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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kan. burglary suspect caught riding bicycle from crime scene

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He expected the winner will be a local resident.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Powerball player wins lottery’s $1.73 billion jackpot 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Teacher suspended for having porn website page has resigned

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas felon faces new charges for allegedly selling drugs

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

TOPEKA — Closure of Herington Hospital after lengthy financial struggles and low patient volume invigorated political debate Wednesday in Kansas about the potential of funneling vast amounts of federal funding into rural health care by expanding eligibility for Medicaid.

Kansas is among 10 states that haven’t opted to broaden access to health care under the Affordable Care Act despite expansion of the program in neighboring states of Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Colorado.

Former state Rep. Dave Baker, a Republican who represented the Herington and Junction City areas, said loss of the hospital was a blow to health care access for Herington residents as well as the economy in the central Kansas community.

“Rural hospitals play an essential role in the livelihood of small towns like Herington by creating jobs and providing necessary care,” said Baker, of Council Grove. “Expanding Medicaid will help prevent other small Kansas communities from losing their hospitals in the near future. Failing to expand Medicaid is just another one of the many attacks on small Kansas communities from state government.”

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, who plans to recommend in January her sixth plan for expanding Medicaid, said rural hospitals in states that declined to adopt Medicaid expansion were six times more likely to be shut down than rural hospitals in expansion states.

“This closure makes clear the absolute necessity of expanding Medicaid this upcoming legislative session,” Kelly said. “Eight hospitals have now closed since we’ve had the option to increase access to affordable health insurance and support our hospitals, and over half of our rural hospitals are at risk of following suit.”

Kelly said Kansas legislators were denying the state’s health care system $66 million each month it refused to expand access to Medicaid. Overall, the governor said, Kansas had turned aside $6.6 billion that would have flowed through hospitals and clinics.

Kelly said 78% of Kansans expressed interest in broadening availability to Medicaid. Under the ACA, the federal government would pay 90% of expansion costs and the state would be responsible for 10% of providing additional health care.

On Monday, the Herington Hospital board of directors said the facility would cease providing medical care, but would allow patients to secure their health records. The hospital had operated in Herington since 1919.

“This decision follows extensive evaluations and considerations stemming from lengthy financial struggles and consistently low patient volumes,” the board said in a statement. “The support from the Herington community has been invaluable throughout our history, not only in choosing Herington Hospital for care but also in the countless volunteer hours given over the years.”

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, and Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, said last month they had no intention of allowing the 2024 Legislature to add Kansas to the list of Medicaid expansion states.

“Republicans support health care freedom and expanding access to affordable care through cost transparency, more competition and less government regulation over your consumer choices,” Masterson said in a speech. “Unfortunately, the governor’s party remains focused almost solely on government-run health care, which would dramatically expand the administrative state and harm the very people for whom the&nbsp;Medicaid&nbsp;safety net was intended.”

Hawkins said it would be wrong for Kansas to allow low-income adults into Medicaid when the state hadn’t provided full access to disabled Kansans to programs included in Medicaid.

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

Closure of Herington Hospital injected into Kan. debate on Medicaid expansion

WASHINGTON —The White House and a Kansas lawmaker used their social media accounts to encourage the&nbsp;LGBTQI+ community on National Coming Out Day.

"To the LGBTQI+ community – you are loved for who you are, you are admired for your courage, and you will always be supported by the Biden-Harris Administration on National Coming Out Day and every day."

Kansas 3rd District Representative also recognized the day.

"Progress has never come easily, but our community has a proud history of activism and courage. I stand with you, and wish you safety, love, and acceptance on the journey."

WASHINGTON —The White House and a Kansas lawmaker used their social media accounts to encourage the&nbsp;LGBTQI+ community on National Coming Out Day.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">To the LGBTQI+ community – you are loved for who you are, you are admired for your courage, and you will always be supported by the Biden-Harris Administration. On National Coming Out Day and every day. <a href="https://t.co/mbwMlIbY3Q">pic.twitter.com/mbwMlIbY3Q</a>&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/1712199913751069059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"To the LGBTQI+ community – you are loved for who you are, you are admired for your courage, and you will always be supported by the Biden-Harris Administration on National Coming Out Day and every day."Kansas 3rd District Representative also recognized the day.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Happy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NationalComingOutDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NationalComingOutDay</a> to the members and allies of the LGBTQI+ community in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KS03?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KS03</a>. Progress has never come easily, but our community has a proud history of activism and courage. I stand with you, and wish you safety, love, and acceptance on the journey.&mdash; Rep. Sharice Davids (@RepDavids) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepDavids/status/1712150823340216328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Progress has never come easily, but our community has a proud history of activism and courage. I stand with you, and wish you safety, love, and acceptance on the journey."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I&#39;m proud to celebrate National Coming Out Day and the LGBTQI+ community. You are valued for exactly who you are, and we will continue to fight with pride for your freedom to love who you love and be your authentic self.&mdash; Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VP/status/1712236636782678257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Kan. lawmaker, White House honor National Coming Out Day

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans nominated Rep. Steve Scalise on Wednesday to be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20Speaker%20Kevin,its%20Republican%20leadership%20into%20chaos.">next House speaker</a>&nbsp;but now must try to unite their deeply divided majority to elect the conservative in a floor vote after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-ousted-mccarthy-3fccfca11fe61c36fe399880f2679f12">ousting Rep. Kevin McCarthy</a>&nbsp;from the job.

