SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect fentanyl poisoning overdose death and have made an arrest.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office was contacted about information related to a Wichita Police Department case involving the death of 24-<a href="https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/wichita-ks/corey-wontorski-10923684">year-old Corey Wontorski,</a> according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

Sheriff's office investigators followed up and encountered 18-year-old Gage Smith. Deputies gathered enough information to arrest and book&nbsp; Smith into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges that include Distribution of a Controlled Substance; Causing Death, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Use/Possession with intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia and Violate Controlled Substance Laws.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666362446840.png" alt="Smith photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Smith photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect fentanyl poisoning overdose death and have made an arrest.The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office was contacted about information related to a Wichita Police Department case involving the death of 24-<a href="https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/wichita-ks/corey-wontorski-10923684">year-old Corey Wontorski,</a> according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.Sheriff's office investigators followed up and encountered 18-year-old Gage Smith. Deputies gathered enough information to arrest and book&nbsp; Smith into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges that include Distribution of a Controlled Substance; Causing Death, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Use/Possession with intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia and Violate Controlled Substance Laws.

Kansas teen jailed for role in fentanyl overdose death

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House committee investigating the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;formally issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">extraordinary subpoena to Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Friday, demanding testimony from the former president who lawmakers say “personally orchestrated” a multi-part effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-mexico-election-security-besieged-county-5e084e84cf25f96364f5afa445968455">overturn the results of the 2020 election</a>.

<a href="https://january6th.house.gov/sites/democrats.january6th.house.gov/files/20221021%20J6%20Cmte%20Subpeona%20to%20Donald%20Trump.pdf">CLICK HERE to read</a> the subpoena

<a href="https://cdn.nucleusfiles.com/27/27b7896f-01c5-4609-93c7-742e5cb22e96/830-am-final-january-6th-committee-letter14446.pdf?utm_medium=email_hf&amp;utm_source=ncl__&amp;utm_campaign=20221014___sa&amp;utm_content=__6167&amp;_nlid=test123&amp;_nhids=TEST">CLICK here to read</a>&nbsp;the letter Trump sent to the Jan. 6 committee

The nine-member panel issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-congress-donald-trump-government-and-politics-subpoenas-02c10c186a0c92667ebe805f9ffe0b52">a letter to Trump's lawyers</a>&nbsp;saying he must testify, either at the Capitol or by videoconference, “beginning on or about” Nov. 14 and continuing for multiple days if necessary.

The letter also outlined a sweeping request for documents, including personal communications between Trump and members of Congress as well as extremist groups. Those are to be turned in by Nov. 4, although the committee's deadlines are generally subject to negotiation.

“We recognize that a subpoena to a former president is a significant and historic action," Chairman Bennie Thompson and Vice Chair Liz Cheney wrote in the letter to Trump. “We do not take this action lightly.”

The panel rooted its action in history, listing past presidents from John Quincy Adams to Gerald Ford, who testified before Congress after leaving office — and noted that even sitting presidents have responded to congressional subpoenas.

It is unclear how Trump and his legal team will respond. He could comply or negotiate with the committee, announce he will defy the subpoena or ignore it altogether. He could also go to court and try to stop it.

“We understand that, once again, flouting norms and appropriate and customary process, the Committee has publicly released a copy of its subpoena," David Warrington, a partner with the Dhillon Law Group, which is representing Trump, said in a statement late Friday. "As with any similar matter, we will review and analyze it, and will respond as appropriate to this unprecedented action.”

The subpoena is the latest and most striking escalation in the House committee’s 15-month investigation of the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, bringing members of the panel into direct conflict with the man they have investigated from afar through the testimony of aides, allies and associates.

In the letter, the committee wrote about the “overwhelming evidence” it has assembled, showing Trump “personally orchestrated” an effort to overturn his defeat in the 2020 election, including by spreading false allegations of widespread voter fraud, “attempting to corrupt” the Justice Department and pressuring state officials, members of Congress and his own vice president to change the results.

“In short, you were at the center of the first and only effort by any U.S. President to overturn an election and obstruct the peaceful transition of power, ultimately culminating in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-government-and-politics-prisons-journalists-d9d80376eb250f3d4a2855882d96cbdd">bloody attack on our own Capitol</a>&nbsp;and on the Congress itself,” Thompson and Cheney said.

Lawmakers say key details about what Trump was doing and saying during the siege remain unknown. According to the committee, the only person who can fill the gaps is Trump himself.

The panel — comprised of seven Democrats and two Republicans — approved the subpoena for Trump in a surprise vote last week. Every member voted in support.

The subpoena calls for testimony about Trump's dealings with several former aides and associates who have asserted their Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination to the committee, including Roger Stone, Michael Flynn, John Eastman, Jeffrey Clark and Kelli Ward.

“These Fifth Amendment assertions — made by persons with whom you interacted — related directly to you and your conduct," the subpoena letter reads. "They provide specific examples where your truthful testimony under oath with be important.”

The committee also made 19 requests for documents and communication — including for any messages Trump sent on the encrypted messaging app Signal “or any other means” to members of Congress and others about the stunning events of the Capitol attack.

The scope of the committee's request is expansive — pursuing documents from Sept. 1, 2020, two months before the election, to the present on the president’s communications with the groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys — as the panel looks to compile a historical record of the run-up to the Capitol attack and then the aftermath.

But there remains little legal advantage for Trump to cooperate with the committee as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-donald-trump-georgia-crime-congress-e285497c6a96f82ed08a0d561316029c">already faces other civil and criminal legal battles</a>&nbsp;in various jurisdictions, including over his family business in New York and the handling of presidential records at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

It’s possible his lawyers could simply run out the clock on the subpoena if they go to court to try to squash it as the committee is required to finish its work by the end of the year.

“It seems improbable to me that this could be litigated to conclusion in the time remaining to the Committee in this Congress,” Peter Keisler, who served as acting attorney general under President George W. Bush, told The Associated Press.

There is ample precedent for Congress to seek testimony from a former president. Over the past century and a half, at least six current and former presidents have testified on Capitol Hill, including John Tyler and Quincy Adams after both were subpoenaed in 1848.

This could be Trump’s chance to respond directly to the committee, to tell his version of events, but it’s unlikely the defeated president would take it. He has ridiculed the panel and its work, preferring to share his views on his own terms. And testifying under oath could create legal exposure in the several other investigations he is caught up in.

If Trump refuses to comply with the subpoena, the panel will have to weigh the practical and political implications of holding him in contempt of Congress.

“That’s a bridge we cross if we have to get there,” Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a Republican member of the committee, told ABC on Sunday. “He’s made it clear he has nothing to hide, is what he says. So, he should come in.”

If the full House voted to recommend a contempt charge against Trump, the Justice Department would then review the case and decide on any further steps.

Other witnesses have faced legal consequences for defying the committee, including close Trump ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-congress-donald-trump-sentencing-36d412eba9e1609a030859852378ae3d">Steve Bannon, who was convicted of contempt in July and was sentenced Friday to four months behind bars.</a>&nbsp;But holding a former president in contempt would be another matter.

The subpoena to Trump comes as the committee is looking to wrap up its investigative work and compile a final, comprehensive report that will be published by the end of the year. Investigators have interviewed more than 1,000 witnesses, including many of Trump’s top White House aides, and obtained tens of thousands of pages of documents since the committee was formed in July 2021.

But the panel is authorized only through this Congress, which ends on Jan. 3. That means members have only a few short months — amid a hectic lame-duck legislative period after the midterm elections — to refine their historical record of the worst attack on the Capitol in two centuries. Whether that will include the testimony from the 45th president of the United States remains to be seen.

