WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge in Texas has granted a preliminary injunction stopping the Navy from acting against 35 sailors for refusing on religious grounds to comply with an order to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The injunction is a new challenge to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s decision to make vaccinations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-e08a6e68308b27ad7653ca9210d953dc">mandatory for all members of the military</a>. The vaccination requirement allows for exemptions on religious and other grounds, but none of the thousands of requests for religious waivers so far have been granted.

There was no indication that the order would affect service members beyond the 35 sailors who sued Austin and the Navy.

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said officials are reviewing the injunction and are in discussion with the Department of Justice “as to what options might be available to us going forward.”

Well over 90% of the military has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including at least 98.5% of active and reserve members of the Navy. Austin asserts that vaccines are a valid and necessary medical requirement to protect service members and their families and ensure the combat readiness of the force.

In his decision Monday, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor wrote that the Navy’s process for considering a sailor’s request for a religious exemption is flawed and amounts to “theater.”

O’Connor, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, wrote that the group of 35 sailors who sued the government in November and sought a preliminary injunction against the Navy have a right on religious and First Amendment grounds to refuse the vaccination order.

“The Navy servicemembers in this case seek to vindicate the very freedoms they have sacrificed so much to protect,” O’Connor wrote. “The COVID-19 pandemic provides the government no license to abrogate those freedoms. There is no COVID-19 exception to the First Amendment. There is no military exclusion from our Constitution.”

Without commenting on the case in Texas, Kirby last month defended the validity of the military service’s processes for considering religious exemptions.

“Each exemption asked for on religious grounds is evaluated by a chaplain, by a chain of command, by medical experts and is given quite a lot of thought, and they’re all decided case by case individually,” he said Dec. 21.

In his decision in favor of the injunction sought by the 35 Navy sailors, O’Connor wrote that they objected to being vaccinated on four grounds: “opposition to abortion and the use of aborted fetal cell lines in development of the vaccine; belief that modifying one’s body is an affront to the Creator; divine instruction not to receive the vaccine, and opposition to injecting trace amounts of animal cells into one’s body.”

“Plaintiffs’ beliefs about the vaccine are undisputedly sincere, and it is not the role of this court to determine their truthfulness or accuracy,” the judge wrote.

The injunction was first reported by The Washington Post.

The sailors who sued are members of the Naval Special Warfare Command, including SEALs. The suit was filed by First Liberty Institute, a nonprofit that focuses on defending religious liberty.

In the early stages of the pandemic, the Navy struggled with one particularly critical COVID-19 outbreak. Hundreds of sailors aboard the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-ap-top-news-international-news-politics-b2ca82bd3cb121ba8c013f98d00cbcb3">USS Theodore Roosevelt</a>&nbsp;aircraft carrier were infected, starting in late March while on a deployment to Vietnam and elsewhere in Asia. The ship was taken out of operation at Guam, its commanding officer was relieved of duty and the crisis led to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-mark-esper-international-news-virus-outbreak-806e7feb6749380553a3ae613871dbb4">resignation of acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly</a>.

Since then, the Navy and other services have managed to avoid major disruptions. In December, officials said about two dozen sailors on board the USS Milwaukee, or roughly 25% of the ship’s crew, had tested positive for COVID-19, keeping the vessel sidelined in port at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. On Monday, the Navy announced that the ship had returned to sea.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638310118543.png" alt="The injunction is a new challenge to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s decision to make vaccinations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-e08a6e68308b27ad7653ca9210d953dc">mandatory for all members of the military</a>-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The injunction is a new challenge to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s decision to make vaccinations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-e08a6e68308b27ad7653ca9210d953dc">mandatory for all members of the military</a>-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge in Texas has granted a preliminary injunction stopping the Navy from acting against 35 sailors for refusing on religious grounds to comply with an order to get vaccinated against COVID-19.The injunction is a new challenge to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s decision to make vaccinations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-e08a6e68308b27ad7653ca9210d953dc">mandatory for all members of the military</a>. The vaccination requirement allows for exemptions on religious and other grounds, but none of the thousands of requests for religious waivers so far have been granted.There was no indication that the order would affect service members beyond the 35 sailors who sued Austin and the Navy.Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said officials are reviewing the injunction and are in discussion with the Department of Justice “as to what options might be available to us going forward.”Well over 90% of the military has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including at least 98.5% of active and reserve members of the Navy. Austin asserts that vaccines are a valid and necessary medical requirement to protect service members and their families and ensure the combat readiness of the force.In his decision Monday, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor wrote that the Navy’s process for considering a sailor’s request for a religious exemption is flawed and amounts to “theater.”O’Connor, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, wrote that the group of 35 sailors who sued the government in November and sought a preliminary injunction against the Navy have a right on religious and First Amendment grounds to refuse the vaccination order.“The Navy servicemembers in this case seek to vindicate the very freedoms they have sacrificed so much to protect,” O’Connor wrote. “The COVID-19 pandemic provides the government no license to abrogate those freedoms. There is no COVID-19 exception to the First Amendment. There is no military exclusion from our Constitution.”Without commenting on the case in Texas, Kirby last month defended the validity of the military service’s processes for considering religious exemptions.“Each exemption asked for on religious grounds is evaluated by a chaplain, by a chain of command, by medical experts and is given quite a lot of thought, and they’re all decided case by case individually,” he said Dec. 21.In his decision in favor of the injunction sought by the 35 Navy sailors, O’Connor wrote that they objected to being vaccinated on four grounds: “opposition to abortion and the use of aborted fetal cell lines in development of the vaccine; belief that modifying one’s body is an affront to the Creator; divine instruction not to receive the vaccine, and opposition to injecting trace amounts of animal cells into one’s body.”“Plaintiffs’ beliefs about the vaccine are undisputedly sincere, and it is not the role of this court to determine their truthfulness or accuracy,” the judge wrote.The injunction was first reported by The Washington Post.The sailors who sued are members of the Naval Special Warfare Command, including SEALs. The suit was filed by First Liberty Institute, a nonprofit that focuses on defending religious liberty.In the early stages of the pandemic, the Navy struggled with one particularly critical COVID-19 outbreak. Hundreds of sailors aboard the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-health-ap-top-news-international-news-politics-b2ca82bd3cb121ba8c013f98d00cbcb3">USS Theodore Roosevelt</a>&nbsp;aircraft carrier were infected, starting in late March while on a deployment to Vietnam and elsewhere in Asia. The ship was taken out of operation at Guam, its commanding officer was relieved of duty and the crisis led to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-mark-esper-international-news-virus-outbreak-806e7feb6749380553a3ae613871dbb4">resignation of acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly</a>.Since then, the Navy and other services have managed to avoid major disruptions. In December, officials said about two dozen sailors on board the USS Milwaukee, or roughly 25% of the ship’s crew, had tested positive for COVID-19, keeping the vessel sidelined in port at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. On Monday, the Navy announced that the ship had returned to sea.___

Judge blocks Navy from acting against 35 COVID vaccine refusers

PAWNEE COUNTy – Larned State Hospital (LSH) official notified Pawnee County law enforcement at 11:30 p.m. Monday that a patient had absconded from the Crisis Stabilization Unit on the Campus of Larned State Hospital, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. 

An electronic notification was then sent to area residents to be on alert.

The patient was later identified as Isaac Nathaniel Watts, 43 of Ulysses. 

He had been at LSH since December 4, 2021, on an involuntary civil commitment for care and treatment. He was also subject to a hold by the Grant County Sheriff for charges of felony Attempted Second Degree Murder and Aggravated Kidnapping.

Watts, along with a female accomplice, were taken into custody in Finney County at approximately 11:00 a.m. Tuesday without incident by the Garden City Police Department. 

The two remain in the custody of Finney County Detention Center pending formal charging decisions.

The specific details of his escape and any assistance he may have received are subject to an ongoing criminal investigation.

Under Kansas law, a “mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment” means a mentally ill person who also lacks capacity to make an informed decision concerning treatment, is likely to cause harm to self or others, and whose diagnosis is not solely one of the following mental disorders: Alcohol or chemical substance abuse; antisocial personality disorder; intellectual disability; organic personality syndrome; or an organic mental disorder.

PAWNEE COUNTY - Through help of Finney County agencies, 43-year-old Isaac Nathaniel Watts, was located and placed into custody, according to a social media report from the Pawnee Co. Sheriff.

