TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Kansas on Thursday passed a broad package of tax cuts promoted as widespread relief that the Democratic governor is likely to veto because she says it favors the wealthy and threatens the state’s budget in the future.

The opposing viewpoints kept the two sides locked in a political impasse as the window for meaningful tax cuts narrows.

The GOP-supermajority Legislature approved a plan to cut income, sales and property taxes by a total of nearly $1.6 billion over the next three years. But Gov. Laura Kelly is expected to veto the bill because it would move Kansas to a single personal income tax rate of 5.25% to replace three rates that now top out at 5.7%.

The measure cleared the Legislature on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240118120353_952601/">an 81-37 vote</a>&nbsp;in the House after the Senate approved it Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240117171712_681644/">25-11.</a>&nbsp;While Republicans appeared to have the two-thirds majority in the House to override a veto, the defections of two Republicans and a conservative independent in the Senate appear to leave them at least a vote short there.

A similar dispute&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tax-cuts-kansas-gop-infighting-3fcfeb252137bdda907655ae7f7fd69e">thwarted big tax cuts</a>&nbsp;last year, when a dozen other states cut taxes, according to the conservative-leaning Tax Foundation.

Kelly's office wasn't commenting Thursday, but she's been public about her strong opposition to the “flat” tax proposal, viewing it as a boon to the state's “super wealthy.” Also, her office released a projection Thursday showing that the GOP plan would cause a budget shortfall in 2029.

Democratic state Rep. Henry Helgerson of Wichita argued during Thursday's debate that lawmakers cannot enact the Republicans' tax cuts without committing to budget cuts first.

“Right now, I don't see it,” he said.

The figures released by Kelly's office didn't show what assumptions it used for growth in spending or revenues over time, and Republicans dismissed them. Senate President Ty Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, said he agrees that the state faces future budget problems if Kelly wants to “spend like a drunken sailor.”

“However, if the state engages in basic fiscal responsibility, there will continue to be ample money available to deliver ongoing and meaningful tax reductions to Kansans,” Masterson said in an emailed statement Thursday.

Republicans also defended their package as fair because it contains provisions that will exempt roughly 310,000 additional Kansas residents from income taxes, on top of the 40,000 or so poorest ones. The plan included provisions that would exempt the first $20,300 of a married couple’s income from state taxes — more if they have children, with the amounts rising with inflation after 2025.

Republican leaders married the income tax proposals to a proposal from Kelly to eliminate the state’s 2% sales tax on groceries starting April 1 and proposals she embraced to exempt all of retirees’ Social Security income from taxes and to lower homeowners’ property taxes.

“It's a great package,” Republican state Sen. Caryn Tyson, the Senate tax committee's chair, said before Wednesday's vote in her chamber. “It's got a little something for everybody.”

The impasse last year over taxes had Kansas projecting that it will have nearly $4.5 billion in surplus cash at the end of June, equal to 17% of the state’s current $25 billion budget.

Yet Kansas also is debating tax cuts at a time when the nationwide tax-cutting trend could be slowing as a revenue surge fueled by federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-missouri-state-government-minnesota-jefferson-city-oregon-d1119c7dea604eeb51bc14b8ed260e95?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">spending and inflation</a>&nbsp;recedes.

Kansas' state tax collections are in line with last year's but about 1.1% below projections. Monthly collections have fallen short of expectations each of the past three months; that happened only five times in the previous six years.

“This is a time when state revenues and surpluses, we're seeing, are starting to flatten across the country,” said Neva Butkus, a state policy analyst for the left-leaning Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.

Butkus also said that, even with its provisions aimed at helping poor families, the GOP package would widen the gap between the poorest, who already pay a higher percentage of their incomes in taxes, and the wealthiest.

Figures from the Kansas Department of Revenue show that with the proposed single-rate tax, a little more than half of the raw dollar savings would go to the 3.8% of filers from Kansas earning more than $250,000 a year. That group pays 41% of the personal income taxes collected from Kansas residents.

The smallest cuts, both in terms of raw dollars and the average percentage, would go to Kansas residents earning between $50,000 and $75,000 a year.

“Not only does it help the wealthy, it does nothing for the middle class,” said state Rep. Tom Sawyer, another Wichita Democrat.

But many Republicans argued that a simpler income tax system is fairer and said Kansas needs to become more competitive with other states. The Tax Foundation said in a 2022 report that Kansas residents pay more of their incomes in taxes than residents of most surrounding states.

In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-of-the-union-address-business-iowa-kim-reynolds-des-moines-45161d72ab4d0e62f9bb81aa7b07a8cd">Iowa moved to a flat tax,</a>&nbsp;initially set at 4.4% but scheduled to drop eventually to 3.9%. Now, GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds is pushing to cut the rate to $3.65% for this year.

