SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in a house fire Thursday in Topeka.

Just before 4:30a.m., crews responded to the report of a house fire at 1814 SW Randolph Street, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.

 While fire crews were on their way to the fire, they were notified of the possibility of occupants still being in the home.

&nbsp;Firefighters made an attack on the fire and quickly extinguished it. During a search of the one story home, investigators found one victim identified as 68-year-old Kenneth L. Lindeen, 68, of Topeka.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead.

The total damage is estimated to be $90,000, with $55,000 associated with structural loss and $35,000 associated with content loss.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668717497568.png" alt="The total damage is estimated to be $90,000, with $55,000 associated with structural loss and $35,000 associated with content loss-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The total damage is estimated to be $90,000, with $55,000 associated with structural loss and $35,000 associated with content loss-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person died in a house fire Thursday in Topeka.Just before 4:30a.m., crews responded to the report of a house fire at 1814 SW Randolph Street, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl. While fire crews were on their way to the fire, they were notified of the possibility of occupants still being in the home.&nbsp;Firefighters made an attack on the fire and quickly extinguished it. During a search of the one story home, investigators found one victim identified as 68-year-old Kenneth L. Lindeen, 68, of Topeka.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668702628928.png" alt="Photo WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>The total damage is estimated to be $90,000, with $55,000 associated with structural loss and $35,000 associated with content loss.

Fire Marshal IDs Kansas man who died in house fire

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-11-17/kansas-is-adding-court-programs-that-help-veterans-struggling-with-trauma-and-addiction">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA, Kansas — Corey Schramm had been on probation twice because of legal troubles, but it didn’t help. His life before recovery was not great.

“Every day, I was either stoned, or drunk or probably both,” Schramm said.

His
 relationship with his kids suffered and he bounced from job to job. But
 his life changed when he was enrolled in veterans court, a special type
 of court exclusively for military members tailored to deal with mental 
health issues and other challenges they face.

Schramm said after 
going through the court, his marriage is as strong as it has ever been 
and his relationship with his children has improved. He is even trying 
to become an addiction counselor.

“There’s a lot more happiness 
and a lot more stuff going forward instead of backward.” said Schramm, 
who served in the Army from 2003-2012.

More people in Kansas could
 be receiving that type of help soon because $3.1 million in grants will
 establish programs in Shawnee, Sedgwick and Leavenworth counties. The 
funding will be paid out over four years.

These three courts join 
the two specialty programs that already exist in Johnson County and 
Wyandotte County. All five veterans courts could be launched by January 
2023.

The money will also create a statewide specialty court 
coordinator position. This position will first focus on the veterans 
program before overseeing other courts.

These courts work by 
building a support group around veterans, including parole officers, 
rehab specialists and others who served in the military. Mental health 
and substance abuse courts exist for members of the general public, 
though it depends county by county if they are available.

Schramm said there is a special bond between service members that this type of court leverages.

“The
 staff in veterans court kind of understood what made you tick,” he 
said. “I don’t think (civilians will) ever understand unless you 
actually go through it.”

One in four active duty members show 
signs of mental health conditions, a 2014 study from JAMA Psychiatry 
found. Those issues might also be specific to veterans, like PTSD from 
being deployed, which is why a court specifically focusing on that 
population can help.

Veterans courts, like all specialty courts, 
are no walk in the park. They could involve regular supervision, 
counseling and even drug tests – which for Schramm sometimes came five 
times a week.

Johnson County Judge Timothy McCarthy said service 
members likely need a combination of mental health and substance abuse 
services, something these specialty courts combine.

About 10 
people graduate from the Johnson County veterans court each year, and 
that program has graduated about 60 people since its inception in 2016. 
Another 20 are currently in the program.

McCarthy said these 
courts save taxpayers money because the services can keep people out of 
jail or prison, which are far more expensive. He said about 95% of the 
people who graduate from the court avoid future legal troubles, a better
 rate than other court programs.

Veterans courts are starting to 
boom across the country. Johnson County’s court was the 287th in the 
country, but now there are over 600. The first court was launched in 
2008 by now-retired judge Robert Russell in Buffalo, New York.

Russell said on a <a href="https://bja.ojp.gov/podcast/story-of-veterans-treatment-courts" target="_blank">Department of Justice podcast</a>
 that military members were coming to his court often with substance use
 and mental health issues. He remembers one instance of a veteran being 
unresponsive to treatment and when Russell asked him why, he barely got a
 response. The person didn’t even make eye contact with the judge.

It
 wasn’t until two veterans who were also in court that day talked to the
 person and convinced them to engage more with treatment.

Bill 
Turner, director of the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office, 
said these programs also help connect people with service in the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.

Northeast Kansas has a large swath
 of veterans, and Topeka, Wichita and Leavenworth have the three VA 
medical centers in the state – though plenty of outpatient clinics are 
scattered throughout Kansas.

Turner, a retired brigadier general, 
said the courts could provide a more comfortable way to engage in VA 
services. Having court personnel and other service members also adds an 
extra layer of accountability.

“This is a proactive program,” Turner said. “It's a proactive way to get veterans to … (get) this help.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668694220881.png" alt="Corey Schramm (middle) graduates from a veterans court in Johnson County next to U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids (right). Courtesy Corey Schramm" />
 <figcaption>Corey Schramm (middle) graduates from a veterans court in Johnson County next to U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids (right). Courtesy Corey Schramm</figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-11-17/kansas-is-adding-court-programs-that-help-veterans-struggling-with-trauma-and-addiction">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA, Kansas — Corey Schramm had been on probation twice because of legal troubles, but it didn’t help. His life before recovery was not great.“Every day, I was either stoned, or drunk or probably both,” Schramm said.His
 relationship with his kids suffered and he bounced from job to job. But
 his life changed when he was enrolled in veterans court, a special type
 of court exclusively for military members tailored to deal with mental 
health issues and other challenges they face.Schramm said after 
going through the court, his marriage is as strong as it has ever been 
and his relationship with his children has improved. He is even trying 
to become an addiction counselor.“There’s a lot more happiness 
and a lot more stuff going forward instead of backward.” said Schramm, 
who served in the Army from 2003-2012.More people in Kansas could
 be receiving that type of help soon because $3.1 million in grants will
 establish programs in Shawnee, Sedgwick and Leavenworth counties. The 
funding will be paid out over four years.These three courts join 
the two specialty programs that already exist in Johnson County and 
Wyandotte County. All five veterans courts could be launched by January 
2023.The money will also create a statewide specialty court 
coordinator position. This position will first focus on the veterans 
program before overseeing other courts.These courts work by 
building a support group around veterans, including parole officers, 
rehab specialists and others who served in the military. Mental health 
and substance abuse courts exist for members of the general public, 
though it depends county by county if they are available.Schramm said there is a special bond between service members that this type of court leverages.“The
 staff in veterans court kind of understood what made you tick,” he 
said. “I don’t think (civilians will) ever understand unless you 
actually go through it.”One in four active duty members show 
signs of mental health conditions, a 2014 study from JAMA Psychiatry 
found. Those issues might also be specific to veterans, like PTSD from 
being deployed, which is why a court specifically focusing on that 
population can help.Veterans courts, like all specialty courts, 
are no walk in the park. They could involve regular supervision, 
counseling and even drug tests – which for Schramm sometimes came five 
times a week.Johnson County Judge Timothy McCarthy said service 
members likely need a combination of mental health and substance abuse 
services, something these specialty courts combine.About 10 
people graduate from the Johnson County veterans court each year, and 
that program has graduated about 60 people since its inception in 2016. 
Another 20 are currently in the program.McCarthy said these 
courts save taxpayers money because the services can keep people out of 
jail or prison, which are far more expensive. He said about 95% of the 
people who graduate from the court avoid future legal troubles, a better
 rate than other court programs.Veterans courts are starting to 
boom across the country. Johnson County’s court was the 287th in the 
country, but now there are over 600. The first court was launched in 
2008 by now-retired judge Robert Russell in Buffalo, New York.Russell said on a <a href="https://bja.ojp.gov/podcast/story-of-veterans-treatment-courts" target="_blank">Department of Justice podcast</a>
 that military members were coming to his court often with substance use
 and mental health issues. He remembers one instance of a veteran being 
unresponsive to treatment and when Russell asked him why, he barely got a
 response. The person didn’t even make eye contact with the judge.It
 wasn’t until two veterans who were also in court that day talked to the
 person and convinced them to engage more with treatment.Bill 
Turner, director of the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office, 
said these programs also help connect people with service in the 
Department of Veterans Affairs.Northeast Kansas has a large swath
 of veterans, and Topeka, Wichita and Leavenworth have the three VA 
medical centers in the state – though plenty of outpatient clinics are 
scattered throughout Kansas.Turner, a retired brigadier general, 
said the courts could provide a more comfortable way to engage in VA 
services. Having court personnel and other service members also adds an 
extra layer of accountability.“This is a proactive program,” Turner said. “It's a proactive way to get veterans to … (get) this help.”

Kansas court programs help vets struggling with trauma, addiction

WASHINGTON (AP) —Among U.S. faith leaders and denominations, there are sharp differences over the bill advancing in the Senate that would protect same-sex and interracial marriages in federal law.

The measure, a high priority for congressional Democrats, won a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/same-sex-marriage-senate-democrats-d09d4716102cf003212bab1f970e6a41">key test vote</a>&nbsp;Wednesday when 12 Senate Republicans joined all Democrats to forward the bill for a final vote in the coming days. At least 10 GOP senators were needed for that to happen.