PAWNEE COUNTY– Isaac Nathaniel Watts, a 43-year-old patient on a court-ordered Care and Treatment Order through Pawnee County, Kan. and a hold order from Grant County, Kan., walked away Monday night from Larned State Hospital (LSH) and is currently considered absent without leave, according to a statement from Kansas Dept. of Aging and Disability Services. 

Watts, charged with kidnapping and attempted second-degree murder, was being held in the hospital’s crisis stabilization unit (CSU).

Watts was seen on video walking out of the CSU at approximately 9 p.m. wearing multiple layers of clothing, including blue jeans and a state-issued jean jacket. 

Watts’s elopement violates the court-ordered hold, making this a criminal investigation led by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s office in cooperation with the LSH Special Investigator.

“I have been in constant contact with the superintendent and leadership team at Larned and am monitoring the progress of the situation each moment,” Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Secretary Laura Howard said. “We are working closely with local law enforcement to ensure Mr. Watts is detained without delay or incident”

Watts is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 161 pounds. He has a multiple tattoos, including a cross on his upper right arm, a spider on his abdomen, a “Tiki” figure on his upper left arm, an owl and roses on his left forearm, a bible ad roses on his left upper back and a scorpion on his left calf. The Pawnee County Sheriff was alerted to the situation. The Kansas Highway Patrol has also been notified.

LSH and KDADS officials are fully cooperating with law enforcement’s ongoing investigation.&nbsp;

PAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are working to capture a man who walked away from the Larned State Hospital.

According to Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King, attempted second degree murder and kidnapping suspect Isaac N. Watts 43, of Grant County walked away from the Larned State Hospital on Monday night.

Authorities know where he is and are close to taking him into custody, according to King.&nbsp; Authorities don't think he is a predator.&nbsp;

Deputies arrested Watts on November 29 in connection with a domestic situation, according to Grant&nbsp; County Sheriff James Biddle and he was sent to Larned State Hospital for a mental evaluation.

The Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services is expected to release additional details on the escape later Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641330344451.png" alt="Watts-photo Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Watts-photo Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTy – Larned State Hospital (LSH) official notified Pawnee County law enforcement at 11:30 p.m. Monday that a patient had absconded from the Crisis Stabilization Unit on the Campus of Larned State Hospital, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. An electronic notification was then sent to area residents to be on alert.The patient was later identified as Isaac Nathaniel Watts, 43 of Ulysses. He had been at LSH since December 4, 2021, on an involuntary civil commitment for care and treatment. He was also subject to a hold by the Grant County Sheriff for charges of felony Attempted Second Degree Murder and Aggravated Kidnapping.Watts, along with a female accomplice, were taken into custody in Finney County at approximately 11:00 a.m. Tuesday without incident by the Garden City Police Department. The two remain in the custody of Finney County Detention Center pending formal charging decisions.The specific details of his escape and any assistance he may have received are subject to an ongoing criminal investigation.Under Kansas law, a “mentally ill person subject to involuntary commitment for care and treatment” means a mentally ill person who also lacks capacity to make an informed decision concerning treatment, is likely to cause harm to self or others, and whose diagnosis is not solely one of the following mental disorders: Alcohol or chemical substance abuse; antisocial personality disorder; intellectual disability; organic personality syndrome; or an organic mental disorder.PAWNEE COUNTY - Through help of Finney County agencies, 43-year-old Isaac Nathaniel Watts, was located and placed into custody, according to a social media report from the Pawnee Co. Sheriff.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641315388419.png" alt="Watts from a 2006 arrest -Grant Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Watts from a 2006 arrest -Grant Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>--------PAWNEE COUNTY– Isaac Nathaniel Watts, a 43-year-old patient on a court-ordered Care and Treatment Order through Pawnee County, Kan. and a hold order from Grant County, Kan., walked away Monday night from Larned State Hospital (LSH) and is currently considered absent without leave, according to a statement from Kansas Dept. of Aging and Disability Services. Watts, charged with kidnapping and attempted second-degree murder, was being held in the hospital’s crisis stabilization unit (CSU).Watts was seen on video walking out of the CSU at approximately 9 p.m. wearing multiple layers of clothing, including blue jeans and a state-issued jean jacket. Watts’s elopement violates the court-ordered hold, making this a criminal investigation led by the Pawnee County Sheriff’s office in cooperation with the LSH Special Investigator.“I have been in constant contact with the superintendent and leadership team at Larned and am monitoring the progress of the situation each moment,” Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Secretary Laura Howard said. “We are working closely with local law enforcement to ensure Mr. Watts is detained without delay or incident”Watts is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 161 pounds. He has a multiple tattoos, including a cross on his upper right arm, a spider on his abdomen, a “Tiki” figure on his upper left arm, an owl and roses on his left forearm, a bible ad roses on his left upper back and a scorpion on his left calf. The Pawnee County Sheriff was alerted to the situation. The Kansas Highway Patrol has also been notified.LSH and KDADS officials are fully cooperating with law enforcement’s ongoing investigation.&nbsp;-------PAWNEE COUNTY—Authorities are working to capture a man who walked away from the Larned State Hospital.According to Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King, attempted second degree murder and kidnapping suspect Isaac N. Watts 43, of Grant County walked away from the Larned State Hospital on Monday night.Authorities know where he is and are close to taking him into custody, according to King.&nbsp; Authorities don't think he is a predator.&nbsp;Deputies arrested Watts on November 29 in connection with a domestic situation, according to Grant&nbsp; County Sheriff James Biddle and he was sent to Larned State Hospital for a mental evaluation.The Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services is expected to release additional details on the escape later Tuesday.

Escapee from Larned State Hospital had female accomplice

WASHINGTON (AP) — A record 4.5 million American workers quit their jobs in November, a sign of confidence and more evidence that the U.S. job market is bouncing back strongly from last year's coronavirus recession.

The Labor Department also reported Tuesday that employers posted 10.6 million job openings in November, down from 11.1 million in October but still high by historical standards.

Employers hired 6.7 million people in November, up from 6.5 million in October, the Labor Department reported Tuesday in its monthly Jobs Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.

The job market has bounced back from last year’s brief but intense coronavirus recession. When COVID hit, governments ordered lockdowns, consumers stayed home and many businesses closed or cut hours. Employers slashed more than 22 million jobs in March and April 2020, and the unemployment rate rocketed to 14.8%.

But massive government spending — and eventually the rollout of vaccines — brought the economy back. Employers have added 18.5 million jobs since April 2020, still leaving the U.S. still 3.9 million jobs short of what it had before the pandemic. The December jobs report, out Friday, is expected to show that the economy generated almost 393,000 more jobs this month, according to a survey by the data firm FactSet.

The unemployment rate has fallen to 4.2%, close to what economists consider full employment.

By PAUL WISEMAN, AP Economics WriterWASHINGTON (AP) — A record 4.5 million American workers quit their jobs in November, a sign of confidence and more evidence that the U.S. job market is bouncing back strongly from last year's coronavirus recession.The Labor Department also reported Tuesday that employers posted 10.6 million job openings in November, down from 11.1 million in October but still high by historical standards.Employers hired 6.7 million people in November, up from 6.5 million in October, the Labor Department reported Tuesday in its monthly Jobs Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.The job market has bounced back from last year’s brief but intense coronavirus recession. When COVID hit, governments ordered lockdowns, consumers stayed home and many businesses closed or cut hours. Employers slashed more than 22 million jobs in March and April 2020, and the unemployment rate rocketed to 14.8%.But massive government spending — and eventually the rollout of vaccines — brought the economy back. Employers have added 18.5 million jobs since April 2020, still leaving the U.S. still 3.9 million jobs short of what it had before the pandemic. The December jobs report, out Friday, is expected to show that the economy generated almost 393,000 more jobs this month, according to a survey by the data firm FactSet.The unemployment rate has fallen to 4.2%, close to what economists consider full employment.

A record 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs in November

AT&amp;T and Verizon said Monday they will delay activating new 5G wireless service for two weeks following a request by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who cited the airline industry’s concern that the service could interfere with systems on planes.

The announcement reversed the companies’ decision just a day earlier to reject any postponement in new 5G service.

In a statement Monday night, AT&amp;T also repeated its promise to further reduce power of the networks around airports — an approach used in France — for six months to give regulators more time to study potential interference with aviation.

“We know aviation safety and 5G can co-exist and we are confident further collaboration and technical assessment will allay any issues,” AT&amp;T spokeswoman said in a statement.

A Verizon spokesman said the two-week delay would ensure “the certainty” of rolling out the new service later in January.

AT&amp;T and Verizon had planned to launch the new 5G service on Wednesday in many U.S. cities.

