FINNEY COUNTY —The cause of a deadly fire in southwest Kansas has been determined as accidental, according to the Kansas Fire Marshal's office in a statement from Erin Stillwagon with the Garden City Fire Department.&nbsp; Officials released no additional specifics.

Just after 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, fire crews were dispatched to the report house fire with possible trapped individuals at 613 N. 9th Street, Garden City, according to a media release.

First arriving crews found a multi-story residence with heavy fire and visible smoke. Firefighters made contact with three victims in the front yard who alerted them of additional victims inside.

Personnel entered the house to begin fire attack and search and rescue, and were met with heavy fire and intense heat. During the search, personnel located two additional victims. After retrieving them from the home, fire personnel were joined by EMS to begin life-saving measures.

The victims were loaded into ambulances and care was transferred to EMS. Just before 3a.m., the City of Holcomb Fire Department was requested to provide mutual aid. Personnel reentered the residence to complete the primary search and fire attack.

Additional fire was located in the attic and extinguished. The fire was called under control at 3:22 a.m. and turned over to Garden City Fire Investigators.

As a result of the fire, two victims died, three victims were treated for smoke inhalation, and one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation.

The Garden City Police Department is also conducting an investigation which is standard procedure for victims of a structure fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities have not released additional details or the names victims

FINNEY COUNTY —The cause of a deadly fire in southwest Kansas has been determined as accidental, according to the Kansas Fire Marshal's office in a statement from Erin Stillwagon with the Garden City Fire Department.&nbsp; Officials released no additional specifics.Just after 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, fire crews were dispatched to the report house fire with possible trapped individuals at 613 N. 9th Street, Garden City, according to a media release.First arriving crews found a multi-story residence with heavy fire and visible smoke. Firefighters made contact with three victims in the front yard who alerted them of additional victims inside.Personnel entered the house to begin fire attack and search and rescue, and were met with heavy fire and intense heat. During the search, personnel located two additional victims. After retrieving them from the home, fire personnel were joined by EMS to begin life-saving measures.The victims were loaded into ambulances and care was transferred to EMS. Just before 3a.m., the City of Holcomb Fire Department was requested to provide mutual aid. Personnel reentered the residence to complete the primary search and fire attack.Additional fire was located in the attic and extinguished. The fire was called under control at 3:22 a.m. and turned over to Garden City Fire Investigators.As a result of the fire, two victims died, three victims were treated for smoke inhalation, and one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation.The Garden City Police Department is also conducting an investigation which is standard procedure for victims of a structure fire.&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorities have not released additional details or the names victims

Fire Marshal determines cause of deadly SW Kansas house fire 

ANTWERP, Belgium (AP) — Simone Biles and her teammates including Leanne Wong of Overland Park, Kansas were far from perfect, and yet nothing could stand in the way of a victory that set a record for both the U.S. women's team and the greatest gymnast in history.

The U.S. women earned a record seventh consecutive team title at the gymnastics world championships on Wednesday night. For Biles, it was also her 33rd major championship medal — across the worlds and Olympics — to make her the most decorated female gymnast ever.

And it's fitting that it came in Antwerp, the Belgian port city where Biles came to international prominence 10 years ago by winning her first world title in 2013.

“It wasn’t Team USA’s best day,” Biles said. "It’s crazy, we still pulled it out. So I’m really, really proud of the team.”

The American team of Biles, Leanne Wong, Shilese Jones, Skye Blakely and Joscelyn Roberson&nbsp; combined for a total of 167.729 points to edge second-place Brazil and France.

The U.S. team won by a margin of 2.199 points as the final proved to be a closer contest than anticipated after the Americans put up a dominant performance in qualifying to finish more than five points ahead of the field.

“We had some mistakes here and there, but just keep going, keep relying on our training,” Biles said. “But I think this team that we have brought this year has the most great courage and fight. ... We had so many emotions going throughout the day.”

The U.S. women have won gold in the team event at every world championship that included a team competition since 2011. Their victory in Antwerp broke a tie with the Chinese men for the longest streak of consecutive team titles.

Biles now has 26 world championship medals, 20 of them gold, to go with her seven Olympic medals, including the 2016 Olympic title. Her 33 combined medals at the sport’s two biggest events are one more than what Larisa Latynina of the Soviet Union achieved.

Russia was banned from the event because of sanctions imposed by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) as a result of the war against Ukraine. In the absence of their Russian rivals — the defending Olympic champions — the Americans were the overwhelming favorites.

But the U.S team overcame an early scare as Roberson was forced out of the event even before it started after she seemed to hurt an ankle while warming up at the vault. She was helped off the mat and subbed by Leann Wong.

“My ankle just ... popped,” Roberson said.

Jones then kicked off the competition smoothly for the Americans with a Double Twist Yurchenko, with only a small hop. Wong responded to the last-minute call with a clean effort before Biles opted for the slightly safer “Cheng” vault rather than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmFMXk3WQow">Yurchenko Double Pike she performed during qualifying on Sunday.</a>

The Americans amassed 42.966 points and were second behind China after the first rotation following the Chinese gymnasts' excellent display on uneven bars.

Biles and her teammates then bested their Chinese opponents’ performance on bars as they took the overall lead with a margin of 1.467 points. They increased it a bit further after the beam — despite a sixth-place finish on that apparatus — as Biles made up for the modest 11.700 Wong received by scoring 14.300 with a solid routine.

Biles capped off a successful night for the U.S team with a spectacular floor routine rewarded by a 15.166.

Biles is competing at her first international competition following a two-year absence. Her previous appearance was at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics, where she was hampered by a bout with a mental block known as “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2020-tokyo-olympics-gymnastics-simone-biles-twisties-9a0a4d25bb485ab0a2b237c4847f09ce">the twisties</a>&nbsp;” that gymnasts can experience while in the air, and withdrew from several events.

Now she's back in the same city that catapulted her to international fame a decade ago, winning the first of her five world all-around titles as a 16-year-old prodigy.

“Each and every time you are crowned world champion, it feels a little bit different,” Biles said. “I'm still surprised that I'm still going, I'm 26, I'm a little bit older. It's different, but it's exciting.”

