BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s prime minister announced Tuesday that the Islamic State militant group’s leader in Iraq was killed in a military operation along with eight of the group’s other senior leaders.‎ U.S. officials said two American service members were injured in the joint raid overnight Monday that was conducted by U.S. and Iraqi forces.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said Jassim al-Mazroui Abu Abdul Qader was killed in an operation by counterterrorism forces and the national security service under the Joint Operations Command in the Hamrin Mountains in Salahuddin province.

“There is no place for terrorists in Iraq, and we will pursue them to their hideouts and eliminate them,” al-Sudani said in a statement.

The two U.S. troops are in stable condition, said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary. He and other U.S. officials said the raid targeted senior Islamic State group leaders, but he could not confirm that Abdul Qader was killed.

He and a second U.S. official said the Pentagon is awaiting final test analysis before confirming who was killed. The second official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of a military operation, said the two U.S. troops were being treated in Baghdad.

The Joint Operations Command said in a statement that the operation was carried out “with technical support and exchange of accurate intelligence information by the international coalition forces.”

The identities of the others killed in the operation along with Abdul Qader will be announced after they are confirmed by DNA tests, it said.

The statement also indicated that “large quantities of weapons, ammunition and equipment were seized.”

Last month, the U.S. announced an agreement with the Iraqi government to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-us-troops-military-withdrawal-iran-a79aa83dca8f776f87a138bfe5697fa3">wrap up the military mission in Iraq of an American-led coalition</a>&nbsp;fighting the Islamic State group by next year, with U.S. troops departing some bases that they have long occupied during a two-decade-long military presence in the country.

A coalition of more than 80 countries, led by the United States, was formed to fight the group, which lost its hold on the territory it controlled in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019, although sleeper cells remain in both countries and abroad.

For years, Iraqi officials had periodically called for a withdrawal of coalition forces, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-us-talks-to-end-coalition-mission-f782db4c6550ab31ef02ef3c1793ee7b">formal talks to wind down the U.S. presence</a>&nbsp;in the country were ongoing for months. Iraqi officials have maintained that Iraqi security forces are able to deal with the remaining sleeper cells and prevent the group from staging a resurgence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729640015401.png" alt="U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary during the briefing on Tuesday afternoon- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary during the briefing on Tuesday afternoon- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s prime minister announced Tuesday that the Islamic State militant group’s leader in Iraq was killed in a military operation along with eight of the group’s other senior leaders.‎ U.S. officials said two American service members were injured in the joint raid overnight Monday that was conducted by U.S. and Iraqi forces.Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said Jassim al-Mazroui Abu Abdul Qader was killed in an operation by counterterrorism forces and the national security service under the Joint Operations Command in the Hamrin Mountains in Salahuddin province.“There is no place for terrorists in Iraq, and we will pursue them to their hideouts and eliminate them,” al-Sudani said in a statement.The two U.S. troops are in stable condition, said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary. He and other U.S. officials said the raid targeted senior Islamic State group leaders, but he could not confirm that Abdul Qader was killed.He and a second U.S. official said the Pentagon is awaiting final test analysis before confirming who was killed. The second official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details of a military operation, said the two U.S. troops were being treated in Baghdad.The Joint Operations Command said in a statement that the operation was carried out “with technical support and exchange of accurate intelligence information by the international coalition forces.”The identities of the others killed in the operation along with Abdul Qader will be announced after they are confirmed by DNA tests, it said.The statement also indicated that “large quantities of weapons, ammunition and equipment were seized.”Last month, the U.S. announced an agreement with the Iraqi government to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-us-troops-military-withdrawal-iran-a79aa83dca8f776f87a138bfe5697fa3">wrap up the military mission in Iraq of an American-led coalition</a>&nbsp;fighting the Islamic State group by next year, with U.S. troops departing some bases that they have long occupied during a two-decade-long military presence in the country.A coalition of more than 80 countries, led by the United States, was formed to fight the group, which lost its hold on the territory it controlled in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019, although sleeper cells remain in both countries and abroad.For years, Iraqi officials had periodically called for a withdrawal of coalition forces, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iraq-us-talks-to-end-coalition-mission-f782db4c6550ab31ef02ef3c1793ee7b">formal talks to wind down the U.S. presence</a>&nbsp;in the country were ongoing for months. Iraqi officials have maintained that Iraqi security forces are able to deal with the remaining sleeper cells and prevent the group from staging a resurgence.

2 US soldiers injured in mission that killed ISIS Commander in Iraq

With less than two weeks before the 2024 presidential election,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;are hitting the campaign trail in strategic battleground states.

Obama says America doesn't need ‘older, loonier’ version of Trump in office

Obama took the stage in Detroit alongside rapper Eminem, joking that he doesn’t often get nervous but that he “noticed my palms are sweaty,” in a reference to Eminem’s song “Lose Yourself.”

Obama focused the opening of his remarks on Donald Trump, saying that the country doesn’t need to see an “older, loonier,” version of Trump “with no guardrails.”

Trump concludes North Carolina rally with familiar refrains

Trump has concluded a dark political rally in Greensboro where he bemoaned the state of North Carolina’s economy, warned about the prospects of war if his opponent is elected and hurled personal insults at Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump wrapped up the packed event by asserting that world events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or the Hamas raid of Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, would never have happened if he were in office.

“All these things never would have never happened,” Trump claimed.

“I will end the war in Ukraine very quickly, I will stop the chaos in the Middle East and I will prevent World War III from happening. We’re so close,” Trump said.

Tulsi Gabbard says she's now a Republican

Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard says she is officially joining the Republican Party.

