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

TOPEKA — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly announced her veto of a sprawling flat tax proposal Friday, calling the plan “reckless,” and one reminiscent of former Gov. Sam Brownback’s disastrous tax cuts.

The 5.25% state income tax proposal, encapsulated as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2284/">House Bill 2284</a>, was sent to Kelly’s desk Jan. 18, after the Republican-dominated Legislature<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/17/republican-leadership-in-kansas-legislature-places-income-sales-tax-reform-on-fast-track/">&nbsp;fast tracked</a>&nbsp;the plan early in the legislative session.&nbsp;

“I support responsible tax cuts, but I refuse to sign into law a reckless flat tax that would take us back to Brownback while doing next to nothing for the middle class,” Kelly said in her veto explanation. “This flat tax experiment would overwhelmingly benefit the super wealthy and I’m not going to put our public schools, roads, and stable economy at risk just to give a break to those at the very top.”&nbsp;

The package was estimated to cost $1.589 billion over a three-year period, and contained other elements, such as eliminating the state sales tax on groceries on April 1, instead of the current deadline of Jan. 1, 2025.

<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/23/kansas-gop-leaders-tout-flat-tax-plan-that-would-save-charles-koch-875k-annually/">A study of the proposal&nbsp;</a>conducted by nonpartisan research organization ITEP estimated that 44.5% of the income tax savings would go to the top 5% of wage earners. The top 20% would have gotten an average tax break of $828, while the bottom 80% of wage earners would get an average annual tax break of $89 under the flat tax.

Kelly vetoed a similar flat tax plan in 2023 that set out a 5.15% flat tax and has voiced general disapproval of a single or flat tax structure. A Republican-driven attempt to veto override fell short by one vote in the Senate.&nbsp;

Top Republican legislators Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, both strong flat tax advocates, condemned Kelly’s veto. Hawkins said House Republicans would attempt a veto override. Masterson, an Andover Republican, said the governor was unwilling to work across the aisle.&nbsp;

“Today the governor yet again put her radical ideology ahead of the people,” Masterson said. “She is so focused on hyper-partisan politics that she has again vetoed a compromise tax plan that was primarily designed to increase the take home pay for every Kansan and bring sustainable tax relief for hard-working taxpayers who are suffering under Bidenflation. The governor has proven again that she has abandoned the middle.”

Kelly said she would continue to advocate for a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/08/kelly-bipartisan-contingent-of-legislators-promote-multiyear-1-billion-tax-reduction-plan/">bipartisan tax plan</a>&nbsp;she endorsed earlier in the session.&nbsp;&nbsp;The $1 billion, three-year tax reform bill focus on the reduction of income, sales and property taxes.&nbsp;

“While I urge the legislature to take this irresponsible flat tax experiment off the table once and for all, know that I will not let legislators leave Topeka this year without meaningfully and responsibly cutting taxes for middle-class families,” Kelly said. “I will call a special session if I have to – anything to ensure Kansans see tax relief, immediately.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704940624118.png" alt="-Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed a flat tax proposal, calling the plan one that primarily benefited the state's wealthiest residents. File photo" />
 <figcaption>-Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed a flat tax proposal, calling the plan one that primarily benefited the state's wealthiest residents. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/rmipro/">RACHEL MIPRO</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly announced her veto of a sprawling flat tax proposal Friday, calling the plan “reckless,” and one reminiscent of former Gov. Sam Brownback’s disastrous tax cuts.The 5.25% state income tax proposal, encapsulated as&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2284/">House Bill 2284</a>, was sent to Kelly’s desk Jan. 18, after the Republican-dominated Legislature<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/17/republican-leadership-in-kansas-legislature-places-income-sales-tax-reform-on-fast-track/">&nbsp;fast tracked</a>&nbsp;the plan early in the legislative session.&nbsp;“I support responsible tax cuts, but I refuse to sign into law a reckless flat tax that would take us back to Brownback while doing next to nothing for the middle class,” Kelly said in her veto explanation. “This flat tax experiment would overwhelmingly benefit the super wealthy and I’m not going to put our public schools, roads, and stable economy at risk just to give a break to those at the very top.”&nbsp;The package was estimated to cost $1.589 billion over a three-year period, and contained other elements, such as eliminating the state sales tax on groceries on April 1, instead of the current deadline of Jan. 1, 2025.<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/23/kansas-gop-leaders-tout-flat-tax-plan-that-would-save-charles-koch-875k-annually/">A study of the proposal&nbsp;</a>conducted by nonpartisan research organization ITEP estimated that 44.5% of the income tax savings would go to the top 5% of wage earners. The top 20% would have gotten an average tax break of $828, while the bottom 80% of wage earners would get an average annual tax break of $89 under the flat tax.Kelly vetoed a similar flat tax plan in 2023 that set out a 5.15% flat tax and has voiced general disapproval of a single or flat tax structure. A Republican-driven attempt to veto override fell short by one vote in the Senate.&nbsp;Top Republican legislators Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, both strong flat tax advocates, condemned Kelly’s veto. Hawkins said House Republicans would attempt a veto override. Masterson, an Andover Republican, said the governor was unwilling to work across the aisle.&nbsp;“Today the governor yet again put her radical ideology ahead of the people,” Masterson said. “She is so focused on hyper-partisan politics that she has again vetoed a compromise tax plan that was primarily designed to increase the take home pay for every Kansan and bring sustainable tax relief for hard-working taxpayers who are suffering under Bidenflation. The governor has proven again that she has abandoned the middle.”Kelly said she would continue to advocate for a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/08/kelly-bipartisan-contingent-of-legislators-promote-multiyear-1-billion-tax-reduction-plan/">bipartisan tax plan</a>&nbsp;she endorsed earlier in the session.&nbsp;&nbsp;The $1 billion, three-year tax reform bill focus on the reduction of income, sales and property taxes.&nbsp;“While I urge the legislature to take this irresponsible flat tax experiment off the table once and for all, know that I will not let legislators leave Topeka this year without meaningfully and responsibly cutting taxes for middle-class families,” Kelly said. “I will call a special session if I have to – anything to ensure Kansans see tax relief, immediately.”

Kansas governor vetoes ‘reckless’ flat tax proposal

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

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

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

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

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

A U.S. military official confirmed the vessel was struck by a single anti-ship ballistic missile fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen. The Carney was sailing toward the stricken ship to provide assistance but had not reached it as of Friday evening.

The Houthi's now direct attacks on U.S. warships are the most aggressive escalation of it's campaign in the Red Sea since the Israel-Hamas war broke out. The U.S. has tried to temper its descriptions of the Houthi's strikes, and said it is difficult to determine what exactly the Houthis are trying to hit in part try to prevent the conflict from becoming a wider regional war.

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

Despite the Carney being directly targeted, a statement by the U.S. military's Central Command Friday said the Houthis fired “toward” the Carney.

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

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

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

In Friday’s attack, an anti-ship ballistic missile came near the USS Carney, an Arleigh-Burke class destroyer that’s been involved in American operations to try to stop the Houthi campaign since November, Central Command said.

“The missile was successfully shot down by USS Carney,” it said. “There were no injuries or damage reported.”

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

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

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

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

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

JERUSALEM (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen's Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;launched a missile Friday at a U.S. warship patrolling the Gulf of Aden, forcing it to shoot down the projectile, the U.S. military said Friday.

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

That contradicted a statement by the U.S. military's Central Command, which said the Houthis fired “toward” the Carney. As it has in previous strikes, the Pentagon said it was difficult to determine what exactly the Houthis were trying to hit.

Ever since the Israel-Hamas war broke out, the U.S. has tried to temper its descriptions of the strikes targeting its bases and warships to try to prevent the conflict from becoming a wider regional war.

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

Tempering the language, while aimed at preventing a wider war, has had the opposite effect of further enabling the Houthis, he said.

In Friday’s attack, an anti-ship ballistic missile came near the USS Carney, an Arleigh-Burke class destroyer that’s been involved in American operations to try and stop the Houthi campaign since November, Central Command said.

