DERBY, Kan. (AP) — Police have identified a man and woman who died in an apparent murder-suicide in the Wichita suburb of Derby. 

The Wichita Eagle reports that 19-year-old Haley Powell, of Wichita, died after being shot Friday afternoon outside the Trails at Derby Apartments. 

Police called to the scene found Powell with gunshot wounds and rushed her to a hospital, where she died. 

Police said witnesses told officers that 21-year-old Tiryn Young had shot Powell. Police later spotted Young at the Derby Golf &amp; Country Club about a mile north of the apartments, but say he shot himself in the head as officers ran to arrest him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644246036277.png" alt="The apartment complex 1300 block of East Meadowlark in Derby-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>The apartment complex 1300 block of East Meadowlark in Derby-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>DERBY, Kan. (AP) — Police have identified a man and woman who died in an apparent murder-suicide in the Wichita suburb of Derby. The Wichita Eagle reports that 19-year-old Haley Powell, of Wichita, died after being shot Friday afternoon outside the Trails at Derby Apartments. Police called to the scene found Powell with gunshot wounds and rushed her to a hospital, where she died. Police said witnesses told officers that 21-year-old Tiryn Young had shot Powell. Police later spotted Young at the Derby Golf &amp; Country Club about a mile north of the apartments, but say he shot himself in the head as officers ran to arrest him.

Police ID Kan. woman who died in case of domestic violence 

NEW YORK (AP) — Any person convicted of a disruption on board a flight should be added to the national “no fly” list, Delta Air Lines told the U.S. Department of Justice.

In a letter to the Justice Department Attorney General Merrick Garland dated Thursday, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said there should be “zero tolerance” for any behavior that affects flight safety. Bastian noted that while such incidents of bad behavior represent a small fraction of overall flights on Delta, the rate of incidents on the airline has increased nearly 100% since 2019.

“This action will help prevent future incidents and serve as a strong symbol of the consequences of not complying with crew member instructions on commercial aircraft,” Bastian wrote in the letter furnished to The Associated Press by Delta Air Lines.

Delta has, along with its industry partner Airlines for America, been pushing since last year for heightened reporting, investigation and prosecution of those who interfere with on-board safety. The airlines, based in Atlanta, said it has put nearly 1,900 people on Delta’s “no-fly” list for refusing to comply with masking requirements and submitted more than 900 banned names to the Transportation Security Administration to pursue civil penalties.

A spokesperson with TSA, which enforces the FBI “no fly” list of potential terrorist threats, referred a reporter to the FBI since that agency maintains the database. Both the FBI and the Justice Department declined to comment. The Federal Aviation Administration cited 4.9 reported unruly incidents per 10,000 flights the week ending Jan. 23, according to its website.

In December, the TSA announced a new partnership with the FAA that would call for unruly airline passengers facing additional consequences for bad behavior under a new partnership. Under the alliance, the FAA will share information of passengers facing fines for unruly behavior with the TSA, which may remove the passenger from its pre-check screening eligibility, a privilege reserved for low-risk travelers.

ADVERTISEMENTTrending on AP News<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-france-environment-and-nature-environment-fish-bfa019ef14e646ab14b215aba1311045">Mass swarm of dead fish in Atlantic prompts European inquiry</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-entertainment-health-business-race-and-ethnicity-cf03e3ec11422a155da59e998a11aa64">Joe Rogan apologizes for racial slur after video surfaces</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-new-york-new-york-city-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-d4996a1414bb014476a12df3a8a3b120">NYC Mayor Eric Adams apologizes for using racial slur</a><a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=organic-thumbnails-rr:Right%20Rail%20Thumbnails:" target="_blank">by Taboola</a>ADVERTISEMENT

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640348737573.png" alt="Delta has, along with its industry partner Airlines for America, been pushing since last year for heightened reporting, investigation and prosecution of those who interfere with on-board safety-photo Eisenhower Wichita Airport&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Delta has, along with its industry partner Airlines for America, been pushing since last year for heightened reporting, investigation and prosecution of those who interfere with on-board safety-photo Eisenhower Wichita Airport&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Any person convicted of a disruption on board a flight should be added to the national “no fly” list, Delta Air Lines told the U.S. Department of Justice.In a letter to the Justice Department Attorney General Merrick Garland dated Thursday, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said there should be “zero tolerance” for any behavior that affects flight safety. Bastian noted that while such incidents of bad behavior represent a small fraction of overall flights on Delta, the rate of incidents on the airline has increased nearly 100% since 2019.“This action will help prevent future incidents and serve as a strong symbol of the consequences of not complying with crew member instructions on commercial aircraft,” Bastian wrote in the letter furnished to The Associated Press by Delta Air Lines.Delta has, along with its industry partner Airlines for America, been pushing since last year for heightened reporting, investigation and prosecution of those who interfere with on-board safety. The airlines, based in Atlanta, said it has put nearly 1,900 people on Delta’s “no-fly” list for refusing to comply with masking requirements and submitted more than 900 banned names to the Transportation Security Administration to pursue civil penalties.A spokesperson with TSA, which enforces the FBI “no fly” list of potential terrorist threats, referred a reporter to the FBI since that agency maintains the database. Both the FBI and the Justice Department declined to comment. The Federal Aviation Administration cited 4.9 reported unruly incidents per 10,000 flights the week ending Jan. 23, according to its website.In December, the TSA announced a new partnership with the FAA that would call for unruly airline passengers facing additional consequences for bad behavior under a new partnership. Under the alliance, the FAA will share information of passengers facing fines for unruly behavior with the TSA, which may remove the passenger from its pre-check screening eligibility, a privilege reserved for low-risk travelers.ADVERTISEMENTTrending on AP News<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-france-environment-and-nature-environment-fish-bfa019ef14e646ab14b215aba1311045">Mass swarm of dead fish in Atlantic prompts European inquiry</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-entertainment-health-business-race-and-ethnicity-cf03e3ec11422a155da59e998a11aa64">Joe Rogan apologizes for racial slur after video surfaces</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/police-new-york-new-york-city-race-and-ethnicity-racial-injustice-d4996a1414bb014476a12df3a8a3b120">NYC Mayor Eric Adams apologizes for using racial slur</a><a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=organic-thumbnails-rr:Right%20Rail%20Thumbnails:" target="_blank">by Taboola</a>ADVERTISEMENT

Airline asks U.S. Dept. of Justice to put unruly passengers on no-fly list

RZESZOW-JASIONKA, Poland (AP) — A few dozen elite U.S troops and equipment were seen landing Sunday in southeastern Poland near the border with Ukraine, following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-joe-biden-business-national-security-jake-sullivan-4f766b3b07014bddb9006d44a9f240b8">President Joe Biden’s orders to deploy 1,700 soldiers there amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.</a>

Hundreds more infantry troops of the 82nd Airborne Division are still expected to arrive at the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport, 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Poland’s border with Ukraine. A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster plane brought a few dozen troops and vehicles.

Their commander is Maj. Gen. Christopher Donahue, who on Aug. 30 was the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan.

“Our national contribution here in Poland shows our solidarity with all of our allies here in Europe and, obviously, during this period of uncertainty, we know that we are stronger together,” Donahue said at the airport.

In Warsaw, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak hailed the deployment, saying that “deterrence and solidarity are the best response to Moscow’s aggressive policy, to the aggressive attempt at reconstructing the Russian empire.”

Russia has amassed some 100,000 troops on the borders of Ukraine, some for joint military exercises in Belarus, but insists it has no intentions of invading Ukraine.

A collective response by NATO members is “the best response to a threat, the only method of assuring security to Poland and to other NATO countries on the alliance’s eastern flank,” Blaszczak said.

He stressed he has held a number of talks on the subject with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

Biden ordered additional U.S. troops deployed to Poland, Romania and Germany to demonstrate to both allies and foes America’s commitment to NATO’s eastern flank amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine. NATO’s eastern member Poland borders both Russia and Ukraine. Romania borders Ukraine.

The division can rapidly deploy within 18 hours and conduct parachute assaults to secure key objectives. Based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the division’s history goes back to 1917.

Earlier in the week, U.S. planes brought equipment and logistics troops in preparation for the arrival of part of the division to the airport.

Polish soldiers have previously worked together with the U.S. division on missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and have trained together, according to Maj. Przemyslaw Lipczynski, a spokesman for the Polish Army’s 18th Mechanized Division.

Some 4,000 U.S. troops have been stationed in Poland since 2017 on a rotating basis, as a security boost in the face of Russia’s increased military activity.

European officials fear that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-russia-germany-82a7ebf6617dfc86b09f4d1b69209d5b">the continent’s energy supplies are vulnerable i</a>&nbsp;n the case of hostilities over Ukraine.

RZESZOW-JASIONKA, Poland (AP) — Hundreds of U.S elite troops arrived in southeastern Poland near the border with Ukraine on Sunday on President Joe Biden’s orders to deploy 1,700 soldiers there amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The airborne infantry troops of the 82nd Airborne Division were expected at the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport. Their commander is Maj. Gen. Christopher Donahue, who was the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan Aug. 30.

Earlier in the week, U.S. planes brought equipment and logistics troops in preparation for the arrival of elements of the division to the airport, located some 56 miles from Poland’s border with Ukraine.