In private balloting at the Capitol, House Republicans narrowly pushed aside Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, the Judiciary Committee chairman, in favor of Scalise, the current majority leader, lawmakers said. The Louisiana congressman, who is battling blood cancer, is seen as a hero to some after surviving a mass shooting on lawmakers at a congressional baseball game practice in 2017.

“We have a lot of work to do,” Scalise said afterward.

A floor vote of the whole House could come as soon as Wednesday afternoon.

Republicans have been stalemated after McCarthy’s historic removal last week and it's unclear whether Jordan, the hardliner backed by the party's presidential frontrunner Donald Trump, will throw his support to Scalise in what is certain to be a close vote of the full House. Democrats are set to oppose the Republican nominee.

“I don’t know how the hell you get to 218," said Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, referring to the majority vote typically needed in the 435-member House to become speaker. “It could be a long week.”

It's an extraordinary moment of political chaos that has brought the House to a standstill at a time of uncertainty at home and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates">crisis abroad</a>, just 10 months after Republicans swept to power. Aspiring to operate as a team and run government more like a business, the GOP majority has drifted far from that goal with the unprecedented ouster of a speaker.

Americans are watching. One-quarter of Republicans say they approve of the decision by a small group of Republicans to remove McCarthy as speaker. Three in 10 Republicans believe it was a mistake,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-speaker-kevin-mccarthy-removal-motion-vacate-72ec3c28d2987e90b3fe032a6ff97d87">according to a poll</a>&nbsp;from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-republican-lawmakers-house-opponents-33c7d984964916f29d548b5b1dfe508b">hard-right coalition of lawmakers</a>&nbsp;that ousted McCarthy, R-Calif., has shown what an oversize role a few lawmakers can have in choosing his successor.

“I am not thrilled with either choice right now,” said Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., who voted to oust McCarthy.

It's unclear whether Scalise can amass the votes that would be needed from almost all Republicans to overcome the Democratic opposition. Usually, the majority needed would be 218 votes, but there are currently two vacant seats, dropping the threshold to 217.

Many Republicans want to prevent the spectacle of a messy House floor fight like the grueling January brawl when McCarthy became speaker.

“People are not comfortable going to the floor with a simple majority and then having C-SPAN and the rest of the world watch as we have this fight,” said Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla. “We want to have this family fight behind closed doors."

Behind closed doors, the Republicans voted to set aside a proposed a rules change that would have tried to ensure a majority vote before the nominee was presented for a full floor vote.

Without the rules change, the Republican lawmakers would be expected to agree to a majority-wins process.

Neither Scalise nor Jordan was seen as the heir apparent to McCarthy, who was removed in a push by the far-right flank after the speaker led Congress to approve legislation that averted a government shutdown.

All three men have been here before. In 2018, they were similarly vying for leadership, with McCarthy and Scalise extending the rivalry to this day.

Scalise was in line for the job, but faced a challenge from Jordan, a founding member of the Freedom Caucus, who was viewed as a more hard-edged option, after McCarthy's ouster.

Jordan is known for his close&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-speaker-mccarthy-capitol-hill-432f89f6826b2b4f51990ae4b4d293fb">alliance with Trump</a>, particularly when the then-president was working to overturn the results of the 2020 election, leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Trump backed Jordan's bid for the gavel.

Several lawmakers, including Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who engineered McCarthy's ouster, said they would be willing to support either Scalise or Jordan.

“Long live Speaker Scalise,” Gaetz said after the vote.

For now, Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., who was named as the speaker pro-tempore, is effectively in charge. He has shown little interest in expanding his power beyond the role he was assigned — an interim leader tasked with ensuring the election of the next speaker.