The committee ended its subpoena to Trump by quoting one of his predecessors: "President (Theodore) Roosevelt explained during his congressional testimony, ‘an ex-President is merely a citizen of the United States, like any other citizen, and it is his plain duty to try to help this committee or respond to its invitation.’”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666385163554.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House committee investigating the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;formally issued an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">extraordinary subpoena to Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;on Friday, demanding testimony from the former president who lawmakers say “personally orchestrated” a multi-part effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-mexico-election-security-besieged-county-5e084e84cf25f96364f5afa445968455">overturn the results of the 2020 election</a>.<a href="https://january6th.house.gov/sites/democrats.january6th.house.gov/files/20221021%20J6%20Cmte%20Subpeona%20to%20Donald%20Trump.pdf">CLICK HERE to read</a> the subpoena<a href="https://cdn.nucleusfiles.com/27/27b7896f-01c5-4609-93c7-742e5cb22e96/830-am-final-january-6th-committee-letter14446.pdf?utm_medium=email_hf&amp;utm_source=ncl__&amp;utm_campaign=20221014___sa&amp;utm_content=__6167&amp;_nlid=test123&amp;_nhids=TEST">CLICK here to read</a>&nbsp;the letter Trump sent to the Jan. 6 committeeThe nine-member panel issued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-congress-donald-trump-government-and-politics-subpoenas-02c10c186a0c92667ebe805f9ffe0b52">a letter to Trump's lawyers</a>&nbsp;saying he must testify, either at the Capitol or by videoconference, “beginning on or about” Nov. 14 and continuing for multiple days if necessary.The letter also outlined a sweeping request for documents, including personal communications between Trump and members of Congress as well as extremist groups. Those are to be turned in by Nov. 4, although the committee's deadlines are generally subject to negotiation.“We recognize that a subpoena to a former president is a significant and historic action," Chairman Bennie Thompson and Vice Chair Liz Cheney wrote in the letter to Trump. “We do not take this action lightly.”The panel rooted its action in history, listing past presidents from John Quincy Adams to Gerald Ford, who testified before Congress after leaving office — and noted that even sitting presidents have responded to congressional subpoenas.It is unclear how Trump and his legal team will respond. He could comply or negotiate with the committee, announce he will defy the subpoena or ignore it altogether. He could also go to court and try to stop it.“We understand that, once again, flouting norms and appropriate and customary process, the Committee has publicly released a copy of its subpoena," David Warrington, a partner with the Dhillon Law Group, which is representing Trump, said in a statement late Friday. "As with any similar matter, we will review and analyze it, and will respond as appropriate to this unprecedented action.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665779973146.png" alt="Former President Trump as shown from Dec. 2, 2020, in the Jan. 6 committee hearing video on Oct. 13." />
 <figcaption>Former President Trump as shown from Dec. 2, 2020, in the Jan. 6 committee hearing video on Oct. 13.</figcaption>
 </figure>The subpoena is the latest and most striking escalation in the House committee’s 15-month investigation of the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, bringing members of the panel into direct conflict with the man they have investigated from afar through the testimony of aides, allies and associates.In the letter, the committee wrote about the “overwhelming evidence” it has assembled, showing Trump “personally orchestrated” an effort to overturn his defeat in the 2020 election, including by spreading false allegations of widespread voter fraud, “attempting to corrupt” the Justice Department and pressuring state officials, members of Congress and his own vice president to change the results.“In short, you were at the center of the first and only effort by any U.S. President to overturn an election and obstruct the peaceful transition of power, ultimately culminating in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-government-and-politics-prisons-journalists-d9d80376eb250f3d4a2855882d96cbdd">bloody attack on our own Capitol</a>&nbsp;and on the Congress itself,” Thompson and Cheney said.Lawmakers say key details about what Trump was doing and saying during the siege remain unknown. According to the committee, the only person who can fill the gaps is Trump himself.The panel — comprised of seven Democrats and two Republicans — approved the subpoena for Trump in a surprise vote last week. Every member voted in support.The subpoena calls for testimony about Trump's dealings with several former aides and associates who have asserted their Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination to the committee, including Roger Stone, Michael Flynn, John Eastman, Jeffrey Clark and Kelli Ward.“These Fifth Amendment assertions — made by persons with whom you interacted — related directly to you and your conduct," the subpoena letter reads. "They provide specific examples where your truthful testimony under oath with be important.”The committee also made 19 requests for documents and communication — including for any messages Trump sent on the encrypted messaging app Signal “or any other means” to members of Congress and others about the stunning events of the Capitol attack.The scope of the committee's request is expansive — pursuing documents from Sept. 1, 2020, two months before the election, to the present on the president’s communications with the groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys — as the panel looks to compile a historical record of the run-up to the Capitol attack and then the aftermath.But there remains little legal advantage for Trump to cooperate with the committee as he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-donald-trump-georgia-crime-congress-e285497c6a96f82ed08a0d561316029c">already faces other civil and criminal legal battles</a>&nbsp;in various jurisdictions, including over his family business in New York and the handling of presidential records at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.It’s possible his lawyers could simply run out the clock on the subpoena if they go to court to try to squash it as the committee is required to finish its work by the end of the year.“It seems improbable to me that this could be litigated to conclusion in the time remaining to the Committee in this Congress,” Peter Keisler, who served as acting attorney general under President George W. Bush, told The Associated Press.There is ample precedent for Congress to seek testimony from a former president. Over the past century and a half, at least six current and former presidents have testified on Capitol Hill, including John Tyler and Quincy Adams after both were subpoenaed in 1848.This could be Trump’s chance to respond directly to the committee, to tell his version of events, but it’s unlikely the defeated president would take it. He has ridiculed the panel and its work, preferring to share his views on his own terms. And testifying under oath could create legal exposure in the several other investigations he is caught up in.If Trump refuses to comply with the subpoena, the panel will have to weigh the practical and political implications of holding him in contempt of Congress.“That’s a bridge we cross if we have to get there,” Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a Republican member of the committee, told ABC on Sunday. “He’s made it clear he has nothing to hide, is what he says. So, he should come in.”If the full House voted to recommend a contempt charge against Trump, the Justice Department would then review the case and decide on any further steps.Other witnesses have faced legal consequences for defying the committee, including close Trump ally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-congress-donald-trump-sentencing-36d412eba9e1609a030859852378ae3d">Steve Bannon, who was convicted of contempt in July and was sentenced Friday to four months behind bars.</a>&nbsp;But holding a former president in contempt would be another matter.The subpoena to Trump comes as the committee is looking to wrap up its investigative work and compile a final, comprehensive report that will be published by the end of the year. Investigators have interviewed more than 1,000 witnesses, including many of Trump’s top White House aides, and obtained tens of thousands of pages of documents since the committee was formed in July 2021.But the panel is authorized only through this Congress, which ends on Jan. 3. That means members have only a few short months — amid a hectic lame-duck legislative period after the midterm elections — to refine their historical record of the worst attack on the Capitol in two centuries. Whether that will include the testimony from the 45th president of the United States remains to be seen.The committee ended its subpoena to Trump by quoting one of his predecessors: "President (Theodore) Roosevelt explained during his congressional testimony, ‘an ex-President is merely a citizen of the United States, like any other citizen, and it is his plain duty to try to help this committee or respond to its invitation.’”

Read the formal subpoena Jan. 6 panel issued to Trump

CLOUD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an report of a suspect allegedly impersonating an officer.

An unmarked Dodge Durango is attempting to pull individuals over, according to a statement from the the Cloud County Sheriff's Department.

The an is identifying himself as Deputy Hawthorn. The sheriff's office does not have anyone by that name working for the agency. All Cloud County patrol vehicles are marked stating it is a Cloud County Sheriff's Department vehicle. 

If you question the validity of an attempted traffic stop, please contact the Dispatch at 785-243-3131. They can verify that a Cloud County Deputy is attempting to make the stop.

 If you are concerned for your safety please continue driving until you are in a safe location and call Dispatch.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1588107331643.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CLOUD COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating an report of a suspect allegedly impersonating an officer.An unmarked Dodge Durango is attempting to pull individuals over, according to a statement from the the Cloud County Sheriff's Department.The an is identifying himself as Deputy Hawthorn. The sheriff's office does not have anyone by that name working for the agency. All Cloud County patrol vehicles are marked stating it is a Cloud County Sheriff's Department vehicle. If you question the validity of an attempted traffic stop, please contact the Dispatch at 785-243-3131. They can verify that a Cloud County Deputy is attempting to make the stop. If you are concerned for your safety please continue driving until you are in a safe location and call Dispatch.

Man impersonating an officer reported in north-central Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) —Pfizer will charge $110 to $130 for a dose of its COVID-19 vaccine once the U.S. government stops buying the shots, but the drugmaker says it expects many people will continue receiving it for free.

Pfizer executives said the commercial pricing for adult doses could start early next year, depending on when the government phases out its program of buying and distributing the shots.

The drugmaker said it expects that people with private health insurance or coverage through public programs like Medicare or Medicaid will pay nothing. The Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover many recommended vaccines without charging any out-of-pocket expenses.

A spokesman said the company also has an income-based assistance program that helps eligible U.S. residents with no insurance get the shots.

The price would make the two-dose vaccine more expensive for cash-paying customers than annual flu shots. Those can range in price from around $50 to $95, depending on the type, according to CVS Health, which runs one of the nation's biggest drugstore chains.

A Pfizer executive said Thursday that the price reflects increased costs for switching to single-dose vials and commercial distribution. The executive, Angela Lukin, said the price was well below the thresholds “for what would be considered a highly effective vaccine.”

The drugmaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-coronavirus-health-business-3d281d0a09f18c5a671ca030b332a7bc">said</a>&nbsp;last year that it was charging the U.S. $19.50 per dose, and that it had three tiers of pricing globally, depending on each country's financial situation. In June, the company said the U.S. government would buy an additional 105 million doses in a deal that amounted to roughly $30 per shot. The government has the option to purchase more doses after that.

