ELLIS COUNTY —A KHP K9 was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Friday in Ellis County.

According to Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Tod Hileman, troopers briefly shutdown Interstate 70 westbound between Walker and Hays to allow tow-trucks to remove a semi, involved in an earlier accident, from the median at the Walker bridge.

&nbsp;Traffic was routed to Old Highway 40 from Walker to Commerce Parkway in Hays and allowed back on Interstate 70.

During the shutdown, a westbound semi struck a State Trooper's vehicle with his K9 partner in the kennel.&nbsp; The trooper was outside the vehicle directing traffic and not injured.&nbsp; The K9 was rushed to a local veterinarian in Hays for treatment. Just before 6:30p.m., Hileman said&nbsp; "we are all hoping for the best."

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705102910212.png" alt="View of the accident scene -KanDrive" />
 <figcaption>View of the accident scene -KanDrive</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY —A KHP K9 was injured in an accident just before 3:30p.m. Friday in Ellis County.According to Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Tod Hileman, troopers briefly shutdown Interstate 70 westbound between Walker and Hays to allow tow-trucks to remove a semi, involved in an earlier accident, from the median at the Walker bridge.&nbsp;Traffic was routed to Old Highway 40 from Walker to Commerce Parkway in Hays and allowed back on Interstate 70.During the shutdown, a westbound semi struck a State Trooper's vehicle with his K9 partner in the kennel.&nbsp; The trooper was outside the vehicle directing traffic and not injured.&nbsp; The K9 was rushed to a local veterinarian in Hays for treatment. Just before 6:30p.m., Hileman said&nbsp; "we are all hoping for the best."Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

KHP K9 injured after semi strikes patrol vehicle on I-70

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a late December homicide have released the name of the victim as 59-year-old Tammie L. Hanson of Topeka.

Just before 6p.m. Jan. 2, police were dispatched to a welfare check in the 600 Block of SW 14th Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

Upon arrival, the Officers located Hanson who was found deceased. On Jan. 4, police reported they were&nbsp; investigating this death as a homicide and investigators believe the incident occurred sometime on December 28.

Police identified a suspect and arrested 22-year-old as Daniel V. Hesler of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges: 1st Degree Murder and robbery, according to online jail records. He is no longer in custody in connection with the crime.

On Jan. 5, police reported their investigation led to a second arrest. Officers located 28-year-old Jordan R. Reynolds Taylor, 28, of Topeka and arrested him on requested charges of 1st Degree Murder and Aggravated Robbery, according to police Lt. Edward Stanley.&nbsp; Reynolds has been listed as a registered sex offender in Kansas since 2015 following a conviction for&nbsp;Aggravated indecent liberties w a 15-year-old victim, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704547559509.png" alt="Reynolds-Taylor-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Reynolds-Taylor-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a late December homicide have released the name of the victim as 59-year-old Tammie L. Hanson of Topeka.Just before 6p.m. Jan. 2, police were dispatched to a welfare check in the 600 Block of SW 14th Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.Upon arrival, the Officers located Hanson who was found deceased. On Jan. 4, police reported they were&nbsp; investigating this death as a homicide and investigators believe the incident occurred sometime on December 28.Police identified a suspect and arrested 22-year-old as Daniel V. Hesler of Topeka and booked him into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges: 1st Degree Murder and robbery, according to online jail records. He is no longer in custody in connection with the crime.On Jan. 5, police reported their investigation led to a second arrest. Officers located 28-year-old Jordan R. Reynolds Taylor, 28, of Topeka and arrested him on requested charges of 1st Degree Murder and Aggravated Robbery, according to police Lt. Edward Stanley.&nbsp; Reynolds has been listed as a registered sex offender in Kansas since 2015 following a conviction for&nbsp;Aggravated indecent liberties w a 15-year-old victim, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Homicide: Police ID Kan. woman who died; sex offender in custody

Wichita, Lawrence and Atchison enforce ordinances tied to hair texture, grooming

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

TOPEKA — The founder of a Kansas City, Missouri, nonprofit dedicated to expanding the influence of Black women urged members of the Kansas Legislature to join Nebraska, Colorado and more than 20 other states by prohibiting discrimination based on ancestry linked to hairstyle and hair texture.

Michele Watley, who created Shirley’s Kitchen Cabinet, told members of a Kansas Senate committee the problem was illustrated last year when Girard public school district administrators&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-school-district-that-forced-native-american-boy-to-cut-hair-changes-dress-code-policy/">compelled an 8-year-old Native American boy</a>, who was a member of the Wyandotte Nation, to cut his long hair or face expulsion.

In 2021, she said, a Black student at Ottawa University was kicked off the cheerleading squad after a coach ordered her to remove a hair bonnet during a practice that was protecting her nearly 3-foot-long braids.

“These rules disproportionately affect Black Kansans … and create unnecessary barriers to growing our economy, providing access to employment and education,” Watley said. “This bill will go a long way in sending the message to talent in our neighboring competitive states that Kansas values a talented workforce and welcomes and encourages diversity.”

Under Senate Bill 36, the Kansas Act Against Discrimination would be amended to prohibit ancestral discrimination associated with hair texture and protective styling that involved hair braids, locs, twists or knots. The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee received oral or written testimony Thursday from 26 people endorsing the legislation. The committee didn’t debate or vote on the bill.

Supporters of the legislation said comparable Crown Act bills had passed in Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, Illinois, Tennessee, Alaska, New Mexico, Minnesota, Nevada, Virginia, Nebraska and Colorado. Legislation associated with the Crown Act, or Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, has been filed in 20 states. The U.S. House passed a bill in 2022, but it wasn’t taken up by the U.S. Senate.

Stacey Knoell, executive director of the Kansas African-Affairs Commission, said the legislation should be approved by the House and Senate and signed by Gov. Laura Kelly because the state should make clear that it was a welcoming place to people of diverse ancestry.

“What my hair looks like has no bearing on whether I can do my job,” Knoell said. “It’s purely a cosmetic decision.”

William Wilk, senior director of government affairs for the Kansas Chamber, said the organization supported current protections in law against discrimination based on race or ancestry. He said discrimination against hair styles was prohibited under current law, but recommended inclusion in the Kansas bill the protections for employers placed in Nebraska’s statute.

“We have strong concerns that SB36 would create unintended consequences as it relates to the impact on an an employers’ ability to enforce dress codes and ensure the safety of their employees as it relates to (federal) OSHA standards,” he said.

The Kansas Human Rights Commission would be responsible for receiving, investigating and attempting to resolve complaints about housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, genetic screening and testing, familial status and retaliation.

The commission also conducts a public education program to share information about discrimination law, said Ruth Glover, executive director of the Kansas Human Rights Commission.

In the 2023 fiscal year, the Kansas commission received 152 allegations of ancestry or national origin discrimination.

Glover said the commission’s jurisdiction didn’t extend to student enrollment and activities due to a 1988 decision of the Kansas Supreme Court. She said the state’s anti-bullying statute could be an appropriate place to place prohibitions on discrimination by students, school staff or school boards in relation to a person’s natural hair.

“As an unbiased, fact-finding, investigative body, the KHRC takes a neutral stance on the proposed legislation and to avoid the presumption the agency may favor one side or other if the legislation is adopted,” she said.

Approximately 40 U.S. cities have approved ordinances forbidding discrimination based on hairstyles, including Lawrence, Wichita and Atchison in Kansas.

Amber Sellers, the first Black woman to serve on the Lawrence City Commission, said there was data supporting the experiences of Black women, men and children under pressure to align with unrealistic beauty and professionalism standards. Research shed light on the personal economic costs and challenges Black people encountered when attempting to embrace their cultural identity, she said.

“In 2014,” she said, “I transitioned to wearing my hair naturally. At the time, I was working for an engineering firm in the private sector. Regrettably, this choice became a frequent topic of undue attention, leading to subtle and overt critiques and comments from staff. When the company’s vice president, without permission, ran his hands through my hair and commented, ‘I don’t know how you can sit through such a process,’ I knew I needed to share how inappropriate and unprofessional the exchange was. My story is far from unique.”

She urged the Senate committee to elevate the anti-discrimination legislation introduced in the Senate from a point of conversation to a point of law.

Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, an Overland Park Democrat, said similar legislation related to discrimination in hairstyles or hair textures had been the subject of hearings in the Kansas Legislature, but year after year no action was taken to formally reject this form of discrimination.

