By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

After a case lasting almost four years, the former owner of the Plainville Livestock Commission was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Kansas City&nbsp; on a multimillion check kiting scheme.

Tyler Gillum, former owner of the Plainville Livestock Commission, per a sentencing agreement, was sentenced by Judge Daniel Crabtree to 60 months in prison and more than $7.2 million in restitution.

Gillum's sentences on all counts will run concurrently. He will be required to serve three years of post-release supervision.

The restitution included $6.8 million to Landmark National Bank of Manhattan, Kan., $250,000 to Federal Insurance Company and $208,000 to TBK Bank of Dallas.

Gillum will owe an additional $3,300 in fines.

As a part of his sentencing agreement, he has agreed not to appeal his conviction or sentencing.

Gillum was convicted on 33 federal counts, including 31 counts of bank fraud, one count of making a false statement in connection with a Small Business Administration guaranteed loan, and one count of making a false statement in a loan or credit card application.

In the aftermath of Gillum's crimes, payments to ranchers for the sale of their cattle were delayed almost a year, banks were defrauded of millions of dollars and a rural bank closed.

Gillum owned and operated Plainville Livestock Commission Inc. from 2006 until 2019.

Between January 2015 and August 2017, Gillum wrote checks and made wire transfers between various accounts under his control at various banks in a scheme commonly known as check kiting, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

This is when checks are continually written back and forth to fraudulently inflate account balances, tricking banks into honoring checks written with insufficient funds. Gillum’s scheme resulted in losses of more than $10 million to the banking system, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

Bank officials stepped in in February 2019. Almena Bank froze Gillum's accounts, including a custodial account, which was supposed to hold money due to ranchers who sold cattle at Gillum's livestock auctions.

Checks from the Plainville Livestock Commission for two sales — one at the end of January 2019 and the other on Feb. 5, 2019 — bounced.

Ranchers who were due more than $900,000 in auction proceeds had to wait more than 10 months to receive payment for their cattle.

Plainville Livestock Commission declared bankruptcy on March 1, 2019

In October 2020, Almena Bank failed. "The $69 million-asset bank was closed by its state regulator, then sold by the FDIC to Equity Bank in Andover," according to a story in the American Banker on March 26, 2021.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e0ef87c4-7036-4352-a580-28d25241adc0">The delayed payment to ranchers and Plainville Livestock Commission bankruptcy had lasting effects on the Plainville and area ag communities.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575404210576.jpeg" alt="Plainville Livestock Commission" />
 <figcaption>Plainville Livestock Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostAfter a case lasting almost four years, the former owner of the Plainville Livestock Commission was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Kansas City&nbsp; on a multimillion check kiting scheme.Tyler Gillum, former owner of the Plainville Livestock Commission, per a sentencing agreement, was sentenced by Judge Daniel Crabtree to 60 months in prison and more than $7.2 million in restitution.Gillum's sentences on all counts will run concurrently. He will be required to serve three years of post-release supervision.The restitution included $6.8 million to Landmark National Bank of Manhattan, Kan., $250,000 to Federal Insurance Company and $208,000 to TBK Bank of Dallas.Gillum will owe an additional $3,300 in fines.As a part of his sentencing agreement, he has agreed not to appeal his conviction or sentencing. Gillum was convicted on 33 federal counts, including 31 counts of bank fraud, one count of making a false statement in connection with a Small Business Administration guaranteed loan, and one count of making a false statement in a loan or credit card application. In the aftermath of Gillum's crimes, payments to ranchers for the sale of their cattle were delayed almost a year, banks were defrauded of millions of dollars and a rural bank closed. Gillum owned and operated Plainville Livestock Commission Inc. from 2006 until 2019.Between January 2015 and August 2017, Gillum wrote checks and made wire transfers between various accounts under his control at various banks in a scheme commonly known as check kiting, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. This is when checks are continually written back and forth to fraudulently inflate account balances, tricking banks into honoring checks written with insufficient funds. Gillum’s scheme resulted in losses of more than $10 million to the banking system, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. Bank officials stepped in in February 2019. Almena Bank froze Gillum's accounts, including a custodial account, which was supposed to hold money due to ranchers who sold cattle at Gillum's livestock auctions.Checks from the Plainville Livestock Commission for two sales — one at the end of January 2019 and the other on Feb. 5, 2019 — bounced.Ranchers who were due more than $900,000 in auction proceeds had to wait more than 10 months to receive payment for their cattle.Plainville Livestock Commission declared bankruptcy on March 1, 2019In October 2020, Almena Bank failed. "The $69 million-asset bank was closed by its state regulator, then sold by the FDIC to Equity Bank in Andover," according to a story in the American Banker on March 26, 2021.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/e0ef87c4-7036-4352-a580-28d25241adc0">The delayed payment to ranchers and Plainville Livestock Commission bankruptcy had lasting effects on the Plainville and area ag communities.</a>

NW Kan. man sentenced for scheme that cost banks millions

KANSAS CITY —A&nbsp; judge Monday sentenced a Kansas City-area man to 12 years in prison after he was convicted of multiple&nbsp; burglaries and thefts, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

In October, Isaiah J.J. Brown, 31, pleaded guilty to Burglary 2nd Degree, Stealing, two counts of Tampering with a Motor Vehicle, Property Damage 1st Degree and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

The judge sentenced Brown to six years on each of five counts, with those six-year sentences running concurrently. In addition, the judge ordered six-year sentences on the two Unlawful Possession of a Firearm convictions, setting them to run concurrently. The judge then set those two six-year sentences to run consecutively. That set a total sentence of 12 years.

According to court records, on Nov. 8, 2020, Kansas City police responded to a residence on West Gregory Blvd and the homeowner reported that valuable electronic items were stolen from the residence while she was in the front yard doing yard work. 

A police DNA-trained officer processed the scene for DNA of the suspect. A cigarette butt was also recovered from the vehicle at the residence. The DNA from the cigarette later was matched to the defendant, who was also seen on surveillance video parking his vehicle and entering the residence. Police connected the defendant to or the defendant admitted to other vehicle thefts in Kansas City. When taken into custody two firearms were found.

The victim of the home burglary made a statement Monday to the court for both he and his wife. He thanked the officers, detectives and crime lab staff that helped investigate the crime, as well as the prosecutor's office. But he said he and his family's losses have left a significant and devastating toll on the family, taking not only thousands of dollars in electronic equipment but also damaging their sense of security as well as their emotional and mental well being. &nbsp;"The impact of Isaiah Brown's callous and indifferent criminal actions on our family since has been dramatic," the victim's wife stated. &nbsp;"Isaiah Brown non only ransacked our house, he ransacked our life."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669673039124.png" alt="Brown-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A&nbsp; judge Monday sentenced a Kansas City-area man to 12 years in prison after he was convicted of multiple&nbsp; burglaries and thefts, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.In October, Isaiah J.J. Brown, 31, pleaded guilty to Burglary 2nd Degree, Stealing, two counts of Tampering with a Motor Vehicle, Property Damage 1st Degree and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.The judge sentenced Brown to six years on each of five counts, with those six-year sentences running concurrently. In addition, the judge ordered six-year sentences on the two Unlawful Possession of a Firearm convictions, setting them to run concurrently. The judge then set those two six-year sentences to run consecutively. That set a total sentence of 12 years.According to court records, on Nov. 8, 2020, Kansas City police responded to a residence on West Gregory Blvd and the homeowner reported that valuable electronic items were stolen from the residence while she was in the front yard doing yard work. A police DNA-trained officer processed the scene for DNA of the suspect. A cigarette butt was also recovered from the vehicle at the residence. The DNA from the cigarette later was matched to the defendant, who was also seen on surveillance video parking his vehicle and entering the residence. Police connected the defendant to or the defendant admitted to other vehicle thefts in Kansas City. When taken into custody two firearms were found.The victim of the home burglary made a statement Monday to the court for both he and his wife. He thanked the officers, detectives and crime lab staff that helped investigate the crime, as well as the prosecutor's office. But he said he and his family's losses have left a significant and devastating toll on the family, taking not only thousands of dollars in electronic equipment but also damaging their sense of security as well as their emotional and mental well being. &nbsp;"The impact of Isaiah Brown's callous and indifferent criminal actions on our family since has been dramatic," the victim's wife stated. &nbsp;"Isaiah Brown non only ransacked our house, he ransacked our life."

Victim: Kansas City man ransacked our home, our life

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug allegations.