Gabbard ran for the Democratic nomination in 2020, but broke from the party and has endorsed Trump.

She says during an appearance at his rally in North Carolina that Trump is “our best and only hope in this election.”

Former Trump chief of staff John Kelly says the former president fits the ‘general definition of fascist'

Former Trump chief of staff John Kelly says the former president — his former boss — “certainly falls into the general definition of fascist, for sure.” Speaking to the New York Times, Kelly, a retired Marine Corps general, told the paper that Trump “certainly prefers the dictator approach to government.”

They marked the former top aides’ most extended public comments about the former Republican president and the party’s 2024 nominee for the White House. Kelly declined to endorse any candidate for the White House, but told the paper, “it’s a very dangerous thing to have the wrong person elected to high office.”

Trump is lashing out at former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, who has been campaigning with Kamala Harris in a bid to appeal to Republican voters who are uneasy about Trump.

Trump says of Cheney that “her father brought years of war and death to the Middle East.” He was referring to former Vice President Dick Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush.

He asserted that Harris would do poorly in Michigan for aligning with Cheney.

“Why would a Muslim or why would an Arab want to vote for someone that has Liz Cheney as her hero,” Trump said.

Trump has a long history of Islamophobic rhetoric, including, at one point, calling for a ban on Muslims entering the country during his 2016 campaign.

Eniminem joins Harris rally in native Michigan

Eminem welcomes former President Barack Obama to the stage in Detroit as the Detroit rapper’s “Lose Yourself” plays.

Trump campaign focuses on immigration and border security in campaign's final stretch

Trump in a campaign rally is focusing heavily on border security and claiming that illegal immigrants are taking jobs from African Americans and Hispanic Americans.

Economic data shows Black and Hispanic unemployment at the lower end of recent decades. In September, the unemployment rate stood at 5.7% for Blacks and 5.1% for Hispanics, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The unemployment rates for both populations have plummeted since the pandemic.

Just before the pandemic, the unemployment rate for African Americans was 5.6% in December 2019 and 4.2% for Hispanics that same month.

Trump says campaign may do more big city rallies before Election Day

Trump says that Madison Square Garden isn’t the only big city mega rally he’s hoping to hold as he closes out his third campaign for the White House.

He says his staff are looking at booking big arenas in Atlanta as well as Philadelphia, after his event in liberal Manhattan this coming Sunday.

Trump is also waxing nostalgic that his campaigning days are coming to a close.

“It’s sad because we’re sort of wrapping it up,” he says. “We’re wrapping up something that has been incredible.”

He adds: “It’s been great to be with you and now we want to close it out with a beautiful bang.”

Trump has said that, regardless of what happens, he does not plan to run again - though he has been known to change his mind.

Trump campaign sizes on Biden's ‘lock him up' remark

Trump’s campaign is seizing on President Joe Biden saying “lock him up” in reference to Trump during an appearance in New Hampshire.

“Joe Biden just admitted the truth: he and Kamala’s plan all along has been to politically persecute their opponent President Trump because they can’t beat him fair and square,” said Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, calling on Harris to “condemn Joe Biden’s disgraceful remark.”

Biden, during his appearance, had been casting Trump as a threat to Democracy when he made the remark.

“Politically lock him up,” Biden continued. “Lock him out, that’s what we have to do.”

Trump has routinely blamed Biden for the indictments against him, though there is no evidence the president had anything to do with them.

Trump says North Carolina will be ‘wasteland’ under Harris but data says otherwise

Trump is portraying the nation’s economy as in shambles during a campaign stop in Greensboro, N.C. He claims that “with four more years of Kamala Harris, North Carolina will be an economic wasteland.”

But that’s in contrast to a CNBC study earlier this year that named North Carolina as the second best state to do business, and it’s been in the top three of CNBC’s survey for five years in a row.

The state’s Department of Commerce says that since 2017, North Carolina has announced more than 115,300 jobs and promised capital investments of $53.45 billion. Major projects have been announced by companies including Apple, Toyota and Wolfspeed.

Trump urges rallygoers to vote and — again — floats election conspiracies

Trump is kicking off his rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, by asking his audience if they’re better off now than they were four years ago. And he’s going after Harris, calling her the country’s worst-ever vice president and “a radical left lunatic.”

He’s calling the country “a failing nation” and saying this election “is a choice between whether we will have four more years of incompetent failure and disaster, or whether we’ll begin the four greatest years in the history of our country.”

“We’re going to take care of you. We’re going to work together”

Trump is urging those who were displaced by Hurricane Helene to visit his campaign’s website to see how they can vote.

Trump’s team and Republicans have backed a series of modifications to make it easier for those in the state to vote, despite having railed against changes so that people could more safely vote during the pandemic.

He says his supporters need to make the election “too big too rig.”

Trump tells North Carolina that he will fix the state post-Helene if elected

Trump is speaking to supporters at a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, saying he’s seen a lot of the state lately and has followed the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.

Trump began his rally complaining that the state’s residents “haven’t had much help from our government in Washington. I can tell you that.”

He says that following Jan. 20th, “you’re going to be seeing a lot of me. We’re going to fix it up and make it better than ever.”

Harris says she will build an economy that 'supports the working class'

In an interview with Telemundo, Harris said she will help construct an economy that “supports the working class.”

The Spanish-language news channel spoke to Harris in English, but her interview was dubbed into Spanish for listeners. In response to claims by Donald Trump that she’s a socialist, she said she was a “capitalist. A pragmatic capitalist.”

And she said she would focus on bringing capital to community banks to help Latino men get small business loans

Harris says Biden is ‘capable in every way’ to be president

Harris says she still believes Joe Biden is “capable in every way” of being president, after his disastrous debate against Trump forced him to abandon his reelection campaign, clearing the way for her to become the Democratic nominee for president.