Pfizer’s two-shot vaccine debuted in late 2020 and has been the most common preventive shot used to fight COVID-19 in the U.S.

More than 375 million doses of the original vaccine, which Pfizer developed with the German drugmaker BioNTech, have been distributed in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That doesn’t count another 12 million doses of an updated booster that was approved earlier this year.

The vaccine brought in $36.78 billion in revenue last year for Pfizer and was the drugmaker’s top-selling product.

Analysts predict that it will rack up another $32 billion this year, according to FactSet. But they also expect sales to fall rapidly after that.

More than 90% of the adult U.S. population has already received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, according to the CDC. But only about half that population has also received a booster dose.

WASHINGTON (AP) —Pfizer will charge $110 to $130 for a dose of its COVID-19 vaccine once the U.S. government stops buying the shots, but the drugmaker says it expects many people will continue receiving it for free.Pfizer executives said the commercial pricing for adult doses could start early next year, depending on when the government phases out its program of buying and distributing the shots.The drugmaker said it expects that people with private health insurance or coverage through public programs like Medicare or Medicaid will pay nothing. The Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover many recommended vaccines without charging any out-of-pocket expenses.A spokesman said the company also has an income-based assistance program that helps eligible U.S. residents with no insurance get the shots.The price would make the two-dose vaccine more expensive for cash-paying customers than annual flu shots. Those can range in price from around $50 to $95, depending on the type, according to CVS Health, which runs one of the nation's biggest drugstore chains.A Pfizer executive said Thursday that the price reflects increased costs for switching to single-dose vials and commercial distribution. The executive, Angela Lukin, said the price was well below the thresholds “for what would be considered a highly effective vaccine.”The drugmaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-coronavirus-health-business-3d281d0a09f18c5a671ca030b332a7bc">said</a>&nbsp;last year that it was charging the U.S. $19.50 per dose, and that it had three tiers of pricing globally, depending on each country's financial situation. In June, the company said the U.S. government would buy an additional 105 million doses in a deal that amounted to roughly $30 per shot. The government has the option to purchase more doses after that.Pfizer’s two-shot vaccine debuted in late 2020 and has been the most common preventive shot used to fight COVID-19 in the U.S.More than 375 million doses of the original vaccine, which Pfizer developed with the German drugmaker BioNTech, have been distributed in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.That doesn’t count another 12 million doses of an updated booster that was approved earlier this year.The vaccine brought in $36.78 billion in revenue last year for Pfizer and was the drugmaker’s top-selling product.Analysts predict that it will rack up another $32 billion this year, according to FactSet. But they also expect sales to fall rapidly after that.More than 90% of the adult U.S. population has already received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, according to the CDC. But only about half that population has also received a booster dose.

Pfizer: COVID-19 vaccine will cost $110-$130 per dose

PHILLIPS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations after a toddler was exposed to drugs.

Just after midnight Friday morning, sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at a home the 1200 block of Cable Road in rural Phillips County, according to a media release.

This warrant was the result of an earlier call to the Phillips County Hospital Emergency Room in which it was reported that a 20-month-old toddler had been exposed to a possible illicit drug at the location on Cable Road.

Deputies took 27-year-old Victoria M. Bowers of Phillipsburg into custody at the residence on Cable Road on requested charges of aggravated endangering a child, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a prescription drug, and possession of methamphetamine. 

The child, who is not related to the suspect, was transferred to a higher level of hospital care. The sheriff's office did not have an update on the child's condition. It is not believed to be life threatening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666376913053.png" alt="Bowers-photo Philips County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Bowers-photo Philips County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PHILLIPS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations after a toddler was exposed to drugs.Just after midnight Friday morning, sheriff's deputies executed a search warrant at a home the 1200 block of Cable Road in rural Phillips County, according to a media release.This warrant was the result of an earlier call to the Phillips County Hospital Emergency Room in which it was reported that a 20-month-old toddler had been exposed to a possible illicit drug at the location on Cable Road.Deputies took 27-year-old Victoria M. Bowers of Phillipsburg into custody at the residence on Cable Road on requested charges of aggravated endangering a child, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a prescription drug, and possession of methamphetamine. The child, who is not related to the suspect, was transferred to a higher level of hospital care. The sheriff's office did not have an update on the child's condition. It is not believed to be life threatening.

Sheriff: NW Kan. woman jailed after toddler exposed to drugs

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Attorneys for six Republican-led states are asking a federal appeals court to reconsider their effort to block the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-plan-d9c8e18774a744187c9af634bf4eb728">Biden administration's program</a>&nbsp;to forgive hundreds of millions of dollars in student loan debt.

A notice of appeal to the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was filed&nbsp; hours after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-education-lawsuits-st-louis-missouri-a54a892e45f80c5329d45b8fe587f267">U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey in St. Louis ruled</a>&nbsp;that since the states of Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa and South Carolina failed to establish standing, “the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/st-louis-missouri-kansas-nebraska-education-1818db4383863111b0263125d2eed73c">Court lacks jurisdiction</a>&nbsp;to hear this case.”

Separately, the six states also asked the district court for an injunction prohibiting the administration from implementing the debt cancellation plan until the appeals process plays out.

President Joe Biden on Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-application-ea79c56a5072976067a94436b4fc9a45">officially launched the application process</a>&nbsp;for the debt cancellation program and announced that 8 million borrowers had already applied for loan relief during the federal government’s soft launch period last weekend. Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-business-government-and-politics-covid-d36ac4d38bcebb8a300d3fa1f1381623">was scheduled to discuss the program Friday</a>&nbsp;in a speech at Delaware State University.

The plan, announced in August, would cancel $10,000 in student loan debt for those making less than $125,000 or households with less than $250,000 in income. Pell Grant recipients, who typically demonstrate more financial need, will get an additional $10,000 in debt forgiven.

The Congressional Budget Office has said the program will cost about $400 billion over the next three decades. James Campbell, an attorney for the Nebraska attorney general’s office, told Autrey at an Oct. 12 hearing that the administration is acting outside its authorities in a way that will cost states millions of dollars.

The cancellation applies to federal student loans used to attend undergraduate and graduate school, along with Parent Plus loans. Current college students qualify if their loans were disbursed before July 1. The plan makes 43 million borrowers eligible for some debt forgiveness, with 20 million who could get their debt erased entirely, according to the administration.

The announcement immediately became a major political issue ahead of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">November midterm elections</a>.

Conservative attorneys, Republican lawmakers and business-oriented groups have asserted that Biden overstepped his authority in taking such sweeping action without the assent of Congress. They called it an unfair government giveaway for relatively affluent people at the expense of taxpayers who didn’t pursue higher education.

Many Democratic lawmakers facing tough reelection contests have distanced themselves from the plan.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-lawsuits-covid-missouri-862d783188de45b698c54b00820d3616">The six states sued in September</a>. Lawyers for the administration countered that the Department of Education has “broad authority to manage the federal student financial aid programs.” A court filing stated that the 2003 Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act, or HEROES Act, allows the secretary of education to waive or modify terms of federal student loans in times of war or national emergency.

“COVID-19 is such an emergency,” the filing stated.

The HEROES Act was enacted after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to help members of the military. The Justice Department says the law allows Biden to reduce or erase student loan debt during a national emergency. Republicans argue the administration is misinterpreting the law, in part because the pandemic no longer qualifies as a national emergency.

Justice Department attorney Brian Netter told Autrey at the Oct. 12 hearing that fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic is still rippling. He said student loan defaults have skyrocketed over the past 2 1/2 years.

Other lawsuits also have sought to stop the program. Earlier Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/justice-barrett-rejects-appeal-over-biden-student-debt-plan/">rejected an appeal</a>&nbsp;from a Wisconsin taxpayers group seeking to stop the debt cancellation program.

