PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man accused of burglary and numerous other crimes following a traffic stop last week made his first court appearance in the case on Tuesday.

Payton L. Klaus, 23, Hays, is charges with&nbsp; Endangering a Child; Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor; Possession of a firearm while under the Influence;  Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol; Transporting an Open Alcoholic Container; and Failing to Use a Turn Signal, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

During a police traffic stop on October 5,&nbsp; Klaus had a teenage boy in the vehicle with him. In addition to the&nbsp;the traffic stop, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a burglary of a Larned Township Building in which a firearm was stolen sometime during the night of October 4-5, 2023. The missing firearm matched an item retrieved from the Klaus vehicle incident to his arrest. 

A search warrant was then secured to search a location for additional items. Throughout the day on October 5, 2023, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department and Larned Police Department received multiple reports of possible burglaries and thefts. Those investigations remain ongoing.

In connection with the burglaries, Klaus is also charged with two counts of Burglary of a non-dwellings, two counts of felony theft of firearms, felony criminal damage of property, misdemeanor theft, and misdemeanor criminal damage to property, according to McNett.

Klaus is being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff on a $15,000 bond. A juvenile has also been charged in connection with the ongoing burglary/theft investigations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697047811011.png" alt="Klaus-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Klaus-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man accused of burglary and numerous other crimes following a traffic stop last week made his first court appearance in the case on Tuesday.Payton L. Klaus, 23, Hays, is charges with&nbsp; Endangering a Child; Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor; Possession of a firearm while under the Influence; Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol; Transporting an Open Alcoholic Container; and Failing to Use a Turn Signal, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.During a police traffic stop on October 5,&nbsp; Klaus had a teenage boy in the vehicle with him. In addition to the&nbsp;the traffic stop, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a burglary of a Larned Township Building in which a firearm was stolen sometime during the night of October 4-5, 2023. The missing firearm matched an item retrieved from the Klaus vehicle incident to his arrest. A search warrant was then secured to search a location for additional items. Throughout the day on October 5, 2023, the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department and Larned Police Department received multiple reports of possible burglaries and thefts. Those investigations remain ongoing.In connection with the burglaries, Klaus is also charged with two counts of Burglary of a non-dwellings, two counts of felony theft of firearms, felony criminal damage of property, misdemeanor theft, and misdemeanor criminal damage to property, according to McNett.Klaus is being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff on a $15,000 bond. A juvenile has also been charged in connection with the ongoing burglary/theft investigations.

Traffic stop leads to burglary charges for Kansas man

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged school threat and have made an arrest.

Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding a potential threat to the <a href="https://usd437.net/tallgrass">Tallgrass Student</a> Learning Center,&nbsp;5740 SW 61st Street in Topeka. The school is in USD 437 Auburn-Washburn.

A student made threatening comments regarding bringing a firearm to school the next day, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

The Shawnee County Criminal Investigation Division immediately contacted school administrators and the suspect identified as a 14-year-old.

At 10:30p.m., deputies arrested the 14-year-old and booked the teen into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of felony criminal threat and felony interference with law enforcement.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged school threat and have made an arrest.Just after 7p.m. Wednesday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding a potential threat to the <a href="https://usd437.net/tallgrass">Tallgrass Student</a> Learning Center,&nbsp;5740 SW 61st Street in Topeka. The school is in USD 437 Auburn-Washburn.A student made threatening comments regarding bringing a firearm to school the next day, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.The Shawnee County Criminal Investigation Division immediately contacted school administrators and the suspect identified as a 14-year-old.At 10:30p.m., deputies arrested the 14-year-old and booked the teen into the Shawnee County Juvenile Department of Corrections on requested charges of felony criminal threat and felony interference with law enforcement.

14-year-old accused of threat to bring gun to Kan. school

RUSSELL COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities have identified a Salina man as the victim of a weekend drowning at Wilson Lake, according to a media release from the Russell County Sheriff.

Just after 4p.m. Oct. 8, a woman called Russell County 911 Dispatch to report that a man identified as 58-year-old Michael Wayne Larson had fallen off a boat on the west end of Wilson Lake.&nbsp;

Authorities learned that Larson and a woman had been boating toward the west end of Wilson Lake when he fell out of the boat and possibly struck his head on the boat as he fell, according to the sheriff's office.

 On Thursday morning search crews recovered Larson's body.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks game wardens are assisting with the investigation.

RUSSELL COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities have identified a Salina man as the victim of a weekend drowning at Wilson Lake, according to a media release from the Russell County Sheriff.Just after 4p.m. Oct. 8, a woman called Russell County 911 Dispatch to report that a man identified as 58-year-old Michael Wayne Larson had fallen off a boat on the west end of Wilson Lake.&nbsp;Authorities learned that Larson and a woman had been boating toward the west end of Wilson Lake when he fell out of the boat and possibly struck his head on the boat as he fell, according to the sheriff's office. On Thursday morning search crews recovered Larson's body.The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks game wardens are assisting with the investigation.-----------

Sheriff: Body of drowning victim recovered from Kansas lake 

DETROIT (AP) — Detroit's three automakers have laid off roughly 4,800 workers at factories that are not among the plants that have been hit by the United Auto Workers strikes, which have lasted for nearly four weeks.

The companies say the strikes have nevertheless forced them to impose those layoffs. They note that the job cuts have occurred mainly at factories that make parts for assembly plants that were closed by strikes. In one case, layoffs have been imposed at a factory that uses supplies from a parts factory on strike.

The UAW rejects that argument. It contends that the layoffs are unjustified and were imposed as part of the companies' pressure campaign to persuade UAW members to accept less favorable terms in negotiations with automakers. The factories that have been affected by layoffs are in six states: Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Kansas, Indiana and New York.

Sam Fiorani, an analyst with AutoForecast Solutions, a consulting firm, said he thinks the layoffs reflect a simple reality: The automakers are losing money because of the strikes. By slowing or idling factories that are running below their capacities because of strike-related parts shortages, Fiorani said, the companies can mitigate further losses.

“It doesn’t make sense to keep running at 30% or 40% of capacity when it normally runs at 100%,” he said. “We’re not looking at huge numbers of workers relative to the ones actually being struck. But there is fallout.”

In a statement, Bryce Currie, vice president of Americas manufacturing at Ford, said: “While we are doing what we can to avoid layoffs, we have no choice but to reduce production of parts that would be destined for a plant that is on strike."

UAW President Shawn Fain countered in a statement that the automakers were using layoffs to pressure the union into settling the strike. With billions in profits, Fain argued, the companies don’t have to lay off a single employee.

The UAW began striking against General Motors, Ford and Stellantis on Sept. 15, with one assembly plant from each company. The next week, the union expanded the strike to 38 GM and Stellantis parts warehouses. Assembly plants from Ford and GM were added the week after that.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the union&nbsp; significantly escalated its walkout by going on strike against the largest and most profitable Ford plant in the world. In a surprise move, 8,700 members left their jobs at Ford's Kentucky truck plant in Louisville.

Striking workers are receiving $500 a week from the union’s strike pay fund. By contrast, anyone who is laid off would qualify for state unemployment aid, which, depending on a variety of circumstances, could be less or more than $500 a week.

“Their plan won’t work,” Fain said. “The UAW will make sure any worker laid off in the Big Three’s latest attack will not go without an income.”

GM said it has laid off 2,330 workers, including 1,600 at a temporarily closed assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas, that makes the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Cadillac XT4 small SUV. The plant uses metal parts produced at the GM plant in Wentzville, Missouri, which is on strike.

Other GM facilities that have been affected by layoffs are in Lockport, New York; Toledo, Ohio; Marion, Indiana; Parma, Ohio; and Lansing, Michigan.

Ford said it has laid off 1,865 workers. They include 600 auto-body and parts-stamping employees in Wayne, Michigan, who are not on strike but who have been affected by a nearby assembly plant that has been struck. Other Ford locations with layoffs include Chicago; Sterling Heights and Livonia, Michigan; and Cleveland and Lima, Ohio.

