Timing coincides with U.S. House campaign to impeach Secretary Mayorkas

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

TOPEKA — Three Republicans in the Kansas congressional delegation said the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security should be held accountable for the flood of border crossings of undocumented immigrants and the trafficking of fentanyl contributing to a drug overdose crisis.

On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall urged Senate colleagues to vote for a resolution expressing lack of confidence in DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The senator said the Senate had to act because Mayorkas engaged in “dereliction of duty” while leading the agency. Democrats in the Senate blocked the measure.

“Time and time again, Secretary Mayorkas has failed to do his most basic job — protect the homeland,” Marshall said. “He is derelict in his duties and complicit in Joe Biden’s open borders agenda. Failing to secure our southern border has created a historic national security crisis.”

Some Republicans in the U.S. Senate have been negotiating with Mayorkas on a plan to crack down on migration along the U.S. border with Mexico, while the GOP-led U.S. House has been working to prepare articles of impeachment against Mayorkas.

U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann of the large 1st District and U.S. Rep. Ron Estes of the 4th District have been critical of Mayorkas. Mann said he welcomed the House Homeland Security Committee’s scheduled hearing Wednesday on the Cabinet secretary’s compliance with federal law on immigration.

“While I do not serve on this committee, I am committed to holding Secretary Mayorkas accountable for his failed leadership,” Mann said.

Estes joined a group of Republicans who recently toured border facilities to bring attention to Republicans’ desire for Biden to reinstate former President Donald Trump’s “remain in Mexico policy.” GOP lawmakers have sought to pivot back to several Trump administration deportation and detention programs.

Mayorkas was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in February 2021 on a vote of 56-43, with Marshall and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, opposed to his confirmation. In 2020, Biden said he nominated Mayorkas because he was an experienced leader hailed by Republicans and Democrats. Biden also said the Trump administration had engaged in years of “chaos, dysfunction and absolutely cruelty” at DHS.

In November 2023, a U.S. House motion to impeach Mayorkas was filed. It was deflected when the House voted 209-201 to refer the resolution to the House Homeland Security Committee. Mann, Estes and U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, a Republican serving the 2nd District, voted against the referral. Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of the 3rd District in the Kansas City area voted to send it to the committee.

In the Senate, Marshall said the no-confidence resolution would serve as a proper introduction to the House’s hearings on Mayorkas.

“For the past three years,” Marshall said, “Americans have witnessed the negligence and gross mismanagement of our southern border unfold — each day worse than the day before.”

Marshall, a physician, said 300 residents of the United States died each day from consumption of drugs tainted by fentanyl and that much of it came across the Mexico border. He asserted Mayorkas refused to enforce federal immigration law capable of slowing the influx of immigrants.

“The Biden Administration has, for all practical purposes, erased our border and embraced a structure of complete lawlessness,” the Kansas senator said. “It is clear that DHS Secretary Mayorkas has zero operational control of our border.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704913416533.png" alt="U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, unsuccessfully urged Senate colleagues to take a vote of no confidence against Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for failure to secure the southern border with Mexico. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kansas, unsuccessfully urged Senate colleagues to take a vote of no confidence against Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for failure to secure the southern border with Mexico. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Timing coincides with U.S. House campaign to impeach Secretary Mayorkas</h2>BY:&nbsp;TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Three Republicans in the Kansas congressional delegation said the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security should be held accountable for the flood of border crossings of undocumented immigrants and the trafficking of fentanyl contributing to a drug overdose crisis.On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall urged Senate colleagues to vote for a resolution expressing lack of confidence in DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The senator said the Senate had to act because Mayorkas engaged in “dereliction of duty” while leading the agency. Democrats in the Senate blocked the measure.“Time and time again, Secretary Mayorkas has failed to do his most basic job — protect the homeland,” Marshall said. “He is derelict in his duties and complicit in Joe Biden’s open borders agenda. Failing to secure our southern border has created a historic national security crisis.”Some Republicans in the U.S. Senate have been negotiating with Mayorkas on a plan to crack down on migration along the U.S. border with Mexico, while the GOP-led U.S. House has been working to prepare articles of impeachment against Mayorkas.U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann of the large 1st District and U.S. Rep. Ron Estes of the 4th District have been critical of Mayorkas. Mann said he welcomed the House Homeland Security Committee’s scheduled hearing Wednesday on the Cabinet secretary’s compliance with federal law on immigration.“While I do not serve on this committee, I am committed to holding Secretary Mayorkas accountable for his failed leadership,” Mann said.Estes joined a group of Republicans who recently toured border facilities to bring attention to Republicans’ desire for Biden to reinstate former President Donald Trump’s “remain in Mexico policy.” GOP lawmakers have sought to pivot back to several Trump administration deportation and detention programs.Mayorkas was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in February 2021 on a vote of 56-43, with Marshall and U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, opposed to his confirmation. In 2020, Biden said he nominated Mayorkas because he was an experienced leader hailed by Republicans and Democrats. Biden also said the Trump administration had engaged in years of “chaos, dysfunction and absolutely cruelty” at DHS.In November 2023, a U.S. House motion to impeach Mayorkas was filed. It was deflected when the House voted 209-201 to refer the resolution to the House Homeland Security Committee. Mann, Estes and U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, a Republican serving the 2nd District, voted against the referral. Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids of the 3rd District in the Kansas City area voted to send it to the committee.In the Senate, Marshall said the no-confidence resolution would serve as a proper introduction to the House’s hearings on Mayorkas.“For the past three years,” Marshall said, “Americans have witnessed the negligence and gross mismanagement of our southern border unfold — each day worse than the day before.”Marshall, a physician, said 300 residents of the United States died each day from consumption of drugs tainted by fentanyl and that much of it came across the Mexico border. He asserted Mayorkas refused to enforce federal immigration law capable of slowing the influx of immigrants.“The Biden Administration has, for all practical purposes, erased our border and embraced a structure of complete lawlessness,” the Kansas senator said. “It is clear that DHS Secretary Mayorkas has zero operational control of our border.”

Marshall offers no-confidence motion against homeland security secretary

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a woman following a well-being check in&nbsp; Wichita.

Just before 9.a.m. Wednesday., the Wichita Police Department responded to a check well-being 911 call in the 900 block of E. Mt. Vernon Street, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.

Police officers were met by Sedgwick County EMS, who had already pronounced the victim, later identified as&nbsp;48-year-old Tracy McFadden. deceased.&nbsp; Investigators don't know how McFadden arrived at this location.

She was transported to the Sedgwick County Medical Examiner's Office, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death, according to Ford.

The Wichita Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in this matter. If you have any information related to this case or were in the vicinity at the time, please contact Wichita Police Investigators at (316) 268-4407. Your information could be crucial to our investigation.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a woman following a well-being check in&nbsp; Wichita.Just before 9.a.m. Wednesday., the Wichita Police Department responded to a check well-being 911 call in the 900 block of E. Mt. Vernon Street, according to police spokesman Andrew Ford.Police officers were met by Sedgwick County EMS, who had already pronounced the victim, later identified as&nbsp;48-year-old Tracy McFadden. deceased.&nbsp; Investigators don't know how McFadden arrived at this location.She was transported to the Sedgwick County Medical Examiner's Office, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death, according to Ford.The Wichita Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in this matter. If you have any information related to this case or were in the vicinity at the time, please contact Wichita Police Investigators at (316) 268-4407. Your information could be crucial to our investigation.

Police: Woman found dead on porch of vacant Kan. property

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20KOENIG%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID KOENIG AP Airlines Writer</a>

Alaska Airlines is canceling through Saturday all flights on Boeing 737 Max 9 planes like the one that suffered an in-flight blowout of a fuselage panel last week as it waits for new instructions from Boeing and federal officials on how to inspect the fleet.

The development came as signs indicate some travelers might try to avoid flying on Max 9 jetliners — at least temporarily.

Seattle-based Alaska Airlines said Wednesday that it would cancel 110 to 150 flights a day while the Max 9 planes remain grounded. By midday, Alaska had canceled about 120 flights — one-fifth of its schedule for the day.

“We hope this action provides guests with a little more certainty, and we are working around the clock to reaccommodate impacted guests on other flights,” the airline said on its website.

United Airlines, the only other U.S. carrier that operates the Max 9, had canceled about 200 flights, but it was not clear how many were related to the Boeing plane.

The Federal Aviation Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alaska-airlines-portland-oregon-emergency-landing-b522e36ff228b5ea9a89ea13ee24f597">grounded all Max 9s</a>&nbsp;in the United States on Saturday, the day after a panel called a door plug&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alaska-airlines-portland-oregon-emergency-landing-0a0378cf2ca6d5567e18d4cda74a0978">blew off an Alaska Airlines jet</a>&nbsp;over Oregon, leaving a hole in the side of the plane. The plug replaces extra doors that are used on Max 9s that are outfitted with more seats than Alaska uses.

The pilots of flight 1282 were able to return to Portland, Oregon, and make a safe emergency landing. No serious injuries were reported.

The FAA approved inspection and repair guidelines developed by Boeing on Monday. However, on Tuesday the agency ordered Boeing to revise the instructions based on “feedback received in response.”

Alaska and United both reported finding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-investigation-ntsb-safety-airplanes-d9e28fe1a11dafe4f639268504bdb85f">loose bolts and other problems</a>&nbsp;in the panel doors of an unspecified number of other Max 9s that they had begun to inspect.

A Boeing spokesman said Wednesday that the company is updating inspection procedures based on “feedback and requirements” from FAA and the airlines. The FAA repeated an earlier statement in which it said safety would determine how soon the planes return to service.

The door plugs are installed by Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, but investigators have not said which company's employees last worked on the plug on the ill-fated Alaska plane.

