RENO COUNTY —Fire crews are working to determine the cause of house fire in Hutchinson.

Just before 9a.m. Monday, fire crews responded to a fire at a home at 201 North Waldron, according to a media release. Heavy smoke and fire was showing out of the rear of a single-story home.

Crews made an interior attack finding high heat and zero visibility, while locating the fire in the kitchen area. Crews searched the home and found several pets, unfortunately only 2 survived.

Severe damage was sustained to the back of the home with smoke damage throughout. Authorities have not released a damage estimate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696267300889.jpeg" alt="Photo Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Fire crews are working to determine the cause of house fire in Hutchinson.Just before 9a.m. Monday, fire crews responded to a fire at a home at 201 North Waldron, according to a media release. Heavy smoke and fire was showing out of the rear of a single-story home.Crews made an interior attack finding high heat and zero visibility, while locating the fire in the kitchen area. Crews searched the home and found several pets, unfortunately only 2 survived.Severe damage was sustained to the back of the home with smoke damage throughout. Authorities have not released a damage estimate.

Pets found dead in Kansas house fire

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has selected Laphonza Butler, a Democratic strategist and adviser to Kamala Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign, to fill the U.S. Senate seat made vacant by the death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dianne-feinstein-dead-c831f3228ac44faa9653234570bb8ce9#:~:text=politics%2C%20has%20died.-,She%20was%2090.,a%20giant%20in%20the%20Senate.%E2%80%9D">Sen. Dianne Feinstein</a>.

In choosing Butler on Sunday, Newsom fulfilled his pledge to appoint a Black woman if Feinstein’s seat became open. However, he had been facing pressure from some Black politicians and advocacy groups to select&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-senate-2022-midterm-elections-barbara-lee-0b9c08553e3eb13919c0b291fb785a8a">Barbara Lee</a>, a prominent Black congresswoman who is already running for the seat.

Butler will be the only Black woman serving in the U.S. Senate and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to represent California in the chamber.

Newsom said in a statement that 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.,” he said.

Butler leads Emily’s List, a political organization that supports Democratic women candidates who favor abortion rights. She also is a former labor leader with SEIU 2015, a powerful force in California politics.

Her appointment sets up a potentially tricky political calculus in the crowded 2024 contest to succeed Feinstein, which has been underway since the beginning of the year.

Newsom spokesman Anthony York said the governor did not ask Butler to commit to staying out of the race. The deadline for candidates to submit paperwork to seek the office is Dec. 8. Should Butler enter the contest, she could set up a competition for the relatively small but influential group of Black voters in California and possibly undercut Lee's chances.

Emily's List is known as a fundraising powerhouse, and raising huge sums of campaign cash is a must in any statewide California race. Newsom's statement said she will step down from the organization.

The decision carried the threat of political fallout for Newsom, who is seen as a potential future national candidate. The candidate favored by Black voters has won the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination every cycle since 1992. The Congressional Black Caucus was among the groups and Black politicians that had urged Newsom to appoint Lee, calling her the best qualified choice for the post.

The long-serving Feinstein&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dianne-feinstein-death-legacy-senate-women-tributes-37e8ba38f4cac4ebbe25d31a49e29c75">died Thursday</a>&nbsp;at age 90 after a series of illnesses.

Butler currently lives in Maryland, according to her Emily's List biography. Izzy Gardon, a spokesman for Newsom, said Butler owns a home in California. She is expected to reregister to vote in California before being sworn in. That could happen as early as Tuesday evening when the Senate returns to session.

Butler said Monday she she had accepted Newsom's nomination to serve “a state I have made my home."

“No one will ever measure up to the legacy of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, but I will do my best to honor her legacy and leadership by committing to work for women and girls, workers and unions, struggling parents, and all of California. I am ready to serve,” she said.

Democrats control the Senate 51-49, though Feinstein’s seat is vacant. A quick appointment by Newsom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/feinstein-death-vacant-seat-senate-shutdown-a00cbe7adbf3f80a5ce6aa621f2f3ac9">will give the Democratic caucus more wiggle room</a>&nbsp;on close votes, including nominations that Republicans uniformly oppose.

Feinstein, the oldest member of Congress and the longest-serving woman in the Senate, said in February she would not seek reelection in 2024. Lee is one of several prominent Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-california-state-government-united-states-senate-donald-trump-5426f7c2539d14210f098bf7f8c0d9d7">competing for the seat</a>, including Democratic U.S. Reps. Katie Porter and Adam Schiff. Newsom said he did not want to appoint any of the candidates because it would give them an unfair advantage in the race.

Butler has never held elected office but has a long track record in California politics. She served as a senior adviser to Harris's 2020 presidential campaign while working at a political firm filled with strategists who have worked for Newsom and many other prominent state Democrats. She also briefly worked in the private sector for Airbnb.

She called Feinstein “a legendary figure for women in politics and around the country,” in a statement posted after Feinstein's death.

Emily's List, the group Butler leads, focuses on electing Democratic women who support abortion rights. With the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn women's constitutional right to abortion, the issue has become a galvanizing one for many Democrats.

Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, said the appointment “will give our ... community another voice in Congress at a time when our rights and freedoms are under attack across the country.”

It’s not Newsom’s first time selecting a U.S. senator, after being tasked with choosing a replacement for Kamala Harris when she was elected vice president; at that time he selected California Secretary of State Alex Padilla for the post. It was one of a string of appointments Newsom made in late 2020 and early 2021, a power that gave him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-sacramento-california-gavin-newsom-kamala-harris-983ab328c56768cd0c87a28fcc59870c">kingmaker status</a>&nbsp;among the state’s ambitious Democrats.