Biles, who posted an overall score of 58.732 points, is also the favorite to add a sixth all-around title on Friday, although she will likely face a strong challenge from Brazilian Rebeca Andrade, the reigning world all-around champion. The event finals are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Andrade led Brazil to its first medal ever in the women's team competition. The French team, spurred on by the hundreds of fans cheering for them, secured their first women’s team medal at the world championships since a silver in 1950.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693184669443.png" alt="<a href="https://members.usagym.org/pages/athletes/nationalTeamWomen.html?id=431412">Leanne Wong,</a>&nbsp;a graduate of&nbsp;Blue Valley High School&nbsp;in Overland Park, Kansas, photo courtesy University of Florida" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://members.usagym.org/pages/athletes/nationalTeamWomen.html?id=431412">Leanne Wong,</a>&nbsp;a graduate of&nbsp;Blue Valley High School&nbsp;in Overland Park, Kansas, photo courtesy University of Florida</figcaption>
 </figure>ANTWERP, Belgium (AP) — Simone Biles and her teammates including Leanne Wong of Overland Park, Kansas were far from perfect, and yet nothing could stand in the way of a victory that set a record for both the U.S. women's team and the greatest gymnast in history.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">On top of the world! 🌎 What a team effort from <a href="https://twitter.com/Simone_Biles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simone_Biles</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/skyeblakely_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@skyeblakely_</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/kayladicello?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kayladicello</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ShileseJ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShileseJ</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Josc_Roberson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Josc_Roberson</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/leannewong03?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@leannewong03</a>! <a href="https://t.co/hpUQHGD4hy">pic.twitter.com/hpUQHGD4hy</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1709662774270292039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The U.S. women earned a record seventh consecutive team title at the gymnastics world championships on Wednesday night. For Biles, it was also her 33rd major championship medal — across the worlds and Olympics — to make her the most decorated female gymnast ever.And it's fitting that it came in Antwerp, the Belgian port city where Biles came to international prominence 10 years ago by winning her first world title in 2013.“It wasn’t Team USA’s best day,” Biles said. "It’s crazy, we still pulled it out. So I’m really, really proud of the team.”The American team of Biles, Leanne Wong, Shilese Jones, Skye Blakely and Joscelyn Roberson&nbsp; combined for a total of 167.729 points to edge second-place Brazil and France.The U.S. team won by a margin of 2.199 points as the final proved to be a closer contest than anticipated after the Americans put up a dominant performance in qualifying to finish more than five points ahead of the field.“We had some mistakes here and there, but just keep going, keep relying on our training,” Biles said. “But I think this team that we have brought this year has the most great courage and fight. ... We had so many emotions going throughout the day.”The U.S. women have won gold in the team event at every world championship that included a team competition since 2011. Their victory in Antwerp broke a tie with the Chinese men for the longest streak of consecutive team titles.Biles now has 26 world championship medals, 20 of them gold, to go with her seven Olympic medals, including the 2016 Olympic title. Her 33 combined medals at the sport’s two biggest events are one more than what Larisa Latynina of the Soviet Union achieved.Russia was banned from the event because of sanctions imposed by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) as a result of the war against Ukraine. In the absence of their Russian rivals — the defending Olympic champions — the Americans were the overwhelming favorites.But the U.S team overcame an early scare as Roberson was forced out of the event even before it started after she seemed to hurt an ankle while warming up at the vault. She was helped off the mat and subbed by Leann Wong.“My ankle just ... popped,” Roberson said.Jones then kicked off the competition smoothly for the Americans with a Double Twist Yurchenko, with only a small hop. Wong responded to the last-minute call with a clean effort before Biles opted for the slightly safer “Cheng” vault rather than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmFMXk3WQow">Yurchenko Double Pike she performed during qualifying on Sunday.</a>The Americans amassed 42.966 points and were second behind China after the first rotation following the Chinese gymnasts' excellent display on uneven bars.Biles and her teammates then bested their Chinese opponents’ performance on bars as they took the overall lead with a margin of 1.467 points. They increased it a bit further after the beam — despite a sixth-place finish on that apparatus — as Biles made up for the modest 11.700 Wong received by scoring 14.300 with a solid routine.Biles capped off a successful night for the U.S team with a spectacular floor routine rewarded by a 15.166.Biles is competing at her first international competition following a two-year absence. Her previous appearance was at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics, where she was hampered by a bout with a mental block known as “&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2020-tokyo-olympics-gymnastics-simone-biles-twisties-9a0a4d25bb485ab0a2b237c4847f09ce">the twisties</a>&nbsp;” that gymnasts can experience while in the air, and withdrew from several events.Now she's back in the same city that catapulted her to international fame a decade ago, winning the first of her five world all-around titles as a 16-year-old prodigy.“Each and every time you are crowned world champion, it feels a little bit different,” Biles said. “I'm still surprised that I'm still going, I'm 26, I'm a little bit older. It's different, but it's exciting.”Biles, who posted an overall score of 58.732 points, is also the favorite to add a sixth all-around title on Friday, although she will likely face a strong challenge from Brazilian Rebeca Andrade, the reigning world all-around champion. The event finals are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.Andrade led Brazil to its first medal ever in the women's team competition. The French team, spurred on by the hundreds of fans cheering for them, secured their first women’s team medal at the world championships since a silver in 1950.

Kansas gymnast helps U.S. win gold at world championships

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal&nbsp; &nbsp;shooting in Wichita are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as Luis Jackson, according to a Crime Stoppers report.

Just after 2a.m. September 10, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 4000 block of West Memory Lane in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

First responders&nbsp; located&nbsp;19-year-old Zyles James of Wichita unconscious and not breathing with gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body.

Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. James was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

During the initial response, officers located another victim with a graze wound to the arm. The victim was transported to a local hospital and was treated and released.

If you see Jackson or know his location, call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694602061567.png" alt="Jackson-photo Wichita PD" />
 <figcaption>Jackson-photo Wichita PD</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal&nbsp; &nbsp;shooting in Wichita are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as Luis Jackson, according to a Crime Stoppers report.Just after 2a.m. September 10, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 4000 block of West Memory Lane in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.First responders&nbsp; located&nbsp;19-year-old Zyles James of Wichita unconscious and not breathing with gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body.Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. James was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.During the initial response, officers located another victim with a graze wound to the arm. The victim was transported to a local hospital and was treated and released.If you see Jackson or know his location, call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.

Kansas murder suspect still at large 

GRAHAM COUNTY—A man admitted in a Kansas court to hunting without permission or a deer permit.

In December of 2022, Game Warden Jake Brooke received a call from a landowner in Graham county who reported hearing a rifle shot at sundown close to his residence, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

 Upon investigation, the landowner discovered an individual claiming to have just shot a coyote on the landowner's property from the roadway. 

After the brief discussion with the alleged coyote shooter, the shooter drove off, after which the landowner contacted Game Warden Brooke. 

Warden Brooke responded with K9 Kreed who quickly located a .243 shell casing along the roadway. While searching the adjoining field, K9 Kreed located a freshly killed mule deer doe. 

The case was recently settled in court, where the suspect plead guilty to hunting without written permission and taking a deer without a permit, paid $1,500 in fines and forfeited the rifle that he used.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696453820387.png" alt="Photo Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens</figcaption>
 </figure>GRAHAM COUNTY—A man admitted in a Kansas court to hunting without permission or a deer permit.In December of 2022, Game Warden Jake Brooke received a call from a landowner in Graham county who reported hearing a rifle shot at sundown close to his residence, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Upon investigation, the landowner discovered an individual claiming to have just shot a coyote on the landowner's property from the roadway. After the brief discussion with the alleged coyote shooter, the shooter drove off, after which the landowner contacted Game Warden Brooke. Warden Brooke responded with K9 Kreed who quickly located a .243 shell casing along the roadway. While searching the adjoining field, K9 Kreed located a freshly killed mule deer doe. The case was recently settled in court, where the suspect plead guilty to hunting without written permission and taking a deer without a permit, paid $1,500 in fines and forfeited the rifle that he used.

Kan. Game Warden: Poacher shot a mule deer not a coyote 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon said Thursday the U.S. military shot down an armed Turkish drone that came within 500 meters (yards) of American troops in northeastern Syria, in a rare use of force by one NATO member against another.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, called it a “regrettable incident” and said U.S. troops were forced to go to bunkers for safety as Turkey bombed targets nearby.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Turkish counterpart and stressed the importance of close coordination between their two countries to prevent any risk to American forces or to the global coalition’s mission to defeat Islamic State militants in the region, Ryder said.

“The decision was made out due diligence and the inherent right of self-defense to take appropriate action to protect U.S. forces,” Ryder said, adding that “we have no indication that Turkey was intentionally targeting U.S. forces.”

U.S. officials earlier told The Associated Press the shootdown was ordered after more than a dozen calls to Turkish military officials stating that U.S. forces were on the ground in the area and that the U.S. military would take action to protect them if the drone didn’t leave. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details of a sensitive military incident.

Ryder said U.S. forces observed Turkish drones doing airstrikes around Hasakah at about 7:30 a.m. local time, and some strikes were inside a so-called American “restricted operating zone” just a kilometer (about a half mile) from U.S. troops. He said a bit later a Turkish drone re-entered the restricted area “on a heading toward where U.S. forces were located.”

Commanders determined it was a threat and U.S. F-16 fighter jets shot it down around 11:40 a.m., Ryder said, adding that no U.S. forces were injured.

Typically, the U.S. and Turkish militaries, which are NATO allies, work in close coordination in conducting air maneuvers. But American troops also work closely with Kurdish-led forces to counter the Islamic State group in the region.

The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria conducting missions to counter Islamic State group militants.

There was no immediate comment from Turkey on the shooting of the drone.

The country’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported, however, that the Turkish intelligence service, MIT, carried out an operation against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, and its affiliated Kurdish militia group in Syria, which is known as People’s Defense Units, or YPG. The report said the Turks struck suspected arms and ammunition depots and buildings believed to have been used by the groups’ “sabotage” teams. It did not provide further details on the operation.

On Wednesday, Turkey had carried out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Kurdish militant targets following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/turkish-minister-retaliation-suicide-attack-78f57d472c0d1f827ec343e59e06d814">suicide attack</a>&nbsp;outside Turkey’s interior ministry building earlier this week.

In a press conference following the attack, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkish intelligence officials have established that the two assailants arrived from Syria, where they had been trained. He said Turkey would now target facilities in Syria and Iraq belonging to the PKK or YPG.

