KANSAS CITY —The iconic Western Auto sign in Kansas City is shining bright again after a quick fix this week. The T in the sign was out and sportscaster Al Michaels referred to it while on the air during the Chiefs Thursday night game Oct. 12.

On social media, Mayor Quinton Lucas joked, "Kansas City will take the power source from the ferris wheel and apply it to the T in the Wes ern Auto sign."

On Tuesday night Lucas thanked Midwest Sign Company for their efforts and "of course, legendary sportscaster Al Michaels."

KANSAS CITY —The iconic Western Auto sign in Kansas City is shining bright again after a quick fix this week. The T in the sign was out and sportscaster Al Michaels referred to it while on the air during the Chiefs Thursday night game Oct. 12.On social media, Mayor Quinton Lucas joked, "Kansas City will take the power source from the ferris wheel and apply it to the T in the Wes ern Auto sign."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yeah, they put us on blast. Condo association--We need y&#39;all to fix before playoffs. <a href="https://t.co/sAE1odPSiY">https://t.co/sAE1odPSiY</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1712639821426950397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I appreciate our office’s communication with the condo owners’ association from the Western Auto Lofts. While there is some complication to fixing the “T” in the sign, we’re excited to work with them on a long-term solution for a Kansas City icon.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1714310944556515547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Shining bright! Thanks for the quick assist from our friends at Midwest Sign Company and, of course, legendary sportscaster Al Michaels. <a href="https://t.co/0smpcb39tj">pic.twitter.com/0smpcb39tj</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1714480415421915145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>On Tuesday night Lucas thanked Midwest Sign Company for their efforts and "of course, legendary sportscaster Al Michaels."

 Kansas City’s Western Auto building sign gets repaired

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Child welfare officials investigated the family of a 5-year-old Kansas girl five times in the 13 months before she was raped and killed, but couldn't confirm allegations of neglect or drug use by her mother, and the family repeatedly declined offers of help, a report released Tuesday showed.

The report by the state Department of Children and Families said in one case, the agency confirmed that the mother wasn't properly supervising Zoey Felix, but the girl was placed with her father and because of that, “No safety concerns were identified.” After receiving allegations in late August of drug use and lack of utilities in the home, child welfare officials made seven failed attempts to reach the family over the next month.

On Oct. 2, Zoey died after fire crews couldn't resuscitate her at a gas station. Neighbors believe Zoey and her father had been camping in a grove of trees on a vacant lot nearby.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">Mickel Cherry,</a>&nbsp;a 25-year-old homeless man, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">charged</a>&nbsp;with first-degree murder, rape and capital murder, and could face the death penalty. Authorities haven't said how Zoey died.

“Zoey Felix’s death was an unacceptable tragedy," Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement accompanying the Department of Children and Families' two-page summary of its interactions with the girl's family.

Kelly said she plans to push for legislation next year that would expedite the release of information when a child dies of abuse or neglect. Her administration pushed for such a change in 2021, but a bill never passed.

Currently, DCF only releases a summary of its involvement initially and can't do so until attorneys vet the document. Typically, the full case reports aren’t released until after the prosecution is completed, which can take well over a year.

This has left an information vacuum in Zoey's case that was exacerbated Tuesday when a judge sealed the arrest affidavit that was used to support criminal charges against Cherry.

Judge Christopher Turner concluded that releasing the records would jeopardize the safety of witnesses or sources or “cause the destruction of evidence.”

Cherry’s attorney, Mark Manna, of the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit, has declined to comment. Cherry’s family didn’t respond to phone messages, and his Facebook friends described him as chronically homeless.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-9816c6dd6f49dde6cfeb6fd435836eb0">Neighbors</a>&nbsp;said Zoey wandered their neighborhood dirty and hungry. Several reported calling child welfare to express concerns.

According to the summary from DCF, child welfare officials said they received the first tip about Zoey on Sept. 8, 2022, alleging poor conditions in the home and possible drug use in the presence of a child. The mother agreed to a drug screen and it came back negative, the agency said.

The agency also said in its summary that Zoey's mother was working with court services. By then, she had been charged with domestic battery against her husband and teenage daughter, court records show. The DCF summary said the agency offered help to the family, but they declined and the case was closed.

Another complaint alleging an unsupervised child was lodged with the agency on Nov. 8, 2002. Just six days earlier, Zoey's mother had called to report that the then 4-year-old was missing, a police incident report shows. Zoey was found unharmed a short time later.

The DCF summary made no reference to Zoey's disappearance, and it was unclear whether that prompted the complaint. The summary said simply that the case was unsubstantiated and offers of help were denied.

Later that month, Zoey's mother was arrested after crashing her car near a north Topeka bar while driving drunk with Zoey in the front seat. A sworn statement from a Topeka police officer, which also was released Tuesday, said the mother was “having difficulty standing upright, attempting to walk away with a small child.”

He also wrote that in looking into her car, he saw two open bottles of vodka, one half-full and the other, three-quarters full. The officer said that in interviews, Zoey said her mother had been drinking from both bottles before and while driving.

The officer wrote that the mother was uncooperative and, “She was taken to the ground in order to be handcuffed.”

The DCF summary said welfare workers left Zoey in her father’s care; court records show he was living with a girlfriend at the time. Zoey's mother was jailed until March, when she pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery and driving under the influence and was sentenced to probation.

Zoey's father was evicted from his apartment in May. Another tip the agency received that month alleged there were no operating utilities in the mother's home, but the agency found the home to be “livable," with utilities, food and no signs of drugs. Again, the family declined services.

Then on Aug. 29, another complaint alleged drug use and no utilities, prompting the seven failed attempts by the agency to contact the family in September.

But during that time, police went to the home twice, once even tracking down Zoey and talking to her. But officers were told by Zoey’s father that she wasn’t living there, city spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker said.

The second time police responded, an officer stood outside as belongings were retrieved from the house, a police report said. Police reports do not explain where Zoey, her sister, her father and Cherry went after that, but neighbors said they were living in a makeshift camp.

Laura Howard, the top administrator for the Department for Children and Families, vowed to launch a thorough investigation.

“We will take every step necessary," she wrote in a statement.