Speaking to NBC News, Harris says “you’d have to ask him if that’s the only reason why” he dropped out of the race, but that she has “no reluctance” in saying he’s up for the job.

Harris says she won't entertain hypotheticals about a Trump pardon

Harris says she’s not going to “get into those hypotheticals” about potentially pardoning Trump if she wins the White House. Trump has been convicted in a New York hush money trial and faces federal charges over his role in trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Asked if she thought pardoning Trump would help the country move on, she says, “Let me tell you what’s going to help us move on. I get elected President of the United States.”

Harris says she doesn’t want religious exceptions in restoring abortion access

Harris tells NBC News she doesn’t believe that religious exceptions should be granted as Democrats look to restore a national right to abortion. Harris says she’s not “going to engage in hypotheticals” about negotiations with Congress, but appears to reject having a carve-out for providers with a religious objection to providing abortions. “I don’t think we should be making concessions when we’re talking about a fundamental freedom to make decisions about your own body,” she says.

Harris says she’s not focused on highlighting historic candidacy

Harris says she’s not focused on pointing out the historic nature of her candidacy. She tells NBC News: “I’m clearly a woman, I don’t need to point that out to anyone.”

Harris would be the first woman elected to the White House if she wins. She says she’s not worried about sexism harming her candidacy, saying she’s focused on speaking to all voters.

“I will never assume that anyone in our country should elect a leader based on their gender or their race, instead that that leader needs to earn the vote based on substance and what they will do to address challenges and to inspire people,” she said.

Harris says lowering costs will be feature of her administration

Vice President Kamala Harris says that if elected she will be more focused on lowering costs for American families than President Joe Biden.

Speaking to NBC News, Harris says: “Mine will not be a continuation of the Biden administration. I bring my own experiences, my own ideas to it, and it has informed a number of my areas of focus.” She added that those focus areas are on “lowering costs.”

Biden says Trump is a ‘genuine threat to democracy’

President Joe Biden has laid into his predecessor, Donald Trump, declaring during a visit to New Hampshire that the former president is a “genuine threat to democracy.”

Biden gave a speech focused on prescription drug prices but used the end to suggest that world leaders are terrified of a second Trump term. He said they often pull him aside at summits and quietly wonder what a Trump return to the White House will do to democratic rule around the world.

Biden got so wrapped up in his criticism that he declared at one point of Trump, “lock him up,” echoing similar calls that some supporters make at the rallies of Vice

“Politically lock him up,” Biden continued over applause from attendees. “Lock him out, that’s what we have to do.”

More than 19 million people have already cast ballots in the presidential election

Record numbers of people are voting early, driven partly by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/early-vote-records-trump-harris-1c219d0d27d56996388f2e2be5a58fac">a surge of Republicans</a>&nbsp;convinced to do so by Donald Trump. Trump previously turned his party off voting early with his election lies, but he’s changed direction this year and now encourages it.

The early vote doesn’t tell you who’s going to win an election. You just know who’s casting a ballot, not who they’re voting for. Wait until Election night to find that out.

▶ Meanwhile, you can see who’s voting in your state&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/projects/election-results-2024/2024-early-voting-tracker/">here</a>.

Biden urges people to vote, saying ‘so much at stake’

Biden veered into talking about the election as he closed his prescription speech in New Hampshire.

“Folks, there’s so much at stake so please call your neighbors, get your friends, get your relatives,” the president said, urging people to vote in the presidential election.

Biden made veiled references to Trump when he said that every world leader he meets pulls him aside to tell him they don’t want Trump to win.

“If America walks away, who leads the world? Who?” Biden asked his audience.

Biden goes after Trump on health care policies

Biden is criticizing Trump on the issue of health care, specifically the former president’s attempts to unravel the Affordable Care Act.

The president is in Concord, New Hampshire, to talk about prescription drug savings under the Inflation Reduction Act he signed into law.

Biden noted that Trump recently said he has “concepts of a plan” when he was asked about his plans for health care in the United States.

Said Biden of Trump, “He has no concept of anything. No plan.”

h voter safety initiative ahead of Election Day

Trump hosts Latino supporters, holds rally; Harris tapes TV interviews

KANSAS CITY—A pedestrian run over by a bus in a crosswalk in Kansas City on Sunday died of her injuries, according to&nbsp;KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino..

Just after 1p.m. Sunday, the pedestrian was inside a marked crosswalk, crossing 6th Street at Wyandotte from south to north, according to DiMartino.

A passenger bus was making a left turn from southbound Wyandotte to eastbound 6th Street. The bus struck and ran over the pedestrian and then left the scene without stopping.

EMS transported the pedestrian to a local hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; Just after 6p.m. police reported the bus had been located and the driver was cooperating.

DiMartino confirmed the woman died of her injuries on Monday afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is fatality #76 compared to #80 at this time last year. The incident remains under investigation.

KANSAS CITY—A pedestrian run over by a bus in a crosswalk in Kansas City on Sunday died of her injuries, according to&nbsp;KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino..Just after 1p.m. Sunday, the pedestrian was inside a marked crosswalk, crossing 6th Street at Wyandotte from south to north, according to DiMartino.A passenger bus was making a left turn from southbound Wyandotte to eastbound 6th Street. The bus struck and ran over the pedestrian and then left the scene without stopping.EMS transported the pedestrian to a local hospital in critical condition.&nbsp; Just after 6p.m. police reported the bus had been located and the driver was cooperating.DiMartino confirmed the woman died of her injuries on Monday afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is fatality #76 compared to #80 at this time last year. The incident remains under investigation.

