Williams defends bill forming new K-12 school task force controlled by legislators

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Opposition emerged from Kansas educators to a bill terminating a controversial special education task force and replacing it with a new task force dominated by state legislators who would be responsible for a lengthy study of changes to the state’s multibillion-dollar K-12 school finance formula.

House Republicans, who have registered frustration with the taxpayer cost and academic effectiveness of the state’s current school aid formula, proposed formation of the replacement task force. The bill tied to the plan would grant GOP lawmakers power to appoint six of 11 voting members of the task force and control selection of the panel’s chairman. In addition to selecting four legislators for the task force, two members chosen by the Senate president and House speaker must be parents of students in K-12 schools.

House and Senate Democrats would hold two seats on the task force. One member of would be drawn from the Kansas State Board of Education. Two school district superintendents — one from a rural district, one from an urban district — would be appointed by the state Board of Education.

Stakes are high given the state’s K-12 public schools educate nearly 500,000 students and receive $4.6 billion annually in funding from the state treasury.

Olathe schools superintendent Brent Yeager, a member of the special education task force targeted for elimination, told House members Monday that dissolving the special education panel would be a mistake. He is superintendent of the state’s second-largest district with 29,000 students, including 6,000 who take part in special education programs.

“Special education is exceptionally complex and nuanced,” Yeager said. “I fear that if this issue becomes just a part of what another task force is charged to do, we will not allocate an appropriate amount of time to study this issue.”

GOP Rep. Kristey Williams of Augusta, who serves as chairwoman of the House K-12 Budget Committee, said she had the bill drafted in a way that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/05/kansas-special-education-task-force-to-convene-finally-for-quick-study-of-funding-shortfall/">guaranteed termination of the special education task force</a>. She said the existing task force’s responsibilities would be assumed by the new task force with a much broader mandate to recalibrate the entire public education funding formula scheduled to sunset July 1, 2027.

The current school funding formula was a consequence of lawsuits filed by school districts against the state. Those cases were ultimately resolved by the Kansas Supreme Court, which repeatedly found the Legislature’s spending on schools in violation of Article 6 of the Kansas Constitution.

Williams said she was justified in introducing a version of House Bill 2594 that guaranteed legislators held a majority of seats on the new education task force.

“We’re responsible,” said Williams, referring to House and Senate members. “We take the votes. We’re the ones that the school districts sue when they say they haven’t gotten enough money. And, it is the Kansas Supreme Court that put the responsibility on us.”

Ann Mah, a Topeka representative on the state Board of Education, said experts in school finance, special education, English as a second language and the education of at-risk students should be at the table with legislators as they worked to reshape the school funding formula.

Mah said it was Williams who sold the 2023 Legislature on the value of a task force devoting to finding answers for financing special education in public schools. It was allowed to meet one time in January, when members declined to elect Williams as chairwoman.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/07/13/kansas-board-of-education-seeks-4-year-346-million-funding-hike-for-special-education/">Task force members voted to recommend the 2024 Legislature approve</a>&nbsp;a four-year plan adding $82 million annually to school district appropriations for gifted and disabled students.

In response, Williams introduced the bill to kill the special education task force.

“At one point, madame chair, it was your contention that the special education task force was the answer to figuring out that future funding,” Mah said. “You can eliminate the special education task force in favor of a less-qualified team or you can do what’s best for Kansas kids and keep the special education task force in place.”

Tim Graham, representing the Kansas National Education Association, said the organization opposed the bill because it was impossible to endorse Williams’ preference for excluding classroom teachers to the new task force.

“KNEA has been very vocal about our disappointment with not being included in discussions regarding issues that impact public education,” Graham said. “This consistent exclusion creates unnecessary hard feelings and disillusionment with the process.”

Potential changes to the Kansas school finance formula would have to be considered by the task force, which would be appointed by September. The Legislature and governor would need to come to agreement on the financial package no later than the 2027 legislative session.

Mike O’Neal, a former Republican speaker of the Kansas House and a lobbyist with Kansas Policy Institute, said expiration of the current school finance formula was an opportunity to deal with frailties in the state education system. Historic increases in state expenditures on K-12 schools hadn’t solved the Kansas Supreme Court’s concern that too many students were left behind academically.

O’Neal said standardized testing of students in Kansas demonstrated an overall academic decline in public schools despite hundreds of millions in new spending.

“The goal of 75% proficiency remains with virtually no hope of attainment without major adjustments in the direction of education delivery,” he said. “We now know, and we’re certain that the court is not blind to this fact, that simply ordering additional funding was not the solution.”

O’Neal said effective allocation of state aid eluded many school districts. He said at-risk aid was handled poorly and districts adopted debunked reading instructional methods. He said Kansas Policy Institute supported adding teachers to the new task force, but didn’t see a need to continue the special education panel.

“We are experiencing a sad phenomenon of having the quality of a child’s education depend in large part on their zip code,” O’Neal said. “We have predominate or high-density minority districts that are near the bottom in student performance and those students do not have the financial or legal ability to escape their educational plight. This, too, must change.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706727443636.png" alt=" Olathe public schools superintendent Brent Yeager objected to a Kansas House bill that would terminate a special education task force authorized by the 2023 Legislature. He said it was unnecessary to replace the special education task force with a new panel that would be placed firmly under control of Republican legislators. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Olathe public schools superintendent Brent Yeager objected to a Kansas House bill that would terminate a special education task force authorized by the 2023 Legislature. He said it was unnecessary to replace the special education task force with a new panel that would be placed firmly under control of Republican legislators. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Williams defends bill forming new K-12 school task force controlled by legislators</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Opposition emerged from Kansas educators to a bill terminating a controversial special education task force and replacing it with a new task force dominated by state legislators who would be responsible for a lengthy study of changes to the state’s multibillion-dollar K-12 school finance formula.House Republicans, who have registered frustration with the taxpayer cost and academic effectiveness of the state’s current school aid formula, proposed formation of the replacement task force. The bill tied to the plan would grant GOP lawmakers power to appoint six of 11 voting members of the task force and control selection of the panel’s chairman. In addition to selecting four legislators for the task force, two members chosen by the Senate president and House speaker must be parents of students in K-12 schools.House and Senate Democrats would hold two seats on the task force. One member of would be drawn from the Kansas State Board of Education. Two school district superintendents — one from a rural district, one from an urban district — would be appointed by the state Board of Education.Stakes are high given the state’s K-12 public schools educate nearly 500,000 students and receive $4.6 billion annually in funding from the state treasury.Olathe schools superintendent Brent Yeager, a member of the special education task force targeted for elimination, told House members Monday that dissolving the special education panel would be a mistake. He is superintendent of the state’s second-largest district with 29,000 students, including 6,000 who take part in special education programs.“Special education is exceptionally complex and nuanced,” Yeager said. “I fear that if this issue becomes just a part of what another task force is charged to do, we will not allocate an appropriate amount of time to study this issue.”GOP Rep. Kristey Williams of Augusta, who serves as chairwoman of the House K-12 Budget Committee, said she had the bill drafted in a way that&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/05/kansas-special-education-task-force-to-convene-finally-for-quick-study-of-funding-shortfall/">guaranteed termination of the special education task force</a>. She said the existing task force’s responsibilities would be assumed by the new task force with a much broader mandate to recalibrate the entire public education funding formula scheduled to sunset July 1, 2027.The current school funding formula was a consequence of lawsuits filed by school districts against the state. Those cases were ultimately resolved by the Kansas Supreme Court, which repeatedly found the Legislature’s spending on schools in violation of Article 6 of the Kansas Constitution.Williams said she was justified in introducing a version of House Bill 2594 that guaranteed legislators held a majority of seats on the new education task force.“We’re responsible,” said Williams, referring to House and Senate members. “We take the votes. We’re the ones that the school districts sue when they say they haven’t gotten enough money. And, it is the Kansas Supreme Court that put the responsibility on us.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706727373935.png" alt=" Kansas State Board of Education member Ann Mah of Topeka said she was disappointed with introduction of a House bill shutting down a task force devoted to funding special education that was allowed to meet once since created by the 2023 Legislature. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption> Kansas State Board of Education member Ann Mah of Topeka said she was disappointed with introduction of a House bill shutting down a task force devoted to funding special education that was allowed to meet once since created by the 2023 Legislature. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘Do what’s best’</h2>Ann Mah, a Topeka representative on the state Board of Education, said experts in school finance, special education, English as a second language and the education of at-risk students should be at the table with legislators as they worked to reshape the school funding formula.Mah said it was Williams who sold the 2023 Legislature on the value of a task force devoting to finding answers for financing special education in public schools. It was allowed to meet one time in January, when members declined to elect Williams as chairwoman.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/07/13/kansas-board-of-education-seeks-4-year-346-million-funding-hike-for-special-education/">Task force members voted to recommend the 2024 Legislature approve</a>&nbsp;a four-year plan adding $82 million annually to school district appropriations for gifted and disabled students.In response, Williams introduced the bill to kill the special education task force.“At one point, madame chair, it was your contention that the special education task force was the answer to figuring out that future funding,” Mah said. “You can eliminate the special education task force in favor of a less-qualified team or you can do what’s best for Kansas kids and keep the special education task force in place.”Tim Graham, representing the Kansas National Education Association, said the organization opposed the bill because it was impossible to endorse Williams’ preference for excluding classroom teachers to the new task force.“KNEA has been very vocal about our disappointment with not being included in discussions regarding issues that impact public education,” Graham said. “This consistent exclusion creates unnecessary hard feelings and disillusionment with the process.”Potential changes to the Kansas school finance formula would have to be considered by the task force, which would be appointed by September. The Legislature and governor would need to come to agreement on the financial package no later than the 2027 legislative session.<h2>‘Court is not blind’</h2>Mike O’Neal, a former Republican speaker of the Kansas House and a lobbyist with Kansas Policy Institute, said expiration of the current school finance formula was an opportunity to deal with frailties in the state education system. Historic increases in state expenditures on K-12 schools hadn’t solved the Kansas Supreme Court’s concern that too many students were left behind academically.O’Neal said standardized testing of students in Kansas demonstrated an overall academic decline in public schools despite hundreds of millions in new spending.“The goal of 75% proficiency remains with virtually no hope of attainment without major adjustments in the direction of education delivery,” he said. “We now know, and we’re certain that the court is not blind to this fact, that simply ordering additional funding was not the solution.”O’Neal said effective allocation of state aid eluded many school districts. He said at-risk aid was handled poorly and districts adopted debunked reading instructional methods. He said Kansas Policy Institute supported adding teachers to the new task force, but didn’t see a need to continue the special education panel.“We are experiencing a sad phenomenon of having the quality of a child’s education depend in large part on their zip code,” O’Neal said. “We have predominate or high-density minority districts that are near the bottom in student performance and those students do not have the financial or legal ability to escape their educational plight. This, too, must change.”