Masterson said retaining an income tax with multiple rates would keep Kansas “behind the eight ball” economically.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705603081567.png" alt="Kansas Senate Tax Committee Chair Caryn Tyson, Republican,&nbsp; Parker, during a hearing this week -photo Kan. legislature YouTube" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senate Tax Committee Chair Caryn Tyson, Republican,&nbsp; Parker, during a hearing this week -photo Kan. legislature YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Kansas on Thursday passed a broad package of tax cuts promoted as widespread relief that the Democratic governor is likely to veto because she says it favors the wealthy and threatens the state’s budget in the future.The opposing viewpoints kept the two sides locked in a political impasse as the window for meaningful tax cuts narrows.The GOP-supermajority Legislature approved a plan to cut income, sales and property taxes by a total of nearly $1.6 billion over the next three years. But Gov. Laura Kelly is expected to veto the bill because it would move Kansas to a single personal income tax rate of 5.25% to replace three rates that now top out at 5.7%.The measure cleared the Legislature on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240118120353_952601/">an 81-37 vote</a>&nbsp;in the House after the Senate approved it Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/vote_view/je_20240117171712_681644/">25-11.</a>&nbsp;While Republicans appeared to have the two-thirds majority in the House to override a veto, the defections of two Republicans and a conservative independent in the Senate appear to leave them at least a vote short there.A similar dispute&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tax-cuts-kansas-gop-infighting-3fcfeb252137bdda907655ae7f7fd69e">thwarted big tax cuts</a>&nbsp;last year, when a dozen other states cut taxes, according to the conservative-leaning Tax Foundation.Kelly's office wasn't commenting Thursday, but she's been public about her strong opposition to the “flat” tax proposal, viewing it as a boon to the state's “super wealthy.” Also, her office released a projection Thursday showing that the GOP plan would cause a budget shortfall in 2029.Democratic state Rep. Henry Helgerson of Wichita argued during Thursday's debate that lawmakers cannot enact the Republicans' tax cuts without committing to budget cuts first.“Right now, I don't see it,” he said.The figures released by Kelly's office didn't show what assumptions it used for growth in spending or revenues over time, and Republicans dismissed them. Senate President Ty Masterson, a Wichita-area Republican, said he agrees that the state faces future budget problems if Kelly wants to “spend like a drunken sailor.”“However, if the state engages in basic fiscal responsibility, there will continue to be ample money available to deliver ongoing and meaningful tax reductions to Kansans,” Masterson said in an emailed statement Thursday.Republicans also defended their package as fair because it contains provisions that will exempt roughly 310,000 additional Kansas residents from income taxes, on top of the 40,000 or so poorest ones. The plan included provisions that would exempt the first $20,300 of a married couple’s income from state taxes — more if they have children, with the amounts rising with inflation after 2025.Republican leaders married the income tax proposals to a proposal from Kelly to eliminate the state’s 2% sales tax on groceries starting April 1 and proposals she embraced to exempt all of retirees’ Social Security income from taxes and to lower homeowners’ property taxes.“It's a great package,” Republican state Sen. Caryn Tyson, the Senate tax committee's chair, said before Wednesday's vote in her chamber. “It's got a little something for everybody.”The impasse last year over taxes had Kansas projecting that it will have nearly $4.5 billion in surplus cash at the end of June, equal to 17% of the state’s current $25 billion budget.Yet Kansas also is debating tax cuts at a time when the nationwide tax-cutting trend could be slowing as a revenue surge fueled by federal&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-missouri-state-government-minnesota-jefferson-city-oregon-d1119c7dea604eeb51bc14b8ed260e95?utm_source=copy&amp;utm_medium=share">spending and inflation</a>&nbsp;recedes.Kansas' state tax collections are in line with last year's but about 1.1% below projections. Monthly collections have fallen short of expectations each of the past three months; that happened only five times in the previous six years.“This is a time when state revenues and surpluses, we're seeing, are starting to flatten across the country,” said Neva Butkus, a state policy analyst for the left-leaning Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.Butkus also said that, even with its provisions aimed at helping poor families, the GOP package would widen the gap between the poorest, who already pay a higher percentage of their incomes in taxes, and the wealthiest.Figures from the Kansas Department of Revenue show that with the proposed single-rate tax, a little more than half of the raw dollar savings would go to the 3.8% of filers from Kansas earning more than $250,000 a year. That group pays 41% of the personal income taxes collected from Kansas residents.The smallest cuts, both in terms of raw dollars and the average percentage, would go to Kansas residents earning between $50,000 and $75,000 a year.“Not only does it help the wealthy, it does nothing for the middle class,” said state Rep. Tom Sawyer, another Wichita Democrat.But many Republicans argued that a simpler income tax system is fairer and said Kansas needs to become more competitive with other states. The Tax Foundation said in a 2022 report that Kansas residents pay more of their incomes in taxes than residents of most surrounding states.In 2022,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/state-of-the-union-address-business-iowa-kim-reynolds-des-moines-45161d72ab4d0e62f9bb81aa7b07a8cd">Iowa moved to a flat tax,</a>&nbsp;initially set at 4.4% but scheduled to drop eventually to 3.9%. Now, GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds is pushing to cut the rate to $3.65% for this year.Masterson said retaining an income tax with multiple rates would keep Kansas “behind the eight ball” economically.“It's not the future,” he said.

GOP lawmakers approve a 'flat' income tax for Kansas; governor's veto looms

WASHINGTON (AP) —A year ago, pro-life activists from across the U.S. gathered for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-florida-state-government-kentucky-6ed9dbcdaae33312f1425ea38b681a7e">their annual March for Life</a>&nbsp;with reason to celebrate: It was their first march since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court</a>, seven months earlier, had overturned the nationwide right to abortion.

At this year’s march, on Friday, the mood will be very different — reflecting formidable challenges that lie ahead in this election year.

“We have undeniable evidence of victory — lives being saved,” said John Seago, president of Texas Right to Life. “But there is also a realization of the significant hurdles that our movement has right now in the public conversation.”

Participants at the march in Washington will salute the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-exception-lawsuit-legislature-confusion-b2808df90937e96887aa4e1f9c565771">14 states enforcing bans</a>&nbsp;on abortion throughout pregnancy. They will proclaim that thousands of babies have been born who otherwise might have been aborted, even as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-count-dobbs-ruling-states-3acdfba421b9f4a5ea0003de6c67260b">studies show</a>&nbsp;the total number of abortions provided in the U.S. rose slightly in the year after that enforcement began.

Moreover, anti-abortion leaders know that their side has a seven-state losing streak in votes on abortion-related ballot measures. Even in red states such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-amendment-election-2023-fe3e06747b616507d8ca21ea26485270">Ohio</a>, Kansas and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-kentucky-abortion-3fa387a4cdc355d50a223f4788aa0ae8">Kentucky</a>, the outcomes favored keeping abortion access legal.