DCF opened another investigation as a result of Zoey’s death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696600819324.png" alt="Zoey Felix -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Zoey Felix -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Child welfare officials investigated the family of a 5-year-old Kansas girl five times in the 13 months before she was raped and killed, but couldn't confirm allegations of neglect or drug use by her mother, and the family repeatedly declined offers of help, a report released Tuesday showed.The report by the state Department of Children and Families said in one case, the agency confirmed that the mother wasn't properly supervising Zoey Felix, but the girl was placed with her father and because of that, “No safety concerns were identified.” After receiving allegations in late August of drug use and lack of utilities in the home, child welfare officials made seven failed attempts to reach the family over the next month.On Oct. 2, Zoey died after fire crews couldn't resuscitate her at a gas station. Neighbors believe Zoey and her father had been camping in a grove of trees on a vacant lot nearby.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696342029742.png" alt="Cherry photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cherry photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">Mickel Cherry,</a>&nbsp;a 25-year-old homeless man, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-a39c4aa86bd21287f981c4a09a58576d">charged</a>&nbsp;with first-degree murder, rape and capital murder, and could face the death penalty. Authorities haven't said how Zoey died.“Zoey Felix’s death was an unacceptable tragedy," Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement accompanying the Department of Children and Families' two-page summary of its interactions with the girl's family.Kelly said she plans to push for legislation next year that would expedite the release of information when a child dies of abuse or neglect. Her administration pushed for such a change in 2021, but a bill never passed.Currently, DCF only releases a summary of its involvement initially and can't do so until attorneys vet the document. Typically, the full case reports aren’t released until after the prosecution is completed, which can take well over a year.This has left an information vacuum in Zoey's case that was exacerbated Tuesday when a judge sealed the arrest affidavit that was used to support criminal charges against Cherry.Judge Christopher Turner concluded that releasing the records would jeopardize the safety of witnesses or sources or “cause the destruction of evidence.”Cherry’s attorney, Mark Manna, of the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit, has declined to comment. Cherry’s family didn’t respond to phone messages, and his Facebook friends described him as chronically homeless.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/girl-killed-topeka-kansas-9816c6dd6f49dde6cfeb6fd435836eb0">Neighbors</a>&nbsp;said Zoey wandered their neighborhood dirty and hungry. Several reported calling child welfare to express concerns.According to the summary from DCF, child welfare officials said they received the first tip about Zoey on Sept. 8, 2022, alleging poor conditions in the home and possible drug use in the presence of a child. The mother agreed to a drug screen and it came back negative, the agency said.The agency also said in its summary that Zoey's mother was working with court services. By then, she had been charged with domestic battery against her husband and teenage daughter, court records show. The DCF summary said the agency offered help to the family, but they declined and the case was closed.Another complaint alleging an unsupervised child was lodged with the agency on Nov. 8, 2002. Just six days earlier, Zoey's mother had called to report that the then 4-year-old was missing, a police incident report shows. Zoey was found unharmed a short time later.The DCF summary made no reference to Zoey's disappearance, and it was unclear whether that prompted the complaint. The summary said simply that the case was unsubstantiated and offers of help were denied.Later that month, Zoey's mother was arrested after crashing her car near a north Topeka bar while driving drunk with Zoey in the front seat. A sworn statement from a Topeka police officer, which also was released Tuesday, said the mother was “having difficulty standing upright, attempting to walk away with a small child.”He also wrote that in looking into her car, he saw two open bottles of vodka, one half-full and the other, three-quarters full. The officer said that in interviews, Zoey said her mother had been drinking from both bottles before and while driving.The officer wrote that the mother was uncooperative and, “She was taken to the ground in order to be handcuffed.”The DCF summary said welfare workers left Zoey in her father’s care; court records show he was living with a girlfriend at the time. Zoey's mother was jailed until March, when she pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery and driving under the influence and was sentenced to probation.Zoey's father was evicted from his apartment in May. Another tip the agency received that month alleged there were no operating utilities in the mother's home, but the agency found the home to be “livable," with utilities, food and no signs of drugs. Again, the family declined services.Then on Aug. 29, another complaint alleged drug use and no utilities, prompting the seven failed attempts by the agency to contact the family in September.But during that time, police went to the home twice, once even tracking down Zoey and talking to her. But officers were told by Zoey’s father that she wasn’t living there, city spokeswoman Gretchen Spiker said.The second time police responded, an officer stood outside as belongings were retrieved from the house, a police report said. Police reports do not explain where Zoey, her sister, her father and Cherry went after that, but neighbors said they were living in a makeshift camp.Laura Howard, the top administrator for the Department for Children and Families, vowed to launch a thorough investigation.“We will take every step necessary," she wrote in a statement.DCF opened another investigation as a result of Zoey’s death.

Report: Kan. agency investigated girl's family 5 times before her murder

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">former detective</a>&nbsp;in Missouri convicted in the death a Black man in 2019 is now jailed after losing an appeal of his conviction despite unusual support from the state's Republican attorney general.

Eric J. DeValkenaere had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">free on bond</a>&nbsp;during the appeal, but a judge revoked bond Tuesday and ordered a warrant for his arrest. DeValkenaere went to the Platte County jail himself Tuesday and surrendered, Maj. Erik Holland of the sheriff's office told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article280645500.html">Kansas City Star</a>. He will be held there until he is transferred to a Missouri prison.

DeValkenaere’s lawyer declined comment to The Associated Press.

DeValkenaere, who is white, was found guilty in 2021 of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb. Lamb was parking a pickup truck in his Kansas City back yard when the officer shot him after reports Lamb was in a car chase with his girlfriend.

The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.

Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.

On Tuesday, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously there had been enough evidence to convict DeValkenaere. He had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">sentenced</a>&nbsp;to three years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and six years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run consecutively.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">an unusual legal move</a>, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in June asked the appeals court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial. In Missouri, the attorney general's office handles criminal appeals and typically defends convictions, rather than appealing them.

A spokesperson on Tuesday said the attorney general's office is reviewing the appeals court decision.

Police said DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, went to Lamb’s home after reports he'd been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective. The judge said the officers had no probable cause to believe any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.

Rumors had swirled this summer that Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning or granting clemency to DeValkenaere. That prompted Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker to send the governor a letter urging him not to do so. Civil rights advocates warned that releasing the former detective could cause unrest in the city and damage an already tense relationship between police and Kansas City’s Black community.

On Tuesday, Parson spokesperson Johnathan Shiflett said in an email that the governor is “assessing the situation," and no decision has been reached on whether to grant a pardon.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A white former detective in Missouri who shot and killed a Black man in 2019 has lost an appeal of his conviction despite unusual support from the state’s Republican attorney general, with judges on Tuesday ordering the ex-officer placed under arrest.

Eric J. DeValkenaere was found guilty in 2021 of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb.

 Lamb was parking a pickup truck in his Kansas City back yard when the officer shot him, after reports Lamb was in a car chase with his girlfriend. The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.

Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting, but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.

On Tuesday, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously that there had been enough evidence to convict DeValkenaere. He had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">sentenced</a>&nbsp;to three years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and six years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run consecutively.

The former detective has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">free on bond</a>&nbsp;during the appeal, but the judges revoked his bond Tuesday and ordered a warrant for his arrest.

DeValkenaere’s lawyer declined to comment.

In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">an unusual legal move</a>, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in June asked the appeals court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial for him. In Missouri, the attorney general's office handles criminal appeals and typically defends convictions, rather than appealing them.

Police said DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, went to Lamb’s home after reports he'd been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective. The judge said the officers had no probable cause to believe that any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.

Rumors had swirled this summer that Republican Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning or granting clemency to DeValkenaere. That prompted Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker to send the governor a letter urging him not to do so. Civil rights advocates warned that releasing the former detective could cause unrest in the city and damage an already tense relationship between police and Kansas City’s Black community.

On Tuesday, a Parson spokesperson said the governor is “assessing the situation.”

“Governor Parson will give the same thorough review to Mr. DeValkenaere’s case that he gives to all others that come across his desk,” Johnathan Shiflett said in an email. "No decision regarding a pardon has been made at this time."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697577882618.png" alt="Eric J. DeValkenaere is being held in Platte Co." />
 <figcaption>Eric J. DeValkenaere is being held in Platte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-police-shooting-974b3aa6e4736005b553672489bb46ea">former detective</a>&nbsp;in Missouri convicted in the death a Black man in 2019 is now jailed after losing an appeal of his conviction despite unusual support from the state's Republican attorney general.Eric J. DeValkenaere had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">free on bond</a>&nbsp;during the appeal, but a judge revoked bond Tuesday and ordered a warrant for his arrest. DeValkenaere went to the Platte County jail himself Tuesday and surrendered, Maj. Erik Holland of the sheriff's office told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article280645500.html">Kansas City Star</a>. He will be held there until he is transferred to a Missouri prison.DeValkenaere’s lawyer declined comment to The Associated Press.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592995037957.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>DeValkenaere, who is white, was found guilty in 2021 of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb. Lamb was parking a pickup truck in his Kansas City back yard when the officer shot him after reports Lamb was in a car chase with his girlfriend.The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.On Tuesday, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously there had been enough evidence to convict DeValkenaere. He had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">sentenced</a>&nbsp;to three years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and six years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run consecutively.In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">an unusual legal move</a>, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in June asked the appeals court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial. In Missouri, the attorney general's office handles criminal appeals and typically defends convictions, rather than appealing them.A spokesperson on Tuesday said the attorney general's office is reviewing the appeals court decision.Police said DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, went to Lamb’s home after reports he'd been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective. The judge said the officers had no probable cause to believe any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.Rumors had swirled this summer that Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning or granting clemency to DeValkenaere. That prompted Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker to send the governor a letter urging him not to do so. Civil rights advocates warned that releasing the former detective could cause unrest in the city and damage an already tense relationship between police and Kansas City’s Black community.On Tuesday, Parson spokesperson Johnathan Shiflett said in an email that the governor is “assessing the situation," and no decision has been reached on whether to grant a pardon.------------KANSAS CITY (AP) — A white former detective in Missouri who shot and killed a Black man in 2019 has lost an appeal of his conviction despite unusual support from the state’s Republican attorney general, with judges on Tuesday ordering the ex-officer placed under arrest.Eric J. DeValkenaere was found guilty in 2021 of second-degree manslaughter and armed criminal action in the death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb. Lamb was parking a pickup truck in his Kansas City back yard when the officer shot him, after reports Lamb was in a car chase with his girlfriend. The judge who found DeValkenaere guilty in a bench trial said police were the initial aggressors and had a duty to retreat, but DeValkenaere illegally used deadly force instead.Prosecutors and Lamb’s family have alleged a handgun was planted after the shooting, but that issue was not addressed by Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs when he convicted the detective.On Tuesday, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously that there had been enough evidence to convict DeValkenaere. He had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">sentenced</a>&nbsp;to three years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and six years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run consecutively.The former detective has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-kansas-city-kansas-cdc43324871862f01222a6ca29ef317f">free on bond</a>&nbsp;during the appeal, but the judges revoked his bond Tuesday and ordered a warrant for his arrest.DeValkenaere’s lawyer declined to comment.In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/detective-fatal-shooting-attorney-general-appeal-16957c1b9f09d91e17e3a3cfb75c1a07">an unusual legal move</a>, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in June asked the appeals court to reverse DeValkenaere’s conviction or order a new trial for him. In Missouri, the attorney general's office handles criminal appeals and typically defends convictions, rather than appealing them.A spokesperson on Tuesday said the attorney general's office is reviewing the appeals court decision.Police said DeValkenaere and his partner, Troy Schwalm, went to Lamb’s home after reports he'd been chasing his girlfriend’s convertible in a stolen pickup truck. DeValkenaere said he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective. The judge said the officers had no probable cause to believe that any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property.Rumors had swirled this summer that Republican Gov. Mike Parson was considering pardoning or granting clemency to DeValkenaere. That prompted Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker to send the governor a letter urging him not to do so. Civil rights advocates warned that releasing the former detective could cause unrest in the city and damage an already tense relationship between police and Kansas City’s Black community.On Tuesday, a Parson spokesperson said the governor is “assessing the situation.”“Governor Parson will give the same thorough review to Mr. DeValkenaere’s case that he gives to all others that come across his desk,” Johnathan Shiflett said in an email. "No decision regarding a pardon has been made at this time."

