JERUSALEM (AP) — Three American troops were killed and 25 were injured Sunday in a drone strike in northeast&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jordan">Jordan</a>&nbsp;near the Syrian border, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS-RELEASES/Press-Release-View/Article/3658484/announcement-of-us-casualties-in-northeast-jordan-near-syria-border/">U.S. military said</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/28/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-attack-on-u-s-service-members-in-northeastern-jordan-near-the-syria-border/">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;blamed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">Iran-backed militias</a>&nbsp;for the first U.S. fatalities after months of strikes by the groups against American forces across the Middle East amid the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>.

With an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-missiles-iran-seizure-us-8112fbadd3b0689c71a92890895a9368">increasing the risk of military escalation</a>&nbsp;in the region, U.S. officials were working to conclusively identify the precise group responsible for the attack, but they have assessed that one of several Iranian-backed groups was behind it.

Biden said the United States “will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner (of) our choosing.”

According to a U.S. official, the number of troops wounded in the attack by a one-way attack drone may grow. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not made public, said a large drone struck the base, which two other American officials identified as an installation in Jordan known as Tower 22. It is along the Syrian border and is used largely by troops involved in the advise-and-assist mission for Jordanian forces.

The small installation, which Jordan does not publicly disclose, includes U.S. engineering, aviation, logistics and security troops.

The U.S. military base at al-Tanf in Syria is just 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Tower 22. The Jordanian installation provides a critical logistical hub for U.S. forces in Syria, including those at al-Tanf, which is near the intersection of the Iraq, Syria and Jordan borders.

Jordanian state television quoted Muhannad Mubaidin, a government spokesman, as insisting the attack happened across the border in Syria.

U.S. troops long have used Jordan, a kingdom bordering Iraq, Israel, the Palestinian territory of the West Bank, Saudi Arabia and Syria, as a basing point. U.S. Central Command put the toll at three killed and 25 injured.

Some 3,000 American troops typically are stationed in Jordan.

Since the war in Gaza began Oct. 7, Iranian-backed militias have struck American military installations in Iraq more than 60 times and in Syria more than 90 times, with a mix of drones, rockets, mortars and ballistic missiles. The attack Sunday was the first targeting American troops in Jordan during the Israel-Hamas war and the first to result in the loss of American lives. Scores of U.S. personnel have been wounded, including some with traumatic brain injuries, during the attacks.

The militias have said that their strikes are in retaliation for Washington’s support for Israeli in the war in Gaza and have also said they aim to push U.S. forces out of the region.

The U.S. in recent months has struck targets in Iraq, Syria and Yemen to respond to attacks on American forces in the region and to deter Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from continuing to threaten commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Biden, who was in Columbia, South Carolina, on Sunday, was briefed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and principal deputy national security adviser Jon Finer, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. He was expected to meet again with his national security team later Sunday.

The president called it a “despicable and wholly unjust attack” and said the service members were “risking their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, and our allies and partners with whom we stand in the fight against terrorism. It is a fight we will not cease.”

Syria is still in the midst of a civil war and long has been a launch pad for Iranian-backed forces there, including the Lebanese militia Hezbollah. Iraq has multiple Iranian-backed Shiite militias operating there as well.

Jordan, a staunch Western ally and a crucial power in Jerusalem for its oversight of holy sites there, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-jordan-sweida-captagon-smuggling-strike-24423e9b3b1038e5bced4a446dd3aee6">suspected of launching airstrikes in Syria</a>&nbsp;to disrupt drug smugglers, including one that killed nine people earlier this month.

An umbrella group for Iran-backed factions known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq earlier claimed launching explosive drone attacks targeting three areas in Syria, as well as one inside of “occupied Palestine.” The group has claimed responsibility for dozens of attacks against bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria since the Israel-Hamas war began.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561036312700.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) — Three American troops were killed and 25 were injured Sunday in a drone strike in northeast&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jordan">Jordan</a>&nbsp;near the Syrian border, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS-RELEASES/Press-Release-View/Article/3658484/announcement-of-us-casualties-in-northeast-jordan-near-syria-border/">U.S. military said</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/28/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-attack-on-u-s-service-members-in-northeastern-jordan-near-the-syria-border/">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;blamed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/iran">Iran-backed militias</a>&nbsp;for the first U.S. fatalities after months of strikes by the groups against American forces across the Middle East amid the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>.With an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-rebels-missiles-iran-seizure-us-8112fbadd3b0689c71a92890895a9368">increasing the risk of military escalation</a>&nbsp;in the region, U.S. officials were working to conclusively identify the precise group responsible for the attack, but they have assessed that one of several Iranian-backed groups was behind it.Biden said the United States “will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner (of) our choosing.”According to a U.S. official, the number of troops wounded in the attack by a one-way attack drone may grow. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not made public, said a large drone struck the base, which two other American officials identified as an installation in Jordan known as Tower 22. It is along the Syrian border and is used largely by troops involved in the advise-and-assist mission for Jordanian forces.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706467111384.png" alt="Google map" />
 <figcaption>Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>The small installation, which Jordan does not publicly disclose, includes U.S. engineering, aviation, logistics and security troops.The U.S. military base at al-Tanf in Syria is just 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Tower 22. The Jordanian installation provides a critical logistical hub for U.S. forces in Syria, including those at al-Tanf, which is near the intersection of the Iraq, Syria and Jordan borders.Jordanian state television quoted Muhannad Mubaidin, a government spokesman, as insisting the attack happened across the border in Syria.U.S. troops long have used Jordan, a kingdom bordering Iraq, Israel, the Palestinian territory of the West Bank, Saudi Arabia and Syria, as a basing point. U.S. Central Command put the toll at three killed and 25 injured.Some 3,000 American troops typically are stationed in Jordan.Since the war in Gaza began Oct. 7, Iranian-backed militias have struck American military installations in Iraq more than 60 times and in Syria more than 90 times, with a mix of drones, rockets, mortars and ballistic missiles. The attack Sunday was the first targeting American troops in Jordan during the Israel-Hamas war and the first to result in the loss of American lives. Scores of U.S. personnel have been wounded, including some with traumatic brain injuries, during the attacks.The militias have said that their strikes are in retaliation for Washington’s support for Israeli in the war in Gaza and have also said they aim to push U.S. forces out of the region.The U.S. in recent months has struck targets in Iraq, Syria and Yemen to respond to attacks on American forces in the region and to deter Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from continuing to threaten commercial shipping in the Red Sea.Biden, who was in Columbia, South Carolina, on Sunday, was briefed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and principal deputy national security adviser Jon Finer, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. He was expected to meet again with his national security team later Sunday.The president called it a “despicable and wholly unjust attack” and said the service members were “risking their own safety for the safety of their fellow Americans, and our allies and partners with whom we stand in the fight against terrorism. It is a fight we will not cease.”Syria is still in the midst of a civil war and long has been a launch pad for Iranian-backed forces there, including the Lebanese militia Hezbollah. Iraq has multiple Iranian-backed Shiite militias operating there as well.Jordan, a staunch Western ally and a crucial power in Jerusalem for its oversight of holy sites there, is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/syria-jordan-sweida-captagon-smuggling-strike-24423e9b3b1038e5bced4a446dd3aee6">suspected of launching airstrikes in Syria</a>&nbsp;to disrupt drug smugglers, including one that killed nine people earlier this month.An umbrella group for Iran-backed factions known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq earlier claimed launching explosive drone attacks targeting three areas in Syria, as well as one inside of “occupied Palestine.” The group has claimed responsibility for dozens of attacks against bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria since the Israel-Hamas war began.___

Biden: U.S. service members killed, 'many' wounded in attack by Iran-back militia

KANSAS CITY (AP) —It has been three weeks since three Kansas City fans joined friends to watch the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-chargers-score-a2a7d7cc00886055cda31d1d9c3f3808">Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-playoffs-analysis-23676cf40d7f56b4b80a2247e9372e26">final game</a>&nbsp;of the regular season. Their bodies were found in a friend's backyard two days later. Police still haven't said how the men died, but affirmed Saturday amid intense public speculation that they still have no evidence of foul play.

It’s common for police to decline to comment much on an investigation before it’s complete. So here's a look at what's known and not known in a mystery that has taken on a life of its own on social media and the internet despite — or perhaps because of — the lack of solid information.

Police accounts say Ricky Johnson, 38; Clayton McGeeney, 36; and David Harrington, 37; went to the home of a friend in Kansas City, Missouri, to watch the Chiefs game Jan. 7. None of them made it home. Two nights later, McGeeney's fiancé went to the home looking for him.

“When there was no answer at the door, she broke into the basement of the residence and located an unknown dead body on the back porch. Officers responded to the back porch and confirmed there was a dead body. Upon further investigation, officers located two other dead bodies in the back yard,” an initial police report on the incident said. “There were no obvious signs of foul play observed at or near the crime scene.”

Police say there are still no signs that any crime was committed.

“This still remains a death investigation and nothing more," Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a spokeswoman for the Kansas City Police Department, said in an email Saturday to The Associated Press. "We still have no evidence or indication of foul play, no one is in police custody,”

Investigators say they don't know yet. They have not said publicly whether they believe drugs or alcohol were involved in what might have been three relatively sudden and simultaneous deaths, though it's clear that that's a possibility they are considering. Weather records indicate the low temperature that night was around 33 degrees (1 degree Celsius).