In this year’s election, several more states are expected to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measure-2024-state-vote-e7d635835dc3a440789ad87787553ec1">abortion-rights ballot measures</a>, and Democratic candidates in many races, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-kamala-harris-abortion-c634452da5e103913982e1cc5a0cae78">President Joe Biden</a>, will be highlighting their support for abortion access.

“We have been around for more than 50 years, and I don’t know of any year that was easy,” said Carol Tobias, president of the National Right to Life Committee.

“But it definitely got harder after Dobbs,” she added. “We have a lot of work ahead of us.”

Tobias was referring to the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling in June 2022, overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

The key consequence of Dobbs was to return decision-making on abortion policy to individual states. Some Democratic-governed states — such as California,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-new-york-doctor-protection-shield-161fc73174a04f68e93c4312b3b21ea0">New York</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-health-new-jersey-state-government-006f9a1182946397c9e79342ad80c778">New Jersey</a>&nbsp;— have strengthened protections for abortion access. Roughly 20 states with Republican-controlled legislatures have either banned abortion or sought to impose new restrictions.

After Dobbs, “I didn’t want anyone to get the false sense that we were at the end of our work,” said Brent Leatherwood, an abortion opponent who heads the Southern Baptist Convention’s public policy wing.

“We’ve gone from a focal point at the federal level to 50 different focal points,” he said. “It may be another 50 years before we truly establish a culture of life, where preborn lives are saved and mothers are supported.”

Even the current claims of lives being saved due to the Dobbs decision are subject to question. While abortions have decreased to nearly zero in states with total bans, they have increased elsewhere – notably in states such as Illinois, Florida and New Mexico, which are near those with more restrictions.

Anti-abortion leaders are keenly aware that their opponents in the abortion debate depict the wave of state bans as an infringement on women’s rights and a potential danger to their health.

Thus the theme of this year’s March for Life strives to convey support for women facing unexpected pregnancies: “Pro Life: With Every Woman, For Every Child.”

“&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-business-health-nashville-personal-taxes-fffa6f6f86e6eaa448b8ea89087a1c46">Pregnancy care centers</a>&nbsp;and maternity homes are the very backbone of our movement,” March for Life president Jeanne Mancini wrote in a recent opinion piece.

She and her allies have encouraged states to offer support programs for new mothers in need — helping them find housing, jobs and health insurance.

Among the scheduled speakers at the march is Jean Marie Davis, executive director of Branches Pregnancy Resource Center in Brattleboro, Vermont. Davis says a similar center in New Hampshire helped her break free several years ago after she became pregnant while ensnared in a sex-trafficking operation.

Other scheduled speakers include House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., a co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus.

Mancini said last year’s march drew tens of thousands of people; she’s hoping this year’s march will be bigger.

The participants, she said, will be in a “persevering mood.”

J.J. Straight, part of an American Civil Liberties Union team working to protect and broaden abortion access, says her side also feels determined, especially in light of the recent ballot-measure results.

“We’ve seen a tremendous pushback to the anti-abortion agenda,” she said. “There’s a huge coalition of folks, regardless of their party and other demographics, who absolutely draw the line at this kind interference in their health care.”

Among the reasons for uncertainty for all parties in the debate is the inconsistent way that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-exception-lawsuit-legislature-confusion-b2808df90937e96887aa4e1f9c565771">federal and state courts</a>&nbsp;have adjudicated abortion-related cases. There have been numerous legal challenges to the various state laws banning or restricting abortion, some failing and others succeeding at least temporarily.

There’s a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-texas-exceptions-lawsuit-82611bda29112775247d8e7adbc0a81b">pending lawsuit</a>&nbsp;in Texas filed by women who say the state’s abortion ban forced them to continue pregnancies despite serious risk to their health.

In an even higher profile Texas case,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-texas-ban-7d865cdfd75bdc6b2f4186f4d1e6e8bd">Kate Cox</a>, a mother of two, sought an abortion after learning the baby she was carrying had a fatal genetic condition. Her request for an exemption from Texas’ ban — one of the country’s strictest — was denied by the state Supreme Court, and Cox left Texas to seek an abortion elsewhere.

For abortion-rights activists, Cox’s case was a powerful illustration of how abortion bans could be dangerous for women with pregnancy complications.

“Never in our history have we had such overwhelming reaction to any case,” said Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights. “We got phone calls, emails, snail-mail. Over and over, people talked about her with awe, her courage in going public.”

Seago, the Texas Right to Life president, defended Texas’ abortion ban. He said the Cox case and the pending lawsuit simply underscored the need for Texas health authorities to clarify what doctors are and aren’t allowed to do in dealing with problem pregnancies.

Carol Tobias acknowledged there can be difficult pregnancies.

“But I don’t think hard circumstances should be used to establish state laws,” she said. In such cases, she added, “the doctors have two patients. They need to take care of both of them to best of their ability.”

All the new bans make an exception to allow abortion if deemed necessary to save the life of the mother. There are divides within the anti-abortion movement over additional exceptions — for example, in cases of rape and incest, or when severe fetal abnormalities are diagnosed.

Other divisions have surfaced over who should be criminalized by the new laws.

Among leading anti-abortion activists, there’s a general consensus that women should not be prosecuted for seeking or obtaining an abortion. But there is support for criminal penalties against doctors and others who help people get an abortion; some states, including Texas and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-abortion-trafficking-travel-ban-270a403d7b4a5e99e566433556614728">Idaho</a>, seek to deter people from traveling out of state to get abortions or obtaining abortion pills by mail.

Dr. Jamila Perritt, an abortion-rights supporter who is president of Physicians for Reproductive Health, worries that abortion opponents in states with bans will criminalize people who seek abortions outside the formal medical system.

“The impact of their campaign has been devastating — and it will get worse,” she said. “I’m worried about many more people being arrested and prosecuted.”

One of the biggest unknowns, heading toward to Election Day on Nov. 5, is how power in Washington will be divided between the two major parties.