Thursday's incident risks adding to longstanding tensions between Turkey and the United States, even though Turkey is a strategically important ally and NATO member. U.S. officials and lawmakers have criticized Turkey’s human rights record and its delays in agreeing to Sweden's membership in NATO. Turkey has been frustrated by U.S. delays in approving 40 new F-16 fighter jets as well as kits to upgrade its existing fleet.

Ryder told reporters that the U.S. stands “firmly with our NATO ally Turkey and the Turkish people in their fight against the PKK.”

The U.S. has designated the PKK as a “foreign terrorist organization” but has declined to make a similar determination regarding the YPG, which have been a key partner of the U.S. in the fight against the Islamic State group in northern Syria. The U.S. does not believe the YPG represent a threat to Turkey.

As recently as Wednesday, the State Department said there was no change in how the U.S. regards the YPG.

In 2016, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accused the U.S. of supporting a failed coup attempt against his government. The U.S. has flatly rejected the claims but has also refused to extradite the leader of the group Erdogan claims was behind the attempt, cleric Fetullah Gulen, who lives in exile in Pennsylvania.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693011275570.png" alt="The drone was shot down by a U.S. F-16 fighter jet. File&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Tech. Sgt. Hampton E. Stramler" />
 <figcaption>The drone was shot down by a U.S. F-16 fighter jet. File&nbsp;Photo By:Air Force Tech. Sgt. Hampton E. Stramler</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon said Thursday the U.S. military shot down an armed Turkish drone that came within 500 meters (yards) of American troops in northeastern Syria, in a rare use of force by one NATO member against another.Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, called it a “regrettable incident” and said U.S. troops were forced to go to bunkers for safety as Turkey bombed targets nearby.Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Turkish counterpart and stressed the importance of close coordination between their two countries to prevent any risk to American forces or to the global coalition’s mission to defeat Islamic State militants in the region, Ryder said.“The decision was made out due diligence and the inherent right of self-defense to take appropriate action to protect U.S. forces,” Ryder said, adding that “we have no indication that Turkey was intentionally targeting U.S. forces.”U.S. officials earlier told The Associated Press the shootdown was ordered after more than a dozen calls to Turkish military officials stating that U.S. forces were on the ground in the area and that the U.S. military would take action to protect them if the drone didn’t leave. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details of a sensitive military incident.Ryder said U.S. forces observed Turkish drones doing airstrikes around Hasakah at about 7:30 a.m. local time, and some strikes were inside a so-called American “restricted operating zone” just a kilometer (about a half mile) from U.S. troops. He said a bit later a Turkish drone re-entered the restricted area “on a heading toward where U.S. forces were located.”Commanders determined it was a threat and U.S. F-16 fighter jets shot it down around 11:40 a.m., Ryder said, adding that no U.S. forces were injured.Typically, the U.S. and Turkish militaries, which are NATO allies, work in close coordination in conducting air maneuvers. But American troops also work closely with Kurdish-led forces to counter the Islamic State group in the region.The U.S. has about 900 troops in Syria conducting missions to counter Islamic State group militants.There was no immediate comment from Turkey on the shooting of the drone.The country’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported, however, that the Turkish intelligence service, MIT, carried out an operation against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, and its affiliated Kurdish militia group in Syria, which is known as People’s Defense Units, or YPG. The report said the Turks struck suspected arms and ammunition depots and buildings believed to have been used by the groups’ “sabotage” teams. It did not provide further details on the operation.On Wednesday, Turkey had carried out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Kurdish militant targets following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/turkish-minister-retaliation-suicide-attack-78f57d472c0d1f827ec343e59e06d814">suicide attack</a>&nbsp;outside Turkey’s interior ministry building earlier this week.In a press conference following the attack, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkish intelligence officials have established that the two assailants arrived from Syria, where they had been trained. He said Turkey would now target facilities in Syria and Iraq belonging to the PKK or YPG.Thursday's incident risks adding to longstanding tensions between Turkey and the United States, even though Turkey is a strategically important ally and NATO member. U.S. officials and lawmakers have criticized Turkey’s human rights record and its delays in agreeing to Sweden's membership in NATO. Turkey has been frustrated by U.S. delays in approving 40 new F-16 fighter jets as well as kits to upgrade its existing fleet.Ryder told reporters that the U.S. stands “firmly with our NATO ally Turkey and the Turkish people in their fight against the PKK.”The U.S. has designated the PKK as a “foreign terrorist organization” but has declined to make a similar determination regarding the YPG, which have been a key partner of the U.S. in the fight against the Islamic State group in northern Syria. The U.S. does not believe the YPG represent a threat to Turkey.As recently as Wednesday, the State Department said there was no change in how the U.S. regards the YPG.In 2016, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accused the U.S. of supporting a failed coup attempt against his government. The U.S. has flatly rejected the claims but has also refused to extradite the leader of the group Erdogan claims was behind the attempt, cleric Fetullah Gulen, who lives in exile in Pennsylvania.___

US shoots down armed Turkish drone over Syria

PINEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.4 billion after no players matched all six numbers and hit it rich Wednesday night.

The winning numbers announced were: 9, 35, 54, 63, 64 and the Powerball 1.

Players will next have a shot at the Powerball jackpot Saturday night in hopes of ending an 11-week stretch without a big winner. No matter how large the prize grows the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">odds stay the same</a>&nbsp;— and they’re terrible.

It’s those odds of 1 in 292.2 million that make the jackpot so hard to win and that result in such giant prizes for the lucky player or players who manage to pick the game’s six winning numbers. The latest Powerball jackpot is the world’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpot-mega-millions-powerball-b77dd9c7de3f0ab09545a01113b1f111">seventh-largest lottery prize</a>. The last time someone won the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">top prize was July 19</a>.

In most states, Powerball tickets cost $2 and buyers can chose their own numbers and single Powerball or leave that task to a computer. Powerball drawings are held three times a week at 10:59 p.m. EDT on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturday, with the numbers selected at the Florida Lottery in Tallahassee.

Once the numbers are chosen, it usually takes a couple hours to determine if there is a jackpot winner. If there isn't a winner, state lottery officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-iowa-us-news-ap-top-news-sc-state-wire-0b640d4306324592839d5454caff765a">release a jackpot estimate</a>&nbsp;for the next drawing. If there is a winner, the jackpot reverts to $20 million and begins the long process of growing until there is another winner.

Gale Groseclose, who was buying Powerball tickets in Pineville, North Carolina, said a $1 million prize would be plenty for her but that the Wednesday's $1.2 billion jackpot certainly caught her attention.

“I don’t usually do this on a regular basis, but like I said, when it gets to be, what is it? I don’t even know what, over 1 billion dollars," Groseclose said. “It’s exciting.”

The jackpot is based on revenue from ticket sales, so the more people who play the game, the faster the top prize grows. However, even though the current jackpot is advertised as $1.4 billion, the lottery has less than half that amount available for the top prize. That's why the cash prize — which most winners take — would be $643.7 million.

Players also can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">choose an annuity</a>, in which that $643.7 million would be paid to a company that would guarantee a return over 30 years of $1.4 billion. If a winner dies before collecting all their money, the remainder would go to the winner's estate.

State lotteries will immediately deduct 24% of jackpot winnings for federal taxes, and additional federal taxes may be required when filing federal tax returns.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/50aedbc64d214666b60ed93542b9e517/powerball-take-home-depends-highly-taxes-where-you-live">State taxes will vary</a>&nbsp;as some states don't tax lottery winnings at all and others tax the money at different rates.

Players who buy winning grand prize tickets in a state different from where they live will pay taxes based on where they bought the ticket.

DO POWERBALL ODDS CHANGE BASED ON THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS?

The game's odds remain 1 in 292.2 million regardless of how big the jackpot is and the number of people buying tickets. Those odds mean there are 292.2 million possible number combinations.

To put the immensity of that into context, note that for Monday's drawing players across the country chose just over 20% of those possible combinations. That means nearly 80% of the possible combinations were not selected, so the odds were pretty good that there wouldn't be a winner.

Typically, the larger the jackpot grows, the more people play and the more combinations are covered. People also usually buy more tickets on Saturdays, which increases the chance of a winner for those drawings.

Eric Warner, who also was buying tickets in Pineville, said he would immediately buy a Porsche if he won the big jackpot and then invest most of the money for himself and his community. Warner said he never really expects to win but enjoys buying a ticket now and then.

