SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating gunfire and sent a woman to the hospital.

Just before 1p.m. Wednesday, police and fire department officers were following up on inspections at a motel in the 5800 Block of West Kellogg in Wichita, according to police department spokesman Andrew Ford.

While at the motel, a 911 call of a shooting at the business.&nbsp; Officers located the room, went inside and found a woman, in her late 20s to early 30s, with a gunshot wound to her leg. Others who had been in the room when the woman was injured fled, according to Ford.&nbsp;

The woman was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Police continue to search for suspects.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705539377988.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>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating gunfire and sent a woman to the hospital.Just before 1p.m. Wednesday, police and fire department officers were following up on inspections at a motel in the 5800 Block of West Kellogg in Wichita, according to police department spokesman Andrew Ford.While at the motel, a 911 call of a shooting at the business.&nbsp; Officers located the room, went inside and found a woman, in her late 20s to early 30s, with a gunshot wound to her leg. Others who had been in the room when the woman was injured fled, according to Ford.&nbsp;The woman was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Police continue to search for suspects.&nbsp;

Police search for suspect who shot woman at Kan. hotel

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting at Crown Center in Kansas City that injured multiple people.

Just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of gunfire in the lower level near the food court, according to Sergeant Jake Becchina.

A preliminary investigation indicated 3-4 people were struck by gunfire after a disturbance between two groups turned into gunfire.

Police later learned three additional victims showed up on their own at other hospitals. That brings the total number of shooting victims to six. The ages of all but one victim range from late teens to early 20s the other one is in their 50s

Crime Scene Investigators and detectives responded to process the scene and speak to witnesses. 

Several people were detained for questioning at the scene, Becchina said, but police have not yet announced any arrests.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705577536210.png" alt="photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting at Crown Center in Kansas City that injured multiple people.Just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a report of gunfire in the lower level near the food court, according to Sergeant Jake Becchina.A preliminary investigation indicated 3-4 people were struck by gunfire after a disturbance between two groups turned into gunfire.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705577447675.png" alt="photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Police later learned three additional victims showed up on their own at other hospitals. That brings the total number of shooting victims to six. The ages of all but one victim range from late teens to early 20s the other one is in their 50sCrime Scene Investigators and detectives responded to process the scene and speak to witnesses. Several people were detained for questioning at the scene, Becchina said, but police have not yet announced any arrests.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Police investigate mass shooting at Crown Center in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY —&nbsp;Animal Services Division has been tirelessly operating around the clock during these severe cold days to provide assistance to pets left outdoors, according to a social media report from the KC Pet Project.

Numerous dogs have been brought to the shelter due to unmet needs - including the lack of outdoor shelter or for shelter that is adequate for this weather, a shortage of dry, warm bedding or the absence of caretakers. 

"When these critical needs are neglected, putting the dogs at risk of harm or death, we have the authority to bypass a warrant for seizure under exigent circumstances to ensure their safety."

The first 15 days of January have witnessed an astonishing 87% surge in call volume related to general neglect concerns for dogs in this weather compared to the total number of calls received in December for the same concerns. 

"We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated officers for their remarkable efforts. Additionally, we urge pet owners to bring their pets indoors for their well-being."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705529368585.png" alt="-Captured this morning by our Animal Services Officer responding to a report of a dog without shelter. It was determined that the house where the dog was located appeared to be vacant and our officers couldn't make contact with anyone. She also had a large wound to one of her legs, so KC Pet Project officer brought her to the shelter for care." />
 <figcaption>-Captured this morning by our Animal Services Officer responding to a report of a dog without shelter. It was determined that the house where the dog was located appeared to be vacant and our officers couldn't make contact with anyone. She also had a large wound to one of her legs, so KC Pet Project officer brought her to the shelter for care.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —&nbsp;Animal Services Division has been tirelessly operating around the clock during these severe cold days to provide assistance to pets left outdoors, according to a social media report from the KC Pet Project.Numerous dogs have been brought to the shelter due to unmet needs - including the lack of outdoor shelter or for shelter that is adequate for this weather, a shortage of dry, warm bedding or the absence of caretakers. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705529388392.png" alt="This photo taken by KC Pet Project around 10 minutes after she arrived as our veterinary team was working to get her warmed up and cared for. She couldn't stop shaking from her injuries and being out in the elements, but she was so sweet, giving our team tail wags to let them know how much she appreciated the help. Our team goes above and beyond every day and this sweet girl is now getting the love and support she deserves." />
 <figcaption>This photo taken by KC Pet Project around 10 minutes after she arrived as our veterinary team was working to get her warmed up and cared for. She couldn't stop shaking from her injuries and being out in the elements, but she was so sweet, giving our team tail wags to let them know how much she appreciated the help. Our team goes above and beyond every day and this sweet girl is now getting the love and support she deserves.</figcaption>
 </figure>"When these critical needs are neglected, putting the dogs at risk of harm or death, we have the authority to bypass a warrant for seizure under exigent circumstances to ensure their safety."The first 15 days of January have witnessed an astonishing 87% surge in call volume related to general neglect concerns for dogs in this weather compared to the total number of calls received in December for the same concerns. "We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated officers for their remarkable efforts. Additionally, we urge pet owners to bring their pets indoors for their well-being."&nbsp;

Officers working around the clock to save animals left in the cold

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military fired another wave of ship- and submarine-launch missile strikes against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-houthis-d770a3fb0fab4c4b72e2459771833e11">Houthi-controlled sites</a>&nbsp;Wednesday, U.S. Central Command said, marking the fourth time in days it has directly targeted the group in Yemen as violence that ignited in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war continues to spill over in the Middle East.

The strikes were launched from the Red Sea and hit 14 missiles that the command deemed an “imminent threat.” The strikes followed an official announcement Wednesday that the U.S. has put the Houthis back on its list of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/executive-order-13224/">specially designated global terrorists</a>. The sanctions that come with the formal designation are meant to sever violent extremist groups from their sources of financing.

“Forces conducted strikes on 14 Iran-backed Houthi missiles that were loaded to be fired in Houthi controlled areas in Yemen,” Central Command said in a statement posted on X late Wednesday. “These missiles on launch rails presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region and could have been fired at any time, prompting U.S. forces to exercise their inherent right and obligation to defend themselves.”

Despite the sanctions and military strikes, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-biden-retaliation-attacks-0804b93372cd5e874a0dd03513fe36a2">large-scale operation Friday</a>&nbsp;carried out by U.S. and British warships and warplanes that hit more than 60 targets across Yemen, the Houthis are continuing their harassment campaign of commercial and military ships. The latest incident occurred Wednesday when a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-drone-attacks-ship-gulf-aden-9949c0b224812fd37958709ed19dd365">one-way attack drone</a>&nbsp;was launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen and struck the Marshall Islands-flagged, U.S.-owned and -operated M/V Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden.

The U.S. has also strongly warned Iran to cease providing weapons to the Houthis. On Thursday a U.S. raid on a dhow intercepted ballistic missile parts the U.S. said Iran was shipping to Yemen. Two U.S. Navy SEALs remain unaccounted for after one was knocked off the vessel by a wave during the seizure and the second followed the overcome SEAL into the water.

On Wednesday, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said the U.S. would continue to take military action to prevent further attacks.

“They are exploiting this situation to conduct attacks against the ships and vessels from more than 50 countries ... around the world. And so we’re going to continue to work with our partners in the region to prevent those attacks or deter those attacks in the future,” Ryder said.

There have been several incidents since the Friday joint operations. The Houthis fired an anti-ship cruise missile toward a U.S. Navy destroyer over the weekend, but the ship shot it down. The Houthis then struck a U.S.-owned ship in the Gulf of Aden on Monday and a Malta-flagged bulk carrier in the Red Sea on Tuesday. In response Tuesday, the U.S. struck four anti-ship ballistic missiles that were prepared to launch and presented an imminent threat to merchant and U.S. Navy ships in the region.