Earlier this week, Boeing CEO David Calhoun told employees at the 737 factory in Renton, Washington, that the company was “acknowledging our mistake ... and that this event can never happen again.”

Boeing, which is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, didn't allow reporters to attend the event, but it released a four-minute clip in which Calhoun stressed safety and said that Boeing's airline customers are watching the company's response to the current crisis.

“Moments like this shake them to the bone, just like it shook me to the bone,” he said, adding that Boeing must reassure airlines that the planes are safe.

“We will see our way through to that, but we need to know that we are starting from a very anxious moment for our customers,” he told the Boeing employees.

Some travelers are watching the unfolding investigation too.

Kayak, a travel-search site owned by Booking Holdings, said Wednesday that after the blowout on the Alaska flight, it saw a three-fold jump in the number of people filtering their searches to isolate the type of aircraft. The jump — from low numbers, a Kayak spokeswoman acknowledged — led the site to make its airplane-type filter easier to find.

“Anytime an aircraft model becomes a household name, something has gone wrong,” said Scott Keyes, founder of the travel site Going. “A heck of a lot more people are checking their aircraft this week than last week.”

But once the FAA clears the planes to fly — “and assuming no other incidents” — the public's memory will fade, Keyes said. Within six months, few people will be paying attention to the aircraft type when booking a flight, he predicted.

The Max — of which there are two models flying, the 8 and larger 9, and two more in development — is the latest version of Boeing's half-century-old 737. Two Max 8 jets crashed in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people, and the plane&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-alaska-airlines-emergency-door-plug-1ef6d34c42fb22935c03a9cea46dd814">has been dogged</a>&nbsp;by manufacturing quality problems since then.

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22DAVID%20KOENIG%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By DAVID KOENIG AP Airlines Writer</a>Alaska Airlines is canceling through Saturday all flights on Boeing 737 Max 9 planes like the one that suffered an in-flight blowout of a fuselage panel last week as it waits for new instructions from Boeing and federal officials on how to inspect the fleet.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">For the very latest, including information on the systemwide travel waiver currently in place, visit: <a href="https://t.co/EWhHuhqMtG">https://t.co/EWhHuhqMtG</a> <a href="https://t.co/DztwoSLXPK">pic.twitter.com/DztwoSLXPK</a>&mdash; Alaska Airlines (@AlaskaAir) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlaskaAir/status/1744864134708027762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The development came as signs indicate some travelers might try to avoid flying on Max 9 jetliners — at least temporarily.Seattle-based Alaska Airlines said Wednesday that it would cancel 110 to 150 flights a day while the Max 9 planes remain grounded. By midday, Alaska had canceled about 120 flights — one-fifth of its schedule for the day.“We hope this action provides guests with a little more certainty, and we are working around the clock to reaccommodate impacted guests on other flights,” the airline said on its website.United Airlines, the only other U.S. carrier that operates the Max 9, had canceled about 200 flights, but it was not clear how many were related to the Boeing plane.The Federal Aviation Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alaska-airlines-portland-oregon-emergency-landing-b522e36ff228b5ea9a89ea13ee24f597">grounded all Max 9s</a>&nbsp;in the United States on Saturday, the day after a panel called a door plug&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alaska-airlines-portland-oregon-emergency-landing-0a0378cf2ca6d5567e18d4cda74a0978">blew off an Alaska Airlines jet</a>&nbsp;over Oregon, leaving a hole in the side of the plane. The plug replaces extra doors that are used on Max 9s that are outfitted with more seats than Alaska uses.The pilots of flight 1282 were able to return to Portland, Oregon, and make a safe emergency landing. No serious injuries were reported.The FAA approved inspection and repair guidelines developed by Boeing on Monday. However, on Tuesday the agency ordered Boeing to revise the instructions based on “feedback received in response.”Alaska and United both reported finding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-investigation-ntsb-safety-airplanes-d9e28fe1a11dafe4f639268504bdb85f">loose bolts and other problems</a>&nbsp;in the panel doors of an unspecified number of other Max 9s that they had begun to inspect.A Boeing spokesman said Wednesday that the company is updating inspection procedures based on “feedback and requirements” from FAA and the airlines. The FAA repeated an earlier statement in which it said safety would determine how soon the planes return to service.The door plugs are installed by Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems, but investigators have not said which company's employees last worked on the plug on the ill-fated Alaska plane.Earlier this week, Boeing CEO David Calhoun told employees at the 737 factory in Renton, Washington, that the company was “acknowledging our mistake ... and that this event can never happen again.”Boeing, which is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, didn't allow reporters to attend the event, but it released a four-minute clip in which Calhoun stressed safety and said that Boeing's airline customers are watching the company's response to the current crisis.“Moments like this shake them to the bone, just like it shook me to the bone,” he said, adding that Boeing must reassure airlines that the planes are safe.“We will see our way through to that, but we need to know that we are starting from a very anxious moment for our customers,” he told the Boeing employees.Some travelers are watching the unfolding investigation too.Kayak, a travel-search site owned by Booking Holdings, said Wednesday that after the blowout on the Alaska flight, it saw a three-fold jump in the number of people filtering their searches to isolate the type of aircraft. The jump — from low numbers, a Kayak spokeswoman acknowledged — led the site to make its airplane-type filter easier to find.“Anytime an aircraft model becomes a household name, something has gone wrong,” said Scott Keyes, founder of the travel site Going. “A heck of a lot more people are checking their aircraft this week than last week.”But once the FAA clears the planes to fly — “and assuming no other incidents” — the public's memory will fade, Keyes said. Within six months, few people will be paying attention to the aircraft type when booking a flight, he predicted.The Max — of which there are two models flying, the 8 and larger 9, and two more in development — is the latest version of Boeing's half-century-old 737. Two Max 8 jets crashed in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people, and the plane&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boeing-alaska-airlines-emergency-door-plug-1ef6d34c42fb22935c03a9cea46dd814">has been dogged</a>&nbsp;by manufacturing quality problems since then.

More flights canceled on certain Boeing planes for mandatory inspections

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

TOPEKA — Kansas students face danger from cartel-manufactured opioids, a law enforcement official warned the state Board of Education on Tuesday.&nbsp;

During the BOE meeting, Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Tony Mattivi cautioned board members about fentanyl.&nbsp;

“Make no mistake,” Mattivi said. “Fentanyl distribution in Kansas is coming from the drug cartels. That’s who is behind every fentanyl pill that gets sold in Kansas. It is a cartel product. The Chinese now provide precursor chemicals to the cartels in Mexico.”

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. In Kansas, rising overdose deaths have been fueled by counterfeit prescription drugs and illegal drugs containing fentanyl. Because the opioid isn’t detectable without a test strip, people taking fentanyl-laced drugs are at a greater risk of overdose.&nbsp;

The most recent data on child mortality in the state puts the number of 2021 child drug-related deaths at 11. Nine of these deaths were related to fentanyl. The previous year marked 11 fentanyl deaths, compared with zero child fentanyl deaths from 2017 to 2019.&nbsp;Despite this increase, Kansas children still face greater risks of homicide and suicide, according to<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/04/kansas-child-death-report-shows-increase-in-gun-related-deaths-suicides/">&nbsp;most recent data.</a>

Under the direction of Attorney General Kris Kobach, the KBI&nbsp; launched a targeted campaign against fentanyl distribution throughout the state. Mattivi said education on the issue was extremely important.&nbsp;

“We either educate enough people that we cut off the demand and we shut down the cartels that way,” Mattivi said. “Or we kill enough people that there’s not anybody out there left to use it.”

Jenni Ebert,&nbsp; Riley County Health coordinator, who leads fentanyl awareness campaigns for schools and communities, told members about losing her son to a fentanyl overdose in 2021.&nbsp;

“This is just crushing because this has just been recent,” Ebert said. “And still the message is just not out there. We’re just not getting the information to those that need it.”&nbsp;

Randy Watson, KBOE Commissioner of education, said the board would probably plan on having more discussions of the issue in the future.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700582241832.png" alt="KBI Director Tony Mattivi gave Kansas State Board of Education&nbsp;members a presentation on fentanyl. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>KBI Director Tony Mattivi gave Kansas State Board of Education&nbsp;members a presentation on fentanyl. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas students face danger from cartel-manufactured opioids, a law enforcement official warned the state Board of Education on Tuesday.&nbsp;During the BOE meeting, Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Tony Mattivi cautioned board members about fentanyl.&nbsp;“Make no mistake,” Mattivi said. “Fentanyl distribution in Kansas is coming from the drug cartels. That’s who is behind every fentanyl pill that gets sold in Kansas. It is a cartel product. The Chinese now provide precursor chemicals to the cartels in Mexico.”Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. In Kansas, rising overdose deaths have been fueled by counterfeit prescription drugs and illegal drugs containing fentanyl. Because the opioid isn’t detectable without a test strip, people taking fentanyl-laced drugs are at a greater risk of overdose.&nbsp;The most recent data on child mortality in the state puts the number of 2021 child drug-related deaths at 11. Nine of these deaths were related to fentanyl. The previous year marked 11 fentanyl deaths, compared with zero child fentanyl deaths from 2017 to 2019.&nbsp;Despite this increase, Kansas children still face greater risks of homicide and suicide, according to<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/10/04/kansas-child-death-report-shows-increase-in-gun-related-deaths-suicides/">&nbsp;most recent data.</a>Under the direction of Attorney General Kris Kobach, the KBI&nbsp; launched a targeted campaign against fentanyl distribution throughout the state. Mattivi said education on the issue was extremely important.&nbsp;“We either educate enough people that we cut off the demand and we shut down the cartels that way,” Mattivi said. “Or we kill enough people that there’s not anybody out there left to use it.”Jenni Ebert,&nbsp; Riley County Health coordinator, who leads fentanyl awareness campaigns for schools and communities, told members about losing her son to a fentanyl overdose in 2021.&nbsp;“This is just crushing because this has just been recent,” Ebert said. “And still the message is just not out there. We’re just not getting the information to those that need it.”&nbsp;Randy Watson, KBOE Commissioner of education, said the board would probably plan on having more discussions of the issue in the future.