The attack was the latest assault by the rebels in their campaign against ships traveling through the Red Sea and surrounding waters, which has disrupted global trade amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip</a>.

Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree did not acknowledge the Carney attack, but claimed a missile attack on a commercial vessel that set it ablaze. He identified the vessel as the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Marlin Luanda. The Associated Press could not immediately reach the ship's British managers.

The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Operations, which oversees Mideast waterways, acknowledged a vessel had been struck by a missile and was on fire in the Gulf of Aden. It wasn't immediately clear if anyone had been hurt.

Meanwhile, the death toll from the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip surpassed 26,000 on Friday as the International Court of Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-genocide-court-south-africa-27cf84e16082cde798395a95e9143c06">ordered Israel</a>&nbsp;to limit deaths and damage but stopped short of demanding a cease-fire in the Palestinian territory.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry</a>&nbsp;in Hamas-ruled Gaza said that 26,083 people have been killed and more than 64,400 wounded since Oct. 7, the day militants from the territory launched a surprise attack in southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages.

South Africa has accused Israel of genocide and asked the world court in The Hague, Netherlands, to impose interim measures as the case proceeds. The requested measures included ordering Israel to stop its offensive, to allow Gaza residents access to aid and to take “reasonable measures” to prevent genocide.

Israel has denied committing genocide and asked the court to throw out the case, which the panel of 17 judges refused to do.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697765298614.png" alt="U.S. Carney -photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Carney -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen's Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;launched a missile Friday at a U.S. warship patrolling the Gulf of Aden, forcing it to shoot down the projectile, and struck a British vessel as their aggressive attacks on maritime traffic continue.The attack on the U.S. warship, the destroyer USS Carney, marked a further escalation in the biggest confrontation at sea the U.S. Navy has seen in the Middle East in decades, as Houthi missile fire set another commercial vessel ablaze Friday night.The Carney attack represents the first time the Houthis directly targeted a U.S. warship since the rebels began their assaults on shipping in October, a U.S. official said on condition of anonymity because no authorization had been given to discuss the incident.Later Friday, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Operations, which oversees Mideast waterways, acknowledged a vessel had been struck by a missile and was on fire in the Gulf of Aden.Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree did not acknowledge the Carney attack, but claimed the missile attack on the commercial vessel that set it ablaze. He identified the vessel as the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Marlin Luanda.A U.S. military official confirmed the vessel was struck by a single anti-ship ballistic missile fired from Houthi-controlled Yemen. The Carney was sailing toward the stricken ship to provide assistance but had not reached it as of Friday evening.The Houthi's now direct attacks on U.S. warships are the most aggressive escalation of it's campaign in the Red Sea since the Israel-Hamas war broke out. The U.S. has tried to temper its descriptions of the Houthi's strikes, and said it is difficult to determine what exactly the Houthis are trying to hit in part try to prevent the conflict from becoming a wider regional war.The U.S. and allies had also held off for weeks on striking Houthi weapons sites in Yemen, but they are now taking regular action, often destroying launch sites that are armed but have not fired, and are deemed an imminent threat.Despite the Carney being directly targeted, a statement by the U.S. military's Central Command Friday said the Houthis fired “toward” the Carney.Acknowledging Friday’s assault as a direct attack on a U.S. warship is important, said Brad Bowman, a senior director at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.“They’re now finally calling a spade a spade, and saying that, yeah, they’re trying to attack our forces, they’re trying to kill us,” he said.Tempering the language and response, while aimed at preventing a wider war, has had the opposite effect of further emboldening the Houthis, Bowman said.In Friday’s attack, an anti-ship ballistic missile came near the USS Carney, an Arleigh-Burke class destroyer that’s been involved in American operations to try to stop the Houthi campaign since November, Central Command said.“The missile was successfully shot down by USS Carney,” it said. “There were no injuries or damage reported.”The attacks were the latest assaults by the rebels in their campaign against ships traveling through the Red Sea and surrounding waters, which has disrupted global trade amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip</a>.The U.S. and Britain have launched multiple rounds of airstrikes since the Houthi attacks began targeting Houthi missile depots and launcher sites in Yemen, a country that's been wracked by conflict since the rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea, saying they were avenging Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.Since the airstrike campaign began, the rebels now say they’ll target American and British ships as well. On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-ship-attacks-israel-hamas-war-gaza-ef0b83ef2a7ca8c727288b50037287e5">two American-flagged ships carrying cargo for the U.S. Defense and State departments came under attack by the Houthis</a>, forcing an escorting U.S. Navy warship to shoot some of the projectiles down.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-navy-houthi-attacks-red-sea-shipping-iran-8e55669e4d18cbc7007654640fa5fdc1">The U.S. Navy’s top Mideast commander told the AP</a>&nbsp;on Monday that the Houthi attacks were the worst since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ceb6e7a86bf14a9a8d8ecf81c9dcc7ef">the so-called Tanker War of the 1980s</a>. It culminated in a one-day naval battle between Washington and Tehran, and also saw the U.S. Navy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de425ed9833b4bdaa03306f37182995f">accidentally shoot down an Iranian passenger jet</a>, killing 290 people in 1988.----------------JERUSALEM (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/houthis">Yemen's Houthi rebels</a>&nbsp;launched a missile Friday at a U.S. warship patrolling the Gulf of Aden, forcing it to shoot down the projectile, the U.S. military said Friday.The attack on the destroyer USS Carney marked a further escalation in the biggest confrontation at sea the U.S. Navy has seen in the Middle East in decades, as Houthi missile fire set another commercial vessel ablaze Friday night.The Carney attack represents the first time the Houthis directly targeted a U.S. warship since the rebels began their assaults on shipping in October, a U.S. official said on condition of anonymity because no authorization had been given to discuss the incident.That contradicted a statement by the U.S. military's Central Command, which said the Houthis fired “toward” the Carney. As it has in previous strikes, the Pentagon said it was difficult to determine what exactly the Houthis were trying to hit.Ever since the Israel-Hamas war broke out, the U.S. has tried to temper its descriptions of the strikes targeting its bases and warships to try to prevent the conflict from becoming a wider regional war.Acknowledging Friday's assault as a direct attack on a U.S. warship is important, said Brad Bowman, a senior director at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.“They’re now finally calling a spade a spade, and saying that, yeah, they’re trying to attack our forces, they’re trying to kill us,” he said.Tempering the language, while aimed at preventing a wider war, has had the opposite effect of further enabling the Houthis, he said.In Friday’s attack, an anti-ship ballistic missile came near the USS Carney, an Arleigh-Burke class destroyer that’s been involved in American operations to try and stop the Houthi campaign since November, Central Command said.“The missile was successfully shot down by USS Carney,” it said. “There were no injuries or damage reported.”The attack was the latest assault by the rebels in their campaign against ships traveling through the Red Sea and surrounding waters, which has disrupted global trade amid&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip</a>.Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree did not acknowledge the Carney attack, but claimed a missile attack on a commercial vessel that set it ablaze. He identified the vessel as the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Marlin Luanda. The Associated Press could not immediately reach the ship's British managers.The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Operations, which oversees Mideast waterways, acknowledged a vessel had been struck by a missile and was on fire in the Gulf of Aden. It wasn't immediately clear if anyone had been hurt.The U.S. and Britain have launched multiple rounds of airstrikes since the Houthi attacks began targeting Houthi missile depots and launcher sites in Yemen, a country that's been wracked by conflict since the rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014.Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea, saying they were avenging Israel’s offensive in Gaza against Hamas. But they have frequently targeted vessels with tenuous or no clear links to Israel, imperiling shipping in a key route for global trade between Asia, the Mideast and Europe.Since the airstrike campaign began, the rebels now say they’ll target American and British ships as well. On Wednesday,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/yemen-houthis-ship-attacks-israel-hamas-war-gaza-ef0b83ef2a7ca8c727288b50037287e5">two American-flagged ships carrying cargo for the U.S. Defense and State departments came under attack by the Houthis</a>, forcing an escorting U.S. Navy warship to shoot some of the projectiles down.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-navy-houthi-attacks-red-sea-shipping-iran-8e55669e4d18cbc7007654640fa5fdc1">The U.S. Navy’s top Mideast commander told the AP</a>&nbsp;on Monday that the Houthi attacks were the worst since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ceb6e7a86bf14a9a8d8ecf81c9dcc7ef">the so-called Tanker War of the 1980s</a>. It culminated in a one-day naval battle between Washington and Tehran, and also saw the U.S. Navy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/de425ed9833b4bdaa03306f37182995f">accidentally shoot down an Iranian passenger jet</a>, killing 290 people in 1988.Meanwhile, the death toll from the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip surpassed 26,000 on Friday as the International Court of Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-genocide-court-south-africa-27cf84e16082cde798395a95e9143c06">ordered Israel</a>&nbsp;to limit deaths and damage but stopped short of demanding a cease-fire in the Palestinian territory.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-health-ministry-health-death-toll-59470820308b31f1faf73c703400b033">Health Ministry</a>&nbsp;in Hamas-ruled Gaza said that 26,083 people have been killed and more than 64,400 wounded since Oct. 7, the day militants from the territory launched a surprise attack in southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages.South Africa has accused Israel of genocide and asked the world court in The Hague, Netherlands, to impose interim measures as the case proceeds. The requested measures included ordering Israel to stop its offensive, to allow Gaza residents access to aid and to take “reasonable measures” to prevent genocide.Israel has denied committing genocide and asked the court to throw out the case, which the panel of 17 judges refused to do.

