angela C&nbsp;Rodriguez, 59, Dodge City, was westbound on U.S. 56 one half mile northeast of Copeland.

The driver lost control due to slush on the roadway. An eastbound 2015 Chevy Suburban driven by Margaretha Wiebe, 32, Sublette, struck the passenger side of Kia in the eastbound lane. After impact, the Kia came&nbsp;rest in the south ditch.&nbsp;

Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Wiebe to&nbsp;St. Catherine's in Dodge City. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702591141734.png" alt="Wet, slushy roads in western Kansas on Thursday-photo KanDrive" />
 <figcaption>Wet, slushy roads in western Kansas on Thursday-photo KanDrive</figcaption>
 </figure>GRAY COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 8a.m. Thursday in Gray County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Kia Sportage driven by Angela C&nbsp;Rodriguez, 59, Dodge City, was westbound on U.S. 56 one half mile northeast of Copeland.The driver lost control due to slush on the roadway. An eastbound 2015 Chevy Suburban driven by Margaretha Wiebe, 32, Sublette, struck the passenger side of Kia in the eastbound lane. After impact, the Kia came&nbsp;rest in the south ditch.&nbsp;Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported Wiebe to&nbsp;St. Catherine's in Dodge City. Both drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dies after crash blamed for slush on the road

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed a defense policy bill Thursday that authorizes the biggest pay raise for troops in more than two decades, overcoming objections from some conservatives concerned the measure did not do enough to restrict the Pentagon's diversity initiatives, abortion travel policy and gender-affirming health care for transgender service members.

The $886 billion bill was approved by a vote of 310-118 and now goes to President Joe Biden after the Senate had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/defense-bill-pay-raise-abortion-transgender-21616bf1fd228c84d8d0046d25a19b01#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Senate,what%20is%20traditionally%20a%20strongly">overwhelmingly passed</a>&nbsp;it Wednesday. Kansas Representatives Ron Estes and Tracey Man voted against the bill. The rest of the Kansas delegation including Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted for the bill.

It is likely the last piece of major legislation Congress will consider before leaving for the holiday break, though negotiations continue on a bill to aid Ukraine and Israel and boost border security.

The spending called for represents about a 3% increase from the prior year. The bill serves as a blueprint for programs Congress will seek to fund through follow-up spending bills.

Lawmakers have been negotiating a final defense policy bill for months after each chamber passed strikingly different versions in July. Some of the priorities championed by social conservatives were a no-go for Democrats. Negotiators dropped them from the final version to get it over the finish line.

That did not go over well with some Republican lawmakers, though most did end up voting for a bill that traditionally has broad, bipartisan support. About twice as many Republicans voted for the bill as voted against it.

“You almost feel like a parent who's sent a child off to summer camp and they came back a monster,” Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., said in opposing the bill. “That's what we've done. This bill came back in far worse shape.”

As an example, Gaetz said the House bill eliminated the position of the chief diversity officer at the Defense Department, but the final measure did not include that provision.

Washington Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, chided the bill's critics for what he described as an unwillingness to compromise.

“Apparently, you don't like democracy because that's what democracy is. You compromise and you work with people and you do it all the time,” Smith said.

Most notably, the bill does not include language sought by House Republicans to restrict gender-affirming health care for transgender service members and it does not block the Pentagon’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-lloyd-austin-government-and-politics-dc6a0317775596ffc7945acc79b7559e">abortion travel</a>&nbsp;policy, which allows reimbursement for travel expenses when a service member has to go out of state for an abortion or other reproductive care.

Republicans did win some concessions on diversity and inclusion training in the military. For example, the bill freezes hiring for such training until a full accounting of the programming and costs is completed and reported to Congress.

One of the most divisive aspects of the bill was a short-term extension of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-surveillance-fisa-702-congress-reform-7dc1b506b58ce74de0d7983dfba98909">surveillance program</a>&nbsp;aimed at preventing terrorism and catching spies. The program has detractors on both sides of the political aisle who view it as a threat to the privacy of ordinary Americans.

Some House Republicans were incensed that the extension was included in the defense policy bill and not voted upon separately through other legislation that included proposed changes to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA.

The extension continues a tool that permits the U.S. government to collect without a warrant the communications of non-Americans located outside the country, in an effort to gather foreign intelligence.

U.S. officials have said the tool, first authorized in 2008 and renewed several times since then, is crucial in disrupting terror attacks, cyber intrusions and other national security threats. It has produced vital intelligence that the U.S. has relied on for specific operations, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-ayman-al-zawahri-qaida-biden-united-states-171556fce4719d012726fb979a14cc81">killing last year</a>&nbsp;of al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahri.

But the administration’s efforts to secure reauthorization of the program have encountered strong bipartisan pushback. Lawmakers are demanding better privacy protections for those Americans caught up in the monitoring. They wanted a separate vote on legislation making changes to the program.

“The FBI under President Biden has been weaponized against the American people and major reform is needed,” said Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont. “FISA should not be combined with our national defense. And it is unacceptable that leadership is bypassing regular order to jam members by forcing them to vote on two unrelated bills with one vote.”

Matthew G. Olsen, an assistant attorney general at the Justice Department, praised the passage of the extension.

He said: “We cannot afford to be blinded to the many threats we face from foreign adversaries, including Iran and China, as well as terrorist organizations like Hamas and ISIS," or the Islamic State group.

Enough opposition to the bill had developed within the GOP ranks that it forced House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to tee up the defense policy bill for a vote through a process generally reserved for noncontroversial legislation.