The role was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to ensure the continuity of government. McHenry's name was at the top of a list submitted by McCarthy when he became speaker in January.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697046038480.png" alt="House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisana., speaks to reporters as he arrives for a meeting of House Republicans to vote on candidates for Speaker of the House on Capitol Hill, Wednesday,-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisana., speaks to reporters as he arrives for a meeting of House Republicans to vote on candidates for Speaker of the House on Capitol Hill, Wednesday,-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans nominated Rep. Steve Scalise on Wednesday to be the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20Speaker%20Kevin,its%20Republican%20leadership%20into%20chaos.">next House speaker</a>&nbsp;but now must try to unite their deeply divided majority to elect the conservative in a floor vote after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-ousted-mccarthy-3fccfca11fe61c36fe399880f2679f12">ousting Rep. Kevin McCarthy</a>&nbsp;from the job.In private balloting at the Capitol, House Republicans narrowly pushed aside Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, the Judiciary Committee chairman, in favor of Scalise, the current majority leader, lawmakers said. The Louisiana congressman, who is battling blood cancer, is seen as a hero to some after surviving a mass shooting on lawmakers at a congressional baseball game practice in 2017.“We have a lot of work to do,” Scalise said afterward.A floor vote of the whole House could come as soon as Wednesday afternoon.Republicans have been stalemated after McCarthy’s historic removal last week and it's unclear whether Jordan, the hardliner backed by the party's presidential frontrunner Donald Trump, will throw his support to Scalise in what is certain to be a close vote of the full House. Democrats are set to oppose the Republican nominee.“I don’t know how the hell you get to 218," said Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, referring to the majority vote typically needed in the 435-member House to become speaker. “It could be a long week.”It's an extraordinary moment of political chaos that has brought the House to a standstill at a time of uncertainty at home and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates">crisis abroad</a>, just 10 months after Republicans swept to power. Aspiring to operate as a team and run government more like a business, the GOP majority has drifted far from that goal with the unprecedented ouster of a speaker.Americans are watching. One-quarter of Republicans say they approve of the decision by a small group of Republicans to remove McCarthy as speaker. Three in 10 Republicans believe it was a mistake,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/poll-speaker-kevin-mccarthy-removal-motion-vacate-72ec3c28d2987e90b3fe032a6ff97d87">according to a poll</a>&nbsp;from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-republican-lawmakers-house-opponents-33c7d984964916f29d548b5b1dfe508b">hard-right coalition of lawmakers</a>&nbsp;that ousted McCarthy, R-Calif., has shown what an oversize role a few lawmakers can have in choosing his successor.“I am not thrilled with either choice right now,” said Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., who voted to oust McCarthy.It's unclear whether Scalise can amass the votes that would be needed from almost all Republicans to overcome the Democratic opposition. Usually, the majority needed would be 218 votes, but there are currently two vacant seats, dropping the threshold to 217.Many Republicans want to prevent the spectacle of a messy House floor fight like the grueling January brawl when McCarthy became speaker.“People are not comfortable going to the floor with a simple majority and then having C-SPAN and the rest of the world watch as we have this fight,” said Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla. “We want to have this family fight behind closed doors."Behind closed doors, the Republicans voted to set aside a proposed a rules change that would have tried to ensure a majority vote before the nominee was presented for a full floor vote.Without the rules change, the Republican lawmakers would be expected to agree to a majority-wins process.Neither Scalise nor Jordan was seen as the heir apparent to McCarthy, who was removed in a push by the far-right flank after the speaker led Congress to approve legislation that averted a government shutdown.All three men have been here before. In 2018, they were similarly vying for leadership, with McCarthy and Scalise extending the rivalry to this day.Scalise was in line for the job, but faced a challenge from Jordan, a founding member of the Freedom Caucus, who was viewed as a more hard-edged option, after McCarthy's ouster.Jordan is known for his close&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-speaker-mccarthy-capitol-hill-432f89f6826b2b4f51990ae4b4d293fb">alliance with Trump</a>, particularly when the then-president was working to overturn the results of the 2020 election, leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Trump backed Jordan's bid for the gavel.Several lawmakers, including Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who engineered McCarthy's ouster, said they would be willing to support either Scalise or Jordan.“Long live Speaker Scalise,” Gaetz said after the vote.For now, Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., who was named as the speaker pro-tempore, is effectively in charge. He has shown little interest in expanding his power beyond the role he was assigned — an interim leader tasked with ensuring the election of the next speaker.The role was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to ensure the continuity of government. McHenry's name was at the top of a list submitted by McCarthy when he became speaker in January.

Republicans nominate Steve Scalise to be House speaker

By&nbsp;Jim Garamone, U.S. Department of Defense

We stand with Israel," the president said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/10/10/remarks-by-president-biden-on-the-terrorist-attacks-in-israel-2/">during an announcement at the White House</a>.&nbsp;

The Hamas attack has been exceptionally brutal with hundreds of Israeli civilians killed and thousands wounded in the surprise attack out of Gaza that began Saturday.

(click below to watch the President's comments)

"There's still so many families desperately waiting to hear the fate of their loved ones, not knowing if they are alive or dead or hostages," the president said.

