WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman acknowledged triggering a fire alarm Saturday in one of the U.S. Capitol office buildings as lawmakers scrambled to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-congress-republicans-732baaa19c91f981e492fd0e6a76aba8" target="_blank">pass a bill to fund the government</a>&nbsp;before the midnight shutdown deadline.&nbsp;

On social media, Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt made fun of Bowman's stunt.

The fire alarm sounded out around noon in the Cannon House Office Building and prompted a building-wide evacuation at a time when the House was in session and staffers were working in the building. The building was reopened an hour later after Capitol Police determined it was not a threat.

The GOP-controlled House Administration Committee, which oversees issues pertaining to the Capitol complex, posted a picture of a person pulling the fire alarm who appeared to be Bowman.

The New York lawmaker told reporters hours later that it was a mistake and that he was rushing to get to votes and was trying to get through a door that is usually open, but was closed due to it being a weekend.

“I thought it would help me open the door,” he said about pulling the trigger, denying that it was an effort to stall anything.

At the time of the evacuation House Democrats were working to delay a vote on a 45-day funding bill to keep federal agencies open. They said they needed time to review the 71-page bill that Republicans abruptly released to avoid a shutdown.

The funding package was ultimately approved 335-91 on Saturday afternoon, with most Republicans and almost all Democrats — including Bowman — supporting the bill.

In a late-night statement, Bowman said that “I want to be very clear, this was not me, in any way, trying to delay any vote. It was the exact opposite — I was trying urgently to get to a vote, which I ultimately did and joined my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to keep our government open.”

Bowman said he met with the House Sergeant at Arms and the Capitol Police “at their request, and explained what had happened. My hope is that no one will make more of this than it was.”

Capitol Police said in a statement Saturday that an “investigation into what happened and why continues.”

After the vote, Republicans, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, criticized Bowman over the fire alarm. Some lawmakers even floated the idea of drafting a motion to expel or censure him from the House.

“This should not go without punishment,” McCarthy told reporters. “This is an embarrassment.”

He added that he plans to talk with the Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York to figure out a possible response.

But Jeffries met with Bowman shortly after the vote and Bowman said his fellow New York colleague was “supportive.”

“He understood that it was a mistake and that’s all it was,” he said. Bowman added that the reaction from McCarthy and other Republicans is dishonest.

"(McCarthy’s) trying to weaponize a mistake of me coming, rushing to get to a vote as something nefarious when it wasn’t,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696253301965.png" alt="Rep. Jamal Bowman pulling the alarm photo U.S. Capitol Police" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Jamal Bowman pulling the alarm photo U.S. Capitol Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman acknowledged triggering a fire alarm Saturday in one of the U.S. Capitol office buildings as lawmakers scrambled to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-mccarthy-congress-republicans-732baaa19c91f981e492fd0e6a76aba8" target="_blank">pass a bill to fund the government</a>&nbsp;before the midnight shutdown deadline.&nbsp;On social media, Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt made fun of Bowman's stunt.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Headed back home this morning. Wonder if I need to pull this red alarm thingy to get out the Russell Senate Office building…? <a href="https://t.co/9d7gKTABsJ">pic.twitter.com/9d7gKTABsJ</a>&mdash; Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Schmitt/status/1708463092080705986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The fire alarm sounded out around noon in the Cannon House Office Building and prompted a building-wide evacuation at a time when the House was in session and staffers were working in the building. The building was reopened an hour later after Capitol Police determined it was not a threat.The GOP-controlled House Administration Committee, which oversees issues pertaining to the Capitol complex, posted a picture of a person pulling the fire alarm who appeared to be Bowman.The New York lawmaker told reporters hours later that it was a mistake and that he was rushing to get to votes and was trying to get through a door that is usually open, but was closed due to it being a weekend.“I thought it would help me open the door,” he said about pulling the trigger, denying that it was an effort to stall anything.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Statement from Congressman Jamaal Bowman. <a href="https://t.co/v6qjdHNI7T">pic.twitter.com/v6qjdHNI7T</a>&mdash; Congressman Jamaal Bowman (@RepBowman) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepBowman/status/1708299648782262656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>At the time of the evacuation House Democrats were working to delay a vote on a 45-day funding bill to keep federal agencies open. They said they needed time to review the 71-page bill that Republicans abruptly released to avoid a shutdown.The funding package was ultimately approved 335-91 on Saturday afternoon, with most Republicans and almost all Democrats — including Bowman — supporting the bill.In a late-night statement, Bowman said that “I want to be very clear, this was not me, in any way, trying to delay any vote. It was the exact opposite — I was trying urgently to get to a vote, which I ultimately did and joined my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to keep our government open.”Bowman said he met with the House Sergeant at Arms and the Capitol Police “at their request, and explained what had happened. My hope is that no one will make more of this than it was.”Capitol Police said in a statement Saturday that an “investigation into what happened and why continues.”After the vote, Republicans, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, criticized Bowman over the fire alarm. Some lawmakers even floated the idea of drafting a motion to expel or censure him from the House.“This should not go without punishment,” McCarthy told reporters. “This is an embarrassment.”He added that he plans to talk with the Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York to figure out a possible response.But Jeffries met with Bowman shortly after the vote and Bowman said his fellow New York colleague was “supportive.”“He understood that it was a mistake and that’s all it was,” he said. Bowman added that the reaction from McCarthy and other Republicans is dishonest."(McCarthy’s) trying to weaponize a mistake of me coming, rushing to get to a vote as something nefarious when it wasn’t,” he said.