On Tuesday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served three search warrants in the 1200 BLK NW Polk Street related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police LT. Ronnie Connell.

While conducting the search warrants, officers located cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

They arrested 55-year-old Mark Schumacher, 62-year-old Peggy Long and 34-year-old&nbsp;Dominic Montano.

Schumacher is being held on requested charges that include Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of Cocaine, Distribution of Marijuana, Possession of paraphernalia and&nbsp; Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance using a communication facility

&nbsp;Long and Montano are being held on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669809146075.png" alt="Schumacher-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Schumacher-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug allegations.On Tuesday, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Shawnee County Drug Task Force served three search warrants in the 1200 BLK NW Polk Street related to an ongoing investigation, according to Police LT. Ronnie Connell.While conducting the search warrants, officers located cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669809076291.png" alt="Long-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Long-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>They arrested 55-year-old Mark Schumacher, 62-year-old Peggy Long and 34-year-old&nbsp;Dominic Montano.Schumacher is being held on requested charges that include Distribution of methamphetamine, Possession of Cocaine, Distribution of Marijuana, Possession of paraphernalia and&nbsp; Unlawful distribution of a controlled substance using a communication facility<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669809211207.png" alt="Montano-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Montano-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Long and Montano are being held on requested charges of Possession of methamphetamine and Possession of drug paraphernalia

Police find cocaine, meth and marijuana during Kansas drug bust

COOPER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday in Cooper County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chrysler&nbsp; PT Cruiser driven by Kyle J. Horak, 24, Benton, Illinois, was westbound on Interstate 70 near the Blackwater exit.

The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, returned to the road, traveled off the left side of the road again, struck a median cable barrier and overturned.&nbsp;

Horak was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Howard Funeral Home. Saline Co. ambulance transported passengers Emma Sweat, 18, Livingston, Texas and Lacie Ringo, 25, Benton, Illinois to University Hospital. Sweat was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669854955225.png" alt="Fatal crash scene -photo courtesy KOMU" />
 <figcaption>Fatal crash scene -photo courtesy KOMU</figcaption>
 </figure>COOPER COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9:30a.m. Wednesday in Cooper County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2007 Chrysler&nbsp; PT Cruiser driven by Kyle J. Horak, 24, Benton, Illinois, was westbound on Interstate 70 near the Blackwater exit.The vehicle traveled off the left side of the road, returned to the road, traveled off the left side of the road again, struck a median cable barrier and overturned.&nbsp;Horak was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Howard Funeral Home. Saline Co. ambulance transported passengers Emma Sweat, 18, Livingston, Texas and Lacie Ringo, 25, Benton, Illinois to University Hospital. Sweat was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Man dead, 2. hospitalized after I-70 crash in Missouri

MEXICO, Mo. (AP) — A former student at the Missouri Military Academy alleges in a lawsuit that school administrators did nothing to stop routine beatings he suffered at the school.

The student filed a personal injury lawsuit this week against the school in Mexico, Missouri, which is a college preparatory military boarding school for boys in grades 7-12.

The student alleges in the lawsuit that he attempted suicide in January 2021 to avoid having to return to the school, KMIZ-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://abc17news.com/top-stories/2022/11/29/former-mma-student-who-attempted-suicide-sues-school-claims-regular-assaults-beatings-took-place-and-school-did-nothing/">reported</a>.

MMA President Richard Geraci said in a statement Wednesday that the allegations in the lawsuit are "wholly unfounded” and the Academy intends to defend itself.

He said the academy has "established procedures and documented training to ensure the prohibition of bullying, hazing and other inappropriate conduct.”

The boy, who attended the school between 2018 and 2021, said he was first attacked within weeks of starting at the academy and the beatings occurred “nearly weekly.”

The petition also claims the school had a yearly tradition of a “purge,” in which younger students were beaten by “commanders,” “platoon sergeants,” “platoon leader” and/or “executive officer."

MEXICO, Mo. (AP) — A former student at the Missouri Military Academy alleges in a lawsuit that school administrators did nothing to stop routine beatings he suffered at the school.The student filed a personal injury lawsuit this week against the school in Mexico, Missouri, which is a college preparatory military boarding school for boys in grades 7-12.The student alleges in the lawsuit that he attempted suicide in January 2021 to avoid having to return to the school, KMIZ-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://abc17news.com/top-stories/2022/11/29/former-mma-student-who-attempted-suicide-sues-school-claims-regular-assaults-beatings-took-place-and-school-did-nothing/">reported</a>.MMA President Richard Geraci said in a statement Wednesday that the allegations in the lawsuit are "wholly unfounded” and the Academy intends to defend itself.He said the academy has "established procedures and documented training to ensure the prohibition of bullying, hazing and other inappropriate conduct.”The boy, who attended the school between 2018 and 2021, said he was first attacked within weeks of starting at the academy and the beatings occurred “nearly weekly.”The petition also claims the school had a yearly tradition of a “purge,” in which younger students were beaten by “commanders,” “platoon sergeants,” “platoon leader” and/or “executive officer."

Former student alleges abuse at Missouri Military Academy

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department said Wednesday it has complied with a court order to make former President Donald Trump's tax returns available to a congressional committee.

The Supreme Court last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-donald-trump-business-john-roberts-congress-8ea516dace48875ad7c5dd472dd16dcf">rejected Trump’s request</a>&nbsp;for an order that would have prevented the Treasury Department from giving six years of tax returns for Trump and some of his businesses to the Democratic-controlled House Ways and Means Committee.

The court, without dissent, cleared the legal obstacle to disclosure of Trump's tax returns.

A department spokesperson said “Treasury has complied with last week’s court decision” but declined to say whether the committee had accessed the documents. The spokesperson declined to be identified by name because of privacy constraints.

Trump refused to release his tax returns during his 2016 presidential campaign or his four years in the White House.

After the Supreme Court action, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal, D-Mass., said in a statement that “since the Magna Carta, the principle of oversight has been upheld, and today is no different. This rises above politics, and the Committee will now conduct the oversight that we’ve sought for the last three and a half years.”

Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In the dispute over his tax returns, the Treasury Department had refused to provide the records during Trump’s presidency. But the Biden administration said federal law is clear that the committee has the right to examine any taxpayer’s return, including the president’s.

Lower courts agreed that the committee has broad authority to obtain tax returns and rejected Trump’s claims that it was overstepping and only wanted the documents so they could be made public.

Chief Justice John Roberts imposed a temporary freeze on Nov. 1 to allow the court to weigh the legal issues raised by Trump’s lawyers and the counter-arguments of the administration and the House of Representatives.

Just over three weeks later, the court lifted Roberts’ order without comment.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department said Wednesday it has complied with a court order to make former President Donald Trump's tax returns available to a congressional committee.The Supreme Court last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-donald-trump-business-john-roberts-congress-8ea516dace48875ad7c5dd472dd16dcf">rejected Trump’s request</a>&nbsp;for an order that would have prevented the Treasury Department from giving six years of tax returns for Trump and some of his businesses to the Democratic-controlled House Ways and Means Committee.The court, without dissent, cleared the legal obstacle to disclosure of Trump's tax returns.A department spokesperson said “Treasury has complied with last week’s court decision” but declined to say whether the committee had accessed the documents. The spokesperson declined to be identified by name because of privacy constraints.Trump refused to release his tax returns during his 2016 presidential campaign or his four years in the White House.After the Supreme Court action, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal, D-Mass., said in a statement that “since the Magna Carta, the principle of oversight has been upheld, and today is no different. This rises above politics, and the Committee will now conduct the oversight that we’ve sought for the last three and a half years.”Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.In the dispute over his tax returns, the Treasury Department had refused to provide the records during Trump’s presidency. But the Biden administration said federal law is clear that the committee has the right to examine any taxpayer’s return, including the president’s.Lower courts agreed that the committee has broad authority to obtain tax returns and rejected Trump’s claims that it was overstepping and only wanted the documents so they could be made public.Chief Justice John Roberts imposed a temporary freeze on Nov. 1 to allow the court to weigh the legal issues raised by Trump’s lawyers and the counter-arguments of the administration and the House of Representatives.Just over three weeks later, the court lifted Roberts’ order without comment.___

Treasury making Trump taxes available to House committee

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating weekend fentanyl deaths at an unhoused encampment in Sedgwick County have identified two more victims as&nbsp;35-year-old Brandon Randall and 31-year-old Cody Maxey both of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

Just after 8a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to an overdose call in the 2900 hundred block of South Washington in Wichita, according to Ditch.