Hamas gunmen also kidnapped civilians and now leaders of the group have threatened to execute them.&nbsp; The State Department on Wednesday said the number of U.S. citizens confirmed to have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war has risen to 22. That’s an increase from the 14 who’d been confirmed dead on Tuesday.

"The brutality of Hamas, its bloodthirstiness, brings to mind the worst rampages of ISIS," Biden said. "This is terrorism."&nbsp;

"We will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself and respond to this attack," he continued. &nbsp;

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today and Biden assured him that the U.S. response to the events will be swift, decisive and overwhelming.

"My team has been in near constant communication with our Israeli partners and partners all across the region and the world from the moment this crisis began," the president said. "We're surging additional military assistance, including ammunition, and interceptors to replenish Iron Dome. We are going to make sure that Israel does not run out of these critical assets to defend its cities and its citizens."

Biden said that he will ask Congress "to take urgent action to fund the national security requirements of our critical partners. This is not about party or politics; this is about the security of our world, security of the United States of America."&nbsp;

The United States has also enhanced its military force posture in the region to strengthen deterrence. DOD has moved the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the eastern Mediterranean and bolstered fighter aircraft presence in the region.

These moves are not to deter Hamas, but any country or group that may think of taking advantage of the instability and confusion to pursue their own ends. "To any country, any organization, anyone thinking of taking advantage of the situation, I have one word: Don't," Biden said. "Our hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear."

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said there are U.S. citizens among the hostages Hamas has taken. "We are working with the Israeli government and with our regional partners on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the U.S. government to advise the Israeli government and coordinate with them on hostage recovery efforts," he said during a White House news conference. "As the President … said, there is no higher priority than the safety and well-being of American citizens being held hostage overseas."&nbsp;

Sullivan said military supplies are already flowing into Israel with interceptors for the Iron Dome missile defense shield leading the way. "We will be flowing in additional Iron Dome interceptors so that [the Israelis] have the capabilities they need to sustain their Iron Dome defense systems," he said. "We're also looking at other ways that we can help augment their air defense capabilities."&nbsp;

Sullivan said that Iran "is complicit in this attack, in a broad sense," meaning Iran has long funded and trained and supplied the terror group.&nbsp;

Iranian leaders "have provided capabilities, they have provided support, and they have had engagement in contact with Hamas over years and years," he said. "All of that has played a role in contributing to what we have seen now. As to the question of whether Iran knew about this attack in advance, or helped plan or direct this attack? We do not, as of the moment … have confirmation."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697042067511.png" alt="President Joe Biden speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone at the White House, Oct. 10, 2023. -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden speaks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone at the White House, Oct. 10, 2023. -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;Jim Garamone, U.S. Department of DefenseWe stand with Israel," the president said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/10/10/remarks-by-president-biden-on-the-terrorist-attacks-in-israel-2/">during an announcement at the White House</a>.&nbsp;The Hamas attack has been exceptionally brutal with hundreds of Israeli civilians killed and thousands wounded in the surprise attack out of Gaza that began Saturday.(click below to watch the President's comments)<div>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7v40bJGqfEo?si=wCspaDDhv7t2n9B0&amp;start=5840" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>"There's still so many families desperately waiting to hear the fate of their loved ones, not knowing if they are alive or dead or hostages," the president said.Hamas gunmen also kidnapped civilians and now leaders of the group have threatened to execute them.&nbsp; The State Department on Wednesday said the number of U.S. citizens confirmed to have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war has risen to 22. That’s an increase from the 14 who’d been confirmed dead on Tuesday."The brutality of Hamas, its bloodthirstiness, brings to mind the worst rampages of ISIS," Biden said. "This is terrorism."&nbsp;"We will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself and respond to this attack," he continued. &nbsp;Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today and Biden assured him that the U.S. response to the events will be swift, decisive and overwhelming."My team has been in near constant communication with our Israeli partners and partners all across the region and the world from the moment this crisis began," the president said. "We're surging additional military assistance, including ammunition, and interceptors to replenish Iron Dome. We are going to make sure that Israel does not run out of these critical assets to defend its cities and its citizens."Biden said that he will ask Congress "to take urgent action to fund the national security requirements of our critical partners. This is not about party or politics; this is about the security of our world, security of the United States of America."&nbsp;The United States has also enhanced its military force posture in the region to strengthen deterrence. DOD has moved the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the eastern Mediterranean and bolstered fighter aircraft presence in the region.These moves are not to deter Hamas, but any country or group that may think of taking advantage of the instability and confusion to pursue their own ends. "To any country, any organization, anyone thinking of taking advantage of the situation, I have one word: Don't," Biden said. "Our hearts may be broken but our resolve is clear."National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said there are U.S. citizens among the hostages Hamas has taken. "We are working with the Israeli government and with our regional partners on every aspect of the hostage crisis, including sharing intelligence and deploying experts from across the U.S. government to advise the Israeli government and coordinate with them on hostage recovery efforts," he said during a White House news conference. "As the President … said, there is no higher priority than the safety and well-being of American citizens being held hostage overseas."&nbsp;Sullivan said military supplies are already flowing into Israel with interceptors for the Iron Dome missile defense shield leading the way. "We will be flowing in additional Iron Dome interceptors so that [the Israelis] have the capabilities they need to sustain their Iron Dome defense systems," he said. "We're also looking at other ways that we can help augment their air defense capabilities."&nbsp;Sullivan said that Iran "is complicit in this attack, in a broad sense," meaning Iran has long funded and trained and supplied the terror group.&nbsp;Iranian leaders "have provided capabilities, they have provided support, and they have had engagement in contact with Hamas over years and years," he said. "All of that has played a role in contributing to what we have seen now. As to the question of whether Iran knew about this attack in advance, or helped plan or direct this attack? We do not, as of the moment … have confirmation."