Terrorists fire missile at a US warship, escalating Mideast sea conflict 

ELLIS COUNTY —&nbsp;A KHP K9 injured in an accident on Interstate 70 in Ellis County January 12, is now recovering at home, according to a social media update from Trooper Tod Heilman.&nbsp; Igor is also expected to be back at work in a few weeks.

Trooper Budke also thanked Hillside Veterinary Clinic in Hays and Veterinary Health Center at KSU for the excellent care they provided to Igor.

On January 12, KHP troopers briefly shutdown Interstate 70 westbound between Walker and Hays to allow tow-trucks to remove a semi, involved in an earlier accident, from the median at the Walker bridge.

During the shutdown, a westbound semi struck&nbsp; State Trooper's Budke's vehicle with his K9 partner Igor in the kennel.&nbsp; 

The trooper was outside the vehicle directing traffic and not injured.&nbsp; The K9 was rushed to a local veterinarian in Hays for treatment and later spent time in Intensive Care. Igor has been with the KHP less than a year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706290916835.png" alt="Igor photo KHP" />
 <figcaption>Igor photo KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>ELLIS COUNTY —&nbsp;A KHP K9 injured in an accident on Interstate 70 in Ellis County January 12, is now recovering at home, according to a social media update from Trooper Tod Heilman.&nbsp; Igor is also expected to be back at work in a few weeks.Trooper Budke also thanked Hillside Veterinary Clinic in Hays and Veterinary Health Center at KSU for the excellent care they provided to Igor.On January 12, KHP troopers briefly shutdown Interstate 70 westbound between Walker and Hays to allow tow-trucks to remove a semi, involved in an earlier accident, from the median at the Walker bridge.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705102910212.png" alt="View of the crash scene" />
 <figcaption>View of the crash scene</figcaption>
 </figure>During the shutdown, a westbound semi struck&nbsp; State Trooper's Budke's vehicle with his K9 partner Igor in the kennel.&nbsp; The trooper was outside the vehicle directing traffic and not injured.&nbsp; The K9 was rushed to a local veterinarian in Hays for treatment and later spent time in Intensive Care. Igor has been with the KHP less than a year.

KHP K-9 injured in I-70 crash is recovering at home

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Wilson Czech Opera House has made strides in restoring the property after a fire that burned most of the building.&nbsp;

Constructed in 1901, the opera house,&nbsp;415 27th St. in Wilson, was initially called Turner Hall, made from quarried stone from five miles outside of Wilson.

Equipped with a dining hall, kitchen, gymnasium, stage floor and balcony, the opera house hosted a variety of events, including dances, gymnastics, weddings and pageants.

In November 2009, a fire from a neighboring building spread to the opera house, reducing the venue to ruins despite attempts to extinguish the flames.

President of the Wilson Czech Opera House, Allison Ford, is a former Czech dancer at the Opera House as well as having started a children's theater company within the opera house.

"I was devastated, the community was devastated because everyone had a connection with the opera house," she said.

Ford became president of the opera house in 2010 and has been working to get the opera house walls restored.&nbsp;

The Wilson Board of Directors, some of whom are descendants of the opera house's builders, initiated the restoration process despite interest in discarding the remains.

"To [the descendants on the board of directors], it was extremely important that we save the walls," she said. "There were a lot of opinions on what to do with some in the community wanting to tear it down."

Fully rebuilding the opera house proved to be an unachievable task, as Ford said the expenses could exceed well over $10 million.

To preserve the remnants of the opera house, the choice was made to transform the property into a distinctive location.

"It would be a unique venue for Wilson to have an open-air theater, we would still get to see the beauty of these stone walls," Ford said.

The outdoor theater will include a stage, newly constructed sidewalks and kiosks that will highlight the history of the opera house.

Community events, such as musical and theater performances, are anticipated to be hosted once fully redesigned.

Ford is working with the Wilson Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion, located to the west of the former opera house.&nbsp;

"We're working together so when you drive into town, not only do you see this amazing hand-painted egg but the open-air theater too," she said.

The World's Largest Hand-painted Czech Egg, standing at 20 feet high and 15 feet wide, is to the east of the former Opera House.

Ford said their mission is to create a space where both the local community and tourists can appreciate history and enjoy entertainment.

"We're hoping to have a pleasing place for tourists to come and see the egg," Ford said. "We want to create a park to show the history of Wilson and to enjoy the theater."

The opera house has received substantial support from organizations, including the Kansas Department of Commerce, Dane G Hansen Foundation and Smoky Hills Community Foundation, through grants and tax credits.

"In addition, local donations and purchases of engraved bricks for our fundraiser, which will be placed where you first walk into the opera house, have also helped," Ford said.

To buy a personalized brick with your chosen color, message and emblem, and to express your support through other initiatives, click <a href="https://www.wilsonoperahouse.com/copy-of-our-story">here</a>.

The opera house has secured complete funding for the restoration of the limestone walls. The next step involves adding the final elements to transform it into an open-air theater.

"The next phase is to put in a stage, get electricity, establish a sidewalk and get the bricks laid," Ford said. "Once we have a steel bracing up, we can take down the fence so that people can finally come in and use the facility."

The restoration of the 30-foot walls is anticipated to be completed in May for a public opening.

The required funding for the last components of the open-air theater is estimated to be $230,000. The group needs to secure the funds by 2025.

Ford said the aesthetic of Wilson will greatly improve once the fence, installed shortly after the 2009 fire, has been removed.&nbsp;

"The fence has been an eyesore for the community, so we're very excited for it to come down and create an inviting environment," she said.

For more information on the history and restoration of the Wilson Czech Opera House, click <a href="https://www.wilsonoperahouse.com/">here</a>.