First responders found the body of a 20-year-old woman identified as Stevie Metts of Wichita and Randall unresponsive and unconscious. They were pronounced deceased on the scene. 

&nbsp;Maxey and a 41-year-old woman were also located nearby unresponsive and unconscious.&nbsp; EMS transported them to a local hospital in grave condition. 

On Wednesday, Ditch reported Maxey died at the hospital. The woman remains hospitalized in critical condition.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police believe these are cases of fentanyl poisoning.

The Wichita Police Department reminds the public to only take prescription pills given to you by a Doctor.

Anyone who might know anything about this case is asked to call investigators at 316-268-4407, Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111, or the See Something Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1581438940073.png" alt="Police continue warning that drugs laced with fentanyl are contributing to overdose deaths -photo courtesy Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Police continue warning that drugs laced with fentanyl are contributing to overdose deaths -photo courtesy Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating weekend fentanyl deaths at an unhoused encampment in Sedgwick County have identified two more victims as&nbsp;35-year-old Brandon Randall and 31-year-old Cody Maxey both of Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.Just after 8a.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to an overdose call in the 2900 hundred block of South Washington in Wichita, according to Ditch.First responders found the body of a 20-year-old woman identified as Stevie Metts of Wichita and Randall unresponsive and unconscious. They were pronounced deceased on the scene. &nbsp;Maxey and a 41-year-old woman were also located nearby unresponsive and unconscious.&nbsp; EMS transported them to a local hospital in grave condition. On Wednesday, Ditch reported Maxey died at the hospital. The woman remains hospitalized in critical condition.&nbsp;&nbsp;Police believe these are cases of fentanyl poisoning.The Wichita Police Department reminds the public to only take prescription pills given to you by a Doctor.Anyone who might know anything about this case is asked to call investigators at 316-268-4407, Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111, or the See Something Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282

Police: 3rd victim dies in Kan. fentanyl death investigation

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/economic-instability-pushing-kpers-investment-returns-into-negative-territory/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Volatility in the stock 
market will push annual return on investment to the Kansas Public 
Employees Retirement System into negative territory at close of the 
year, the pension system’s executive director said Tuesday.

The assumed investment return for KPERS was adjusted downward in May 
from 7.75% to 7%. To strengthen the bottom line, the Kansas Legislature 
agreed to pump an extra $1.1 billion into the system.

The snapshot on investment return will be calculated based on 
financial position of the portfolio Dec. 31, said Alan Conroy, executive
 director of KPERS.

“If you have the strength to watch the markets these days, the 
volatility — October was a great month, but some of the months have not 
been so good,” Conroy told House and Senate members at the Capitol. 
“We’ll see where we end up at the end of December. But, I think, where 
we stand right now, the return will probably be negative for calendar 
year 2022.”

Conroy didn’t offer a projection as to how far under water the $24.8 
billion portfolio would be at close of this year’s business.

Advocates of KPERS’ 300,000 members with careers in schools, the 
judiciary, law enforcement, firefighting and other government entities 
have pressured the Legislature for years to approve a cost of living 
increase, with many of those proposals ranging from 1% to 5%.

In Kansas, the last cost of living adjustment was issued in 1998 and 
the last one-time cash bonus to retirees was made in 2008. The 
Legislature authorized 16 cost-of-living adjustments from 1971 to 1997.

Sen. Rick Billinger, a Goodland Republican and chairman of the Senate
 Ways and Means Committee, said he wasn’t convinced the state should 
grant a COLA because it would inflate the system’s long term unfunded 
liability above the current $9.8 billion. KPERS is a prefunded system 
that invests employee and employer contributions to pay benefits years 
into the future. A COLA, which can be viewed as an unfunded benefit 
change, would exacerbate the unfunded liability.

“The stock market is down today,” Billinger told Conroy during a 
meeting of an interim House-Senate committee. “And, you’re going to 
probably be negative or this year. We’re not going to short anybody what
 we have been paying them all along. They’re going to continue to get 
that check, even though the market is down.”

The senator said a COLA would repeat mistakes of the past when the 
Legislature made a series of insufficient contributions to KPERS.

“That’s the problem with our whole system now,” Billinger said. “We 
didn’t make the required contributions when we were supposed to.”

Rep. Brandon Woodard, D-Lenexa, said only 10% of current KPERS 
retires were around in 1998 when the last COLA was approved. He said 
various legislative committees with ties to KPERS ought to seriously 
consider making the first adjustment in a quarter century.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669762731523.png" alt="Alan Conroy, executive director of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, said the pension system’s return on investment would be in the negative for 2022. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature YouTube channel)" />
 <figcaption>Alan Conroy, executive director of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System, said the pension system’s return on investment would be in the negative for 2022. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from Kansas Legislature YouTube channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/economic-instability-pushing-kpers-investment-returns-into-negative-territory/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Volatility in the stock 
market will push annual return on investment to the Kansas Public 
Employees Retirement System into negative territory at close of the 
year, the pension system’s executive director said Tuesday.The assumed investment return for KPERS was adjusted downward in May 
from 7.75% to 7%. To strengthen the bottom line, the Kansas Legislature 
agreed to pump an extra $1.1 billion into the system.The snapshot on investment return will be calculated based on 
financial position of the portfolio Dec. 31, said Alan Conroy, executive
 director of KPERS.“If you have the strength to watch the markets these days, the 
volatility — October was a great month, but some of the months have not 
been so good,” Conroy told House and Senate members at the Capitol. 
“We’ll see where we end up at the end of December. But, I think, where 
we stand right now, the return will probably be negative for calendar 
year 2022.”Conroy didn’t offer a projection as to how far under water the $24.8 
billion portfolio would be at close of this year’s business.Advocates of KPERS’ 300,000 members with careers in schools, the 
judiciary, law enforcement, firefighting and other government entities 
have pressured the Legislature for years to approve a cost of living 
increase, with many of those proposals ranging from 1% to 5%.In Kansas, the last cost of living adjustment was issued in 1998 and 
the last one-time cash bonus to retirees was made in 2008. The 
Legislature authorized 16 cost-of-living adjustments from 1971 to 1997.Sen. Rick Billinger, a Goodland Republican and chairman of the Senate
 Ways and Means Committee, said he wasn’t convinced the state should 
grant a COLA because it would inflate the system’s long term unfunded 
liability above the current $9.8 billion. KPERS is a prefunded system 
that invests employee and employer contributions to pay benefits years 
into the future. A COLA, which can be viewed as an unfunded benefit 
change, would exacerbate the unfunded liability.“The stock market is down today,” Billinger told Conroy during a 
meeting of an interim House-Senate committee. “And, you’re going to 
probably be negative or this year. We’re not going to short anybody what
 we have been paying them all along. They’re going to continue to get 
that check, even though the market is down.”The senator said a COLA would repeat mistakes of the past when the 
Legislature made a series of insufficient contributions to KPERS.“That’s the problem with our whole system now,” Billinger said. “We 
didn’t make the required contributions when we were supposed to.”Rep. Brandon Woodard, D-Lenexa, said only 10% of current KPERS 
retires were around in 1998 when the last COLA was approved. He said 
various legislative committees with ties to KPERS ought to seriously 
consider making the first adjustment in a quarter century.

Economy pushing KPERS returns into negative territory

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/christine-mcvie">Christine McVie,</a>&nbsp;the British-born Fleetwood Mac vocalist, songwriter and keyboard player whose cool, soulful contralto helped define such classics as “You Make Loving Fun,” “Everywhere” and “Don’t Stop,” died Wednesday at age 79.

Her death was announced on the band’s social media accounts. No cause of death or other details were immediately provided, but a family statement said she “passed away peacefully at hospital this morning” with family around her after a “short illness.”

“She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure,” the band’s statement reads in part.

McVie was a steady presence and personality&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/music-north-america-ap-top-news-entertainment-new-york-4e162817a630418887f50375a18e15bd">in a band known</a>&nbsp;for its frequent lineup changes and volatile personalities — notably fellow singer-songwriters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/stevie-nicks">Stevie Nicks</a>&nbsp;and Lindsey Buckingham. Her death is the first among Fleetwood Mac's most famous incarnation of McVie, Nicks, Buckingham, drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie, Christine's ex-husband.

Fleetwood Mac started out as a London blues band in the 1960s, and evolved into one of the defining makers of 1970s California pop-rock, with the talents of McVie, Nicks and Buckingham anchored by the rhythm section of Fleetwood and John McVie.