Critics blast Kan. House bill written to overthrow rebellious special education task force

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney of New York on Tuesday nominated former President Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize for his groundbreaking efforts to foster peace and cooperation between Israel, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates through the Abraham Accords, according to a statement from her office.

In 2020, President Trump negotiated the normalization agreements between Israel, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sudan, which were signed in December 2020 and&nbsp;January 2021. Trump also worked diligently to lay the groundwork for a future normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded for the peace agreement between Israel and Egypt in 1978 and for the Oslo Accords in 1994. Yet,&nbsp;the Abraham Accords, achieved by President Trump, continue to go unrecognized by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee. Today, Tenney nominated former President Donald Trump to recognize his efforts in achieving these historic normalization agreements.

“Donald Trump was instrumental in facilitating the first new peace agreements in the Middle East in almost 30 years,”&nbsp;said Congresswoman Tenney.&nbsp;“For decades, bureaucrats, foreign policy “professionals,” and international organizations insisted that additional Middle East peace agreements were impossible without a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

President Trump proved that to be false. The valiant efforts by President Trump in creating the Abraham Accords were unprecedented and continue to go unrecognized by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, underscoring the need for his nomination today. Now more than ever, when Joe Biden’s weak leadership on the international stage is threatening our country’s safety and security, we must recognize Trump for his strong leadership and his efforts to achieve world peace. I am honored to nominate former President Donald Trump today and am eager for him to receive the recognition he deserves.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692923629903.png" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney of New York on Tuesday nominated former President Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize for his groundbreaking efforts to foster peace and cooperation between Israel, Bahrain, Morocco, Sudan, and the United Arab Emirates through the Abraham Accords, according to a statement from her office.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Donald Trump was instrumental in facilitating the first new peace agreements with Israel in almost 30 years. That&#39;s why I nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize. More here ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/trSs0rGljn">https://t.co/trSs0rGljn</a>&mdash; Rep. Claudia Tenney (@RepTenney) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepTenney/status/1752494403363766359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In 2020, President Trump negotiated the normalization agreements between Israel, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sudan, which were signed in December 2020 and&nbsp;January 2021. Trump also worked diligently to lay the groundwork for a future normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded for the peace agreement between Israel and Egypt in 1978 and for the Oslo Accords in 1994. Yet,&nbsp;the Abraham Accords, achieved by President Trump, continue to go unrecognized by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee. Today, Tenney nominated former President Donald Trump to recognize his efforts in achieving these historic normalization agreements.“Donald Trump was instrumental in facilitating the first new peace agreements in the Middle East in almost 30 years,”&nbsp;said Congresswoman Tenney.&nbsp;“For decades, bureaucrats, foreign policy “professionals,” and international organizations insisted that additional Middle East peace agreements were impossible without a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President Trump proved that to be false. The valiant efforts by President Trump in creating the Abraham Accords were unprecedented and continue to go unrecognized by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, underscoring the need for his nomination today. Now more than ever, when Joe Biden’s weak leadership on the international stage is threatening our country’s safety and security, we must recognize Trump for his strong leadership and his efforts to achieve world peace. I am honored to nominate former President Donald Trump today and am eager for him to receive the recognition he deserves.”

Congresswoman nominates Donald Trump for Nobel Peace Prize

SEDGWICK COUNTY — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating two officer-involved shootings in Wichita over the past week.

Just after 11:30 p.m. Jan. 24, police initiated a vehicle pursuit near East Bayley and Schweiter Drive in Wichita after they located a suspect later identified as 43-year-old Larry Armour of Wichita, operating a vehicle that was reported stolen at knifepoint earlier in the night.

A police&nbsp; pursuit ended near East Harry Street and Green Street and Armour fled on foot.

Preliminary information indicates that then Armour entered a residence in the 2400 block of East Harry through the back entrance, while armed with a knife. A man who lived at the home who was unacquainted with Armour, was inside.

A tactical team, comprised of both officers from Wichita police, Sedgwick County sheriff's deputies and crisis negotiators, quickly responded to the residence. 

Just before 1 a.m., members of the tactical team arrived on scene. Negotiations with Armour were attempted. Just after 3 a.m., a deputy observed Armour through a window, standing over the innocent resident threatening him with a large knife and shouting that he would kill him. The deputy fired one shot striking Armour, and ending the hostage incident.

Medical aid was administered to Armour, and EMS transported him to a Wichita hospital. Despite life-saving measures, he died from his injuries. As a precaution, the resident was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, but he was uninjured during the incident. No law enforcement officers were injured during the shooting.

Armour had a&nbsp; previous felony conviction for drugs and had been on parole since 2018, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. On January 12, Wichita police arrested him on a requested charge of aggravated robbery and flee or attempt to elude&nbsp; police, according to Sedgwick County Arrest records.&nbsp;

Then on Jan. 29, the KBI began investigating the shooting death of 14-year-old Claude Hodges of Wichita.

At around 6:20 p.m. Jan. 28, police arrived at an apartment at 8405 W. Central in Wichita, to check on 14-year-old Claude Hodges after his father called concerned for his welfare.

When they arrived at the apartment they knocked and received no response. They observed a bullet hole in the apartment's exterior wall and also found a fired bullet on the ground near the entrance.

WPD officers quickly obtained a key and entered the apartment. Upon entering they found a woman, later identified as 43-year-old Kylee R. Hodges, of Wichita, holding a handgun. A shotgun was also nearby. Officers quickly withdrew from the apartment and notified negotiators.

Preliminary information indicates negotiators began talking with Hodges at around 8:20 p.m. A tactical team, comprised of both polie and deputies from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office were called to the apartment at around 9:45 p.m.

Discussions with Hodges continued for several hours in an effort to convince her to disarm and exit peacefully. At one point they convinced Hodges to come out of the apartment and leave her handgun on the ground outside, but she remained close to the gun.

At around 1:40 a.m., Hodges quickly picked up the handgun again, and advanced toward officers while pointing the firearm in their direction. Two SWAT officers from Wichita police each fired one shot toward Hodges, striking her.

Medical aid was rendered, and EMS transported Hodges to a local hospital. No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident. Once officers reentered the apartment, they discovered Claude Hodges in a bedroom deceased from a gunshot wound. Kylee Hodges underwent surgery and is expected to survive her injuries.