Barrett, who oversees emergency appeals from Wisconsin and neighboring states, did not comment in turning away the appeal from the Brown County Taxpayers Association. The group wrote in its Supreme Court filing that it needed an emergency order because the administration could begin canceling outstanding student debt as soon as Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666046738612.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — Attorneys for six Republican-led states are asking a federal appeals court to reconsider their effort to block the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-plan-d9c8e18774a744187c9af634bf4eb728">Biden administration's program</a>&nbsp;to forgive hundreds of millions of dollars in student loan debt.A notice of appeal to the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was filed&nbsp; hours after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-education-lawsuits-st-louis-missouri-a54a892e45f80c5329d45b8fe587f267">U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey in St. Louis ruled</a>&nbsp;that since the states of Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa and South Carolina failed to establish standing, “the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/st-louis-missouri-kansas-nebraska-education-1818db4383863111b0263125d2eed73c">Court lacks jurisdiction</a>&nbsp;to hear this case.”Separately, the six states also asked the district court for an injunction prohibiting the administration from implementing the debt cancellation plan until the appeals process plays out.President Joe Biden on Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-application-ea79c56a5072976067a94436b4fc9a45">officially launched the application process</a>&nbsp;for the debt cancellation program and announced that 8 million borrowers had already applied for loan relief during the federal government’s soft launch period last weekend. Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-business-government-and-politics-covid-d36ac4d38bcebb8a300d3fa1f1381623">was scheduled to discuss the program Friday</a>&nbsp;in a speech at Delaware State University.The plan, announced in August, would cancel $10,000 in student loan debt for those making less than $125,000 or households with less than $250,000 in income. Pell Grant recipients, who typically demonstrate more financial need, will get an additional $10,000 in debt forgiven.The Congressional Budget Office has said the program will cost about $400 billion over the next three decades. James Campbell, an attorney for the Nebraska attorney general’s office, told Autrey at an Oct. 12 hearing that the administration is acting outside its authorities in a way that will cost states millions of dollars.The cancellation applies to federal student loans used to attend undergraduate and graduate school, along with Parent Plus loans. Current college students qualify if their loans were disbursed before July 1. The plan makes 43 million borrowers eligible for some debt forgiveness, with 20 million who could get their debt erased entirely, according to the administration.The announcement immediately became a major political issue ahead of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">November midterm elections</a>.Conservative attorneys, Republican lawmakers and business-oriented groups have asserted that Biden overstepped his authority in taking such sweeping action without the assent of Congress. They called it an unfair government giveaway for relatively affluent people at the expense of taxpayers who didn’t pursue higher education.Many Democratic lawmakers facing tough reelection contests have distanced themselves from the plan.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-lawsuits-covid-missouri-862d783188de45b698c54b00820d3616">The six states sued in September</a>. Lawyers for the administration countered that the Department of Education has “broad authority to manage the federal student financial aid programs.” A court filing stated that the 2003 Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act, or HEROES Act, allows the secretary of education to waive or modify terms of federal student loans in times of war or national emergency.“COVID-19 is such an emergency,” the filing stated.The HEROES Act was enacted after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to help members of the military. The Justice Department says the law allows Biden to reduce or erase student loan debt during a national emergency. Republicans argue the administration is misinterpreting the law, in part because the pandemic no longer qualifies as a national emergency.Justice Department attorney Brian Netter told Autrey at the Oct. 12 hearing that fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic is still rippling. He said student loan defaults have skyrocketed over the past 2 1/2 years.Other lawsuits also have sought to stop the program. Earlier Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/justice-barrett-rejects-appeal-over-biden-student-debt-plan/">rejected an appeal</a>&nbsp;from a Wisconsin taxpayers group seeking to stop the debt cancellation program.Barrett, who oversees emergency appeals from Wisconsin and neighboring states, did not comment in turning away the appeal from the Brown County Taxpayers Association. The group wrote in its Supreme Court filing that it needed an emergency order because the administration could begin canceling outstanding student debt as soon as Sunday.

Kan., 5 other states appeal dismissal of suit over student loan relief

SALINA—Law enforcement authorities and USD 305 officials are investigating an alleged school threat.&nbsp;

After school was dismissed for the day on Thursday, police received information that a student made a statement to three other boys regarding "shooting up the school," according to a media release from Salina Police.

" The four boys were seen putting their hands together, seemingly indicating they were all in agreement to participate. "The statement and handshake were witnessed by another student who was alarmed and reported it to their parent."

Following an investigation, police arrested four Salina South students including 17-year-old&nbsp;Colten Penn; 16-year-old&nbsp;Kaydence Muchow, 16-year-old&nbsp;Derek Eustice and 15-year-old and&nbsp;Aidan Bingham.

&nbsp;Police booked them into juvenile detention on a requested charge of aggravated criminal threat, a person felony.&nbsp;"

School officials identified the four students after reviewing the video recording from the Salina South cafeteria. Detectives and the school resource officer established probable cause to make the arrests and request criminal threat charges.&nbsp;

"This is an example where a citizen's tip has led to the quick arrest of individuals involved in criminal acts at Salina South High School," Salina police said. "As a reminder, citizen tips are often instrumental in helping clear criminal cases."

Since the beginning of the school year, police have investigated at least 14 criminal threat cases at Salina middle and high schools.

SALINA—Law enforcement authorities and USD 305 officials are investigating an alleged school threat.&nbsp;After school was dismissed for the day on Thursday, police received information that a student made a statement to three other boys regarding "shooting up the school," according to a media release from Salina Police." The four boys were seen putting their hands together, seemingly indicating they were all in agreement to participate. "The statement and handshake were witnessed by another student who was alarmed and reported it to their parent."Following an investigation, police arrested four Salina South students including 17-year-old&nbsp;Colten Penn; 16-year-old&nbsp;Kaydence Muchow, 16-year-old&nbsp;Derek Eustice and 15-year-old and&nbsp;Aidan Bingham.&nbsp;Police booked them into juvenile detention on a requested charge of aggravated criminal threat, a person felony.&nbsp;"School officials identified the four students after reviewing the video recording from the Salina South cafeteria. Detectives and the school resource officer established probable cause to make the arrests and request criminal threat charges.&nbsp;"This is an example where a citizen's tip has led to the quick arrest of individuals involved in criminal acts at Salina South High School," Salina police said. "As a reminder, citizen tips are often instrumental in helping clear criminal cases."Since the beginning of the school year, police have investigated at least 14 criminal threat cases at Salina middle and high schools.

4 Salina students arrested for alleged threat to 'shoot up school' 

LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that critically injured a man and asking the public for help to locate a suspect considered armed and dangerous.

Just after 7:30p.m. Monday, police responded to&nbsp;Newman Regional Health in Emporia after a man sought treatment for a gunshot wound, according to Sheriff Jeff Cope.

&nbsp;Justin Smith, 38, of Fredonia reported that a man he knew identified as 37-year-old Logan Casteel had shot him at a rural residence at 625 Road 160 .

Smith was later transferred to a larger hospital due to the serious nature of his injuries.

Casteel is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes. He is considered armed and dangerous.

If anyone knows Casteel’s whereabouts or information about the crime, they should report it to the Lyon Co. Sheriff’s Office at 620-341-3205 or Lyon Co. Crime Stoppers at 620-342-2273.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666347549374.png" alt="Casteel-photo Lyon Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Casteel-photo Lyon Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that critically injured a man and asking the public for help to locate a suspect considered armed and dangerous.Just after 7:30p.m. Monday, police responded to&nbsp;Newman Regional Health in Emporia after a man sought treatment for a gunshot wound, according to Sheriff Jeff Cope.&nbsp;Justin Smith, 38, of Fredonia reported that a man he knew identified as 37-year-old Logan Casteel had shot him at a rural residence at 625 Road 160 .Smith was later transferred to a larger hospital due to the serious nature of his injuries.Casteel is described as a white male with brown hair and brown eyes. He is considered armed and dangerous.If anyone knows Casteel’s whereabouts or information about the crime, they should report it to the Lyon Co. Sheriff’s Office at 620-341-3205 or Lyon Co. Crime Stoppers at 620-342-2273.

Sheriff asks for help to locate Kansas shooting suspect 

MANHATTAN–&nbsp;Following a month-long investigation, police arrested Michael Steere, 26, of Manhattan on Thursday for past sex crimes involving a juvenile female victim known to him, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

Steere is&nbsp; being held on requested charges that include three counts each of rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child connected to incidents occurring between August 2017 and September 2022.

MANHATTAN–&nbsp;Following a month-long investigation, police arrested Michael Steere, 26, of Manhattan on Thursday for past sex crimes involving a juvenile female victim known to him, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.Steere is&nbsp; being held on requested charges that include three counts each of rape and aggravated indecent liberties with a child connected to incidents occurring between August 2017 and September 2022.Police released no additional details.

Police: Kansas man accused of child sex crimes from 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) — Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, was sentenced Friday to serve four months behind bars after defying a subpoena from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

The judge allowed Bannon to stay free pending appeal and also imposed a fine of $6,500 as part of the sentence.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-donald-trump-congress-government-and-politics-26c539434d968d642563b38c34a62916">Bannon was convicted in July</a>&nbsp;of two counts of contempt of Congress: one for refusing to sit for a deposition and the other for refusing to provide documents.

U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols handed down the sentence after saying the law was clear that contempt of Congress is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of at least one month behind bars. Bannon’s lawyers had argued the judge could’ve sentenced him to probation instead. Prosecutors had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-donald-trump-subpoenas-congress-5fc152386853002290ac4e6cb35ce566">asked for Bannon to be sent to jail for six months</a>.

The House panel had sought Bannon’s testimony over his involvement in Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Bannon has yet to testify or provide any documents to the committee, prosecutors wrote.