Stellantis said late Monday that it had laid off about 640 workers, including 520 at an engine factory complex in Trenton, Michigan, that supplies a Jeep plant in Toledo, Ohio, that is on strike. Other locations with layoffs include a metal casting plant in Kokomo, Indiana, and a machining factory in Toledo.

Fiorani said that if the strike widens, more workers will likely be laid off at non-striking plants. Once metal stamping factories that supply multiple assembly plants have produced enough parts for non-striking facilities, the companies would likely shut them down.

“Once you've filled up the stocks for the other plants you supply," he said, “you have to lay off the workers and wait out the strike.”

Separate companies that manufacture parts for the automakers are likely to have laid off workers but might not report them publicly, said Patrick Anderson, CEO of the Anderson Economic Group in Lansing, Michigan.

A survey of parts supply companies by a trade association called MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers found that 30% of members have laid off workers and that more than 60% expect to start layoffs in mid-October.

Fiorani said that while larger parts suppliers can likely withstand the strike, smaller companies that make parts for the bigger companies might not have enough cash or the ability to borrow to outlast the job actions. Some, he said, may have a couple dozen workers “and don't have billions in value to use as collateral in loans,” he said.

Thus far, the union has decided to target a small number of plants from each company rather than have all 146,000 UAW members at the automakers go on strike at the same time.

Last week, the union reported progress in the talks and decided not to add any more plants. This came after GM agreed to bring joint-venture electric vehicle battery factories into the national master contract, almost assuring that the plants will be unionized.

Battery plants are a major point of contention in the negotiations. The UAW wants those plants to be unionized to assure jobs and top wages for workers who will be displaced by the industry's ongoing transition to electric vehicles.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697034163022.png" alt="Auto workers in the picket line in Missouri -photo UAW" />
 <figcaption>Auto workers in the picket line in Missouri -photo UAW</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Detroit's three automakers have laid off roughly 4,800 workers at factories that are not among the plants that have been hit by the United Auto Workers strikes, which have lasted for nearly four weeks.The companies say the strikes have nevertheless forced them to impose those layoffs. They note that the job cuts have occurred mainly at factories that make parts for assembly plants that were closed by strikes. In one case, layoffs have been imposed at a factory that uses supplies from a parts factory on strike.The UAW rejects that argument. It contends that the layoffs are unjustified and were imposed as part of the companies' pressure campaign to persuade UAW members to accept less favorable terms in negotiations with automakers. The factories that have been affected by layoffs are in six states: Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Kansas, Indiana and New York.Sam Fiorani, an analyst with AutoForecast Solutions, a consulting firm, said he thinks the layoffs reflect a simple reality: The automakers are losing money because of the strikes. By slowing or idling factories that are running below their capacities because of strike-related parts shortages, Fiorani said, the companies can mitigate further losses.“It doesn’t make sense to keep running at 30% or 40% of capacity when it normally runs at 100%,” he said. “We’re not looking at huge numbers of workers relative to the ones actually being struck. But there is fallout.”In a statement, Bryce Currie, vice president of Americas manufacturing at Ford, said: “While we are doing what we can to avoid layoffs, we have no choice but to reduce production of parts that would be destined for a plant that is on strike."UAW President Shawn Fain countered in a statement that the automakers were using layoffs to pressure the union into settling the strike. With billions in profits, Fain argued, the companies don’t have to lay off a single employee.The UAW began striking against General Motors, Ford and Stellantis on Sept. 15, with one assembly plant from each company. The next week, the union expanded the strike to 38 GM and Stellantis parts warehouses. Assembly plants from Ford and GM were added the week after that.&nbsp;On Wednesday, the union&nbsp; significantly escalated its walkout by going on strike against the largest and most profitable Ford plant in the world. In a surprise move, 8,700 members left their jobs at Ford's Kentucky truck plant in Louisville.Striking workers are receiving $500 a week from the union’s strike pay fund. By contrast, anyone who is laid off would qualify for state unemployment aid, which, depending on a variety of circumstances, could be less or more than $500 a week.“Their plan won’t work,” Fain said. “The UAW will make sure any worker laid off in the Big Three’s latest attack will not go without an income.”GM said it has laid off 2,330 workers, including 1,600 at a temporarily closed assembly plant in Kansas City, Kansas, that makes the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Cadillac XT4 small SUV. The plant uses metal parts produced at the GM plant in Wentzville, Missouri, which is on strike.Other GM facilities that have been affected by layoffs are in Lockport, New York; Toledo, Ohio; Marion, Indiana; Parma, Ohio; and Lansing, Michigan.Ford said it has laid off 1,865 workers. They include 600 auto-body and parts-stamping employees in Wayne, Michigan, who are not on strike but who have been affected by a nearby assembly plant that has been struck. Other Ford locations with layoffs include Chicago; Sterling Heights and Livonia, Michigan; and Cleveland and Lima, Ohio.Stellantis said late Monday that it had laid off about 640 workers, including 520 at an engine factory complex in Trenton, Michigan, that supplies a Jeep plant in Toledo, Ohio, that is on strike. Other locations with layoffs include a metal casting plant in Kokomo, Indiana, and a machining factory in Toledo.Fiorani said that if the strike widens, more workers will likely be laid off at non-striking plants. Once metal stamping factories that supply multiple assembly plants have produced enough parts for non-striking facilities, the companies would likely shut them down.“Once you've filled up the stocks for the other plants you supply," he said, “you have to lay off the workers and wait out the strike.”Separate companies that manufacture parts for the automakers are likely to have laid off workers but might not report them publicly, said Patrick Anderson, CEO of the Anderson Economic Group in Lansing, Michigan.A survey of parts supply companies by a trade association called MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers found that 30% of members have laid off workers and that more than 60% expect to start layoffs in mid-October.Fiorani said that while larger parts suppliers can likely withstand the strike, smaller companies that make parts for the bigger companies might not have enough cash or the ability to borrow to outlast the job actions. Some, he said, may have a couple dozen workers “and don't have billions in value to use as collateral in loans,” he said.Thus far, the union has decided to target a small number of plants from each company rather than have all 146,000 UAW members at the automakers go on strike at the same time.Last week, the union reported progress in the talks and decided not to add any more plants. This came after GM agreed to bring joint-venture electric vehicle battery factories into the national master contract, almost assuring that the plants will be unionized.Battery plants are a major point of contention in the negotiations. The UAW wants those plants to be unionized to assure jobs and top wages for workers who will be displaced by the industry's ongoing transition to electric vehicles.

Automakers and union spar over layoffs in Kan., 5 other states

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas' Republican attorney general asked the state's highest court to reward the GOP-controlled Legislature for following through on a decade's worth of court-mandated education funding increases by making it harder for local school districts to force higher spending in the future.

Attorney General Kris Kobach's office wants the Kansas Supreme Court to close a lawsuit that four school districts filed against the state in 2010. The request was filed Wednesday by Tony Powell, a former state Court of Appeals judge who now serves as Kobach's solicitor general.

The state Supreme Court issued seven rulings from 2013 through 2019 requiring the Legislature to increase funding for public schools and to make its formula for distributing its funds fairer to poorer areas of the state. The justices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/16d63062f0a645f6a9231e22b623e9fb">said in 2019</a>&nbsp;that the Legislature had complied with their directives, but they kept the case open to ensure that lawmakers fulfilled their promises.

The state expects to provide $4.9 billion in aid to its 286 local school districts during the current school year, which would be about 39% more than the $3.5 billion it provided for the 2013-14 school year. Powell noted that the court approved a plan four years ago to phase in a series of funding increases through the previous school year and wrote that “all funding has been phased in successfully.”

Kansas has been in and out of school funding lawsuits for several decades, with lawmakers promising increases in spending and then backing off when the economy soured and state revenues became tight.