On Friday, Buttigieg and Stephen Dickson, head of the Federal Aviation Administration, asked the companies to delay their C-band 5G rollout for up to two weeks. They warned that without a delay, there would be “unacceptable disruption” to aviation because flights would be canceled or diverted to other cities to avoid potential risks to air safety.

The officials' warning followed a request by a major airline trade group to delay the 5G rollout. Airlines for America told the Federal Communications Commission that using C-band 5G near dozens of airports could interfere with devices that measure an airplane’s height above the ground. The group said it had raised the issue before but was given little attention by the FCC.

Other aviation groups also raised alarms. Joe DePete, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, said Monday night, “It’s clear that this irresponsible rollout of 5G wasn’t ready for takeoff.”

The conflict between telecommunications companies and airlines — and between the FCC and the FAA — involves a type of 5G service that relies on chunks of radio spectrum called C-Band, which wireless carriers spent billions of dollars to buy up last year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1570386938205.png" alt="Photo Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID KOENIG, AP Airlines WriterAT&amp;T and Verizon said Monday they will delay activating new 5G wireless service for two weeks following a request by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who cited the airline industry’s concern that the service could interfere with systems on planes.The announcement reversed the companies’ decision just a day earlier to reject any postponement in new 5G service.In a statement Monday night, AT&amp;T also repeated its promise to further reduce power of the networks around airports — an approach used in France — for six months to give regulators more time to study potential interference with aviation.“We know aviation safety and 5G can co-exist and we are confident further collaboration and technical assessment will allay any issues,” AT&amp;T spokeswoman said in a statement.A Verizon spokesman said the two-week delay would ensure “the certainty” of rolling out the new service later in January.AT&amp;T and Verizon had planned to launch the new 5G service on Wednesday in many U.S. cities.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636567863880.png" alt="Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>On Friday, Buttigieg and Stephen Dickson, head of the Federal Aviation Administration, asked the companies to delay their C-band 5G rollout for up to two weeks. They warned that without a delay, there would be “unacceptable disruption” to aviation because flights would be canceled or diverted to other cities to avoid potential risks to air safety.The officials' warning followed a request by a major airline trade group to delay the 5G rollout. Airlines for America told the Federal Communications Commission that using C-band 5G near dozens of airports could interfere with devices that measure an airplane’s height above the ground. The group said it had raised the issue before but was given little attention by the FCC.Other aviation groups also raised alarms. Joe DePete, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, said Monday night, “It’s clear that this irresponsible rollout of 5G wasn’t ready for takeoff.”The conflict between telecommunications companies and airlines — and between the FCC and the FAA — involves a type of 5G service that relies on chunks of radio spectrum called C-Band, which wireless carriers spent billions of dollars to buy up last year.

AT&T, Verizon finally agree to delay new 5G service for 2 weeks

NEW YORK — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has signed off on two measures to increase access to additional doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine.

The CDC on Tuesday recommended shortening the recommended interval of time between when people who had an initial series of Pfizer vaccinations and when they receive a Pfizer booster shot, from six months to five months.

The agency has not changed the recommended booster interval for people who got other vaccines. The Johnson &amp; Johnson booster interval is two months and the Moderna vaccine can be given six months after initial doses.

The CDC also recommended that kids ages 5 to 11 with moderately or severely weakened immune systems receive an additional dose 28 days after their second Pfizer shot. Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine is recommended for that age group.

The CDC’s decisions followed moves by the Food and Drug Administration on Monday. The FDA also approved Pfizer booster shots for kids ages 12 to 15. The CDC has not announced a recommendation about that, but a CDC expert advisory committee is expected to take up the matter during a meeting Wednesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634737506200.png" alt="Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director" />
 <figcaption>Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has signed off on two measures to increase access to additional doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine.The CDC on Tuesday recommended shortening the recommended interval of time between when people who had an initial series of Pfizer vaccinations and when they receive a Pfizer booster shot, from six months to five months.The agency has not changed the recommended booster interval for people who got other vaccines. The Johnson &amp; Johnson booster interval is two months and the Moderna vaccine can be given six months after initial doses.The CDC also recommended that kids ages 5 to 11 with moderately or severely weakened immune systems receive an additional dose 28 days after their second Pfizer shot. Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine is recommended for that age group.The CDC’s decisions followed moves by the Food and Drug Administration on Monday. The FDA also approved Pfizer booster shots for kids ages 12 to 15. The CDC has not announced a recommendation about that, but a CDC expert advisory committee is expected to take up the matter during a meeting Wednesday.

CDC signs off on Pfizer extra dose measures for kids

WICHITA (AP) —A coalition of community groups demanded Monday that a special prosecutor be appointed in the case of a Black youth who died following a physical struggle with staff at a Kansas juvenile center.

In a Wichita rally and letter to local officials, community activists also called for the release of video and the names of the individuals involved in the death of 17-year-old Cedric Lofton. It comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homicide-kansas-topeka-wichita-f7117e0adae0bc77f972371f6b251eb8">an autopsy report released last week</a>&nbsp;contradicted an earlier, preliminary finding that the teenager hadn’t suffered life-threatening injuries. The autopsy ruled the death a homicide.

The report said that the teen’s heart and breathing stopped after he was handcuffed while lying on his stomach. Lofton had briefly been in the custody of the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center in Wichita when his altercation with staff members occurred Sept. 24.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-c46e524dc4dd062827c83c96c2ee3a3d">He was taken to a local hospital and died two days later.</a>

The letter cited what it called false and misleading statements made at an initial press conference by Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett and Sheriff Jeff Easter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-jeff-easter-51e69e37b693eba66bfcf84600825a53">implying the death was not the responsibility of law enforcement</a>. It also cited Bennett’s history of not charging law enforcement officers.

Activists calling themselves the Community Empowerment &amp; Resilience Coalition wrote that “our community does not have any faith or trust in the independence” of Bennett. The letter was signed by Lofton’s family and more than two dozen other community groups and people. It seeks a reply by Jan. 10.

Dan Dillon, the spokesman for Bennett’s office, said in an email Monday that there is no basis under Kansas law for the office of the district attorney to pursue a recusal. He said Bennett anticipates completing his review of the death within 15 days and the public will be notified at that time. No further comment will be made until that review is complete, he said.

The spokesman for the sheriff’s office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

“Today’s unprecedented community action in Wichita and peaceful rally at the Sedgwick County Building consisted of a diverse coalition of community leaders and organizations committed to fighting for justice for Cedric,” said Andrew M. Stroth, a civil rights attorney who is representing the family.

Bennett said last week that an autopsy’s finding that the death was a homicide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wichita-kansas-topeka-crime-cd09b306ef724ae14fa6703f76911a76">doesn’t necessarily mean the employees committed any crimes.&nbsp;</a>The designation only means that someone committed an intentional act that led to the death of another person. Whether criminal charges can be brought is a separate, legal determination.

Lofton’s family and an attorney have had a private showing of the videos involving the law enforcement encounter with the teen, but they do not have copies of the video and are urging its public release. The video shows officers on top of the teen at various times, Stroth said.