KBI director warns Kan. Board of Ed members about spread of ‘cartel products’ in state

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after dead bodies were discovered at a Kansas City home.

Just before 10p.m. Tuesday, a woman went to a home in the 5200 Block of NW 83rd Terrace looking for her&nbsp; fiancé, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle.

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 found the body. Upon further investigation, officers located two other dead bodies in the back yard.&nbsp; Police have asked for a search warrant for the address . There were no obvious signs of foul play observed at or near the crime scene. Investigators are working to positively ID the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705095774621.png" alt="View of the neighborhood where the bodies were found-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>View of the neighborhood where the bodies were found-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after dead bodies were discovered at a Kansas City home.Just before 10p.m. Tuesday, a woman went to a home in the 5200 Block of NW 83rd Terrace looking for her&nbsp; fiancé, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle.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 found the body. Upon further investigation, officers located two other dead bodies in the back yard.&nbsp; Police have asked for a search warrant for the address . There were no obvious signs of foul play observed at or near the crime scene. Investigators are working to positively ID the victims.

Police: Woman's search for fiancé locates dead bodies at KC home

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;made a surprise visit to a Capitol Hill hearing Wednesday as Republicans were taking the first step toward holding President Joe Biden's son in contempt of Congress for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-investigation-impeachment-0226bb1041d7b5c10bc8c33e5d98b5e0">defying a congressional subpoena</a>&nbsp;in a bitterly contested standoff

The arrival of president's son arrival at the Oversight Committee, sitting in the audience with his legal team, including attorney Abbe Lowell, sent the panel that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-impeachment-inquiry-mike-johnson-94884b322da40ca9315ac5f4e73a3e86">is working to impeach President Biden</a>&nbsp;into a political frenzy.

One Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, insisted that Hunter Biden be quickly arrested. GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene called him a coward as he left during her remarks. Democratic lawmakers argued that Biden, who has refused to testify to the panel behind closed doors, should be allowed to speak publicly.

Hunter Biden has defended his lack of compliance with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-joe-biden-impeachment-congress-subpoena-37fe9652539c2c501d8b8bd8c3cc8901">the GOP-issued subpoena</a>, which ordered him to appear for closed-door testimony in mid-December. Biden and his attorneys said information from private interviews can be selectively leaked and manipulated by House Republicans and insisted that he would only testify in public

On Wednesday, Committee Chairman James Comer struggled to regain control. “Mr. Biden doesn’t make the rules, we make the rules,” he said.

The House Oversight and Judiciary committees will each vote on contempt resolutions that seem likely to result in the U.S. House recommending criminal charges as Republicans move into the final stages of their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-impeachment-inquiry-mike-johnson-94884b322da40ca9315ac5f4e73a3e86">impeachment inquiry into the president himself.</a>

It's the latest step for the inquiry, which began in September, but has so far failed to uncover evidence directly implicating the president in wrongdoing involving his son's business dealings.

If the committees approve the contempt resolutions as expected, they will go to the full House for consideration. And if the House votes to hold Hunter Biden in contempt, it will be up to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-merrick-garland-adam-schiff-subpoenas-7051b957a80ef6a5f84016124b00682f">the Department of Justice to decide</a>&nbsp;whether to prosecute.

The contempt referral would be yet another headache for federal prosecutors already under heavy scrutiny for their handling of charges against Hunter Biden related to his taxes and gun use.

Shelving the contempt of Congress charges would likely further stoke conservative criticism that the Justice Department is politicized — especially given that two one-time advisers to former President Donald Trump were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-congress-donald-trump-sentencing-36d412eba9e1609a030859852378ae3d">prosecuted</a>&nbsp;for contempt of Congress by the Biden administration. But prosecuting contempt cases can be difficult.

“It’s clear the Republican chairmen aren’t interested in getting the facts or they would allow Hunter to testify publicly,” Hunter Biden’s attorney, Lowell, said in a statement Friday. “Instead, House Republicans continue to play politics by seeking an unprecedented contempt motion against someone who has from the first request offered to answer all their proper questions.”

Further angering Republicans, Hunter Biden did come to the Capitol on the day specified by the subpoena — but not to testify. Instead, he stood behind microphones outside the U.S. Capitol complex — a couple hundred feet away from the awaiting GOP investigators — and delivered a rare public statement defending his business affairs and castigating the yearslong investigations into him and his family.

“There is no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business because it did not happen,” the president's son said in those remarks.

He added, "There is no fairness or decency in what these Republicans are doing — they have lied over and over about every aspect of my personal and professional life — so much so that their lies have become the false facts believed by too many people.

After delivering the statement to the media, Hunter Biden left the Capitol grounds.

The contempt resolution, released by Republicans on Monday, reads, “Mr. Biden’s flagrant defiance of the Committees’ deposition subpoenas — while choosing to appear nearby on the Capitol grounds to read a prepared statement on the same matters — is contemptuous, and he must be held accountable for his unlawful actions.”

While Republicans say their inquiry is ultimately focused on the president, they have taken particular interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;and his overseas business dealings, questioning whether the president profited from that work.

Republicans have also focused a large part of their investigation on whistleblower allegations that there has been political interference in the long-running Justice Department investigation into Hunter Biden.

The committees' votes Wednesday on contempt of Congress come a day before Hunter Biden is scheduled to make his first court appearance on tax charges filed by a special counsel in Los Angeles. He is facing three felony and six misdemeanor counts, including filing a false return, tax evasion, failure to file and failure to pay.

His lawyer has accused David Weiss, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-david-weiss-congress-republicans-aed25541b709a57371cdfe1582be0c5a">special counsel</a>&nbsp;overseeing the yearslong case, of “bowing to Republican pressure” by bringing the charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704904282755.png" alt="After delivering the statement to the media, Hunter Biden left the Capitol grounds.-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>After delivering the statement to the media, Hunter Biden left the Capitol grounds.-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;made a surprise visit to a Capitol Hill hearing Wednesday as Republicans were taking the first step toward holding President Joe Biden's son in contempt of Congress for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-congress-investigation-impeachment-0226bb1041d7b5c10bc8c33e5d98b5e0">defying a congressional subpoena</a>&nbsp;in a bitterly contested standoff<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepNancyMace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepNancyMace</a>: &quot;Who bribed Hunter Biden to be here today? That&#39;s my first question. Second question, you are the epitome of white privilege...what are you afraid of? You have no balls to come up here...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Wd9WbMP5bJ">pic.twitter.com/Wd9WbMP5bJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1745104946377154656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The arrival of president's son arrival at the Oversight Committee, sitting in the audience with his legal team, including attorney Abbe Lowell, sent the panel that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-impeachment-inquiry-mike-johnson-94884b322da40ca9315ac5f4e73a3e86">is working to impeach President Biden</a>&nbsp;into a political frenzy.One Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, insisted that Hunter Biden be quickly arrested. GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene called him a coward as he left during her remarks. Democratic lawmakers argued that Biden, who has refused to testify to the panel behind closed doors, should be allowed to speak publicly.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepMoskowitz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepMoskowitz</a> while Hunter Biden was in the room: &quot;Let&#39;s vote. Let&#39;s take a vote. Who wants to hear from Hunter right now, today? Anyone?&quot; He continues, &quot;There&#39;s no one, other than one or two, that want to hear from the witness... with the American people watching.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/6HWZiFcsha">pic.twitter.com/6HWZiFcsha</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1745118848297177100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Hunter Biden has defended his lack of compliance with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-joe-biden-impeachment-congress-subpoena-37fe9652539c2c501d8b8bd8c3cc8901">the GOP-issued subpoena</a>, which ordered him to appear for closed-door testimony in mid-December. Biden and his attorneys said information from private interviews can be selectively leaked and manipulated by House Republicans and insisted that he would only testify in publicOn Wednesday, Committee Chairman James Comer struggled to regain control. “Mr. Biden doesn’t make the rules, we make the rules,” he said.The House Oversight and Judiciary committees will each vote on contempt resolutions that seem likely to result in the U.S. House recommending criminal charges as Republicans move into the final stages of their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-impeachment-inquiry-mike-johnson-94884b322da40ca9315ac5f4e73a3e86">impeachment inquiry into the president himself.</a>It's the latest step for the inquiry, which began in September, but has so far failed to uncover evidence directly implicating the president in wrongdoing involving his son's business dealings.If the committees approve the contempt resolutions as expected, they will go to the full House for consideration. And if the House votes to hold Hunter Biden in contempt, it will be up to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-merrick-garland-adam-schiff-subpoenas-7051b957a80ef6a5f84016124b00682f">the Department of Justice to decide</a>&nbsp;whether to prosecute.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hunter Biden departs hearing.<a href="https://twitter.com/RepMTG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RepMTG</a>: &quot;I think it&#39;s clear and obvious for everyone watching this hearing today that Hunter Biden is terrified of strong conservative Republican women because he can&#39;t even face my words as I was about to speak to him. What a coward.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/MaIkmDIMbv">pic.twitter.com/MaIkmDIMbv</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1745108433072804071?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The contempt referral would be yet another headache for federal prosecutors already under heavy scrutiny for their handling of charges against Hunter Biden related to his taxes and gun use.Shelving the contempt of Congress charges would likely further stoke conservative criticism that the Justice Department is politicized — especially given that two one-time advisers to former President Donald Trump were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-congress-donald-trump-sentencing-36d412eba9e1609a030859852378ae3d">prosecuted</a>&nbsp;for contempt of Congress by the Biden administration. But prosecuting contempt cases can be difficult.“It’s clear the Republican chairmen aren’t interested in getting the facts or they would allow Hunter to testify publicly,” Hunter Biden’s attorney, Lowell, said in a statement Friday. “Instead, House Republicans continue to play politics by seeking an unprecedented contempt motion against someone who has from the first request offered to answer all their proper questions.”He added, “What are they afraid of?”Further angering Republicans, Hunter Biden did come to the Capitol on the day specified by the subpoena — but not to testify. Instead, he stood behind microphones outside the U.S. Capitol complex — a couple hundred feet away from the awaiting GOP investigators — and delivered a rare public statement defending his business affairs and castigating the yearslong investigations into him and his family.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WATCH: Hunter Biden news conference. <a href="https://t.co/MovQT3qMLJ">pic.twitter.com/MovQT3qMLJ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1735054990631125216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“There is no evidence to support the allegations that my father was financially involved in my business because it did not happen,” the president's son said in those remarks.He added, "There is no fairness or decency in what these Republicans are doing — they have lied over and over about every aspect of my personal and professional life — so much so that their lies have become the false facts believed by too many people.After delivering the statement to the media, Hunter Biden left the Capitol grounds.The contempt resolution, released by Republicans on Monday, reads, “Mr. Biden’s flagrant defiance of the Committees’ deposition subpoenas — while choosing to appear nearby on the Capitol grounds to read a prepared statement on the same matters — is contemptuous, and he must be held accountable for his unlawful actions.”While Republicans say their inquiry is ultimately focused on the president, they have taken particular interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/hunter-biden">Hunter Biden</a>&nbsp;and his overseas business dealings, questioning whether the president profited from that work.Republicans have also focused a large part of their investigation on whistleblower allegations that there has been political interference in the long-running Justice Department investigation into Hunter Biden.The committees' votes Wednesday on contempt of Congress come a day before Hunter Biden is scheduled to make his first court appearance on tax charges filed by a special counsel in Los Angeles. He is facing three felony and six misdemeanor counts, including filing a false return, tax evasion, failure to file and failure to pay.His lawyer has accused David Weiss, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunter-biden-david-weiss-congress-republicans-aed25541b709a57371cdfe1582be0c5a">special counsel</a>&nbsp;overseeing the yearslong case, of “bowing to Republican pressure” by bringing the charges.