Missouri Senator mocks congressman who pulled fire alarm

NEW YORK (AP) — Aggrieved and defiant, former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;sat through hours of sometimes testy opening statements Monday in a fraud lawsuit that could cost him control of Trump Tower and other prized properties.

“Disgraceful trial,” he declared during a lunch break, after listening to lawyers for New York Attorney General Letitia James excoriate him as a habitual liar. The state's lawsuit accuses the business-mogul-turned-politician and his company of deceiving banks, insurers and others by misstating his wealth for years in financial statements.

“They were lying year after year after year,” Kevin Wallace, a lawyer in James' office, said as Trump sat at the defense table. He looked straight ahead, arms crossed, facing away from a screen that showed details of Wallace's presentation.

Defense lawyers, in response, said the financial statements were legitimate. Trump's holdings are "Mona Lisa properties" that can command top dollar, attorney Alina Habba said.

“That is not fraud. That is real estate," she said, accusing the attorney general's office of "setting a very dangerous precedent for all business owners in the state of New York.”

Trump voluntarily attended a trial that he called a “sham," a “scam,” a waste of the state's time and “a continuation of the single greatest witch hunt of all time.” Currently the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-presidential-candidates-who-is-running-e89fbfee94e7e7980594a9ce3994fec7">Republican front-runner</a>&nbsp;in the 2024 presidential race, he reiterated claims that James, a Democrat, is trying to thwart&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-presidential-candidates-who-is-running-e89fbfee94e7e7980594a9ce3994fec7">his bid to return to the White House</a>.

“What we have here is an attempt to hurt me in an election,” he said outside court, adding: “I don’t think the people of this country are going to stand for it.”

Trump sneered at James as he passed her on his way out at lunchtime; she, by turn, left smiling. Meanwhile, his campaign immediately began fundraising off the appearance.

Judge Arthur Engoron ruled last week that Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-letitia-james-fraud-lawsuit-1569245a9284427117b8d3ba5da74249">committed fraud in his business dealings</a>. If upheld on appeal, the ruling could force Trump to give up New York properties including Trump Tower, a Wall Street office building, golf courses and a suburban estate. Trump has called it a “a corporate death penalty” and insisted the judge is unfair and out to get him.

The non-jury trial concerns six remaining claims in the lawsuit, including allegations of conspiracy, falsifying business records and insurance fraud. Engoron said that neither side sought a jury and that state law doesn't allow for juries when suits seek not only money but a court order setting out something a defendant must do or not do.