Abortion-rights supporters fear a Republican sweep of Congress and the White House might trigger a bid to impose a federal abortion ban. Conversely, some abortion opponents — including Chris Smith — fear a Democratic sweep might lead to a law overriding the state abortion bans that are now in effect.

Such legislation — as modeled in the unsuccessful&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-bills-house-vote-fc24d99f184d7aeec4926a6520311da5">Women’s Health Protection Act</a>&nbsp;of 2021-22 — would be “an existential threat,” Smith said.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-inflation-us-supreme-court-health-7ea4f8fa597c97042503d856a082ef94">Sen. Lindsay Graham</a>, R-S.C., has introduced a bill proposing to ban most abortions nationwide after 15 weeks of gestation. SBA Pro-Life America, a prominent anti-abortion group, supports the bill, according to its state policy director, Katie Glenn Daniel. But the measure has vehement critics on both sides of the abortion divide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705585012650.png" alt="Photo courtesy SBA Pro-Life America" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy SBA Pro-Life America</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —A year ago, pro-life activists from across the U.S. gathered for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-florida-state-government-kentucky-6ed9dbcdaae33312f1425ea38b681a7e">their annual March for Life</a>&nbsp;with reason to celebrate: It was their first march since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court</a>, seven months earlier, had overturned the nationwide right to abortion.At this year’s march, on Friday, the mood will be very different — reflecting formidable challenges that lie ahead in this election year.“We have undeniable evidence of victory — lives being saved,” said John Seago, president of Texas Right to Life. “But there is also a realization of the significant hurdles that our movement has right now in the public conversation.”Participants at the march in Washington will salute the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-exception-lawsuit-legislature-confusion-b2808df90937e96887aa4e1f9c565771">14 states enforcing bans</a>&nbsp;on abortion throughout pregnancy. They will proclaim that thousands of babies have been born who otherwise might have been aborted, even as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-count-dobbs-ruling-states-3acdfba421b9f4a5ea0003de6c67260b">studies show</a>&nbsp;the total number of abortions provided in the U.S. rose slightly in the year after that enforcement began.Moreover, anti-abortion leaders know that their side has a seven-state losing streak in votes on abortion-related ballot measures. Even in red states such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-amendment-election-2023-fe3e06747b616507d8ca21ea26485270">Ohio</a>, Kansas and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-kentucky-abortion-3fa387a4cdc355d50a223f4788aa0ae8">Kentucky</a>, the outcomes favored keeping abortion access legal.In this year’s election, several more states are expected to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-ballot-measure-2024-state-vote-e7d635835dc3a440789ad87787553ec1">abortion-rights ballot measures</a>, and Democratic candidates in many races, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-kamala-harris-abortion-c634452da5e103913982e1cc5a0cae78">President Joe Biden</a>, will be highlighting their support for abortion access.“We have been around for more than 50 years, and I don’t know of any year that was easy,” said Carol Tobias, president of the National Right to Life Committee.“But it definitely got harder after Dobbs,” she added. “We have a lot of work ahead of us.”Tobias was referring to the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling in June 2022, overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.The key consequence of Dobbs was to return decision-making on abortion policy to individual states. Some Democratic-governed states — such as California,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-new-york-doctor-protection-shield-161fc73174a04f68e93c4312b3b21ea0">New York</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-politics-health-new-jersey-state-government-006f9a1182946397c9e79342ad80c778">New Jersey</a>&nbsp;— have strengthened protections for abortion access. Roughly 20 states with Republican-controlled legislatures have either banned abortion or sought to impose new restrictions.After Dobbs, “I didn’t want anyone to get the false sense that we were at the end of our work,” said Brent Leatherwood, an abortion opponent who heads the Southern Baptist Convention’s public policy wing.“We’ve gone from a focal point at the federal level to 50 different focal points,” he said. “It may be another 50 years before we truly establish a culture of life, where preborn lives are saved and mothers are supported.”Even the current claims of lives being saved due to the Dobbs decision are subject to question. While abortions have decreased to nearly zero in states with total bans, they have increased elsewhere – notably in states such as Illinois, Florida and New Mexico, which are near those with more restrictions.Anti-abortion leaders are keenly aware that their opponents in the abortion debate depict the wave of state bans as an infringement on women’s rights and a potential danger to their health.Thus the theme of this year’s March for Life strives to convey support for women facing unexpected pregnancies: “Pro Life: With Every Woman, For Every Child.”“&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-business-health-nashville-personal-taxes-fffa6f6f86e6eaa448b8ea89087a1c46">Pregnancy care centers</a>&nbsp;and maternity homes are the very backbone of our movement,” March for Life president Jeanne Mancini wrote in a recent opinion piece.She and her allies have encouraged states to offer support programs for new mothers in need — helping them find housing, jobs and health insurance.Among the scheduled speakers at the march is Jean Marie Davis, executive director of Branches Pregnancy Resource Center in Brattleboro, Vermont. Davis says a similar center in New Hampshire helped her break free several years ago after she became pregnant while ensnared in a sex-trafficking operation.Other scheduled speakers include House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., a co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus.Mancini said last year’s march drew tens of thousands of people; she’s hoping this year’s march will be bigger.The participants, she said, will be in a “persevering mood.”J.J. Straight, part of an American Civil Liberties Union team working to protect and broaden abortion access, says her side also feels determined, especially in light of the recent ballot-measure results.“We’ve seen a tremendous pushback to the anti-abortion agenda,” she said. “There’s a huge coalition of folks, regardless of their party and other demographics, who absolutely draw the line at this kind interference in their health care.”Among the reasons for uncertainty for all parties in the debate is the inconsistent way that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-exception-lawsuit-legislature-confusion-b2808df90937e96887aa4e1f9c565771">federal and state courts</a>&nbsp;have adjudicated abortion-related cases. There have been numerous legal challenges to the various state laws banning or restricting abortion, some failing and others succeeding at least temporarily.There’s a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-texas-exceptions-lawsuit-82611bda29112775247d8e7adbc0a81b">pending lawsuit</a>&nbsp;in Texas filed by women who say the state’s abortion ban forced them to continue pregnancies despite serious risk to their health.In an even higher profile Texas case,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-texas-ban-7d865cdfd75bdc6b2f4186f4d1e6e8bd">Kate Cox</a>, a mother of two, sought an abortion after learning the baby she was carrying had a fatal genetic condition. Her request for an exemption from Texas’ ban — one of the country’s strictest — was denied by the state Supreme Court, and Cox left Texas to seek an abortion elsewhere.For abortion-rights activists, Cox’s case was a powerful illustration of how abortion bans could be dangerous for women with pregnancy complications.“Never in our history have we had such overwhelming reaction to any case,” said Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights. “We got phone calls, emails, snail-mail. Over and over, people talked about her with awe, her courage in going public.”Seago, the Texas Right to Life president, defended Texas’ abortion ban. He said the Cox case and the pending lawsuit simply underscored the need for Texas health authorities to clarify what doctors are and aren’t allowed to do in dealing with problem pregnancies.Carol Tobias acknowledged there can be difficult pregnancies.“But I don’t think hard circumstances should be used to establish state laws,” she said. In such cases, she added, “the doctors have two patients. They need to take care of both of them to best of their ability.”All the new bans make an exception to allow abortion if deemed necessary to save the life of the mother. There are divides within the anti-abortion movement over additional exceptions — for example, in cases of rape and incest, or when severe fetal abnormalities are diagnosed.Other divisions have surfaced over who should be criminalized by the new laws.Among leading anti-abortion activists, there’s a general consensus that women should not be prosecuted for seeking or obtaining an abortion. But there is support for criminal penalties against doctors and others who help people get an abortion; some states, including Texas and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/idaho-abortion-trafficking-travel-ban-270a403d7b4a5e99e566433556614728">Idaho</a>, seek to deter people from traveling out of state to get abortions or obtaining abortion pills by mail.Dr. Jamila Perritt, an abortion-rights supporter who is president of Physicians for Reproductive Health, worries that abortion opponents in states with bans will criminalize people who seek abortions outside the formal medical system.“The impact of their campaign has been devastating — and it will get worse,” she said. “I’m worried about many more people being arrested and prosecuted.”One of the biggest unknowns, heading toward to Election Day on Nov. 5, is how power in Washington will be divided between the two major parties.Abortion-rights supporters fear a Republican sweep of Congress and the White House might trigger a bid to impose a federal abortion ban. Conversely, some abortion opponents — including Chris Smith — fear a Democratic sweep might lead to a law overriding the state abortion bans that are now in effect.Such legislation — as modeled in the unsuccessful&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-bills-house-vote-fc24d99f184d7aeec4926a6520311da5">Women’s Health Protection Act</a>&nbsp;of 2021-22 — would be “an existential threat,” Smith said.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-inflation-us-supreme-court-health-7ea4f8fa597c97042503d856a082ef94">Sen. Lindsay Graham</a>, R-S.C., has introduced a bill proposing to ban most abortions nationwide after 15 weeks of gestation. SBA Pro-Life America, a prominent anti-abortion group, supports the bill, according to its state policy director, Katie Glenn Daniel. But the measure has vehement critics on both sides of the abortion divide.