With the lawsuit still open and in the state Supreme Court's hands, the school districts can go directly to the justices each year if they don't believe lawmakers have provided enough money. If the case were closed, districts would have to file a new lawsuit in district court that likely would take several years to reach the state Supreme Court.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly opposes Kobach's request. Spokesperson Brianna Johnson described it as an “attempt to allow the Legislature to remove funding from our public schools.” She also noted that it came the same week that state education officials reported improvements in scores on standardized exams, including the best math scores since 2017.

She said, "It makes no sense to undo all the progress.”

<a href="https://kslib.info/832/Article-6-Education">The state constitution</a>&nbsp;says lawmakers “shall make suitable provision for finance” of the state’s “educational interests.” The state Supreme Court has ruled repeatedly that the language requires legislators to provide enough money and distribute it fairly enough to finance a suitable education for every child.

By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas' Republican attorney general asked the state's highest court to reward the GOP-controlled Legislature for following through on a decade's worth of court-mandated education funding increases by making it harder for local school districts to force higher spending in the future.Attorney General Kris Kobach's office wants the Kansas Supreme Court to close a lawsuit that four school districts filed against the state in 2010. The request was filed Wednesday by Tony Powell, a former state Court of Appeals judge who now serves as Kobach's solicitor general.The state Supreme Court issued seven rulings from 2013 through 2019 requiring the Legislature to increase funding for public schools and to make its formula for distributing its funds fairer to poorer areas of the state. The justices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/16d63062f0a645f6a9231e22b623e9fb">said in 2019</a>&nbsp;that the Legislature had complied with their directives, but they kept the case open to ensure that lawmakers fulfilled their promises.The state expects to provide $4.9 billion in aid to its 286 local school districts during the current school year, which would be about 39% more than the $3.5 billion it provided for the 2013-14 school year. Powell noted that the court approved a plan four years ago to phase in a series of funding increases through the previous school year and wrote that “all funding has been phased in successfully.”Kansas has been in and out of school funding lawsuits for several decades, with lawmakers promising increases in spending and then backing off when the economy soured and state revenues became tight.With the lawsuit still open and in the state Supreme Court's hands, the school districts can go directly to the justices each year if they don't believe lawmakers have provided enough money. If the case were closed, districts would have to file a new lawsuit in district court that likely would take several years to reach the state Supreme Court.Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly opposes Kobach's request. Spokesperson Brianna Johnson described it as an “attempt to allow the Legislature to remove funding from our public schools.” She also noted that it came the same week that state education officials reported improvements in scores on standardized exams, including the best math scores since 2017.She said, "It makes no sense to undo all the progress.”<a href="https://kslib.info/832/Article-6-Education">The state constitution</a>&nbsp;says lawmakers “shall make suitable provision for finance” of the state’s “educational interests.” The state Supreme Court has ruled repeatedly that the language requires legislators to provide enough money and distribute it fairly enough to finance a suitable education for every child.

With funding for schools higher, Kan. AG wants to close their lawsuit

STANTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 11p.m. Tuesday Sheriff's Deputies responded to a shooting in the 100 block of North Elm Street in Johnson, Kansas, according to Sheriff Clayton Kester.

 When deputies arrived they located two individuals suffering from an apparent gunshot wounds. EMS transported them to the Stanton County Hospital in Johnson City. The sheriff had no update on their condition early Thursday.

Just before 11:30p.m. Tuesday, deputies arrested the suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Quinton Seely of Johnson City, in the 400 block of South Lake. 

Seely is currently in custody in Grant County awaiting formal charges.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697124455380.png" alt="Seely photo Stanton Co." />
 <figcaption>Seely photo Stanton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>STANTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.Just before 11p.m. Tuesday Sheriff's Deputies responded to a shooting in the 100 block of North Elm Street in Johnson, Kansas, according to Sheriff Clayton Kester. When deputies arrived they located two individuals suffering from an apparent gunshot wounds. EMS transported them to the Stanton County Hospital in Johnson City. The sheriff had no update on their condition early Thursday.Just before 11:30p.m. Tuesday, deputies arrested the suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Quinton Seely of Johnson City, in the 400 block of South Lake. Seely is currently in custody in Grant County awaiting formal charges.&nbsp;

SW Kansas man accused in shooting that injured two

WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-does-social-security-work-91e2d237d93e2ac7d2775e8b19d2a7a1">Social Security recipients</a>&nbsp;will get a 3.2% increase in their benefits in 2024, far less than this year's historic boost and reflecting moderating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-interest-rates-economy-federal-reserve-8ab5c75e191a31942f2fcf1eeb8fa44c">consumer prices</a>.

The cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, means the average recipient will receive more than $50 more every month beginning in January, the Social Security Administration said Thursday. The AARP estimated that increase at $59 per month.

“This will help millions of people keep up with expenses,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Social Security’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-government-and-politics-b31675f4c5c286d08bc52466a2fc0165">acting commissioner</a>.

About 71 million people — including retirees, disabled people and children — receive Social Security benefits.

Thursday's announcement follows this year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-cola-increase-8778d4aa9da4102edc79762ea622196f">8.7% benefit increase</a>, brought on by record&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/inflation">40-year-high inflation</a>, which pushed up the price of consumer goods. With inflation easing, the next annual increase is markedly smaller.

Still, senior advocates applauded the annual adjustment.

“Retirees can rest a little easier at night knowing they will soon receive an increase in their Social Security checks to help them keep up with rising prices,” AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins said. “We know older Americans are still feeling the sting when they buy groceries and gas, making every dollar important."

Social Security is financed by payroll taxes collected from workers and their employers. The maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes will be $168,600 for 2024, up from $160,200 for 2023.

Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, an advocacy group for the social insurance program, said that the COLA is a “reminder of Social Security’s unique importance" and that “Congress should pass legislation to protect and expand benefits.”

But the program faces a severe financial shortfall in coming years.

The annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicare-social-security-finances-shortfall-debt-biden-b1f45ba6dd6fdef18e741e308d8ecf12">Social Security and Medicare trustees report</a>&nbsp;released in March said the program’s trust fund will be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2033. If the trust fund is depleted, the government will be able to pay only 77% of scheduled benefits,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/TRSUM/">the report</a>&nbsp;said.

There have been legislative proposals to shore up Social Security, but they have not made it past committee hearings.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-medicare-cuts-ap-poll-biden-9e7395e8efeab68063d741beac6ef24b">A March poll</a>&nbsp;by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that most U.S. adults are opposed to proposals that would cut into Medicare or Social Security benefits, and 79% of people polled said they oppose reducing the size of Social Security benefits.

The COLA is calculated according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index, or CPI. But there are calls for the agency to instead use a different index, the CPI-E, which measures price changes based on the spending patterns of the elderly, like health care, food and medicine costs.

Any change to the calculation would require congressional approval. But with decades of inaction on Social Security and with the House at a standstill after the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., seniors and their advocates say they don’t have confidence any sort of change will be approved soon.