Prosecutors argued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/steve-bannon">Bannon</a>, 68, deserved the longer sentence because he had pursued a “bad faith strategy” and his public statements disparaging the committee itself made it clear he wanted to undermine their effort to get to the bottom of the violent attack and keep anything like it from happening again.

“He chose to hide behind fabricated claims of executive privilege and advice of counsel to thumb his nose at Congress,” said prosecutor J.P. Cooney.

“Your honor, the defendant is not above the law and that is exactly what makes this case important,” Cooney said. “It must be made clear to the public, to the citizens, that no one is above the law.”

The defense, meanwhile, said he wasn’t acting in bad faith, but trying to avoid running afoul of executive privilege objections Trump had raised when Bannon was first served with a committee subpoena last year. The onetime presidential adviser said he wanted to a Trump lawyer in the room, but the committee wouldn’t allow it.

Many other former White House aides have testified with only their own counsel. Bannon had been fired from the White House in 2017 and was a private citizen when he was consulting with the then-president before the riot.

Before the judge handed down the sentence, Bannon’s lawyer, David Schoen, gave an impassioned argument railing against the committee and saying Bannon had simply done was his lawyer told him to do under Trump’s executive privilege objections.

“Quite frankly, Mr. Bannon should make no apology. No American should make any apology for the manner in which Mr. Bannon proceeded in this case,” he said.

Schoen also defended Bannon’s public remarks about the committee: “Telling the truth about this committee or speaking one’s mind about this committee, it’s not only acceptable in this country, it's an obligation if one believes it to be true,” Schoen said.

As he walked into court on Friday, Bannon told reporters, “This illegitimate regime, their judgment day is on 8 November when the Biden administration ends.” Bannon did not speak during the hearing, saying only, “My lawyers have spoken for me, your honor.”

Bannon has also argued that he had offered to testify after Trump waived executive privilege. But that was after the contempt charges were filed, and prosecutors say he would only agree to give the deposition if the case was dropped.

Prosecutors had pushed for the maximum fine, saying Bannon refused to answer routine questions about his income and insisted he could pay whatever the judge imposed.

Bannon is also facing separate money laundering, fraud and conspiracy charges in New York related to the “We Build the Wall” campaign. Bannon has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors say Bannon falsely promised donors that all money would go to constructing a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border, but instead was involved with transferring hundreds of thousands of dollars to third-party entities and using them to funnel payments to two other people involved in the scheme.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658518117885.jpeg" alt="Former White House strategist Steve Bannon arrives at the federal court in Washington last month (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)" />
 <figcaption>Former White House strategist Steve Bannon arrives at the federal court in Washington last month (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former President Donald Trump, was sentenced Friday to serve four months behind bars after defying a subpoena from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.The judge allowed Bannon to stay free pending appeal and also imposed a fine of $6,500 as part of the sentence.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-donald-trump-congress-government-and-politics-26c539434d968d642563b38c34a62916">Bannon was convicted in July</a>&nbsp;of two counts of contempt of Congress: one for refusing to sit for a deposition and the other for refusing to provide documents.U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols handed down the sentence after saying the law was clear that contempt of Congress is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of at least one month behind bars. Bannon’s lawyers had argued the judge could’ve sentenced him to probation instead. Prosecutors had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-steve-bannon-donald-trump-subpoenas-congress-5fc152386853002290ac4e6cb35ce566">asked for Bannon to be sent to jail for six months</a>.The House panel had sought Bannon’s testimony over his involvement in Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Bannon has yet to testify or provide any documents to the committee, prosecutors wrote.Prosecutors argued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/steve-bannon">Bannon</a>, 68, deserved the longer sentence because he had pursued a “bad faith strategy” and his public statements disparaging the committee itself made it clear he wanted to undermine their effort to get to the bottom of the violent attack and keep anything like it from happening again.“He chose to hide behind fabricated claims of executive privilege and advice of counsel to thumb his nose at Congress,” said prosecutor J.P. Cooney.“Your honor, the defendant is not above the law and that is exactly what makes this case important,” Cooney said. “It must be made clear to the public, to the citizens, that no one is above the law.”The defense, meanwhile, said he wasn’t acting in bad faith, but trying to avoid running afoul of executive privilege objections Trump had raised when Bannon was first served with a committee subpoena last year. The onetime presidential adviser said he wanted to a Trump lawyer in the room, but the committee wouldn’t allow it.Many other former White House aides have testified with only their own counsel. Bannon had been fired from the White House in 2017 and was a private citizen when he was consulting with the then-president before the riot.Before the judge handed down the sentence, Bannon’s lawyer, David Schoen, gave an impassioned argument railing against the committee and saying Bannon had simply done was his lawyer told him to do under Trump’s executive privilege objections.“Quite frankly, Mr. Bannon should make no apology. No American should make any apology for the manner in which Mr. Bannon proceeded in this case,” he said.Schoen also defended Bannon’s public remarks about the committee: “Telling the truth about this committee or speaking one’s mind about this committee, it’s not only acceptable in this country, it's an obligation if one believes it to be true,” Schoen said.As he walked into court on Friday, Bannon told reporters, “This illegitimate regime, their judgment day is on 8 November when the Biden administration ends.” Bannon did not speak during the hearing, saying only, “My lawyers have spoken for me, your honor.”Bannon has also argued that he had offered to testify after Trump waived executive privilege. But that was after the contempt charges were filed, and prosecutors say he would only agree to give the deposition if the case was dropped.Prosecutors had pushed for the maximum fine, saying Bannon refused to answer routine questions about his income and insisted he could pay whatever the judge imposed.Bannon is also facing separate money laundering, fraud and conspiracy charges in New York related to the “We Build the Wall” campaign. Bannon has pleaded not guilty.Prosecutors say Bannon falsely promised donors that all money would go to constructing a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border, but instead was involved with transferring hundreds of thousands of dollars to third-party entities and using them to funnel payments to two other people involved in the scheme.

Former Trump chief strategist sentenced for defying 1/6 subpoena

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon will provide travel funds and support for troops and their dependents who seek&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortions</a>&nbsp;but are based in states where they are now illegal, according to a new department policy released Thursday. The military will also increase privacy protections for those seeking care.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2022/Oct/20/2003099747/-1/-1/1/MEMORANDUM-ENSURING-ACCESS-TO-REPRODUCTIVE-HEALTH-CARE.PDF">order</a>&nbsp;issued by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin outlines the rights and protections service members and their dependents will have regardless of where they are based, which was a key concern of troops after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June.</a>

Access to abortion has become a central issue in the midterm elections. President Joe Biden promised this week that the first bill he sends to Capitol Hill next year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-2022-midterm-elections-biden-health-congress-f3ffadd1d55625a4af7b87f6b691fbbc">will be one that writes abortion protections into law,</a>&nbsp;if Democrats control enough seats in Congress to pass it.

And he said, in a forum with NowThis News, that he would support a federal fund to reimburse some costs for those who have to travel for the procedure.

“I do support that, and I’ve publicly urged companies to do that," he said. "I’ve urged them publicly as president of the United States saying, ‘This is what you should be doing.’’’

The high court ruling in the Dobbs v. Jackson case stripped away women’s constitutional protections for abortion and left it to states to determine whether the procedure is legal within their borders. In the months since, abortion has been banned or sharply restricted in more than a dozen states.

The new military policy sets guidelines so that local commanders aren't allowed to influence whether service members get access to care or face a culture where they or their dependents do not come forward out of fear of repercussions. It builds on an initial reaction by the Pentagon in June, when, days after the Supreme Court decision, the Pentagon said it would continue to allow medical leave for service members who needed to travel out of state to get abortions but noted it needed to review the court ruling and subsequent state laws to see if further guidance would be necessary.

Austin directed the services to implement the new policy by the end of this calendar year.

The Pentagon has also been concerned that the Dobbs decision could affect recruitment and retention as service members or potential recruits weighed the risk that they would be assigned to states where abortions are illegal. Many of the Pentagon’s major military bases are located in states including Texas and Florida where anti-abortion laws are now in place.

The new guidelines also direct each military base to publicly display what reproductive heath care support is available for service members and their dependents, extend the time in which a service member must report a pregnancy to commanders to 20 weeks and provide additional protections for defense health care providers who furnish abortion services.

Under federal law, the Pentagon’s health care system can provide abortions only in cases of rape or incest or when a mother’s life is in danger. That doesn't change under the new policy. The funds the military would provide service members would cover transportation only; they would not pay for abortion services that are not covered by federal law.

Attorney Natalie Khawam, who represented the family of slain U.S. soldier Vanessa Guillén, whose body was found last year outside the boundary of Fort Hood, Texas, said the policy is part of a continued effort by the Pentagon to address a military culture that has not been supportive of female service members. Guillén’s death led to sweeping changes as to how sexual harassment and assault are addressed in the military.