Woman run over by a bus in Kansas City hit-and-run has died

EL DORADO, KAN. –&nbsp;El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) resident Brooks Vonthaer, 40, died Tuesday. Vonthaer was found unresponsive in his cell Tuesday afternoon, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.

Vonthaer was serving a 62-month sentence for four convictions of aggravated assault, criminal trespass, theft, and criminal damage in Shawnee County, Kansas.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609080609892.png" alt=" Vonthaer from a Dec. 2020 arrest in Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption> Vonthaer from a Dec. 2020 arrest in Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>EL DORADO, KAN. –&nbsp;El Dorado Correctional Facility (EDCF) resident Brooks Vonthaer, 40, died Tuesday. Vonthaer was found unresponsive in his cell Tuesday afternoon, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections. The cause of death is pending the results of an independent autopsy.Vonthaer was serving a 62-month sentence for four convictions of aggravated assault, criminal trespass, theft, and criminal damage in Shawnee County, Kansas.Per protocol, when a resident dies in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, the death is under investigation by the agency and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

Kan. inmate serving time for aggravated assault found dead in his cell

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations following an investigation.

Shortly before 5:00AM on August 24, police officers responded to the area of the 1300 Block North 7th Street in Atchison to investigate a prowler call, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 When they arrived a possible suspect was fleeing the area in a Chevrolet Traverse. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle which fled north of the city on 2nd Street and no contact was made with the driver at that time.

 The investigation determined the driver to be 37-year-old Phillip Roles of Atchison who had a passenger under the age of 18 with him at the time of the fleeing and eluding police officers.

Just before 10:30a.m. Monday, police arrested Roles, 37, Atchison at 5th and Park Street in Atchison on a District Court warrant for fleeing and attempting to elude, aggravated endangering a child, and twelve other counts that include various traffic offenses, according to Wilson.

Roles has previous convictions for battery, drugs, interference with law enforcement, driving while suspended and three previous convictions for fleeing or attempting to elude police, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. Photo Atchison Co. He is being held on a $100,000 bond.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729609931566.png" alt="Roles has previous convictions for battery, drugs, interference with law enforcement, driving while suspended and three previous convictions for fleeing or attempting to elude police, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. Photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Roles has previous convictions for battery, drugs, interference with law enforcement, driving while suspended and three previous convictions for fleeing or attempting to elude police, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. Photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations following an investigation.Shortly before 5:00AM on August 24, police officers responded to the area of the 1300 Block North 7th Street in Atchison to investigate a prowler call, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. When they arrived a possible suspect was fleeing the area in a Chevrolet Traverse. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle which fled north of the city on 2nd Street and no contact was made with the driver at that time. The investigation determined the driver to be 37-year-old Phillip Roles of Atchison who had a passenger under the age of 18 with him at the time of the fleeing and eluding police officers.Just before 10:30a.m. Monday, police arrested Roles, 37, Atchison at 5th and Park Street in Atchison on a District Court warrant for fleeing and attempting to elude, aggravated endangering a child, and twelve other counts that include various traffic offenses, according to Wilson.Roles has previous convictions for battery, drugs, interference with law enforcement, driving while suspended and three previous convictions for fleeing or attempting to elude police, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. Photo Atchison Co. He is being held on a $100,000 bond.&nbsp;

Police catch Kansas felon who fled arrest with teen in August

MCPHERSON —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a house fire in McPherson.

Just after 11:30a.m. Tuesday, crews responded to a house fire in the 1400 block of Briarwood Lane, according to a media release.

Fire crews encountered heavy fire involvement from a two-car garage attached to the home. Fire crews worked to extinguish the fire in the garage while also extinguishing flames that had spread to the exterior wall of the neighboring house to the north. Fire crews made entry into the house to conduct a search for occupants and extinguish the fire. Crews were able to confirm that the occupants of both residences involved were not at home at the time of the fire.

No injuries were reported. The damage to the house is extensive and will be considered a total loss. T

The Galva and Inman Fire Departments responded to the scene to assist with extinguishment of the fire. McPherson EMS, McPherson Police Department, and McPherson County Emergency Management provided resources and support at the scene as well. Fire crews cleared from the scene shortly after 3 p.m. No foul play is suspected.

MCPHERSON —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a house fire in McPherson.Just after 11:30a.m. Tuesday, crews responded to a house fire in the 1400 block of Briarwood Lane, according to a media release.Fire crews encountered heavy fire involvement from a two-car garage attached to the home. Fire crews worked to extinguish the fire in the garage while also extinguishing flames that had spread to the exterior wall of the neighboring house to the north. Fire crews made entry into the house to conduct a search for occupants and extinguish the fire. Crews were able to confirm that the occupants of both residences involved were not at home at the time of the fire.No injuries were reported. The damage to the house is extensive and will be considered a total loss. TThe Galva and Inman Fire Departments responded to the scene to assist with extinguishment of the fire. McPherson EMS, McPherson Police Department, and McPherson County Emergency Management provided resources and support at the scene as well. Fire crews cleared from the scene shortly after 3 p.m. No foul play is suspected.

Kansas home a total loss after fire

SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man wanted on a warrant is now also facing drug charges.

Just after 9:30a.m. October 20, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;observed a traffic violation by the driver of a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe near NW 35th Street and NWRochester Road, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, it was discovered that the passenger had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest and illegal narcotics were located.