James is seeking $250 million in penalties and a ban on Trump doing business in New York.

“No matter how powerful you are, and no matter how much money you think you have, no one is above the law," she said on her way into the courthouse.

Trump denies wrongdoing. He says that James and the judge are undervaluing such assets as his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, and he emphasizes that his financial statements had a disclaimer that says they shouldn’t be trusted. The yearly snapshots of his holdings were given to banks to secure loans and to financial magazines to justify his place among the world’s billionaires.

The former president, his two eldest sons, Trump Organization executives and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-cohen">lawyer-turned-foe Michael Cohen</a>&nbsp;are all listed among dozens of potential witnesses.

Trump isn’t expected to testify for several weeks. His trip to court Monday marked a remarkable departure from his past practice.

Trump didn't go to court as either a witness or a spectator when his company and one of its top executives was convicted of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-legal-proceedings-new-york-city-donald-trump-manhattan-e2f1d01525dafb64be8738c8b4f32085">tax fraud</a>&nbsp;last year. He didn't show, either, for a civil trial earlier this year in which a jury found him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-carroll-trial-fe68259a4b98bb3947d42af9ec83d7db">liable for sexually assaulting the writer E. Jean Carroll</a>&nbsp;in a department store dressing room.

This time, “I wanted to watch this witch hunt myself,” he said outside court.

In a recent court filing, James' office alleged Trump exaggerated his wealth by as much as $3.6 billion.

He claimed his three-story Trump Tower penthouse, replete with gold-plated fixtures, was nearly three times its actual size and worth $327 million, far more than any New York City apartment ever has fetched, James said. He valued Mar-a-Lago as high as $739 million — more than 10 times a more reasonable estimate of its worth, James maintained.

“Every estimate was determined by Mr. Trump," Wallace said in his opening statement. He pointed to pretrial testimony by Trump Organization figures and ex-insiders including Cohen, who said the company estimated assets to get to a predetermined number “that Mr. Trump wanted.”

Wallace said the alleged scheme got the company better loan rates, saving it $100 million in interest.

“They hid their weaknesses and convinced these banks to take on hundreds of millions of dollars in risk," he said, adding: “While the defendants can exaggerate to Forbes magazine or on television, they cannot do it while conducting business in the state of New York.”

Trump lawyer Christopher Kise said defense experts will testify that assigning values to properties is, by nature, a matter of opinion.

“There is no such thing as objective valuation,” Kise said in an opening statement.

Any discrepancies in values don't amount to fraud, he said, and disclaimers on the financial statements made clear that these were estimates and that banks would have to perform their own analysis.

Trump and his lawyers have also argued that no one was harmed by anything in the financial statements. Banks that made loans to him were fully repaid. Business partners made money. And Trump's own company flourished.

Kise blasted last week’s fraud ruling, telling the judge he shouldn't have made a decision before hearing expert trial testimony on property valuations. Engoron, tiring of the defense’s criticism, shot back: “Respectfully, what’s that expression? You’re stalking the dead horse here.”

Testimony began Wednesday afternoon with Donald Bender, a longtime partner at accounting firm Mazars LLP, describing how he spent 50 to 60 hours a year preparing Trump's financial statements. Mazars&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-new-york-donald-trump-6949c069d081f7d79a987a72cb80af34">cut ties with Trump</a>&nbsp;last year after James’ office raised questions about the statements' reliability.

James’ lawsuit is one of several legal headaches for Trump as he campaigns to return to the White House. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-investigations-other-charges-b8b064a00caad4306fb54d2f6a320468">has been indicted four times</a>&nbsp;since March, accused of plotting to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden, hoarding classified documents and falsifying business records related to hush money paid on his behalf. He has pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.

The New York fraud trial is expected to last into December, Engoron said.

