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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas felon faces new charges for allegedly selling drugs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kansas 3rd District Representative also recognized the day.

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

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

Kan. lawmaker, White House honor National Coming Out Day

MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff in McPherson.

Just after 3:30p.m. Tuesday, dispatch received reports of a man brandishing a firearm at multiple individuals in Marquette, according to a media release from the McPherson County Sheriff's office.

Deputies responded and found a man outside his residence with the firearm. Deputies attempted to have the man surrender when he pointed his firearm at deputies and retreated inside his home. 

Multiple agencies including the McPherson Joint Special Response Team, Lindsborg Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Marquette EMS, and Reno County Sheriff's Office were called in to assist with negotiations and securing the perimeter. 

After a 5-hour standoff, the man identified as 68-year-old Marlin Carpenter, according to online jail records, was taken into custody without further incident. 

He was transported to McPherson Hospital for medical evaluation and later booked into McPherson County Jail on requested charges of Criminal Threat, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Interference with LEO and Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697047137029.png" alt="Carpenter photo McPherson Co." />
 <figcaption>Carpenter photo McPherson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a standoff in McPherson.Just after 3:30p.m. Tuesday, dispatch received reports of a man brandishing a firearm at multiple individuals in Marquette, according to a media release from the McPherson County Sheriff's office.Deputies responded and found a man outside his residence with the firearm. Deputies attempted to have the man surrender when he pointed his firearm at deputies and retreated inside his home. Multiple agencies including the McPherson Joint Special Response Team, Lindsborg Police Department, Kansas Highway Patrol, Marquette EMS, and Reno County Sheriff's Office were called in to assist with negotiations and securing the perimeter. After a 5-hour standoff, the man identified as 68-year-old Marlin Carpenter, according to online jail records, was taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to McPherson Hospital for medical evaluation and later booked into McPherson County Jail on requested charges of Criminal Threat, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Interference with LEO and Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer. He is no longer in custody, according to online jail records.

Man jailed after 5-hour standoff at Kansas home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Republicans nominate Steve Scalise to be House speaker

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

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

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

(click below to watch the President's comments)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🎥 Number of US citizens killed in Israel continues to climb

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This incident is being investigated as a homicide.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

US warships, weapons arrive in Mediterranean to support Israel

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

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

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

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

Troopers recover 1956 Ford Thunderbird missing since 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But it's unclear if either Scalise or Jordan can amass the 217 votes that would be needed in a floor vote to overcome opposition from Democrats. There are currently two vacancies in the 435-seat House.

“We’re in a similar situation that we were back in January,” said Doug Heye, a former Republican leadership aide, adding the political optics of the feud look “terrible” to American voters.

Some have proposed a rules change that Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the interim speaker pro tempore, is considering to ensure a majority vote during closed balloting Wednesday before the nominee is presented for a full floor vote.

McCarthy himself appeared to agree with a consensus approach. “They shouldn’t come out of there until they decide that they have enough votes for whoever they bring to the floor,” McCarthy said.

But short of a rules change, Republican lawmakers would be expected to agree to a majority-wins process — whichever candidate wins the internal private vote would be given the full backing of the Republicans on the House floor.

It’s no guarantee — with trust low among House Republicans and tensions high, those normal protocols could be challenged. Both Scalise and Jordan indicated they would support the eventual nominee, lawmakers said. But many lawmakers remained undecided.

“I am not thrilled with either choice right now,” said Rep. Ken Buck, a Colorado Republican who voted to oust McCarthy.

While both are conservatives from the right flank, neither Scalise nor Jordan is the heir apparent to McCarthy.

Scalise as the second-ranking Republican would be next in line for the gavel and is seen as a hero among colleagues for having survived severe injuries from a mass shooting during a congressional baseball practice in 2017. Now battling blood cancer, the Louisianan is not a clear lock.

“We’re going to go get this done tomorrow, and the House is going to get back to work,” Scalise said as he exited the meeting.

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

Scalise and Jordan presented similar views at the forum about cutting spending and securing the southern border with Mexico, top Republican priorities.

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

“I think it’s a competitive race for speaker because we’ve got two greats,” said Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky.