The seat is expected to stay in Democratic hands in the 2024 election. Democrats in the liberal-leaning state have not lost a statewide election since 2006, and the party holds a nearly 2-to-1 voter registration advantage over Republicans.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has selected Laphonza Butler, a Democratic strategist and adviser to Kamala Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign, to fill the U.S. Senate seat made vacant by the death of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dianne-feinstein-dead-c831f3228ac44faa9653234570bb8ce9#:~:text=politics%2C%20has%20died.-,She%20was%2090.,a%20giant%20in%20the%20Senate.%E2%80%9D">Sen. Dianne Feinstein</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I&#39;m proud to announce California&#39;s new United States Senator -- Laphonza Butler. As we mourn the enormous loss of Sen. Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for -- reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence -- have never been under greater assault.… <a href="https://t.co/SOnbfVPmXj">pic.twitter.com/SOnbfVPmXj</a>&mdash; Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) <a href="https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom/status/1708699205206933871?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In choosing Butler on Sunday, Newsom fulfilled his pledge to appoint a Black woman if Feinstein’s seat became open. However, he had been facing pressure from some Black politicians and advocacy groups to select&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-united-states-government-senate-2022-midterm-elections-barbara-lee-0b9c08553e3eb13919c0b291fb785a8a">Barbara Lee</a>, a prominent Black congresswoman who is already running for the seat.Butler will be the only Black woman serving in the U.S. Senate and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to represent California in the chamber.Newsom said in a statement that 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.,” he said.Butler leads Emily’s List, a political organization that supports Democratic women candidates who favor abortion rights. She also is a former labor leader with SEIU 2015, a powerful force in California politics.Her appointment sets up a potentially tricky political calculus in the crowded 2024 contest to succeed Feinstein, which has been underway since the beginning of the year.Newsom spokesman Anthony York said the governor did not ask Butler to commit to staying out of the race. The deadline for candidates to submit paperwork to seek the office is Dec. 8. Should Butler enter the contest, she could set up a competition for the relatively small but influential group of Black voters in California and possibly undercut Lee's chances.Emily's List is known as a fundraising powerhouse, and raising huge sums of campaign cash is a must in any statewide California race. Newsom's statement said she will step down from the organization.The decision carried the threat of political fallout for Newsom, who is seen as a potential future national candidate. The candidate favored by Black voters has won the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination every cycle since 1992. The Congressional Black Caucus was among the groups and Black politicians that had urged Newsom to appoint Lee, calling her the best qualified choice for the post.The long-serving Feinstein&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dianne-feinstein-death-legacy-senate-women-tributes-37e8ba38f4cac4ebbe25d31a49e29c75">died Thursday</a>&nbsp;at age 90 after a series of illnesses.Butler currently lives in Maryland, according to her Emily's List biography. Izzy Gardon, a spokesman for Newsom, said Butler owns a home in California. She is expected to reregister to vote in California before being sworn in. That could happen as early as Tuesday evening when the Senate returns to session.Butler said Monday she she had accepted Newsom's nomination to serve “a state I have made my home."“No one will ever measure up to the legacy of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, but I will do my best to honor her legacy and leadership by committing to work for women and girls, workers and unions, struggling parents, and all of California. I am ready to serve,” she said.Democrats control the Senate 51-49, though Feinstein’s seat is vacant. A quick appointment by Newsom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/feinstein-death-vacant-seat-senate-shutdown-a00cbe7adbf3f80a5ce6aa621f2f3ac9">will give the Democratic caucus more wiggle room</a>&nbsp;on close votes, including nominations that Republicans uniformly oppose.Feinstein, the oldest member of Congress and the longest-serving woman in the Senate, said in February she would not seek reelection in 2024. Lee is one of several prominent Democrats&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-california-state-government-united-states-senate-donald-trump-5426f7c2539d14210f098bf7f8c0d9d7">competing for the seat</a>, including Democratic U.S. Reps. Katie Porter and Adam Schiff. Newsom said he did not want to appoint any of the candidates because it would give them an unfair advantage in the race.Butler has never held elected office but has a long track record in California politics. She served as a senior adviser to Harris's 2020 presidential campaign while working at a political firm filled with strategists who have worked for Newsom and many other prominent state Democrats. She also briefly worked in the private sector for Airbnb.She called Feinstein “a legendary figure for women in politics and around the country,” in a statement posted after Feinstein's death.Emily's List, the group Butler leads, focuses on electing Democratic women who support abortion rights. With the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn women's constitutional right to abortion, the issue has become a galvanizing one for many Democrats.Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, said the appointment “will give our ... community another voice in Congress at a time when our rights and freedoms are under attack across the country.”It’s not Newsom’s first time selecting a U.S. senator, after being tasked with choosing a replacement for Kamala Harris when she was elected vice president; at that time he selected California Secretary of State Alex Padilla for the post. It was one of a string of appointments Newsom made in late 2020 and early 2021, a power that gave him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-sacramento-california-gavin-newsom-kamala-harris-983ab328c56768cd0c87a28fcc59870c">kingmaker status</a>&nbsp;among the state’s ambitious Democrats.The seat is expected to stay in Democratic hands in the 2024 election. Democrats in the liberal-leaning state have not lost a statewide election since 2006, and the party holds a nearly 2-to-1 voter registration advantage over Republicans.

Former adviser to Vice President Harris named to open U.S. Senate seat

WASHINGTON --&nbsp;FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-test">nationwide test</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-system">Emergency Alert System</a>&nbsp;(EAS) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/public/wireless-emergency-alerts">Wireless Emergency Alerts</a>&nbsp;(WEA) this fall.

The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.

The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.

FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers&nbsp;and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test.

The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11.&nbsp;

The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system">FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)</a>, a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones.&nbsp;

This year the EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).

All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:

WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.&nbsp;

Important information about the EAS test:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695205625537.png" alt="Photo FEMA" />
 <figcaption>Photo FEMA</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON --&nbsp;FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-test">nationwide test</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-system">Emergency Alert System</a>&nbsp;(EAS) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/public/wireless-emergency-alerts">Wireless Emergency Alerts</a>&nbsp;(WEA) this fall.The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers&nbsp;and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test.The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11.&nbsp;The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system">FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)</a>, a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones.&nbsp;This year the EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:<ul>
 <li>Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message.&nbsp;</li><li>For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”</li><li>Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”</li>
 </ul>WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.&nbsp;Important information about the EAS test:<ul>
 <li>The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers&nbsp;and wireline video providers.</li><li>The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “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.</li>
 </ul>

Nationwide emergency alert test scheduled this week

JOHNSON COUNTY —The FAA is investigating the cause of a small plane crash that occurred just before 1:30p.m. Sunday at the Johnson County Executive Airport.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 1981 Cessna 182 R piloted by Richard&nbsp;Mullenax, 71, Greenwood, Louisiana, lost power and flipped on the runway.

Mullenax was the only person on board and was not injured.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696257788956.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —The FAA is investigating the cause of a small plane crash that occurred just before 1:30p.m. Sunday at the Johnson County Executive Airport.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696257495334.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Highway Patrol reported 1981 Cessna 182 R piloted by Richard&nbsp;Mullenax, 71, Greenwood, Louisiana, lost power and flipped on the runway.Mullenax was the only person on board and was not injured.&nbsp;

Small plane lost power, flips on Kansas City runway

 COUNTY—A Kansas teen accused of following a pickup on his motorcycle and firing a shot that killed a Kansas woman on her way home from a high school football game is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Monday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/norma-williams?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet-first-launch&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer">Click here to read the</a> online fundraiser for the Williams family.

&nbsp;Daryon Boone, 19, is charged with murder in the first degree and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just before 10 p.m. Sept. 1, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 11200 block of East Central Avenue, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Officers arrived on the scene and located 69-year-old Norma Williams of Wichita unconscious and not breathing with a gunshot wound to her upper body.

Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. Mrs. Williams was transported to a local area hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

During the investigation, officers learned that Mrs. Williams was the front passenger of a 2021 Honda Ridgeline traveling northbound on Greenwich, approaching the eastbound lanes of Kellogg Drive.

When they reached the intersection a group of motorcycles riding eastbound ran the red light and one of the motorcycles driven by Daryon Boone of Wichita struck their vehicle. Following the incident, Boone followed the vehicle, ultimately producing a handgun and shooting into the vehicle, which fatally injured Mrs. Williams.

Police arrested Boone and&nbsp;initially held on a bond set at $500,000. He met the requirement of the bond and has not been in jail since the day following his Sept. 2, arrest, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693841905672.png" alt="Norma Williams was shot and killed on the way home from a Friday night ballgame in Wichita -photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Norma Williams was shot and killed on the way home from a Friday night ballgame in Wichita -photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure> COUNTY—A Kansas teen accused of following a pickup on his motorcycle and firing a shot that killed a Kansas woman on her way home from a high school football game is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Monday, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/norma-williams?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet-first-launch&amp;utm_medium=copy_link&amp;utm_source=customer">Click here to read the</a> online fundraiser for the Williams family.&nbsp;Daryon Boone, 19, is charged with murder in the first degree and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just before 10 p.m. Sept. 1, police were dispatched to report of a shooting in the 11200 block of East Central Avenue, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Officers arrived on the scene and located 69-year-old Norma Williams of Wichita unconscious and not breathing with a gunshot wound to her upper body.Officers began providing life-saving efforts until EMS arrived. Mrs. Williams was transported to a local area hospital where she was pronounced deceased.During the investigation, officers learned that Mrs. Williams was the front passenger of a 2021 Honda Ridgeline traveling northbound on Greenwich, approaching the eastbound lanes of Kellogg Drive.When they reached the intersection a group of motorcycles riding eastbound ran the red light and one of the motorcycles driven by Daryon Boone of Wichita struck their vehicle. Following the incident, Boone followed the vehicle, ultimately producing a handgun and shooting into the vehicle, which fatally injured Mrs. Williams.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1693791365153.png" alt="Boone-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Boone-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police arrested Boone and&nbsp;initially held on a bond set at $500,000. He met the requirement of the bond and has not been in jail since the day following his Sept. 2, arrest, according to online jail records.