Under that process, at least two-thirds of the House had to vote in favor of the legislation for it to pass, but going that route avoided the prospect of a small number of Republicans blocking it from the floor.

Consideration of the bill comes at a dangerous time for the world, with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and as China increasingly flexes its military might in the South China Sea.

On Ukraine, the bill includes the creation of a special inspector general for Ukraine to address concerns about whether taxpayer dollars are being spent in Ukraine as intended. That’s on top of oversight work already being conducted by other agency watchdogs.

“We will continue to stay on top of this, but I want to assure my colleagues that there has been no evidence of diversion of weapons provided to Ukraine or any other assistance,” GOP Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, told lawmakers this week in advocating for the bill.

On China, the bill establishes a new training program with Taiwan, requires a plan to accelerate deliveries of Harpoon anti-ship missiles to Taiwan, and approves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australia-united-states-nuclear-submarines-biden-aukus-64a1d6c416ad9206153ad601c177869b">an agreement</a>&nbsp;that enables Australia to access nuclear-powered submarines, which are stealthier and more capable than conventionally powered vessels.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702582014813.png" alt="Kansas congressman Jake LaTurner presided over the House Floor Thursday during the vote on the National Defense Authorization Act." />
 <figcaption>Kansas congressman Jake LaTurner presided over the House Floor Thursday during the vote on the National Defense Authorization Act.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House passed a defense policy bill Thursday that authorizes the biggest pay raise for troops in more than two decades, overcoming objections from some conservatives concerned the measure did not do enough to restrict the Pentagon's diversity initiatives, abortion travel policy and gender-affirming health care for transgender service members.The $886 billion bill was approved by a vote of 310-118 and now goes to President Joe Biden after the Senate had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/defense-bill-pay-raise-abortion-transgender-21616bf1fd228c84d8d0046d25a19b01#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20Senate,what%20is%20traditionally%20a%20strongly">overwhelmingly passed</a>&nbsp;it Wednesday. Kansas Representatives Ron Estes and Tracey Man voted against the bill. The rest of the Kansas delegation including Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted for the bill.It is likely the last piece of major legislation Congress will consider before leaving for the holiday break, though negotiations continue on a bill to aid Ukraine and Israel and boost border security.The spending called for represents about a 3% increase from the prior year. The bill serves as a blueprint for programs Congress will seek to fund through follow-up spending bills.Lawmakers have been negotiating a final defense policy bill for months after each chamber passed strikingly different versions in July. Some of the priorities championed by social conservatives were a no-go for Democrats. Negotiators dropped them from the final version to get it over the finish line.That did not go over well with some Republican lawmakers, though most did end up voting for a bill that traditionally has broad, bipartisan support. About twice as many Republicans voted for the bill as voted against it.“You almost feel like a parent who's sent a child off to summer camp and they came back a monster,” Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., said in opposing the bill. “That's what we've done. This bill came back in far worse shape.”As an example, Gaetz said the House bill eliminated the position of the chief diversity officer at the Defense Department, but the final measure did not include that provision.Washington Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, chided the bill's critics for what he described as an unwillingness to compromise.“Apparently, you don't like democracy because that's what democracy is. You compromise and you work with people and you do it all the time,” Smith said.Most notably, the bill does not include language sought by House Republicans to restrict gender-affirming health care for transgender service members and it does not block the Pentagon’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-lloyd-austin-government-and-politics-dc6a0317775596ffc7945acc79b7559e">abortion travel</a>&nbsp;policy, which allows reimbursement for travel expenses when a service member has to go out of state for an abortion or other reproductive care.Republicans did win some concessions on diversity and inclusion training in the military. For example, the bill freezes hiring for such training until a full accounting of the programming and costs is completed and reported to Congress.One of the most divisive aspects of the bill was a short-term extension of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-surveillance-fisa-702-congress-reform-7dc1b506b58ce74de0d7983dfba98909">surveillance program</a>&nbsp;aimed at preventing terrorism and catching spies. The program has detractors on both sides of the political aisle who view it as a threat to the privacy of ordinary Americans.Some House Republicans were incensed that the extension was included in the defense policy bill and not voted upon separately through other legislation that included proposed changes to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA.The extension continues a tool that permits the U.S. government to collect without a warrant the communications of non-Americans located outside the country, in an effort to gather foreign intelligence.U.S. officials have said the tool, first authorized in 2008 and renewed several times since then, is crucial in disrupting terror attacks, cyber intrusions and other national security threats. It has produced vital intelligence that the U.S. has relied on for specific operations, such as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-ayman-al-zawahri-qaida-biden-united-states-171556fce4719d012726fb979a14cc81">killing last year</a>&nbsp;of al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahri.But the administration’s efforts to secure reauthorization of the program have encountered strong bipartisan pushback. Lawmakers are demanding better privacy protections for those Americans caught up in the monitoring. They wanted a separate vote on legislation making changes to the program.“The FBI under President Biden has been weaponized against the American people and major reform is needed,” said Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont. “FISA should not be combined with our national defense. And it is unacceptable that leadership is bypassing regular order to jam members by forcing them to vote on two unrelated bills with one vote.”Matthew G. Olsen, an assistant attorney general at the Justice Department, praised the passage of the extension.He said: “We cannot afford to be blinded to the many threats we face from foreign adversaries, including Iran and China, as well as terrorist organizations like Hamas and ISIS," or the Islamic State group.Enough opposition to the bill had developed within the GOP ranks that it forced House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., to tee up the defense policy bill for a vote through a process generally reserved for noncontroversial legislation.Under that process, at least two-thirds of the House had to vote in favor of the legislation for it to pass, but going that route avoided the prospect of a small number of Republicans blocking it from the floor.Consideration of the bill comes at a dangerous time for the world, with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and as China increasingly flexes its military might in the South China Sea.On Ukraine, the bill includes the creation of a special inspector general for Ukraine to address concerns about whether taxpayer dollars are being spent in Ukraine as intended. That’s on top of oversight work already being conducted by other agency watchdogs.“We will continue to stay on top of this, but I want to assure my colleagues that there has been no evidence of diversion of weapons provided to Ukraine or any other assistance,” GOP Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, told lawmakers this week in advocating for the bill.On China, the bill establishes a new training program with Taiwan, requires a plan to accelerate deliveries of Harpoon anti-ship missiles to Taiwan, and approves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australia-united-states-nuclear-submarines-biden-aukus-64a1d6c416ad9206153ad601c177869b">an agreement</a>&nbsp;that enables Australia to access nuclear-powered submarines, which are stealthier and more capable than conventionally powered vessels.

