SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman after she allegedly attacked her boyfriend with a knife.

Just after 1a.m. Friday, police responded to the Salina Regional Health Center on for a stabbing victim, according to Salina Police&nbsp;Lt. Kyle Tonniges. 

The 32-year-old male victim reported his wound occurred during an argument with his girlfriend at the 1400 block of Cheyenne Avenue.

During this argument, the suspect identified as 35-year-old Erica Wroten took a kitchen knife and stabbed him in the chest, according to Tonniges. "Then Wroten gave him a ride to the hospital and left.

The emergency room staff treated the victim and released him.

Later Friday, police we were able to locate Wroten in the 500 block of Russell Avenue and arrested her on requested charges of attempted first-degree murder, domestic battery, interference with law enforcement and violating a protection order.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697549423728.jpeg" alt="Wroten-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Wroten-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a woman after she allegedly attacked her boyfriend with a knife.Just after 1a.m. Friday, police responded to the Salina Regional Health Center on for a stabbing victim, according to Salina Police&nbsp;Lt. Kyle Tonniges. The 32-year-old male victim reported his wound occurred during an argument with his girlfriend at the 1400 block of Cheyenne Avenue.During this argument, the suspect identified as 35-year-old Erica Wroten took a kitchen knife and stabbed him in the chest, according to Tonniges. "Then Wroten gave him a ride to the hospital and left.The emergency room staff treated the victim and released him.Later Friday, police we were able to locate Wroten in the 500 block of Russell Avenue and arrested her on requested charges of attempted first-degree murder, domestic battery, interference with law enforcement and violating a protection order.

Police: Kan. woman stabbed boyfriend, drove him to hospital

FINNEY COUNTY— The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 are aware of a recent fight between two students at one of the schools in the district, according to a media release from the Garden City Police Department.

During the fight, a School Resource Officer responded and restrained one of the students. The student was evaluated and cleared by EMS at the scene, according to the statement from police.

As a matter of standard procedure, every use of force incident is documented and investigated. Any use of force incident which raises concerns or allegations of misconduct is investigated by the Office of Professional Standards, culminating with a legal review from the City Attorney.

 The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 collaborate to provide a safe environment for students and staff in the community.&nbsp;

FINNEY COUNTY— The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 are aware of a recent fight between two students at one of the schools in the district, according to a media release from the Garden City Police Department.During the fight, a School Resource Officer responded and restrained one of the students. The student was evaluated and cleared by EMS at the scene, according to the statement from police.As a matter of standard procedure, every use of force incident is documented and investigated. Any use of force incident which raises concerns or allegations of misconduct is investigated by the Office of Professional Standards, culminating with a legal review from the City Attorney. The Garden City Police Department and USD 457 collaborate to provide a safe environment for students and staff in the community.&nbsp;

Investigation: Kan. school resource officer restrained student during fight 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting and hace identified the victim as 25-year-old John B. Zamora of Kansas City, Kansas.

Just after 3a.m. Friday, police responded to a report of gunshots in&nbsp;900 Block of Greeley Avenue, according to a media release.

&nbsp;After arriving on scene dispatch advised that a gunshot victim&nbsp; later identified as Zamora was being transported to an area hospital.&nbsp; victim later died of his injuries.

This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.This is our 22nd homicide of the year. This time last year we were at 35 homicides.There is nothing further to report at this time

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting and hace identified the victim as 25-year-old John B. Zamora of Kansas City, Kansas.Just after 3a.m. Friday, police responded to a report of gunshots in&nbsp;900 Block of Greeley Avenue, according to a media release.&nbsp;After arriving on scene dispatch advised that a gunshot victim&nbsp; later identified as Zamora was being transported to an area hospital.&nbsp; victim later died of his injuries.This incident is under investigation by the KCKPD Major Case Unit. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.This is our 22nd homicide of the year. This time last year we were at 35 homicides.There is nothing further to report at this time

Homicide: Police ID Kansas man who died in shooting

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">Special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;on Monday asked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to take up and rule quickly on whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted on charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election results.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-624/292946/20231211115417267_No.%2023-624%20U.S.%20v.%20Donald%20J.%20Trump%20Petition.pdf">Click here to read</a> the petition before the Supreme Court

Smith made his request for the court to act with unusual speed to prevent any delays that could push back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">the trial</a>&nbsp;of the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner, currently set to begin March 4, until after next year’s presidential election.

Later Monday, the justices indicated they would decide quickly whether to hear the case, ordering Trump's lawyers to respond by Dec. 20. The court's brief order did not signal what it ultimately would do.

A federal judge ruled the case could go forward, but Trump said he would ask the federal appeals court in Washington to reverse that outcome. Smith is attempting to bypass the appeals court, the usual next step in the process, and have the Supreme Court take up the matter directly.

“This case presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy: whether a former President is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office or is constitutionally protected from federal prosecution when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">has been impeached</a>&nbsp;but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">not convicted</a>&nbsp;before the criminal proceedings begin,” prosecutors wrote.

Trump's presidential campaign criticized Smith for trying to go around the appeals court. “There is absolutely no reason to rush this sham to trial except to injure President Trump and tens of millions of his supporters. President Trump will continue to fight for Justice and oppose these authoritarian tactics,” the campaign said in a statement.

The court is next scheduled to meet privately on Jan. 5, 2024. It's unclear whether the justices would convene sooner to take up Smith's request.

Underscoring the urgency for prosecutors in securing a quick resolution that can push the case forward, Smith and his team wrote: “It is of imperative public importance that respondent’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-9528a29b2dbebb6ee4a4ebd26780f98c">claims of immunity</a>&nbsp;be resolved by this Court and that respondent’s trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected.”

At issue is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-donald-trump-a98872759762c95fa925ff831df27388">a Dec. 1 ruling</a>&nbsp;from U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan that rejected arguments by Trump’s lawyers that he was immune from federal prosecution. In her order, Chutkan, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, wrote that the office of the president “does not confer a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ pass.”

“Former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability,” Chutkan wrote. “Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office."

If the justices get involved, they would have an opportunity to rule for the first time ever on whether ex-presidents enjoy immunity from prosecution. Justice Department policy prohibits the indictment of a sitting president. Though there’s no such bar against prosecution for a former commander in chief, lawyers for Trump say that he cannot be charged for actions that fell within his official duties as president — a claim that prosecutors have vigorously rejected.

Smith’s team stressed that if the court did not expedite the matter, there would not be an opportunity to consider and resolve the question in the current term.

“The United States recognizes that this is an extraordinary request. This is an extraordinary case,” prosecutors wrote. “The Court should grant certiorari and set a briefing schedule that would permit this case to be argued and resolved as promptly as possible.”

Prosecutors are also asking the court to take up Trump’s claim, also already rejected by Chutkan, that he cannot be prosecuted in court for conduct for which he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">already impeached</a>&nbsp;— and acquitted — before Congress.

Trump faces charges accusing him of working&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-trump-capitol-10351fe6d555eaee7554379ceed8bb24">to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">violent riot</a>&nbsp;by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol. He has denied any wrongdoing.

A Supreme Court case usually lasts several months, from the time the justices agree to hear it until a final decision. Smith is asking the court to move with unusual, but not unprecedented, speed.

Nearly 50 years ago, the justices acted within two months of being asked to force President Richard Nixon to turn over Oval Office recordings in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-dean-richard-nixon-government-and-politics-crime-c7a7b99cca7c685cfc239f5e08b53378">the Watergate scandal</a>. The tapes were then used later in 1974 in the corruption prosecutions of Nixon's former aides.

It took the high court just a few days to effectively decide the 2000 presidential election for Republican George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore.