Hours later, the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack on the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Zografia. The ship was hit, but no one was injured and it continued on its way.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699124273212.png" alt="On Wednesday, a&nbsp;one-way attack drone&nbsp;was launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen and struck the Marshall Islands-flagged, U.S.-owned and -operated M/V Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden.Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>On Wednesday, a&nbsp;one-way attack drone&nbsp;was launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen and struck the Marshall Islands-flagged, U.S.-owned and -operated M/V Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden.Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military fired another wave of ship- and submarine-launch missile strikes against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-houthis-d770a3fb0fab4c4b72e2459771833e11">Houthi-controlled sites</a>&nbsp;Wednesday, U.S. Central Command said, marking the fourth time in days it has directly targeted the group in Yemen as violence that ignited in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war continues to spill over in the Middle East.The strikes were launched from the Red Sea and hit 14 missiles that the command deemed an “imminent threat.” The strikes followed an official announcement Wednesday that the U.S. has put the Houthis back on its list of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.state.gov/executive-order-13224/">specially designated global terrorists</a>. The sanctions that come with the formal designation are meant to sever violent extremist groups from their sources of financing.“Forces conducted strikes on 14 Iran-backed Houthi missiles that were loaded to be fired in Houthi controlled areas in Yemen,” Central Command said in a statement posted on X late Wednesday. “These missiles on launch rails presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships in the region and could have been fired at any time, prompting U.S. forces to exercise their inherent right and obligation to defend themselves.”Despite the sanctions and military strikes, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-biden-retaliation-attacks-0804b93372cd5e874a0dd03513fe36a2">large-scale operation Friday</a>&nbsp;carried out by U.S. and British warships and warplanes that hit more than 60 targets across Yemen, the Houthis are continuing their harassment campaign of commercial and military ships. The latest incident occurred Wednesday when a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthi-drone-attacks-ship-gulf-aden-9949c0b224812fd37958709ed19dd365">one-way attack drone</a>&nbsp;was launched from a Houthi-controlled area in Yemen and struck the Marshall Islands-flagged, U.S.-owned and -operated M/V Genco Picardy in the Gulf of Aden.The U.S. has also strongly warned Iran to cease providing weapons to the Houthis. On Thursday a U.S. raid on a dhow intercepted ballistic missile parts the U.S. said Iran was shipping to Yemen. Two U.S. Navy SEALs remain unaccounted for after one was knocked off the vessel by a wave during the seizure and the second followed the overcome SEAL into the water.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705405198142.png" alt="-a U.S. raid on a dhow intercepted ballistic missile parts the U.S. said Iran was shipping to Yemen.-photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>-a U.S. raid on a dhow intercepted ballistic missile parts the U.S. said Iran was shipping to Yemen.-photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said the U.S. would continue to take military action to prevent further attacks.“They are exploiting this situation to conduct attacks against the ships and vessels from more than 50 countries ... around the world. And so we’re going to continue to work with our partners in the region to prevent those attacks or deter those attacks in the future,” Ryder said.There have been several incidents since the Friday joint operations. The Houthis fired an anti-ship cruise missile toward a U.S. Navy destroyer over the weekend, but the ship shot it down. The Houthis then struck a U.S.-owned ship in the Gulf of Aden on Monday and a Malta-flagged bulk carrier in the Red Sea on Tuesday. In response Tuesday, the U.S. struck four anti-ship ballistic missiles that were prepared to launch and presented an imminent threat to merchant and U.S. Navy ships in the region.Hours later, the Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack on the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Zografia. The ship was hit, but no one was injured and it continued on its way.

After another attack, US  launches 4th strike against Iran-backed terrorists

By NATE KING Salina Post

Concerned residents eager to find solutions to end homelessness stood in the back of the Salina Chamber of Commerce Annex last week because every seat in the audience was packed.

The City of Salina invited New Jersey Consultant and Director of Bergen County Housing, Health, and Human Services Center Julia Orlando to share her work and experiences on ending homelessness.

Orlando ended chronic homelessness in Bergen County, New Jersey, in 2017, making it the first community in the nation to do so. Her story and lessons learned were the topic of her presentation. 

Before presenting, Orlando commented on the event turnout. 

"I can't believe this room," Orlando said. "This is amazing. There is standing room only. This t tells me that this community is interested in solving the problem. If I come to a partially empty room, maybe the community isn't ready. You are ready."

During the afternoon hours leading up to the forum, Orlando collaborated with community stakeholders, housing providers, Saline County Sheriff's Office Deputies, Salina Police Department Officers and city officials on best practices to end chronic homelessness. 

"I'm not here to tell you what to do. I'm here to inspire you. I'm here to tell you there are solutions," Orlando said. 

Orlando discussed the importance of community stakeholders working together to address complex issues like homelessness. She compared tackling the issue of homelessness to building a rocket. 

"Building a rocket can be very complicated," Orlando said. "But there are blueprints on how to build a rocket, and if you get to the end of it and follow it correctly, guess what happens? You have a rocket."

The main question on most attendees' minds was, "What's the blueprint for addressing homelessness?"

Orlando's answer is to end homelessness by responding to the problem as individual citizens instead of relying on city officials and nonprofits to manage homelessness. She shared the story of a pastor in Bergen County, New Jersey, who asked Orlando for locations of homeless persons so he could distribute blankets on a cold night. She refused to give him. 

"Sorry, but no, but I'll tell you what, if you find somebody sleeping outside, I guarantee you they will get into our shelter," Orlando said. "He said 'okay' and brought in a homeless veteran."

Orlando said she immediately asked the pastor if he would be interested in joining a veterans committee.

"He said he didn't know anything about ending homelessness in his community and I said, 'I think you do,'" Orlando said.

A need for expanded low-barrier shelter in Salina

Orlando said distributing supplies throughout a community can help a few people, but at the end of the day, those without a home need a house.

"Managing homelessness are things that feel good and normal to us, like feeding people on the street, giving them some cash," Orlando said. "Ending homelessness is making sure people go back to housing. It really is the only solution."

In 2017, Orlando helped her community reach "functional zero" for chronic homelessness, meaning that more people are exiting housing programs after finding a permanent home than entering.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/2050f75b-edf7-46da-a40e-48402dcde6a6">City of Salina awarded nearly $1 million to improve neighborhood</a>

Reaching functional zero requires multiple local and state agencies to show collaboration and coordination among many local programs to provide better housing, supportive services and resources.

Orlando encouraged the audience to provide homeless individuals with resources and information to find long-term help instead of buying food or giving cash.

"It's hard to tell people going out into the street and feeding people is not a good thing," Orlando said. "Because it is a really good shot of dopamine, and it feels really terrific, but the person is still outside."

One major step Orlando pointed out to the audience and local community services was the need for low-barrier shelters and housing programs.

Low-barrier shelters and housing programs have few criteria for individuals or families to join a community-led service instead of applying for specific housing opportunities or assistance.

"You need everyone to be able to access shelter," Orlando said. "Not everybody is going to meet your criteria for your program — that's why many of them are still outside."

This idea extends further to struggling clients facing challenges such as drug addiction, exploitation, or other harmful factors.

"You need somewhere for these people because they're not going to get any better not being sheltered," Orlando said.

Orlando said erasing these barriers contributed to reaching functional zero in New Jersey and that Salina can follow the same blueprint for its community.

The City of Salina does have a zero-barrier shelter. Chad Young, director of the Salina Grace Foundation and the Salina Rescue Mission, told the audience about his organizations' facilities and the fact they are zero-barrier.

The Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition oversees the Homeless Management Information System, or HMIS, that tracks homeless citizens and begins the process of joining a list named Coordinated Entry waiting for long-term housing.

READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a44084d7-0ac4-432c-b28a-0214ed45a24f">New Saline County Commission chair named this week</a>

Ashley Arganbright, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, KDADS, Housing First project coordinator, presented some data to the audience.

Salina reported 152 homeless individuals in town in 2023, with only 42 people on the list for Coordinated Entry. Orlando said better informing the public is essential to getting to functional zero.

"We need to get them housed, we need to get them placed, they're a priority," Arganbright said. "The longer they're out there, it will only get worse." 

Orlando said that during her discussions with local community leaders, she recognized that the Salina community cares about addressing homelessness.

"We all care about homelessness, but we struggle with homeless persons," Orlando said. "You [the Salina community] not only want to have people not be homeless, you want to see them have better lives. That's why you have talked about educational programs, vocational programs, and getting people back on the right track. That's an important value." 

Salina Mayor Bill Longbine asked about outreach steps to better serve the recovering community in Salina. Orlando shared a story about a man facing many health challenges and how her organization helped him achieve long-term stability through patience and care.