“I believe it is unfair for people who want to work or participate in school events to be discriminated against due to the texture or style of their hair,” Clayton said. “The health risks, time and money to comply with the Westernized ideal of hair texture and style is something that should have disappeared from our culture decades ago.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705091629336.png" alt="Michele Watley, who created Shirley’s Kitchen Cabinet, urged a Kansas Senate committee to support a bill weaving into state law a prohibition on making illegal discrimination based on hairstyle and hair texture. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from the Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption>Michele Watley, who created Shirley’s Kitchen Cabinet, urged a Kansas Senate committee to support a bill weaving into state law a prohibition on making illegal discrimination based on hairstyle and hair texture. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from the Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Wichita, Lawrence and Atchison enforce ordinances tied to hair texture, grooming</h2>BY:&nbsp;TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The founder of a Kansas City, Missouri, nonprofit dedicated to expanding the influence of Black women urged members of the Kansas Legislature to join Nebraska, Colorado and more than 20 other states by prohibiting discrimination based on ancestry linked to hairstyle and hair texture.Michele Watley, who created Shirley’s Kitchen Cabinet, told members of a Kansas Senate committee the problem was illustrated last year when Girard public school district administrators&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-school-district-that-forced-native-american-boy-to-cut-hair-changes-dress-code-policy/">compelled an 8-year-old Native American boy</a>, who was a member of the Wyandotte Nation, to cut his long hair or face expulsion.In 2021, she said, a Black student at Ottawa University was kicked off the cheerleading squad after a coach ordered her to remove a hair bonnet during a practice that was protecting her nearly 3-foot-long braids.“These rules disproportionately affect Black Kansans … and create unnecessary barriers to growing our economy, providing access to employment and education,” Watley said. “This bill will go a long way in sending the message to talent in our neighboring competitive states that Kansas values a talented workforce and welcomes and encourages diversity.”Under Senate Bill 36, the Kansas Act Against Discrimination would be amended to prohibit ancestral discrimination associated with hair texture and protective styling that involved hair braids, locs, twists or knots. The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee received oral or written testimony Thursday from 26 people endorsing the legislation. The committee didn’t debate or vote on the bill.Supporters of the legislation said comparable Crown Act bills had passed in Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, Illinois, Tennessee, Alaska, New Mexico, Minnesota, Nevada, Virginia, Nebraska and Colorado. Legislation associated with the Crown Act, or Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, has been filed in 20 states. The U.S. House passed a bill in 2022, but it wasn’t taken up by the U.S. Senate.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705091584137.png" alt=" Stacey Knoell, executive director of the Kansas African-Affairs Commission, said there were historic, medical and cultural reasons for Kansas to join more than 20 states applying anti-discrimination protections to ancestral hairstyle traditions. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption> Stacey Knoell, executive director of the Kansas African-Affairs Commission, said there were historic, medical and cultural reasons for Kansas to join more than 20 states applying anti-discrimination protections to ancestral hairstyle traditions. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>‘A cosmetic decision’</h2>Stacey Knoell, executive director of the Kansas African-Affairs Commission, said the legislation should be approved by the House and Senate and signed by Gov. Laura Kelly because the state should make clear that it was a welcoming place to people of diverse ancestry.“What my hair looks like has no bearing on whether I can do my job,” Knoell said. “It’s purely a cosmetic decision.”William Wilk, senior director of government affairs for the Kansas Chamber, said the organization supported current protections in law against discrimination based on race or ancestry. He said discrimination against hair styles was prohibited under current law, but recommended inclusion in the Kansas bill the protections for employers placed in Nebraska’s statute.“We have strong concerns that SB36 would create unintended consequences as it relates to the impact on an an employers’ ability to enforce dress codes and ensure the safety of their employees as it relates to (federal) OSHA standards,” he said.The Kansas Human Rights Commission would be responsible for receiving, investigating and attempting to resolve complaints about housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, genetic screening and testing, familial status and retaliation.The commission also conducts a public education program to share information about discrimination law, said Ruth Glover, executive director of the Kansas Human Rights Commission.In the 2023 fiscal year, the Kansas commission received 152 allegations of ancestry or national origin discrimination.Glover said the commission’s jurisdiction didn’t extend to student enrollment and activities due to a 1988 decision of the Kansas Supreme Court. She said the state’s anti-bullying statute could be an appropriate place to place prohibitions on discrimination by students, school staff or school boards in relation to a person’s natural hair.“As an unbiased, fact-finding, investigative body, the KHRC takes a neutral stance on the proposed legislation and to avoid the presumption the agency may favor one side or other if the legislation is adopted,” she said.<h2>hree cities on board</h2>Approximately 40 U.S. cities have approved ordinances forbidding discrimination based on hairstyles, including Lawrence, Wichita and Atchison in Kansas.Amber Sellers, the first Black woman to serve on the Lawrence City Commission, said there was data supporting the experiences of Black women, men and children under pressure to align with unrealistic beauty and professionalism standards. Research shed light on the personal economic costs and challenges Black people encountered when attempting to embrace their cultural identity, she said.“In 2014,” she said, “I transitioned to wearing my hair naturally. At the time, I was working for an engineering firm in the private sector. Regrettably, this choice became a frequent topic of undue attention, leading to subtle and overt critiques and comments from staff. When the company’s vice president, without permission, ran his hands through my hair and commented, ‘I don’t know how you can sit through such a process,’ I knew I needed to share how inappropriate and unprofessional the exchange was. My story is far from unique.”She urged the Senate committee to elevate the anti-discrimination legislation introduced in the Senate from a point of conversation to a point of law.Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, an Overland Park Democrat, said similar legislation related to discrimination in hairstyles or hair textures had been the subject of hearings in the Kansas Legislature, but year after year no action was taken to formally reject this form of discrimination.“I believe it is unfair for people who want to work or participate in school events to be discriminated against due to the texture or style of their hair,” Clayton said. “The health risks, time and money to comply with the Westernized ideal of hair texture and style is something that should have disappeared from our culture decades ago.”

Kansas lawmakers take up legislation forbidding discrimination based on hairstyle traditions

&nbsp;By&nbsp;Joseph Clark, Department of Defense&nbsp;

U.S. and partners' forces conducted defensive strikes against military targets in Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen yesterday following a series of attacks launched by the armed rebel group against commercial ships operating in the Red Sea. &nbsp;

The joint strikes were carried out by the U.S. and United Kingdom with nonoperational support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands. They targeted Houthi missile, radar and unmanned areal vehicle capabilities used to carry out attacks against vessels operating in international waters.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden said the strikes serve as a "a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in one of the world's most critical commercial routes."&nbsp;

"I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce, as necessary," he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/11/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-coalition-strikes-in-houthi-controlled-areas-in-yemen/" target="_blank">said in a statement</a>&nbsp;following the strikes. &nbsp;

The U.S. and U.K. forces launched the strikes from air, surface and subsurface platforms and used precision-guided munitions to minimize collateral damage, a Pentagon official said during a press briefing following the strikes. &nbsp;

The strike package included a variety of aircraft flown by U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.K. pilots. &nbsp;

"This action is intended to disrupt and degrade the Houthis' capabilities to endanger mariners and threaten global trade in one of world's most critical waterways," Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3643830/statement-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-coalition-strikes-in-ho/">said in a statement</a>&nbsp;following the strikes. "Today's coalition action sends a clear message to the Houthis that they will bear further costs if they do not end their illegal attacks."&nbsp;

Austin added that the U.S. "maintains its right to self-defense and, if necessary, will take follow-on actions to protect U.S. forces."&nbsp;

Since mid-November, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched more than two dozen attacks against merchant vessels operating in the Red Sea. Such attacks against the vital international shipping lane posed a vital concern and impacted international commerce across the globe.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In response, Austin announced the Dec. 18 launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an international maritime task force designed to defend against the attacks.&nbsp;

The operation brought together forces from 22 nations to address the challenges in the region and ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The forces operate under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of Task Force 153, a U.S. Navy-led initiative focused on maritime security in the Red Sea. Earlier this week, the rebel group launched nearly 20 drones and several missiles targeting U.S. ships underway in the region. That attack was defeated by U.S. and U.K. forces operating in the region as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yesterday's strikes launched against the rebel stronghold in Yemen were not associated with, and are separate from, Operation Prosperity Guardian, the Pentagon official said.&nbsp;

The defensive strikes followed sustained diplomatic efforts and broad international condemnation of the Houthi attacks that have threatened global commerce. &nbsp;

Last week, the governments of the U.S., Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement condemning the attacks and warning the rebel group against further escalation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the statement, the nations warned that the Houthis "will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy and [the] free flow of commerce in the region's critical waterways."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier this week, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution demanding that the rebel group cease all attacks against ships in the Red Sea. &nbsp;