“It’s something that I run into and maybe I’m feeling lucky," he said. “Then I’ll go ahead and pick up a ticket and just kind of hope for the best.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/067009cee9004217a03a029b4a4895e6">Rules vary from state to state</a>&nbsp;with some requiring that jackpot winners be named and others allowing anonymity. Some states have more detailed rules, such as in Florida, where winners can remain anonymous for 90 days before the state lottery releases their name.

PINEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — The Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.4 billion after no players matched all six numbers and hit it rich Wednesday night.The winning numbers announced were: 9, 35, 54, 63, 64 and the Powerball 1.Players will next have a shot at the Powerball jackpot Saturday night in hopes of ending an 11-week stretch without a big winner. No matter how large the prize grows the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">odds stay the same</a>&nbsp;— and they’re terrible.It’s those odds of 1 in 292.2 million that make the jackpot so hard to win and that result in such giant prizes for the lucky player or players who manage to pick the game’s six winning numbers. The latest Powerball jackpot is the world’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpot-mega-millions-powerball-b77dd9c7de3f0ab09545a01113b1f111">seventh-largest lottery prize</a>. The last time someone won the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">top prize was July 19</a>.GAME DETAILSIn most states, Powerball tickets cost $2 and buyers can chose their own numbers and single Powerball or leave that task to a computer. Powerball drawings are held three times a week at 10:59 p.m. EDT on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturday, with the numbers selected at the Florida Lottery in Tallahassee.Once the numbers are chosen, it usually takes a couple hours to determine if there is a jackpot winner. If there isn't a winner, state lottery officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-iowa-us-news-ap-top-news-sc-state-wire-0b640d4306324592839d5454caff765a">release a jackpot estimate</a>&nbsp;for the next drawing. If there is a winner, the jackpot reverts to $20 million and begins the long process of growing until there is another winner.Gale Groseclose, who was buying Powerball tickets in Pineville, North Carolina, said a $1 million prize would be plenty for her but that the Wednesday's $1.2 billion jackpot certainly caught her attention.“I don’t usually do this on a regular basis, but like I said, when it gets to be, what is it? I don’t even know what, over 1 billion dollars," Groseclose said. “It’s exciting.”HOW IS THE JACKPOT DETERMINED?The jackpot is based on revenue from ticket sales, so the more people who play the game, the faster the top prize grows. However, even though the current jackpot is advertised as $1.4 billion, the lottery has less than half that amount available for the top prize. That's why the cash prize — which most winners take — would be $643.7 million.Players also can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">choose an annuity</a>, in which that $643.7 million would be paid to a company that would guarantee a return over 30 years of $1.4 billion. If a winner dies before collecting all their money, the remainder would go to the winner's estate.WHAT ABOUT TAXES?State lotteries will immediately deduct 24% of jackpot winnings for federal taxes, and additional federal taxes may be required when filing federal tax returns.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/50aedbc64d214666b60ed93542b9e517/powerball-take-home-depends-highly-taxes-where-you-live">State taxes will vary</a>&nbsp;as some states don't tax lottery winnings at all and others tax the money at different rates.Players who buy winning grand prize tickets in a state different from where they live will pay taxes based on where they bought the ticket.DO POWERBALL ODDS CHANGE BASED ON THE NUMBER OF PLAYERS?The game's odds remain 1 in 292.2 million regardless of how big the jackpot is and the number of people buying tickets. Those odds mean there are 292.2 million possible number combinations.To put the immensity of that into context, note that for Monday's drawing players across the country chose just over 20% of those possible combinations. That means nearly 80% of the possible combinations were not selected, so the odds were pretty good that there wouldn't be a winner.Typically, the larger the jackpot grows, the more people play and the more combinations are covered. People also usually buy more tickets on Saturdays, which increases the chance of a winner for those drawings.Eric Warner, who also was buying tickets in Pineville, said he would immediately buy a Porsche if he won the big jackpot and then invest most of the money for himself and his community. Warner said he never really expects to win but enjoys buying a ticket now and then.“It’s something that I run into and maybe I’m feeling lucky," he said. “Then I’ll go ahead and pick up a ticket and just kind of hope for the best.”CAN WINNERS REMAIN ANONYMOUS?<a href="https://apnews.com/067009cee9004217a03a029b4a4895e6">Rules vary from state to state</a>&nbsp;with some requiring that jackpot winners be named and others allowing anonymity. Some states have more detailed rules, such as in Florida, where winners can remain anonymous for 90 days before the state lottery releases their name.WHERE IS THE GAME PLAYED?

Powerball jackpot up to $1.4 billion after no one matches all 6 winning numbers

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man who stole a family's SUV and dragged a 13-year-old girl to her death is going to prison.

On Wednesday, a judge sentenced 36-year-old Kevin Palmer to 41- years in prison for the death of Brianna Ibarra, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In August, Palmer pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

In February of 2021 Brianna Ibarra, was sitting in a running SUV waiting for her family to pick up food when Palmer jumped in and drove away, according to officer Charley Davidson.

She became tangled in a seat belt when she tried to escape as the vehicle was moving and was dragged several miles.

Police arrested Palmer after he tried to run away from the vehicle.&nbsp; First responders pronounced the girl dead at the scene.

At the time, Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay said&nbsp; the girl's death is "one of the saddest cases I have been associated with in my years of law enforcement."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612732717380.png" alt="Palmer photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Palmer photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man who stole a family's SUV and dragged a 13-year-old girl to her death is going to prison.On Wednesday, a judge sentenced 36-year-old Kevin Palmer to 41- years in prison for the death of Brianna Ibarra, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. In August, Palmer pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.In February of 2021 Brianna Ibarra, was sitting in a running SUV waiting for her family to pick up food when Palmer jumped in and drove away, according to officer Charley Davidson.She became tangled in a seat belt when she tried to escape as the vehicle was moving and was dragged several miles.Police arrested Palmer after he tried to run away from the vehicle.&nbsp; First responders pronounced the girl dead at the scene.At the time, Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay said&nbsp; the girl's death is "one of the saddest cases I have been associated with in my years of law enforcement."

Man sentenced in death of Kan. girl dragged by stolen SUV

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on child sex allegations.&nbsp;

On Tuesday police arrested 24-year-old&nbsp; Jayln C. Cluke of Atchison on a District Court warrant charging him with aggravated criminal sodomy, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

This warrant is the result of a May 2021 police investigation involving a victim under the age of 14. Cluke is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696438270226.png" alt="Cluke photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Cluke photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on child sex allegations.&nbsp;On Tuesday police arrested 24-year-old&nbsp; Jayln C. Cluke of Atchison on a District Court warrant charging him with aggravated criminal sodomy, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.This warrant is the result of a May 2021 police investigation involving a victim under the age of 14. Cluke is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of child sex crimes

WICHITA —A Kansas felon is under investigation for a crime involving a laser pointer.

Cletis Ringwald, 68, of Lyons was indicted on one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, according to the United State's Attorney.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Kansas Highway Patrol are investigating the case.

Ringwald has a previous conviction for drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696444782028.png" alt="Image from a similar KHP investigation in 2018" />
 <figcaption>Image from a similar KHP investigation in 2018</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —A Kansas felon is under investigation for a crime involving a laser pointer.Cletis Ringwald, 68, of Lyons was indicted on one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft, according to the United State's Attorney.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Kansas Highway Patrol are investigating the case.Ringwald has a previous conviction for drug possession, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Indictment: Kansas felon aimed laser pointer at aircraft

WASHINGTON —President Biden has long believed that college should be a ticket to the middle class, not a burden that weighs on families. That’s why from day one, his Administration has taken unprecedented steps to fix the broken student loan system, make college more affordable, and bring the promise of higher education in reach for more Americans, according to a statement from the White House.

Marking a key step forward in that effort, President Biden is announcing that an additional 125,000 Americans have been approved for $9 billion in debt relief through fixes his Administration has made to income-driven repayment (IDR) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and by cancelling debt for borrowers with total and permanent disabilities.&nbsp;Today’s announcement brings the total approved debt cancellation by the Biden-Harris Administration to $127 billion for nearly 3.6 million Americans.

The Biden-Harris Administration is announcing it has approved:

The Department of Education is also releasing state-by-state totals of debt relief approved under the Biden-Harris Administration through fixes to IDR and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-additional-9-billion-student-debt-relief">this link</a>&nbsp;to see the state-by-state breakdown.