🎥 Number of US citizens killed in Israel continues to climb

JOHNSON COUNTY —After a Kansas bicyclist was struck and killed Oct. 6, in Johnson County, law enforcement authorities released a video reminding drivers to&nbsp;stay alert and remember to look both ways while initiating a right turn at an intersection.

In addition to the fatal accident in Olathe, the bicyclist in the video was hit at the intersection of 119th Street and Quivira Road in Overland Park last week.&nbsp;The bicyclist was injured but will recover.

JOHNSON COUNTY —After a Kansas bicyclist was struck and killed Oct. 6, in Johnson County, law enforcement authorities released a video reminding drivers to&nbsp;stay alert and remember to look both ways while initiating a right turn at an intersection.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Motorist please remember to look both ways while initiating a right turn at an intersection. The bicyclist was injured but will recover. <a href="https://t.co/gL7MyOoAMd">pic.twitter.com/gL7MyOoAMd</a>&mdash; Overland Park Police (@OverlandPark_PD) <a href="https://twitter.com/OverlandPark_PD/status/1711720262998032664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In addition to the fatal accident in Olathe, the bicyclist in the video was hit at the intersection of 119th Street and Quivira Road in Overland Park last week.&nbsp;The bicyclist was injured but will recover.

🎥Police use video to warn Kan. drivers to watch for bicyclists

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as 17-year-old Victor Carlton of Topeka.

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

First responders located Carlton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.

This incident is being investigated as a homicide.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697030993587.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a deadly shooting have identified the victim as 17-year-old Victor Carlton of Topeka.Just before&nbsp;10:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of SE Pennsylvania Street in Topeka, according to Police Captain Jerry Monasmith.First responders located Carlton suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.This incident is being investigated as a homicide.

Homicide: 17-year-old Kan. boy dead after shooting

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman found guilty by a jury in the death of a man whose body was found in rural Sumner County in November 2022 is going to prison.

On Tuesday morning, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 20-year-old Tehya Turner, 20 of Haysville, to just over 11-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She must also serve 36 months of post release supervision.

On November 29, 2022, police were contacted by a 69-year-old man who reported 41-year-old Brent Boone, of Wichita, missing under unusual circumstances, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Boone had last been seen on November 24, 2022, at 9:30 pm at his residence in the 1300 block of N. Pershing in Wichita before leaving in a vehicle with two individuals – identified as 31-year-old Saul Chavez Valenciana and 19- year-old Tehya Turner, both of Wichita.

Police believed that an altercation occurred inside the car, during which Boone was killed.

On November 30, a follow-up investigation led officers to a crime scene in the 9300 block of S. Pattie in Haysville, where they began processing evidence. Police located the vehicle on December 1, near 21st and Ridge, abandoned, according to Officer Ditch.

Further investigation led officers to a rural area Southwest of Clearwater, one mile west of N Clearwater Road and 140th Ave N, where Boone's body was located. .

Police took Turner into custody on Dec. 2, and a CrimeStoppers tip helped police arrest Valenciana on Dec. 19, 2022.&nbsp; A jury found him guilty in June and. he is being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670173983028.png" alt="Turner-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Turner-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas woman found guilty by a jury in the death of a man whose body was found in rural Sumner County in November 2022 is going to prison.On Tuesday morning, Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced 20-year-old Tehya Turner, 20 of Haysville, to just over 11-years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; She must also serve 36 months of post release supervision.On November 29, 2022, police were contacted by a 69-year-old man who reported 41-year-old Brent Boone, of Wichita, missing under unusual circumstances, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Boone had last been seen on November 24, 2022, at 9:30 pm at his residence in the 1300 block of N. Pershing in Wichita before leaving in a vehicle with two individuals – identified as 31-year-old Saul Chavez Valenciana and 19- year-old Tehya Turner, both of Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670023341610.png" alt="-Valenciana-photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>-Valenciana-photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Police believed that an altercation occurred inside the car, during which Boone was killed.On November 30, a follow-up investigation led officers to a crime scene in the 9300 block of S. Pattie in Haysville, where they began processing evidence. Police located the vehicle on December 1, near 21st and Ridge, abandoned, according to Officer Ditch.Further investigation led officers to a rural area Southwest of Clearwater, one mile west of N Clearwater Road and 140th Ave N, where Boone's body was located. .Police took Turner into custody on Dec. 2, and a CrimeStoppers tip helped police arrest Valenciana on Dec. 19, 2022.&nbsp; A jury found him guilty in June and. he is being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility.

