GOP falls three votes shy of advancing override action to Kansas Senate

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

TOPEKA — The Republican-led Kansas House failed Tuesday to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly ‘s veto of a tax reform bill anchored by implementation of a single, flat state income tax rate of 5.25% in addition to elimination of the state sales tax on groceries and creation of a tax exemption for all Social Security income.

The GOP holds supermajorities in the House and Senate, but there was skepticism that both chambers could muster two-thirds majorities necessary to rebuke Kelly given opposition among conservative and moderate Republicans to parts of the bill favoring the state’s most wealthy. During the past several weeks, House Speaker Dan Hawkins indicated he had the votes for an override but was concerned about passage in the Kansas Senate.

Rep. Adam Smith, the Republican chairman of the House Taxation Committee, pleaded with House members to repel Kelly’s veto. He said House Bill 2284 wasn’t perfect, but it would deliver tax relief the state treasury could afford. At the outset of his speech in favor of an override, he quoted Rolling Stones musician Mick Jagger.

“You can’t always get what you want, but if you try, sometimes you just might find you get what you need,” Smith said. “Kansans need tax relief. The perfect bill doesn’t exist. It impacts everybody different. The perfect tax relief bill looks different if you are from Kansas City versus Dodge City. It looks differently if you own your home or rent your home.”

But his reference to rock ‘n’ roll and the personal ramifications of state law tax fell on deaf ears. The final vote in the House was 81-42, which was three votes shy of the necessary margin to override Kelly.

Rep. Tom Sawyer, D-Wichita, said cost of the tax reform bill approved by simple majorities of the House and Senate in January could reach $600 million annually when fully implemented. He said the tax reduction plan didn’t do enough for the middle class in Kansas. He said much of the benefit was woven into the flat tax piece, but the bill would provide a married couple earning $42,500 to $75,500 per year an income tax reduction of only 75 cents.

“Most of it goes to the top end,” Sawyer said. “We’ve got to do better for those middle class taxpayers.”

Under the bill, the state’s 2% sales tax on groceries would be eliminated April 1. Without action, that tax would evaporate Jan. 1, 2025. Other provisions would reduce state property taxes tied to funding of public schools, exempt from state income tax all Social Security income and allow an increase in standard deductions on state tax returns.

Kelly previously said she supported responsible state tax cuts, but refused to sign into law a “reckless” flat tax that would send the state treasury into a financial spiral similar to the debacle that followed Gov. Sam Brownback’s enactment in 2012 of a massive state income tax cut. State revenue crashed and prompted state tax hikes before much of Brownback’s tax agenda was repealed with bipartisan support in 2017.

“This flat tax experiment would overwhelmingly benefit the super wealthy, and I’m not going to put our public schools, roads and stable economy at risk just to give a break to those at the very top,” Kelly said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708456181600.png" alt=" Weskan Rep. Adam Smith, chairman of the House Taxation Committee, failed to convince two-thirds of his colleagues to support an override of Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of a Republican-crafted bill altering state income, sales and property tax law. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Weskan Rep. Adam Smith, chairman of the House Taxation Committee, failed to convince two-thirds of his colleagues to support an override of Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of a Republican-crafted bill altering state income, sales and property tax law. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>GOP falls three votes shy of advancing override action to Kansas Senate</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Republican-led Kansas House failed Tuesday to override Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly ‘s veto of a tax reform bill anchored by implementation of a single, flat state income tax rate of 5.25% in addition to elimination of the state sales tax on groceries and creation of a tax exemption for all Social Security income.The GOP holds supermajorities in the House and Senate, but there was skepticism that both chambers could muster two-thirds majorities necessary to rebuke Kelly given opposition among conservative and moderate Republicans to parts of the bill favoring the state’s most wealthy. During the past several weeks, House Speaker Dan Hawkins indicated he had the votes for an override but was concerned about passage in the Kansas Senate.Rep. Adam Smith, the Republican chairman of the House Taxation Committee, pleaded with House members to repel Kelly’s veto. He said House Bill 2284 wasn’t perfect, but it would deliver tax relief the state treasury could afford. At the outset of his speech in favor of an override, he quoted Rolling Stones musician Mick Jagger.“You can’t always get what you want, but if you try, sometimes you just might find you get what you need,” Smith said. “Kansans need tax relief. The perfect bill doesn’t exist. It impacts everybody different. The perfect tax relief bill looks different if you are from Kansas City versus Dodge City. It looks differently if you own your home or rent your home.”But his reference to rock ‘n’ roll and the personal ramifications of state law tax fell on deaf ears. The final vote in the House was 81-42, which was three votes shy of the necessary margin to override Kelly.Rep. Tom Sawyer, D-Wichita, said cost of the tax reform bill approved by simple majorities of the House and Senate in January could reach $600 million annually when fully implemented. He said the tax reduction plan didn’t do enough for the middle class in Kansas. He said much of the benefit was woven into the flat tax piece, but the bill would provide a married couple earning $42,500 to $75,500 per year an income tax reduction of only 75 cents.“Most of it goes to the top end,” Sawyer said. “We’ve got to do better for those middle class taxpayers.”Under the bill, the state’s 2% sales tax on groceries would be eliminated April 1. Without action, that tax would evaporate Jan. 1, 2025. Other provisions would reduce state property taxes tied to funding of public schools, exempt from state income tax all Social Security income and allow an increase in standard deductions on state tax returns.Kelly previously said she supported responsible state tax cuts, but refused to sign into law a “reckless” flat tax that would send the state treasury into a financial spiral similar to the debacle that followed Gov. Sam Brownback’s enactment in 2012 of a massive state income tax cut. State revenue crashed and prompted state tax hikes before much of Brownback’s tax agenda was repealed with bipartisan support in 2017.“This flat tax experiment would overwhelmingly benefit the super wealthy, and I’m not going to put our public schools, roads and stable economy at risk just to give a break to those at the very top,” Kelly said.

Kansas House Republicans fail to override governor’s veto on massive tax reform bill

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp;investigating a shooting that left a 1-year-old dead and critically injured two women.

Just after 7p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting call at an apartment in the 2500 block of S. Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders located three shooting victims, two 24-year-old women and a 1-year old, all from Wichita. All three were transported to a local area hospital for their injuries. 

The two women had critical but non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.&nbsp; The 1-year-old was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;

In addition to the three victims, the apartment was occupied by a 24-year-old man, a 5-year-old girl and a 10-month old&nbsp; girl, all of Wichita, during the time of the shooting.&nbsp; They were not injured by the gunfire.

The police investigation has revealed that the suspect fired multiple rounds from a handgun into the apartment striking the victims. The circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation and detectives are diligently following up on promising leads for the arrest of the suspect.

At this time, based on the evidence known, police believe this was a targeted incident.

“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the violent and heinous crime that has occurred in our community, said Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan. "The killing of a 1-year-old child is an unspeakable tragedy that has left us all shaken. This senseless act of violence strikes at the core of our community's values. Our children should be cherished and protected, not subjected to such senseless acts."

The Wichita Police Department urges anyone with information on this case and who has not spoken with investigators, to please call the WPD Investigators at 316- 268-4407, or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708452260137.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are&nbsp;investigating a shooting that left a 1-year-old dead and critically injured two women.Just after 7p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a shooting call at an apartment in the 2500 block of S. Oliver in Wichita, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders located three shooting victims, two 24-year-old women and a 1-year old, all from Wichita. All three were transported to a local area hospital for their injuries. The two women had critical but non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.&nbsp; The 1-year-old was pronounced deceased.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708452305058.png" alt="Photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>In addition to the three victims, the apartment was occupied by a 24-year-old man, a 5-year-old girl and a 10-month old&nbsp; girl, all of Wichita, during the time of the shooting.&nbsp; They were not injured by the gunfire.The police investigation has revealed that the suspect fired multiple rounds from a handgun into the apartment striking the victims. The circumstances leading up to the shooting are still under investigation and detectives are diligently following up on promising leads for the arrest of the suspect.At this time, based on the evidence known, police believe this was a targeted incident.“I am deeply saddened and outraged by the violent and heinous crime that has occurred in our community, said Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan. "The killing of a 1-year-old child is an unspeakable tragedy that has left us all shaken. This senseless act of violence strikes at the core of our community's values. Our children should be cherished and protected, not subjected to such senseless acts."The Wichita Police Department urges anyone with information on this case and who has not spoken with investigators, to please call the WPD Investigators at 316- 268-4407, or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Police: 1-year-old dead, 2 women injured in Kansas shooting

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects for multiple allegations after their actions during a house fire.