"He had severe alcoholism and severe emphysema. His doctor told him that he wouldn't survive another winter on the street," Orlando said. "We brought him into the shelter. He had a few rough nights. I met with him and very gently said, 'I'm going to keep you no matter what.' We will keep you all winter. You're not going to be outside."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705515452714.jpeg" alt="Julia Orlando 2024 Homelessness Forum. Image Courtesy City of Salina" />
 <figcaption>Julia Orlando 2024 Homelessness Forum. Image Courtesy City of Salina</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostConcerned residents eager to find solutions to end homelessness stood in the back of the Salina Chamber of Commerce Annex last week because every seat in the audience was packed.The City of Salina invited New Jersey Consultant and Director of Bergen County Housing, Health, and Human Services Center Julia Orlando to share her work and experiences on ending homelessness.(Click below to watch the presentation)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gi5qIsCitXI?si=3NhlIt3-WyP5oAbT" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><h2>An expert shares her experience</h2>Orlando ended chronic homelessness in Bergen County, New Jersey, in 2017, making it the first community in the nation to do so. Her story and lessons learned were the topic of her presentation. Before presenting, Orlando commented on the event turnout. "I can't believe this room," Orlando said. "This is amazing. There is standing room only. This t tells me that this community is interested in solving the problem. If I come to a partially empty room, maybe the community isn't ready. You are ready."During the afternoon hours leading up to the forum, Orlando collaborated with community stakeholders, housing providers, Saline County Sheriff's Office Deputies, Salina Police Department Officers and city officials on best practices to end chronic homelessness. "I'm not here to tell you what to do. I'm here to inspire you. I'm here to tell you there are solutions," Orlando said. Orlando discussed the importance of community stakeholders working together to address complex issues like homelessness. She compared tackling the issue of homelessness to building a rocket. "Building a rocket can be very complicated," Orlando said. "But there are blueprints on how to build a rocket, and if you get to the end of it and follow it correctly, guess what happens? You have a rocket."The main question on most attendees' minds was, "What's the blueprint for addressing homelessness?"Orlando's answer is to end homelessness by responding to the problem as individual citizens instead of relying on city officials and nonprofits to manage homelessness. She shared the story of a pastor in Bergen County, New Jersey, who asked Orlando for locations of homeless persons so he could distribute blankets on a cold night. She refused to give him. "Sorry, but no, but I'll tell you what, if you find somebody sleeping outside, I guarantee you they will get into our shelter," Orlando said. "He said 'okay' and brought in a homeless veteran."Orlando said she immediately asked the pastor if he would be interested in joining a veterans committee."He said he didn't know anything about ending homelessness in his community and I said, 'I think you do,'" Orlando said.<h2>A need for expanded low-barrier shelter in Salina</h2>Orlando said distributing supplies throughout a community can help a few people, but at the end of the day, those without a home need a house."Managing homelessness are things that feel good and normal to us, like feeding people on the street, giving them some cash," Orlando said. "Ending homelessness is making sure people go back to housing. It really is the only solution."In 2017, Orlando helped her community reach "functional zero" for chronic homelessness, meaning that more people are exiting housing programs after finding a permanent home than entering.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/2050f75b-edf7-46da-a40e-48402dcde6a6">City of Salina awarded nearly $1 million to improve neighborhood</a>Reaching functional zero requires multiple local and state agencies to show collaboration and coordination among many local programs to provide better housing, supportive services and resources.Orlando encouraged the audience to provide homeless individuals with resources and information to find long-term help instead of buying food or giving cash."It's hard to tell people going out into the street and feeding people is not a good thing," Orlando said. "Because it is a really good shot of dopamine, and it feels really terrific, but the person is still outside."One major step Orlando pointed out to the audience and local community services was the need for low-barrier shelters and housing programs.Low-barrier shelters and housing programs have few criteria for individuals or families to join a community-led service instead of applying for specific housing opportunities or assistance."You need everyone to be able to access shelter," Orlando said. "Not everybody is going to meet your criteria for your program — that's why many of them are still outside."This idea extends further to struggling clients facing challenges such as drug addiction, exploitation, or other harmful factors."You need somewhere for these people because they're not going to get any better not being sheltered," Orlando said.Orlando said erasing these barriers contributed to reaching functional zero in New Jersey and that Salina can follow the same blueprint for its community.The City of Salina does have a zero-barrier shelter. Chad Young, director of the Salina Grace Foundation and the Salina Rescue Mission, told the audience about his organizations' facilities and the fact they are zero-barrier.<h2>Finding solutions for every citizen</h2>The Kansas Statewide Homeless Coalition oversees the Homeless Management Information System, or HMIS, that tracks homeless citizens and begins the process of joining a list named Coordinated Entry waiting for long-term housing.READ MORE:&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/a44084d7-0ac4-432c-b28a-0214ed45a24f">New Saline County Commission chair named this week</a>Ashley Arganbright, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, KDADS, Housing First project coordinator, presented some data to the audience.Salina reported 152 homeless individuals in town in 2023, with only 42 people on the list for Coordinated Entry. Orlando said better informing the public is essential to getting to functional zero."We need to get them housed, we need to get them placed, they're a priority," Arganbright said. "The longer they're out there, it will only get worse." Orlando said that during her discussions with local community leaders, she recognized that the Salina community cares about addressing homelessness."We all care about homelessness, but we struggle with homeless persons," Orlando said. "You [the Salina community] not only want to have people not be homeless, you want to see them have better lives. That's why you have talked about educational programs, vocational programs, and getting people back on the right track. That's an important value." Salina Mayor Bill Longbine asked about outreach steps to better serve the recovering community in Salina. Orlando shared a story about a man facing many health challenges and how her organization helped him achieve long-term stability through patience and care."He had severe alcoholism and severe emphysema. His doctor told him that he wouldn't survive another winter on the street," Orlando said. "We brought him into the shelter. He had a few rough nights. I met with him and very gently said, 'I'm going to keep you no matter what.' We will keep you all winter. You're not going to be outside."

🎥Overflow crowd attends homelessness forum in Salina

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

Democratic governor renews objection to move toward single income tax bracket

TOPEKA — Republicans in the Kansas Senate approved Wednesday a three-year, $1.6 billion tax reform bill anchored to introduction of a controversial flat 5.25% state income tax rate, but not by the two-thirds margin required to override a potential veto by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

Senators spent a couple hours exploring advantages and disadvantages of sales, property and income tax provisions crafted by GOP negotiators in the House and Senate. The package, dominated by the $300 million per-year reduction in income tax revenue and elimination on April 1 of the state’s $75 million sales tax on groceries, moved to the Republican-dominated House for a vote. If passed, it would go to the governor.

A series of Senate Republicans praised features of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2284/">House Bill 2284</a>&nbsp;during the Senate floor debate. A handful of Democrats, a Republican and an independent senator outlined objections on policy and procedural grounds. The vote was 25-11 in favor with two Democrats and two Republicans absent. No Democrat endorsed it.

“There is absolutely no reason not to return these resources to the people we serve. This is completely sustainable,” said Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican who was frustrated by criticism the bill tilted in favor of the wealthy. “To every tax cut you make, if you’re talking about dollar value, the rich always get more because they buy more food, they own more property, they make more money.”

He said conflict over the business of tax reform, including a pair of tax bill vetoes last year by Kelly, undermined the 2023 Legislature’s quest to deliver for Kansans. That zero-sum game could be repeated in the 2024 session without substantive compromise, he said.

“We’re saying because we want to have this warfare, we shouldn’t give benefit to anybody,” Masterson said. “All those arguments do — it promotes discontent, class warfare, yours is better than mine. It’s unhealthy.”

On Monday, Kelly offered a bipartisan plan devoting about $1 billion to state tax cuts. Some pieces were included in the GOP plan that emerged Tuesday from negotiations between House and Senate members. Interest in rewriting tax policy came from projections of a $2.8 billion surplus in the state treasury and $1.7 billion in a separate rainy-day fund by June 2024, assuming no unexpected increases in expenditures or reductions in revenue.

Sen. Rob Olson, an Olathe Republican who endorsed Kelly’s tax proposal, praised elements of the Republican bill. He voted against it because the legislation didn’t concentrate tax relief on people with modest incomes who struggled with sales, property and income tax obligations along with inflation.

“This tax cut that is before us is heavily slated for the people making $80,000 or more. They’re going to receive the bulk of that money,” said Olson, who said some of his peers were afraid to fight for an alternative due to concern about blowback from Masterson and right-wing special interest groups. “They’re afraid to lose what I’ve lost. I believe I’m fighting for the people in my district — not the people in the hall, not the people in Wichita, not the people across the street.”

Olson drew the ire of Masterson during the 2023 session by refusing to help Republicans override Kelly’s veto of what Olson considered an unfair bill headlined by the flat-rate income tax. In response, Masterson sacked Olson from his position as utilities committee chairman.

Independent Sen. Dennis Pyle, of Hiawatha, said some lawmakers were being led on tax policy by GOP leaders like lambs to slaughter.

Pyle, who also endorsed Kelly’s tax alternative, said nuggets of popular tax policy woven into the GOP leadership’s bill could be rescinded whenever the economy faltered or state revenue plummeted. That’s what transpired after GOP Gov. Sam Brownback signed an aggressive income tax cut in 2012, which included a big increase in the standard deduction to state income taxes. In less than one year, Pyle said, the crash in state revenue led Republicans to repeal part of the deduction.

“Whatever you do today, we all know, can be taken back. I’ve seen it happen. I’ve seen them reverse their policy promises in this building,” Pyle said.

Sen. Jeff Pittman, a Leavenworth Democrat, said if the state ran “into hard times, you bet your bottom dollar we are not increasing that tax rate.”

Instead, Pittman said, the Legislature would abandon tax relief that was beneficial to lower-income families.

“That’s where the burden’s going to hit,” he said. “It’s a natural way to hide a tax on the working families.”

Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican and chair of the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, said it would be foolish for the Legislature to derail a 100% income tax exemption on Social Security benefits, passage of a zero state sales tax on groceries and indexing for inflation of the state’s standard deduction and personal exemption on income taxes.

“I’m sorry, but, my colleagues, you are not sheep. Do not let perfect be the enemy of good,” she said.

Under the bill headed to the House, income taxes for the wealthiest Kansans would be slashed while offering minimal relief to lower wage earners. Democrats said the flat tax provision alone would deplete revenues by more than $700 million over three years. In total, the bundle of proposed tax cuts would carry a $1.589 billion price tag in a three-year period.

Other provisions in the Senate-passed bundle were in the Democratic governor’s plan, including a reduction in property taxes that supported public school funding, an income tax exemption on Social Security income and an increase in standard deductions on tax returns.

Banks and other financial institutions would get a tax cut after being excluded from a corporate tax reduction that was part of recent Kansas economic development deals on projects in De Soto and Wichita.