Police will continue to investigate the homicide of 14-year-old Claude Hodges. The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Once completed the findings will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for review.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706653865930.png" alt="Image taken from the axon body camera worn by the Sedgwick Co. Sheriff’s deputy on the SWAT team. They depict Larry Armour threatening the resident" />
 <figcaption>Image taken from the axon body camera worn by the Sedgwick Co. Sheriff’s deputy on the SWAT team. They depict Larry Armour threatening the resident</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating two officer-involved shootings in Wichita over the past week.Just after 11:30 p.m. Jan. 24, police initiated a vehicle pursuit near East Bayley and Schweiter Drive in Wichita after they located a suspect later identified as 43-year-old Larry Armour of Wichita, operating a vehicle that was reported stolen at knifepoint earlier in the night.A police&nbsp; pursuit ended near East Harry Street and Green Street and Armour fled on foot.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706654114440.png" alt="Photo taken by the KBI and is the knife Armour was believed to be holding at the time of the shooting. Multiple knives were located in the room where the shooting occurred." />
 <figcaption>Photo taken by the KBI and is the knife Armour was believed to be holding at the time of the shooting. Multiple knives were located in the room where the shooting occurred.</figcaption>
 </figure>Preliminary information indicates that then Armour entered a residence in the 2400 block of East Harry through the back entrance, while armed with a knife. A man who lived at the home who was unacquainted with Armour, was inside.A tactical team, comprised of both officers from Wichita police, Sedgwick County sheriff's deputies and crisis negotiators, quickly responded to the residence. Just before 1 a.m., members of the tactical team arrived on scene. Negotiations with Armour were attempted. Just after 3 a.m., a deputy observed Armour through a window, standing over the innocent resident threatening him with a large knife and shouting that he would kill him. The deputy fired one shot striking Armour, and ending the hostage incident.Medical aid was administered to Armour, and EMS transported him to a Wichita hospital. Despite life-saving measures, he died from his injuries. As a precaution, the resident was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, but he was uninjured during the incident. No law enforcement officers were injured during the shooting.Armour had a&nbsp; previous felony conviction for drugs and had been on parole since 2018, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. On January 12, Wichita police arrested him on a requested charge of aggravated robbery and flee or attempt to elude&nbsp; police, according to Sedgwick County Arrest records.&nbsp;Then on Jan. 29, the KBI began investigating the shooting death of 14-year-old Claude Hodges of Wichita.At around 6:20 p.m. Jan. 28, police arrived at an apartment at 8405 W. Central in Wichita, to check on 14-year-old Claude Hodges after his father called concerned for his welfare.When they arrived at the apartment they knocked and received no response. They observed a bullet hole in the apartment's exterior wall and also found a fired bullet on the ground near the entrance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706532733268.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WPD officers quickly obtained a key and entered the apartment. Upon entering they found a woman, later identified as 43-year-old Kylee R. Hodges, of Wichita, holding a handgun. A shotgun was also nearby. Officers quickly withdrew from the apartment and notified negotiators.Preliminary information indicates negotiators began talking with Hodges at around 8:20 p.m. A tactical team, comprised of both polie and deputies from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office were called to the apartment at around 9:45 p.m.Discussions with Hodges continued for several hours in an effort to convince her to disarm and exit peacefully. At one point they convinced Hodges to come out of the apartment and leave her handgun on the ground outside, but she remained close to the gun.At around 1:40 a.m., Hodges quickly picked up the handgun again, and advanced toward officers while pointing the firearm in their direction. Two SWAT officers from Wichita police each fired one shot toward Hodges, striking her.Medical aid was rendered, and EMS transported Hodges to a local hospital. No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident. Once officers reentered the apartment, they discovered Claude Hodges in a bedroom deceased from a gunshot wound. Kylee Hodges underwent surgery and is expected to survive her injuries.Police will continue to investigate the homicide of 14-year-old Claude Hodges. The KBI will conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting. Once completed the findings will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney for review.&nbsp;

Body cam photos released after 2 Kan. officer shootings in past week

JERUSALEM – Attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels continue in the Red Sea.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. (Sanaa time, Tuesday, Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired one anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Red Sea, according to a statement by the U.S. Central Command.

 The missile was successfully shot down by USS Gravely (DDG 107). There were no injuries or damage reported.

Meanwhile, Iran threatened Wednesday to “decisively respond” to any U.S. attack on the Islamic Republic following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-jordan-dignified-transfer-dover-140000aa392fee8175616d8af813c0eb">President Joe Biden's linking of Tehran</a>&nbsp;to the killing of three U.S. soldiers at a military base in Jordan.

The U.S. has signaled it is preparing for retaliatory strikes in the Mideast in the wake of the Sunday drone attack that also injured at least 40 troops at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jordan-drone-attack-iran-tower-22-israel-hamas-war-0265beed527e3009a966c0531c08838e">Tower 22</a>, a secretive base in northeastern Jordan that's been crucial to the American presence in neighboring Syria.

However,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-retaliation-iran-militia-drone-attack-1dda7fdb416f843b3a5cc84ea7b5f01c">concerns remain</a>&nbsp;that any additional American strikes could further inflame a region already roiled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's ongoing war on Hamas</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip and the ongoing attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on shipping in the Red Sea.

The Iranian warnings first came from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-politics-israel-government-drones-9b6c15e9363847e3dec091baf5113ab7">Amir Saeid Iravani</a>, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations in New York. He gave a briefing to Iranian journalists late Tuesday, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

“The Islamic Republic would decisively respond to any attack on the county, its interests and nationals under any pretexts,” IRNA quoted Iravani as saying. He described any possible Iranian retaliation as a “strong response,” without elaborating.

The Iranian mission to the U.N. did not respond to requests for comment or elaboration Wednesday on Iravani's remarks.

Iravani also denied that Iran and the U.S. had exchanged any messages over the last few days, either through intermediaries or directly. The pan-Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera, which is based in and funded by Qatar, reported earlier that such communication had taken place. Qatar often serves as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran.

“Such messages have not been exchanged," Iravani said.

But Iran's government has taken note of the U.S. threats of retaliation for the attack on the base in Jordan.

“Sometime, our enemies raise the threat and nowadays we hear some threats in between words by American officials," Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Hossein Salami, who answers only to Supreme Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ali-khamenei">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, said at an event Wednesday. "We tell them that you have experienced us and we know each other. We do not leave any threat without an answer.”

“We are not after war, but we have no fear of war,” he added, according to IRNA.

On Saturday, a general in charge of Iran's air defenses described them as being at their “highest defensive readiness.” That raises concerns for commercial aviation traveling through and over Iran as well. After a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-soleimani-explosion-kerman-2524cfed1d040370bf98000e2b53ad5a">U.S. drone strike killed a top general</a>&nbsp;in 2020, Iranian air defenses mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, killing all 176 people on board.

Saree claimed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-houthis-d770a3fb0fab4c4b72e2459771833e11">the Houthis</a>&nbsp;fired “several” missiles. something not acknowledged by the U.S. Navy. Houthi claims have been exaggerated in the past, and their missiles sometimes crash on land and fail to reach their targets.

The Houthis claimed without evidence on Monday to have targeted the USS Lewis B. Puller, a floating landing base used by the Navy SEALs and others. The U.S. said there had been no attack.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s offensive against Hamas in Gaza</a>. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-houthi-attacks-shipping-inflation-124d5445bec8ce6864112e3095646308">a key route for global trade</a>&nbsp;between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.

The Houthis hit a commercial vessel with a missile on Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-red-sea-israel-hamas-war-attacks-f36fc8911e069a5b4dbc4d9e67f31e50">sparking a fire that burned for hours</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703990687604.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM – Attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels continue in the Red Sea.At approximately 11:30 p.m. (Sanaa time, Tuesday, Iranian-backed Houthi militants fired one anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the Red Sea, according to a statement by the U.S. Central Command. The missile was successfully shot down by USS Gravely (DDG 107). There were no injuries or damage reported.Meanwhile, Iran threatened Wednesday to “decisively respond” to any U.S. attack on the Islamic Republic following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-jordan-dignified-transfer-dover-140000aa392fee8175616d8af813c0eb">President Joe Biden's linking of Tehran</a>&nbsp;to the killing of three U.S. soldiers at a military base in Jordan.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden on Iran: &quot;I do hold them responsible in a sense that they&#39;re supplying the weapons to the people who did it...I don&#39;t think we need a wider war in the Middle East. That&#39;s not what I&#39;m looking for.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/mcviToXzgJ">pic.twitter.com/mcviToXzgJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1752363083987575127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The U.S. has signaled it is preparing for retaliatory strikes in the Mideast in the wake of the Sunday drone attack that also injured at least 40 troops at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-jordan-drone-attack-iran-tower-22-israel-hamas-war-0265beed527e3009a966c0531c08838e">Tower 22</a>, a secretive base in northeastern Jordan that's been crucial to the American presence in neighboring Syria.However,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-retaliation-iran-militia-drone-attack-1dda7fdb416f843b3a5cc84ea7b5f01c">concerns remain</a>&nbsp;that any additional American strikes could further inflame a region already roiled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's ongoing war on Hamas</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip and the ongoing attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on shipping in the Red Sea.The Iranian warnings first came from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-politics-israel-government-drones-9b6c15e9363847e3dec091baf5113ab7">Amir Saeid Iravani</a>, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations in New York. He gave a briefing to Iranian journalists late Tuesday, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.“The Islamic Republic would decisively respond to any attack on the county, its interests and nationals under any pretexts,” IRNA quoted Iravani as saying. He described any possible Iranian retaliation as a “strong response,” without elaborating.The Iranian mission to the U.N. did not respond to requests for comment or elaboration Wednesday on Iravani's remarks.Iravani also denied that Iran and the U.S. had exchanged any messages over the last few days, either through intermediaries or directly. The pan-Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera, which is based in and funded by Qatar, reported earlier that such communication had taken place. Qatar often serves as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran.“Such messages have not been exchanged," Iravani said.But Iran's government has taken note of the U.S. threats of retaliation for the attack on the base in Jordan.“Sometime, our enemies raise the threat and nowadays we hear some threats in between words by American officials," Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Hossein Salami, who answers only to Supreme Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ali-khamenei">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, said at an event Wednesday. "We tell them that you have experienced us and we know each other. We do not leave any threat without an answer.”“We are not after war, but we have no fear of war,” he added, according to IRNA.On Saturday, a general in charge of Iran's air defenses described them as being at their “highest defensive readiness.” That raises concerns for commercial aviation traveling through and over Iran as well. After a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-soleimani-explosion-kerman-2524cfed1d040370bf98000e2b53ad5a">U.S. drone strike killed a top general</a>&nbsp;in 2020, Iranian air defenses mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, killing all 176 people on board.Saree claimed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-houthis-d770a3fb0fab4c4b72e2459771833e11">the Houthis</a>&nbsp;fired “several” missiles. something not acknowledged by the U.S. Navy. Houthi claims have been exaggerated in the past, and their missiles sometimes crash on land and fail to reach their targets.The Houthis claimed without evidence on Monday to have targeted the USS Lewis B. Puller, a floating landing base used by the Navy SEALs and others. The U.S. said there had been no attack.Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s offensive against Hamas in Gaza</a>. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-houthi-attacks-shipping-inflation-124d5445bec8ce6864112e3095646308">a key route for global trade</a>&nbsp;between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.The Houthis hit a commercial vessel with a missile on Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-red-sea-israel-hamas-war-attacks-f36fc8911e069a5b4dbc4d9e67f31e50">sparking a fire that burned for hours</a>.