If the justices decline to step in at this point, Trump's appeal would continue at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Smith already has asked for quick review there, too. But he said even a rapid appellate decision might not get to the Supreme Court in time for review and final word before the court's traditional summer break.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702331469560.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">Special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;on Monday asked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to take up and rule quickly on whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted on charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election results.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/23/23-624/292946/20231211115417267_No.%2023-624%20U.S.%20v.%20Donald%20J.%20Trump%20Petition.pdf">Click here to read</a> the petition before the Supreme CourtSmith made his request for the court to act with unusual speed to prevent any delays that could push back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">the trial</a>&nbsp;of the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner, currently set to begin March 4, until after next year’s presidential election.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702338990290.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Later Monday, the justices indicated they would decide quickly whether to hear the case, ordering Trump's lawyers to respond by Dec. 20. The court's brief order did not signal what it ultimately would do.A federal judge ruled the case could go forward, but Trump said he would ask the federal appeals court in Washington to reverse that outcome. Smith is attempting to bypass the appeals court, the usual next step in the process, and have the Supreme Court take up the matter directly.“This case presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy: whether a former President is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office or is constitutionally protected from federal prosecution when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">has been impeached</a>&nbsp;but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">not convicted</a>&nbsp;before the criminal proceedings begin,” prosecutors wrote.Trump's presidential campaign criticized Smith for trying to go around the appeals court. “There is absolutely no reason to rush this sham to trial except to injure President Trump and tens of millions of his supporters. President Trump will continue to fight for Justice and oppose these authoritarian tactics,” the campaign said in a statement.The court is next scheduled to meet privately on Jan. 5, 2024. It's unclear whether the justices would convene sooner to take up Smith's request.Underscoring the urgency for prosecutors in securing a quick resolution that can push the case forward, Smith and his team wrote: “It is of imperative public importance that respondent’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-9528a29b2dbebb6ee4a4ebd26780f98c">claims of immunity</a>&nbsp;be resolved by this Court and that respondent’s trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected.”At issue is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-donald-trump-a98872759762c95fa925ff831df27388">a Dec. 1 ruling</a>&nbsp;from U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan that rejected arguments by Trump’s lawyers that he was immune from federal prosecution. In her order, Chutkan, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, wrote that the office of the president “does not confer a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ pass.”“Former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability,” Chutkan wrote. “Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office."If the justices get involved, they would have an opportunity to rule for the first time ever on whether ex-presidents enjoy immunity from prosecution. Justice Department policy prohibits the indictment of a sitting president. Though there’s no such bar against prosecution for a former commander in chief, lawyers for Trump say that he cannot be charged for actions that fell within his official duties as president — a claim that prosecutors have vigorously rejected.Smith’s team stressed that if the court did not expedite the matter, there would not be an opportunity to consider and resolve the question in the current term.“The United States recognizes that this is an extraordinary request. This is an extraordinary case,” prosecutors wrote. “The Court should grant certiorari and set a briefing schedule that would permit this case to be argued and resolved as promptly as possible.”Prosecutors are also asking the court to take up Trump’s claim, also already rejected by Chutkan, that he cannot be prosecuted in court for conduct for which he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">already impeached</a>&nbsp;— and acquitted — before Congress.Trump faces charges accusing him of working&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-trump-capitol-10351fe6d555eaee7554379ceed8bb24">to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">violent riot</a>&nbsp;by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol. He has denied any wrongdoing.A Supreme Court case usually lasts several months, from the time the justices agree to hear it until a final decision. Smith is asking the court to move with unusual, but not unprecedented, speed.Nearly 50 years ago, the justices acted within two months of being asked to force President Richard Nixon to turn over Oval Office recordings in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-dean-richard-nixon-government-and-politics-crime-c7a7b99cca7c685cfc239f5e08b53378">the Watergate scandal</a>. The tapes were then used later in 1974 in the corruption prosecutions of Nixon's former aides.It took the high court just a few days to effectively decide the 2000 presidential election for Republican George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore.If the justices decline to step in at this point, Trump's appeal would continue at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Smith already has asked for quick review there, too. But he said even a rapid appellate decision might not get to the Supreme Court in time for review and final word before the court's traditional summer break.

Trump responds to Supreme Court decision to rule on his immunity claim

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-us-emergency-sale-tank-ammunition-war-d3e9b41528433f2da9814d3293996cd5">defended the emergency sale</a>&nbsp;to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition and also called for quick congressional approval of more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">$100 billion in aid</a>&nbsp;for Israel, Ukraine and other national security priorities.

Blinken said the needs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s military operations in Gaza</a>&nbsp;justify the rare decision to bypass Congress. “Israel is in combat right now with Hamas,” he said during television interviews on Sunday. “And we want to make sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Hamas.”

The tank ammunition and related support constitute only a small portion of military sales to Israel and the rest remains subject to congressional review, Blinken said. “It’s very important that Congress‘ voice be heard in this,” he said.

The decision to proceed with the sale of more than $106 million in tank shells came as the Biden administration’s larger aid package is caught up in a debate over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-immigration-ukraine-6bdcc5dde4dadb48b43ace75b5a55242">U.S. immigration policy and border security.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702300715756.png" alt="U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a meeting with Israel President Isaac Herzog in November.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a meeting with Israel President Isaac Herzog in November.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-us-emergency-sale-tank-ammunition-war-d3e9b41528433f2da9814d3293996cd5">defended the emergency sale</a>&nbsp;to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition and also called for quick congressional approval of more than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">$100 billion in aid</a>&nbsp;for Israel, Ukraine and other national security priorities.Blinken said the needs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s military operations in Gaza</a>&nbsp;justify the rare decision to bypass Congress. “Israel is in combat right now with Hamas,” he said during television interviews on Sunday. “And we want to make sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Hamas.”The tank ammunition and related support constitute only a small portion of military sales to Israel and the rest remains subject to congressional review, Blinken said. “It’s very important that Congress‘ voice be heard in this,” he said.The decision to proceed with the sale of more than $106 million in tank shells came as the Biden administration’s larger aid package is caught up in a debate over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-immigration-ukraine-6bdcc5dde4dadb48b43ace75b5a55242">U.S. immigration policy and border security.</a>

Biden ammunition sale to Israel did not have Congressional approval

JOHNSON COUNTY — A Kansas teenager was sentenced Friday for involuntary manslaughter in the 2022 death of a man.

The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office sentenced 16-year-old Kingston Blaze Kohlieber to six months of probation for involuntary manslaughter and criminal use of weapons, following the death of 29-year-old Daniel Ward in August 2022.

Kohlieber was adjudicated for a level 5 person felony, which allowed for placement at the juvenile correctional facility for a term of 9-18 months.

As of Friday, Kohlieber had served approximately 16 months in custody, which is more than 70 percent of his maximum juvenile correctional facility sentence, according to District Attorney Steve Howe.

The probation period is six months and he will be reassessed when that period is up.

JOHNSON COUNTY —A jury this week found a Kansas teen guilty in the July 2022 death&nbsp; of 29-year-old Daniel Ward.

Kingston Blaze Kohlieber 15, Olathe, was found guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter and Criminal Use of a Weapon in Ward's death, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

First responders found Ward with head trauma that police investigators determined was a gunshot wound.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702246969804.png" alt="Daniel Ward photo Highland Park Funeral home" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Ward photo Highland Park Funeral home</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY — A Kansas teenager was sentenced Friday for involuntary manslaughter in the 2022 death of a man.The Johnson County District Attorney’s Office sentenced 16-year-old Kingston Blaze Kohlieber to six months of probation for involuntary manslaughter and criminal use of weapons, following the death of 29-year-old Daniel Ward in August 2022.Kohlieber was adjudicated for a level 5 person felony, which allowed for placement at the juvenile correctional facility for a term of 9-18 months.As of Friday, Kohlieber had served approximately 16 months in custody, which is more than 70 percent of his maximum juvenile correctional facility sentence, according to District Attorney Steve Howe.The probation period is six months and he will be reassessed when that period is up.--------------JOHNSON COUNTY —A jury this week found a Kansas teen guilty in the July 2022 death&nbsp; of 29-year-old Daniel Ward.Kingston Blaze Kohlieber 15, Olathe, was found guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter and Criminal Use of a Weapon in Ward's death, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.First responders found Ward with head trauma that police investigators determined was a gunshot wound.

16-year-old Kan. boy sentenced for shooting death

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a high speed chase.

Just after 8 p.m.,&nbsp; Dec. 8, a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol attempted to stop a vehicle which then fled into the City of Great Bend traveling at a high rate of speed, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.

&nbsp;Due to the speed of the vehicle and traffic conditions at the time, the trooper opted to terminate the chase.

About 30 minutes later, Sheriff’s deputies encountered the vehicle northbound on US 281 Highway traveling at a high rate of speed. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle and it again fled. During the course of the chase the vehicle struck one of the Sheriff’s office vehicles. The pursuit ended a short time later.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as 50-year-old Gavin Allen of Wichita.&nbsp; Deputies arrested him at the scene and transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked on charges requested charges of felony attempt to flee and elude, aggravated assault of law enforcement officer and criminal damage to property. Allen is being held in lieu of a $100,000 bond, according to Bellendir.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702322269949.png" alt="Allen -photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Allen -photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a high speed chase.Just after 8 p.m.,&nbsp; Dec. 8, a trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol attempted to stop a vehicle which then fled into the City of Great Bend traveling at a high rate of speed, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir.&nbsp;Due to the speed of the vehicle and traffic conditions at the time, the trooper opted to terminate the chase.About 30 minutes later, Sheriff’s deputies encountered the vehicle northbound on US 281 Highway traveling at a high rate of speed. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle and it again fled. During the course of the chase the vehicle struck one of the Sheriff’s office vehicles. The pursuit ended a short time later.The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as 50-year-old Gavin Allen of Wichita.&nbsp; Deputies arrested him at the scene and transported to the Barton County Jail where he was booked on charges requested charges of felony attempt to flee and elude, aggravated assault of law enforcement officer and criminal damage to property. Allen is being held in lieu of a $100,000 bond, according to Bellendir.