Matthew S. Field, 55, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department on requested&nbsp;charges of Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana, Operating a vehicle without registration, Failure to stop at a stop sign, Driving while license suspended and No vehicle liability insurance

Field also had a warrant for his arrest out of the City of Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729597706277.png" alt="Fields photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Fields photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —A Kansas man wanted on a warrant is now also facing drug charges.Just after 9:30a.m. October 20, a sheriff's deputy&nbsp;observed a traffic violation by the driver of a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe near NW 35th Street and NWRochester Road, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.During the investigation, it was discovered that the passenger had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest and illegal narcotics were located.Matthew S. Field, 55, of Topeka, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department on requested&nbsp;charges of Possession of opiate, opium, narcotic or certain stimulant, Possession of marijuana, Operating a vehicle without registration, Failure to stop at a stop sign, Driving while license suspended and No vehicle liability insuranceField also had a warrant for his arrest out of the City of Topeka.

Wanted Kansas suspect caught transporting illegal drugs

BUTLER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10a.m. Tuesday in Butler County.

According to Butler County Undersheriff&nbsp;Daimon Cundiff, a semi pulling an empty flatbed trailer, had pulled up to the railroad crossing at S. Douglas Road and S. Sunset Road, inside HF Sinclair Refinery, in El Dorado and began to cross. 

The semi stopped and&nbsp; the driver tried to reverse, indicating the driver may have realized there was not enough time to cross in front of the southbound train. 

The driver was unable to get off the tracks in time and the train crashed into the passenger side of the semi. The driver of the semi, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;The name of the driver has not been released pending notification of next of kin, according to Cundiff.

There were no hazardous chemicals or materials involved with either the train or the tractor-trailer.

In addition to Butler County Sheriff’s Deputies, Butler County EMS and El Dorado Fire Department assisted at the scene.

BUTLER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 10a.m. Tuesday in Butler County.According to Butler County Undersheriff&nbsp;Daimon Cundiff, a semi pulling an empty flatbed trailer, had pulled up to the railroad crossing at S. Douglas Road and S. Sunset Road, inside HF Sinclair Refinery, in El Dorado and began to cross. The semi stopped and&nbsp; the driver tried to reverse, indicating the driver may have realized there was not enough time to cross in front of the southbound train. The driver was unable to get off the tracks in time and the train crashed into the passenger side of the semi. The driver of the semi, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;The name of the driver has not been released pending notification of next of kin, according to Cundiff.There were no hazardous chemicals or materials involved with either the train or the tractor-trailer.In addition to Butler County Sheriff’s Deputies, Butler County EMS and El Dorado Fire Department assisted at the scene.

Sheriff: Driver dies after train strikes semi at Kan. refinery 

EDITOR'S NOTE: Updates with CDC saying there are 26 cases in Colorado, not 27, as the agency had said previously.

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

E. coli food poisoning linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has sickened at least 49 people in 10 states, including one person who died and 10 who were hospitalized,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/e-coli-O157.html">federal health officials</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday.

The death was reported in an older person in Colorado, and one child has been hospitalized with severe kidney complications, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

Infections were reported between Sept. 27 and Oct. 11, in&nbsp; Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Colorado has the most cases, 26, followed by Nebraska with nine.

Everyone interviewed in connection with the outbreak had reported eating at McDonald's before falling ill and most mentioned eating Quarter Pounder hamburgers, the CDC said. The U.S. Agriculture Department, the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials are also investigating.

The specific ingredient tied to the outbreak has not been identified, but investigators are focused on onions and beef. McDonald's reported to the CDC that it had removed slivered onions and beef patties used for Quarter Pounders from stores in the affected states. The burgers may be temporarily unavailable in those states.

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/about/index.html">E. coli bacteria</a>&nbsp;are harbored in the guts of animals and found in the environment. Infections can cause severe illness, including fever, stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. People who develop symptoms of E. coli poisoning should seek health care immediately and tell the provider what they ate.

The Associated Press has reached out to McDonald’s for comment.

The news comes in an already tough year for the Chicago-based chain. Its global same-store sales&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcdonalds-second-quarter-earnings-b4cf6976a8688796b75404f178c5798b">fell for the first time</a>&nbsp;in nearly four years in the second quarter as inflation-weary customers skipped eating out or chose cheaper options. The company responded with a $5 meal deal, which was introduced at U.S. restaurants in late June and was recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcdonalds-meal-deal-fast-food-f8bff378ff06140cdb5a9e519c33184c">extended through December</a>. The deal doesn’t include the Quarter Pounder.

McDonald’s shares dropped 9% in after-hours trading Tuesday after the CDC’s announcement.