“The injuries in the autopsy report are consistent with the video that shows the officers using excessive force,” Stroth said. “The officers took Cedric’s breath away. Cedric Lofton could not breathe.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633046927211.png" alt="Lofton-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Lofton-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROXANA HEGEMANWICHITA (AP) —A coalition of community groups demanded Monday that a special prosecutor be appointed in the case of a Black youth who died following a physical struggle with staff at a Kansas juvenile center.In a Wichita rally and letter to local officials, community activists also called for the release of video and the names of the individuals involved in the death of 17-year-old Cedric Lofton. It comes after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/homicide-kansas-topeka-wichita-f7117e0adae0bc77f972371f6b251eb8">an autopsy report released last week</a>&nbsp;contradicted an earlier, preliminary finding that the teenager hadn’t suffered life-threatening injuries. The autopsy ruled the death a homicide.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640808525195.png" alt="Courtesy Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center</figcaption>
 </figure>The report said that the teen’s heart and breathing stopped after he was handcuffed while lying on his stomach. Lofton had briefly been in the custody of the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center in Wichita when his altercation with staff members occurred Sept. 24.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-c46e524dc4dd062827c83c96c2ee3a3d">He was taken to a local hospital and died two days later.</a>The letter cited what it called false and misleading statements made at an initial press conference by Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett and Sheriff Jeff Easter&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-jeff-easter-51e69e37b693eba66bfcf84600825a53">implying the death was not the responsibility of law enforcement</a>. It also cited Bennett’s history of not charging law enforcement officers.Activists calling themselves the Community Empowerment &amp; Resilience Coalition wrote that “our community does not have any faith or trust in the independence” of Bennett. The letter was signed by Lofton’s family and more than two dozen other community groups and people. It seeks a reply by Jan. 10.Dan Dillon, the spokesman for Bennett’s office, said in an email Monday that there is no basis under Kansas law for the office of the district attorney to pursue a recusal. He said Bennett anticipates completing his review of the death within 15 days and the public will be notified at that time. No further comment will be made until that review is complete, he said.The spokesman for the sheriff’s office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.“Today’s unprecedented community action in Wichita and peaceful rally at the Sedgwick County Building consisted of a diverse coalition of community leaders and organizations committed to fighting for justice for Cedric,” said Andrew M. Stroth, a civil rights attorney who is representing the family.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633019917195.png" alt="Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter and&nbsp;District Attorney Marc Bennett answered questions during an Oct. news conference on Lofton's death" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter and&nbsp;District Attorney Marc Bennett answered questions during an Oct. news conference on Lofton's death</figcaption>
 </figure>Bennett said last week that an autopsy’s finding that the death was a homicide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wichita-kansas-topeka-crime-cd09b306ef724ae14fa6703f76911a76">doesn’t necessarily mean the employees committed any crimes.&nbsp;</a>The designation only means that someone committed an intentional act that led to the death of another person. Whether criminal charges can be brought is a separate, legal determination.Lofton’s family and an attorney have had a private showing of the videos involving the law enforcement encounter with the teen, but they do not have copies of the video and are urging its public release. The video shows officers on top of the teen at various times, Stroth said.“The injuries in the autopsy report are consistent with the video that shows the officers using excessive force,” Stroth said. “The officers took Cedric’s breath away. Cedric Lofton could not breathe.”

Activists seek special prosecutor in Kan. teen's custody death

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in the fatal Father's Day shooting of 47-year-old Deandre Freeman of Wichita is expected in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office.

Jermall Campbell, 39 of Wichita, was charged with 1st degree murder, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and gambling.

Just after 8:30a.m. June 20, police responded to a check residence call at a home in the 1700 block of North Harding in Wichita, according to Office Charley Davidson.

 Upon arrival, officers entered the home and found Freeman had been shot multiple times.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.&nbsp; Officers also located a 53-year-old man who had been shot.&nbsp; He was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.

The investigation revealed the two victims, a suspect later identified as Campbell and two other men were all at the home and are known to each other.&nbsp; A disturbance occurred between the suspect and others when the Campbell allegedly fired multiple shots striking the victims.

Campbell&nbsp; turned himself in to authorities, according to Officer Trevor Macy. he is being <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=102632">held on a $1,000,000 bond&nbsp;</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1625142361655.png" alt="Campbell photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Campbell photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in the fatal Father's Day shooting of 47-year-old Deandre Freeman of Wichita is expected in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's Office.Jermall Campbell, 39 of Wichita, was charged with 1st degree murder, aggravated battery, criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and gambling.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624291759233.png" alt="Police at the scene of the shooting early June 20 -photo courtesy KWCH TV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the shooting early June 20 -photo courtesy KWCH TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 8:30a.m. June 20, police responded to a check residence call at a home in the 1700 block of North Harding in Wichita, according to Office Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers entered the home and found Freeman had been shot multiple times.&nbsp; He was pronounced deceased on the scene.&nbsp; Officers also located a 53-year-old man who had been shot.&nbsp; He was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.The investigation revealed the two victims, a suspect later identified as Campbell and two other men were all at the home and are known to each other.&nbsp; A disturbance occurred between the suspect and others when the Campbell allegedly fired multiple shots striking the victims.Campbell&nbsp; turned himself in to authorities, according to Officer Trevor Macy. he is being <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=102632">held on a $1,000,000 bond&nbsp;</a>.&nbsp;---------

Preliminary hearing for Kan. man accused in Father's Day killing

If you have a smartphone purchased in
 the last few years, it almost certainly came with NFC capability. The 
technology allows users to effortlessly transfer money, share files and 
knock out a growing list of other tasks. But that data transfer can 
create vulnerabilities. BBB has tips on what NFCs can do and how to stay safe when using them.

NFC stands for <a href="https://nfc-forum.org/what-is-nfc/about-the-technology/" target="_blank">Near Field Communication</a>. It's
 a data transfer that only works within a very short physical range. 
We’re talking inches, not feet. Some forms of this technology require 
you to tap one device against another or wave them back and forth in 
close proximity.

NFC also stands for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_Conference" target="_blank">National Football Conference</a> and the <a href="https://www.nfc.usda.gov/" target="_blank">National Finance Center</a>, a branch of the USDA, but we’re not going to talk about those here. <a href="https://nfc-forum.org/what-is-nfc/about-the-technology/" target="_blank">Near Field Communication</a> capabilities have been around for years, but their use is becoming much more widespread.

NFCs are based on <a href="https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/electromagnetic-compatibility-emc/radio-frequency-identification-rfid" target="_blank">RFID (radio frequency identification)</a> technology, a process that uses radio frequencies to identify objects. Near Field Communication is high frequency RFID that makes it easy for one device to communicate with another.

Near Field Communication uses a 
series of protocols to make transactions easier and faster. People use 
them to make contactless payments, share digital content, connect one 
device with another and a list of other tasks that gets longer every 
day.&nbsp;

An NFC relies on proximity, so when 
users get close to a device they want to interact with, typically they 
receive a prompt asking for permission. They follow on-screen prompts 
from there. It’s convenient because it doesn’t involve downloading an 
app or signing up to get started.

When you activate some NFC 
technologies, they enable Bluetooth and use that to make your data 
transfer. That means you don’t have to fumble around with your phone to 
find Bluetooth settings, choose the device you want to pair, enter the 
key or code and so on.

Other NFC technologies enable Wi-Fi 
between two devices so they can “talk” back and forth. The big benefit 
here is that Wi-Fi direct has much greater bandwidth, so big files 
transfer faster.

New handheld devices become available all the time, so the compatible device list is constantly changing. <a href="https://www.nfcw.com/nfc-phones-list/" target="_blank">NFCWorld</a>
 maintains an exhaustive list of phones and tablets both available now 
and coming soon. But for most people, their mobile is already capable.

Android devices running 4.0 or later 
come with the ability to use NFTs for financial transactions. Phones 
with Android 4.4 or later allow users to exchange files and messages via
 NFC.&nbsp;

iPhone was a little later to jump on 
the bandwagon. However, if you have iPhone 6 or later, it supports Near 
Field Communications.

Are they just for financial transactions?&nbsp;

The possibilities and uses for near 
field communications are, for the most part, just limited by the 
imagination. Here are just a few things people can do with them already:

Simplified connectivity is great, and
 being able to exchange funds without having to dig into our wallets was
 becoming popular even before social distancing was a thing. Now it’s 
even more helpful because it means we don’t have to touch cash or 
transaction terminals. But every time a technology is widely adopted, 
hackers start focusing on how they can exploit it for unfair gain.

Near Field Communications and cyber security

Convenience is great, but if you’re 
like most people, you might recognize when data is just floating around,
 there’s a security risk, especially when technology is linked to your 
credit card or bank account. So how risky is NFC technology?&nbsp;

The good thing is, if you’re bumping 
your phone with a friend’s to share music or checking out with a trusted
 vendor, the security risk is fairly low because of the proximity 
requirement. Devices must be four centimeters or less apart, and during 
the split seconds the data transfer actually takes to occur, it would be
 hard for a hacker to get in there without you noticing.&nbsp;

It takes more than just a bump for a 
transaction to occur; both sending and receiving devices must be ready 
to accept the data transfer. It would be difficult for a hacker to brush
 against you in a crowd and wirelessly withdraw from your bank account. 
You’re not likely to collide with a stranger in the grocery store and 
accidentally send their phone all your personal information. But that 
doesn’t mean NFCs are without risk.

One problem happens when people lose 
their phones or have their device stolen. If a thief can unlock your 
device, or if you don’t secure it with a strong password, there’s 
nothing to stop him or her from waving it over a payment terminal or ATM
 to get your money.&nbsp;

NFC tags are also vulnerable to 
tampering. For example, users have tapped smart tags thinking they were 
about to access movie trailers or visit a vendor website, but instead 
had their personal information sent to a bad actor.&nbsp;

Keep your data safe by taking these precautions:

Have you heard about or experienced 
an NFC related scheme or fraud? You can help spread awareness and 
protect others when you report it to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker">BBB Scam Tracker</a>.