 Kansas deputy's vehicle struck during high-speed chase

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A pregnant Texas woman who sought court permission for an abortion in an unprecedented challenge to one of the most restrictive bans in the U.S. has left the state to obtain the procedure, her attorneys said Monday.

The announcement came as Kate Cox, 31, was awaiting a ruling from the Texas Supreme Court over whether she could legally obtain an abortion under narrow exceptions to the state’s ban. A judge gave Cox, a mother of two from the Dallas area, permission last week but that decision was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-ban-supreme-court-decision-10767891a475e7ce2c82b1404450908a">put on hold</a>&nbsp;by the state’s all-Republican high court.

“Her health is on the line. She’s been in and out of the emergency room and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-care-wait-times-us-roe-dobbs-7b0a328bb34b0acb3d37e359a63712fc">she couldn’t wait any longer,”</a>&nbsp;said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which was representing Cox.

The organization did not disclose where Cox went. On Monday, she was 20 weeks and six days pregnant.

Cox was believed to be the first woman in the U.S. to ask a court for permission for an abortion since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-dobbs-anniversary-state-laws-51c2a83899f133556e715342abfcface">Roe v. Wade was overturned last year.</a>&nbsp;Her lawsuit quickly became a high-profile test of bans in Texas and a dozen other GOP-controlled states, where abortion is prohibited at nearly all stages of pregnancy.

Days after Cox filed her lawsuit, a pregnant woman in Kentucky also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kentucky-aclu-lawsuit-14df6d5e8a5aaa36009557d080b1c779">asked a court to allow an abortion.</a>&nbsp;There has been no ruling yet in that case.

Earlier Monday, two medical groups in the U.S. urged the Texas Supreme Court to rule in favor of Cox. Her attorneys said she had been to the emergency at least four times since becoming pregnant again in August.

“The pervasive ‘climate of fear’ among the Texas medical community is certain to be made worse by this case and the State’s actions in opposing the abortion Ms. Cox needs,” read the brief, which was filed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.

Texas’ abortion ban makes narrow exceptions when the life of the mother is in danger but not for fetal anomalies.

Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has defended the state’s strict anti-abortion laws for nearly a decade, argued that Cox did not demonstrate that the pregnancy had put her life in danger.

“The Texas Legislature did not intend for courts to become revolving doors of permission slips to obtain abortions,” Paxton’s office wrote in a filing to the state Supreme Court last week.

Doctors told Cox that her fetus has a condition known as trisomy 18, which has a very high likelihood of miscarriage or stillbirth, and low survival rates, according to her lawsuit filed last week in Austin. They also told Cox that inducing labor or carrying the baby to term could jeopardize her ability to have another child.

Trisomy 18 occurs in approximately 1 in 2,500 diagnosed pregnancies, doctors told the court in the brief filed Monday. There is no live birth in about 70% of pregnancies involving the diagnosis that proceed past 12 weeks gestational age, according to the brief.

The termination of pregnancies because of fetal anomalies or other often-fatal medical problems&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ending-pregnancies-over-grave-medical-problems-e504e595f5f4ea6139db3f7b5155ca85">is seldom discussed</a>&nbsp;in national debates over abortion. There are no recent statistics on the frequency of terminations for fetal anomalies in the U.S. but experts say it’s a small percentage of total procedures.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702131734401.png" alt="Kate Cox.Courtesy The Center for Reproductive Rights" />
 <figcaption>Kate Cox.Courtesy The Center for Reproductive Rights</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A pregnant Texas woman who sought court permission for an abortion in an unprecedented challenge to one of the most restrictive bans in the U.S. has left the state to obtain the procedure, her attorneys said Monday.The announcement came as Kate Cox, 31, was awaiting a ruling from the Texas Supreme Court over whether she could legally obtain an abortion under narrow exceptions to the state’s ban. A judge gave Cox, a mother of two from the Dallas area, permission last week but that decision was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-ban-supreme-court-decision-10767891a475e7ce2c82b1404450908a">put on hold</a>&nbsp;by the state’s all-Republican high court.“Her health is on the line. She’s been in and out of the emergency room and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-care-wait-times-us-roe-dobbs-7b0a328bb34b0acb3d37e359a63712fc">she couldn’t wait any longer,”</a>&nbsp;said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which was representing Cox.The organization did not disclose where Cox went. On Monday, she was 20 weeks and six days pregnant.Cox was believed to be the first woman in the U.S. to ask a court for permission for an abortion since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-dobbs-anniversary-state-laws-51c2a83899f133556e715342abfcface">Roe v. Wade was overturned last year.</a>&nbsp;Her lawsuit quickly became a high-profile test of bans in Texas and a dozen other GOP-controlled states, where abortion is prohibited at nearly all stages of pregnancy.Days after Cox filed her lawsuit, a pregnant woman in Kentucky also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-kentucky-aclu-lawsuit-14df6d5e8a5aaa36009557d080b1c779">asked a court to allow an abortion.</a>&nbsp;There has been no ruling yet in that case.Earlier Monday, two medical groups in the U.S. urged the Texas Supreme Court to rule in favor of Cox. Her attorneys said she had been to the emergency at least four times since becoming pregnant again in August.“The pervasive ‘climate of fear’ among the Texas medical community is certain to be made worse by this case and the State’s actions in opposing the abortion Ms. Cox needs,” read the brief, which was filed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine.Texas’ abortion ban makes narrow exceptions when the life of the mother is in danger but not for fetal anomalies.Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has defended the state’s strict anti-abortion laws for nearly a decade, argued that Cox did not demonstrate that the pregnancy had put her life in danger.“The Texas Legislature did not intend for courts to become revolving doors of permission slips to obtain abortions,” Paxton’s office wrote in a filing to the state Supreme Court last week.Doctors told Cox that her fetus has a condition known as trisomy 18, which has a very high likelihood of miscarriage or stillbirth, and low survival rates, according to her lawsuit filed last week in Austin. They also told Cox that inducing labor or carrying the baby to term could jeopardize her ability to have another child.Trisomy 18 occurs in approximately 1 in 2,500 diagnosed pregnancies, doctors told the court in the brief filed Monday. There is no live birth in about 70% of pregnancies involving the diagnosis that proceed past 12 weeks gestational age, according to the brief.The termination of pregnancies because of fetal anomalies or other often-fatal medical problems&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ending-pregnancies-over-grave-medical-problems-e504e595f5f4ea6139db3f7b5155ca85">is seldom discussed</a>&nbsp;in national debates over abortion. There are no recent statistics on the frequency of terminations for fetal anomalies in the U.S. but experts say it’s a small percentage of total procedures.

Woman who sought court permission for abortion leaves state for the procedure

ELLIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on sex crime allegations.

On Nov. 16, the Ellis Police Department was made aware of a possible rape that occurred within the city limits of Ellis, according to a media release. An officer with the Wamego Police Department relayed information to the Ellis Police Department concerning a juvenile that disclosed allegations of multiple instances of being sexually assaulted.

Officers worked diligently to set up a forensic interview with the victim. After receiving a copy of the forensic interview’s recording, Ellis Police Department Officers interviewed a suspect, Caleb Wertenberger, 31, of Ellis. 

After the completion of the interview, Wertenberger was arrested and transported to the Ellis County Jail, where he is being held on requested charges of four counts of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, indecent liberties with a child, aggravated indecent solicitation of a child, and felony interference with law enforcement.