You can follow Wilson Czech Opera House on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wilsonksoperahouse/">Facebook</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706222751878.jpeg" alt="The front of the Wilson Czech Opera House. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The front of the Wilson Czech Opera House. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By TONY GUERRERO Hays PostThe Wilson Czech Opera House has made strides in restoring the property after a fire that burned most of the building.&nbsp;Constructed in 1901, the opera house,&nbsp;415 27th St. in Wilson, was initially called Turner Hall, made from quarried stone from five miles outside of Wilson.Equipped with a dining hall, kitchen, gymnasium, stage floor and balcony, the opera house hosted a variety of events, including dances, gymnastics, weddings and pageants.In November 2009, a fire from a neighboring building spread to the opera house, reducing the venue to ruins despite attempts to extinguish the flames.President of the Wilson Czech Opera House, Allison Ford, is a former Czech dancer at the Opera House as well as having started a children's theater company within the opera house."I was devastated, the community was devastated because everyone had a connection with the opera house," she said.Ford became president of the opera house in 2010 and has been working to get the opera house walls restored.&nbsp;The Wilson Board of Directors, some of whom are descendants of the opera house's builders, initiated the restoration process despite interest in discarding the remains."To [the descendants on the board of directors], it was extremely important that we save the walls," she said. "There were a lot of opinions on what to do with some in the community wanting to tear it down."Fully rebuilding the opera house proved to be an unachievable task, as Ford said the expenses could exceed well over $10 million.To preserve the remnants of the opera house, the choice was made to transform the property into a distinctive location. "It would be a unique venue for Wilson to have an open-air theater, we would still get to see the beauty of these stone walls," Ford said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706049503349.jpeg" alt="Rendering of an open-air theater with steel bracing at the former location of the Wilson Czech Opera House. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Rendering of an open-air theater with steel bracing at the former location of the Wilson Czech Opera House. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The outdoor theater will include a stage, newly constructed sidewalks and kiosks that will highlight the history of the opera house.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706049487128.jpeg" alt="A top-view rendering of an open-air theater at the former location of the Wilson Czech Opera House with shade tents. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>A top-view rendering of an open-air theater at the former location of the Wilson Czech Opera House with shade tents. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Community events, such as musical and theater performances, are anticipated to be hosted once fully redesigned.Ford is working with the Wilson Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion, located to the west of the former opera house.&nbsp;"We're working together so when you drive into town, not only do you see this amazing hand-painted egg but the open-air theater too," she said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706221310725.jpeg" alt="The World's Largest Hand-painted Czech Egg located near the former Opera House. Courtesy Photo." />
 <figcaption>The World's Largest Hand-painted Czech Egg located near the former Opera House. Courtesy Photo.</figcaption>
 </figure>The World's Largest Hand-painted Czech Egg, standing at 20 feet high and 15 feet wide, is to the east of the former Opera House.Ford said their mission is to create a space where both the local community and tourists can appreciate history and enjoy entertainment."We're hoping to have a pleasing place for tourists to come and see the egg," Ford said. "We want to create a park to show the history of Wilson and to enjoy the theater."The opera house has received substantial support from organizations, including the Kansas Department of Commerce, Dane G Hansen Foundation and Smoky Hills Community Foundation, through grants and tax credits."In addition, local donations and purchases of engraved bricks for our fundraiser, which will be placed where you first walk into the opera house, have also helped," Ford said.To buy a personalized brick with your chosen color, message and emblem, and to express your support through other initiatives, click <a href="https://www.wilsonoperahouse.com/copy-of-our-story">here</a>.The opera house has secured complete funding for the restoration of the limestone walls. The next step involves adding the final elements to transform it into an open-air theater."The next phase is to put in a stage, get electricity, establish a sidewalk and get the bricks laid," Ford said. "Once we have a steel bracing up, we can take down the fence so that people can finally come in and use the facility."The restoration of the 30-foot walls is anticipated to be completed in May for a public opening.The required funding for the last components of the open-air theater is estimated to be $230,000. The group needs to secure the funds by 2025.Ford said the aesthetic of Wilson will greatly improve once the fence, installed shortly after the 2009 fire, has been removed.&nbsp;"The fence has been an eyesore for the community, so we're very excited for it to come down and create an inviting environment," she said.For more information on the history and restoration of the Wilson Czech Opera House, click <a href="https://www.wilsonoperahouse.com/">here</a>.You can follow Wilson Czech Opera House on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wilsonksoperahouse/">Facebook</a>.

Former Wilson Czech Opera House to become open-air theater

KANSAS CITY —A space heater started a house fire Thursday in Kansas City.

Just before 10:30p.m., crews responded to the report of a house fire in the 5900 block of Agnes, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First responders reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a single-story residence. . A search of the home came back all clear. 

After an investigation by the KCFD, it was determined that this fire was started by a space heater too close to other flammable items.&nbsp;There were no injuries reported at this incident. Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

KANSAS CITY —A space heater started a house fire Thursday in Kansas City.Just before 10:30p.m., crews responded to the report of a house fire in the 5900 block of Agnes, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First responders reported heavy smoke and fire showing from a single-story residence. . A search of the home came back all clear. After an investigation by the KCFD, it was determined that this fire was started by a space heater too close to other flammable items.&nbsp;There were no injuries reported at this incident. Authorities did not release a damage estimate.

Battalion Chief: Space heater started Kansas City house fire

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the theft of a Jackie Robinson statue in Wichita released security camera video of the crime. It shows the vandals cut the League 42 statue off just above Jackie Robinson's feet, load it into a truck and take it away.&nbsp;

According to the city, the crime occurred around midnight Wednesday, at the Jackie Robinson Pavilion in McAdams Park,&nbsp; 1329 E 16th Street N, Interstate 135 and 13th Street area.

League 42, named in honor of the great Jackie Robinson, the first African-American in Major League Baseball, is a youth baseball league comprised primarily of urban children ages 5 – 14 in the Wichita area, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://league42.org/">organization's web site.</a>

Police are asking for help to find the perpetrators of this crime. Please call investigators at 316-268-4407 or call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706281113254.png" alt="Image from the security camera from Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image from the security camera from Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the theft of a Jackie Robinson statue in Wichita released security camera video of the crime. It shows the vandals cut the League 42 statue off just above Jackie Robinson's feet, load it into a truck and take it away.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706274871424.png" alt="Security camera image Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera image Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the city, the crime occurred around midnight Wednesday, at the Jackie Robinson Pavilion in McAdams Park,&nbsp; 1329 E 16th Street N, Interstate 135 and 13th Street area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706214143377.png" alt="photo City of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>photo City of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706214116336.png" alt="photo city of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>photo city of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>League 42, named in honor of the great Jackie Robinson, the first African-American in Major League Baseball, is a youth baseball league comprised primarily of urban children ages 5 – 14 in the Wichita area, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://league42.org/">organization's web site.</a>Police are asking for help to find the perpetrators of this crime. Please call investigators at 316-268-4407 or call Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111

Security camera shows theft of $75K statue from Kan. youth baseball facility  

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

Interest in industrial hemp among farmers weakened by regulatory, economic forces

TOPEKA — The Kansas House agriculture committee voted to perform a gut-and-go overhaul of a hemp regulation bill to narrow scope of the legislation to reductions in annual licensing fees for the plant’s producers and processors to invigorate interest in the alternative crop.

The measure adopted on a voice vote by the Republican-led committee would reduce the state licensing fee for hemp producers from $1,200 per year to no more than $500.

In terms of hemp processors, the new version of House Bill 2168 would cap the state’s licensing fee at $500. Currently, the fee has stood at $1,000 for businesses extracting cannabinoids and $500 for those not extracting that substance.

Rep. Ken Rahjes, the Agra Republican who chairs the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, said the adjustments had the potential to inspire interest in working with hemp as a field crop while sidestepping opposition in the Legislature to the original bill.

“As folks have discussed,” Rahjes said, “in order to get industrial hemp moving forward this was where most agreement was. This is one to try to move the industry forward. I see this as a building block.”

Dropped from the House bill introduced during the 2023 session was a plan to offer more convenient two-year license and registration periods rather than the current one-year approach. It would have permitted the secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture to adopt a less-intrusive inspection method for industrial hemp. The previous version would have exempted certain hemp processors from fingerprinting and background check requirements.

Finally, the abandoned bill would had invited dissension with a provision advancing the idea of using hemp fiber, grain and seeds to feed livestock, poultry or pets.

Kelly Rippel, co-founder and president of Kansans for Hemp and a member of the industrial hemp advisory board with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, said Kansas had about 200 hemp farmers in 2019, but the number had fallen to about 40.