Polish soldiers have previously worked together with the U.S. division on missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Maj. Przemyslaw Lipczynski, spokesman for the Polish Army 18th Mechanized Division.

Some 4,000 U.S. troops have been stationed in Poland since 2017, on a rotating basis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644201847534.png" alt="Photo courtesy Department of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Department of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>RZESZOW-JASIONKA, Poland (AP) — A few dozen elite U.S troops and equipment were seen landing Sunday in southeastern Poland near the border with Ukraine, following&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-joe-biden-business-national-security-jake-sullivan-4f766b3b07014bddb9006d44a9f240b8">President Joe Biden’s orders to deploy 1,700 soldiers there amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.</a>Hundreds more infantry troops of the 82nd Airborne Division are still expected to arrive at the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport, 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Poland’s border with Ukraine. A U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster plane brought a few dozen troops and vehicles.Their commander is Maj. Gen. Christopher Donahue, who on Aug. 30 was the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan.“Our national contribution here in Poland shows our solidarity with all of our allies here in Europe and, obviously, during this period of uncertainty, we know that we are stronger together,” Donahue said at the airport.In Warsaw, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak hailed the deployment, saying that “deterrence and solidarity are the best response to Moscow’s aggressive policy, to the aggressive attempt at reconstructing the Russian empire.”Russia has amassed some 100,000 troops on the borders of Ukraine, some for joint military exercises in Belarus, but insists it has no intentions of invading Ukraine.A collective response by NATO members is “the best response to a threat, the only method of assuring security to Poland and to other NATO countries on the alliance’s eastern flank,” Blaszczak said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644202040531.png" alt="Photo courtesy Defense Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Defense Department</figcaption>
 </figure>He stressed he has held a number of talks on the subject with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.Biden ordered additional U.S. troops deployed to Poland, Romania and Germany to demonstrate to both allies and foes America’s commitment to NATO’s eastern flank amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine. NATO’s eastern member Poland borders both Russia and Ukraine. Romania borders Ukraine.The division can rapidly deploy within 18 hours and conduct parachute assaults to secure key objectives. Based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the division’s history goes back to 1917.Earlier in the week, U.S. planes brought equipment and logistics troops in preparation for the arrival of part of the division to the airport.Polish soldiers have previously worked together with the U.S. division on missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and have trained together, according to Maj. Przemyslaw Lipczynski, a spokesman for the Polish Army’s 18th Mechanized Division.Some 4,000 U.S. troops have been stationed in Poland since 2017 on a rotating basis, as a security boost in the face of Russia’s increased military activity.European officials fear that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-russia-germany-82a7ebf6617dfc86b09f4d1b69209d5b">the continent’s energy supplies are vulnerable i</a>&nbsp;n the case of hostilities over Ukraine.RZESZOW-JASIONKA, Poland (AP) — Hundreds of U.S elite troops arrived in southeastern Poland near the border with Ukraine on Sunday on President Joe Biden’s orders to deploy 1,700 soldiers there amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630369004289.png" alt="Maj. Gen. Christopher Donahue, shown here as the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan Aug. 30, is in charge of the 82nd Airborne Division now in eastern Europe-photo Dept. of Defense." />
 <figcaption>Maj. Gen. Christopher Donahue, shown here as the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan Aug. 30, is in charge of the 82nd Airborne Division now in eastern Europe-photo Dept. of Defense.</figcaption>
 </figure>The airborne infantry troops of the 82nd Airborne Division were expected at the Rzeszow-Jasionka airport. Their commander is Maj. Gen. Christopher Donahue, who was the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan Aug. 30.Biden ordered additional U.S. troops deployed to Poland, Romania and Germany to demonstrate to both allies and foes America’s commitment to NATO’s eastern flank amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine. NATO’s eastern member Poland borders both Russia and Ukraine. Romania borders Ukraine.The division can rapidly deploy within 18 hours and conduct parachute assaults to secure key objectives. Based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the division’s history goes back to 1917.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644151735079.png" alt="Defense Department&nbsp;photo courtesy Army Chief of Staff GEN James C. McConville" />
 <figcaption>Defense Department&nbsp;photo courtesy Army Chief of Staff GEN James C. McConville</figcaption>
 </figure>Earlier in the week, U.S. planes brought equipment and logistics troops in preparation for the arrival of elements of the division to the airport, located some 56 miles from Poland’s border with Ukraine.Polish soldiers have previously worked together with the U.S. division on missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Maj. Przemyslaw Lipczynski, spokesman for the Polish Army 18th Mechanized Division.Some 4,000 U.S. troops have been stationed in Poland since 2017, on a rotating basis.

Elite U.S. troops arrive in Poland amid tensions with Russia

KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man and three other defendants have pleaded guilty in federal court to their roles in a conspiracy that converted large amounts of liquid methamphetamine into crystal methamphetamine at a rented house within 1,000 feet of George Melcher Elementary School in Kansas City, according to the United State's Attorney.

Jose Vieyra-Lopez, 37, a citizen of Mexico; Magan Eubanks, 40, of Kansas City, Mo., and Victor Suarez-Gallardo, 33, of Kansas, each pleaded guilty in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough on Thursday, Feb. 3. Vieyra-Lopez and Suarez-Gallardo each pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school from Jan. 1, 2014, to May 18, 2018. Eubanks pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Co-defendant Ruben Ortiz-Vieyra, 42, of Kansas City, Mo., a lawful permanent resident of the United States from Mexico, pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy within 1,000 feet of a school on Jan. 12, 2022.

In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Vieyra-Lopez, Suarez-Gallardo, and Ortiz-Vieyra each pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school. Suarez-Gallardo, Ortiz-Vieyra, and Eubanks each also pleaded guilty to one count of possessing or using firearms with drug trafficking. Ortiz-Vieyra also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess or use firearms with drug trafficking.

According to their plea agreements, Ortiz-Vieyra supplied methamphetamine to Eubanks. Vieyra-Lopez was the drug runner for Ortiz-Vieyra.

On April 26, 2018, a confidential informant purchased one-half pound of methamphetamine from Eubanks for $3,000 in a transaction that involved Ortiz-Vieyra. On May 2, 2018, the confidential informant purchased one pound of methamphetamine from Eubanks for $5,000. Ortiz-Vieyra was also involved in the transaction. On May 8, 2018, the confidential informant purchased one-half pound of methamphetamine. Ortiz-Vieyra and Vieyra-Lopez were involved in the transaction.

On May 15, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Eubanks’s residence. Officers seized methamphetamine, marijuana, a Ruger .380-caliber pistol, a box of ammunition, a counterfeit $100 bill, and drug paraphernalia.

On May 17, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Kansas City, Mo., residence controlled by Ortiz-Vieyra and Suarez-Gallardo. There were no furniture or other items inside the residence to make it appear occupied. Instead, officers found a black cooking stand that had a pan sitting on top that contained liquid methamphetamine. The residence is approximately 484 feet from George Melcher Elementary School.

Ortiz-Vieyra admitted that he rented houses where he converted liquid methamphetamine into a crystallized form of methamphetamine for sale, including approximately five pounds of methamphetamine approximately one week before his arrest on May 17, 2018. Ortiz-Vieyra admitted that he sold methamphetamine to Eubanks and others. The next day Suarez-Gallardo, who had also been observed at the residence where methamphetamine was being converted, was arrested. Officers found acetone and a Berretta .45-caliber firearm at his residence. Suarez-Gallardo identified Ortiz-Vieyra as the conversion cook. Suarez-Gallardo admitted that he had distributed 10 to 15 pounds of methamphetamine from the conversion lab.

Under the terms of their plea agreements, the defendants must forfeit to the government $1,080,000, which was received for the unlawful distribution of methamphetamine, based on a sale price of $600 per ounce and the distribution of 1,800 ounces (112.5 pounds) of methamphetamine.