On Monday, Wertenberger had his bond set at $500,000.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702335740547.png" alt=" Wertenberger-photo Ellis Co." />
 <figcaption> Wertenberger-photo Ellis Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on sex crime allegations.On Nov. 16, the Ellis Police Department was made aware of a possible rape that occurred within the city limits of Ellis, according to a media release. An officer with the Wamego Police Department relayed information to the Ellis Police Department concerning a juvenile that disclosed allegations of multiple instances of being sexually assaulted.Officers worked diligently to set up a forensic interview with the victim. After receiving a copy of the forensic interview’s recording, Ellis Police Department Officers interviewed a suspect, Caleb Wertenberger, 31, of Ellis. After the completion of the interview, Wertenberger was arrested and transported to the Ellis County Jail, where he is being held on requested charges of four counts of rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, indecent liberties with a child, aggravated indecent solicitation of a child, and felony interference with law enforcement.On Monday, Wertenberger had his bond set at $500,000.&nbsp;

Kansas man accused of rape held on $500,000 bond

NEW YORK (AP) — SmileDirectClub is shutting down — just months after the struggling teeth-straightening company filed for bankruptcy protection.

<a href="https://smiledirectclub.com/">Click here to read </a>the announcement on the company web site.

In an announcement, SmileDirectClub said it had made an “incredibly difficult decision to wind down its global operations, effective immediately.”

That leaves existing customers in limbo. SmileDirectClub’s aligner treatment through its telehealth platform is no longer available, the Nashville, Tennessee, company&nbsp;<a href="https://smiledirectclub.com/" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;while urging consumers to consult their local dentist for further treatment. Customer care support for the company has also ceased.

Customer orders that haven’t shipped yet have been cancelled and “Lifetime Smile Guarantee” no longer exists, the company said. SmileDirectClub apologized for the inconvenience and said additional information about refund requests will arrive “once the bankruptcy process determines next steps and additional measures customers can take.”

SmileDirectClub also said that Smile Pay customers are expected to continue to make payments, leading to further confusion and frustration online. When contacted by The Associated Press Monday for additional information, a spokesperson said the company couldn’t comment further.

SmileDirectClub filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection at the end of September. At the time, the company reported nearly $900 million in debt. On Friday, the company said it was unable to find a partner willing to bring in enough capital to keep the company afloat, despite a monthslong search.

When SmileDirectClub went public back in 2019, the company was valued at about $8.9 billion. But its stock soon tumbled and plummeted in value over time, as the company proved to be unprofitable year after year and faced multiple legal battles. In 2022, SmileDirectClub reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/earnings-0d66b4f95579aa8d0aed238ff9eff436" target="_blank">a loss of $86.4 million</a>.

SmileDirectClub, which has served over 2 million people since its 2014 founding, once promised to revolutionaize the oral care industry by selling clear dental aligners (marketed as a faster and more affordable alternative to braces) directly to consumers by mail and in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-ri-state-wire-ca-state-wire-business-91b2f283975a45b9b935c53db5dbf2f6" target="_blank">major retailers</a>. But the company has also seen pushback from within and beyond the medical community.

Last year, District of Columbia attorney general’s office sued SmileDirectClub for “unfair and deceptive” practices — accusing the company of unlawfully using non-disclosure agreements to manipulate online reviews and keep customers from reporting negative experiences to regulators. SmileDirectClub denied the allegations, but agreed to a June settlement agreement that required the company to release over 17,000 customers from the NDAs and pay $500,000 to DC.

The British Dental Association has also been critical about SmileDirectClub and such remote orthodontics — pointing to cases of advanced gum disease provided with aligners, misdiagnosis risks and more in a Sunday&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TheBDA/status/1733776815414485084" target="_blank">post</a>&nbsp;on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

“It shouldn’t have taken a bankruptcy to protect patients from harm,” the British Dental Association&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TheBDA/status/1733776086645830066" target="_blank">wrote</a>, while calling on U.K. regulators for increased protections. “Dentists are left to pick up the pieces when these providers offer wholly inappropriate treatment.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702322656809.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — SmileDirectClub is shutting down — just months after the struggling teeth-straightening company filed for bankruptcy protection.<a href="https://smiledirectclub.com/">Click here to read </a>the announcement on the company web site.In an announcement, SmileDirectClub said it had made an “incredibly difficult decision to wind down its global operations, effective immediately.”That leaves existing customers in limbo. SmileDirectClub’s aligner treatment through its telehealth platform is no longer available, the Nashville, Tennessee, company&nbsp;<a href="https://smiledirectclub.com/" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;while urging consumers to consult their local dentist for further treatment. Customer care support for the company has also ceased.Customer orders that haven’t shipped yet have been cancelled and “Lifetime Smile Guarantee” no longer exists, the company said. SmileDirectClub apologized for the inconvenience and said additional information about refund requests will arrive “once the bankruptcy process determines next steps and additional measures customers can take.”SmileDirectClub also said that Smile Pay customers are expected to continue to make payments, leading to further confusion and frustration online. When contacted by The Associated Press Monday for additional information, a spokesperson said the company couldn’t comment further.SmileDirectClub filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection at the end of September. At the time, the company reported nearly $900 million in debt. On Friday, the company said it was unable to find a partner willing to bring in enough capital to keep the company afloat, despite a monthslong search.When SmileDirectClub went public back in 2019, the company was valued at about $8.9 billion. But its stock soon tumbled and plummeted in value over time, as the company proved to be unprofitable year after year and faced multiple legal battles. In 2022, SmileDirectClub reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/earnings-0d66b4f95579aa8d0aed238ff9eff436" target="_blank">a loss of $86.4 million</a>.SmileDirectClub, which has served over 2 million people since its 2014 founding, once promised to revolutionaize the oral care industry by selling clear dental aligners (marketed as a faster and more affordable alternative to braces) directly to consumers by mail and in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-ri-state-wire-ca-state-wire-business-91b2f283975a45b9b935c53db5dbf2f6" target="_blank">major retailers</a>. But the company has also seen pushback from within and beyond the medical community.Last year, District of Columbia attorney general’s office sued SmileDirectClub for “unfair and deceptive” practices — accusing the company of unlawfully using non-disclosure agreements to manipulate online reviews and keep customers from reporting negative experiences to regulators. SmileDirectClub denied the allegations, but agreed to a June settlement agreement that required the company to release over 17,000 customers from the NDAs and pay $500,000 to DC.The British Dental Association has also been critical about SmileDirectClub and such remote orthodontics — pointing to cases of advanced gum disease provided with aligners, misdiagnosis risks and more in a Sunday&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TheBDA/status/1733776815414485084" target="_blank">post</a>&nbsp;on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.“It shouldn’t have taken a bankruptcy to protect patients from harm,” the British Dental Association&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TheBDA/status/1733776086645830066" target="_blank">wrote</a>, while calling on U.K. regulators for increased protections. “Dentists are left to pick up the pieces when these providers offer wholly inappropriate treatment.”

Telehealth orthodontics company shuts down

BUTLER COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just before 5p.m. Sunday in Butler County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Suburban driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Crystal D. Ivey, 30, El Dorado, was westbound on SW 150 Road&nbsp; and failed to stop at the stop sign at SW Santa Fe Lake Road.

The SUV struck a southbound 2019 Acura MDX driven by Monica S. Moore, 46, Douglas.

&nbsp;Both vehicles left the roadway to the southwest corner of the intersection.&nbsp; The SUV came to a rest in the ditch and the Acura rolled and came to rest against a tree.&nbsp; 

Moore and a juvenile passenger died in the crash

The Sisters-Herndon Veterinary Clinic shared on their social media page, "It is with a heavy heart that we have some very saddening news for our Sisters patients and families.&nbsp; We were informed of a tragic car accident that involved our beloved Dr. Monica Moore and her daughter. Unfortunately with the severity of the accident both passed. We ask at this time for your patience and understanding while we navigate through these next few days. We will be closing Tuesday and Wednesday this week as we figure out how to move forward. We ask that you keep us in your prayers and thoughts as well as the Moore family."

EMS transported Crystal Ivey to Wesley Medical Center. The drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP. The KHP released no additional details on the child who died.

BUTLER COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 5p.m. Sunday in Butler County.

The vehicle struck a vehicle that was southbound on SW Santa Fe Lake Road. Both vehicles left the roadway to the southwest corner of the intersection. 

The westbound vehicle came to a rest in the ditch and the southbound vehicle rolled and came to rest against a tree.