On Tuesday, one of the most prominent conservative-leaning denominations --&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-relationships-gay-rights-utah-07847f4b7e3e96d81c10a298a199b860">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>&nbsp;-- came out in favor of the legislation. But the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention remain opposed, saying the bill – even with a newly added amendment aimed at attracting Republican support – is a dire threat to religious liberty.

A paramount concern for these leaders of the country's two largest denominations is that even the updated bill would not protect religious schools or faith-based nonprofits such as adoption and foster care providers.

The bill “is an intentional attack on the religious freedom of millions of Americans with sincerely held beliefs about marriage, based on dictates of faith in God,” leaders of the Missouri Baptist Convention, an SBC affiliate, said in a letter this week to U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, a Missouri Republican.

The letter failed to sway Blunt; he voted for the bill.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, chairman of the Catholic bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty, dismissed the bipartisan amendment as failing even the “meager goal” of preserving the status quo in balancing religious freedom with the right to same-sex marriage.

“The bill will be a new arrow in the quiver of those who wish to deny religious organizations’ liberty to freely exercise their religious duties, strip them of their tax exemptions, or exclude them from full participation in the public arena,” Dolan said earlier this week.

Meanwhile, many left-of-center faith leaders are cheering the bill, including some who planned a Thursday morning rally at the U.S. Capitol. Rally sponsors include the Interfaith Alliance, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, the United Church of Christ Justice and Local Church Ministries and Hindus for Human Rights.

“This is common sense legislation which provides religious liberty for all and not just a few,” said Tarunjit Singh Butalia, executive director of Religions for Peace USA. “Faith communities need to work on living out the principles of marriage enshrined in their own faith without imposing their religious views on people of other faiths and no faith."

The bill won approval in the House in July. A final Senate vote is expected soon, and the measure — if approved — would then return to the House for consideration of Senate changes.

The bill has gained steady momentum since the Supreme Court’s June&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">decision that overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;and the federal right to abortion. An opinion at that time from Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-marriage-71af5f7862f8008299702f7b1a4147b5">earlier high court decision</a>&nbsp;protecting same-sex marriage could also come under threat.

Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, noted the court opinions in her statement lauding Wednesday's vote. She called the legislation a “vital step in our nation’s march toward freedom without favor and equality without exception.”

The legislation included a proposed Senate amendment, designed to bring more Republicans on board, clarifying that it does not affect rights of private individuals or businesses that are already enshrined in law. Another tweak would make clear that a marriage is between two people, an effort to ward off some far-right criticism that the legislation could endorse polygamy.

However, numerous conservative faith leaders scoffed at the changes.

“The new amended Senate bill—the ‘commonsense’ bill that ‘protects Americans’ religious liberties’—actually does no such thing,” wrote the Rev. Al Mohler Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, in an opinion piece. “What is left wide open is the threat to ministries such as Christian orphanages and children’s care as well as adoption ministries and foster care.”

The head of the Southern Baptist’s public policy arm, Brent Leatherwood of the Ethics &amp; Religious Liberty Commission, faulted the bill’s Senate backers for pushing legislation “that will only divide us.”

“We oppose this bill because marriage is an institution created by God, one with a very specific design: A union between one man and one woman for life,” Leatherwood said via email.

Pastor Jack Hibbs who leads Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, an evangelical megachurch in Southern California, said the legislation “creates an atmosphere of great disrespect for marriage.”

“We have seen this in recent years, for example, regarding businesses that provide services for weddings, from wedding venues to bakeries and florists,” he said, adding that nonprofits could be sued “because of their personal and foundational convictions, which should be protected by the First Amendment.”

San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, chairman of the Catholic bishops' Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, said the bill provided inadequate religious protections.

“I object to language like exceptions, because it means that we’re allowed a pass to discriminate,” he said in an interview Wednesday. “But that’s not what we’re doing at all. We’re affirming that children need a mother and a father."

He acknowledged that leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “seem to be moving in a different direction” regarding same-sex marriage. “But they’ve been very, very strong partners with us in trying to keep the focus on the the need to preserve the family."

In its statement Tuesday, the Utah-based LDS said church doctrine would continue to consider same-sex relationships to be against God’s commandments, but that it would support rights for same-sex couples as long as they didn’t infringe upon religious groups’ right to believe as they choose.

Among the faith leaders urging passage of the bill was the Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, an American Baptist pastor who is president of Interfaith Alliance and is part of a same-sex marriage.

”There is a misconception that faith and LGBTQ+ equality are fundamentally incompatible,” he wrote in an opinion piece carried Wednesday by Religion News Service.

“As a religious leader, I regard this historic legislation as an important contribution to America’s religious freedom,” he wrote. ”More immediately, I am not willing to leave the status of the marriages I’ve performed or my own to chance.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668632835182.png" alt="On Wednesday 12 Senate Republicans joined all Democrats to forward the bill for a final vote in the coming days.-photo courtesy CSPAn" />
 <figcaption>On Wednesday 12 Senate Republicans joined all Democrats to forward the bill for a final vote in the coming days.-photo courtesy CSPAn</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID CRARYWASHINGTON (AP) —Among U.S. faith leaders and denominations, there are sharp differences over the bill advancing in the Senate that would protect same-sex and interracial marriages in federal law.The measure, a high priority for congressional Democrats, won a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/same-sex-marriage-senate-democrats-d09d4716102cf003212bab1f970e6a41">key test vote</a>&nbsp;Wednesday when 12 Senate Republicans joined all Democrats to forward the bill for a final vote in the coming days. At least 10 GOP senators were needed for that to happen.On Tuesday, one of the most prominent conservative-leaning denominations --&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-relationships-gay-rights-utah-07847f4b7e3e96d81c10a298a199b860">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>&nbsp;-- came out in favor of the legislation. But the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention remain opposed, saying the bill – even with a newly added amendment aimed at attracting Republican support – is a dire threat to religious liberty.A paramount concern for these leaders of the country's two largest denominations is that even the updated bill would not protect religious schools or faith-based nonprofits such as adoption and foster care providers.The bill “is an intentional attack on the religious freedom of millions of Americans with sincerely held beliefs about marriage, based on dictates of faith in God,” leaders of the Missouri Baptist Convention, an SBC affiliate, said in a letter this week to U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, a Missouri Republican.The letter failed to sway Blunt; he voted for the bill.Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, chairman of the Catholic bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty, dismissed the bipartisan amendment as failing even the “meager goal” of preserving the status quo in balancing religious freedom with the right to same-sex marriage.“The bill will be a new arrow in the quiver of those who wish to deny religious organizations’ liberty to freely exercise their religious duties, strip them of their tax exemptions, or exclude them from full participation in the public arena,” Dolan said earlier this week.Meanwhile, many left-of-center faith leaders are cheering the bill, including some who planned a Thursday morning rally at the U.S. Capitol. Rally sponsors include the Interfaith Alliance, the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, the United Church of Christ Justice and Local Church Ministries and Hindus for Human Rights.“This is common sense legislation which provides religious liberty for all and not just a few,” said Tarunjit Singh Butalia, executive director of Religions for Peace USA. “Faith communities need to work on living out the principles of marriage enshrined in their own faith without imposing their religious views on people of other faiths and no faith."The bill won approval in the House in July. A final Senate vote is expected soon, and the measure — if approved — would then return to the House for consideration of Senate changes.The bill has gained steady momentum since the Supreme Court’s June&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">decision that overturned Roe v. Wade</a>&nbsp;and the federal right to abortion. An opinion at that time from Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-health-marriage-71af5f7862f8008299702f7b1a4147b5">earlier high court decision</a>&nbsp;protecting same-sex marriage could also come under threat.Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, noted the court opinions in her statement lauding Wednesday's vote. She called the legislation a “vital step in our nation’s march toward freedom without favor and equality without exception.”The legislation included a proposed Senate amendment, designed to bring more Republicans on board, clarifying that it does not affect rights of private individuals or businesses that are already enshrined in law. Another tweak would make clear that a marriage is between two people, an effort to ward off some far-right criticism that the legislation could endorse polygamy.However, numerous conservative faith leaders scoffed at the changes.“The new amended Senate bill—the ‘commonsense’ bill that ‘protects Americans’ religious liberties’—actually does no such thing,” wrote the Rev. Al Mohler Jr., president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, in an opinion piece. “What is left wide open is the threat to ministries such as Christian orphanages and children’s care as well as adoption ministries and foster care.”The head of the Southern Baptist’s public policy arm, Brent Leatherwood of the Ethics &amp; Religious Liberty Commission, faulted the bill’s Senate backers for pushing legislation “that will only divide us.”“We oppose this bill because marriage is an institution created by God, one with a very specific design: A union between one man and one woman for life,” Leatherwood said via email.Pastor Jack Hibbs who leads Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, an evangelical megachurch in Southern California, said the legislation “creates an atmosphere of great disrespect for marriage.”“We have seen this in recent years, for example, regarding businesses that provide services for weddings, from wedding venues to bakeries and florists,” he said, adding that nonprofits could be sued “because of their personal and foundational convictions, which should be protected by the First Amendment.”San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, chairman of the Catholic bishops' Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, said the bill provided inadequate religious protections.“I object to language like exceptions, because it means that we’re allowed a pass to discriminate,” he said in an interview Wednesday. “But that’s not what we’re doing at all. We’re affirming that children need a mother and a father."He acknowledged that leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “seem to be moving in a different direction” regarding same-sex marriage. “But they’ve been very, very strong partners with us in trying to keep the focus on the the need to preserve the family."In its statement Tuesday, the Utah-based LDS said church doctrine would continue to consider same-sex relationships to be against God’s commandments, but that it would support rights for same-sex couples as long as they didn’t infringe upon religious groups’ right to believe as they choose.Among the faith leaders urging passage of the bill was the Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, an American Baptist pastor who is president of Interfaith Alliance and is part of a same-sex marriage.”There is a misconception that faith and LGBTQ+ equality are fundamentally incompatible,” he wrote in an opinion piece carried Wednesday by Religion News Service.“As a religious leader, I regard this historic legislation as an important contribution to America’s religious freedom,” he wrote. ”More immediately, I am not willing to leave the status of the marriages I’ve performed or my own to chance.”__

Faith groups split over bill to protect same-sex marriage

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?524319-1/house-speaker-pelosi-announce-future-plans-floor-speech&amp;live">Click here to</a> watch Speaker Pelosi's address&nbsp;

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;said Thursday that she will not seek a leadership position in the new Congress, a pivotal realignment making way for a new generation of leaders after Democrats lost control of the House to Republicans in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">the midterm elections</a>.