NEW YORK (AP) — Aggrieved and defiant, former President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;sat through hours of sometimes testy opening statements Monday in a fraud lawsuit that could cost him control of Trump Tower and other prized properties.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Outside the NYC courtroom, former President Donald Trump said the judge assigned to the case was &quot;rogue&quot;, New York Attorney General Leticia James was &quot;racist,&quot; and the entire trial is a coordinated effort of the Biden Administration&#39;s Justice Department. <a href="https://t.co/AaFy7ESqaz">pic.twitter.com/AaFy7ESqaz</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1708943614636658907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Disgraceful trial,” he declared during a lunch break, after listening to lawyers for New York Attorney General Letitia James excoriate him as a habitual liar. The state's lawsuit accuses the business-mogul-turned-politician and his company of deceiving banks, insurers and others by misstating his wealth for years in financial statements.“They were lying year after year after year,” Kevin Wallace, a lawyer in James' office, said as Trump sat at the defense table. He looked straight ahead, arms crossed, facing away from a screen that showed details of Wallace's presentation.Defense lawyers, in response, said the financial statements were legitimate. Trump's holdings are "Mona Lisa properties" that can command top dollar, attorney Alina Habba said.“That is not fraud. That is real estate," she said, accusing the attorney general's office of "setting a very dangerous precedent for all business owners in the state of New York.”Trump voluntarily attended a trial that he called a “sham," a “scam,” a waste of the state's time and “a continuation of the single greatest witch hunt of all time.” Currently the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-presidential-candidates-who-is-running-e89fbfee94e7e7980594a9ce3994fec7">Republican front-runner</a>&nbsp;in the 2024 presidential race, he reiterated claims that James, a Democrat, is trying to thwart&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-presidential-candidates-who-is-running-e89fbfee94e7e7980594a9ce3994fec7">his bid to return to the White House</a>.“What we have here is an attempt to hurt me in an election,” he said outside court, adding: “I don’t think the people of this country are going to stand for it.”Trump sneered at James as he passed her on his way out at lunchtime; she, by turn, left smiling. Meanwhile, his campaign immediately began fundraising off the appearance.Judge Arthur Engoron ruled last week that Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-letitia-james-fraud-lawsuit-1569245a9284427117b8d3ba5da74249">committed fraud in his business dealings</a>. If upheld on appeal, the ruling could force Trump to give up New York properties including Trump Tower, a Wall Street office building, golf courses and a suburban estate. Trump has called it a “a corporate death penalty” and insisted the judge is unfair and out to get him.The non-jury trial concerns six remaining claims in the lawsuit, including allegations of conspiracy, falsifying business records and insurance fraud. Engoron said that neither side sought a jury and that state law doesn't allow for juries when suits seek not only money but a court order setting out something a defendant must do or not do.James is seeking $250 million in penalties and a ban on Trump doing business in New York.“No matter how powerful you are, and no matter how much money you think you have, no one is above the law," she said on her way into the courthouse.Trump denies wrongdoing. He says that James and the judge are undervaluing such assets as his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, and he emphasizes that his financial statements had a disclaimer that says they shouldn’t be trusted. The yearly snapshots of his holdings were given to banks to secure loans and to financial magazines to justify his place among the world’s billionaires.The former president, his two eldest sons, Trump Organization executives and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/michael-cohen">lawyer-turned-foe Michael Cohen</a>&nbsp;are all listed among dozens of potential witnesses.Trump isn’t expected to testify for several weeks. His trip to court Monday marked a remarkable departure from his past practice.Trump didn't go to court as either a witness or a spectator when his company and one of its top executives was convicted of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-legal-proceedings-new-york-city-donald-trump-manhattan-e2f1d01525dafb64be8738c8b4f32085">tax fraud</a>&nbsp;last year. He didn't show, either, for a civil trial earlier this year in which a jury found him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-rape-carroll-trial-fe68259a4b98bb3947d42af9ec83d7db">liable for sexually assaulting the writer E. Jean Carroll</a>&nbsp;in a department store dressing room.This time, “I wanted to watch this witch hunt myself,” he said outside court.In a recent court filing, James' office alleged Trump exaggerated his wealth by as much as $3.6 billion.He claimed his three-story Trump Tower penthouse, replete with gold-plated fixtures, was nearly three times its actual size and worth $327 million, far more than any New York City apartment ever has fetched, James said. He valued Mar-a-Lago as high as $739 million — more than 10 times a more reasonable estimate of its worth, James maintained.“Every estimate was determined by Mr. Trump," Wallace said in his opening statement. He pointed to pretrial testimony by Trump Organization figures and ex-insiders including Cohen, who said the company estimated assets to get to a predetermined number “that Mr. Trump wanted.”Wallace said the alleged scheme got the company better loan rates, saving it $100 million in interest.“They hid their weaknesses and convinced these banks to take on hundreds of millions of dollars in risk," he said, adding: “While the defendants can exaggerate to Forbes magazine or on television, they cannot do it while conducting business in the state of New York.”Trump lawyer Christopher Kise said defense experts will testify that assigning values to properties is, by nature, a matter of opinion.“There is no such thing as objective valuation,” Kise said in an opening statement.Any discrepancies in values don't amount to fraud, he said, and disclaimers on the financial statements made clear that these were estimates and that banks would have to perform their own analysis.Trump and his lawyers have also argued that no one was harmed by anything in the financial statements. Banks that made loans to him were fully repaid. Business partners made money. And Trump's own company flourished.Kise blasted last week’s fraud ruling, telling the judge he shouldn't have made a decision before hearing expert trial testimony on property valuations. Engoron, tiring of the defense’s criticism, shot back: “Respectfully, what’s that expression? You’re stalking the dead horse here.”Testimony began Wednesday afternoon with Donald Bender, a longtime partner at accounting firm Mazars LLP, describing how he spent 50 to 60 hours a year preparing Trump's financial statements. Mazars&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-new-york-donald-trump-6949c069d081f7d79a987a72cb80af34">cut ties with Trump</a>&nbsp;last year after James’ office raised questions about the statements' reliability.James’ lawsuit is one of several legal headaches for Trump as he campaigns to return to the White House. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-investigations-other-charges-b8b064a00caad4306fb54d2f6a320468">has been indicted four times</a>&nbsp;since March, accused of plotting to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden, hoarding classified documents and falsifying business records related to hush money paid on his behalf. He has pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.The New York fraud trial is expected to last into December, Engoron said.