The type of bacteria implicated in this outbreak, E. coli O157:H7, causes about 74,000 infections in the U.S. each year, leading to more than 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 deaths. Infections are especially dangerous for children younger than 5 and can cause acute kidney failure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729692566058.png" alt="Map shows where people in this E. coli outbreak live. The number is likely higher, as many people recover without medical care and are not tested. Image&nbsp; CDC" />
 <figcaption>Map shows where people in this E. coli outbreak live. The number is likely higher, as many people recover without medical care and are not tested. Image&nbsp; CDC</figcaption>
 </figure>EDITOR'S NOTE: Updates with CDC saying there are 26 cases in Colorado, not 27, as the agency had said previously.<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JONEL%20ALECCIA%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JONEL ALECCIA AP Health Writer</a>E. coli food poisoning linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has sickened at least 49 people in 10 states, including one person who died and 10 who were hospitalized,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/e-coli-O157.html">federal health officials</a>&nbsp;said Tuesday.The death was reported in an older person in Colorado, and one child has been hospitalized with severe kidney complications, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729632590793.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Infections were reported between Sept. 27 and Oct. 11, in&nbsp; Kansas, Missouri, Colorado, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Colorado has the most cases, 26, followed by Nebraska with nine.Everyone interviewed in connection with the outbreak had reported eating at McDonald's before falling ill and most mentioned eating Quarter Pounder hamburgers, the CDC said. The U.S. Agriculture Department, the Food and Drug Administration and state health officials are also investigating.The specific ingredient tied to the outbreak has not been identified, but investigators are focused on onions and beef. McDonald's reported to the CDC that it had removed slivered onions and beef patties used for Quarter Pounders from stores in the affected states. The burgers may be temporarily unavailable in those states.<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/about/index.html">E. coli bacteria</a>&nbsp;are harbored in the guts of animals and found in the environment. Infections can cause severe illness, including fever, stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea. People who develop symptoms of E. coli poisoning should seek health care immediately and tell the provider what they ate.The Associated Press has reached out to McDonald’s for comment.The news comes in an already tough year for the Chicago-based chain. Its global same-store sales&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcdonalds-second-quarter-earnings-b4cf6976a8688796b75404f178c5798b">fell for the first time</a>&nbsp;in nearly four years in the second quarter as inflation-weary customers skipped eating out or chose cheaper options. The company responded with a $5 meal deal, which was introduced at U.S. restaurants in late June and was recently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mcdonalds-meal-deal-fast-food-f8bff378ff06140cdb5a9e519c33184c">extended through December</a>. The deal doesn’t include the Quarter Pounder.McDonald’s shares dropped 9% in after-hours trading Tuesday after the CDC’s announcement.The type of bacteria implicated in this outbreak, E. coli O157:H7, causes about 74,000 infections in the U.S. each year, leading to more than 2,000 hospitalizations and 61 deaths. Infections are especially dangerous for children younger than 5 and can cause acute kidney failure.___

E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders in Kansas

KANSAS CITY —&nbsp;&nbsp;Law enforcement are working to identify a suspect in a bank robbery that occurred Monday at the Hawthorn Bank,&nbsp;17430 E. 39th Street in Independence, Missouri, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The suspect entered the bank, approached the teller, made a verbal demand for cash, and brandished a firearm. The suspect fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash on a blue sports bike

According to reports, the suspect is described as older white male, approximately 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-9 tall,&nbsp; short grey hair, black leather jacket with patches, dark pants, grey sneakers dark head covering, Blue surgical mask.

Anyone with info can report a tip online at&nbsp;<a href="https://t.co/49eEgggFOb" target="_blank">http://tips.fbi.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729598346512.png" alt="Photos FBI Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Photos FBI Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —&nbsp;&nbsp;Law enforcement are working to identify a suspect in a bank robbery that occurred Monday at the Hawthorn Bank,&nbsp;17430 E. 39th Street in Independence, Missouri, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.The suspect entered the bank, approached the teller, made a verbal demand for cash, and brandished a firearm. The suspect fled the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash on a blue sports bike<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729598245884.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>According to reports, the suspect is described as older white male, approximately 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-9 tall,&nbsp; short grey hair, black leather jacket with patches, dark pants, grey sneakers dark head covering, Blue surgical mask.Anyone with info can report a tip online at&nbsp;<a href="https://t.co/49eEgggFOb" target="_blank">http://tips.fbi.gov</a>.

Suspect fled Kansas City bank robbery on a blue sports bike

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

The Wall That Heals provided a temporary memorial to Vietnam veterans as it made its way through Barton County and Great Bend last May. In December 2023, a small committee of Vietnam veterans approached the Great Bend City Council about installing a permanent memorial at Veterans Memorial Park. Over the weekend, the first pieces of the 50-foot memorial were installed on the north side of the lake. Larry Parsons, a Vietnam veteran and member of the committee, has been pleased with the progress.

"We're really excited it's finally here," he said. "We've been working on this for a little over a year and we're ready to finish it up. I think it's looking pretty good and we're probably about halfway done."

Hoisington's B&amp;B Metal Arts constructed the memorial that features two 25-foot wings and insignia from all branches of the United States armed forces. As of Monday morning, neither the 12-foot 3-D Huey UH-1 chopper above the wall nor the soldiers and elephant plants in front of the wall had been installed. All the materials are stainless steel, similar to the "Play Ball" structure at the Great Bend Sports Complex and the "Breaking the Sod" statue at the intersection of 10th Street and K-96 Highway.

"It's not going to rust," said Parsons. "We're really pleased with it so far and I think it will be an asset to the community. I think it's going to bring some people in. But our emphasis is on the Vietnam veterans."

The memorial carried a price tag of approximately $115,000, most of which has been raised. Parsons said funds are still being collected for a bench and a protective fence. The city of Great Bend will provide irrigation and a sidewalk around the memorial.