<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/11/17/statement-by-president-joe-biden-on-speaker-nancy-pelosi-stepping-down-from-democratic-leadership-in-the-house-of-representatives/">Click here to read</a> President Biden's statement of Pelosi's announcement

Pelosi announced in a spirited speech on the House floor that she will step aside after leading Democrats for nearly 20 years and in the aftermath of the brutal attack on her husband, Paul, last month in their San Francisco home.

The California Democrat, who rose to become the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-nancy-pelosi-ca-state-wire-paul-ryan-fe8c03d9af54423abed1100334f22e6f">first woman to wield the speaker’s gavel</a>, said she would remain in Congress as the representative from San Francisco, a position she has held for 35 years, when the new Congress convenes in January.

“Now we must move boldly into the future,” Pelosi said.

“I will not seek reelection to Democratic leadership in the next Congress,” Pelosi said. "For me, the hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus that I so deeply respect.”

She received a standing ovation after her remarks, and members one by one went up to offer her hugs and well wishes.

It’s an unusual choice for a party leader to stay on after withdrawing from congressional leadership but one befitting of Pelosi, who has long defied convention in pursuing power in Washington.

Pelosi recapped her career, from seeing the Capitol the first time as a young girl with her father, a former congressman and mayor, to serving as speaker alongside three U.S. presidents and doing “the people's work.”

“Every day I am in power of the majestic miracle of American democracy,” she said.

Democrats cheered Pelosi as she arrived in the chamber at noon. On short notice, lawmakers filled the House, at least on the Democratic side, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer joined. The Speaker’s Gallery filled with Pelosi staff and guest. Some Republicans, including some newly-elected members, also attended.

Earlier, Pelosi had noted in a statement after The Associated Press called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-house-control-79475a4fc11e4375cd0dded651b9eede">control of the chamber</a>&nbsp;that, in the next Congress, House Democrats will have “strong leverage over a scant Republican majority.”

The first women to become speaker, and the only person in decades to be twice elected to the role, she has led Democrats through consequential moments, including passage of the Affordable Care Act with President Barack Obama and the impeachments of President Donald Trump.

By announcing her decision, Pelosi could launch a domino effect in House Democratic leadership ahead of internal party elections next month as Democrats reorganize as the minority party for the new Congress.

Pelosi’s leadership team, with Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and Democratic Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina, has long moved as a triumvirate. Hoyer and Clyburn are also making decisions about their futures.

All now in their 80s, the three House Democratic leaders have faced restless colleagues eager for them to step aside and allow a new generation to take charge.

Democratic Reps. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Katherine Clark of Massachusetts and Pete Aguilar of California have similarly moved as a trio, all working toward becoming the next generation of leaders. Jeffries could make history if he enters the race to become the nation’s first Black speaker of the House.

One idea circulating on Capitol Hill was that Pelosi and the others could emerge as emeritus leaders as they pass the baton to new Democrats.

Clyburn, the highest-ranking Black American in Congress, has said he has no interest in being speaker or leader of the minority at this point in his life but expects to stay in Congress next year.

“I do wish to remain at the leadership table,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-nancy-pelosi-congress-government-and-politics-dc947aadd41de192e4d1f018d0eaf193">Clyburn said a week after the midterms</a>. “As to what capacity that will be, I will leave that up to our Democratic caucus.”

Hoyer has not spoken publicly of his plans.

First elected in 1987, Pelosi has been a pivotal figure in American politics, long ridiculed by Republicans as a San Francisco liberal while steadily rising as a skilled legislator and fundraising powerhouse. Her own Democratic colleagues have intermittently appreciated but also feared her powerful brand of leadership.

Pelosi first became speaker in 2007, saying she had cracked the “marble ceiling,” after Democrats swept to power in the 2006 midterm elections in a backlash to then-President George W. Bush and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

When she was poised in 2018 to return as speaker, in the Trump era, she vowed “to show the power of the gavel.”

Pelosi has repeatedly withstood leadership challenges over the years and had suggested in 2018 she would serve four more years as leader. But she had not discussed those plans more recently.

Typically unsentimental, Pelosi let show&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-pelosi-government-and-politics-ef64738a18e3fbd2f3c3b12a3b18e30a">a rare moment of emotion</a>&nbsp;on the eve of the midterm elections as she held back tears discussing the grave assault on her husband of nearly 60 years.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-pelosi">Paul Pelosi</a>&nbsp;suffered a fractured skull after an intruder broke into their home in the middle the night seeking the Democratic leader. The intruder’s question — “Where is Nancy?” — echoed the chants of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the pro-Trump rioters at the Capitol</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 6, 2021, as they hunted for Pelosi and tried to stop Congress from certifying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">Joe Biden’s election victory over Trump</a>.

David DePape is being held without bail on attempted murder and other charges in what authorities said was a political attack. Police said DePape broke in and woke up Paul Pelosi, and the two struggled over a hammer before DePape struck the 82-year-old on the head. DePape, 42, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of attempting to kidnap a federal official and assaulting a federal official’s family member.

Paul Pelosi was hospitalized for a week but is expected to recover, though his wife has said it will be a long haul.

At the time, Speaker Pelosi would not discuss her political plans but would only disclose that the attack on her husband would impact her decision.