Hearing for suspect in drive-by killing of Kansas grandmother

WASHINGTON — The threat of a&nbsp;federal government shutdown&nbsp;suddenly lifted late Saturday hours before a midnight deadline as Congress approved a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open. President Joe Biden quickly signed the bill into law.

The package was approved by the House 335-91, with most Republicans and almost all Democrats supporting.&nbsp; Kansas First District Representative Tracey Mann and Fourth District Representative Ron Estes voted against the temporary spending bill.&nbsp; Second District Representative Jake LaTurner and Third District Representative Sharice Davids supported the measure. 

Late Saturday, Senate passage came by an 88-9 vote. Kansas Senator Jerry Moran voted in favor of the measure along with Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt and Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall voted against the bill.

The package funds government at current 2023 levels until mid-November, and also extends other provisions, including for the Federal Aviation Administration. The rushed package drops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Volodymyr,troops%20in%20the%20fight%20against">aid to Ukraine</a>, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hurricane-flooding-fema-disaster-relief-budget-365fc3acd6a12c1f8e67b4926c8dc8b2">federal disaster assistance by $16 billion,</a>&nbsp;meeting Biden’s full request. The bill funds government until Nov. 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696172419539.png" alt="Kansas Senator Roger Marshall with other members of the United States Senate late Saturday during the battle to get an agreement on a funding deal-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senator Roger Marshall with other members of the United States Senate late Saturday during the battle to get an agreement on a funding deal-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — The threat of a&nbsp;federal government shutdown&nbsp;suddenly lifted late Saturday hours before a midnight deadline as Congress approved a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open. President Joe Biden quickly signed the bill into law.The package was approved by the House 335-91, with most Republicans and almost all Democrats supporting.&nbsp; Kansas First District Representative Tracey Mann and Fourth District Representative Ron Estes voted against the temporary spending bill.&nbsp; Second District Representative Jake LaTurner and Third District Representative Sharice Davids supported the measure. Late Saturday, Senate passage came by an 88-9 vote. Kansas Senator Jerry Moran voted in favor of the measure along with Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt and Nebraska Senators Deb Fischer and Pete Ricketts. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall voted against the bill.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The CR does nothing to address our most immediate national security threat- our open southern border &amp; the fentanyl pouring in. With a $33 trillion debt crisis, it’s never been more clear America can’t afford to continue these spending levels for one more day, let alone, 45.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1708287319936221276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The package funds government at current 2023 levels until mid-November, and also extends other provisions, including for the Federal Aviation Administration. The rushed package drops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Volodymyr,troops%20in%20the%20fight%20against">aid to Ukraine</a>, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hurricane-flooding-fema-disaster-relief-budget-365fc3acd6a12c1f8e67b4926c8dc8b2">federal disaster assistance by $16 billion,</a>&nbsp;meeting Biden’s full request. The bill funds government until Nov. 17.

3 Kansas lawmakers voted against short term budget deal

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Two scientists won the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-prize-peace-literature-economics-chemistry-medicine-98860d60c271ee64833075af9654a534">Nobel Prize</a>&nbsp;in medicine on Monday for discoveries that enabled the development of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 and could be used in the future to create other shots.

Katalin Karikó, a professor at Sagan’s University in Hungary and an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and Drew Weissman, of the University of Pennsylvania, were awarded the prize for “their groundbreaking findings, which have fundamentally changed our understanding of how mRNA interacts with our immune system,” the panel that awarded the prize said.

"The laureates contributed to the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times,” the panel added.

Karikó said her husband was the first to pick up the early morning call, then handed it to her to hear the news. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I was very much surprised. But I am very happy.”

Before COVID-19, mRNA vaccines were already being tested for other diseases like Zika, influenza and rabies — but the pandemic brought more attention to this approach, Karikó said.

“There was already clinical trials before COVID, but people were not aware,” she said.

Thomas Perlmann, the secretary of the Nobel Assembly who announced the prize, said both scientists were “overwhelmed” by news.

Traditionally, making vaccines required growing viruses or pieces of viruses — often in giant vats of cells or, like most flu shots, in chicken eggs — and then purifying them before next steps in brewing shots.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/years-research-groundwork-covid-19-shots-f204192f07cfcc3503dc9c7687ae6269">the messenger RNA approach</a>&nbsp;is radically different. It starts with a snippet of genetic code that carries instructions for making proteins. Pick the right virus protein to target, and the body turns into a mini vaccine factory.

Dr. Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at Britain’s University of East Anglia, described the mRNA vaccines as a “game changer” in helping to shut down the coronavirus pandemic, crediting the shots with saving millions of lives.

“If it hadn’t been for the mRNA technology, COVID would have been much worse,” he said. “Vaccines generally were the turning point in slowing down COVID and the mRNA vaccines were just so much better than all the others,” he said, noting that the main vaccine used in the U.K., made by AstraZeneca, is barely in use anymore.

“We would likely only now be coming out of the depths of COVID without the mRNA vaccines,” Hunter said.

Karikó was a senior vice president at BioNTech, which partnered with Pfizer to make one of the COVID-19 vaccines. The BioNtech website says that since 2022 she has been an external consultant. She is the 13th woman to win the Nobel Prize in medicine. Weissman is a professor and director of the Penn Institute for RNA Innovations at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Bharat Pankhania, an infectious diseases expert at Exeter University, said that a major advantage of mRNA technology was that vaccines could be made in extremely large quantities since their main components are made in laboratories.

Pankhania predicted that the technology used in the vaccines could be used to refine vaccines for other diseases like Ebola, malaria and dengue, and might also be used to create shots that immunize people against certain types of cancer or auto-immune diseases like lupus.

“It’s possible that we could vaccinate people against abnormal cancer proteins and have the immune system attack it after being given a targeted mRNA shot,” he explained. “It’s a much more targeted technology than has been previously available and could revolutionize how we handle not only outbreaks, but non-communicable diseases.”

The Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine was won last year by Swedish scientist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-science-health-stockholm-5cfe18038fc4fcda06d38323f7333c69">Svante Paabo</a>&nbsp;for discoveries in human evolution that unlocked secrets of Neanderthal DNA which provided key insights into our immune system, including our vulnerability to severe COVID-19.

Nobel announcements continue with the physics prize on Tuesday, chemistry on Wednesday and literature on Thursday. The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced Friday and the economics award on Oct. 9.

The prizes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-prize-increase-award-amount-122839c6c00d7659f60f4676004c89eb">carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor</a>&nbsp;($1 million). The money comes from a bequest left by the prize’s creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in 1896.

The laureates are invited to receive their awards at ceremonies on Dec. 10, the anniversary of Nobel’s death. The prestigious peace prize is handed out in Oslo, according to his wishes, while the other award ceremony is held in Stockholm.

