NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The man who killed former NFL player Joe McKnight cannot be tried again on a murder charge, now that his conviction on the lesser charge of manslaughter has been overturned, a Louisiana appeal court ruled Thursday.

Authorities in the New Orleans suburb of Jefferson Parish originally charged Ronald Gasser with second-degree murder in the road rage shooting of McKnight, a standout high school football player in Louisiana who later played in the NFL.

The jury came back with a lesser manslaughter conviction. But that verdict came on a 10-2 vote. It was thrown out, along with Gasser's 30-year prison term, and a new trial was ordered after the Supreme Court ruled non-unanimous verdicts unconstitutional.

Prosecutors wanted another chance at seeking a murder conviction. But state District Judge Ellen Shirer Kovach ruled in February that trying Gasser for murder again would violate his constitutional protection against double jeopardy.

On Thursday, the state 5th Circuit Court of Appeal agreed in a 2-1 panel ruling.

“At the time of defendant’s trial in the present case, a unanimous verdict was not required by Louisiana law in order to acquit a defendant,” Judge Hans Liljeberg wrote in an opinion joined by Judge Robert Chaisson. “Therefore, when the jury returned a ten to two verdict of guilty of manslaughter, it served as a valid acquittal of the second degree murder charge, precluding retrial of defendant for second degree murder based on the principles of double jeopardy.”

Judge Marc Johnson dissented. “To vacate a jury verdict convicting a defendant because it was a non-unanimous jury verdict then uphold the implied acquittal of a defendant resulting from the same non-unanimous jury verdict is rationally irreconcilable,” he wrote.

The Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office declined comment on Thursday.

“It seemed fairly obvious to us that the Double Jeopardy clause prevented the state from trying Mr. Gasser for murder a second time after his prior acquittal on that charge," Gasser's attorney, Dane Ciolino, wrote in an email Thursday night. "We are glad that both the district judge and appellate court agreed. We hope that the state doesn’t waste any more time and money to appeal this any further.”

McKnight was a high school football hero at Louisiana’s John Curtis Christian School who played three seasons for the New York Jets and one with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Gasser fatally shot McKnight on Dec. 1, 2016, after what authorities described as a rolling a 5-mile traffic dispute and chase over a New Orleans area bridge.

Witnesses at the 2018 trial said McKnight had been weaving in and out of traffic at high speed before the shooting — one prosecutor acknowledged to the jury that he was “driving like a jerk.” But prosecutors argued that Gasser escalated the conflict, following McKnight down an exit that he would not ordinarily have taken.

Gasser's defense team insisted he fired at McKnight in self-defense.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594918451537.png" alt="Deputies at the scene of Gasser's arrest in 2016 photo courtesy WWL-TV" />
 <figcaption>Deputies at the scene of Gasser's arrest in 2016 photo courtesy WWL-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The man who killed former NFL player Joe McKnight cannot be tried again on a murder charge, now that his conviction on the lesser charge of manslaughter has been overturned, a Louisiana appeal court ruled Thursday.Authorities in the New Orleans suburb of Jefferson Parish originally charged Ronald Gasser with second-degree murder in the road rage shooting of McKnight, a standout high school football player in Louisiana who later played in the NFL.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594910560020.png" alt="Gasser-photo Jefferson Parish" />
 <figcaption>Gasser-photo Jefferson Parish</figcaption>
 </figure>The jury came back with a lesser manslaughter conviction. But that verdict came on a 10-2 vote. It was thrown out, along with Gasser's 30-year prison term, and a new trial was ordered after the Supreme Court ruled non-unanimous verdicts unconstitutional.Prosecutors wanted another chance at seeking a murder conviction. But state District Judge Ellen Shirer Kovach ruled in February that trying Gasser for murder again would violate his constitutional protection against double jeopardy.On Thursday, the state 5th Circuit Court of Appeal agreed in a 2-1 panel ruling.“At the time of defendant’s trial in the present case, a unanimous verdict was not required by Louisiana law in order to acquit a defendant,” Judge Hans Liljeberg wrote in an opinion joined by Judge Robert Chaisson. “Therefore, when the jury returned a ten to two verdict of guilty of manslaughter, it served as a valid acquittal of the second degree murder charge, precluding retrial of defendant for second degree murder based on the principles of double jeopardy.”Judge Marc Johnson dissented. “To vacate a jury verdict convicting a defendant because it was a non-unanimous jury verdict then uphold the implied acquittal of a defendant resulting from the same non-unanimous jury verdict is rationally irreconcilable,” he wrote.The Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office declined comment on Thursday.“It seemed fairly obvious to us that the Double Jeopardy clause prevented the state from trying Mr. Gasser for murder a second time after his prior acquittal on that charge," Gasser's attorney, Dane Ciolino, wrote in an email Thursday night. "We are glad that both the district judge and appellate court agreed. We hope that the state doesn’t waste any more time and money to appeal this any further.”Gasser remains jailed pending trial.McKnight was a high school football hero at Louisiana’s John Curtis Christian School who played three seasons for the New York Jets and one with the Kansas City Chiefs.Gasser fatally shot McKnight on Dec. 1, 2016, after what authorities described as a rolling a 5-mile traffic dispute and chase over a New Orleans area bridge.Witnesses at the 2018 trial said McKnight had been weaving in and out of traffic at high speed before the shooting — one prosecutor acknowledged to the jury that he was “driving like a jerk.” But prosecutors argued that Gasser escalated the conflict, following McKnight down an exit that he would not ordinarily have taken.Gasser's defense team insisted he fired at McKnight in self-defense.