The cost of living adjustments have a big impact for people like Alfred Mason, an 83-year-old Louisiana resident. Mason said that “any increase is welcomed, because it sustains us for what we are going through.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-does-social-security-work-91e2d237d93e2ac7d2775e8b19d2a7a1">Social Security recipients</a>&nbsp;will get a 3.2% increase in their benefits in 2024, far less than this year's historic boost and reflecting moderating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-interest-rates-economy-federal-reserve-8ab5c75e191a31942f2fcf1eeb8fa44c">consumer prices</a>.The cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, means the average recipient will receive more than $50 more every month beginning in January, the Social Security Administration said Thursday. The AARP estimated that increase at $59 per month.“This will help millions of people keep up with expenses,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Social Security’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-government-and-politics-b31675f4c5c286d08bc52466a2fc0165">acting commissioner</a>.About 71 million people — including retirees, disabled people and children — receive Social Security benefits.Thursday's announcement follows this year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-cola-increase-8778d4aa9da4102edc79762ea622196f">8.7% benefit increase</a>, brought on by record&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/inflation">40-year-high inflation</a>, which pushed up the price of consumer goods. With inflation easing, the next annual increase is markedly smaller.Still, senior advocates applauded the annual adjustment.“Retirees can rest a little easier at night knowing they will soon receive an increase in their Social Security checks to help them keep up with rising prices,” AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins said. “We know older Americans are still feeling the sting when they buy groceries and gas, making every dollar important."Social Security is financed by payroll taxes collected from workers and their employers. The maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes will be $168,600 for 2024, up from $160,200 for 2023.Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, an advocacy group for the social insurance program, said that the COLA is a “reminder of Social Security’s unique importance" and that “Congress should pass legislation to protect and expand benefits.”But the program faces a severe financial shortfall in coming years.The annual&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/medicare-social-security-finances-shortfall-debt-biden-b1f45ba6dd6fdef18e741e308d8ecf12">Social Security and Medicare trustees report</a>&nbsp;released in March said the program’s trust fund will be unable to pay full benefits beginning in 2033. If the trust fund is depleted, the government will be able to pay only 77% of scheduled benefits,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ssa.gov/oact/TRSUM/">the report</a>&nbsp;said.There have been legislative proposals to shore up Social Security, but they have not made it past committee hearings.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/social-security-medicare-cuts-ap-poll-biden-9e7395e8efeab68063d741beac6ef24b">A March poll</a>&nbsp;by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that most U.S. adults are opposed to proposals that would cut into Medicare or Social Security benefits, and 79% of people polled said they oppose reducing the size of Social Security benefits.The COLA is calculated according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index, or CPI. But there are calls for the agency to instead use a different index, the CPI-E, which measures price changes based on the spending patterns of the elderly, like health care, food and medicine costs.Any change to the calculation would require congressional approval. But with decades of inaction on Social Security and with the House at a standstill after the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., seniors and their advocates say they don’t have confidence any sort of change will be approved soon.The cost of living adjustments have a big impact for people like Alfred Mason, an 83-year-old Louisiana resident. Mason said that “any increase is welcomed, because it sustains us for what we are going through.”

Social Security benefits will increase in 2024 as inflation moderates

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a second deadly shooting in Topeka in two days and have identified the victim as Ra’Juan Spicer, 18, of Topeka. 

Just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.&nbsp; First responders located Spicer suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. 

EMS personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene. The incident is being investigated as a homicide. It is the&nbsp; 28th homicide in Topeka in 2023.

Just before&nbsp;10:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of SE Pennsylvania Street in Topeka.

First responders located 17-year-old Victor Carlton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest in these two cases.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697120006665.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a second deadly shooting in Topeka in two days and have identified the victim as Ra’Juan Spicer, 18, of Topeka. Just after 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of SW Clay Street in Topeka, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.&nbsp; First responders located Spicer suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. EMS personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene. The incident is being investigated as a homicide. It is the&nbsp; 28th homicide in Topeka in 2023.Just before&nbsp;10:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of SE Pennsylvania Street in Topeka.First responders located 17-year-old Victor Carlton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.&nbsp; Police have not reported an arrest in these two cases.

Homicide: 2nd Kansas teen dead in shooting this week

&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/135693/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>&nbsp;, DOD&nbsp;

The U.S. will lead a newly formed coalition focused on developing Ukraine's air force in a bid to bolster that country's long-term capability to defend itself against Russian aggression, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said on Wednesday.

The announcement, unveiled by Austin following the 16th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels, marks the formation of several distinct coalitions focused on building Ukraine's future force capabilities. Those coalitions are comprised of the more than 50 countries that make up the UDCG.

"By leading this capability coalition, the United States will coordinate closely with Ukraine and other partners with the focus on developing Ukraine's F-16 fighter aircraft capabilities," Austin said.

Austin said Denmark and the Netherlands will join the U.S. in leading the effort to ensure Ukrainian forces can defend their skies.

The two European countries previously announced that they would supply Ukraine with F-16s. Norway has also joined the effort to outfit Ukrainian pilots with the U.S.-made jets.

The U.S. has joined the countries in training Ukrainian pilots and aircrews on how to employ and maintain the advanced fighters.

Austin also announced Estonia and Luxembourg will lead a group of countries focused on supporting Ukraine's information technology infrastructure.

Lithuania will lead a separate coalition focused on neutralizing mines in Ukrainian territory.

"I'm also proud to announce that the United States will be joining several more of these coalitions as they form in the coming months, including those focused on Ukraine's air defense, armor and artillery," he said. "That shows how much we can do when we come together.

"It also shows American leadership matters," he continued. "And as Ukraine's troops face this key moment on the battlefield, we must ensure that America's indispensable assistance to Ukraine continues to flow without disruption."

Austin said the United States' support for Ukrainian forces remains unwavering as evidenced by the more than $43.9 billion in U.S. aid that has flowed to Ukraine since Russia's unprovoked invasion.

That figure includes the latest security assistance package valued at $200 million, which was announced by U.S. officials as the UCDG gathered for today's meeting.

The latest package includes a series of air defense systems, as well as additional artillery and rocket ammunition, precision aerial munitions, antitank weapons, and equipment to counter Russian drones.

Austin said the U.S. is "in great company" as dozens of countries step up to aid to Ukraine.

"Some 50 other members of this contact group have committed more than $33 billion in direct security assistance to Ukraine," he said. "In fact, the three biggest European donors to Ukraine — Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland — have all committed more than the United States as a percentage of gross domestic product. So have many other European countries, including Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and all three of the Baltic states."

Several of those countries announced additional rounds of assistance as the contact group gathered in Brussels.

The display of unwavering unity comes at a critical time for global stability as Israel battles Hamas terrorists responsible for a series of deadly attacks over the weekend.

Following the attacks, the U.S. enhanced its military force posture in the region to strengthen its deterrence against further attacks.

That enhanced posture includes the positioning of the USS Gerald R. Ford Strike Group in the Eastern Mediterranean and bolstered Air Force fighter presence in the region.

The U.S. has also begun to flow military aid to Israel and will soon provide additional rounds to replenish Israel's Iron Dome air defense system.

Austin reaffirmed U.S. support to Israel as he kicked off his remarks in Brussels.

"Like any other country, Israel has the right to defend itself," he said. "As [President Joe Biden] says, Israel has a duty to defend itself."