Today’s announcement builds on all that the Biden-Harris Administration has done to make college more affordable and ensure that student loans aren’t a barrier to opportunity for students and families. The Biden-Harris Administration earlier this year launched the most affordable student loan repayment plan –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.studentaid.gov/SAVE">SAVE</a>&nbsp;– which makes many borrowers’ monthly payments as low as $0 and prevents balances from growing because of unpaid interest. The Administration secured the largest increase to Pell Grants in a decade, and finalized new rules to protect borrowers from career programs that leave graduates with unaffordable debts or insufficient earnings. And, in the wake of the Supreme Court decision on the Administration’s original student debt relief plan, President Biden announced his Administration was pursuing an alternative path to debt relief through negotiated rulemaking under the Higher Education Act.

The Administration took an important step forward in the negotiated rulemaking process last week as the Department of Education announced individuals who will serve on the negotiating committee and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-moves-forward-student-debt-relief-negotiated-rulemaking-deliver-support-many-borrowers-possible-quickly-possible">released</a>&nbsp;an issue paper to guide the first negotiating session. The paper asks the committee to consider how the Administration can help borrowers, including borrowers whose balances are greater than what they originally borrowed, those who would be eligible for relief under existing repayment plans but have not applied, and borrowers who have experienced financial hardship on their loans that the current loan system doesn’t address.

To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved $127 billion in debt cancellation for nearly 3.6 million borrowers, including:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696429291383.png" alt="White House image" />
 <figcaption>White House image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —President Biden has long believed that college should be a ticket to the middle class, not a burden that weighs on families. That’s why from day one, his Administration has taken unprecedented steps to fix the broken student loan system, make college more affordable, and bring the promise of higher education in reach for more Americans, according to a statement from the White House.(Click below to watch the announcement)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F644911331125814%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=8" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Marking a key step forward in that effort, President Biden is announcing that an additional 125,000 Americans have been approved for $9 billion in debt relief through fixes his Administration has made to income-driven repayment (IDR) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and by cancelling debt for borrowers with total and permanent disabilities.&nbsp;Today’s announcement brings the total approved debt cancellation by the Biden-Harris Administration to $127 billion for nearly 3.6 million Americans.The Biden-Harris Administration is announcing it has approved:<ul>
 <li>$5.2 billion&nbsp;in additional debt relief for&nbsp;53,000 borrowers&nbsp;under Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs.</li><li>Nearly&nbsp;$2.8 billion&nbsp;in new debt relief for nearly&nbsp;51,000 borrowers&nbsp;through fixes to income-driven repayment. These are borrowers who made 20 years or more of payments but never got the relief they were entitled to.</li><li>$1.2 billion&nbsp;for nearly&nbsp;22,000 borrowers&nbsp;who have a total or permanent disability who have been identified and approved for discharge through a data match with the Social Security Administration.</li>
 </ul>The Department of Education is also releasing state-by-state totals of debt relief approved under the Biden-Harris Administration through fixes to IDR and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-announces-additional-9-billion-student-debt-relief">this link</a>&nbsp;to see the state-by-state breakdown.Today’s announcement builds on all that the Biden-Harris Administration has done to make college more affordable and ensure that student loans aren’t a barrier to opportunity for students and families. The Biden-Harris Administration earlier this year launched the most affordable student loan repayment plan –&nbsp;<a href="http://www.studentaid.gov/SAVE">SAVE</a>&nbsp;– which makes many borrowers’ monthly payments as low as $0 and prevents balances from growing because of unpaid interest. The Administration secured the largest increase to Pell Grants in a decade, and finalized new rules to protect borrowers from career programs that leave graduates with unaffordable debts or insufficient earnings. And, in the wake of the Supreme Court decision on the Administration’s original student debt relief plan, President Biden announced his Administration was pursuing an alternative path to debt relief through negotiated rulemaking under the Higher Education Act.The Administration took an important step forward in the negotiated rulemaking process last week as the Department of Education announced individuals who will serve on the negotiating committee and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-moves-forward-student-debt-relief-negotiated-rulemaking-deliver-support-many-borrowers-possible-quickly-possible">released</a>&nbsp;an issue paper to guide the first negotiating session. The paper asks the committee to consider how the Administration can help borrowers, including borrowers whose balances are greater than what they originally borrowed, those who would be eligible for relief under existing repayment plans but have not applied, and borrowers who have experienced financial hardship on their loans that the current loan system doesn’t address.To date, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved $127 billion in debt cancellation for nearly 3.6 million borrowers, including:<ul>
 <li>Nearly $42 billion for almost 855,000 borrowers who are eligible for forgiveness through income-driven repayment by fixing historical inaccuracies in the count of payments that qualify toward forgiveness;</li><li>Almost $51 billion for 715,000 public servants through Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs;</li><li>$11.7 billion for almost 513,000 borrowers with a total and permanent disability; and</li><li>$22.5 billion for more than 1.3 million borrowers who were cheated by their schools, saw their institutions precipitously close, or are covered by related court settlements.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>

🎥 Biden announces more student debt relief as payments resume

WASHINGTON (AP) —It's the end of an era for a once-critical pandemic document: The ubiquitous white COVID-19 vaccination cards are being phased out.

Now that COVID-19 vaccines are not being distributed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccine-delays-cdc-moderna-pfizer-ba66d06cbcc31ba4b22d60e93d3d5024">by the federal government</a>, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stopped printing new cards.

The federal government shipped more than 980 million cards between late 2020, when the first vaccines came out, through May 10, according to the latest available data from the CDC.

Federal and local health officials don't expect the discontinuation of the cards to be a particularly big change, since the days of keeping them tucked in purses and wallets to ensure entry into festivals,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-6ae309aff77864cb108fbf9a2dbcf449">bars and restaurants</a>&nbsp;are largely over. If you’ve held on to your card, it’s still valid as proof of vaccination. Otherwise, people who need their COVID-19 immunization records will need to request them just like any other vaccine.

In many cases, the clinic, pharmacy or health department that provided the shot can provide those records. Every state and some cities have an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/contacts-locate-records.html">immunization registry</a>, though rules vary on when records are included and options for obtaining copies of your records.

For example, Texas requires patients' written consent to be included in the registry, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District spokesman David Andres Alegria said. Other places, including Wyoming and Philadelphia's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.phila.gov/services/mental-physical-health/get-vaccinated/request-your-immunization-record/">city-specific</a>&nbsp;record system, require vaccine providers to log all vaccinations.

Many states offer digital vaccination records for individuals either online or through an app. Users can save a certificate or a QR code that proves they are vaccinated. And some websites will even track and alert patients when they're due for another one.

“One of the positives (during the pandemic) was having increased autonomy on your patient record, especially the immunization record,” said Jeff Chorath, who manages the immunization information system in Washington state. Washington offers two digital options for obtaining vaccination records — a&nbsp;<a href="https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/immunization/access-your-familys-immunization-information">comprehensive</a>&nbsp;list of all of a person's vaccinations noted in the state database and&nbsp;<a href="https://waverify.doh.wa.gov/">one specific to COVID-19 vaccines.</a>

Other states don't have the same options, so it might take longer to get your records. There could also be gaps in state databases; for example, if you were vaccinated by a federal health provider, those records may be tracked in a separate system.

As for your old card — if you still have it — maybe don't&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e4b5dd577f75d4c012a3cecaf252d654">mail it off to the Smithsonian</a>&nbsp;quite yet. You should save it like any other health record, Wyoming Department of Health nurse consultant Heidi Gurov said.

“It's always good to keep those in a safe spot," she said.