Rebel attacks continue in Red Sea as Iran threatens against US retaliation

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating alleged animal cruelty seized dozens of cats and dogs from a Kansas home and made two arrests.

Just after 8 a.m. Tuesday, police executed a search warrant in the 1400 block of SW Fillmore Street in Topeka in response to a reported animal abuse case, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

Officials from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and animal welfare partners from across the country also responded to assist police.

Upon arrival, officer made contact with the owners of the residence, then found dozens of cats and dogs living in hazardous conditions with little to no access to food and clean water.

The Topeka Police Department’s Animal Control Officers (ACOs) along with other law enforcement officials assisted animal welfare professionals from HSUS and other animal welfare organizations in removing the animals and giving them care.

Humane Society of the United States is transporting the rescued animals to a confidential, safe location where they will continue to be examined by licensed veterinarians and receive the care they need.

Topeka Police Animal Control Officers recognized the nature of the situation and requested the assistance of Humane Society of the United State.&nbsp; Authorities found a total of 91 animals. They seized 73 animals and 18 animals were found deceased, according to Nichols.

Police arrested 30-year-old&nbsp;Desiree Elaine Therrien and 28-year-old&nbsp;Charles Cornelius Solomon on requested charges of&nbsp;Cruelty to animals; Abandon without provisions for care; 1st.

Check the Post for additional details as they are released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706698211353.png" alt="Solomon -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Solomon -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating alleged animal cruelty seized dozens of cats and dogs from a Kansas home and made two arrests.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706648428764.png" alt="Police and animal control officers on the scene early Tuesday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police and animal control officers on the scene early Tuesday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 8 a.m. Tuesday, police executed a search warrant in the 1400 block of SW Fillmore Street in Topeka in response to a reported animal abuse case, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 BREAKING: RESCUE IN PROGRESS! Our Animal Rescue Team is on the ground rescuing dozens of dogs and cats from an alleged neglect situation in Topeka, KS. 🙏 Please, donate now to help these animals get the care they need and support all our lifesaving work:… <a href="https://t.co/0BOuBkd5pD">pic.twitter.com/0BOuBkd5pD</a>&mdash; The Humane Society of the United States (@HumaneSociety) <a href="https://twitter.com/HumaneSociety/status/1752437605310849356?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Officials from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and animal welfare partners from across the country also responded to assist police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706698310165.png" alt="Therrien-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Therrien-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon arrival, officer made contact with the owners of the residence, then found dozens of cats and dogs living in hazardous conditions with little to no access to food and clean water. The Topeka Police Department’s Animal Control Officers (ACOs) along with other law enforcement officials assisted animal welfare professionals from HSUS and other animal welfare organizations in removing the animals and giving them care.Humane Society of the United States is transporting the rescued animals to a confidential, safe location where they will continue to be examined by licensed veterinarians and receive the care they need.Topeka Police Animal Control Officers recognized the nature of the situation and requested the assistance of Humane Society of the United State.&nbsp; Authorities found a total of 91 animals. They seized 73 animals and 18 animals were found deceased, according to Nichols.Police arrested 30-year-old&nbsp;Desiree Elaine Therrien and 28-year-old&nbsp;Charles Cornelius Solomon on requested charges of&nbsp;Cruelty to animals; Abandon without provisions for care; 1st.Check the Post for additional details as they are released.

🎥2 arrested after dozens of dogs, cats seized from Kan. home

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting that left 15-year-old Brianna Rachelle Higgins of Lawrence dead have made an arrest.

On Tuesday, police reported they arrested&nbsp;A 17-year-old boy on requested charges of Second Degree Homicide in connection with her death, according to Olathe Police Sergeant John Moncayo.

A friend established <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/brianna-rachell-higgins">an online fundraiser</a> for the family.

Just before 11 p.m. Jan. 19, police were contacted at Olathe Medical Center about a 15-year-old girl who had been driven to the hospital with an apparent gunshot wound.

Police determined the shooting occurred near the 16900 block of West 127th&nbsp;Street.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706095295950.png" alt="Brianna Rachelle Higgins-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Brianna Rachelle Higgins-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting that left 15-year-old Brianna Rachelle Higgins of Lawrence dead have made an arrest.On Tuesday, police reported they arrested&nbsp;A 17-year-old boy on requested charges of Second Degree Homicide in connection with her death, according to Olathe Police Sergeant John Moncayo.A friend established <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/brianna-rachell-higgins">an online fundraiser</a> for the family.Just before 11 p.m. Jan. 19, police were contacted at Olathe Medical Center about a 15-year-old girl who had been driven to the hospital with an apparent gunshot wound.Police determined the shooting occurred near the 16900 block of West 127th&nbsp;Street.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have released no additional details.

Boy arrested for death of 15-year-old Kan. girl

RENO COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in Reno County.

Just after 10p.m. Tuesday, crews responded to a fire at a home in the 1200 block of East 4th Street in Hutchinson, according to a media release.

Fire was venting from multiple windows of the single-story structure. At first, crews thought there might still be one person inside, but all three occupants already made it out safely.

No one was hurt, the fire was put out and the home is a total loss. The home immediately to the east was also damaged due to the heat.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706696248752.jpeg" alt="Photo Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in Reno County.Just after 10p.m. Tuesday, crews responded to a fire at a home in the 1200 block of East 4th Street in Hutchinson, according to a media release.Fire was venting from multiple windows of the single-story structure. At first, crews thought there might still be one person inside, but all three occupants already made it out safely.No one was hurt, the fire was put out and the home is a total loss. The home immediately to the east was also damaged due to the heat.

Kansas home a total loss after fire

SMITH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9p.m. Tuesday in Smith County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Chevy Traverse driven by Daniel C. Prowse, 62, Natoma, was southbound on Kansas 181 Highway at 220 Road.

The SUV left the roadway and entered the west ditch. The driver overcorrected, crossed the southbound lane, crossed the center line and the driver overcorrected again.

The SUV re-entered the west ditch struck a culvert in ditch and rolled, coming to rest on its passenger side.

A passenger identified as Wanda R.Prowse, 69, Natoma, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Rentschler Family Mortuary.&nbsp; EMS transported the driver to&nbsp;Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

There was on juvenile present in the vehicle; juvenile record protected data, according to the KHP.

SMITH COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9p.m. Tuesday in Smith County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Chevy Traverse driven by Daniel C. Prowse, 62, Natoma, was southbound on Kansas 181 Highway at 220 Road.The SUV left the roadway and entered the west ditch. The driver overcorrected, crossed the southbound lane, crossed the center line and the driver overcorrected again.The SUV re-entered the west ditch struck a culvert in ditch and rolled, coming to rest on its passenger side.A passenger identified as Wanda R.Prowse, 69, Natoma, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Rentschler Family Mortuary.&nbsp; EMS transported the driver to&nbsp;Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. They were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.&nbsp;There was on juvenile present in the vehicle; juvenile record protected data, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dies after SUV rollover crash

The Associated Press story was first published on Jan. 22, 2024. It was published again on Jan. 31, 2024, to correct, based on revised accounts from military officials, that Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers fell into the water and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram jumped into the water to try to save him, not that Ingram fell into the water and then Chambers jumped in.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Under the darkness of night, in the roiling high seas off the coast of Somalia, members of the U.S. Navy's SEAL Team 3 began to climb aboard an unflagged ship that was carrying illicit Iranian-made weapons to Yemen.

As Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers began boarding the boat, he slipped, falling into a gap the waves had created between the vessel and the SEALs' combatant craft. As he went under, Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram jumped into the gap to try to save him, according to U.S. officials familiar with what happened.