🎥Capitol Hill chaos: Hunter Biden makes surprise appearance at hearing

SEDGWICK COUNTY– A man was sentenced Tuesday following the drug death of his infant son.

District Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 26-year-old Calvin Vick of Wichita to just over 18-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Vick’s 22-month-old son Israel Luna-Vick was taken to a Wichita hospital on June 22, 2022 after he was found unresponsive on the floor of Vick’s apartment in the 8400 block of east Harry in Wichita.

 Hospital medical staff attempted life-saving measures including administering NARCAN in case of drug overdose. The little boy died within an hour of arriving at the hospital.

Wichita Police searched the Vick apartment and found four tablets in the carpet and underneath the child’s sleeping area. Testing at the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center showed the pills contained Fentanyl.

An autopsy at the Forensic Science Center showed the child died after ingesting methamphetamine and Fentanyl. 

On December 7th, Vick pled guilty to distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm or death, aggravated endangering a child, and distribution of a controlled substance

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684597242446.png" alt="Vick-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Vick-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY– A man was sentenced Tuesday following the drug death of his infant son.District Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 26-year-old Calvin Vick of Wichita to just over 18-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Vick’s 22-month-old son Israel Luna-Vick was taken to a Wichita hospital on June 22, 2022 after he was found unresponsive on the floor of Vick’s apartment in the 8400 block of east Harry in Wichita. Hospital medical staff attempted life-saving measures including administering NARCAN in case of drug overdose. The little boy died within an hour of arriving at the hospital.Wichita Police searched the Vick apartment and found four tablets in the carpet and underneath the child’s sleeping area. Testing at the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center showed the pills contained Fentanyl.An autopsy at the Forensic Science Center showed the child died after ingesting methamphetamine and Fentanyl. On December 7th, Vick pled guilty to distribution of a controlled substance causing great bodily harm or death, aggravated endangering a child, and distribution of a controlled substance

Kan. man sentenced for fentanyl death of his toddler son

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A 61-year-old man with schizophrenia — who had been missing for more three weeks since the St. Louis nursing home where he lived&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/northview-nursing-home-closure-st-louis-78f24bc169ca7aaeed7aeb776e23dd80">abruptly closed</a>&nbsp;— was found Tuesday about a mile away, authorities said.

Northview Village Nursing Home, the city's largest nursing home, shut down suddenly on Dec. 15.

As workers scrambled to prepare residents for transfer to other facilities, and employees from other nursing homes arrived to take them, one resident, Frederick Caruthers, walked away from the building, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/man-found-3-weeks-after-he-walked-away-from-chaotic-st-louis-nursing-home-closure/article_93d9b87a-af33-11ee-9a0f-47eac588931c.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">reported.</a>

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Tuesday that Caruthers was found at a local restaurant. A member of the public saw him and phoned the police.

Sgt. Charles Wall, of the St. Louis police department, said the officers received a call Tuesday at around 10 a.m. that Caruthers had been spotted on the 4900 block of Natural Bridge Avenue — about a mile north of the shuttered nursing home.

When officers located him, Caruthers had no obvious signs of injury, Wall said. He was taken to an area hospital for evaluation.

Last week, the Missouri State Highway Patrol issued an endangered silver advisory seeking the public’s help in finding Caruthers, who was among about 175 residents of Northview Village before it closed.

“Mr. Caruthers walked away from the Northview Nursing Home and has not been heard from since,” the advisory stated. “He is without needed medication.”

Residents were shuttled to about a dozen other care facilities in the hours after the nursing home closed. Many patients left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nursing-home-closure-st-louis-c6021c6ff235ebdbc3e458d8ab7a27b2">creating confusion and spurring outrage</a>&nbsp;among residents and their families.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is investigating the circumstances surrounding the nursing home closure, spokeswoman Lisa Cox has said. She declined further comment, citing the ongoing regulatory investigation.

The union representing workers has said the company started to close the home and bus away residents after staff raised concerns about not being paid.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704891189113.png" alt="Frederick Caruthers-photo MSHP" />
 <figcaption>Frederick Caruthers-photo MSHP</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — A 61-year-old man with schizophrenia — who had been missing for more three weeks since the St. Louis nursing home where he lived&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/northview-nursing-home-closure-st-louis-78f24bc169ca7aaeed7aeb776e23dd80">abruptly closed</a>&nbsp;— was found Tuesday about a mile away, authorities said.Northview Village Nursing Home, the city's largest nursing home, shut down suddenly on Dec. 15.As workers scrambled to prepare residents for transfer to other facilities, and employees from other nursing homes arrived to take them, one resident, Frederick Caruthers, walked away from the building, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/man-found-3-weeks-after-he-walked-away-from-chaotic-st-louis-nursing-home-closure/article_93d9b87a-af33-11ee-9a0f-47eac588931c.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">reported.</a>The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Tuesday that Caruthers was found at a local restaurant. A member of the public saw him and phoned the police.Sgt. Charles Wall, of the St. Louis police department, said the officers received a call Tuesday at around 10 a.m. that Caruthers had been spotted on the 4900 block of Natural Bridge Avenue — about a mile north of the shuttered nursing home.When officers located him, Caruthers had no obvious signs of injury, Wall said. He was taken to an area hospital for evaluation.Last week, the Missouri State Highway Patrol issued an endangered silver advisory seeking the public’s help in finding Caruthers, who was among about 175 residents of Northview Village before it closed.“Mr. Caruthers walked away from the Northview Nursing Home and has not been heard from since,” the advisory stated. “He is without needed medication.”Residents were shuttled to about a dozen other care facilities in the hours after the nursing home closed. Many patients left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nursing-home-closure-st-louis-c6021c6ff235ebdbc3e458d8ab7a27b2">creating confusion and spurring outrage</a>&nbsp;among residents and their families.The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is investigating the circumstances surrounding the nursing home closure, spokeswoman Lisa Cox has said. She declined further comment, citing the ongoing regulatory investigation.The union representing workers has said the company started to close the home and bus away residents after staff raised concerns about not being paid.

61-year-old Mo. man found -- 3 weeks after his nursing home suddenly closed

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly hit-and-run death that occurred just after 9:30p.m. Monday in the 2400 block of Seneca Street in Wichita and claimed the life of 52-year-old James Dolton of Wichita, according to a media release.

EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a gray vehicle may have been involved in the incident and could possibly have sustained front-end damage as well as damage to the front windshield.

The Wichita Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in this matter. If you have any information related to this case or were in the vicinity at the time of the accident, please reach out to the Wichita Police Investigator at 316-350-3687. You can also report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 or the See Something, Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly hit-and-run death that occurred just after 9:30p.m. Monday in the 2400 block of Seneca Street in Wichita and claimed the life of 52-year-old James Dolton of Wichita, according to a media release.EMS transported him to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.Preliminary investigations suggest that a gray vehicle may have been involved in the incident and could possibly have sustained front-end damage as well as damage to the front windshield.The Wichita Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in this matter. If you have any information related to this case or were in the vicinity at the time of the accident, please reach out to the Wichita Police Investigator at 316-350-3687. You can also report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111 or the See Something, Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282

Police ask for help to locate vehicle in deadly Kansas hit-and-run

WASHINGTON (AP) — With&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;listening intently in the courtroom, federal appeals court judges in Washington expressed deep skepticism Tuesday that the former president was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jan-6-justice-department-special-counsel-f82dbd294cd7b963dd69f1ecdf90aded" target="_blank">immune from prosecution</a>&nbsp;on charges that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc" target="_blank">plotted to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election.