STOCKHOLM (AP) — Two scientists won the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-prize-peace-literature-economics-chemistry-medicine-98860d60c271ee64833075af9654a534">Nobel Prize</a>&nbsp;in medicine on Monday for discoveries that enabled the development of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 and could be used in the future to create other shots.Katalin Karikó, a professor at Sagan’s University in Hungary and an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and Drew Weissman, of the University of Pennsylvania, were awarded the prize for “their groundbreaking findings, which have fundamentally changed our understanding of how mRNA interacts with our immune system,” the panel that awarded the prize said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">BREAKING NEWS The 2023 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NobelPrize?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NobelPrize</a> in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. <a href="https://t.co/Y62uJDlNMj">pic.twitter.com/Y62uJDlNMj</a>&mdash; The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) <a href="https://twitter.com/NobelPrize/status/1708780262883017166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"The laureates contributed to the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times,” the panel added.Karikó said her husband was the first to pick up the early morning call, then handed it to her to hear the news. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I was very much surprised. But I am very happy.”Before COVID-19, mRNA vaccines were already being tested for other diseases like Zika, influenza and rabies — but the pandemic brought more attention to this approach, Karikó said.“There was already clinical trials before COVID, but people were not aware,” she said.Thomas Perlmann, the secretary of the Nobel Assembly who announced the prize, said both scientists were “overwhelmed” by news.Traditionally, making vaccines required growing viruses or pieces of viruses — often in giant vats of cells or, like most flu shots, in chicken eggs — and then purifying them before next steps in brewing shots.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/years-research-groundwork-covid-19-shots-f204192f07cfcc3503dc9c7687ae6269">the messenger RNA approach</a>&nbsp;is radically different. It starts with a snippet of genetic code that carries instructions for making proteins. Pick the right virus protein to target, and the body turns into a mini vaccine factory.Dr. Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at Britain’s University of East Anglia, described the mRNA vaccines as a “game changer” in helping to shut down the coronavirus pandemic, crediting the shots with saving millions of lives.“If it hadn’t been for the mRNA technology, COVID would have been much worse,” he said. “Vaccines generally were the turning point in slowing down COVID and the mRNA vaccines were just so much better than all the others,” he said, noting that the main vaccine used in the U.K., made by AstraZeneca, is barely in use anymore.“We would likely only now be coming out of the depths of COVID without the mRNA vaccines,” Hunter said.Karikó was a senior vice president at BioNTech, which partnered with Pfizer to make one of the COVID-19 vaccines. The BioNtech website says that since 2022 she has been an external consultant. She is the 13th woman to win the Nobel Prize in medicine. Weissman is a professor and director of the Penn Institute for RNA Innovations at the University of Pennsylvania.Dr. Bharat Pankhania, an infectious diseases expert at Exeter University, said that a major advantage of mRNA technology was that vaccines could be made in extremely large quantities since their main components are made in laboratories.Pankhania predicted that the technology used in the vaccines could be used to refine vaccines for other diseases like Ebola, malaria and dengue, and might also be used to create shots that immunize people against certain types of cancer or auto-immune diseases like lupus.“It’s possible that we could vaccinate people against abnormal cancer proteins and have the immune system attack it after being given a targeted mRNA shot,” he explained. “It’s a much more targeted technology than has been previously available and could revolutionize how we handle not only outbreaks, but non-communicable diseases.”The Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine was won last year by Swedish scientist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-science-health-stockholm-5cfe18038fc4fcda06d38323f7333c69">Svante Paabo</a>&nbsp;for discoveries in human evolution that unlocked secrets of Neanderthal DNA which provided key insights into our immune system, including our vulnerability to severe COVID-19.Nobel announcements continue with the physics prize on Tuesday, chemistry on Wednesday and literature on Thursday. The Nobel Peace Prize will be announced Friday and the economics award on Oct. 9.The prizes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nobel-prize-increase-award-amount-122839c6c00d7659f60f4676004c89eb">carry a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor</a>&nbsp;($1 million). The money comes from a bequest left by the prize’s creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in 1896.The laureates are invited to receive their awards at ceremonies on Dec. 10, the anniversary of Nobel’s death. The prestigious peace prize is handed out in Oslo, according to his wishes, while the other award ceremony is held in Stockholm.

Nobel Prize goes to scientists behind mRNA Covid vaccines

SEDGWICK COUNTY — Four people were injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Sunday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Hyundai Elantra driven by Jamal D. Singleton, 30, Wichita, was eastbound on&nbsp;Kellogg Drive at Oliver in Wichita.

The Hyundai collided with a southbound Wichita Police 2021 Ford Explorer driven by Erin L C&nbsp;Tialengko, 27, Wichita, who had the vehicle emergency equipment activated.&nbsp;

The impact caused the SUV to overturn and strike a northbound 2010 Cadillac SUV driven by Mary M. Van, 53, Wichita.

EMS transported&nbsp;Singleton, Tialengko, Van and a passenger in the police SUV identified as Marco A. Carillo, 24, Wichita, to Wesley Medical Center. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696242170296.png" alt="View of the crash scene -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>View of the crash scene -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — Four people were injured in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Sunday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Hyundai Elantra driven by Jamal D. Singleton, 30, Wichita, was eastbound on&nbsp;Kellogg Drive at Oliver in Wichita.The Hyundai collided with a southbound Wichita Police 2021 Ford Explorer driven by Erin L C&nbsp;Tialengko, 27, Wichita, who had the vehicle emergency equipment activated.&nbsp;The impact caused the SUV to overturn and strike a northbound 2010 Cadillac SUV driven by Mary M. Van, 53, Wichita.EMS transported&nbsp;Singleton, Tialengko, Van and a passenger in the police SUV identified as Marco A. Carillo, 24, Wichita, to Wesley Medical Center. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

4 hospitalized after 3-vehicle crash involving Kan. police SUV

ANTWERP, Belgium (AP) — Simone Biles led a dominant performance by the U.S. women at the world gymnastics championships, posting an all-around total of 58.865 to lead qualifying through two subdivisions Sunday.

The 26-year-old, who is a five-time all-around world champion and seven-time Olympic medalist, registered the best scores on floor exercise, vault and balance beam and the second-best score behind teammate Shilese Jones on uneven bars through the first portion of qualifying.

The American team of Biles, Jones, Skye Blakely, Leanne Wong and Joscelyn Roberson combined for a total of 171.395, which figures to be the best by a considerable margin by the end of qualifying. Italy was second at 162.230 through two of the 10 subdivisions.

Biles, whose 25 world championship medals (19 of them gold) is already a record, will get a chance to add substantially to that total throughout the week.

The U.S. will be heavily favored to win the team title on Wednesday. The all-around finals are Friday, with event finals scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Biles, who returned to competition this summer following a two-year break after the Tokyo Olympics, completed her signature Yurchenko double pike vault with ease, scoring a 15.766 even though she voluntarily took a half-point deduction so coach Laurent Landi could stand on the mat as a precaution.

Jones, who won three medals at the 2022 world championships, will join Biles in the all-around finals after posting a total of 56.932 led by a sparkling set on uneven bars, where her 14.833 led all competitors.