The KHP released no additional details early Monday. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702302162656.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just before 5p.m. Sunday in Butler County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2009 Chevy Suburban driven by&nbsp; &nbsp;Crystal D. Ivey, 30, El Dorado, was westbound on SW 150 Road&nbsp; and failed to stop at the stop sign at SW Santa Fe Lake Road.The SUV struck a southbound 2019 Acura MDX driven by Monica S. Moore, 46, Douglas.&nbsp;Both vehicles left the roadway to the southwest corner of the intersection.&nbsp; The SUV came to a rest in the ditch and the Acura rolled and came to rest against a tree.&nbsp; Moore and a juvenile passenger died in the crashThe Sisters-Herndon Veterinary Clinic shared on their social media page, "It is with a heavy heart that we have some very saddening news for our Sisters patients and families.&nbsp; We were informed of a tragic car accident that involved our beloved Dr. Monica Moore and her daughter. Unfortunately with the severity of the accident both passed. We ask at this time for your patience and understanding while we navigate through these next few days. We will be closing Tuesday and Wednesday this week as we figure out how to move forward. We ask that you keep us in your prayers and thoughts as well as the Moore family."EMS transported Crystal Ivey to Wesley Medical Center. The drivers were properly restrained, according to the KHP. The KHP released no additional details on the child who died.------------BUTLER COUNTY —The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred just before 5p.m. Sunday in Butler County.The vehicle struck a vehicle that was southbound on SW Santa Fe Lake Road. Both vehicles left the roadway to the southwest corner of the intersection. The westbound vehicle came to a rest in the ditch and the southbound vehicle rolled and came to rest against a tree.The KHP released no additional details early Monday. Check the Post for more information as it becomes available.

 Kansas woman, daughter killed in 2-vehicle crash

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man for an alleged sex crime.

Just after 4:30p.m. Dec. 8, officers filed a report for lewd and lascivious behavior in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 14-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy reported a known male suspect identified as 31-year-old Fernando Velasquez of Manhattan undressed in a public hot tub.

Police arrested Velasquez on a requested charge of lewd and lascivious; Exposing sex organs to another &lt;18.&nbsp;&nbsp;He remains in custody on a bond of $7,000, according to online jail records.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man for an alleged sex crime.Just after 4:30p.m. Dec. 8, officers filed a report for lewd and lascivious behavior in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 14-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old boy reported a known male suspect identified as 31-year-old Fernando Velasquez of Manhattan undressed in a public hot tub.Police arrested Velasquez on a requested charge of lewd and lascivious; Exposing sex organs to another &lt;18.&nbsp;&nbsp;He remains in custody on a bond of $7,000, according to online jail records.

Police: Kan. man undressed in front of teens in public hot tub

A federal judge ruled the case could go forward, but Trump, 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner, signaled he would ask the federal appeals court in Washington to reverse that outcome.

Smith is attempting to bypass the appeals court. The request filed Monday for the Supreme Court to take up the matter directly reflects Smith’s desire to keep the trial, currently set for March 4, on track and to prevent any delays that could push back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">the case</a>&nbsp;until after next year’s presidential election.

The earliest the court would consider the appeal would be Jan. 5, 2024, the date of the justices' next scheduled private conference.

Underscoring the urgency for prosecutors in securing a quick resolution that can push the case forward, they wrote: “It is of imperative public importance that respondent’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-9528a29b2dbebb6ee4a4ebd26780f98c">claims of immunity</a>&nbsp;be resolved by this Court and that respondent’s trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected.”

Prosecutors are also asking the court to take up Trump’s claim, also already rejected by Chutkan, that he cannot be prosecuted in court for conduct for which he was was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">already impeached</a>&nbsp;— and acquitted — before Congress.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698261736155.png" alt="File&nbsp;-Former President Donald Trump during a break in his civil business fraud trial at New York Supreme Court in October. -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File&nbsp;-Former President Donald Trump during a break in his civil business fraud trial at New York Supreme Court in October. -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b">Special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;on Monday asked&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to take up and rule quickly on whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted on charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election results.A federal judge ruled the case could go forward, but Trump, 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner, signaled he would ask the federal appeals court in Washington to reverse that outcome.Smith is attempting to bypass the appeals court. The request filed Monday for the Supreme Court to take up the matter directly reflects Smith’s desire to keep the trial, currently set for March 4, on track and to prevent any delays that could push back&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">the case</a>&nbsp;until after next year’s presidential election.“This case presents a fundamental question at the heart of our democracy: whether a former President is absolutely immune from federal prosecution for crimes committed while in office or is constitutionally protected from federal prosecution when he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">has been impeached</a>&nbsp;but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">not convicted</a>&nbsp;before the criminal proceedings begin,” prosecutors wrote.The earliest the court would consider the appeal would be Jan. 5, 2024, the date of the justices' next scheduled private conference.Underscoring the urgency for prosecutors in securing a quick resolution that can push the case forward, they wrote: “It is of imperative public importance that respondent’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-9528a29b2dbebb6ee4a4ebd26780f98c">claims of immunity</a>&nbsp;be resolved by this Court and that respondent’s trial proceed as promptly as possible if his claim of immunity is rejected.”At issue is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-donald-trump-a98872759762c95fa925ff831df27388">a Dec. 1 ruling</a>&nbsp;from U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan that rejected arguments by Trump’s lawyers that he was immune from federal prosecution. In her order, Chutkan, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, wrote that the office of the president “does not confer a lifelong ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ pass.”“Former Presidents enjoy no special conditions on their federal criminal liability,” Chutkan wrote. “Defendant may be subject to federal investigation, indictment, prosecution, conviction, and punishment for any criminal acts undertaken while in office."If the justices get involved, they would have an opportunity to rule for the first time ever on whether ex-presidents enjoy immunity from prosecution. Justice Department policy prohibits the indictment of a sitting president. Though there’s no such bar against prosecution for a former commander in chief, lawyers for Trump say that he cannot be charged for actions that fell within his official duties as president — a claim that prosecutors have vigorously rejected.Smith’s team stressed that if the court did not expedite the matter, there would not be an opportunity to consider and resolve the question in the current term.“The United States recognizes that this is an extraordinary request. This is an extraordinary case,” prosecutors wrote. “The Court should grant certiorari and set a briefing schedule that would permit this case to be argued and resolved as promptly as possible.”Prosecutors are also asking the court to take up Trump’s claim, also already rejected by Chutkan, that he cannot be prosecuted in court for conduct for which he was was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">already impeached</a>&nbsp;— and acquitted — before Congress.Trump faces charges accusing him of working&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jan-6-hearings-trump-capitol-10351fe6d555eaee7554379ceed8bb24">to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">violent riot</a>&nbsp;by his supporters at the U.S. Capitol. He has denied any wrongdoing.A Supreme Court case usually lasts several months, from the time the justices agree to hear it until a final decision. Smith is asking the court to move with unusual, but not unprecedented, speed.Nearly 50 years ago, the justices acted within two months of being asked to force President Richard Nixon to turn over Oval Office recordings in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/john-dean-richard-nixon-government-and-politics-crime-c7a7b99cca7c685cfc239f5e08b53378">the Watergate scandal</a>. The tapes were then used later in 1974 in the corruption prosecutions of Nixon's former aides.It took the high court just a few days to effectively decide the 2000 presidential election for Republican George W. Bush over Democrat Al Gore.

Supreme Court will decide if Trump is immune from Jan. 6 prosecution

OKLAHOMA COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a deadly plane crash near Oklahoma City.

Just before 10:30a.m. Sunday, the Oklahoma City Fire Department was dispatched to an aircraft crash at Wiley Post Airport involving one single engine prop plane with two on-board, according to a media release. Firefighters arrived to find one man attempting to rescue the other passenger from the fully engulfed aircraft wreckage. 

Firefighters extinguished the aircraft and began treating the man.&nbsp; The other individual&nbsp; was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; First responders&nbsp; treated the man on-scene and transported him to an area hospital in critical condition where he later died.

The FAA and NTSB are in charge of the investigation. Officials have not released the names of the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702305105860.png" alt="Photo Oklahoma City Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Oklahoma City Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>OKLAHOMA COUNTY—Authorities are investigating a deadly plane crash near Oklahoma City.Just before 10:30a.m. Sunday, the Oklahoma City Fire Department was dispatched to an aircraft crash at Wiley Post Airport involving one single engine prop plane with two on-board, according to a media release. Firefighters arrived to find one man attempting to rescue the other passenger from the fully engulfed aircraft wreckage. Firefighters extinguished the aircraft and began treating the man.&nbsp; The other individual&nbsp; was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; First responders&nbsp; treated the man on-scene and transported him to an area hospital in critical condition where he later died.The FAA and NTSB are in charge of the investigation. Officials have not released the names of the victims.

Two dead after small plane crash, fire near Oklahoma City

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Harlan Red Tailed Hawk used for educational programming escaped his enclosure on Monday, according to a social media report from the Midwest Avian Foundation.

The hawk, known as Harley, is a non-released bird and has limited ability to fly. He has likely not gone far from the organization located at 910 S Vassar Street in Wichita, and is probably tucked up in a bush or tree with low hanging branches. "He may soon come out to attempt to hunt and might wind up on the ground."

The organization reported another confirmed sighting of Harley Saturday&nbsp; afternoon in the 200 block of S Terrace in Wichita. This is the same general area as the first sighting, so College Hill and Lincoln Heights .

The bird is wearing leather anklets and 2 straps hanging down, called “jesses."&nbsp;

If you see him in a tree, notify us immediately.If you see him on the ground, you can try to catch him with a towel or blanket and put him in a box.  Then notify us. Midwest Avian Foundation 316-214-7705Carrie Lower 316-633-6303Rachael: 316-616-7446

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702038276081.png" alt="Harley-photo Midwest Avian Foundation" />
 <figcaption>Harley-photo Midwest Avian Foundation</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Harlan Red Tailed Hawk used for educational programming escaped his enclosure on Monday, according to a social media report from the Midwest Avian Foundation.The hawk, known as Harley, is a non-released bird and has limited ability to fly. He has likely not gone far from the organization located at 910 S Vassar Street in Wichita, and is probably tucked up in a bush or tree with low hanging branches. "He may soon come out to attempt to hunt and might wind up on the ground."The organization reported another confirmed sighting of Harley Saturday&nbsp; afternoon in the 200 block of S Terrace in Wichita. This is the same general area as the first sighting, so College Hill and Lincoln Heights .The bird is wearing leather anklets and 2 straps hanging down, called “jesses."&nbsp;If you see him in a tree, notify us immediately.If you see him on the ground, you can try to catch him with a towel or blanket and put him in a box. Then notify us. Midwest Avian Foundation 316-214-7705Carrie Lower 316-633-6303Rachael: 316-616-7446

Confirmed sighting of lost Kan. Red Tailed Hawk used for ed programs

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as&nbsp;20-year-old Savannah R. Stipek, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte.

Just before 9:30p.m. Friday, police responded to Independence Avenue and Cleveland Avenue where they found Stipek and man with gunshot wounds.

First responders pronounced Stipek dead at the scene. EMS transported the man to a local hospital

While detectives were investigating, a third&nbsp; victim arrived at a fire station a short distance away reporting that he had been shot at the original Independence Avenue location. EMS transported him to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Police are working to determine what prompted the interaction between the man found at the scene of the shooting and an unknown suspect to escalate into gunfire.

Police have not released any information on a suspect or reported an arrest.

&nbsp;Detectives are searching for witnesses to the incident or any surveillance footage that may have captured it.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting in Kansas City have identified the victim as&nbsp;20-year-old Savannah R. Stipek, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte.Just before 9:30p.m. Friday, police responded to Independence Avenue and Cleveland Avenue where they found Stipek and man with gunshot wounds.First responders pronounced Stipek dead at the scene. EMS transported the man to a local hospitalWhile detectives were investigating, a third&nbsp; victim arrived at a fire station a short distance away reporting that he had been shot at the original Independence Avenue location. EMS transported him to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.Police are working to determine what prompted the interaction between the man found at the scene of the shooting and an unknown suspect to escalate into gunfire.Police have not released any information on a suspect or reported an arrest.&nbsp;Detectives are searching for witnesses to the incident or any surveillance footage that may have captured it.

Police ID woman who died after gunfight in Kansas City

SHAWNE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; recent organized retail thefts at businesses in Topeka have and cautioned holiday shoppers, according to a social media report from police.

Investigators have seen several incidents where a woman distracts an older or inattentive shopper, while a man steals from them.

Police released photos of individuals believed to be involved in these thefts.

Please be aware of your surroundings and keep your wallets and purses on you, or out of sight when shopping. 

As always, if you see something, say something and report it to law enforcement through telltpd@topeka.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702151918536.png" alt="Photo Topeka police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Topeka police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp; recent organized retail thefts at businesses in Topeka have and cautioned holiday shoppers, according to a social media report from police.Investigators have seen several incidents where a woman distracts an older or inattentive shopper, while a man steals from them.Police released photos of individuals believed to be involved in these thefts.

Please be aware of your surroundings and keep your wallets and purses on you, or out of sight when shopping. As always, if you see something, say something and report it to law enforcement through telltpd@topeka.org.

Police warn shoppers in Kan. of organized retail theft

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and Ukraine's leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, will meet at the White House on Tuesday as the U.S. administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-immigration-ukraine-6bdcc5dde4dadb48b43ace75b5a55242">steps up the pressure</a>&nbsp;on Congress to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-congress-aid-military-russia-002fde812843fc1fc0e969b653ce83a8">billions more in aid to Kyiv</a>&nbsp;in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war with Russia</a>.

The visit is intended “to underscore the United States’ unshakeable commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Russia’s brutal invasion,” the White House said in a statement Sunday. “As Russia ramps up its missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, the leaders will discuss Ukraine’s urgent needs and the vital importance of the United States’ continued support at this critical moment.”

Zelenskyy's office confirmed that he had accepted Biden's invitation. He also has been asked to speak to a meeting of all senators.

Biden has asked Congress for a $110 billion package of wartime funding for Ukraine ($61.4 billion) and Israel, along with other national security priorities. But the request is caught up in a debate over U.S. immigration policy and border security.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-argentina-cape-verde-496dc646174e1b89a145826963bb8bb3">Zelenskyy traveled to Buenos Aires</a>&nbsp;to witness&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/argentina-milei-inauguration-president-46b73d6a705e1c4652303022a37dbbb0">the swearing-in</a>&nbsp;on Sunday of Argentina’s new president, Javier Milei. The Ukrainian leader had been scheduled to address U.S. senators by video last week, but had to cancel the appearance, according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.

Congress already has allocated $111 billion to assist Ukraine, and Biden’s budget director, Shalanda Young,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2023/12/04/letter-to-congressional-leadership-regarding-the-need-for-urgent-action-to-support-ukraines-defense/">said in a letter</a>&nbsp;this past week to House and Senate leaders that the U.S. will run out of funding to send weapons and assistance to Ukraine by the end of the year, which would “kneecap” Ukraine on the battlefield.

“It’s time to cut a deal that both sides can agree to,” Young said Sunday.

The stakes are especially high for Ukraine, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during two television interviews Sunday, given that “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-congress-military-assistance-economy-557cbced7f7c1242ea08c52dadefc33b">we are running out of funding</a>&nbsp;” for the Ukrainians. “This is a time to really step up because if we don’t, we know what happens. (Russian President Vladimir) Putin will be able to move forward with impunity and we know he won’t stop in Ukraine.”

Earlier, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-us-emergency-sale-tank-ammunition-war-d3e9b41528433f2da9814d3293996cd5">defended the emergency sale</a>&nbsp;to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition and also called for quick congressional approval of the foreign assistance. Blinken said the needs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's military operations in Gaza</a>&nbsp;justify the rare decision to bypass Congress. “Israel is in combat right now with Hamas,” he said. “And we want to make sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Hamas."

The tank ammunition and related support constitute only a small portion of military sales to Israel, Blinken said, and that the rest remains subject to congressional review. "It’s very important that Congress‘ voice be heard in this,” he said.

The decision to proceed with the sale of more than $106 million for tank shells came as the administration's larger aid package is caught up in a larger immigration debate.

Blinken noted that Biden has said he is willing to make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-congress-aid-military-russia-002fde812843fc1fc0e969b653ce83a8">significant compromises</a>&nbsp;to get the aid package moving. ``It’s something the president is fully prepared to engage on," Blinken said.

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said there is bipartisan agreement that something has to be done to address record numbers of migrants crossing into the United States from Mexico.

“We want to solve that, to secure the border. I just saw the president of the United States say that we’ve got to secure the border. He’s right. So, any effort that doesn’t do that will be rejected by Republicans,” Romney said.

Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, said the administration has yet to justify additional aid to Ukraine. “So what we’re saying to the president and really to the entire world is, you need to articulate what the ambition is. What is $61 billion going to accomplish that $100 billion hasn’t?” Vance said.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said the money would make a difference because Russia is struggling to fund its war effort. “It can change the outcome of this war,” Murphy said. “Because at the very same time that we are making a renewed commitment to Ukraine, Russia’s ability to continue to fight this war is in jeopardy.”

Romney said he also supports the aid to Ukraine. “My own view is that it’s very much in America’s interest to see Ukraine successful and to provide the weapons that Ukraine needs to defend itself. Anything other than that would be a huge dereliction of our responsibility, I believe, to the world of democracy but also to our own national interest,” he said.

Blinken appeared on ABC's “This Week” and CNN's “State of the Union.” Romney and Murphy were on NBC's “Meet the Press.” Vance was on CNN. Young was on CBS' “Face the Nation.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — A deal to provide further U.S. assistance to Ukraine by year-end appears to be increasingly out of reach for President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>. The impasse is deepening in Congress despite dire warnings from the White House about the consequences of inaction as Republicans insist on pairing the aid with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-congress-zelenskyy-border-security-8592ddcb1627fc6d0b43349bac3fe329">changes</a>&nbsp;to America's immigration and border policies.

After the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-congress-aid-military-russia-002fde812843fc1fc0e969b653ce83a8">Democratic president said</a>&nbsp;this past week he was willing to “make significant compromises on the border,” Republicans quickly revived demands that they had earlier set aside, hardening their positions and attempting to shift the negotiations to the right, according to a person familiar with the talks who was not authorized to publicly discuss them and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The latest proposal, from the lead GOP negotiator, Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., came during a meeting with a core group of senators before they left Washington on Thursday afternoon. It could force the White House to consider ideas that many Democrats will seriously oppose, throwing new obstacles in the difficult negotiations.

Biden is facing the prospect of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">cornerstone of his foreign policy</a>&nbsp;— repelling Russian President Vladimir Putin from overtaking Ukraine — crumbling as U.S. support for funding the war wanes, especially among Republicans. The White House says a failure to approve more aid by year's end could have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-congress-military-assistance-economy-557cbced7f7c1242ea08c52dadefc33b">catastrophic consequences</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine and its ability to fight.

To preserve U.S. backing, the Biden administration has quietly engaged in Senate talks on border policy in recent weeks, providing assistance to the small group of senators trying to reach a deal and communicating what policy changes it would find acceptable.

The president is trying to satisfy GOP demands to reduce the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-mexico-border-crossings-asylum-immigration-def50446bc397ebfba36ab272dbc0a27">historic number of migrants</a>&nbsp;arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border while alleviating Democrats' fears that legal immigration will be choked off with drastic measures.

As talks sputtered to a restart this past week, Democrats warned Republicans that time for a deal was running short. Congress is scheduled to depart Washington in mid-December for a holiday break.

“Republicans need to show they are serious about reaching a compromise, not just throwing on the floor basically Donald Trump’s border policies,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Thursday before Republicans made their counteroffer.

But the new Republican proposal dug in on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-immigration-border-security-asylum-872a1e126677d7e203bb51bdb23a7975">policy changes</a>&nbsp;that had led Democrats to step back from the negotiations, according to the person familiar with the talks. The GOP offer calls for ending the humanitarian parole program that's now in place for existing classes of migrants — Ukrainians, Afghans, Cubans, Venezuelans, Nicaraguans and Haitians. That idea had been all but dashed before.

Additionally, those groups of migrants would not be allowed to be paroled again if the terms of their stay expire before their cases are adjudicated in immigration proceedings.

GOP senators proposed monitoring systems such as ankle bracelets for people, including children, who are detained at the border and are awaiting parole. Republicans want to ban people from applying for asylum if they have transited through a different country where they could have sought asylum instead. GOP lawmakers also want to revive executive powers that would allow a president to shut down entries for wide-ranging reasons.

Further, after migrant encounters at the border recently hit historic numbers, the GOP proposal would set new guidelines requiring the border to be essentially shut down if illegal crossings reach a certain limit.

Lankford declined to discuss specifics after the Thursday meeting, but said he was trying to “negotiate in good faith." He said the historic number of migrants at the border could not be ignored. The sheer number of people arriving at the border has swamped the asylum system, he said, making it impossible for authorities to adequately screen the people they allow in.

"Do you want large numbers of undocumented individuals and unscreened individuals without work permits, without access to the rest of the economy?” Lankford said.

The lead Democratic negotiator, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, did not quickly respond to the GOP proposal.

Senators had made some progress in the talks before Thursday, finding general agreement on raising the initial standard for migrants to enter the asylum system — part of what’s called the credible fear system. The administration has communicated that it is amenable to that change and that it could agree to expand expedited removal to deport immigrants before they have a hearing with an immigration judge, according to two people briefed on the private negotiations who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Immigration advocates and progressives in Congress have been alarmed by the direction of the talks, especially because they have not featured changes aimed at expanding legal immigration.

Robyn Barnard, director of refugee advocacy with Human Rights First, called the current state of negotiations an “absolute crisis moment.” She warned that broadening the fast-track deportation authority could lead to a mass rounding up of immigrants around the country and compared it to the situation during the Trump administration. “Communities across the country would be living in fear,” she said.

But Republican senators,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-asylum-border-congress-7507034034ba49a8f170777600cad46e">sensing that Biden, who is campaigning for a second term, wants to address</a>&nbsp;the historic number of people coming to the border, have taken an aggressive stance and tried to draw the president directly into negotiations.

“The White House is going to have to engage particularly if Senate Democrats are unwilling to do what we are suggesting be done,” said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., at a news conference Thursday.

The White House has so far declined to take a leading role in negotiations. “Democrats have said that they want to compromise. Have that conversation,” said White House press secretary Karine-Jean Pierre.

After every GOP senator this past week voted not to move ahead with legislation that would provide tens of billions of dollars in military and economic assistance for Ukraine, many in the chamber were left in a dour mood. Even those who held out hope for a deal acknowledged it would be difficult to push a package through the Senate at this late stage.

Even if senators reach a deal, the obstacles to passage in the House are considerable.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-border-security-zelenskyy-bf932727abd5e8ff3cf5c9c848a3cf78">Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has signaled</a>&nbsp;he will fight for sweeping changes to immigration policy that go beyond what is being discussed in the Senate. Also, broad support from House Democrats is far from guaranteed, as progressives and Hispanic lawmakers have raised alarm at curtailing access to asylum.

“Trading Ukrainian lives for the lives of asylum seekers is morally bankrupt and irresponsible,” Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, as part of a coordinated campaign by Hispanic Democrats.

The unwieldy nature of the issue left even Lankford, who was one of the few senators optimistic that a deal could be reached this year, acknowledging the difficulty of finding an agreement in the coming days.

“There’s just a whole lot of politics that have been bound up in this,” he said as he departed the Capitol for the week. “Thirty years it hasn’t been resolved because it’s incredibly complicated."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695327062140.png" alt="Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a September visit with President Biden-photo White House" />
 <figcaption>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a September visit with President Biden-photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and Ukraine's leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, will meet at the White House on Tuesday as the U.S. administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-border-immigration-ukraine-6bdcc5dde4dadb48b43ace75b5a55242">steps up the pressure</a>&nbsp;on Congress to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-congress-aid-military-russia-002fde812843fc1fc0e969b653ce83a8">billions more in aid to Kyiv</a>&nbsp;in its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">war with Russia</a>.The visit is intended “to underscore the United States’ unshakeable commitment to supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Russia’s brutal invasion,” the White House said in a statement Sunday. “As Russia ramps up its missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, the leaders will discuss Ukraine’s urgent needs and the vital importance of the United States’ continued support at this critical moment.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Border first. America first. <a href="https://t.co/vvQSuLkYVM">pic.twitter.com/vvQSuLkYVM</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1733596885028655521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Zelenskyy's office confirmed that he had accepted Biden's invitation. He also has been asked to speak to a meeting of all senators.Biden has asked Congress for a $110 billion package of wartime funding for Ukraine ($61.4 billion) and Israel, along with other national security priorities. But the request is caught up in a debate over U.S. immigration policy and border security.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-argentina-cape-verde-496dc646174e1b89a145826963bb8bb3">Zelenskyy traveled to Buenos Aires</a>&nbsp;to witness&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/argentina-milei-inauguration-president-46b73d6a705e1c4652303022a37dbbb0">the swearing-in</a>&nbsp;on Sunday of Argentina’s new president, Javier Milei. The Ukrainian leader had been scheduled to address U.S. senators by video last week, but had to cancel the appearance, according to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.Congress already has allocated $111 billion to assist Ukraine, and Biden’s budget director, Shalanda Young,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/briefing-room/2023/12/04/letter-to-congressional-leadership-regarding-the-need-for-urgent-action-to-support-ukraines-defense/">said in a letter</a>&nbsp;this past week to House and Senate leaders that the U.S. will run out of funding to send weapons and assistance to Ukraine by the end of the year, which would “kneecap” Ukraine on the battlefield.“It’s time to cut a deal that both sides can agree to,” Young said Sunday.The stakes are especially high for Ukraine, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during two television interviews Sunday, given that “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-congress-military-assistance-economy-557cbced7f7c1242ea08c52dadefc33b">we are running out of funding</a>&nbsp;” for the Ukrainians. “This is a time to really step up because if we don’t, we know what happens. (Russian President Vladimir) Putin will be able to move forward with impunity and we know he won’t stop in Ukraine.”Earlier, he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-us-emergency-sale-tank-ammunition-war-d3e9b41528433f2da9814d3293996cd5">defended the emergency sale</a>&nbsp;to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition and also called for quick congressional approval of the foreign assistance. Blinken said the needs of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's military operations in Gaza</a>&nbsp;justify the rare decision to bypass Congress. “Israel is in combat right now with Hamas,” he said. “And we want to make sure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Hamas."The tank ammunition and related support constitute only a small portion of military sales to Israel, Blinken said, and that the rest remains subject to congressional review. "It’s very important that Congress‘ voice be heard in this,” he said.The decision to proceed with the sale of more than $106 million for tank shells came as the administration's larger aid package is caught up in a larger immigration debate.Blinken noted that Biden has said he is willing to make&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-congress-aid-military-russia-002fde812843fc1fc0e969b653ce83a8">significant compromises</a>&nbsp;to get the aid package moving. ``It’s something the president is fully prepared to engage on," Blinken said.Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said there is bipartisan agreement that something has to be done to address record numbers of migrants crossing into the United States from Mexico.“We want to solve that, to secure the border. I just saw the president of the United States say that we’ve got to secure the border. He’s right. So, any effort that doesn’t do that will be rejected by Republicans,” Romney said.Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, said the administration has yet to justify additional aid to Ukraine. “So what we’re saying to the president and really to the entire world is, you need to articulate what the ambition is. What is $61 billion going to accomplish that $100 billion hasn’t?” Vance said.Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said the money would make a difference because Russia is struggling to fund its war effort. “It can change the outcome of this war,” Murphy said. “Because at the very same time that we are making a renewed commitment to Ukraine, Russia’s ability to continue to fight this war is in jeopardy.”Romney said he also supports the aid to Ukraine. “My own view is that it’s very much in America’s interest to see Ukraine successful and to provide the weapons that Ukraine needs to defend itself. Anything other than that would be a huge dereliction of our responsibility, I believe, to the world of democracy but also to our own national interest,” he said.Blinken appeared on ABC's “This Week” and CNN's “State of the Union.” Romney and Murphy were on NBC's “Meet the Press.” Vance was on CNN. Young was on CBS' “Face the Nation.”------------------------WASHINGTON (AP) — A deal to provide further U.S. assistance to Ukraine by year-end appears to be increasingly out of reach for President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>. The impasse is deepening in Congress despite dire warnings from the White House about the consequences of inaction as Republicans insist on pairing the aid with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-congress-zelenskyy-border-security-8592ddcb1627fc6d0b43349bac3fe329">changes</a>&nbsp;to America's immigration and border policies.After the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-congress-aid-military-russia-002fde812843fc1fc0e969b653ce83a8">Democratic president said</a>&nbsp;this past week he was willing to “make significant compromises on the border,” Republicans quickly revived demands that they had earlier set aside, hardening their positions and attempting to shift the negotiations to the right, according to a person familiar with the talks who was not authorized to publicly discuss them and spoke on condition of anonymity.The latest proposal, from the lead GOP negotiator, Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., came during a meeting with a core group of senators before they left Washington on Thursday afternoon. It could force the White House to consider ideas that many Democrats will seriously oppose, throwing new obstacles in the difficult negotiations.Biden is facing the prospect of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-ukraine-israel-budget-3762a0bdf00653e3c8a38175d3c3d3cb">cornerstone of his foreign policy</a>&nbsp;— repelling Russian President Vladimir Putin from overtaking Ukraine — crumbling as U.S. support for funding the war wanes, especially among Republicans. The White House says a failure to approve more aid by year's end could have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-ukraine-congress-military-assistance-economy-557cbced7f7c1242ea08c52dadefc33b">catastrophic consequences</a>&nbsp;for Ukraine and its ability to fight.To preserve U.S. backing, the Biden administration has quietly engaged in Senate talks on border policy in recent weeks, providing assistance to the small group of senators trying to reach a deal and communicating what policy changes it would find acceptable.The president is trying to satisfy GOP demands to reduce the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-mexico-border-crossings-asylum-immigration-def50446bc397ebfba36ab272dbc0a27">historic number of migrants</a>&nbsp;arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border while alleviating Democrats' fears that legal immigration will be choked off with drastic measures.As talks sputtered to a restart this past week, Democrats warned Republicans that time for a deal was running short. Congress is scheduled to depart Washington in mid-December for a holiday break.“Republicans need to show they are serious about reaching a compromise, not just throwing on the floor basically Donald Trump’s border policies,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Thursday before Republicans made their counteroffer.But the new Republican proposal dug in on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-immigration-border-security-asylum-872a1e126677d7e203bb51bdb23a7975">policy changes</a>&nbsp;that had led Democrats to step back from the negotiations, according to the person familiar with the talks. The GOP offer calls for ending the humanitarian parole program that's now in place for existing classes of migrants — Ukrainians, Afghans, Cubans, Venezuelans, Nicaraguans and Haitians. That idea had been all but dashed before.Additionally, those groups of migrants would not be allowed to be paroled again if the terms of their stay expire before their cases are adjudicated in immigration proceedings.GOP senators proposed monitoring systems such as ankle bracelets for people, including children, who are detained at the border and are awaiting parole. Republicans want to ban people from applying for asylum if they have transited through a different country where they could have sought asylum instead. GOP lawmakers also want to revive executive powers that would allow a president to shut down entries for wide-ranging reasons.Further, after migrant encounters at the border recently hit historic numbers, the GOP proposal would set new guidelines requiring the border to be essentially shut down if illegal crossings reach a certain limit.Lankford declined to discuss specifics after the Thursday meeting, but said he was trying to “negotiate in good faith." He said the historic number of migrants at the border could not be ignored. The sheer number of people arriving at the border has swamped the asylum system, he said, making it impossible for authorities to adequately screen the people they allow in."Do you want large numbers of undocumented individuals and unscreened individuals without work permits, without access to the rest of the economy?” Lankford said.The lead Democratic negotiator, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, did not quickly respond to the GOP proposal.Senators had made some progress in the talks before Thursday, finding general agreement on raising the initial standard for migrants to enter the asylum system — part of what’s called the credible fear system. The administration has communicated that it is amenable to that change and that it could agree to expand expedited removal to deport immigrants before they have a hearing with an immigration judge, according to two people briefed on the private negotiations who spoke on the condition of anonymity.Immigration advocates and progressives in Congress have been alarmed by the direction of the talks, especially because they have not featured changes aimed at expanding legal immigration.Robyn Barnard, director of refugee advocacy with Human Rights First, called the current state of negotiations an “absolute crisis moment.” She warned that broadening the fast-track deportation authority could lead to a mass rounding up of immigrants around the country and compared it to the situation during the Trump administration. “Communities across the country would be living in fear,” she said.But Republican senators,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-immigration-asylum-border-congress-7507034034ba49a8f170777600cad46e">sensing that Biden, who is campaigning for a second term, wants to address</a>&nbsp;the historic number of people coming to the border, have taken an aggressive stance and tried to draw the president directly into negotiations.“The White House is going to have to engage particularly if Senate Democrats are unwilling to do what we are suggesting be done,” said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., at a news conference Thursday.The White House has so far declined to take a leading role in negotiations. “Democrats have said that they want to compromise. Have that conversation,” said White House press secretary Karine-Jean Pierre.After every GOP senator this past week voted not to move ahead with legislation that would provide tens of billions of dollars in military and economic assistance for Ukraine, many in the chamber were left in a dour mood. Even those who held out hope for a deal acknowledged it would be difficult to push a package through the Senate at this late stage.Even if senators reach a deal, the obstacles to passage in the House are considerable.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-border-security-zelenskyy-bf932727abd5e8ff3cf5c9c848a3cf78">Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has signaled</a>&nbsp;he will fight for sweeping changes to immigration policy that go beyond what is being discussed in the Senate. Also, broad support from House Democrats is far from guaranteed, as progressives and Hispanic lawmakers have raised alarm at curtailing access to asylum.“Trading Ukrainian lives for the lives of asylum seekers is morally bankrupt and irresponsible,” Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, as part of a coordinated campaign by Hispanic Democrats.The unwieldy nature of the issue left even Lankford, who was one of the few senators optimistic that a deal could be reached this year, acknowledging the difficulty of finding an agreement in the coming days.“There’s just a whole lot of politics that have been bound up in this,” he said as he departed the Capitol for the week. “Thirty years it hasn’t been resolved because it’s incredibly complicated."___