Under federal statutes, each of the defendants is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencings of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644161626673.png" alt="Eubanks from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Eubanks from an earlier arrest in Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY– A Kansas man and three other defendants have pleaded guilty in federal court to their roles in a conspiracy that converted large amounts of liquid methamphetamine into crystal methamphetamine at a rented house within 1,000 feet of George Melcher Elementary School in Kansas City, according to the United State's Attorney.Jose Vieyra-Lopez, 37, a citizen of Mexico; Magan Eubanks, 40, of Kansas City, Mo., and Victor Suarez-Gallardo, 33, of Kansas, each pleaded guilty in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough on Thursday, Feb. 3. Vieyra-Lopez and Suarez-Gallardo each pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school from Jan. 1, 2014, to May 18, 2018. Eubanks pleaded guilty to participating in the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Co-defendant Ruben Ortiz-Vieyra, 42, of Kansas City, Mo., a lawful permanent resident of the United States from Mexico, pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy within 1,000 feet of a school on Jan. 12, 2022.In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Vieyra-Lopez, Suarez-Gallardo, and Ortiz-Vieyra each pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school. Suarez-Gallardo, Ortiz-Vieyra, and Eubanks each also pleaded guilty to one count of possessing or using firearms with drug trafficking. Ortiz-Vieyra also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess or use firearms with drug trafficking.According to their plea agreements, Ortiz-Vieyra supplied methamphetamine to Eubanks. Vieyra-Lopez was the drug runner for Ortiz-Vieyra.On April 26, 2018, a confidential informant purchased one-half pound of methamphetamine from Eubanks for $3,000 in a transaction that involved Ortiz-Vieyra. On May 2, 2018, the confidential informant purchased one pound of methamphetamine from Eubanks for $5,000. Ortiz-Vieyra was also involved in the transaction. On May 8, 2018, the confidential informant purchased one-half pound of methamphetamine. Ortiz-Vieyra and Vieyra-Lopez were involved in the transaction.On May 15, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Eubanks’s residence. Officers seized methamphetamine, marijuana, a Ruger .380-caliber pistol, a box of ammunition, a counterfeit $100 bill, and drug paraphernalia.On May 17, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Kansas City, Mo., residence controlled by Ortiz-Vieyra and Suarez-Gallardo. There were no furniture or other items inside the residence to make it appear occupied. Instead, officers found a black cooking stand that had a pan sitting on top that contained liquid methamphetamine. The residence is approximately 484 feet from George Melcher Elementary School.Ortiz-Vieyra admitted that he rented houses where he converted liquid methamphetamine into a crystallized form of methamphetamine for sale, including approximately five pounds of methamphetamine approximately one week before his arrest on May 17, 2018. Ortiz-Vieyra admitted that he sold methamphetamine to Eubanks and others. The next day Suarez-Gallardo, who had also been observed at the residence where methamphetamine was being converted, was arrested. Officers found acetone and a Berretta .45-caliber firearm at his residence. Suarez-Gallardo identified Ortiz-Vieyra as the conversion cook. Suarez-Gallardo admitted that he had distributed 10 to 15 pounds of methamphetamine from the conversion lab.Under the terms of their plea agreements, the defendants must forfeit to the government $1,080,000, which was received for the unlawful distribution of methamphetamine, based on a sale price of $600 per ounce and the distribution of 1,800 ounces (112.5 pounds) of methamphetamine.Under federal statutes, each of the defendants is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencings of the defendants will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.

Kan. man admits role in meth conspiracy near elementary school

LABETTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of violent dog killings.&nbsp;

On December 29, police were notified by a juvenile about a dead animal that had been found and was wrapped up in a blanket. The animal was found thrown next to a small bridge near Felix and 17th Street in Parsons, according to a media release from police.

Officers went to the area and located a dog that was wrapped up in a blanket that was tied around the body. Officers took the deceased animal to the Parson Pet Hospital to have a trained professional examine the dog in an autopsy to determine the method of death. 

Under normal circumstance there would not be an autopsy done on a dog that was found deceased but due to the nature of the disposal and the area of town in which it went missing it was important to find out if the dog was murdered before being disposed of. The animal was found to have gone missing from the 1300 block of S 13th Street.

The report from the autopsy stated that there was severe trauma to the underside of the dog's abdomen and trauma around the neck from the choke chain that was still on the animal. The vet completing the report stated that it would have been consistent with the dog being strangled and beaten, causing the death. All trauma was consistent with a human killing the animal and was not consistent with and animal attack nor vehicle strike.

A&nbsp; dog, identified as "Drako" was identified as the 3rd reported dog killed in less than a year in the same area of the city that dogs identified as "Bleu" had been shot and killed, "Zeus" had been shot, and "Ranger" had been brutally killed. The reward for the "Ranger's" killer has been updated to $34,000.00.

"This is very frustrating for everyone involved. Officers want closure to these cases as bad as the general public. We have been and will continue to ask the public for support and information leading to the arrest of person or persons who are committing these crimes. It is really a shocking development that the $30,000.00 offered has not loosened any tongues. That is what leads us to believe that it is one person acting alone," according to Police Chief Robert Spinks.

The investigation continues to develop persons of interest who are being contacted and interviewed. These individuals are also being offered polygraph test to help eliminate them as potential suspects along with alibi confirmation.

Not all individuals are voluntarily cooperating.

Based on multiple factors, it is possible that one individual who harbors an abnormal psychopathy that can use animal cruelty as a gateway to more violent behavior, according to 'Animal Cruelty as a Gateway Crime' published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Police encouraged residents in the southeast area of Parsons&nbsp; not to let their dogs roam at large. When animals are left even in a fenced yard they should be watched. Installing Ring, Blink or other home CCTV devices are encouraged as a general crime prevention measure.

"Any suspicious individuals lurking in vehicles or on foot should be reported to the police department," says Acting Commander Kyle Wiford.

LABETTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a case of alleged felony animal cruelty are offering a reward for information in the case.

On Dec. 3, an off duty police officer in the city of Parsons reported their dog 'Ranger' had been killed at a home in the 1400 Block of South 14th Street, according to a media release.

Ranger was a 3-month-old, black, pure bred German Shepherd. The owners let the dog out into a fenced back yard at approximately 7a.m. Just after 2p.m. the owners found the puppy with its head severed, according to the release.

Investigators believe the puppy was removed from the yard by a suspect, taken to another location and killed. Then in a brazen act, the suspect returned the decapitated body and muzzle of Ranger to the police officer's back yard, according to the release.

The crime of cruelty to an animal is a felony for knowingly and maliciously killing an animal. Additionally police would consider requesting a charge of criminal trespass in the case.

Because this was a targeted attack on a Parsons police officer, the Police Department is now offering a $4000.00 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.

Anyone with information should contact Parsons Police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639092204370.png" alt="Ranger-photo Parsons Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Ranger-photo Parsons Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>LABETTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of violent dog killings.&nbsp;On December 29, police were notified by a juvenile about a dead animal that had been found and was wrapped up in a blanket. The animal was found thrown next to a small bridge near Felix and 17th Street in Parsons, according to a media release from police.Officers went to the area and located a dog that was wrapped up in a blanket that was tied around the body. Officers took the deceased animal to the Parson Pet Hospital to have a trained professional examine the dog in an autopsy to determine the method of death. Under normal circumstance there would not be an autopsy done on a dog that was found deceased but due to the nature of the disposal and the area of town in which it went missing it was important to find out if the dog was murdered before being disposed of. The animal was found to have gone missing from the 1300 block of S 13th Street.The report from the autopsy stated that there was severe trauma to the underside of the dog's abdomen and trauma around the neck from the choke chain that was still on the animal. The vet completing the report stated that it would have been consistent with the dog being strangled and beaten, causing the death. All trauma was consistent with a human killing the animal and was not consistent with and animal attack nor vehicle strike.A&nbsp; dog, identified as "Drako" was identified as the 3rd reported dog killed in less than a year in the same area of the city that dogs identified as "Bleu" had been shot and killed, "Zeus" had been shot, and "Ranger" had been brutally killed. The reward for the "Ranger's" killer has been updated to $34,000.00."This is very frustrating for everyone involved. Officers want closure to these cases as bad as the general public. We have been and will continue to ask the public for support and information leading to the arrest of person or persons who are committing these crimes. It is really a shocking development that the $30,000.00 offered has not loosened any tongues. That is what leads us to believe that it is one person acting alone," according to Police Chief Robert Spinks.The investigation continues to develop persons of interest who are being contacted and interviewed. These individuals are also being offered polygraph test to help eliminate them as potential suspects along with alibi confirmation.Not all individuals are voluntarily cooperating.Based on multiple factors, it is possible that one individual who harbors an abnormal psychopathy that can use animal cruelty as a gateway to more violent behavior, according to 'Animal Cruelty as a Gateway Crime' published by the U.S. Department of Justice.Police encouraged residents in the southeast area of Parsons&nbsp; not to let their dogs roam at large. When animals are left even in a fenced yard they should be watched. Installing Ring, Blink or other home CCTV devices are encouraged as a general crime prevention measure."Any suspicious individuals lurking in vehicles or on foot should be reported to the police department," says Acting Commander Kyle Wiford.---------------LABETTE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a case of alleged felony animal cruelty are offering a reward for information in the case.On Dec. 3, an off duty police officer in the city of Parsons reported their dog 'Ranger' had been killed at a home in the 1400 Block of South 14th Street, according to a media release.Ranger was a 3-month-old, black, pure bred German Shepherd. The owners let the dog out into a fenced back yard at approximately 7a.m. Just after 2p.m. the owners found the puppy with its head severed, according to the release.Investigators believe the puppy was removed from the yard by a suspect, taken to another location and killed. Then in a brazen act, the suspect returned the decapitated body and muzzle of Ranger to the police officer's back yard, according to the release.The crime of cruelty to an animal is a felony for knowingly and maliciously killing an animal. Additionally police would consider requesting a charge of criminal trespass in the case.Because this was a targeted attack on a Parsons police officer, the Police Department is now offering a $4000.00 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.Anyone with information should contact Parsons Police.

Police: Lack of cooperation in Kan. dog killing investigation

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting.