“This incident has been gathering a significant amount of media attention and we (KCPD) would like answers on the cause of death just as much as everyone else does,” Gonzalez wrote.

The department is still waiting on a ruling on the cause of death from Frontier Forensics, Gonzalez said. It's a private company that proves autopsy services for numerous counties across Kansas and Missouri. Once police get the cause of death back, she said, they will be able to provide additional updates on the investigation.

“They are an entirely separate entity from the police department, so we have zero impact on the timeline of their medical findings," Gonzalez wrote. "We have been notified it could be as much as an additional six or more weeks to receive the toxicology reports.”

One factor fueling the speculation has been that the homeowner says he didn't know the bodies of his three longtime friends were on his back porch and in his backyard for the two days before they were found.

But Gonzalez affirmed that the homeowner has cooperated with the investigation, an assertion that his lawyer, John Picerno, also has been making.

Picerno didn't immediately return a call from the AP on Saturday. He said in a statement to Kansas City media earlier this month that his client was devastated by the deaths of his friends and that he didn't know that they were still in his backyard — or that they needed medical attention — until police showed up. Picerno said the last time that the homeowner saw them was when they left and he went to bed, and that he didn't know how they died.

The attorney said his client was “anxiously awaiting the results of the autopsy and toxicology report,” and that they both wanted "to express our deepest sympathies to the friends and family members of these young men, and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

Among the questions raging on social media are: “Why hasn’t the owner been named a suspect?” and “What’s taking so long to determine a cause of death?” The mystery has gone viral on TikTok and other social platforms for its true-crime overtones. And family members of the three men have taken their frustrations to Kansas City-area media.

“My son and these other men were wonderful people. They deserve justice,” Jennifer Marquez,&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/families-devastated-still-waiting-for-answers-after-3-men-found-dead-at-kc-home/">Harrington's mother, told WDAF-TV.</a>&nbsp;“The story, the whole story needs to come out.”

But the statements from police indicate that it could still be weeks before they can provide definitive answers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705095774621.png" alt="Police near the home under investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police near the home under investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —It has been three weeks since three Kansas City fans joined friends to watch the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-chargers-score-a2a7d7cc00886055cda31d1d9c3f3808">Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chiefs-playoffs-analysis-23676cf40d7f56b4b80a2247e9372e26">final game</a>&nbsp;of the regular season. Their bodies were found in a friend's backyard two days later. Police still haven't said how the men died, but affirmed Saturday amid intense public speculation that they still have no evidence of foul play.It’s common for police to decline to comment much on an investigation before it’s complete. So here's a look at what's known and not known in a mystery that has taken on a life of its own on social media and the internet despite — or perhaps because of — the lack of solid information.WHAT HAPPENED?Police accounts say Ricky Johnson, 38; Clayton McGeeney, 36; and David Harrington, 37; went to the home of a friend in Kansas City, Missouri, to watch the Chiefs game Jan. 7. None of them made it home. Two nights later, McGeeney's fiancé went to the home looking for him.“When there was no answer at the door, she broke into the basement of the residence and located an unknown dead body on the back porch. Officers responded to the back porch and confirmed there was a dead body. Upon further investigation, officers located two other dead bodies in the back yard,” an initial police report on the incident said. “There were no obvious signs of foul play observed at or near the crime scene.”Police say there are still no signs that any crime was committed.“This still remains a death investigation and nothing more," Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a spokeswoman for the Kansas City Police Department, said in an email Saturday to The Associated Press. "We still have no evidence or indication of foul play, no one is in police custody,”HOW DID THEY DIE?Investigators say they don't know yet. They have not said publicly whether they believe drugs or alcohol were involved in what might have been three relatively sudden and simultaneous deaths, though it's clear that that's a possibility they are considering. Weather records indicate the low temperature that night was around 33 degrees (1 degree Celsius).“This incident has been gathering a significant amount of media attention and we (KCPD) would like answers on the cause of death just as much as everyone else does,” Gonzalez wrote.The department is still waiting on a ruling on the cause of death from Frontier Forensics, Gonzalez said. It's a private company that proves autopsy services for numerous counties across Kansas and Missouri. Once police get the cause of death back, she said, they will be able to provide additional updates on the investigation.“They are an entirely separate entity from the police department, so we have zero impact on the timeline of their medical findings," Gonzalez wrote. "We have been notified it could be as much as an additional six or more weeks to receive the toxicology reports.”IS THE HOMEOWNER UNDER INVESTIGATION?One factor fueling the speculation has been that the homeowner says he didn't know the bodies of his three longtime friends were on his back porch and in his backyard for the two days before they were found.But Gonzalez affirmed that the homeowner has cooperated with the investigation, an assertion that his lawyer, John Picerno, also has been making.Picerno didn't immediately return a call from the AP on Saturday. He said in a statement to Kansas City media earlier this month that his client was devastated by the deaths of his friends and that he didn't know that they were still in his backyard — or that they needed medical attention — until police showed up. Picerno said the last time that the homeowner saw them was when they left and he went to bed, and that he didn't know how they died.The attorney said his client was “anxiously awaiting the results of the autopsy and toxicology report,” and that they both wanted "to express our deepest sympathies to the friends and family members of these young men, and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”THE REACTIONAmong the questions raging on social media are: “Why hasn’t the owner been named a suspect?” and “What’s taking so long to determine a cause of death?” The mystery has gone viral on TikTok and other social platforms for its true-crime overtones. And family members of the three men have taken their frustrations to Kansas City-area media.“My son and these other men were wonderful people. They deserve justice,” Jennifer Marquez,&nbsp;<a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/families-devastated-still-waiting-for-answers-after-3-men-found-dead-at-kc-home/">Harrington's mother, told WDAF-TV.</a>&nbsp;“The story, the whole story needs to come out.”But the statements from police indicate that it could still be weeks before they can provide definitive answers.

Deaths of 3 Chiefs fans fuels speculation but police say no sign of foul play

MORRIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a chase involving a stolen truck.

Just before 8:30a.m. Friday, a Sheriff Deputy attempted to stop a truck near Old Highway 4 and 56 Highway that matched the description of a stolen vehicle reported out of Salina, according to a media release from the Morris County Sheriff.

The driver of the stolen truck failed to stop for the Deputy and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. A multi-jurisdictional chase continued through the southeast part of Morris County, through Northwest Lyon County and into the Northeast corner of Chase County.

 The driver abandoned the truck near the 2700 block of YY road in Chase County and fled on foot. Deputies from Chase County, Lyon County and Morris County set up a perimeter and immediately began searching the area. 

The multi-agency effort using drones from the Chase and Lyon County Sheriff Offices, Morris County K9 Kimber and several Deputies on foot led to locating two suspects approximately a half-mile from where the stolen truck was abandoned.

The two suspects are identified as 41-year-old Jason Oder and 42-year-old Michael Garrett both of Council Grove. The two suspects were transported to the Chase County Detention Center and booked on requested charges of Felony Theft, Felony Possession of Stolen Property, Felony Flee and Elude and Driving while Suspended.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706366295534.png" alt="Police body camera image Morris Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Police body camera image Morris Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>MORRIS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations after a chase involving a stolen truck.Just before 8:30a.m. Friday, a Sheriff Deputy attempted to stop a truck near Old Highway 4 and 56 Highway that matched the description of a stolen vehicle reported out of Salina, according to a media release from the Morris County Sheriff.The driver of the stolen truck failed to stop for the Deputy and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. A multi-jurisdictional chase continued through the southeast part of Morris County, through Northwest Lyon County and into the Northeast corner of Chase County.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706366621719.png" alt="Garrett-photo Chase Co." />
 <figcaption>Garrett-photo Chase Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> The driver abandoned the truck near the 2700 block of YY road in Chase County and fled on foot. Deputies from Chase County, Lyon County and Morris County set up a perimeter and immediately began searching the area. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706366545725.png" alt="Oder-photo Chase Co." />
 <figcaption>Oder-photo Chase Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The multi-agency effort using drones from the Chase and Lyon County Sheriff Offices, Morris County K9 Kimber and several Deputies on foot led to locating two suspects approximately a half-mile from where the stolen truck was abandoned.The two suspects are identified as 41-year-old Jason Oder and 42-year-old Michael Garrett both of Council Grove. The two suspects were transported to the Chase County Detention Center and booked on requested charges of Felony Theft, Felony Possession of Stolen Property, Felony Flee and Elude and Driving while Suspended.

Suspects in stolen truck captured after 3 county Kansas chase

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of house fire that sent one firefighter to the hospital.

Just after 6a.m. Saturday, crews responded to a&nbsp;reported house fire in the 5400 block of Wabash, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. Crews reported fire from the rear of the structure on arrival. 

The home owner was reportedly away at the time. Fire impeded  on the weather head to the structure causing the transformer to blow and loss of power to several homes on the block. 

One firefighter was transported a local hospital for evaluation for injuries sustained during a search of the home, according to Hopkins. There were no other injuries.