It was an instinctive act, honed by years of training, one teammate going to another's aid. But weighed down by their body armor, weapons and heavy equipment, the two SEALs plunged into the depths of the Arabian Sea and died, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details of the Jan. 11 raid.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-missiles-iran-seizure-us-8112fbadd3b0689c71a92890895a9368">mission came as the interdiction of weapons to Yemen</a>&nbsp;takes on new urgency. The Yemen-based Houthis have been conducting a campaign of missile and drone attacks against commercial and Navy ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden over Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. And U.S. retaliatory strikes have so far not deterred their assaults.

The 11-day search and rescue mission to locate the two SEALs was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seals-navy-deceased-weapons-seizure-yemen-0502e297a90ecc28431fc5b2cb49d033">called off on Sunday</a>&nbsp;and became a recovery effort. And on Monday, the Navy released their names, after their families were notified.

“Chris and Gage selflessly served their country with unwavering professionalism and exceptional capabilities,” said Capt. Blake Chaney, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, which oversees SEAL Team 3. “This loss is devastating for NSW, our families, the special operations community, and across the nation.”

At the White House, President Joe Biden said in a statement that, “Jill and I are mourning the tragic deaths of two of America’s finest — Navy SEALs who were lost at sea while executing a mission off the coast of East Africa last week.” He said the SEALs represent “the very best of our country, pledging their lives to protect their fellow Americans. Our hearts go out to the family members, loved ones, friends, and shipmates who are grieving for these two brave Americans.”

The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet is conducting an investigation into what happened. That probe is expected to examine whether the SEALs were properly equipped and trained for the mission, whether procedures were followed, and any decisions regarding the timing and approval of the raid, including the weather and the state of the seas.

According to officials, the commandos launched from the USS Lewis B. Puller, a mobile sea base, and they were backed up by drones and helicopters. They loaded onto small special operations combat craft driven by naval special warfare crew to get to the boat. It was the type of boarding for which SEALs train routinely, and illegal weapons moving from Iran to Yemen-based Houthis have been a persistent concern, particularly as the rebels continue to target commercial vessels in the region.

The team boarding the dhow was facing more than a dozen crew members. They ultimately seized an array of Iranian-made weaponry, including cruise and ballistic missile components such as propulsion and guidance devices and warheads, as well as air defense parts, Central Command said.

The raid was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-iran-arms-seizure-us-uk-b38494c44e4477b177a7f878f4d8f6db">the latest seizure by the U.S. Navy and its allies</a>&nbsp;of weapon shipments bound for the rebels, who have launched a series of attacks now threatening global trade in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The seized missile components included types likely used in those attacks.

Chambers and Ingram, who were assigned to a West Coast-based SEAL unit, "were exceptional warriors, cherished teammates, and dear friends to many within the Naval Special Warfare community,” said Chaney.

Chambers, 37, of Maryland, enlisted in the Navy in 2012, and graduated from SEAL training in 2014. His awards include the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “C” and three Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Ingram, 27, of Texas, enlisted in 2019, and graduated from SEAL training in 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705958979801.png" alt="Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers -photo Department of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers -photo Department of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>The Associated Press story was first published on Jan. 22, 2024. It was published again on Jan. 31, 2024, to correct, based on revised accounts from military officials, that Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers fell into the water and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram jumped into the water to try to save him, not that Ingram fell into the water and then Chambers jumped in.BY LOLITA C. BALDORWASHINGTON (AP) — Under the darkness of night, in the roiling high seas off the coast of Somalia, members of the U.S. Navy's SEAL Team 3 began to climb aboard an unflagged ship that was carrying illicit Iranian-made weapons to Yemen.As Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers began boarding the boat, he slipped, falling into a gap the waves had created between the vessel and the SEALs' combatant craft. As he went under, Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram jumped into the gap to try to save him, according to U.S. officials familiar with what happened.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705959010427.png" alt="Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram-photo Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram-photo Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>It was an instinctive act, honed by years of training, one teammate going to another's aid. But weighed down by their body armor, weapons and heavy equipment, the two SEALs plunged into the depths of the Arabian Sea and died, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details of the Jan. 11 raid.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-missiles-iran-seizure-us-8112fbadd3b0689c71a92890895a9368">mission came as the interdiction of weapons to Yemen</a>&nbsp;takes on new urgency. The Yemen-based Houthis have been conducting a campaign of missile and drone attacks against commercial and Navy ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden over Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. And U.S. retaliatory strikes have so far not deterred their assaults.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705405243920.png" alt="-The two SEALs went into water in mid-January during a nighttime boarding mission to interdict a dhow suspected of carrying Iranian-made weapons for Houthi militants in Yemen, according to the U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>-The two SEALs went into water in mid-January during a nighttime boarding mission to interdict a dhow suspected of carrying Iranian-made weapons for Houthi militants in Yemen, according to the U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>The 11-day search and rescue mission to locate the two SEALs was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seals-navy-deceased-weapons-seizure-yemen-0502e297a90ecc28431fc5b2cb49d033">called off on Sunday</a>&nbsp;and became a recovery effort. And on Monday, the Navy released their names, after their families were notified.“Chris and Gage selflessly served their country with unwavering professionalism and exceptional capabilities,” said Capt. Blake Chaney, commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, which oversees SEAL Team 3. “This loss is devastating for NSW, our families, the special operations community, and across the nation.”At the White House, President Joe Biden said in a statement that, “Jill and I are mourning the tragic deaths of two of America’s finest — Navy SEALs who were lost at sea while executing a mission off the coast of East Africa last week.” He said the SEALs represent “the very best of our country, pledging their lives to protect their fellow Americans. Our hearts go out to the family members, loved ones, friends, and shipmates who are grieving for these two brave Americans.”The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet is conducting an investigation into what happened. That probe is expected to examine whether the SEALs were properly equipped and trained for the mission, whether procedures were followed, and any decisions regarding the timing and approval of the raid, including the weather and the state of the seas.According to officials, the commandos launched from the USS Lewis B. Puller, a mobile sea base, and they were backed up by drones and helicopters. They loaded onto small special operations combat craft driven by naval special warfare crew to get to the boat. It was the type of boarding for which SEALs train routinely, and illegal weapons moving from Iran to Yemen-based Houthis have been a persistent concern, particularly as the rebels continue to target commercial vessels in the region.The team boarding the dhow was facing more than a dozen crew members. They ultimately seized an array of Iranian-made weaponry, including cruise and ballistic missile components such as propulsion and guidance devices and warheads, as well as air defense parts, Central Command said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705405198142.png" alt="Photo of the items seized -photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo of the items seized -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>The raid was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-iran-arms-seizure-us-uk-b38494c44e4477b177a7f878f4d8f6db">the latest seizure by the U.S. Navy and its allies</a>&nbsp;of weapon shipments bound for the rebels, who have launched a series of attacks now threatening global trade in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The seized missile components included types likely used in those attacks.Chambers and Ingram, who were assigned to a West Coast-based SEAL unit, "were exceptional warriors, cherished teammates, and dear friends to many within the Naval Special Warfare community,” said Chaney.Chambers, 37, of Maryland, enlisted in the Navy in 2012, and graduated from SEAL training in 2014. His awards include the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “C” and three Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Ingram, 27, of Texas, enlisted in 2019, and graduated from SEAL training in 2021.---------

Correction: How 2 U.S. Navy SEALs died in raid to seize Iranian weapons

KANSAS CITY —A jury on Friday convicted a Kansas City man in the July 2022 fatal shooting of Marvin Yancey as the victim was driving his vehicle on Blue Ridge Boulevard, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Charles Miller Jr.,28, was convicted of Murder 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;

According to court records, police were dispatched July 16, 2022, to the area of 83rd and Blue Ridge Boulevard in Kansas City on the report of shots being fired. 

Police found no crime scene. Later police were dispatched to 8200 Blue Ridge Boulevard regarding an injury accident. Officers found the victim who had been shot. Detectives used video from city cameras to identify a suspect vehicle. 

That helped detectives determine the vehicle had a GPS tracker that led police to a witness who was with the defendant the night of the shooting. 

She said Miller had a weapon while he driving the night of the shooting. A shell casing taken from the vehicle he was driving that night matched the caliber of rounds recovered from a rifle found in the vehicle. In addition, a spent bullet that was collected from the victim was determined to have been fired by that rifle. Miller will be sentenced on April 30.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706368288902.png" alt="Miller-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Miller-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A jury on Friday convicted a Kansas City man in the July 2022 fatal shooting of Marvin Yancey as the victim was driving his vehicle on Blue Ridge Boulevard, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Charles Miller Jr.,28, was convicted of Murder 2nd Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and two counts of Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;According to court records, police were dispatched July 16, 2022, to the area of 83rd and Blue Ridge Boulevard in Kansas City on the report of shots being fired. Police found no crime scene. Later police were dispatched to 8200 Blue Ridge Boulevard regarding an injury accident. Officers found the victim who had been shot. Detectives used video from city cameras to identify a suspect vehicle. That helped detectives determine the vehicle had a GPS tracker that led police to a witness who was with the defendant the night of the shooting. She said Miller had a weapon while he driving the night of the shooting. A shell casing taken from the vehicle he was driving that night matched the caliber of rounds recovered from a rifle found in the vehicle. In addition, a spent bullet that was collected from the victim was determined to have been fired by that rifle. Miller will be sentenced on April 30.