“When you are protecting a woman, you are protecting a family, you are protecting everyone that's in her nexus. It could be her children, it could be her parents, it could be her spouse or siblings, and you are definitely protecting the country as she's serving the country," Khawam said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666293855614.png" alt="Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder during a Wednesday press conference" />
 <figcaption>Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder during a Wednesday press conference</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon will provide travel funds and support for troops and their dependents who seek&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/abortion">abortions</a>&nbsp;but are based in states where they are now illegal, according to a new department policy released Thursday. The military will also increase privacy protections for those seeking care.The&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2022/Oct/20/2003099747/-1/-1/1/MEMORANDUM-ENSURING-ACCESS-TO-REPRODUCTIVE-HEALTH-CARE.PDF">order</a>&nbsp;issued by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin outlines the rights and protections service members and their dependents will have regardless of where they are based, which was a key concern of troops after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June.</a>Access to abortion has become a central issue in the midterm elections. President Joe Biden promised this week that the first bill he sends to Capitol Hill next year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-2022-midterm-elections-biden-health-congress-f3ffadd1d55625a4af7b87f6b691fbbc">will be one that writes abortion protections into law,</a>&nbsp;if Democrats control enough seats in Congress to pass it.And he said, in a forum with NowThis News, that he would support a federal fund to reimburse some costs for those who have to travel for the procedure.“I do support that, and I’ve publicly urged companies to do that," he said. "I’ve urged them publicly as president of the United States saying, ‘This is what you should be doing.’’’The high court ruling in the Dobbs v. Jackson case stripped away women’s constitutional protections for abortion and left it to states to determine whether the procedure is legal within their borders. In the months since, abortion has been banned or sharply restricted in more than a dozen states.The new military policy sets guidelines so that local commanders aren't allowed to influence whether service members get access to care or face a culture where they or their dependents do not come forward out of fear of repercussions. It builds on an initial reaction by the Pentagon in June, when, days after the Supreme Court decision, the Pentagon said it would continue to allow medical leave for service members who needed to travel out of state to get abortions but noted it needed to review the court ruling and subsequent state laws to see if further guidance would be necessary.Austin directed the services to implement the new policy by the end of this calendar year.The Pentagon has also been concerned that the Dobbs decision could affect recruitment and retention as service members or potential recruits weighed the risk that they would be assigned to states where abortions are illegal. Many of the Pentagon’s major military bases are located in states including Texas and Florida where anti-abortion laws are now in place.The new guidelines also direct each military base to publicly display what reproductive heath care support is available for service members and their dependents, extend the time in which a service member must report a pregnancy to commanders to 20 weeks and provide additional protections for defense health care providers who furnish abortion services.Under federal law, the Pentagon’s health care system can provide abortions only in cases of rape or incest or when a mother’s life is in danger. That doesn't change under the new policy. The funds the military would provide service members would cover transportation only; they would not pay for abortion services that are not covered by federal law.Attorney Natalie Khawam, who represented the family of slain U.S. soldier Vanessa Guillén, whose body was found last year outside the boundary of Fort Hood, Texas, said the policy is part of a continued effort by the Pentagon to address a military culture that has not been supportive of female service members. Guillén’s death led to sweeping changes as to how sexual harassment and assault are addressed in the military.“When you are protecting a woman, you are protecting a family, you are protecting everyone that's in her nexus. It could be her children, it could be her parents, it could be her spouse or siblings, and you are definitely protecting the country as she's serving the country," Khawam said.

Pentagon to provide funds, help for troops seeking abortions

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities including the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network Enforcement Team in Wichita&nbsp;have seized ten crime guns and a massive number of suspected fentanyl pills in the past few days, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Police estimated - based on weight - the  number of pills to be somewhere in the area of half a million to a million, which would make this the largest seizure of fentanyl for Wichita Police to date and a record seizure nationwide.

Due to the investigation's ongoing and sensitive nature, police released no further details.

Wichita Police and federal partners continue working to remove dangerous weapons and drugs from the streets.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qtB0lq7A85E" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities including the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network Enforcement Team in Wichita&nbsp;have seized ten crime guns and a massive number of suspected fentanyl pills in the past few days, according to Officer Trevor Macy.Police estimated - based on weight - the number of pills to be somewhere in the area of half a million to a million, which would make this the largest seizure of fentanyl for Wichita Police to date and a record seizure nationwide.Due to the investigation's ongoing and sensitive nature, police released no further details.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645113218229.png" alt="Fake oxycodone pills often contain fentanyl. -photo U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration" />
 <figcaption>Fake oxycodone pills often contain fentanyl. -photo U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita Police and federal partners continue working to remove dangerous weapons and drugs from the streets.

Police seize record amount of fentanyl pills in Kansas

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A federal judge in St. Louis on Thursday dismissed an effort by six Republican-led states to block the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-plan-d9c8e18774a744187c9af634bf4eb728">Biden administration's plan to forgive student loan debt</a>&nbsp;for tens of millions of Americans.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-education-lawsuits-st-louis-missouri-a54a892e45f80c5329d45b8fe587f267">U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey</a>&nbsp;wrote that because the six states — Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas and South Carolina — failed to establish they had standing, “the Court lacks jurisdiction to hear this case.”

Suzanne Gage, spokeswoman for Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, said the states will appeal. She said in a statement that the states "continue to believe that they do in fact have standing to raise their important legal challenges.”

Democratic President Joe Biden announced in August that his administration would cancel up to $20,000 in education debt for huge numbers of borrowers. The announcement immediately became a major political issue ahead of the November midterm elections.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-lawsuits-covid-missouri-862d783188de45b698c54b00820d3616">states' lawsuit</a>&nbsp;is among a few that have been filed. Earlier Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/justice-barrett-rejects-appeal-over-biden-student-debt-plan/">rejected an appeal from a Wisconsin taxpayers group</a>&nbsp;seeking to stop the debt cancellation program.

In the lawsuit brought by the states, lawyers for the administration said the Department of Education has “broad authority to manage the federal student financial aid programs.” A court filing stated that the 2003 Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act, or HEROES Act, allows the secretary of education to waive or modify terms of federal student loans in times of war or national emergency.

The plan would cancel $10,000 in student loan debt for those making less than $125,000 or households with less than $250,000 in income. Pell Grant recipients, who typically demonstrate more financial need, will get an additional $10,000 in debt forgiven.

Chris Nuelle, spokesman for Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, said the plan "will unfairly burden working class families with even more economic woes.”

The HEROES Act was enacted after 9/11 to help members of the military. The Justice Department says the law allows Biden to reduce or erase student loan debt during a national emergency. Republicans argue the administration is misinterpreting the law, in part because the pandemic no longer qualifies as a national emergency.

Justice Department attorney Brian Netter told Autrey that fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic is still rippling. He said student loan defaults have skyrocketed over the past 2 1/2 years.

The cancellation applies to federal student loans used to attend undergraduate and graduate school, along with Parent Plus loans. Current college students qualify if their loans were disbursed before July 1.