March for Life: Activists brace for challenges as they gather for annual event

RUSH COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Rush County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a death investigation after a man was found deceased Wednesday morning near La Crosse.

At around 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, the Rush County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen who reported seeing a body lying in the south ditch on Avenue N, around a half mile east of U.S. Highway 183, near La Crosse, accordimg to a media release from the KBI. Deputies responded to the location and found the body.

The man has been identified as 18-year-old Zachary Thiel, of La Crosse. A vehicle believed to have been driven by Thiel was located stuck in the snow, approximately a half mile east of Thiel’s location.

RUSH COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Rush County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a death investigation after a man was found deceased Wednesday morning near La Crosse.At around 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, the Rush County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen who reported seeing a body lying in the south ditch on Avenue N, around a half mile east of U.S. Highway 183, near La Crosse, accordimg to a media release from the KBI. Deputies responded to the location and found the body.The man has been identified as 18-year-old Zachary Thiel, of La Crosse. A vehicle believed to have been driven by Thiel was located stuck in the snow, approximately a half mile east of Thiel’s location.

KBI: Body of Kansas teen found in ditch

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex crimes.

On Tuesday, an officer was patrolling Wright Park,&nbsp;71 N 2nd Avenue in Dodge Cityduring closed hours, according to a media release from police.

The officer found a vehicle parked in the area and when he checked on the vehicle, he found that it was occupied by 21-year-old Garden City resident identified as Hector Romero and a 12-year-old Dodge City female engaged in sexual activity. 

Romero had allegedly used a social media account to contact the 12-year-old at random.&nbsp; Police arrested Romero without incident and he has been charged by the Ford County Attorney's Office with rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, aggravated indecent solicitation of a child, and aggravated intimidation of a victim. 

Romero is being held on a $250,000 bond. 

Police reminded all parents to "please keep an eye out for what your children are doing on their social media platforms. There are people out there looking to lure children into inappropriate relationships."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705604369700.png" alt="Romero-photo Ford County" />
 <figcaption>Romero-photo Ford County</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged sex crimes.On Tuesday, an officer was patrolling Wright Park,&nbsp;71 N 2nd Avenue in Dodge Cityduring closed hours, according to a media release from police.The officer found a vehicle parked in the area and when he checked on the vehicle, he found that it was occupied by 21-year-old Garden City resident identified as Hector Romero and a 12-year-old Dodge City female engaged in sexual activity. Romero had allegedly used a social media account to contact the 12-year-old at random.&nbsp; Police arrested Romero without incident and he has been charged by the Ford County Attorney's Office with rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, aggravated indecent solicitation of a child, and aggravated intimidation of a victim. Romero is being held on a $250,000 bond. Police reminded all parents to "please keep an eye out for what your children are doing on their social media platforms. There are people out there looking to lure children into inappropriate relationships."