Murder: KC shooting victim found at scene of car crash

KANSAS CITY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Kansas CIty.

Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, crews&nbsp;responded to the report of a house fire in the 500 block of Donnelly, in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. 

First responders reported heavy fire from the occupied two and half-story home.&nbsp;Searches of the structure all came back clear. .

 The home suffered extensive damage. There were no injuries reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706670424540.png" alt="Photo KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Authorities are working to determine the cause of a house fire in Kansas CIty.Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, crews&nbsp;responded to the report of a house fire in the 500 block of Donnelly, in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. First responders reported heavy fire from the occupied two and half-story home.&nbsp;Searches of the structure all came back clear. . The home suffered extensive damage. There were no injuries reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Battalion Chief: Extensive damage after fire at KC home

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jaredstrong/">JARED STRONG</a>&nbsp;

A northwest Iowa man who cut down and stole dozens of trees from state property — including one of the oldest bur oaks in the state — was ordered Friday to pay a fine of nearly $25,000, according to court records.

Jason Levant Ferguson, 41, of Rolfe, was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/11/20/northwest-iowa-tree-thief-found-guilty-of-51-charges/">found guilty</a>&nbsp;of felony theft and 50 timber violations in November&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/11/10/tree-thefts-an-uncommon-crime-on-the-rise-in-iowa/">for stealing</a>&nbsp;trees from the Stoddard Wildlife Management Area.

He faced up to five years in prison for the theft charge and one year each for the timber violations when he was sentenced Friday. But a judge suspended the five-year sentence and did not impose any incarceration for the timber violations, court records show.

District Court Judge Derek Johnson wrote that the sentence “provides for (Ferguson’s) rehabilitation and the protection of the community.”

Instead, the judge ordered Ferguson to pay a $430 fine for each of the timber violations, which when combined with a court surcharge totaled $24,725.

It’s possible Ferguson might be ordered to pay more for restitution at some point, the judge’s order said.

A forestry consultant estimated that the values of the stolen trees and the cost to restore the site — by replanting 55 trees — totals about $38,000, court records show.

The giant bur oak accounts for more than half of that total because it “cannot be replaced and has historical significance,” wrote Kevin Oetken, of Woodland Forestry of Monmouth, who estimated the values.

The tree was about 175 years old, Oetken determined. It was six feet wide at its base, about 95 feet tall, and was of comparable stature to the state record bur oak.

“The stump was sound with very little rot and could have lived even longer,” Oetken wrote.

Ferguson had claimed he was harvesting dead or dying trees from the public area — which is not far from his acreage — and that he would use the pilfered trees to build a new house.

His attorney unsuccessfully argued that Ferguson’s right&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/01/02/convicted-tree-thiefs-right-to-survive-trumps-iowa-law-his-lawyer-argues/">to preserve his life</a>&nbsp;by using the trees for shelter and heat is paramount to Iowa’s laws that restrict taking trees from public areas without state approval. He&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/12/11/alleged-tree-thief-claims-protection-by-englands-charter-of-the-forest/">also argued</a>&nbsp;that the 800-year-old English Charter of the Forest protected Ferguson from prosecution. The judge&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/12/20/judge-800-year-old-english-charter-doesnt-protect-tree-thief/">disagreed</a>.

However, Ferguson was successful at fighting numerous felony drug charges that resulted from the tree theft investigation. Searches of his property uncovered evidence that someone was producing marijuana and methamphetamine, and Ferguson faced decades in prison.

But the judge determined that the search warrants were improperly approved and that the evidence obtained during the searches could not be used to prosecute him. Those charges were dropped.

This article first appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/01/26/tree-thief-fined-25k-but-gets-no-prison-time/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>,&nbsp;a sister&nbsp;site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706539720192.png" alt="Ferguson-photo&nbsp;Pocahontas County Jail" />
 <figcaption>Ferguson-photo&nbsp;Pocahontas County Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jaredstrong/">JARED STRONG</a>&nbsp;A northwest Iowa man who cut down and stole dozens of trees from state property — including one of the oldest bur oaks in the state — was ordered Friday to pay a fine of nearly $25,000, according to court records.Jason Levant Ferguson, 41, of Rolfe, was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/11/20/northwest-iowa-tree-thief-found-guilty-of-51-charges/">found guilty</a>&nbsp;of felony theft and 50 timber violations in November&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/11/10/tree-thefts-an-uncommon-crime-on-the-rise-in-iowa/">for stealing</a>&nbsp;trees from the Stoddard Wildlife Management Area.He faced up to five years in prison for the theft charge and one year each for the timber violations when he was sentenced Friday. But a judge suspended the five-year sentence and did not impose any incarceration for the timber violations, court records show.District Court Judge Derek Johnson wrote that the sentence “provides for (Ferguson’s) rehabilitation and the protection of the community.”Instead, the judge ordered Ferguson to pay a $430 fine for each of the timber violations, which when combined with a court surcharge totaled $24,725.It’s possible Ferguson might be ordered to pay more for restitution at some point, the judge’s order said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706539803252.png" alt="Jason Ferguson allegedly admitted to taking a massive bur oak from state property. (Courtesy of Iowa Courts Online)" />
 <figcaption>Jason Ferguson allegedly admitted to taking a massive bur oak from state property. (Courtesy of Iowa Courts Online)</figcaption>
 </figure>A forestry consultant estimated that the values of the stolen trees and the cost to restore the site — by replanting 55 trees — totals about $38,000, court records show.The giant bur oak accounts for more than half of that total because it “cannot be replaced and has historical significance,” wrote Kevin Oetken, of Woodland Forestry of Monmouth, who estimated the values.The tree was about 175 years old, Oetken determined. It was six feet wide at its base, about 95 feet tall, and was of comparable stature to the state record bur oak.“The stump was sound with very little rot and could have lived even longer,” Oetken wrote.Ferguson had claimed he was harvesting dead or dying trees from the public area — which is not far from his acreage — and that he would use the pilfered trees to build a new house.His attorney unsuccessfully argued that Ferguson’s right&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/01/02/convicted-tree-thiefs-right-to-survive-trumps-iowa-law-his-lawyer-argues/">to preserve his life</a>&nbsp;by using the trees for shelter and heat is paramount to Iowa’s laws that restrict taking trees from public areas without state approval. He&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/12/11/alleged-tree-thief-claims-protection-by-englands-charter-of-the-forest/">also argued</a>&nbsp;that the 800-year-old English Charter of the Forest protected Ferguson from prosecution. The judge&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2023/12/20/judge-800-year-old-english-charter-doesnt-protect-tree-thief/">disagreed</a>.However, Ferguson was successful at fighting numerous felony drug charges that resulted from the tree theft investigation. Searches of his property uncovered evidence that someone was producing marijuana and methamphetamine, and Ferguson faced decades in prison.But the judge determined that the search warrants were improperly approved and that the evidence obtained during the searches could not be used to prosecute him. Those charges were dropped.This article first appeared in the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/01/26/tree-thief-fined-25k-but-gets-no-prison-time/">Iowa Capital Dispatch</a>,&nbsp;a sister&nbsp;site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.

Tree thief fined $25K but gets no prison time

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday indicated he had decided how to respond after the killing of three American service members Sunday in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jordan-drone-attack-attack-confusion-f175962e058b9b6f668303faf248d8e6">drone attack in Jordan</a>&nbsp;that his administration has pinned on Iran-backed militia groups, saying he does not want to expand the war in the Middle East but demurring on specifics.

U.S. officials said they are still determining which of several Iran-backed groups was responsible for the first killing of American troops in a wave of attacks against U.S. forces in the region since the Oct. 7 Hamas assault on Israel. Biden plans to attend the dignified transfer to mark the fallen troops' return to American soil on Friday and answered in the affirmative when asked by reporters if he'd decided on a response, as he indicated he was aiming to prevent further escalation.

“I don’t think we need a wider war in the Middle East," Biden said at the White House before departing for a fundraising trip to Florida. “That’s not what I’m looking for.”

It was not immediately clear whether Biden meant he had decided on a specific retaliatory plan. A U.S. official told The Associated Press that the Pentagon is still assessing options to respond to the attack in Jordan.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters traveling with Biden aboard Air Force One that he would not preview the U.S. response, but indicated it would come in phases.

“It’s very possible that what you’ll see is a tiered approach here, not just a single action, but potentially multiple actions over a period of time," he said.

Meanwhile, the Iranian-backed Iraqi militia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iraq-airstrike-military-iran-d93d861feeef90cfeac3ba85f1f2f36d">Kataib Hezbollah</a>, one of several groups eyed by U.S. officials, announced Tuesday in a statement “the suspension of military and security operations against the occupation forces in order to prevent embarrassment to the Iraqi government.”