<a href="https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-central-east-texas" target="_blank">BBB Serving Central East Texas contributed this article.&nbsp;</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBIf you have a smartphone purchased in
 the last few years, it almost certainly came with NFC capability. The 
technology allows users to effortlessly transfer money, share files and 
knock out a growing list of other tasks. But that data transfer can 
create vulnerabilities. BBB has tips on what NFCs can do and how to stay safe when using them.What exactly is NFC?NFC stands for <a href="https://nfc-forum.org/what-is-nfc/about-the-technology/" target="_blank">Near Field Communication</a>. It's
 a data transfer that only works within a very short physical range. 
We’re talking inches, not feet. Some forms of this technology require 
you to tap one device against another or wave them back and forth in 
close proximity.NFC also stands for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_Conference" target="_blank">National Football Conference</a> and the <a href="https://www.nfc.usda.gov/" target="_blank">National Finance Center</a>, a branch of the USDA, but we’re not going to talk about those here. <a href="https://nfc-forum.org/what-is-nfc/about-the-technology/" target="_blank">Near Field Communication</a> capabilities have been around for years, but their use is becoming much more widespread.NFCs are based on <a href="https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/electromagnetic-compatibility-emc/radio-frequency-identification-rfid" target="_blank">RFID (radio frequency identification)</a> technology, a process that uses radio frequencies to identify objects. Near Field Communication is high frequency RFID that makes it easy for one device to communicate with another.What does it do?Near Field Communication uses a 
series of protocols to make transactions easier and faster. People use 
them to make contactless payments, share digital content, connect one 
device with another and a list of other tasks that gets longer every 
day.&nbsp;How do they work?An NFC relies on proximity, so when 
users get close to a device they want to interact with, typically they 
receive a prompt asking for permission. They follow on-screen prompts 
from there. It’s convenient because it doesn’t involve downloading an 
app or signing up to get started.When you activate some NFC 
technologies, they enable Bluetooth and use that to make your data 
transfer. That means you don’t have to fumble around with your phone to 
find Bluetooth settings, choose the device you want to pair, enter the 
key or code and so on.Other NFC technologies enable Wi-Fi 
between two devices so they can “talk” back and forth. The big benefit 
here is that Wi-Fi direct has much greater bandwidth, so big files 
transfer faster.What smartphones come with NFC?New handheld devices become available all the time, so the compatible device list is constantly changing. <a href="https://www.nfcw.com/nfc-phones-list/" target="_blank">NFCWorld</a>
 maintains an exhaustive list of phones and tablets both available now 
and coming soon. But for most people, their mobile is already capable.Android devices running 4.0 or later 
come with the ability to use NFTs for financial transactions. Phones 
with Android 4.4 or later allow users to exchange files and messages via
 NFC.&nbsp;iPhone was a little later to jump on 
the bandwagon. However, if you have iPhone 6 or later, it supports Near 
Field Communications.Are they just for financial transactions?&nbsp;The possibilities and uses for near 
field communications are, for the most part, just limited by the 
imagination. Here are just a few things people can do with them already:<ul>
 <li>Open car doors</li><li>Share contact information</li><li>Share any link you program it to have</li><li>Make wireless payment using smartphones and tablets</li><li>Create an automatic Wi-Fi/Bluetooth pairing between phone and vehicle for hands-free driving</li><li>Pay for and receive access to public parking and transportation</li><li>Send photos or video between digital cameras, cell phones and media players</li><li>Allow shoppers to receive and redeem coupons</li><li>Prevent hard sleepers from turning off their alarm until they’re actually awake</li><li>Enable healthcare workers to monitor medications and track physical symptoms</li><li>Create interactive toys and games</li>
 </ul>Simplified connectivity is great, and
 being able to exchange funds without having to dig into our wallets was
 becoming popular even before social distancing was a thing. Now it’s 
even more helpful because it means we don’t have to touch cash or 
transaction terminals. But every time a technology is widely adopted, 
hackers start focusing on how they can exploit it for unfair gain.Near Field Communications and cyber securityConvenience is great, but if you’re 
like most people, you might recognize when data is just floating around,
 there’s a security risk, especially when technology is linked to your 
credit card or bank account. So how risky is NFC technology?&nbsp;The good thing is, if you’re bumping 
your phone with a friend’s to share music or checking out with a trusted
 vendor, the security risk is fairly low because of the proximity 
requirement. Devices must be four centimeters or less apart, and during 
the split seconds the data transfer actually takes to occur, it would be
 hard for a hacker to get in there without you noticing.&nbsp;It takes more than just a bump for a 
transaction to occur; both sending and receiving devices must be ready 
to accept the data transfer. It would be difficult for a hacker to brush
 against you in a crowd and wirelessly withdraw from your bank account. 
You’re not likely to collide with a stranger in the grocery store and 
accidentally send their phone all your personal information. But that 
doesn’t mean NFCs are without risk.One problem happens when people lose 
their phones or have their device stolen. If a thief can unlock your 
device, or if you don’t secure it with a strong password, there’s 
nothing to stop him or her from waving it over a payment terminal or ATM
 to get your money.&nbsp;NFC tags are also vulnerable to 
tampering. For example, users have tapped smart tags thinking they were 
about to access movie trailers or visit a vendor website, but instead 
had their personal information sent to a bad actor.&nbsp;7 NFC security tipsKeep your data safe by taking these precautions:<ul>
 <li>Password protect your mobile device</li><li>Enable two-factor authentication for all monetary transactions</li><li>Read data usage policies before you download apps to make sure they protect your privacy</li><li>Update installed apps regularly</li><li>Turn
 your NFC off when not in use (With Android devices this is under 
settings. With iPhone NFC is disabled within individual apps)</li><li>Update your device as required so you receive security patches and firmware updates</li><li>Only use Near Field Communications with vendors and individuals you know are trustworthy</li>
 </ul>Have you heard about or experienced 
an NFC related scheme or fraud? You can help spread awareness and 
protect others when you report it to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker">BBB Scam Tracker</a>.<a href="https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-central-east-texas" target="_blank">BBB Serving Central East Texas contributed this article.&nbsp;</a>

Phone tip: What to know if you’re using NFCs (and you probably are)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress’ top doctor urged lawmakers on Monday to move to a “maximal telework posture,” citing surging numbers of COVID-19 cases at the Capitol that he said are mostly breakthrough infections of people already vaccinated.

The seven-day average rate of infection at the Capitol’s testing center has risen from less than 1% to more than 13%, Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician, wrote in a letter to congressional leaders obtained by The Associated Press.

Monahan said there has been “an unprecedented number of cases in the Capitol community affecting hundreds of individuals.” In what he said was limited sampling as of Dec. 15, about 61% of the cases were the new, highly contagious omicron variant while 38% were the delta variant.

While providing no figure, he said “most” of the cases are breakthroughs.

While such cases have not led to any deaths or hospitalizations among vaccinated lawmakers or congressional staff, he said even mild infections can lead to six to 12 months of “long COVID.” A “reasonable estimate” is that 6% to 10% of cases could end up that way, he added.

Monahan urged congressional offices to “reduce in-person meetings and in-office activities to the maximum extent possible.”

And he said wearing a properly fitted, medical grade KN95 or better mask is “a critical necessity unless the individual is alone in a closed office space or eating or drinking in a food service area.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641231882156.png" alt="A snowstorm closed the U.S. Capitol on Monday -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>A snowstorm closed the U.S. Capitol on Monday -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress’ top doctor urged lawmakers on Monday to move to a “maximal telework posture,” citing surging numbers of COVID-19 cases at the Capitol that he said are mostly breakthrough infections of people already vaccinated.The seven-day average rate of infection at the Capitol’s testing center has risen from less than 1% to more than 13%, Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician, wrote in a letter to congressional leaders obtained by The Associated Press.Monahan said there has been “an unprecedented number of cases in the Capitol community affecting hundreds of individuals.” In what he said was limited sampling as of Dec. 15, about 61% of the cases were the new, highly contagious omicron variant while 38% were the delta variant.While providing no figure, he said “most” of the cases are breakthroughs.While such cases have not led to any deaths or hospitalizations among vaccinated lawmakers or congressional staff, he said even mild infections can lead to six to 12 months of “long COVID.” A “reasonable estimate” is that 6% to 10% of cases could end up that way, he added.Monahan urged congressional offices to “reduce in-person meetings and in-office activities to the maximum extent possible.”And he said wearing a properly fitted, medical grade KN95 or better mask is “a critical necessity unless the individual is alone in a closed office space or eating or drinking in a food service area.”