In a statement following yesterday's strike, the goverments of the U.S., Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement further condemning the Houthis' actions and warning against further escalation. &nbsp;

The nations' statement read that the strikes "demonstrated a shared commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce and defending the lives of mariners from illegal and unjustifiable attacks. Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, but let our message be clear: We will not hesitate to defend lives and protect the free flow of commerce in one of the world's most critical waterways in the face of continued threats."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705097183726.png" alt="The USS Carney defeats a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea, Oct. 19, 2023.&nbsp;Photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau" />
 <figcaption>The USS Carney defeats a combination of Houthi missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the Red Sea, Oct. 19, 2023.&nbsp;Photo By:Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Lau</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By&nbsp;Joseph Clark, Department of Defense&nbsp;U.S. and partners' forces conducted defensive strikes against military targets in Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen yesterday following a series of attacks launched by the armed rebel group against commercial ships operating in the Red Sea. &nbsp;The joint strikes were carried out by the U.S. and United Kingdom with nonoperational support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands. They targeted Houthi missile, radar and unmanned areal vehicle capabilities used to carry out attacks against vessels operating in international waters.&nbsp;President Joe Biden said the strikes serve as a "a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in one of the world's most critical commercial routes."&nbsp;"I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce, as necessary," he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/11/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-coalition-strikes-in-houthi-controlled-areas-in-yemen/" target="_blank">said in a statement</a>&nbsp;following the strikes. &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705097309537.png" alt="Image from a video of the attack launch Jan. 11-U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Image from a video of the attack launch Jan. 11-U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>The U.S. and U.K. forces launched the strikes from air, surface and subsurface platforms and used precision-guided munitions to minimize collateral damage, a Pentagon official said during a press briefing following the strikes. &nbsp;The strike package included a variety of aircraft flown by U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.K. pilots. &nbsp;"This action is intended to disrupt and degrade the Houthis' capabilities to endanger mariners and threaten global trade in one of world's most critical waterways," Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3643830/statement-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-on-coalition-strikes-in-ho/">said in a statement</a>&nbsp;following the strikes. "Today's coalition action sends a clear message to the Houthis that they will bear further costs if they do not end their illegal attacks."&nbsp;Austin added that the U.S. "maintains its right to self-defense and, if necessary, will take follow-on actions to protect U.S. forces."&nbsp;Since mid-November, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched more than two dozen attacks against merchant vessels operating in the Red Sea. Such attacks against the vital international shipping lane posed a vital concern and impacted international commerce across the globe.&nbsp;&nbsp;In response, Austin announced the Dec. 18 launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an international maritime task force designed to defend against the attacks.&nbsp;The operation brought together forces from 22 nations to address the challenges in the region and ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. &nbsp;&nbsp;The forces operate under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of Task Force 153, a U.S. Navy-led initiative focused on maritime security in the Red Sea. Earlier this week, the rebel group launched nearly 20 drones and several missiles targeting U.S. ships underway in the region. That attack was defeated by U.S. and U.K. forces operating in the region as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian.&nbsp;&nbsp;Yesterday's strikes launched against the rebel stronghold in Yemen were not associated with, and are separate from, Operation Prosperity Guardian, the Pentagon official said.&nbsp;The defensive strikes followed sustained diplomatic efforts and broad international condemnation of the Houthi attacks that have threatened global commerce. &nbsp;Last week, the governments of the U.S., Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement condemning the attacks and warning the rebel group against further escalation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the statement, the nations warned that the Houthis "will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy and [the] free flow of commerce in the region's critical waterways."&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier this week, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution demanding that the rebel group cease all attacks against ships in the Red Sea. &nbsp;In a statement following yesterday's strike, the goverments of the U.S., Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement further condemning the Houthis' actions and warning against further escalation. &nbsp;The nations' statement read that the strikes "demonstrated a shared commitment to freedom of navigation, international commerce and defending the lives of mariners from illegal and unjustifiable attacks. Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, but let our message be clear: We will not hesitate to defend lives and protect the free flow of commerce in one of the world's most critical waterways in the face of continued threats."

U.S. reveals additional details on strikes against Iran-backed rebels

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

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/12/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-early-student-debt-cancellation-for-borrowers-enrolled-in-save/">announced Friday </a>that some federal student loan borrowers will have their loans cancelled under the Department of Education’s new repayment plan.

Starting next month, people who took out under $12,000 in federal student loans and have been repaying those loans for 10 years will get their remaining student loan balance cancelled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://studentaid.gov/">once they enroll</a>&nbsp;in the Saving on a Valuable Education Plan, known as SAVE.

“This action will particularly help community college borrowers, low-income borrowers, and those struggling to repay their loans,” Biden said in a statement.

“And, it’s part of our ongoing efforts to act as quickly as possible to give more borrowers breathing room so they can get out from under the burden of student loan debt, move on with their lives and pursue their dreams.”

This initiative builds on the Biden administration’s effort to cancel federal student loan debt following last year’s U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down the White House’s plan for a one-time cancellation of up to $10,000 for federal borrowers. Student loan borrowers who had received Pell Grants — federal aid to help low-income students pay for higher education — could have qualified for an additional $10,000 in forgiveness.

<a target="_blank" href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/06/30/us-supreme-court-rules-against-biden-administration-student-loan-debt-relief-plan/">Hours after the Supreme Court struck down the plan</a>, the White House announced its SAVE plan, along with a one-year off-ramp program that would not report borrowers to creditors if they failed to make loan payments once repayment started back up in October.

“And, in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision on our student debt relief plan, we are continuing to pursue an alternative path to deliver student debt relief to as many borrowers as possible as quickly as possible,” Biden said. “I won’t back down from using every tool at our disposal to get student loan borrowers the relief they need to reach their dreams.”

So far, 6.9 million borrowers have enrolled in SAVE, and of those borrowers, 3.9 million have a $0 monthly payment.

Under the new plan, SAVE calculates payments based on a borrower’s income and family size and forgives balances after a set number of years. The Department of Education has estimated that most borrowers will save about $1,000 per year under the new plan.

Borrowers who are in the former payment plan — known as the Revised Pay as You Earn plan — will automatically be enrolled in the SAVE program.

The states with the highest number of borrowers enrolled in the program include Texas, with 591,700, California with 597,300, Florida with 475,800, New York with 374,300 and Pennsylvania with 289,800.

BY:&nbsp;ARIANA FIGUEROA&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/03/30/u-s-judge-rules-insurers-dont-have-to-cover-many-free-preventive-health-services/">States Newsroom</a>WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/12/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-early-student-debt-cancellation-for-borrowers-enrolled-in-save/">announced Friday </a>that some federal student loan borrowers will have their loans cancelled under the Department of Education’s new repayment plan.Starting next month, people who took out under $12,000 in federal student loans and have been repaying those loans for 10 years will get their remaining student loan balance cancelled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://studentaid.gov/">once they enroll</a>&nbsp;in the Saving on a Valuable Education Plan, known as SAVE.“This action will particularly help community college borrowers, low-income borrowers, and those struggling to repay their loans,” Biden said in a statement.“And, it’s part of our ongoing efforts to act as quickly as possible to give more borrowers breathing room so they can get out from under the burden of student loan debt, move on with their lives and pursue their dreams.”This initiative builds on the Biden administration’s effort to cancel federal student loan debt following last year’s U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down the White House’s plan for a one-time cancellation of up to $10,000 for federal borrowers. Student loan borrowers who had received Pell Grants — federal aid to help low-income students pay for higher education — could have qualified for an additional $10,000 in forgiveness.<a target="_blank" href="https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/06/30/us-supreme-court-rules-against-biden-administration-student-loan-debt-relief-plan/">Hours after the Supreme Court struck down the plan</a>, the White House announced its SAVE plan, along with a one-year off-ramp program that would not report borrowers to creditors if they failed to make loan payments once repayment started back up in October.“And, in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision on our student debt relief plan, we are continuing to pursue an alternative path to deliver student debt relief to as many borrowers as possible as quickly as possible,” Biden said. “I won’t back down from using every tool at our disposal to get student loan borrowers the relief they need to reach their dreams.”So far, 6.9 million borrowers have enrolled in SAVE, and of those borrowers, 3.9 million have a $0 monthly payment.Under the new plan, SAVE calculates payments based on a borrower’s income and family size and forgives balances after a set number of years. The Department of Education has estimated that most borrowers will save about $1,000 per year under the new plan.Borrowers who are in the former payment plan — known as the Revised Pay as You Earn plan — will automatically be enrolled in the SAVE program.The states with the highest number of borrowers enrolled in the program include Texas, with 591,700, California with 597,300, Florida with 475,800, New York with 374,300 and Pennsylvania with 289,800.