Historians have noted that other consequential political figures had careers as rank-and-file members of Congress, including John Quincy Adams, the former president, who went on to serve for nearly 18 years in Congress.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668705937278.png" alt="Pelosi announced in a spirited speech on the House floor that she will step aside after leading Democrats for nearly 20 years and in the aftermath of the brutal attack on her husband, Paul, last month in their San Francisco home.-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Pelosi announced in a spirited speech on the House floor that she will step aside after leading Democrats for nearly 20 years and in the aftermath of the brutal attack on her husband, Paul, last month in their San Francisco home.-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?524319-1/house-speaker-pelosi-announce-future-plans-floor-speech&amp;live">Click here to</a> watch Speaker Pelosi's address&nbsp;WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/nancy-pelosi">Nancy Pelosi</a>&nbsp;said Thursday that she will not seek a leadership position in the new Congress, a pivotal realignment making way for a new generation of leaders after Democrats lost control of the House to Republicans in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">the midterm elections</a>.<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/11/17/statement-by-president-joe-biden-on-speaker-nancy-pelosi-stepping-down-from-democratic-leadership-in-the-house-of-representatives/">Click here to read</a> President Biden's statement of Pelosi's announcementPelosi announced in a spirited speech on the House floor that she will step aside after leading Democrats for nearly 20 years and in the aftermath of the brutal attack on her husband, Paul, last month in their San Francisco home.The California Democrat, who rose to become the nation’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-nancy-pelosi-ca-state-wire-paul-ryan-fe8c03d9af54423abed1100334f22e6f">first woman to wield the speaker’s gavel</a>, said she would remain in Congress as the representative from San Francisco, a position she has held for 35 years, when the new Congress convenes in January.“Now we must move boldly into the future,” Pelosi said.“I will not seek reelection to Democratic leadership in the next Congress,” Pelosi said. "For me, the hour has come for a new generation to lead the Democratic caucus that I so deeply respect.”She received a standing ovation after her remarks, and members one by one went up to offer her hugs and well wishes.It’s an unusual choice for a party leader to stay on after withdrawing from congressional leadership but one befitting of Pelosi, who has long defied convention in pursuing power in Washington.Pelosi recapped her career, from seeing the Capitol the first time as a young girl with her father, a former congressman and mayor, to serving as speaker alongside three U.S. presidents and doing “the people's work.”“Every day I am in power of the majestic miracle of American democracy,” she said.Democrats cheered Pelosi as she arrived in the chamber at noon. On short notice, lawmakers filled the House, at least on the Democratic side, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer joined. The Speaker’s Gallery filled with Pelosi staff and guest. Some Republicans, including some newly-elected members, also attended.Earlier, Pelosi had noted in a statement after The Associated Press called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-house-control-79475a4fc11e4375cd0dded651b9eede">control of the chamber</a>&nbsp;that, in the next Congress, House Democrats will have “strong leverage over a scant Republican majority.”The first women to become speaker, and the only person in decades to be twice elected to the role, she has led Democrats through consequential moments, including passage of the Affordable Care Act with President Barack Obama and the impeachments of President Donald Trump.By announcing her decision, Pelosi could launch a domino effect in House Democratic leadership ahead of internal party elections next month as Democrats reorganize as the minority party for the new Congress.Pelosi’s leadership team, with Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland and Democratic Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina, has long moved as a triumvirate. Hoyer and Clyburn are also making decisions about their futures.All now in their 80s, the three House Democratic leaders have faced restless colleagues eager for them to step aside and allow a new generation to take charge.Democratic Reps. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Katherine Clark of Massachusetts and Pete Aguilar of California have similarly moved as a trio, all working toward becoming the next generation of leaders. Jeffries could make history if he enters the race to become the nation’s first Black speaker of the House.One idea circulating on Capitol Hill was that Pelosi and the others could emerge as emeritus leaders as they pass the baton to new Democrats.Clyburn, the highest-ranking Black American in Congress, has said he has no interest in being speaker or leader of the minority at this point in his life but expects to stay in Congress next year.“I do wish to remain at the leadership table,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-nancy-pelosi-congress-government-and-politics-dc947aadd41de192e4d1f018d0eaf193">Clyburn said a week after the midterms</a>. “As to what capacity that will be, I will leave that up to our Democratic caucus.”Hoyer has not spoken publicly of his plans.First elected in 1987, Pelosi has been a pivotal figure in American politics, long ridiculed by Republicans as a San Francisco liberal while steadily rising as a skilled legislator and fundraising powerhouse. Her own Democratic colleagues have intermittently appreciated but also feared her powerful brand of leadership.Pelosi first became speaker in 2007, saying she had cracked the “marble ceiling,” after Democrats swept to power in the 2006 midterm elections in a backlash to then-President George W. Bush and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.When she was poised in 2018 to return as speaker, in the Trump era, she vowed “to show the power of the gavel.”Pelosi has repeatedly withstood leadership challenges over the years and had suggested in 2018 she would serve four more years as leader. But she had not discussed those plans more recently.Typically unsentimental, Pelosi let show&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-pelosi-government-and-politics-ef64738a18e3fbd2f3c3b12a3b18e30a">a rare moment of emotion</a>&nbsp;on the eve of the midterm elections as she held back tears discussing the grave assault on her husband of nearly 60 years.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-pelosi">Paul Pelosi</a>&nbsp;suffered a fractured skull after an intruder broke into their home in the middle the night seeking the Democratic leader. The intruder’s question — “Where is Nancy?” — echoed the chants of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the pro-Trump rioters at the Capitol</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 6, 2021, as they hunted for Pelosi and tried to stop Congress from certifying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">Joe Biden’s election victory over Trump</a>.David DePape is being held without bail on attempted murder and other charges in what authorities said was a political attack. Police said DePape broke in and woke up Paul Pelosi, and the two struggled over a hammer before DePape struck the 82-year-old on the head. DePape, 42, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of attempting to kidnap a federal official and assaulting a federal official’s family member.Paul Pelosi was hospitalized for a week but is expected to recover, though his wife has said it will be a long haul.At the time, Speaker Pelosi would not discuss her political plans but would only disclose that the attack on her husband would impact her decision.Historians have noted that other consequential political figures had careers as rank-and-file members of Congress, including John Quincy Adams, the former president, who went on to serve for nearly 18 years in Congress.Democratic Reps. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Katherine Clark of Massachusetts and Pete Aguilar of California have similarly moved as a trio, all working toward becoming the next generation of leaders. Jeffries could make history if he enters the race to become the nation’s first Black speaker of the House.One idea circulating on Capitol Hill was that Pelosi and the others could emerge as emeritus leaders as they pass the baton to new Democrats.Clyburn, the highest-ranking Black American in Congress, has said he has no interest in being speaker or leader of the minority at this point in his life but expects to stay in Congress next year.“I do wish to remain at the leadership table,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-nancy-pelosi-congress-government-and-politics-dc947aadd41de192e4d1f018d0eaf193">Clyburn said a week after the midterms</a>. “As to what capacity that will be, I will leave that up to our Democratic caucus.”Hoyer has not spoken publicly of his plans.First elected in 1987, Pelosi has been a pivotal figure in American politics, long ridiculed by Republicans as a San Francisco liberal while steadily rising as a skilled legislator and fundraising powerhouse. Her own Democratic colleagues have intermittently appreciated but also feared her powerful brand of leadership.Pelosi first became speaker in 2007, saying she had cracked the “marble ceiling,” after Democrats swept to power in the 2006 midterm elections in a backlash to then-President George W. Bush and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.When she was poised in 2018 to return as speaker, in the Trump era, she vowed “to show the power of the gavel.”Pelosi has repeatedly withstood leadership challenges over the years and had suggested in 2018 she would serve four more years as leader. But she had not discussed those plans more recently.Typically unsentimental, Pelosi let show&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nancy-pelosi-government-and-politics-ef64738a18e3fbd2f3c3b12a3b18e30a">a rare moment of emotion</a>&nbsp;on the eve of the midterm elections as she held back tears discussing the grave assault on her husband of nearly 60 years.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-pelosi">Paul Pelosi</a>&nbsp;suffered a fractured skull after an intruder broke into their home in the middle the night seeking the Democratic leader. The intruder’s question — “Where is Nancy?” — echoed the chants of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">the pro-Trump rioters at the Capitol</a>&nbsp;on Jan. 6, 2021, as they hunted for Pelosi and tried to stop Congress from certifying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">Joe Biden’s election victory over Trump</a>.David DePape is being held without bail on attempted murder and other charges in what authorities said was a political attack. Police said DePape broke in and woke up Paul Pelosi, and the two struggled over a hammer before DePape struck the 82-year-old on the head. DePape, 42, has pleaded not guilty to federal charges of attempting to kidnap a federal official and assaulting a federal official’s family member.Paul Pelosi was hospitalized for a week but is expected to recover, though his wife has said it will be a long haul.At the time, Speaker Pelosi would not discuss her political plans but would only disclose that the attack on her husband would impact her decision.Historians have noted that other consequential political figures had careers as rank-and-file members of Congress, including John Quincy Adams, the former president, who went on to serve for nearly 18 years in Congress.

🎥 Pelosi won't seek leadership role, plans to stay in Congress

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Starbucks workers at more than 100 U.S. stores are on strike Thursday in their largest labor action since a campaign to unionize the company’s stores began late last year.

The walkouts include the Starbucks store at&nbsp;10201 West 75th Street in Overland Park, Kansas and&nbsp;E. 39th and Arrowhead in the Kansas City suburb of Independence, Missouri, according to <a href="https://sbworkersunited.org/red-cup-map">the union </a>website.

The walkouts coincide with Starbucks’ annual Red Cup Day, when the company gives free reusable cups to customers who order a holiday drink. Workers say it’s often one of the busiest days of the year. Starbucks declined to say how many red cups it plans to distribute.

Workers say they’re seeking better pay, more consistent schedules and higher staffing levels in busy stores. Stores in 25 states planned to take part in the labor action, according to Starbucks Workers United, the group organizing the effort. Strikers are handing out their own red cups with union logos.

Starbucks, which opposes the unionization effort, said it is aware of the walkouts and respects its employees’ right to lawfully protest. The Seattle company noted that the protests are happening at a small number of its 9,000 company-run U.S. locations.

“We remain committed to all partners and will continue to work together, side-by-side, to make Starbucks a company that works for everyone,” the company said Thursday in a statement.

Some workers planned to picket all day while others will do shorter walkouts. The union said the goal is to shut stores down during the strikes, and noted that the company usually has difficulty staffing during Red Cup Day because it’s so busy.

Willow Montana, a shift manager at a Starbucks store in Brighton, Massachusetts, planned to strike because Starbucks hasn’t begun bargaining with the store despite a successful union vote in April.

“If the company won’t bargain in good faith, why should we come to work where we are understaffed, underpaid and overworked?” Montana said.

Others, including Michelle Eisen, a union organizer at one of the first stores to organize in Buffalo, New York, said workers are angry that Starbucks promised&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-howard-schultz-449c5aa25f46dd5efb1b5ecef76f0ebd">higher pay and benefits</a>&nbsp;to non-union stores. Starbucks says it is following the law and can’t give union stores pay hikes without bargaining.

At least 257 Starbucks stores have voted to unionize since late last year, according to the National Labor Relations Board. Fifty-seven stores have held votes where workers opted not to unionize.

Starbucks and the union&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-howard-schultz-449c5aa25f46dd5efb1b5ecef76f0ebd">have begun contract talks</a>&nbsp;at 53 stores, with 13 additional sessions scheduled, Starbucks Workers United said. No agreements have been reached so far.

The process has been contentious. Earlier this week, a regional director with the NLRB filed a request for an injunction against Starbucks in federal court, saying the company violated labor law when it fired a union organizer in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The regional director asked the court to direct Starbucks to reinstate the employee and stop interfering in the unionization campaign nationwide.

It was the fourth time the NLRB has asked a federal court to intervene. In August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/memphis-national-labor-relations-board-43f21bd91286aa9a9c8f77d1291795e4">a federal judge ruled</a>&nbsp;that Starbucks had to reinstate seven union organizers who were fired in Memphis, Tennessee. A similar case in Buffalo has yet to be decided, while a federal judge ruled against the NLRB in a case in Phoenix.