The plan makes 43 million borrowers eligible for some debt forgiveness, with 20 million who could get their debt erased entirely, according to the administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666046738612.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — A federal judge in St. Louis on Thursday dismissed an effort by six Republican-led states to block the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-plan-d9c8e18774a744187c9af634bf4eb728">Biden administration's plan to forgive student loan debt</a>&nbsp;for tens of millions of Americans.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-education-lawsuits-st-louis-missouri-a54a892e45f80c5329d45b8fe587f267">U.S. District Judge Henry Autrey</a>&nbsp;wrote that because the six states — Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas and South Carolina — failed to establish they had standing, “the Court lacks jurisdiction to hear this case.”Suzanne Gage, spokeswoman for Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson, said the states will appeal. She said in a statement that the states "continue to believe that they do in fact have standing to raise their important legal challenges.”Democratic President Joe Biden announced in August that his administration would cancel up to $20,000 in education debt for huge numbers of borrowers. The announcement immediately became a major political issue ahead of the November midterm elections.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-health-lawsuits-covid-missouri-862d783188de45b698c54b00820d3616">states' lawsuit</a>&nbsp;is among a few that have been filed. Earlier Thursday, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/justice-barrett-rejects-appeal-over-biden-student-debt-plan/">rejected an appeal from a Wisconsin taxpayers group</a>&nbsp;seeking to stop the debt cancellation program.Barrett, who oversees emergency appeals from Wisconsin and neighboring states, did not comment in turning away the appeal from the Brown County Taxpayers Association. The group wrote in its Supreme Court filing that it needed an emergency order because the administration could begin canceling outstanding student debt as soon as Sunday.In the lawsuit brought by the states, lawyers for the administration said the Department of Education has “broad authority to manage the federal student financial aid programs.” A court filing stated that the 2003 Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act, or HEROES Act, allows the secretary of education to waive or modify terms of federal student loans in times of war or national emergency.“COVID-19 is such an emergency,” the filing stated.The Congressional Budget Office has said the program will cost about $400 billion over the next three decades. James Campbell, an attorney for the Nebraska attorney general’s office, told Autrey at an Oct. 12 hearing that the administration is acting outside its authorities in a way that will cost states millions of dollars.The plan would cancel $10,000 in student loan debt for those making less than $125,000 or households with less than $250,000 in income. Pell Grant recipients, who typically demonstrate more financial need, will get an additional $10,000 in debt forgiven.Conservative attorneys, Republican lawmakers and business-oriented groups have asserted that Biden overstepped his authority in taking such sweeping action without the assent of Congress. They called it an unfair government giveaway for relatively affluent people at the expense of taxpayers who didn’t pursue higher education.Chris Nuelle, spokesman for Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, said the plan "will unfairly burden working class families with even more economic woes.”Many Democratic lawmakers facing tough reelection contests have distanced themselves from the plan.The HEROES Act was enacted after 9/11 to help members of the military. The Justice Department says the law allows Biden to reduce or erase student loan debt during a national emergency. Republicans argue the administration is misinterpreting the law, in part because the pandemic no longer qualifies as a national emergency.Justice Department attorney Brian Netter told Autrey that fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic is still rippling. He said student loan defaults have skyrocketed over the past 2 1/2 years.The cancellation applies to federal student loans used to attend undergraduate and graduate school, along with Parent Plus loans. Current college students qualify if their loans were disbursed before July 1.The plan makes 43 million borrowers eligible for some debt forgiveness, with 20 million who could get their debt erased entirely, according to the administration.

Judge dismisses effort to halt student loan forgiveness plan

TOPEKA —The Kansas Department of Agriculture has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock in Shawnee County, according to a statement from the agency.

This is the third confirmed case of HPAI in Kansas this fall; there were six cases in March and April for a total of nine counties across the state affected so far in 2022.

“The widespread nature of the positive premises in Kansas is proof that all counties are susceptible to HPAI because the risk is from the wild birds traveling across the state,” said Dr. Justin Smith, Kansas Animal Health Commissioner. “If you have not yet taken steps to protect your backyard flocks, now is the time to take this threat seriously.”

This confirmed case is in a non-commercial mixed species flock, and KDA is working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture–Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on a joint incident response. KDA officials quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the property have been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.

KDA asks anyone who owns poultry in the following area on the north side of Topeka to contact the KDA phone bank at 833-765-2006 or email them at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDA.HPAI@ks.gov">KDA.HPAI@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;to work with state and local officials to prevent further spread of the disease. You can also self-report your birds at&nbsp;<a href="https://fs22.formsite.com/KansasDeptAg/zlb9fcr9oc/index.html">https://fs22.formsite.com/KansasDeptAg/zlb9fcr9oc/index.html</a>.

Reporting area:&nbsp;Please contact KDA or report online if your home/farm sits in this area: from S. 21st&nbsp;Street (to the south) to 94th&nbsp;Street (to the north) between Highway 4 (to the east) and Humphrey Road (to the west). The area&nbsp;does&nbsp;include the north half of Topeka as well as the towns of Elmont and Menoken. It&nbsp;does not&nbsp;include Silver Lake, Meriden or Hoyt.

KDA advises owners of backyard poultry flocks to be particularly vigilant in protecting their birds. Analysis of this outbreak of HPAI has shown that the spread has been primarily from wild migratory waterfowl, which makes free-range backyard flocks at high risk because of the potential of exposure to the wild birds.

Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza">agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza</a>.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. This outbreak has seen illness and mortality in a wider scope of bird species than past outbreaks, including wild and domestic waterfowl. Attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms.

If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.&nbsp;

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm">the public health risk associated with these avian influenza detections in birds remains low</a>. Birds and eggs from the infected flock will not enter the food system. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flocks. The United States has the strongest avian influenza surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations and live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations.

For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases in other states as well as more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza">agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza</a>&nbsp;or call KDA at 833-765-2006.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666346539753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —The Kansas Department of Agriculture has identified a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock in Shawnee County, according to a statement from the agency.This is the third confirmed case of HPAI in Kansas this fall; there were six cases in March and April for a total of nine counties across the state affected so far in 2022. “The widespread nature of the positive premises in Kansas is proof that all counties are susceptible to HPAI because the risk is from the wild birds traveling across the state,” said Dr. Justin Smith, Kansas Animal Health Commissioner. “If you have not yet taken steps to protect your backyard flocks, now is the time to take this threat seriously.” This confirmed case is in a non-commercial mixed species flock, and KDA is working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture–Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on a joint incident response. KDA officials quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the property have been depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease.KDA asks anyone who owns poultry in the following area on the north side of Topeka to contact the KDA phone bank at 833-765-2006 or email them at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:KDA.HPAI@ks.gov">KDA.HPAI@ks.gov</a>&nbsp;to work with state and local officials to prevent further spread of the disease. You can also self-report your birds at&nbsp;<a href="https://fs22.formsite.com/KansasDeptAg/zlb9fcr9oc/index.html">https://fs22.formsite.com/KansasDeptAg/zlb9fcr9oc/index.html</a>.Reporting area:&nbsp;Please contact KDA or report online if your home/farm sits in this area: from S. 21st&nbsp;Street (to the south) to 94th&nbsp;Street (to the north) between Highway 4 (to the east) and Humphrey Road (to the west). The area&nbsp;does&nbsp;include the north half of Topeka as well as the towns of Elmont and Menoken. It&nbsp;does not&nbsp;include Silver Lake, Meriden or Hoyt.KDA advises owners of backyard poultry flocks to be particularly vigilant in protecting their birds. Analysis of this outbreak of HPAI has shown that the spread has been primarily from wild migratory waterfowl, which makes free-range backyard flocks at high risk because of the potential of exposure to the wild birds.Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard chicken owner to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. Find guidance on biosecurity on the KDA Division of Animal Health webpage at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza">agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza</a>. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that can infect chickens, turkeys and other birds and can cause severe illness and/or sudden death in infected birds. This outbreak has seen illness and mortality in a wider scope of bird species than past outbreaks, including wild and domestic waterfowl. Attentively monitor your birds for symptoms of HPAI which include: coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other signs of respiratory distress; lack of energy and appetite; decreased water consumption; decreased egg production and/or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs; incoordination; and diarrhea. Avian influenza can also cause sudden death in birds even if they aren’t showing other symptoms. If these symptoms are observed in your birds, immediately contact your veterinarian. If you don’t have a regular veterinarian, contact KDA’s Division of Animal Health office toll-free at 833-765-2006.&nbsp; According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-summary.htm">the public health risk associated with these avian influenza detections in birds remains low</a>. Birds and eggs from the infected flock will not enter the food system. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution. As part of existing avian influenza response plans, federal and state partners are working jointly on additional surveillance and testing in areas around the affected flocks. The United States has the strongest avian influenza surveillance program in the world, and USDA is working with its partners to actively look for the disease in commercial poultry operations and live bird markets and in migratory wild bird populations. For more information about HPAI, including current status of the confirmed cases in other states as well as more information about biosecurity for your flock, go to KDA’s avian influenza webpage at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza">agriculture.ks.gov/AvianInfluenza</a>&nbsp;or call KDA at 833-765-2006.

More highly pathogenic bird flu confirmed in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects on drug charges.&nbsp;

On Oct. 18, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 3700 Block SW 10th Avenue related to an ongoing investigation, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrant, officers located methamphetamine, marijuana, firearms and drug paraphernalia.

As a result police arrested 27-year-old Amanda Sibert, 31-year-old Casey Thomas, 34-year-old Matthew Smith and 40-year-old and Karwin Johnson all of Topeka. They were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

Amanda Sibert is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent of distribution, Aggravated Endangering a Child,&nbsp; Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Violate offender registration, Possession of marijuana and&nbsp;Unlawful to acquire proceeds from Drug transaction. She was convicted of selling heroin, according to the Kansas Offender Registry.

Casey Thomas is jailed on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated Endangering a Child.