“There are a lot of components I really like, but I will say the flat tax is a nonstarter,” said Democratic Sen. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park. “My district would greatly benefit from the flat tax. But my district is not asking for this. My district supports the governor’s bipartisan tax plan. My district wants revenue sustainability and investments in our schools and roads.”

Sen. Marci Francisco, a Lawrence Democrat, said she felt uneasy about the GOP strategy of relying on procedure to fast track the legislation in a manner that sidestepped the typical committee process and opportunities for regular Kansans to comment. A panel of three senators and three representatives — four Republicans and two Democrats — hammered out contents of the bill Tuesday before delivering it to the Senate.

“We have seen this legislation,” said Tyson, the Senate tax chairwoman. “It is past time with $3 billion to $4 billion in the coffers. It is time to give the money back to taxpayers.”

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, complained about the “rushed process” that also forbid senators from offering amendments to the negotiated deal. Sykes said the top 20% of wage earners would get 70% of the tax cuts. She said it would be beneficial to the process that the Senate fell short of a two-thirds margin, or 27 votes, needed to override a veto by the governor.

“Then we can have honest conversations about property tax relief, or helping our working families in Kansas, because this is going to benefit the rich,” Sykes said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705582521871.png" alt="Sen. Dennis Pyle, an independent from Hiawatha, spoke on the Senate floor Wednesday in opposition to a three-year, $1.6 billion tax reform bill that he asserted was too heavily tilted in favor of the wealthy. The bill passed 25-11 and was forwarded to the House. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Dennis Pyle, an independent from Hiawatha, spoke on the Senate floor Wednesday in opposition to a three-year, $1.6 billion tax reform bill that he asserted was too heavily tilted in favor of the wealthy. The bill passed 25-11 and was forwarded to the House. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/sherman-smith/">SHERMAN SMITH</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Democratic governor renews objection to move toward single income tax bracket</h2>TOPEKA — Republicans in the Kansas Senate approved Wednesday a three-year, $1.6 billion tax reform bill anchored to introduction of a controversial flat 5.25% state income tax rate, but not by the two-thirds margin required to override a potential veto by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.Senators spent a couple hours exploring advantages and disadvantages of sales, property and income tax provisions crafted by GOP negotiators in the House and Senate. The package, dominated by the $300 million per-year reduction in income tax revenue and elimination on April 1 of the state’s $75 million sales tax on groceries, moved to the Republican-dominated House for a vote. If passed, it would go to the governor.A series of Senate Republicans praised features of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2284/">House Bill 2284</a>&nbsp;during the Senate floor debate. A handful of Democrats, a Republican and an independent senator outlined objections on policy and procedural grounds. The vote was 25-11 in favor with two Democrats and two Republicans absent. No Democrat endorsed it.“There is absolutely no reason not to return these resources to the people we serve. This is completely sustainable,” said Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican who was frustrated by criticism the bill tilted in favor of the wealthy. “To every tax cut you make, if you’re talking about dollar value, the rich always get more because they buy more food, they own more property, they make more money.”He said conflict over the business of tax reform, including a pair of tax bill vetoes last year by Kelly, undermined the 2023 Legislature’s quest to deliver for Kansans. That zero-sum game could be repeated in the 2024 session without substantive compromise, he said.“We’re saying because we want to have this warfare, we shouldn’t give benefit to anybody,” Masterson said. “All those arguments do — it promotes discontent, class warfare, yours is better than mine. It’s unhealthy.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705582496671.png" alt=" Senate President Ty Masterson, right, urged Republicans to rally behind a three-year, $1.6 billion tax bill creating a single-rate 5.25% state tax on income and changing sales and property tax policy. Senate GOP members passed the bill without support of Democrats. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Senate President Ty Masterson, right, urged Republicans to rally behind a three-year, $1.6 billion tax bill creating a single-rate 5.25% state tax on income and changing sales and property tax policy. Senate GOP members passed the bill without support of Democrats. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The dissenters</h2>On Monday, Kelly offered a bipartisan plan devoting about $1 billion to state tax cuts. Some pieces were included in the GOP plan that emerged Tuesday from negotiations between House and Senate members. Interest in rewriting tax policy came from projections of a $2.8 billion surplus in the state treasury and $1.7 billion in a separate rainy-day fund by June 2024, assuming no unexpected increases in expenditures or reductions in revenue.Sen. Rob Olson, an Olathe Republican who endorsed Kelly’s tax proposal, praised elements of the Republican bill. He voted against it because the legislation didn’t concentrate tax relief on people with modest incomes who struggled with sales, property and income tax obligations along with inflation.“This tax cut that is before us is heavily slated for the people making $80,000 or more. They’re going to receive the bulk of that money,” said Olson, who said some of his peers were afraid to fight for an alternative due to concern about blowback from Masterson and right-wing special interest groups. “They’re afraid to lose what I’ve lost. I believe I’m fighting for the people in my district — not the people in the hall, not the people in Wichita, not the people across the street.”Olson drew the ire of Masterson during the 2023 session by refusing to help Republicans override Kelly’s veto of what Olson considered an unfair bill headlined by the flat-rate income tax. In response, Masterson sacked Olson from his position as utilities committee chairman.Independent Sen. Dennis Pyle, of Hiawatha, said some lawmakers were being led on tax policy by GOP leaders like lambs to slaughter.Pyle, who also endorsed Kelly’s tax alternative, said nuggets of popular tax policy woven into the GOP leadership’s bill could be rescinded whenever the economy faltered or state revenue plummeted. That’s what transpired after GOP Gov. Sam Brownback signed an aggressive income tax cut in 2012, which included a big increase in the standard deduction to state income taxes. In less than one year, Pyle said, the crash in state revenue led Republicans to repeal part of the deduction.“Whatever you do today, we all know, can be taken back. I’ve seen it happen. I’ve seen them reverse their policy promises in this building,” Pyle said.Sen. Jeff Pittman, a Leavenworth Democrat, said if the state ran “into hard times, you bet your bottom dollar we are not increasing that tax rate.”Instead, Pittman said, the Legislature would abandon tax relief that was beneficial to lower-income families.“That’s where the burden’s going to hit,” he said. “It’s a natural way to hide a tax on the working families.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705582465772.png" alt=" Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, urged colleagues “not let perfect be the enemy of good” during debate Wednesday on the $1.6 billion tax package. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican, urged colleagues “not let perfect be the enemy of good” during debate Wednesday on the $1.6 billion tax package. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>The GOP’s deal</h2>Sen. Caryn Tyson, a Parker Republican and chair of the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, said it would be foolish for the Legislature to derail a 100% income tax exemption on Social Security benefits, passage of a zero state sales tax on groceries and indexing for inflation of the state’s standard deduction and personal exemption on income taxes.“I’m sorry, but, my colleagues, you are not sheep. Do not let perfect be the enemy of good,” she said.Under the bill headed to the House, income taxes for the wealthiest Kansans would be slashed while offering minimal relief to lower wage earners. Democrats said the flat tax provision alone would deplete revenues by more than $700 million over three years. In total, the bundle of proposed tax cuts would carry a $1.589 billion price tag in a three-year period.Other provisions in the Senate-passed bundle were in the Democratic governor’s plan, including a reduction in property taxes that supported public school funding, an income tax exemption on Social Security income and an increase in standard deductions on tax returns.Banks and other financial institutions would get a tax cut after being excluded from a corporate tax reduction that was part of recent Kansas economic development deals on projects in De Soto and Wichita.“There are a lot of components I really like, but I will say the flat tax is a nonstarter,” said Democratic Sen. Cindy Holscher of Overland Park. “My district would greatly benefit from the flat tax. But my district is not asking for this. My district supports the governor’s bipartisan tax plan. My district wants revenue sustainability and investments in our schools and roads.”Sen. Marci Francisco, a Lawrence Democrat, said she felt uneasy about the GOP strategy of relying on procedure to fast track the legislation in a manner that sidestepped the typical committee process and opportunities for regular Kansans to comment. A panel of three senators and three representatives — four Republicans and two Democrats — hammered out contents of the bill Tuesday before delivering it to the Senate.“We have seen this legislation,” said Tyson, the Senate tax chairwoman. “It is past time with $3 billion to $4 billion in the coffers. It is time to give the money back to taxpayers.”Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, complained about the “rushed process” that also forbid senators from offering amendments to the negotiated deal. Sykes said the top 20% of wage earners would get 70% of the tax cuts. She said it would be beneficial to the process that the Senate fell short of a two-thirds margin, or 27 votes, needed to override a veto by the governor.“Then we can have honest conversations about property tax relief, or helping our working families in Kansas, because this is going to benefit the rich,” Sykes said.

Kansas Senate votes to send $1.6 billion, 3-year tax overhaul legislation to House

KANSAS CITY —A jury convicted a Kansas man&nbsp;in connection with the fatal shooting of Daniel L. Washington near the area of 40th and Agnes that occurred in April of 2020, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Ivan D. Mock, 36, was convicted of Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;

According to court records, Washington was found by responding Kansas City Police Department officers near 39th and Main. He had been fatally shot in the passenger seat of a vehicle. 