<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 led a dominant performance by the U.S. women at the world gymnastics championships, posting an all-around total of 58.865 to lead qualifying through two subdivisions Sunday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">171.395. What they did: that. <a href="https://t.co/KgbTV28x3D">pic.twitter.com/KgbTV28x3D</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1708529830118166991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 26-year-old, who is a five-time all-around world champion and seven-time Olympic medalist, registered the best scores on floor exercise, vault and balance beam and the second-best score behind teammate Shilese Jones on uneven bars through the first portion of qualifying.The American team of Biles, Jones, Skye Blakely, Leanne Wong and Joscelyn Roberson combined for a total of 171.395, which figures to be the best by a considerable margin by the end of qualifying. Italy was second at 162.230 through two of the 10 subdivisions.Biles, whose 25 world championship medals (19 of them gold) is already a record, will get a chance to add substantially to that total throughout the week.The U.S. will be heavily favored to win the team title on Wednesday. The all-around finals are Friday, with event finals scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.Biles, who returned to competition this summer following a two-year break after the Tokyo Olympics, completed her signature Yurchenko double pike vault with ease, scoring a 15.766 even though she voluntarily took a half-point deduction so coach Laurent Landi could stand on the mat as a precaution.Jones, who won three medals at the 2022 world championships, will join Biles in the all-around finals after posting a total of 56.932 led by a sparkling set on uneven bars, where her 14.833 led all competitors.___

U.S. women, Kan. gymnast dominant qualifying at World Championships

FINNEY COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a deadly fire in southwest Kansas.

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 Fire Department and the Garden City Police Department are conducting a joint investigation, which is standard procedure for victims of a structure fire. 

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office was notified of the fire and has been requested to assist with the investigation. No damage estimates were released late Sunday.

FINNEY COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a deadly fire in southwest Kansas.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 Fire Department and the Garden City Police Department are conducting a joint investigation, which is standard procedure for victims of a structure fire. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office was notified of the fire and has been requested to assist with the investigation. No damage estimates were released late Sunday.

2 dead in southwest Kansas house fire

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man's murder and continue asking the public for help to locate a woman as part of the investigation.

Just after 10:30 p.m. September 25, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2200 Block SW Plass Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release. First responders found a man suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; The victim was transported to a local hospital with injuries considered to be life threatening.

On September 27, the victim identified as 39-year-old Durant R. Redmond of Topeka died of his injuries in the hospital.&nbsp;

Police are working to locate 31-year-old Chelsee A. Baugh (Retana) Topeka. Investigators believe she has information about the shooting and they would like to speak to her.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1696031364543.png" alt="Baugh-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Baugh-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man's murder and continue asking the public for help to locate a woman as part of the investigation.Just after 10:30 p.m. September 25, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2200 Block SW Plass Avenue in Topeka, according to a media release. First responders found a man suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; The victim was transported to a local hospital with injuries considered to be life threatening.On September 27, the victim identified as 39-year-old Durant R. Redmond of Topeka died of his injuries in the hospital.&nbsp;Police are working to locate 31-year-old Chelsee A. Baugh (Retana) Topeka. Investigators believe she has information about the shooting and they would like to speak to her.

Police continue search for Kan. woman in connection with murder

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident that occurred just before 3:30p.m. Friday in Kansas City.

&nbsp;A man riding a spray painted blue Western Flyer 10-speed bicycle was southbound on the northbound one-way Chestnut Avenue at 39th Street, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle.&nbsp;

The man was only holding onto the bicycle with one hand, he had his "Natural Light" beer in the other. 

Witnesses advised that the bicyclist never slowed down or attempted to stop.&nbsp; He traveled right into the intersection and struck the front side of an eastbound Ford F250. 

The rider was ejected from the bicycle. He was not wearing a helmet, according to Carlisle. EMS transported the man to an area hospital, with critical injuries. The driver and passenger in the Ford F250 were not injured in the collision.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident that occurred just before 3:30p.m. Friday in Kansas City.&nbsp;A man riding a spray painted blue Western Flyer 10-speed bicycle was southbound on the northbound one-way Chestnut Avenue at 39th Street, according to Police Captain Corey Carlisle.&nbsp;The man was only holding onto the bicycle with one hand, he had his "Natural Light" beer in the other. Witnesses advised that the bicyclist never slowed down or attempted to stop.&nbsp; He traveled right into the intersection and struck the front side of an eastbound Ford F250. The rider was ejected from the bicycle. He was not wearing a helmet, according to Carlisle. EMS transported the man to an area hospital, with critical injuries. The driver and passenger in the Ford F250 were not injured in the collision.

Bicyclist had beer in one hand before injured in crash into truck

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (AP) — An estimated $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot will be up for grabs Monday night, tempting players to spend a couple dollars on a long shot at instant riches.

The prize is the world's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpot-mega-millions-powerball-b77dd9c7de3f0ab09545a01113b1f111">ninth-largest lottery prize</a>&nbsp;behind earlier drawings of Powerball and Mega Millions, the other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-alabama-alaska-lotteries-business-86424cf8e2b7cccf8ae9d06f6652d559">nearly nationwide lottery game</a>. The jackpot is the fourth-largest in the history of Powerball.

“If I could win it, I’d be the happiest person in the world,” said Chevy Johnson, who was buying Powerball tickets Monday at Bob's News &amp; Book Store in Fort Lauderdale.

The prize has grown so massive because no one has matched all five white balls and the Powerball to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">win the jackpot</a>&nbsp;in 32 consecutive drawings, dating back to July 19.

That losing streak reflects the stunningly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">long odds of winning</a>&nbsp;the jackpot, at 1 in 292.2 million.

Hector Griffith, another customer at Bob's News, said that if he won, his priority would be taking care of his family.

“It would change my life, completely change my life,” Griffith said. “I can’t wait to win it.”

Donnie Ross, a clerk at a BP gasoline station in New Hope, Minnesota, said when the prize grew so large for a recent jackpot that topped $1 billion, some customers spent hundreds of dollars on tickets.

“We had a huge bunch of people coming in right at the last minute to buy all their tickets before the drawing happened,” Ross said.

The $1.04 billion jackpot is for a sole winner who chooses to receive the winnings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">through an annuity</a>, paid annually over 30 years. Winners nearly always pick the cash option, which for Monday night's drawing would be an estimated $478.2 million.

A Powerball ticket costs $2 in most states and players can pick their own numbers or have a computer make the selection.

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

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (AP) — An estimated $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot will be up for grabs Monday night, tempting players to spend a couple dollars on a long shot at instant riches.The prize is the world's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lottery-jackpot-mega-millions-powerball-b77dd9c7de3f0ab09545a01113b1f111">ninth-largest lottery prize</a>&nbsp;behind earlier drawings of Powerball and Mega Millions, the other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-alabama-alaska-lotteries-business-86424cf8e2b7cccf8ae9d06f6652d559">nearly nationwide lottery game</a>. The jackpot is the fourth-largest in the history of Powerball.“If I could win it, I’d be the happiest person in the world,” said Chevy Johnson, who was buying Powerball tickets Monday at Bob's News &amp; Book Store in Fort Lauderdale.The prize has grown so massive because no one has matched all five white balls and the Powerball to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-winner-california-9f0e98a47c96c2b3087a68b33195dd50">win the jackpot</a>&nbsp;in 32 consecutive drawings, dating back to July 19.That losing streak reflects the stunningly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">long odds of winning</a>&nbsp;the jackpot, at 1 in 292.2 million.Hector Griffith, another customer at Bob's News, said that if he won, his priority would be taking care of his family.“It would change my life, completely change my life,” Griffith said. “I can’t wait to win it.”Donnie Ross, a clerk at a BP gasoline station in New Hope, Minnesota, said when the prize grew so large for a recent jackpot that topped $1 billion, some customers spent hundreds of dollars on tickets.“We had a huge bunch of people coming in right at the last minute to buy all their tickets before the drawing happened,” Ross said.The $1.04 billion jackpot is for a sole winner who chooses to receive the winnings&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">through an annuity</a>, paid annually over 30 years. Winners nearly always pick the cash option, which for Monday night's drawing would be an estimated $478.2 million.A Powerball ticket costs $2 in most states and players can pick their own numbers or have a computer make the selection.Powerball is played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

$1.04 billion Powerball jackpot tempts players to brave long odds

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man is going to prison for the rape of a runaway girl.