"And make no mistake, the United States will remain able to project power and to direct resources to tackle crises in multiple theaters," Austin said. "So, we will stand firmly with Israel as we continue to support Ukraine."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697074393182.png" alt="Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Oct. 11, 2023.&nbsp;Photo By:Chad J. McNeeley,&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Oct. 11, 2023.&nbsp;Photo By:Chad J. McNeeley,&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;By&nbsp;<a href="http://www.defense.gov/News/Author/135693/joseph-clark/">Joseph Clark</a>&nbsp;, DOD&nbsp;The U.S. will lead a newly formed coalition focused on developing Ukraine's air force in a bid to bolster that country's long-term capability to defend itself against Russian aggression, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said on Wednesday.The announcement, unveiled by Austin following the 16th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels, marks the formation of several distinct coalitions focused on building Ukraine's future force capabilities. Those coalitions are comprised of the more than 50 countries that make up the UDCG."By leading this capability coalition, the United States will coordinate closely with Ukraine and other partners with the focus on developing Ukraine's F-16 fighter aircraft capabilities," Austin said.Austin said Denmark and the Netherlands will join the U.S. in leading the effort to ensure Ukrainian forces can defend their skies.The two European countries previously announced that they would supply Ukraine with F-16s. Norway has also joined the effort to outfit Ukrainian pilots with the U.S.-made jets.The U.S. has joined the countries in training Ukrainian pilots and aircrews on how to employ and maintain the advanced fighters.Austin also announced Estonia and Luxembourg will lead a group of countries focused on supporting Ukraine's information technology infrastructure.Lithuania will lead a separate coalition focused on neutralizing mines in Ukrainian territory."I'm also proud to announce that the United States will be joining several more of these coalitions as they form in the coming months, including those focused on Ukraine's air defense, armor and artillery," he said. "That shows how much we can do when we come together."It also shows American leadership matters," he continued. "And as Ukraine's troops face this key moment on the battlefield, we must ensure that America's indispensable assistance to Ukraine continues to flow without disruption."Austin said the United States' support for Ukrainian forces remains unwavering as evidenced by the more than $43.9 billion in U.S. aid that has flowed to Ukraine since Russia's unprovoked invasion.That figure includes the latest security assistance package valued at $200 million, which was announced by U.S. officials as the UCDG gathered for today's meeting.The latest package includes a series of air defense systems, as well as additional artillery and rocket ammunition, precision aerial munitions, antitank weapons, and equipment to counter Russian drones.Austin said the U.S. is "in great company" as dozens of countries step up to aid to Ukraine."Some 50 other members of this contact group have committed more than $33 billion in direct security assistance to Ukraine," he said. "In fact, the three biggest European donors to Ukraine — Germany, the United Kingdom and Poland — have all committed more than the United States as a percentage of gross domestic product. So have many other European countries, including Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and all three of the Baltic states."Several of those countries announced additional rounds of assistance as the contact group gathered in Brussels.The display of unwavering unity comes at a critical time for global stability as Israel battles Hamas terrorists responsible for a series of deadly attacks over the weekend.Following the attacks, the U.S. enhanced its military force posture in the region to strengthen its deterrence against further attacks.That enhanced posture includes the positioning of the USS Gerald R. Ford Strike Group in the Eastern Mediterranean and bolstered Air Force fighter presence in the region.The U.S. has also begun to flow military aid to Israel and will soon provide additional rounds to replenish Israel's Iron Dome air defense system.Austin reaffirmed U.S. support to Israel as he kicked off his remarks in Brussels."Like any other country, Israel has the right to defend itself," he said. "As [President Joe Biden] says, Israel has a duty to defend itself.""And make no mistake, the United States will remain able to project power and to direct resources to tackle crises in multiple theaters," Austin said. "So, we will stand firmly with Israel as we continue to support Ukraine."

$43.9 Billion: U.S. sending another $200M in military aid to Ukraine

ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of vehicle burglaries have a suspect in custody.

Six of the burglaries took place between 4:30 and 5:30a.m. Wednesday in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Those occurred in the 1600 Block of 6th Street; 600 Block of Spring Garden; 1200, 1400 and 1500 Block of South 7th Street and the 1200 Block of Riverview Drive.

One burglary took place October 6, in the 600 Block of North 3rd Street. Others occurred September 8, in the 700 block South 8th Street

The suspect identified as&nbsp;Kyler J. Reynolds, 25, Atchison, allegedly took&nbsp;purses, cash, financial cards and duffle bags.

As police were investigating Wednesday and following leads, they saw Reynolds on a bicycle in the area of 4th and U.S.59. Reynolds attempted to flee from officers but was apprehended near 2nd and Main Street just after 9a.m., according to Wilson.

He is being held on requested charges of vehicle burglary and theft involving eight cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to the burglary and theft charges, Reynolds was also arrested on a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court in connection to previous burglary and theft cases.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697041198902.png" alt="Reynolds from an earlier arrest in Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Reynolds from an earlier arrest in Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a series of vehicle burglaries have a suspect in custody.Six of the burglaries took place between 4:30 and 5:30a.m. Wednesday in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. Those occurred in the 1600 Block of 6th Street; 600 Block of Spring Garden; 1200, 1400 and 1500 Block of South 7th Street and the 1200 Block of Riverview Drive.One burglary took place October 6, in the 600 Block of North 3rd Street. Others occurred September 8, in the 700 block South 8th StreetThe suspect identified as&nbsp;Kyler J. Reynolds, 25, Atchison, allegedly took&nbsp;purses, cash, financial cards and duffle bags.As police were investigating Wednesday and following leads, they saw Reynolds on a bicycle in the area of 4th and U.S.59. Reynolds attempted to flee from officers but was apprehended near 2nd and Main Street just after 9a.m., according to Wilson.He is being held on requested charges of vehicle burglary and theft involving eight cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to the burglary and theft charges, Reynolds was also arrested on a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court in connection to previous burglary and theft cases.&nbsp;

Kan. burglary suspect caught riding bicycle from crime scene

TOPEKA (AP) —Kansas became the 10th state in the nation Wednesday to require two-person railroad crews despite objections from freight railroads, but the industry may challenge the rule in court as it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-safety-ohio-crew-size-derailment-lawsuit-429df55468cc112d7057d4dd1dcf5322">in other states</a>&nbsp;like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-transportation-budget-rail-safety-derailment-bc3e97140763a5accd8bc40cfa664611">Ohio</a>.

The major freight railroads have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/railroads-to-renew-push-for-one-man-crews-in-contract-talks-3f97553f0ec9474784249fa4a17e1169">long pushed</a>&nbsp;to cut crews down to one person, but unions have resisted because they believe it’s safer to have two people working together to operate trains.

Gov. Laura Kelly said two-person crews “will protect workers from the effects of fatigue, prevent train derailments and reduce risks in the many Kansas communities along our railroad tracks.” The new administrative rule took effect Wednesday.

The railroad industry maintains there isn't enough evidence to show that two-person crews are safer and many short-line railroads already operate with a single person aboard.

“Regulatory efforts to mandate crew staffing such as the latest in Kansas lack a safety justification,” said spokesperson Jessica Kahanek with the Association of American Railroads trade group.

Kahanek said she didn't want to speculate whether the industry will file a lawsuit challenging the Kansas rule the way it did in Ohio. The railroads generally argue in their lawsuits that the federal government should be the only one to regulate the industry to ensure there's a uniform set of rules.

At least&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroads-freight-safety-derailment-state-laws-42fa5ddae7486e44c7383def082d31a3">a dozen states</a>&nbsp;impatient with the federal government's reluctance to pass new regulations on railroads have tried to pass restrictions on the industry related to minimum crew size, train length and blocked crossings.

Both the Ohio and Kansas crew-size rules were proposed in the months after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-pete-buttigieg-evacuations-ohio-explosions-64908a6416662b5866809387f210aee5">fiery Norfolk Southern derailment</a>&nbsp;in eastern Ohio in February. That crash forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes around East Palestine while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-updates-bf5a60de2243cd6f7f730096aa33294c">hazardous chemicals burned</a>&nbsp;in the days afterward. The cleanup continues and residents continue to worry about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-contamination-fears-brockovich-fc68b402096a4f5f8598a657f7e399f8">possible long-term health effects</a>.

The other states that have rules requiring two-person crews on the books are California, Wisconsin, Arizona, West Virginia. Minnesota, Washington, Nevada and Colorado. Those state regulations could be unnecessary if the Federal Railroad Administration approves a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/588d6f7829c4836b9d2feff5c21a5097">proposed rule</a>&nbsp;to require two-person crews or if a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-congress-6288cdfb0b4381de4c9bfb05199b8ba6">package of rail safety reforms</a>&nbsp;proposed in Congress that includes that requirement is approved. But the rail safety bill hasn't received a vote in the Senate or a hearing in the House, so it's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/east-palestine-train-derailment-safety-regulations-railroad-4db52c68daf68da05425b5b70363fb0a">prospects are uncertain</a>.

Jeremy Ferguson, who leads the Transportation Division of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union that represents conductors, praised the new Kansas rule alongside the governor Wednesday.

“We have all worked hard to show that safety comes first, and corporate profits will never be placed ahead of all the citizens of this great state,” Ferguson said.

Kahanek, the industry spokesperson, said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aar.org/issue/crew-size/">railroads believe</a>&nbsp;crew size should be determined by contract negotiations with the unions — not by regulations.