SW Kan. man caught in car with 12-year-old he met on social media

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s White House gathering with lawmakers to find a compromise on foreign aid and immigration was “productive,” U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Wednesday, but a deal has still not been reached.

Biden hosted congressional leaders and other lawmakers to discuss the administration’s stalled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/israel-ukraine-global-aid-and-border-funding-would-hit-106-billion-under-biden-request">$106 billion national security supplemental request</a>, which includes aid for Ukraine and Israel.

Senate Republicans have refused to support the White House request, which was sent to Capitol Hill in October, unless new policies curbing asylum and parole are attached. And House GOP leadership has insisted changes resemble their border security bill dubbed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2">H.R. 2</a>, which passed in the lower chamber on a party-line vote in May.

“We understand that there’s concern about the safety, security, sovereignty of Ukraine, but the American people have those same concerns about our own domestic sovereignty and our safety and our security,” Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said after the meeting.

Republican lawmakers have been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/01/17/with-gop-pushing-hard-on-immigration-parole-emerges-as-a-make-or-break-issue-in-congress/">focused on immigration</a>&nbsp;at the U.S.-Mexico border as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/southwest-land-border-encounters-by-component">arrivals</a>&nbsp;have increased, and as the party’s 2024 presidential front-runner, former President Donald Trump, campaigns on the issue, often using terms like “invasion.”

More than a dozen key committee chairs and ranking members joined House and Senate leaders Wednesday in talks with the administration’s top national security and budget officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and Office of Management Budget Director Shalanda Young.

Parts of the meeting were classified, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

Biden used the meeting to underscore “the importance of Congress ensuring Ukraine has the resources it needs — including air defense and artillery capabilities — to defend itself against Russia’s brutal invasion,” according to a readout of the discussion provided by the White House.

“The President discussed the strategic consequences of inaction for Ukraine, the United States, and the world. He was clear: Congress’s continued failure to act endangers the United States’ national security, the NATO Alliance, and the rest of the free world,” the readout stated.

Biden also told lawmakers “we must act now to address challenges at the border.”

The president is “encouraged” by bipartisan negotiations in the Senate and urged Congress to “swiftly” pass his full request, according to the readout.

Johnson, speaking to reporters outside the White House after the meeting, said he spoke to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in December and heard from the leader that “the necessary ingredient is the proper weapons systems that they need.”

“There are certain things that are needed to ensure that they can prevail,” Johnson continued. “We need the questions answered about the strategy, about the endgame, and about the accountability for the precious treasure of the American people.”

Still, he said, “we must insist that the border be the top priority. I think we have some consensus around that table. Everyone understands the urgency of that.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer speaking outside the White House shortly after Johnson, described a “very positive meeting” and a “large amount of agreement around the table that we must do Ukraine, and we must do border.”

Schumer said both parties agreed that helping Ukraine is “essential” and that a loss for that nation “would be nothing short of devastating.”

“The only way we will do border and Ukraine, or even either of them, is (by being) bipartisan,” said Schumer, a New York Democrat. “You cannot – cannot – do things with one party in a divided Congress. And so anyone who says, any party that says ‘do it my way or no way,’ we’re not going to get anything done.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, speaking back at the Capitol after the meeting, said he thought it was a “good idea” to get both Democratic and Republican lawmakers together.

“We had a really constructive discussion about the supplemental, which we anticipate will be on the floor next week,” McConnell said. “We’ve been talking about this for a very long time. It’s time to try to act.”

McConnell said he believes negotiators are “close” to brokering a bipartisan agreement on border security and immigration policy changes.

Such a deal would allow the Senate to move forward with the emergency spending package that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and U.S. border enforcement agencies.

“It’s not going to get better in my opinion until you actually say, ‘We’re going to it next week.’ And I think that’s the view of the majority leader,” McConnell said.

Schumer didn’t commit to putting the bill on the floor for a vote next week, but said once there is an agreement the body will move “very quickly.”

“I am more optimistic than ever before that we can come to an agreement. I put the chances a little bit greater than half now,” he said after the meeting.

Negotiations over border security are being headed by Sen. James Lankford, Republican of Oklahoma, Chris Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut and Kyrsten Sinema, independent of Arizona. The trio has been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/immigration-negotiations-congress-center-parole-asylum-policy">working</a>&nbsp;to strike a deal with the White House since before Christmas.

Before leaving for the meeting, McConnell brushed aside disparaging comments from House GOP leaders about Senate negotiations on border and immigration policy, noting that if Republicans controlled the government, they likely wouldn’t get a single Democratic vote for the types of policies being discussed.

“This is a unique opportunity to accomplish something in divided government that wouldn’t be there under unified (Republican) government,” McConnell said. “So we’re hoping to get a credible border package.”

McConnell later noted during that press conference whatever the Senate eventually passes could actually garner Biden’s signature. He also suggested that the two chambers could go to conference to reconcile their differences.

Murphy said during a press conference before the White House meeting that while he’s not yet optimistic about the negotiations, he agrees with Schumer “that we are closer than we have ever been before.”

“Our goal is to give the executive branch more tools to better manage the border while living up to our values as a nation of immigrants,” Murphy said. “This is the most complicated area of American statute, so it’s not surprising that it’s taking us some time to work out the final few issues and get those resolved into text.”

Ahead of the meeting with Biden, Johnson said that he would continue to seek “answers to critical questions” about Ukraine.