The panel of three judges, two of whom were appointed by President Joe Biden, also questioned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-arguments-takeaways-26e6e525c040d0e546b37f2786bfd132" target="_blank">whether they had jurisdiction</a>&nbsp;to consider the appeal at this point in the case, raising the prospect that Trump’s appeal could be dispensed with on more procedural grounds.

During lengthy arguments, the judges repeatedly pressed Trump’s lawyer to defend claims that&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/trump-investigations-civil-criminal-tracker/index.html" target="_blank">Trump was shielded from criminal charges</a>&nbsp;for acts that he says fell within his official duties as president. That argument was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-donald-trump-a98872759762c95fa925ff831df27388" target="_blank">rejected last month</a>&nbsp;by the lower-court judge overseeing the case against Trump, and the appeals judges suggested through their questions that they, too, were dubious that the Founding Fathers envisioned absolute immunity for presidents after they leave office.

“I think it’s paradoxical to say that his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed allows him to violate criminal law,” said Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson, an appointee of former President George H.W. Bush.

The outcome could carry enormous ramifications both for the landmark criminal case against Trump and for the broader, and legally untested, question of whether an ex-president can be prosecuted for actions taken in the White House. It will also likely set the stage for further appeals before the U.S. Supreme Court, which last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-january-6-justice-department-90b93eeb663ebaf67a2e0bc266390fa0" target="_blank">declined a request to weigh in</a>&nbsp;but could still get involved later.

A swift decision is crucial for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b" target="_blank">special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;and his team, who are eager to get the case —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-january-6-appeal-20726ba42ac87cd2f3a3ffc6a2145490" target="_blank">now paused pending the appeal</a>&nbsp;— to trial before the November election. But Trump’s lawyers, in addition to seeking to get the case dismissed, are hoping to benefit from a protracted appeals process that could delay the trial well past its scheduled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jan-6-justice-department-indictment-1a5ae1a0ea35492e1e347e28867a7d3f" target="_blank">March 4 start date</a>, including until potentially after the election.

Underscoring the importance to both sides, Trump, the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner, attended Tuesday’s arguments even though the Iowa caucuses are just one week away and despite the fact that there’s no requirement that defendants appear in person for such proceedings. Making his first court appearance in Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-a79f2d3683c7591058635c9b3d870070" target="_blank">since his arraignment in August</a>, Trump sat at the defense table, watching closely and occasionally taking notes and speaking with his lawyers.

His appearance and his comments afterward underscored his broader effort to portray himself as the victim of a justice system he claims is politicized. Though there’s no evidence Biden has had any influence on the case, Trump’s argument could resonate with Republican voters in Iowa as they prepare to launch the presidential nomination process.

After the hearing, Trump spoke to reporters at The Waldorf-Astoria hotel, which used to be the Trump International Hotel, calling Tuesday “a very momentous day.” He insisted he did nothing wrong and claimed he was being prosecuted for political reasons.

“A president has to have immunity,” he said.

Former presidents enjoy broad immunity from lawsuits for actions taken as part of their official White House duties. But because no former president before Trump has ever been indicted, courts have never before addressed whether that protection extends to criminal prosecution.

Trump’s lawyers insist that it does, arguing that courts have no authority to scrutinize a president’s official acts and that the prosecution of their client represents a dramatic departure from more than two centuries of American history that would open the door to future politically motivated cases.

“To authorize the prosecution of a president for official acts would open a Pandora’s box from which this nation may never recover,” said D. John Sauer, a lawyer for Trump, asserting that, under the government’s theory, presidents could be prosecuted for giving Congress “false information” to enter war or for authorizing drone strikes targeting U.S. citizens abroad.

He later added, “If a president has to look over his shoulder or her shoulder every time he or she has to make a controversial decision and wonder if ‘after I leave office, am I going to jail for this when my political opponents take power?’ that inevitably dampens the ability of the president.”

But the judges were skeptical about those arguments. Judges Henderson and Florence Pan noted the lawyer who represented Trump during his 2021 impeachment trial suggested that he could later face criminal prosecution, telling senators at the time: “We have a judicial process in this country. We have an investigative process in this country to which no former office holder is immune.”

“It seems that many senators relied on that in voting to acquit” Trump, Pan told Sauer.

Judge J. Michelle Childs also questioned why former President Richard Nixon would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rafael-nadal-today-in-history-covid-health-texas-6453a85999b1728c1fac461186b10774" target="_blank">need to be granted a pardon</a>&nbsp;in 1974 after the Watergate scandal if former presidents enjoy immunity from prosecution. Sauer replied that in Nixon’s case, the conduct did not involve the same kind of “official acts” Trump’s lawyers argue form the basis of his indictment.

Aside from the merits of the immunity claim, the judges jumped right into questioning Trump’s lawyer over whether the court has jurisdiction to hear the appeal at this time. Sauer said presidential immunity is clearly a claim that is meant to be reviewed before trial. Smith’s team also said that it wants the court to decide the appeal now.

Smith’s team maintains that presidents are not entitled to absolute immunity and that, in any event, the acts Trump is alleged in the indictment to have taken — including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-joe-biden-presidential-elections-election-2020-electoral-college-311f88768b65f7196f52a4757dc162e4" target="_blank">scheming to enlist fake electors</a>&nbsp;in battleground states won by Biden and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-jan-6-trump-indictment-ab36fd360a0850562a07d1b404f15d69" target="_blank">pressing his vice president</a>, Mike Pence, to reject the counting of electoral votes on Jan. 6, 2021 — fall outside a president’s official job duties.

“The president has a unique constitutional role but he is not above the law. Separation of powers principles, constitutional text, history, precedent and immunity doctrines all point to the conclusion that a former president enjoys no immunity from prosecution,” prosecutor James Pearce said, adding that a case in which a former president is alleged to have sought to overturn an election “is not the place to recognize some novel form of immunity.”

When Judge Henderson asked how the court could write its opinion in a way that wouldn’t open the “floodgates” of investigations against ex-presidents, Pearce said he did not anticipate “a sea change of vindictive tit-for-tat prosecutions in the future.” He called the allegations against Trump fundamentally unprecedented.

“Never before has there been allegations that a sitting president has, with private individuals and using the levers of power, sought to fundamentally subvert the democratic republic and the electoral system,” he said. “And frankly, if that kind of fact pattern arises again, I think it would be awfully scary if there weren’t some sort of mechanism by which to reach that criminally.”

It’s not clear how quickly the panel from the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals from the D.C. Circuit will rule, though it has signaled that it intends to work quickly.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan rejected the immunity arguments,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-donald-trump-a98872759762c95fa925ff831df27388" target="_blank">ruling last month that the office of the presidency does not confer a “‘get-out-of-jail-free’” pass.</a>&nbsp;Trump’s lawyers appealed that decision, but Smith’s team, determined to keep the case on schedule, sought to leapfrog the appeals court by asking the Supreme Court to fast-track the immunity question. The justices declined to get involved.

The appeal is vital to a Trump strategy of trying to postpone the case until after the November election, when a victory could empower him to order the Justice Department to abandon the prosecution or even to seek a pardon for himself. He faces three other criminal cases, in state and federal court, though the Washington case is scheduled for trial first.