🎥 Trump attacks attorney general, judge ahead of fraud trial

MCPHERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run that occurred just after 8p.m. Saturday in McPherson County have identified the driver who fled.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy Colorado driven by 25-year-old Brice Nolan Kasting of McPherson was southbound on 17th Avenue&nbsp;at Mohawk Road one mile east of Interstate 135 and struck a pedestrian identified as 59-year-old Pedro Amezcua-Cabrera of McPherson. Kastin then fled from the scene.

Amezcua-Cabrera was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the&nbsp;Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center.

Kasting was booked into the Mcpherson County jail Sunday night and is being held on requested charges of attempted 2nd-degree murder; unintentional but reckless, accident involving death or personal injury, DUI, reckless driving and improper passing, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696279708231.png" alt="Kasting photo McPherson Co." />
 <figcaption>Kasting photo McPherson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal hit-and-run that occurred just after 8p.m. Saturday in McPherson County have identified the driver who fled.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Chevy Colorado driven by 25-year-old Brice Nolan Kasting of McPherson was southbound on 17th Avenue&nbsp;at Mohawk Road one mile east of Interstate 135 and struck a pedestrian identified as 59-year-old Pedro Amezcua-Cabrera of McPherson. Kastin then fled from the scene.Amezcua-Cabrera was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the&nbsp;Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center.Kasting was booked into the Mcpherson County jail Sunday night and is being held on requested charges of attempted 2nd-degree murder; unintentional but reckless, accident involving death or personal injury, DUI, reckless driving and improper passing, according to online jail records.