Court: Killer of former KC Chief can't face 2nd murder trial

PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska man has been charged with four misdemeanor counts of motor vehicle in connection with a crash that killed four people from Kansas earlier this year. 

Ronald Dubas of La Vista was charged in Cass County earlier this month. Dubas posted bail and is out of jail ahead of a Jan. 11 hearing, but court records don't list an attorney representing him.

  Prosecutors said the 56-year-old Dubas’ pickup truck crossed the centerline and collided with a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt on U.S. Highway 75 just south of Union, Nebraska on Jan. 31. 

Two young women and two children from Kansas died in the crash. A 20-year-old woman who was riding in the front passenger seat survived the wreck.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640800728187.png" alt="January fatal crash scene photo courtesy WIBW-TV" />
 <figcaption>January fatal crash scene photo courtesy WIBW-TV</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska man has been charged with four misdemeanor counts of motor vehicle in connection with a crash that killed four people from Kansas earlier this year. Ronald Dubas of La Vista was charged in Cass County earlier this month. Dubas posted bail and is out of jail ahead of a Jan. 11 hearing, but court records don't list an attorney representing him. Prosecutors said the 56-year-old Dubas’ pickup truck crossed the centerline and collided with a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt on U.S. Highway 75 just south of Union, Nebraska on Jan. 31. Two young women and two children from Kansas died in the crash. A 20-year-old woman who was riding in the front passenger seat survived the wreck.

Man charged in crash that killed 2 women, 2 children from Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former dentist at a state prison for women acted inappropriately when he repeatedly touched a female inmate but his actions did not meet the legal definition of lewd, according to the Kansas Appeals Court.

The three-judge panel of the court last week overturned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9008c8518ea2308a4e927e3550180a59" target="_blank">the January 2020 conviction</a>&nbsp;of Tomas Co for having sexual relations with the inmate.

The court said that while Co touching the woman’s hand and her clothed leg above the knee was inappropriate and unwarranted, it was not “lewd,” which was required for conviction on the charge he faced.

Co supervised the dental clinic at the Topeka Correctional Facility, where female inmates made dental products such as dentures.

Prosecutors alleged that Co molested six inmates at the prison between 2011 and 2018 but he was found guilty on only one count. The conviction involved a woman whose complaints in January 2017 prompted an internal investigation that concluded Co should be fired.

He was sentenced in March 2020 to 32 months in prison but had remained free during his appeal.

Chris Joseph, one of Co’s attorneys, said Monday the behavior for which Co was convicted involved touching the inmate’s hands and knee while while helping her mold dentures.

TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) — A&nbsp;former Kansas&nbsp;prison dental instructor convicted of molesting a female inmate has been sentenced to 32 months in prison.