Meanwhile, Starbucks has asked the NLRB to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-national-labor-relations-board-0ddf8d632e1daca24d5bb70f2344f806">temporarily suspend</a>&nbsp;all union elections at its U.S. stores, citing allegations from a board employee that regional officials improperly coordinated with union organizers. A decision in that case is pending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668703000777.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —Starbucks workers at more than 100 U.S. stores are on strike Thursday in their largest labor action since a campaign to unionize the company’s stores began late last year.The walkouts include the Starbucks store at&nbsp;10201 West 75th Street in Overland Park, Kansas and&nbsp;E. 39th and Arrowhead in the Kansas City suburb of Independence, Missouri, according to <a href="https://sbworkersunited.org/red-cup-map">the union </a>website.The walkouts coincide with Starbucks’ annual Red Cup Day, when the company gives free reusable cups to customers who order a holiday drink. Workers say it’s often one of the busiest days of the year. Starbucks declined to say how many red cups it plans to distribute.Workers say they’re seeking better pay, more consistent schedules and higher staffing levels in busy stores. Stores in 25 states planned to take part in the labor action, according to Starbucks Workers United, the group organizing the effort. Strikers are handing out their own red cups with union logos.Starbucks, which opposes the unionization effort, said it is aware of the walkouts and respects its employees’ right to lawfully protest. The Seattle company noted that the protests are happening at a small number of its 9,000 company-run U.S. locations.“We remain committed to all partners and will continue to work together, side-by-side, to make Starbucks a company that works for everyone,” the company said Thursday in a statement.Some workers planned to picket all day while others will do shorter walkouts. The union said the goal is to shut stores down during the strikes, and noted that the company usually has difficulty staffing during Red Cup Day because it’s so busy.Willow Montana, a shift manager at a Starbucks store in Brighton, Massachusetts, planned to strike because Starbucks hasn’t begun bargaining with the store despite a successful union vote in April.“If the company won’t bargain in good faith, why should we come to work where we are understaffed, underpaid and overworked?” Montana said.Others, including Michelle Eisen, a union organizer at one of the first stores to organize in Buffalo, New York, said workers are angry that Starbucks promised&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-howard-schultz-449c5aa25f46dd5efb1b5ecef76f0ebd">higher pay and benefits</a>&nbsp;to non-union stores. Starbucks says it is following the law and can’t give union stores pay hikes without bargaining.At least 257 Starbucks stores have voted to unionize since late last year, according to the National Labor Relations Board. Fifty-seven stores have held votes where workers opted not to unionize.Starbucks and the union&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-howard-schultz-449c5aa25f46dd5efb1b5ecef76f0ebd">have begun contract talks</a>&nbsp;at 53 stores, with 13 additional sessions scheduled, Starbucks Workers United said. No agreements have been reached so far.The process has been contentious. Earlier this week, a regional director with the NLRB filed a request for an injunction against Starbucks in federal court, saying the company violated labor law when it fired a union organizer in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The regional director asked the court to direct Starbucks to reinstate the employee and stop interfering in the unionization campaign nationwide.It was the fourth time the NLRB has asked a federal court to intervene. In August,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/memphis-national-labor-relations-board-43f21bd91286aa9a9c8f77d1291795e4">a federal judge ruled</a>&nbsp;that Starbucks had to reinstate seven union organizers who were fired in Memphis, Tennessee. A similar case in Buffalo has yet to be decided, while a federal judge ruled against the NLRB in a case in Phoenix.Meanwhile, Starbucks has asked the NLRB to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/elections-national-labor-relations-board-0ddf8d632e1daca24d5bb70f2344f806">temporarily suspend</a>&nbsp;all union elections at its U.S. stores, citing allegations from a board employee that regional officials improperly coordinated with union organizers. A decision in that case is pending.

Starbucks workers strike at more than 100 stores including Kan., Mo.

By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/16/kansas-gov-laura-kelly-pledges-focus-on-water-waiting-for-a-miracle-is-not-an-option/">Kansas Reflector</a>

MANHATTAN
 — Kansans have “a responsibility to do something” about the state’s 
rapidly depleting water supply and the risk of widespread contamination,
 Gov. Laura Kelly said at a conference Wednesday in Manhattan.

“Waiting for a miracle is not an 
option,” she told a crowd of about 500 at the 11th annual Governor’s 
Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas.

Kelly, who won reelection earlier 
this month, said that for decades lawmakers have kicked the can down the
 road on solving the state’s water crisis. She pledged to stop that.

“I give you my word that protecting 
our water supply will remain a top priority in Topeka over the next four
 years,” Kelly said. “I refuse to allow the can to be kicked any further
 down the road.”

In Kansas, the arid west meets the 
humid east. While eastern Kansas can be susceptible to flooding, streams
 and rivers in western Kansas have largely dried up. The western part of
 the state gets its water from underground aquifers —&nbsp;the Ogallala and 
the High Plains. The Ogallala Aquifer stretches from South Dakota to 
Texas and is among the world’s largest underground water supplies.

But for decades, western Kansas has 
been using more water from the Ogallala each year than the aquifer can 
recharge. That imbalance means the water supply has been depleting for 
more than half a century.

Parts of western Kansas supplied by the Ogallala have just 10 years of water left.

And if it dries up, as one legislator said this spring, <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/09/southwest-kansas-water-crisis-through-eyes-of-a-liberal-farmer-this-drought-is-real/">communities that lose access to water</a> may fold up and blow away.

“But if we want to continue that record-breaking economic growth, we need an adequate water supply,” Kelly said Wednesday.

Kelly acknowledged the structural 
imbalance, saying the rate at which Kansas is using water now is 
unsustainable. And she said Kansans didn’t need <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/10/17/severe-drought-triggers-assistance-in-nearly-all-of-kansas-half-of-missouri/">this year’s severe drought </a>to remind them of the urgent situation.

The responsibility to conserve water in Kansas has been largely borne by <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/10/21/officials-plan-to-truck-6000-gallons-of-water-from-missouri-river-across-kansas/">local communities and officials</a>,
 and an effort earlier this year to overhaul the state’s approach to 
water met resistance from farmers, ranchers and groundwater managers in 
western Kansas.

<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/shooting-themselves-in-the-foot-committee-guts-kansas-bill-to-protect-water/">Legislation that would have established more state oversight of water was gutted</a> in a Kansas House committee and never received a floor vote.

But Kelly noted that in her first 
term, the state updated and fully funded its water plan for the first 
time in more than a decade.

“The Ogallala Aquifer is one of our 
most precious resources, and preserving it is crucial for the sake of 
future generations and communities across Kansas, not to mention the 
agriculture community that forms the backbone of our economy,” Kelly 
said.&nbsp;

She added: “I am determined to build on the progress my administration has made thus far in protecting our water.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668694338367.png" alt="Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly greets staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Wednesday in Manhattan, where she spoke at the Governor’s Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly greets staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Wednesday in Manhattan, where she spoke at the Governor’s Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>By ALLISON KITE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/16/kansas-gov-laura-kelly-pledges-focus-on-water-waiting-for-a-miracle-is-not-an-option/">Kansas Reflector</a>MANHATTAN
 — Kansans have “a responsibility to do something” about the state’s 
rapidly depleting water supply and the risk of widespread contamination,
 Gov. Laura Kelly said at a conference Wednesday in Manhattan.“Waiting for a miracle is not an 
option,” she told a crowd of about 500 at the 11th annual Governor’s 
Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas.Kelly, who won reelection earlier 
this month, said that for decades lawmakers have kicked the can down the
 road on solving the state’s water crisis. She pledged to stop that.“I give you my word that protecting 
our water supply will remain a top priority in Topeka over the next four
 years,” Kelly said. “I refuse to allow the can to be kicked any further
 down the road.”In Kansas, the arid west meets the 
humid east. While eastern Kansas can be susceptible to flooding, streams
 and rivers in western Kansas have largely dried up. The western part of
 the state gets its water from underground aquifers —&nbsp;the Ogallala and 
the High Plains. The Ogallala Aquifer stretches from South Dakota to 
Texas and is among the world’s largest underground water supplies.But for decades, western Kansas has 
been using more water from the Ogallala each year than the aquifer can 
recharge. That imbalance means the water supply has been depleting for 
more than half a century.Parts of western Kansas supplied by the Ogallala have just 10 years of water left.And if it dries up, as one legislator said this spring, <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/06/09/southwest-kansas-water-crisis-through-eyes-of-a-liberal-farmer-this-drought-is-real/">communities that lose access to water</a> may fold up and blow away.“But if we want to continue that record-breaking economic growth, we need an adequate water supply,” Kelly said Wednesday.Kelly acknowledged the structural 
imbalance, saying the rate at which Kansas is using water now is 
unsustainable. And she said Kansans didn’t need <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/10/17/severe-drought-triggers-assistance-in-nearly-all-of-kansas-half-of-missouri/">this year’s severe drought </a>to remind them of the urgent situation.The responsibility to conserve water in Kansas has been largely borne by <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/10/21/officials-plan-to-truck-6000-gallons-of-water-from-missouri-river-across-kansas/">local communities and officials</a>,
 and an effort earlier this year to overhaul the state’s approach to 
water met resistance from farmers, ranchers and groundwater managers in 
western Kansas.<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/03/01/shooting-themselves-in-the-foot-committee-guts-kansas-bill-to-protect-water/">Legislation that would have established more state oversight of water was gutted</a> in a Kansas House committee and never received a floor vote.But Kelly noted that in her first 
term, the state updated and fully funded its water plan for the first 
time in more than a decade.“The Ogallala Aquifer is one of our 
most precious resources, and preserving it is crucial for the sake of 
future generations and communities across Kansas, not to mention the 
agriculture community that forms the backbone of our economy,” Kelly 
said.&nbsp;She added: “I am determined to build on the progress my administration has made thus far in protecting our water.”