Union Pacific is in the process of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-railroad-crews-kansas-2f87d473a41a8c999945043ecab597c1">testing</a>&nbsp;out how quickly a conductor in a truck can respond to problems on a train compared to the conductor aboard the locomotive, although the railroad is still maintaining two people at the controls of its trains during the test.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697068882813.jpeg" alt="Kansas becomes the 10th state to require at least two railroad crew members in the lead locomotive. Requiring a two-person crew protects Kansas rail workers and our communities along the tracks.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Kansas becomes the 10th state to require at least two railroad crew members in the lead locomotive. Requiring a two-person crew protects Kansas rail workers and our communities along the tracks.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA (AP) —Kansas became the 10th state in the nation Wednesday to require two-person railroad crews despite objections from freight railroads, but the industry may challenge the rule in court as it has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-safety-ohio-crew-size-derailment-lawsuit-429df55468cc112d7057d4dd1dcf5322">in other states</a>&nbsp;like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-transportation-budget-rail-safety-derailment-bc3e97140763a5accd8bc40cfa664611">Ohio</a>.The major freight railroads have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/railroads-to-renew-push-for-one-man-crews-in-contract-talks-3f97553f0ec9474784249fa4a17e1169">long pushed</a>&nbsp;to cut crews down to one person, but unions have resisted because they believe it’s safer to have two people working together to operate trains.Gov. Laura Kelly said two-person crews “will protect workers from the effects of fatigue, prevent train derailments and reduce risks in the many Kansas communities along our railroad tracks.” The new administrative rule took effect Wednesday.The railroad industry maintains there isn't enough evidence to show that two-person crews are safer and many short-line railroads already operate with a single person aboard.“Regulatory efforts to mandate crew staffing such as the latest in Kansas lack a safety justification,” said spokesperson Jessica Kahanek with the Association of American Railroads trade group.Kahanek said she didn't want to speculate whether the industry will file a lawsuit challenging the Kansas rule the way it did in Ohio. The railroads generally argue in their lawsuits that the federal government should be the only one to regulate the industry to ensure there's a uniform set of rules.At least&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/railroads-freight-safety-derailment-state-laws-42fa5ddae7486e44c7383def082d31a3">a dozen states</a>&nbsp;impatient with the federal government's reluctance to pass new regulations on railroads have tried to pass restrictions on the industry related to minimum crew size, train length and blocked crossings.Both the Ohio and Kansas crew-size rules were proposed in the months after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-pete-buttigieg-evacuations-ohio-explosions-64908a6416662b5866809387f210aee5">fiery Norfolk Southern derailment</a>&nbsp;in eastern Ohio in February. That crash forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes around East Palestine while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-updates-bf5a60de2243cd6f7f730096aa33294c">hazardous chemicals burned</a>&nbsp;in the days afterward. The cleanup continues and residents continue to worry about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-contamination-fears-brockovich-fc68b402096a4f5f8598a657f7e399f8">possible long-term health effects</a>.The other states that have rules requiring two-person crews on the books are California, Wisconsin, Arizona, West Virginia. Minnesota, Washington, Nevada and Colorado. Those state regulations could be unnecessary if the Federal Railroad Administration approves a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/588d6f7829c4836b9d2feff5c21a5097">proposed rule</a>&nbsp;to require two-person crews or if a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-train-derailment-congress-6288cdfb0b4381de4c9bfb05199b8ba6">package of rail safety reforms</a>&nbsp;proposed in Congress that includes that requirement is approved. But the rail safety bill hasn't received a vote in the Senate or a hearing in the House, so it's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/east-palestine-train-derailment-safety-regulations-railroad-4db52c68daf68da05425b5b70363fb0a">prospects are uncertain</a>.Jeremy Ferguson, who leads the Transportation Division of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union that represents conductors, praised the new Kansas rule alongside the governor Wednesday.“We have all worked hard to show that safety comes first, and corporate profits will never be placed ahead of all the citizens of this great state,” Ferguson said.Kahanek, the industry spokesperson, said the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aar.org/issue/crew-size/">railroads believe</a>&nbsp;crew size should be determined by contract negotiations with the unions — not by regulations.Union Pacific is in the process of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/union-pacific-railroad-crews-kansas-2f87d473a41a8c999945043ecab597c1">testing</a>&nbsp;out how quickly a conductor in a truck can respond to problems on a train compared to the conductor aboard the locomotive, although the railroad is still maintaining two people at the controls of its trains during the test.

Gov. announces new rule to improve safety for Kan. rail workers

HARPER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Harper County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Kenworth semi driven by Nelse Edward&nbsp;O'Hair, 59, Laverne, Oklahoma, was southbound on Kansas 14 just south of NW 130 Road.

The vehicle left the roadway to the right, struck a ditch embankment, rolled an unknown number of times and caught on fire.

O'Hair was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Prairie Road Funeral Home. The KHP did not report seat belt usage information.

HARPER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 4p.m. Wednesday in Harper County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Kenworth semi driven by Nelse Edward&nbsp;O'Hair, 59, Laverne, Oklahoma, was southbound on Kansas 14 just south of NW 130 Road.The vehicle left the roadway to the right, struck a ditch embankment, rolled an unknown number of times and caught on fire.O'Hair was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Prairie Road Funeral Home. The KHP did not report seat belt usage information.

Man dies after semi rollover crash and fire on Kan. highway

&nbsp;DES MOINES (AP) — A player in California won a $1.73 billion Powerball jackpot Wednesday night, ending a long stretch without a winner of the top prize.

The winning numbers were: 22, 24, 40, 52, 64 and the Powerball 10. The winning ticket was sold at Midway Market &amp; Liquor in Frazier Park, according to the California Lottery.

Phone calls Wednesday night to Midway Market &amp; Liquor went unanswered.

“The phone’s been ringing off the hook, people saying congratulations. Pretty crazy,” the store’s night worker, identified only as Duke, told KCAL-TV.

“Somebody owes me a truck,” he said with a smile. “A lot of customers come in, you know they come in every day to get their tickets, religiously. And a lot of them ... said: ‘Oh, if I win I’m gonna get you a new truck.’ So where’s my truck? I’ll be waiting.”

He expected the winner will be a local resident.

Before someone won the giant prize, there had been 35 consecutive drawings without a big winner, stretching back to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">July 19</a>&nbsp;when a player in California matched all six numbers and won $1.08 billion.

The jackpot is the world’s second-largest lottery prize after rolling over for 36 consecutive drawings, since the last time someone won the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">top prize on July 19</a>. That streak trails the record of 41 draws set in 2021 and 2022.

The only top prize that was ever bigger was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpot-mega-millions-powerball-b77dd9c7de3f0ab09545a01113b1f111">$2.04 billion Powerball</a>&nbsp;won by a player in California last November.

Powerball’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">terrible odds</a>&nbsp;of 1 in 292.2 million are designed to generate big jackpots, with prizes becoming ever larger as they repeatedly roll over when no one wins. And wins in recent months have been few and far between.

That didn’t bother those eager to plunk down their money on Wednesday for a long-shot chance at instant wealth.

Robert Salvato Jr., a 60-year-old electrician, bought 40 Powerball tickets at a hardware store in Billerica, Massachusetts.

“I would take care of family and give my cat that extra leg that she needs and make her a good kitty,” said Salvato, who got married on Saturday.

“I could give her a ring on every finger, I guess,” Salvato said of his new wife.

Nevada is among the five states without Powerball, so friends Tamara Carter and Denise Davis drove from Las Vegas across the state line into California to buy tickets. But the line was so long at their first stop that they gave up and went in search of another store.

“The line was about three hours long,” Carter estimated. “I was waiting for maybe a half hour, and it didn’t move.”

The jackpot has grown enormous due to a long dry spell. The previous winning Powerball ticket was sold on July 19, and it was worth $1.08 billion after 39 drawings without a jackpot win.

At the same hardware store as Salvato, Kevin Button seemed to understand the long odds as he bought a ticket.