Biden announces plan to cancel some student loan balances under $12,000

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a theft from a retailer in Salina and asking the public for help to identify suspects.

Just before 10p.m. Monday, December 18, three men entered Target, 2939 Market Place in Salina and took approximately $1,720 worth of merchandise from the store without paying, according to a media release from police.

The stolen merchandise included multiple Lego sets, clothing items, personal care items, and miscellaneous household items.

The suspected exited the store and loaded the items in a U-Haul van and left in the van and a dark colored Chrysler 300.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an on—line tip at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or Detective Constantino, case 2023-36149.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705067214145.png" alt="Security camera image Salina Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image Salina Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a theft from a retailer in Salina and asking the public for help to identify suspects.Just before 10p.m. Monday, December 18, three men entered Target, 2939 Market Place in Salina and took approximately $1,720 worth of merchandise from the store without paying, according to a media release from police.The stolen merchandise included multiple Lego sets, clothing items, personal care items, and miscellaneous household items.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705067160482.png" alt="Security camera image Salina Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image Salina Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspected exited the store and loaded the items in a U-Haul van and left in the van and a dark colored Chrysler 300.If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You can also make an on—line tip at:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or Detective Constantino, case 2023-36149.

Police working to ID Lego theft suspects in Kansas

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Police and Reno County Sheriff Chaplain Richard Haley has been selected as a Chaplain by the International Conference of Police Chaplains to go to Israel February 20-28, 2024.&nbsp;

The purpose of this trip will be to assist the Israeli National Police with meeting with families in Israel affected by the October 7 attack.

Chaplain Haley will be visiting Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers and will be helping the families displaced due to the loss of their homes, he will also be helping the farmers along the Gaza border with home reconstruction and grief counseling. Chaplain Haley will be staying with families who lost their loved ones and helping them with counseling.

Chaplain Haley is Jewish through his mother and his grandfather was a Rabbi. Chaplain Haley has many relatives in Israel.&nbsp;

The cost of the trip is $4,000.&nbsp; Chaplain Haley is seeking assistance with the funding. Elliott Mortuary has given the first $500 for this trip. Chaplain Haley needs the money by next week.

If anyone would like to help with the cost for the trip, the Chaplain Program has an account with the First National Bank in Hutchinson.

Chaplain Haley has been a Reno County Police/Sherriff Chaplain for the past 3 years.

If you'd like more information, Chaplain Haley can be reached at 620-200-6020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705072193734.jpeg" alt="Chaplain Richard Haley-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Chaplain Richard Haley-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Chaplain Richard HaleyHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Police and Reno County Sheriff Chaplain Richard Haley has been selected as a Chaplain by the International Conference of Police Chaplains to go to Israel February 20-28, 2024.&nbsp;The purpose of this trip will be to assist the Israeli National Police with meeting with families in Israel affected by the October 7 attack.Chaplain Haley will be visiting Hospitals and Rehabilitation Centers and will be helping the families displaced due to the loss of their homes, he will also be helping the farmers along the Gaza border with home reconstruction and grief counseling. Chaplain Haley will be staying with families who lost their loved ones and helping them with counseling.Chaplain Haley is Jewish through his mother and his grandfather was a Rabbi. Chaplain Haley has many relatives in Israel.&nbsp;The cost of the trip is $4,000.&nbsp; Chaplain Haley is seeking assistance with the funding. Elliott Mortuary has given the first $500 for this trip. Chaplain Haley needs the money by next week.If anyone would like to help with the cost for the trip, the Chaplain Program has an account with the First National Bank in Hutchinson.Chaplain Haley has been a Reno County Police/Sherriff Chaplain for the past 3 years.If you'd like more information, Chaplain Haley can be reached at 620-200-6020.

Kansas police chaplain selected to serve in Israel

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER&nbsp;Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —Salina Police Department officers arrested one of the suspects who allegedly burglarized the Hideaway Bar early on Monday.

Salina police captain James Feldman said officers identified one of the suspects who committed the burglary through their investigations and a tip from the community.

At 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, officers conducted a traffic stop with 44-year-old Patrick Hull Jr. in the 400 block of State Street after identifying his vehicle.

"We did two search warrants at his residence in Salina," Feldman said. "The investigation is continuing, and we hope to make further arrests."

Feldman said Hull did not resist arrest during the traffic stop, and&nbsp; officers requested charges for burglary, two counts of felony theft, two counts of damage to property and driving while suspended.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704979929297.png" alt="Hull -photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Hull -photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By OLIVIA BERGMEIER&nbsp;Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —Salina Police Department officers arrested one of the suspects who allegedly burglarized the Hideaway Bar early on Monday.Salina police captain James Feldman said officers identified one of the suspects who committed the burglary through their investigations and a tip from the community.At 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, officers conducted a traffic stop with 44-year-old Patrick Hull Jr. in the 400 block of State Street after identifying his vehicle."We did two search warrants at his residence in Salina," Feldman said. "The investigation is continuing, and we hope to make further arrests."Feldman said Hull did not resist arrest during the traffic stop, and&nbsp; officers requested charges for burglary, two counts of felony theft, two counts of damage to property and driving while suspended.

Tip from community helps in arrest of Kansas burglary suspect

SHERMAN COUNTY —The cold weather provided the perfect conditions for a rare&nbsp;atmospheric optical phenomenon late Thursday.

The National Weather Service in Goodland shared a photo of light pillars seen from their headquarters at 920 Armory Road.

"It's gotten pretty cold, but the nice treat was worth it. Light pillars coming from town with our sign in the foreground."

Light pillars form when a bright light source reflects off the surfaces of millions of falling ice crystals associated with thin, high-level clouds, for example, cirrostratus clouds, according to the National Weather Service.

Overnight temperatures Thursday in northwest Kansas were in the single digits with wind chill temperatures well below zero. The forecast calls for Friday night low temperature around -8 in Goodland.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705069872735.png" alt="Photo NWS Goodland" />
 <figcaption>Photo NWS Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure>SHERMAN COUNTY —The cold weather provided the perfect conditions for a rare&nbsp;atmospheric optical phenomenon late Thursday.The National Weather Service in Goodland shared a photo of light pillars seen from their headquarters at 920 Armory Road."It's gotten pretty cold, but the nice treat was worth it. Light pillars coming from town with our sign in the foreground."Light pillars form when a bright light source reflects off the surfaces of millions of falling ice crystals associated with thin, high-level clouds, for example, cirrostratus clouds, according to the National Weather Service.Overnight temperatures Thursday in northwest Kansas were in the single digits with wind chill temperatures well below zero. The forecast calls for Friday night low temperature around -8 in Goodland.

Light pillars dazzle in the extreme NW Kansas cold

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels vowed fierce retaliation Friday for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-biden-retaliation-attacks-0804b93372cd5e874a0dd03513fe36a2">American and British strikes against them</a>, further raising the prospect of a wider conflict in a region already beset by Israel's war in Gaza.

The bombardment — launched in response to a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-houthis-d770a3fb0fab4c4b72e2459771833e11">campaign of drone and missile attacks</a>&nbsp;on commercial ships in the vital Red Sea — killed at least five people and wounded six, the Houthis said.

As the bombing lit the predawn sky over multiple sites held by the Iranian-backed rebels, it forced the world to again focus on Yemen's yearslong war, which began when the Houthis seized the country's capital.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea, saying they were avenging&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's offensive in Gaza against Hamas</a>. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade and energy shipments.

Though the Biden administration and its allies have tried to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-iran-hezbollah-yemen-0373be2e21b5a832d71f5bf828f67959">calm tensions in the Middle East</a>&nbsp;for weeks and prevent any wider conflict, the strikes threatened to ignite one.

Saudi Arabia — which supports the government-in-exile that the Houthis are fighting — quickly sought to distance itself from the attacks as it seeks to maintain a delicate détente with Iran and a cease-fire it has in Yemen.

The Houthis’ military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, said in a recorded address that the strikes would "not go unanswered or unpunished.”

He said strikes on regions of Yemen under their control killed five and wounded six from the rebels’ military forces. It remained unclear how extensive the damage was, though the Houthis said at least five sites, including airfields, had been attacked.

The United Kingdom said strikes hit a site in Bani allegedly used by the Houthis to launch drones and an airfield in Abbs used to launch cruise missiles and drones.