WASHINGTON (AP) — With&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump" target="_blank">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;listening intently in the courtroom, federal appeals court judges in Washington expressed deep skepticism Tuesday that the former president was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jan-6-justice-department-special-counsel-f82dbd294cd7b963dd69f1ecdf90aded" target="_blank">immune from prosecution</a>&nbsp;on charges that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-debb59bb7a4d9f93f7e2dace01feccdc" target="_blank">plotted to overturn the results</a>&nbsp;of the 2020 election.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Former President Trump: &quot;I think they feel this is the way they&#39;re going to try and win and that&#39;s not the way it goes. It&#39;ll be bedlam in the country. It&#39;s a very bad thing. It&#39;s a very bad precedent. It&#39;s the opening of a Pandora&#39;s Box...&quot; <a href="https://t.co/fyYqul1CPC">pic.twitter.com/fyYqul1CPC</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1744765731181343209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The panel of three judges, two of whom were appointed by President Joe Biden, also questioned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-arguments-takeaways-26e6e525c040d0e546b37f2786bfd132" target="_blank">whether they had jurisdiction</a>&nbsp;to consider the appeal at this point in the case, raising the prospect that Trump’s appeal could be dispensed with on more procedural grounds.During lengthy arguments, the judges repeatedly pressed Trump’s lawyer to defend claims that&nbsp;<a href="https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/trump-investigations-civil-criminal-tracker/index.html" target="_blank">Trump was shielded from criminal charges</a>&nbsp;for acts that he says fell within his official duties as president. That argument was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-donald-trump-a98872759762c95fa925ff831df27388" target="_blank">rejected last month</a>&nbsp;by the lower-court judge overseeing the case against Trump, and the appeals judges suggested through their questions that they, too, were dubious that the Founding Fathers envisioned absolute immunity for presidents after they leave office.“I think it’s paradoxical to say that his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed allows him to violate criminal law,” said Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson, an appointee of former President George H.W. Bush.The outcome could carry enormous ramifications both for the landmark criminal case against Trump and for the broader, and legally untested, question of whether an ex-president can be prosecuted for actions taken in the White House. It will also likely set the stage for further appeals before the U.S. Supreme Court, which last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-january-6-justice-department-90b93eeb663ebaf67a2e0bc266390fa0" target="_blank">declined a request to weigh in</a>&nbsp;but could still get involved later.A swift decision is crucial for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jack-smith-special-counsel-prosecutor-donald-trump-garland-e1fdb71cfc258bc2be48a8b890a9269b" target="_blank">special counsel Jack Smith</a>&nbsp;and his team, who are eager to get the case —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-justice-department-january-6-appeal-20726ba42ac87cd2f3a3ffc6a2145490" target="_blank">now paused pending the appeal</a>&nbsp;— to trial before the November election. But Trump’s lawyers, in addition to seeking to get the case dismissed, are hoping to benefit from a protracted appeals process that could delay the trial well past its scheduled&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-jan-6-justice-department-indictment-1a5ae1a0ea35492e1e347e28867a7d3f" target="_blank">March 4 start date</a>, including until potentially after the election.Underscoring the importance to both sides, Trump, the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner, attended Tuesday’s arguments even though the Iowa caucuses are just one week away and despite the fact that there’s no requirement that defendants appear in person for such proceedings. Making his first court appearance in Washington&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indicted-jan-6-investigation-special-counsel-a79f2d3683c7591058635c9b3d870070" target="_blank">since his arraignment in August</a>, Trump sat at the defense table, watching closely and occasionally taking notes and speaking with his lawyers.His appearance and his comments afterward underscored his broader effort to portray himself as the victim of a justice system he claims is politicized. Though there’s no evidence Biden has had any influence on the case, Trump’s argument could resonate with Republican voters in Iowa as they prepare to launch the presidential nomination process.After the hearing, Trump spoke to reporters at The Waldorf-Astoria hotel, which used to be the Trump International Hotel, calling Tuesday “a very momentous day.” He insisted he did nothing wrong and claimed he was being prosecuted for political reasons.“A president has to have immunity,” he said.Former presidents enjoy broad immunity from lawsuits for actions taken as part of their official White House duties. But because no former president before Trump has ever been indicted, courts have never before addressed whether that protection extends to criminal prosecution.Trump’s lawyers insist that it does, arguing that courts have no authority to scrutinize a president’s official acts and that the prosecution of their client represents a dramatic departure from more than two centuries of American history that would open the door to future politically motivated cases.“To authorize the prosecution of a president for official acts would open a Pandora’s box from which this nation may never recover,” said D. John Sauer, a lawyer for Trump, asserting that, under the government’s theory, presidents could be prosecuted for giving Congress “false information” to enter war or for authorizing drone strikes targeting U.S. citizens abroad.He later added, “If a president has to look over his shoulder or her shoulder every time he or she has to make a controversial decision and wonder if ‘after I leave office, am I going to jail for this when my political opponents take power?’ that inevitably dampens the ability of the president.”But the judges were skeptical about those arguments. Judges Henderson and Florence Pan noted the lawyer who represented Trump during his 2021 impeachment trial suggested that he could later face criminal prosecution, telling senators at the time: “We have a judicial process in this country. We have an investigative process in this country to which no former office holder is immune.”“It seems that many senators relied on that in voting to acquit” Trump, Pan told Sauer.Judge J. Michelle Childs also questioned why former President Richard Nixon would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rafael-nadal-today-in-history-covid-health-texas-6453a85999b1728c1fac461186b10774" target="_blank">need to be granted a pardon</a>&nbsp;in 1974 after the Watergate scandal if former presidents enjoy immunity from prosecution. Sauer replied that in Nixon’s case, the conduct did not involve the same kind of “official acts” Trump’s lawyers argue form the basis of his indictment.Aside from the merits of the immunity claim, the judges jumped right into questioning Trump’s lawyer over whether the court has jurisdiction to hear the appeal at this time. Sauer said presidential immunity is clearly a claim that is meant to be reviewed before trial. Smith’s team also said that it wants the court to decide the appeal now.Smith’s team maintains that presidents are not entitled to absolute immunity and that, in any event, the acts Trump is alleged in the indictment to have taken — including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-joe-biden-presidential-elections-election-2020-electoral-college-311f88768b65f7196f52a4757dc162e4" target="_blank">scheming to enlist fake electors</a>&nbsp;in battleground states won by Biden and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pence-jan-6-trump-indictment-ab36fd360a0850562a07d1b404f15d69" target="_blank">pressing his vice president</a>, Mike Pence, to reject the counting of electoral votes on Jan. 6, 2021 — fall outside a president’s official job duties.“The president has a unique constitutional role but he is not above the law. Separation of powers principles, constitutional text, history, precedent and immunity doctrines all point to the conclusion that a former president enjoys no immunity from prosecution,” prosecutor James Pearce said, adding that a case in which a former president is alleged to have sought to overturn an election “is not the place to recognize some novel form of immunity.”When Judge Henderson asked how the court could write its opinion in a way that wouldn’t open the “floodgates” of investigations against ex-presidents, Pearce said he did not anticipate “a sea change of vindictive tit-for-tat prosecutions in the future.” He called the allegations against Trump fundamentally unprecedented.“Never before has there been allegations that a sitting president has, with private individuals and using the levers of power, sought to fundamentally subvert the democratic republic and the electoral system,” he said. “And frankly, if that kind of fact pattern arises again, I think it would be awfully scary if there weren’t some sort of mechanism by which to reach that criminally.”It’s not clear how quickly the panel from the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals from the D.C. Circuit will rule, though it has signaled that it intends to work quickly.U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan rejected the immunity arguments,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-capitol-riot-immunity-donald-trump-a98872759762c95fa925ff831df27388" target="_blank">ruling last month that the office of the presidency does not confer a “‘get-out-of-jail-free’” pass.</a>&nbsp;Trump’s lawyers appealed that decision, but Smith’s team, determined to keep the case on schedule, sought to leapfrog the appeals court by asking the Supreme Court to fast-track the immunity question. The justices declined to get involved.The appeal is vital to a Trump strategy of trying to postpone the case until after the November election, when a victory could empower him to order the Justice Department to abandon the prosecution or even to seek a pardon for himself. He faces three other criminal cases, in state and federal court, though the Washington case is scheduled for trial first.<h2>___</h2>

🎥Trump predicts bedlam and violence if he loses in court

By BECKY GOFFLittle Apple Post

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—Quick work by a Kansas fire chief helped rescue a man from a house fire.

Just before 4:30a.m. on Tuesday, Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Dispatch was contacted by a Wamego resident who reported her neighbor's home appeared to be on fire and the residents were home.

Dispatch paged Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement personnel to the home, located in the 100 block of Chestnut Street.

Louisville Fire Department Chief, Travis Ten Eyck, who lives nearby, responded directly to the residence from his home and found smoke and fire coming from the residence when he arrived on scene.

Shortly after arriving Chief Ten Eyck learned there were two occupants at the residence, one had made his way safely outside, however, a 66-year-old man was unable to leave his bedroom. Eyck made the decision to enter the residence, without any protective gear, to attempt to locate the man and assist them with exiting the house.

Initially the resident resisted assistance in leaving the residence, but lost consciousness, at which time, Eyck carried him to a window, where Wamego Police Officer, Maxie Joye assisted him in getting the resident out of the house, and then assisted Eyck out of the structure.

Wamego Fire Department personnel arrived on scene shortly after the rescue, and extinguished the fire.

According to Wamego Fire Chief Phil Stultz, the fire was contained to the kitchen and hallway, however, smoke damaged 80% of the residence.&nbsp;Chief Stultz continued, “Firefighters did a great job of entering and putting out the fire.”

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

By BECKY GOFFLittle Apple PostPOTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—Quick work by a Kansas fire chief helped rescue a man from a house fire.Just before 4:30a.m. on Tuesday, Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Dispatch was contacted by a Wamego resident who reported her neighbor's home appeared to be on fire and the residents were home.Dispatch paged Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement personnel to the home, located in the 100 block of Chestnut Street.Louisville Fire Department Chief, Travis Ten Eyck, who lives nearby, responded directly to the residence from his home and found smoke and fire coming from the residence when he arrived on scene.Shortly after arriving Chief Ten Eyck learned there were two occupants at the residence, one had made his way safely outside, however, a 66-year-old man was unable to leave his bedroom. Eyck made the decision to enter the residence, without any protective gear, to attempt to locate the man and assist them with exiting the house.Initially the resident resisted assistance in leaving the residence, but lost consciousness, at which time, Eyck carried him to a window, where Wamego Police Officer, Maxie Joye assisted him in getting the resident out of the house, and then assisted Eyck out of the structure.Wamego Fire Department personnel arrived on scene shortly after the rescue, and extinguished the fire.According to Wamego Fire Chief Phil Stultz, the fire was contained to the kitchen and hallway, however, smoke damaged 80% of the residence.&nbsp;Chief Stultz continued, “Firefighters did a great job of entering and putting out the fire.”The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Fire chief helps rescue man from Kansas house fire

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen's Houthi rebels fired their largest-ever barrage of drones and missiles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-shipping-houthi-attacks-drones-missiles-1acc4ca5ebcaf6fee932a2061d451f59">targeting shipping in the Red Sea</a>, forcing the United States and British navies to shoot down the projectiles in a major naval engagement, authorities said Wednesday. No damage was immediately reported.

The attack by the Iranian-backed Houthis came despite a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-yemen-houthis-shipping-red-sea-resolution-attacks-f26262fe055c8a1e39dee0c3c0d6f7f6">planned United Nations Security Council vote</a>&nbsp;later Wednesday to potentially condemn and demand an immediate halt to the attacks by the rebels, who say their assaults are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/israel-hamas-war-yemen-red-sea-rebellions-and-uprisings-yemen-government-35148e6fbef64ec8b6fa074d4da2551c">aimed at stopping Israel's war on Hamas</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip.

However, their targets increasingly have tenuous — or no — relationship with Israel and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-yemen-houthis-attack-ships-f67d941c260528ac40315ecab4c34ca3">imperil a crucial trade route</a>&nbsp;linking Asia and the Middle East to Europe. That raises the risk of a U.S. retaliatory strike on Yemen that could upend an uneasy cease-fire that's held in the Arab world's poorest country.