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of house fire that sent one firefighter to the hospital.Just after 6a.m. Saturday, crews responded to a&nbsp;reported house fire in the 5400 block of Wabash, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins. Crews reported fire from the rear of the structure on arrival. The home owner was reportedly away at the time. Fire impeded on the weather head to the structure causing the transformer to blow and loss of power to several homes on the block. One firefighter was transported a local hospital for evaluation for injuries sustained during a search of the home, according to Hopkins. There were no other injuries.

KC firefighter injured during search for victims in house fire

JERUSALEM (AP) — The crew aboard a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker hit by a missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels extinguished an hourslong fire onboard the stricken vessel Saturday sparked by the strike, authorities said.

The attack on the Marlin Luanda further complicated the Red Sea crisis caused by the Iranian-backed rebels' attacks over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip</a>. The tanker carried Russian-produced naphtha, a flammable oil, drawing Moscow further into a conflict that so far it had blamed on the U.S.

Early Saturday, U.S. forces conducted a strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile that was aimed at the Red Sea and prepared to launch, the U.S. military’s Central Command said. That attack came after the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-gulf-aden-shipping-british-military-7fafd1cfb3e04209b97a0d0f2abd5c26">had to shoot down a Houthi missile targeting it</a>.

The Marlin Luanda burned for hours in the Gulf of Aden until being extinguished Saturday, said Trafigura, a Singapore-based trading firm. Its crew of 25 Indian nationals and two Sri Lankans were still trying to battle the blaze sparked by the missile strike, it said. No one was injured by the blast, it added.

“We are pleased to confirm that all crew on board the Marlin Luanda are safe and the fire in the cargo tank has been fully extinguished,” Trafigura said. “The vessel is now sailing towards a safe harbor.”

The Indian navy said its guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam was assisting the Marlin Luanda's crew in fighting the fire. It posted images showing the blaze still raging Saturday, likely fueled by the naphtha on board.

The ship, managed by a British firm, is carrying the Russian naphtha bound for Singapore, the company said. It described the flammable oil as being purchased below the price caps set by G7 sanctions placed on Russia over its ongoing war on Ukraine. It wasn't clear what environmental impact the attack had caused.

Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed the attack on the Marlin Luanda in a prerecorded statement late Friday, describing it as a “British oil ship.” He insisted such attacks would continue.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.

Since the airstrike campaign began, the rebels now say they’ll target American and British ships as well. On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-ship-attacks-israel-hamas-war-gaza-ef0b83ef2a7ca8c727288b50037287e5">two American-flagged ships carrying cargo for the U.S. Defense and State departments came under attack by the Houthis</a>, forcing an escorting U.S. Navy warship to shoot some of the projectiles down.

China, which relies on the seaborne trade through the area, has called for calm. The U.S. had sought to get China to apply pressure on Iran, as Beijing remains a major buyer of Western-sanctioned Iranian oil.

But Russia so far has condemned the U.S. and the United Kingdom for carrying out its strikes targeting the Houthis, while also meeting with the rebel group in Moscow in recent days.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-navy-houthi-attacks-red-sea-shipping-iran-8e55669e4d18cbc7007654640fa5fdc1">The U.S. Navy’s top Mideast commander told the AP</a>&nbsp;on Monday that the Houthi attacks were the worst since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ceb6e7a86bf14a9a8d8ecf81c9dcc7ef">the so-called Tanker War of the 1980s</a>. It culminated in a one-day naval battle between Washington and Tehran and also saw the U.S. Navy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de425ed9833b4bdaa03306f37182995f">accidentally shoot down an Iranian passenger jet</a>, killing 290 people in 1988.

Meanwhile Saturday, authorities reported a separate incident in which a vessel in the Arabian Sea reported seeing people armed with assault rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade off their vessel.

“The small craft approached within 300 meters (about 985 feet),” the British military's United Kingdom Trade Operations agency said. “The onboard security team fired warning shots and post an exchange of fire, the small craft then retreated.”

It said all those onboard were safe. The private security firm Ambrey described the incident as involving a “Somali-style” small boat aided by a larger mothership. As the Houthi attacks have escalated, there's been an increase in suspected Somali pirate activity as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1701652753204.png" alt="U.S. Carney -photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Carney -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) — The crew aboard a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker hit by a missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels extinguished an hourslong fire onboard the stricken vessel Saturday sparked by the strike, authorities said.The attack on the Marlin Luanda further complicated the Red Sea crisis caused by the Iranian-backed rebels' attacks over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip</a>. The tanker carried Russian-produced naphtha, a flammable oil, drawing Moscow further into a conflict that so far it had blamed on the U.S.Early Saturday, U.S. forces conducted a strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile that was aimed at the Red Sea and prepared to launch, the U.S. military’s Central Command said. That attack came after the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-gulf-aden-shipping-british-military-7fafd1cfb3e04209b97a0d0f2abd5c26">had to shoot down a Houthi missile targeting it</a>.The Marlin Luanda burned for hours in the Gulf of Aden until being extinguished Saturday, said Trafigura, a Singapore-based trading firm. Its crew of 25 Indian nationals and two Sri Lankans were still trying to battle the blaze sparked by the missile strike, it said. No one was injured by the blast, it added.“We are pleased to confirm that all crew on board the Marlin Luanda are safe and the fire in the cargo tank has been fully extinguished,” Trafigura said. “The vessel is now sailing towards a safe harbor.”The Indian navy said its guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam was assisting the Marlin Luanda's crew in fighting the fire. It posted images showing the blaze still raging Saturday, likely fueled by the naphtha on board.The ship, managed by a British firm, is carrying the Russian naphtha bound for Singapore, the company said. It described the flammable oil as being purchased below the price caps set by G7 sanctions placed on Russia over its ongoing war on Ukraine. It wasn't clear what environmental impact the attack had caused.Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed the attack on the Marlin Luanda in a prerecorded statement late Friday, describing it as a “British oil ship.” He insisted such attacks would continue.Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.Since the airstrike campaign began, the rebels now say they’ll target American and British ships as well. On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-ship-attacks-israel-hamas-war-gaza-ef0b83ef2a7ca8c727288b50037287e5">two American-flagged ships carrying cargo for the U.S. Defense and State departments came under attack by the Houthis</a>, forcing an escorting U.S. Navy warship to shoot some of the projectiles down.China, which relies on the seaborne trade through the area, has called for calm. The U.S. had sought to get China to apply pressure on Iran, as Beijing remains a major buyer of Western-sanctioned Iranian oil.But Russia so far has condemned the U.S. and the United Kingdom for carrying out its strikes targeting the Houthis, while also meeting with the rebel group in Moscow in recent days.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-navy-houthi-attacks-red-sea-shipping-iran-8e55669e4d18cbc7007654640fa5fdc1">The U.S. Navy’s top Mideast commander told the AP</a>&nbsp;on Monday that the Houthi attacks were the worst since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ceb6e7a86bf14a9a8d8ecf81c9dcc7ef">the so-called Tanker War of the 1980s</a>. It culminated in a one-day naval battle between Washington and Tehran and also saw the U.S. Navy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de425ed9833b4bdaa03306f37182995f">accidentally shoot down an Iranian passenger jet</a>, killing 290 people in 1988.Meanwhile Saturday, authorities reported a separate incident in which a vessel in the Arabian Sea reported seeing people armed with assault rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade off their vessel.“The small craft approached within 300 meters (about 985 feet),” the British military's United Kingdom Trade Operations agency said. “The onboard security team fired warning shots and post an exchange of fire, the small craft then retreated.”It said all those onboard were safe. The private security firm Ambrey described the incident as involving a “Somali-style” small boat aided by a larger mothership. As the Houthi attacks have escalated, there's been an increase in suspected Somali pirate activity as well.

Fire out on tanker hit by missile after US targets rebels in airstrike

SEDGWICK COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating a fatal deputy-involved shooting that occurred early Thursday have identified the man who died as 43-year-old Larry Armour of Wichita, according to the agency.

At around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night, officers from the Wichita Police Department (WPD) initiated a vehicle pursuit near East Bayley and Schweiter Drive after they located a suspect operating a vehicle that was reported stolen at knifepoint earlier in the night.

The vehicle’s driver was identified as Armour.&nbsp; The pursuit ended near East Harry St. and Green St., and Armour fled on foot.

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

A tactical team, comprised of both officers from the WPD, deputies from the SCSO, and crisis negotiators, quickly responded to the residence. Just before 1 a.m., members of the tactical team arrived on scene. Negotiations with Armour were attempted. Just after 3 a.m., a deputy from SCSO observed Armour through a window, standing over the innocent resident threatening him with a large knife and shouting that he would kill him. The deputy fired one shot striking Armour, and ending the hostage incident.