During its peak commercial years, from 1975-80, the band sold tens of millions of records and fascinated fans as it transformed personal battles into melodic, compelling songs. The McVies' breakup — along with the split of Nicks and Buckingham — was famously documented on the 1977 release “Rumours,” among the bestselling albums of all time.

Everyone in the group played a distinctive role: Fleetwood and John McVie formed a deep and bluesy groove, Buckingham was the resident mad genius and perfectionist, Nicks the charismatic dramatist and idol to countless young women and Christine McVie the grounded counterpoint, her economy as a singer and player well suited to her birth surname: Perfect.

“I was supposedly like the Mother Teresa who would hang out with everybody or just try and (keep) everything nice and cool and relaxed," she told Rolling Stone earlier this year. “But they were great people; they were great friends.”

Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. The group’s many other hit singles included Nicks’ “Dreams,” Buckingham’s “Go Your Own Way” and McVie’s “Little Lies.” One of McVie’s most beloved works, the thoughtful ballad “Songbird,” was a showcase for her in concert and covered by Willie Nelson, among others.

The midtempo rocker “Don't Stop," inspired by the end of her marriage, would gain unexpected political relevance when Bill Clinton adopted the song — and its “Don't stop thinking about tomorrow” refrain — as a theme to his 1992 presidential run.

McVie’s two marriages, to John McVie and Eduardo Quintela, both ended in divorce. Her boyfriends included the Beach Boys' Dennis Wilson, about whom she wrote “Only Over You."

McVie, born Christine Anne Perfect in Bouth, Lancashire, came from a musical family. Her father was a violinist and music teacher and her grandfather played organ at Westminster Abbey. She had been playing piano since childhood, but set aside her classical training once she heard early rock records by Fats Domino and others.

While studying at the Moseley School of Art, she befriended various members of Britain’s emerging blues scene and, in her 20s, joined the band Chicken Shack as a singer and piano player. Among the rival bands she admired was Fleetwood Mac, which then featured the talents of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-international-news-entertainment-mick-fleetwood-b-b-king-4d0f163fa8fdbfe5627830912bfc99af">blues guitarist Peter Green</a>&nbsp;along with the rhythm section of Fleetwood and John McVie. By 1970, she had joined the group and married John McVie.

Few bands succeeded so well as Fleetwood Mac, which has sold well over 100 million records, against such long odds. Green was among the many performers who left the group, and at various times Fleetwood Mac seemed on the verge of ending, or fading away. It was rescued by unexpected returns and interventions — including Clinton's — and one of rock's most fortuitous and lucrative hunches.

In the mid-1970s, Fleetwood Mac was down to just three members, Fleetwood and the two McVies. While spending time in Los Angeles, Fleetwood learned of a young duo from California, Buckingham and Nicks, that had recorded the little known album “Buckingham Nicks.” Impressed by their sound, he initially planned to ask just Buckingham to join, but the guitarist insisted the band also include Nicks, his girlfriend at the time.

The new lineup proved ideal, and almost instantly magical. Nicks and Christine McVie formed a lasting friendship, agreeing that as two of the rare women in rock they would always stand up for each other. And the harmonies and music making of Nicks, Buckingham and Christine McVie insured that such albums as “Fleetwood Mac," “Rumours” and “Mirage” had an enviable quality and variety of songwriting and vocal styles.

But the group's overwhelming success also led to inevitable conflicts and the desire for solo work. Over the following decades, Nicks became a star in her own right with such solo albums as “Bella Donna" and both Buckingham and Christine McVie departed for years — only to eventually come back.

The pair recorded the 2017 album “Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie.” She previously released the solo records “Christine Perfect,” “Christine McVie” and “In the Meantime.”

More recently,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c5a7d7db2aec4187b2510be2027f6288">Buckingham was kicked out,</a>&nbsp;replaced on tour by Mike Campbell and Neil Finn.

An anthology of her solo work, “Songbird,” was released earlier this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669838146676.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/christine-mcvie">Christine McVie,</a>&nbsp;the British-born Fleetwood Mac vocalist, songwriter and keyboard player whose cool, soulful contralto helped define such classics as “You Make Loving Fun,” “Everywhere” and “Don’t Stop,” died Wednesday at age 79.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I am so sad. RIP Christine McVie <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChristineMcVie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChristineMcVie</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FleetwoodMac?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FleetwoodMac</a> <a href="https://t.co/rIabhq7bY8">pic.twitter.com/rIabhq7bY8</a>&mdash; MarieFranceRemillard (@MFRemillard) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFRemillard/status/1598034957317902337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Her death was announced on the band’s social media accounts. No cause of death or other details were immediately provided, but a family statement said she “passed away peacefully at hospital this morning” with family around her after a “short illness.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/NhXmJjWLtt">pic.twitter.com/NhXmJjWLtt</a>&mdash; Fleetwood Mac (@fleetwoodmac) <a href="https://twitter.com/fleetwoodmac/status/1598036525903941632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure,” the band’s statement reads in part.McVie was a steady presence and personality&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/music-north-america-ap-top-news-entertainment-new-york-4e162817a630418887f50375a18e15bd">in a band known</a>&nbsp;for its frequent lineup changes and volatile personalities — notably fellow singer-songwriters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/stevie-nicks">Stevie Nicks</a>&nbsp;and Lindsey Buckingham. Her death is the first among Fleetwood Mac's most famous incarnation of McVie, Nicks, Buckingham, drummer Mick Fleetwood and bassist John McVie, Christine's ex-husband.Fleetwood Mac started out as a London blues band in the 1960s, and evolved into one of the defining makers of 1970s California pop-rock, with the talents of McVie, Nicks and Buckingham anchored by the rhythm section of Fleetwood and John McVie.During its peak commercial years, from 1975-80, the band sold tens of millions of records and fascinated fans as it transformed personal battles into melodic, compelling songs. The McVies' breakup — along with the split of Nicks and Buckingham — was famously documented on the 1977 release “Rumours,” among the bestselling albums of all time.Everyone in the group played a distinctive role: Fleetwood and John McVie formed a deep and bluesy groove, Buckingham was the resident mad genius and perfectionist, Nicks the charismatic dramatist and idol to countless young women and Christine McVie the grounded counterpoint, her economy as a singer and player well suited to her birth surname: Perfect.“I was supposedly like the Mother Teresa who would hang out with everybody or just try and (keep) everything nice and cool and relaxed," she told Rolling Stone earlier this year. “But they were great people; they were great friends.”Fleetwood Mac was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. The group’s many other hit singles included Nicks’ “Dreams,” Buckingham’s “Go Your Own Way” and McVie’s “Little Lies.” One of McVie’s most beloved works, the thoughtful ballad “Songbird,” was a showcase for her in concert and covered by Willie Nelson, among others.The midtempo rocker “Don't Stop," inspired by the end of her marriage, would gain unexpected political relevance when Bill Clinton adopted the song — and its “Don't stop thinking about tomorrow” refrain — as a theme to his 1992 presidential run.McVie’s two marriages, to John McVie and Eduardo Quintela, both ended in divorce. Her boyfriends included the Beach Boys' Dennis Wilson, about whom she wrote “Only Over You."McVie, born Christine Anne Perfect in Bouth, Lancashire, came from a musical family. Her father was a violinist and music teacher and her grandfather played organ at Westminster Abbey. She had been playing piano since childhood, but set aside her classical training once she heard early rock records by Fats Domino and others.While studying at the Moseley School of Art, she befriended various members of Britain’s emerging blues scene and, in her 20s, joined the band Chicken Shack as a singer and piano player. Among the rival bands she admired was Fleetwood Mac, which then featured the talents of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-international-news-entertainment-mick-fleetwood-b-b-king-4d0f163fa8fdbfe5627830912bfc99af">blues guitarist Peter Green</a>&nbsp;along with the rhythm section of Fleetwood and John McVie. By 1970, she had joined the group and married John McVie.Few bands succeeded so well as Fleetwood Mac, which has sold well over 100 million records, against such long odds. Green was among the many performers who left the group, and at various times Fleetwood Mac seemed on the verge of ending, or fading away. It was rescued by unexpected returns and interventions — including Clinton's — and one of rock's most fortuitous and lucrative hunches.In the mid-1970s, Fleetwood Mac was down to just three members, Fleetwood and the two McVies. While spending time in Los Angeles, Fleetwood learned of a young duo from California, Buckingham and Nicks, that had recorded the little known album “Buckingham Nicks.” Impressed by their sound, he initially planned to ask just Buckingham to join, but the guitarist insisted the band also include Nicks, his girlfriend at the time.The new lineup proved ideal, and almost instantly magical. Nicks and Christine McVie formed a lasting friendship, agreeing that as two of the rare women in rock they would always stand up for each other. And the harmonies and music making of Nicks, Buckingham and Christine McVie insured that such albums as “Fleetwood Mac," “Rumours” and “Mirage” had an enviable quality and variety of songwriting and vocal styles.But the group's overwhelming success also led to inevitable conflicts and the desire for solo work. Over the following decades, Nicks became a star in her own right with such solo albums as “Bella Donna" and both Buckingham and Christine McVie departed for years — only to eventually come back.The pair recorded the 2017 album “Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie.” She previously released the solo records “Christine Perfect,” “Christine McVie” and “In the Meantime.”More recently,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c5a7d7db2aec4187b2510be2027f6288">Buckingham was kicked out,</a>&nbsp;replaced on tour by Mike Campbell and Neil Finn.An anthology of her solo work, “Songbird,” was released earlier this year.