“… But before we even talk about Ukraine, I am going to tell the president what I’m telling all of you and we’ve told the American people: Border, border, border. We have to take care of our own house. We have to secure our own border before we talk about doing anything else,” Johnson told reporters during the House Republicans’ weekly press conference.

When asked to respond to Johnson’s comments, White House National Security Council spokesman Adm. John Kirby said, “Today’s meeting is about Ukraine. That’s what we’re going to focus on in that discussion.”

“I would remind (Johnson) that since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine in February ‘22 we have provided multiple classified and unclassified briefings to members of Congress,” Kirby also said.

The U.S. provided its latest aid&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3627179/biden-administration-announces-new-security-assistance-for-ukraine/">package</a>&nbsp;to Ukraine in late December, and the administration said that was the final assistance available until Congress approves new aid.

Kirby said Ukraine continues to go through its stockpiles of artillery shells and rockets “at a pretty advanced clip.”

The White House believes negotiations on the deal are “headed in the right direction,” Jean-Pierre said.

When asked about White House negotiations with Senate and House Republicans, Jean-Pierre said House Republicans “have gotten in the way when it comes to border security.”

“We want to work with them, but they’ve been very clear where they stand,” she said during the daily press briefing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705589493311.png" alt="U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, center, speaks to reporters after a White House meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, about supplemental aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and U.S. border security. At left is Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, and at right is Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas. (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, center, speaks to reporters after a White House meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024, about supplemental aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and U.S. border security. At left is Rep. Michael Turner, R-Ohio, and at right is Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas. (Ashley Murray/States Newsroom)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s White House gathering with lawmakers to find a compromise on foreign aid and immigration was “productive,” U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Wednesday, but a deal has still not been reached.Biden hosted congressional leaders and other lawmakers to discuss the administration’s stalled&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/israel-ukraine-global-aid-and-border-funding-would-hit-106-billion-under-biden-request">$106 billion national security supplemental request</a>, which includes aid for Ukraine and Israel.Senate Republicans have refused to support the White House request, which was sent to Capitol Hill in October, unless new policies curbing asylum and parole are attached. And House GOP leadership has insisted changes resemble their border security bill dubbed&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2">H.R. 2</a>, which passed in the lower chamber on a party-line vote in May.“We understand that there’s concern about the safety, security, sovereignty of Ukraine, but the American people have those same concerns about our own domestic sovereignty and our safety and our security,” Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said after the meeting.Republican lawmakers have been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/01/17/with-gop-pushing-hard-on-immigration-parole-emerges-as-a-make-or-break-issue-in-congress/">focused on immigration</a>&nbsp;at the U.S.-Mexico border as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/southwest-land-border-encounters-by-component">arrivals</a>&nbsp;have increased, and as the party’s 2024 presidential front-runner, former President Donald Trump, campaigns on the issue, often using terms like “invasion.”More than a dozen key committee chairs and ranking members joined House and Senate leaders Wednesday in talks with the administration’s top national security and budget officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and Office of Management Budget Director Shalanda Young.Parts of the meeting were classified, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.Biden used the meeting to underscore “the importance of Congress ensuring Ukraine has the resources it needs — including air defense and artillery capabilities — to defend itself against Russia’s brutal invasion,” according to a readout of the discussion provided by the White House.“The President discussed the strategic consequences of inaction for Ukraine, the United States, and the world. He was clear: Congress’s continued failure to act endangers the United States’ national security, the NATO Alliance, and the rest of the free world,” the readout stated.Biden also told lawmakers “we must act now to address challenges at the border.”The president is “encouraged” by bipartisan negotiations in the Senate and urged Congress to “swiftly” pass his full request, according to the readout.<h2>‘We need the questions answered’</h2>Johnson, speaking to reporters outside the White House after the meeting, said he spoke to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in December and heard from the leader that “the necessary ingredient is the proper weapons systems that they need.”“There are certain things that are needed to ensure that they can prevail,” Johnson continued. “We need the questions answered about the strategy, about the endgame, and about the accountability for the precious treasure of the American people.”Still, he said, “we must insist that the border be the top priority. I think we have some consensus around that table. Everyone understands the urgency of that.”Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer speaking outside the White House shortly after Johnson, described a “very positive meeting” and a “large amount of agreement around the table that we must do Ukraine, and we must do border.”Schumer said both parties agreed that helping Ukraine is “essential” and that a loss for that nation “would be nothing short of devastating.”“The only way we will do border and Ukraine, or even either of them, is (by being) bipartisan,” said Schumer, a New York Democrat. “You cannot – cannot – do things with one party in a divided Congress. And so anyone who says, any party that says ‘do it my way or no way,’ we’re not going to get anything done.”Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, speaking back at the Capitol after the meeting, said he thought it was a “good idea” to get both Democratic and Republican lawmakers together.“We had a really constructive discussion about the supplemental, which we anticipate will be on the floor next week,” McConnell said. “We’ve been talking about this for a very long time. It’s time to try to act.”McConnell said he believes negotiators are “close” to brokering a bipartisan agreement on border security and immigration policy changes.Such a deal would allow the Senate to move forward with the emergency spending package that includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and U.S. border enforcement agencies.“It’s not going to get better in my opinion until you actually say, ‘We’re going to it next week.’ And I think that’s the view of the majority leader,” McConnell said.Schumer didn’t commit to putting the bill on the floor for a vote next week, but said once there is an agreement the body will move “very quickly.”“I am more optimistic than ever before that we can come to an agreement. I put the chances a little bit greater than half now,” he said after the meeting.Negotiations over border security are being headed by Sen. James Lankford, Republican of Oklahoma, Chris Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut and Kyrsten Sinema, independent of Arizona. The trio has been&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/immigration-negotiations-congress-center-parole-asylum-policy">working</a>&nbsp;to strike a deal with the White House since before Christmas.<h2>Earlier Wednesday</h2>Before leaving for the meeting, McConnell brushed aside disparaging comments from House GOP leaders about Senate negotiations on border and immigration policy, noting that if Republicans controlled the government, they likely wouldn’t get a single Democratic vote for the types of policies being discussed.“This is a unique opportunity to accomplish something in divided government that wouldn’t be there under unified (Republican) government,” McConnell said. “So we’re hoping to get a credible border package.”McConnell later noted during that press conference whatever the Senate eventually passes could actually garner Biden’s signature. He also suggested that the two chambers could go to conference to reconcile their differences.Murphy said during a press conference before the White House meeting that while he’s not yet optimistic about the negotiations, he agrees with Schumer “that we are closer than we have ever been before.”“Our goal is to give the executive branch more tools to better manage the border while living up to our values as a nation of immigrants,” Murphy said. “This is the most complicated area of American statute, so it’s not surprising that it’s taking us some time to work out the final few issues and get those resolved into text.”Ahead of the meeting with Biden, Johnson said that he would continue to seek “answers to critical questions” about Ukraine.“… But before we even talk about Ukraine, I am going to tell the president what I’m telling all of you and we’ve told the American people: Border, border, border. We have to take care of our own house. We have to secure our own border before we talk about doing anything else,” Johnson told reporters during the House Republicans’ weekly press conference.When asked to respond to Johnson’s comments, White House National Security Council spokesman Adm. John Kirby said, “Today’s meeting is about Ukraine. That’s what we’re going to focus on in that discussion.”“I would remind (Johnson) that since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine in February ‘22 we have provided multiple classified and unclassified briefings to members of Congress,” Kirby also said.The U.S. provided its latest aid&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3627179/biden-administration-announces-new-security-assistance-for-ukraine/">package</a>&nbsp;to Ukraine in late December, and the administration said that was the final assistance available until Congress approves new aid.Kirby said Ukraine continues to go through its stockpiles of artillery shells and rockets “at a pretty advanced clip.”The White House believes negotiations on the deal are “headed in the right direction,” Jean-Pierre said.When asked about White House negotiations with Senate and House Republicans, Jean-Pierre said House Republicans “have gotten in the way when it comes to border security.”“We want to work with them, but they’ve been very clear where they stand,” she said during the daily press briefing.

No deal on Ukraine aid after White House meeting with congressional leaders

TOPEKA, Kan. — As of at 11:30 a.m., Thursday the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has lifted the Boil Water Advisory for all City&nbsp;of Topeka water customers, according to a media release from the city.

Per KDHE guidance, additional flushing of water lines is recommended to ensure fresh water to every customer. This flushing includes everyday water use activities like doing laundry or dishes, as well as taking a shower or flushing toilets, equating to 10-15 minutes of water usage. If you have not been using water as normal, you may also flush lines by running indoor water faucets for 10-15 minutes. 

We advise all city water customers to visit www.kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption for more information on flushing interior plumbing. Once you have flushed your water lines, you do not need to continue flushing and may continue regular water use and consumption.

We understand the inconvenience this Advisory has been to residents and businesses, and very much appreciate your patience as city staff have been working diligently to resolve this matter. We have received a lot of feedback from the community, and are always working to improve our service to the citizens of Topeka. Your safety is always our priority.

Additionally, we want to recognize the hard work of city personnel, especially in the Utilities Department. Because of the work of Utilities staff and the partnership between the city and KDHE, the

sampling process was completed ahead of schedule, resulting in the Advisory lift today instead of our anticipated date of Friday, January 19.

As of January 18, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has lifted the Boil Water Advisory for the City of Topeka. Per KDHE guidance, after a Boil Water Advisory has been lifted, all city water customers are encouraged to flush their water lines for 10-15 minutes with everyday water use activities like taking a shower, doing laundry or dishes, and using the toilet. We advise all city water customers to visit www.kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption for more information on flushing interior plumbing. Once that flushing is complete, water customers may continue regular water use and consumption.

TOPEKA, Kan. — As of at 11:30 a.m., Thursday the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has lifted the Boil Water Advisory for all City&nbsp;of Topeka water customers, according to a media release from the city.Per KDHE guidance, additional flushing of water lines is recommended to ensure fresh water to every customer. This flushing includes everyday water use activities like doing laundry or dishes, as well as taking a shower or flushing toilets, equating to 10-15 minutes of water usage. If you have not been using water as normal, you may also flush lines by running indoor water faucets for 10-15 minutes. We advise all city water customers to visit www.kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption for more information on flushing interior plumbing. Once you have flushed your water lines, you do not need to continue flushing and may continue regular water use and consumption.We understand the inconvenience this Advisory has been to residents and businesses, and very much appreciate your patience as city staff have been working diligently to resolve this matter. We have received a lot of feedback from the community, and are always working to improve our service to the citizens of Topeka. Your safety is always our priority.Additionally, we want to recognize the hard work of city personnel, especially in the Utilities Department. Because of the work of Utilities staff and the partnership between the city and KDHE, thesampling process was completed ahead of schedule, resulting in the Advisory lift today instead of our anticipated date of Friday, January 19.As of January 18, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has lifted the Boil Water Advisory for the City of Topeka. Per KDHE guidance, after a Boil Water Advisory has been lifted, all city water customers are encouraged to flush their water lines for 10-15 minutes with everyday water use activities like taking a shower, doing laundry or dishes, and using the toilet. We advise all city water customers to visit www.kdhe.ks.gov/waterdisruption for more information on flushing interior plumbing. Once that flushing is complete, water customers may continue regular water use and consumption.

KDHE lifts boil water advisory for the capital city

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

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

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

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

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

Police search for suspect who shot woman at Kan. hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

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

Police investigate mass shooting at Crown Center in Kansas City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By NATE KING Salina Post

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

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

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

Before presenting, Orlando commented on the event turnout. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A need for expanded low-barrier shelter in Salina

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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