Kan. woman sentenced for murder after man's body found in field

Family Dollar is initiating a voluntary retail level product recall of certain over-the-counter drug products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that were stored and shipped to certain stores on or around June 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023 due to product being stored by Family Dollar outside of labeled temperature requirements, according to a statement from the FDA.

<a href="https://www.familydollar.com/file/general/Posting%20for%20website%2010.6.23%20(2)[3].pdf">CLICK here</a> to see the full list of recalled items

As of Wednesday, Family Dollar is not aware of any consumer complaints or reports of illness related to this recall.

This recall only applies to Kansas, Nebraska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658512118386.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>Family Dollar is initiating a voluntary retail level product recall of certain over-the-counter drug products regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that were stored and shipped to certain stores on or around June 1, 2022 through March 31, 2023 due to product being stored by Family Dollar outside of labeled temperature requirements, according to a statement from the FDA.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697026655285.png" alt="These are just a few of the products involved in the large recall" />
 <figcaption>These are just a few of the products involved in the large recall</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.familydollar.com/file/general/Posting%20for%20website%2010.6.23%20(2)[3].pdf">CLICK here</a> to see the full list of recalled itemsAs of Wednesday, Family Dollar is not aware of any consumer complaints or reports of illness related to this recall.This recall only applies to Kansas, Nebraska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Family Dollar: Large product recall for stores in Kan., 22 other states

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after an armed suspect dies inside a Kansas home.

Just before 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a previous assault investigation in the 23500 block of West 126th&nbsp;Terrace in Olathe, according to a media release.

Officers arrived and contacted the reporting party. During the course of the investigation, the suspect, a man, ran past officers and was carrying a handgun.

As the man was gaining entry into a neighbor’s house, one officer discharged their department issued handgun at him. The man then ran inside the neighbor’s house and residents ran outside. 

A police react team was established, and a drone was used to clear the residence. Police found the man deceased inside the home. The manner of the man’s death and what occurred inside the residence is still under investigation. Officers were not injured.

The Johnson County Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigation Team (OICIIT) was activated.&nbsp; Investigators from multiple agencies are leading the investigation of the incident.&nbsp; The Johnson County Crime Lab is processing the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697020259585.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation Tuesday night-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation Tuesday night-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after an armed suspect dies inside a Kansas home.Just before 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to a previous assault investigation in the 23500 block of West 126th&nbsp;Terrace in Olathe, according to a media release.Officers arrived and contacted the reporting party. During the course of the investigation, the suspect, a man, ran past officers and was carrying a handgun.As the man was gaining entry into a neighbor’s house, one officer discharged their department issued handgun at him. The man then ran inside the neighbor’s house and residents ran outside. A police react team was established, and a drone was used to clear the residence. Police found the man deceased inside the home. The manner of the man’s death and what occurred inside the residence is still under investigation. Officers were not injured.The Johnson County Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigation Team (OICIIT) was activated.&nbsp; Investigators from multiple agencies are leading the investigation of the incident.&nbsp; The Johnson County Crime Lab is processing the scene.

Officer shot at armed suspect entering Kan. home, found him dead

JERUSALEM-&nbsp;The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in order to deter any&nbsp;actor seeking to escalate the situation or widen the war, according to a media release from U.S. Central Command.

The forces in the area include the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), with its 8 squadrons of attack and support aircraft, and the Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).

Efforts to increase U.S. posture continue, including the rapid movement into theater of U.S. Air Force F-15s, F-16s and A-10s to augment existing fighter squadrons in the region.