The incident occurred just before 8 a.m. Sunday, as deputies were in the 1200 block of SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka attempting to make a felony arrest of a suspect involved in a vehicle pursuit that occurred in Shawnee County on Friday, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.&nbsp; 

One male subject was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Northeast Kansas Sheriffs’ Officer-Involved Critical Incident Response Team is in charge of the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644160820448.png" alt="Law enforcement on the scene of Sunday's fatal officer-involved shooting-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Law enforcement on the scene of Sunday's fatal officer-involved shooting-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting.The incident occurred just before 8 a.m. Sunday, as deputies were in the 1200 block of SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka attempting to make a felony arrest of a suspect involved in a vehicle pursuit that occurred in Shawnee County on Friday, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.&nbsp; One male subject was pronounced deceased at the scene.The Northeast Kansas Sheriffs’ Officer-Involved Critical Incident Response Team is in charge of the investigation.

Man dead after Kansas officer-involved shooting

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-regulators-struggling-to-deal-with-29-high-hazard-dams-in-need-of-repair/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of
 Agriculture briefed a legislative committee last week on legal challenges 
of compelling action to repair 29 dams in unsatisfactory condition and 
considered a hazard to homes, businesses or infrastructure.

Earl Lewis, chief engineer with the agriculture department, said the 
state has regulatory control of about one-third of the state’s 6,695 
dams. Overall, more than 600 dams in Kansas have been identified as 
significant or high hazards if breached. The state has jurisdiction over
 400 of these dams.

“There are 29 out there where we need to have action,” Lewis said. 
“Some of these we’ve known about for a number of years. We don’t have 
the enforcement tools.”

He told members of the Kansas House committee devoted to water issues
 that the Department of Agriculture lacked authority to enforce safety 
standards designed to correct problems at weakened dams. In these cases,
 he said, the state must convince a county attorney to take court 
action.

One option would be for the Legislature to grant the department 
ability to impose civil fines on landowners who decline to repair unsafe
 dams on their property, he said.

Lewis said the agriculture department had 3.5 full-time equivalent 
employees to deal with oversight of dams in the state. That breaks down 
to 700 dams per employee, he said, compared to the national average of 
200 dams per staff member.

Gov. Laura kelly included in her recommended state budget enough 
funding to hire three more people devoted to regulatory work on dams in 
Kansas, which has the second-most dams in the United States. The state’s
 regulatory work on dams relies on a combination of state and federal 
funding.

“We’re not here saying we should be where the national average is, 
but we do want to make sure we meet our statutory obligations,” Lewis 
said.

He also said the state should create an emergency fund to address 
dams in immediate jeopardy of failing and change state law to allow 
people to conduct dam inspections under the supervision of a 
professional engineer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643916495187.png" alt="Earl Lewis, chief engineer with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, said the state had 29 dams in need of prompt repair but complained the agency lacked legal tools to compel landowners to act. (Screen capture/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Earl Lewis, chief engineer with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, said the state had 29 dams in need of prompt repair but complained the agency lacked legal tools to compel landowners to act. (Screen capture/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-regulators-struggling-to-deal-with-29-high-hazard-dams-in-need-of-repair/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of
 Agriculture briefed a legislative committee last week on legal challenges 
of compelling action to repair 29 dams in unsatisfactory condition and 
considered a hazard to homes, businesses or infrastructure.Earl Lewis, chief engineer with the agriculture department, said the 
state has regulatory control of about one-third of the state’s 6,695 
dams. Overall, more than 600 dams in Kansas have been identified as 
significant or high hazards if breached. The state has jurisdiction over
 400 of these dams.“There are 29 out there where we need to have action,” Lewis said. 
“Some of these we’ve known about for a number of years. We don’t have 
the enforcement tools.”He told members of the Kansas House committee devoted to water issues
 that the Department of Agriculture lacked authority to enforce safety 
standards designed to correct problems at weakened dams. In these cases,
 he said, the state must convince a county attorney to take court 
action.One option would be for the Legislature to grant the department 
ability to impose civil fines on landowners who decline to repair unsafe
 dams on their property, he said.Lewis said the agriculture department had 3.5 full-time equivalent 
employees to deal with oversight of dams in the state. That breaks down 
to 700 dams per employee, he said, compared to the national average of 
200 dams per staff member.Gov. Laura kelly included in her recommended state budget enough 
funding to hire three more people devoted to regulatory work on dams in 
Kansas, which has the second-most dams in the United States. The state’s
 regulatory work on dams relies on a combination of state and federal 
funding.“We’re not here saying we should be where the national average is, 
but we do want to make sure we meet our statutory obligations,” Lewis 
said.He also said the state should create an emergency fund to address 
dams in immediate jeopardy of failing and change state law to allow 
people to conduct dam inspections under the supervision of a 
professional engineer.

Kan. regulators struggling to deal with high-hazard dams in need of repair

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday vetoed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/ds_maps/map_b_adastra2_2787.pdf" target="_blank">a Republican redistricting plan</a>&nbsp;that would make it harder for the lone Kansas Democrat in Congress to win reelection this year.

Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature vowed to try to override Kelly’s veto, and they appeared to be close to having the two-thirds majorities in both chambers that they would need. But if they do, the new lines are likely to be challenged in federal and possibly state court.

The measure would split the state’s portion of the Kansas City area into two congressional districts, costing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-kansas-kansas-city-lawrence-topeka-7e616acdf227d7ce8356a821fda8ea76">Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids</a>&nbsp;some of the territory in her 3rd District where she performs best. The map also would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-election-2020-kansas-city-kansas-donald-trump-85844d07388c25e71440059be29b7a6e">move the liberal northeast Kansas community of Lawrence,</a>&nbsp;home to the main University of Kansas campus, from the 2nd District of eastern Kansas into the 1st District of central and western Kansas with conservative communities six or more hours away by car.

Kelly’s veto message repeated Democratic legislators’ criticism of the plan, arguing that it violates guidelines set by the courts and lawmakers themselves aimed at protecting “communities of interest” and not diluting minority voters’ clout

“I am ready to work with the Legislature in a bipartisan fashion to pass a new congressional map,” Kelly’s message said. “Together, we can come to a consensus and pass a compromise that empowers all people of Kansas.”

While Kelly portrayed her action as enabling bipartisanship, it comes with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-georgia-donald-trump-2ad863083ef6a097dc5785977c7bd9aa">Republicans hoping to regain a U.S. House majority</a>&nbsp;in this year’s elections and looking to recapture heavily suburban districts like Davids’.

Top GOP lawmakers were less conciliatory than Kelly, having said previously that they are confident Republicans can override a veto.

The Kansas House’s GOP leaders issued a statement accusing Kelly of bowing to the American Civil Liberties Union, which with other groups urged her Wednesday to veto the plan. They also described Kelly as “beholden to New York special interests,” a reference to the home state of Democratic U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Top Kansas Senate Republicans said the GOP plan is “politically fair, keeping all four members of Congress within their current seats.”

Republicans argued that Davids still can win reelection, based on voting in the 2020 elections. They said they simply followed past federal court mandates for all districts to be as equal in population as possible after population shifts over the past 10 years. The GOP plan gives each district the ideal population of 734,470.

The new map would reduce the percentage of minority voters in the 3rd District by moving the northern part of Kansas City, Kansas, into the 2nd District. Republicans defended the split because the percentage of minority voters would increase in the 2nd District.

But Stacey Knoell, the executive director for the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, rejected Republican lawmakers’ argument about diversity improving in the 2nd District because Lawrence would move out.

“The map looks like it’s struggling,” Knoell said.

The state’s side of the Kansas City area has about 33,000 too many people for a single congressional district. Republicans argued that lawmakers shouldn’t divide the faster-growing suburbs south of Kansas City, Kansas, and made I-70 roughly the boundary between the 2nd and 3rd Districts.

But the move separates minority neighborhoods rather than whiter suburbs. Kelly claimed the move came “without explanation.”

“When you drive on I-70 and you look on either side of the highway, the neighborhoods look the same,” said Thomas Alonzo, a lifelong Kansas City, Kansas, resident and chair of the LGBTQ-rights group equality Kansas. “The houses look the same.”

Democrats also argued that Lawrence has little in common with rural western Kansas, and Kelly suggested western Kansas would lose clout if it’s tied to Lawrence.