Just after 10:30 p.m. Sunday, crews from the Topeka Fire Department&nbsp; responded to a house fire located 426 SE Leland Street, according to department spokesperson Rosie Nichols. 

First responders found a two-story home with heavy smoke coming from it and began suppression operations. An individual, later identified as Joel E. Rodriguez, 38, of Topeka, attempted to enter the burning residence and fire crews called the Topeka Police for assistance.

Two other individuals, later identified as 18-year-old Isiah M. Dunn and 21-year-old Hector Xilonzochilt both of Topeka, also attempted to interfere with firefighters.

No individuals were located in the house and no injuries occurred as a result of the fire.&nbsp;

Police arrested Rodriguez, Xilonzochilt and Dunn and booked them into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Unlawful interference with firefighter; Obstruct efforts to reach location, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Rodriguez and Dunn were also wanted for warrants.

The total estimated loss from the fire was approximately $10,070. The home did not have working smoke detectors, according to Nichols.&nbsp;The cause of the fire  remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708367945605.png" alt=" Rodriguez-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption> Rodriguez-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects for multiple allegations after their actions during a house fire.Just after 10:30 p.m. Sunday, crews from the Topeka Fire Department&nbsp; responded to a house fire located 426 SE Leland Street, according to department spokesperson Rosie Nichols. First responders found a two-story home with heavy smoke coming from it and began suppression operations. An individual, later identified as Joel E. Rodriguez, 38, of Topeka, attempted to enter the burning residence and fire crews called the Topeka Police for assistance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708368888025.png" alt="Dunn-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Dunn-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Two other individuals, later identified as 18-year-old Isiah M. Dunn and 21-year-old Hector Xilonzochilt both of Topeka, also attempted to interfere with firefighters.No individuals were located in the house and no injuries occurred as a result of the fire.&nbsp;Police arrested Rodriguez, Xilonzochilt and Dunn and booked them into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of&nbsp;Unlawful interference with firefighter; Obstruct efforts to reach location, according to online jail records.&nbsp; Rodriguez and Dunn were also wanted for warrants.The total estimated loss from the fire was approximately $10,070. The home did not have working smoke detectors, according to Nichols.&nbsp;The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Kansas man arrested after he tried to enter burning home 

JOHNSON COUNTY —A portion of Interstate 35 in Johnson County Kansas was closed early Tuesday after a series of dangerous traffic incidents.&nbsp; Just after 4a.m. deputies with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a semi trailer fire and a two-vehicle rollover crash on southbound lanes of Interstate 35 at Gardner Road, according to a social media report.&nbsp;

&nbsp;One occupant of the car accident was transported for a minor injury, according to the sheriff's department.&nbsp; The cause of the semi fire is still under investigation. The lanes of the highway re-opened just before 6:30a.m.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708447958743.png" alt="Photos Johnson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photos Johnson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —A portion of Interstate 35 in Johnson County Kansas was closed early Tuesday after a series of dangerous traffic incidents.&nbsp; Just after 4a.m. deputies with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a semi trailer fire and a two-vehicle rollover crash on southbound lanes of Interstate 35 at Gardner Road, according to a social media report.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708447928094.png" alt="Photo Johnson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Johnson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;One occupant of the car accident was transported for a minor injury, according to the sheriff's department.&nbsp; The cause of the semi fire is still under investigation. The lanes of the highway re-opened just before 6:30a.m.

Semi fire, rollover crash briefly closed Kansas highway

FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 457 are investigating a criminal threat at Garden City High School.

Just after 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Garden City High School received a phone call from an unknown individual indicating there was a bomb inside theschool. Out of an abundance of caution, all students and staff were immediately evacuated and law enforcement was notified.

The Garden City Police Department, Finney County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Finney County Emergency Management, Garden City Fire Department, and Finney County Emergency Medical Services responded accordingly and searched the school to ensure the safety of students and employees.

After a thorough investigation by law enforcement, no threats to the students, staff, or school were discovered, and Garden City

High School was released at its normal dismissal time. The scene was cleared around 3:30 p.m., and no explosives were located.

FINNEY COUNTY —There is a large first responder presence at Garden City High School, 2720 Buffalo Way in Garden City, according to a statement from Garden City Police.

"Out of an abundance of caution, all Garden City High School students and staff have been evacuated from the building. More information will be shared soon. All students are safe, there is no need to pick them up at this time."

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708466097273.png" alt="Photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and USD 457 are investigating a criminal threat at Garden City High School.Just after 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Garden City High School received a phone call from an unknown individual indicating there was a bomb inside theschool. Out of an abundance of caution, all students and staff were immediately evacuated and law enforcement was notified.The Garden City Police Department, Finney County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, Finney County Emergency Management, Garden City Fire Department, and Finney County Emergency Medical Services responded accordingly and searched the school to ensure the safety of students and employees.After a thorough investigation by law enforcement, no threats to the students, staff, or school were discovered, and Garden CityHigh School was released at its normal dismissal time. The scene was cleared around 3:30 p.m., and no explosives were located.--------------FINNEY COUNTY —There is a large first responder presence at Garden City High School, 2720 Buffalo Way in Garden City, according to a statement from Garden City Police.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UPDATE (3:30 P.M.): No threats to the students, staff, or school were discovered, and the scene is clear. A formal media release is forthcoming.&mdash; Garden City (KS) Police Department (@GCPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/GCPD/status/1760054600327938087?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UPDATE (2:45 P.M.): Garden City High School will dismiss at its normal time. First Responders remain on scene continuing their investigation and are directing traffic at dismissal time. We will provide updates when available.&mdash; Garden City (KS) Police Department (@GCPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/GCPD/status/1760042888644182094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">UPDATE (1:50 P.M.): First Responders are investigating a possible criminal threat at Garden City High School. The high school continues to keep students and staff out of the building. Please avoid the area as the investigation continues. We will provide updates when available.&mdash; Garden City (KS) Police Department (@GCPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/GCPD/status/1760029869524566200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgckschools%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0DV9uoPEPVVPiz38Nc6NGjC7S7t6CumWHDpqhSJwsLJUNgMkY2hu8cqGtcy1WMjLxl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="189" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>"Out of an abundance of caution, all Garden City High School students and staff have been evacuated from the building. More information will be shared soon. All students are safe, there is no need to pick them up at this time."Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Garden City High School evacuated after alleged criminal threat

GODDARD, Kan. — Since his birth in December, the endangered pygmy hippo calf at Tanganyika Wildlife Park has captured the hearts of many.

 A social media sensation, the youngster has garnered over 25 million views across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook since his arrival. 

On Tuesday the park proudly shares his name: Latke!&nbsp; Pronounced lot-kuh, inspired by his birth during Hannukah, his name reflects the traditional Hannukah potato dish, reflecting his endearing round physique. The fourth calf of parents Pluto and Posie, Latke is thriving. He has more than tripled his weight to 46.8 lbs, and he is meeting all developmental milestones with flying colors.

Latke's fan base serves a deeper purpose beyond spreading daily doses of cuteness worldwide. He serves as a vital ambassador for his species, shedding light on the challenges facing the pygmy hippo, a creature many are unaware of. With fewer than 4,000 individuals remaining in their native habitat in Central Africa, breeding pygmy hippos in accredited zoological facilities is increasingly important.

As Latke continues to grow, he’s begun a training program. "Establishing trusting relationships is an important part of our husbandry training program," explains Keeper Sierra Smith. "It enables us to condition complex behaviors like blood draws and nail trims, allowing our animals to actively participate in their healthcare."

This progress means Latke and his hippo family will be ready to welcome visitors to their behind-the-scenes home starting in August of 2024. While Latke still has some more training to do, starting today, visitors can book a unique Pygmy Hippo Meet and Greet, the only encounter of its kind in the United States. Participants will venture into the hippo barn, touch a hippo, engage in a training session, and watch one of the hippos create nose-print paintings as souvenirs of their special experience.

Beginning March 9th, when the park reopens for the season, guests can visit Latke and his parents daily in their habitat. Tanganyika visitors can also enjoy feeding the hippos, one of nine distinct feeding encounter stations designed to bring guests "close enough to care."