Hussein al-Ezzi, a Houthi official in their Foreign Ministry, that “America and Britain will undoubtedly have to prepare to pay a heavy price and bear all the dire consequences of this blatant aggression.”

The Red Sea route is a crucial waterway, and attacks there have caused severe disruptions to global trade. Benchmark Brent crude oil traded up some 4% Friday at over $80 a barrel. Tesla, meanwhile, said it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tesla-germany-factory-production-halt-red-sea-2a13fa207ac3d4670264e47bba427e10">temporarily halt</a>&nbsp;most production at its German factory because of attacks in the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy acknowledged an attack days earlier on a ship in the far reaches of the Indian Ocean — an attack that may signal Iran's willingness to strike vessels as part of a wider maritime campaign over the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Tehran on Thursday separately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/persian-gulf-oman-strait-hormuz-3a906e909be2ce63c87c1b208ed05baa">seized another tanker</a>.

In Saada, the Houthis' stronghold in northwest Yemen, hundreds gathered for a rally Friday, denouncing the U.S. and Israel. Another drew thousands in Sanaa, the capital.

Yemen has been targeted by U.S. military action over the last four American presidencies. A campaign of drone strikes began under President George W. Bush to target the local affiliate of al-Qaida, attacks that have continued under the Biden administration. Meanwhile, the U.S. has launched raids and other military operations amid the ongoing war in Yemen.

That war began when the Houthis swept into Sanaa in 2014. A Saudi-led coalition including the United Arab Emirates launched a war to back Yemen's exiled government in 2015, quickly morphing the conflict into a regional confrontation as Iran backed the Houthis with weapons and other support.

That war, however, has slowed as the Houthis maintain their grip on the territory they hold. In March, Saudi Arabia reached a Chinese-mediated deal to restart relations with Iran in hopes of ultimately withdrawing from the war.

However, an overall deal has yet to be reached, likely sparking Saudi Arabia's expression Friday of “great concern” over the airstrikes.

“While the kingdom stresses the importance of preserving the security and stability of the Red Sea region ... it calls for restraint and avoiding escalation,” its Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Iran condemned the attack in a statement from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani.

“Arbitrary attacks will have no result other than fueling insecurity and instability in the region," he said.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called on nations not to escalate tensions in the Red Sea.

Oman, long a regional interlocutor for the U.S. and the West with Iran, condemned the airstrikes. It called the attack a “great concern while Israel continued its brutal war and siege of the Gaza Strip without accountability or punishment.”

Meanwhile Friday, the U.S. Navy confirmed an attack days earlier near the coasts of India and Sri Lanka. The chemical tanker Pacific Gold was struck Jan. 4 by what the Navy called “an Iranian one-way attack” drone, causing some damage to the vessel but no injuries.

The Pacific Gold is managed by Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping, a company that is ultimately controlled by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer. Iran itself has not acknowledged carrying out the attack.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1699124273212.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels vowed fierce retaliation Friday for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-biden-retaliation-attacks-0804b93372cd5e874a0dd03513fe36a2">American and British strikes against them</a>, further raising the prospect of a wider conflict in a region already beset by Israel's war in Gaza.The bombardment — launched in response to a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-attacks-iran-ships-retaliation-houthis-d770a3fb0fab4c4b72e2459771833e11">campaign of drone and missile attacks</a>&nbsp;on commercial ships in the vital Red Sea — killed at least five people and wounded six, the Houthis said.As the bombing lit the predawn sky over multiple sites held by the Iranian-backed rebels, it forced the world to again focus on Yemen's yearslong war, which began when the Houthis seized the country's capital.Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea, saying they were avenging&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's offensive in Gaza against Hamas</a>. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade and energy shipments.Though the Biden administration and its allies have tried to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-iran-hezbollah-yemen-0373be2e21b5a832d71f5bf828f67959">calm tensions in the Middle East</a>&nbsp;for weeks and prevent any wider conflict, the strikes threatened to ignite one.Saudi Arabia — which supports the government-in-exile that the Houthis are fighting — quickly sought to distance itself from the attacks as it seeks to maintain a delicate détente with Iran and a cease-fire it has in Yemen.The Houthis’ military spokesman, Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, said in a recorded address that the strikes would "not go unanswered or unpunished.”He said strikes on regions of Yemen under their control killed five and wounded six from the rebels’ military forces. It remained unclear how extensive the damage was, though the Houthis said at least five sites, including airfields, had been attacked.The United Kingdom said strikes hit a site in Bani allegedly used by the Houthis to launch drones and an airfield in Abbs used to launch cruise missiles and drones.Hussein al-Ezzi, a Houthi official in their Foreign Ministry, that “America and Britain will undoubtedly have to prepare to pay a heavy price and bear all the dire consequences of this blatant aggression.”The Red Sea route is a crucial waterway, and attacks there have caused severe disruptions to global trade. Benchmark Brent crude oil traded up some 4% Friday at over $80 a barrel. Tesla, meanwhile, said it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tesla-germany-factory-production-halt-red-sea-2a13fa207ac3d4670264e47bba427e10">temporarily halt</a>&nbsp;most production at its German factory because of attacks in the Red Sea.Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy acknowledged an attack days earlier on a ship in the far reaches of the Indian Ocean — an attack that may signal Iran's willingness to strike vessels as part of a wider maritime campaign over the Israel-Hamas conflict.Tehran on Thursday separately&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/persian-gulf-oman-strait-hormuz-3a906e909be2ce63c87c1b208ed05baa">seized another tanker</a>.In Saada, the Houthis' stronghold in northwest Yemen, hundreds gathered for a rally Friday, denouncing the U.S. and Israel. Another drew thousands in Sanaa, the capital.Yemen has been targeted by U.S. military action over the last four American presidencies. A campaign of drone strikes began under President George W. Bush to target the local affiliate of al-Qaida, attacks that have continued under the Biden administration. Meanwhile, the U.S. has launched raids and other military operations amid the ongoing war in Yemen.That war began when the Houthis swept into Sanaa in 2014. A Saudi-led coalition including the United Arab Emirates launched a war to back Yemen's exiled government in 2015, quickly morphing the conflict into a regional confrontation as Iran backed the Houthis with weapons and other support.That war, however, has slowed as the Houthis maintain their grip on the territory they hold. In March, Saudi Arabia reached a Chinese-mediated deal to restart relations with Iran in hopes of ultimately withdrawing from the war.However, an overall deal has yet to be reached, likely sparking Saudi Arabia's expression Friday of “great concern” over the airstrikes.“While the kingdom stresses the importance of preserving the security and stability of the Red Sea region ... it calls for restraint and avoiding escalation,” its Foreign Ministry said in a statement.Iran condemned the attack in a statement from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani.“Arbitrary attacks will have no result other than fueling insecurity and instability in the region," he said.In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called on nations not to escalate tensions in the Red Sea.Oman, long a regional interlocutor for the U.S. and the West with Iran, condemned the airstrikes. It called the attack a “great concern while Israel continued its brutal war and siege of the Gaza Strip without accountability or punishment.”Meanwhile Friday, the U.S. Navy confirmed an attack days earlier near the coasts of India and Sri Lanka. The chemical tanker Pacific Gold was struck Jan. 4 by what the Navy called “an Iranian one-way attack” drone, causing some damage to the vessel but no injuries.The Pacific Gold is managed by Singapore-based Eastern Pacific Shipping, a company that is ultimately controlled by Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer. Iran itself has not acknowledged carrying out the attack.

Mideast crisis: Rebels vow fierce retaliation against U.S. 

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an arrest.

This week, a police officer was proactively patrolling in Lenexa when he stopped to investigate a suspicious car parked in a hotel parking lot around 95th and I-35 highway, according to a social media report from Lenexa Police.

During the officer's investigation, he was able to learn that the car was stolen and also identified a couple of suspects who were staying at the hotel.

While officers were investigating the matter, the two suspects were located outside the hotel. Officers detained one suspect, but a female suspect stole another vehicle and drove off, nearly striking officers. 

A short time later, officers located that vehicle abandoned near 92nd and Antioch in Overland Park. 

Together, Lenexa and Overland Park officers worked to secure a perimeter in the area with the hopes the female suspect would "hunker down" and hide. 

Officers used a police K9 and drone to search the area, while rain and snow began falling. A Lenexa detective eventually located the woman hiding in a vehicle.

The Johnson County District Attorney's Office has since charged the male suspect with identity theft, theft, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The female was also charged with 2 counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, possession of methamphetamine, felony theft, and interference with law enforcement. 