Four million people in the U.S. have received the latest COVID-19 vaccine since it was approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-coronavirus-234f27c74438fb4812a014dbd98ddbde">last month</a>, CDC director Dr. Mandy Cohen said Wednesday, and a total of 10 million doses have been shipped to providers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623442333610.png" alt="A Department of Health and Human Services employee holds a COVID-19 vaccine record card Nov. 13, 2020, at Operation Warp Speed headquarters in Washington, D.C..&nbsp; (EJ Hersom/U.S. Department of Defense)" />
 <figcaption>A Department of Health and Human Services employee holds a COVID-19 vaccine record card Nov. 13, 2020, at Operation Warp Speed headquarters in Washington, D.C..&nbsp; (EJ Hersom/U.S. Department of Defense)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —It's the end of an era for a once-critical pandemic document: The ubiquitous white COVID-19 vaccination cards are being phased out.Now that COVID-19 vaccines are not being distributed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccine-delays-cdc-moderna-pfizer-ba66d06cbcc31ba4b22d60e93d3d5024">by the federal government</a>, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stopped printing new cards.The federal government shipped more than 980 million cards between late 2020, when the first vaccines came out, through May 10, according to the latest available data from the CDC.Federal and local health officials don't expect the discontinuation of the cards to be a particularly big change, since the days of keeping them tucked in purses and wallets to ensure entry into festivals,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-6ae309aff77864cb108fbf9a2dbcf449">bars and restaurants</a>&nbsp;are largely over. If you’ve held on to your card, it’s still valid as proof of vaccination. Otherwise, people who need their COVID-19 immunization records will need to request them just like any other vaccine.In many cases, the clinic, pharmacy or health department that provided the shot can provide those records. Every state and some cities have an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/contacts-locate-records.html">immunization registry</a>, though rules vary on when records are included and options for obtaining copies of your records.For example, Texas requires patients' written consent to be included in the registry, San Antonio Metropolitan Health District spokesman David Andres Alegria said. Other places, including Wyoming and Philadelphia's&nbsp;<a href="https://www.phila.gov/services/mental-physical-health/get-vaccinated/request-your-immunization-record/">city-specific</a>&nbsp;record system, require vaccine providers to log all vaccinations.Many states offer digital vaccination records for individuals either online or through an app. Users can save a certificate or a QR code that proves they are vaccinated. And some websites will even track and alert patients when they're due for another one.“One of the positives (during the pandemic) was having increased autonomy on your patient record, especially the immunization record,” said Jeff Chorath, who manages the immunization information system in Washington state. Washington offers two digital options for obtaining vaccination records — a&nbsp;<a href="https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/immunization/access-your-familys-immunization-information">comprehensive</a>&nbsp;list of all of a person's vaccinations noted in the state database and&nbsp;<a href="https://waverify.doh.wa.gov/">one specific to COVID-19 vaccines.</a>Other states don't have the same options, so it might take longer to get your records. There could also be gaps in state databases; for example, if you were vaccinated by a federal health provider, those records may be tracked in a separate system.As for your old card — if you still have it — maybe don't&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e4b5dd577f75d4c012a3cecaf252d654">mail it off to the Smithsonian</a>&nbsp;quite yet. You should save it like any other health record, Wyoming Department of Health nurse consultant Heidi Gurov said.“It's always good to keep those in a safe spot," she said.Four million people in the U.S. have received the latest COVID-19 vaccine since it was approved&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-vaccines-coronavirus-234f27c74438fb4812a014dbd98ddbde">last month</a>, CDC director Dr. Mandy Cohen said Wednesday, and a total of 10 million doses have been shipped to providers.___

Say goodbye to COVID-19 vaxx card; CDC has stopped printing them

WASHINGTON (AP) — “THIS IS A TEST": If you have a cellphone, were listening to the radio or watching television Wednesday, you should have seen that message flash across your screen as the federal government tested its emergency alert system used to tell people about emergencies.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system">Integrated Public Alert and Warning System</a>&nbsp;sends out messages via the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/public/emergency-alert-system">Emergency Alert System</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/public/wireless-emergency-alerts">Wireless Emergency Alerts</a>.

The Emergency Alert System is a national public warning system that's designed to allow the president to speak to the American people within 10 minutes during a national emergency via specific outlets such as radio and television. And Wireless Emergency Alerts are short messages — 360 characters or less — that go to mobile phones to alert their owner to important information.

While these types of alerts are frequently used in targeted areas to alert people in the area to thing like tornadoes, Wednesday's test was done across the country.

The test started at 2:20 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday. Wireless phone customers in the United States whose phones were on got a message saying: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” The incoming message also made a loud noise.

Customers whose phones were set to the Spanish language should have gotten the message in Spanish.

The test is conducted over a 30-minute window, although mobile phone owners should only get the message once. If their phones were turned off at 2:20 p.m. and then turned on in the next 30 minutes, they should have gotten the message when they turned their phones back on. If they turn their phones on after the 30 minutes have expired they should not get the message.

The message also went to people watching broadcast or cable television or listening to the radio. That messages said: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public."

<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1180">Federal law requires</a>&nbsp;the systems be tested at least once every three years. The last nationwide test was Aug. 11, 2021.

The test&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-fema-hydroxychloroquine-rand-paul-ukraine-cf1d1adb0f179593b64d92be0a5d5507">has spurred falsehoods on social media</a>&nbsp;that it's part of a plot to send a signal to cellphones nationwide to activate nanoparticles such as graphene oxide that have been introduced into people’s bodies. Experts and FEMA officials have dismissed those claims, but some social media users said they planned to shut off their cellphones Wednesday.

People also suggested turning off phones for other reasons, such as not disturbing students and teachers in classrooms or children during naptimes at day care. At the White House, messages taped to chairs in the press briefing room asked members of the media to turn off their cellphones.

Not everyone did. As alerts went off during the briefing, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: “There you go ... it works, every couple of years, folks.”

The test also sparked discussion about how it could affect people in abusive situations. Some people in abusive situations have secret cellphones — usually with notifications muted — hidden from their abuser that allow them to keep contact with the outside world. Organizations that work with abuse survivors recommended they turn off their phones entirely during the 30-minute-long test Wednesday so as to not have the blaring noise give away to their abuser the fact that they have a secret phone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696445573397.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — “THIS IS A TEST": If you have a cellphone, were listening to the radio or watching television Wednesday, you should have seen that message flash across your screen as the federal government tested its emergency alert system used to tell people about emergencies.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system">Integrated Public Alert and Warning System</a>&nbsp;sends out messages via the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/public/emergency-alert-system">Emergency Alert System</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/public/wireless-emergency-alerts">Wireless Emergency Alerts</a>.The Emergency Alert System is a national public warning system that's designed to allow the president to speak to the American people within 10 minutes during a national emergency via specific outlets such as radio and television. And Wireless Emergency Alerts are short messages — 360 characters or less — that go to mobile phones to alert their owner to important information.While these types of alerts are frequently used in targeted areas to alert people in the area to thing like tornadoes, Wednesday's test was done across the country.The test started at 2:20 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday. Wireless phone customers in the United States whose phones were on got a message saying: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” The incoming message also made a loud noise.Customers whose phones were set to the Spanish language should have gotten the message in Spanish.The test is conducted over a 30-minute window, although mobile phone owners should only get the message once. If their phones were turned off at 2:20 p.m. and then turned on in the next 30 minutes, they should have gotten the message when they turned their phones back on. If they turn their phones on after the 30 minutes have expired they should not get the message.The message also went to people watching broadcast or cable television or listening to the radio. That messages said: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public."<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1180">Federal law requires</a>&nbsp;the systems be tested at least once every three years. The last nationwide test was Aug. 11, 2021.The test&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fact-check-fema-hydroxychloroquine-rand-paul-ukraine-cf1d1adb0f179593b64d92be0a5d5507">has spurred falsehoods on social media</a>&nbsp;that it's part of a plot to send a signal to cellphones nationwide to activate nanoparticles such as graphene oxide that have been introduced into people’s bodies. Experts and FEMA officials have dismissed those claims, but some social media users said they planned to shut off their cellphones Wednesday.People also suggested turning off phones for other reasons, such as not disturbing students and teachers in classrooms or children during naptimes at day care. At the White House, messages taped to chairs in the press briefing room asked members of the media to turn off their cellphones.Not everyone did. As alerts went off during the briefing, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said: “There you go ... it works, every couple of years, folks.”The test also sparked discussion about how it could affect people in abusive situations. Some people in abusive situations have secret cellphones — usually with notifications muted — hidden from their abuser that allow them to keep contact with the outside world. Organizations that work with abuse survivors recommended they turn off their phones entirely during the 30-minute-long test Wednesday so as to not have the blaring noise give away to their abuser the fact that they have a secret phone.

The blaring noise was a test of the government's emergency alert system

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former union leader and Democratic insider Laphonza Butler was sworn in as the newest member of the Senate on Tuesday, replacing California Sen. Dianne Feinstein after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dianne-feinstein-dead-c831f3228ac44faa9653234570bb8ce9">her death</a>&nbsp;and becoming only the third Black female senator in history.