2 Kan. Reps voted against $886 billion defense spending bill 

BY:&nbsp;ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>

WASHINGTON — The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention met Wednesday with nearly 100 Democratic state legislators in an effort to reduce gun violence and offer federal support.

As part of the meeting, known as the Safer States Initiative, the Biden administration will aim to provide states with more tools and federal support to protect their communities, such as investing in evidence-informed solutions to prevent and respond to gun violence and strengthening gun background checks.

Stefanie Feldman, who leads the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, said on a call with reporters Tuesday that the initiative will strengthen federal and state partnerships to combat gun violence.

“One thing we hear all the time is they want to do more to reduce gun violence,” Feldman said of state lawmakers.

The initiatives come as the United States continues to suffer from an epidemic of mass shootings. Firearm-related injuries are now the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2201761">leading cause of death</a>&nbsp;for children and adolescents in the United States, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.

There have been several high-profile mass shootings this year,<a target="_blank" href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2023/03/27/three-children-and-shooter-dead-after-massing-shooting-at-covenant-school-in-green-hills/">&nbsp;including a school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee</a>&nbsp;where three children and three teachers were killed and another in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mainemorningstar.com/2023/10/26/we-will-all-help-you-carry-this-grief-mills-confirms-18-killed-in-lewiston-shooting/">Lewiston, Maine where 18 people were killed</a>&nbsp;and another 13 were injured.

This year, nearly 41,000 people have died due to gun violence and there have been 636 mass shootings,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/">according to data from the Gun Violence Archive.&nbsp;</a>Last year, there were 647 mass shootings and in 2021 there were 690 mass shootings.

State legislators from Maine will also attend the meeting, Feldman said.

Only Democratic state legislators were invited, a White House spokesperson said.

Additionally, the Department of Justice is releasing two pieces of model gun safety legislation&nbsp; — storing firearms safely and reporting stolen or lost firearms. A senior Justice Department official said the legislation on reporting missing or stolen firearms is modeled on state laws in Hawaii, Virginia and Maryland.

The Office of Gun Violence Prevention was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/biden-administration-to-create-new-gun-violence-prevention-office/">established in September&nbsp;</a>as part of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2022/06/24/congress-sends-biden-historic-gun-safety-legislation-with-gop-support/">gun safety bipartisan legislation Congress passed last year.</a>

Feldman said Wednesday’s announcement outlines actions that states could take, such as establishing a state Office of Gun Violence Prevention, investing in evidence-based solutions to prevent gun violence, such as community violence interventions, and strengthening support for victims and survivors of gun violence.

The other actions include promoting responsible firearm ownership, such as the safe storage of firearms and reporting of lost and stolen firearms.

“We know that safe storage saves lives,” Feldman said. “The majority of K-12 shooters are obtaining firearms from the home or the home of a friend.”

Other actions that states could take, Feldman said, included strengthening background checks, as well as holding the gun industry accountable by banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines.

Feldman said the White House will not only address mass shootings but “daily acts of gun violence,” such as domestic violence and suicide by gun violence.

According to the White House, legislators invited came from Kansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