&nbsp;Shawnee County District Judge Cheryl Rios on Friday agreed to release Thomas Co on $50,000 bond pending appeal. He will have to register as a sex offender for 25 years.

Prosecutors had alleged that Co molested six inmates at the Topeka Correctional Facility between 2011 and 2018 but he was found guilty on only one count. The conviction involved a woman whose complaints in January 2017 prompted an internal investigation that concluded Co should be fired.

An investigation by the Capital-Journal revealed at least nine women in the dental lab complained for five years about sexual harassment and unwanted physical contact from Co.

Co’s daughter, Christine Co, attended the court hearing and said the accusations were false and the family would fight to clear her father's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1580496155136.png" alt="Tomas Co. photo Oklahoma Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Tomas Co. photo Oklahoma Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A former dentist at a state prison for women acted inappropriately when he repeatedly touched a female inmate but his actions did not meet the legal definition of lewd, according to the Kansas Appeals Court.The three-judge panel of the court last week overturned&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9008c8518ea2308a4e927e3550180a59" target="_blank">the January 2020 conviction</a>&nbsp;of Tomas Co for having sexual relations with the inmate.The court said that while Co touching the woman’s hand and her clothed leg above the knee was inappropriate and unwarranted, it was not “lewd,” which was required for conviction on the charge he faced.Co supervised the dental clinic at the Topeka Correctional Facility, where female inmates made dental products such as dentures.Prosecutors alleged that Co molested six inmates at the prison between 2011 and 2018 but he was found guilty on only one count. The conviction involved a woman whose complaints in January 2017 prompted an internal investigation that concluded Co should be fired.He was sentenced in March 2020 to 32 months in prison but had remained free during his appeal.Chris Joseph, one of Co’s attorneys, said Monday the behavior for which Co was convicted involved touching the inmate’s hands and knee while while helping her mold dentures.----------TOPEKA, KAN. (AP) — A&nbsp;former Kansas&nbsp;prison dental instructor convicted of molesting a female inmate has been sentenced to 32 months in prison.&nbsp;Shawnee County District Judge Cheryl Rios on Friday agreed to release Thomas Co on $50,000 bond pending appeal. He will have to register as a sex offender for 25 years.Prosecutors had alleged that Co molested six inmates at the Topeka Correctional Facility between 2011 and 2018 but he was found guilty on only one count. The conviction involved a woman whose complaints in January 2017 prompted an internal investigation that concluded Co should be fired.An investigation by the Capital-Journal revealed at least nine women in the dental lab complained for five years about sexual harassment and unwanted physical contact from Co.Co’s daughter, Christine Co, attended the court hearing and said the accusations were false and the family would fight to clear her father's name.

Court: Kan. prison instructor's touching inmate was not lewd

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) urge Kansans to be alert for text messages that claim to represent KDHE and KDOR. These unsolicited messages may be phishing scams, and people should delete and not open the links or respond to such texts.

The text messages have the following message:

Kansas Covid-19 Vaccine Driver License Waiver Validation Validate your details below

State agencies will not send unsolicited text messages requesting vaccination status, social security number or other sensitive information. Additionally, all KDHE and KDOR websites end with a .gov suffix. Websites with endings such as .com or .org are not legitimate, and Kansans should not click them.&nbsp;

People can report scam text messages in three ways:

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) urge Kansans to be alert for text messages that claim to represent KDHE and KDOR. These unsolicited messages may be phishing scams, and people should delete and not open the links or respond to such texts.The text messages have the following message:Kansas Covid-19 Vaccine Driver License Waiver Validation Validate your details belowhttps://kdheks-dmv.comDepartment of Health | State of KansasState agencies will not send unsolicited text messages requesting vaccination status, social security number or other sensitive information. Additionally, all KDHE and KDOR websites end with a .gov suffix. Websites with endings such as .com or .org are not legitimate, and Kansans should not click them.&nbsp;People can report scam text messages in three ways:<ul>
 <li>Report it on the messaging app you use. Look for the option to report junk or spam.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMjkuNTA5NjU2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N1cHBvcnQuYXBwbGUuY29tL2VuLXVzL0hUMjAxMjI5P3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.8QY7O3hVOEZmD2GEsX5bqkSexwzSZd_qtFgMMc73MX0/s/1305913448/br/123815471502-l" target="_blank">How to report spam or junk in the Messages app</a></li><li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMjkuNTA5NjU2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3N1cHBvcnQuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS9tZXNzYWdlcy9hbnN3ZXIvOTA2MTQzMj9obD1lbiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.6C4GyO97PSw-o-1rFVOtI-yWP-N79CxzJa8L-vNtgwc/s/1305913448/br/123815471502-l" target="_blank">How to report spam on an Android phone</a></li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM).</li><li>Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMjkuNTA5NjU2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3JlcG9ydGZyYXVkLmZ0Yy5nb3YvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.wV6OkBLElEVXe3HtY5QDa0Xk4SbhjpLzamXOl6_icWk/s/1305913448/br/123815471502-l" target="_blank">ftc.gov</a>.</li>
 </ul>

Scam Alert: Message claims KDHE wants your COVID vaxx status

RENO COUNTY—An improperly installed wood burning stove caused a Wednesday morning&nbsp; fire in Hutchinson.

Just after 4 a.m., fire crews responded to 628 E. Ave C in Hutchinson and found a 20 x 25 detached garage, fully involved in fire, according to Jesse Martin, Division Chief of Training and Safety.

The detached garage was occupied at the time of the fire and the occupant escaped with no injuries.

 Crews began defensive fire operations on the involved structure and implemented measures for structure protection for the two houses to the south and southwest as they were being affected by radiant heat. 

Occupants of both affected residences were evacuated by fire crews and had no injuries. The fire did extend into both residences due to extreme radiant heat but was extinguished quickly thanks to aggressive tactics by on scene personnel. 

Six adults, who were the occupants of both structures, were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. 

Fire investigators on scene determined the cause of the fire was an improperly installed wood burning stove in the detached garage. Fire officials reminded that with the colder temperatures that all wood burning appliances be installed and maintained by professionals. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640789723076.png" alt="6 adults were displaced as a result of the fire-Photo Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>6 adults were displaced as a result of the fire-Photo Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY—An improperly installed wood burning stove caused a Wednesday morning&nbsp; fire in Hutchinson.Just after 4 a.m., fire crews responded to 628 E. Ave C in Hutchinson and found a 20 x 25 detached garage, fully involved in fire, according to Jesse Martin, Division Chief of Training and Safety.The detached garage was occupied at the time of the fire and the occupant escaped with no injuries. Crews began defensive fire operations on the involved structure and implemented measures for structure protection for the two houses to the south and southwest as they were being affected by radiant heat. Occupants of both affected residences were evacuated by fire crews and had no injuries. The fire did extend into both residences due to extreme radiant heat but was extinguished quickly thanks to aggressive tactics by on scene personnel. Six adults, who were the occupants of both structures, were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross. Fire investigators on scene determined the cause of the fire was an improperly installed wood burning stove in the detached garage. Fire officials reminded that with the colder temperatures that all wood burning appliances be installed and maintained by professionals.

6 displaced after fire from poorly installed wood burning stove

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal pedestrian accident have identified the victim as 41-year-old&nbsp;Dennis Leroy McFeeters Jr., 41, of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

Just after 7a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the area of 21st and Fillmore for a report of a vehicle versus a pedestrian accident, according to Police Lt. Joe Perry.

Preliminary investigation indicates that McFeeters, Jr. was in the street in the area of 21st and Fillmore when he was struck by a passing motorist.&nbsp; Several additional vehicle also struck him.

First responders pronounced McFeeters Jr. dead at the scene, according to Perry.&nbsp;

The driver of vehicle, Colby Rajewski, 18, of Topeka turned himself into the Law Enforcement Center. As a result of the investigation, Rajewski was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Failure to stop at Accident resulting in great bodily harm.

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a man was in the street in the area of 21st and Fillmore when he was struck by a passing motorist.&nbsp; Several additional vehicle also struck the man.