Witnesses told police that the shooting had occurred near 40th and Agnes, but the car was driven to 39th and Main. They found a police patrol wagon parked in front of the CVS there and sought help for the victim. Witnesses identified Mock as the person who shot the victim, Daniel L. Washington. Mock will be sentenced on March 19.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705251290620.png" alt="Mock-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Mock-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A jury convicted a Kansas man&nbsp;in connection with the fatal shooting of Daniel L. Washington near the area of 40th and Agnes that occurred in April of 2020, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Ivan D. Mock, 36, was convicted of Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action.&nbsp;According to court records, Washington was found by responding Kansas City Police Department officers near 39th and Main. He had been fatally shot in the passenger seat of a vehicle. Witnesses told police that the shooting had occurred near 40th and Agnes, but the car was driven to 39th and Main. They found a police patrol wagon parked in front of the CVS there and sought help for the victim. Witnesses identified Mock as the person who shot the victim, Daniel L. Washington. Mock will be sentenced on March 19.

Jury: Kansas suspect moved victim from murder scene

PITTSFIELD, ILL. — The nearly 45,000-acre P5 Ranch – the largest contiguous ranch in the state of Kansas – has officially changed ownership.

Located in Hamilton and Kearny counties about 24 miles west of Garden City, the ranch was recently sold by Whitetail Properties Real Estate. Spanning 44,923 +/- acres, it is the company’s largest property sale by acreage to date.

Mitch Keeley and Adam Hann, the Whitetail Properties Land Specialists in western Kansas who handled the sale, said P5 Ranch is truly a one-of-a-kind property. “Usually when we sell a property, it’s either a farm, cattle operation or recreational land,” said Keeley. “We often represent properties that fit one of these categories, but what’s so unique about the P5 is it combines all three property types. It’s very hard to find something like this in Kansas.”

Consisting of over 40,000 acres of prime pastureland and more than 2,700 acres of pivot irrigated and dryland tillable ground, the P5 Ranch has the ability to support a capacity of 6,500 to 8,000 head of cattle. The 17 irrigation pivots on the ranch are used for growing alfalfa, triticale and corn to support the high capacity of livestock grazing the ranch.

In addition to its top-notch agriculture qualities, the P5 offers some of the best hunting in the state. With over 17 miles of Arkansas River frontage, it provides incredible whitetail, mule deer and elk hunting along the river and throughout the sandhills. High populations of upland birds inhabit the ranch, and a 36-acre lake provides excellent waterfowl opportunities as well.

To top it off, the ranch is complete with a large log cabin which has provided housing for hunters on the ranch over the years. There are also four ranch houses for ranch employees.

Hann said it is also very rare to find a ranch of this size in such high-quality condition. “The P5 has been exceptionally well-maintained over the years with excellent fencing, new irrigation pivots and as clean of a ranch as you’ll find anywhere in the Midwest,” he said.

The selling price is not being disclosed, although it is described by Whitetail Properties as “top of the market” for a ranch of this magnitude. The former owners’ decision to sell was

based on not wanting to burden the next generation of ownership with the future responsibility of selling or handing off the ranch.

The two Kansas land specialists said another unique aspect of the transaction is that, unlike most of their sales, an extensive marketing campaign was not undertaken. “Given the magnitude of the ranch, we knew the number of potential buyers would be very limited,” said Keeley. “We realized that instead of widely advertising, we had to go out and find a buyer whose criteria fit the operation. And that’s exactly what we were able to do.”

That strategy proved successful, as the ranch was sold in just two months. The buyer determined that the ranch would be a good fit for his large cattle operation and that the purchase price would provide a rate of return that made sense for the investment.

“We took the buyer to the ranch multiple times to meet with the owners and felt everyone formed a great relationship from day one,” said Hann. “In most deals, the seller never meets the buyer. Upon closing of the P5, we were confident all parties walked away with a sense of satisfaction, and new relationships were formed that will carry on for many years.”

SubmittedPITTSFIELD, ILL. — The nearly 45,000-acre P5 Ranch – the largest contiguous ranch in the state of Kansas – has officially changed ownership.Located in Hamilton and Kearny counties about 24 miles west of Garden City, the ranch was recently sold by Whitetail Properties Real Estate. Spanning 44,923 +/- acres, it is the company’s largest property sale by acreage to date.Mitch Keeley and Adam Hann, the Whitetail Properties Land Specialists in western Kansas who handled the sale, said P5 Ranch is truly a one-of-a-kind property. “Usually when we sell a property, it’s either a farm, cattle operation or recreational land,” said Keeley. “We often represent properties that fit one of these categories, but what’s so unique about the P5 is it combines all three property types. It’s very hard to find something like this in Kansas.”Consisting of over 40,000 acres of prime pastureland and more than 2,700 acres of pivot irrigated and dryland tillable ground, the P5 Ranch has the ability to support a capacity of 6,500 to 8,000 head of cattle. The 17 irrigation pivots on the ranch are used for growing alfalfa, triticale and corn to support the high capacity of livestock grazing the ranch.In addition to its top-notch agriculture qualities, the P5 offers some of the best hunting in the state. With over 17 miles of Arkansas River frontage, it provides incredible whitetail, mule deer and elk hunting along the river and throughout the sandhills. High populations of upland birds inhabit the ranch, and a 36-acre lake provides excellent waterfowl opportunities as well.To top it off, the ranch is complete with a large log cabin which has provided housing for hunters on the ranch over the years. There are also four ranch houses for ranch employees.Hann said it is also very rare to find a ranch of this size in such high-quality condition. “The P5 has been exceptionally well-maintained over the years with excellent fencing, new irrigation pivots and as clean of a ranch as you’ll find anywhere in the Midwest,” he said.The selling price is not being disclosed, although it is described by Whitetail Properties as “top of the market” for a ranch of this magnitude. The former owners’ decision to sell wasbased on not wanting to burden the next generation of ownership with the future responsibility of selling or handing off the ranch.Sold in Just Two MonthsThe two Kansas land specialists said another unique aspect of the transaction is that, unlike most of their sales, an extensive marketing campaign was not undertaken. “Given the magnitude of the ranch, we knew the number of potential buyers would be very limited,” said Keeley. “We realized that instead of widely advertising, we had to go out and find a buyer whose criteria fit the operation. And that’s exactly what we were able to do.”That strategy proved successful, as the ranch was sold in just two months. The buyer determined that the ranch would be a good fit for his large cattle operation and that the purchase price would provide a rate of return that made sense for the investment.“We took the buyer to the ranch multiple times to meet with the owners and felt everyone formed a great relationship from day one,” said Hann. “In most deals, the seller never meets the buyer. Upon closing of the P5, we were confident all parties walked away with a sense of satisfaction, and new relationships were formed that will carry on for many years.”

SOLD! Largest contiguous ranch in Kansas changes hands

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Citing God’s guidance, the Kansas Republican Party has declared itself against same-sex marriage in an early unreleased version of its proposed 2024 platform.

“God created man and woman,” the proposed platform reads. “Therefore, as defined by the Kansas Constitution, the benefits and privileges of marriage exist only between one man and one woman. … Most of our societal ills are the result of godlessness and the resultant broken family structure. Government cannot replace God or the traditional family.”&nbsp;

The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for same-sex unions in its 2015 Obergefell v Hodges decision.&nbsp;

The proposed platform, which condemns abortion and gun control measures, among others, will be up for consideration and debate&nbsp;on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 at the Kansas GOP Convention. Mike Brown, the Kansas Republican Party chairman, did not respond to Kansas Reflector inquiries about the platform.

Opposition to same-sex marriage is warranted because “children’s future is best preserved within the traditional understanding of marriage,” according to the platform, which also calls for a federal constitutional amendment limiting marriage to being between a man and a woman.

The platform also specifies that legislatures and judges should not pass other arrangements equivalent to marriage for non-traditional families.&nbsp;

Legislators in Topeka gave the proposed platform a mixed reception.

Rep. Bill Clifford, R-Garden City, said he didn’t oppose “people who love each other uniting for life.”&nbsp;

Rep. Adam Thomas, R-Olathe, wouldn’t say whether he supported same-sex marriage.

“I don’t think my personal feelings towards the matter matter, because the Supreme Court’s decided already,” Thomas said. “If it’s the law of the land, we can continue to say there are certain things based off our belief structure that we may not agree with. And I think that’s acceptable and okay to be in a platform. But I do think the Supreme Court has made the decision on that.”

When asked for his thoughts on the idea that societal problems can be traced to a lack of religion, Thomas said family life and children’s upbringing were important factors.&nbsp;

“As a person of faith, we’ve kicked God out of schools, the church has been sort of marginalized in the way they’re treated,” Thomas said. “A lot of the problems I feel like in this country can be traced back to home, two parents in the household and just being there for our kids. A lot of this country’s problems start at home, but to continue to remove God from the equation can obviously do more damage than good.”&nbsp;

Rep. Mark Schreiber, R-Emporia, said there were a variety of beliefs in the Kansas Republican Party, but he personally had no problem with same-sex marriage.&nbsp;

“It’s a committee of people that create that platform, and they put in there what they believe is what they want to see in their party,” Schreiber said. “But from my perspective on gay marriage, I don’t have any difficulty with that or think it shouldn’t occur. … Just like within any party, there’s a wide spectrum of strong beliefs.”