Republicans argued said minority residents in Lawrence fit well with three southwest Kansas counties known for meatpacking plants, where white, non-Hispanic residents are now a minority. They also argued that the change for Lawrence is acceptable because it would put the main University of Kansas and Kansas State University campuses into the same district.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1643147273216.png" alt="Top GOP lawmakers are confident Republicans can override Kelly's veto" />
 <figcaption>Top GOP lawmakers are confident Republicans can override Kelly's veto</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA and ANDY TSUBASA FIELDTOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday vetoed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/ds_maps/map_b_adastra2_2787.pdf" target="_blank">a Republican redistricting plan</a>&nbsp;that would make it harder for the lone Kansas Democrat in Congress to win reelection this year.Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature vowed to try to override Kelly’s veto, and they appeared to be close to having the two-thirds majorities in both chambers that they would need. But if they do, the new lines are likely to be challenged in federal and possibly state court.The measure would split the state’s portion of the Kansas City area into two congressional districts, costing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-kansas-kansas-city-lawrence-topeka-7e616acdf227d7ce8356a821fda8ea76">Democratic U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids</a>&nbsp;some of the territory in her 3rd District where she performs best. The map also would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-election-2020-kansas-city-kansas-donald-trump-85844d07388c25e71440059be29b7a6e">move the liberal northeast Kansas community of Lawrence,</a>&nbsp;home to the main University of Kansas campus, from the 2nd District of eastern Kansas into the 1st District of central and western Kansas with conservative communities six or more hours away by car.Kelly’s veto message repeated Democratic legislators’ criticism of the plan, arguing that it violates guidelines set by the courts and lawmakers themselves aimed at protecting “communities of interest” and not diluting minority voters’ clout“I am ready to work with the Legislature in a bipartisan fashion to pass a new congressional map,” Kelly’s message said. “Together, we can come to a consensus and pass a compromise that empowers all people of Kansas.”While Kelly portrayed her action as enabling bipartisanship, it comes with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-georgia-donald-trump-2ad863083ef6a097dc5785977c7bd9aa">Republicans hoping to regain a U.S. House majority</a>&nbsp;in this year’s elections and looking to recapture heavily suburban districts like Davids’.Top GOP lawmakers were less conciliatory than Kelly, having said previously that they are confident Republicans can override a veto.The Kansas House’s GOP leaders issued a statement accusing Kelly of bowing to the American Civil Liberties Union, which with other groups urged her Wednesday to veto the plan. They also described Kelly as “beholden to New York special interests,” a reference to the home state of Democratic U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.Top Kansas Senate Republicans said the GOP plan is “politically fair, keeping all four members of Congress within their current seats.”Republicans argued that Davids still can win reelection, based on voting in the 2020 elections. They said they simply followed past federal court mandates for all districts to be as equal in population as possible after population shifts over the past 10 years. The GOP plan gives each district the ideal population of 734,470.The new map would reduce the percentage of minority voters in the 3rd District by moving the northern part of Kansas City, Kansas, into the 2nd District. Republicans defended the split because the percentage of minority voters would increase in the 2nd District.But Stacey Knoell, the executive director for the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, rejected Republican lawmakers’ argument about diversity improving in the 2nd District because Lawrence would move out.“The map looks like it’s struggling,” Knoell said.The state’s side of the Kansas City area has about 33,000 too many people for a single congressional district. Republicans argued that lawmakers shouldn’t divide the faster-growing suburbs south of Kansas City, Kansas, and made I-70 roughly the boundary between the 2nd and 3rd Districts.But the move separates minority neighborhoods rather than whiter suburbs. Kelly claimed the move came “without explanation.”“When you drive on I-70 and you look on either side of the highway, the neighborhoods look the same,” said Thomas Alonzo, a lifelong Kansas City, Kansas, resident and chair of the LGBTQ-rights group equality Kansas. “The houses look the same.”Democrats also argued that Lawrence has little in common with rural western Kansas, and Kelly suggested western Kansas would lose clout if it’s tied to Lawrence.Republicans argued said minority residents in Lawrence fit well with three southwest Kansas counties known for meatpacking plants, where white, non-Hispanic residents are now a minority. They also argued that the change for Lawrence is acceptable because it would put the main University of Kansas and Kansas State University campuses into the same district.___

Battle over new Kansas congressional map far from over

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss sees the economy's growth slowing as he surveys leadership in the Midwest, but the Federal Reserve has already said it's going to hit the brakes via interest rate increases in 2022.

"The economy is slowing down, but inflation is not," Goss said. "They really need to raise interest rates, which slows the economy down even more. At least, it cools inflationary pressures. This is somewhat like what we saw in the 80s and the latter part of the 70s when we had oil prices increasing inflation, but slowing the economy, so we're right there again."

It hasn't caused a recession, but it is something that bears watching, because inflation is causing its own problems.

"It cuts into everybody's wages," Goss said. "Wages have been growing this year at a pretty good pace. Unfortunately, prices have been growing at an even faster pace. What that does, it reduces the value of the dollar. It makes it very hard for individuals and families and businesses to do any sort of planning."

The one area where a weaker dollar has helped is in agriculture.

Agricultural commodity prices are better, which are very important to Kansas," Goss said. "We're talking about wheat, soybeans, corn, beef and pork, not as much, but still very good agricultural commodity prices. What the weak dollar does, and we've seen a very weakened dollar by the Federal Reserve, that makes our goods more competitively priced abroad, so the Chinese and other nations out there want to buy our products, because they've become relatively cheaper."

The Mid-America Business Conditions Index showed slowing growth in the Midwest region in January.

By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Creighton University economist Ernie Goss sees the economy's growth slowing as he surveys leadership in the Midwest, but the Federal Reserve has already said it's going to hit the brakes via interest rate increases in 2022."The economy is slowing down, but inflation is not," Goss said. "They really need to raise interest rates, which slows the economy down even more. At least, it cools inflationary pressures. This is somewhat like what we saw in the 80s and the latter part of the 70s when we had oil prices increasing inflation, but slowing the economy, so we're right there again."It hasn't caused a recession, but it is something that bears watching, because inflation is causing its own problems."It cuts into everybody's wages," Goss said. "Wages have been growing this year at a pretty good pace. Unfortunately, prices have been growing at an even faster pace. What that does, it reduces the value of the dollar. It makes it very hard for individuals and families and businesses to do any sort of planning."The one area where a weaker dollar has helped is in agriculture.Agricultural commodity prices are better, which are very important to Kansas," Goss said. "We're talking about wheat, soybeans, corn, beef and pork, not as much, but still very good agricultural commodity prices. What the weak dollar does, and we've seen a very weakened dollar by the Federal Reserve, that makes our goods more competitively priced abroad, so the Chinese and other nations out there want to buy our products, because they've become relatively cheaper."The Mid-America Business Conditions Index showed slowing growth in the Midwest region in January.

Goss: Economy slowing, inflation is not

This Valentine’s Day is shaping up to be big, according to projections by the <a href="https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/americans-spend-239-billion-valentines-day-year" target="_blank">National Retail Federation</a>, which suggests that consumer spending will reach nearly $24 billion.

As you prepare to celebrate, there 
are few common scams that you need to be aware of. Whether you’re hoping
 to spark a new relationship or buying gifts for loved ones, beware of 
these three scams regularly reported to BBB.

From fake <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16832-tips-for-buying-and-selling-jewelry" target="_blank">jewelry</a> sellers to online dating sites, consumers should always be on the alert for <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21686-how-to-avoid-impostor-scams" target="_blank">impostor websites</a>.
 Scammers can easily lift official photos, sale promotions and logos 
directly from the website for a popular jewelry brand. With professional
 graphics and unbeatable prices, scammers build an attractive website 
that looks eerily similar to the real thing.&nbsp;

Similar methods may be used to build 
fake online dating platforms, which are often used to steal personal 
data and credit card information. For more tips to spot fake websites, 
read our <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14040-bbb-tip-smart-shopping-online" target="_blank">guide to smart shopping online</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Romance scammers often target 
vulnerable people who have experienced a recent breakup or other 
hardship. They take advantage of that heartbreak to establish a 
connection and gain sympathy. Once they’ve gotten their victim on the 
hook with a sad story, they begin pursuing their true goal–money.

Falling victim to a romance scam can 
be particularly devastating. Victims can lose thousands of dollars, and 
they’re often left feeling heartbroken and betrayed because they really 
believed they’d found a good partner. Read more about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/17012-bbb-tip-romance-scams" target="_blank">romance scams</a> for safe online dating advice.&nbsp;

Responding to a text message from 
someone who messaged the wrong number might seem harmless. In fact, it 
might even seem like the polite thing to do, if they say they’re looking
 to reconnect with a potential match.&nbsp;

The text message, however, is bait to
 lure you into a conversation. If you keep chatting, they eventually try
 to get your personal information by directing you to sign up for an 
adult site. Learn more about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/26053-bbb-scam-alert-wrong-number-text-message-could-be-a-scam-bot" target="_blank">wrong number texts and scam bots</a>.

Ordering flowers for Valentine’s Day?
 Don’t procrastinate or you may end up falling for a scam. BBB has 
received many reports of shoppers who thought they were ordering flowers
 from an online florist... but either got nothing at all, or a 
disappointing arrangement. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/21490-scam-alert-dont-let-phony-florists-ruin-valentines-day" target="_blank">Don't let phony florists ruin Valentine's Day</a>.