"The arrival of these highly capable forces to the region&nbsp;is a strong signal of deterrence should any actor hostile to Israel consider trying to take advantage of this situation," said General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696972133403.png" alt="USS Gerald R. Ford -photo U.S. Central Command" />
 <figcaption>USS Gerald R. Ford -photo U.S. Central Command</figcaption>
 </figure>JERUSALEM-&nbsp;The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea in order to deter any&nbsp;actor seeking to escalate the situation or widen the war, according to a media release from U.S. Central Command.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch: An Israeli cargo plane lands, delivering an initial shipment of advanced weaponry from the United States to Israel. <a href="https://t.co/TEv2g9gXyW">pic.twitter.com/TEv2g9gXyW</a>&mdash; Ministry of Defense (@Israel_MOD) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_MOD/status/1711974859520041121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The forces in the area include the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), with its 8 squadrons of attack and support aircraft, and the Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), as well as the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).Efforts to increase U.S. posture continue, including the rapid movement into theater of U.S. Air Force F-15s, F-16s and A-10s to augment existing fighter squadrons in the region."The arrival of these highly capable forces to the region&nbsp;is a strong signal of deterrence should any actor hostile to Israel consider trying to take advantage of this situation," said General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

US warships, weapons arrive in Mediterranean to support Israel

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities have recovered a vehicle stolen in 2021, according to a social media report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Drug and Crime Control.

"Our officers often recover stolen vehicles and equipment, but it's not everyday they are able to recover a stolen 1956 Ford Thunderbird missing since 2021.&nbsp; It is now back in the hands of its owner."

Authorities released no additional details on where they located the vehicle or an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696989448347.png" alt="Photo MSHP DDCC" />
 <figcaption>Photo MSHP DDCC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities have recovered a vehicle stolen in 2021, according to a social media report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Drug and Crime Control."Our officers often recover stolen vehicles and equipment, but it's not everyday they are able to recover a stolen 1956 Ford Thunderbird missing since 2021.&nbsp; It is now back in the hands of its owner."Authorities released no additional details on where they located the vehicle or an arrest.

Troopers recover 1956 Ford Thunderbird missing since 2021

DICKINSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Ford F250 pickup driven by Jerri G.&nbsp;Garrett, 60, Hot Springs, Arkansas, was northbound on U.S. 77 two miles north of Herrington.

The pickup traveled left of center into the west ditch, traveled through a pasture and came to rest in a creek bed where it caught fire.

Garrett was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. The KHP did not have seat belt usage information.

DICKINSON COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 2p.m. Tuesday in Dickinson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Ford F250 pickup driven by Jerri G.&nbsp;Garrett, 60, Hot Springs, Arkansas, was northbound on U.S. 77 two miles north of Herrington.The pickup traveled left of center into the west ditch, traveled through a pasture and came to rest in a creek bed where it caught fire.Garrett was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. The KHP did not have seat belt usage information.

Man dies after Kansas pickup crash and fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Republican majority is stuck, one week after the ouster of Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">Kevin McCarthy</a>, with lawmakers unable to coalesce around a new leader in a stalemate that threatens to keep Congress partly shuttered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-mccarthy-vacancy-scalise-jordan-israel-58c7df019c59e144b2a526c657cf6087">indefinitely</a>.

On Tuesday evening, two leading contenders for the gavel, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, outlined their visions behind closed doors at a lengthy candidate forum. But they appeared to be splitting the vote among their Republican colleagues.

McCarthy, meanwhile, who had openly positioned himself to reclaim the gavel he just lost, told his colleagues during the private meeting not to nominate him this time. Instead, he read a poem from Mother Teresa and delivered a prayer.

“I don’t know how the hell you get to 218," Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, said afterward, referring to the majority vote typically needed to seize the gavel. “It could be a long week.”

House Republicans took the majority aspiring to operate as a team, and run government more like a business, but have drifted far from that goal. Just 10 months in power, the historic ouster of their House speaker — a first in the U.S. — and the prolonged infighting it has unleashed are undercutting the Republicans' ability to govern at a time of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates">crisis at home and abroad</a>.

Now, as House Republicans push ahead toward snap elections Wednesday aimed at finding a new nominee for speaker, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-republican-lawmakers-house-opponents-33c7d984964916f29d548b5b1dfe508b">hard-right coalition of lawmakers</a>&nbsp;that ousted McCarthy has shown what an oversized role a few lawmakers can have in choosing the successor.

“This is a hard conference to lead,” said Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark. “A lot of free agents.”