First responders pronounced the man dead at the scene, according to Perry.&nbsp;

 21st street between Clay and Western was close. Police have not released the name of the victim.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640707117768.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal pedestrian accident -photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal pedestrian accident -photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal pedestrian accident have identified the victim as 41-year-old&nbsp;Dennis Leroy McFeeters Jr., 41, of Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.Just after 7a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the area of 21st and Fillmore for a report of a vehicle versus a pedestrian accident, according to Police Lt. Joe Perry. Preliminary investigation indicates that McFeeters, Jr. was in the street in the area of 21st and Fillmore when he was struck by a passing motorist.&nbsp; Several additional vehicle also struck him. First responders pronounced McFeeters Jr. dead at the scene, according to Perry.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640776562044.png" alt="Rajewski-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Rajewski-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver of vehicle, Colby Rajewski, 18, of Topeka turned himself into the Law Enforcement Center. As a result of the investigation, Rajewski was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on a requested charge of Failure to stop at Accident resulting in great bodily harm.--------------TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident.Just after 7a.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to the area of 21st and Fillmore for a report of a vehicle versus a pedestrian accident, according to Police Lt. Joe Perry. Preliminary investigation indicates that a man was in the street in the area of 21st and Fillmore when he was struck by a passing motorist.&nbsp; Several additional vehicle also struck the man. First responders pronounced the man dead at the scene, according to Perry.&nbsp; 21st street between Clay and Western was close. Police have not released the name of the victim.&nbsp;

Police: Kansas teen in fatal pedestrian accident turns himself in

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials’ decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-rochelle-walensky-d7d609c9c01e200d250df7ca7282c9d6">shorten the recommended COVID-19 isolation</a>&nbsp;and quarantine period from 10 days to five is drawing criticism from some medical experts and could create more confusion and fear among Americans.

To the dismay of some authorities, the new guidelines allow people to leave isolation without getting tested to see if they are still infectious.

The guidance has raised questions about how it was crafted and why it was changed now, in the middle of another wintertime spike in cases, this one driven largely by the highly contagious omicron variant.

Monday’s action by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cut in half the recommended isolation time for Americans who are infected with the coronavirus but have no symptoms. The CDC similarly shortened the amount of time people who have come into close contact with an infected person need to quarantine.

The CDC has been under pressure from the public and the private sector, including Delta Air Lines, to explore ways to shorten the isolation time and reduce the risk of severe staffing shortages amid the omicron surge. Thousands of airline flights have been canceled over the past few days in a mess blamed on omicron.

“Not all of those cases are going to be severe. In fact, many are going to be asymptomatic,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Monday. “We want to make sure there is a mechanism by which we can safely continue to keep society functioning while following the science.”

CDC officials said the guidance is in keeping with growing evidence that people with the virus are most infectious in the first few days.

Louis Mansky, director of the Institute for Molecular Virology at the University of Minnesota, agreed there is a scientific basis to the CDC’s recommendations.

“When somebody gets infected, when are they most likely to transmit the virus to another person?” he said. “It’s usually in the earlier course of the illness, which is typically a day or two before they actually develop symptoms and then a couple of days to three days after that.”

Research, including a study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine in August, backs that up, though medical experts cautioned that nearly all of the data predates omicron.

But other experts questioned why the CDC guidelines allow people to leave isolation without testing.

“It’s frankly reckless to proceed like this,” said Dr. Eric Topol, founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute. “Using a rapid test or some type of test to validate that the person isn’t infectious is vital.”

“There’s no evidence, no data to support this,” he added.

Mansky said CDC probably didn’t include exit testing in its guidelines for logistical reasons: There is a run on COVID-19 rapid tests amid the spike in cases and the busy holiday travel season. In many places, at-home tests are difficult or impossible to find.

The CDC is “driven by the science, but they also have to be cognizant of the fact of, you know, what are they going to tell the public that they’ll do,” Mansky said. “That would undermine CDC if they had guidance that everybody was ignoring.”

Qamara Edwards, director of business and events for Sojourn Philly, which owns four restaurants in Philadelphia, said about 15% of its employees are out sick with COVID-19, and staffing is tight.

The CDC changes are “great for businesses, they do allow people to return to work sooner than they’ve expected,” Edwards said, though she understands why workers might be resistant and worried about their safety.