“I only buy them usually when the jackpot’s high,” Button said. “Seems to have been pretty high quite often lately. So I’ve tried quite a few times and haven’t even won a free ticket. But maybe tonight’s the night.”

In most states, a Powerball ticket costs $2 and players can select their own numbers or leave that task to a computer.

The $1.73 billion jackpot is for a sole winner who opts for payment&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">through an annuity</a>, doled out over 30 years. Winners almost always take the cash option, which for Wednesday night’s drawing is estimated at $756.6 million.

Winnings would be subject to federal taxes, and many states also tax lottery winnings.

Powerball is played in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

&nbsp;DES MOINES (AP) — A player in California won a $1.73 billion Powerball jackpot Wednesday night, ending a long stretch without a winner of the top prize.The winning numbers were: 22, 24, 40, 52, 64 and the Powerball 10. The winning ticket was sold at Midway Market &amp; Liquor in Frazier Park, according to the California Lottery.Phone calls Wednesday night to Midway Market &amp; Liquor went unanswered.“The phone’s been ringing off the hook, people saying congratulations. Pretty crazy,” the store’s night worker, identified only as Duke, told KCAL-TV.“Somebody owes me a truck,” he said with a smile. “A lot of customers come in, you know they come in every day to get their tickets, religiously. And a lot of them ... said: ‘Oh, if I win I’m gonna get you a new truck.’ So where’s my truck? I’ll be waiting.”He expected the winner will be a local resident.Before someone won the giant prize, there had been 35 consecutive drawings without a big winner, stretching back to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">July 19</a>&nbsp;when a player in California matched all six numbers and won $1.08 billion.The jackpot is the world’s second-largest lottery prize after rolling over for 36 consecutive drawings, since the last time someone won the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">top prize on July 19</a>. That streak trails the record of 41 draws set in 2021 and 2022.The only top prize that was ever bigger was the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpot-mega-millions-powerball-b77dd9c7de3f0ab09545a01113b1f111">$2.04 billion Powerball</a>&nbsp;won by a player in California last November.Powerball’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">terrible odds</a>&nbsp;of 1 in 292.2 million are designed to generate big jackpots, with prizes becoming ever larger as they repeatedly roll over when no one wins. And wins in recent months have been few and far between.That didn’t bother those eager to plunk down their money on Wednesday for a long-shot chance at instant wealth.Robert Salvato Jr., a 60-year-old electrician, bought 40 Powerball tickets at a hardware store in Billerica, Massachusetts.“I would take care of family and give my cat that extra leg that she needs and make her a good kitty,” said Salvato, who got married on Saturday.“I could give her a ring on every finger, I guess,” Salvato said of his new wife.Nevada is among the five states without Powerball, so friends Tamara Carter and Denise Davis drove from Las Vegas across the state line into California to buy tickets. But the line was so long at their first stop that they gave up and went in search of another store.“The line was about three hours long,” Carter estimated. “I was waiting for maybe a half hour, and it didn’t move.”The jackpot has grown enormous due to a long dry spell. The previous winning Powerball ticket was sold on July 19, and it was worth $1.08 billion after 39 drawings without a jackpot win.At the same hardware store as Salvato, Kevin Button seemed to understand the long odds as he bought a ticket.“I only buy them usually when the jackpot’s high,” Button said. “Seems to have been pretty high quite often lately. So I’ve tried quite a few times and haven’t even won a free ticket. But maybe tonight’s the night.”In most states, a Powerball ticket costs $2 and players can select their own numbers or leave that task to a computer.The $1.73 billion jackpot is for a sole winner who opts for payment&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">through an annuity</a>, doled out over 30 years. Winners almost always take the cash option, which for Wednesday night’s drawing is estimated at $756.6 million.Winnings would be subject to federal taxes, and many states also tax lottery winnings.Powerball is played in 45 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 Powerball player wins lottery’s $1.73 billion jackpot 

ST. CLAIR, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri high school teacher who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-teacher-porn-site-d3f04e290cf1fe8a0097ecb4ebdbb041">suspended</a>&nbsp;after officials discovered that she had performed on a subscription-based website known for sexually explicit content has resigned, a school district official said.

St. Clair High School English teacher Brianna Coppage was placed on leave last month after school officials discovered her page on the OnlyFans website, which she said she joined to supplement her teaching salary. She recently tendered her resignation, Superintendent Kyle Kruse&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/missouri-teacher-with-onlyfans-porn-site-resigns-takes-career-in-different-direction/article_1641aefa-679d-11ee-9cb2-8f484eb63438.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>.

The 28-year-old teacher was not asked to resign, and district officials took “all possible steps to ensure confidentiality” after Coppage's page was discovered through social media posts, Kruse said. Last month when she was placed on leave, Kruse said in a statement that "an employee may have posted inappropriate media on one or more internet sites.”

When she was suspended, Coppage told the newspaper she had joined the site over the summer to supplement her second-year teaching salary of about $42,000. Missouri has among the nation's lowest starting salaries for teachers in the nation, according to the National Education Association.

Coppage said she earned up to $10,000 a month on the OnlyFans website — before the story of her suspension made international news.

In the days that followed, her account gained more than 100 new subscribers and she more than doubled her subscription price. She said at the time of her suspension that she would continue posting on the site.

“I do not regret joining OnlyFans. I know it can be taboo, or some people may believe that it is shameful, but I don’t think sex work has to be shameful,” Coppage told the newspaper in September. “I do just wish things just happened in a different way.”

A publicly listed phone number for Coppage could not be found Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696082330307.png" alt="Brianna Coppage-photo Courtesy St. Clair School District" />
 <figcaption>Brianna Coppage-photo Courtesy St. Clair School District</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. CLAIR, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri high school teacher who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-teacher-porn-site-d3f04e290cf1fe8a0097ecb4ebdbb041">suspended</a>&nbsp;after officials discovered that she had performed on a subscription-based website known for sexually explicit content has resigned, a school district official said.St. Clair High School English teacher Brianna Coppage was placed on leave last month after school officials discovered her page on the OnlyFans website, which she said she joined to supplement her teaching salary. She recently tendered her resignation, Superintendent Kyle Kruse&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/missouri-teacher-with-onlyfans-porn-site-resigns-takes-career-in-different-direction/article_1641aefa-679d-11ee-9cb2-8f484eb63438.html#tracking-source=home-top-story">told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch</a>.The 28-year-old teacher was not asked to resign, and district officials took “all possible steps to ensure confidentiality” after Coppage's page was discovered through social media posts, Kruse said. Last month when she was placed on leave, Kruse said in a statement that "an employee may have posted inappropriate media on one or more internet sites.”When she was suspended, Coppage told the newspaper she had joined the site over the summer to supplement her second-year teaching salary of about $42,000. Missouri has among the nation's lowest starting salaries for teachers in the nation, according to the National Education Association.Coppage said she earned up to $10,000 a month on the OnlyFans website — before the story of her suspension made international news.In the days that followed, her account gained more than 100 new subscribers and she more than doubled her subscription price. She said at the time of her suspension that she would continue posting on the site.“I do not regret joining OnlyFans. I know it can be taboo, or some people may believe that it is shameful, but I don’t think sex work has to be shameful,” Coppage told the newspaper in September. “I do just wish things just happened in a different way.”A publicly listed phone number for Coppage could not be found Wednesday.

Teacher suspended for having porn website page has resigned

HARVEY COUNTY — Two people were injured in a crash and fire Wednesday afternoon in Harvey County.

The incident began about 1 p.m. when a westbound a minivan on U.S. 50 near Old Main blew out a tire, according to Newton Fire and EMS.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It crossed the median and hit an eastbound semi. The semi then left the road and struck an RV storage facility, starting the fire. The fire also spread to the grass on the north side of U.S. 50.

The driver of the minivan was taken by ambulance to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita with minor injuries. The semi driver was able to extricate himself from the wreck and was taken by a private vehicle to NMC Health with minor injuries.