Barr said he was working to help secure votes for Scalise, but would be comfortable with either candidate.

Others though, particularly more centrist conservative Republicans from districts that are narrowly split between the parties, are holding out for another choice.

“Personally, I’m still with McCarthy," said Rep. David Valadao, a Republican who represents a California district not far from the former speaker's district.

“We’ll see how that plays out, but I do know a large percentage of the membership wants to be there with him as well.”

McCarthy headed into the evening forum insisting he was not, at the moment, a candidate for speaker.

But the California Republican gave a nod to his own short track record as speaker — being ousted by the far-right flank after he led Congress to approve a stopgap spending bill to prevent a disruptive federal government shutdown.

“I think it’s important whoever takes that job is willing to risk the job for doing what’s right for the American public,” McCarthy said.

For now, McHenry is effectively in charge. He has shown little interest in expanding his power beyond the role he was assigned — an interim leader tasked with ensuring the election of the next speaker.

While some Republicans, and Democrats, are open to empowering McHenry the longer he holds the temporary position, that seems unlikely as the speaker's fight drags on.

McHenry told reporters it's “my goal” to keep to the schedule to have hold a House speaker election on Wednesday. He quickly gaveled the House in and out of a brief session Tuesday, with no business conducted.

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

A week without a House speaker, GOP no closer to choosing a new leader

KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City-area man now faces an additional 14 felony charges for an Aug. 2, 2023, shooting spree that began in Grandview and ended in Kansas City, plus charges for an earlier Raytown shooting, accoring to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Cameron K. Harper, 22, Grandview, now faces the following felony charges: two counts of Murder 1st Degree, four counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Assault 1st Degree, one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and eight counts of Armed Criminal Action.*

In early August, the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office announced three initial charges against Harper and reported that an investigation was continuing into other shootings.

Court records earlier detailed that Grandview police were dispatched the morning of August 2, 2023, to a residence in Grandview and found the victim of a shooting in a white vehicle. The incident was near two other shootings that morning.

The suspect was driving a vehicle described as a green pickup truck with a lawn mower in the back. Officers arrested the suspect within three hours. Police located guns and shell casings that matched casings at the shootings. Ballistics also linked the suspect to a homicide in Raytown on July 31, 2023

Recently, a Jackson County Grand Jury added several new or enhanced felony charges related to the Grandview and Kansas City shootings and a fatal shooting in Raytown on July 31, 2023. Video from the Raytown shooting showed an older model green pickup truck with a lawnmower in back.

The victims in these shootings have no connection to each other or to the suspect.

Prosecutor Baker earlier praised the joint efforts by law enforcement to quickly arrest and investigate this case. Harper remains in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691153144673.png" alt="Harper-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Harper-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City-area man now faces an additional 14 felony charges for an Aug. 2, 2023, shooting spree that began in Grandview and ended in Kansas City, plus charges for an earlier Raytown shooting, accoring to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Cameron K. Harper, 22, Grandview, now faces the following felony charges: two counts of Murder 1st Degree, four counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, two counts of Assault 1st Degree, one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and eight counts of Armed Criminal Action.*In early August, the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office announced three initial charges against Harper and reported that an investigation was continuing into other shootings.Court records earlier detailed that Grandview police were dispatched the morning of August 2, 2023, to a residence in Grandview and found the victim of a shooting in a white vehicle. The incident was near two other shootings that morning.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1690992870073.png" alt="Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide asked the public for help in identifying the suspect and vehicle.-photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide asked the public for help in identifying the suspect and vehicle.-photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>The suspect was driving a vehicle described as a green pickup truck with a lawn mower in the back. Officers arrested the suspect within three hours. Police located guns and shell casings that matched casings at the shootings. Ballistics also linked the suspect to a homicide in Raytown on July 31, 2023Recently, a Jackson County Grand Jury added several new or enhanced felony charges related to the Grandview and Kansas City shootings and a fatal shooting in Raytown on July 31, 2023. Video from the Raytown shooting showed an older model green pickup truck with a lawnmower in back.The victims in these shootings have no connection to each other or to the suspect.Prosecutor Baker earlier praised the joint efforts by law enforcement to quickly arrest and investigate this case. Harper remains in custody.