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706233856189.png" alt="Armour booking photo from an arrest earlier this month in Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Armour booking photo from an arrest earlier this month in Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating a fatal deputy-involved shooting that occurred early Thursday have identified the man who died as 43-year-old Larry Armour of Wichita, according to the agency.At around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday night, officers from the Wichita Police Department (WPD) initiated a vehicle pursuit near East Bayley and Schweiter Drive after they located a suspect operating a vehicle that was reported stolen at knifepoint earlier in the night.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706197350986.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation early Thursday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation early Thursday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The vehicle’s driver was identified as Armour.&nbsp; The pursuit ended near East Harry St. and Green St., and Armour fled on foot.Preliminary information indicates that then Armour entered a residence in the 2400 block of East Harry through the back entrance, while armed with a knife. A man who lived at the home who was unacquainted with Armour, was inside.A tactical team, comprised of both officers from the WPD, deputies from the SCSO, and crisis negotiators, quickly responded to the residence. Just before 1 a.m., members of the tactical team arrived on scene. Negotiations with Armour were attempted. Just after 3 a.m., a deputy from SCSO observed Armour through a window, standing over the innocent resident threatening him with a large knife and shouting that he would kill him. The deputy fired one shot striking Armour, and ending the hostage incident.Medical aid was administered to Armour, and EMS transported him to a Wichita hospital. Despite life-saving measures, he died from his injuries. As a precaution, the resident was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, but he was uninjured during the incident. No law enforcement officers were injured during the shooting.Armour has a&nbsp; previous felony conviction for drugs and had been on parole since 2018, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. On January 12, Wichita police arrested him on a requested charge of aggravated robbery and flee or attempt to elude&nbsp; police, according to Sedgwick County Arrest records.&nbsp;

Man who died in Kan. deputy shooting had history of crime

CASS COUNTY —One person died from injuries in a rural Kansas City-area fire.

Just before 5a.m. Friday,&nbsp;first responders were called to the scene of a house fire near E. 296th Street and S. Hess Road in Cass County, according to the Sheriff's office.

Fire crews and sheriff's deputies located two victims. EMS transported a man and woman to the hospital and she was later pronounced deceased.

He was treated for smoke inhalation and is expected to recover. The Cass County Fire Investigation Team is working with the Missouri State Fire Marshal and other agencies to determine what caused the fire.&nbsp; The sheriff's office has not released the names of the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706396249951.png" alt="Photo Cass Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Photo Cass Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>CASS COUNTY —One person died from injuries in a rural Kansas City-area fire.Just before 5a.m. Friday,&nbsp;first responders were called to the scene of a house fire near E. 296th Street and S. Hess Road in Cass County, according to the Sheriff's office.Fire crews and sheriff's deputies located two victims. EMS transported a man and woman to the hospital and she was later pronounced deceased.He was treated for smoke inhalation and is expected to recover. The Cass County Fire Investigation Team is working with the Missouri State Fire Marshal and other agencies to determine what caused the fire.&nbsp; The sheriff's office has not released the names of the victims.

Woman dead from injuries in rural Kansas City-area fire

KANSAS CITY —On Tuesday, the State of Kansas gained 93 new American citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the Robert J. Dole Federal Courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas.

These 93 individuals represented 41 different countries. Germany, Mexico, Costa Rica, GambiaMyanmar (Burma), Ghana, India, Jamaica, China, Venzuela, Peru, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Togo, Kenya, Algeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo,Vietnam, Guatemala, Syria, Algeria, Ecudor, Honduras, Zaire, El Salvador, South Africa, Bhutan, Sudan, England and Canada, according to the social media report from KCK Police.

"Join us in congratulating and welcoming them as residents of our great country."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706096167041.png" alt="Photos KCK Police" />
 <figcaption>Photos KCK Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —On Tuesday, the State of Kansas gained 93 new American citizens during a naturalization ceremony at the Robert J. Dole Federal Courthouse in Kansas City, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706096187936.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>These 93 individuals represented 41 different countries. Germany, Mexico, Costa Rica, GambiaMyanmar (Burma), Ghana, India, Jamaica, China, Venzuela, Peru, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Togo, Kenya, Algeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo,Vietnam, Guatemala, Syria, Algeria, Ecudor, Honduras, Zaire, El Salvador, South Africa, Bhutan, Sudan, England and Canada, according to the social media report from KCK Police."Join us in congratulating and welcoming them as residents of our great country."

93 from 41 countries become new American citizens in Kansas

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting at a home in Johnson County.

Just before 10a.m. Thursday, police responded to a disturbance at a home in the 13500 block of W. 90th Place in Lenexa, according to a media release

According to a 911 caller, a man was trying to kick in the front door of the residence. Before officers arrived, the 911 caller updated that another man shot the individual who was trying to kick in the door.

When officers arrived, they located three involved individuals, all adults, outside of the home. Officers performed first aid measures on the man who had been shot until paramedics arrived. That man was then taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The shooter and the woman 911 caller were transported to the Lenexa Police Station to interview with detectives. Those two individuals were later released.

A further investigation indicates that all involved parties are known to one another and live at this residence.

Upon the completion of the investigation, this case will be forwarded to the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office for review of possible charges.

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting at a home in Johnson County.Just before 10a.m. Thursday, police responded to a disturbance at a home in the 13500 block of W. 90th Place in Lenexa, according to a media releaseAccording to a 911 caller, a man was trying to kick in the front door of the residence. Before officers arrived, the 911 caller updated that another man shot the individual who was trying to kick in the door.When officers arrived, they located three involved individuals, all adults, outside of the home. Officers performed first aid measures on the man who had been shot until paramedics arrived. That man was then taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The shooter and the woman 911 caller were transported to the Lenexa Police Station to interview with detectives. Those two individuals were later released.A further investigation indicates that all involved parties are known to one another and live at this residence.Upon the completion of the investigation, this case will be forwarded to the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office for review of possible charges.

Police: Man shot while attempting to kick in door of Kan. home

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an unusual theft and asking the public for help.

According to a social media report from city of Kechi Police Chief Braden Moore, sometime last week, person(s) decided to steal their radar sign that was posted up on 101st Street.

 This expensive piece of equipment was used as a traffic calming device to help keep neighborhoods safer. The sign was set to alert drivers of their speed as you pass by. 

It would flash red and blues the driver was traveling faster than they should be. It does not take photos, it is not used for enforcement, it was simply there for drivers and others to check their speed as they entered an area of reduced posted speed limits. 

This sign also helped cut back on traffic citations.

Moore wrote, "it’s sad and unfortunate. We have no choice now but to take traffic enforcement action in the areas the sign was posted. The sign offered free warnings to those who were speeding in those areas. It was nice. A police officer running radar in that same area doesn’t have to give warnings and can write citations…… see the difference…..?"

"Should the radar sign be returned to its original area of posting, or at the police station, no questions will be asked." "

"Should you have information on the whereabouts of the sign and information leading to the location and arrest of those who chose to steal, a reward is waiting for you."

"Your information will be confidential, nobody will know who you are, and police can close out this case. To those who stole the sign, you’re better than this."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706292251560.png" alt="Photo Kechi Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kechi Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an unusual theft and asking the public for help.According to a social media report from city of Kechi Police Chief Braden Moore, sometime last week, person(s) decided to steal their radar sign that was posted up on 101st Street. This expensive piece of equipment was used as a traffic calming device to help keep neighborhoods safer. The sign was set to alert drivers of their speed as you pass by. It would flash red and blues the driver was traveling faster than they should be. It does not take photos, it is not used for enforcement, it was simply there for drivers and others to check their speed as they entered an area of reduced posted speed limits. This sign also helped cut back on traffic citations.Moore wrote, "it’s sad and unfortunate. We have no choice now but to take traffic enforcement action in the areas the sign was posted. The sign offered free warnings to those who were speeding in those areas. It was nice. A police officer running radar in that same area doesn’t have to give warnings and can write citations…… see the difference…..?""Should the radar sign be returned to its original area of posting, or at the police station, no questions will be asked." ""Should you have information on the whereabouts of the sign and information leading to the location and arrest of those who chose to steal, a reward is waiting for you.""Your information will be confidential, nobody will know who you are, and police can close out this case. To those who stole the sign, you’re better than this."

Police ask for return of radar sign stolen from Kansas road

PEMISCOT COUNTY, Mo. —A jury Thursday found a Missouri man guilty for the 2020 New Madrid County murder of an 18 year old Illinois woman, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

In April of 2020 James A. Merritt, 32, of Morehouse, was arrested on a requested charge of trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, according police.

The New Madrid County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged him with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and tampering with physical evidence after a search warrant was executed at his home on Marshall Street in Morehouse.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706369412029.png" alt="Merritt-photo Mississippi Co. jail" />
 <figcaption>Merritt-photo Mississippi Co. jail</figcaption>
 </figure>PEMISCOT COUNTY, Mo. —A jury Thursday found a Missouri man guilty for the 2020 New Madrid County murder of an 18 year old Illinois woman, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.In April of 2020 James A. Merritt, 32, of Morehouse, was arrested on a requested charge of trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, according police.The New Madrid County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office formally charged him with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and tampering with physical evidence after a search warrant was executed at his home on Marshall Street in Morehouse.&nbsp;&nbsp;.

Jury: Missouri man guilty in death of 18-year-old woman

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is delaying consideration of new natural gas export terminals in the United States, even as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-british-politics-united-states-europe-climate-and-environment-13ba11cb978180731a636d57a35dc4a9" target="_blank">gas shipments to Europe and Asia have soared</a>&nbsp;since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator criticized the President's decision.

The election year decision by President Joe Biden aligns with environmentalists who fear the huge increase in exports, in the form of liquefied natural gas, or LNG, is locking in potentially catastrophic planet-warming emissions when the Democratic president has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-change-science-climate-environment-and-nature-bdcf107d1fd146c2136f132b9fd13861" target="_blank">pledged to cut climate pollution in half by 2030</a>.