Schreiber said he was more focused on tax policy as a legislative priority and said he was not sure how much the platform influences legislation.&nbsp;

“I don’t think it’ll play a lot,” Schreiber said. “In the past, I haven’t heard people come to the floor and committee, say, ‘Well, this is on the platform and this is why we have to pass this bill or not pass it.’ I don’t know that it plays a strong role in legislation.”&nbsp;

Rep. Vic Miller, D-Topeka, said the state Republican platform’s opposition to same-sex marriage would not be popular.&nbsp;

“We’ve evolved as a society that gay marriage is readily accepted now,” Miller said. “And I’ve lived through the change to make that conclusion. I think the vast majority of people have no issue with that. Whereas once upon a time, I think that might have been different. … I think it’s unfortunate that they would stir it up as an issue, to make an issue out of it when I don’t think it should be.”

Miller said he considered himself a religious person, “but I don’t have any problem separating my religious views from my legislative views because I just always had a basic understanding that we need to respect all people’s religion, and not have the government impose the arm of government on religion, and that goes both ways.”

The proposed platform also supports parental rights, stating that parents have the right to direct their children’s education and health care according to their moral values and religion, without government influence.&nbsp;

Another section states that Kansas children should not be taught Social Emotional Learning; Critical Race Theory; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or variants of these topics at school, because these subjects create “divisiveness within our society.”&nbsp;&nbsp;These teaching practices are widely accepted and proponents of diversity, equity and inclusion training say the practice is just a way to make all students feel safe and welcomed in their learning environment.

Instead, the platform states, classrooms should focus on reading, writing and arithmetic along with studies of the U.S. Constitution, the Kansas Constitution and history from the Founding Fathers’ documents. Teachers that have been trained and certified should be allowed to carry guns in schools to defend students, the platform states.&nbsp;

Other positions include opposition to assisted suicide, euthanasia and abortion. Alternatives to abortion such as abstinence-only education in schools and assistance for pregnant women need to be supported, the platform states.&nbsp;

Another section says the state needs to enforce limits on abortion, as well as criminal and civil redress for issues such as “the illegal sale of baby parts.”&nbsp;

“Abortion is not healthcare; every abortion kills an innocent child,” it reads.&nbsp;

The platform also opposes gender reassignment surgery and gender-affirming care as “dangerous, unproven and contrary to our God-given natural law.” Gender-affirming care is widely supported by health care organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, which have said banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors is damaging and not rooted in science.&nbsp;

Policymakers should focus on the creation of health savings accounts rather than Medicaid expansion, as “Medicaid should be available only to our most needy,” the platform reads.&nbsp;

Miller said Republicans, over the last decade or so, have avoided issues such as cannabis legalization and tax relief.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“In order to avoid addressing those real issues, they create ones to distract people,” Miller said. “If you walk down the street and ask people what’s on their mind, nobody would come up with these issues until they stir it up. So it’s issue creation more than it is addressing issues that are really affecting everyday people.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705528797673.png" alt="photo AP" />
 <figcaption>photo AP</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Citing God’s guidance, the Kansas Republican Party has declared itself against same-sex marriage in an early unreleased version of its proposed 2024 platform.“God created man and woman,” the proposed platform reads. “Therefore, as defined by the Kansas Constitution, the benefits and privileges of marriage exist only between one man and one woman. … Most of our societal ills are the result of godlessness and the resultant broken family structure. Government cannot replace God or the traditional family.”&nbsp;The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for same-sex unions in its 2015 Obergefell v Hodges decision.&nbsp;The proposed platform, which condemns abortion and gun control measures, among others, will be up for consideration and debate&nbsp;on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 at the Kansas GOP Convention. Mike Brown, the Kansas Republican Party chairman, did not respond to Kansas Reflector inquiries about the platform.Opposition to same-sex marriage is warranted because “children’s future is best preserved within the traditional understanding of marriage,” according to the platform, which also calls for a federal constitutional amendment limiting marriage to being between a man and a woman.The platform also specifies that legislatures and judges should not pass other arrangements equivalent to marriage for non-traditional families.&nbsp;Legislators in Topeka gave the proposed platform a mixed reception.Rep. Bill Clifford, R-Garden City, said he didn’t oppose “people who love each other uniting for life.”&nbsp;Rep. Adam Thomas, R-Olathe, wouldn’t say whether he supported same-sex marriage.“I don’t think my personal feelings towards the matter matter, because the Supreme Court’s decided already,” Thomas said. “If it’s the law of the land, we can continue to say there are certain things based off our belief structure that we may not agree with. And I think that’s acceptable and okay to be in a platform. But I do think the Supreme Court has made the decision on that.”When asked for his thoughts on the idea that societal problems can be traced to a lack of religion, Thomas said family life and children’s upbringing were important factors.&nbsp;“As a person of faith, we’ve kicked God out of schools, the church has been sort of marginalized in the way they’re treated,” Thomas said. “A lot of the problems I feel like in this country can be traced back to home, two parents in the household and just being there for our kids. A lot of this country’s problems start at home, but to continue to remove God from the equation can obviously do more damage than good.”&nbsp;Rep. Mark Schreiber, R-Emporia, said there were a variety of beliefs in the Kansas Republican Party, but he personally had no problem with same-sex marriage.&nbsp;“It’s a committee of people that create that platform, and they put in there what they believe is what they want to see in their party,” Schreiber said. “But from my perspective on gay marriage, I don’t have any difficulty with that or think it shouldn’t occur. … Just like within any party, there’s a wide spectrum of strong beliefs.”Schreiber said he was more focused on tax policy as a legislative priority and said he was not sure how much the platform influences legislation.&nbsp;“I don’t think it’ll play a lot,” Schreiber said. “In the past, I haven’t heard people come to the floor and committee, say, ‘Well, this is on the platform and this is why we have to pass this bill or not pass it.’ I don’t know that it plays a strong role in legislation.”&nbsp;Rep. Vic Miller, D-Topeka, said the state Republican platform’s opposition to same-sex marriage would not be popular.&nbsp;“We’ve evolved as a society that gay marriage is readily accepted now,” Miller said. “And I’ve lived through the change to make that conclusion. I think the vast majority of people have no issue with that. Whereas once upon a time, I think that might have been different. … I think it’s unfortunate that they would stir it up as an issue, to make an issue out of it when I don’t think it should be.”Miller said he considered himself a religious person, “but I don’t have any problem separating my religious views from my legislative views because I just always had a basic understanding that we need to respect all people’s religion, and not have the government impose the arm of government on religion, and that goes both ways.”<h2>Other issues&nbsp;</h2>The proposed platform also supports parental rights, stating that parents have the right to direct their children’s education and health care according to their moral values and religion, without government influence.&nbsp;Another section states that Kansas children should not be taught Social Emotional Learning; Critical Race Theory; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or variants of these topics at school, because these subjects create “divisiveness within our society.”&nbsp;&nbsp;These teaching practices are widely accepted and proponents of diversity, equity and inclusion training say the practice is just a way to make all students feel safe and welcomed in their learning environment.Instead, the platform states, classrooms should focus on reading, writing and arithmetic along with studies of the U.S. Constitution, the Kansas Constitution and history from the Founding Fathers’ documents. Teachers that have been trained and certified should be allowed to carry guns in schools to defend students, the platform states.&nbsp;Other positions include opposition to assisted suicide, euthanasia and abortion. Alternatives to abortion such as abstinence-only education in schools and assistance for pregnant women need to be supported, the platform states.&nbsp;Another section says the state needs to enforce limits on abortion, as well as criminal and civil redress for issues such as “the illegal sale of baby parts.”&nbsp;“Abortion is not healthcare; every abortion kills an innocent child,” it reads.&nbsp;The platform also opposes gender reassignment surgery and gender-affirming care as “dangerous, unproven and contrary to our God-given natural law.” Gender-affirming care is widely supported by health care organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, which have said banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors is damaging and not rooted in science.&nbsp;Policymakers should focus on the creation of health savings accounts rather than Medicaid expansion, as “Medicaid should be available only to our most needy,” the platform reads.&nbsp;Miller said Republicans, over the last decade or so, have avoided issues such as cannabis legalization and tax relief.&nbsp;&nbsp;“In order to avoid addressing those real issues, they create ones to distract people,” Miller said. “If you walk down the street and ask people what’s on their mind, nobody would come up with these issues until they stir it up. So it’s issue creation more than it is addressing issues that are really affecting everyday people.”&nbsp;

Kansas GOP’s proposed platform condemns same-sex marriage, abortion, gun control

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A teen accused in a deadly shooting has been moved from a jail in Oklahoma to Kansas

Just after noon Tuesday, deputies booked 19-year-old James Sawyer into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp;murder and aggravated robbery, according to online jail records. He was being held on a $75,000 bond. He was expected to make a first court appearance Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Around 2:00 a.m. Dec. 6, the Blackwell, Oklahoma Police Department contacted Sedgwick County Dispatch, reporting a shooting investigation involving two individuals who had entered a Blackwell hospital, with one of them sustaining a gunshot wound, according to Officer Andrew Ford.