BY:&nbsp;ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention met Wednesday with nearly 100 Democratic state legislators in an effort to reduce gun violence and offer federal support.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, I met with more than 100 state legislators and gun safety advocates to share policy solutions in our continued work to prevent gun violence. We have the answers. We must continue to lead with courage and act to save lives. <a href="https://t.co/sEpYj0DRCj">pic.twitter.com/sEpYj0DRCj</a>&mdash; Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1735061720874279322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>As part of the meeting, known as the Safer States Initiative, the Biden administration will aim to provide states with more tools and federal support to protect their communities, such as investing in evidence-informed solutions to prevent and respond to gun violence and strengthening gun background checks.Stefanie Feldman, who leads the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, said on a call with reporters Tuesday that the initiative will strengthen federal and state partnerships to combat gun violence.“One thing we hear all the time is they want to do more to reduce gun violence,” Feldman said of state lawmakers.The initiatives come as the United States continues to suffer from an epidemic of mass shootings. Firearm-related injuries are now the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2201761">leading cause of death</a>&nbsp;for children and adolescents in the United States, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.There have been several high-profile mass shootings this year,<a target="_blank" href="https://tennesseelookout.com/2023/03/27/three-children-and-shooter-dead-after-massing-shooting-at-covenant-school-in-green-hills/">&nbsp;including a school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee</a>&nbsp;where three children and three teachers were killed and another in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://mainemorningstar.com/2023/10/26/we-will-all-help-you-carry-this-grief-mills-confirms-18-killed-in-lewiston-shooting/">Lewiston, Maine where 18 people were killed</a>&nbsp;and another 13 were injured.This year, nearly 41,000 people have died due to gun violence and there have been 636 mass shootings,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/">according to data from the Gun Violence Archive.&nbsp;</a>Last year, there were 647 mass shootings and in 2021 there were 690 mass shootings.State legislators from Maine will also attend the meeting, Feldman said.Only Democratic state legislators were invited, a White House spokesperson said.Additionally, the Department of Justice is releasing two pieces of model gun safety legislation&nbsp; — storing firearms safely and reporting stolen or lost firearms. A senior Justice Department official said the legislation on reporting missing or stolen firearms is modeled on state laws in Hawaii, Virginia and Maryland.<h2>Office created in gun safety law</h2>The Office of Gun Violence Prevention was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/briefs/biden-administration-to-create-new-gun-violence-prevention-office/">established in September&nbsp;</a>as part of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2022/06/24/congress-sends-biden-historic-gun-safety-legislation-with-gop-support/">gun safety bipartisan legislation Congress passed last year.</a>Feldman said Wednesday’s announcement outlines actions that states could take, such as establishing a state Office of Gun Violence Prevention, investing in evidence-based solutions to prevent gun violence, such as community violence interventions, and strengthening support for victims and survivors of gun violence.The other actions include promoting responsible firearm ownership, such as the safe storage of firearms and reporting of lost and stolen firearms.“We know that safe storage saves lives,” Feldman said. “The majority of K-12 shooters are obtaining firearms from the home or the home of a friend.”Other actions that states could take, Feldman said, included strengthening background checks, as well as holding the gun industry accountable by banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines.Feldman said the White House will not only address mass shootings but “daily acts of gun violence,” such as domestic violence and suicide by gun violence.According to the White House, legislators invited came from Kansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

White House met with state legislators from Kan. on gun violence prevention

By MIKE COURSON&nbsp;Great Bend Post

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is not going away. The United States Department of Agriculture reports more than 72.5 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been killed since the outbreak began in 2022. 

On Tuesday, Cal-Maine Foods near Chase in Rice County reported it had temporarily ceased production after positive HPAI tests. The company has reported the virus has impacted nearly 700,000 laying hens, or nearly two percent of its total flock.&nbsp; Avian flu is also reported in McPherson County, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Alicia Boor, agriculture and natural resources agent in the Cottonwood District for K-State Research, reminds poultry providers to be cautious.

"Poultry farmers need to be very careful - if you can, have your birds indoors because it is transferred from the wild birds that are migrating through," she said. "If you can have them indoors - indoor water sources, indoor feed - so they have a lesser chance. That's the best thing you can do for those animals is to completely isolate them."

The Kansas Department of Agriculture indicated the first positive test in Barton County on Dec. 8, of a non-poultry bird, though no test date was indicated. 

Boor said for those unable to move birds indoors, disinfecting food and water treys routinely can help mitigate the spread of the virus. Flock owners should watch for symptoms and report any incidences to their local veterinarian so it can be turned over to state authorities. The virus will likely be around for a while.

"Usually, when the birds finish their migration through the area it will calm down again until they start coming back to the north in the spring," Boor said. "It's being transferred more readily because we have so many migrating birds."

Officials believe there is little risk the virus will be contracted by humans. Symptoms among birds include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, decreased egg production, and soft-shelled or misshapen eggs.

By MIKE COURSON&nbsp;Great Bend PostHighly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is not going away. The United States Department of Agriculture reports more than 72.5 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been killed since the outbreak began in 2022. On Tuesday, Cal-Maine Foods near Chase in Rice County reported it had temporarily ceased production after positive HPAI tests. The company has reported the virus has impacted nearly 700,000 laying hens, or nearly two percent of its total flock.&nbsp; Avian flu is also reported in McPherson County, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Agriculture.Alicia Boor, agriculture and natural resources agent in the Cottonwood District for K-State Research, reminds poultry providers to be cautious."Poultry farmers need to be very careful - if you can, have your birds indoors because it is transferred from the wild birds that are migrating through," she said. "If you can have them indoors - indoor water sources, indoor feed - so they have a lesser chance. That's the best thing you can do for those animals is to completely isolate them."The Kansas Department of Agriculture indicated the first positive test in Barton County on Dec. 8, of a non-poultry bird, though no test date was indicated. Boor said for those unable to move birds indoors, disinfecting food and water treys routinely can help mitigate the spread of the virus. Flock owners should watch for symptoms and report any incidences to their local veterinarian so it can be turned over to state authorities. The virus will likely be around for a while."Usually, when the birds finish their migration through the area it will calm down again until they start coming back to the north in the spring," Boor said. "It's being transferred more readily because we have so many migrating birds."Officials believe there is little risk the virus will be contracted by humans. Symptoms among birds include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, decreased egg production, and soft-shelled or misshapen eggs.

KDA: Avian flu identified in an another county in Kansas

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a restaurant in Lawrence.

Just after 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical (LDCFM) crews were dispatched to a reported fire at a restaurant at 815 New Hampshire Street in Lawrence, according to a media release. This building houses Cielito Lindo, a Mexican restaurant that has operated at this location for nearly two decades.

First arriving crews made entry into the structure to confirm that no occupants remained and to initiate fire suppression operations. After completing a rapid search of the structure, deteriorating interior conditions necessitated a transition to a “defensive” strategy which limits fire suppression activities to exterior positions.