Both Scalise and Jordan are working furiously to shore up support. Both are easily winning over dozens of supporters and could win the majority of Republicans, about 110 votes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696366148194.png" alt="A view of the House during the vote count to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>A view of the House during the vote count to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Republican majority is stuck, one week after the ouster of Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mccarthy-gaetz-speaker-motion-to-vacate-congress-327e294a39f8de079ef5e4abfb1fa555">Kevin McCarthy</a>, with lawmakers unable to coalesce around a new leader in a stalemate that threatens to keep Congress partly shuttered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-speaker-mccarthy-vacancy-scalise-jordan-israel-58c7df019c59e144b2a526c657cf6087">indefinitely</a>.On Tuesday evening, two leading contenders for the gavel, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, outlined their visions behind closed doors at a lengthy candidate forum. But they appeared to be splitting the vote among their Republican colleagues.McCarthy, meanwhile, who had openly positioned himself to reclaim the gavel he just lost, told his colleagues during the private meeting not to nominate him this time. Instead, he read a poem from Mother Teresa and delivered a prayer.“I don’t know how the hell you get to 218," Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, said afterward, referring to the majority vote typically needed to seize the gavel. “It could be a long week.”House Republicans took the majority aspiring to operate as a team, and run government more like a business, but have drifted far from that goal. Just 10 months in power, the historic ouster of their House speaker — a first in the U.S. — and the prolonged infighting it has unleashed are undercutting the Republicans' ability to govern at a time of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/israel-hamas-war-live-updates">crisis at home and abroad</a>.Now, as House Republicans push ahead toward snap elections Wednesday aimed at finding a new nominee for speaker, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-republican-lawmakers-house-opponents-33c7d984964916f29d548b5b1dfe508b">hard-right coalition of lawmakers</a>&nbsp;that ousted McCarthy has shown what an oversized role a few lawmakers can have in choosing the successor.“This is a hard conference to lead,” said Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark. “A lot of free agents.”Both Scalise and Jordan are working furiously to shore up support. Both are easily winning over dozens of supporters and could win the majority of Republicans, about 110 votes.But it's unclear if either Scalise or Jordan can amass the 217 votes that would be needed in a floor vote to overcome opposition from Democrats. There are currently two vacancies in the 435-seat House.Many Republicans want to prevent the spectacle of a messy House floor fight like the grueling January brawl when McCarthy became speaker.“We’re in a similar situation that we were back in January,” said Doug Heye, a former Republican leadership aide, adding the political optics of the feud look “terrible” to American voters.Some have proposed a rules change that Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the interim speaker pro tempore, is considering to ensure a majority vote during closed balloting Wednesday before the nominee is presented for a full floor vote.McCarthy himself appeared to agree with a consensus approach. “They shouldn’t come out of there until they decide that they have enough votes for whoever they bring to the floor,” McCarthy said.But short of a rules change, Republican lawmakers would be expected to agree to a majority-wins process — whichever candidate wins the internal private vote would be given the full backing of the Republicans on the House floor.It’s no guarantee — with trust low among House Republicans and tensions high, those normal protocols could be challenged. Both Scalise and Jordan indicated they would support the eventual nominee, lawmakers said. But many lawmakers remained undecided.“I am not thrilled with either choice right now,” said Rep. Ken Buck, a Colorado Republican who voted to oust McCarthy.While both are conservatives from the right flank, neither Scalise nor Jordan is the heir apparent to McCarthy.Scalise as the second-ranking Republican would be next in line for the gavel and is seen as a hero among colleagues for having survived severe injuries from a mass shooting during a congressional baseball practice in 2017. Now battling blood cancer, the Louisianan is not a clear lock.“We’re going to go get this done tomorrow, and the House is going to get back to work,” Scalise said as he exited the meeting.Jordan is a high-profile political firebrand known for his close&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-speaker-mccarthy-capitol-hill-432f89f6826b2b4f51990ae4b4d293fb">alliance with Donald Trump</a>, particularly when the then-president was working to overturn the results of the 2020 election, leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Trump has backed Jordan's bid for the gavel.Scalise and Jordan presented similar views at the forum about cutting spending and securing the southern border with Mexico, top Republican priorities.Several lawmakers, including Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who engineered McCarthy's ouster said they would be willing to support either Scalise or Jordan.“I think it’s a competitive race for speaker because we’ve got two greats,” said Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky.Barr said he was working to help secure votes for Scalise, but would be comfortable with either candidate.Others though, particularly more centrist conservative Republicans from districts that are narrowly split between the parties, are holding out for another choice.“Personally, I’m still with McCarthy," said Rep. David Valadao, a Republican who represents a California district not far from the former speaker's district.“We’ll see how that plays out, but I do know a large percentage of the membership wants to be there with him as well.”McCarthy headed into the evening forum insisting he was not, at the moment, a candidate for speaker.But the California Republican gave a nod to his own short track record as speaker — being ousted by the far-right flank after he led Congress to approve a stopgap spending bill to prevent a disruptive federal government shutdown.“I think it’s important whoever takes that job is willing to risk the job for doing what’s right for the American public,” McCarthy said.For now, McHenry is effectively in charge. He has shown little interest in expanding his power beyond the role he was assigned — an interim leader tasked with ensuring the election of the next speaker.The role was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to ensure the continuity of government. McHenry's name was at the top of a list submitted by McCarthy when he became speaker in January.While some Republicans, and Democrats, are open to empowering McHenry the longer he holds the temporary position, that seems unlikely as the speaker's fight drags on.McHenry told reporters it's “my goal” to keep to the schedule to have hold a House speaker election on Wednesday. He quickly gaveled the House in and out of a brief session Tuesday, with no business conducted.