Butler was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-feinstein-newsom-california-laphonza-butler-57823d2ff39f2a007640dce8e70045a8">appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, just two days after Feinstein died at her home in Washington. Butler is a longtime fundraiser and strategist in the state’s Democratic circles and was the head of Emily’s List, a national organization that raises money for women candidates who support abortion rights.

The new senator was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris, who served as the second Black female senator until she resigned in 2021 to join President Joe Biden in the White House. The first was Democratic Sen. Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois, who served one term in the 1990s.

With dozens of supporters and family members looking down from the gallery, Butler smiled broadly as she walked down the center aisle of the Senate alongside Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla of California and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. After Harris administered the oath of office, members of the Senate from both parties crowded around her to shake her hand.

Schumer, D-N.Y., said that “today, the Senate takes another step towards fully reflecting our vibrant democracy.”

He said Butler has “dedicated her entire career to fighting for others - fighting for women, fighting for working families and fighting for the cause of justice.”

After she was sworn in, Biden called her to congratulate her, the White House said.

The Congressional Black Caucus also held a ceremonial swearing-in for Butler. "Her background and years of experience will bring a much-needed perspective to the Senate, which currently does not have any Black women,” CBC Chairman Steven Horsford, D-Nev., said in a statement after she was appointed.

Butler is also the first openly LGBTQ+ senator from California.

Though she has never held elective office, Newsom praised her “deep knowledge” of the legislative process and said she was the kind of candidate he would build “if I had to literally design from my imagination.”

“She’s the only choice,” Newsom added.

Butler is well known inside California’s Democratic party apparatus. Her credentials include working for nearly two years with a consulting firm tied closely to Newsom and founded by his top political lieutenants. She also served as a senior adviser to Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign.

It is unclear if Butler will run to hold the seat when Feinstein’s term ends next year. A competitive race for Feinstein’s seat is already underway among three prominent House Democrats, Reps. Katie Porter, Adam Schiff and Barbara Lee, who is Black. The governor has said he didn’t want to tip the scales in the 2024 race by choosing among those candidates.

Newsom said he told Butler to “do what you think is best for you and the state of California, and you make that judgment completely independent of any expectations from me.”

Butler, 44, comes from a working-class family. Her father, a small-business owner, died from a terminal illness when she was 16. Her mother worked as a classroom aide, a home care provider, a security guard and a bookkeeper while caring for Butler and her two siblings, the governor’s office said. She was elected president of the state’s largest labor union in the early 2010s, back when the nation was reeling from the Great Recession.

Butler has also worked for corporate clients, including Airbnb and Uber.

In a statement released by Emily’s List after her appointment, Butler said she was honored and ready to get to work.

"For women and girls, for workers and unions, for struggling parents waiting for our leaders to bring opportunity back to their homes, for all of California, I’m ready to serve.”

Newsom, who was elected governor in 2018, has now chosen both of the state’s U.S. senators. The selection of Butler bears resemblance to the last time, when he tapped his close friend and confidant Padilla for Harris’ seat when she resigned in 2021.

Feinstein, who died after months of declining health, had held the seat since 1992, when she was elected alongside California Sen. Barbara Boxer, Moseley Braun and others in what became known as “the year of the woman.” She was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dianne-feinstein-death-photos-career-senate-e4b725c69545e422ce6ca981c697d468">giant in California politics</a>, having been the first female mayor of San Francisco and a force in the state’s Democratic circles.

In the Senate, Feinstein was the first female chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the first female top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Her Senate colleagues gathered on the floor Friday to remember her impact and her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dianne-feinstein-death-legacy-senate-women-tributes-37e8ba38f4cac4ebbe25d31a49e29c75">personal friendships</a>.

When Newsom announced Butler as his pick, he said the priorities Feinstein fought for in Congress — reproductive freedom, equal protection and safety from gun violence — were under assault in the nation.

“Laphonza will carry the baton left by Sen. Feinstein (and) continue to break glass ceilings and fight for all Californians in Washington D.C.,” Newsom said.

After Butler was sworn in, Schumer said that Feinstein “is looking down at this moment with pride now that her seat is in good hands."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696436558810.png" alt="Vice President Kamala Harris, right, swears in Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., left, to the Senate to succeed the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Butler's wife, Neneki Lee, center, holds the Bible.&nbsp; White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Vice President Kamala Harris, right, swears in Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., left, to the Senate to succeed the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Butler's wife, Neneki Lee, center, holds the Bible.&nbsp; White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Former union leader and Democratic insider Laphonza Butler was sworn in as the newest member of the Senate on Tuesday, replacing California Sen. Dianne Feinstein after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dianne-feinstein-dead-c831f3228ac44faa9653234570bb8ce9">her death</a>&nbsp;and becoming only the third Black female senator in history.Butler was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-feinstein-newsom-california-laphonza-butler-57823d2ff39f2a007640dce8e70045a8">appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, just two days after Feinstein died at her home in Washington. Butler is a longtime fundraiser and strategist in the state’s Democratic circles and was the head of Emily’s List, a national organization that raises money for women candidates who support abortion rights.The new senator was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris, who served as the second Black female senator until she resigned in 2021 to join President Joe Biden in the White House. The first was Democratic Sen. Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois, who served one term in the 1990s.With dozens of supporters and family members looking down from the gallery, Butler smiled broadly as she walked down the center aisle of the Senate alongside Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla of California and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. After Harris administered the oath of office, members of the Senate from both parties crowded around her to shake her hand.Schumer, D-N.Y., said that “today, the Senate takes another step towards fully reflecting our vibrant democracy.”He said Butler has “dedicated her entire career to fighting for others - fighting for women, fighting for working families and fighting for the cause of justice.”After she was sworn in, Biden called her to congratulate her, the White House said.The Congressional Black Caucus also held a ceremonial swearing-in for Butler. "Her background and years of experience will bring a much-needed perspective to the Senate, which currently does not have any Black women,” CBC Chairman Steven Horsford, D-Nev., said in a statement after she was appointed.Butler is also the first openly LGBTQ+ senator from California.Though she has never held elective office, Newsom praised her “deep knowledge” of the legislative process and said she was the kind of candidate he would build “if I had to literally design from my imagination.”“She’s the only choice,” Newsom added.Butler is well known inside California’s Democratic party apparatus. Her credentials include working for nearly two years with a consulting firm tied closely to Newsom and founded by his top political lieutenants. She also served as a senior adviser to Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign.It is unclear if Butler will run to hold the seat when Feinstein’s term ends next year. A competitive race for Feinstein’s seat is already underway among three prominent House Democrats, Reps. Katie Porter, Adam Schiff and Barbara Lee, who is Black. The governor has said he didn’t want to tip the scales in the 2024 race by choosing among those candidates.Newsom said he told Butler to “do what you think is best for you and the state of California, and you make that judgment completely independent of any expectations from me.”Butler, 44, comes from a working-class family. Her father, a small-business owner, died from a terminal illness when she was 16. Her mother worked as a classroom aide, a home care provider, a security guard and a bookkeeper while caring for Butler and her two siblings, the governor’s office said. She was elected president of the state’s largest labor union in the early 2010s, back when the nation was reeling from the Great Recession.Butler has also worked for corporate clients, including Airbnb and Uber.In a statement released by Emily’s List after her appointment, Butler said she was honored and ready to get to work."For women and girls, for workers and unions, for struggling parents waiting for our leaders to bring opportunity back to their homes, for all of California, I’m ready to serve.”Newsom, who was elected governor in 2018, has now chosen both of the state’s U.S. senators. The selection of Butler bears resemblance to the last time, when he tapped his close friend and confidant Padilla for Harris’ seat when she resigned in 2021.Feinstein, who died after months of declining health, had held the seat since 1992, when she was elected alongside California Sen. Barbara Boxer, Moseley Braun and others in what became known as “the year of the woman.” She was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dianne-feinstein-death-photos-career-senate-e4b725c69545e422ce6ca981c697d468">giant in California politics</a>, having been the first female mayor of San Francisco and a force in the state’s Democratic circles.In the Senate, Feinstein was the first female chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and the first female top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Her Senate colleagues gathered on the floor Friday to remember her impact and her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dianne-feinstein-death-legacy-senate-women-tributes-37e8ba38f4cac4ebbe25d31a49e29c75">personal friendships</a>.When Newsom announced Butler as his pick, he said the priorities Feinstein fought for in Congress — reproductive freedom, equal protection and safety from gun violence — were under assault in the nation.“Laphonza will carry the baton left by Sen. Feinstein (and) continue to break glass ceilings and fight for all Californians in Washington D.C.,” Newsom said.After Butler was sworn in, Schumer said that Feinstein “is looking down at this moment with pride now that her seat is in good hands."___

Butler sworn in as third Black female senator in US history

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Twelve junior high school students riding a USD 231 Gardner-Edgerton school bus on the way home from a volleyball game avoided injury in an accident just before 7p.m. Tuesday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Honda Accord driven by William Andrew Mathes, 31, Independence, was northbound U.S. 73 at Parallel Parkway.