 Aerial apparatus were located on two sides of the building to provide elevated water streams. Additional handlines (hoses operated by firefighters) were placed into operation around the building, including in the alley.

815 New Hampshire shares a common wall with the building located at 811 New Hampshire and crews entered this structure to check for any fire extension. No extension was found, but some water from fire suppression efforts did seep through the wall. Several streets in downtown Lawrence were closed overnight due to both hose lines in the street and to provide for a safe working environment for crews.

The fire was extinguished by 7:00 a.m., but crews remained on the scene&nbsp; to suppress any remaining hotspots. Investigators from LDCFM’s Fire Investigation Unit will be conducting a fire origin and cause investigation. One LDCFM firefighter reported a minor injury related to this incident and there were no civilian injuries reported.

While fire operations were ongoing at 815 New Hampshire, a separate structure fire was reported at 3:35 a.m. in the 700 block of Illinois Street in Lawrence. An LDCFM crew arrived to find a working fire in a single-family residence. In addition to LDCFM personnel and equipment, an engine, quint (fire apparatus with an aerial ladder), and battalion chief from Overland Park Fire Department (OPFD) also responded to the scene as part of a mutual aid request that had been made to provide additional coverage in Lawrence. The OPFD resources had been staged at LDCFM’s Station 5 and arrived on the scene shortly after the first unit.

Though this fire was quickly extinguished, four residents were displaced from the building. An LDCFM investigator determined the cause of this fire to be electrical in nature. No civilians were injured, but one LDCFM firefighter was evaluated at the scene for minor injuries.

LDCFM would like to remind people to not drive past “road closed” signs and to never drive over fire hose. Unauthorized traffic in and around fire scenes is extraordinarily dangerous for firefighters and damaged hoses can both delay fire suppression and injure firefighters.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702570469585.png" alt="Fire crews on the scene in Lawrence early Thursday -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Fire crews on the scene in Lawrence early Thursday -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a restaurant in Lawrence.Just after 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical (LDCFM) crews were dispatched to a reported fire at a restaurant at 815 New Hampshire Street in Lawrence, according to a media release. This building houses Cielito Lindo, a Mexican restaurant that has operated at this location for nearly two decades.First arriving crews made entry into the structure to confirm that no occupants remained and to initiate fire suppression operations. After completing a rapid search of the structure, deteriorating interior conditions necessitated a transition to a “defensive” strategy which limits fire suppression activities to exterior positions. Aerial apparatus were located on two sides of the building to provide elevated water streams. Additional handlines (hoses operated by firefighters) were placed into operation around the building, including in the alley.815 New Hampshire shares a common wall with the building located at 811 New Hampshire and crews entered this structure to check for any fire extension. No extension was found, but some water from fire suppression efforts did seep through the wall. Several streets in downtown Lawrence were closed overnight due to both hose lines in the street and to provide for a safe working environment for crews.The fire was extinguished by 7:00 a.m., but crews remained on the scene&nbsp; to suppress any remaining hotspots. Investigators from LDCFM’s Fire Investigation Unit will be conducting a fire origin and cause investigation. One LDCFM firefighter reported a minor injury related to this incident and there were no civilian injuries reported.While fire operations were ongoing at 815 New Hampshire, a separate structure fire was reported at 3:35 a.m. in the 700 block of Illinois Street in Lawrence. An LDCFM crew arrived to find a working fire in a single-family residence. In addition to LDCFM personnel and equipment, an engine, quint (fire apparatus with an aerial ladder), and battalion chief from Overland Park Fire Department (OPFD) also responded to the scene as part of a mutual aid request that had been made to provide additional coverage in Lawrence. The OPFD resources had been staged at LDCFM’s Station 5 and arrived on the scene shortly after the first unit.Though this fire was quickly extinguished, four residents were displaced from the building. An LDCFM investigator determined the cause of this fire to be electrical in nature. No civilians were injured, but one LDCFM firefighter was evaluated at the scene for minor injuries.LDCFM would like to remind people to not drive past “road closed” signs and to never drive over fire hose. Unauthorized traffic in and around fire scenes is extraordinarily dangerous for firefighters and damaged hoses can both delay fire suppression and injure firefighters.

Fire damages 20-year-old Kansas restaurant 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for attempted theft.

Just after 6a.m Wednesday, a home owner in the 4200 Block NW Rochester road in rural Shawnee County called the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center reporting that a vehicle had driven through their yard behind their home, according to Sheriff's Lt. Scott Wanamaker.

The vehicle drove through the tree line behind the reporting party’s home and into a field near the west fence line to Tarwater Farm and Home Supply, 4107 NW Topeka Blvd.

A deputy was close to the area of the call and responded to Tarwater Farm and Home Supply.&nbsp; The deputy observed a man&nbsp; walking through the parking lot, carrying a fence T-Post. When the man saw the deputy he turned and ran. The deputy caught the man in the 4200 block NW Sproatan Lane.

The subject was detained and identified as 58 -year-old Darrell E Hunter of Topeka. After further investigation at the scene he was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for Criminal Trespass and Attempted Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702500447602.png" alt="Hunter-photo Shawnee Countyu" />
 <figcaption>Hunter-photo Shawnee Countyu</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for attempted theft.Just after 6a.m Wednesday, a home owner in the 4200 Block NW Rochester road in rural Shawnee County called the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center reporting that a vehicle had driven through their yard behind their home, according to Sheriff's Lt. Scott Wanamaker.The vehicle drove through the tree line behind the reporting party’s home and into a field near the west fence line to Tarwater Farm and Home Supply, 4107 NW Topeka Blvd.A deputy was close to the area of the call and responded to Tarwater Farm and Home Supply.&nbsp; The deputy observed a man&nbsp; walking through the parking lot, carrying a fence T-Post. When the man saw the deputy he turned and ran. The deputy caught the man in the 4200 block NW Sproatan Lane.The subject was detained and identified as 58 -year-old Darrell E Hunter of Topeka. After further investigation at the scene he was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for Criminal Trespass and Attempted Theft.