KC murder suspect identified by green pickup faces new charges

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the murder of a Kansas woman and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 3p.m. Sept. 6, police were dispatched to the 2300 block of N. Chautauqua in Wichita for a welfare check&nbsp; on66-year-old Brenda McNeely, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

&nbsp;Officers received information that she could be inside the residence and possibly injured and in need of help. The door to the residence was forced open and officers located with a fatal stab wound inside of the residence. She would be pronounced deceased on the scene.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect identified as 35-<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=350241">year-old Antonio Jones</a>, according to booking records, was involved in a disturbance with Brenda, which ultimately led to her stabbing.

Officers acted swiftly and diligently, pursued leads to apprehend Jones. who has now been taken into custody.&nbsp; He is being held in Sedgwick County on a $250,000 on charges of First Degree Murder, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696771038409.png" alt="Jones-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the murder of a Kansas woman and have a suspect in custody.Just after 3p.m. Sept. 6, police were dispatched to the 2300 block of N. Chautauqua in Wichita for a welfare check&nbsp; on66-year-old Brenda McNeely, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.&nbsp;Officers received information that she could be inside the residence and possibly injured and in need of help. The door to the residence was forced open and officers located with a fatal stab wound inside of the residence. She would be pronounced deceased on the scene.The preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect identified as 35-<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=350241">year-old Antonio Jones</a>, according to booking records, was involved in a disturbance with Brenda, which ultimately led to her stabbing. Officers acted swiftly and diligently, pursued leads to apprehend Jones. who has now been taken into custody.&nbsp; He is being held in Sedgwick County on a $250,000 on charges of First Degree Murder, according to online jail records.

Man accused in stabbing death of 66-year-old Kan. woman

WASHINGTON —In early September, the Biden administration cleared the way for the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-iran-us-prisoners-swap-deal-billions-e17dc67521798a2836ab4a3213e9277b">five American citizens detained in Iran</a>&nbsp;by issuing a blanket waiver for international banks to transfer $6 billion in frozen Iranian money from South Korea to Qatar without fear of U.S. sanctions. In addition, as part of the deal, the administration agreed to release five Iranian citizens held in the United States.

On Tuesday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall called on Joe Biden to immediately freeze the $6B he signed over to Iran.&nbsp; On social media Marshall wrote, "Iran has bankrolled Hamas and helped them plan their barbaric attacks on Israel. The president should have never brokered billion-dollar deals with rogue nations like Iran."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed off on the sanctions waivers for Iran a month after U.S. and Iranian officials said an agreement in principle was in place.&nbsp; Congress was not informed of the waiver decision until after the fact, according to the notification, which was obtained by The Associated Press.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696679013332.png" alt="Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis southern Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)" />
 <figcaption>Palestinians wave their national flag and celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis southern Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Yousef Masoud)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —In early September, the Biden administration cleared the way for the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-iran-us-prisoners-swap-deal-billions-e17dc67521798a2836ab4a3213e9277b">five American citizens detained in Iran</a>&nbsp;by issuing a blanket waiver for international banks to transfer $6 billion in frozen Iranian money from South Korea to Qatar without fear of U.S. sanctions. In addition, as part of the deal, the administration agreed to release five Iranian citizens held in the United States.On Tuesday, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall called on Joe Biden to immediately freeze the $6B he signed over to Iran.&nbsp; On social media Marshall wrote, "Iran has bankrolled Hamas and helped them plan their barbaric attacks on Israel. The president should have never brokered billion-dollar deals with rogue nations like Iran."Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed off on the sanctions waivers for Iran a month after U.S. and Iranian officials said an agreement in principle was in place.&nbsp; Congress was not informed of the waiver decision until after the fact, according to the notification, which was obtained by The Associated Press.

Kan. Senator calls for Biden to freeze $6 billion he signed over to Iran

RUSSELL COUNTY —First responders are still searching for a man who reportedly fell out of a boat at Wilson Lake on Sunday, according to a media release from the Russell County Sheriff.