In Los Angeles, King Holder, who runs the StretchLab Beverly fitness business, likewise said omicron has caused “caused ample” to his company, and he welcomed the more relaxed guidelines.

“The possibility of five days compared to 10-14 days is huge for our business and allows us to stay afloat,” he said.

But Dana Martin, a 38-year-old Philadelphia teacher and educational consultant, said: “The looser COVID guidelines make me nervous. I’m more hesitant to participate in holiday activities because of the omicron variant and the seemingly more lax protocols.”

Marshall Hatch, senior pastor of New Mount Pilgrim Church on Chicago’s West Side, said he is bracing for some confusion in his congregation. The church has been a strong advocate for testing, vaccinations and booster shots.

Hatch said the CDC’s latest guidance is confusing and “a little incongruous.”

“Either we’re in a surge that we need to take very seriously or are we winding down the pandemic and that’s why we’re shortening the isolation and quarantine times,” he said Tuesday. “They might want to give us a little more information to go with.”

Hatch said some members of the largely Black congregation, particularly senior citizens, are skeptical of information from government.

The CDC move follows global efforts to adjust isolation rules, with policies differing from country to country.

England last week trimmed its self-isolation period for vaccinated people who have tested positive for COVID-19 to seven days in many cases, provided two negative lateral flow tests are taken a day apart.

The French government said Monday that it will soon relax its isolation rules, although by exactly how much isn’t yet clear.

Health Minister Olivier Veran said the rule changes will be aimed at warding off “paralysis” of public and private services. By some estimates, France could be registering more than 250,000 new infections per day by January.

Italy, meanwhile, is considering doing away with a quarantine altogether for those who have had close contact with an infected person as long they have had a booster shot. Projections indicate as many as 2 million Italians could be put in quarantine over the next two weeks as the virus spreads.

The U.S. airline industry applauded the CDC move.

“The decision is the right one based upon science,” said the lobbying group Airlines for America.

But the head of a flight attendants union criticized the change, saying it could lead businesses to pressure sick employees to come back before they are well.