Additionally. officers also uncovered evidence of check fraud occurring by one of the suspects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704996942621.png" alt="Image Lenexa Police" />
 <figcaption>Image Lenexa Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after an arrest.This week, a police officer was proactively patrolling in Lenexa when he stopped to investigate a suspicious car parked in a hotel parking lot around 95th and I-35 highway, according to a social media report from Lenexa Police.During the officer's investigation, he was able to learn that the car was stolen and also identified a couple of suspects who were staying at the hotel.While officers were investigating the matter, the two suspects were located outside the hotel. Officers detained one suspect, but a female suspect stole another vehicle and drove off, nearly striking officers. A short time later, officers located that vehicle abandoned near 92nd and Antioch in Overland Park. Together, Lenexa and Overland Park officers worked to secure a perimeter in the area with the hopes the female suspect would "hunker down" and hide. Officers used a police K9 and drone to search the area, while rain and snow began falling. A Lenexa detective eventually located the woman hiding in a vehicle.The Johnson County District Attorney's Office has since charged the male suspect with identity theft, theft, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The female was also charged with 2 counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, possession of methamphetamine, felony theft, and interference with law enforcement. Additionally. officers also uncovered evidence of check fraud occurring by one of the suspects.

Wanted woman nearly struck Kan. officer with stolen vehicle

NEW YORK (AP) — Barred from giving a formal closing argument,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;wrested an opportunity to speak in court at the conclusion of his New York&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/trump-investigations-civil-criminal-tracker/index.html">civil fraud trial</a>&nbsp;Thursday, unleashing a barrage of attacks in a six-minute diatribe before being cut off by the judge.

In an extraordinary move for any defendant, Trump not only sought to make his own summation but then brushed past a question from the judge about whether he would follow rules requiring him to keep his remarks focused on matters related to the trial.

“I am an innocent man,” Trump protested. “I’m being persecuted by someone running for office, and I think you have to go outside the bounds.”

Judge Arthur Engoron let him continue almost uninterrupted for what amounted to a brief personal summation, then cut him off for a scheduled lunch break.

Trump's in-court remarks, which were not televised, ensured a tumultuous final day for a trial over allegations that he habitually exaggerated his wealth on financial statements, deceiving a bank and insurance companies into giving him plum deals.

Engoron said he hoped to have a verdict by Jan. 31. He is deciding the case because state law doesn’t allow for juries in this type of lawsuit.

New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Trump in 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-sued-new-york-letitia-james-ec6b3b91b6c8594495ada7d0a2b80a2f">under a state law</a>&nbsp;that gives her broad power to investigate allegations of persistent fraud in business dealings. She wants the judge to impose $370 million in penalties and forbid Trump from doing business in New York.

Adding to the day's tension, the exchanges took place hours after authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/swatting-calls-marjorie-taylor-greene-rick-scott-d568818925c99c8cf17467f737b99e97">responded to a bomb threat</a>&nbsp;at the judge’s house in New York City's suburbs. The scare didn't delay the start of court proceedings, and Engoron didn't mention it in court.

Trump, the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, has disparaged Engoron throughout the trial, accusing him in a social media post Wednesday night of working closely with James. Both she and Engoron are Democrats.

The court action came days before the presidential primary season kicks off with the Monday's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-caucuses-trump-desantis-haley-president-dd99db756efd940a7822157e1e9b09e8">Iowa caucuses</a>.

Engoron had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-trial-closing-arguments-420997f889922423dbce8a0945f0c348">rejected an unusual plan</a>&nbsp;by Trump to deliver his own closing remarks in the courtroom, in addition to summations from his legal team. The sticking point was that Trump's lawyers would not agree to the judge’s demand that he stick to “relevant” matters and not try to introduce new evidence, make a campaign speech or lob personal attacks at the judge, James or the court system.

After three Trump lawyers delivered traditional closing arguments Thursday, one of them, Christopher Kise, asked the judge again whether Trump could speak. Engoron asked Trump whether he would abide by the guidelines.

Trump didn't agree to do so, instead launching into his remarks.

“What’s happened here, sir, is a fraud on me," Trump said, claiming he was being targeted by officials who “want to make sure I don't win again.” He later accused the judge of not listening to him: “I know this is boring to you.”

“Control your client,” Engoron warned Kise.

Engoron then told Trump he had a minute left, let him speak a little more, and then adjourned.

James later said she wasn't bothered by Trump's personal attacks.

“This case has never been about politics or personal vendetta or about name-calling,” she said outside court. "This case is about the facts and the law. And Mr. Donald Trump violated the law.”

A lawyer for her office, Kevin Wallace, had argued in court that “fraud was central to the operation" of Trump's business. Wallace asserted that inflating Trump’s fortune led to interest rate savings that “kept the company afloat” for a time when it was spending big on various projects, though Kise objected that there was no testimony to that effect.

The state insisted that the falsehoods were intentional and that Trump should be held accountable for them.

“Ask yourself: Would any of this persistent fraud have happened, over the course of 11 years, if it wasn’t directed from the top by Mr. Trump?” state lawyer Andrew Amer posited during summations.

Trump skipped the state's closing arguments to hold a news conference that served as counter-programming. He reiterated his insistence that “they have no case.”

His lawyers had argued as much in their summations. Kise said Trump “should get a medal” for his business acumen instead of a potential punishment he deemed the “corporate death penalty.”

While he acknowledged that Trump's financial statements may have made “immaterial” overstatements about some of his holdings, the lawyer maintained that many assets "were undervalued by substantial sums.”

The day began with police on Long Island checking out what they called a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/swatting-calls-marjorie-taylor-greene-rick-scott-d568818925c99c8cf17467f737b99e97">“swatting incident</a>&nbsp;at Engoron’s home. Nassau County police said they found nothing amiss.

The false report came days after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-swatting-threats-fe70d2254f2da4a1cb9e6e55c79e1d40">fake emergency call</a>&nbsp;reporting a shooting at the home of the judge in Trump’s Washington, D.C., criminal case. The incidents are among a recent spate of similar false reports at the homes of public officials.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-letitia-james-fraud-lawsuit-1569245a9284427117b8d3ba5da74249">Engoron</a>&nbsp;ruled before the trial that Trump had committed years of fraud by lying about his riches on financial statements with tricks like claiming his Trump Tower penthouse was nearly three times its actual size.

The trial involves six undecided claims of conspiracy, insurance fraud and falsifying business records. Trump’s company and two of his sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., are also defendants. Eric Trump was also in court for closing arguments.

In a ruling last month, the judge suggested he’s inclined to find Trump and his co-defendants liable on at least some claims. Assets can be valued in different ways, the judge wrote, "but a lie is still a lie.”

However, Engoron asked the state lawyers Thursday what evidence they had that Trump's sons knew of the alleged fraud. “I just haven't seen it,” the judge said.

Amer responded that the sons, as top executives, bore responsibility even if they claimed to be unaware of the purported wrongdoing.

Since the trial began Oct. 2, the former president has gone to court nine times to observe, testify and complain to TV cameras about the case.

He clashed with Engoron and state lawyers during 3½ hours&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-trial-testimony-dca74420da0f92ee9bc9caff7a92c3b2">on the witness stand in November</a>&nbsp;and remains under a limited gag order after making a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-letitia-james-fraud-lawsuit-new-york-371675a2482c1de01f516f29b5a43d33">disparaging and false social media post about the judge's law clerk</a>.