With Gold and Silver pass members enjoying inclusive hippo feeding sessions as one of many VIP perks, there's never been a better time to join the Tanganyika conservation community. For a brief window from March 1-14th, Tanganyika Wildlife Park will offer season passes on sale. Given the excitement surrounding our new programs and limited availability, passes are expected to sell out quickly.

You can secure your spot on a hippo tour and purchase your season pass to visit Latke and the rest of the rare and endangered species at Tanganyika by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://email.mg.twpark.com/c/eJxskMFu6jAQRb8m3oEcz8RJFrN4ehRUqS2LCqp2E9mOk1ghOHVMKf36ikiVWLC9M7pX55jK1fQ6jfs2_enPO5NuPsTl4X21ZjVhrutUMktpzgsE5CCZHZQ7VPEyWjJqGJVrjzfZtUxmNegUgFtsQGdZgU2TilywjowyNRa55grQ5LURpQZVFEZiI7hFYI4EF8iF4ClwDnIJuiwbicCl5lgImSAf2mU8jyr0S-MHdqAuxjGBf4lYJ2J9e_EzW7mCffG9DY8vb8-b3f8n85lt2WBj52tSo2M-uNYdSZ8O_WIGYYG6UzTd6KeYIG-v2Vw4-VMwluanhZu-FmcfehtYpOvU3Z1Ixg_VXb2RbKz-FP4GAAD__9Zjfh8" target="_blank">twpark.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708440731375.jpeg" alt="Latke-Photo Courtesy Tanganyika Wildlife Park" />
 <figcaption>Latke-Photo Courtesy Tanganyika Wildlife Park</figcaption>
 </figure>GODDARD, Kan. — Since his birth in December, the endangered pygmy hippo calf at Tanganyika Wildlife Park has captured the hearts of many. A social media sensation, the youngster has garnered over 25 million views across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook since his arrival. On Tuesday the park proudly shares his name: Latke!&nbsp; Pronounced lot-kuh, inspired by his birth during Hannukah, his name reflects the traditional Hannukah potato dish, reflecting his endearing round physique. The fourth calf of parents Pluto and Posie, Latke is thriving. He has more than tripled his weight to 46.8 lbs, and he is meeting all developmental milestones with flying colors.Latke's fan base serves a deeper purpose beyond spreading daily doses of cuteness worldwide. He serves as a vital ambassador for his species, shedding light on the challenges facing the pygmy hippo, a creature many are unaware of. With fewer than 4,000 individuals remaining in their native habitat in Central Africa, breeding pygmy hippos in accredited zoological facilities is increasingly important.As Latke continues to grow, he’s begun a training program. "Establishing trusting relationships is an important part of our husbandry training program," explains Keeper Sierra Smith. "It enables us to condition complex behaviors like blood draws and nail trims, allowing our animals to actively participate in their healthcare."This progress means Latke and his hippo family will be ready to welcome visitors to their behind-the-scenes home starting in August of 2024. While Latke still has some more training to do, starting today, visitors can book a unique Pygmy Hippo Meet and Greet, the only encounter of its kind in the United States. Participants will venture into the hippo barn, touch a hippo, engage in a training session, and watch one of the hippos create nose-print paintings as souvenirs of their special experience.Beginning March 9th, when the park reopens for the season, guests can visit Latke and his parents daily in their habitat. Tanganyika visitors can also enjoy feeding the hippos, one of nine distinct feeding encounter stations designed to bring guests "close enough to care."With Gold and Silver pass members enjoying inclusive hippo feeding sessions as one of many VIP perks, there's never been a better time to join the Tanganyika conservation community. For a brief window from March 1-14th, Tanganyika Wildlife Park will offer season passes on sale. Given the excitement surrounding our new programs and limited availability, passes are expected to sell out quickly.You can secure your spot on a hippo tour and purchase your season pass to visit Latke and the rest of the rare and endangered species at Tanganyika by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://email.mg.twpark.com/c/eJxskMFu6jAQRb8m3oEcz8RJFrN4ehRUqS2LCqp2E9mOk1ghOHVMKf36ikiVWLC9M7pX55jK1fQ6jfs2_enPO5NuPsTl4X21ZjVhrutUMktpzgsE5CCZHZQ7VPEyWjJqGJVrjzfZtUxmNegUgFtsQGdZgU2TilywjowyNRa55grQ5LURpQZVFEZiI7hFYI4EF8iF4ClwDnIJuiwbicCl5lgImSAf2mU8jyr0S-MHdqAuxjGBf4lYJ2J9e_EzW7mCffG9DY8vb8-b3f8n85lt2WBj52tSo2M-uNYdSZ8O_WIGYYG6UzTd6KeYIG-v2Vw4-VMwluanhZu-FmcfehtYpOvU3Z1Ixg_VXb2RbKz-FP4GAAD__9Zjfh8" target="_blank">twpark.com</a>.

Kan. wildlife park reveals name of endangered pygmy hippo

Kelly honors dedication, commitment of Black legislators in Kansas

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly asked a crowd in the Capitol rotunda on Monday to work diligently with her to protect voting rights in Kansas against campaigns to diminish the influence of Black people in electoral politics.

“Everyone in this room knows that there is no more sacred right,” the Democratic governor said. “For too long, people of color have been targeted by legislation that attempts to limit their constitutional right to cast a ballot.”

In 2023, the governor vetoed a bill requiring advance voting ballots be delivered to officials on Election Day. That decision retained state law granting a three-day grace period for arrival of late ballots by mail. She signed legislation providing an opportunity for voters to clarify ballot signatures to prevent votes from being discarded and she directed state agencies to provide Kansans with more opportunities to register to vote.

During the 2024 legislative session, Kelly told participants at Black Legislative Day, the task would be to block attempts to undercut progress on voting access. Legislators who have sponsored election reform bills defend that work as necessary to protect integrity of elections.

“It’s despicable, especially when what we should be doing is making it easier, not harder, for Kansans to make their voices heard at the ballot box,” Kelly said.

Kelly urged the audience to be active in debate about sustaining state funding for K-12 public schools, including appropriations to bring expenditures on special education in line with state law. She also recommended the audience oppose shifting more state tax dollars to private schools.

“Public schools are cornerstones of our state — the place where kids from any race, background or creed can gain the education they need to succeed,” she said. “That’s why we need to stand against any efforts to reverse any progress we’ve made, including diverting public dollars to private schools. We must preserve our local community schools. Anything else is not fair to our children, is not a responsible use of taxpayer dollars and is a blow to true equality.”

The governor said she had for six years urged the Legislature to expand eligibility for Medicaid among lower-income, working Kansans. She said expansion, with the federal government paying 90% of added costs, would bring hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the state and improve access to quality care while also creating thousands of jobs.

The Republican-led Legislature has for years repelled attempts by Democrats and moderate Republicans to expand Medicaid to about 150,000 Kansans.

“States that have expanded Medicaid see fewer racial disparities in health coverage,” Kelly said. “Studies show Medicaid expansion reduces maternal fatality rates among Black mothers and reduces disparities in infant health outcomes for Black infants.”

Kelly urged the audience to oppose a bill passed by the House and Senate, but vetoed by the governor, that would impose a single-rate state&nbsp; income tax of 5.25%. The House is expected to attempt an override of the governor’s veto, which would require support from two-thirds majorities in both chambers.