Christine McVie, Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter has died

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. House moved urgently to head off the looming nationwide rail strike on Wednesday, passing a bill that would bind companies and workers to a proposed settlement that was reached in September but rejected by some of the 12 unions involved.

The measure passed by a vote of 290-137 and now heads to the Senate. If approved there, it will be signed by President Joe Biden, who urged the Senate to act swiftly.

“Without the certainty of a final vote to avoid a shutdown this week, railroads will begin to halt the movement of critical materials like chemicals to clean our drinking water as soon as this weekend," Biden said. “Let me say that again: without action this week, disruptions to our auto supply chains, our ability to move food to tables, and our ability to remove hazardous waste from gasoline refineries will begin."

Business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Farm Bureau Federation have warned that halting rail service would cause a $2 billion per day hit to the economy.

The bill would impose a compromise labor agreement brokered by the Biden administration that was ultimately voted down by four of the 12 unions representing more than 100,000 employees at large freight rail carriers. The unions have threatened to strike if an agreement can’t be reached before a Dec. 9 deadline.

Lawmakers from both parties expressed reservations about overriding the negotiations. And the intervention was particularly difficult for Democratic lawmakers who have traditionally sought to align themselves with the politically powerful labor unions that criticized Biden’s move to intervene in the contract dispute and block a strike.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responded to that concern by adding a second vote Wednesday that would add seven days of paid sick leave per year for rail workers covered under the agreement. However, it will take effect only if the Senate goes along and passes both measures. The House passed the sick leave measure as well, but by a much narrower margin, 221-207, as Republicans overwhelmingly opposed it, indicating that prospects for passage of that add-on are slim in the evenly divided Senate.

The call for more paid sick leave was a major sticking point in the talks. The railroads say the unions have agreed in negotiations over the decades to forgo paid sick time in favor of higher wages and strong short-term disability benefits.

The head of the Association of American Railroads trade group said Tuesday that railroads would consider adding paid sick time in the future, but said that change should wait for a new round of negotiations instead of being added now, near the end of three years of contract talks.

The unions maintain that railroads can easily afford to add paid sick time at a time when they are recording record profits. Several of the big railroads involved in these contract talks reported more than $1 billion profit in the third quarter.

“Quite frankly, the fact that paid leave is not part of the final agreement between railroads and labor is, in my opinion, obscene," said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass. “It should be there and I hope it will be there at the end of this process."

Most rail workers don’t receive any paid sick time but they do have short-term disability benefits that kick in after as little as four days and can replace some of their income for a year or more. Rail workers do receive vacation and personal leave days, but workers say it’s difficult to use those for illnesses because they must typically be approved far ahead of time.

Republicans also voiced support for the measure to block the strike, but criticized the Biden administration for turning to Congress to “step in to fix the mess.”

“They've retreated in failure and they kicked this problem to Congress for us to decide,” said Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo.

Republicans criticized Pelosi's decision to add the sick leave bill to the mix. They said the Biden administration's own special board of arbitrators recommended higher wages to compensate the unions for not including sick time in its recommendations.

“Why do we even have the system set up the way it is if Congress is going to come in and make changes to all of the recommendations?" Graves said.

Pelosi sought to position Democrats and the Biden administration as defenders of unions and slammed the rail companies, saying they've slashed jobs, increased worker hours and cut corners on safety. But she said Congress needed to intervene.

“Families wouldn't be able to buy groceries or life-saving medications because it would be even more expensive and perishable goods would spoil before reaching shelves," Pelosi said.

The compromise agreement that was supported by the railroads and a majority of the unions provides for 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses retroactive to 2020 along with one additional paid leave day. The raises would be the biggest rail workers have received in more than four decades. Workers would have to pay a larger share of their health insurance costs, but their premiums would be capped at 15% of the total cost of the insurance plan. The agreement did not resolve workers’ concerns about schedules that make it hard to take a day off and the lack of more paid sick time.

On several past occasions, Congress has intervened in labor disputes by enacting legislation to delay or prohibit railway and airline strike

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669823879261.png" alt="The measure passed by a vote of 290-137 and now heads to the Senate- photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The measure passed by a vote of 290-137 and now heads to the Senate- photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. House moved urgently to head off the looming nationwide rail strike on Wednesday, passing a bill that would bind companies and workers to a proposed settlement that was reached in September but rejected by some of the 12 unions involved.The measure passed by a vote of 290-137 and now heads to the Senate. If approved there, it will be signed by President Joe Biden, who urged the Senate to act swiftly.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I&#39;m grateful to Speaker Pelosi and bipartisan House members for acting to prevent a rail shutdown, making clear it would devastate our economy and families everywhere. But without more action, supply chain disruptions will begin. The Senate must urgently send a bill to my desk.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1598028626154463233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“Without the certainty of a final vote to avoid a shutdown this week, railroads will begin to halt the movement of critical materials like chemicals to clean our drinking water as soon as this weekend," Biden said. “Let me say that again: without action this week, disruptions to our auto supply chains, our ability to move food to tables, and our ability to remove hazardous waste from gasoline refineries will begin."Business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Farm Bureau Federation have warned that halting rail service would cause a $2 billion per day hit to the economy.The bill would impose a compromise labor agreement brokered by the Biden administration that was ultimately voted down by four of the 12 unions representing more than 100,000 employees at large freight rail carriers. The unions have threatened to strike if an agreement can’t be reached before a Dec. 9 deadline.Lawmakers from both parties expressed reservations about overriding the negotiations. And the intervention was particularly difficult for Democratic lawmakers who have traditionally sought to align themselves with the politically powerful labor unions that criticized Biden’s move to intervene in the contract dispute and block a strike.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi responded to that concern by adding a second vote Wednesday that would add seven days of paid sick leave per year for rail workers covered under the agreement. However, it will take effect only if the Senate goes along and passes both measures. The House passed the sick leave measure as well, but by a much narrower margin, 221-207, as Republicans overwhelmingly opposed it, indicating that prospects for passage of that add-on are slim in the evenly divided Senate.The call for more paid sick leave was a major sticking point in the talks. The railroads say the unions have agreed in negotiations over the decades to forgo paid sick time in favor of higher wages and strong short-term disability benefits.The head of the Association of American Railroads trade group said Tuesday that railroads would consider adding paid sick time in the future, but said that change should wait for a new round of negotiations instead of being added now, near the end of three years of contract talks.The unions maintain that railroads can easily afford to add paid sick time at a time when they are recording record profits. Several of the big railroads involved in these contract talks reported more than $1 billion profit in the third quarter.“Quite frankly, the fact that paid leave is not part of the final agreement between railroads and labor is, in my opinion, obscene," said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass. “It should be there and I hope it will be there at the end of this process."Most rail workers don’t receive any paid sick time but they do have short-term disability benefits that kick in after as little as four days and can replace some of their income for a year or more. Rail workers do receive vacation and personal leave days, but workers say it’s difficult to use those for illnesses because they must typically be approved far ahead of time.Republicans also voiced support for the measure to block the strike, but criticized the Biden administration for turning to Congress to “step in to fix the mess.”“They've retreated in failure and they kicked this problem to Congress for us to decide,” said Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo.Republicans criticized Pelosi's decision to add the sick leave bill to the mix. They said the Biden administration's own special board of arbitrators recommended higher wages to compensate the unions for not including sick time in its recommendations.“Why do we even have the system set up the way it is if Congress is going to come in and make changes to all of the recommendations?" Graves said.Pelosi sought to position Democrats and the Biden administration as defenders of unions and slammed the rail companies, saying they've slashed jobs, increased worker hours and cut corners on safety. But she said Congress needed to intervene.“Families wouldn't be able to buy groceries or life-saving medications because it would be even more expensive and perishable goods would spoil before reaching shelves," Pelosi said.The compromise agreement that was supported by the railroads and a majority of the unions provides for 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses retroactive to 2020 along with one additional paid leave day. The raises would be the biggest rail workers have received in more than four decades. Workers would have to pay a larger share of their health insurance costs, but their premiums would be capped at 15% of the total cost of the insurance plan. The agreement did not resolve workers’ concerns about schedules that make it hard to take a day off and the lack of more paid sick time.On several past occasions, Congress has intervened in labor disputes by enacting legislation to delay or prohibit railway and airline strike

House OKs bill forcing rail unions to accept deal to avert a strike

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;3,609 new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Nov. 23 to Nov. 30, for a total of&nbsp; &nbsp;901,422 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 3,045 new cases the previous week.