“While MAGA Republicans willfully deny the urgency of the climate crisis, condemning the American people to a dangerous future, my administration will not be complacent,’' Biden said in a statement Friday. “We will not cede to special interests. We will heed the calls of young people and frontline communities who are using their voices to demand action from those with the power to act.’'

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/26/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-temporary-pause-on-pending-approvals-of-liquefied-natural-gas-exports/">Click here to read</a> the fact sheet on the decision from the White House

The current economic and environmental analyses the Energy Department uses to evaluate LNG projects don’t adequately account for potential cost hikes for American consumers and manufacturers or the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, the White House said.

Industry groups condemned the pause as a “win for Russia,” while environmentalists cheered an action they have long been seeking as a way to counter Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alaska-oil-biden-willow-drilling-climate-24f135580259b9f9b245383dba921fe7" target="_blank">approval of the huge Willow oil project in Alaska</a>&nbsp;last year.

“This decision is brave, because Donald Trump (the man who pulled us out of the Paris climate accords on the grounds that climate change is a hoax) will attack it mercilessly,’' environmental activist Bill McKibben wrote in an online post.

“But it’s also very, very savvy: Biden wants young people, who care about climate above all, in his corner. They were angry about his dumb approval of the Willow oil project,’' McKibben added.

A proposed LNG export terminal in Louisiana would produce about 20 times the greenhouse gas emissions of Willow, McKibben noted.

“And of course everyone understands that if Biden is not reelected this win means nothing. It will disappear on Day One when (Trump) begins his relentless campaign to ‘drill drill drill,’” he said.

Energy Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jennifer-granholm" target="_blank">Jennifer Granholm</a>&nbsp;said the pause will not affect already authorized export projects and noted that U.S. gas exports reached record highs last year. The pause will not immediately affect U.S. supplies to Europe or Asia, Granholm said, since seven LNG terminals are currently in operation, with several more expected to come online in the next few years.

“We remain committed to ensuring our partners’ medium-term energy needs are met,’' she told reporters at a White House briefing late Thursday. If necessary, the Energy Department can allow exceptions for national security needs, Granholm said.

She and other officials declined to say how long the permitting pause will last, but said a study of how proposed LNG projects will affect the environment, the economy and national security will take “some months.’' A public comment period after that will likely delay any decisions on pending LNG projects until after the 2024 presidential election.

U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-64f9c887ac8845a7bbf143022aeb2367" target="_blank">began less than a decade ago,</a>&nbsp;but have grown rapidly in recent years to the point that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=53159" target="_blank">the U.S. has become the world’s largest gas exporter</a>. Exports rose sharply after Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and Biden and Granholm have celebrated the delivery of U.S. gas to Europe and Asia as a key geopolitical weapon against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The American Petroleum Institute, the largest lobbying group for the oil and gas industry, turned those comments against the Democratic administration as it condemned Biden’s action.

“This is a win for Russia and a loss for American allies, U.S. jobs and global climate progress,” said Mike Sommers, API’s president and CEO.

“There is no review needed to understand the clear benefits of U.S. LNG (exports) for stabilizing global energy markets, supporting thousands of American jobs and reducing emissions around the world by transitioning countries toward cleaner fuels’’ and away from coal, Sommers said in a statement.

Biden’s action “is nothing more than a broken promise to U.S. allies, and it’s time for the administration to stop playing politics with global energy security,” he said.

Granholm, who has made it a point&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-holidays-54311070b5a8d83098df4275d12b560f" target="_blank">to work with oil and gas executives</a>&nbsp;even as Biden has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-prices-congress-38c4a047ac455f26c52f4c144d84a6dd" target="_blank">exchanged sometimes pointed barbs</a>&nbsp;with them, said “a lot has happened” since LNG exports began about eight years ago.

“We need to have an even greater understanding of the (global energy) market need, the long-term supply and demand of energy resources and the environmental factors,’' she said. “So by updating the analysis process now, we will be better informed to avoid export authorizations that diminish our domestic energy availability, that weaken our security or that undermine our economy. ‘’

Granholm emphasized the delay “is not a retroactive review of already authorized exports,’' nor is it intended to punish the oil and gas industry.

“We are committed to strengthening energy security here in the U.S. and with our allies, and we’re committed to protecting Americans against climate change as we lead the world into a clean energy future,’' she said.

Jeremy Symons, an environmental consultant and former climate policy adviser at the Environmental Protection Agency, called Biden’s decision a “game-changer” in the fight against climate change.

“The president is drawing a line in the sand to put the nation’s interests first and listen to climate science,’' Symons said in an interview. ”The days of massive fossil fuel projects like the CP2 project escaping scrutiny from the federal government are over. We now have a president who cares about climate change.’'

Symons and other activists have targeted the $10 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://venturegloballng.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CP2-FactSheet.pdf" target="_blank">Calcasieu Pass 2 project, or CP2</a>, along Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, noting it would be the nation’s largest export terminal if built. The project in Cameron Parish would export up to 20 million tons (18.1 million metric tons) of chilled natural gas per year, creating more greenhouse gas emissions than even the Willow project, which environmentalists have decried as a “carbon bomb.’'

Symons called the gas project “bad for our nation, bad for our health and bad for our economy.’'

Shaylyn Hynes, spokeswoman for the project’s owner, Virginia-based Venture Global, said the Biden administration “continues to create uncertainty about whether our allies can rely on U.S. LNG for their energy security.’'

A prolonged pause on LNG exports “would shock the global energy market ... and send a devastating signal to our allies that they can no longer rely on the United States,’' said Hynes, who served as an Energy Department spokeswoman in the Trump administration.

“The true irony is this policy would hurt the climate and lead to increased (greenhouse gas) emissions, as it would force the world to pivot to coal’’ instead of natural gas, Hynes said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is delaying consideration of new natural gas export terminals in the United States, even as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-british-politics-united-states-europe-climate-and-environment-13ba11cb978180731a636d57a35dc4a9" target="_blank">gas shipments to Europe and Asia have soared</a>&nbsp;since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator criticized the President's decision.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In his never ending pursuit to cater to radical climate activists, Joe Biden continues his war on American made energy. If he was actually serious about taking care of the environment, he&#39;d unleash American energy- <a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PressSec</a> anyone going to tell him our producers make the… <a href="https://t.co/bq2iKrG0jr">https://t.co/bq2iKrG0jr</a>&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1750977964496376161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The election year decision by President Joe Biden aligns with environmentalists who fear the huge increase in exports, in the form of liquefied natural gas, or LNG, is locking in potentially catastrophic planet-warming emissions when the Democratic president has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-climate-change-science-climate-environment-and-nature-bdcf107d1fd146c2136f132b9fd13861" target="_blank">pledged to cut climate pollution in half by 2030</a>.“While MAGA Republicans willfully deny the urgency of the climate crisis, condemning the American people to a dangerous future, my administration will not be complacent,’' Biden said in a statement Friday. “We will not cede to special interests. We will heed the calls of young people and frontline communities who are using their voices to demand action from those with the power to act.’'<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/26/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-temporary-pause-on-pending-approvals-of-liquefied-natural-gas-exports/">Click here to read</a> the fact sheet on the decision from the White HouseThe current economic and environmental analyses the Energy Department uses to evaluate LNG projects don’t adequately account for potential cost hikes for American consumers and manufacturers or the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, the White House said.Industry groups condemned the pause as a “win for Russia,” while environmentalists cheered an action they have long been seeking as a way to counter Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alaska-oil-biden-willow-drilling-climate-24f135580259b9f9b245383dba921fe7" target="_blank">approval of the huge Willow oil project in Alaska</a>&nbsp;last year.“This decision is brave, because Donald Trump (the man who pulled us out of the Paris climate accords on the grounds that climate change is a hoax) will attack it mercilessly,’' environmental activist Bill McKibben wrote in an online post.“But it’s also very, very savvy: Biden wants young people, who care about climate above all, in his corner. They were angry about his dumb approval of the Willow oil project,’' McKibben added.A proposed LNG export terminal in Louisiana would produce about 20 times the greenhouse gas emissions of Willow, McKibben noted.“And of course everyone understands that if Biden is not reelected this win means nothing. It will disappear on Day One when (Trump) begins his relentless campaign to ‘drill drill drill,’” he said.Energy Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jennifer-granholm" target="_blank">Jennifer Granholm</a>&nbsp;said the pause will not affect already authorized export projects and noted that U.S. gas exports reached record highs last year. The pause will not immediately affect U.S. supplies to Europe or Asia, Granholm said, since seven LNG terminals are currently in operation, with several more expected to come online in the next few years.“We remain committed to ensuring our partners’ medium-term energy needs are met,’' she told reporters at a White House briefing late Thursday. If necessary, the Energy Department can allow exceptions for national security needs, Granholm said.She and other officials declined to say how long the permitting pause will last, but said a study of how proposed LNG projects will affect the environment, the economy and national security will take “some months.’' A public comment period after that will likely delay any decisions on pending LNG projects until after the 2024 presidential election.U.S. exports of liquefied natural gas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-64f9c887ac8845a7bbf143022aeb2367" target="_blank">began less than a decade ago,</a>&nbsp;but have grown rapidly in recent years to the point that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=53159" target="_blank">the U.S. has become the world’s largest gas exporter</a>. Exports rose sharply after Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and Biden and Granholm have celebrated the delivery of U.S. gas to Europe and Asia as a key geopolitical weapon against Russian President Vladimir Putin.The American Petroleum Institute, the largest lobbying group for the oil and gas industry, turned those comments against the Democratic administration as it condemned Biden’s action.“This is a win for Russia and a loss for American allies, U.S. jobs and global climate progress,” said Mike Sommers, API’s president and CEO.“There is no review needed to understand the clear benefits of U.S. LNG (exports) for stabilizing global energy markets, supporting thousands of American jobs and reducing emissions around the world by transitioning countries toward cleaner fuels’’ and away from coal, Sommers said in a statement.Biden’s action “is nothing more than a broken promise to U.S. allies, and it’s time for the administration to stop playing politics with global energy security,” he said.Granholm, who has made it a point&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-holidays-54311070b5a8d83098df4275d12b560f" target="_blank">to work with oil and gas executives</a>&nbsp;even as Biden has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-prices-congress-38c4a047ac455f26c52f4c144d84a6dd" target="_blank">exchanged sometimes pointed barbs</a>&nbsp;with them, said “a lot has happened” since LNG exports began about eight years ago.“We need to have an even greater understanding of the (global energy) market need, the long-term supply and demand of energy resources and the environmental factors,’' she said. “So by updating the analysis process now, we will be better informed to avoid export authorizations that diminish our domestic energy availability, that weaken our security or that undermine our economy. ‘’Granholm emphasized the delay “is not a retroactive review of already authorized exports,’' nor is it intended to punish the oil and gas industry.“We are committed to strengthening energy security here in the U.S. and with our allies, and we’re committed to protecting Americans against climate change as we lead the world into a clean energy future,’' she said.Jeremy Symons, an environmental consultant and former climate policy adviser at the Environmental Protection Agency, called Biden’s decision a “game-changer” in the fight against climate change.“The president is drawing a line in the sand to put the nation’s interests first and listen to climate science,’' Symons said in an interview. ”The days of massive fossil fuel projects like the CP2 project escaping scrutiny from the federal government are over. We now have a president who cares about climate change.’'Symons and other activists have targeted the $10 billion&nbsp;<a href="https://venturegloballng.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CP2-FactSheet.pdf" target="_blank">Calcasieu Pass 2 project, or CP2</a>, along Louisiana’s Gulf Coast, noting it would be the nation’s largest export terminal if built. The project in Cameron Parish would export up to 20 million tons (18.1 million metric tons) of chilled natural gas per year, creating more greenhouse gas emissions than even the Willow project, which environmentalists have decried as a “carbon bomb.’'Symons called the gas project “bad for our nation, bad for our health and bad for our economy.’'Shaylyn Hynes, spokeswoman for the project’s owner, Virginia-based Venture Global, said the Biden administration “continues to create uncertainty about whether our allies can rely on U.S. LNG for their energy security.’'A prolonged pause on LNG exports “would shock the global energy market ... and send a devastating signal to our allies that they can no longer rely on the United States,’' said Hynes, who served as an Energy Department spokeswoman in the Trump administration.“The true irony is this policy would hurt the climate and lead to increased (greenhouse gas) emissions, as it would force the world to pivot to coal’’ instead of natural gas, Hynes said.