Following discussions with the subjects, Blackwell Police shared information with Sedgwick County Dispatch. Consequently, the Wichita Police Department was alerted to respond to the Hydraulic and MacArthur area based on information suggesting that the shooting victim, 34-year-old Daniel McPherson, would be found there.

Upon arrival, officers discovered McPherson with a gunshot wound to his head. He&nbsp;was pronounced dead at the scene. Homicide investigators were dispatched to conduct the investigation and later traveled to Blackwell, Oklahoma where the two suspects 18-year-old Phillip Walls of Derby and Sawyer were in custody.&nbsp; 

On December 13, Walls was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. Two days later he was charged with 1st degree murder and two counts of attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705504542151.png" alt="Sawyer-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Sawyer-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A teen accused in a deadly shooting has been moved from a jail in Oklahoma to KansasJust after noon Tuesday, deputies booked 19-year-old James Sawyer into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of&nbsp;murder and aggravated robbery, according to online jail records. He was being held on a $75,000 bond. He was expected to make a first court appearance Wednesday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Around 2:00 a.m. Dec. 6, the Blackwell, Oklahoma Police Department contacted Sedgwick County Dispatch, reporting a shooting investigation involving two individuals who had entered a Blackwell hospital, with one of them sustaining a gunshot wound, according to Officer Andrew Ford.Following discussions with the subjects, Blackwell Police shared information with Sedgwick County Dispatch. Consequently, the Wichita Police Department was alerted to respond to the Hydraulic and MacArthur area based on information suggesting that the shooting victim, 34-year-old Daniel McPherson, would be found there.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1702588818825.png" alt="Walls-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Walls-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon arrival, officers discovered McPherson with a gunshot wound to his head. He&nbsp;was pronounced dead at the scene. Homicide investigators were dispatched to conduct the investigation and later traveled to Blackwell, Oklahoma where the two suspects 18-year-old Phillip Walls of Derby and Sawyer were in custody.&nbsp; On December 13, Walls was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail. Two days later he was charged with 1st degree murder and two counts of attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Homicide: Teen captured in Oklahoma is moved to Kansas jail

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration Wednesday announced plans to redesignate Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen as specially designated global terrorists, according to two people familiar with the White House decision and a U.S. official.

The move comes as the Houthis have launched dozens of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The group says it has attacked the ships in response to Israel's military operations in Gaza in the aftermath of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

&nbsp;According to a statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan:

"These attacks fit the textbook definition of terrorism.&nbsp; They have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized global trade, and threatened freedom of navigation."

"The United States and the international community have been united in our response and in condemning these attacks in the strongest terms."

"Today, in response to these continuing threats and attacks, the United States announced the designation of Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. "

"This designation is an important tool to impede terrorist funding to the Houthis, further restrict their access to financial markets, and hold them accountable for their actions.&nbsp; If the Houthis cease their attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the United States will immediately reevaluate this designation."

"The designation will take effect 30 days from now, to allow us to ensure robust humanitarian carve outs are in place so our action targets the Houthis and not the people of Yemen. We are rolling out unprecedented carve outs and licenses to help prevent adverse impacts on the Yemeni people."

"The people of Yemen should not pay the price for the actions of the Houthis.&nbsp;&nbsp; We are sending a clear message: commercial shipments into Yemeni ports on which the Yemeni people rely for food, medicine and fuel should continue and are not covered by our sanctions."

"This is in addition to the carveouts we include in all sanctions programs for food, medicine, and humanitarian assistance.As President Biden has said, the United States will not hesitate to take further actions to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce."

“This designation would add another level of uncertainty and threat for Yemenis still caught in one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises,” said Scott Paul, an associate director of Oxfam America. “The Biden administration is playing with fire and we call on them to avoid this designation immediately and prioritize the lives of Yemenis now.”

The specially designated global terrorists label to be reimposed on the Houthis does not include sanctions for providing “material support” and it does not come with travel bans that are also imposed with the foreign terrorist organization label, steps intended to help prevent the U.S. move from harming ordinary Yemenis.

Meanwhile, a senior White House official said Tuesday that addressing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-us-ship-attacks-bombing-red-sea-iran-cc06d9186a00d1f22bea6b9c14dda12a">ongoing threat by Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;on commercial vessels in the Red Sea is an “all hands on deck” problem that the U.S. and allies must address together to minimize impact on the global economy.

“How long this goes on and how bad it gets comes down not just to the decisions of the countries in the coalition that took strikes last week,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said during an appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The Iran-backed Houthi group has launched dozens of attacks since November on vessels in the Red Sea, a vital corridor for the world’s shipping traffic, in what they say is an effort to support Palestinians in the war with Israel. U.S. and British forces have responded by carrying out dozens of air and sea strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen since Friday. The attacks by the Houthis have continued.

Linda Thomas Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said last week that 2,000 ships since November have been forced to divert thousands of miles to avoid the Red Sea. Houthi militants have threatened or taken hostage mariners from more than 20 countries.

The Red Sea attacks have already caused significant disruptions to global trade. Oil prices have edged higher in recent days, though Brent crude futures were down slightly in early trading Tuesday.

The U.S. launched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-missiles-iran-seizure-us-8112fbadd3b0689c71a92890895a9368">a new strike</a>&nbsp;against the Houthis on Tuesday, hitting anti-ship missiles in the third&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-us-ship-attacks-bombing-red-sea-iran-cc06d9186a00d1f22bea6b9c14dda12a">assault on the Iranian-backed group</a>&nbsp;in recent days. The strike came as the Iranian-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile attack against the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Zografia in the Red Sea. No one was injured.

Sullivan said it was critical that countries with influence on Tehran and other Middle East capitals make it clear “that the entire world rejects wholesale the idea that a group like the Houthis can basically hijack the world.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden's</a>&nbsp;senior adviser acknowledged that the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea as well as groups allied to Iran carrying out attacks in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen pose concerns that the Israel-Hamas war could escalate even as Israeli officials have indicated a shift in intensity in their military campaign.

“We have to guard against and be vigilant against the possibility that in fact, rather than heading towards de-escalation, we are on a path of escalation that we have to manage,” Sullivan said.

The comments from Sullivan came after Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said during an appearance at the Davos forum that the situation in the Middle East is a “recipe for escalation everywhere.” He said Qatar believes that ending the conflict in Gaza will stop the Houthis and militant groups from launching attacks elsewhere in the region.

Sullivan on Tuesday met with Al Thani as well as Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Iraqi Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, according to the White House.

Iran fired missiles late Monday at what it said were Israeli “spy headquarters” in an upscale neighborhood near the sprawling U.S. Consulate compound in Irbil, the seat of Iraq’s northern semi-autonomous Kurdish region, and at targets linked to the extremist Islamic State group in northern&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/alerts/TurkeySyriaEarthquake">Syria</a>.