Donations for the memorial are tax deductible and can be mailed to the Great Bend Foundation, PO Box 533, Great Bend, Kansas, 67530.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729535743069.jpeg" alt="The 50-foot-wide base of a permanent Vietnam veterans memorial was installed on the north side of Veterans Lake in Great Bend over the weekend. Hoisington's B&amp;B Metal Arts created the stainless-steel memorial." />
 <figcaption>The 50-foot-wide base of a permanent Vietnam veterans memorial was installed on the north side of Veterans Lake in Great Bend over the weekend. Hoisington's B&amp;B Metal Arts created the stainless-steel memorial.</figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostThe Wall That Heals provided a temporary memorial to Vietnam veterans as it made its way through Barton County and Great Bend last May. In December 2023, a small committee of Vietnam veterans approached the Great Bend City Council about installing a permanent memorial at Veterans Memorial Park. Over the weekend, the first pieces of the 50-foot memorial were installed on the north side of the lake. Larry Parsons, a Vietnam veteran and member of the committee, has been pleased with the progress."We're really excited it's finally here," he said. "We've been working on this for a little over a year and we're ready to finish it up. I think it's looking pretty good and we're probably about halfway done."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729535827949.jpeg" alt="Several other pieces of the memorial, including a D Huey UH-1 chopper, have yet to be installed." />
 <figcaption>Several other pieces of the memorial, including a D Huey UH-1 chopper, have yet to be installed.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hoisington's B&amp;B Metal Arts constructed the memorial that features two 25-foot wings and insignia from all branches of the United States armed forces. As of Monday morning, neither the 12-foot 3-D Huey UH-1 chopper above the wall nor the soldiers and elephant plants in front of the wall had been installed. All the materials are stainless steel, similar to the "Play Ball" structure at the Great Bend Sports Complex and the "Breaking the Sod" statue at the intersection of 10th Street and K-96 Highway."It's not going to rust," said Parsons. "We're really pleased with it so far and I think it will be an asset to the community. I think it's going to bring some people in. But our emphasis is on the Vietnam veterans."The memorial carried a price tag of approximately $115,000, most of which has been raised. Parsons said funds are still being collected for a bench and a protective fence. The city of Great Bend will provide irrigation and a sidewalk around the memorial.Donations for the memorial are tax deductible and can be mailed to the Great Bend Foundation, PO Box 533, Great Bend, Kansas, 67530.

Installation of permanent Vietnam memorial underway in Great Bend

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>

The largest electric utility in Kansas and western Missouri will add two natural gas plants by the end of 2030, the company announced Monday.

Evergy, which serves 1.6 million customers in the two states, plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://investors.evergy.com/news-releases/news-release-details/evergy-announces-two-new-705-mw-high-efficiency-natural-gas" target="_blank">build combined-cycle natural gas plants</a>&nbsp;— each with a 705-megawatt capacity — in two Kansas counties in 2029 and 2030, respectively.

David Campbell, Evergy’s CEO and chairman, said at a news conference in Hutchinson, Kansas, that the plants would “help maintain a diverse energy mix for our state,” ensuring “reliable, affordable, sustainable energy.”

“They’re flexible resources that can ramp production up and ramp production down based on the needs of the grid,” Campbell said, “so they pair very well with Kansas’ abundant renewable generation resources.”

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, lauded the announcement at the Hutchinson news conference, saying the construction of the plants would create 500 construction jobs and 165 permanent jobs. She said the plants would ensure reliable energy, including in emergencies or periods of high demand, like hot summer days.

“As Kansas continues to transition to more sustainable energy, we’re doing it responsibly,” Kelly said. “These plants are much cleaner than traditional coal plants.”

<a href="https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/natural-gas/natural-gas-and-the-environment.php" target="_blank">According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration</a>, burning natural gas to create electricity produces less carbon dioxide than coal. But natural gas leaks release its primary component, methane, into the atmosphere, accounting for more than one-third of U.S. methane emissions. Methane is a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The announcement marks an increasing reliance on natural gas generation by Evergy.

In its long-range plan filed with regulators in 2022, Evergy planned to exclusively add wind and solar facilities over the coming decade.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/06/16/evergy-slashes-planned-renewable-energy-additions-proposes-more-natural-gas/" target="_blank">A year later, it scaled back</a>&nbsp;those planned renewable energy facilities, forecasted plans to add natural gas plants and delayed the retirement of the Lawrence coal plant.

<a href="https://investors.evergy.com/2024IRPUpdate" target="_blank">Evergy’s latest update</a>, filed earlier this year, almost doubles the amount of natural gas generation the utility will add between now and the early 2030s. At the same time, it increased planned wind and solar additions compared to last year’s plan.

Zack Pistora, a lobbyist for the environmental nonprofit Sierra Club, questioned whether Evergy would be able to achieve its goals to reduce emissions given its planned investments in natural gas generation.

“I don’t know how a utility can claim that it’s affordable, reliable or sustainable,” he said, noting that gas prices can be volatile and natural gas outages contributed to rolling blackouts the Midwest experienced in 2021.