The attacks on U.S. forces by Iraqi militias over the past four months have placed the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in an awkward position. Sudani was brought to power by Iranian-allied factions but has also attempted to stay in Washington’s good graces and has condemned the attacks on U.S. forces serving in Iraq as part of an international commission to fight the Islamic State. Iraqi and U.S. officials on Saturday opened talks aimed at winding down the commission’s presence.

Kirby said that Biden spoke with the soldiers' families Tuesday morning and extended his condolences, pledging full assistance to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drone-attack-soldier-killed-jordan-sanders-georgia-947c5c440e149154b06bc1bc29d84a19">families as they grieve</a>.

In separate calls with the families, Biden also gauged their feelings about his attendance at Friday's dignified transfer of the fallen service members' remains at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Friday, and “all of them supported his presence there,” Kirby said.

“He was grateful for their time. He expressed to them how proud we all are of their service," Kirby said of Biden's calls with the families. “How we mourn and feel sorrow over their loss.”

Kirby added: “The president will be going to the dignified transfer on Friday.”

The solemn ceremony marks the return of fallen service members to American soil as they journey to their final resting place, with silent honor guards carrying flag-draped transfer cases holding the remains from transport aircraft to military vehicles.

The Pentagon identified those killed in the attack as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia; and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia. The Army Reserve announced on Tuesday that it had posthumously promoted Sanders and Moffett to the rank of sergeant.

There have been a total of 166 attacks on U.S. military installations since Oct. 18, including 67 in Iraq, 98 in Syria and now one in Jordan, a U.S. military official said. On Tuesday, Al-Asad Air Base in Western Iraq was targeted again by a single rocket, but there was no damage and no injuries in that attack, a U.S. military official said. The three soldiers killed in the Jordan strike were the first U.S. military fatalities in the Middle East since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out. One contractor has also died as the result of a heart attack after a strike on Al-Asad in December.

In 2021, Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-biden-troops-killed-509f29aaca012ee8e83871d2c03384bf">attended the dignified transfer</a>&nbsp;of the remains of 13 troops killed in a suicide attack during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Separately, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany said it expected to receive 3 U.S. service members who were injured in the drone attack, including one listed in critical, but stable, condition. The Pentagon has said at least 40 troops were injured alongside the three killed in action.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Tuesday indicated he had decided how to respond after the killing of three American service members Sunday in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jordan-drone-attack-attack-confusion-f175962e058b9b6f668303faf248d8e6">drone attack in Jordan</a>&nbsp;that his administration has pinned on Iran-backed militia groups, saying he does not want to expand the war in the Middle East but demurring on specifics.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden on Iran: &quot;I do hold them responsible in a sense that they&#39;re supplying the weapons to the people who did it...I don&#39;t think we need a wider war in the Middle East. That&#39;s not what I&#39;m looking for.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/mcviToXzgJ">pic.twitter.com/mcviToXzgJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1752363083987575127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>U.S. officials said they are still determining which of several Iran-backed groups was responsible for the first killing of American troops in a wave of attacks against U.S. forces in the region since the Oct. 7 Hamas assault on Israel. Biden plans to attend the dignified transfer to mark the fallen troops' return to American soil on Friday and answered in the affirmative when asked by reporters if he'd decided on a response, as he indicated he was aiming to prevent further escalation.“I don’t think we need a wider war in the Middle East," Biden said at the White House before departing for a fundraising trip to Florida. “That’s not what I’m looking for.”It was not immediately clear whether Biden meant he had decided on a specific retaliatory plan. A U.S. official told The Associated Press that the Pentagon is still assessing options to respond to the attack in Jordan.National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters traveling with Biden aboard Air Force One that he would not preview the U.S. response, but indicated it would come in phases.“It’s very possible that what you’ll see is a tiered approach here, not just a single action, but potentially multiple actions over a period of time," he said.Meanwhile, the Iranian-backed Iraqi militia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-iraq-airstrike-military-iran-d93d861feeef90cfeac3ba85f1f2f36d">Kataib Hezbollah</a>, one of several groups eyed by U.S. officials, announced Tuesday in a statement “the suspension of military and security operations against the occupation forces in order to prevent embarrassment to the Iraqi government.”The attacks on U.S. forces by Iraqi militias over the past four months have placed the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in an awkward position. Sudani was brought to power by Iranian-allied factions but has also attempted to stay in Washington’s good graces and has condemned the attacks on U.S. forces serving in Iraq as part of an international commission to fight the Islamic State. Iraqi and U.S. officials on Saturday opened talks aimed at winding down the commission’s presence.Kirby said that Biden spoke with the soldiers' families Tuesday morning and extended his condolences, pledging full assistance to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/drone-attack-soldier-killed-jordan-sanders-georgia-947c5c440e149154b06bc1bc29d84a19">families as they grieve</a>.In separate calls with the families, Biden also gauged their feelings about his attendance at Friday's dignified transfer of the fallen service members' remains at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Friday, and “all of them supported his presence there,” Kirby said.“He was grateful for their time. He expressed to them how proud we all are of their service," Kirby said of Biden's calls with the families. “How we mourn and feel sorrow over their loss.”Kirby added: “The president will be going to the dignified transfer on Friday.”The solemn ceremony marks the return of fallen service members to American soil as they journey to their final resting place, with silent honor guards carrying flag-draped transfer cases holding the remains from transport aircraft to military vehicles.The Pentagon identified those killed in the attack as Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton, Georgia; Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, of Waycross, Georgia; and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, Georgia. The Army Reserve announced on Tuesday that it had posthumously promoted Sanders and Moffett to the rank of sergeant.There have been a total of 166 attacks on U.S. military installations since Oct. 18, including 67 in Iraq, 98 in Syria and now one in Jordan, a U.S. military official said. On Tuesday, Al-Asad Air Base in Western Iraq was targeted again by a single rocket, but there was no damage and no injuries in that attack, a U.S. military official said. The three soldiers killed in the Jordan strike were the first U.S. military fatalities in the Middle East since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out. One contractor has also died as the result of a heart attack after a strike on Al-Asad in December.In 2021, Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-biden-troops-killed-509f29aaca012ee8e83871d2c03384bf">attended the dignified transfer</a>&nbsp;of the remains of 13 troops killed in a suicide attack during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.Separately, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany said it expected to receive 3 U.S. service members who were injured in the drone attack, including one listed in critical, but stable, condition. The Pentagon has said at least 40 troops were injured alongside the three killed in action.—

🎥Biden decides how to respond to deadly attack by Iran-backed terrorists 

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-department-of-justice">The Justice Department</a>&nbsp;is investigating whether Democratic Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri misused campaign funds for her personal security, the progressive lawmaker confirmed in a statement Tuesday.

Bush, a second-term lawmaker, denied any wrongdoing and said she is “fully cooperating” with federal prosecutors.

“As a rank-and-file member of Congress I am not entitled to personal protection by the House, and instead have used campaign funds as permissible to retain security services,” Bush said. “I have not used any federal tax dollars for personal security services.”

Her statement came a day after the Justice Department subpoenaed the office of the House Sergeant at Arms for related documents. The Justice Department declined to comment.

Since being elected to the House in 2021, Bush, a Black woman with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8d71b1b8d25edd627b441fa7f21d23af">activist roots</a>, has been the target of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-travel-race-and-ethnicity-aa746cffd76d6465a7adc1ec4ed54659">right-wing attacks</a>. As a result, she has spent a substantial amount of money on private security while she's on Capitol Hill and back home in her district in St. Louis.

Federal prosecutors have been asking questions about Bush’s security expenses, the threats she received and her decision to pay her now-husband Cortney Merritts with campaign funds to provide security, a person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press. The questions have been similar to those asked by congressional investigators conducting an ethics inquiry, the person said. The person was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

The issue of how Bush has been funding her security is currently under investigation by the Federal Election Commission and the House Committee on Ethics. The FEC has stated that it is not technically against the rules for a member of Congress to use campaign funds for private security as there has been a striking increase of violent threats against lawmakers in recent years. The Office of Congressional Ethics unanimously determined in October to clear Bush of any wrongdoing in their investigation.

“I look forward to this same outcome from all pending investigations,” Bush said Tuesday.

“I’m going to make sure I have security because I know I have had attempts on my life and I have too much work to do,” the former Black Lives Matter activist told CBS News in August 2021. “So, if I end up spending $200,000, if I spend … 10 more dollars on it, you know what? I get to be here to do the work.

A spokesperson for Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;said that Bush is entitled to the presumption of innocence as the investigation moves forward.

“It is our expectation that the investigation will follow the facts, apply the law and be conducted in a professional manner,” Christie Stephenson said.