Rippel said early interest was in growing floral varieties of hemp, while the future in Kansas agriculture was in fiber, grain and seed production. Other states had significantly lower fees than Kansas, he said, including some with no fees that treated farmers who grew hemp as they would farmers working with corn, soybeans or wheat.

“They wish there wasn’t so much red tape,” said Rippel, who said environmental conditions in Kansas were good for hemp. “Kansas is extremely favorable to hemp. It grows wild in every corner of the state.”

Rep. Brett Fairchild, R-St. John and a farmer, said adoption of lower fees could lead farmers to experiment with hemp as a crop.

“I talked to a lot of people in my area who said they would be interested in farming hemp, but the fees on it right now are so high it really is hardly possible for people to do it,” Fairchild said.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials, an independent organization that has been guiding state, federal and international feed regulators with ingredient definitions, label standards and laboratory protocols, recently granted tentative approval for incorporation of hemp seed meal into feed for laying hens.

Rep. Fred Gardner, a Garnett Republican and a veterinarian, said he would be concerned about introducing hemp meal to livestock and poultry because CBD concentrations could become excessive. He also said a common cause of poisoning among dogs was ingestion of CBD.

In addition, Gardner said hemp plant were vulnerable to invasion by toxic fungus that could be transferred to the nation’s milk supply. The plant was a known accumulator of heavy metals such as lead and mercury, he said.

“At what point do we need to be concerned about the safety of animals that are consuming this product?” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706277422677.png" alt="Reps. Jim Minnix of Scott City, Lisa Moser of Wheaton and Ken Rahjes, left to right, wrap up a House Agriculture Committee meeting after endorsing a bill lowering state fees for hemp producers and processors. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption>Reps. Jim Minnix of Scott City, Lisa Moser of Wheaton and Ken Rahjes, left to right, wrap up a House Agriculture Committee meeting after endorsing a bill lowering state fees for hemp producers and processors. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/tim-carpenter/">TIM CARPENTER</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a><h2>Interest in industrial hemp among farmers weakened by regulatory, economic forces</h2>TOPEKA — The Kansas House agriculture committee voted to perform a gut-and-go overhaul of a hemp regulation bill to narrow scope of the legislation to reductions in annual licensing fees for the plant’s producers and processors to invigorate interest in the alternative crop.The measure adopted on a voice vote by the Republican-led committee would reduce the state licensing fee for hemp producers from $1,200 per year to no more than $500.In terms of hemp processors, the new version of House Bill 2168 would cap the state’s licensing fee at $500. Currently, the fee has stood at $1,000 for businesses extracting cannabinoids and $500 for those not extracting that substance.Rep. Ken Rahjes, the Agra Republican who chairs the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, said the adjustments had the potential to inspire interest in working with hemp as a field crop while sidestepping opposition in the Legislature to the original bill.“As folks have discussed,” Rahjes said, “in order to get industrial hemp moving forward this was where most agreement was. This is one to try to move the industry forward. I see this as a building block.”Dropped from the House bill introduced during the 2023 session was a plan to offer more convenient two-year license and registration periods rather than the current one-year approach. It would have permitted the secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture to adopt a less-intrusive inspection method for industrial hemp. The previous version would have exempted certain hemp processors from fingerprinting and background check requirements.Finally, the abandoned bill would had invited dissension with a provision advancing the idea of using hemp fiber, grain and seeds to feed livestock, poultry or pets.Kelly Rippel, co-founder and president of Kansans for Hemp and a member of the industrial hemp advisory board with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, said Kansas had about 200 hemp farmers in 2019, but the number had fallen to about 40.Rippel said early interest was in growing floral varieties of hemp, while the future in Kansas agriculture was in fiber, grain and seed production. Other states had significantly lower fees than Kansas, he said, including some with no fees that treated farmers who grew hemp as they would farmers working with corn, soybeans or wheat.“They wish there wasn’t so much red tape,” said Rippel, who said environmental conditions in Kansas were good for hemp. “Kansas is extremely favorable to hemp. It grows wild in every corner of the state.”Rep. Brett Fairchild, R-St. John and a farmer, said adoption of lower fees could lead farmers to experiment with hemp as a crop.“I talked to a lot of people in my area who said they would be interested in farming hemp, but the fees on it right now are so high it really is hardly possible for people to do it,” Fairchild said.The Association of American Feed Control Officials, an independent organization that has been guiding state, federal and international feed regulators with ingredient definitions, label standards and laboratory protocols, recently granted tentative approval for incorporation of hemp seed meal into feed for laying hens.Rep. Fred Gardner, a Garnett Republican and a veterinarian, said he would be concerned about introducing hemp meal to livestock and poultry because CBD concentrations could become excessive. He also said a common cause of poisoning among dogs was ingestion of CBD.In addition, Gardner said hemp plant were vulnerable to invasion by toxic fungus that could be transferred to the nation’s milk supply. The plant was a known accumulator of heavy metals such as lead and mercury, he said.“At what point do we need to be concerned about the safety of animals that are consuming this product?” he said.

Kan. House committee votes to cut in half state license fees for hemp growers, processors

SHELBY COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement authorities investigating an officer-involved shooting that injured a suspect and a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper have filed charges in the case.

Erik Prange, 51, of Moberly, Missouri, is now charged with four counts of armed criminal action and four counts of first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer causing serious physical injury, following the investigation by the MSHP's Division of Drug and Crime Control.&nbsp; He remains hospitalized. The State Trooper was treated and released from the hospital.

Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, Northeast Missouri Emergency Communications requested&nbsp; assistance locating a suspect alleged to have previously fled in a vehicle from Adams County, Illinois Sheriff's Deputies and Quincy Police, according to a statement from the MSHP Troop B.

The suspect vehicle was believe to have entered Missouri westbound on U.S. 36. At 8:16p.m. MSHP troopers located the vehicle west of Hannibal and attempted a stop resulting in a pursuit.

Troopers successfully deployed spike strips and the vehicle exited U.S. 36 at Missouri 151 in Clarence and stopped. The driver, later identified as Prange, exited the vehicle armed with a rifle and began firing at troopers. Troopers returned fire striking the suspect. Prange sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital.&nbsp;

During the exchange of gunfire, a MSHP trooper was wounded. The trooper was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

SHELBY COUNTY, Mo. —Law enforcement authorities investigating an officer-involved shooting that injured a suspect and a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper have filed charges in the case.Erik Prange, 51, of Moberly, Missouri, is now charged with four counts of armed criminal action and four counts of first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer causing serious physical injury, following the investigation by the MSHP's Division of Drug and Crime Control.&nbsp; He remains hospitalized. The State Trooper was treated and released from the hospital.Just before 8p.m. Wednesday, Northeast Missouri Emergency Communications requested&nbsp; assistance locating a suspect alleged to have previously fled in a vehicle from Adams County, Illinois Sheriff's Deputies and Quincy Police, according to a statement from the MSHP Troop B.The suspect vehicle was believe to have entered Missouri westbound on U.S. 36. At 8:16p.m. MSHP troopers located the vehicle west of Hannibal and attempted a stop resulting in a pursuit.Troopers successfully deployed spike strips and the vehicle exited U.S. 36 at Missouri 151 in Clarence and stopped. The driver, later identified as Prange, exited the vehicle armed with a rifle and began firing at troopers. Troopers returned fire striking the suspect. Prange sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital.&nbsp;During the exchange of gunfire, a MSHP trooper was wounded. The trooper was transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.&nbsp;

Suspect charged after gunfight that wounded Mo. State Trooper 

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on alleged sex crimes.

Just after 1a.m. Thursday, deputies arrested 49-year-old Chad Steven Tyler of Meriden, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

&nbsp;Tyler was arrested on a Jackson County District Court Warrant by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The warrant was issued following&nbsp;a Jackson County Sheriff&nbsp;investigation into an alleged sexual assault that took place on January 16, 2024, in&nbsp;southern Jackson County.