On Tuesday, he was in court in Washington, D.C., to watch appeals court arguments over whether he is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jan-6-justice-department-special-counsel-f82dbd294cd7b963dd69f1ecdf90aded">immune from prosecution</a>&nbsp;on charges that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">plotted to overturn</a>&nbsp;the 2020 election — one of four criminal cases against him. Trump has pleaded not guilty.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705058384379.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Barred from giving a formal closing argument,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;wrested an opportunity to speak in court at the conclusion of his New York&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/trump-investigations-civil-criminal-tracker/index.html">civil fraud trial</a>&nbsp;Thursday, unleashing a barrage of attacks in a six-minute diatribe before being cut off by the judge.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;My legal issues, every one of them, every one, civil and the criminal ones, are set up by Joe Biden, crooked Joe Biden.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/AlHyZ3hF5o">pic.twitter.com/AlHyZ3hF5o</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1745533927777792336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;I want to go to all of my trials. These are all set up by Biden and the Democrats. This is their new form of cheating.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/mV7mLJt6qt">pic.twitter.com/mV7mLJt6qt</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1745533998267269122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In an extraordinary move for any defendant, Trump not only sought to make his own summation but then brushed past a question from the judge about whether he would follow rules requiring him to keep his remarks focused on matters related to the trial.“I am an innocent man,” Trump protested. “I’m being persecuted by someone running for office, and I think you have to go outside the bounds.”Judge Arthur Engoron let him continue almost uninterrupted for what amounted to a brief personal summation, then cut him off for a scheduled lunch break.Trump's in-court remarks, which were not televised, ensured a tumultuous final day for a trial over allegations that he habitually exaggerated his wealth on financial statements, deceiving a bank and insurance companies into giving him plum deals.Engoron said he hoped to have a verdict by Jan. 31. He is deciding the case because state law doesn’t allow for juries in this type of lawsuit.New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Trump in 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-sued-new-york-letitia-james-ec6b3b91b6c8594495ada7d0a2b80a2f">under a state law</a>&nbsp;that gives her broad power to investigate allegations of persistent fraud in business dealings. She wants the judge to impose $370 million in penalties and forbid Trump from doing business in New York.Adding to the day's tension, the exchanges took place hours after authorities&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/swatting-calls-marjorie-taylor-greene-rick-scott-d568818925c99c8cf17467f737b99e97">responded to a bomb threat</a>&nbsp;at the judge’s house in New York City's suburbs. The scare didn't delay the start of court proceedings, and Engoron didn't mention it in court.Trump, the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination, has disparaged Engoron throughout the trial, accusing him in a social media post Wednesday night of working closely with James. Both she and Engoron are Democrats.The court action came days before the presidential primary season kicks off with the Monday's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-caucuses-trump-desantis-haley-president-dd99db756efd940a7822157e1e9b09e8">Iowa caucuses</a>.Engoron had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-trial-closing-arguments-420997f889922423dbce8a0945f0c348">rejected an unusual plan</a>&nbsp;by Trump to deliver his own closing remarks in the courtroom, in addition to summations from his legal team. The sticking point was that Trump's lawyers would not agree to the judge’s demand that he stick to “relevant” matters and not try to introduce new evidence, make a campaign speech or lob personal attacks at the judge, James or the court system.After three Trump lawyers delivered traditional closing arguments Thursday, one of them, Christopher Kise, asked the judge again whether Trump could speak. Engoron asked Trump whether he would abide by the guidelines.Trump didn't agree to do so, instead launching into his remarks.“What’s happened here, sir, is a fraud on me," Trump said, claiming he was being targeted by officials who “want to make sure I don't win again.” He later accused the judge of not listening to him: “I know this is boring to you.”“Control your client,” Engoron warned Kise.Engoron then told Trump he had a minute left, let him speak a little more, and then adjourned.James later said she wasn't bothered by Trump's personal attacks.“This case has never been about politics or personal vendetta or about name-calling,” she said outside court. "This case is about the facts and the law. And Mr. Donald Trump violated the law.”A lawyer for her office, Kevin Wallace, had argued in court that “fraud was central to the operation" of Trump's business. Wallace asserted that inflating Trump’s fortune led to interest rate savings that “kept the company afloat” for a time when it was spending big on various projects, though Kise objected that there was no testimony to that effect.The state insisted that the falsehoods were intentional and that Trump should be held accountable for them.“Ask yourself: Would any of this persistent fraud have happened, over the course of 11 years, if it wasn’t directed from the top by Mr. Trump?” state lawyer Andrew Amer posited during summations.Trump skipped the state's closing arguments to hold a news conference that served as counter-programming. He reiterated his insistence that “they have no case.”His lawyers had argued as much in their summations. Kise said Trump “should get a medal” for his business acumen instead of a potential punishment he deemed the “corporate death penalty.”While he acknowledged that Trump's financial statements may have made “immaterial” overstatements about some of his holdings, the lawyer maintained that many assets "were undervalued by substantial sums.”The day began with police on Long Island checking out what they called a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/swatting-calls-marjorie-taylor-greene-rick-scott-d568818925c99c8cf17467f737b99e97">“swatting incident</a>&nbsp;at Engoron’s home. Nassau County police said they found nothing amiss.The false report came days after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-judge-swatting-threats-fe70d2254f2da4a1cb9e6e55c79e1d40">fake emergency call</a>&nbsp;reporting a shooting at the home of the judge in Trump’s Washington, D.C., criminal case. The incidents are among a recent spate of similar false reports at the homes of public officials.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-letitia-james-fraud-lawsuit-1569245a9284427117b8d3ba5da74249">Engoron</a>&nbsp;ruled before the trial that Trump had committed years of fraud by lying about his riches on financial statements with tricks like claiming his Trump Tower penthouse was nearly three times its actual size.The trial involves six undecided claims of conspiracy, insurance fraud and falsifying business records. Trump’s company and two of his sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., are also defendants. Eric Trump was also in court for closing arguments.In a ruling last month, the judge suggested he’s inclined to find Trump and his co-defendants liable on at least some claims. Assets can be valued in different ways, the judge wrote, "but a lie is still a lie.”However, Engoron asked the state lawyers Thursday what evidence they had that Trump's sons knew of the alleged fraud. “I just haven't seen it,” the judge said.Amer responded that the sons, as top executives, bore responsibility even if they claimed to be unaware of the purported wrongdoing.Since the trial began Oct. 2, the former president has gone to court nine times to observe, testify and complain to TV cameras about the case.He clashed with Engoron and state lawyers during 3½ hours&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-fraud-trial-testimony-dca74420da0f92ee9bc9caff7a92c3b2">on the witness stand in November</a>&nbsp;and remains under a limited gag order after making a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-letitia-james-fraud-lawsuit-new-york-371675a2482c1de01f516f29b5a43d33">disparaging and false social media post about the judge's law clerk</a>.On Tuesday, he was in court in Washington, D.C., to watch appeals court arguments over whether he is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jan-6-justice-department-special-counsel-f82dbd294cd7b963dd69f1ecdf90aded">immune from prosecution</a>&nbsp;on charges that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc">plotted to overturn</a>&nbsp;the 2020 election — one of four criminal cases against him. Trump has pleaded not guilty.___

🎥Trump: Legal woes are Biden, Democratic Party 'new form of cheating'

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a house fire that injured two.

Just after 10a.m. Thursday, crews responded to a reported house fire in the 3000 block of College Avenue in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First responders observed heavy smoke and fire from the two-story residence. During the initial search of the home crews discovered an occupant on a rear stairwell who had been overcome by the heavy smoke conditions. 

Firefighters quickly extricated&nbsp; the 60-year-old man from the home. He was treated and evaluated on scene by KCFD EMS before being transported in serious condition to a local hospital for further evaluation. 

&nbsp;KCFD was able to get the fire under control at approximately 1040a.m&nbsp; One firefighter was also transported for evaluation of minor injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705000632770.png" alt="Photos KCFD" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCFD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a house fire that injured two.Just after 10a.m. Thursday, crews responded to a reported house fire in the 3000 block of College Avenue in Kansas City, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First responders observed heavy smoke and fire from the two-story residence. During the initial search of the home crews discovered an occupant on a rear stairwell who had been overcome by the heavy smoke conditions. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705000663280.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Firefighters quickly extricated&nbsp; the 60-year-old man from the home. He was treated and evaluated on scene by KCFD EMS before being transported in serious condition to a local hospital for further evaluation. &nbsp;KCFD was able to get the fire under control at approximately 1040a.m&nbsp; One firefighter was also transported for evaluation of minor injuries.

Man in serious condition after pulled from KC house fire

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —U.S. and British militaries are bombing more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, in a massive retaliatory strike using warship-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets.

In a statement from the White House, President Biden said," at my direction, U.S. military forces—together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands—successfully conducted strikes against a number of targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital waterways."

"These strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea—including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history. These attacks have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized trade, and threatened freedom of navigation. More than 50 nations have been affected in 27 attacks on international commercial shipping."

"Crews from more than 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy.&nbsp; More than 2,000 ships have been forced to divert thousands of miles to avoid the Red Sea—which can cause weeks of delays in product shipping times. And on January 9, Houthis launched their largest attack to date—directly targeting American ships.The response of the international community to these reckless attacks has been united and resolute."

"Last month, the United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian—a coalition of more than 20 nations committed to defending international shipping and deterring Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.&nbsp; We also joined more than 40 nations in condemning Houthi threats."

"Last week, together with 13 allies and partners, we issued an unequivocal warning that Houthi rebels would bear the consequences if their attacks did not cease. And yesterday, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution demanding the Houthis end attacks on merchant and commercial vessels.Today’s (Thursday) defensive action follows this extensive diplomatic campaign and Houthi rebels’ escalating attacks against commercial vessels."