After concluding her remarks, Kelly signed a proclamation declaring Feb. 19 the start of Black Legislative Month at the Capitol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708441540802.png" alt="&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly, bracketed by Black legislators and others gathered at the Capitol, signed a proclamation marking the historical contributions of Blacks to Kansas communities and the ongoing fight for racial justice. courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Gov. Laura Kelly, bracketed by Black legislators and others gathered at the Capitol, signed a proclamation marking the historical contributions of Blacks to Kansas communities and the ongoing fight for racial justice. courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kelly honors dedication, commitment of Black legislators in Kansas</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly asked a crowd in the Capitol rotunda on Monday to work diligently with her to protect voting rights in Kansas against campaigns to diminish the influence of Black people in electoral politics.“Everyone in this room knows that there is no more sacred right,” the Democratic governor said. “For too long, people of color have been targeted by legislation that attempts to limit their constitutional right to cast a ballot.”In 2023, the governor vetoed a bill requiring advance voting ballots be delivered to officials on Election Day. That decision retained state law granting a three-day grace period for arrival of late ballots by mail. She signed legislation providing an opportunity for voters to clarify ballot signatures to prevent votes from being discarded and she directed state agencies to provide Kansans with more opportunities to register to vote.During the 2024 legislative session, Kelly told participants at Black Legislative Day, the task would be to block attempts to undercut progress on voting access. Legislators who have sponsored election reform bills defend that work as necessary to protect integrity of elections.“It’s despicable, especially when what we should be doing is making it easier, not harder, for Kansans to make their voices heard at the ballot box,” Kelly said.Kelly urged the audience to be active in debate about sustaining state funding for K-12 public schools, including appropriations to bring expenditures on special education in line with state law. She also recommended the audience oppose shifting more state tax dollars to private schools.“Public schools are cornerstones of our state — the place where kids from any race, background or creed can gain the education they need to succeed,” she said. “That’s why we need to stand against any efforts to reverse any progress we’ve made, including diverting public dollars to private schools. We must preserve our local community schools. Anything else is not fair to our children, is not a responsible use of taxpayer dollars and is a blow to true equality.”The governor said she had for six years urged the Legislature to expand eligibility for Medicaid among lower-income, working Kansans. She said expansion, with the federal government paying 90% of added costs, would bring hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the state and improve access to quality care while also creating thousands of jobs.The Republican-led Legislature has for years repelled attempts by Democrats and moderate Republicans to expand Medicaid to about 150,000 Kansans.“States that have expanded Medicaid see fewer racial disparities in health coverage,” Kelly said. “Studies show Medicaid expansion reduces maternal fatality rates among Black mothers and reduces disparities in infant health outcomes for Black infants.”Kelly urged the audience to oppose a bill passed by the House and Senate, but vetoed by the governor, that would impose a single-rate state&nbsp; income tax of 5.25%. The House is expected to attempt an override of the governor’s veto, which would require support from two-thirds majorities in both chambers.After concluding her remarks, Kelly signed a proclamation declaring Feb. 19 the start of Black Legislative Month at the Capitol.

Kan. governor celebrates Black history, seeks support for voting rights, health care agenda

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting have identified the suspect who died as&nbsp;43-year-old Brett Smiley, according to Shawnee Police.

Just after 11a.m. Sunday, police were notified of a rolling disturbance with shots fired from a truck along Kansas 7, according to Shawnee, Kansas Police.

Subsequently, Shawnee police responded to a robbery in progress call at a QuikTrip in the 20600 block of Shawnee Mission Parkway. Officers were informed of shots being fired inside the business. Officers engaged an armed subject later identified as Smiley at the door.&nbsp; EMS transported Smiley&nbsp; to the hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; Late Sunday police reported the he died of his injuries..

No citizens or officers were injured.&nbsp; The Johnson County Officer-Involved Critical Incident Investigation Team is now in charge of the investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Police continue to ask anyone who witnessed or has information about this incident is also asked to call the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708393250204.png" alt="Smiley from a January 2023 arrest in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Smiley from a January 2023 arrest in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting have identified the suspect who died as&nbsp;43-year-old Brett Smiley, according to Shawnee Police.Just after 11a.m. Sunday, police were notified of a rolling disturbance with shots fired from a truck along Kansas 7, according to Shawnee, Kansas Police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708312831590.png" alt="Photo Shawnee Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Shawnee Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Subsequently, Shawnee police responded to a robbery in progress call at a QuikTrip in the 20600 block of Shawnee Mission Parkway. Officers were informed of shots being fired inside the business. Officers engaged an armed subject later identified as Smiley at the door.&nbsp; EMS transported Smiley&nbsp; to the hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; Late Sunday police reported the he died of his injuries..No citizens or officers were injured.&nbsp; The Johnson County Officer-Involved Critical Incident Investigation Team is now in charge of the investigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police continue to ask anyone who witnessed or has information about this incident is also asked to call the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).

Police ID  armed robbery suspect who died in Kan. officer shooting

TOPEKA —A Florida man is under arrest after being charged with election fraud in Kansas, according to a statement from the Kansas Attorney General's office.

On February 6, George Andrews, 30 of Dade City, Florida, was arrested&nbsp; for forging signatures on petitions to make “No Labels” an officially recognized political party in Kansas.

“Andrews was part of a scheme to defraud Kansas voters by placing their forged signatures on petitions. In Kansas, we take election fraud seriously, and we will prosecute every case where the evidence indicates a crime has been committed beyond a reasonable doubt,” Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said.

The arrest comes following an extensive investigation by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. Andrews is charged with two counts of election perjury and 28 counts of election forgery. 

Andrews was arrested in Dade City, Florida. Pending extradition to Kansas, Andrews will appear in Johnson County District Court. In 2015, the legislature gave the Attorney General’s Office and the Secretary of State’s Office the authority to prosecute elections crimes in Kansas. When Kobach was Secretary of State, he successfully prosecuted 12 cases of election fraud, including double voting and non-citizen voting. Kobach is the first Kansas Attorney General to exercise the authority to prosecute election crimes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708380593446.png" alt="Andrews-Photo Pasco Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Andrews-Photo Pasco Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —A Florida man is under arrest after being charged with election fraud in Kansas, according to a statement from the Kansas Attorney General's office.On February 6, George Andrews, 30 of Dade City, Florida, was arrested&nbsp; for forging signatures on petitions to make “No Labels” an officially recognized political party in Kansas.“Andrews was part of a scheme to defraud Kansas voters by placing their forged signatures on petitions. In Kansas, we take election fraud seriously, and we will prosecute every case where the evidence indicates a crime has been committed beyond a reasonable doubt,” Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach said.The arrest comes following an extensive investigation by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. Andrews is charged with two counts of election perjury and 28 counts of election forgery. Andrews was arrested in Dade City, Florida. Pending extradition to Kansas, Andrews will appear in Johnson County District Court. In 2015, the legislature gave the Attorney General’s Office and the Secretary of State’s Office the authority to prosecute elections crimes in Kansas. When Kobach was Secretary of State, he successfully prosecuted 12 cases of election fraud, including double voting and non-citizen voting. Kobach is the first Kansas Attorney General to exercise the authority to prosecute election crimes.

Man jailed in Florida for alleged election fraud in Kansas

KANSAS CITY —On January 17, a mass shooting occurred at <a href="https://www.crowncenter.com/">Crown Center </a>in Kansas City that sent as many as 6 people to area hospitals.

 Since then, police have reported little information and no charges have been filed. On Monday,&nbsp;president of Kansas City Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 99 used social media to criticize the Jackson County prosecutor's office.

A short time later,&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker responded to Lemon's statement.

"Recent tweet by the Fraternal Order of Police that suggest charges are not being filed in the Crown Center shootings that occurred last month are misguided and uninformed. We cannot detail further at this time the status of that investigation in order to protect officer safety and the investigation itself."

Just after 5:30p.m. Jan. 17, police responded to a report of gunfire in the lower level near the food court  at Crown Center in Kansas City, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.

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

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

Crime Scene Investigators and detectives responded to process the scene and speak to witnesses. Several people were detained for questioning at the scene, Becchina said, but police have not yet announced any arrests

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705578003872.png" alt="Photo of police tape at Crown Center Jan. 17-photo courtesy KMBC" />
 <figcaption>Photo of police tape at Crown Center Jan. 17-photo courtesy KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —On January 17, a mass shooting occurred at <a href="https://www.crowncenter.com/">Crown Center </a>in Kansas City that sent as many as 6 people to area hospitals. Since then, police have reported little information and no charges have been filed. On Monday,&nbsp;president of Kansas City Missouri Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 99 used social media to criticize the Jackson County prosecutor's office.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It’s been 33 days since the Crown Center shooting. No one has been charged. Would the same be said in Clay, Platte, Cass, or any other county in the metro? Stop the hand-wringing. File the charges!!!!&mdash; Brad Lemon (@FOPLemon) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOPLemon/status/1759602832670388684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>A short time later,&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker responded to Lemon's statement."Recent tweet by the Fraternal Order of Police that suggest charges are not being filed in the Crown Center shootings that occurred last month are misguided and uninformed. We cannot detail further at this time the status of that investigation in order to protect officer safety and the investigation itself."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705578148945.png" alt="Police inside the Crown Center lower level the night of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police inside the Crown Center lower level the night of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 5:30p.m. Jan. 17, police responded to a report of gunfire in the lower level near the food court at Crown Center in Kansas City, according to KCPD Sergeant Jake Becchina.A preliminary investigation indicated 3-4 people were struck by gunfire after a disturbance between two groups turned into gunfire.&nbsp;Police later learned three additional victims showed up on their own at other hospitals. That brings the total number of shooting victims to six. The ages of all but one victim range from late teens to early 20s the other one is in their 50sCrime Scene Investigators and detectives responded to process the scene and speak to witnesses. Several people were detained for questioning at the scene, Becchina said, but police have not yet announced any arrests

Prosecutor responds to criticism of Crown Center shooting investigation

NEW YORK (AP) — Capital One Financial said it will buy Discover Financial Services for $35 billion, in a deal that would bring together two of the nation's credit card companies as well as potentially shake up the payments industry, which is largely dominated by Visa and Mastercard.