 Tyler was booked into the Jackson County Jail for rape and aggravated sexual battery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706196870071.png" alt="Tyler-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Tyler-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on alleged sex crimes.Just after 1a.m. Thursday, deputies arrested 49-year-old Chad Steven Tyler of Meriden, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.&nbsp;Tyler was arrested on a Jackson County District Court Warrant by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The warrant was issued following&nbsp;a Jackson County Sheriff&nbsp;investigation into an alleged sexual assault that took place on January 16, 2024, in&nbsp;southern Jackson County. Tyler was booked into the Jackson County Jail for rape and aggravated sexual battery.

Sheriff: Kansas deputies capture alleged rape suspect

FRANKLIN COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), along with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, have arrested two murder suspects.&nbsp;

Just before 9p.m. July 28, sheriff's deputies responded to 1805 John Brown Road, near Princeton, Kansas, in rural Franklin County after gunfire was reported. Deputies found Nathan Boggs, 42, of Ottawa, suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving measures Boggs died at the scene.

After a six month investigation, KBI agents and Franklin County deputies arrested 41-year-old Timothy S. Corn, of Ottawa, at the Franklin County Courthouse on Thursday. Corn was arrested on a warrant for first-degree murder and interference with law enforcement.

Jessica D. Smith, 33, of Ottawa, was arrested at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at 6575 E. 213th&nbsp;St. in Quenemo, Kansas. Smith was also arrested on a warrant for first-degree murder and interference with law enforcement.

The arrests occurred without incident. Corn and Smith were booked into the Franklin County Jail.&nbsp;

The Franklin County Attorney’s Office is expected to prosecute the case.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706267686750.png" alt="Corn-photo Franklin Co." />
 <figcaption>Corn-photo Franklin Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FRANKLIN COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), along with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, have arrested two murder suspects.&nbsp;Just before 9p.m. July 28, sheriff's deputies responded to 1805 John Brown Road, near Princeton, Kansas, in rural Franklin County after gunfire was reported. Deputies found Nathan Boggs, 42, of Ottawa, suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving measures Boggs died at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706267607628.png" alt="Smith-photo Franklin Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith-photo Franklin Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>After a six month investigation, KBI agents and Franklin County deputies arrested 41-year-old Timothy S. Corn, of Ottawa, at the Franklin County Courthouse on Thursday. Corn was arrested on a warrant for first-degree murder and interference with law enforcement.Jessica D. Smith, 33, of Ottawa, was arrested at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday at 6575 E. 213th&nbsp;St. in Quenemo, Kansas. Smith was also arrested on a warrant for first-degree murder and interference with law enforcement.The arrests occurred without incident. Corn and Smith were booked into the Franklin County Jail.&nbsp;The Franklin County Attorney’s Office is expected to prosecute the case.&nbsp;

2 arrested after 6-month investigation of rural Kansas murder

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The Republican National Committee has pulled a resolution to consider declaring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;the party’s “presumptive 2024 nominee" before he formally clinches the requisite number of delegates, a person familiar with the decision said Thursday.

News of the withdrawal came shortly after Trump posted on his Truth Social site that, while he “greatly” appreciated the notion, he felt, “for the sake of PARTY UNITY, that they should NOT go forward with this plan, but that I should do it the ‘Old Fashioned’ way, and finish the process off AT THE BALLOT BOX.”

The measure, according to a draft obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, had said it “declares President Trump as our presumptive 2024 nominee for the office of President of the United States and from this moment forward moves into full general election mode welcoming supporters of all candidates as valued members of Team Trump 2024.”

The withdrawal was confirmed by a person familiar with the decision who was not authorized to publicly discuss the proposal and spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday night.

If approved, the measure would have further solidified Trump's control of the party and its operation at a time when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haley-new-hampshire-south-carolina-trump-sfa-inc-0a76fb3e5064b0ed1b9bb4c2fd36dee1">former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is still competing</a>&nbsp;against Trump for the GOP nomination.

RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel had earlier signaled her approval for the resolution. On Tuesday, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-new-hampshire-primary-two-candidate-race-72a59c4133879eaeec63d6ed30e91e01">Haley finished second to Trump in New Hampshire</a>, McDaniel said that while she felt the former ambassador had “run a great campaign,” Republicans “need to unite around our eventual nominee, which is going to be Donald Trump.”

The resolution had been expected to be discussed at the RNC's winter meeting in Las Vegas next week, even though only two states have voted and the former president had nowhere near the requisite number of delegates to secure the nomination.

Haley’s camp said Thursday that it wasn’t up to the RNC to decide who the GOP nominee would be.

“Who cares what the RNC says? We’ll let millions of Republican voters across the country decide who should be our party’s nominee, not a bunch of Washington insiders,” said campaign spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas.

The AP has a policy to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-new-hampshire-nominee-election-29c4164ee0071ebe1205fdc900bd601a">not refer to any candidate as the “presumptive nominee”</a>&nbsp;until he or she has captured the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-election-2024-delegate-tracker">delegates needed</a>&nbsp;to win a majority vote at the national party conventions this summer. The earliest that could happen is March.

But there were no party rules prohibiting the RNC from making such a move. If it had been adopted, it could have given the Republican Party a jump-start on planning a general election matchup with Democratic President Joe Biden, who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-general-election-new-hampshire-democrats-bee6a99475f9fa68e2cf57d6fca0d705">begun framing his reelection campaign</a>&nbsp;as a 2020 rematch against Trump.

There was also precedent for the committee to declare a candidate the presumptive nominee before winning the 1,215 requisite delegates to clinch the nomination. Then-RNC Chair Reince Priebus did so with Trump in May 2016.

Despite losing both the Iowa and New Hampshire contests to Trump, Haley has argued that her performance — outlasting all the other Trump rivals — shows the strength of her candidacy.

Trump currently has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-election-2024-delegate-tracker">32 delegates to Haley's 17</a>. There is one delegate left to be assigned after the New Hampshire contest.

During a rally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haley-new-hampshire-south-carolina-trump-sfa-inc-0a76fb3e5064b0ed1b9bb4c2fd36dee1">Wednesday night</a>&nbsp;in her home state of South Carolina, Haley — the former governor — noted that her campaign had brought in more than $1 million since her second-place finish in New Hampshire. Trump followed up with a remark that appeared aimed at intimidating her donors.

“Anybody that makes a ‘Contribution’ to Birdbrain, from this moment forth, will be permanently barred from the MAGA camp,” Trump wrote, using the nickname he has crafted for Haley and the abbreviation for his “Make America Great Again” slogan. “We don’t want them, and will not accept them, because we Put America First, and ALWAYS WILL!”

Haley's campaign said Thursday that it raised an additional $1.2 million “after Trump’s unhinged pledge to ‘permanently bar’ any individual who contributed to Haley’s campaign.”

“Donald Trump’s threats highlight the stark choice in this election: personal vendettas or real conservative leadership,” said Haley spokesperson AnnMarie Graham-Barnes. “Trump’s scheme blew up in his face. The contributions to the Haley campaign are pouring in — proof that people are sick of the drama and are rallying behind Nikki’s vision for a strong and proud America.”

Trump’s dismissal of any Haley donors had no effect on T.J. Petrizzo, a former top Capitol Hill staffer and now lobbyist who supports Haley.

“That’s something out of a ‘Godfather’ movie. Never betray the family? Come on,” he added. “You’ve got to play this through.”

Petrizzo said he understands that some Republicans may be ready to pivot to a head-to-head contest between Trump and Biden, but he notes that there is a lot of time left before a general election.