Kan. governor pledges focus on water: ‘Waiting for a miracle is not an option’

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of two people found with gunshot wounds Wednesday morning at Oak Hill Cemetery,&nbsp;1605 Oak Hill Avenue in Lawrence have identified the victims as&nbsp; Ana Marie Jessee, age 22, of Lawrence and Robert Sowders, age 36, of Overland Park, according to a statement from Lawrence Police. 

Detectives are investigating the case as a possible murder-suicide.

The initial call, about 8:45a.m., was a disturbance with weapons. 

Police found the victims and both were pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of two people found with gunshot wounds Wednesday morning at Oak Hill Cemetery,&nbsp;1605 Oak Hill Avenue in Lawrence have identified the victims as&nbsp; Ana Marie Jessee, age 22, of Lawrence and Robert Sowders, age 36, of Overland Park, according to a statement from Lawrence Police. Detectives are investigating the case as a possible murder-suicide.The initial call, about 8:45a.m., was a disturbance with weapons. Police found the victims and both were pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

Police ID 2 found shot to death in Kansas cemetery

WASHINGTON (AP) — The top U.S. military officer said Wednesday that he tried to reach out to his Russian counterpart in the aftermath of the missile explosions in Poland, but wasn't able to get through.

Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said his staff tried to get Russia's top-ranking military official Gen. Valery Gerasimov on the phone to discuss the incident with “no success.”

Milley didn’t elaborate on the efforts, but the lack of communications raises concerns about high-level U.S.-Russian communications in a crisis. A strike against Poland, a NATO member, could have risked a larger conflict if it turned out that Russia had launched the strike.

The U.S. and other top leaders now say they believe the strike was probably launched by Ukrainian air defenses to defend against a Russian missile bombardment. But uncertainty swirled for hours. Several U.S. defense officials said it isn't unusual for Gerasimov to not be available for a call.

The lack of communication is worrisome, especially given the potential implications of the strike, said John Tierney, executive director of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation in Washington.

Open lines of communication “are vital if we are to avoid the risk of conflict caused by misconception, miscalculations or mistake,” Tierney said. “It is unsettling to learn from General Milley that his counterpart was unreachable or not willing to engage when an explosion occurred in Poland.”

Milley did talk to his military counterparts in Ukraine and Poland as the governments worked quickly to assess whether the missile that killed two people in Poland had been launched by Russia or Ukraine.

The conversation came as Milley has said that Russia's recent defeat in the key southern city Kherson and the possible slowdown of military operations in the winter could provide an opportunity to negotiate.

“You want to negotiate at a time when you’re at your strength, and your opponent is at weakness,” Milley said at a Pentagon briefing Wednesday. “The Russian military is suffering tremendously," he said, citing large losses of Russian tanks, fighting vehicles, fighter jets and helicopters.

If fighting slows down, Milley said that may become “a window” for talks about a political solution.

Both he and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that they expect Ukraine to keep fighting through the winter, and the U.S. and its allies will continue to provide more support and weapons. And it will be up to Ukraine to determine any negotiation plans.

“We’ve said repeatedly that the Ukrainians are going to decide that and not us. And we will support them for as long as it takes,” said Austin, who was also at the briefing.

The missile that landed in Poland Tuesday was launched during the "largest wave of missiles that we’ve seen since the beginning of the war,” Austin said. On Tuesday Russia launched as many as 100 missiles at Ukraine as Moscow intensifies its airstrikes following significant ground losses.

Milley said it's unlikely that either side can gain a military victory quickly. He said the chance of Russia, which currently controls about 20% of Ukraine, overrunning the entire country “is close to zero.” And, he added, the “task of militarily kicking the Russians physically out of Ukraine is a very difficult task. And it’s not going to happen in the next couple of weeks unless the Russian army completely collapses, which is unlikely.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668685067328.png" alt="On Wednesday Milley said the lack of communications raises concerns about high-level U.S.-Russian communications in a crisis.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>On Wednesday Milley said the lack of communications raises concerns about high-level U.S.-Russian communications in a crisis.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The top U.S. military officer said Wednesday that he tried to reach out to his Russian counterpart in the aftermath of the missile explosions in Poland, but wasn't able to get through.Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said his staff tried to get Russia's top-ranking military official Gen. Valery Gerasimov on the phone to discuss the incident with “no success.”Milley didn’t elaborate on the efforts, but the lack of communications raises concerns about high-level U.S.-Russian communications in a crisis. A strike against Poland, a NATO member, could have risked a larger conflict if it turned out that Russia had launched the strike.The U.S. and other top leaders now say they believe the strike was probably launched by Ukrainian air defenses to defend against a Russian missile bombardment. But uncertainty swirled for hours. Several U.S. defense officials said it isn't unusual for Gerasimov to not be available for a call.The lack of communication is worrisome, especially given the potential implications of the strike, said John Tierney, executive director of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation in Washington.Open lines of communication “are vital if we are to avoid the risk of conflict caused by misconception, miscalculations or mistake,” Tierney said. “It is unsettling to learn from General Milley that his counterpart was unreachable or not willing to engage when an explosion occurred in Poland.”Milley did talk to his military counterparts in Ukraine and Poland as the governments worked quickly to assess whether the missile that killed two people in Poland had been launched by Russia or Ukraine.The conversation came as Milley has said that Russia's recent defeat in the key southern city Kherson and the possible slowdown of military operations in the winter could provide an opportunity to negotiate.“You want to negotiate at a time when you’re at your strength, and your opponent is at weakness,” Milley said at a Pentagon briefing Wednesday. “The Russian military is suffering tremendously," he said, citing large losses of Russian tanks, fighting vehicles, fighter jets and helicopters.If fighting slows down, Milley said that may become “a window” for talks about a political solution.Both he and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that they expect Ukraine to keep fighting through the winter, and the U.S. and its allies will continue to provide more support and weapons. And it will be up to Ukraine to determine any negotiation plans.“We’ve said repeatedly that the Ukrainians are going to decide that and not us. And we will support them for as long as it takes,” said Austin, who was also at the briefing.The missile that landed in Poland Tuesday was launched during the "largest wave of missiles that we’ve seen since the beginning of the war,” Austin said. On Tuesday Russia launched as many as 100 missiles at Ukraine as Moscow intensifies its airstrikes following significant ground losses.Milley said it's unlikely that either side can gain a military victory quickly. He said the chance of Russia, which currently controls about 20% of Ukraine, overrunning the entire country “is close to zero.” And, he added, the “task of militarily kicking the Russians physically out of Ukraine is a very difficult task. And it’s not going to happen in the next couple of weeks unless the Russian army completely collapses, which is unlikely.”

Russia refused to take US phone call after Poland missile strike

GRANT COUNTY — A southwest Kansas man has been sentenced to life in prison in connection with the 2019 death of a child, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Uraquio Agustin Arredondo, 29, of Ulysses, was sentenced Tuesday in Grant County District Court by Judge Clinton Peterson. Arredondo was sentenced to life in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility without the possibility of parole for 25 years for one count of first degree murder. In addition, he was sentenced to 110 months in a KDOC facility for one count of child abuse. 

The sentences are to be served consecutively, followed by lifetime post-release supervision.

Arredondo was convicted of the crimes in April following a bench trial. 

On Feb. 24, 2019 authorities arrested Uraquio “Rocky” A. Arredondo, at his home in the 900 Block of S. Cheyenne in Ulysses, Kan, according to a media release from the KBI.

Arredondo was arrested for first degree murder and abuse of a child.&nbsp;

The arrest followed a yearlong investigation by the KBI and the Ulysses Police Department into the death of 3-year-old Carlos Valenzuela III. On Feb. 26, 2019, police and EMS were dispatched to the child’s home after they received a 911 call reporting an unresponsive child.

The boy was first transported to Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital and was then transferred to a Denver, Colo. hospital for treatment. He died Feb. 27, 2019 in Denver. Arredondo was in a relationship with child’s mother, according to the KBI.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582652296671.png" alt=" Arredondo-Grant County" />
 <figcaption> Arredondo-Grant County</figcaption>
 </figure>GRANT COUNTY — A southwest Kansas man has been sentenced to life in prison in connection with the 2019 death of a child, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Uraquio Agustin Arredondo, 29, of Ulysses, was sentenced Tuesday in Grant County District Court by Judge Clinton Peterson. Arredondo was sentenced to life in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility without the possibility of parole for 25 years for one count of first degree murder. In addition, he was sentenced to 110 months in a KDOC facility for one count of child abuse. The sentences are to be served consecutively, followed by lifetime post-release supervision.Arredondo was convicted of the crimes in April following a bench trial. On Feb. 24, 2019 authorities arrested Uraquio “Rocky” A. Arredondo, at his home in the 900 Block of S. Cheyenne in Ulysses, Kan, according to a media release from the KBI.Arredondo was arrested for first degree murder and abuse of a child.&nbsp;The arrest followed a yearlong investigation by the KBI and the Ulysses Police Department into the death of 3-year-old Carlos Valenzuela III. On Feb. 26, 2019, police and EMS were dispatched to the child’s home after they received a 911 call reporting an unresponsive child.The boy was first transported to Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital and was then transferred to a Denver, Colo. hospital for treatment. He died Feb. 27, 2019 in Denver. Arredondo was in a relationship with child’s mother, according to the KBI.

SW Kan. man sentenced for abuse death of girlfriend's 3-year-old

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans won control of the U.S. House on Wednesday, returning the party to power in Washington and giving conservatives leverage to blunt President Joe Biden’s agenda and spur a flurry of investigations. But a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-takeaways-9381d3aaff26d19da95506e045fcd6e1">threadbare majority</a>&nbsp;will pose immediate challenges for GOP leaders and complicate the party’s ability to govern.