If you encounter a suspected romance 
scam, cut off all contact with the perpetrator by blocking their 
accounts and phone number. Then, report your experience to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>.
 Dating site users should also report suspicious activity to the 
platform, so they can take action against the scammers account.&nbsp;

For more information about romance scams, visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/romance_scams">BBB.org/romance</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBThis Valentine’s Day is shaping up to be big, according to projections by the <a href="https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/americans-spend-239-billion-valentines-day-year" target="_blank">National Retail Federation</a>, which suggests that consumer spending will reach nearly $24 billion. As you prepare to celebrate, there 
are few common scams that you need to be aware of. Whether you’re hoping
 to spark a new relationship or buying gifts for loved ones, beware of 
these three scams regularly reported to BBB.<h2>Impostor websites</h2>From fake <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16832-tips-for-buying-and-selling-jewelry" target="_blank">jewelry</a> sellers to online dating sites, consumers should always be on the alert for <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21686-how-to-avoid-impostor-scams" target="_blank">impostor websites</a>.
 Scammers can easily lift official photos, sale promotions and logos 
directly from the website for a popular jewelry brand. With professional
 graphics and unbeatable prices, scammers build an attractive website 
that looks eerily similar to the real thing.&nbsp;Similar methods may be used to build 
fake online dating platforms, which are often used to steal personal 
data and credit card information. For more tips to spot fake websites, 
read our <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14040-bbb-tip-smart-shopping-online" target="_blank">guide to smart shopping online</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Red flags:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Products are available at extreme discounts.</li><li>The seller requests customers pay with <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23140-bbb-scam-alert-scammers-trick-victims-into-sending-money-through-cashapp" target="_blank">cash transfer apps</a> or <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/cryptocurrency-tips" target="_blank">cryptocurrency</a>.</li><li>Customer service is unreachable.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><h2>Romance scams</h2>Romance scammers often target 
vulnerable people who have experienced a recent breakup or other 
hardship. They take advantage of that heartbreak to establish a 
connection and gain sympathy. Once they’ve gotten their victim on the 
hook with a sad story, they begin pursuing their true goal–money.Falling victim to a romance scam can 
be particularly devastating. Victims can lose thousands of dollars, and 
they’re often left feeling heartbroken and betrayed because they really 
believed they’d found a good partner. Read more about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/17012-bbb-tip-romance-scams" target="_blank">romance scams</a> for safe online dating advice.&nbsp;Red flags:<ul>
 <li>The relationship moves very fast.</li><li>You never meet in person.</li><li>They ask for money.</li>
 </ul><h2>Wrong number scam</h2>Responding to a text message from 
someone who messaged the wrong number might seem harmless. In fact, it 
might even seem like the polite thing to do, if they say they’re looking
 to reconnect with a potential match.&nbsp;The text message, however, is bait to
 lure you into a conversation. If you keep chatting, they eventually try
 to get your personal information by directing you to sign up for an 
adult site. Learn more about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/26053-bbb-scam-alert-wrong-number-text-message-could-be-a-scam-bot" target="_blank">wrong number texts and scam bots</a>.Red flags:<ul>
 <li>The messages don’t stop.</li><li>The sender directs you to sign up for a website.</li><li>They try to get your personal information.</li>
 </ul><h2>Fake florist scam</h2>Ordering flowers for Valentine’s Day?
 Don’t procrastinate or you may end up falling for a scam. BBB has 
received many reports of shoppers who thought they were ordering flowers
 from an online florist... but either got nothing at all, or a 
disappointing arrangement. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/21490-scam-alert-dont-let-phony-florists-ruin-valentines-day" target="_blank">Don't let phony florists ruin Valentine's Day</a>.Red Flags: <ul>
 <li>The business has no reviews or bad reviews (always check <a href="https://www.bbb.org/search" target="_blank">BBB.org</a>!)</li><li>You can't find a return policy or satisfaction guarantee.</li><li>The deal is "too good to be true."&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><h2>What to do if you encounter a scam</h2>If you encounter a suspected romance 
scam, cut off all contact with the perpetrator by blocking their 
accounts and phone number. Then, report your experience to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>.
 Dating site users should also report suspicious activity to the 
platform, so they can take action against the scammers account.&nbsp;For more information about romance scams, visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/romance_scams">BBB.org/romance</a>.&nbsp;

BBB Scam Alert: Beware these Valentine’s Day, romance scams

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug charges after a search of four locations in Shawnee County.

On Feb. 1, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit, Shawnee County Drug Task Force, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation served search warrants in the 2700 Block SW Stutley Road, 1700 Block SW Belle Avenue, 5500 SW 17th Terrace and 5300 Block SW 17th Street, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

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

As a result officers arrested Xin Zhu, 29, Ru Zhu, 50 and Sun Teng, 33, all living in Topeka. 

Offices transported then to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

Xin Zhu is being held on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with the intent of distribution, Use of a communication facility in commission of a felony drug violation, and Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution.

Ru Zhu is jailed on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with the intent of distribution and Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution.

Sun Teng is being held on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with the intent of distribution and Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643822296459.png" alt="Teng-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Teng-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on drug charges after a search of four locations in Shawnee County.On Feb. 1, members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit, Shawnee County Drug Task Force, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation served search warrants in the 2700 Block SW Stutley Road, 1700 Block SW Belle Avenue, 5500 SW 17th Terrace and 5300 Block SW 17th Street, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.While conducting the search warrants, officers located marijuana, drug paraphernalia and firearms.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643822510059.png" alt="Ru Zhu-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ru Zhu-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>As a result officers arrested Xin Zhu, 29, Ru Zhu, 50 and Sun Teng, 33, all living in Topeka. Offices transported then to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.Xin Zhu is being held on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with the intent of distribution, Use of a communication facility in commission of a felony drug violation, and Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643822136695.png" alt="Xin Zhu-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Xin Zhu-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Ru Zhu is jailed on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with the intent of distribution and Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution.Sun Teng is being held on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with the intent of distribution and Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution.

KBI assists with breakup of marijuana distribution ring

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Supreme Court on Friday upheld a Topeka man's conviction in the shooting deaths of three people in Lawrence n 2017.

Anthony L. Roberts Jr., was convicted on June 25, 2019 in the deaths, which occurred after a fight between two groups of people from Topeka erupted into gunfire, with more than 20 shots fired.

The jury found Roberts guilty of one count of second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted second-degree murder.

The court on Friday rejected Roberts' argument that the Douglas County District Court judge should have instructed the jury that they could consider convicting him of voluntary manslaughter. The court also ruled the evidence was sufficient to uphold Roberts’ convictions.

Colwin L. Henderson III, 20, of Topeka; Leah E. Brown, 22, of Shawnee; and Tre’Mel D. Dean-Rayton, 24, of Topeka, were killed. Tahzay Rayton, of Topeka, survived after being shot twice.

Brown was the only shooting victim who didn’t know anyone involved in the fight, The Lawrence Journal-World reported.

Two co-defendants — Ahmad Malik Rayton, 23, of Topeka, and Dominique Jacquez McMillon, 20, of Topeka — pleaded to lesser charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643997050923.png" alt="Roberts-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Roberts-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;Supreme Court on Friday upheld a Topeka man's conviction in the shooting deaths of three people in Lawrence n 2017.Anthony L. Roberts Jr., was convicted on June 25, 2019 in the deaths, which occurred after a fight between two groups of people from Topeka erupted into gunfire, with more than 20 shots fired.The jury found Roberts guilty of one count of second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted second-degree murder.The court on Friday rejected Roberts' argument that the Douglas County District Court judge should have instructed the jury that they could consider convicting him of voluntary manslaughter. The court also ruled the evidence was sufficient to uphold Roberts’ convictions.Colwin L. Henderson III, 20, of Topeka; Leah E. Brown, 22, of Shawnee; and Tre’Mel D. Dean-Rayton, 24, of Topeka, were killed. Tahzay Rayton, of Topeka, survived after being shot twice.Brown was the only shooting victim who didn’t know anyone involved in the fight, The Lawrence Journal-World reported.Two co-defendants — Ahmad Malik Rayton, 23, of Topeka, and Dominique Jacquez McMillon, 20, of Topeka — pleaded to lesser charges.

Court upholds conviction in Kan. triple-fatal gunfight

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities say a wood burning stove caused a Kansas house fire.

Just after 8p.m. Friday, fire crews&nbsp;responded to the fire in a home at 1603 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

As they arrived, crews found smoke and flames coming from the first and second floor windows of a 2-story house.&nbsp; A search of the structure revealed no occupants inside. All occupants were able to escape.

A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as Accidental, associated with the malfunction of a wood burning stove. The estimated dollar loss – $18,000; $15,000 of which is associated with structural loss, and $3,000 is associated with contents loss.

Investigators did not find working smoke detectors in the home, according to Harrison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644080394314.png" alt="Friday night house fire in Topeka-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Friday night house fire in Topeka-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities say a wood burning stove caused a Kansas house fire.Just after 8p.m. Friday, fire crews&nbsp;responded to the fire in a home at 1603 SW Western Avenue in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.As they arrived, crews found smoke and flames coming from the first and second floor windows of a 2-story house.&nbsp; A search of the structure revealed no occupants inside. All occupants were able to escape.A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as Accidental, associated with the malfunction of a wood burning stove. The estimated dollar loss – $18,000; $15,000 of which is associated with structural loss, and $3,000 is associated with contents loss.Investigators did not find working smoke detectors in the home, according to Harrison.

Fire Marshal: Wood burning stove caused Kan. house fire

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran joined his colleagues in questioning Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding the movement of illegal immigrants from the border to be released into American communities.

<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f/7/f71ad1df-94a0-417d-80ba-ada59601afa8/74C85B63DFEF947B667F67ED7D19BFE9.2.3.22---letter-to-sec-mayorkas-on-midnight-flights.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the letter&nbsp;

According to recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-footage-single-adult-migrants-released-us" target="_blank">reports</a>, ICE has been releasing large numbers of single adult illegal immigrants into our American communities. After being processed en masse at makeshift border facilities, these illegal immigrants are being&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ice-removal-operations-turned-into-unofficial-travel-coordination-agency-source-says" target="_blank">loaded</a>&nbsp;onto planes and shuttled across the country for release.