"These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical commercial routes. I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary."

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and British militaries were bombing more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen on Thursday, in a massive retaliatory strike using warship-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets, several U.S. officials told The Associated Press. The military targets included logistical hubs, air defense systems and weapons storage and launching locations, they said.

Associated Press journalists in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, heard four explosions early Friday local time but saw no sign of warplanes. Two residents of Hodieda, Amin Ali Saleh and Hani Ahmed, said they heard five strong explosions hitting the western port area of the city, which lies on the Red Sea and is the largest port city controlled by the Houthis. Explosions also were heard by residents of Taiz, a southwestern city near the Red Sea.

The strikes marked the first U.S. military response to what has been a persistent campaign of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. And the coordinated military assault comes just a week after the White House and a host of partner nations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-israel-hamas-houthis-red-sea-fef8d446852b6eae33d38ffd8f6b2d64">issued a final warning</a>&nbsp;to the Houthis to cease the attacks or face potential military action. The officials confirmed the strikes on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. Members of Congress were briefed earlier Thursday on the strike plans.

The warning appeared to have had at least some short-lived impact, as attacks stopped for several days. On Tuesday, however, the Houthi rebels fired their largest-ever barrage of drones and missiles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-shipping-houthi-attacks-drones-missiles-1acc4ca5ebcaf6fee932a2061d451f59">targeting shipping in the Red Sea</a>, with U.S. and British ships and American fighter jets responding by shooting down 18 drones, two cruise missiles and an anti-ship missile. And on Thursday, the Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile into the Gulf of Aden, which was seen by a commercial ship but did not hit the ship.

The rebels, who have carried out 27 attacks involving dozens of drones and missiles just since Nov. 19, said Thursday that any attack by American forces on its sites in Yemen will spark a fierce military response.

“The response to any American attack will not only be at the level of the operation that was recently carried out with more than 24 drones and several missiles,” said Abdel Malek al-Houthi, the group’s supreme leader, during an hour-long speech. “It will be greater than that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696968173377.png" alt="File photo White House" />
 <figcaption>File photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;WASHINGTON —U.S. and British militaries are bombing more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, in a massive retaliatory strike using warship-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets.In a statement from the White House, President Biden said," at my direction, U.S. military forces—together with the United Kingdom and with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands—successfully conducted strikes against a number of targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most vital waterways.""These strikes are in direct response to unprecedented Houthi attacks against international maritime vessels in the Red Sea—including the use of anti-ship ballistic missiles for the first time in history. These attacks have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners, and our partners, jeopardized trade, and threatened freedom of navigation. More than 50 nations have been affected in 27 attacks on international commercial shipping.""Crews from more than 20 countries have been threatened or taken hostage in acts of piracy.&nbsp; More than 2,000 ships have been forced to divert thousands of miles to avoid the Red Sea—which can cause weeks of delays in product shipping times. And on January 9, Houthis launched their largest attack to date—directly targeting American ships.The response of the international community to these reckless attacks has been united and resolute.""Last month, the United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian—a coalition of more than 20 nations committed to defending international shipping and deterring Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.&nbsp; We also joined more than 40 nations in condemning Houthi threats.""Last week, together with 13 allies and partners, we issued an unequivocal warning that Houthi rebels would bear the consequences if their attacks did not cease. And yesterday, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution demanding the Houthis end attacks on merchant and commercial vessels.Today’s (Thursday) defensive action follows this extensive diplomatic campaign and Houthi rebels’ escalating attacks against commercial vessels.""These targeted strikes are a clear message that the United States and our partners will not tolerate attacks on our personnel or allow hostile actors to imperil freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical commercial routes. I will not hesitate to direct further measures to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce as necessary."------------WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and British militaries were bombing more than a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen on Thursday, in a massive retaliatory strike using warship-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets, several U.S. officials told The Associated Press. The military targets included logistical hubs, air defense systems and weapons storage and launching locations, they said.Associated Press journalists in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, heard four explosions early Friday local time but saw no sign of warplanes. Two residents of Hodieda, Amin Ali Saleh and Hani Ahmed, said they heard five strong explosions hitting the western port area of the city, which lies on the Red Sea and is the largest port city controlled by the Houthis. Explosions also were heard by residents of Taiz, a southwestern city near the Red Sea.The strikes marked the first U.S. military response to what has been a persistent campaign of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. And the coordinated military assault comes just a week after the White House and a host of partner nations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-israel-hamas-houthis-red-sea-fef8d446852b6eae33d38ffd8f6b2d64">issued a final warning</a>&nbsp;to the Houthis to cease the attacks or face potential military action. The officials confirmed the strikes on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations. Members of Congress were briefed earlier Thursday on the strike plans.The warning appeared to have had at least some short-lived impact, as attacks stopped for several days. On Tuesday, however, the Houthi rebels fired their largest-ever barrage of drones and missiles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-shipping-houthi-attacks-drones-missiles-1acc4ca5ebcaf6fee932a2061d451f59">targeting shipping in the Red Sea</a>, with U.S. and British ships and American fighter jets responding by shooting down 18 drones, two cruise missiles and an anti-ship missile. And on Thursday, the Houthis fired an anti-ship ballistic missile into the Gulf of Aden, which was seen by a commercial ship but did not hit the ship.The rebels, who have carried out 27 attacks involving dozens of drones and missiles just since Nov. 19, said Thursday that any attack by American forces on its sites in Yemen will spark a fierce military response.“The response to any American attack will not only be at the level of the operation that was recently carried out with more than 24 drones and several missiles,” said Abdel Malek al-Houthi, the group’s supreme leader, during an hour-long speech. “It will be greater than that.”The Houthis say their assaults are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/israel-hamas-war-yemen-red-sea-rebellions-and-uprisings-yemen-government-35148e6fbef64ec8b6fa074d4da2551c">aimed at stopping Israel’s war on Hamas</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip. But their targets increasingly have little or no connection to Israel and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-yemen-houthis-attack-ships-f67d941c260528ac40315ecab4c34ca3">imperil a crucial trade route</a>&nbsp;linking Asia and the Middle East with Europe.Meanwhile, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution Wednesday that demanded the Houthis immediately cease the attacks and implicitly condemned their weapons supplier, Iran. It was approved by a vote of 11-0 with four abstentions — by Russia, China, Algeria and Mozambique.Britain’s participation in the strikes underscored the Biden administration’s effort to use a broad international coalition to battle the Houthis, rather than appear to be going it alone. More than 20 nations are already participating in a U.S.-led maritime mission to increase ship protection in the Red Sea.U.S. officials for weeks had declined to signal when international patience would run out and they would strike back at the Houthis, even as multiple commercial vessels were struck by missiles and drones, prompting companies to look at rerouting their ships.On Wednesday, however, U.S. officials again warned of consequences.“I’m not going to telegraph or preview anything that might happen,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters during a stop in Bahrain. He said the U.S. has made clear “that if this continues as it did yesterday, there will be consequences. And I’m going to leave it at that.”The Biden administration’s reluctance over the past several months to retaliate reflected political sensitivities and stemmed largely from broader worries about upending the shaky truce in Yemen and triggering a wider conflict in the region. The White House wants to preserve the truce and has been wary of taking action in Yemen that could open up another war front.The impact on international shipping and the escalating attacks, however, triggered the coalition warning, which was signed by the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Separately, the U.S. called on the United Nations Security Council to take action against the Houthis and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-un-yemen-houthis-shipping-red-sea-08d42a18873ce55979c755ea1a9cc1b5">warned their financier Iran</a>&nbsp;that it has a choice to make about continuing to provide support to the rebels.Transit through the Red Sea, from the Suez Canal to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, is a crucial shipping lane for global commerce. About 12% of the world’s trade typically passes through the waterway that separates Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, including oil, natural gas, grain and everything from toys to electronics.In response to the attacks, the U.S. created a new maritime security mission, dubbed Operation Prosperity Guardian, to increase security in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden, with about 22 countries are participating. U.S. warships, and those from other nations, have been routinely sailing back and forth through the narrow strait to provide protection for ships and to deter attacks. The coalition has also ramped up airborne surveillance.The decision to set up the expanded patrol operation came after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-houthi-yemen-ships-attack-israel-hamas-war-gaza-strip-716770f0a780160e9abed98d3c48fbde">three commercial vessels were struck by missiles</a>&nbsp;fired by Houthis in Yemen on Dec. 3.The Pentagon increased its military presence in the region after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel to deter Iran from widening the war into a regional conflict, including by the Houthis and Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria.