Senate favors enrollment count changes; House ties parental consent to health care

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

TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate found compromise on legislation Monday setting ground rules for student enrollment counts tied to state appropriations that could serve interests of growing public school districts and support school districts with declining populations.

Senators offered preliminary support for a plan permitting districts to choose between reporting the current school year’s enrollment for budget purposes or using average enrollment from the past two years. The logic was districts taking in more students would prefer up-to-date enrollment figures so they would be compensated for new students, while districts with downward enrollment trends would benefit from the two-year average approach.

The deal, if endorsed by the Kansas House and Gov. Laura Kelly, would only allow the two-year average option during the 2024-2025 school year. The state’s cost of providing this softer glide path for urban and rural districts with declining enrollments would be about $4.6 million.

“This is critically important for schools with declining enrollment because it allows them to gradually adjust to a decrease in enrollments without suffering significant and abrupt loss in funding,” said Sen. Elaine Bowers, a Concordia Republican who said most school districts within her Senate district were losing students.

When debate started on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb386/">Senate Bill 386</a>, it would have mandated school districts calculate state revenue based on enrollment in either the current or preceding school year. As it stands now, the state would move to that enrollment and budget method in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Sen. Mary Ware, D-Wichita, said the original version of the legislation would have put the state’s largest school district in a financial bind. She said the Wichita school district had already negotiated two-year agreements with teachers and support staff based on the current school finance formula tied to enrollment.

However, Sen. Molly Baumgardner, R-Louisburg, said the state’s special treatment of declining-enrollment districts would lead to a reckoning. She said Kansas had 10 districts with fewer than 100 students each, and one district with less than 20 students. “This is not an issue that is going to go away,” she said.

The original version and amended version of SB 386 represented a change from current law. Existing statute required school districts and the Kansas State Department of Education to determine state aid based on enrollment counts from the previous year. However, an exception allowing a district experiencing a decrease in enrollment between the second-preceding school year and the preceding school year to set funding based on headcounts in the second-preceding year.

Rep. Ron Bryce, R-Coffeyville, said it was time the Legislature required parental consent for children in schools to receive health care services.

The House delivered tentative approval for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb287/">Senate Bill 287</a>, which included a requirement professional licensing agencies sanction health providers who violated the statute. On Tuesday, the bill was approved by the House on a vote of 85-37. The Senate hasn’t voted on the legislation proposed by Rep. Susan Estes, R-Wichita.

Many school districts offer standard consent forms to parents or guardians at the outset of the school year, but the bill would mandate permission for dispensing prescription or nonprescription drugs, administering a diagnostic test with the minor’s body fluid or conducting ongoing behavioral health treatment to anyone under 18.

“The bill basically requires parents consent to treat a child in a school facility,” Bryce said during House floor debate on the bill. “Just who’s children are they anyway?”

Bryce, a physician licensed to practice medicine in Texas but not in Kansas, has been a proponent of laws blocking health professionals from advocating for gender-affirming care of minors. He said such transgender care was comparable to treating depression by performing a lobotomy.

Opposition to the bill emerged from the Kansas Board of Nursing, Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of pediatrics, Kansas Mental Health Coalition, Kansas School Nurses Association, Equality Kansas, Kansas Academy of Family Physicians, Kansas Association of School Boards and others.

“This is government overreach,” said Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas. “I’m especially concerned for the medical providers that are in the schools. They’re all going to be very reluctant to do anything because of the high risk of losing their license.”

Rep. Nikki McDonald, D-Olathe, said the bill’s text was overly broad and could be detrimental to children when parents couldn’t be located to provide consent.

Exceptions in the bill wouldn’t extend the parental mandate to school-based health screenings required by law, health education of a minor or mental health interventions for someone in crisis.

Dave Trabert, CEO of the Kansas Policy Institute think tank in Wichita, initiated discussion of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb427/">Senate Bill 427</a>, which outlined a series of requirements for how locally elected school boards handled regular meetings. He asserted board policies adopted long ago served to block board conversations on public policy and inhibited parental involvement in education issues.

“A board member in USD 489 Hays has repeatedly tried to have a board discussion and vote on a controversial issue dealing with boys and girls sharing restroom facilities,” Trabert said. “Many community members have expressed concerns, but the board member cannot get the issue on the agenda.”

The Senate granted initial approval of the bill despite objections from the Kansas Association of School Boards that it could violate constitutional rights of people serving on local school boards.

The legislation would require school board members to have their names and emails published on state and school district websites. If the bill was signed into law, any member of a local school board could add discussion items to the agenda and ask questions of the public attending meetings. Each school board would be required to schedule a public comment portion of each meeting to enable citizens to speak to board members on any subject.

State law would be amended to allow tax dollars to be spent on annual dues for any not-for-profit organization providing “guidance, resources and other services to member school districts.” School board members would, by law, be granted access to district property during school hours or during events conducted at the schools.

“Some folks are wondering why we are doing this,” said Baumgardner, the Louisburg Republican. “It’s because we have 286 school districts … and not all of them operate the same.”

Sen. Jeff Pittman, D-Leavenworth, said the bill stepped into issues best left to local school board members elected to serve their constituents. He said the Senate bill set the stage for unnecessary conflict at school board meetings. Even the Senate operated with standard procedural rules established by the Senate itself, he said.

“Mandating that across every single school board could cause a lot of chaos in these meetings,” he said. “We need to leave that power within the local school boards.”

The Senate also granted preliminary approval Tuesday to legislation that would declare all public school students in the foster care system eligible for supplemental at-risk services.

Participation in the state’s foster care system would become the 12th criteria for identifying students as at-risk of academic challenges. Others include homelessness, dyslexia, English language deficiency, failure to advance to the next grade level, not reading at grade level and high rate of absences.

“It heightens the need when the foster child is put into a new school building or a new school, for them to be identified as a foster child,” said Baumgardner, who chairs the Senate Education Committee.

Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, said it was disappointing the bill didn’t also require appropriation of state funding to help school districts provide at-risk services to foster children.

“I would hope that if these students were counted then, in fact, there would be an increase in the at-risk funding for that student,” Francisco said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711475846069.png" alt="Sen. Elaine Bowers, a Concordia Republican, convinced the Kansas Senate to amend a bill to allow urban and rural public school districts with declining enrollments to avoid in the 2025-2026 academic year a new policy linking state appropriations to the current year's student enrollment. Her amendment allowed districts to use the current year or to take the average of the previous two years to determine state aid. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)." />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elaine Bowers, a Concordia Republican, convinced the Kansas Senate to amend a bill to allow urban and rural public school districts with declining enrollments to avoid in the 2025-2026 academic year a new policy linking state appropriations to the current year's student enrollment. Her amendment allowed districts to use the current year or to take the average of the previous two years to determine state aid. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector).</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Senate favors enrollment count changes; House ties parental consent to health care</h2>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate found compromise on legislation Monday setting ground rules for student enrollment counts tied to state appropriations that could serve interests of growing public school districts and support school districts with declining populations.Senators offered preliminary support for a plan permitting districts to choose between reporting the current school year’s enrollment for budget purposes or using average enrollment from the past two years. The logic was districts taking in more students would prefer up-to-date enrollment figures so they would be compensated for new students, while districts with downward enrollment trends would benefit from the two-year average approach.The deal, if endorsed by the Kansas House and Gov. Laura Kelly, would only allow the two-year average option during the 2024-2025 school year. The state’s cost of providing this softer glide path for urban and rural districts with declining enrollments would be about $4.6 million.“This is critically important for schools with declining enrollment because it allows them to gradually adjust to a decrease in enrollments without suffering significant and abrupt loss in funding,” said Sen. Elaine Bowers, a Concordia Republican who said most school districts within her Senate district were losing students.When debate started on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb386/">Senate Bill 386</a>, it would have mandated school districts calculate state revenue based on enrollment in either the current or preceding school year. As it stands now, the state would move to that enrollment and budget method in the 2025-2026 academic year.Sen. Mary Ware, D-Wichita, said the original version of the legislation would have put the state’s largest school district in a financial bind. She said the Wichita school district had already negotiated two-year agreements with teachers and support staff based on the current school finance formula tied to enrollment.However, Sen. Molly Baumgardner, R-Louisburg, said the state’s special treatment of declining-enrollment districts would lead to a reckoning. She said Kansas had 10 districts with fewer than 100 students each, and one district with less than 20 students. “This is not an issue that is going to go away,” she said.The original version and amended version of SB 386 represented a change from current law. Existing statute required school districts and the Kansas State Department of Education to determine state aid based on enrollment counts from the previous year. However, an exception allowing a district experiencing a decrease in enrollment between the second-preceding school year and the preceding school year to set funding based on headcounts in the second-preceding year.<h2>School health care</h2>Rep. Ron Bryce, R-Coffeyville, said it was time the Legislature required parental consent for children in schools to receive health care services.The House delivered tentative approval for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb287/">Senate Bill 287</a>, which included a requirement professional licensing agencies sanction health providers who violated the statute. On Tuesday, the bill was approved by the House on a vote of 85-37. The Senate hasn’t voted on the legislation proposed by Rep. Susan Estes, R-Wichita.Many school districts offer standard consent forms to parents or guardians at the outset of the school year, but the bill would mandate permission for dispensing prescription or nonprescription drugs, administering a diagnostic test with the minor’s body fluid or conducting ongoing behavioral health treatment to anyone under 18.“The bill basically requires parents consent to treat a child in a school facility,” Bryce said during House floor debate on the bill. “Just who’s children are they anyway?”Bryce, a physician licensed to practice medicine in Texas but not in Kansas, has been a proponent of laws blocking health professionals from advocating for gender-affirming care of minors. He said such transgender care was comparable to treating depression by performing a lobotomy.Opposition to the bill emerged from the Kansas Board of Nursing, Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of pediatrics, Kansas Mental Health Coalition, Kansas School Nurses Association, Equality Kansas, Kansas Academy of Family Physicians, Kansas Association of School Boards and others.“This is government overreach,” said Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Democrat from Kansas City, Kansas. “I’m especially concerned for the medical providers that are in the schools. They’re all going to be very reluctant to do anything because of the high risk of losing their license.”Rep. Nikki McDonald, D-Olathe, said the bill’s text was overly broad and could be detrimental to children when parents couldn’t be located to provide consent.Exceptions in the bill wouldn’t extend the parental mandate to school-based health screenings required by law, health education of a minor or mental health interventions for someone in crisis.<h2>School board mandates</h2>Dave Trabert, CEO of the Kansas Policy Institute think tank in Wichita, initiated discussion of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb427/">Senate Bill 427</a>, which outlined a series of requirements for how locally elected school boards handled regular meetings. He asserted board policies adopted long ago served to block board conversations on public policy and inhibited parental involvement in education issues.“A board member in USD 489 Hays has repeatedly tried to have a board discussion and vote on a controversial issue dealing with boys and girls sharing restroom facilities,” Trabert said. “Many community members have expressed concerns, but the board member cannot get the issue on the agenda.”The Senate granted initial approval of the bill despite objections from the Kansas Association of School Boards that it could violate constitutional rights of people serving on local school boards.The legislation would require school board members to have their names and emails published on state and school district websites. If the bill was signed into law, any member of a local school board could add discussion items to the agenda and ask questions of the public attending meetings. Each school board would be required to schedule a public comment portion of each meeting to enable citizens to speak to board members on any subject.State law would be amended to allow tax dollars to be spent on annual dues for any not-for-profit organization providing “guidance, resources and other services to member school districts.” School board members would, by law, be granted access to district property during school hours or during events conducted at the schools.“Some folks are wondering why we are doing this,” said Baumgardner, the Louisburg Republican. “It’s because we have 286 school districts … and not all of them operate the same.”Sen. Jeff Pittman, D-Leavenworth, said the bill stepped into issues best left to local school board members elected to serve their constituents. He said the Senate bill set the stage for unnecessary conflict at school board meetings. Even the Senate operated with standard procedural rules established by the Senate itself, he said.“Mandating that across every single school board could cause a lot of chaos in these meetings,” he said. “We need to leave that power within the local school boards.”<h2>The foster care kids</h2>The Senate also granted preliminary approval Tuesday to legislation that would declare all public school students in the foster care system eligible for supplemental at-risk services.Participation in the state’s foster care system would become the 12th criteria for identifying students as at-risk of academic challenges. Others include homelessness, dyslexia, English language deficiency, failure to advance to the next grade level, not reading at grade level and high rate of absences.“It heightens the need when the foster child is put into a new school building or a new school, for them to be identified as a foster child,” said Baumgardner, who chairs the Senate Education Committee.Sen. Marci Francisco, D-Lawrence, said it was disappointing the bill didn’t also require appropriation of state funding to help school districts provide at-risk services to foster children.“I would hope that if these students were counted then, in fact, there would be an increase in the at-risk funding for that student,” Francisco said.

Kansas Senate, House adding new chapters to state law on K-12 public education policy

SUMNER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue investigating a deadly crash that killed a Kansas police officer on his way home from work on March 16.

According to the Sumner County District Attorney's office the case is now under investigation by the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

The accident occurred just before 3:30a.m. March 16, when a passenger vehicle driven by 26-year-old Scott Hollingsworth was southbound on U.S. 81 at 119th Street, according to Friday. A westbound pickup struck the vehicle driven by Hollingsworth.&nbsp;

Hollingsworth was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported three passengers in the pickup to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The pickup driver was not injured, according to Friday.

Law enforcement authorities will report additional details of the crash after the district attorney's office determines possible charges.

A funeral service for Hollingsworth was held on Saturday March 23, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Derby. Hollingsworth is survived by his wife, Hadley, daughter, Claire, parents, Greg and Nataly, and siblings, Jordan and Sydney.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710681634704.png" alt="Officer Scott Hollingsworth-photo city of Clearwater" />
 <figcaption>Officer Scott Hollingsworth-photo city of Clearwater</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue investigating a deadly crash that killed a Kansas police officer on his way home from work on March 16.According to the Sumner County District Attorney's office the case is now under investigation by the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.The accident occurred just before 3:30a.m. March 16, when a passenger vehicle driven by 26-year-old Scott Hollingsworth was southbound on U.S. 81 at 119th Street, according to Friday. A westbound pickup struck the vehicle driven by Hollingsworth.&nbsp;Hollingsworth was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; EMS transported three passengers in the pickup to an area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. The pickup driver was not injured, according to Friday.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FClearwaterKS%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0Cn79XeUkedxXpjvctn3AGZY4rBbUC1vmFw4Siii2o1QsqFaYyvFUtuqtpnp2wa89l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="703" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Law enforcement authorities will report additional details of the crash after the district attorney's office determines possible charges.A funeral service for Hollingsworth was held on Saturday March 23, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Derby. Hollingsworth is survived by his wife, Hadley, daughter, Claire, parents, Greg and Nataly, and siblings, Jordan and Sydney.&nbsp;

Investigation continues in crash that killed Kansas police officer

NEOSHO COUNTY—A fire that killed two in Chanute started from carelessly discarded smoking materials, according to the Kansas State Fire Marshal's office.

Just after 1:30a.m.&nbsp; March 21, fire crews were dispatched to a fire at the Cornerstone Apartments, 1520 W. 4th Street in Chanute, Kansas, according to a media release from the office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal.

First responders found the south half of the 3-story, 24-unit apartment building was fully engulfed in flames and residents were jumping from windows to escape.

Chanute Firefighters, Police Officers, and responders from Neosho County Emergency Medical Services arrived and rescued several residents of the apartment building, while requesting mutual aid assistance from the Parsons, Iola, and Thayer Fire Departments.

Tragically, two residents of the apartment building died in the blaze. Kalyn Jones, 22, was found deceased at the scene. Jolavon Haymaker, 90, passed away after being airlifted with severe injuries to K.U. Medical Center in Kansas City. 

Seven other residents of the building were injured, and were treated and released by a local hospital.

The Chanute Fire Department requested assistance from the Kansas State Fire Marshal in investigating the cause and origin of the fire. A team of certified fire investigators from the State Fire Marshal; the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE); the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069034335469&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVi6Bb2aIPDXo6IYpcOtnPxd3Zj7bH9qcSrIIdGb2WHhgBZq8LvRmD9MWl_IlUIoeAD97qht5z_4-DKvYnHgJB424b0tj5JoK-RhPYlg2xc9H4NAhNaiKa0P4lo_52tBJrQhqd0huXz0uzqJeAVlCl1xKxTmzeU3TJwuDExZAGmAEdYEk7fQhuXUz76pGO-QBw&amp;__tn__=-]K*F">Neosho County Sheriff's Office</a>; and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/scfiredistrict1?__cft__[0]=AZVi6Bb2aIPDXo6IYpcOtnPxd3Zj7bH9qcSrIIdGb2WHhgBZq8LvRmD9MWl_IlUIoeAD97qht5z_4-DKvYnHgJB424b0tj5JoK-RhPYlg2xc9H4NAhNaiKa0P4lo_52tBJrQhqd0huXz0uzqJeAVlCl1xKxTmzeU3TJwuDExZAGmAEdYEk7fQhuXUz76pGO-QBw&amp;__tn__=-]K*F">Sedgwick County Fire District 1</a>&nbsp;responded.

The team has spent more than 140 investigative hours conducting a logical investigation of the fire, reviewing physical evidence at the scene, and completing more than 35 interviews of residents and witnesses.

“Our investigation determined the cause of the fire at the Cornerstone Apartments was accidental,” said State Fire Marshal Mark Engholm. 

“The fire started due to carelessly discarded smoking materials on an exterior balcony of the building.” High wind conditions rapidly drove the fire up the exterior of the building and through an adjacent, open stairwell. 

Because of its rapid growth up the exterior of the building, the fire extended into the attic before it was detected by a resident. The resident activated the fire alarm as they fled, however the fire destroyed the alarm system wiring shortly after it was activated, silencing the fire alarms.

The Chanute Community Foundation has set up a dedicated fund to collect monetary donations to assist those affected by the fire. Monetary donations may be dropped off at the Chanute Area Chamber, 21 N. Lincoln, and several local banks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711409538765.png" alt="Photos Chanute Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Photos Chanute Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>NEOSHO COUNTY—A fire that killed two in Chanute started from carelessly discarded smoking materials, according to the Kansas State Fire Marshal's office.Just after 1:30a.m.&nbsp; March 21, fire crews were dispatched to a fire at the Cornerstone Apartments, 1520 W. 4th Street in Chanute, Kansas, according to a media release from the office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal.First responders found the south half of the 3-story, 24-unit apartment building was fully engulfed in flames and residents were jumping from windows to escape.Chanute Firefighters, Police Officers, and responders from Neosho County Emergency Medical Services arrived and rescued several residents of the apartment building, while requesting mutual aid assistance from the Parsons, Iola, and Thayer Fire Departments.Tragically, two residents of the apartment building died in the blaze. Kalyn Jones, 22, was found deceased at the scene. Jolavon Haymaker, 90, passed away after being airlifted with severe injuries to K.U. Medical Center in Kansas City. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711409475532.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Seven other residents of the building were injured, and were treated and released by a local hospital.The Chanute Fire Department requested assistance from the Kansas State Fire Marshal in investigating the cause and origin of the fire. A team of certified fire investigators from the State Fire Marshal; the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE); the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069034335469&amp;__cft__[0]=AZVi6Bb2aIPDXo6IYpcOtnPxd3Zj7bH9qcSrIIdGb2WHhgBZq8LvRmD9MWl_IlUIoeAD97qht5z_4-DKvYnHgJB424b0tj5JoK-RhPYlg2xc9H4NAhNaiKa0P4lo_52tBJrQhqd0huXz0uzqJeAVlCl1xKxTmzeU3TJwuDExZAGmAEdYEk7fQhuXUz76pGO-QBw&amp;__tn__=-]K*F">Neosho County Sheriff's Office</a>; and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/scfiredistrict1?__cft__[0]=AZVi6Bb2aIPDXo6IYpcOtnPxd3Zj7bH9qcSrIIdGb2WHhgBZq8LvRmD9MWl_IlUIoeAD97qht5z_4-DKvYnHgJB424b0tj5JoK-RhPYlg2xc9H4NAhNaiKa0P4lo_52tBJrQhqd0huXz0uzqJeAVlCl1xKxTmzeU3TJwuDExZAGmAEdYEk7fQhuXUz76pGO-QBw&amp;__tn__=-]K*F">Sedgwick County Fire District 1</a>&nbsp;responded. The team has spent more than 140 investigative hours conducting a logical investigation of the fire, reviewing physical evidence at the scene, and completing more than 35 interviews of residents and witnesses.“Our investigation determined the cause of the fire at the Cornerstone Apartments was accidental,” said State Fire Marshal Mark Engholm. “The fire started due to carelessly discarded smoking materials on an exterior balcony of the building.” High wind conditions rapidly drove the fire up the exterior of the building and through an adjacent, open stairwell. Because of its rapid growth up the exterior of the building, the fire extended into the attic before it was detected by a resident. The resident activated the fire alarm as they fled, however the fire destroyed the alarm system wiring shortly after it was activated, silencing the fire alarms.The Chanute Community Foundation has set up a dedicated fund to collect monetary donations to assist those affected by the fire. Monetary donations may be dropped off at the Chanute Area Chamber, 21 N. Lincoln, and several local banks.

Investigators ID victims of deadly Kansas apartment fire

BALTIMORE (AP) — A container ship rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing it to snap in a few places and plunge into the river below. Several vehicles fell into the chilly waters, and rescuers were initially searching for at least seven people.

Two people were pulled from the waters, one in serious condition, according to Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace. He said authorities “may be looking for upwards of seven people” but he said that number could change. It was not clear if the two rescued were included in the seven.

The vessel appears to have crashed into one of the supports of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, according to a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. The ship caught fire, and thick, black smoke billowed out of it.

“This is a dire emergency,” Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, told The Associated Press. Though he said it was too early to know how many people were affected, he called the collapse a “developing mass casualty event.”

The temperature in the river was about 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) in the early hours of Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://buoybay.noaa.gov/locations/patapsco.">according to a buoy</a>&nbsp;that collects data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Cartwright added that some cargo appeared to be dangling from the bridge, which spans the Patapsco River at the entrance to a busy harbor. The river leads to the Port of Baltimore, a major hub for shipping on the East Coast. Opened in 1977, the bridge is named for the writer of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and said he was working to get federal resources deployed. The FBI was also on the scene.

Synergy Marine Group — which owns and manages the ship called the “Dali” — confirmed the vessel hit a pillar of the bridge at about 1:30 a.m. while it was in control of two pilots. It said all crew members, including the pilots, were accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries.

Several vehicles were on the bridge at the time, including one the size of a tractor-trailer truck, according to Cartwright.

From a vantage point near the entrance to the bridge, jagged remnants of its steel frame were visible protruding from the water, with the on-ramp ending abruptly where the span once began.

A vessel called Dali was headed from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, as its final destination, according to Marine Traffic and Vessel Finder. The ship was flying under a Singapore flag, WTOP radio station reported, citing Petty Officer Matthew West from the Coast Guard in Baltimore.

Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. posted that emergency personnel were responding and rescue efforts were underway.

“All lanes closed both directions for incident on I-695 Key Bridge. Traffic is being detoured,” the Maryland Transportation Authority posted on X.

In 2001, a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in a tunnel in downtown Baltimore and caught fire, spewing black smoke into surrounding neighborhoods and forcing officials to temporarily close all major roads into the city.

BALTIMORE (AP) — A container ship rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing it to snap in a few places and plunge into the river below. Several vehicles fell into the chilly waters, and rescuers were initially searching for at least seven people.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Volunteer Firefighters from <a href="https://twitter.com/jmvfc8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jmvfc8</a>, the Volunteer Swift Water Team and the <a href="https://twitter.com/HarfordCoDES?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HarfordCoDES</a> Special Operations Team are assisting the Unified Command at the Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. <a href="https://t.co/ipoTR2HljY">pic.twitter.com/ipoTR2HljY</a>&mdash; Harford Co., MD Fire &amp; EMS (@HarforCoFireEMS) <a href="https://twitter.com/HarforCoFireEMS/status/1772531201904873564?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Two people were pulled from the waters, one in serious condition, according to Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace. He said authorities “may be looking for upwards of seven people” but he said that number could change. It was not clear if the two rescued were included in the seven.The vessel appears to have crashed into one of the supports of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, according to a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. The ship caught fire, and thick, black smoke billowed out of it.“This is a dire emergency,” Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, told The Associated Press. Though he said it was too early to know how many people were affected, he called the collapse a “developing mass casualty event.”The temperature in the river was about 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) in the early hours of Tuesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://buoybay.noaa.gov/locations/patapsco.">according to a buoy</a>&nbsp;that collects data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.Cartwright added that some cargo appeared to be dangling from the bridge, which spans the Patapsco River at the entrance to a busy harbor. The river leads to the Port of Baltimore, a major hub for shipping on the East Coast. Opened in 1977, the bridge is named for the writer of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”Maryland Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency and said he was working to get federal resources deployed. The FBI was also on the scene.Synergy Marine Group — which owns and manages the ship called the “Dali” — confirmed the vessel hit a pillar of the bridge at about 1:30 a.m. while it was in control of two pilots. It said all crew members, including the pilots, were accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries.Several vehicles were on the bridge at the time, including one the size of a tractor-trailer truck, according to Cartwright.From a vantage point near the entrance to the bridge, jagged remnants of its steel frame were visible protruding from the water, with the on-ramp ending abruptly where the span once began.A vessel called Dali was headed from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, as its final destination, according to Marine Traffic and Vessel Finder. The ship was flying under a Singapore flag, WTOP radio station reported, citing Petty Officer Matthew West from the Coast Guard in Baltimore.Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. posted that emergency personnel were responding and rescue efforts were underway.“All lanes closed both directions for incident on I-695 Key Bridge. Traffic is being detoured,” the Maryland Transportation Authority posted on X.In 2001, a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in a tunnel in downtown Baltimore and caught fire, spewing black smoke into surrounding neighborhoods and forcing officials to temporarily close all major roads into the city.

🎥 Cargo ship hits huge bridge in Baltimore bringing it down

KANSAS CITY —One person died in crash while fleeing a traffic stop just after 2a.m. Monday in Kansas City.

The Missouri Highway Patrol was in pursuit of a white Jeep Grand Cherokee that had refused to stop for a traffic violation, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.

The Jeep was westbound at a high rate of speed on 33rd Street. In the area of 33rd and Indiana, the Jeep traveled off the roadway to the right, struck two telephone poles and then a large tree. 

EMS transported the driver and sole occupant of the Jeep to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to Becchina.

This is Fatality #25 compared to #14 at this time last year and the investigation is ongoing. No KCPD officers were directly involved in the pursuit.

KANSAS CITY —One person died in crash while fleeing a traffic stop just after 2a.m. Monday in Kansas City.The Missouri Highway Patrol was in pursuit of a white Jeep Grand Cherokee that had refused to stop for a traffic violation, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina.The Jeep was westbound at a high rate of speed on 33rd Street. In the area of 33rd and Indiana, the Jeep traveled off the roadway to the right, struck two telephone poles and then a large tree. EMS transported the driver and sole occupant of the Jeep to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to Becchina.This is Fatality #25 compared to #14 at this time last year and the investigation is ongoing. No KCPD officers were directly involved in the pursuit.

Driver dies after Jeep struck telephone poles while fleeing  police

TOPEKA (AP) —Milk from dairy cows in Kansas and in Texas has tested positive for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-ohio-egg-farm-usda-d873383dd0927f8ebbdd850a6eebb9a5">bird flu</a>, U.S. officials said Monday.

Officials with the Texas Animal Health Commission confirmed the flu virus is the Type A H5N1 strain, known for decades to cause outbreaks in birds and to occasionally infect people. The virus is affecting older dairy cows in those states and in New Mexico, causing decreased lactation and low appetite.

It comes a week after officials in Minnesota announced that goats on a farm where there had been an outbreak of bird flu among poultry were diagnosed with the virus. It's believed to be the first time bird flu — also known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/avian-flu-chicken-outbreak-california-poultry-eggs-976f0f82843bf716dbad64f459b4b8be">highly pathogenic avian influenza</a>&nbsp;— was found in U.S. livestock.

The commercial milk supply is safe and risk to people is low, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dairies are required to only allow milk from healthy animals to enter the food supply, and milk from the sick animals is being diverted or destroyed. Pasteurization also kills viruses and other bacteria, and the process is required for milk sold through interstate commerce, the agency said.

“At this stage, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health,” the USDA said in a statement.

The federal government said its tests in the cattle did not detect any changes to the virus that would make it spread more easily to people.

Dairy farmers in Texas first became concerned three weeks ago when cattle started falling ill with what officials called “mystery dairy cow disease," Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said. Milk production fell sharply and the cows were lethargic and weren't eating much.

“We hadn't seen anything like it before,” he said. “It was kind of like they had a cold.”

The state's animal health commission began an investigation that included tests for bird flu, spokeswoman Erin Robinson said. Based on findings from Texas, USDA officials think the cows got the virus from infected wild birds.

Experts say livestock appear to recover on their own within seven to 10 days. That's different than bird flu outbreaks in poultry, which necessitate killing flocks to get rid of the virus. Since 2022, outbreaks in have led to the loss of about 80 million birds in U.S. commercial flocks.

So far, the virus appears to be infecting about 10% of lactating dairy cows in the affected herds, said Michael Payne, a food animal veterinarian and and biosecurity expert with the University of California-Davis Western Institute for Food Safety and Security.

“This doesn’t look anything like the high-path influenza in bird flocks,” he said.

Bird flu was detected in unpasteurized, clinical samples of milk from sick cattle collected from two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas. The virus was also found in a nose and throat swab from another dairy in Texas.

Officials called it a rapidly evolving situation. The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are involved, along with officials in the three states. Another dairy-heavy state, Iowa, said it is monitoring the situation.

Dairy industry officials said that producers have started enhanced biosecurity efforts on U.S. farms, including limiting the amount of traffic into and out of properties and restricting visits to employees and essential personnel.

Bird flu previously has been reported in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seals-bird-flu-deaths-oceans-80184a8793fbcc21fab01b1c90b0d71b">48 different mammal species</a>, Payne noted, adding: “It was probably only a matter of time before avian influenza made its way to ruminants.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636037846131.jpeg" alt="photo USDA" />
 <figcaption>photo USDA</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA (AP) —Milk from dairy cows in Kansas and in Texas has tested positive for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bird-flu-ohio-egg-farm-usda-d873383dd0927f8ebbdd850a6eebb9a5">bird flu</a>, U.S. officials said Monday.Officials with the Texas Animal Health Commission confirmed the flu virus is the Type A H5N1 strain, known for decades to cause outbreaks in birds and to occasionally infect people. The virus is affecting older dairy cows in those states and in New Mexico, causing decreased lactation and low appetite.It comes a week after officials in Minnesota announced that goats on a farm where there had been an outbreak of bird flu among poultry were diagnosed with the virus. It's believed to be the first time bird flu — also known as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/avian-flu-chicken-outbreak-california-poultry-eggs-976f0f82843bf716dbad64f459b4b8be">highly pathogenic avian influenza</a>&nbsp;— was found in U.S. livestock.The commercial milk supply is safe and risk to people is low, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Dairies are required to only allow milk from healthy animals to enter the food supply, and milk from the sick animals is being diverted or destroyed. Pasteurization also kills viruses and other bacteria, and the process is required for milk sold through interstate commerce, the agency said.“At this stage, there is no concern about the safety of the commercial milk supply or that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health,” the USDA said in a statement.The federal government said its tests in the cattle did not detect any changes to the virus that would make it spread more easily to people.Dairy farmers in Texas first became concerned three weeks ago when cattle started falling ill with what officials called “mystery dairy cow disease," Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller said. Milk production fell sharply and the cows were lethargic and weren't eating much.“We hadn't seen anything like it before,” he said. “It was kind of like they had a cold.”The state's animal health commission began an investigation that included tests for bird flu, spokeswoman Erin Robinson said. Based on findings from Texas, USDA officials think the cows got the virus from infected wild birds.Experts say livestock appear to recover on their own within seven to 10 days. That's different than bird flu outbreaks in poultry, which necessitate killing flocks to get rid of the virus. Since 2022, outbreaks in have led to the loss of about 80 million birds in U.S. commercial flocks.So far, the virus appears to be infecting about 10% of lactating dairy cows in the affected herds, said Michael Payne, a food animal veterinarian and and biosecurity expert with the University of California-Davis Western Institute for Food Safety and Security.“This doesn’t look anything like the high-path influenza in bird flocks,” he said.Bird flu was detected in unpasteurized, clinical samples of milk from sick cattle collected from two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas. The virus was also found in a nose and throat swab from another dairy in Texas.Officials called it a rapidly evolving situation. The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are involved, along with officials in the three states. Another dairy-heavy state, Iowa, said it is monitoring the situation.Dairy industry officials said that producers have started enhanced biosecurity efforts on U.S. farms, including limiting the amount of traffic into and out of properties and restricting visits to employees and essential personnel.Bird flu previously has been reported in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/seals-bird-flu-deaths-oceans-80184a8793fbcc21fab01b1c90b0d71b">48 different mammal species</a>, Payne noted, adding: “It was probably only a matter of time before avian influenza made its way to ruminants.”___

Dairy cattle in Kansas test positive for bird flu

EDITOR'S NOTE: The story was updated to show Loretta Panther was wearing a seat belt. The KHP reported she was not wearing a seat belt.

MORTON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Morton County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford F150 driven by&nbsp; Amandra K.&nbsp;Vanzant, 35, Elkart, was eastbound on U.S. 56. The pickup&nbsp; struck a patch of ice, traveled left of center and struck 2018 GMC Terrain driven by Emily M. Panther,&nbsp; 32, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, head-on.

A passenger in the SUV identified as Loretta M.&nbsp;Panther, 64, Iowa City, Iowa, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Robson Funeral Home. EMS transported&nbsp;Vanzant, Emily Panther and&nbsp; Leppert to the Morton County Hospital in Elkhart.&nbsp; Loretta Panther was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP report.&nbsp;

According to the family, Loretta Panther was wearing a seatbelt, her daughter Emily Panther removed it to perform CPR. &nbsp;

EDITOR'S NOTE: The story was updated to show Loretta Panther was wearing a seat belt. The KHP reported she was not wearing a seat belt.MORTON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Monday in Morton County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Ford F150 driven by&nbsp; Amandra K.&nbsp;Vanzant, 35, Elkart, was eastbound on U.S. 56. The pickup&nbsp; struck a patch of ice, traveled left of center and struck 2018 GMC Terrain driven by Emily M. Panther,&nbsp; 32, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, head-on.A passenger in the SUV identified as Loretta M.&nbsp;Panther, 64, Iowa City, Iowa, was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Robson Funeral Home. EMS transported&nbsp;Vanzant, Emily Panther and&nbsp; Leppert to the Morton County Hospital in Elkhart.&nbsp; Loretta Panther was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP report.&nbsp;According to the family, Loretta Panther was wearing a seatbelt, her daughter Emily Panther removed it to perform CPR. &nbsp;

Woman dead, 3 hospitalized after head-on Kansas crash

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot increased to an estimated $865 million after no one won Monday night’s drawing, continuing a winless streak that dates to New Year’s Day.

The numbers drawn were: 7, 11, 19, 53 68 and red ball 23.

Since the last winner on Jan. 1, there have been 36-straight drawings without a big winner. It’s tough to win the Powerball jackpot because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-mega-millions-winning-odds-numbers-a3e5a8e8e7ed15d7500c1d6acdab6785">the odds are so long</a>, at 1 in 292.2 million.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-powerball-jackpot-lottery-5e77fc75273d31b6991bbd3c8614d3f6">top prize up for grabs Monday night</a>&nbsp;was for an estimated $800 million.

The $865 million prize on the line for the next drawing Wednesday night is for a sole winner who is paid through an annuity, with an initial payment and then 29 annual payments. Most winners choose a cash payout, which for Wednesday night’s drawing would be an estimated $416 million.

The Powerball prize&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpots-mega-millions-powerball-80fcb836622ba8e18883ce778786c1cc">has mushroomed</a>&nbsp;at a time when Mega Millions, the other nearly national U.S. lottery game, has become even bigger, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-jackpot-lottery-c0c579d6d29716483756f81646a7430f">an estimated annuity payout of $1.1 billion</a>. The next Mega Millions drawing will be Tuesday night.

Both games are sold in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball also is sold in Puerto Rico.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot increased to an estimated $865 million after no one won Monday night’s drawing, continuing a winless streak that dates to New Year’s Day.The numbers drawn were: 7, 11, 19, 53 68 and red ball 23.Since the last winner on Jan. 1, there have been 36-straight drawings without a big winner. It’s tough to win the Powerball jackpot because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-mega-millions-winning-odds-numbers-a3e5a8e8e7ed15d7500c1d6acdab6785">the odds are so long</a>, at 1 in 292.2 million.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-powerball-jackpot-lottery-5e77fc75273d31b6991bbd3c8614d3f6">top prize up for grabs Monday night</a>&nbsp;was for an estimated $800 million.The $865 million prize on the line for the next drawing Wednesday night is for a sole winner who is paid through an annuity, with an initial payment and then 29 annual payments. Most winners choose a cash payout, which for Wednesday night’s drawing would be an estimated $416 million.The Powerball prize&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpots-mega-millions-powerball-80fcb836622ba8e18883ce778786c1cc">has mushroomed</a>&nbsp;at a time when Mega Millions, the other nearly national U.S. lottery game, has become even bigger, with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-jackpot-lottery-c0c579d6d29716483756f81646a7430f">an estimated annuity payout of $1.1 billion</a>. The next Mega Millions drawing will be Tuesday night.Both games are sold in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball also is sold in Puerto Rico.

Powerball jackpot climbs to $865 million as long winless drought continues

STAFFORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Stafford Police Department reported that 60-year-old Amy Piper was located and is safe.

STAFFORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Stafford Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Stafford woman, according to a media release.

The whereabouts of 60-year-old Amy P. Piper are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.

Piper is believed to be driving a white 2013 Honda Fit bearing Kansas tag 214DKS.

She was last seen in Stafford, Kansas on Friday, March 22. Her family cannot reach her and they are concerned about her uncharacteristic behavior.

Piper is a white female who is 5 ft. 2 in tall, and weighs approximately 110 pounds. She has white hair and blue eyes.&nbsp;

If you see Amy Piper or her vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, please call the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 620-549-3247.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711474314164.png" alt="Amy Piper-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Amy Piper-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>STAFFORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Stafford Police Department reported that 60-year-old Amy Piper was located and is safe.The silver alert is now canceled.&nbsp;-----------STAFFORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Stafford Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Stafford woman, according to a media release.The whereabouts of 60-year-old Amy P. Piper are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.Piper is believed to be driving a white 2013 Honda Fit bearing Kansas tag 214DKS.She was last seen in Stafford, Kansas on Friday, March 22. Her family cannot reach her and they are concerned about her uncharacteristic behavior.Piper is a white female who is 5 ft. 2 in tall, and weighs approximately 110 pounds. She has white hair and blue eyes.&nbsp;If you see Amy Piper or her vehicle, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, please call the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office dispatch at 620-549-3247.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled, missing Kansas woman found

ELDORDO —El Dorado Correctional Facility inmate 39-year-old John Lewis Wardrup died on Monday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

 Wardrup was found unresponsive in his cell. Staff and EMS administered life-saving measures but were unable to revive him. 

Wardrup, originally served an 88-month sentence for Forgery and Attempted Rape and had been on post-release supervision. He was most recently serving time for violating conditions of supervision, plus an 18-month sentence, based on convictions in Sedgwick County, Kansas of Violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. He had listed as a registered sex offender since 2014.

The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is currently ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711392630530.png" alt="Wardrup photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Wardrup photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>ELDORDO —El Dorado Correctional Facility inmate 39-year-old John Lewis Wardrup died on Monday, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. Wardrup was found unresponsive in his cell. Staff and EMS administered life-saving measures but were unable to revive him. Wardrup, originally served an 88-month sentence for Forgery and Attempted Rape and had been on post-release supervision. He was most recently serving time for violating conditions of supervision, plus an 18-month sentence, based on convictions in Sedgwick County, Kansas of Violation of the Kansas Offender Registration Act. He had listed as a registered sex offender since 2014.The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), the death is under investigation by the KDOC and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Kansas registered sex offender found dead in prison

KAY COUNTY , OKla —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly crash that left one dead and two injured on Monday.&nbsp;

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Avenger with 4 occupants was southbound on Interstate 35 Near Tonkawa.

The vehicle left the road and struck 3 construction workers, employees of Wildcat Construction from Wichita, who were working on the bridge embankment, off the roadway.

 Two were injured and were flown to a hospital in Kansas. One identified as&nbsp; 19-year-old Jacob Matuszczak, a construction worker, was pronounced dead at the scene.

It appears the 17-year-old driver had fallen asleep. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the Patrol investigation. The driver and three passengers were not injured.

The Patrol Traffic Homicide unit is investigating and will present the facts to the Kay County D.A. when complete.

"This is yet another reminder to stay alert and watch for vehicles and/or workers on the side of the road" the Patrol reminded.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711414261349.png" alt="Photo Oklahoma Highway Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo Oklahoma Highway Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>KAY COUNTY , OKla —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a deadly crash that left one dead and two injured on Monday.&nbsp;The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Avenger with 4 occupants was southbound on Interstate 35 Near Tonkawa.The vehicle left the road and struck 3 construction workers, employees of Wildcat Construction from Wichita, who were working on the bridge embankment, off the roadway. Two were injured and were flown to a hospital in Kansas. One identified as&nbsp; 19-year-old Jacob Matuszczak, a construction worker, was pronounced dead at the scene.It appears the 17-year-old driver had fallen asleep. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the Patrol investigation. The driver and three passengers were not injured.The Patrol Traffic Homicide unit is investigating and will present the facts to the Kay County D.A. when complete."This is yet another reminder to stay alert and watch for vehicles and/or workers on the side of the road" the Patrol reminded.

Construction worker from Kan. killed, 2 hurt after struck by car

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a drug deal killing is going to prison.

On Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=251032">Tobias Love</a>, 21, Wichita, was sentenced to 109 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

At approximately 6:30 p.m. July 1, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 900 block of North Glendale in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Officers arrived on the scene and located 17-year-old Jaron Reed unconscious and not breathing with several gunshot wounds to his upper body. Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. The teen was pronounced deceased at the scene.

While officers were processing the scene a 21-year-old male victim arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his hand. The 21-year-old victim had serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The 21- year-old victim was treated by medical staff and dismissed from the hospital and transported to investigations for further questioning.

Detectives learned that Reed and Love met to conduct a drug transaction before multiple shots were fired. Detectives are still working to fully determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting.

In July, Love was charged with first-degree murder and one count of distribution of marijuana. He later accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder and distribution of marijuana.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711207161145.png" alt="Love photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Love photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a drug deal killing is going to prison.On Friday,&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=251032">Tobias Love</a>, 21, Wichita, was sentenced to 109 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.At approximately 6:30 p.m. July 1, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 900 block of North Glendale in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688315722286.png" alt="-First responders at the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>-First responders at the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers arrived on the scene and located 17-year-old Jaron Reed unconscious and not breathing with several gunshot wounds to his upper body. Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. The teen was pronounced deceased at the scene.While officers were processing the scene a 21-year-old male victim arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to his hand. The 21-year-old victim had serious but non-life-threatening injuries.The 21- year-old victim was treated by medical staff and dismissed from the hospital and transported to investigations for further questioning.Detectives learned that Reed and Love met to conduct a drug transaction before multiple shots were fired. Detectives are still working to fully determine the circumstances leading up to the shooting.In July, Love was charged with first-degree murder and one count of distribution of marijuana. He later accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder and distribution of marijuana.

Kansas man accepts plea deal for drug sale murder

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

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/"></a> TOPEKA — Legislation billed as a way to block underage Kansans from seeing porn could potentially stop teens from accessing classical works of art, books, LGBTQ material and other online content housed on websites, as well as potentially cost these websites thousands in legal fees, critics warn.

If implemented, the bill would also cost the state around $210,000 in fiscal year 2025 and at least $220,000 in fiscal year 2026 to create new positions to investigate websites, according to fiscal note estimates.&nbsp;

Though several Democratic lawmakers urged their colleagues in the House to more carefully consider the chilling effects of the bill, a Republican-dominated vote has moved the bill one step closer to passage.&nbsp;

Rep. Susan Humphries, a Wichita Republican and carrier of the bill, warned her colleagues of the dangers of porn Monday.&nbsp;

“Pornography normalizes violence and abuse against women and children,” Humphries said. “It impacts brain development and functioning and is potentially biologically addictive.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb394/">Senate Bill 394</a>&nbsp;would require age verification for websites that contain 25% or more content that is “harmful to minors,” as defined by state statute.&nbsp;

Current state statute defines the description, exhibition, presentation, or representation of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement or sadomasochistic abuse as harmful to minors. Since homosexuality is rolled into the definition of “sexual conduct” under statute, several lawmakers said this wording could lead to a ban on LGBTQ online materials for those under 18.&nbsp;

The bill contains a caution that the work must be deemed to contain “prurient interest in sex to minors,” and that a reasonable person would find the material lacking in serious literary, scientific, educational, artistic or political value for minors. But bill critics warned of the dangers of leaving this standard up to subjective interpretation.&nbsp;

Rep. Rui Xu, a Westwood Democrat, pressed Humphries on the bill’s full implications for LGBTQ content. Xu gave the example of a blog listing the most gay-friendly cities. A website dedicated to providing seminal books such as the “The Catcher in the Rye,” or even the Bible could also be subject to restrictions. An art blog depicting the statue of David could also be subjected to scrutiny.

“With all these bills, think about the unintended consequences or intended consequences, I don’t know,” Xu said. “The definitions are much broader than we actually think.”

Under the bill, the attorney general would be responsible for investigating public reports of noncompliance with the law. The attorney general would be allowed to seek civil penalties against websites ranging from $500 to $10,000 for each underage visit. The parent or guardian of a minor who gained access to age-restricted websites would be allowed to file a lawsuit and seek damages of $50,000 or more.

Wichita Democrat Rep. John Carmichael, one of several other lawmakers to point out the bill’s shortcomings, said parents already had many ways to stop their children from watching porn.

“We in America cherish our First Amendment rights,” Carmichael said. “I’m sure all of us know people who have given their lives in defense of that First Amendment. And the fact that some people find some material harmful to minors that other people find to be a part of a good education should not mean that we erase materials that some parents may disagree with from the internet, or for that matter school curriculum.”

Others pointed to potential problems with the age verification system itself, since it would give third-party verification systems access to documents such as drivers’ licenses or passports.&nbsp;

“Minors should not have access to porn and that is harmful to them. We can all agree to that,” said Rep. Dan Osman, an Overland Park Democrat. “…When we talk about what’s actually occurring with this bill, you’re going to put in your license or your passport into a third-party system, probably located outside of the United States, and you don’t know what’s going to happen with that information.

“These companies are outside the United States. They’re not within the jurisdiction of the state of Kansas and if you as an individual are harmed by this, if you have your identity stolen because of this … you’re never getting restitution on that issue.”&nbsp;

The bill already passed the Senate. Final House action on the bill is expected to occur in the next few days, after which the legislation will be sent to the governor’s desk.

House lawmakers also advanced a bill to change the state’s long-standing civil asset forfeiture practice, one widely characterized as in dire need of reform.&nbsp;

Civil asset forfeiture allows law enforcement agencies to seize cash and property they suspect was used in a crime. In Kansas, where police can take property they believe to be connected to crime before the property owner is charged or convicted, close to $25.3 million in cash and property has been seized by Kansas law enforcement agencies over the past three and a half years.

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb458/">Senate Bill 458</a>&nbsp;would remove the crime of drug possession from the list of offenses subject to forfeiture, shorten the window of time for property to be returned to the owner, require a judge to approve a probable cause affidavit before a forfeiture case could proceed, and allow defendants who recovered more than half of their property to recoup attorney fees and litigation costs.

Final House action on the bill is expected to occur in the next few days. The bill will then go to the governor.&nbsp;

House lawmakers also advanced a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb142/">&nbsp;traffic bill</a>&nbsp;that would ban minors under 18 from using a cellphone while driving, and ban all Kansas drivers from using cellphones in school zones when reduced speed warnings are in effect, or while driving in construction zones.&nbsp;The bill gained initial approval on the House floor, with final action on the bill expected tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Law enforcement would be authorized to issue warnings until July 1, 2025, and issue $60 fines after that date.&nbsp;

Exceptions are allowed for law enforcement or emergency personnel while on the job, a motorist stopped in a safe spot as well as a person using a hands-free device or a device permanently affixed to the vehicle. Motorists who used a cellphone to report illegal activity, prevent imminent injury to a person or damage to property, make a call for emergency medical assistance or relay information to a transit dispatcher would also be exempt.&nbsp;

Another provision requires drivers approaching a stopped vehicle using caution signals or other hazard warnings to change lanes if possible and to proceed with caution. Violations would carry a $75 fine.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711404620270.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;In the House of Representatives, lawmakers on Monday voted to take action on several pieces of legislation . (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;In the House of Representatives, lawmakers on Monday voted to take action on several pieces of legislation . (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a> Kansas Reflector<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/"></a> TOPEKA — Legislation billed as a way to block underage Kansans from seeing porn could potentially stop teens from accessing classical works of art, books, LGBTQ material and other online content housed on websites, as well as potentially cost these websites thousands in legal fees, critics warn.If implemented, the bill would also cost the state around $210,000 in fiscal year 2025 and at least $220,000 in fiscal year 2026 to create new positions to investigate websites, according to fiscal note estimates.&nbsp;Though several Democratic lawmakers urged their colleagues in the House to more carefully consider the chilling effects of the bill, a Republican-dominated vote has moved the bill one step closer to passage.&nbsp;Rep. Susan Humphries, a Wichita Republican and carrier of the bill, warned her colleagues of the dangers of porn Monday.&nbsp;“Pornography normalizes violence and abuse against women and children,” Humphries said. “It impacts brain development and functioning and is potentially biologically addictive.”<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb394/">Senate Bill 394</a>&nbsp;would require age verification for websites that contain 25% or more content that is “harmful to minors,” as defined by state statute.&nbsp;Current state statute defines the description, exhibition, presentation, or representation of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement or sadomasochistic abuse as harmful to minors. Since homosexuality is rolled into the definition of “sexual conduct” under statute, several lawmakers said this wording could lead to a ban on LGBTQ online materials for those under 18.&nbsp;The bill contains a caution that the work must be deemed to contain “prurient interest in sex to minors,” and that a reasonable person would find the material lacking in serious literary, scientific, educational, artistic or political value for minors. But bill critics warned of the dangers of leaving this standard up to subjective interpretation.&nbsp;Rep. Rui Xu, a Westwood Democrat, pressed Humphries on the bill’s full implications for LGBTQ content. Xu gave the example of a blog listing the most gay-friendly cities. A website dedicated to providing seminal books such as the “The Catcher in the Rye,” or even the Bible could also be subject to restrictions. An art blog depicting the statue of David could also be subjected to scrutiny.“With all these bills, think about the unintended consequences or intended consequences, I don’t know,” Xu said. “The definitions are much broader than we actually think.”Under the bill, the attorney general would be responsible for investigating public reports of noncompliance with the law. The attorney general would be allowed to seek civil penalties against websites ranging from $500 to $10,000 for each underage visit. The parent or guardian of a minor who gained access to age-restricted websites would be allowed to file a lawsuit and seek damages of $50,000 or more.Wichita Democrat Rep. John Carmichael, one of several other lawmakers to point out the bill’s shortcomings, said parents already had many ways to stop their children from watching porn.“We in America cherish our First Amendment rights,” Carmichael said. “I’m sure all of us know people who have given their lives in defense of that First Amendment. And the fact that some people find some material harmful to minors that other people find to be a part of a good education should not mean that we erase materials that some parents may disagree with from the internet, or for that matter school curriculum.”Others pointed to potential problems with the age verification system itself, since it would give third-party verification systems access to documents such as drivers’ licenses or passports.&nbsp;“Minors should not have access to porn and that is harmful to them. We can all agree to that,” said Rep. Dan Osman, an Overland Park Democrat. “…When we talk about what’s actually occurring with this bill, you’re going to put in your license or your passport into a third-party system, probably located outside of the United States, and you don’t know what’s going to happen with that information.“These companies are outside the United States. They’re not within the jurisdiction of the state of Kansas and if you as an individual are harmed by this, if you have your identity stolen because of this … you’re never getting restitution on that issue.”&nbsp;The bill already passed the Senate. Final House action on the bill is expected to occur in the next few days, after which the legislation will be sent to the governor’s desk.<h2>Civil assets</h2>House lawmakers also advanced a bill to change the state’s long-standing civil asset forfeiture practice, one widely characterized as in dire need of reform.&nbsp;Civil asset forfeiture allows law enforcement agencies to seize cash and property they suspect was used in a crime. In Kansas, where police can take property they believe to be connected to crime before the property owner is charged or convicted, close to $25.3 million in cash and property has been seized by Kansas law enforcement agencies over the past three and a half years.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb458/">Senate Bill 458</a>&nbsp;would remove the crime of drug possession from the list of offenses subject to forfeiture, shorten the window of time for property to be returned to the owner, require a judge to approve a probable cause affidavit before a forfeiture case could proceed, and allow defendants who recovered more than half of their property to recoup attorney fees and litigation costs.Final House action on the bill is expected to occur in the next few days. The bill will then go to the governor.&nbsp;<h2>Cellphones</h2>House lawmakers also advanced a<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb142/">&nbsp;traffic bill</a>&nbsp;that would ban minors under 18 from using a cellphone while driving, and ban all Kansas drivers from using cellphones in school zones when reduced speed warnings are in effect, or while driving in construction zones.&nbsp;The bill gained initial approval on the House floor, with final action on the bill expected tomorrow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Law enforcement would be authorized to issue warnings until July 1, 2025, and issue $60 fines after that date.&nbsp;Exceptions are allowed for law enforcement or emergency personnel while on the job, a motorist stopped in a safe spot as well as a person using a hands-free device or a device permanently affixed to the vehicle. Motorists who used a cellphone to report illegal activity, prevent imminent injury to a person or damage to property, make a call for emergency medical assistance or relay information to a transit dispatcher would also be exempt.&nbsp;Another provision requires drivers approaching a stopped vehicle using caution signals or other hazard warnings to change lanes if possible and to proceed with caution. Violations would carry a $75 fine.&nbsp;

Kansas House advances action on porn bill, civil assets, cell phones

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations Security Council on Monday issued its first demand for a cease-fire in Gaza, with the U.S. angering Israel by abstaining from the vote. Israel responded by canceling a visit to Washington by a high-level delegation in the strongest public clash between the allies since the war began.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the U.S. of “retreating” from a “principled position” by allowing the vote to pass without conditioning the cease-fire on the release of hostages held by Hamas.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the administration was “kind of perplexed” by Netanyahu’s decision. He said the Israelis were “choosing to create a perception of daylight here when they don’t need to do that.”

Kirby and the American ambassador to the U.N. said the U.S. abstained because the resolution did not condemn Hamas. U.S. officials chose to abstain rather than veto the proposal "because it does fairly reflect our view that a cease-fire and the release of hostages come together,” Kirby said.

The 15-member council voted 14-0 to approve the resolution, which also demanded the release of all hostages taken captive during Hamas’ Oct. 7 surprise attack in southern Israel. The chamber broke into loud applause after the vote.

The U.S. vetoed past Security Council cease-fire resolutions in large part because of the failure to tie them directly to the release of hostages, the failure to condemn Hamas' attacks and the delicacy of ongoing negotiations. American officials have argued that the cease-fire and hostage releases are linked, while Russia, China and many other council members favored unconditional calls for a cease-fire.

The resolution approved Monday demands the release of hostages but does not make it a condition for the cease-fire for the month of Ramadan, which ends in April.

Hamas said it welcomed the U.N.'s move but said the cease-fire needs to be permanent.

“We confirm our readiness to engage in an immediate prisoner exchange process that leads to the release of prisoners on both sides,” the group said. For months, the militants have sought a deal that includes a complete end to the conflict.

The U.S. decision to abstain comes at a time of growing tensions between President Joe Biden's administration and Netanyahu over Israel’s prosecution of the war, the high number of civilian casualties and the limited amounts of humanitarian assistance reaching Gaza. The two countries have also clashed over Netanyahu’s rejection of a Palestinian state, Jewish settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the expansion of settlements there.

In addition, the well-known antagonism between Netanyahu and Biden — which dates from Biden’s tenure as vice president — deepened after Biden questioned Israel’s strategy in combating Hamas.

Then Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Biden ally, suggested that Netanyahu was not operating in Israel’s best interests and called for Israel to hold new elections. Biden signaled his approval of Schumer’s remarks, prompting a rebuke from Netanyahu.

During its U.S. visit, the Israeli delegation was to present White House officials with its plans for a possible ground invasion of Rafah, a city on the Egyptian border in southern Gaza where over 1 million Palestinian civilians have sought shelter from the war.

The vote came after Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-sponsored resolution Friday that would have supported “an immediate and sustained cease-fire” in the Israeli-Hamas conflict. That resolution featured a weakened link between a cease-fire and the release of hostages, leaving it open to interpretation, and no time limit.

The United States warned that the resolution approved Monday could hurt negotiations to halt the hostilities, raising the possibility of another veto, this time by the Americans. The talks involve the U.S., Egypt and Qatar.

Because Ramadan ends April 9, the cease-fire demand would last for just two weeks, though the draft says the pause in fighting should lead to "a sustainable cease-fire.”

The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the resolution “spoke out in support of the ongoing diplomatic efforts,” adding that negotiators were “getting closer” to a deal for a cease-fire with the release of all hostages, "but we’re not there yet.”

She urged the council and U.N. members across the world to “speak out and demand unequivocally that Hamas accepts the deal on the table.”

Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. abstained because “certain edits” the U.S. requested were ignored, including a condemnation of Hamas.

The resolution, put forward by the 10 elected council members, was backed by Russia and China and the 22-nation Arab Group at the United Nations.

Under the United Nations Charter, Security Council resolutions are legally binding on its 193 member nations, though they are often flouted.

Algeria’s U.N. ambassador, Amar Bendjama, the Arab representative on the council, thanked the council for “finally" demanding a cease-fire.

“We look forward to the commitment and the compliance of the Israeli occupying power with this resolution, for them to put an end to the bloodbath without any conditions, to end the suffering of the Palestinian people,” he said.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador, told the council that the vote “must be a turning point” that leads to saving lives in Gaza and ending the “assault of atrocities against our people.”

Shortly before Monday’s vote, the elected members changed the final draft resolution to drop the word “permanent” from its demand that a Ramadan cease-fire should lead to a “sustainable" halt in fighting apparently at the request of the United States.

Russia complained that dropping the word could allow Israel “to resume its military operation in the Gaza Strip at any moment" after Ramadan and proposed an amendment to restore it. That amendment was defeated because it failed to get the minimum nine “yes” votes — with three council members voting in favor, the United States voting against, and 11 countries abstaining.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1711393596272.png" alt="U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. abstained because “certain edits” the&nbsp;U.S. requested were ignored, including adding a condemnation of Hamas." />
 <figcaption>U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. abstained because “certain edits” the&nbsp;U.S. requested were ignored, including adding a condemnation of Hamas.</figcaption>
 </figure>UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations Security Council on Monday issued its first demand for a cease-fire in Gaza, with the U.S. angering Israel by abstaining from the vote. Israel responded by canceling a visit to Washington by a high-level delegation in the strongest public clash between the allies since the war began.Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the U.S. of “retreating” from a “principled position” by allowing the vote to pass without conditioning the cease-fire on the release of hostages held by Hamas.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbUN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAmbUN</a> Linda Thomas-Greenfield: &quot;We did not agree with everything in the resolution. For that reason we were unfortunately not able to vote yes...we fully support some of the critical objectives in this non-binding resolution.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/cfCUIWTzLQ">pic.twitter.com/cfCUIWTzLQ</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1772281310112862301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the administration was “kind of perplexed” by Netanyahu’s decision. He said the Israelis were “choosing to create a perception of daylight here when they don’t need to do that.”Kirby and the American ambassador to the U.N. said the U.S. abstained because the resolution did not condemn Hamas. U.S. officials chose to abstain rather than veto the proposal "because it does fairly reflect our view that a cease-fire and the release of hostages come together,” Kirby said.The 15-member council voted 14-0 to approve the resolution, which also demanded the release of all hostages taken captive during Hamas’ Oct. 7 surprise attack in southern Israel. The chamber broke into loud applause after the vote.The U.S. vetoed past Security Council cease-fire resolutions in large part because of the failure to tie them directly to the release of hostages, the failure to condemn Hamas' attacks and the delicacy of ongoing negotiations. American officials have argued that the cease-fire and hostage releases are linked, while Russia, China and many other council members favored unconditional calls for a cease-fire.The resolution approved Monday demands the release of hostages but does not make it a condition for the cease-fire for the month of Ramadan, which ends in April.Hamas said it welcomed the U.N.'s move but said the cease-fire needs to be permanent.“We confirm our readiness to engage in an immediate prisoner exchange process that leads to the release of prisoners on both sides,” the group said. For months, the militants have sought a deal that includes a complete end to the conflict.The U.S. decision to abstain comes at a time of growing tensions between President Joe Biden's administration and Netanyahu over Israel’s prosecution of the war, the high number of civilian casualties and the limited amounts of humanitarian assistance reaching Gaza. The two countries have also clashed over Netanyahu’s rejection of a Palestinian state, Jewish settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the expansion of settlements there.In addition, the well-known antagonism between Netanyahu and Biden — which dates from Biden’s tenure as vice president — deepened after Biden questioned Israel’s strategy in combating Hamas.Then Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Biden ally, suggested that Netanyahu was not operating in Israel’s best interests and called for Israel to hold new elections. Biden signaled his approval of Schumer’s remarks, prompting a rebuke from Netanyahu.During its U.S. visit, the Israeli delegation was to present White House officials with its plans for a possible ground invasion of Rafah, a city on the Egyptian border in southern Gaza where over 1 million Palestinian civilians have sought shelter from the war.The vote came after Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-sponsored resolution Friday that would have supported “an immediate and sustained cease-fire” in the Israeli-Hamas conflict. That resolution featured a weakened link between a cease-fire and the release of hostages, leaving it open to interpretation, and no time limit.The United States warned that the resolution approved Monday could hurt negotiations to halt the hostilities, raising the possibility of another veto, this time by the Americans. The talks involve the U.S., Egypt and Qatar.Because Ramadan ends April 9, the cease-fire demand would last for just two weeks, though the draft says the pause in fighting should lead to "a sustainable cease-fire.”The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the resolution “spoke out in support of the ongoing diplomatic efforts,” adding that negotiators were “getting closer” to a deal for a cease-fire with the release of all hostages, "but we’re not there yet.”She urged the council and U.N. members across the world to “speak out and demand unequivocally that Hamas accepts the deal on the table.”Thomas-Greenfield said the U.S. abstained because “certain edits” the U.S. requested were ignored, including a condemnation of Hamas.The resolution, put forward by the 10 elected council members, was backed by Russia and China and the 22-nation Arab Group at the United Nations.Under the United Nations Charter, Security Council resolutions are legally binding on its 193 member nations, though they are often flouted.Algeria’s U.N. ambassador, Amar Bendjama, the Arab representative on the council, thanked the council for “finally" demanding a cease-fire.“We look forward to the commitment and the compliance of the Israeli occupying power with this resolution, for them to put an end to the bloodbath without any conditions, to end the suffering of the Palestinian people,” he said.Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador, told the council that the vote “must be a turning point” that leads to saving lives in Gaza and ending the “assault of atrocities against our people.”Shortly before Monday’s vote, the elected members changed the final draft resolution to drop the word “permanent” from its demand that a Ramadan cease-fire should lead to a “sustainable" halt in fighting apparently at the request of the United States.Russia complained that dropping the word could allow Israel “to resume its military operation in the Gaza Strip at any moment" after Ramadan and proposed an amendment to restore it. That amendment was defeated because it failed to get the minimum nine “yes” votes — with three council members voting in favor, the United States voting against, and 11 countries abstaining.Since the start of the war, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/united-nations-security-council">Security Council</a>&nbsp;has adopted two resolutions on the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, but none has called for a cease-fire.More than 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed during the fighting, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The agency does&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">not differentiate</a>&nbsp;between civilians and combatants in its count, but says&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/women-children-gaza-war-victims-un-inequality-f0f89a724543b99c2c22439e7af09405">women and children</a>&nbsp;make up two-thirds of the dead.Gaza also faces a dire humanitarian emergency. A report from an international authority on hunger warned last week that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-news-03-18-2024-eefc526aec97821fe5f1e845801a6640">“famine is imminent” in northern Gaza</a>&nbsp;and that escalation of the war could push half of the territory’s 2.3 million people to the brink of starvation.The United States has vetoed three resolutions demanding a cease-fire in Gaza, the most recent an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-israel-palestinians-gaza-ceasefire-resolution-vote-350c86ef261bf1a00a2515cf22764de5">Arab-backed measure</a>&nbsp;on Feb. 20. That resolution was supported by 13 council members with one abstention, reflecting the overwhelming support for a cease-fire.Russia and China vetoed a U.S.-sponsored resolution in late October calling for humanitarian pauses in the fighting to deliver aid, the protection of civilians and a halt to arming Hamas. They said it did not reflect global calls for a cease-fire.They again vetoed a U.S. resolution Friday, calling it ambiguous and saying it was not the direct demand to end the fighting that much of the world seeks.That vote became another showdown involving world powers that are locked in tense disputes elsewhere, with the United States taking criticism for not being tough enough against its ally Israel, even as tensions between the two countries rise.Thomas-Greenfield accused Russia and China on Monday of using the Gaza conflict "as a political cudgel, to try to divide this council at a time when we need to come together.”