 Kan. U.S. Senator: Biden continues his war on American made energy

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A prized statue of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jackie-robinson">Jackie Robinson</a>&nbsp;was stolen from a public park in Kansas, spurring a police search Friday and outrage across the city of Wichita.

The statue honors the first player to break Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947. Surveillance video was released of two people hauling the sculpture away in the dark. Wichita police said in a Facebook post that it went missing Thursday morning.

The statue was cut at the ankles to be removed. All that remained of the statue Friday were Robinson's feet.

“I’m frustrated by the actions of those individuals who had the audacity to take the statue of Jackie Robinson from a park where kids and families in our community gather to learn the history of Jackie Robinson, an American icon, and play the game of baseball,” Wichita police Chief Joe Sullivan said during a news conference Friday. “This should upset all of us.”

He said even more troubling was the statue's theft shortly before Black History Month.

Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, paving the way for generations of Black American ballplayers. He's considered not only a sports legend but also a civil rights icon.

Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson called the theft “horrendous” and “disgusting,” and said that residents are feeling hurt and angry, and demanding justice.

“Many people want to find those folks before law enforcement,” Johnson said. "So again, like the chief and the (district attorney) said, if you’ve got that statue, bring it here today. Now."

The Wichita Metro Crime Commission offered a reward Friday of up to $2,500 for tips leading to arrests and another $5,000 for tips that lead to the statue's recovery.

Sullivan said he hopes area salvage yards will contact police if the statue is brought in for money.

“Once the statue is returned, we also want the individuals who robbed our community of a treasure to be held accountable for their actions,” Sullivan said. “And I assure you, they will. The resources of the Wichita Police Department have been mobilized.”

Little League nonprofit League 42, named after Robinson's number with the Dodgers, paid about $50,000 for the model of him, Executive Director Bob Lutz said. The sculpture was installed in 2021 in McAdams Park, where the roughly 600 children play in the youth baseball league.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706271522033.png" alt="Security camera image of the theft." />
 <figcaption>Security camera image of the theft.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A prized statue of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jackie-robinson">Jackie Robinson</a>&nbsp;was stolen from a public park in Kansas, spurring a police search Friday and outrage across the city of Wichita.The statue honors the first player to break Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947. Surveillance video was released of two people hauling the sculpture away in the dark. Wichita police said in a Facebook post that it went missing Thursday morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706214116336.png" alt="Photo city of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Photo city of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>The statue was cut at the ankles to be removed. All that remained of the statue Friday were Robinson's feet.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706214143377.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“I’m frustrated by the actions of those individuals who had the audacity to take the statue of Jackie Robinson from a park where kids and families in our community gather to learn the history of Jackie Robinson, an American icon, and play the game of baseball,” Wichita police Chief Joe Sullivan said during a news conference Friday. “This should upset all of us.”He said even more troubling was the statue's theft shortly before Black History Month.Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, paving the way for generations of Black American ballplayers. He's considered not only a sports legend but also a civil rights icon.Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson called the theft “horrendous” and “disgusting,” and said that residents are feeling hurt and angry, and demanding justice.“Many people want to find those folks before law enforcement,” Johnson said. "So again, like the chief and the (district attorney) said, if you’ve got that statue, bring it here today. Now."The Wichita Metro Crime Commission offered a reward Friday of up to $2,500 for tips leading to arrests and another $5,000 for tips that lead to the statue's recovery.Sullivan said he hopes area salvage yards will contact police if the statue is brought in for money.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706274871424.png" alt="photo of the truck involved in the theft-Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>photo of the truck involved in the theft-Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>“Once the statue is returned, we also want the individuals who robbed our community of a treasure to be held accountable for their actions,” Sullivan said. “And I assure you, they will. The resources of the Wichita Police Department have been mobilized.”Little League nonprofit League 42, named after Robinson's number with the Dodgers, paid about $50,000 for the model of him, Executive Director Bob Lutz said. The sculpture was installed in 2021 in McAdams Park, where the roughly 600 children play in the youth baseball league.

Reward offered: Jackie Robinson statue stolen from a Kansas park

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide

Just after 6 p.m. Friday,&nbsp; police were dispatched to report of a disturbance at 58th and Swope Parkway, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.

First responders found a man unresponsive in front of a convenience store.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or suspect information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706357521837.png" alt="Police at the scene of the homicide investigation-photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the homicide investigation-photos Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicideJust after 6 p.m. Friday,&nbsp; police were dispatched to report of a disturbance at 58th and Swope Parkway, according to Sheriff Daryl Forte'.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706357497685.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>First responders found a man unresponsive in front of a convenience store.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest or suspect information.

Homicide: Man dies after disturbance near KC convenience store

JERUSALEM (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen's Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;launched a missile Friday at a United States warship patrolling the Gulf of Aden, forcing it to shoot down the projectile, and struck a British vessel as their aggressive attacks on maritime traffic continue.

The attack on the U.S. warship, the destroyer USS Carney, marked a further escalation in the biggest confrontation at sea the U.S. Navy has seen in the Middle East in decades, as Houthi missile fire set another commercial vessel ablaze Friday night.

Early Saturday local time, U.S. forces conducted a strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile that was aimed into the Red Sea and prepared to launch, the U.S. military's Central Command said.

The Houthis’ Al-Masirah satellite news channel said the strikes happened near the port city of Hodeida, but offered no assessment of their damage.

The Carney attack represents the first time the Houthis directly targeted a U.S. warship since the rebels began their assaults on shipping in October, a U.S. official said on condition of anonymity because no authorization had been given to discuss the incident.

Later Friday, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Operations, which oversees Mideast waterways, acknowledged a vessel had been struck by a missile and was on fire in the Gulf of Aden.

Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree did not acknowledge the Carney attack, but claimed the missile attack on the commercial vessel that set it ablaze. He identified the vessel as the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Marlin Luanda.

Central Command late Friday confirmed the Marlin Luanda was struck by a single anti-ship ballistic missile fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen. The Carney and other coalition ships responded and were rendering assistance toward the stricken ship. Central Command said no injuries were reported.