The car traveled left of center and sideswiped a southbound school bus driven by Whitney Lee Wheeler, 33, Gardner.&nbsp; After impact, the car traveled off the road and struck a ditch.&nbsp; Wheeler and the student volleyball players were not injured.&nbsp; 

Mathes and a passenger in the car were not wearing seat belts and not injured, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WYANDOTTE COUNTY —Twelve junior high school students riding a USD 231 Gardner-Edgerton school bus on the way home from a volleyball game avoided injury in an accident just before 7p.m. Tuesday in Wyandotte County. The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Honda Accord driven by William Andrew Mathes, 31, Independence, was northbound U.S. 73 at Parallel Parkway.The car traveled left of center and sideswiped a southbound school bus driven by Whitney Lee Wheeler, 33, Gardner.&nbsp; After impact, the car traveled off the road and struck a ditch.&nbsp; Wheeler and the student volleyball players were not injured.&nbsp; Mathes and a passenger in the car were not wearing seat belts and not injured, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Volleyball team avoids injury after car sideswiped Kan. school bus

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect in connection with a business burglary.

Just after 2 p.m. Oct. 1, police&nbsp;responded to report of a business burglary at Berry's Arctic Ice 200 N. Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to&nbsp; Berry’s Arctic Ice, in reference to a burglary to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

At the scene, officers located two individuals at the business that were believed to be involved with the burglary. These individuals were found to have items in their possession that were related to the burglary and they were taken into custody.

As a result of the investigation, Dawn M. Gilley, 38, and Shannon D. Maness, 39 were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property and Theft from building.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696273112107.png" alt="Maness-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Maness-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspect in connection with a business burglary.Just after 2 p.m. Oct. 1, police&nbsp;responded to report of a business burglary at Berry's Arctic Ice 200 N. Kansas Avenue in Topeka, according to&nbsp; Berry’s Arctic Ice, in reference to a burglary to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696273054342.png" alt="Gilley-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Gilley-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>At the scene, officers located two individuals at the business that were believed to be involved with the burglary. These individuals were found to have items in their possession that were related to the burglary and they were taken into custody.As a result of the investigation, Dawn M. Gilley, 38, and Shannon D. Maness, 39 were booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property and Theft from building.

Kansas couple caught at scene of business burglary

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was voted out of the job Tuesday in an extraordinary showdown, a first in U.S. history that was forced by a contingent of hard-right conservatives and threw the House and its Republican leadership into chaos.

All three Kansas GOP members of the House of Representatives Tracey Mann, Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner voted against the motion to vacate the office of the Speaker of the House. Kansas Third District Representative Sharice Davids, a democrat, voted for the motion.

Fourth District Representatives Estes said in a statement from his office, "The overwhelming majority of House conservatives are focused on addressing our nation's most pressing problems – continually increasing inflation that hurts Kansas families and businesses, our more than $33,000,000,000,000 in debt and our porous southern border that in the last year has let in enough fentanyl to kill every American 20 times over."

"Dragging out internal personality disputes doesn't help conservatives govern or achieve policy wins, and we should instead focus on championing our conservative legislative agenda and exposing the harms of Bidenflation and the Biden family culture of corruption."

Removing the speaker launches the House Republicans into chaos heading into a busy fall when Congress will need to fund the government again or risk a mid-November shutdown.

Typically, top leaders would be next in line for the job, but Majority Leader Steve Scalise is battling cancer and Majority Whip Tom Emmer, like any potential candidate, may have trouble securing the vote. Another leading Republican, Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, is also a Trump ally.

One of McHenry's first acts in the temporary position was to oust Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi from her honorary office at the Capitol while she was away in California to pay tribute to Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

“No matter who is going to be the speaker, the challenges still remain," Scalise said. “But I think the opportunity is there to continue moving forward.”

Asked if he was physically up to the job, Scalise said, “I feel great.”

It took McCarthy himself 15 rounds in January over multiple days of voting before he secured the support from his colleagues to gain the gavel.

Trump, the former president who is the Republican front-runner in the 2024 race to challenge Biden, complained about the chaos. “Why is it that Republicans are always fighting among themselves," he asked on social media.

Asked about McCarthy's ouster as he exited court in New York, where he is on trial for business fraud, Trump did not respond.

One key McCarthy ally, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who is also close with Trump, took to social media urging support for “our speaker.”

Republicans left the chamber in a daze, totally uncertain about next steps. “I honestly don’t know,” said Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz. “This is a total disaster.”

Many had lined up to hug McCarthy, some to shake his hand.

Democrats, who have bristled at McCarthy's leadership — cajoling them one minute, walking away from deals the next — said they were just holding back, waiting for Republicans to figure out how to run the House.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696366148194.png" alt="View of members of the House during the historic vote-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>View of members of the House during the historic vote-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;WASHINGTON —House Speaker Kevin McCarthy was voted out of the job Tuesday in an extraordinary showdown, a first in U.S. history that was forced by a contingent of hard-right conservatives and threw the House and its Republican leadership into chaos.All three Kansas GOP members of the House of Representatives Tracey Mann, Ron Estes and Jake LaTurner voted against the motion to vacate the office of the Speaker of the House. Kansas Third District Representative Sharice Davids, a democrat, voted for the motion.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1672856507291.png" alt="Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes on the House floor during the battle in January to elect a House Speaker-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes on the House floor during the battle in January to elect a House Speaker-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Fourth District Representatives Estes said in a statement from his office, "The overwhelming majority of House conservatives are focused on addressing our nation's most pressing problems – continually increasing inflation that hurts Kansas families and businesses, our more than $33,000,000,000,000 in debt and our porous southern border that in the last year has let in enough fentanyl to kill every American 20 times over.""Dragging out internal personality disputes doesn't help conservatives govern or achieve policy wins, and we should instead focus on championing our conservative legislative agenda and exposing the harms of Bidenflation and the Biden family culture of corruption."Removing the speaker launches the House Republicans into chaos heading into a busy fall when Congress will need to fund the government again or risk a mid-November shutdown.Typically, top leaders would be next in line for the job, but Majority Leader Steve Scalise is battling cancer and Majority Whip Tom Emmer, like any potential candidate, may have trouble securing the vote. Another leading Republican, Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, is also a Trump ally.One of McHenry's first acts in the temporary position was to oust Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi from her honorary office at the Capitol while she was away in California to pay tribute to Sen. Dianne Feinstein.“No matter who is going to be the speaker, the challenges still remain," Scalise said. “But I think the opportunity is there to continue moving forward.”Asked if he was physically up to the job, Scalise said, “I feel great.”It took McCarthy himself 15 rounds in January over multiple days of voting before he secured the support from his colleagues to gain the gavel.Trump, the former president who is the Republican front-runner in the 2024 race to challenge Biden, complained about the chaos. “Why is it that Republicans are always fighting among themselves," he asked on social media.Asked about McCarthy's ouster as he exited court in New York, where he is on trial for business fraud, Trump did not respond.One key McCarthy ally, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who is also close with Trump, took to social media urging support for “our speaker.”Republicans left the chamber in a daze, totally uncertain about next steps. “I honestly don’t know,” said Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz. “This is a total disaster.”Many had lined up to hug McCarthy, some to shake his hand.Democrats, who have bristled at McCarthy's leadership — cajoling them one minute, walking away from deals the next — said they were just holding back, waiting for Republicans to figure out how to run the House.Rep, Don Bacon, R-Neb., the leader of a centrist group, said the only option was to leave the eight hardliners behind and try to work across the aisle. “We’re going to stay with Kevin,” he said. “He told us earlier he’ll never quit.”But McCarthy made it clear Tuesday night that he would not try to win back the job.