Suspect in deadly Kansas hit-and-run accused of DUI

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

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

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

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

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

Pets found dead in Kansas house fire

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

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

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

Newsom said in a statement that the priorities Feinstein fought for in Congress — reproductive freedom, equal protection and safety from gun violence — were under assault in the nation. "Laphonza will carry the baton left by Sen. Feinstein (and) continue to break glass ceilings and fight for all Californians in Washington D.C.,” he said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Important information about the EAS test:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695205625537.png" alt="Photo FEMA" />
 <figcaption>Photo FEMA</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON --&nbsp;FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-test">nationwide test</a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-alert-system">Emergency Alert System</a>&nbsp;(EAS) and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/public/wireless-emergency-alerts">Wireless Emergency Alerts</a>&nbsp;(WEA) this fall.The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers&nbsp;and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test.The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11.&nbsp;The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system">FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS)</a>, a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones.&nbsp;This year the EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:<ul>
 <li>Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message.&nbsp;</li><li>For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”</li><li>Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”</li>
 </ul>WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration.&nbsp;Important information about the EAS test:<ul>
 <li>The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers&nbsp;and wireline video providers.</li><li>The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.</li>
 </ul>

Nationwide emergency alert test scheduled this week

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

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

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

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

Small plane lost power, flips on Kansas City runway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hearing for suspect in drive-by killing of Kansas grandmother

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

The package was approved by the House 335-91, with most Republicans and almost all Democrats supporting.&nbsp; Missouri 7th District Representative Eric Burlison was the only member of the state's congressional delegation to vote against the the measure. Representatives Mark Alford, Cori Bush,&nbsp;Emanuel Cleaver, Sam Graves,&nbsp;Blaine Luetkemeyer, Jason Smith and Ann Wagner voted in support of the bill.

Kansas First District Representative Tracey Mann and Fourth District Representative Ron Estes voted against the temporary spending bill.&nbsp; Kansas Second District Representative Jake LaTurner and Third District Representative Sharice Davids supported the measure.&nbsp;

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1696172419539.png" alt="Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt, back left and Kansas Senator Roger Marshall&nbsp; with other members of the United States Senate late Saturday during the battle to get an agreement on a funding deal-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt, back left and Kansas Senator Roger Marshall&nbsp; with other members of the United States Senate late Saturday during the battle to get an agreement on a funding deal-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — The threat of a&nbsp;federal government shutdown&nbsp;suddenly lifted late Saturday hours before a midnight deadline as Congress approved a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open. President Joe Biden quickly signed the bill into law.The package was approved by the House 335-91, with most Republicans and almost all Democrats supporting.&nbsp; Missouri 7th District Representative Eric Burlison was the only member of the state's congressional delegation to vote against the the measure. Representatives Mark Alford, Cori Bush,&nbsp;Emanuel Cleaver, Sam Graves,&nbsp;Blaine Luetkemeyer, Jason Smith and Ann Wagner voted in support of the bill.Kansas First District Representative Tracey Mann and Fourth District Representative Ron Estes voted against the temporary spending bill.&nbsp; Kansas Second District Representative Jake LaTurner and Third District Representative Sharice Davids supported the measure.&nbsp;Late Saturday, Senate passage came by an 88-9 vote. Kansas Senator Jerry Moran voted in favor of the measure along with Missouri Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall voted against the bill.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The CR does nothing to address our most immediate national security threat- our open southern border &amp; the fentanyl pouring in. With a $33 trillion debt crisis, it’s never been more clear America can’t afford to continue these spending levels for one more day, let alone, 45.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1708287319936221276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The package funds government at current 2023 levels until mid-November, and also extends other provisions, including for the Federal Aviation Administration. The rushed package drops&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zelenskyy-biden-washington-visit-congress-ukraine-war-1d20574fb3ea4fb5efcc7db5458a33a3#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20President%20Volodymyr,troops%20in%20the%20fight%20against">aid to Ukraine</a>, a White House priority opposed by a growing number of GOP lawmakers, but increases&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hurricane-flooding-fema-disaster-relief-budget-365fc3acd6a12c1f8e67b4926c8dc8b2">federal disaster assistance by $16 billion,</a>&nbsp;meeting Biden’s full request.&nbsp;