Gerardo Aguero-Hernandez, 26, Wichita, was sentenced to life with without parole eligibility for 25 years plus an additional 184 months, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

On May 22, 2020, police responded to a rape report in the 1800 block of W. Pine Avenue in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

A minor female who ran to that location and reported to a citizen that she had been sexually assaulted. The investigation revealed that the juvenile ran from her foster home earlier in the day around noon.&nbsp;

A suspect identified as Aguero-Hernandez contacted her as she walked along North Broadway and offered her a ride.&nbsp; She accepted, but instead of being taken to the agreed-upon location, Aguero-Hernandez drove her to an area near Arthur B. Sim Park.&nbsp; While in the vehicle, Aguero-Hernandez sexually assaulted and battered the girl, according to Davidson. She was able to escape the vehicle and ran to contact a citizen who called 911.&nbsp; Through further investigation, Aguero-Hernandez was identified subsequently arrested&nbsp;from a residence in the 2400 block of N. Woodland in Wichita.

A jury convicted Aguero-Hernandez of rape, aggravated kidnapping and two counts of aggravated battery. The jury acquitted him of attempted first-degree murder, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590769800736.png" alt="Aguero-Hernandez-Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Aguero-Hernandez-Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas man is going to prison for the rape of a runaway girl.Gerardo Aguero-Hernandez, 26, Wichita, was sentenced to life with without parole eligibility for 25 years plus an additional 184 months, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;On May 22, 2020, police responded to a rape report in the 1800 block of W. Pine Avenue in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;A minor female who ran to that location and reported to a citizen that she had been sexually assaulted. The investigation revealed that the juvenile ran from her foster home earlier in the day around noon.&nbsp;A suspect identified as Aguero-Hernandez contacted her as she walked along North Broadway and offered her a ride.&nbsp; She accepted, but instead of being taken to the agreed-upon location, Aguero-Hernandez drove her to an area near Arthur B. Sim Park.&nbsp; While in the vehicle, Aguero-Hernandez sexually assaulted and battered the girl, according to Davidson. She was able to escape the vehicle and ran to contact a citizen who called 911.&nbsp; Through further investigation, Aguero-Hernandez was identified subsequently arrested&nbsp;from a residence in the 2400 block of N. Woodland in Wichita.A jury convicted Aguero-Hernandez of rape, aggravated kidnapping and two counts of aggravated battery. The jury acquitted him of attempted first-degree murder, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. man sentenced for kidnapping, rape of runaway from foster home

KANSAS CITY —The search for an escapee from a Missouri county jail ended Sunday afternoon west of Kansas. After a pursuit with law enforcement in Ray County, Missouri, 33-year-old Jonathan Eugene Schmidt O 'Dell was located just west of Kansas City and taken into custody just after 5 p.m.,&nbsp; according to a social media report from the FBI. The stolen vehicle from Phelps County was also recovered.

O'Dell is facing federal charges. According to a federal indictment O'Dell planned to travel to Texas to shoot at illegal immigrants who crossed into the U.S. from Mexico. The indictment also alleges he planned to murder officers and employees of U.S. Border Patrol who attempted to stop him.

PHELPS COUNTY—Inmates Steven Timothy Scott and Jonathan Eugene Schmidt O'Dell both managed to escape from the jail in Phelps County, according to the FBI in Kansas City. Scott later turning himself to authorities.

Law enforcement continue to search for 33-year-old Schmidt O'Dell. He is described as a white male, 6-feet-1 inches tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds with brown hair, blue eyes and a full beard at the time of his booking.

He may have shaved his beard to disguise his identity. He was last seen wearing a maroon-colored shirt with a Phelps County logo and brown slacks with a tan stripe.

Just after 11p.m. Friday two inmates at the Phelps County Jail escaped by comprising the structural integrity of the cell and exiting the building.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696203010807.png" alt="O'Dell-after his arrest on Sunday-photo Phelps Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>O'Dell-after his arrest on Sunday-photo Phelps Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The search for an escapee from a Missouri county jail ended Sunday afternoon west of Kansas. After a pursuit with law enforcement in Ray County, Missouri, 33-year-old Jonathan Eugene Schmidt O 'Dell was located just west of Kansas City and taken into custody just after 5 p.m.,&nbsp; according to a social media report from the FBI. The stolen vehicle from Phelps County was also recovered.O'Dell is facing federal charges. According to a federal indictment O'Dell planned to travel to Texas to shoot at illegal immigrants who crossed into the U.S. from Mexico. The indictment also alleges he planned to murder officers and employees of U.S. Border Patrol who attempted to stop him.----------PHELPS COUNTY—Inmates Steven Timothy Scott and Jonathan Eugene Schmidt O'Dell both managed to escape from the jail in Phelps County, according to the FBI in Kansas City. Scott later turning himself to authorities.Law enforcement continue to search for 33-year-old Schmidt O'Dell. He is described as a white male, 6-feet-1 inches tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds with brown hair, blue eyes and a full beard at the time of his booking.He may have shaved his beard to disguise his identity. He was last seen wearing a maroon-colored shirt with a Phelps County logo and brown slacks with a tan stripe.Just after 11p.m. Friday two inmates at the Phelps County Jail escaped by comprising the structural integrity of the cell and exiting the building.

FBI: Escaped inmate captured near Kansas City

KANSAS CITY—A Kansas, man who was apprehended after he called a tow truck for his getaway car has pleaded guilty in federal court to robbing a Mound City, Missouri bank, according to the United State's Attorney.

Marvin J. McWhorter III, 41, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Thursday, Sept. 28, to one count of bank robbery.

By pleading guilty, McWhorter admitted that he stole $4,445 from Citizens Bank &amp; Trust, 904 State Street in Mound City, on Dec. 21, 2022.

According to his plea agreement, McWhorter approached a teller station at the bank and, while holding what appeared to be a handgun, directed the teller to give him all the money in the drawer. McWhorter ran out of the bank and got into a black Chevrolet Malibu with the word “CHEVY” in block white lettering across the top of the front windshield. Witnesses saw McWhorter drive away from the area.

The next morning, McWhorter called a St. Joseph, Mo., towing company to request a tow for the Malibu, which was in Forest City, Mo., about 13 miles southwest of Mound City. The tow driver picked up McWhorter at a nearby café and went to retrieve the vehicle.

A local public official, who had heard the vehicle description of the bank robbery suspect the day before, recognized McWhorter’s vehicle being towed and contacted law enforcement. The Holt County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department then contacted the tow company. Dispatch contacted the driver of the tow truck by phone to confirm that he was towing a black Chevrolet Malibu, with the word “CHEVY” in block white lettering across the top of the front windshield, through Oregon, Mo. Dispatch also confirmed that McWhorter was with the tow driver in the tow truck. Dispatch directed the tow driver to pull over and wait for law enforcement to arrive.

When the tow driver pulled over, McWhorter attempted to take control of the tow truck. McWhorter fought with the tow driver and a passerby who witnessed the altercation and had stopped to assist. The tow driver and passerby were able to get McWhorter to the ground and hold him until law enforcement arrived.

When officers arrested McWhorter, they found in the tow truck a cooler-type bag that contained $3,813 taken in the bank robbery. Officers also found additional evidence in the Malibu, including a box of 9mm ammunition, but no firearm.