On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported</a>&nbsp;22 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on Nov.23, for a total of 9,679.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”

The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;3,609 new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Nov. 23 to Nov. 30, for a total of&nbsp; &nbsp;901,422 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 3,045 new cases the previous week.On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported</a>&nbsp;22 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on Nov.23, for a total of 9,679.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669830897381.png" alt="Wednesday Nov. 30, 2022 -KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Nov. 30, 2022 -KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

KDHE reports increase in COVID cases; 22 more deaths

SALINE COUNTY — The family of a Salina man who died in a work-place accident last week has established an <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/nathaniels-memorial-and-funds-for-the-family?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unknown&amp;utm_campaign=comms_xljb+nathaniels-memorial-and-funds-for-the-family">online fundraiser</a> to help with expenses&nbsp;

On November 23, emergency personnel responded to Crestwood, Inc., a custom cabinetry business at 601. E. Water Well Road for the report of an accident, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

Nathaniel T.R. Goben, 27, of Salina, was moving a load of lumber when it fell on him.&nbsp; EMS transported Goben to Salina Regional Health Center, where he later died.

Goben is survived by a daughter Serenity.&nbsp; According to the <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/nathaniels-memorial-and-funds-for-the-family?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unknown&amp;utm_campaign=comms_xljb+nathaniels-memorial-and-funds-for-the-family">GoFundMe</a>, Goben's sister is asking for donations for funeral, memorial costs and to be able to get Goben's daughter some presents from him for Christmas.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669828894774.png" alt="Goben-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Goben-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY — The family of a Salina man who died in a work-place accident last week has established an <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/nathaniels-memorial-and-funds-for-the-family?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unknown&amp;utm_campaign=comms_xljb+nathaniels-memorial-and-funds-for-the-family">online fundraiser</a> to help with expenses&nbsp;On November 23, emergency personnel responded to Crestwood, Inc., a custom cabinetry business at 601. E. Water Well Road for the report of an accident, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.Nathaniel T.R. Goben, 27, of Salina, was moving a load of lumber when it fell on him.&nbsp; EMS transported Goben to Salina Regional Health Center, where he later died.Goben is survived by a daughter Serenity.&nbsp; According to the <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/nathaniels-memorial-and-funds-for-the-family?utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unknown&amp;utm_campaign=comms_xljb+nathaniels-memorial-and-funds-for-the-family">GoFundMe</a>, Goben's sister is asking for donations for funeral, memorial costs and to be able to get Goben's daughter some presents from him for Christmas.&nbsp;

Online fundraiser to help daughter of Kan. man killed in accident

WASHINGTON (AP) — Emboldened House Democrats ushered in a new generation of leaders on Wednesday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-pelosi-hakeem-jeffries-congress-government-and-politics-f898cc1a7c59c8f42f669b5f0f167385">Rep. Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;elected to be the first Black American to head a major political party in Congress as long-serving Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her team step aside next year.

Showing rare party unity after their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm election losses</a>, the House Democrats moved seamlessly from one history-making leader to another, choosing the 52-year-old New Yorker, who has vowed to “get things done,” even after Republicans won control of the chamber. The closed-door vote was unanimous, by acclamation.

“It’s a solemn responsibility that we are all inheriting,” Jeffries told reporters on the eve of the party meeting. “And the best thing that we can do as a result of the seriousness and solemnity of the moment is lean in hard and do the best damn job that we can for the people.”

It’s rare that a party that lost the midterm elections would so easily regroup and stands in stark contrast with the upheaval among Republicans, who are struggling to unite around&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-congress-government-and-politics-dbad6367bdeb3545f81584e339a4480a">GOP leader Kevin McCarthy</a>&nbsp;as the new House speaker as they prepare to take control when the new Congress convenes in January.

Wednesday’s internal Democratic caucus votes of Jeffries and the other top leaders came without challengers.

The trio led by Jeffries, who will become the Democratic minority leader in the new Congress, includes 59-year-old Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts as the Democratic whip and 43-year-old Rep. Pete Aguilar of California as caucus chairman. The new team of Democratic leaders is expected to slide into the slots held by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Pelosi and her top lieutenants</a>&nbsp;— Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and Democratic Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina — as the 80-something leaders make way for the next generation.

But in many ways, the trio has been transitioning in plain sight, as one aide put it — Jeffries, Clark and Aguilar working with Pelosi’s nod these past several years in lower-rung leadership roles as the first woman to have the speaker’s gavel prepared to step down. Pelosi, of California, has led the House Democrats for the past 20 years, and colleagues late Tuesday granted her the honorific title of “speaker emerita.”

“It an important moment for the caucus — that there’s a new generation of leadership,” said Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., ahead of voting.

While Democrats will be relegated to the House minority in the new year, they will have a certain amount of leverage because the Republican majority is expected to be so slim and McCarthy’s hold on his party fragile.

The House's two new potential leaders, Jeffries and McCarthy, are of the same generation but have almost no real relationship to speak of — in fact the Democrat is known for leveling political barbs at the Republican from afar, particularly over the GOP’s embrace of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-2024-updates-cd5339d48064a149527e8f9a1aa7614e">former President Donald Trump</a>. Jeffries served as a House manager during Trump’s first impeachment.

“We’re still working through the implications of Trumpism,” Jeffries said, “and what it has meant, as a very destabilizing force for American democracy.”

Jeffries said he hopes to find “common ground when possible” with Republicans but will “oppose their extremism when we must.”

On the other side of the Capitol, Jeffries will have a partner in Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer as two New Yorkers are poised to helm the Democratic leadership in Congress. They live about a mile (1.6 kilometers) apart in Brooklyn.

“There are going to be a group, in my judgment, of mainstream Republicans who are not going to want to go in the MAGA direction, and Hakeem’s the ideal type guy to work with them,” Schumer said in an interview, referencing Trump's “Make America Great Again” slogan.

Jeffries has sometimes been met with skepticism from party progressives, viewed as a more centrist figure among House Democrats.

But Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., a progressive and part of the “squad” of liberal lawmakers, said she has been heartened by the way Jeffries and his team are reaching out, even though they face no challengers.

“There’s a genuine sense that he wants to develop relationships and working partnerships with many of us,” she said.

Clark, in the No. 2 spot, is seen as a coalition builder on the leadership team, while Aguilar, as the third-ranking leader, is known as a behind-the-scenes conduit to centrists and even Republicans.

Clyburn, now the highest-ranking Black American in Congress, will seek to become the assistant democratic leader, helping the new generation to transition.

The election for Clyburn's post and several others are expected to be held Thursday.

Jeffries’ ascent comes as a milestone for Black Americans, the Capitol built with the labor of enslaved people and its dome later expanded during Abraham Lincoln’s presidency as a symbol the nation would stand during the Civil War.

“The thing about Pete, Katherine and myself is that we embrace what the House represents," Jeffries said, calling it “the institution closest to the people.”