One Missouri lawmaker voted against short term budget deal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nobel Prize goes to scientists behind mRNA Covid vaccines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693184669443.png" alt="-<a href="https://members.usagym.org/pages/athletes/nationalTeamWomen.html?id=431412">Leanne Wong,</a>&nbsp;a graduate of&nbsp;Blue Valley High School&nbsp;in Overland Park, Kansas, photo courtesy University of Florida" />
 <figcaption>-<a href="https://members.usagym.org/pages/athletes/nationalTeamWomen.html?id=431412">Leanne Wong,</a>&nbsp;a graduate of&nbsp;Blue Valley High School&nbsp;in Overland Park, Kansas, photo courtesy University of Florida</figcaption>
 </figure>ANTWERP, Belgium (AP) — Simone Biles led a dominant performance by the U.S. women at the world gymnastics championships, posting an all-around total of 58.865 to lead qualifying through two subdivisions Sunday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">171.395. What they did: that. <a href="https://t.co/KgbTV28x3D">pic.twitter.com/KgbTV28x3D</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1708529830118166991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 26-year-old, who is a five-time all-around world champion and seven-time Olympic medalist, registered the best scores on floor exercise, vault and balance beam and the second-best score behind teammate Shilese Jones on uneven bars through the first portion of qualifying.The American team of Biles, Jones, Skye Blakely, Leanne Wong and Joscelyn Roberson combined for a total of 171.395, which figures to be the best by a considerable margin by the end of qualifying. Italy was second at 162.230 through two of the 10 subdivisions.Biles, whose 25 world championship medals (19 of them gold) is already a record, will get a chance to add substantially to that total throughout the week.The U.S. will be heavily favored to win the team title on Wednesday. The all-around finals are Friday, with event finals scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.Biles, who returned to competition this summer following a two-year break after the Tokyo Olympics, completed her signature Yurchenko double pike vault with ease, scoring a 15.766 even though she voluntarily took a half-point deduction so coach Laurent Landi could stand on the mat as a precaution.Jones, who won three medals at the 2022 world championships, will join Biles in the all-around finals after posting a total of 56.932 led by a sparkling set on uneven bars, where her 14.833 led all competitors.___

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FINNEY COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a deadly fire in southwest Kansas.Just after 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, fire crews were dispatched to the report house fire with possible trapped individuals at 613 N. 9th Street, Garden City, according to a media release.First arriving crews found a multi-story residence with heavy fire and visible smoke. Firefighters made contact with three victims in the front yard who alerted them of additional victims inside. Personnel entered the house to begin fire attack and search and rescue, and were met with heavy fire and intense heat. During the search, personnel located two additional victims. After retrieving them from the home, fire personnel were joined by EMS to begin life-saving measures. The victims were loaded into ambulances and care was transferred to EMS. Just before 3a.m., the City of Holcomb Fire Department was requested to provide mutual aid. Personnel reentered the residence to complete the primary search and fire attack. Additional fire was located in the attic and extinguished. The fire was called under control at 3:22 a.m. and turned over to Garden City Fire Investigators.As a result of the fire, two victims died, three victims were treated for smoke inhalation, and one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation. The Garden City Fire Department and the Garden City Police Department are conducting a joint investigation, which is standard procedure for victims of a structure fire. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office was notified of the fire and has been requested to assist with the investigation. No damage estimates were released late Sunday.

Two dead in Kansas house fire

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

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

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

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

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

Police continue search for Kan. woman in connection with murder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

$1.04 billion Powerball jackpot tempts players to brave long odds

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

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

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

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