More than a week after Election Day, Republicans secured the 218th seat needed to flip the House from Democratic control. The full scope of the party’s majority may not be clear for several more days — or weeks — as votes in competitive races are still being counted.

But they are on track to cobble together what could be the party's narrowest majority of the 21st century, rivaling 2001, when Republicans had just a nine-seat majority, 221-212 with two independents. That’s far short of the sweeping victory the GOP predicted going into this year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm elections</a>, when the party hoped to reset the agenda on Capitol Hill by capitalizing on economic challenges and Biden’s lagging popularity.

Instead,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-results-nov-9-198d61bcafe31d96c0a966eae7492756">Democrats showed surprising resilience</a>, holding on to moderate, suburban districts from Virginia to Minnesota and Kansas. The results could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-congress-nov-9-0b3b0a547265e5bfa6fd4382b43e0e7f">complicate House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy’s plans</a>&nbsp;to become speaker as some conservative members have questioned whether to back him or have imposed conditions for their support.

McCarthy celebrated his party having “officially flipped” the House on Twitter on Wednesday night, writing, “Americans are ready for a new direction, and House Republicans are ready to deliver.”

President Joe Biden congratulated McCarthy, saying he is “ready to work with House Republicans to deliver results for working families.”

“Last week’s elections demonstrated the strength and resilience of American democracy. There was a strong rejection of election deniers, political violence, and intimidation,” Biden said in a statement. “There was an emphatic statement that, in America, the will of the people prevails.”

He added, that “the future is too promising to be trapped in political warfare."

The narrow margins have upended Republican politics and prompted finger-pointing about what went wrong. Some in the GOP have blamed Donald Trump for the worse-than-expected outcome. The former president, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-2024-updates-cd5339d48064a149527e8f9a1aa7614e">announced his third White House bid</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, lifted candidates during this year’s Republican primaries who often questioned the results of the 2020 election or downplayed the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol last year. Many of those struggled to win during the general election.

Despite the GOP’s underwhelming showing, the party will still have notable power. Republicans will take control of key committees, giving them the ability to shape legislation and launch probes of Biden, his family and his administration. There’s particular interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-2022-midterm-elections-biden-europe-elise-stefanik-0e782fc6486c2c625194622ae244e4ae">investigating the overseas business dealings</a>&nbsp;of the president’s son Hunter Biden. Some of the most conservative lawmakers have raised the prospect of impeaching Biden, though that will be much harder for the party to accomplish with a tight majority.

Any legislation that emerges from the House could face steep odds in the Senate, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-democrats-senate-control-dbc67e0af0e126c948076ae580b3d5ec">Democrats won the barest of majorities</a>&nbsp;Saturday. Both parties are looking to a Dec. 6 Senate runoff in Georgia as a last chance to pad their ranks.

With such a potentially slim House majority, there’s also potential for legislative chaos. The dynamic essentially gives an individual member enormous sway over shaping what happens in the chamber. That could lead to particularly tricky circumstances for GOP leaders as they try to win support for must-pass measures that keep the government funded or raise the debt ceiling.

The GOP’s failure to notch more wins — they needed a net gain of five seats to take the majority — was especially surprising because the party went into the election benefiting from congressional maps that were redrawn by Republican legislatures. History was also on Republicans’ side: The party that holds the White House had lost congressional seats during virtually every new president’s first midterm of the modern era.

The new majority will usher in a new group of leaders in Washington. If elected to succeed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the top post, McCarthy would lead what will likely be a rowdy conference of House Republicans, most of whom are aligned with Trump’s bare-knuckle brand of politics. Many Republicans in the incoming Congress rejected the results of the 2020 presidential election, even though claims of widespread fraud were refuted by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-courts-election-results-e1297d874f45d2b14bc99c403abd0457">courts</a>, elections&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/top-officials-elections-most-secure-66f9361084ccbc461e3bbf42861057a5">officials</a>&nbsp;and Trump’s own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barr-no-widespread-election-fraud-b1f1488796c9a98c4b1a9061a6c7f49d">attorney general</a>.

McCarthy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-nancy-pelosi-congress-government-and-politics-dc947aadd41de192e4d1f018d0eaf193">won the nomination for House speaker</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, with a formal vote to come when the new Congress convenes in January.

“I'm proud to announce the era of one-party Democrat rule in Washington is over,” McCarthy said after winning the nomination.

Republican candidates pledged on the campaign trail to cut taxes and tighten border security. GOP lawmakers also could withhold aid to Ukraine as it fights a war with Russia or use the threat of defaulting on the nation’s debt as leverage to extract cuts from social spending and entitlements — though all such pursuits will be tougher given how small the GOP majority may end up being.

As a senator and then vice president, Biden spent a career crafting legislative compromises with Republicans. But as president, he was clear about what he viewed as the threats posed by the current Republican Party.

Biden said the midterms show voters want Democrats and Republicans to find ways to cooperate and govern in a bipartisan manner, but also noted that Republicans didn’t achieve the electoral surge they’d been betting on and vowed, “I’m not going to change anything in any fundamental way.”

AP VoteCast, a broad survey of the national electorate, showed that high inflation and concerns about the fragility of democracy had heavily influenced voters. Half of voters said inflation factored significantly, with groceries, gasoline, housing, food and other costs that have shot up in the past year. Slightly fewer — 44% — said the future of democracy was their primary consideration.

Counter to the GOP’s expectations, Biden didn’t entirely shoulder the blame for inflation, with close to half of voters saying the higher-than-usual prices were more because of factors outside his control. And despite the president bearing criticism from a pessimistic electorate, some of those voters backed Democratic candidates.

Democrats also likely benefited from anger over the Supreme Court overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision cementing a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion. Voters in Michigan voted to amend their state constitution to protect abortion rights while far more reliably Republican Kentucky rejected a constitutional amendment declaring no right to an abortion.

Overall, 7 in 10 voters said the high court’s ruling overturning the 1973 decision enshrining abortion rights was an important factor in their midterm decisions. VoteCast also showed the reversal was broadly unpopular. About 6 in 10 say they are angry or dissatisfied by it. And roughly 6 in 10 say they favor a law guaranteeing access to legal abortion nationwide.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans won control of the U.S. House on Wednesday, returning the party to power in Washington and giving conservatives leverage to blunt President Joe Biden’s agenda and spur a flurry of investigations. But a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-takeaways-9381d3aaff26d19da95506e045fcd6e1">threadbare majority</a>&nbsp;will pose immediate challenges for GOP leaders and complicate the party’s ability to govern.More than a week after Election Day, Republicans secured the 218th seat needed to flip the House from Democratic control. The full scope of the party’s majority may not be clear for several more days — or weeks — as votes in competitive races are still being counted.But they are on track to cobble together what could be the party's narrowest majority of the 21st century, rivaling 2001, when Republicans had just a nine-seat majority, 221-212 with two independents. That’s far short of the sweeping victory the GOP predicted going into this year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2022-midterm-elections">midterm elections</a>, when the party hoped to reset the agenda on Capitol Hill by capitalizing on economic challenges and Biden’s lagging popularity.Instead,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-results-nov-9-198d61bcafe31d96c0a966eae7492756">Democrats showed surprising resilience</a>, holding on to moderate, suburban districts from Virginia to Minnesota and Kansas. The results could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-congress-nov-9-0b3b0a547265e5bfa6fd4382b43e0e7f">complicate House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy’s plans</a>&nbsp;to become speaker as some conservative members have questioned whether to back him or have imposed conditions for their support.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 BREAKING 🚨 Republicans have officially flipped the People&#39;s House! Americans are ready for a new direction, and House Republicans are ready to deliver. <a href="https://t.co/JIRrLEhKQe">pic.twitter.com/JIRrLEhKQe</a>&mdash; Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) <a href="https://twitter.com/GOPLeader/status/1593031220300218368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>McCarthy celebrated his party having “officially flipped” the House on Twitter on Wednesday night, writing, “Americans are ready for a new direction, and House Republicans are ready to deliver.”President Joe Biden congratulated McCarthy, saying he is “ready to work with House Republicans to deliver results for working families.”“Last week’s elections demonstrated the strength and resilience of American democracy. There was a strong rejection of election deniers, political violence, and intimidation,” Biden said in a statement. “There was an emphatic statement that, in America, the will of the people prevails.”He added, that “the future is too promising to be trapped in political warfare."The narrow margins have upended Republican politics and prompted finger-pointing about what went wrong. Some in the GOP have blamed Donald Trump for the worse-than-expected outcome. The former president, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-2024-updates-cd5339d48064a149527e8f9a1aa7614e">announced his third White House bid</a>&nbsp;Tuesday, lifted candidates during this year’s Republican primaries who often questioned the results of the 2020 election or downplayed the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol last year. Many of those struggled to win during the general election.Despite the GOP’s underwhelming showing, the party will still have notable power. Republicans will take control of key committees, giving them the ability to shape legislation and launch probes of Biden, his family and his administration. There’s particular interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-2022-midterm-elections-biden-europe-elise-stefanik-0e782fc6486c2c625194622ae244e4ae">investigating the overseas business dealings</a>&nbsp;of the president’s son Hunter Biden. Some of the most conservative lawmakers have raised the prospect of impeaching Biden, though that will be much harder for the party to accomplish with a tight majority.Any legislation that emerges from the House could face steep odds in the Senate, where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-democrats-senate-control-dbc67e0af0e126c948076ae580b3d5ec">Democrats won the barest of majorities</a>&nbsp;Saturday. Both parties are looking to a Dec. 6 Senate runoff in Georgia as a last chance to pad their ranks.With such a potentially slim House majority, there’s also potential for legislative chaos. The dynamic essentially gives an individual member enormous sway over shaping what happens in the chamber. That could lead to particularly tricky circumstances for GOP leaders as they try to win support for must-pass measures that keep the government funded or raise the debt ceiling.The GOP’s failure to notch more wins — they needed a net gain of five seats to take the majority — was especially surprising because the party went into the election benefiting from congressional maps that were redrawn by Republican legislatures. History was also on Republicans’ side: The party that holds the White House had lost congressional seats during virtually every new president’s first midterm of the modern era.The new majority will usher in a new group of leaders in Washington. If elected to succeed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the top post, McCarthy would lead what will likely be a rowdy conference of House Republicans, most of whom are aligned with Trump’s bare-knuckle brand of politics. Many Republicans in the incoming Congress rejected the results of the 2020 presidential election, even though claims of widespread fraud were refuted by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-courts-election-results-e1297d874f45d2b14bc99c403abd0457">courts</a>, elections&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/top-officials-elections-most-secure-66f9361084ccbc461e3bbf42861057a5">officials</a>&nbsp;and Trump’s own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barr-no-widespread-election-fraud-b1f1488796c9a98c4b1a9061a6c7f49d">attorney general</a>.McCarthy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kevin-mccarthy-nancy-pelosi-congress-government-and-politics-dc947aadd41de192e4d1f018d0eaf193">won the nomination for House speaker</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, with a formal vote to come when the new Congress convenes in January.“I'm proud to announce the era of one-party Democrat rule in Washington is over,” McCarthy said after winning the nomination.Republican candidates pledged on the campaign trail to cut taxes and tighten border security. GOP lawmakers also could withhold aid to Ukraine as it fights a war with Russia or use the threat of defaulting on the nation’s debt as leverage to extract cuts from social spending and entitlements — though all such pursuits will be tougher given how small the GOP majority may end up being.As a senator and then vice president, Biden spent a career crafting legislative compromises with Republicans. But as president, he was clear about what he viewed as the threats posed by the current Republican Party.Biden said the midterms show voters want Democrats and Republicans to find ways to cooperate and govern in a bipartisan manner, but also noted that Republicans didn’t achieve the electoral surge they’d been betting on and vowed, “I’m not going to change anything in any fundamental way.”AP VoteCast, a broad survey of the national electorate, showed that high inflation and concerns about the fragility of democracy had heavily influenced voters. Half of voters said inflation factored significantly, with groceries, gasoline, housing, food and other costs that have shot up in the past year. Slightly fewer — 44% — said the future of democracy was their primary consideration.Counter to the GOP’s expectations, Biden didn’t entirely shoulder the blame for inflation, with close to half of voters saying the higher-than-usual prices were more because of factors outside his control. And despite the president bearing criticism from a pessimistic electorate, some of those voters backed Democratic candidates.Democrats also likely benefited from anger over the Supreme Court overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision cementing a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion. Voters in Michigan voted to amend their state constitution to protect abortion rights while far more reliably Republican Kentucky rejected a constitutional amendment declaring no right to an abortion.Overall, 7 in 10 voters said the high court’s ruling overturning the 1973 decision enshrining abortion rights was an important factor in their midterm decisions. VoteCast also showed the reversal was broadly unpopular. About 6 in 10 say they are angry or dissatisfied by it. And roughly 6 in 10 say they favor a law guaranteeing access to legal abortion nationwide.___