“In light of the public reporting around ‘midnight flights’ of illegal immigrants, we request a full accounting of your Department’s activities so that we can understand the scope of this challenge,”&nbsp;wrote the senators.&nbsp;“We are concerned that the use of these midnight flights by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is intended to obfuscate the Administration’s failure to secure our borders and protect hardworking, law-abiding Americans.”

“It is deeply troubling to learn, according to an ICE source, that at a time when millions of Americans are struggling with inflation, their hard-earned taxpayer dollars are being used to transport illegal immigrants across the country, including dangerous criminal aliens,”&nbsp;the senators continued.&nbsp;“This appears to contradict the guidance you issued in September 2021, where you stated that a ‘noncitizen who poses a current threat to public safety, typically because of serious criminal conduct, is a priority for apprehension and removal.’”

“We are alarmed by the reports of mass release of criminal illegal immigrants into our communities under the cover of darkness. The American people deserve answers to why their taxpayer dollars are being used to fly illegal immigrants across the country to be released into our backyards. Public safety and national security are on the line,”&nbsp;the senators concluded.

The letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643988181432.png" alt="Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a budget hearing photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during a budget hearing photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran joined his colleagues in questioning Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas regarding the movement of illegal immigrants from the border to be released into American communities.<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f/7/f71ad1df-94a0-417d-80ba-ada59601afa8/74C85B63DFEF947B667F67ED7D19BFE9.2.3.22---letter-to-sec-mayorkas-on-midnight-flights.pdf" target="_blank">Click here</a>&nbsp;to read the letter&nbsp;According to recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-footage-single-adult-migrants-released-us" target="_blank">reports</a>, ICE has been releasing large numbers of single adult illegal immigrants into our American communities. After being processed en masse at makeshift border facilities, these illegal immigrants are being&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ice-removal-operations-turned-into-unofficial-travel-coordination-agency-source-says" target="_blank">loaded</a>&nbsp;onto planes and shuttled across the country for release.“In light of the public reporting around ‘midnight flights’ of illegal immigrants, we request a full accounting of your Department’s activities so that we can understand the scope of this challenge,”&nbsp;wrote the senators.&nbsp;“We are concerned that the use of these midnight flights by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is intended to obfuscate the Administration’s failure to secure our borders and protect hardworking, law-abiding Americans.”“It is deeply troubling to learn, according to an ICE source, that at a time when millions of Americans are struggling with inflation, their hard-earned taxpayer dollars are being used to transport illegal immigrants across the country, including dangerous criminal aliens,”&nbsp;the senators continued.&nbsp;“This appears to contradict the guidance you issued in September 2021, where you stated that a ‘noncitizen who poses a current threat to public safety, typically because of serious criminal conduct, is a priority for apprehension and removal.’”“We are alarmed by the reports of mass release of criminal illegal immigrants into our communities under the cover of darkness. The American people deserve answers to why their taxpayer dollars are being used to fly illegal immigrants across the country to be released into our backyards. Public safety and national security are on the line,”&nbsp;the senators concluded.The letter is also signed by U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.)

Moran asks why illegal immigrants are being released into communities

WASHINGTON (AP) — When President Joe Biden met with U.S. governors at the White House this week, he was the only one given a glass of water — lest anyone else remove their mask to take a drink.

The president was seated more than 10 feet from everyone, including Vice President Kamala Harris and members of his Cabinet.

A White House staffer who was wearing a surgical mask when Biden entered the room was quickly handed an N95 version.

These are just some of the extraordinary efforts on the part of the White House to keep the president from getting COVID-19, even though he’s gotten both of his regular vaccinations and his booster.

It’s no surprise that unusual steps are taken to protect any president. But the strict precautions could also threaten to undercut the Biden administration’s own efforts to tell Americans — especially those who are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-moderna-vaccine-approved-dc6f5ac9eeb31667d5a28f0954335b65">vaccinated and boosted</a>&nbsp;— that they can get on with something closer to their normal lives&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/long-covid-omicron-research-45986f5b42e47e656d5b385bd51b2bb2">in the face of the omicron wave.</a>

And it’s emblematic of the messaging challenges surrounding the administration’s approach to COVID-19 as the virus becomes endemic, familiar and somewhat controlled but still menacing, with hard-to-follow guidelines&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-education-new-orleans-be05bf784db523aab6ff1645616e762a">often unevenly implemented</a>.

For months, Biden aides have fretted that the people who are most protected against COVID-19 remain the most cautious, a dynamic they view as a drag on the nation’s economic and psychological recovery.

When the highly transmissible omicron variant hit, Biden said it was a “cause for concern, not cause for panic.”

In recent weeks, his aides and science advisers have highlighted study after study showing the strong protection offered by the COVID vaccines against the variant and reassuring vaccinated people they can go about their daily lives. At a Jan. 19 press conference, Biden declared: “We have the tools — vaccines, boosters, masks, tests, pills — to save lives and keep businesses and schools open” and rejected the notion that still-widespread restrictions reflect a “’new normal.”

Since even before Biden was elected, his aides have gone all-out to protect the now-79-year-old president from potential infection. He spent much of the 2020 campaign season holding remote events from a studio in the basement of his home, venturing out for travel in a bubble of frequently tested aides subject to an array of restrictions.

That caution continued well after he was fully vaccinated and living at the White House. The president has held up his administration’s fidelity to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as a virtue, after they were regularly flouted by former President Donald Trump, who became seriously ill after contracting the virus.

As the nation’s virus response and vaccination campaign has become increasingly politicized, White House officials have expressed both political and policy concerns over a possible Biden infection. Though the vaccines are highly effective, a breakthrough case could erode public confidence in the shots and be used as a political cudgel against a president who was elected to bring an end to the pandemic.

Biden himself has at times taken a more relaxed approach to restrictions.

When the CDC last May surprised the White House by easing its guidelines on indoor mask-wearing by fully vaccinated individuals, Biden sought to publicly model the policy for the rest of the nation. He was meeting with vaccinated Republican lawmakers when the change was announced and led the group in removing their masks.

But that CDC guidance proved to be premature and was reversed over the summer, because vaccinated people could still transmit the virus, potentially endangering the tens of millions of Americans who are still unvaccinated.

When the delta strain surged last fall, the White House strengthened its testing protocols for everyone close to Biden — restrictions that had been lessened once aides were fully vaccinated and case counts began to fall nationally. In-person meetings were once again curtailed. Aides began increasing the distance between Biden and even vaccinated-and-tested individuals as a precaution, reminiscent of his earliest days in office.

In early January, as the nation’s capital led the country in per capita COVID-19 cases, White House press secretary Jen Psaki highlighted the “very strict precautions” taken to keep Biden and Harris safe, including mandatory mask-wearing and daily testing for those coming in contact with them.

She also said the White House had taken to limiting gatherings “to under 30 people.” But there were nearly 40 participants named by the administration — as well as two dozen members of the press — at Biden’s Monday meeting with the governors.

Psaki said the administration takes extra precautions any time the president removes his mask to speak to a group. She noted that the nation continues to set records in reported cases and hospital admissions.

“The president’s view is that right now we still need to keep our heads down and stay at it to fight what is still surging in parts of the country,” she said. “But we do have the tools to get to a point where it does not disrupt our daily lives.”

Biden, aides say, has relished opportunities outside the White House when he can engage in the sort of political glad-handing that has been suppressed by the pandemic. And in public, he’s chafed at some of the precautions, saying that the first thing he aims to do differently in his second year in the White House is “I’m going to get out of this place more often.”

On Monday, seated across a large gap from Biden in the East Room, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, the chair of the governors’ association, appealed for the government to more clearly define a pathway out of the pandemic.

“We need the CDC to help us to have the right standards to end this pandemic and move to more endemic status,” he said. “We want to go from today to more normal.”