Doctor: COVID surge at U.S. Capitol among the vaccinated

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have filed charges against a 44-year-old Kansas City man.

William F. Betts has been charged with 2nd degree murder and armed criminal action&nbsp; in connection with the Dec. 27, fatal shooting of Naaman Williams at a KC residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to the area of 60th and Agnes Avenue on a reported shooting. They found the victim, 46-year-old Naaman Williams on the steps of a residence. He was declared deceased at the scene. Witnesses told police detectives that the victim and defendant had recently been in an altercation. Betts told one witness he would kill the victim. Betts remains jailed on a $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney's offie.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640792305416.png" alt="Betts -photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Betts -photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have filed charges against a 44-year-old Kansas City man.William F. Betts has been charged with 2nd degree murder and armed criminal action&nbsp; in connection with the Dec. 27, fatal shooting of Naaman Williams at a KC residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to the area of 60th and Agnes Avenue on a reported shooting. They found the victim, 46-year-old Naaman Williams on the steps of a residence. He was declared deceased at the scene. Witnesses told police detectives that the victim and defendant had recently been in an altercation. Betts told one witness he would kill the victim. Betts remains jailed on a $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney's offie.

Police: KC man told witness he would kill victim and he did

&nbsp;TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.1XgYxA7bv8IXNNtqSIuZ6PnNX3RWUERoqZFDAXn-kWo/s/1303160919/br/124040876121-l" target="_blank">that total tax collections for December were $890.3 million</a>. That is $64.5 million, or 7.8%, more than the monthly estimate, according to a statement from her office. That is also a 15.6%, or $120.0 million, growth over December 2020.

“Over the past three years my administration has taken steps to restore the Kansas economy, and that fiscal responsibility has paved the way to provide direct tax relief to Kansas taxpayers,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“That relief will come specifically through proposals like axing the food tax and offering a one-time $250 tax rebate for Kansas families.”

Individual income tax collections were $355.2 million. That is $35.2 million more than the estimate and $48.5 million, or 15.8%, more than the previous December. Corporate income tax collections were $132.0 million, which is $22.0 million more than the estimate. That is 33.1%, or $32.8 million, more than the same month of the previous year.

Retail sales tax collections were $224.3 million for December. That is $4.3 million, or 2.0%, more than the estimate and 11.1%, or $22.4 million, more than December 2020. Compensating use tax collections were $69.2 million. That is $2.2 million, or 3.3%, more than the estimate. Those collections are also $17.0 million, or 32.7%, more than the previous December.

&nbsp;TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.1XgYxA7bv8IXNNtqSIuZ6PnNX3RWUERoqZFDAXn-kWo/s/1303160919/br/124040876121-l" target="_blank">that total tax collections for December were $890.3 million</a>. That is $64.5 million, or 7.8%, more than the monthly estimate, according to a statement from her office. That is also a 15.6%, or $120.0 million, growth over December 2020.“Over the past three years my administration has taken steps to restore the Kansas economy, and that fiscal responsibility has paved the way to provide direct tax relief to Kansas taxpayers,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“That relief will come specifically through proposals like axing the food tax and offering a one-time $250 tax rebate for Kansas families.”Individual income tax collections were $355.2 million. That is $35.2 million more than the estimate and $48.5 million, or 15.8%, more than the previous December. Corporate income tax collections were $132.0 million, which is $22.0 million more than the estimate. That is 33.1%, or $32.8 million, more than the same month of the previous year.Retail sales tax collections were $224.3 million for December. That is $4.3 million, or 2.0%, more than the estimate and 11.1%, or $22.4 million, more than December 2020. Compensating use tax collections were $69.2 million. That is $2.2 million, or 3.3%, more than the estimate. Those collections are also $17.0 million, or 32.7%, more than the previous December.

December total tax collections in Kan. surpass estimate by $64.5M

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for drug possession after a New Year's Day traffic stop.

Just before 9a.m. Saturday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle in the area of Northbound U.S. 75 Highway and Columbine Drive for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the stop, a quantity of methamphetamine and a hallucinogenic drug was located in the vehicle.

 Jessica Lynn Andrews, 40, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and transporting an open container. 

Deputies also arrested Russell Washington IV, 36, of Axtell, on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while suspended. Washington also had several outstanding warrants from Shawnee County, Marshall County, and the Topeka Police Department, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641247019303.png" alt="Washington-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Washington-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for drug possession after a New Year's Day traffic stop.Just before 9a.m. Saturday, a sheriff's deputy stopped a vehicle in the area of Northbound U.S. 75 Highway and Columbine Drive for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.During the stop, a quantity of methamphetamine and a hallucinogenic drug was located in the vehicle.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641246975353.png" alt="Andrews-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Andrews-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Jessica Lynn Andrews, 40, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and transporting an open container. Deputies also arrested Russell Washington IV, 36, of Axtell, on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while suspended. Washington also had several outstanding warrants from Shawnee County, Marshall County, and the Topeka Police Department, according to Morse.

Deputies catch wanted Kan. suspect during New Year's Day traffic stop

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend stabbing and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a stabbing in the 2700 block of N Amidon in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

 On arrival, officers located 44-year-old Jayson Stalkup in the parking lot with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene.

At around the same time officers were dispatched to the stabbing, an injury accident was called in at 25th and Amidon. Officers arrived at that location and contacted 27-year-old Bryce Johnson of Bel Aire, Kansas, who they were able to identify as the suspect in the stabbing.

The investigation revealed that the two were involved in an altercation at an apartment complex when Johnston fatally stabbed Stalkup. It is believed the two men were known to each other.

Johnston was transported to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries, then transported to the Sedgwick County Jail, where he was booked for first-degree murder, according to Macy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641221110685.png" alt="Johnston-photo Sedgwick o." />
 <figcaption>Johnston-photo Sedgwick o.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal weekend stabbing and have a suspect in custody.Just after 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, police were dispatched to report of a stabbing in the 2700 block of N Amidon in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy. On arrival, officers located 44-year-old Jayson Stalkup in the parking lot with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641220101073.png" alt="Police on the sene of the stabbing investigation photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the sene of the stabbing investigation photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>At around the same time officers were dispatched to the stabbing, an injury accident was called in at 25th and Amidon. Officers arrived at that location and contacted 27-year-old Bryce Johnson of Bel Aire, Kansas, who they were able to identify as the suspect in the stabbing.The investigation revealed that the two were involved in an altercation at an apartment complex when Johnston fatally stabbed Stalkup. It is believed the two men were known to each other.Johnston was transported to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries, then transported to the Sedgwick County Jail, where he was booked for first-degree murder, according to Macy.

Kan. man jailed for apartment parking lot stabbing death

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a reported burglary in the 900 block of SW University Drive in Topeka. Just before 8 a.m. New Year's Eve, the Shawnee County authorities received a 911 call reporting a white 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche with two woman&nbsp; taking items from a business, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Deputies responded and conducted a traffic stop on that vehicle in the 4200 block of SW 75 Highway. Deputies arrested Cristal M. Gadbury, 44, and Frednetta T. Covington-Winston, 26, both of Topeka.

Gadbury was booked on requested charges of driving with a suspended driver’s license, no vehicle liability insurance, license plate not assigned to that vehicle, unsecured load and theft. 

Winston had two misdemeanor warrants through the Topeka Police Department and was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641162776902.png" alt="Covington-Winston-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Covington-Winston-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a reported burglary in the 900 block of SW University Drive in Topeka. Just before 8 a.m. New Year's Eve, the Shawnee County authorities received a 911 call reporting a white 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche with two woman&nbsp; taking items from a business, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies responded and conducted a traffic stop on that vehicle in the 4200 block of SW 75 Highway. Deputies arrested Cristal M. Gadbury, 44, and Frednetta T. Covington-Winston, 26, both of Topeka.Gadbury was booked on requested charges of driving with a suspended driver’s license, no vehicle liability insurance, license plate not assigned to that vehicle, unsecured load and theft. Winston had two misdemeanor warrants through the Topeka Police Department and was booked on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft.

Sheriff: 2 Kansas women accused in New Year's Eve burglary

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden met virtually with independent farmers and ranchers on Monday to discuss initiatives to reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-poland-f559465c6a822d12b2dd513f122d5a31">food prices</a>&nbsp;by increasing competition within the meat industry, part of a broader effort to show his administration is trying to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-richard-nixon-ae06d5cccf066239f9aa7f06491c7698">combat inflation</a>.

“Capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism — it’s exploitation,” Biden said.

Higher-than-expected inflation has thwarted Biden’s agenda, hurt his public approval rating, become fodder for Republican attacks and prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manchin-rejects-biden-spending-bill-democrats-election-e7a0ca4c25c686e91cb21e166c44821b">Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.</a>, to cite higher prices as a reason to sideline the Democratic president’s tax, social and economic programs. In November, consumer prices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/latest-inflation-numbers-consumer-prices-616055db3bf67691b4fdc0015fc00783">rose 6.8%</a>&nbsp;over the prior 12 months — a 39-year high.

On food costs, Biden is building off a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/09/executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/" target="_blank">July executive order</a>&nbsp;that directed the Agriculture Department to more aggressively look at possible violations of the 1921 Packers and Stockyards Act, which was designed to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. Meat prices have climbed 16% from a year ago, with beef prices up 20.9%.

The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic.

The administration is targeting meat processing plants, which can shape the prices paid to farmers and charged to consumers. The White House issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/01/03/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-action-plan-for-a-fairer-more-competitive-and-more-resilient-meat-and-poultry-supply-chain/" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>&nbsp;saying that the top four companies control 85% of the beef market. In poultry, the biggest four processing firms control 54% of the market. And for pork, the figure is 70% for the four biggest firms.

Many industry groups are pushing back against the administration’s planned oversight of the food industry.

Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the coronavirus and higher costs for energy and labor are driving meat prices higher, not the corporate structure of the industry.

Bradley said the administration is practicing politics instead of economics and “government intervention would likely further constrain supply and push prices even higher.”

Mike Brown, president of the National Chicken Council, said, “This looks like a solution in search of a problem.” He said the administration is using the food industry as a “scapegoat for the significant challenges facing our economy. ”

Biden outlined plans to distribute $1 billion from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">coronavirus relief package</a>&nbsp;to help independent meat processors expand. He also highlighted money to train workers in the industry and improve conditions, as well as issue new rules for meatpackers and labeling requirements for being designated a “Product of USA.”

The Justice Department and the Agriculture Department will launch a joint effort to make it easier to report anti-competitive actions to the government. The administration will also seek to improve the transparency of the cattle market, with Biden saying, “A free market isn’t truly free without transparency around prices.”

The effort is part of a broader attempt to regain control of America’s economic narrative. Besides inflation, the repeated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-lifestyle-health-travel-80caac77e0cfed7e0e08cfa024ed3a9b">waves of coronavirus outbreak</a>&nbsp;have dampened people’s opinions about the economy despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-economy-gross-domestic-product-119b8182404771d0362da6d0d49891c0">strong growth</a>&nbsp;over the past year.

Biden will have an opportunity to highlight the economy’s strengths with the December jobs report being released Friday. Economists surveyed by FactSet expect that the United States added 362,000 jobs last month with the unemployment rate ticking down to 4.1%. Gains of that magnitude would indicate that the U.S. added roughly 6.5 million jobs last year, more than in any other previous year in a reflection of population growth and government spending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641245951468.png" alt="The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden met virtually with independent farmers and ranchers on Monday to discuss initiatives to reduce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-poland-f559465c6a822d12b2dd513f122d5a31">food prices</a>&nbsp;by increasing competition within the meat industry, part of a broader effort to show his administration is trying to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-richard-nixon-ae06d5cccf066239f9aa7f06491c7698">combat inflation</a>.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F1615116315497364%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=70" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>“Capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism — it’s exploitation,” Biden said.Higher-than-expected inflation has thwarted Biden’s agenda, hurt his public approval rating, become fodder for Republican attacks and prompted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/manchin-rejects-biden-spending-bill-democrats-election-e7a0ca4c25c686e91cb21e166c44821b">Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.</a>, to cite higher prices as a reason to sideline the Democratic president’s tax, social and economic programs. In November, consumer prices&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/latest-inflation-numbers-consumer-prices-616055db3bf67691b4fdc0015fc00783">rose 6.8%</a>&nbsp;over the prior 12 months — a 39-year high.On food costs, Biden is building off a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/07/09/executive-order-on-promoting-competition-in-the-american-economy/" target="_blank">July executive order</a>&nbsp;that directed the Agriculture Department to more aggressively look at possible violations of the 1921 Packers and Stockyards Act, which was designed to ensure fair competition and protect consumers. Meat prices have climbed 16% from a year ago, with beef prices up 20.9%.The president said the higher prices have been the subject of frustration at his own kitchen table. His wife, Jill, was talking on Sunday with her sister and a friend about a pound of hamburger meat costing $5 a pound, compared with less than $4 before the pandemic.The administration is targeting meat processing plants, which can shape the prices paid to farmers and charged to consumers. The White House issued a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/01/03/fact-sheet-the-biden-harris-action-plan-for-a-fairer-more-competitive-and-more-resilient-meat-and-poultry-supply-chain/" target="_blank">fact sheet</a>&nbsp;saying that the top four companies control 85% of the beef market. In poultry, the biggest four processing firms control 54% of the market. And for pork, the figure is 70% for the four biggest firms.Many industry groups are pushing back against the administration’s planned oversight of the food industry.Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the coronavirus and higher costs for energy and labor are driving meat prices higher, not the corporate structure of the industry.Bradley said the administration is practicing politics instead of economics and “government intervention would likely further constrain supply and push prices even higher.”Mike Brown, president of the National Chicken Council, said, “This looks like a solution in search of a problem.” He said the administration is using the food industry as a “scapegoat for the significant challenges facing our economy. ”Biden outlined plans to distribute $1 billion from the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">coronavirus relief package</a>&nbsp;to help independent meat processors expand. He also highlighted money to train workers in the industry and improve conditions, as well as issue new rules for meatpackers and labeling requirements for being designated a “Product of USA.”The Justice Department and the Agriculture Department will launch a joint effort to make it easier to report anti-competitive actions to the government. The administration will also seek to improve the transparency of the cattle market, with Biden saying, “A free market isn’t truly free without transparency around prices.”The effort is part of a broader attempt to regain control of America’s economic narrative. Besides inflation, the repeated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-lifestyle-health-travel-80caac77e0cfed7e0e08cfa024ed3a9b">waves of coronavirus outbreak</a>&nbsp;have dampened people’s opinions about the economy despite&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-economy-gross-domestic-product-119b8182404771d0362da6d0d49891c0">strong growth</a>&nbsp;over the past year.Biden will have an opportunity to highlight the economy’s strengths with the December jobs report being released Friday. Economists surveyed by FactSet expect that the United States added 362,000 jobs last month with the unemployment rate ticking down to 4.1%. Gains of that magnitude would indicate that the U.S. added roughly 6.5 million jobs last year, more than in any other previous year in a reflection of population growth and government spending.___

🎥 Biden talks with farmers, ranchers on reducing food prices

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Monday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford Focus driven by Gretchen Gosch, 33, Roeland Park, was westbound on Interstate 70 near the Kansas 7 exit.&nbsp;

The driver lost control of the car on the ice and snow and rear-ended a 2006 Chevy Tahoe that was abandoned and parked on the outside shoulder.

Gosch was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Forensic Medical. She was wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 7:30a.m. Monday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Ford Focus driven by Gretchen Gosch, 33, Roeland Park, was westbound on Interstate 70 near the Kansas 7 exit.&nbsp; The driver lost control of the car on the ice and snow and rear-ended a 2006 Chevy Tahoe that was abandoned and parked on the outside shoulder.Gosch was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Forensic Medical. She was wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kan. woman dies after car-rear ends abandoned SUV on I-70

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (AP) — A 23-year-old Fort Scott man has been charged with killing his mother and another man. 

The Bourbon County Prosecutor's office charged Dawson Mitchell last week with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 48-year-old Melissa Mitchell and 53-year-old Leonard Zimmerman. 

Their bodies were found at their home on Dec. 21. Dawson Mitchell was arrested the next day. Authorities have not said what prompted the shootings. Mitchell was also charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon, an aggravated weapons charge and two theft counts.

BOURBON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Fort Scott Police Department have arrested 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, the person of interest connected to the murders of Melissa Mitchell and Leonard Zimmerman, according to a media release from the KBI.

Mitchell was arrested at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday near the intersection of 5th&nbsp;St. and Judson St. in Fort Scott.