Under the terms of the all-stock transaction, Discover Financial shareholders will receive Capital One shares valued at nearly $140. That's a significant premium to the $110.49 that Discover shares closed at Friday.

The deal marries two of the largest credit card companies that aren't banks first, like JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup, with the notable exception of American Express. It also brings together two companies whose customers are largely similar: often Americans who are looking for cash back or modest travel rewards, compared to the premium credit cards dominated by AmEx, Citi and Chase.

“This marketplace that’s dominated by the big players is going to shrink a little bit more now,” said Matt Schulz, chief credit card analyst at LendingTree.

It also will give Discover's payment network a major credit card partner in a way that could make the payment network a major competitor once again. The U.S. credit card industry is dominated by the Visa-Mastercard duopoly with AmEx being a distance third place and Discover an even more distant fourth place. It's unclear whether Capitol One will adopt the Discover payment system or may set up a payment network that allows parallel use of Discover and a second payment network like Visa.

"Our acquisition of Discover is a singular opportunity to bring together two very successful companies with complementary capabilities and franchises, and to build a payments network that can compete with the largest payments networks and payments companies,” said Richard Fairbank, the chairman and CEO of Capital One, in a statement.

With its purchase of Discover, Capital One is betting that Americans’ will continue to increasingly use their credit cards and keep balances on those accounts to collect interest. In the fourth quarter of 2023, Americans held $1.13 trillion on their credit cards, and aggregate household debt balances increased by $212 billion, up 1.2%, according to the latest data from the New York Federal Reserve.

As they run up their card balances, consumers are also paying higher interest rates. The average interest rate on a bank credit card is roughly 21.5%, the highest it’s been since the Federal Reserve started tracking the data in 1994.

Capital One has long has a business model looking for customers who will keep a balance on their cards, aiming for customers with lower credit scores than American Express or even Discover.

At the same time, the two lenders have had to boost their reserves against the possibility of rising borrower defaults. After battling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-rates-economy-biden-federal-reserve-539b662f32a3cea4a514407ae4389174">inflation</a>&nbsp;for more than two years, many lower- and middle-income Americans have run through their savings and are increasingly running up their credit card balances and taking on personal loans.

The additional reserves have weighed on both banks’ profits. Last year, Capital One’s net income available to common shareholders slumped 35% versus 2022, as its provisions for loan losses soared 78% to $10.4 billion. Discover’s full-year profit sank 33.6% versus its 2022 results as its provisions for credit losses more than doubled to $6.02 billion.

Discover’s customers are carrying $102 billion in balances on their credit cards, up 13% from a year earlier. Meanwhile, the charge-off rates and 30-day delinquency rates have climbed.

Beyond boosting bank deposits and loan accounts, the acquisition would give Capital One access to the Discover payment processing network. While smaller than industry giants Visa and Mastercard, the Discover network will enable Capital One to get revenue from fees charged for every merchant transaction that runs on the network.

Discover has been operating under heightened scrutiny from regulators. Last summer, the company disclosed that beginning around mid-2007, it incorrectly classified certain card accounts into its highest merchant pricing tiers. The company also received an unrelated consent order from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation over its customer compliance management.

Analysts at Citigroup say the regulatory issues may have prompted the sale.

“We are surprised that DFS would sell, but suppose that its regulatory challenges such as its recent October FDIC consent order and the card product misclassification issue may have opened the door for the board to consider strategic alternatives that it may not have in the past,” wrote analysts Arren Cyganovich and Kaili Wang in a note to clients.

It's unclear whether the deal will pass regulatory scrutiny. Nearly every bank issues a credit card to customers but few companies are credit card companies first, and banks second. Both Discover — which was long ago the Sears Card — and Capital One started off as credit card companies that expanded into other financial offerings like checking and savings accounts.

Consumer groups are expected to put heavy pressure on the Biden Administration to make sure the deal is good for consumers as well as shareholders.

“The deal also poses massive anti-trust concerns, given the vertical integration of Capital One’s credit card lending with Discover’s credit card network,” said Jesse Van Tol, president and CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708395738700.png" alt="Image courtesy Capitol One" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy Capitol One</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Capital One Financial said it will buy Discover Financial Services for $35 billion, in a deal that would bring together two of the nation's credit card companies as well as potentially shake up the payments industry, which is largely dominated by Visa and Mastercard.Under the terms of the all-stock transaction, Discover Financial shareholders will receive Capital One shares valued at nearly $140. That's a significant premium to the $110.49 that Discover shares closed at Friday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708426424767.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The deal marries two of the largest credit card companies that aren't banks first, like JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup, with the notable exception of American Express. It also brings together two companies whose customers are largely similar: often Americans who are looking for cash back or modest travel rewards, compared to the premium credit cards dominated by AmEx, Citi and Chase.“This marketplace that’s dominated by the big players is going to shrink a little bit more now,” said Matt Schulz, chief credit card analyst at LendingTree.It also will give Discover's payment network a major credit card partner in a way that could make the payment network a major competitor once again. The U.S. credit card industry is dominated by the Visa-Mastercard duopoly with AmEx being a distance third place and Discover an even more distant fourth place. It's unclear whether Capitol One will adopt the Discover payment system or may set up a payment network that allows parallel use of Discover and a second payment network like Visa.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708395916016.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>"Our acquisition of Discover is a singular opportunity to bring together two very successful companies with complementary capabilities and franchises, and to build a payments network that can compete with the largest payments networks and payments companies,” said Richard Fairbank, the chairman and CEO of Capital One, in a statement.With its purchase of Discover, Capital One is betting that Americans’ will continue to increasingly use their credit cards and keep balances on those accounts to collect interest. In the fourth quarter of 2023, Americans held $1.13 trillion on their credit cards, and aggregate household debt balances increased by $212 billion, up 1.2%, according to the latest data from the New York Federal Reserve.As they run up their card balances, consumers are also paying higher interest rates. The average interest rate on a bank credit card is roughly 21.5%, the highest it’s been since the Federal Reserve started tracking the data in 1994.Capital One has long has a business model looking for customers who will keep a balance on their cards, aiming for customers with lower credit scores than American Express or even Discover.At the same time, the two lenders have had to boost their reserves against the possibility of rising borrower defaults. After battling&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-rates-economy-biden-federal-reserve-539b662f32a3cea4a514407ae4389174">inflation</a>&nbsp;for more than two years, many lower- and middle-income Americans have run through their savings and are increasingly running up their credit card balances and taking on personal loans.The additional reserves have weighed on both banks’ profits. Last year, Capital One’s net income available to common shareholders slumped 35% versus 2022, as its provisions for loan losses soared 78% to $10.4 billion. Discover’s full-year profit sank 33.6% versus its 2022 results as its provisions for credit losses more than doubled to $6.02 billion.Discover’s customers are carrying $102 billion in balances on their credit cards, up 13% from a year earlier. Meanwhile, the charge-off rates and 30-day delinquency rates have climbed.Beyond boosting bank deposits and loan accounts, the acquisition would give Capital One access to the Discover payment processing network. While smaller than industry giants Visa and Mastercard, the Discover network will enable Capital One to get revenue from fees charged for every merchant transaction that runs on the network.Discover has been operating under heightened scrutiny from regulators. Last summer, the company disclosed that beginning around mid-2007, it incorrectly classified certain card accounts into its highest merchant pricing tiers. The company also received an unrelated consent order from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation over its customer compliance management.Analysts at Citigroup say the regulatory issues may have prompted the sale.“We are surprised that DFS would sell, but suppose that its regulatory challenges such as its recent October FDIC consent order and the card product misclassification issue may have opened the door for the board to consider strategic alternatives that it may not have in the past,” wrote analysts Arren Cyganovich and Kaili Wang in a note to clients.It's unclear whether the deal will pass regulatory scrutiny. Nearly every bank issues a credit card to customers but few companies are credit card companies first, and banks second. Both Discover — which was long ago the Sears Card — and Capital One started off as credit card companies that expanded into other financial offerings like checking and savings accounts.Consumer groups are expected to put heavy pressure on the Biden Administration to make sure the deal is good for consumers as well as shareholders.“The deal also poses massive anti-trust concerns, given the vertical integration of Capital One’s credit card lending with Discover’s credit card network,” said Jesse Van Tol, president and CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition.