“I’ve heard a lot of elected officials in the Republican Party, including the RNC chair, say, ‘We need to rally around a candidate.’ That this is going to be our candidate. ‘It was chosen by Iowa and New Hampshire, so we must go ahead and rally around Trump,’” Petrizzo said. “Well, there’s 285 days until the election. There’s plenty of time on the clock.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706097331546.png" alt="Trump currently has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-election-2024-delegate-tracker">32 delegates to Haley's 17</a>. There is one delegate left to be assigned after the New Hampshire contest. photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Trump currently has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-election-2024-delegate-tracker">32 delegates to Haley's 17</a>. There is one delegate left to be assigned after the New Hampshire contest. photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The Republican National Committee has pulled a resolution to consider declaring&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;the party’s “presumptive 2024 nominee" before he formally clinches the requisite number of delegates, a person familiar with the decision said Thursday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706266786900.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News of the withdrawal came shortly after Trump posted on his Truth Social site that, while he “greatly” appreciated the notion, he felt, “for the sake of PARTY UNITY, that they should NOT go forward with this plan, but that I should do it the ‘Old Fashioned’ way, and finish the process off AT THE BALLOT BOX.”The measure, according to a draft obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, had said it “declares President Trump as our presumptive 2024 nominee for the office of President of the United States and from this moment forward moves into full general election mode welcoming supporters of all candidates as valued members of Team Trump 2024.”The withdrawal was confirmed by a person familiar with the decision who was not authorized to publicly discuss the proposal and spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday night.If approved, the measure would have further solidified Trump's control of the party and its operation at a time when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haley-new-hampshire-south-carolina-trump-sfa-inc-0a76fb3e5064b0ed1b9bb4c2fd36dee1">former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is still competing</a>&nbsp;against Trump for the GOP nomination.RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel had earlier signaled her approval for the resolution. On Tuesday, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-new-hampshire-primary-two-candidate-race-72a59c4133879eaeec63d6ed30e91e01">Haley finished second to Trump in New Hampshire</a>, McDaniel said that while she felt the former ambassador had “run a great campaign,” Republicans “need to unite around our eventual nominee, which is going to be Donald Trump.”The resolution had been expected to be discussed at the RNC's winter meeting in Las Vegas next week, even though only two states have voted and the former president had nowhere near the requisite number of delegates to secure the nomination.Haley’s camp said Thursday that it wasn’t up to the RNC to decide who the GOP nominee would be.“Who cares what the RNC says? We’ll let millions of Republican voters across the country decide who should be our party’s nominee, not a bunch of Washington insiders,” said campaign spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas.The AP has a policy to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/president-new-hampshire-nominee-election-29c4164ee0071ebe1205fdc900bd601a">not refer to any candidate as the “presumptive nominee”</a>&nbsp;until he or she has captured the number of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-election-2024-delegate-tracker">delegates needed</a>&nbsp;to win a majority vote at the national party conventions this summer. The earliest that could happen is March.But there were no party rules prohibiting the RNC from making such a move. If it had been adopted, it could have given the Republican Party a jump-start on planning a general election matchup with Democratic President Joe Biden, who has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-trump-general-election-new-hampshire-democrats-bee6a99475f9fa68e2cf57d6fca0d705">begun framing his reelection campaign</a>&nbsp;as a 2020 rematch against Trump.There was also precedent for the committee to declare a candidate the presumptive nominee before winning the 1,215 requisite delegates to clinch the nomination. Then-RNC Chair Reince Priebus did so with Trump in May 2016.Despite losing both the Iowa and New Hampshire contests to Trump, Haley has argued that her performance — outlasting all the other Trump rivals — shows the strength of her candidacy.Trump currently has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ap-election-2024-delegate-tracker">32 delegates to Haley's 17</a>. There is one delegate left to be assigned after the New Hampshire contest.During a rally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/haley-new-hampshire-south-carolina-trump-sfa-inc-0a76fb3e5064b0ed1b9bb4c2fd36dee1">Wednesday night</a>&nbsp;in her home state of South Carolina, Haley — the former governor — noted that her campaign had brought in more than $1 million since her second-place finish in New Hampshire. Trump followed up with a remark that appeared aimed at intimidating her donors.“Anybody that makes a ‘Contribution’ to Birdbrain, from this moment forth, will be permanently barred from the MAGA camp,” Trump wrote, using the nickname he has crafted for Haley and the abbreviation for his “Make America Great Again” slogan. “We don’t want them, and will not accept them, because we Put America First, and ALWAYS WILL!”Haley's campaign said Thursday that it raised an additional $1.2 million “after Trump’s unhinged pledge to ‘permanently bar’ any individual who contributed to Haley’s campaign.”“Donald Trump’s threats highlight the stark choice in this election: personal vendettas or real conservative leadership,” said Haley spokesperson AnnMarie Graham-Barnes. “Trump’s scheme blew up in his face. The contributions to the Haley campaign are pouring in — proof that people are sick of the drama and are rallying behind Nikki’s vision for a strong and proud America.”Trump’s dismissal of any Haley donors had no effect on T.J. Petrizzo, a former top Capitol Hill staffer and now lobbyist who supports Haley.“That’s something out of a ‘Godfather’ movie. Never betray the family? Come on,” he added. “You’ve got to play this through.”Petrizzo said he understands that some Republicans may be ready to pivot to a head-to-head contest between Trump and Biden, but he notes that there is a lot of time left before a general election.“I’ve heard a lot of elected officials in the Republican Party, including the RNC chair, say, ‘We need to rally around a candidate.’ That this is going to be our candidate. ‘It was chosen by Iowa and New Hampshire, so we must go ahead and rally around Trump,’” Petrizzo said. “Well, there’s 285 days until the election. There’s plenty of time on the clock.”

RNC pulls resolution declaring Trump as the 'presumptive 2024 nominee'

NEW YORK (AP) — A Seattle man who police say has been stalking and harassing Taylor Swift was ordered held without bail Thursday after he was arrested three times in recent days in front of the pop star's home in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood.

David Crowe, 33, was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on a misdemeanor charge of second-degree criminal contempt, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office. He was also ordered to undergo a psychiatric exam.

Prosecutors said Crowe violated a protective order issued Wednesday mandating he stay away from Swift and her home and refrain from any communication with her.

Crowe was arrested Wednesday by officers responding to complaints of an emotionally disturbed man acting erratically near Swift’s townhouse. He was arraigned and issued the protection order, but a short time later he was arrested again near Swift’s residence.

Court documents say an unidentified security worker had spotted Crowe near the singer’s home about 30 times since Nov. 25. Crowe was asked about 10 times not to approach the building or to leave, according to prosecutors.

New York County Defender Services, which is representing Crowe, declined to comment Thursday. “We have no additional statement," spokesperson Lupe Todd-Medina wrote in an email. "We rely on the statements made in court today.”

Swift’s Manhattan townhouse has been the scene of several break-ins when Swift wasn’t there, including by some who were identified as stalkers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706236308205.png" alt="FILE - Taylor Swift enters Arrowhead Stadium before the start of an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals, Dec. 31, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. David Crowe, a Seattle man who police say has been stalking and harassing Swift, was ordered held without bail Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, after he was arrested three times in recent days in front of the pop star's home in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - Taylor Swift enters Arrowhead Stadium before the start of an NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals, Dec. 31, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. David Crowe, a Seattle man who police say has been stalking and harassing Swift, was ordered held without bail Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, after he was arrested three times in recent days in front of the pop star's home in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — A Seattle man who police say has been stalking and harassing Taylor Swift was ordered held without bail Thursday after he was arrested three times in recent days in front of the pop star's home in Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood.David Crowe, 33, was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on a misdemeanor charge of second-degree criminal contempt, according to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office. He was also ordered to undergo a psychiatric exam.Prosecutors said Crowe violated a protective order issued Wednesday mandating he stay away from Swift and her home and refrain from any communication with her.Crowe was arrested Wednesday by officers responding to complaints of an emotionally disturbed man acting erratically near Swift’s townhouse. He was arraigned and issued the protection order, but a short time later he was arrested again near Swift’s residence.Court documents say an unidentified security worker had spotted Crowe near the singer’s home about 30 times since Nov. 25. Crowe was asked about 10 times not to approach the building or to leave, according to prosecutors.New York County Defender Services, which is representing Crowe, declined to comment Thursday. “We have no additional statement," spokesperson Lupe Todd-Medina wrote in an email. "We rely on the statements made in court today.”Swift’s Manhattan townhouse has been the scene of several break-ins when Swift wasn’t there, including by some who were identified as stalkers.