The assault happened off the Yemeni port cities of Hodeida and Mokha, according to the private intelligence firm Ambrey. In the Hodeida attack, Ambrey said ships described over radio seeing missiles and drones, with U.S.-allied warships in the area urging “vessels to proceed at maximum speed.”

Off Mokha, ships saw missiles fired, a drone in the air and small vessels trailing them, Ambrey said early Wednesday. The British military’s United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations also acknowledged the attack off Hodeida.

The U.S. military’s Central Command said the “complex attack” launched by the Houthis included bomb-carrying drones, anti-ship cruise missiles and one anti-ship ballistic missile.

It said 18 drones, two cruise missiles and the anti-ship missile were downed by F-18s from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, as well as by American Arleigh Burke-class destroyers the USS Gravely, the USS Laboon and the USS Mason, as well as the United Kingdom's HMS Diamond.

“This is the 26th Houthi attack on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea since Nov. 19,” Central Command said. “There were no injuries or damage reported.”

“Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity," the UKTMO added.

British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps described the assault as “the largest attack by the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea to date," saying the Diamond used Sea Viper missiles and guns to shoot down multiple drones.

“The U.K. alongside allies have previously made clear that these illegal attacks are completely unacceptable and if continued the Houthis will bear the consequences," Shapps said in a statement. “We will take the action needed to protect innocent lives and the global economy.”

The Houthis, a Shiite group that's held Yemen's capital since 2014, did not formally acknowledge launching the attacks. However, the pan-Arab satellite news network Al Jazeera quoted an anonymous Houthi military official saying their forces “targeted a ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea,” without elaborating.

The Houthis say their attacks aim to end the pounding Israeli air-and-ground offensive targeting the Gaza Strip&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-01-09-2024-017066376ac06026622ee0b83dc2b65e">amid that country’s war on Hamas</a>. However, the links to the ships targeted in the rebel assaults have grown more tenuous as the attacks continue.

The Red Sea links the Mideast and Asia to Europe via the Suez Canal, and its narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait. That strait is only 29 kilometers (18 miles) wide at its narrowest point, limiting traffic to two channels for inbound and outbound shipments, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Nearly 10% of all oil traded at sea passes through it. An estimated $1 trillion in goods pass through the strait annually.

A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-un-yemen-houthis-shipping-red-sea-08d42a18873ce55979c755ea1a9cc1b5">U.S. draft resolution</a>&nbsp;before the U.N. Security Council, obtained late Tuesday by The Associated Press, says the Houthi attacks impede global commerce “and undermine navigational rights and freedoms as well as regional peace and security.” The resolution would demand the immediate release of the first ship the Houthis attacked, the Galaxy Leader, a Japanese-operated cargo ship with links to an Israeli company that it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-houthi-rebels-hijacked-ship-red-sea-dc9b6448690bcf5c70a0baf7c7c34b09">seized in November along with its crew</a>.

An initial draft of the resolution would have recognized “the right of member states, in accordance with international law, to take appropriate measures to defend their merchant and naval vessels.”

The final draft is weaker, eliminating any U.N. recognition of a country’s right to defend its ships. Instead, it would affirm that the navigational rights and freedoms of merchant and commercial vessels must be respected, and take note “of the right of member states, in accordance with international law, to defend their vessels from attacks, including those that undermine navigational rights and freedoms.”

A U.S-led coalition of nations has been patrolling the Red Sea to try and prevent the attacks. American troops in one conflict&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-red-sea-shipping-centcom-us-bb70acea5062a9952a5b983ecc047863">sank Houthi vessels and killed 10 rebel fighters</a>. There's been no broad retaliatory strike yet, despite warnings from the U.S. However, Tuesday's attack appeared to be testing what response, if any, would come from Washington.

Meanwhile, a separate, tentative cease-fire between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition fighting on behalf of Yemen’s exiled government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-yemen-war-peace-talks-d2a9ad9efe1ab0b4f5d51597098f46a2">has held for months despite that country’s long war</a>. That’s raised concerns that any wider conflict in the sea — or a potential reprisal strike from Western forces — could reignite those tensions in the Arab world’s poorest nation. It also may draw Iran, which so far has largely avoided directly entering the wider&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>, further into the conflict.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704853180043.png" alt="USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) conducts flight operations, photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) conducts flight operations, photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Yemen's Houthi rebels fired their largest-ever barrage of drones and missiles&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-shipping-houthi-attacks-drones-missiles-1acc4ca5ebcaf6fee932a2061d451f59">targeting shipping in the Red Sea</a>, forcing the United States and British navies to shoot down the projectiles in a major naval engagement, authorities said Wednesday. No damage was immediately reported.The attack by the Iranian-backed Houthis came despite a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-yemen-houthis-shipping-red-sea-resolution-attacks-f26262fe055c8a1e39dee0c3c0d6f7f6">planned United Nations Security Council vote</a>&nbsp;later Wednesday to potentially condemn and demand an immediate halt to the attacks by the rebels, who say their assaults are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/israel-hamas-war-yemen-red-sea-rebellions-and-uprisings-yemen-government-35148e6fbef64ec8b6fa074d4da2551c">aimed at stopping Israel's war on Hamas</a>&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip.However, their targets increasingly have tenuous — or no — relationship with Israel and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-yemen-houthis-attack-ships-f67d941c260528ac40315ecab4c34ca3">imperil a crucial trade route</a>&nbsp;linking Asia and the Middle East to Europe. That raises the risk of a U.S. retaliatory strike on Yemen that could upend an uneasy cease-fire that's held in the Arab world's poorest country.The assault happened off the Yemeni port cities of Hodeida and Mokha, according to the private intelligence firm Ambrey. In the Hodeida attack, Ambrey said ships described over radio seeing missiles and drones, with U.S.-allied warships in the area urging “vessels to proceed at maximum speed.”Off Mokha, ships saw missiles fired, a drone in the air and small vessels trailing them, Ambrey said early Wednesday. The British military’s United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations also acknowledged the attack off Hodeida.The U.S. military’s Central Command said the “complex attack” launched by the Houthis included bomb-carrying drones, anti-ship cruise missiles and one anti-ship ballistic missile.It said 18 drones, two cruise missiles and the anti-ship missile were downed by F-18s from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, as well as by American Arleigh Burke-class destroyers the USS Gravely, the USS Laboon and the USS Mason, as well as the United Kingdom's HMS Diamond.“This is the 26th Houthi attack on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea since Nov. 19,” Central Command said. “There were no injuries or damage reported.”“Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity," the UKTMO added.British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps described the assault as “the largest attack by the Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea to date," saying the Diamond used Sea Viper missiles and guns to shoot down multiple drones.“The U.K. alongside allies have previously made clear that these illegal attacks are completely unacceptable and if continued the Houthis will bear the consequences," Shapps said in a statement. “We will take the action needed to protect innocent lives and the global economy.”The Houthis, a Shiite group that's held Yemen's capital since 2014, did not formally acknowledge launching the attacks. However, the pan-Arab satellite news network Al Jazeera quoted an anonymous Houthi military official saying their forces “targeted a ship linked to Israel in the Red Sea,” without elaborating.The Houthis say their attacks aim to end the pounding Israeli air-and-ground offensive targeting the Gaza Strip&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-01-09-2024-017066376ac06026622ee0b83dc2b65e">amid that country’s war on Hamas</a>. However, the links to the ships targeted in the rebel assaults have grown more tenuous as the attacks continue.The Red Sea links the Mideast and Asia to Europe via the Suez Canal, and its narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait. That strait is only 29 kilometers (18 miles) wide at its narrowest point, limiting traffic to two channels for inbound and outbound shipments, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Nearly 10% of all oil traded at sea passes through it. An estimated $1 trillion in goods pass through the strait annually.A&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-un-yemen-houthis-shipping-red-sea-08d42a18873ce55979c755ea1a9cc1b5">U.S. draft resolution</a>&nbsp;before the U.N. Security Council, obtained late Tuesday by The Associated Press, says the Houthi attacks impede global commerce “and undermine navigational rights and freedoms as well as regional peace and security.” The resolution would demand the immediate release of the first ship the Houthis attacked, the Galaxy Leader, a Japanese-operated cargo ship with links to an Israeli company that it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-houthi-rebels-hijacked-ship-red-sea-dc9b6448690bcf5c70a0baf7c7c34b09">seized in November along with its crew</a>.An initial draft of the resolution would have recognized “the right of member states, in accordance with international law, to take appropriate measures to defend their merchant and naval vessels.”The final draft is weaker, eliminating any U.N. recognition of a country’s right to defend its ships. Instead, it would affirm that the navigational rights and freedoms of merchant and commercial vessels must be respected, and take note “of the right of member states, in accordance with international law, to defend their vessels from attacks, including those that undermine navigational rights and freedoms.”A U.S-led coalition of nations has been patrolling the Red Sea to try and prevent the attacks. American troops in one conflict&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-red-sea-shipping-centcom-us-bb70acea5062a9952a5b983ecc047863">sank Houthi vessels and killed 10 rebel fighters</a>. There's been no broad retaliatory strike yet, despite warnings from the U.S. However, Tuesday's attack appeared to be testing what response, if any, would come from Washington.Meanwhile, a separate, tentative cease-fire between the Houthis and a Saudi-led coalition fighting on behalf of Yemen’s exiled government&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-arabia-yemen-war-peace-talks-d2a9ad9efe1ab0b4f5d51597098f46a2">has held for months despite that country’s long war</a>. That’s raised concerns that any wider conflict in the sea — or a potential reprisal strike from Western forces — could reignite those tensions in the Arab world’s poorest nation. It also may draw Iran, which so far has largely avoided directly entering the wider&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel-Hamas war</a>, further into the conflict.