$35 billion deal: 2 of the largest credit card companies to merge

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating five suspect on drug allegations.

On February 15, 2024, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 5200 Block SW 27th Street in Topeka related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrant, officers located fentanyl, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

As a result police arrested Jana Steele, 40; Christen Hollis, 39; Tyrone Popejoy, 42; Thomas Tadlock, 40, and Halie Clinton, 29.

&nbsp;Steele is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school, No Drug Tax Stamp, Interference, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and a&nbsp;County Arrest Warrant

Christen Hollis is jailed on requested charges of&nbsp;Interference and a County Arrest Warrant.

Tyrone Popejoy and Thomas were jailed on a requested charge of Interference

Halie Clinton was jailed on a requested charge on a County Arrest Warrant in connection with theft.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708119957786.png" alt="Steele&nbsp;photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Steele&nbsp;photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating five suspect on drug allegations.On February 15, 2024, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 5200 Block SW 27th Street in Topeka related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police Lt. Ronnie Connell.While conducting the search warrant, officers located fentanyl, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.As a result police arrested Jana Steele, 40; Christen Hollis, 39; Tyrone Popejoy, 42; Thomas Tadlock, 40, and Halie Clinton, 29.&nbsp;Steele is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Distribution of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine within 1000’ of a school, No Drug Tax Stamp, Interference, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and a&nbsp;County Arrest Warrant<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708120029996.png" alt="Hollis&nbsp;photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hollis&nbsp;photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Christen Hollis is jailed on requested charges of&nbsp;Interference and a County Arrest Warrant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708120083508.png" alt="Popejoy&nbsp;photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Popejoy&nbsp;photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Tyrone Popejoy and Thomas were jailed on a requested charge of Interference<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708120195815.png" alt="Clinton -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Clinton -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Halie Clinton was jailed on a requested charge on a County Arrest Warrant in connection with theft.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Suspect accused of selling fentanyl, meth near a Kansas school

LANSING, Kansas. –Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) resident Kaydin Varland-Hazelton, 28, died Saturday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 He was pronounced deceased by local hospital staff. 

Varland-Hazelton, was serving an 84-month sentence for several convictions of drug possessions and one count of battery in Sedgwick County.&nbsp; According to the Kansas Department of Corrections, he had ten previous convictions dating back to crimes committed in 2018 including domestic battery, criminal threat, aggravated battery and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy. A preliminary assessment indicates the death was not related to COVID-19.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708362407660.png" alt="Varland-Hazelton following an arrest a March 2020 arrest in Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Varland-Hazelton following an arrest a March 2020 arrest in Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>LANSING, Kansas. –Lansing Correctional Facility (LCF) resident Kaydin Varland-Hazelton, 28, died Saturday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. He was pronounced deceased by local hospital staff. Varland-Hazelton, was serving an 84-month sentence for several convictions of drug possessions and one count of battery in Sedgwick County.&nbsp; According to the Kansas Department of Corrections, he had ten previous convictions dating back to crimes committed in 2018 including domestic battery, criminal threat, aggravated battery and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy. A preliminary assessment indicates the death was not related to COVID-19.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the KDOC, the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

Kansas inmate with 10 convictions has died

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Lansing Police Department are conducting a death investigation after human remains were found near a creek in Lansing, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just after 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18, subjects were walking along a creek bed in the 900 block of N. Main Street in Lansing, when they found skeletal remains. They called 911, and officers from the Lansing Police Department responded to the area.

The identity of the deceased person has not been confirmed. Positive identification may take longer than typical cases due to the condition of the remains. An autopsy has been scheduled.

If you have information about this case, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME.<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar"> Click here to submit</a> tips online anonymously online&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708379586107.png" alt="Near the 900 Block of N. Main where the remains were found-Google image" />
 <figcaption>Near the 900 Block of N. Main where the remains were found-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Lansing Police Department are conducting a death investigation after human remains were found near a creek in Lansing, according to a media release from the KBI.Just after 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18, subjects were walking along a creek bed in the 900 block of N. Main Street in Lansing, when they found skeletal remains. They called 911, and officers from the Lansing Police Department responded to the area.The identity of the deceased person has not been confirmed. Positive identification may take longer than typical cases due to the condition of the remains. An autopsy has been scheduled.If you have information about this case, please contact the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME.<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar"> Click here to submit</a> tips online anonymously online&nbsp;

KBI: Skeletal remains found in wooded area near Kansas creek

Legislation requires state treasurer to create secure bullion repositories

TOPEKA — Rep. Michael Murphy argued it was peculiar a bill had to be introduced in the Kansas Legislature to authorize use of gold and silver as legal tender for everyday expenditures within the framework of a state-created alternative to the U.S. dollar.

“These precious metals were used for thousands of years and indeed they backed our currency until 1973. Since then, fiat currency has been used with the U.S. dollar being the world’s reserve currency,” he said.

Murphy, a Republican from Sylvia located west of Hutchinson, told the House Financial Institutions and Pensions Committee that the decision of the United States to step away from the “gold standard” and rely on printed dollars as the basis of currency contributed to inflation and economic instability.

Over the years, he said, people such as himself tried to bring “sanity and reality” back to the money supply, create financial security and a hedge against inflation by embracing a system based on gold and silver assets.

Technology advances opened a door for states to finally make use of precious metals as backing for electronic transactions, Murphy said. House Bill 2729 and Senate Bill 513, under consideration by the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, would clear the way for electronic transactions within Kansas backed by gold and silver coins, rounds, bars or ingots that were minted domestically or in countries minted around the world.

No one could be compelled to accept silver or gold as legal tender in Kansas under the legislation, but it could be used to cover private debts, taxes and fees levied by the state or any political subdivision of the state.

The legislation — not acted upon Monday by either Senate or House committee — would forbid state taxation of exchanges in these precious metals, except in terms of a retirement account tied to the alternative currency. Under the Senate and House bills, no bullion would be characterized as personal property for taxation or regulatory purposes.

Murphy said the idea wasn’t radical nor did it have partisan overtones: “This is not a ‘left’ or ‘right’ issue. It is a Kansas issue.”

Alex Orel, representing the Kansas Bankers Association, said a state currency tied to bullion would be a complex and risky business that the state of Kansas should avoid.

“This is a lot more complicated than it may sound, as evidenced by the fact that no great platform currently exists. There are layers of security, processing speed, reliability and even customer service that all have to be perfected. The currency has to be usable and also not hackable,” he said.

Orel said the Commodity Futures Trading Commission warned “virtual currencies are commonly targeted by hackers and criminals who commit fraud. There is no assurance of recourse if your virtual currency is stolen.”

“The virtual currency world is still a wild west,” Orel said. “While virtual currency may be a risk that a savvy consumer feels safe taking on, is our state ready to assume that risk as well?”

He compared the idea of creating a state-by-state patchwork of currencies to the Civil War era when states established independent currencies and struggled to conduct trade.

State Treasurer Steven Johnson would be responsible for setting rules and regulations of state’s own currency system as well as development of state-controlled, vault-protected bullion depositories. Individuals, corporations and associations would be allowed to establish accounts in the Kansas depositories. In addition, the state’s Pooled Money Investment Board would be allowed to invest up to 20% of government assets in gold or silver.

“This bill raises many questions for our office, especially the cost to administer these programs,” said Johnson, who formally took a neutral position on the legislation. “We also have concerns about how this bill would interact with federal banking regulations and the potential to subject the state to federal regulatory agencies.”

He said storage and transaction issues associated with possessing gold and silver had potential to be costly to Kansas taxpayers given security precautions necessary to protect precious metals.

“We have consulted with other state treasurers who also have questions about similar proposals in their states. In addition to the concerns raised above, it is also likely there are unknowns that we have not contemplated,” Johnson said.

Michael Murray, executive director of the Kansas Credit Union Association, said the organization objected to the legislation. He said the concept of electronic currency backed by specie — precious metal coins or bars authorized by a sovereign entity — had been studied in other states.