Beyond that, he said, burning gas is harmful to the environment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729533611500.jpeg" alt="Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce CEO Debra Teufel speaks to the crowd assembled at the Evergy announcement on Monday at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on October 21, 2024. Photo by Nick Gosnell." />
 <figcaption>Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce CEO Debra Teufel speaks to the crowd assembled at the Evergy announcement on Monday at the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds on October 21, 2024. Photo by Nick Gosnell.</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/">Kansas Reflector</a>The largest electric utility in Kansas and western Missouri will add two natural gas plants by the end of 2030, the company announced Monday.Evergy, which serves 1.6 million customers in the two states, plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://investors.evergy.com/news-releases/news-release-details/evergy-announces-two-new-705-mw-high-efficiency-natural-gas" target="_blank">build combined-cycle natural gas plants</a>&nbsp;— each with a 705-megawatt capacity — in two Kansas counties in 2029 and 2030, respectively.David Campbell, Evergy’s CEO and chairman, said at a news conference in Hutchinson, Kansas, that the plants would “help maintain a diverse energy mix for our state,” ensuring “reliable, affordable, sustainable energy.”“They’re flexible resources that can ramp production up and ramp production down based on the needs of the grid,” Campbell said, “so they pair very well with Kansas’ abundant renewable generation resources.”Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, lauded the announcement at the Hutchinson news conference, saying the construction of the plants would create 500 construction jobs and 165 permanent jobs. She said the plants would ensure reliable energy, including in emergencies or periods of high demand, like hot summer days.“As Kansas continues to transition to more sustainable energy, we’re doing it responsibly,” Kelly said. “These plants are much cleaner than traditional coal plants.”<a href="https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/natural-gas/natural-gas-and-the-environment.php" target="_blank">According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration</a>, burning natural gas to create electricity produces less carbon dioxide than coal. But natural gas leaks release its primary component, methane, into the atmosphere, accounting for more than one-third of U.S. methane emissions. Methane is a greenhouse gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.The announcement marks an increasing reliance on natural gas generation by Evergy.In its long-range plan filed with regulators in 2022, Evergy planned to exclusively add wind and solar facilities over the coming decade.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/06/16/evergy-slashes-planned-renewable-energy-additions-proposes-more-natural-gas/" target="_blank">A year later, it scaled back</a>&nbsp;those planned renewable energy facilities, forecasted plans to add natural gas plants and delayed the retirement of the Lawrence coal plant.<a href="https://investors.evergy.com/2024IRPUpdate" target="_blank">Evergy’s latest update</a>, filed earlier this year, almost doubles the amount of natural gas generation the utility will add between now and the early 2030s. At the same time, it increased planned wind and solar additions compared to last year’s plan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/10/1729533986696.png" alt="The plant site for the new Evergy plant is near South Hutchinson in Reno County. Graphic courtesy Evergy." />
 <figcaption>The plant site for the new Evergy plant is near South Hutchinson in Reno County. Graphic courtesy Evergy.</figcaption>
 </figure>Zack Pistora, a lobbyist for the environmental nonprofit Sierra Club, questioned whether Evergy would be able to achieve its goals to reduce emissions given its planned investments in natural gas generation.“I don’t know how a utility can claim that it’s affordable, reliable or sustainable,” he said, noting that gas prices can be volatile and natural gas outages contributed to rolling blackouts the Midwest experienced in 2021.Beyond that, he said, burning gas is harmful to the environment.Video of the press event is below.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y_sGnE26DzQ?si=_qHVqdwMkTDq5EQE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Evergy plans to build two new natural gas plants in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of people with private health insurance would be able to pick up over-the-counter methods like condoms, the “morning after” pill and birth control pills for free under a new rule the White House proposed on Monday.

Right now, health insurers must cover the cost of prescribed contraception, including prescription birth control or even condoms that doctors have issued a prescription for. But the new rule would expand that coverage, allowing millions to buy condoms, birth control pills, or “morning after” pills from local storefronts for free without a prescription.

The proposal comes days before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">Election Day</a>, as Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;affixes her presidential campaign to a promise of expanding women's health care access in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to undo nationwide abortion rights two years ago. Harris has sought to craft a distinct contrast from her Republican challenger,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, who appointed some of the judges who issued that ruling.

“The proposed rule we announce today would expand access to birth control at no additional cost for millions of consumers,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement. "Bottom line: women should have control over their personal health care decisions. And issuers and providers have an obligation to comply with the law.”

The emergency contraceptives that people on private insurance would be able to access without costs include levonorgestrel, a pill that needs to be taken immediately after sex to prevent pregnancy and is more commonly known by the brand name “Plan B.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1685626036011.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of people with private health insurance would be able to pick up over-the-counter methods like condoms, the “morning after” pill and birth control pills for free under a new rule the White House proposed on Monday.Right now, health insurers must cover the cost of prescribed contraception, including prescription birth control or even condoms that doctors have issued a prescription for. But the new rule would expand that coverage, allowing millions to buy condoms, birth control pills, or “morning after” pills from local storefronts for free without a prescription.The proposal comes days before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2024">Election Day</a>, as Vice President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris</a>&nbsp;affixes her presidential campaign to a promise of expanding women's health care access in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to undo nationwide abortion rights two years ago. Harris has sought to craft a distinct contrast from her Republican challenger,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, who appointed some of the judges who issued that ruling.“The proposed rule we announce today would expand access to birth control at no additional cost for millions of consumers,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement. "Bottom line: women should have control over their personal health care decisions. And issuers and providers have an obligation to comply with the law.”The emergency contraceptives that people on private insurance would be able to access without costs include levonorgestrel, a pill that needs to be taken immediately after sex to prevent pregnancy and is more commonly known by the brand name “Plan B.”Without a doctor's prescription, women may pay as much as $50 for a pack of the pills. And women who delay buying the medication in order to get a doctor's prescription might jeopardize the pill's effectiveness, since it is most likely to prevent a pregnancy within 72 hours after sex.If implemented, the new rule would also require insurers to fully bear the cost of the once-a-day Opill, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/birth-control-pill-pharmacy-contraceptive-add40fec7589dae8ba26eb29bee36b8b">new over-the-counter birth control pill</a>&nbsp;that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved last year. A one-month supply of the pills costs $20.Copays prevent some women from purchasing birth control, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said in a statement that praised the newly proposed rule.“Birth control is a critical part of so many of our patients’ lives, but the simple truth is that even with insurance coverage, the cost of copays can be prohibitive for many people," the statement said.Federal mandates for private health insurance to cover contraceptive care were first introduced with the Affordable Care Act, which required plans to pick up the cost of FDA-approved birth control that had been prescribed by a doctor as a preventative service.America's Health Insurance Plans, the lobbying group for private health insurers, said Monday it was reviewing the proposal.The proposed rule would not impact those on Medicaid, the insurance program for the poorest Americans. States are largely left to design their own rules around Medicaid coverage for contraception, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/report/medicaid-coverage-of-family-planning-benefits-findings-from-a-2021-state-survey/">few</a>&nbsp;cover over-the-counter methods like Plan B or condoms.