After 3rd arrest Taylor Swift stalker held without bail

KANSAS CITY – A 32-year-old man was sentenced in federal court for recording his sexual abuse of a seven-year-old victim and sharing a video of the abuse online, according to the United State's Attorney.

Jeffrey A. Knight of Kansas City was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 23 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Knight to 15 years of supervised release following incarceration.

On Aug. 8, 2023, Knight pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography. Knight admitted that he used his iPhone to create an image and two video recordings of his sexual abuse of the child victim on Feb. 2, 2020. Knight then distributed one of those videos over the internet.

Knight also admitted that he sexually abused the child victim on multiple occasions until April 2022.

Knight has been involved in the trafficking and possession of child pornography since at least 2013. He routinely used messaging applications, such as Telegram, to send and receive child pornography from other individuals over the internet. He also paid money to join online groups that focused on the trafficking of child pornography, and engaged in the trafficking of child pornography with other members of those online groups.

Knight uploaded hundreds of images and videos of child pornography to his online storage accounts, including Google and Dropbox, from 2013 until his arrest on Feb. 3, 2023. Knight was in possession of hundreds of images and videos of child pornography at the time of his arrest.

KANSAS CITY – A 32-year-old man was sentenced in federal court for recording his sexual abuse of a seven-year-old victim and sharing a video of the abuse online, according to the United State's Attorney.Jeffrey A. Knight of Kansas City was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 23 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Knight to 15 years of supervised release following incarceration.On Aug. 8, 2023, Knight pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography. Knight admitted that he used his iPhone to create an image and two video recordings of his sexual abuse of the child victim on Feb. 2, 2020. Knight then distributed one of those videos over the internet.Knight also admitted that he sexually abused the child victim on multiple occasions until April 2022.Knight has been involved in the trafficking and possession of child pornography since at least 2013. He routinely used messaging applications, such as Telegram, to send and receive child pornography from other individuals over the internet. He also paid money to join online groups that focused on the trafficking of child pornography, and engaged in the trafficking of child pornography with other members of those online groups.Knight uploaded hundreds of images and videos of child pornography to his online storage accounts, including Google and Dropbox, from 2013 until his arrest on Feb. 3, 2023. Knight was in possession of hundreds of images and videos of child pornography at the time of his arrest.

KC man admits using phone to record sex abuse of child

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three woman on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday P.M., a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a passenger car for a traffic violation east on 126th Road from U.S. 75 Highway, according to Sheriff Tim Morse

In the vehicle, the deputy discovered a hallucinogenic drug, a handgun and possession of a controlled substance. 

The driver, Dakota Chanel Rooks, 23, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was arrested on requested charges of driving under the influence, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a hallucinogenic drug.

The front seat passenger Sophia Claire Hughes, 24, of Eudora, Kansas, was arrested on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of paraphernalia and probation violations.

The back seat passenger, Aliesha Marie Starks, 24, of Topeka was arrested on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of a controlled substance, open container and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706134359175.png" alt="Rooks-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Rooks-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three woman on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just after 11:30p.m. Tuesday P.M., a Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a passenger car for a traffic violation east on 126th Road from U.S. 75 Highway, according to Sheriff Tim MorseIn the vehicle, the deputy discovered a hallucinogenic drug, a handgun and possession of a controlled substance. The driver, Dakota Chanel Rooks, 23, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was arrested on requested charges of driving under the influence, criminal possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a hallucinogenic drug.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706134332505.png" alt="Hughes-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hughes-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The front seat passenger Sophia Claire Hughes, 24, of Eudora, Kansas, was arrested on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of paraphernalia and probation violations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1706134305559.png" alt="Starks-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Starks-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The back seat passenger, Aliesha Marie Starks, 24, of Topeka was arrested on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of a controlled substance, open container and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.

Sheriff: 3 women caught transporting drugs in Kansas

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon-owned Ring will stop allowing police departments to request doorbell camera footage from users, marking an end to a feature that has drawn criticism from privacy advocates.

In a blog post on Wednesday, Ring said it will sunset the “Request for Assistance” tool, which allows police departments and other public safety agencies to request and receive video captured by the doorbell cameras through Ring’s Neighbors app.

The company did not provide a reason for the change, which will be effective starting this week.

Eric Kuhn, the head of Neighbors, said in the announcement that law enforcement agencies will still be able to make public posts in the Neighbors app. Police and other agencies can also still use the app to “share helpful safety tips, updates, and community events,” Kuhn said.

The update is the latest restriction Ring has made to police activity on the Neighbors app following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-9371972bf7bf4f28949a6167a75b3c85">concerns raised by privacy watchdogs</a>&nbsp;about the company’s relationship with police departments across the country.

Critics have stressed the proliferation of these relationships – and users’ ability to report what they see as suspicious behavior - can change neighborhoods into a place of constant surveillance and lead to more instances of racial profiling.

In a bid to increase transparency, Ring changed its policy in 2021 to make police requests publicly visible through its Neighbors app. Previously, law enforcement agencies were able to send Ring owners who lived near an area of an active investigation private emails requesting video footage.

“Now, Ring hopefully will altogether be out of the business of platforming casual and warrantless police requests for footage to its users,” Matthew Guariglia, a senior policy analyst at the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Law enforcement agencies can still access videos using a search warrant. Ring also maintains the right to share footage without user consent in limited circumstances.

In mid-2022, Ring disclosed it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-edward-markey-congress-government-and-politics-244f59188ee3414495452c955c11b89b">handed over 11 videos to police without notifying users</a>&nbsp;that year due to “exigent or emergency” circumstances, one of the categories that allow it to share videos without permission from owners. However, Guariglia, of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said the group remains skeptical about the ability of police and the company to determine what is or is not an emergency.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1672512292412.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon-owned Ring will stop allowing police departments to request doorbell camera footage from users, marking an end to a feature that has drawn criticism from privacy advocates.In a blog post on Wednesday, Ring said it will sunset the “Request for Assistance” tool, which allows police departments and other public safety agencies to request and receive video captured by the doorbell cameras through Ring’s Neighbors app.The company did not provide a reason for the change, which will be effective starting this week.Eric Kuhn, the head of Neighbors, said in the announcement that law enforcement agencies will still be able to make public posts in the Neighbors app. Police and other agencies can also still use the app to “share helpful safety tips, updates, and community events,” Kuhn said.The update is the latest restriction Ring has made to police activity on the Neighbors app following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-9371972bf7bf4f28949a6167a75b3c85">concerns raised by privacy watchdogs</a>&nbsp;about the company’s relationship with police departments across the country.Critics have stressed the proliferation of these relationships – and users’ ability to report what they see as suspicious behavior - can change neighborhoods into a place of constant surveillance and lead to more instances of racial profiling.In a bid to increase transparency, Ring changed its policy in 2021 to make police requests publicly visible through its Neighbors app. Previously, law enforcement agencies were able to send Ring owners who lived near an area of an active investigation private emails requesting video footage.“Now, Ring hopefully will altogether be out of the business of platforming casual and warrantless police requests for footage to its users,” Matthew Guariglia, a senior policy analyst at the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation, said in a statement on Wednesday.Law enforcement agencies can still access videos using a search warrant. Ring also maintains the right to share footage without user consent in limited circumstances.In mid-2022, Ring disclosed it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-edward-markey-congress-government-and-politics-244f59188ee3414495452c955c11b89b">handed over 11 videos to police without notifying users</a>&nbsp;that year due to “exigent or emergency” circumstances, one of the categories that allow it to share videos without permission from owners. However, Guariglia, of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said the group remains skeptical about the ability of police and the company to determine what is or is not an emergency.