Iraq on Tuesday called the attacks, which killed several civilians, a “blatant violation” of Iraq’s sovereignty and recalled its ambassador from Tehran.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration Wednesday announced plans to redesignate Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen as specially designated global terrorists, according to two people familiar with the White House decision and a U.S. official.The move comes as the Houthis have launched dozens of attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The group says it has attacked the ships in response to Israel's military operations in Gaza in the aftermath of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel.&nbsp;According to a statement from National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan:"These attacks fit the textbook definition of terrorism.&nbsp; They have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized global trade, and threatened freedom of navigation."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Terrorist Designation of the Houthis <a href="https://t.co/LdF3SrVKga">https://t.co/LdF3SrVKga</a> <a href="https://t.co/5aFTUDvytH">pic.twitter.com/5aFTUDvytH</a>&mdash; U.S. Embassy to Yemen السفارة الأمريكية لدى اليمن (@USEmbassyYemen) <a href="https://twitter.com/USEmbassyYemen/status/1747653176088576196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"The United States and the international community have been united in our response and in condemning these attacks in the strongest terms.""Today, in response to these continuing threats and attacks, the United States announced the designation of Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. ""This designation is an important tool to impede terrorist funding to the Houthis, further restrict their access to financial markets, and hold them accountable for their actions.&nbsp; If the Houthis cease their attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the United States will immediately reevaluate this designation.""The designation will take effect 30 days from now, to allow us to ensure robust humanitarian carve outs are in place so our action targets the Houthis and not the people of Yemen. We are rolling out unprecedented carve outs and licenses to help prevent adverse impacts on the Yemeni people.""The people of Yemen should not pay the price for the actions of the Houthis.&nbsp;&nbsp; We are sending a clear message: commercial shipments into Yemeni ports on which the Yemeni people rely for food, medicine and fuel should continue and are not covered by our sanctions.""This is in addition to the carveouts we include in all sanctions programs for food, medicine, and humanitarian assistance.As President Biden has said, the United States will not hesitate to take further actions to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce."“This designation would add another level of uncertainty and threat for Yemenis still caught in one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises,” said Scott Paul, an associate director of Oxfam America. “The Biden administration is playing with fire and we call on them to avoid this designation immediately and prioritize the lives of Yemenis now.”The specially designated global terrorists label to be reimposed on the Houthis does not include sanctions for providing “material support” and it does not come with travel bans that are also imposed with the foreign terrorist organization label, steps intended to help prevent the U.S. move from harming ordinary Yemenis.Meanwhile, a senior White House official said Tuesday that addressing the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-us-ship-attacks-bombing-red-sea-iran-cc06d9186a00d1f22bea6b9c14dda12a">ongoing threat by Yemen’s Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;on commercial vessels in the Red Sea is an “all hands on deck” problem that the U.S. and allies must address together to minimize impact on the global economy.“How long this goes on and how bad it gets comes down not just to the decisions of the countries in the coalition that took strikes last week,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said during an appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.The Iran-backed Houthi group has launched dozens of attacks since November on vessels in the Red Sea, a vital corridor for the world’s shipping traffic, in what they say is an effort to support Palestinians in the war with Israel. U.S. and British forces have responded by carrying out dozens of air and sea strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen since Friday. The attacks by the Houthis have continued.Linda Thomas Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said last week that 2,000 ships since November have been forced to divert thousands of miles to avoid the Red Sea. Houthi militants have threatened or taken hostage mariners from more than 20 countries.The Red Sea attacks have already caused significant disruptions to global trade. Oil prices have edged higher in recent days, though Brent crude futures were down slightly in early trading Tuesday.The U.S. launched&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-missiles-iran-seizure-us-8112fbadd3b0689c71a92890895a9368">a new strike</a>&nbsp;against the Houthis on Tuesday, hitting anti-ship missiles in the third&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-us-ship-attacks-bombing-red-sea-iran-cc06d9186a00d1f22bea6b9c14dda12a">assault on the Iranian-backed group</a>&nbsp;in recent days. The strike came as the Iranian-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile attack against the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Zografia in the Red Sea. No one was injured.Sullivan said it was critical that countries with influence on Tehran and other Middle East capitals make it clear “that the entire world rejects wholesale the idea that a group like the Houthis can basically hijack the world.”<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">President Joe Biden's</a>&nbsp;senior adviser acknowledged that the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea as well as groups allied to Iran carrying out attacks in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen pose concerns that the Israel-Hamas war could escalate even as Israeli officials have indicated a shift in intensity in their military campaign.“We have to guard against and be vigilant against the possibility that in fact, rather than heading towards de-escalation, we are on a path of escalation that we have to manage,” Sullivan said.The comments from Sullivan came after Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said during an appearance at the Davos forum that the situation in the Middle East is a “recipe for escalation everywhere.” He said Qatar believes that ending the conflict in Gaza will stop the Houthis and militant groups from launching attacks elsewhere in the region.Sullivan on Tuesday met with Al Thani as well as Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Iraqi Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, according to the White House.Iran fired missiles late Monday at what it said were Israeli “spy headquarters” in an upscale neighborhood near the sprawling U.S. Consulate compound in Irbil, the seat of Iraq’s northern semi-autonomous Kurdish region, and at targets linked to the extremist Islamic State group in northern&nbsp;<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/alerts/TurkeySyriaEarthquake">Syria</a>.Iraq on Tuesday called the attacks, which killed several civilians, a “blatant violation” of Iraq’s sovereignty and recalled its ambassador from Tehran.-The Associated Press contributed to this report

 US relists Iranian-rebel group as terrorists in response to Red Sea attacks

WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairmen of the top tax policy committees in Congress announced a bipartisan agreement Tuesday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/child-tax-credits-program-ends-5ded3907c72ee0c3ad8a067a29d6b2c0">enhance the child tax credit</a>&nbsp;and revive a variety of tax breaks for businesses, a combination designed to attract support from lawmakers of both political parties.

The roughly $78 billion in tax cuts would be paid for by more quickly ending a tax break Congress approved during the COVID-19 pandemic that encouraged businesses to keep employees on their payroll.

The agreement was announced by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ron-wyden">Sen. Ron Wyden</a>, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jason-smith">Rep. Jason Smith</a>, the Republican chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. The lawmakers have been negotiating for months on a tax package that would address an array of priorities before lawmakers turn their focus to election season.

Wyden said his goal is to gain approval of the measure in time for businesses and families to benefit during the upcoming filing season. The Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting and processing tax returns on Jan. 29, so lawmakers are looking to move the bill as quickly as possible.

Meeting that goal may prove difficult as lawmakers are already racing to finish their spending bills and are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-border-security-joe-biden-55da358910d67622c7f4289666979f63">considering a bill</a>&nbsp;focused on both aiding Israel, and Ukraine and stemming the flow of migrants entering the country at the U.S.-Mexico border. One option would be for leaders in the House and Senate to attach the measure to one of those top-priority bills.

In forging the agreement, Democratic negotiators were focused on boosting the child tax credit. The tax credit is $2,000 per child, but only $1,600 is refundable, which makes it available to parents who owe little to nothing in federal income taxes. The bill would incrementally increase the maximum refundable child tax credit to $1,800 for 2023 tax returns, $1,900 for the following year and $2,000 for 2025 tax returns.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal think tank and advocacy group, projected that about 16 million children in low-income families would benefit from the child tax credit expansion.

“Given today’s miserable political climate, it’s a big deal to have this opportunity to pass pro-family policy that helps so many kids get ahead,” Wyden said in a statement announcing the deal.

Republicans were focused on tax breaks for businesses that they said would help grow the economy. The tax breaks in the bill would generally align their expiration date — the end of 2025 — with many of the other tax cuts that were approved in 2017.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641231882156.png" alt="File photo U.S. capitol -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>File photo U.S. capitol -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairmen of the top tax policy committees in Congress announced a bipartisan agreement Tuesday to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/child-tax-credits-program-ends-5ded3907c72ee0c3ad8a067a29d6b2c0">enhance the child tax credit</a>&nbsp;and revive a variety of tax breaks for businesses, a combination designed to attract support from lawmakers of both political parties.The roughly $78 billion in tax cuts would be paid for by more quickly ending a tax break Congress approved during the COVID-19 pandemic that encouraged businesses to keep employees on their payroll.The agreement was announced by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ron-wyden">Sen. Ron Wyden</a>, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jason-smith">Rep. Jason Smith</a>, the Republican chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. The lawmakers have been negotiating for months on a tax package that would address an array of priorities before lawmakers turn their focus to election season.Wyden said his goal is to gain approval of the measure in time for businesses and families to benefit during the upcoming filing season. The Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting and processing tax returns on Jan. 29, so lawmakers are looking to move the bill as quickly as possible.Meeting that goal may prove difficult as lawmakers are already racing to finish their spending bills and are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-ukraine-border-security-joe-biden-55da358910d67622c7f4289666979f63">considering a bill</a>&nbsp;focused on both aiding Israel, and Ukraine and stemming the flow of migrants entering the country at the U.S.-Mexico border. One option would be for leaders in the House and Senate to attach the measure to one of those top-priority bills.In forging the agreement, Democratic negotiators were focused on boosting the child tax credit. The tax credit is $2,000 per child, but only $1,600 is refundable, which makes it available to parents who owe little to nothing in federal income taxes. The bill would incrementally increase the maximum refundable child tax credit to $1,800 for 2023 tax returns, $1,900 for the following year and $2,000 for 2025 tax returns.The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal think tank and advocacy group, projected that about 16 million children in low-income families would benefit from the child tax credit expansion.“Given today’s miserable political climate, it’s a big deal to have this opportunity to pass pro-family policy that helps so many kids get ahead,” Wyden said in a statement announcing the deal.Republicans were focused on tax breaks for businesses that they said would help grow the economy. The tax breaks in the bill would generally align their expiration date — the end of 2025 — with many of the other tax cuts that were approved in 2017.Most notably, the bill would give companies of all sizes the ability to deduct research and development costs immediately rather than over the course of five years. It would also allow businesses to fully deduct the purchase of equipment, machinery and technology. And, the bill also provides more flexibility in determining how much borrowing can be deducted.Smith said the agreement “strengthens Main Street businesses, boosts our competitiveness with China, and creates jobs.”Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he supported the tax package and “that there are many things in it both sides can celebrate.” He praised the inclusion of an increased tax credit for the construction and rehabilitation of housing for low-income households, and he said he could not have supported the package without it.“The low-income housing tax credit is one of the most effective tools in existence to increase the supply of affordable housing," Schumer said. “This package will make this credit far more generous and far more easy to access.”Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was expected to meet with Smith on Tuesday to discuss the tax agreement.Some lawmakers have insisted that any tax extensions be paid for so as not to add to projected deficits. The authors of the agreement attempt to do that by speeding up the demise of the employee retention tax credit. Under current law, businesses had until April 15 of next year to claim the credit. The bill would bar additional claims after Jan. 31 of this year. It also would increase penalties for tax preparers failing to undertake due diligence in submitting those COVID-19-related claims.The tax credit was designed to make it easier for businesses to keep their employees on the payroll at a time when COVID-19 was keeping people at home and away from stores, hotels and restaurants. The IRS in September announced a moratorium in processing new claims through at least the end of the year, following concerns that a substantial share of new claims from the aging program were ineligible.