Man caught attempting to take items from Kan. farm and home store

WASHINGTON —The FBI and the Department of&nbsp;Homeland Security&nbsp;issued a warning to the public this week of heightened threats to public safety this holiday season and through winter associated with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, according to a joint statement from the agencies.

The National Counterterrorism Center joins those portions of this Announcement that concern international terrorism; general terrorist tactics, techniques, and procedures; and threats posed by foreign violent extremists and those violent extremists they inspire.

FBI, DHS, and NCTC assess that ongoing tensions related to the conflict between Israel and HAMAS likely heighten the threat of lone actor violence targeting large public gatherings throughout the winter, including holiday-related, faith-based, New Year's Eve, and First Amendment protected events related to the conflict. 

Although this announcement is not in response to any specific plotting activity, these targets likely remain attractive to lone actors inspired by a range of ideologies due to their accessibility and symbolic nature.

Since the HAMAS attack on Israel on 7 October, various foreign terrorist media organizations have called for lone actor attacks in the United States. Racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists (RMVEs) have also increased calls for violence and celebrated attacks on the Jewish community. 

Lone actors may seek to disrupt or escalate violence at large gatherings, high profile events, or symbolic or religious locations throughout the winter. Such gatherings could become a convenient target for those inspired to commit violence against Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Arab communities. 

Hate crime perpetrators have also played a role in violence and threats of violence. There has been a spike in reporting on potential hate crimes or other criminal violations from the public, local law enforcement partners, and other private or public sector partners since 7 October. We have also observed an increase in hoax bomb and active shooter threats targeting synagogues across the United States, likely intended to disrupt services and intimidate congregants.

Calls for violence may increase in the days leading up to the holidays and before other notable events this winter. Factors that could further exacerbate the threat of violence include escalations in the conflict between Israel and HAMAS and notable instances of violence in the Homeland inspiring copycat or retaliatory attacks. We therefore urge everyone to remain vigilant and to report any threats of violence or suspicious activity to law enforcement.

FBI and DHS are particularly attuned in this environment to the concerns of the Jewish, Arab American, and Muslim communities and will continue to engage directly with leaders in these communities to ensure that available resources are utilized.

To help mitigate potential risks in today's dynamic and rapidly evolving threat environment, DHS has compiled several resources for communities and faith leaders, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) compendium of resources for securing mass gatherings and public spaces.

Additionally, resources for law enforcement also are available to increase our nation's ability to prevent acts of violence and increase our resilience to evolving threats.

To report any leads, threats, or suspected criminal activity, FBI and DHS urge the public to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/Home/Egress?url=https://tips.fbi.gov&amp;h=3B5447CBE68501BB8AE43C84FF9EE49983854F6FB8EA6201529B83F13768FB7E">tips.fbi.gov</a>&nbsp;or contact their local FBI Office:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/Home/Egress?url=https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices&amp;h=6DDC52DF2049F96DACAD3C0D64DF610D1248D1F7728544240271B9025CB9383F">www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices</a>. For emergencies or an immediate threat to life, please call 911.

For tips on identifying concerning behavior which may be connected to violent extremism, the FBI, DHS, and NCTC published an updated U.S. Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators booklet in 2021.

If You See Something, Say Something®&nbsp;- Report suspicious activity and threats of violence, including online threats, to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or your local Fusion Center.

WASHINGTON —The FBI and the Department of&nbsp;Homeland Security&nbsp;issued a warning to the public this week of heightened threats to public safety this holiday season and through winter associated with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, according to a joint statement from the agencies.The National Counterterrorism Center joins those portions of this Announcement that concern international terrorism; general terrorist tactics, techniques, and procedures; and threats posed by foreign violent extremists and those violent extremists they inspire.FBI, DHS, and NCTC assess that ongoing tensions related to the conflict between Israel and HAMAS likely heighten the threat of lone actor violence targeting large public gatherings throughout the winter, including holiday-related, faith-based, New Year's Eve, and First Amendment protected events related to the conflict. Although this announcement is not in response to any specific plotting activity, these targets likely remain attractive to lone actors inspired by a range of ideologies due to their accessibility and symbolic nature.Since the HAMAS attack on Israel on 7 October, various foreign terrorist media organizations have called for lone actor attacks in the United States. Racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists (RMVEs) have also increased calls for violence and celebrated attacks on the Jewish community. Lone actors may seek to disrupt or escalate violence at large gatherings, high profile events, or symbolic or religious locations throughout the winter. Such gatherings could become a convenient target for those inspired to commit violence against Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Arab communities. Hate crime perpetrators have also played a role in violence and threats of violence. There has been a spike in reporting on potential hate crimes or other criminal violations from the public, local law enforcement partners, and other private or public sector partners since 7 October. We have also observed an increase in hoax bomb and active shooter threats targeting synagogues across the United States, likely intended to disrupt services and intimidate congregants.Calls for violence may increase in the days leading up to the holidays and before other notable events this winter. Factors that could further exacerbate the threat of violence include escalations in the conflict between Israel and HAMAS and notable instances of violence in the Homeland inspiring copycat or retaliatory attacks. We therefore urge everyone to remain vigilant and to report any threats of violence or suspicious activity to law enforcement.FBI and DHS are particularly attuned in this environment to the concerns of the Jewish, Arab American, and Muslim communities and will continue to engage directly with leaders in these communities to ensure that available resources are utilized.To help mitigate potential risks in today's dynamic and rapidly evolving threat environment, DHS has compiled several resources for communities and faith leaders, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) compendium of resources for securing mass gatherings and public spaces.Additionally, resources for law enforcement also are available to increase our nation's ability to prevent acts of violence and increase our resilience to evolving threats.To report any leads, threats, or suspected criminal activity, FBI and DHS urge the public to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/Home/Egress?url=https://tips.fbi.gov&amp;h=3B5447CBE68501BB8AE43C84FF9EE49983854F6FB8EA6201529B83F13768FB7E">tips.fbi.gov</a>&nbsp;or contact their local FBI Office:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ic3.gov/Home/Egress?url=https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices&amp;h=6DDC52DF2049F96DACAD3C0D64DF610D1248D1F7728544240271B9025CB9383F">www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices</a>. For emergencies or an immediate threat to life, please call 911.For tips on identifying concerning behavior which may be connected to violent extremism, the FBI, DHS, and NCTC published an updated U.S. Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators booklet in 2021.If You See Something, Say Something®&nbsp;- Report suspicious activity and threats of violence, including online threats, to local law enforcement, FBI Field Offices, or your local Fusion Center.