Under federal statutes, McWhorter is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg R. Coonrod. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Holt County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Andrew County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Mound City, Mo., Police Department, and the FBI.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674662479150.png" alt="McWhorter-photo Osage Co." />
 <figcaption>McWhorter-photo Osage Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A Kansas, man who was apprehended after he called a tow truck for his getaway car has pleaded guilty in federal court to robbing a Mound City, Missouri bank, according to the United State's Attorney.Marvin J. McWhorter III, 41, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Thursday, Sept. 28, to one count of bank robbery.By pleading guilty, McWhorter admitted that he stole $4,445 from Citizens Bank &amp; Trust, 904 State Street in Mound City, on Dec. 21, 2022.According to his plea agreement, McWhorter approached a teller station at the bank and, while holding what appeared to be a handgun, directed the teller to give him all the money in the drawer. McWhorter ran out of the bank and got into a black Chevrolet Malibu with the word “CHEVY” in block white lettering across the top of the front windshield. Witnesses saw McWhorter drive away from the area.The next morning, McWhorter called a St. Joseph, Mo., towing company to request a tow for the Malibu, which was in Forest City, Mo., about 13 miles southwest of Mound City. The tow driver picked up McWhorter at a nearby café and went to retrieve the vehicle.A local public official, who had heard the vehicle description of the bank robbery suspect the day before, recognized McWhorter’s vehicle being towed and contacted law enforcement. The Holt County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department then contacted the tow company. Dispatch contacted the driver of the tow truck by phone to confirm that he was towing a black Chevrolet Malibu, with the word “CHEVY” in block white lettering across the top of the front windshield, through Oregon, Mo. Dispatch also confirmed that McWhorter was with the tow driver in the tow truck. Dispatch directed the tow driver to pull over and wait for law enforcement to arrive.When the tow driver pulled over, McWhorter attempted to take control of the tow truck. McWhorter fought with the tow driver and a passerby who witnessed the altercation and had stopped to assist. The tow driver and passerby were able to get McWhorter to the ground and hold him until law enforcement arrived.When officers arrested McWhorter, they found in the tow truck a cooler-type bag that contained $3,813 taken in the bank robbery. Officers also found additional evidence in the Malibu, including a box of 9mm ammunition, but no firearm.Under federal statutes, McWhorter is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg R. Coonrod. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Holt County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Andrew County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Mound City, Mo., Police Department, and the FBI.

Kan. man who robbed bank called tow truck for his getaway car

KANSAS CITY—Three people died in an accident just before 1a.m. Sunday in Kansas City.

According to Police Captain Corey Carlisle,&nbsp; a black Ford Taurus was northbound on Emanual Cleaver, at a very high rate of speed.

 Just before East 45th Terrace, the driver lost control and the vehicle left the roadway to the right and struck a tree. The driver and two passengers in the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Carlisle.

Police did not release the names of the victims. The accident remains under investigation.

KANSAS CITY—Three people died in an accident just before 1a.m. Sunday in Kansas City.According to Police Captain Corey Carlisle,&nbsp; a black Ford Taurus was northbound on Emanual Cleaver, at a very high rate of speed. Just before East 45th Terrace, the driver lost control and the vehicle left the roadway to the right and struck a tree. The driver and two passengers in the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Carlisle.Police did not release the names of the victims. The accident remains under investigation.

Kansas City Police: 3 dead after SUV crash into tree

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;agreed Friday to decide whether state laws that seek to regulate Facebook, TikTok, X and other social media platforms violate the Constitution.

The justices will review&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-technology-texas-amy-coney-barrett-da10a0389ea3a89e507e8ddf969bff6a">laws enacted</a>&nbsp;by Republican-dominated legislatures and signed by Republican governors in Florida and Texas. While the details vary, both laws aim to prevent the social media companies from censoring users based on their viewpoints.

The court's announcement, three days before the start of its new term, comes as the justices continue to grapple with how laws written at the dawn of the digital age, or earlier, apply to the online world.

The justices had already agreed to decide whether public officials can block critics from commenting on their social media accounts, an issue that previously came up in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-dimisses-case-trump-twitter-critics-bcdfcc37052e9c737ac5a1318b02a71c">a case involving then-President Donald Trump</a>. The court dismissed the Trump case when his presidential term ended in January 2021.

Separately, the high court also could consider a lower-court order limiting executive branch officials’ communications with social media companies about controversial online posts.

The new case follows conflicting rulings by two appeals courts, one of which upheld the Texas law, while the other struck down Florida's statute. By a 5-4 vote, the justices kept the Texas law on hold while litigation over it continues.

But the alignment was unusual. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett voted to grant the emergency request from two technology industry groups that challenged the law in federal court.

Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Elena Kagan and Neil Gorsuch would have allowed the law to remain in effect. In dissent, Alito wrote, “Social media platforms have transformed the way people communicate with each other and obtain news.”

Proponents of the laws, including Republican elected officials in several states that have similar measures, have sought to portray social media companies as generally liberal in outlook and hostile to ideas outside of that viewpoint, especially from the political right.

The tech sector warned that the laws would prevent platforms from removing extremism and hate speech.

Without offering any explanation, the justices had put off consideration of the case even though both sides agreed the high court should step in.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;agreed Friday to decide whether state laws that seek to regulate Facebook, TikTok, X and other social media platforms violate the Constitution.The justices will review&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-technology-texas-amy-coney-barrett-da10a0389ea3a89e507e8ddf969bff6a">laws enacted</a>&nbsp;by Republican-dominated legislatures and signed by Republican governors in Florida and Texas. While the details vary, both laws aim to prevent the social media companies from censoring users based on their viewpoints.The court's announcement, three days before the start of its new term, comes as the justices continue to grapple with how laws written at the dawn of the digital age, or earlier, apply to the online world.The justices had already agreed to decide whether public officials can block critics from commenting on their social media accounts, an issue that previously came up in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-dimisses-case-trump-twitter-critics-bcdfcc37052e9c737ac5a1318b02a71c">a case involving then-President Donald Trump</a>. The court dismissed the Trump case when his presidential term ended in January 2021.Separately, the high court also could consider a lower-court order limiting executive branch officials’ communications with social media companies about controversial online posts.The new case follows conflicting rulings by two appeals courts, one of which upheld the Texas law, while the other struck down Florida's statute. By a 5-4 vote, the justices kept the Texas law on hold while litigation over it continues.But the alignment was unusual. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett voted to grant the emergency request from two technology industry groups that challenged the law in federal court.Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Elena Kagan and Neil Gorsuch would have allowed the law to remain in effect. In dissent, Alito wrote, “Social media platforms have transformed the way people communicate with each other and obtain news.”Proponents of the laws, including Republican elected officials in several states that have similar measures, have sought to portray social media companies as generally liberal in outlook and hostile to ideas outside of that viewpoint, especially from the political right.The tech sector warned that the laws would prevent platforms from removing extremism and hate speech.Without offering any explanation, the justices had put off consideration of the case even though both sides agreed the high court should step in.

High Court will decide if laws limiting social media platforms violate Constitution

Kansas officials say Medicaid expansion would have protected some from dismissal

TOPEKA — Kansas administrators of the Medicaid program estimate 12,000 adults or children eligible for the health coverage program were stripped of benefits due to problems with processing renewals.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said more than two-dozen states, including Kansas, failed to conduct renewal assessments properly and consequently disenrolled too many people. About 500,000 in the United States should have been allowed to maintain coverage, but were excluded by states and territories as a result of the eligibility review shortcomings.