Matthew Smith is in custody on a requested charges of Aggravated Endangering a Child

Karwin Johnson is in custody on requested charges of Aggravated Endangering a Child.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666296949960.png" alt="Sibert -photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Sibert -photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating four suspects on drug charges.&nbsp;On Oct. 18, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit served a search warrant in the 3700 Block SW 10th Avenue related to an ongoing investigation, according to Lt. Ronnie Connell.While conducting the search warrant, officers located methamphetamine, marijuana, firearms and drug paraphernalia.As a result police arrested 27-year-old Amanda Sibert, 31-year-old Casey Thomas, 34-year-old Matthew Smith and 40-year-old and Karwin Johnson all of Topeka. They were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.Amanda Sibert is being held on requested charges of Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia with intent of distribution, Aggravated Endangering a Child,&nbsp; Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Violate offender registration, Possession of marijuana and&nbsp;Unlawful to acquire proceeds from Drug transaction. She was convicted of selling heroin, according to the Kansas Offender Registry.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666214935361.png" alt="Thomas-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Thomas-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Casey Thomas is jailed on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, Possession of drug paraphernalia and Aggravated Endangering a Child.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666215011743.png" alt="Smith-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Smith-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Matthew Smith is in custody on a requested charges of Aggravated Endangering a Child<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666215058127.png" alt="Johnson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Karwin Johnson is in custody on requested charges of Aggravated Endangering a Child.

Police: Kan. registered offender accused again of selling drugs

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday Kansas has received federal approval for the enhancement of the Health Care Access Improvement Program (HCAIP), which will bring $341 million to Kansas each year at a time when hospitals in Kansas are financially vulnerable, according to a media release from her office.

 This additional funding will boost Medicaid payments to hospitals, benefiting all Kansans by helping maintain the state’s hospital network.

Thursday’s announcement comes after over three years of bipartisan advocacy and efforts at the state and federal level.

"This is a huge win for our rural hospitals, for our health care workers, and for more affordable health care in Kansas,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"I want to thank Senator Moran, Representative Davids, and the rest of the federal delegation for working with my administration to secure this critical funding. Next, we must expand Medicaid here in Kansas to further strengthen our health care workforce and increase access to care for all Kansans.”

HCAIP historically imposed an assessment on inpatient revenues for most Kansas hospitals. In 2020, the Kansas Legislature increased the provider assessment and expanded the scope of the assessment to include outpatient services. Funds drawn down through a federal matching program are critical to increasing and improving access to medical care and to help reduce health disparities among rural and minority populations.

“Kansas hospitals appreciate the efforts of our state and federal leaders to obtain approval for a program that will help support hospitals’ ability to provide care to all Kansans,”&nbsp;Chad Austin, President and CEO, Kansas Hospital Association said.

“We are thankful for the diligent work from our Medicaid leadership team, congressional delegation and appreciate our strong and collaborative relationship with the hospital leaders in Kansas,"&nbsp;&nbsp;Secretary Janet Stanek, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said.&nbsp;"We also want to thank our federal Medicaid partners and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This important program would not be possible without their support.”

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday Kansas has received federal approval for the enhancement of the Health Care Access Improvement Program (HCAIP), which will bring $341 million to Kansas each year at a time when hospitals in Kansas are financially vulnerable, according to a media release from her office. This additional funding will boost Medicaid payments to hospitals, benefiting all Kansans by helping maintain the state’s hospital network.Thursday’s announcement comes after over three years of bipartisan advocacy and efforts at the state and federal level."This is a huge win for our rural hospitals, for our health care workers, and for more affordable health care in Kansas,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;"I want to thank Senator Moran, Representative Davids, and the rest of the federal delegation for working with my administration to secure this critical funding. Next, we must expand Medicaid here in Kansas to further strengthen our health care workforce and increase access to care for all Kansans.”HCAIP historically imposed an assessment on inpatient revenues for most Kansas hospitals. In 2020, the Kansas Legislature increased the provider assessment and expanded the scope of the assessment to include outpatient services. Funds drawn down through a federal matching program are critical to increasing and improving access to medical care and to help reduce health disparities among rural and minority populations.“Kansas hospitals appreciate the efforts of our state and federal leaders to obtain approval for a program that will help support hospitals’ ability to provide care to all Kansans,”&nbsp;Chad Austin, President and CEO, Kansas Hospital Association said.“We are thankful for the diligent work from our Medicaid leadership team, congressional delegation and appreciate our strong and collaborative relationship with the hospital leaders in Kansas,"&nbsp;&nbsp;Secretary Janet Stanek, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said.&nbsp;"We also want to thank our federal Medicaid partners and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This important program would not be possible without their support.”

Gov., bipartisan leaders secure $340M annually for Kansas hospitals

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The major freight railroads appear unwilling to give track maintenance workers much more than they received in the initial contract they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-0744cffe919f0d48fcc02d16c8a298b3">rejected</a>&nbsp;last week, increasing the chances of a strike.

The railroads took the unusual step of issuing a statement late Wednesday rejecting the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union’s latest request to add paid sick time on top of the 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses they received in the first five-year deal.

Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz said Thursday that he thinks the main reason the BMWED rejected its initial contract last week was that the details of improved expense reimbursement in the deal were still being negotiated at UP while workers were voting. So it wasn’t clear exactly what those workers would receive for their travel expenses when they go on the road to repair tracks.

Six of the 12 railroad unions that represent 115,000 workers nationwide have approved their tentative agreements with the railroads so far, but all of them have to ratify their contracts to avoid a strike. The unions have agreed to put any strike on hold until at least mid-November while the BMWED negotiates a new deal and the other unions vote on their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-government-and-politics-6172442e20ccf3295b39c2f3184e03cf">proposed contracts</a>, so there’s no immediate threat the the trains most businesses rely on to deliver their raw materials and finished products will stop moving. A railroad strike could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">devastate the economy.</a>

“Ultimately, I remain confident that we’re going to get our temporary agreements ratified and be able to avoid a strike. That’s still a possibility but I don’t think it’s a probability,” Fritz told investors after his railroad released its earnings report.

The group that negotiations on behalf of the major railroads, including UP, BNSF, Norfolk Southern, CSX and Kansas City Southern, said the new contracts should closely follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommendations</a>&nbsp;of the special board of arbitrators that President Joe Biden appointed this summer. The railroads said that board rejected union demands for paid sick time.

“Now is not the time to introduce new demands that rekindle the prospect of a railroad strike,” the railroads said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663077336048.png" alt="Six of the 12 railroad unions that represent 115,000 workers nationwide have approved their tentative agreements with the railroads so far, but all of them have to ratify their contracts to avoid a strike." />
 <figcaption>Six of the 12 railroad unions that represent 115,000 workers nationwide have approved their tentative agreements with the railroads so far, but all of them have to ratify their contracts to avoid a strike.</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The major freight railroads appear unwilling to give track maintenance workers much more than they received in the initial contract they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-0744cffe919f0d48fcc02d16c8a298b3">rejected</a>&nbsp;last week, increasing the chances of a strike.The railroads took the unusual step of issuing a statement late Wednesday rejecting the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union’s latest request to add paid sick time on top of the 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses they received in the first five-year deal.Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz said Thursday that he thinks the main reason the BMWED rejected its initial contract last week was that the details of improved expense reimbursement in the deal were still being negotiated at UP while workers were voting. So it wasn’t clear exactly what those workers would receive for their travel expenses when they go on the road to repair tracks.Six of the 12 railroad unions that represent 115,000 workers nationwide have approved their tentative agreements with the railroads so far, but all of them have to ratify their contracts to avoid a strike. The unions have agreed to put any strike on hold until at least mid-November while the BMWED negotiates a new deal and the other unions vote on their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-government-and-politics-6172442e20ccf3295b39c2f3184e03cf">proposed contracts</a>, so there’s no immediate threat the the trains most businesses rely on to deliver their raw materials and finished products will stop moving. A railroad strike could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">devastate the economy.</a>“Ultimately, I remain confident that we’re going to get our temporary agreements ratified and be able to avoid a strike. That’s still a possibility but I don’t think it’s a probability,” Fritz told investors after his railroad released its earnings report.The group that negotiations on behalf of the major railroads, including UP, BNSF, Norfolk Southern, CSX and Kansas City Southern, said the new contracts should closely follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-strikes-a83dffef79d38e36dc25588b19bf54b4">recommendations</a>&nbsp;of the special board of arbitrators that President Joe Biden appointed this summer. The railroads said that board rejected union demands for paid sick time.“Now is not the time to introduce new demands that rekindle the prospect of a railroad strike,” the railroads said.Officials at the BMWED union didn’t immediately respond to the railroads Thursday. Concerns about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality of life</a>&nbsp;and the ability for workers — particularly the engineers and conductors who drive the trains — to take time off without being&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-lawsuits-5123fda3d039543700b23d939e0bdda2">penalized</a>&nbsp;have weighed heavily on the negotiations.But the railroads say workers do have significant short-term disability benefits that kick in after four or seven days and last up to 52 weeks that the unions have negotiated for over the years. The railroads said the unions have repeatedly agreed that short-term absences would be unpaid in favor of higher wages and more generous benefits for long-term illnesses.If both sides can’t agree on contracts, Congress could step in to block a strike and impose terms on the workers.