Federal officials warn of threat to public safety during the holidays

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that seriously injured a 15-year-old and a 14-year-old from Wichita.

just before 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting call at the intersection of 15th Street North and Poplar Avenue in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.&nbsp;

First responders located the 15-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his abdomen and the 14-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right upper leg. EMS transported both victims to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Both victims underwent surgery and are in stable condition.

Detectives are still working to fully determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting and have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702502344958.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation early Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation early Wednesday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that seriously injured a 15-year-old and a 14-year-old from Wichita.just before 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, police were dispatched to a shooting call at the intersection of 15th Street North and Poplar Avenue in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.&nbsp;First responders located the 15-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his abdomen and the 14-year-old victim with a gunshot wound to his right upper leg. EMS transported both victims to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Both victims underwent surgery and are in stable condition.Detectives are still working to fully determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting and have not reported an arrest.

Police search for Kan. suspect who shot 14 and 15-year-old

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden" target="_blank">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday held his first in-person meeting with families of some of the eight Americans still unaccounted for and presumed taken captive by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war" target="_blank">Hamas during its deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel</a>, reassuring the families that his administration was committed to reuniting them with their loved ones.

The family members said in a statement following the meeting that they urged Biden to do “everything in his power to negotiate a swift and total release of the remaining hostages,” and they in turn offered to do “anything he needs” to win the hostages’ release.

“We felt before and we’re only reinforced in seeing and believing that we could have no better friend in Washington or in the White House than President Biden himself and his administration,” said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son Sagui is among the Americans believed to be held by Hamas.

The two-hour meeting came a day after Biden appeared to sharpen criticism of Israel’s execution of its retaliatory strikes in Gaza,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-12-2023-b52ae70a89443728517f1d3d7508992c" target="_blank">warning that the Israelis were</a>&nbsp;losing international support because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-oct-7-44c4229d4c1270d9cfa484b664a22071" target="_blank">“indiscriminate bombing</a>.”

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Biden’s comments reflected “a concern that we have had for some time and will continue to have as this military operation proceeds about the need for reducing civilian harm and being as precise and careful and deliberate as possible.”

Israeli officials on Wednesday sought to play down the signs of strain between Biden and the Netanyahu government.

“I have great respect for President Biden, for Defense Secretary Austin and all the top American government officials. They are doing a lot,” said Israeli Defense Minister Yov Gallant. He added, ”Conversations are ongoing. I think we will find a way to help the Americans help us. That’s the key and the base. They want our success, and we are aware we must do so while taking their needs into account, and without giving up on the goals of the war.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and principal deputy national security adviser Jon Finer joined Biden for Wednesday’s meeting. Thirteen of the family members attended in person, while three others joined the conversation with the president and his advisers by phone, according to the White House.

The Democratic president has previously met with some family members virtually and spoken to others on the phone. White House officials said Wednesday’s engagement was emotional for the president.

“I reassured them that I will continue doing everything possible to secure the release of their family members,” Biden said in a posting on the social media site X. “And that we will not give up hope.”

Dekel-Chen declined to offer information on what, if any, details Biden and other administration officials offered the group about U.S. efforts to win their loved ones’ release. He said, however, that the administration made clear that it “is completely committed to getting the hostages out.”

Biden’s meeting with the families came as his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, was to head to Israel on Thursday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, members of his war cabinet, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

The eight Americans remain unaccounted for after Hamas’ surprise air, sea and land incursion into Israeli towns, where the group killed about 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and took more than 240 people hostage. The White House has said that at least 31 Americans were killed by Hamas and other militant groups&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2" target="_blank">on Oct. 7</a>.

Kirby said Biden “was moved by their stories, by the love they feel, by the hope that they still harbor and he harbors that hope too.”

Liz Naftali, the great aunt of 4-year-old Abigail Edan, who was released late last month after spending weeks in Hamas captivity, took part in the White House meeting and said the families are hoping for a “Christmas miracle.” The child, who was taken hostage after her parents were killed, was released during last month’s temporary cease-fire to facilitate the swapping of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

The meeting came as Pope Francis on Wednesday renewed his call for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza and for the return of hostages taken by Hamas.