The Houthis' now direct attacks on U.S. warships are the most aggressive escalation of its campaign in the Red Sea since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;broke out. The U.S. has tried to temper its descriptions of the Houthis' strikes, and said it is difficult to determine what exactly the Houthis are trying to hit in part try to prevent the conflict from becoming a wider regional war.

The U.S. and allies had also held off for weeks on striking Houthi weapons sites in Yemen, but they are now taking regular action, often destroying launch sites that are armed but have not fired, and are deemed an imminent threat.

Despite the Carney being directly targeted, Central Command said the Houthis fired “toward” the Carney. The Carney shot down the anti-ship ballistic missile, it said.

Acknowledging Friday’s assault as a direct attack on a U.S. warship is important, said Brad Bowman, a senior director at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.

“They’re now finally calling a spade a spade, and saying that, yeah, they’re trying to attack our forces, they’re trying to kill us,” he said.

Tempering the language and response, while aimed at preventing a wider war, has had the opposite effect of further emboldening the Houthis, Bowman said.

The attacks were the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-ship-attacks-israel-hamas-war-gaza-ef0b83ef2a7ca8c727288b50037287e5">assaults by the rebels</a>&nbsp;in their campaign against ships traveling through the Red Sea and surrounding waters, which has disrupted global trade amid Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The U.S. and Britain have launched multiple rounds of airstrikes since the Houthi attacks began targeting Houthi missile depots and launcher sites in Yemen, a country that's been wracked by conflict since the rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea, saying they were avenging Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703990687604.png" alt="Photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>Photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) — The crew aboard a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker hit by a missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels extinguished an hourslong fire onboard the stricken vessel Saturday sparked by the strike, authorities said.The attack on the Marlin Luanda further complicated the Red Sea crisis caused by the Iranian-backed rebels' attacks over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip</a>. The tanker carried Russian-produced naphtha, a flammable oil, drawing Moscow further into a conflict that so far it had blamed on the U.S.Early Saturday, U.S. forces conducted a strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile that was aimed at the Red Sea and prepared to launch, the U.S. military’s Central Command said. That attack came after the USS Carney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthi-gulf-aden-shipping-british-military-7fafd1cfb3e04209b97a0d0f2abd5c26">had to shoot down a Houthi missile targeting it</a>.The Marlin Luanda burned for hours in the Gulf of Aden until being extinguished Saturday, said Trafigura, a Singapore-based trading firm. Its crew of 25 Indian nationals and two Sri Lankans were still trying to battle the blaze sparked by the missile strike, it said. No one was injured by the blast, it added.“We are pleased to confirm that all crew on board the Marlin Luanda are safe and the fire in the cargo tank has been fully extinguished,” Trafigura said. “The vessel is now sailing towards a safe harbor.”The Indian navy said its guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam was assisting the Marlin Luanda's crew in fighting the fire. It posted images showing the blaze still raging Saturday, likely fueled by the naphtha on board.The ship, managed by a British firm, is carrying the Russian naphtha bound for Singapore, the company said. It described the flammable oil as being purchased below the price caps set by G7 sanctions placed on Russia over its ongoing war on Ukraine. It wasn't clear what environmental impact the attack had caused.Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed the attack on the Marlin Luanda in a prerecorded statement late Friday, describing it as a “British oil ship.” He insisted such attacks would continue.Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea over Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.Since the airstrike campaign began, the rebels now say they’ll target American and British ships as well. On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-ship-attacks-israel-hamas-war-gaza-ef0b83ef2a7ca8c727288b50037287e5">two American-flagged ships carrying cargo for the U.S. Defense and State departments came under attack by the Houthis</a>, forcing an escorting U.S. Navy warship to shoot some of the projectiles down.China, which relies on the seaborne trade through the area, has called for calm. The U.S. had sought to get China to apply pressure on Iran, as Beijing remains a major buyer of Western-sanctioned Iranian oil.But Russia so far has condemned the U.S. and the United Kingdom for carrying out its strikes targeting the Houthis, while also meeting with the rebel group in Moscow in recent days.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-navy-houthi-attacks-red-sea-shipping-iran-8e55669e4d18cbc7007654640fa5fdc1">The U.S. Navy’s top Mideast commander told the AP</a>&nbsp;on Monday that the Houthi attacks were the worst since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ceb6e7a86bf14a9a8d8ecf81c9dcc7ef">the so-called Tanker War of the 1980s</a>. It culminated in a one-day naval battle between Washington and Tehran and also saw the U.S. Navy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de425ed9833b4bdaa03306f37182995f">accidentally shoot down an Iranian passenger jet</a>, killing 290 people in 1988.Meanwhile Saturday, authorities reported a separate incident in which a vessel in the Arabian Sea reported seeing people armed with assault rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade off their vessel.“The small craft approached within 300 meters (about 985 feet),” the British military's United Kingdom Trade Operations agency said. “The onboard security team fired warning shots and post an exchange of fire, the small craft then retreated.”It said all those onboard were safe. The private security firm Ambrey described the incident as involving a “Somali-style” small boat aided by a larger mothership. As the Houthi attacks have escalated, there's been an increase in suspected Somali pirate activity as well.___JERUSALEM (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen's Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;launched a missile Friday at a United States warship patrolling the Gulf of Aden, forcing it to shoot down the projectile, and struck a British vessel as their aggressive attacks on maritime traffic continue.The attack on the U.S. warship, the destroyer USS Carney, marked a further escalation in the biggest confrontation at sea the U.S. Navy has seen in the Middle East in decades, as Houthi missile fire set another commercial vessel ablaze Friday night.Early Saturday local time, U.S. forces conducted a strike against a Houthi anti-ship missile that was aimed into the Red Sea and prepared to launch, the U.S. military's Central Command said.The Houthis’ Al-Masirah satellite news channel said the strikes happened near the port city of Hodeida, but offered no assessment of their damage.The Carney attack represents the first time the Houthis directly targeted a U.S. warship since the rebels began their assaults on shipping in October, a U.S. official said on condition of anonymity because no authorization had been given to discuss the incident.Later Friday, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Operations, which oversees Mideast waterways, acknowledged a vessel had been struck by a missile and was on fire in the Gulf of Aden.Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree did not acknowledge the Carney attack, but claimed the missile attack on the commercial vessel that set it ablaze. He identified the vessel as the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Marlin Luanda.Central Command late Friday confirmed the Marlin Luanda was struck by a single anti-ship ballistic missile fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen. The Carney and other coalition ships responded and were rendering assistance toward the stricken ship. Central Command said no injuries were reported.The Houthis' now direct attacks on U.S. warships are the most aggressive escalation of its campaign in the Red Sea since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>&nbsp;broke out. The U.S. has tried to temper its descriptions of the Houthis' strikes, and said it is difficult to determine what exactly the Houthis are trying to hit in part try to prevent the conflict from becoming a wider regional war.The U.S. and allies had also held off for weeks on striking Houthi weapons sites in Yemen, but they are now taking regular action, often destroying launch sites that are armed but have not fired, and are deemed an imminent threat.Despite the Carney being directly targeted, Central Command said the Houthis fired “toward” the Carney. The Carney shot down the anti-ship ballistic missile, it said.Acknowledging Friday’s assault as a direct attack on a U.S. warship is important, said Brad Bowman, a senior director at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.“They’re now finally calling a spade a spade, and saying that, yeah, they’re trying to attack our forces, they’re trying to kill us,” he said.Tempering the language and response, while aimed at preventing a wider war, has had the opposite effect of further emboldening the Houthis, Bowman said.The attacks were the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-ship-attacks-israel-hamas-war-gaza-ef0b83ef2a7ca8c727288b50037287e5">assaults by the rebels</a>&nbsp;in their campaign against ships traveling through the Red Sea and surrounding waters, which has disrupted global trade amid Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.The U.S. and Britain have launched multiple rounds of airstrikes since the Houthi attacks began targeting Houthi missile depots and launcher sites in Yemen, a country that's been wracked by conflict since the rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea, saying they were avenging Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.Since the airstrike campaign began, the rebels now say they’ll target American and British ships as well. On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-ship-attacks-israel-hamas-war-gaza-ef0b83ef2a7ca8c727288b50037287e5">two American-flagged ships carrying cargo for the U.S. Defense and State departments came under attack by the Houthis</a>, forcing an escorting U.S. Navy warship to shoot some of the projectiles down.

U.S. conducts strike against anti-ship missile after oil tanker attacked

MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly December crash that killed a Kansas teacher have filed charges against the driver of the other vehicle involved.

On Friday, the driver of the Nissan SUV identified as 33-year-0ld James Holzrichter was charged by the McPherson County Attorney with Involuntary Manslaughter, Aggravated Battery, Driving Under the Influence, Aggravated Child Endangerment, No Liability Insurance, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane, according to the McPherson County Sheriff's Office.

&nbsp;Canton-Galva teacher Ashley Austin, 30,&nbsp; died four days after&nbsp; the crash that occurred just after 7:30a.m. December 15 at Highway 56 and 24th Avenue. She was the agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor at the school.