GOP celebrates slim House majority, return to power in Washington

NEW YORK (AP) — A host of Hollywood and sports celebrities including quarterback Tom Brady and comedian Larry David were named as defendants in a class-action lawsuit against cryptocurrency exchange FTX, arguing that their celebrity status made them culpable for promoting the firm's failed business model.

FTX has been in the public eye for more than a week, after the third-largest cryptocurrency exchange ended up with billions of dollars worth of losses and had to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ftx-crypto-bankruptcy-filing-ed0f06c5db468e285f58af2d8766b51a">seek bankruptcy protection</a>&nbsp;on Friday. The Bahamas-based company and its founder,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sam-bankman-fried-ftx-crypto-downfall-a2eaec231027dfd9f18426ff8982bbf8">Sam Bankman-Fried,</a>&nbsp;are under investigation by state and federal authorities for allegedly investing depositors funds in ventures without their approval.

Lawmakers also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cryptocurrency-technology-business-congress-government-and-politics-4b39f7fc12aff633d32be758967752d4">announced plans to investigate</a>&nbsp;the failure of FTX, with the House Financial Services Committee saying it plans to hold a hearing on FTX in December.

Before its failure, FTX was known to use high-profile Hollywood and sports celebrities to promote its products. It had the naming rights to a Formula One racing team as well as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/miami-heat-nba-sports-business-f9667d11f7f4063c8eebb96ee1fbaf40">sports arena</a>&nbsp;in Miami. Its commercials featured “Seinfeld” creator David, as well as Brady, the star quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, basketball players Shaquille O'Neal and Stephen Curry, and tennis star Naomi Osaka.

The lawsuit filed late Tuesday alleges that these sports and TV celebrities brought instant credibility to FTX, and should be held just as culpable as Bankman-Fried.

“Part of the scheme employed by the FTX Entities involved utilizing some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment—like these Defendants—to raise funds and drive American consumers to invest ... pouring billions of dollars into the deceptive FTX platform to keep the whole scheme afloat,” the lawsuit said.

Class-action attorney Adam Moskowitz pointed to previous cases where the U.S. government fined celebrities Kim Kardashian and Floyd Mayweather for promoting crypto.

“The crypto industry needed celebrity endorsers to get any credibility,” Moskowitz said.

The plaintiff in the case is Pierce Robertson, who is also involved in a case involving Voyager Digital, another failed cryptocurrency company that was endorsed by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Voyager Digital failed for bankruptcy protection this summer, but FTX had pledged to buy Voyager’s assets for $1.4 billion, which would have led to financial relief for Voyager’s depositors. FTX’s failure now puts its aid to Voyager in question.

The lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of Florida. Moskowitz is the attorney representing the victims in the collapse of a Florida residential tower in Surfside, Florida.

Well-known attorney David Boies, who represented the U.S. government against Microsoft in the 90s and Al Gore in the 2000 election, is also named as an attorney on the case.

The Miami Heat were starting a four-game road trip in Toronto on Wednesday. Forward Udonis Haslem, also named in the lawsuit, is away from the team for personal reasons.

NEW YORK (AP) — A host of Hollywood and sports celebrities including quarterback Tom Brady and comedian Larry David were named as defendants in a class-action lawsuit against cryptocurrency exchange FTX, arguing that their celebrity status made them culpable for promoting the firm's failed business model.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_-FQqo46CJQ?start=4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>FTX has been in the public eye for more than a week, after the third-largest cryptocurrency exchange ended up with billions of dollars worth of losses and had to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ftx-crypto-bankruptcy-filing-ed0f06c5db468e285f58af2d8766b51a">seek bankruptcy protection</a>&nbsp;on Friday. The Bahamas-based company and its founder,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sam-bankman-fried-ftx-crypto-downfall-a2eaec231027dfd9f18426ff8982bbf8">Sam Bankman-Fried,</a>&nbsp;are under investigation by state and federal authorities for allegedly investing depositors funds in ventures without their approval.Lawmakers also&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cryptocurrency-technology-business-congress-government-and-politics-4b39f7fc12aff633d32be758967752d4">announced plans to investigate</a>&nbsp;the failure of FTX, with the House Financial Services Committee saying it plans to hold a hearing on FTX in December.Before its failure, FTX was known to use high-profile Hollywood and sports celebrities to promote its products. It had the naming rights to a Formula One racing team as well as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/miami-heat-nba-sports-business-f9667d11f7f4063c8eebb96ee1fbaf40">sports arena</a>&nbsp;in Miami. Its commercials featured “Seinfeld” creator David, as well as Brady, the star quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, basketball players Shaquille O'Neal and Stephen Curry, and tennis star Naomi Osaka.The lawsuit filed late Tuesday alleges that these sports and TV celebrities brought instant credibility to FTX, and should be held just as culpable as Bankman-Fried.“Part of the scheme employed by the FTX Entities involved utilizing some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment—like these Defendants—to raise funds and drive American consumers to invest ... pouring billions of dollars into the deceptive FTX platform to keep the whole scheme afloat,” the lawsuit said.Class-action attorney Adam Moskowitz pointed to previous cases where the U.S. government fined celebrities Kim Kardashian and Floyd Mayweather for promoting crypto.“The crypto industry needed celebrity endorsers to get any credibility,” Moskowitz said.The plaintiff in the case is Pierce Robertson, who is also involved in a case involving Voyager Digital, another failed cryptocurrency company that was endorsed by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Voyager Digital failed for bankruptcy protection this summer, but FTX had pledged to buy Voyager’s assets for $1.4 billion, which would have led to financial relief for Voyager’s depositors. FTX’s failure now puts its aid to Voyager in question.The lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of Florida. Moskowitz is the attorney representing the victims in the collapse of a Florida residential tower in Surfside, Florida.Well-known attorney David Boies, who represented the U.S. government against Microsoft in the 90s and Al Gore in the 2000 election, is also named as an attorney on the case.The Miami Heat were starting a four-game road trip in Toronto on Wednesday. Forward Udonis Haslem, also named in the lawsuit, is away from the team for personal reasons.