However, he said, the proposal in the Kansas Legislature, if enacted, would be the first time currency was placed under control of one elected public official — the Kansas state treasurer.

“Concentration of such power with one government office is concerning and could see wide disparities in the handling of the currency depending on each election cycle,” Murray said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708369176830.png" alt=" Republican state Rep. Michael Murphy, far left, chats with advocates of bills introduced in the House and Senate to recognize gold and silver as legal tender that would be used to conduct electronic transactions. The bill also would require the state treasurer to establish a bullion repository. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Republican state Rep. Michael Murphy, far left, chats with advocates of bills introduced in the House and Senate to recognize gold and silver as legal tender that would be used to conduct electronic transactions. The bill also would require the state treasurer to establish a bullion repository. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Legislation requires state treasurer to create secure bullion repositories</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Rep. Michael Murphy argued it was peculiar a bill had to be introduced in the Kansas Legislature to authorize use of gold and silver as legal tender for everyday expenditures within the framework of a state-created alternative to the U.S. dollar.“These precious metals were used for thousands of years and indeed they backed our currency until 1973. Since then, fiat currency has been used with the U.S. dollar being the world’s reserve currency,” he said.Murphy, a Republican from Sylvia located west of Hutchinson, told the House Financial Institutions and Pensions Committee that the decision of the United States to step away from the “gold standard” and rely on printed dollars as the basis of currency contributed to inflation and economic instability.Over the years, he said, people such as himself tried to bring “sanity and reality” back to the money supply, create financial security and a hedge against inflation by embracing a system based on gold and silver assets.Technology advances opened a door for states to finally make use of precious metals as backing for electronic transactions, Murphy said. House Bill 2729 and Senate Bill 513, under consideration by the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, would clear the way for electronic transactions within Kansas backed by gold and silver coins, rounds, bars or ingots that were minted domestically or in countries minted around the world.No one could be compelled to accept silver or gold as legal tender in Kansas under the legislation, but it could be used to cover private debts, taxes and fees levied by the state or any political subdivision of the state.The legislation — not acted upon Monday by either Senate or House committee — would forbid state taxation of exchanges in these precious metals, except in terms of a retirement account tied to the alternative currency. Under the Senate and House bills, no bullion would be characterized as personal property for taxation or regulatory purposes.Murphy said the idea wasn’t radical nor did it have partisan overtones: “This is not a ‘left’ or ‘right’ issue. It is a Kansas issue.”Alex Orel, representing the Kansas Bankers Association, said a state currency tied to bullion would be a complex and risky business that the state of Kansas should avoid.“This is a lot more complicated than it may sound, as evidenced by the fact that no great platform currently exists. There are layers of security, processing speed, reliability and even customer service that all have to be perfected. The currency has to be usable and also not hackable,” he said.Orel said the Commodity Futures Trading Commission warned “virtual currencies are commonly targeted by hackers and criminals who commit fraud. There is no assurance of recourse if your virtual currency is stolen.”“The virtual currency world is still a wild west,” Orel said. “While virtual currency may be a risk that a savvy consumer feels safe taking on, is our state ready to assume that risk as well?”He compared the idea of creating a state-by-state patchwork of currencies to the Civil War era when states established independent currencies and struggled to conduct trade.State Treasurer Steven Johnson would be responsible for setting rules and regulations of state’s own currency system as well as development of state-controlled, vault-protected bullion depositories. Individuals, corporations and associations would be allowed to establish accounts in the Kansas depositories. In addition, the state’s Pooled Money Investment Board would be allowed to invest up to 20% of government assets in gold or silver.“This bill raises many questions for our office, especially the cost to administer these programs,” said Johnson, who formally took a neutral position on the legislation. “We also have concerns about how this bill would interact with federal banking regulations and the potential to subject the state to federal regulatory agencies.”He said storage and transaction issues associated with possessing gold and silver had potential to be costly to Kansas taxpayers given security precautions necessary to protect precious metals.“We have consulted with other state treasurers who also have questions about similar proposals in their states. In addition to the concerns raised above, it is also likely there are unknowns that we have not contemplated,” Johnson said.Michael Murray, executive director of the Kansas Credit Union Association, said the organization objected to the legislation. He said the concept of electronic currency backed by specie — precious metal coins or bars authorized by a sovereign entity — had been studied in other states.However, he said, the proposal in the Kansas Legislature, if enacted, would be the first time currency was placed under control of one elected public official — the Kansas state treasurer.“Concentration of such power with one government office is concerning and could see wide disparities in the handling of the currency depending on each election cycle,” Murray said.

House, Senate bills seek use of gold and silver as Kan. legal tender for routine expenditures

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations.

Just after 4:30 p.m. Feb. 15, an Osage County Sheriff’s Department investigator conducted a traffic stop at 4th and Lincoln Street in Osage City for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. The driver of the vehicle, David A. Cannon, 39, of Osage City was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Cannon has previous convictions for drug possession in Pratt County in 2019&nbsp; and interference with law enforcement in Stafford County in 2020, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708189073788.png" alt="Cannon-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Cannon-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new drug allegations.Just after 4:30 p.m. Feb. 15, an Osage County Sheriff’s Department investigator conducted a traffic stop at 4th and Lincoln Street in Osage City for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.During the stop, illegal narcotics were located. The driver of the vehicle, David A. Cannon, 39, of Osage City was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia.Cannon has previous convictions for drug possession in Pratt County in 2019&nbsp; and interference with law enforcement in Stafford County in 2020, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kansas felon caught transporting meth

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

Correction: St. Francis Ministries will still operate in Kansas, outside of Sedgwick County. This story misstated the change. (Saint Francis will continue to serve two regions within Kansas. One region pertains to western Kansas (Area 1), while the other encompasses the north-central part of the state (Area 2). With the upcoming contract changes, all providers in the State of Kansas will serve no more than two catchment areas each).

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families has announced&nbsp;new contracts for foster care services in the state. St. Francis Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit accused of financial mismanagement, will not have its contract renewed.

In Sedgwick County, which accounts for approximately 20% of children in care statewide,&nbsp; EmberHope will replace Saint Francis Ministries starting in July. The new contracts will be in place from July 1 to June 30, 2028.&nbsp;

DCF Secretary Laura Howard said EmberHope would work to support children and families in the area.&nbsp;

“We believe our contracted partners are committed to a practice model that guides team members to engage families and create lifetime support networks,” Howard said.&nbsp;

The change comes after&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/11/federal-grand-jury-indicts-former-kansas-foster-care-officials-on-fraud-charges/">years of investigation</a>&nbsp;into St. Francis. In 2022, the former CEO and IT director of Saint Francis Ministries was indicted and accused of plotting to defraud the foster care provider of millions.&nbsp;Robert “Father Bobby” Smith&nbsp;was also accused of using Saint Francis credit cards to pay for personal expenses, including clothing and jewelry.

The state’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/15/kansas-continues-to-break-legal-promise-to-children-in-foster-care-system-report-shows/">longstanding foster care problems</a>&nbsp;— such as high numbers of children in the system sleeping in offices and social workers spending their time shuttling kids from place to place —&nbsp; include&nbsp;simple volume. The national rate of entry into foster care is 2.37 per 1,000 children, but the rate of entry in Kansas is 4.36 per 1,000 children, according to February 2023 data.

State contracts require caseworkers to maintain a maximum caseload of 25 to 30 children, but they frequently exceed that number. Data from 2021 showed 42% of Saint Francis Ministries caseworkers and 24% of KVC Kansas caseworkers were assigned more than 30 children. Saint Francis also had more than 100 children who were not assigned a caseworker.&nbsp;

Howard said the new contracts will adjust caseload standards for case managers, setting the rate at 12-15 cases of children in foster care or kinship care&nbsp; and eight cases of children in treatment foster care per manager.&nbsp;

As of Monday, DCF has 5,895 children in foster care, the smallest number of children in care since January 2014.