The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sounded an alarm Aug. 30 that some state computer systems were inappropriately disenrolling people, even when the state had information indicating the person remained eligible.

Christine Osterlund, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s deputy secretary for agency integration and&nbsp;Medicaid, said the issue involved up to 12,000 lower-income or disabled individuals among 81,000 removed from Medicaid this year in Kansas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, states were authorized to suspend eligibility assessments. The process of recalibrating who could stay in state-federal health coverage program has been referred to as unwinding.

KDHE paused discontinuances in August and September to make certain corrective actions were effective, Osterlund said.

Problems in Kansas and other states arose because auto-renewals were performed across entire households, instead of addressing individual eligibility of each person in a household. One consequence was children were disenrolled because a parent no longer qualified.

“The state of Kansas is working on a remedy to meet the newly stated requirements,” Osterlund said. “System and manual workarounds have been implemented to address CMS’ concerns until a permanent solution can be implemented.”

HHS released a 50-state report last week showing Kansas’ disenrollment problem involved 10,000 to 49,000 adults or children. KDHE officials said the report was “misleading” because it applied a numerical range to those mistakenly disenrolled when the number was approximately 12,000.

Medicaid enrollment losses have been significant in 10 states, including Kansas, that declined to expand eligibility for the program. Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, has sought to broaden access to Medicaid, but Republican leaders in the Kansas Legislature have undermined expansion efforts for a decade. Each of Kansas’ neighboring states — Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma — have taken the step to expand Medicaid.

“If Kansas were a&nbsp;Medicaid&nbsp;expansion state, more individuals would have coverage reinstated as our eligibility standards would be higher,” Osterlund said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690891865443.png" alt="-Christine Osterlund, Kansas Department of Health and Environment's deputy secretary for Medicaid, said computer system woes caused 12,000 adults and children to be mistakenly dropped from Medicaid this year during the process of reviewing eligibility in aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>-Christine Osterlund, Kansas Department of Health and Environment's deputy secretary for Medicaid, said computer system woes caused 12,000 adults and children to be mistakenly dropped from Medicaid this year during the process of reviewing eligibility in aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas officials say Medicaid expansion would have protected some from dismissal</h2>TOPEKA — Kansas administrators of the Medicaid program estimate 12,000 adults or children eligible for the health coverage program were stripped of benefits due to problems with processing renewals.The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said more than two-dozen states, including Kansas, failed to conduct renewal assessments properly and consequently disenrolled too many people. About 500,000 in the United States should have been allowed to maintain coverage, but were excluded by states and territories as a result of the eligibility review shortcomings.The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sounded an alarm Aug. 30 that some state computer systems were inappropriately disenrolling people, even when the state had information indicating the person remained eligible.Christine Osterlund, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s deputy secretary for agency integration and&nbsp;Medicaid, said the issue involved up to 12,000 lower-income or disabled individuals among 81,000 removed from Medicaid this year in Kansas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, states were authorized to suspend eligibility assessments. The process of recalibrating who could stay in state-federal health coverage program has been referred to as unwinding.KDHE paused discontinuances in August and September to make certain corrective actions were effective, Osterlund said.Problems in Kansas and other states arose because auto-renewals were performed across entire households, instead of addressing individual eligibility of each person in a household. One consequence was children were disenrolled because a parent no longer qualified.“The state of Kansas is working on a remedy to meet the newly stated requirements,” Osterlund said. “System and manual workarounds have been implemented to address CMS’ concerns until a permanent solution can be implemented.”HHS released a 50-state report last week showing Kansas’ disenrollment problem involved 10,000 to 49,000 adults or children. KDHE officials said the report was “misleading” because it applied a numerical range to those mistakenly disenrolled when the number was approximately 12,000.Medicaid enrollment losses have been significant in 10 states, including Kansas, that declined to expand eligibility for the program. Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, has sought to broaden access to Medicaid, but Republican leaders in the Kansas Legislature have undermined expansion efforts for a decade. Each of Kansas’ neighboring states — Colorado, Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma — have taken the step to expand Medicaid.“If Kansas were a&nbsp;Medicaid&nbsp;expansion state, more individuals would have coverage reinstated as our eligibility standards would be higher,” Osterlund said.

Estimated 12,000 Kansans mistakenly kicked off Medicaid 

MARION (AP) —The police chief who led a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marion-kansas-newspaper-raid-aca057365ea3925328a69acd615c9893">highly criticized</a>&nbsp;raid of a small Kansas newspaper has been suspended, the mayor confirmed to The Associated Press on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692219843330.png" alt="The suspension is a reversal for the mayor, who previously said he would wait for results from a state police investigation before taking action.-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>The suspension is a reversal for the mayor, who previously said he would wait for results from a state police investigation before taking action.-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>MARION (AP) —The police chief who led a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marion-kansas-newspaper-raid-aca057365ea3925328a69acd615c9893">highly criticized</a>&nbsp;raid of a small Kansas newspaper has been suspended, the mayor confirmed to The Associated Press on Saturday.Marion Mayor Dave Mayfield in a text said he suspended Chief Gideon Cody on Thursday. He declined to discuss his decision further and did not say whether Cody was still being paid.Voice messages and emails from the AP seeking comment from Cody's lawyers were not immediately returned Saturday.The Aug. 11 searches of the Marion County Record’s office and the homes of its publisher and a City Council member have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/marion-kansas-newspaper-raid-aca057365ea3925328a69acd615c9893">sharply criticized,</a>&nbsp;putting Marion at the center of a debate over the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-marion-county-record-bead3f49d323c784d40154067141dc7c">press protections</a>&nbsp;offered by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.Cody's suspension is a reversal for the mayor, who previously said he would wait for results from a state police investigation before taking action.Vice-Mayor Ruth Herbel, whose home was also raided Aug. 11, praised Cody's suspension as “the best thing that can happen to Marion right now” as the central Kansas town of about 1,900 people struggles to move forward under the national spotlight.“We can't duck our heads until it goes away, because it’s not going to go away until we do something about it,” Herbel said.Cody has said little publicly since the raids other than posting a defense of them on the police department’s Facebook page. In&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/newspaper-raid-kansas-affidavit-07d9c856894892bff13cb014248ec866">court documents</a>&nbsp;he filed to get the search warrants, he argued that he had probable cause to believe the newspaper and Herbel, whose home was also raided, had violated state laws against identity theft or computer crimes.The raids came after a local restaurant owner accused the newspaper of illegally accessing information about her. A spokesman for the agency that maintains those records has said the newspaper’s online search that a reporter did was likely legal even though the reporter needed personal information about the restaurant owner that a tipster provided to look up her driving record.The newspaper’s publisher Eric Meyer has said the identity theft allegations simply provided a convenient excuse for the search after his reporters had been digging for background information on Cody, who was appointed this summer.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-marion-county-record-bead3f49d323c784d40154067141dc7c">Legal experts believe</a>&nbsp;the raid on the newspaper violated a federal privacy law or a state law shielding journalists from having to identify sources or turn over unpublished material to law enforcement.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-mother-raid-video-4427af3241da82767deb76028836cffd">Video of the raid</a>&nbsp;on the home of publisher Eric Meyer shows how distraught his 98-year-old mother became as officers searched through their belongings. Meyer said he believes that stress contributed to the death of his mother, Joan Meyer, a day later.Another reporter last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-newspaper-raid-reporter-lawsuit-12f03fbd2821630b6d531d6b743047c9">filed a federal lawsuit</a>&nbsp;against the police chief over the raid.