While the House Democrats are often a big, diverse, “noisy family,” he said, “it’s a good thing." He said, "At the end of the day, we’re always committed to finding the highest common denominator in order to get big things done for everyday Americans.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668779053785.png" alt="Hakeem Jeffries-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Hakeem Jeffries-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Emboldened House Democrats ushered in a new generation of leaders on Wednesday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-pelosi-hakeem-jeffries-congress-government-and-politics-f898cc1a7c59c8f42f669b5f0f167385">Rep. Hakeem Jeffries</a>&nbsp;elected to be the first Black American to head a major political party in Congress as long-serving Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her team step aside next year.Showing rare party unity after their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm election losses</a>, the House Democrats moved seamlessly from one history-making leader to another, choosing the 52-year-old New Yorker, who has vowed to “get things done,” even after Republicans won control of the chamber. The closed-door vote was unanimous, by acclamation.“It’s a solemn responsibility that we are all inheriting,” Jeffries told reporters on the eve of the party meeting. “And the best thing that we can do as a result of the seriousness and solemnity of the moment is lean in hard and do the best damn job that we can for the people.”It’s rare that a party that lost the midterm elections would so easily regroup and stands in stark contrast with the upheaval among Republicans, who are struggling to unite around&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-congress-government-and-politics-dbad6367bdeb3545f81584e339a4480a">GOP leader Kevin McCarthy</a>&nbsp;as the new House speaker as they prepare to take control when the new Congress convenes in January.Wednesday’s internal Democratic caucus votes of Jeffries and the other top leaders came without challengers.The trio led by Jeffries, who will become the Democratic minority leader in the new Congress, includes 59-year-old Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts as the Democratic whip and 43-year-old Rep. Pete Aguilar of California as caucus chairman. The new team of Democratic leaders is expected to slide into the slots held by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Pelosi and her top lieutenants</a>&nbsp;— Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and Democratic Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina — as the 80-something leaders make way for the next generation.But in many ways, the trio has been transitioning in plain sight, as one aide put it — Jeffries, Clark and Aguilar working with Pelosi’s nod these past several years in lower-rung leadership roles as the first woman to have the speaker’s gavel prepared to step down. Pelosi, of California, has led the House Democrats for the past 20 years, and colleagues late Tuesday granted her the honorific title of “speaker emerita.”“It an important moment for the caucus — that there’s a new generation of leadership,” said Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., ahead of voting.While Democrats will be relegated to the House minority in the new year, they will have a certain amount of leverage because the Republican majority is expected to be so slim and McCarthy’s hold on his party fragile.The House's two new potential leaders, Jeffries and McCarthy, are of the same generation but have almost no real relationship to speak of — in fact the Democrat is known for leveling political barbs at the Republican from afar, particularly over the GOP’s embrace of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-2024-updates-cd5339d48064a149527e8f9a1aa7614e">former President Donald Trump</a>. Jeffries served as a House manager during Trump’s first impeachment.“We’re still working through the implications of Trumpism,” Jeffries said, “and what it has meant, as a very destabilizing force for American democracy.”Jeffries said he hopes to find “common ground when possible” with Republicans but will “oppose their extremism when we must.”On the other side of the Capitol, Jeffries will have a partner in Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer as two New Yorkers are poised to helm the Democratic leadership in Congress. They live about a mile (1.6 kilometers) apart in Brooklyn.“There are going to be a group, in my judgment, of mainstream Republicans who are not going to want to go in the MAGA direction, and Hakeem’s the ideal type guy to work with them,” Schumer said in an interview, referencing Trump's “Make America Great Again” slogan.Jeffries has sometimes been met with skepticism from party progressives, viewed as a more centrist figure among House Democrats.But Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., a progressive and part of the “squad” of liberal lawmakers, said she has been heartened by the way Jeffries and his team are reaching out, even though they face no challengers.“There’s a genuine sense that he wants to develop relationships and working partnerships with many of us,” she said.Clark, in the No. 2 spot, is seen as a coalition builder on the leadership team, while Aguilar, as the third-ranking leader, is known as a behind-the-scenes conduit to centrists and even Republicans.Clyburn, now the highest-ranking Black American in Congress, will seek to become the assistant democratic leader, helping the new generation to transition.The election for Clyburn's post and several others are expected to be held Thursday.Jeffries’ ascent comes as a milestone for Black Americans, the Capitol built with the labor of enslaved people and its dome later expanded during Abraham Lincoln’s presidency as a symbol the nation would stand during the Civil War.“The thing about Pete, Katherine and myself is that we embrace what the House represents," Jeffries said, calling it “the institution closest to the people.”While the House Democrats are often a big, diverse, “noisy family,” he said, “it’s a good thing." He said, "At the end of the day, we’re always committed to finding the highest common denominator in order to get big things done for everyday Americans.”___

Hakeem Jeffries unanimously elected to lead House Democrats

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/28/kansas-legislators-say-its-time-to-fix-mental-health-bed-shortages/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA
 — After months of meetings and complaints from civilians and law 
enforcement officials, lawmakers say they have clear targets in 
addressing the state’s severe mental health care shortages.

With a shortage of room in 
psychiatric facilities across the state, community hospitals and jails 
have had to shoulder housing and care costs for mentally unstable 
patients without reimbursement. People deemed a danger to themselves or 
others are processed by the district attorney’s office and sent to the 
county jail until a hospital bed is ready.&nbsp;

In Sedgwick County, the problem is acute. Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeffrey Easter estimated about&nbsp;30%
 to 33% of the inmate population had some sort of mental illness, and 
had to wait months for space to open up at Larned State Hospital, the 
state’s largest psychiatric facility.&nbsp;

Legislators on the 2022 Special 
Committee on Mental Health Beds have been urged by local government 
officials, sheriffs and civilians to fund more services over the last 
couple of months.&nbsp;

During a Monday meeting, lawmakers 
made a list of recommendations, including adding up to 50 additional 
state institutional beds in the Sedgwick County area in a location that 
has room for expansion.&nbsp;

“It’s just the beginning of where 
we’re going to head because it’s a long process and a difficult 
process,” Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, said.&nbsp;

Legislators said this process should 
begin within the next calendar year and be funded with $40 million in 
American Rescue Plan funds that&nbsp; Sedgwick County previously requested 
for this project.&nbsp;

Another recommendation was that the 
State Finance Council release $15 million appropriated to the Kansas 
Department for Aging and Disability Services for a new state hospital so
 the department could begin its development process.&nbsp;

Lawmakers also plan to set up a Zoom 
meeting with mental health certification institutions, including 
colleges, state agencies and the Kansas Board of Nursing to find ways to
 bring in more mental health care workers to the state.

“The bigger picture across the state 
has to do with how do we get our next generation interested in the 
proper course curriculum, or exposed to serving a mental health 
community?” Sen. Carolyn McGinn, R-Sedgwick, said.&nbsp;

McGinn said they should start getting
 junior-level students interested in the course material, and have these
 students continue to take related subjects throughout high school.&nbsp;

McGinn said there was a noticeable 
shortage of mental health and developmental disability technicians 
across the state, with 46 vacancies at Osawatomie State Hospital and 60 
vacancies at Larned State Hospital.&nbsp;

Possible solutions include 
scholarships for health care students, reducing barriers that would 
prevent retired workers from rejoining the workforce and ways to make 
health care degrees more attainable for Kansans.&nbsp;

Another recommendation was to 
investigate new forms of technology as a tool to provide mental health 
services, such as apps to reach people struggling with mental health 
issues.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669753545985.png" alt="Kansas lawmakers say they have several recommendations for fixing the state's mental health bed shortages. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from KDADS video)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas lawmakers say they have several recommendations for fixing the state's mental health bed shortages. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from KDADS video)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/28/kansas-legislators-say-its-time-to-fix-mental-health-bed-shortages/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA
 — After months of meetings and complaints from civilians and law 
enforcement officials, lawmakers say they have clear targets in 
addressing the state’s severe mental health care shortages.With a shortage of room in 
psychiatric facilities across the state, community hospitals and jails 
have had to shoulder housing and care costs for mentally unstable 
patients without reimbursement. People deemed a danger to themselves or 
others are processed by the district attorney’s office and sent to the 
county jail until a hospital bed is ready.&nbsp;In Sedgwick County, the problem is acute. Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeffrey Easter estimated about&nbsp;30%
 to 33% of the inmate population had some sort of mental illness, and 
had to wait months for space to open up at Larned State Hospital, the 
state’s largest psychiatric facility.&nbsp;Legislators on the 2022 Special 
Committee on Mental Health Beds have been urged by local government 
officials, sheriffs and civilians to fund more services over the last 
couple of months.&nbsp;During a Monday meeting, lawmakers 
made a list of recommendations, including adding up to 50 additional 
state institutional beds in the Sedgwick County area in a location that 
has room for expansion.&nbsp;“It’s just the beginning of where 
we’re going to head because it’s a long process and a difficult 
process,” Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, said.&nbsp;Legislators said this process should 
begin within the next calendar year and be funded with $40 million in 
American Rescue Plan funds that&nbsp; Sedgwick County previously requested 
for this project.&nbsp;Another recommendation was that the 
State Finance Council release $15 million appropriated to the Kansas 
Department for Aging and Disability Services for a new state hospital so
 the department could begin its development process.&nbsp;Lawmakers also plan to set up a Zoom 
meeting with mental health certification institutions, including 
colleges, state agencies and the Kansas Board of Nursing to find ways to
 bring in more mental health care workers to the state.“The bigger picture across the state 
has to do with how do we get our next generation interested in the 
proper course curriculum, or exposed to serving a mental health 
community?” Sen. Carolyn McGinn, R-Sedgwick, said.&nbsp;McGinn said they should start getting
 junior-level students interested in the course material, and have these
 students continue to take related subjects throughout high school.&nbsp;McGinn said there was a noticeable 
shortage of mental health and developmental disability technicians 
across the state, with 46 vacancies at Osawatomie State Hospital and 60 
vacancies at Larned State Hospital.&nbsp;Possible solutions include 
scholarships for health care students, reducing barriers that would 
prevent retired workers from rejoining the workforce and ways to make 
health care degrees more attainable for Kansans.&nbsp;Another recommendation was to 
investigate new forms of technology as a tool to provide mental health 
services, such as apps to reach people struggling with mental health 
issues.&nbsp;