He is being held on requested charges of theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unlawful possession of controlled substances. He was then booked into the Bourbon County Jail.

Currently, Mitchell has not been charged related to the murders, according to the KBI.

BOURBON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating after two victims were found shot in their Fort Scott home on Tuesday night, according to a media release from the&nbsp;Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, the Fort Scott Police Department received a 911 call from a subject who came home to find a female family member had been shot. 

When police arrived at 402 Main St. in Fort Scott, they located 48-year-old Melissa L. Mitchell who had died from a gunshot wound. They also discovered 53-year-old Leonard D. Zimmerman deceased inside the residence. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

The victims’ son, Dawson J. Mitchell, 23, of Fort Scott, is a person of interest and is wanted for questioning connected to the case. Investigators are working to locate him at this time.

If you know the whereabouts of 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, you are asked to contact the Fort Scott Police Department at 620-223-1700 or the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Mitchell is expected to be armed and dangerous. Do not approach him, but immediately call police.

Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640220648047.png" alt="Mitchell following his arrest Dec. 22-photo Bourbon Co." />
 <figcaption>Mitchell following his arrest Dec. 22-photo Bourbon Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FORT SCOTT, Kan. (AP) — A 23-year-old Fort Scott man has been charged with killing his mother and another man. The Bourbon County Prosecutor's office charged Dawson Mitchell last week with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 48-year-old Melissa Mitchell and 53-year-old Leonard Zimmerman. Their bodies were found at their home on Dec. 21. Dawson Mitchell was arrested the next day. Authorities have not said what prompted the shootings. Mitchell was also charged with being a felon in possession of a weapon, an aggravated weapons charge and two theft counts.---------<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640191022809.png" alt="Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>BOURBON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Fort Scott Police Department have arrested 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, the person of interest connected to the murders of Melissa Mitchell and Leonard Zimmerman, according to a media release from the KBI.Mitchell was arrested at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday near the intersection of 5th&nbsp;St. and Judson St. in Fort Scott.He is being held on requested charges of theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unlawful possession of controlled substances. He was then booked into the Bourbon County Jail.Currently, Mitchell has not been charged related to the murders, according to the KBI.------------BOURBON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating after two victims were found shot in their Fort Scott home on Tuesday night, according to a media release from the&nbsp;Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, the Fort Scott Police Department received a 911 call from a subject who came home to find a female family member had been shot. When police arrived at 402 Main St. in Fort Scott, they located 48-year-old Melissa L. Mitchell who had died from a gunshot wound. They also discovered 53-year-old Leonard D. Zimmerman deceased inside the residence. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640190791746.png" alt="Mitchell-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>The victims’ son, Dawson J. Mitchell, 23, of Fort Scott, is a person of interest and is wanted for questioning connected to the case. Investigators are working to locate him at this time.If you know the whereabouts of 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, you are asked to contact the Fort Scott Police Department at 620-223-1700 or the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Mitchell is expected to be armed and dangerous. Do not approach him, but immediately call police.Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back.

Kansas man charged with killing his mother, another man

BOSTON (AP) — When Wanda Olson’s son-in-law died in March after contracting COVID-19, she and her daughter had to grapple with more than just their sudden grief. They had to come up with money for a cremation.

Even without a funeral, the bill came to nearly $2,000, a hefty sum that Olson initially covered. She and her daughter then learned of a federal program that reimburses families up to $9,000 for funeral costs for loved ones who died of COVID-19.

Olson's daughter submitted an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, received a deposit by June and was able to reimburse her mother the $1,974.

“Had this not been available, we would have been paying the money ourselves,” said Olson, 80, of Villa Rica, Georgia. “There wasn’t any red tape. This was a very easy, well-handled process.”

As of Dec. 6, about 226,000 people had shared in the nearly $1.5 billion that FEMA has spent on funeral costs that occurred after Jan. 20, 2020, the date of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. With the nation's coronavirus death toll topping 800,000, it’s clear that many families who are eligible for reimbursement have yet to take advantage of the funeral benefit.

Her son-in-law was traveling a lot, working on air conditioning systems in theaters, restaurants and businesses, when he began feeling ill, Olson said. After a few days at home, he went to the hospital and was put on a ventilator. He died several weeks later.

“He could never overcome it,” she said.

To be eligible for reimbursement, death certificates for those who died after May 16, 2020, must indicate that the death was attributed to COVID-19.

For deaths that occurred in the early months of the pandemic — from Jan. 20 to May 16, 2020 — death certificates must be accompanied with a signed statement from a medical examiner, coroner or the certifying official listed on the certificate indicating that COVID-19 was the cause or a contributing cause of death.

BOSTON (AP) — When Wanda Olson’s son-in-law died in March after contracting COVID-19, she and her daughter had to grapple with more than just their sudden grief. They had to come up with money for a cremation.Even without a funeral, the bill came to nearly $2,000, a hefty sum that Olson initially covered. She and her daughter then learned of a federal program that reimburses families up to $9,000 for funeral costs for loved ones who died of COVID-19.Olson's daughter submitted an application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, received a deposit by June and was able to reimburse her mother the $1,974.“Had this not been available, we would have been paying the money ourselves,” said Olson, 80, of Villa Rica, Georgia. “There wasn’t any red tape. This was a very easy, well-handled process.”As of Dec. 6, about 226,000 people had shared in the nearly $1.5 billion that FEMA has spent on funeral costs that occurred after Jan. 20, 2020, the date of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. With the nation's coronavirus death toll topping 800,000, it’s clear that many families who are eligible for reimbursement have yet to take advantage of the funeral benefit.Her son-in-law was traveling a lot, working on air conditioning systems in theaters, restaurants and businesses, when he began feeling ill, Olson said. After a few days at home, he went to the hospital and was put on a ventilator. He died several weeks later.“He could never overcome it,” she said.To be eligible for reimbursement, death certificates for those who died after May 16, 2020, must indicate that the death was attributed to COVID-19.For deaths that occurred in the early months of the pandemic — from Jan. 20 to May 16, 2020 — death certificates must be accompanied with a signed statement from a medical examiner, coroner or the certifying official listed on the certificate indicating that COVID-19 was the cause or a contributing cause of death.The percentage of individuals who have been reimbursed varies dramatically from state to state — from nearly 40% in North Carolina and Maryland to fewer than 15% in Idaho and Oregon, according to state-by-state data compiled by FEMA.While the reimbursement must go directly to individuals, some funeral directors have taken on the task of informing grieving families of the benefit.After the benefit was first announced, David Shipper, owner of the Sunset Funeral Home, Cremation Center &amp; Cemetery in Evansville, Indiana, took out ads to let people know that help was available if they qualified.“Nine thousand dollars — that’s a lot of money. We wanted to find a way to tell people about it,” he said. “We stopped advertising some time ago, but when we have a new family with a death from COVID, we tell them about the program.”Workers at the home will sit down with families, gather the needed paperwork, contact FEMA on the phone and help walk them through the process if they ask, he said.Many families may simply be unaware of the benefit, but others may opt against seeking the cash out of reluctance to revisit the pain of the death, Shipper said. He said the better time to seek the help is when planning the funeral.“They’re much more likely to take advantage right then than if they’ve already spent the money and don’t want to open it up again,” Shipper said.The largest states account for some of the biggest shares of the FEMA reimbursement money.The program has paid out more than 21,000 reimbursements in California and Texas, which have both reported more than 74,000 COVID-19 deaths. Residents applied for more than $141 million in each state.The fewest number of reimbursements have occurred in Vermont, where 123 people were awarded a total of about $704,000.Expenses covered under the FEMA program include funeral services, cremation and interment, as well as the costs for caskets or urns, burial plots or cremation niches, markers or headstones, transportation or transfer of remains, clergy or officiant services, and the use of funeral home equipment or staff.The program has been funded using federal stimulus funds, and money remains available. No online applications are allowed.After all required documents are received and verified, it typically takes fewer than 30 days to determine if an individual is eligible, according to FEMA. Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants who request direct deposit may receive the money in a matter of days. It may take longer for applicants who request a check.The reimbursement is one way of helping ease the emotional and financial burden that the pandemic has wreaked on communities across the country according to Ellen Wynn McBrayer, president of Jones-Wynn Funeral Homes &amp; Crematory in Villa Rica, Georgia.She recalled one woman who lost her mother, husband and one of her children to the disease in the span of six months. One of the workers at the funeral home also succumbed to the virus.“To have to help a grieving family is hard on a normal day, but to see so many deaths,” she said. “COVID has just broken a lot of hearts and taken a lot of lives.”