Punchbowl News first reported the news about the investigation into Bush.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634911816533.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-Missouri, courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Cori Bush, D-Missouri, courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-department-of-justice">The Justice Department</a>&nbsp;is investigating whether Democratic Rep. Cori Bush of Missouri misused campaign funds for her personal security, the progressive lawmaker confirmed in a statement Tuesday.Bush, a second-term lawmaker, denied any wrongdoing and said she is “fully cooperating” with federal prosecutors.“As a rank-and-file member of Congress I am not entitled to personal protection by the House, and instead have used campaign funds as permissible to retain security services,” Bush said. “I have not used any federal tax dollars for personal security services.”Her statement came a day after the Justice Department subpoenaed the office of the House Sergeant at Arms for related documents. The Justice Department declined to comment.Since being elected to the House in 2021, Bush, a Black woman with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/8d71b1b8d25edd627b441fa7f21d23af">activist roots</a>, has been the target of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-travel-race-and-ethnicity-aa746cffd76d6465a7adc1ec4ed54659">right-wing attacks</a>. As a result, she has spent a substantial amount of money on private security while she's on Capitol Hill and back home in her district in St. Louis.Federal prosecutors have been asking questions about Bush’s security expenses, the threats she received and her decision to pay her now-husband Cortney Merritts with campaign funds to provide security, a person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press. The questions have been similar to those asked by congressional investigators conducting an ethics inquiry, the person said. The person was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.The issue of how Bush has been funding her security is currently under investigation by the Federal Election Commission and the House Committee on Ethics. The FEC has stated that it is not technically against the rules for a member of Congress to use campaign funds for private security as there has been a striking increase of violent threats against lawmakers in recent years. The Office of Congressional Ethics unanimously determined in October to clear Bush of any wrongdoing in their investigation.“I look forward to this same outcome from all pending investigations,” Bush said Tuesday.“I’m going to make sure I have security because I know I have had attempts on my life and I have too much work to do,” the former Black Lives Matter activist told CBS News in August 2021. “So, if I end up spending $200,000, if I spend … 10 more dollars on it, you know what? I get to be here to do the work.A spokesperson for Democratic Leader&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hakeem-jeffries">Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;said that Bush is entitled to the presumption of innocence as the investigation moves forward.“It is our expectation that the investigation will follow the facts, apply the law and be conducted in a professional manner,” Christie Stephenson said.Punchbowl News first reported the news about the investigation into Bush.

Missouri Rep. under federal investigation for misuse of campaign funds

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of two Kansas teen have made a second arrest.

Just after 11:45p.m. Friday the Wichita Police Department responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 5200 E Kensington in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Around the same time, officers were dispatched to an area hospital for the report of two walk-in shooting victims.Pol

Emoni Shears, 14, and Jhiquez Roberts, 19, both of Wichita were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Detectives and patrol officers immediately began investigating this case and following up on leads. Later Saturday, police&nbsp;arrested a 14-year-old from Wichita on requested charges of felony murder and one count of juvenile in possession of a firearm.

Just after 4p.m. Tuesday, the Wichita Police Department Violent Crimes Team successfully located and apprehended an 18-year-old suspect in the case identified as Hayden Rydell Williams of Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report. He is being held on requested charges of First Degree murder and parole violations, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=745809">according to online jail records.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706626647886.png" alt="Williams photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Williams photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of two Kansas teen have made a second arrest.Just after 11:45p.m. Friday the Wichita Police Department responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 5200 E Kensington in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Around the same time, officers were dispatched to an area hospital for the report of two walk-in shooting victims.Pol<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706389022620.png" alt="Police on the scene of the homicide investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the homicide investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Emoni Shears, 14, and Jhiquez Roberts, 19, both of Wichita were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.Detectives and patrol officers immediately began investigating this case and following up on leads. Later Saturday, police&nbsp;arrested a 14-year-old from Wichita on requested charges of felony murder and one count of juvenile in possession of a firearm.Just after 4p.m. Tuesday, the Wichita Police Department Violent Crimes Team successfully located and apprehended an 18-year-old suspect in the case identified as Hayden Rydell Williams of Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County arrest report. He is being held on requested charges of First Degree murder and parole violations, <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=745809">according to online jail records.</a>

Police arrest 18-year-old in killing of two Kansas teens

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Republican leaders of the Kansas Legislature said a two-thirds majority of House members were committed to overriding Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of a tax reduction bill but a supermajority hadn’t crystalized in the Senate to complete the maneuver.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins of Wichita and Senate President Ty Masterson of Andover participated in a telephone town hall Monday hosted by the state director of Americans for Prosperity. The format was designed to promote advantages of tax legislation vetoed Friday by Kelly. The host repeatedly urged listeners to hit “1” on their telephone if they wanted to send a message the governor’s veto should be overridden.

“We knew the governor was probably going to veto it,” Hawkins told participants. “You need to contact your representative. Same thing on the Senate side. Let them know how important this override is.”

Masterson and Hawkins answered a handful of questions from callers, including futile inquiries about how the Legislature might lower local property taxes that were beyond reach of the Legislature. There were a cluster of calls from people convinced the state’s budget was bloated.

Kelly said the centerpiece of the GOP tax legislation, replacement of a three-tier state income tax structure with a single-rate state income tax of 5.25%, should be viewed as reckless and irresponsible. It would weaken the state’s financial future and “do nothing for the middle class,” the governor said.

“I am dead set on making sure working Kansans get a tax cut this year,” Kelly said. “That’s why I’ve brought together Republican, Democratic and independent legislators to champion a $1 billion tax cut over three years, all while maintaining our state’s strong fiscal foundation.”

On Jan. 18, the Senate approved House Bill 2284 on a vote of 25-11, which was two votes shy of the supermajority. The House adopted the bill 81-37, a margin three short of the override benchmark. Hawkins and Masterson said behind-the-scenes wrangling over the weekend narrowed their deficit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706640223012.png" alt=" House Speaker Dan Hawkins, seen during an April 6, 2023, session of the House, joined with Senate President Ty Masterson to urger listeners on a telephone town hall to rally around a tax reform bill lauded by GOP lawmakers but vetoed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> House Speaker Dan Hawkins, seen during an April 6, 2023, session of the House, joined with Senate President Ty Masterson to urger listeners on a telephone town hall to rally around a tax reform bill lauded by GOP lawmakers but vetoed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Republican leaders of the Kansas Legislature said a two-thirds majority of House members were committed to overriding Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of a tax reduction bill but a supermajority hadn’t crystalized in the Senate to complete the maneuver.House Speaker Dan Hawkins of Wichita and Senate President Ty Masterson of Andover participated in a telephone town hall Monday hosted by the state director of Americans for Prosperity. The format was designed to promote advantages of tax legislation vetoed Friday by Kelly. The host repeatedly urged listeners to hit “1” on their telephone if they wanted to send a message the governor’s veto should be overridden.“We knew the governor was probably going to veto it,” Hawkins told participants. “You need to contact your representative. Same thing on the Senate side. Let them know how important this override is.”Masterson and Hawkins answered a handful of questions from callers, including futile inquiries about how the Legislature might lower local property taxes that were beyond reach of the Legislature. There were a cluster of calls from people convinced the state’s budget was bloated.Kelly said the centerpiece of the GOP tax legislation, replacement of a three-tier state income tax structure with a single-rate state income tax of 5.25%, should be viewed as reckless and irresponsible. It would weaken the state’s financial future and “do nothing for the middle class,” the governor said.“I am dead set on making sure working Kansans get a tax cut this year,” Kelly said. “That’s why I’ve brought together Republican, Democratic and independent legislators to champion a $1 billion tax cut over three years, all while maintaining our state’s strong fiscal foundation.”On Jan. 18, the Senate approved House Bill 2284 on a vote of 25-11, which was two votes shy of the supermajority. The House adopted the bill 81-37, a margin three short of the override benchmark. Hawkins and Masterson said behind-the-scenes wrangling over the weekend narrowed their deficit.“We are literally one vote short of a supermajority,” said Masterson, who indicated Hawkins was in possession of a supermajority with one vote to spare.Hawkins predicted the House would override Kelly, most likely next week, before passing the bill over to the Senate.“A little more problematic in the Senate,” the House speaker said. “We’re going to work very, very hard.”During the 2023 legislative session, Kelly veto a 5.15% flat income tax bill. The GOP’s override bid on that veto stalled in the Senate. In anticipation the House and Senate would return to the flat tax during the 2024 legislative session, Kelly conducted a preemptive news conference to tout her own tax proposal.Her $1.1 billion tax reduction plan, which hasn’t been voted on by the Legislature, was endorsed by two Senate Republicans and one independent conservative in the Senate. Assuming 11 Senate Democrats align with the governor, Masterson wouldn’t find the 27th vote necessary to complete an override of Kelly.The House and Senate legislation would reduce state revenue by $1.58 billion over three years, Masterson said. Aside from the approach to state income taxation, he said, the strategies offered by Kelly and GOP leadership had common elements.Both included accelerating phaseout of the state sales tax on groceries to April 1. The reform blueprints would exempt Social Security benefits from state income tax retroactive to start of 2024. Both packages would increase to $100,000 the amount of residential property’s appraised value exempt from the state’s property tax levy for schools and state building maintenance.Masterson said the GOP’s plan should be viewed as a compromise with the governor’s perspective on tax policy. He said Kelly was wrong to frame the Republican outline as financially unsustainable.“It’s nothing short of a misinformation campaign going around about this bill,” Masterson said.