Former KC  officer who killed Black man turns himself in after losing appeal

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two homicides on Tuesday in Kansas City.

Just before 9 p.m., police were dispatched to a medical call at 65th and Paseo, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle.

First responders located a woman lying on the sidewalk, suffering from apparent bodily trauma.&nbsp; Officers were unable to detect any signs of life.&nbsp; EMS&nbsp; pronounced her deceased.

The circumstances leading up to the homicide are unknown.&nbsp; No one is in custody at this time. Police have not released her name.

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

Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, police located a man lying on the sidewalk at&nbsp; 44th and Montgall in Kansas City. The victim was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Officers administered life saving measures until EMS arrived on scene. EMS transported the victim to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries, according to Carlisle.

Police have two suspects in custody in the afternoon homicide.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two homicides on Tuesday in Kansas City.Just before 9 p.m., police were dispatched to a medical call at 65th and Paseo, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle.First responders located a woman lying on the sidewalk, suffering from apparent bodily trauma.&nbsp; Officers were unable to detect any signs of life.&nbsp; EMS&nbsp; pronounced her deceased.The circumstances leading up to the homicide are unknown.&nbsp; No one is in custody at this time. Police have not released her name.Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to the scene to recover any evidence and speak to any potential witnesses.&nbsp;Just after 3p.m. Tuesday, police located a man lying on the sidewalk at&nbsp; 44th and Montgall in Kansas City. The victim was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.&nbsp; Officers administered life saving measures until EMS arrived on scene. EMS transported the victim to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries, according to Carlisle.Police have two suspects in custody in the afternoon homicide.

Homicide: Woman found on sidewalk in Kansas City

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;vowed to show the world that the U.S. stands in solidarity with Israelis during his visit there Wednesday, and offered an assessment that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-biden-hospital-d9606e0ead1f8c4e9fd00b602ed14a38">deadly explosion at a Gaza Strip hospital</a>&nbsp;apparently was not carried out by the Israeli military.

“Based on what I’ve seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you,” Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting. But he said there were “a lot of people out there” who weren't sure what caused the blast, which sparked protests throughout the Middle East.

Biden didn't offer details on why he believed the Israelis were not responsible for the blast, and the White House did not immediately explain his assessment.

“The entire world was rightfully outraged but this outrage should be directed not at Israel but at the terrorists,” Netanyahu said during a subsequent meeting with Biden and Israel's war cabinet.

Biden had been scheduled to visit Jordan to meet with Arab leaders after the stop in Israel, but the summit was called off after the hospital explosion. And his remarks spoke both of the horrors the Israelis had endured, but also the growing humanitarian crisis for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

He told Netanyahu he was “deeply saddened and outraged” by the hospital explosion. He stressed that “Hamas does not represent all the Palestinian people. and it has brought them only suffering.”

Biden spoke of the need to find ways of “encouraging life-saving capacity to help the Palestinians who are innocent, caught in the middle of this.”

But he also said Hamas had “slaughtered” Israelis in the Oct. 7 attack that killed 1,400 people. Biden described at length the horror of the killing of innocent Israelis, including children.

“Americans are grieving, they really are,” Biden said. “Americans are worried.”

“I want you to know you're not alone. We will continue to have Israel's back as you work to defend your people," Biden said during the larger meeting with Netanyahu and Israeli officials. "We'll continue to work with you and partners across the region to prevent more tragedy to innocent civilians."

Netanyahu thanked Biden for coming to Israel, telling him the visit was “deeply, deeply moving."

“I know I speak for all the people of Israel when I say thank you Mr. President, thank you for standing with Israel today, tomorrow and always.”

Netanyahu said Biden had rightly drawn a clear line between the “forces of civilization and the forces of barbarism,” saying Israel was united in its resolve to defeat Hamas.

“The civilized world must unite to defeat Hamas," he said.

Biden also planned to meet Israeli first responders and the families of victims and those being held hostage by Hamas. Netanyahu met Biden at Ben Gurion International Airport and the two embraced. It was almost exactly a month ago that they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-saudi-arabia-normalization-hamas-246213034afa75e4dff27e71362a1979">sat together at the United Nations General Assembly</a>, where Netanyahu marveled that a “historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia” seemed within reach.

The possibility of improved relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors appears to be dimming; Israel has been preparing for a potential ground invasion of Gaza in response to Hamas' attacks.

Roughly 2,800 Palestinians have been reported killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza. Another 1,200 people are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-siege-airstrikes-rescue-war-b4147d61a1fd1628e1029349224ab708">believed to be buried under the rubble</a>, alive or dead, health authorities said.

Those numbers predate the explosion at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-biden-rafah-e062825a375d9eb62e95509cab95b80c">the Al-Ahli hospital</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday. No clear cause has been established for the blast.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hospital-jordan-egypt-protests-590f24d154fb3cb256ec1707ec78b816">Protests swept through the region</a>&nbsp;after the blast at the hospital, which had been treating wounded Palestinians and sheltering many more who were seeking a refuge from the fighting.

Hundreds of Palestinians flooded the streets of major West Bank cities including Ramallah. More people joined protests that erupted in Beirut, Lebanon and Amman, Jordan, where an angry crowd gathered outside the Israeli Embassy.

Outrage scuttled Biden's plans to visit Jordan, where King Abdullah II was to host meetings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. But Abbas withdrew in protest, and the summit was subsequently canceled outright.

Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s foreign minister, told a state-run television network that the war is “pushing the region to the brink.”

Jordan declared three days of mourning after the hospital explosion and Safadi said the summit was canceled after speaking with all leaders. He said they had wanted the meeting to produce an end to the war, which seems unlikely now, and to give Palestinians the respect they deserve. Kirby said Biden understood the move was part of a “mutual” decision to call off the Jordan portion of his trip. He said Biden would speak to the Arab leaders by phone as he returned to Washington.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador, said Tuesday that Biden was “capable of telling Israel, Enough is enough."

“You have to stop this carnage against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. Let this stop. Let humanitarian assistance take place,” he said. "Do not displace two million Palestinians and push them in the direction of Jordan and then let’s begin a political horizon.”

There are also fears that a new front could erupt along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates. The Iran-backed organization has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-clashes-cadccde8c6ce5400ee36fd12d3bfea52">skirmishing with Israeli forces.</a>

Always a believer in the power of personal diplomacy, Biden's trip will test the limits of U.S. influence in the Middle East at a volatile time. It's his second trip to a conflict zone this year, after visiting Ukraine in February to show solidarity with the country as it battles a Russian invasion.