Kan. lawmakers: It’s time to fix mental health bed shortages

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have two suspects in custody.

Just after 1p.m. Tuesday, detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department responded to report of a shooting in the 500 block of N. 64th Street, according to a media release.

First responders found a man outside the residence with a gunshot wound. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he died.

 Two suspects, a man and woman are currently in custody. Police have not released the name of the victim or additional details.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have two suspects in custody.Just after 1p.m. Tuesday, detectives with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department responded to report of a shooting in the 500 block of N. 64th Street, according to a media release.First responders found a man outside the residence with a gunshot wound. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he died. Two suspects, a man and woman are currently in custody. Police have not released the name of the victim or additional details.

Man, woman in custody after deadly Kansas shooting 

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Railroad unions on Tuesday decried President Joe Biden's call for Congress to intervene in their contract dispute, saying it undercuts their efforts to address workers'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality of life concerns</a>, but businesses stressed that it is crucial to avoid a strike next week that would devastate the economy.

Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that lawmakers will be asked to vote this week to impose the terms of the deals the 12 unions agreed to before an original strike deadline in September, even though four of those unions representing more than half of the 115,000 rail workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-congress-government-and-politics-79d2e2c2779598b0a14396464ee4f7e9">rejected them</a>. Eight other unions ratified the five-year deals that include 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses.

Biden said he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-congress-government-and-politics-44c88740ed57ba96a20c4fc6fffb230b">reluctantly agreed</a>&nbsp;that it would be best to override the union votes because the potential&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-strikes-climate-and-environment-government-politics-92ea7632a29f807ccc0e2658c50d731e">damage to the economy</a>&nbsp;would be too great.

“Congress I think has to act to prevent it,” Biden said Tuesday. "It’s not an easy call but I think we have to do it. The economy’s at risk.”

Unions and worker groups have been pushing to improve the demanding schedules they say make it hard for workers to ever take a day off and persuade railroads to add paid sick time. They have threatened to strike if new agreements can't be reached before a Dec. 9 deadline.

“It is not enough to ‘share workers’ concerns'," said the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union said in a statement. “A call to Congress to act immediately to pass legislation that adopts tentative agreements that exclude paid sick leave ignores the railroad workers’ concerns.” The union is one of the four that rejected their deal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669762218251.png" alt="Biden on Tuesday said he&nbsp;reluctantly agreed&nbsp;that it would be best to override the union votes because the potential&nbsp;damage to the economy&nbsp;would be too great-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Biden on Tuesday said he&nbsp;reluctantly agreed&nbsp;that it would be best to override the union votes because the potential&nbsp;damage to the economy&nbsp;would be too great-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Railroad unions on Tuesday decried President Joe Biden's call for Congress to intervene in their contract dispute, saying it undercuts their efforts to address workers'&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality of life concerns</a>, but businesses stressed that it is crucial to avoid a strike next week that would devastate the economy.Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that lawmakers will be asked to vote this week to impose the terms of the deals the 12 unions agreed to before an original strike deadline in September, even though four of those unions representing more than half of the 115,000 rail workers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-congress-government-and-politics-79d2e2c2779598b0a14396464ee4f7e9">rejected them</a>. Eight other unions ratified the five-year deals that include 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The corporate greed never ends. Last year, the rail industry made a record-breaking $20 billion in profits after cutting their workforce by 30% over the last 6 years. Meanwhile, rail workers have ZERO guaranteed paid sick days. Congress must stand with rail workers.&mdash; Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) <a href="https://twitter.com/BernieSanders/status/1596955898832130048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden said he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-congress-government-and-politics-44c88740ed57ba96a20c4fc6fffb230b">reluctantly agreed</a>&nbsp;that it would be best to override the union votes because the potential&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-strikes-climate-and-environment-government-politics-92ea7632a29f807ccc0e2658c50d731e">damage to the economy</a>&nbsp;would be too great.“Congress I think has to act to prevent it,” Biden said Tuesday. "It’s not an easy call but I think we have to do it. The economy’s at risk.”Unions and worker groups have been pushing to improve the demanding schedules they say make it hard for workers to ever take a day off and persuade railroads to add paid sick time. They have threatened to strike if new agreements can't be reached before a Dec. 9 deadline.“It is not enough to ‘share workers’ concerns'," said the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union said in a statement. “A call to Congress to act immediately to pass legislation that adopts tentative agreements that exclude paid sick leave ignores the railroad workers’ concerns.” The union is one of the four that rejected their deal.The railroads that include BNSF, Union Pacific, CSX, Kansas City Southern and Norfolk Southern have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-business-strikes-940da8fc519f8c526ca614e201d01216">refused</a>&nbsp;to consider adding sick time because they didn't want to spend any more on the labor deals than they agreed to in September. They have also argued that rail unions have agreed over the decades to forego paid sick time in favor of higher wages and stronger short-term disability benefits.Conductor Gabe Christenson, who is co chairman of the Railroad Workers United coalition that includes workers from all the rail unions, said Biden and the Democrats are siding with the railroads over workers.“The ’most labor-friendly president in history' has proven that he and the Democratic Party are not the friends of labor they have touted themselves to be," said Christenson, whose group encouraged workers to reject these deals. “These wolves in sheep’s clothing have for decades been in bed with corporate America and have allowed them to continue chipping away at the American middle class and organized labor.”Paul Lindsey, a longtime Union Pacific engineer based in Pocatello, Idaho, who is active with Railroad Workers United, said Congress and Biden seem to be sending the message that “your quality of life, your time off, your days, your standard of living doesn't matter if you getting a pay increase is going to hurt business.”But business groups that have been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-economy-congress-government-and-politics-6b60d53fefc7b85f301b0a3e7011715b">pressuring Congress and Biden</a>&nbsp;to intervene in the talks praised the president's decision and said they hope Republicans and Democrats can work together to resolve this quickly.“Truly, the only thing standing in the way of ensuring the American economy doesn’t take a major hit as a consequence of a catastrophic rail strike is the United States Congress," said Mike Sommers, president and chief executive officer of the American Petroleum Institute. “We need to make sure that the United States Congress acts on this as quickly as possible.”A rail strike would affect nearly every industry because so many businesses rely on railroads to deliver their raw materials and finished products. The railroads have estimated that a strike would cost the economy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">$2 billion a day</a>&nbsp;and could force many manufacturers to shut down and lay off workers. Plus, commuter railroads and Amtrak would be disrupted because many of them rely on tracks owned by the freight railroads.Mike Seyfert, CEO of the National Grain and Feed Association, said the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">widespread severe impact</a>&nbsp;that's expected if there is a rail strike should inspire bipartisan agreement among lawmakers. The impact of a strike would begin to be felt up to a week before the deadline because railroads would begin halting shipments of hazardous chemicals and perishable products ahead of time to ensure they wouldn't be stranded along the tracks.“Last time I checked, every constituent of every member of the House and Senate has to eat,” Seyfert said. “And so I would think that when you look at potential impacts to the food and ag supply chain hopefully that would help to move this agreement along.”