“As we come to the Christmas holiday, I hope that the pope continues to speak and others around the world not only pray, but pray for us, pray for our families, pray for our leaders, pray for the president,” said Naftali.

Four Americans were released as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-27-2023-852065d35c4643f4c874fb5993313b13" target="_blank">a U.S.-negotiated cease-fire in Israel’s war against Hamas</a>&nbsp;in Gaza that was brokered with the assistance of Qatar and Egypt.

One American woman was supposed to be released by Hamas under the terms of last month’s cease-fire, but she remains unaccounted for — a development that contributed to the end of the temporary pause in the fighting.

“We know that they are working 24 hours a day, and they are going to work through the holidays and they are going to do everything they can to make sure that all of our loved ones—real people—come home to us and to the families across the world and Israel,” Naftali said.

While Dekel-Chen and Naftali expressed hope, the families in their statement also expressed concern about the mental and physical pain the hostages are enduring.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden" target="_blank">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday held his first in-person meeting with families of some of the eight Americans still unaccounted for and presumed taken captive by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war" target="_blank">Hamas during its deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel</a>, reassuring the families that his administration was committed to reuniting them with their loved ones.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I just sat down with the loved ones of Americans taken hostage by Hamas to hear their stories. I reassured them that I will continue doing everything possible to secure the release of their family members. And that we will not give up hope. <a href="https://t.co/eZLrlW63LI">pic.twitter.com/eZLrlW63LI</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1735028071818801268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The family members said in a statement following the meeting that they urged Biden to do “everything in his power to negotiate a swift and total release of the remaining hostages,” and they in turn offered to do “anything he needs” to win the hostages’ release.“We felt before and we’re only reinforced in seeing and believing that we could have no better friend in Washington or in the White House than President Biden himself and his administration,” said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son Sagui is among the Americans believed to be held by Hamas.The two-hour meeting came a day after Biden appeared to sharpen criticism of Israel’s execution of its retaliatory strikes in Gaza,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-12-2023-b52ae70a89443728517f1d3d7508992c" target="_blank">warning that the Israelis were</a>&nbsp;losing international support because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-oct-7-44c4229d4c1270d9cfa484b664a22071" target="_blank">“indiscriminate bombing</a>.”White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Biden’s comments reflected “a concern that we have had for some time and will continue to have as this military operation proceeds about the need for reducing civilian harm and being as precise and careful and deliberate as possible.”Israeli officials on Wednesday sought to play down the signs of strain between Biden and the Netanyahu government.“I have great respect for President Biden, for Defense Secretary Austin and all the top American government officials. They are doing a lot,” said Israeli Defense Minister Yov Gallant. He added, ”Conversations are ongoing. I think we will find a way to help the Americans help us. That’s the key and the base. They want our success, and we are aware we must do so while taking their needs into account, and without giving up on the goals of the war.”Secretary of State Antony Blinken and principal deputy national security adviser Jon Finer joined Biden for Wednesday’s meeting. Thirteen of the family members attended in person, while three others joined the conversation with the president and his advisers by phone, according to the White House.The Democratic president has previously met with some family members virtually and spoken to others on the phone. White House officials said Wednesday’s engagement was emotional for the president.“I reassured them that I will continue doing everything possible to secure the release of their family members,” Biden said in a posting on the social media site X. “And that we will not give up hope.”Dekel-Chen declined to offer information on what, if any, details Biden and other administration officials offered the group about U.S. efforts to win their loved ones’ release. He said, however, that the administration made clear that it “is completely committed to getting the hostages out.”Biden’s meeting with the families came as his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, was to head to Israel on Thursday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, members of his war cabinet, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog.The eight Americans remain unaccounted for after Hamas’ surprise air, sea and land incursion into Israeli towns, where the group killed about 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and took more than 240 people hostage. The White House has said that at least 31 Americans were killed by Hamas and other militant groups&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2" target="_blank">on Oct. 7</a>.Kirby said Biden “was moved by their stories, by the love they feel, by the hope that they still harbor and he harbors that hope too.”Liz Naftali, the great aunt of 4-year-old Abigail Edan, who was released late last month after spending weeks in Hamas captivity, took part in the White House meeting and said the families are hoping for a “Christmas miracle.” The child, who was taken hostage after her parents were killed, was released during last month’s temporary cease-fire to facilitate the swapping of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.The meeting came as Pope Francis on Wednesday renewed his call for a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza and for the return of hostages taken by Hamas.“As we come to the Christmas holiday, I hope that the pope continues to speak and others around the world not only pray, but pray for us, pray for our families, pray for our leaders, pray for the president,” said Naftali.Four Americans were released as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-11-27-2023-852065d35c4643f4c874fb5993313b13" target="_blank">a U.S.-negotiated cease-fire in Israel’s war against Hamas</a>&nbsp;in Gaza that was brokered with the assistance of Qatar and Egypt.One American woman was supposed to be released by Hamas under the terms of last month’s cease-fire, but she remains unaccounted for — a development that contributed to the end of the temporary pause in the fighting.“We know that they are working 24 hours a day, and they are going to work through the holidays and they are going to do everything they can to make sure that all of our loved ones—real people—come home to us and to the families across the world and Israel,” Naftali said.While Dekel-Chen and Naftali expressed hope, the families in their statement also expressed concern about the mental and physical pain the hostages are enduring.“Every day, we worry that they are dying a little bit more. We implore our government, the Israeli government, and governments around the world to find a way to bring them home before it is too late,” the families said.