U.S. Navy: Terrorists launch largest Red Sea drone, missile attack

Lawmakers argue over the necessity of passing geopolitical resolution on Monday

TOPEKA — Putting aside taxes, looming drought and other policy issues, Kansas lawmakers voted to affirm state support of Israel in their first legislative action of the session.

Sen. Kellie Warren, R-Leawood, who carried the motion on the Senate floor Monday, referenced the anti-semitic shootings of 2014, in which three people were killed outside a Jewish community center in Overland Park, along with spikes in anti-semitic hate crimes in recent months to justify the move.&nbsp;

Warren argued the state Legislature needs to defend Israel and all of the actions taken by Israel since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.&nbsp;

“That incident rocked the Jewish community in our area. … We must remember that Israel is America’s predominant ally in the Middle East. It is the only true democracy in the Middle East,” Warren said. “Israel has always stood with us and our allies, and we must stand with them. Israel has an unequivocal right to defend itself. We must state that boldly and clearly and never waver. Everything that has occurred in Gaza is the result of Hamas leadership.”

During the October attack, militants located in the Palestinian territory of Gaza launched a multi-pronged attack on Israeli cities, killing an estimated 1,200 people.&nbsp;

The attack started the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which has led to thousands of casualties in the Gaza Strip. Some support for Israel has begun to wane as the its siege of the area led to a humanitarian crisis. A quarter of the Gaza population is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-21-2023-7d9718b32bf0d308c44c7c9e3c4e0deb">reported to be starving</a>, without adequate resources.&nbsp;

Some Kansas lawmakers expressed frustration with the speedy debate and passage of the resolution, which did not appear on either chamber’s agenda. The first day of session typically is reserved for ceremonial procedures, such as taking group photos.&nbsp;

However, on Monday, lawmakers chose to introduce and then advance the resolution for a final vote in less than an hour, declaring a state of emergency to get around procedural rules.

“Our legislative process is broken,” said Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City. “Senate Republican leadership is once again putting the needs of special interests ahead of everyday Kansas citizens by pushing through a roll call vote on the very first day of the 2024 legislative session.”&nbsp;

Senate lawmakers passed the resolution 34-6.&nbsp;

In the House, several lawmakers tried to amend the resolution’s language.&nbsp;Rep. Rui Xu, D-Westwood, said the resolution did not give a “complete picture” of the situation. Xu condemned the actions of Oct. 7, but said in the months since the attack, the situation has become nuanced.&nbsp;

“I don’t think what this body needs to or should do is give, in perpetuity, complete absolution to the government of Israel for everything that has happened since then,” Xu said.&nbsp;

Another amendment by Rep. Boog Highberger, D-Lawrence, called for an end to the Gaza blockade, the occupation of the West Bank, and for the U.S. government to work toward a “just and lasting peace.”&nbsp;

The amendments did not gain traction, and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/SR1729/">unchanged resolution</a>&nbsp;passed 106-14 in the House.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Warren, along with Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, and Senate President Ty Masterson issued a joint statement following the passage.&nbsp;

“People were listening to us today and the Senate stood united with one, clear, unequivocal voice,” the statement read. “We stood firm in support of our ally Israel and in condemnation of the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th, 2023, and made it clear that antisemitism has no place in society in any form. From this stand, we must never waver.”

Republican leadership in the House also sent out a statement on the vote, emphasizing “Kansas’ support and cooperation with the State of Israel.”&nbsp;

“House Republicans stand steadfast in solidarity with the State of Israel and the Jewish people&nbsp;and offer our continued prayers for safety, peace, and healing for our strongest Middle Eastern ally as they defend their freedom and democratic way of life,” the statement read.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704895095851.png" alt=" Rep. Rui Xu, D-Westwood, called for changes to a resolution about the Israel-Hamas conflict. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Rep. Rui Xu, D-Westwood, called for changes to a resolution about the Israel-Hamas conflict. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Lawmakers argue over the necessity of passing geopolitical resolution on Monday</h2>TOPEKA — Putting aside taxes, looming drought and other policy issues, Kansas lawmakers voted to affirm state support of Israel in their first legislative action of the session.Sen. Kellie Warren, R-Leawood, who carried the motion on the Senate floor Monday, referenced the anti-semitic shootings of 2014, in which three people were killed outside a Jewish community center in Overland Park, along with spikes in anti-semitic hate crimes in recent months to justify the move.&nbsp;Warren argued the state Legislature needs to defend Israel and all of the actions taken by Israel since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.&nbsp;“That incident rocked the Jewish community in our area. … We must remember that Israel is America’s predominant ally in the Middle East. It is the only true democracy in the Middle East,” Warren said. “Israel has always stood with us and our allies, and we must stand with them. Israel has an unequivocal right to defend itself. We must state that boldly and clearly and never waver. Everything that has occurred in Gaza is the result of Hamas leadership.”During the October attack, militants located in the Palestinian territory of Gaza launched a multi-pronged attack on Israeli cities, killing an estimated 1,200 people.&nbsp;The attack started the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which has led to thousands of casualties in the Gaza Strip. Some support for Israel has begun to wane as the its siege of the area led to a humanitarian crisis. A quarter of the Gaza population is&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-12-21-2023-7d9718b32bf0d308c44c7c9e3c4e0deb">reported to be starving</a>, without adequate resources.&nbsp;Some Kansas lawmakers expressed frustration with the speedy debate and passage of the resolution, which did not appear on either chamber’s agenda. The first day of session typically is reserved for ceremonial procedures, such as taking group photos.&nbsp;However, on Monday, lawmakers chose to introduce and then advance the resolution for a final vote in less than an hour, declaring a state of emergency to get around procedural rules.“Our legislative process is broken,” said Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City. “Senate Republican leadership is once again putting the needs of special interests ahead of everyday Kansas citizens by pushing through a roll call vote on the very first day of the 2024 legislative session.”&nbsp;Senate lawmakers passed the resolution 34-6.&nbsp;In the House, several lawmakers tried to amend the resolution’s language.&nbsp;Rep. Rui Xu, D-Westwood, said the resolution did not give a “complete picture” of the situation. Xu condemned the actions of Oct. 7, but said in the months since the attack, the situation has become nuanced.&nbsp;“I don’t think what this body needs to or should do is give, in perpetuity, complete absolution to the government of Israel for everything that has happened since then,” Xu said.&nbsp;Another amendment by Rep. Boog Highberger, D-Lawrence, called for an end to the Gaza blockade, the occupation of the West Bank, and for the U.S. government to work toward a “just and lasting peace.”&nbsp;The amendments did not gain traction, and the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/SR1729/">unchanged resolution</a>&nbsp;passed 106-14 in the House.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Warren, along with Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, and Senate President Ty Masterson issued a joint statement following the passage.&nbsp;“People were listening to us today and the Senate stood united with one, clear, unequivocal voice,” the statement read. “We stood firm in support of our ally Israel and in condemnation of the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th, 2023, and made it clear that antisemitism has no place in society in any form. From this stand, we must never waver.”Republican leadership in the House also sent out a statement on the vote, emphasizing “Kansas’ support and cooperation with the State of Israel.”&nbsp;“House Republicans stand steadfast in solidarity with the State of Israel and the Jewish people&nbsp;and offer our continued prayers for safety, peace, and healing for our strongest Middle Eastern ally as they defend their freedom and democratic way of life,” the statement read.

Kan. lawmakers kick off session with geopolitical debate, call for ‘unwavering’ support of Israel

CHASE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating five Louisiana men on drug allegations after a weekend arrest during their hunting trip to Kansas.

Just before 4:30a.m. Sunday, deputies stopped a vehicle near mile marker 336 on Highway 50, according to a media release from the Chase County Sheriff's office. The traffic stop led to an application for a search warrant at a home in Cottonwood Falls. After an investigation, deputies found illegal drugs at the home and arrested five men who were on a hunting trip in Kansas. 

Christopher Phillips, 24, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was jailed on requested charges of transporting an open container, interference with an investigation and possession of drug paraphernalia.

 Robert Phillips, 30 and Webb Phillips, 27, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was jailed on requested charges of marijuana and drug paraphernalia possession and interference with an investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704807181340.png" alt="Phillips-photo Chase Co." />
 <figcaption>Phillips-photo Chase Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>CHASE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating five Louisiana men on drug allegations after a weekend arrest during their hunting trip to Kansas.Just before 4:30a.m. Sunday, deputies stopped a vehicle near mile marker 336 on Highway 50, according to a media release from the Chase County Sheriff's office. The traffic stop led to an application for a search warrant at a home in Cottonwood Falls. After an investigation, deputies found illegal drugs at the home and arrested five men who were on a hunting trip in Kansas. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704807271976.png" alt="Robert Phillips-photo Chase Co." />
 <figcaption>Robert Phillips-photo Chase Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Christopher Phillips, 24, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was jailed on requested charges of transporting an open container, interference with an investigation and possession of drug paraphernalia. Robert Phillips, 30 and Webb Phillips, 27, both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was jailed on requested charges of marijuana and drug paraphernalia possession and interference with an investigation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704807318575.png" alt="Webb Phillips-photo Chase Co." />
 <figcaption>Webb Phillips-photo Chase Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704807352243.png" alt="Lowery-photo Chase Co." />
 <figcaption>Lowery-photo Chase Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hayden Lowery, 23, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was jailed on requested charges of Possession of Depressants, drug paraphernalia and transporting an open container.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704807582286.png" alt="Grabert-photo Chase Co." />
 <figcaption>Grabert-photo Chase Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Max Grabert, 24, New Iberia, Louisiana, was jailed on requested charges of Possession of hallucinogenic drug, opiates, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, interference with an investigation and no drug tax stamp.Grabert is the only suspect who remains in custody, according to online jail records.