The night before, the president and first lady Jill Biden did attend the black-tie National Governors Association dinner at Mount Vernon. Biden spoke, but he didn’t stay for dinner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643714792801.png" alt="The president was seated more than 10 feet from everyone, including Vice President Kamala Harris and members of his Cabinet-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>The president was seated more than 10 feet from everyone, including Vice President Kamala Harris and members of his Cabinet-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — When President Joe Biden met with U.S. governors at the White House this week, he was the only one given a glass of water — lest anyone else remove their mask to take a drink.The president was seated more than 10 feet from everyone, including Vice President Kamala Harris and members of his Cabinet.A White House staffer who was wearing a surgical mask when Biden entered the room was quickly handed an N95 version.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643974310025.png" alt="The president was seated at a distance from everyone, including Attorney General Garland during his stop in New York Thursday-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>The president was seated at a distance from everyone, including Attorney General Garland during his stop in New York Thursday-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>These are just some of the extraordinary efforts on the part of the White House to keep the president from getting COVID-19, even though he’s gotten both of his regular vaccinations and his booster.It’s no surprise that unusual steps are taken to protect any president. But the strict precautions could also threaten to undercut the Biden administration’s own efforts to tell Americans — especially those who are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-moderna-vaccine-approved-dc6f5ac9eeb31667d5a28f0954335b65">vaccinated and boosted</a>&nbsp;— that they can get on with something closer to their normal lives&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/long-covid-omicron-research-45986f5b42e47e656d5b385bd51b2bb2">in the face of the omicron wave.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1643815123727.png" alt="The Bidens during a Lunar New Year celebration Tuesday-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The Bidens during a Lunar New Year celebration Tuesday-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>And it’s emblematic of the messaging challenges surrounding the administration’s approach to COVID-19 as the virus becomes endemic, familiar and somewhat controlled but still menacing, with hard-to-follow guidelines&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-education-new-orleans-be05bf784db523aab6ff1645616e762a">often unevenly implemented</a>.For months, Biden aides have fretted that the people who are most protected against COVID-19 remain the most cautious, a dynamic they view as a drag on the nation’s economic and psychological recovery.When the highly transmissible omicron variant hit, Biden said it was a “cause for concern, not cause for panic.”In recent weeks, his aides and science advisers have highlighted study after study showing the strong protection offered by the COVID vaccines against the variant and reassuring vaccinated people they can go about their daily lives. At a Jan. 19 press conference, Biden declared: “We have the tools — vaccines, boosters, masks, tests, pills — to save lives and keep businesses and schools open” and rejected the notion that still-widespread restrictions reflect a “’new normal.”“It will get better,” he promised.Since even before Biden was elected, his aides have gone all-out to protect the now-79-year-old president from potential infection. He spent much of the 2020 campaign season holding remote events from a studio in the basement of his home, venturing out for travel in a bubble of frequently tested aides subject to an array of restrictions.That caution continued well after he was fully vaccinated and living at the White House. The president has held up his administration’s fidelity to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as a virtue, after they were regularly flouted by former President Donald Trump, who became seriously ill after contracting the virus.As the nation’s virus response and vaccination campaign has become increasingly politicized, White House officials have expressed both political and policy concerns over a possible Biden infection. Though the vaccines are highly effective, a breakthrough case could erode public confidence in the shots and be used as a political cudgel against a president who was elected to bring an end to the pandemic.Biden himself has at times taken a more relaxed approach to restrictions.When the CDC last May surprised the White House by easing its guidelines on indoor mask-wearing by fully vaccinated individuals, Biden sought to publicly model the policy for the rest of the nation. He was meeting with vaccinated Republican lawmakers when the change was announced and led the group in removing their masks.But that CDC guidance proved to be premature and was reversed over the summer, because vaccinated people could still transmit the virus, potentially endangering the tens of millions of Americans who are still unvaccinated.When the delta strain surged last fall, the White House strengthened its testing protocols for everyone close to Biden — restrictions that had been lessened once aides were fully vaccinated and case counts began to fall nationally. In-person meetings were once again curtailed. Aides began increasing the distance between Biden and even vaccinated-and-tested individuals as a precaution, reminiscent of his earliest days in office.In early January, as the nation’s capital led the country in per capita COVID-19 cases, White House press secretary Jen Psaki highlighted the “very strict precautions” taken to keep Biden and Harris safe, including mandatory mask-wearing and daily testing for those coming in contact with them.She also said the White House had taken to limiting gatherings “to under 30 people.” But there were nearly 40 participants named by the administration — as well as two dozen members of the press — at Biden’s Monday meeting with the governors.Psaki said the administration takes extra precautions any time the president removes his mask to speak to a group. She noted that the nation continues to set records in reported cases and hospital admissions.“The president’s view is that right now we still need to keep our heads down and stay at it to fight what is still surging in parts of the country,” she said. “But we do have the tools to get to a point where it does not disrupt our daily lives.”Biden, aides say, has relished opportunities outside the White House when he can engage in the sort of political glad-handing that has been suppressed by the pandemic. And in public, he’s chafed at some of the precautions, saying that the first thing he aims to do differently in his second year in the White House is “I’m going to get out of this place more often.”He’s hardly alone in his impatience.On Monday, seated across a large gap from Biden in the East Room, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, the chair of the governors’ association, appealed for the government to more clearly define a pathway out of the pandemic.“We need the CDC to help us to have the right standards to end this pandemic and move to more endemic status,” he said. “We want to go from today to more normal.”The night before, the president and first lady Jill Biden did attend the black-tie National Governors Association dinner at Mount Vernon. Biden spoke, but he didn’t stay for dinner.

All-out effort to keep Biden COVID-free; no 'normal' yet

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A former Kansas City police detective is asking to remain free on bond while his conviction in the shooting death of a Black man is appealed.

Eric DeValkenaere, 43, is scheduled to be sentenced March 4 for second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the December 2019 death of Cameron Lamb.

His attorneys filed a motion Monday arguing that DeValkenaere should be allowed to remain free because he is not a flight risk and the judge who convicted him found “no evidence of malice” in DeValkenaere’s conduct, KSHB-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/convicted-former-kcpd-detective-formally-petitions-for-post-sentencing-appeal-bond">reported</a>.

DeValkenaere’s conviction carries a mandatory prison term.

DeValkenaere's attorneys had asked Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs during a court hearing last month if he would consider allowing DeValkenaere to remain free during appeal.

Youngs, who presided over DeValkenaere’s bench trial, said at the time that granting the request would be unprecedented in his 13 years on the bench.

DeValkenaere, a white man, testified during his trial that he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective, which other evidence disputed.

Youngs found the officers had no probable cause to believe that Lamb had committed a crime before the shooting, had no arrest warrant and had no search warrant or consent to be on Lamb's property.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592994941014.png" alt="Eric DeValkenaere photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Eric DeValkenaere photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A former Kansas City police detective is asking to remain free on bond while his conviction in the shooting death of a Black man is appealed.Eric DeValkenaere, 43, is scheduled to be sentenced March 4 for second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the December 2019 death of Cameron Lamb.His attorneys filed a motion Monday arguing that DeValkenaere should be allowed to remain free because he is not a flight risk and the judge who convicted him found “no evidence of malice” in DeValkenaere’s conduct, KSHB-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/crime/convicted-former-kcpd-detective-formally-petitions-for-post-sentencing-appeal-bond">reported</a>.DeValkenaere’s conviction carries a mandatory prison term.DeValkenaere's attorneys had asked Jackson County Circuit Court Presiding Judge J. Dale Youngs during a court hearing last month if he would consider allowing DeValkenaere to remain free during appeal.Youngs, who presided over DeValkenaere’s bench trial, said at the time that granting the request would be unprecedented in his 13 years on the bench.DeValkenaere, a white man, testified during his trial that he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective, which other evidence disputed.Youngs found the officers had no probable cause to believe that Lamb had committed a crime before the shooting, had no arrest warrant and had no search warrant or consent to be on Lamb's property.

Ex-KC officer asks to remain free during appeal in shooting death

WASHINGTON (AP) — The military investigation into the deadly attack during the Afghanistan evacuation has concluded that a suicide bomber, carrying 20 pounds of explosives packed with ball bearings, acted alone, and that the deaths of more than 170 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members were not preventable.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630087261414.png" alt="Soldiers with the 82nd Airborn Division escort evacuees at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.-photo Courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Soldiers with the 82nd Airborn Division escort evacuees at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.-photo Courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The military investigation into the deadly attack during the Afghanistan evacuation has concluded that a suicide bomber, carrying 20 pounds of explosives packed with ball bearings, acted alone, and that the deaths of more than 170 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members were not preventable.The blast at Abbey Gate outside the Kabul airport on Aug. 26 killed 11 U.S. Marines, a sailor and a soldier, who were screening the thousands of Afghans frantically trying to get onto one of the crowded flights leaving the country after the Taliban takeover. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.At the Pentagon on Friday, military officials laid out a detailed and graphic minute-by-minute account of the bombing. The bottom line, they said, was that those who died had wounds that were “so catastrophic” that they couldn’t be overcome. And they said that earlier thoughts that it was a complex attack involving gunfire turned out to be unfounded.“A single, explosive device killed at least 170 Afghan civilians and 13 U.S. servicemembers by explosively directing ball bearings through a packed crowd and into our men and women at Abbey gate,” said Gen. Frank McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command. “The disturbing lethality of this device was confirmed by the 58 U.S. servicemembers who were killed and wounded despite the universal wear of body armor and helmets that did stop ball bearings that impacted them, but could not prevent catastrophic injuries to areas not covered.”Investigators said the bomber likely got near the gate by bypassing Taliban and other security checkpoints. They said it appears the Taliban didn’t know of the attack, that security precautions were being taken and that intelligence about potential threats that was circulating that day was not specific.“Based upon our investigation, at the tactical level this was not preventable,” said Brig. Gen. Lance Curtis, who led the investigation. He added that military leaders on the ground in Kabul followed proper security measures, at times closing the gate or pausing the processing of evacuees.Military officials said that gunfire after the blast was found to be warning shots fired by U.S. and British troops, and that no one was killed or wounded by gunshots.McKenzie said the investigation revealed that the ball bearings caused wounds that looked like gunshots. He said some troops in the area fired a number of warning shots, and that led others to believe that the attack also included gunmen.U.S. military officials have said all along that the U.S. forces at the gates were doing a dangerous job. Overall the U.S.-led coalition evacuated about 126,000 people in about three weeks, and the U.S. left Afghanistan for the last time at about midnight on Aug. 30.Early on, McKenzie said troops at the gates had to get close to the people they were screening.“This is close up work. The breath of the person you are searching is upon you,” McKenzie said in August soon after the attack.