Multiple RVs burned in the fire, and the building structure was seriously damaged. About 25 acres on the north side of U.S. 50 burned, but crews were able to keep the fire from jumping SW 14th Street toward the residential neighborhood.

Newton Fire was assisted by&nbsp;Halstead Fire/EMS, Hesston Fire/EMS and Sedgwick Fire-Rescue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697051057034.jpeg" alt="Photos Newton FIre and EMS" />
 <figcaption>Photos Newton FIre and EMS</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY — Two people were injured in a crash and fire Wednesday afternoon in Harvey County.The incident began about 1 p.m. when a westbound a minivan on U.S. 50 near Old Main blew out a tire, according to Newton Fire and EMS.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNewtonKSPolice%2Fposts%2Fpfbid028C69ZYUEKvDZjQBU2Sm9ZfSrcJT4pjFxfDzTWLshBVHAVersN8HwkpHXqGsj48tml&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="690" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The driver lost control of the vehicle. It crossed the median and hit an eastbound semi. The semi then left the road and struck an RV storage facility, starting the fire. The fire also spread to the grass on the north side of U.S. 50.The driver of the minivan was taken by ambulance to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita with minor injuries. The semi driver was able to extricate himself from the wreck and was taken by a private vehicle to NMC Health with minor injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697071540357.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Multiple RVs burned in the fire, and the building structure was seriously damaged. About 25 acres on the north side of U.S. 50 burned, but crews were able to keep the fire from jumping SW 14th Street toward the residential neighborhood.Newton Fire was assisted by&nbsp;Halstead Fire/EMS, Hesston Fire/EMS and Sedgwick Fire-Rescue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

2 hospitalized, multiple RVs destroyed in Kansas crash, fire

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a high-speed chase.

Just after 2a.m. Tuesday, a Sheriff’s Deputy attempted a traffic stop near 125th and South Topeka Avenue in rural Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.

The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued south on Topeka Avenue then west on U.S. 56 Highway into Scranton. The vehicle drove onto a dead-end street in the city of Scranton, where the chase concluded.

The driver of the vehicle, Landon H. Noah, 44, of Topeka was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated assault on law enforcement, Aggravated battery on law enforcement, Driving while under the influence, Reckless driving, Flee or attempt to elude law enforcement by engaging in reckless driving and· Driving with no driver’s license.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696983238644.png" alt="Noah-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>Noah-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a high-speed chase.Just after 2a.m. Tuesday, a Sheriff’s Deputy attempted a traffic stop near 125th and South Topeka Avenue in rural Osage County for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells.The vehicle failed to stop, and a pursuit ensued south on Topeka Avenue then west on U.S. 56 Highway into Scranton. The vehicle drove onto a dead-end street in the city of Scranton, where the chase concluded.The driver of the vehicle, Landon H. Noah, 44, of Topeka was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp; Aggravated assault on law enforcement, Aggravated battery on law enforcement, Driving while under the influence, Reckless driving, Flee or attempt to elude law enforcement by engaging in reckless driving and· Driving with no driver’s license.

Suspect caught in dead-end street after Kan. high-speed chase

PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man facing multiple drug allegations made his first court appearance Tuesday.

 Kyle D. Stevens, 30 of Larned, is charged with Possession of 115..3 Grams of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute within 1000 Feet of a School; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to Cultivate Marijuana; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Unlawful Use of a Telecommunication Device and Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia suitable to ingest a controlled substance, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department and Larned Police Department resulting in the execution of search warrant at Steven’s Larned residence on October 8.

Stevens was arrested without incident at the time of the search warrant and is being held on a $90,000 bond. Stevens has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;He is due back in court for a  Preliminary Hearing October 23. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697032142980.png" alt="Stevens has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Stevens has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man facing multiple drug allegations made his first court appearance Tuesday. Kyle D. Stevens, 30 of Larned, is charged with Possession of 115..3 Grams of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute within 1000 Feet of a School; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to Cultivate Marijuana; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia suitable to Distribute a Controlled Substance; Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Unlawful Use of a Telecommunication Device and Misdemeanor Drug Paraphernalia suitable to ingest a controlled substance, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.The charges stem from an ongoing investigation by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department and Larned Police Department resulting in the execution of search warrant at Steven’s Larned residence on October 8.Stevens was arrested without incident at the time of the search warrant and is being held on a $90,000 bond. Stevens has three previous drug convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp;He is due back in court for a Preliminary Hearing October 23.

Kansas felon faces new charges for allegedly selling drugs

By TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697057047426.png" alt=" Former Rep. Dave Baker, a Republican from Council Grove, said closure of financially stressed Herington Hospital should signal to the Kansas Legislature the need to expand eligibilty for Medicaid and secure federal funding capable of stabilizing rural hospitals. (Kansas Legislature screenshot/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption> Former Rep. Dave Baker, a Republican from Council Grove, said closure of financially stressed Herington Hospital should signal to the Kansas Legislature the need to expand eligibilty for Medicaid and secure federal funding capable of stabilizing rural hospitals. (Kansas Legislature screenshot/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/21/kansas-board-of-regents-sculpts-plan-for-boosting-state-aid-to-public-higher-education/?emci=78717300-c858-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;emdi=fc107f78-2659-ee11-9937-00224832eb73&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Closure of Herington Hospital after lengthy financial struggles and low patient volume invigorated political debate Wednesday in Kansas about the potential of funneling vast amounts of federal funding into rural health care by expanding eligibility for Medicaid.Kansas is among 10 states that haven’t opted to broaden access to health care under the Affordable Care Act despite expansion of the program in neighboring states of Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Colorado.Former state Rep. Dave Baker, a Republican who represented the Herington and Junction City areas, said loss of the hospital was a blow to health care access for Herington residents as well as the economy in the central Kansas community.“Rural hospitals play an essential role in the livelihood of small towns like Herington by creating jobs and providing necessary care,” said Baker, of Council Grove. “Expanding Medicaid will help prevent other small Kansas communities from losing their hospitals in the near future. Failing to expand Medicaid is just another one of the many attacks on small Kansas communities from state government.”Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who plans to recommend in January her sixth plan for expanding Medicaid, said rural hospitals in states that declined to adopt Medicaid expansion were six times more likely to be shut down than rural hospitals in expansion states.“This closure makes clear the absolute necessity of expanding Medicaid this upcoming legislative session,” Kelly said. “Eight hospitals have now closed since we’ve had the option to increase access to affordable health insurance and support our hospitals, and over half of our rural hospitals are at risk of following suit.”Kelly said Kansas legislators were denying the state’s health care system $66 million each month it refused to expand access to Medicaid. Overall, the governor said, Kansas had turned aside $6.6 billion that would have flowed through hospitals and clinics.Kelly said 78% of Kansans expressed interest in broadening availability to Medicaid. Under the ACA, the federal government would pay 90% of expansion costs and the state would be responsible for 10% of providing additional health care.On Monday, the Herington Hospital board of directors said the facility would cease providing medical care, but would allow patients to secure their health records. The hospital had operated in Herington since 1919.“This decision follows extensive evaluations and considerations stemming from lengthy financial struggles and consistently low patient volumes,” the board said in a statement. “The support from the Herington community has been invaluable throughout our history, not only in choosing Herington Hospital for care but also in the countless volunteer hours given over the years.”House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, and Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, said last month they had no intention of allowing the 2024 Legislature to add Kansas to the list of Medicaid expansion states.“Republicans support health care freedom and expanding access to affordable care through cost transparency, more competition and less government regulation over your consumer choices,” Masterson said in a speech. “Unfortunately, the governor’s party remains focused almost solely on government-run health care, which would dramatically expand the administrative state and harm the very people for whom the&nbsp;Medicaid&nbsp;safety net was intended.”Hawkins said it would be wrong for Kansas to allow low-income adults into Medicaid when the state hadn’t provided full access to disabled Kansans to programs included in Medicaid.