Case management providers, known as CMP, provide foster care services for families across the state.&nbsp;The current four contractors are TFI, KVC Kansas, Cornerstones of Care, and – until July – Saint Francis Ministries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1660235142998.png" alt="Photo Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Photo Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>Correction: St. Francis Ministries will still operate in Kansas, outside of Sedgwick County. This story misstated the change. (Saint Francis will continue to serve two regions within Kansas. One region pertains to western Kansas (Area 1), while the other encompasses the north-central part of the state (Area 2). With the upcoming contract changes, all providers in the State of Kansas will serve no more than two catchment areas each).TOPEKA – The Kansas Department for Children and Families has announced&nbsp;new contracts for foster care services in the state. St. Francis Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit accused of financial mismanagement, will not have its contract renewed.In Sedgwick County, which accounts for approximately 20% of children in care statewide,&nbsp; EmberHope will replace Saint Francis Ministries starting in July. The new contracts will be in place from July 1 to June 30, 2028.&nbsp;DCF Secretary Laura Howard said EmberHope would work to support children and families in the area.&nbsp;“We believe our contracted partners are committed to a practice model that guides team members to engage families and create lifetime support networks,” Howard said.&nbsp;The change comes after&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/11/federal-grand-jury-indicts-former-kansas-foster-care-officials-on-fraud-charges/">years of investigation</a>&nbsp;into St. Francis. In 2022, the former CEO and IT director of Saint Francis Ministries was indicted and accused of plotting to defraud the foster care provider of millions.&nbsp;Robert “Father Bobby” Smith&nbsp;was also accused of using Saint Francis credit cards to pay for personal expenses, including clothing and jewelry.The state’s&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/08/15/kansas-continues-to-break-legal-promise-to-children-in-foster-care-system-report-shows/">longstanding foster care problems</a>&nbsp;— such as high numbers of children in the system sleeping in offices and social workers spending their time shuttling kids from place to place —&nbsp; include&nbsp;simple volume. The national rate of entry into foster care is 2.37 per 1,000 children, but the rate of entry in Kansas is 4.36 per 1,000 children, according to February 2023 data.State contracts require caseworkers to maintain a maximum caseload of 25 to 30 children, but they frequently exceed that number. Data from 2021 showed 42% of Saint Francis Ministries caseworkers and 24% of KVC Kansas caseworkers were assigned more than 30 children. Saint Francis also had more than 100 children who were not assigned a caseworker.&nbsp;Howard said the new contracts will adjust caseload standards for case managers, setting the rate at 12-15 cases of children in foster care or kinship care&nbsp; and eight cases of children in treatment foster care per manager.&nbsp;As of Monday, DCF has 5,895 children in foster care, the smallest number of children in care since January 2014.Case management providers, known as CMP, provide foster care services for families across the state.&nbsp;The current four contractors are TFI, KVC Kansas, Cornerstones of Care, and – until July – Saint Francis Ministries.

DCF ditches St. Francis Ministries for Kansas foster care case contracts

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6a.m. Monday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Ford Focus driven by Jerry&nbsp;Anstey, 51, Alma, was northbound on Kansas 99 just south of SW 99 Frontage Road.

The car&nbsp;left the roadway to the right. The driver overcorrected and the car re-entered the roadway, rotated counterclockwise, crossed the centerline, exited the roadway to the left, struck the rock embankment on the passenger side in the west ditch and overturned.

Anstey was pronounced dead at at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

WABAUNSEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 6a.m. Monday in Wabaunsee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Ford Focus driven by Jerry&nbsp;Anstey, 51, Alma, was northbound on Kansas 99 just south of SW 99 Frontage Road.The car&nbsp;left the roadway to the right. The driver overcorrected and the car re-entered the roadway, rotated counterclockwise, crossed the centerline, exited the roadway to the left, struck the rock embankment on the passenger side in the west ditch and overturned.Anstey was pronounced dead at at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after car strikes rock embankment, rolls

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A missile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels that damaged a Belize-flagged ship traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden has forced the crew to abandon the vessel, authorities said Monday. Another ship reportedly came twice under attack in the Gulf of Aden.

The Iran-backed Houthis also claimed they shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, something not immediately acknowledged by U.S. forces in the region. However, the Houthis have downed U.S. drones before.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military said it was conducting new airstrikes targeting the rebels, including one that targeted the first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthis-red-sea-eisenhower-carrier-yemen-ad3a711299759de23627f6daa17f45d6">Houthi underwater drone</a>&nbsp;seen since they began launching attacks on international shipping in November.

The ship targeted in the Houthi attack on Sunday reported sustaining damage after “an explosion in close proximity to the vessel,” the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported.

“Military authorities report crew have abandoned the vessel,” the UKMTO said. “Vessel at anchor and all crew are safe.”

Houthi Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree issued a statement claiming the attack, saying the vessel later sunk.

There was no independent confirmation the vessel sank.

“The ship suffered catastrophic damages and came to a complete halt,” Saree said. “During the operation, we made sure that the ship’s crew exited safely.”

The private security firm Ambrey reported the British-registered, Lebanese-operated cargo ship had been on its way to Bulgaria after leaving Khorfakkan in the United Arab Emirates.

Ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic.com analyzed by The Associated Press identified the vessel targeted as the Rubymar. Its Beirut-based manager could not be reached for comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703248865569.png" alt="photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A missile attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels that damaged a Belize-flagged ship traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden has forced the crew to abandon the vessel, authorities said Monday. Another ship reportedly came twice under attack in the Gulf of Aden.The Iran-backed Houthis also claimed they shot down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, something not immediately acknowledged by U.S. forces in the region. However, the Houthis have downed U.S. drones before.Meanwhile, the U.S. military said it was conducting new airstrikes targeting the rebels, including one that targeted the first&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/houthis-red-sea-eisenhower-carrier-yemen-ad3a711299759de23627f6daa17f45d6">Houthi underwater drone</a>&nbsp;seen since they began launching attacks on international shipping in November.The ship targeted in the Houthi attack on Sunday reported sustaining damage after “an explosion in close proximity to the vessel,” the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported.“Military authorities report crew have abandoned the vessel,” the UKMTO said. “Vessel at anchor and all crew are safe.”Houthi Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree issued a statement claiming the attack, saying the vessel later sunk.There was no independent confirmation the vessel sank.“The ship suffered catastrophic damages and came to a complete halt,” Saree said. “During the operation, we made sure that the ship’s crew exited safely.”The private security firm Ambrey reported the British-registered, Lebanese-operated cargo ship had been on its way to Bulgaria after leaving Khorfakkan in the United Arab Emirates.Ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic.com analyzed by The Associated Press identified the vessel targeted as the Rubymar. Its Beirut-based manager could not be reached for comment.The Houthis later also identified the ship as the Rubymar, as did the U.S. military's Central Command.Central Command said the attack involved two anti-ship ballistic missiles, which saw one struck the Rubymar.Ambrey described the ship as being partially laden with cargo, but it wasn't immediately clear what it had been carrying. The ship had turned off its Automatic Identification System tracker while in the Persian Gulf early this month.Later Monday, the UKMTO and Ambrey said a second vessel came under attack in the Gulf of Aden. Ambrey described the vessel as a Greek-flagged, U.S.-owned bulk carrier bound for Aden, Yemen, and carrying grain from Argentina. The same ship then came under attack again, later in the day.Those details, combined with ship-tracking data, identified the vessel as the Sea Champion. Its managers could not be immediately reached. The Houthis later claimed the attack, but instead said it targeted a second vessel other than the Sea Champion in that assault.Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s war targeting Hamas in the Gaza Strip</a>. They have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for trade among Asia, the Mideast and Europe.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-ship-missile-houthi-rebels-attack-bab-elmandeb-strait-999b911c916f9266c07a6d29cc020e9e">Those vessels have included at least one with cargo for Iran</a>, its main benefactor.In a separate attack, Saree also claimed that Houthi forces shot down an MQ-9 drone near Yemen's port city of Hodeida on the Red Sea. He offered no evidence for the claim.The Houthi “air defenses were able to shoot down an American plane — MQ-9 — with a suitable missile while it was carrying out hostile missions against our country on behalf of the Zionist entity,” Saree said.The U.S. military did not immediately confirm the loss of any drones in the region. However, the Houthis have surface-to-air missile systems capable of shooting down high-flying American drones. In November, the Pentagon acknowledged the loss of an MQ-9, shot down by the rebels over the Red Sea.Since Yemen's Houthi rebels seized the country's north and its capital of Sanaa in 2014, the U.S. military has lost four drones to shootdowns by the rebels — in 2017, 2019 and this year.Meanwhile, the U.S. military's Central Command reported it carried out five airstrikes targeting Houthi military equipment. Those strikes targeted mobile anti-ship cruise missiles, an explosive-carrying drone boat and an “unmanned underwater vessel,” Central Command said.“This is the first observed Houthi employment of a UUV since attacks began in Oct. 23,” Central Command said.