The visit to Israel coincides with rising humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where Israel has cut off the flow of food, fuel and water. Mediators have been struggling to break a deadlock over providing supplies to desperate civilians, aid groups and hospitals.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, bouncing back and forth between Arab and Israeli leadership ahead of Biden’s visit, spent seven and a half hours meeting Monday in Tel Aviv in an effort to broker some kind of aid agreement and emerged with a green light to develop a plan on how aid can enter Gaza and be distributed to civilians.

Although only a modest accomplishment on the surface, U.S. officials stressed that Blinken's talks led to a significant change in Israel’s position going in — that Gaza would remain cut off from fuel, electricity, water and other essential supplies.

U.S. officials said it has become clear that already limited Arab tolerance of Israel’s military operations would evaporate entirely if conditions in Gaza worsened.

Their analysis projected that outright condemnation of Israel by Arab leaders would not only be a boon to Hamas but would likely encourage Iran to step up its anti-Israel activity, adding to fears that a regional conflagration might erupt, according to four officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss internal administration thinking.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — President Joe Biden opened his visit to Israel on Wednesday vowing to show the world that the U.S. stands in solidarity with the Jewish people and offering an assessment that the deadly explosion at a Gaza Strip hospital appeared to have been carried out “by the other team” and not the Israeli military.

“Based on what I’ve seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you,” Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting, referring to Hamas militants. But Biden said there were “a lot of people out there” who weren't sure what caused the blast.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said an Israeli airstrike caused the destruction and hundreds of deaths. The Israeli military denied involvement and blamed a misfired rocket from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another militant group. However, that organization also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates#0000018b-401a-d2c3-a9ff-721a1d610000">rejected responsibility.</a>

Biden had been scheduled to visit Jordan after the stop in Israel, but meetings there with Arab leaders were called off after the hospital explosion. He told Netanyahu he was “deeply saddened and outraged” by the explosion. But he also said it was not hyperbole to say Hamas had “slaughtered” Israelis in the Oct. 7 attack.

Netanyahu thanked Biden for coming to Israel, telling him the visit was “deeply, deeply moving.”

Netanyahu met Biden at Ben Gurion Airport and they embraced before speeding away for hours of meetings, where the U.S. president is expected to push for allowing critical humanitarian aid to be delivered to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has been preparing for a potential ground invasion of Gaza in response to Hamas' attacks on Oct. 7, which killed 1,400 Israelis.

John Kirby, a White House national security spokesperson, told reporters aboard Air Force One that Biden “wants to get a sense from the Israelis on the situation on the ground” and will “ask some tough questions."

“He'll be asking them as a friend,” Kirby added.

The president also planned to meet Israeli first responders and the families of victims killed and hostages taken when Hamas made its incursion into Israel.

Protests swept through the region after the blast at the hospital, which had been treating wounded Palestinians and sheltering many more who were seeking a refuge from the fighting.

Outrage scuttled Biden's plans to visit Jordan, where King Abdullah II had planned to host meetings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. But Abbas withdrew in protest, and the summit was subsequently canceled outright.

Jordan declared three days of mourning after the hospital explosion. Kirby said Biden understood the move was part of a “mutual” decision to call off the Jordan portion of his trip. He said Biden would speak to the Arab leaders by phone as he returned to Washington.

Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s foreign minister, told a state-run television network that the war is "pushing the region to the brink.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697623511291.png" alt="Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after arriving at Ben Gurion International Airport, Wednesday-photo office of Israel Prime Minister" />
 <figcaption>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after arriving at Ben Gurion International Airport, Wednesday-photo office of Israel Prime Minister</figcaption>
 </figure>TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;vowed to show the world that the U.S. stands in solidarity with Israelis during his visit there Wednesday, and offered an assessment that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-biden-hospital-d9606e0ead1f8c4e9fd00b602ed14a38">deadly explosion at a Gaza Strip hospital</a>&nbsp;apparently was not carried out by the Israeli military.“Based on what I’ve seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you,” Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting. But he said there were “a lot of people out there” who weren't sure what caused the blast, which sparked protests throughout the Middle East.Biden didn't offer details on why he believed the Israelis were not responsible for the blast, and the White House did not immediately explain his assessment.“The entire world was rightfully outraged but this outrage should be directed not at Israel but at the terrorists,” Netanyahu said during a subsequent meeting with Biden and Israel's war cabinet.Biden had been scheduled to visit Jordan to meet with Arab leaders after the stop in Israel, but the summit was called off after the hospital explosion. And his remarks spoke both of the horrors the Israelis had endured, but also the growing humanitarian crisis for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.He told Netanyahu he was “deeply saddened and outraged” by the hospital explosion. He stressed that “Hamas does not represent all the Palestinian people. and it has brought them only suffering.”Biden spoke of the need to find ways of “encouraging life-saving capacity to help the Palestinians who are innocent, caught in the middle of this.”But he also said Hamas had “slaughtered” Israelis in the Oct. 7 attack that killed 1,400 people. Biden described at length the horror of the killing of innocent Israelis, including children.“Americans are grieving, they really are,” Biden said. “Americans are worried.”“I want you to know you're not alone. We will continue to have Israel's back as you work to defend your people," Biden said during the larger meeting with Netanyahu and Israeli officials. "We'll continue to work with you and partners across the region to prevent more tragedy to innocent civilians."Netanyahu thanked Biden for coming to Israel, telling him the visit was “deeply, deeply moving."“I know I speak for all the people of Israel when I say thank you Mr. President, thank you for standing with Israel today, tomorrow and always.”Netanyahu said Biden had rightly drawn a clear line between the “forces of civilization and the forces of barbarism,” saying Israel was united in its resolve to defeat Hamas.“The civilized world must unite to defeat Hamas," he said.Biden also planned to meet Israeli first responders and the families of victims and those being held hostage by Hamas. Netanyahu met Biden at Ben Gurion International Airport and the two embraced. It was almost exactly a month ago that they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-saudi-arabia-normalization-hamas-246213034afa75e4dff27e71362a1979">sat together at the United Nations General Assembly</a>, where Netanyahu marveled that a “historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia” seemed within reach.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697623831480.png" alt="photo office of Israel Prime Minister" />
 <figcaption>photo office of Israel Prime Minister</figcaption>
 </figure>The possibility of improved relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors appears to be dimming; Israel has been preparing for a potential ground invasion of Gaza in response to Hamas' attacks.Roughly 2,800 Palestinians have been reported killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza. Another 1,200 people are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-siege-airstrikes-rescue-war-b4147d61a1fd1628e1029349224ab708">believed to be buried under the rubble</a>, alive or dead, health authorities said.Those numbers predate the explosion at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-biden-rafah-e062825a375d9eb62e95509cab95b80c">the Al-Ahli hospital</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday. No clear cause has been established for the blast.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-hospital-jordan-egypt-protests-590f24d154fb3cb256ec1707ec78b816">Protests swept through the region</a>&nbsp;after the blast at the hospital, which had been treating wounded Palestinians and sheltering many more who were seeking a refuge from the fighting.Hundreds of Palestinians flooded the streets of major West Bank cities including Ramallah. More people joined protests that erupted in Beirut, Lebanon and Amman, Jordan, where an angry crowd gathered outside the Israeli Embassy.Outrage scuttled Biden's plans to visit Jordan, where King Abdullah II was to host meetings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. But Abbas withdrew in protest, and the summit was subsequently canceled outright.Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s foreign minister, told a state-run television network that the war is “pushing the region to the brink.”Jordan declared three days of mourning after the hospital explosion and Safadi said the summit was canceled after speaking with all leaders. He said they had wanted the meeting to produce an end to the war, which seems unlikely now, and to give Palestinians the respect they deserve. Kirby said Biden understood the move was part of a “mutual” decision to call off the Jordan portion of his trip. He said Biden would speak to the Arab leaders by phone as he returned to Washington.Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador, said Tuesday that Biden was “capable of telling Israel, Enough is enough."“You have to stop this carnage against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. Let this stop. Let humanitarian assistance take place,” he said. "Do not displace two million Palestinians and push them in the direction of Jordan and then let’s begin a political horizon.”There are also fears that a new front could erupt along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates. The Iran-backed organization has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-clashes-cadccde8c6ce5400ee36fd12d3bfea52">skirmishing with Israeli forces.</a>Always a believer in the power of personal diplomacy, Biden's trip will test the limits of U.S. influence in the Middle East at a volatile time. It's his second trip to a conflict zone this year, after visiting Ukraine in February to show solidarity with the country as it battles a Russian invasion.The visit to Israel coincides with rising humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where Israel has cut off the flow of food, fuel and water. Mediators have been struggling to break a deadlock over providing supplies to desperate civilians, aid groups and hospitals.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, bouncing back and forth between Arab and Israeli leadership ahead of Biden’s visit, spent seven and a half hours meeting Monday in Tel Aviv in an effort to broker some kind of aid agreement and emerged with a green light to develop a plan on how aid can enter Gaza and be distributed to civilians.Although only a modest accomplishment on the surface, U.S. officials stressed that Blinken's talks led to a significant change in Israel’s position going in — that Gaza would remain cut off from fuel, electricity, water and other essential supplies.U.S. officials said it has become clear that already limited Arab tolerance of Israel’s military operations would evaporate entirely if conditions in Gaza worsened.Their analysis projected that outright condemnation of Israel by Arab leaders would not only be a boon to Hamas but would likely encourage Iran to step up its anti-Israel activity, adding to fears that a regional conflagration might erupt, according to four officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss internal administration thinking.___TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — President Joe Biden opened his visit to Israel on Wednesday vowing to show the world that the U.S. stands in solidarity with the Jewish people and offering an assessment that the deadly explosion at a Gaza Strip hospital appeared to have been carried out “by the other team” and not the Israeli military.“Based on what I’ve seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you,” Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting, referring to Hamas militants. But Biden said there were “a lot of people out there” who weren't sure what caused the blast.The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said an Israeli airstrike caused the destruction and hundreds of deaths. The Israeli military denied involvement and blamed a misfired rocket from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another militant group. However, that organization also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates#0000018b-401a-d2c3-a9ff-721a1d610000">rejected responsibility.</a>Biden had been scheduled to visit Jordan after the stop in Israel, but meetings there with Arab leaders were called off after the hospital explosion. He told Netanyahu he was “deeply saddened and outraged” by the explosion. But he also said it was not hyperbole to say Hamas had “slaughtered” Israelis in the Oct. 7 attack.“Americans are grieving, they really are,” Biden said. “Americans are worried.”Netanyahu thanked Biden for coming to Israel, telling him the visit was “deeply, deeply moving.”“I know I speak for all the people of Israel when I say thank you Mr. President, thank you for standing with Israel today, tomorrow and always.”Netanyahu met Biden at Ben Gurion Airport and they embraced before speeding away for hours of meetings, where the U.S. president is expected to push for allowing critical humanitarian aid to be delivered to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.Israel has been preparing for a potential ground invasion of Gaza in response to Hamas' attacks on Oct. 7, which killed 1,400 Israelis.John Kirby, a White House national security spokesperson, told reporters aboard Air Force One that Biden “wants to get a sense from the Israelis on the situation on the ground” and will “ask some tough questions."“He'll be asking them as a friend,” Kirby added.The president also planned to meet Israeli first responders and the families of victims killed and hostages taken when Hamas made its incursion into Israel.Roughly 2,800 Palestinians have been reported killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza. Another 1,200 people are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-siege-airstrikes-rescue-war-b4147d61a1fd1628e1029349224ab708">believed to be buried under the rubble</a>, alive or dead, health authorities said.Those numbers predate the explosion at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-biden-rafah-e062825a375d9eb62e95509cab95b80c">the Al-Ahli hospital</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday. No clear cause has been established for the blast.Protests swept through the region after the blast at the hospital, which had been treating wounded Palestinians and sheltering many more who were seeking a refuge from the fighting.Hundreds of Palestinians flooded the streets of major West Bank cities including Ramallah. More people joined protests that erupted in Beirut, Lebanon and Amman, Jordan, where an angry crowd gathered outside the Israeli Embassy.Outrage scuttled Biden's plans to visit Jordan, where King Abdullah II had planned to host meetings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. But Abbas withdrew in protest, and the summit was subsequently canceled outright.Jordan declared three days of mourning after the hospital explosion. Kirby said Biden understood the move was part of a “mutual” decision to call off the Jordan portion of his trip. He said Biden would speak to the Arab leaders by phone as he returned to Washington.Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s foreign minister, told a state-run television network that the war is "pushing the region to the brink.”There are also fears that a new front could erupt along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates. The Iran-backed organization has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lebanon-israel-hezbollah-clashes-cadccde8c6ce5400ee36fd12d3bfea52">skirmishing with Israeli forces.</a>Always a believer in the power of personal diplomacy, Biden's trip will test the limits of U.S. influence in the Middle East at a volatile time. It's his second trip to a conflict zone this year, after visiting Ukraine in February to show solidarity with the country as it battles a Russian invasion.The visit to Israel coincides with rising humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where Israel has cut off the flow of food, fuel and water. Mediators have been struggling to break a deadlock over providing supplies to desperate civilians, aid groups and hospitals.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, bouncing back and forth between Arab and Israeli leadership ahead of Biden’s visit, spent seven and a half hours meeting Monday in Tel Aviv in an effort to broker some kind of aid agreement and emerged with a green light to develop a plan on how aid can enter Gaza and be distributed to civilians.Although only a modest accomplishment on the surface, U.S. officials stressed that Blinken's talks led to a significant change in Israel’s position going in — that Gaza would remain cut off from fuel, electricity, water and other essential supplies.U.S. officials said it has become clear that already limited Arab tolerance of Israel’s military operations would evaporate entirely if conditions in Gaza worsened.Their analysis projected that outright condemnation of Israel by Arab leaders would not only be a boon to Hamas but would likely encourage Iran to step up its anti-Israel activity, adding to fears that a regional conflagration might erupt, according to four officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss internal administration thinking.

President Biden in Israel amid anger over Gaza hospital attack

WASHINGTON– Don Miguel Foods, a Dallas, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 10,642 pounds of frozen ready-to-eat (RTE) carne asada burrito products that may be adulterated with&nbsp;Listeria monocytogenes, according to the the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The frozen RTE carne asada burrito items were produced on September 27, 2023. The following products are subject to recall

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 20049” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail convenience store locations nationwide. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

The problem was discovered after the establishment’s laboratory testing indicated the product may be contaminated with&nbsp;Listeria monocytogenes. The establishment notified FSIS that some of the affected product was distributed into commerce.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Consumption of food contaminated with&nbsp;L. monocytogenes&nbsp;can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their&nbsp;customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls">www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls</a>.

Media with questions regarding the recall can contact Don Miguel Foods Media Relations at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:media@mmxfoods.com">media@mmxfoods.com</a>. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Don Miguel Foods Consumer Engagement, at 800-523-4635 or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.megamexfoods.com/contact-us/">www.megamexfoods.com/contact-us/</a>.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:MPHotline@usda.gov">MPHotline@usda.gov</a>. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffoodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov%2FeCCF%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CMelissa.Cordell%40usda.gov%7C2ffd2d584176447889ea08dbb48bd749%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638302284933732023%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Jx%2BVgXbvTA0YVfEYBwKrSu9MQne%2BUQZ3bT04yRxlrAI%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697560072204.png" alt="USDA image" />
 <figcaption>USDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON– Don Miguel Foods, a Dallas, Texas establishment, is recalling approximately 10,642 pounds of frozen ready-to-eat (RTE) carne asada burrito products that may be adulterated with&nbsp;Listeria monocytogenes, according to the the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.The frozen RTE carne asada burrito items were produced on September 27, 2023. The following products are subject to recall<ul>
 <li>7-oz. individual wax paper packages containing “DON MIGUEL Hand Made BURRITO CARNE ASADA” with date code D23270 printed on the package.</li>
 </ul>The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 20049” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail convenience store locations nationwide. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The problem was discovered after the establishment’s laboratory testing indicated the product may be contaminated with&nbsp;Listeria monocytogenes. The establishment notified FSIS that some of the affected product was distributed into commerce.There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.&nbsp;&nbsp;Consumption of food contaminated with&nbsp;L. monocytogenes&nbsp;can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their&nbsp;customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls">www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls</a>.Media with questions regarding the recall can contact Don Miguel Foods Media Relations at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:media@mmxfoods.com">media@mmxfoods.com</a>. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Don Miguel Foods Consumer Engagement, at 800-523-4635 or&nbsp;<a href="http://www.megamexfoods.com/contact-us/">www.megamexfoods.com/contact-us/</a>.Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:MPHotline@usda.gov">MPHotline@usda.gov</a>. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ffoodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov%2FeCCF%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7CMelissa.Cordell%40usda.gov%7C2ffd2d584176447889ea08dbb48bd749%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638302284933732023%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Jx%2BVgXbvTA0YVfEYBwKrSu9MQne%2BUQZ3bT04yRxlrAI%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/</a>.

Possible listeria contamination: Recall for burritos sold in Kan., Mo.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp;continue to investigate a motor vehicle versus pedestrian collision that seriously injured an 82-year-old Wichita man, according to Officer Juan Rebilledo.

Just before 10a.m. October 9, an elderly man was struck by a vehicle in the 2300 block of South Dellrose. Detectives are seeking the community’s help to identify the driver and locate the vehicle&nbsp;believed to be a black 2011-2020 Dodge Journey that sustained damage to the oil pan. the vehicle sustained damage to the oil pan.

If anyone has any information on this case, please call WPD Detectives at 316-350-3687,

the See Something Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282, or Crime Stoppers at 316-267- 2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697576623132.png" alt="Photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp;continue to investigate a motor vehicle versus pedestrian collision that seriously injured an 82-year-old Wichita man, according to Officer Juan Rebilledo.Just before 10a.m. October 9, an elderly man was struck by a vehicle in the 2300 block of South Dellrose. Detectives are seeking the community’s help to identify the driver and locate the vehicle&nbsp;believed to be a black 2011-2020 Dodge Journey that sustained damage to the oil pan. the vehicle sustained damage to the oil pan.If anyone has any information on this case, please call WPD Detectives at 316-350-3687,the See Something Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282, or Crime Stoppers at 316-267- 2111.

Police working to ID driver after hit-and-run that injured Kan. man

KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City-area man now faces 13 felony charges, including murder and assault, for violent attacks in late September in Independence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Tyler Christopher Rizer, 28, Blue Springs, faces Murder 2nd Degree, two counts of Assault 1st Degree, four counts of Armed Criminal Action, two counts of Assault 3rd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Stealing a Motor Vehicle and Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Vehicle Hijacking.&nbsp; Soon after the attacks on Sept. 29, Jackson County prosecutors charged the defendant with Assault 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action. This amended complaint adds 11 new felony charges.&nbsp;

According to court records, Rizer chased down and stabbed the victim multiple times. Then Rizer ran into the back yard of a residence and grabbed two juveniles, threatening them until a family member pulled them away from him. 

Another family member confronted Rizer who shot and killed the man. He shot another victim in the chest. Then Rizer stole a car and was involved in a hit-and-run accident in Kansas City. He then attempted to carjack another car.&nbsp;

The case remains under investigation and other charges may be possible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697315187669.png" alt="Rizer-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Rizer-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City-area man now faces 13 felony charges, including murder and assault, for violent attacks in late September in Independence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Tyler Christopher Rizer, 28, Blue Springs, faces Murder 2nd Degree, two counts of Assault 1st Degree, four counts of Armed Criminal Action, two counts of Assault 3rd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Stealing a Motor Vehicle and Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Vehicle Hijacking.&nbsp; Soon after the attacks on Sept. 29, Jackson County prosecutors charged the defendant with Assault 1st Degree and Armed Criminal Action. This amended complaint adds 11 new felony charges.&nbsp;According to court records, Rizer chased down and stabbed the victim multiple times. Then Rizer ran into the back yard of a residence and grabbed two juveniles, threatening them until a family member pulled them away from him. Another family member confronted Rizer who shot and killed the man. He shot another victim in the chest. Then Rizer stole a car and was involved in a hit-and-run accident in Kansas City. He then attempted to carjack another car.&nbsp;The case remains under investigation and other charges may be possible.

Kansas City-area man charged in deadly rampage

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple allegations after a baby was hospitalized for a drug overdose.

On Monday, police responded to a home in the&nbsp;6100 block of East Boston Street in Wichita where a baby was suffering from a fentanyl exposure.

First responders used&nbsp;Narcan and the child was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

After an investigation, police arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=494933">38-year-old Phillip Lee Saunders</a> on requested&nbsp; charge of aggravated child endangering, two drug charges, and outstanding warrants for contempt of court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697550036756.png" alt="Saunders-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Saunders-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple allegations after a baby was hospitalized for a drug overdose.On Monday, police responded to a home in the&nbsp;6100 block of East Boston Street in Wichita where a baby was suffering from a fentanyl exposure.First responders used&nbsp;Narcan and the child was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.After an investigation, police arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=494933">38-year-old Phillip Lee Saunders</a> on requested&nbsp; charge of aggravated child endangering, two drug charges, and outstanding warrants for contempt of court.

Fentanyl exposure: Kansas man jailed, baby hospitalized

JACKSON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident during a police chase just before 3:30p.m. Monday in Jackson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Honda Civic driven by Heather D. Easter, 32, Topeka, was northbound on S Road just north of 142 Road pursued by law enforcement. 

The driver lost control of the vehicle. The car left the roadway to the right, entered the east ditch and overturned.

EMS transported Easter and a passenger Velda M. Harvey, 36, Topeka, to Holton Community Hospital for treatment before they were sent to jail.

Easter is being held on a $25,000 bond in Jackson County on requested charges of Flee or attempt to elude Law enforcement by engaging in reckless driving and Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked. Harvey is accused of failure to appear, according to online jail records.

Easter has previous convictions for aggravated endangering a child, theft and drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. She was released from custody in May.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697536877131.png" alt="Easter has previous convictions for aggravated endangering a child, theft and drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Easter has previous convictions for aggravated endangering a child, theft and drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Two people were injured in an accident during a police chase just before 3:30p.m. Monday in Jackson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Honda Civic driven by Heather D. Easter, 32, Topeka, was northbound on S Road just north of 142 Road pursued by law enforcement. The driver lost control of the vehicle. The car left the roadway to the right, entered the east ditch and overturned.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697545038568.png" alt="Harvey-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Harvey-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>EMS transported Easter and a passenger Velda M. Harvey, 36, Topeka, to Holton Community Hospital for treatment before they were sent to jail.Easter is being held on a $25,000 bond in Jackson County on requested charges of Flee or attempt to elude Law enforcement by engaging in reckless driving and Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked. Harvey is accused of failure to appear, according to online jail records.Easter has previous convictions for aggravated endangering a child, theft and drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. She was released from custody in May.&nbsp;

Kan. felon moved from hospital to jail after crash during police chase

KANSAS CITY—A man injured in a two-vehicle accident October 13, has died.

&nbsp;A Nissan Murano driven by Christopher T. Lucas, 23, Kansas City, was southbound in the northbound lanes of U.S. 71 Highway. just north of 75th Street, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle.

 the Nissan traveled off the roadway into the grassy median and then back onto the highway, continued southbound in the #1 lane of northbound U.S. 71 Highway and&nbsp;struck the concrete bridge. After impact as the Nissan was rotating, a northbound Ram 1500 pickup struck the Nissan, struck a guardrail and partially overturned.&nbsp;

Lucas received life threatening injuries. On Tuesday, police reported he died from his injuries. The driver of the Ram pickup received serious injuries and the passenger received minor injuries.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation and driver impairment is part of the investigation.

KANSAS CITY—A man injured in a two-vehicle accident October 13, has died.&nbsp;A Nissan Murano driven by Christopher T. Lucas, 23, Kansas City, was southbound in the northbound lanes of U.S. 71 Highway. just north of 75th Street, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle. the Nissan traveled off the roadway into the grassy median and then back onto the highway, continued southbound in the #1 lane of northbound U.S. 71 Highway and&nbsp;struck the concrete bridge. After impact as the Nissan was rotating, a northbound Ram 1500 pickup struck the Nissan, struck a guardrail and partially overturned.&nbsp;Lucas received life threatening injuries. On Tuesday, police reported he died from his injuries. The driver of the Ram pickup received serious injuries and the passenger received minor injuries.&nbsp; The accident remains under investigation and driver impairment is part of the investigation.&nbsp;

Police: Driver dies three days after wrong-way Kansas City crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s efforts to tamp down tensions in the escalating war between Israel and Hamas faced massive setbacks even before he departed for the Middle East on Tuesday, as Jordan called off the president's planned summit with Arab leaders after a deadly explosion at a Gaza hospital killed hundreds.

Biden now will visit only Israel and will postpone his travel to Jordan, a White House official said as Biden departed.

The postponement of the Amman summit comes after Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas withdrew from the scheduled meetings in protest of the attacks, which the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza blamed on an Israeli airstrike. The Israeli military said it had no involvement and pinned the blame on a misfired Palestinian rocket.

“This war and this aggression are pushing the region to the brink,” Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s foreign minister, told al-Mamlaka TV, a state-run network. He said Jordan would only host the summit when all participants agreed on its purpose, which would be to “stop the war, respect the humanity of the Palestinians, and deliver the aid they deserve.”

The cancellation reflects an increasingly volatile situation that will test the limits of American influence in the region as Biden visits Wednesday.

Biden’s decision to put himself in a conflict zone —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-biden-f00af220669457d5ba07127c7e57a27b">the same year he made a surprise visit to Ukraine</a>&nbsp;— demonstrates his willingness to take personal and political risks as he becomes heavily invested in another intractable foreign conflict with no clear end game and plenty of opportunity for things to spiral out of control.

The high-stakes presidential trip is emblematic of Biden’s belief that the United States should not turn back from its central role on the global stage and his faith that personal diplomacy can play a decisive role.

“This is how Joe Biden believes politics works and history is made,” said Jon Alterman, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies who worked on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee while Biden was a member.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-palestinian-civilians-safety-airstrikes-f38f27da1dd995acc14e6db1524761e7">There's been no water, fuel or food delivered to Gaza since the brutal Oct. 7 attack</a>&nbsp;by Hamas that killed more than 1,400 Israelis and triggered the unfolding war. Mediators have been struggling to break a deadlock over providing supplies to desperate civilians, aid groups and hospitals.

As the humanitarian crisis grows, so too does the concern of a spiraling conflict that stretches beyond the borders of Gaza. There have already been skirmishes on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hezbollah-israel-hamas-lebanon-war-423f5f20d691dcd0cc8af1788f11857b">Israel’s northern border with Hezbollah</a>, an Iran-backed group that’s based in Southern Lebanon.

“There’s a lot that can go wrong on this trip,” Alterman said.

Biden's travels will be rife with security concerns, and visits by other U.S. officials have been disrupted by rocket launches into Israel. Additional Israeli airstrikes in Gaza could also prompt more condemnation at a time when Biden is intending to demonstrate solidarity with the United States' closest ally in the region.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-war-egypt-elsissi-a08b6e4f8fe5edeab4c97753d254f8b9">The U.S. has subtly shifted its message over the past week</a>, maintaining full-throated support for Israel while slowly turning up the diplomatic volume on the need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, as Biden and aides have heard increasingly dire predictions about the potential for images of suffering Palestinians to ignite protests and broader unrest throughout the Middle East.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, bouncing back and forth between Arab and Israeli leadership ahead of Biden's visit, spent seven and a half hours meeting Monday in Tel Aviv in an effort to broker some kind of aid agreement and emerged with a green light to create a plan on how aid can enter Gaza and be distributed to civilians.

It was on the surface a modest accomplishment, but U.S. officials stressed that it represented a significant change in Israel’s position going in — that Gaza would remain cut off from fuel, electricity, water and other essential supplies.

Biden has a long track record of showing public support for Israel while expressing concerns privately to the Israelis about their behavior.

“He believes the only way to get inside the Israelis’ heads is to demonstrate profound empathy, but also to be there,” Alterman said.

In the U.S., Biden has won rare praise from Republicans over his leadership on Israel, but prospects for providing additional aid are uncertain. The administration has said it would ask for more than $2 billion in aid for both Israel and Ukraine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jim-jordan-house-speaker-mccarthy-trump-f2b2bf9dc834742bde93d5fc918d9940">though House Republicans remain in disarray.</a>

Still,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-budget-security-assistance-799067491a1bba9671b4dfdf491d0a8e">Biden is committed to both Ukraine and Israel.</a>

“We’re the United States of America, for God’s sake, the most powerful nation in the history of the world,” he said this week on CBS' “60 Minutes” when asked whether the wars in Israel and Ukraine were more than the U.S. can take on at once. “We have the capacity to do this and we have an obligation to. ... And if we don’t, who does?”

In Israel, Biden was expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials. His plans to then meet in Jordan with King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas were scrapped.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-palestinian-conflict">The Israel-Palestinian conflict</a>&nbsp;has been ongoing for decades, and to a large extent, it's involved the same cadre of men. Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history. Abbas has been Palestinian president for nearly 20 years. Abdullah II has been king since 1999 — Biden has called the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-middle-east-government-and-politics-jordan-5c527e77c5e9c5b74f88dbfa9920e707">Jordanian king a loyal ally in a “tough neighborhood."</a>&nbsp;El-Sissi is the newest leader, president since 2014.

It's important for these leaders, too, to avoid a prolonged and engulfing regional escalation, particularly as Egypt and Jordan face growing economic tumult.

In September, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/2023/09/debt-clouds-over-the-middle-east-adnan-mazarei">International Monetary Fund</a>&nbsp;issued a report saying that Egypt and Jordan are among the countries in the region that “stand at the brink of a debt crisis.” Egypt in particular is struggling with high inflation.

Neither nation wants to absorb refugees. Jordan already has a large Palestinian population, and the country is coping with hundreds of thousands of refugees from neighboring Syria, Iraq and elsewhere.

With tens of thousands of troops massed along the Israel-Gaza border, Israel has been expected to launch a ground invasion — but plans remain uncertain. U.S. officials have refused to say whether the Israelis were holding off in order for Biden to visit.

“We are preparing for the next stages of war,” Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said. “We haven’t said what they will be. Everybody’s talking about a ground offensive. It might be something different.”

Meanwhile, the death toll is mounting even without the war's next stage. Israeli strikes on Gaza have killed at least 2,700 people and wounded more than 9,700, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Nearly two-thirds of those killed were children, a ministry official said.

Another 1,200 people across Gaza are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-siege-airstrikes-rescue-war-b4147d61a1fd1628e1029349224ab708">believed to be buried under the rubble</a>, alive or dead.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-c8b4fc20e4fd2ef381d5edb7e9e8308c">More than 1 million Palestinians have fled their homes</a>&nbsp;— roughly half of Gaza’s population — and 60% are now in the approximately 8-mile-long (14-kilometer-long) area south of the evacuation zone, according to the United Nations.

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — The Hamas-run Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip says at least 500 people have been killed in an explosion that it says was caused by an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City Hospital.

If confirmed, the attack on the al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City would be by far the deadliest Israeli airstrike in five wars fought since 2008. Hundreds of people were seeking shelter at the hospital at the time of the blast.

Hamas authorities said most of the people killed were hospital patients and displaced families.

“A new war crime committed by the (Israeli) occupation by bombing the Al-Ahli Hospital in the center of Gaza City,” said Salama Marouf, a spokesperson for Hamas. ” The hospital was housing hundreds of patients, wounded, and those forcibly displaced from their homes due to the strikes.”

&nbsp;The Israeli military says it had no involvement and that the blast was caused by a misfired Palestinian rocket.

A senior Palestinian official says President Mahmoud Abbas canceled his participation in a meeting scheduled Wednesday with President Joe Biden and other Mideast leaders.

Abbas was scheduled to join Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi at Wednesday’s summit in Amman, Jordan, where they are to discuss the Israel-Hamas war with Biden.

But the senior official said Abbas was withdrawing to protest an alleged Israeli airstrike on the hospital&nbsp;

“The president is very angry after the news of the Israeli massacre at the hospital in Gaza, and he decided to immediately return to Ramallah,” the official said.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the cancelation has not been formally announced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697584258512.png" alt="Biden now will visit only Israel and will postpone his travel to Jordan, a White House official said as Biden departed.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Biden now will visit only Israel and will postpone his travel to Jordan, a White House official said as Biden departed.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s efforts to tamp down tensions in the escalating war between Israel and Hamas faced massive setbacks even before he departed for the Middle East on Tuesday, as Jordan called off the president's planned summit with Arab leaders after a deadly explosion at a Gaza hospital killed hundreds.Biden now will visit only Israel and will postpone his travel to Jordan, a White House official said as Biden departed.The postponement of the Amman summit comes after Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas withdrew from the scheduled meetings in protest of the attacks, which the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza blamed on an Israeli airstrike. The Israeli military said it had no involvement and pinned the blame on a misfired Palestinian rocket.“This war and this aggression are pushing the region to the brink,” Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s foreign minister, told al-Mamlaka TV, a state-run network. He said Jordan would only host the summit when all participants agreed on its purpose, which would be to “stop the war, respect the humanity of the Palestinians, and deliver the aid they deserve.”The cancellation reflects an increasingly volatile situation that will test the limits of American influence in the region as Biden visits Wednesday.Biden’s decision to put himself in a conflict zone —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-biden-f00af220669457d5ba07127c7e57a27b">the same year he made a surprise visit to Ukraine</a>&nbsp;— demonstrates his willingness to take personal and political risks as he becomes heavily invested in another intractable foreign conflict with no clear end game and plenty of opportunity for things to spiral out of control.The high-stakes presidential trip is emblematic of Biden’s belief that the United States should not turn back from its central role on the global stage and his faith that personal diplomacy can play a decisive role.“This is how Joe Biden believes politics works and history is made,” said Jon Alterman, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies who worked on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee while Biden was a member.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-palestinian-civilians-safety-airstrikes-f38f27da1dd995acc14e6db1524761e7">There's been no water, fuel or food delivered to Gaza since the brutal Oct. 7 attack</a>&nbsp;by Hamas that killed more than 1,400 Israelis and triggered the unfolding war. Mediators have been struggling to break a deadlock over providing supplies to desperate civilians, aid groups and hospitals.As the humanitarian crisis grows, so too does the concern of a spiraling conflict that stretches beyond the borders of Gaza. There have already been skirmishes on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hezbollah-israel-hamas-lebanon-war-423f5f20d691dcd0cc8af1788f11857b">Israel’s northern border with Hezbollah</a>, an Iran-backed group that’s based in Southern Lebanon.“There’s a lot that can go wrong on this trip,” Alterman said.Biden's travels will be rife with security concerns, and visits by other U.S. officials have been disrupted by rocket launches into Israel. Additional Israeli airstrikes in Gaza could also prompt more condemnation at a time when Biden is intending to demonstrate solidarity with the United States' closest ally in the region.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-israel-hamas-war-egypt-elsissi-a08b6e4f8fe5edeab4c97753d254f8b9">The U.S. has subtly shifted its message over the past week</a>, maintaining full-throated support for Israel while slowly turning up the diplomatic volume on the need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, as Biden and aides have heard increasingly dire predictions about the potential for images of suffering Palestinians to ignite protests and broader unrest throughout the Middle East.U.S. officials said it has become clear that already limited Arab tolerance of Israel’s military operations would evaporate entirely if conditions in Gaza worsened.Their analysis projected that outright condemnation of Israel by Arab leaders would not only be a boon to Hamas but would likely encourage Iran to step up its anti-Israel activity, adding to fears that a regional conflagration might erupt, according to four officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss internal administration thinking.U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, bouncing back and forth between Arab and Israeli leadership ahead of Biden's visit, spent seven and a half hours meeting Monday in Tel Aviv in an effort to broker some kind of aid agreement and emerged with a green light to create a plan on how aid can enter Gaza and be distributed to civilians.It was on the surface a modest accomplishment, but U.S. officials stressed that it represented a significant change in Israel’s position going in — that Gaza would remain cut off from fuel, electricity, water and other essential supplies.Biden has a long track record of showing public support for Israel while expressing concerns privately to the Israelis about their behavior.“He believes the only way to get inside the Israelis’ heads is to demonstrate profound empathy, but also to be there,” Alterman said.In the U.S., Biden has won rare praise from Republicans over his leadership on Israel, but prospects for providing additional aid are uncertain. The administration has said it would ask for more than $2 billion in aid for both Israel and Ukraine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jim-jordan-house-speaker-mccarthy-trump-f2b2bf9dc834742bde93d5fc918d9940">though House Republicans remain in disarray.</a>Still,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-budget-security-assistance-799067491a1bba9671b4dfdf491d0a8e">Biden is committed to both Ukraine and Israel.</a>“We’re the United States of America, for God’s sake, the most powerful nation in the history of the world,” he said this week on CBS' “60 Minutes” when asked whether the wars in Israel and Ukraine were more than the U.S. can take on at once. “We have the capacity to do this and we have an obligation to. ... And if we don’t, who does?”In Israel, Biden was expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials. His plans to then meet in Jordan with King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas were scrapped.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-palestinian-conflict">The Israel-Palestinian conflict</a>&nbsp;has been ongoing for decades, and to a large extent, it's involved the same cadre of men. Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history. Abbas has been Palestinian president for nearly 20 years. Abdullah II has been king since 1999 — Biden has called the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-middle-east-government-and-politics-jordan-5c527e77c5e9c5b74f88dbfa9920e707">Jordanian king a loyal ally in a “tough neighborhood."</a>&nbsp;El-Sissi is the newest leader, president since 2014.It's important for these leaders, too, to avoid a prolonged and engulfing regional escalation, particularly as Egypt and Jordan face growing economic tumult.In September, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/2023/09/debt-clouds-over-the-middle-east-adnan-mazarei">International Monetary Fund</a>&nbsp;issued a report saying that Egypt and Jordan are among the countries in the region that “stand at the brink of a debt crisis.” Egypt in particular is struggling with high inflation.Neither nation wants to absorb refugees. Jordan already has a large Palestinian population, and the country is coping with hundreds of thousands of refugees from neighboring Syria, Iraq and elsewhere.With tens of thousands of troops massed along the Israel-Gaza border, Israel has been expected to launch a ground invasion — but plans remain uncertain. U.S. officials have refused to say whether the Israelis were holding off in order for Biden to visit.“We are preparing for the next stages of war,” Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said. “We haven’t said what they will be. Everybody’s talking about a ground offensive. It might be something different.”Meanwhile, the death toll is mounting even without the war's next stage. Israeli strikes on Gaza have killed at least 2,700 people and wounded more than 9,700, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Nearly two-thirds of those killed were children, a ministry official said.Another 1,200 people across Gaza are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-siege-airstrikes-rescue-war-b4147d61a1fd1628e1029349224ab708">believed to be buried under the rubble</a>, alive or dead.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-c8b4fc20e4fd2ef381d5edb7e9e8308c">More than 1 million Palestinians have fled their homes</a>&nbsp;— roughly half of Gaza’s population — and 60% are now in the approximately 8-mile-long (14-kilometer-long) area south of the evacuation zone, according to the United Nations.-----------RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — The Hamas-run Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip says at least 500 people have been killed in an explosion that it says was caused by an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza City Hospital.If confirmed, the attack on the al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City would be by far the deadliest Israeli airstrike in five wars fought since 2008. Hundreds of people were seeking shelter at the hospital at the time of the blast.Hamas authorities said most of the people killed were hospital patients and displaced families.“A new war crime committed by the (Israeli) occupation by bombing the Al-Ahli Hospital in the center of Gaza City,” said Salama Marouf, a spokesperson for Hamas. ” The hospital was housing hundreds of patients, wounded, and those forcibly displaced from their homes due to the strikes.”&nbsp;The Israeli military says it had no involvement and that the blast was caused by a misfired Palestinian rocket.A senior Palestinian official says President Mahmoud Abbas canceled his participation in a meeting scheduled Wednesday with President Joe Biden and other Mideast leaders.Abbas was scheduled to join Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi at Wednesday’s summit in Amman, Jordan, where they are to discuss the Israel-Hamas war with Biden.But the senior official said Abbas was withdrawing to protest an alleged Israeli airstrike on the hospital&nbsp;“The president is very angry after the news of the Israeli massacre at the hospital in Gaza, and he decided to immediately return to Ramallah,” the official said.The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the cancelation has not been formally announced.