&nbsp;Holzrichter is being held the McPherson County Jail on a $75,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706317872537.png" alt="Holzrichter photo McPherson Co." />
 <figcaption>Holzrichter photo McPherson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly December crash that killed a Kansas teacher have filed charges against the driver of the other vehicle involved.On Friday, the driver of the Nissan SUV identified as 33-year-0ld James Holzrichter was charged by the McPherson County Attorney with Involuntary Manslaughter, Aggravated Battery, Driving Under the Influence, Aggravated Child Endangerment, No Liability Insurance, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane, according to the McPherson County Sheriff's Office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706318760308.png" alt="Ashley Austin photo courtesy&nbsp;Yoder-Culp Funeral Home" />
 <figcaption>Ashley Austin photo courtesy&nbsp;Yoder-Culp Funeral Home</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Canton-Galva teacher Ashley Austin, 30,&nbsp; died four days after&nbsp; the crash that occurred just after 7:30a.m. December 15 at Highway 56 and 24th Avenue. She was the agriculture education teacher and FFA advisor at the school.&nbsp;Holzrichter is being held the McPherson County Jail on a $75,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas man charged in DUI crash that killed Kansas teacher

ATMORE, Ala. (AP) — A man&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nitrogen-execution-death-penalty-alabama-699896815486f019f804a8afb7032900">put to death using nitrogen gas</a>&nbsp;shook and convulsed for minutes on the gurney as Alabama carried out the first-of-its-kind execution that has ignited debate over the humaneness of the method.

Breathing through a nitrogen-filled face mask that deprived him of oxygen, 58-year-old convicted killer Kenneth Eugene Smith convulsed in seizurelike spasms for at least two minutes of the 22-minute execution by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nitrogen-gas-execution-alabama-c3c813841bcebdf0f77371fc7f1da3d9">nitrogen hypoxia</a>&nbsp;Thursday. The force of his movements at times caused the gurney to visibly shake. That was followed by several minutes of gasping breathing until his breath was no longer perceptible.

Smith's supporters expressed alarm at how the execution played out, saying it was the antithesis of the state's promise of a quick and painless death. But Alabama's attorney general characterized the execution as “textbook” during a Friday news conference.

“As of last night, nitrogen hypoxia as a means of execution is no longer an untested method. It is a proven one," Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said, extending an offer of help for states considering adopting the method.

Asked about Smith’s shaking and convulsing on the gurney, Alabama Corrections Commissioner John Q. Hamm said they appeared to be involuntary movements.

“That was all expected and was in the side effects that we’ve seen or researched on nitrogen hypoxia,” Hamm said. “Nothing was out of the ordinary from what we were expecting."

Marshall said he anticipated Alabama "will definitely have more nitrogen hypoxia executions.” More than 40 death row inmates have selected nitrogen as their preferred execution method over lethal injection but did so at a time when the state hadn’t developed nitrogen procedures.

Attorneys for those inmates have asked the court to order Alabama to turn over records and information about Smith’s execution. Litigation will almost certainly focus on Smith’s convulsions and movements during the execution.

“The State promised the world the most humane method of execution known to man. Instead, Mr. Smith writhed and thrashed before he died. No further executions should take place by this method until the events of this evening are examined by an independent body,” Assistant Federal Defender John Palombi, who represents death row inmates who requested nitrogen, said in a statement.

Smith’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-execution-nitrogen-gas-5a96360ceddb8335c37cce608f815b30">spiritual adviser</a>, the Rev. Jeff Hood, agreed that the execution did not match the state attorney general’s prediction that Smith would lose consciousness in seconds followed by death within minutes.

“We didn’t see somebody go unconscious in 30 seconds. What we saw was minutes of someone struggling for their life,” said Hood, who attended the execution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706276540123.png" alt="Smith photo Alabama Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Smith photo Alabama Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>ATMORE, Ala. (AP) — A man&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nitrogen-execution-death-penalty-alabama-699896815486f019f804a8afb7032900">put to death using nitrogen gas</a>&nbsp;shook and convulsed for minutes on the gurney as Alabama carried out the first-of-its-kind execution that has ignited debate over the humaneness of the method.Breathing through a nitrogen-filled face mask that deprived him of oxygen, 58-year-old convicted killer Kenneth Eugene Smith convulsed in seizurelike spasms for at least two minutes of the 22-minute execution by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nitrogen-gas-execution-alabama-c3c813841bcebdf0f77371fc7f1da3d9">nitrogen hypoxia</a>&nbsp;Thursday. The force of his movements at times caused the gurney to visibly shake. That was followed by several minutes of gasping breathing until his breath was no longer perceptible.Smith's supporters expressed alarm at how the execution played out, saying it was the antithesis of the state's promise of a quick and painless death. But Alabama's attorney general characterized the execution as “textbook” during a Friday news conference.“As of last night, nitrogen hypoxia as a means of execution is no longer an untested method. It is a proven one," Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said, extending an offer of help for states considering adopting the method.Asked about Smith’s shaking and convulsing on the gurney, Alabama Corrections Commissioner John Q. Hamm said they appeared to be involuntary movements.“That was all expected and was in the side effects that we’ve seen or researched on nitrogen hypoxia,” Hamm said. “Nothing was out of the ordinary from what we were expecting."Marshall said he anticipated Alabama "will definitely have more nitrogen hypoxia executions.” More than 40 death row inmates have selected nitrogen as their preferred execution method over lethal injection but did so at a time when the state hadn’t developed nitrogen procedures.Attorneys for those inmates have asked the court to order Alabama to turn over records and information about Smith’s execution. Litigation will almost certainly focus on Smith’s convulsions and movements during the execution.“The State promised the world the most humane method of execution known to man. Instead, Mr. Smith writhed and thrashed before he died. No further executions should take place by this method until the events of this evening are examined by an independent body,” Assistant Federal Defender John Palombi, who represents death row inmates who requested nitrogen, said in a statement.Smith’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-execution-nitrogen-gas-5a96360ceddb8335c37cce608f815b30">spiritual adviser</a>, the Rev. Jeff Hood, agreed that the execution did not match the state attorney general’s prediction that Smith would lose consciousness in seconds followed by death within minutes.“We didn’t see somebody go unconscious in 30 seconds. What we saw was minutes of someone struggling for their life,” said Hood, who attended the execution.Dr. Philip Nitschke, a euthanasia expert who designed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-993202650845">suicide pod using nitrogen gas</a>&nbsp;and appeared as an expert witness for Smith, said the description of Smith's thrashing matches what he would expect to happen when nitrogen gas is used in a mask and someone holds their breath or takes the smallest possible breaths.“I think this outcome is inevitable if the nitrogen gas is to be used in execution where people do not want to die and will not cooperate,” Nitschke said.Outside the country, the European Union and the U.N. Human Rights Office&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-death-penalty-nitrogen-eu-un-c7bf79cbd8b12f8da99fee24db64694c">expressed regret Friday</a>&nbsp;over the execution. The 27-nation EU and the Geneva-based U.N. rights office say the death penalty violates the right to life and does not deter crime.Smith, who was paid $1,000 to kill an Alabama woman more than 30 years ago, said in a final statement: “Tonight Alabama causes humanity to take a step backwards. I’m leaving with love, peace and light.”He made the “I love you sign” with his hands toward family members who were witnesses. “Thank you for supporting me. Love, love all of you,” Smith said.Smith ate a last meal of T-bone steak, hash browns, toast and eggs slathered in A1 steak sauce.Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said the execution was justice for the murder-for-hire killing of 45-year-old Elizabeth Sennett in 1988.“After more than 30 years and attempt after attempt to game the system, Mr. Smith has answered for his horrendous crimes,” Ivey said in a statement. “I pray that Elizabeth Sennett’s family can receive closure after all these years dealing with that great loss.”Mike Sennett, the victim’s son, said Thursday night that Smith “had been incarcerated almost twice as long as I knew my mom.”“Nothing happened here today is going to bring Mom back. It’s kind of a bittersweet day. We are not going to be jumping around, whooping and holler, hooray and all that,” he said. “I’ll end by saying Elizabeth Dorlene Sennett got her justice tonight.”Alabama had previously attempted to execute Smith in 2022, but the lethal injection was called off at the last minute because authorities couldn’t connect an IV line.The execution came after a last-minute legal battle in which his attorneys contended the state was making him the test subject for an experimental execution method that could violate the constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Federal courts rejected Smith’s bid to block it, with the final ruling coming Thursday night from the U.S. Supreme Court.Liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented.“Having failed to kill Smith on its first attempt, Alabama has selected him as its ‘guinea pig’ to test a method of execution never attempted before. The world is watching,” Sotomayor wrote.The White House also expressed concern over the execution method, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre saying during a media briefing Friday that reports about Smith and his death were “very troubling.”Sennett was found dead in her home March 18, 1988, with eight stab wounds in the chest and one on each side of her neck. Smith was one of two men convicted in the killing. The other, John Forrest Parker, was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.andalusiastarnews.com/2010/06/10/alabama-man-executed-in-1988-contract-killing/">executed</a>&nbsp;in 2010.Prosecutors said they were each paid $1,000 to kill Sennett on behalf of her pastor husband, who was deeply in debt and wanted to collect on insurance. The husband, Charles Sennett Sr., killed himself when the investigation focused on him as a suspect, according to court documents.------------------------