At 4:04 p.m. Oct. 8, a woman called Russell County 911 Dispatch to report that a man had fallen off a boat at Wilson Lake.

Dispatch learned that the man and woman had been boating toward the west end of Wilson Lake when the male occupant fell out of the boat and possibly struck his head on the boat as he fell.

Emergency crews were notified of the situation and units responded from the Russell County Sheriff’s Office along with units from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Russell County EMS, and multiple rural fire agencies.

RUSSELL COUNTY —First responders are still searching for a man who reportedly fell out of a boat at Wilson Lake on Sunday, according to a media release from the Russell County Sheriff.At 4:04 p.m. Oct. 8, a woman called Russell County 911 Dispatch to report that a man had fallen off a boat at Wilson Lake.Dispatch learned that the man and woman had been boating toward the west end of Wilson Lake when the male occupant fell out of the boat and possibly struck his head on the boat as he fell.Emergency crews were notified of the situation and units responded from the Russell County Sheriff’s Office along with units from the Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Russell County EMS, and multiple rural fire agencies.

Sheriff: Search continues for man who fell from boat at Kan. lake

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and fire crews worked together to save a person having a mental health crisis who went to the top of a business in Wichita.

On Monday, police were dispatched to respond to a situation in the 700 block of East Central in Wichita, according to a media release.

 A concerned citizen had reported a person on the roof of a Wichita business. Patrol officers swiftly arrived at the scene, collaborating with the department's commissioned call center to pinpoint the person's location through video surveillance. 

The police department's commitment to utilizing advanced technology ensures offices can respond effectively to such situations. Police also worked closely with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wichitafiredepartment?__cft__[0]=AZVU05R_aajs4a9ANji0pNo8usH1r5Bynhcelk809l9X7wuUkAdk0_gycGADngWxU578WnacBvBpQcicR7SXMHrSD4IJSS3PFvVDdzojshCVnDrKfJkUTomPu_ILA--ayZxmKMclQI0Vd7iI1GONNww8okf2PDPaW6w4HQTFMsN0vssqCO5WCQcyE-XS0OSV7WA&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Wichita Fire Department</a> to ensure the safe removal of the individual from the rooftop.

The fire department's assistance was invaluable, and police thanked them for their support. Following the successful resolution of the situation, the individual was transported to a nearby hospital for a mental health evaluation. 

On social media Wichita Police wrote, "the well-being of our community members is our utmost concern. Instances like these underline the importance of our ongoing investment in technology and rigorous training for our officers. We remain dedicated to working hand in hand with our community to provide the essential services everyone deserves.Your safety and well-being are our top priorities

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696961563889.png" alt="photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities and fire crews worked together to save a person having a mental health crisis who went to the top of a business in Wichita.On Monday, police were dispatched to respond to a situation in the 700 block of East Central in Wichita, according to a media release. A concerned citizen had reported a person on the roof of a Wichita business. Patrol officers swiftly arrived at the scene, collaborating with the department's commissioned call center to pinpoint the person's location through video surveillance. The police department's commitment to utilizing advanced technology ensures offices can respond effectively to such situations. Police also worked closely with the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wichitafiredepartment?__cft__[0]=AZVU05R_aajs4a9ANji0pNo8usH1r5Bynhcelk809l9X7wuUkAdk0_gycGADngWxU578WnacBvBpQcicR7SXMHrSD4IJSS3PFvVDdzojshCVnDrKfJkUTomPu_ILA--ayZxmKMclQI0Vd7iI1GONNww8okf2PDPaW6w4HQTFMsN0vssqCO5WCQcyE-XS0OSV7WA&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Wichita Fire Department</a> to ensure the safe removal of the individual from the rooftop. The fire department's assistance was invaluable, and police thanked them for their support. Following the successful resolution of the situation, the individual was transported to a nearby hospital for a mental health evaluation. On social media Wichita Police wrote, "the well-being of our community members is our utmost concern. Instances like these underline the importance of our ongoing investment in technology and rigorous training for our officers. We remain dedicated to working hand in hand with our community to provide the essential services everyone deserves.Your safety and well-being are our top priorities