If that happens, “we will make clear it is an unsafe work environment, which will cause a much greater disruption than any ‘staffing shortages,’” warned Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA International.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635890433225.png" alt="CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Monday, “We want to make sure there is a mechanism by which we can safely continue to keep society functioning while following the science.”" />
 <figcaption>CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Monday, “We want to make sure there is a mechanism by which we can safely continue to keep society functioning while following the science.”</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health officials’ decision to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-rochelle-walensky-d7d609c9c01e200d250df7ca7282c9d6">shorten the recommended COVID-19 isolation</a>&nbsp;and quarantine period from 10 days to five is drawing criticism from some medical experts and could create more confusion and fear among Americans.To the dismay of some authorities, the new guidelines allow people to leave isolation without getting tested to see if they are still infectious.The guidance has raised questions about how it was crafted and why it was changed now, in the middle of another wintertime spike in cases, this one driven largely by the highly contagious omicron variant.Monday’s action by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cut in half the recommended isolation time for Americans who are infected with the coronavirus but have no symptoms. The CDC similarly shortened the amount of time people who have come into close contact with an infected person need to quarantine.The CDC has been under pressure from the public and the private sector, including Delta Air Lines, to explore ways to shorten the isolation time and reduce the risk of severe staffing shortages amid the omicron surge. Thousands of airline flights have been canceled over the past few days in a mess blamed on omicron.“Not all of those cases are going to be severe. In fact, many are going to be asymptomatic,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Monday. “We want to make sure there is a mechanism by which we can safely continue to keep society functioning while following the science.”CDC officials said the guidance is in keeping with growing evidence that people with the virus are most infectious in the first few days.Louis Mansky, director of the Institute for Molecular Virology at the University of Minnesota, agreed there is a scientific basis to the CDC’s recommendations.“When somebody gets infected, when are they most likely to transmit the virus to another person?” he said. “It’s usually in the earlier course of the illness, which is typically a day or two before they actually develop symptoms and then a couple of days to three days after that.”Research, including a study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine in August, backs that up, though medical experts cautioned that nearly all of the data predates omicron.But other experts questioned why the CDC guidelines allow people to leave isolation without testing.“It’s frankly reckless to proceed like this,” said Dr. Eric Topol, founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute. “Using a rapid test or some type of test to validate that the person isn’t infectious is vital.”“There’s no evidence, no data to support this,” he added.Mansky said CDC probably didn’t include exit testing in its guidelines for logistical reasons: There is a run on COVID-19 rapid tests amid the spike in cases and the busy holiday travel season. In many places, at-home tests are difficult or impossible to find.The CDC is “driven by the science, but they also have to be cognizant of the fact of, you know, what are they going to tell the public that they’ll do,” Mansky said. “That would undermine CDC if they had guidance that everybody was ignoring.”Qamara Edwards, director of business and events for Sojourn Philly, which owns four restaurants in Philadelphia, said about 15% of its employees are out sick with COVID-19, and staffing is tight.The CDC changes are “great for businesses, they do allow people to return to work sooner than they’ve expected,” Edwards said, though she understands why workers might be resistant and worried about their safety.In Los Angeles, King Holder, who runs the StretchLab Beverly fitness business, likewise said omicron has caused “caused ample” to his company, and he welcomed the more relaxed guidelines.“The possibility of five days compared to 10-14 days is huge for our business and allows us to stay afloat,” he said.But Dana Martin, a 38-year-old Philadelphia teacher and educational consultant, said: “The looser COVID guidelines make me nervous. I’m more hesitant to participate in holiday activities because of the omicron variant and the seemingly more lax protocols.”Marshall Hatch, senior pastor of New Mount Pilgrim Church on Chicago’s West Side, said he is bracing for some confusion in his congregation. The church has been a strong advocate for testing, vaccinations and booster shots.Hatch said the CDC’s latest guidance is confusing and “a little incongruous.”“Either we’re in a surge that we need to take very seriously or are we winding down the pandemic and that’s why we’re shortening the isolation and quarantine times,” he said Tuesday. “They might want to give us a little more information to go with.”Hatch said some members of the largely Black congregation, particularly senior citizens, are skeptical of information from government.The CDC move follows global efforts to adjust isolation rules, with policies differing from country to country.England last week trimmed its self-isolation period for vaccinated people who have tested positive for COVID-19 to seven days in many cases, provided two negative lateral flow tests are taken a day apart.The French government said Monday that it will soon relax its isolation rules, although by exactly how much isn’t yet clear.Health Minister Olivier Veran said the rule changes will be aimed at warding off “paralysis” of public and private services. By some estimates, France could be registering more than 250,000 new infections per day by January.Italy, meanwhile, is considering doing away with a quarantine altogether for those who have had close contact with an infected person as long they have had a booster shot. Projections indicate as many as 2 million Italians could be put in quarantine over the next two weeks as the virus spreads.The U.S. airline industry applauded the CDC move.“The decision is the right one based upon science,” said the lobbying group Airlines for America.But the head of a flight attendants union criticized the change, saying it could lead businesses to pressure sick employees to come back before they are well.If that happens, “we will make clear it is an unsafe work environment, which will cause a much greater disruption than any ‘staffing shortages,’” warned Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA International.___

CDC confusion: Move to shorten COVID isolation draws criticism 

TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary at a Kansas home.

On Monday, police were dispatched to the 1000 block of NE Michigan in Topeka on the citizen report of someone breaking into their house and gained entry into the basement, according to Lt. Shane Hilton.

As officers arrived, they saw a man running from the residence. After a short pursuit, the suspected later identified as Robert Nesbitt, Jr., 34, Topeka was taken into custody without incident.

Nesbitt remains jailed on requested&nbsp;charges of Aggravated burglary, Theft &lt; $1500 All Other, Criminal Damage and Possession of Meth, according to Hilton.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640728163688.png" alt="Nesbitt photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Nesbitt photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary at a Kansas home.On Monday, police were dispatched to the 1000 block of NE Michigan in Topeka on the citizen report of someone breaking into their house and gained entry into the basement, according to Lt. Shane Hilton.As officers arrived, they saw a man running from the residence. After a short pursuit, the suspected later identified as Robert Nesbitt, Jr., 34, Topeka was taken into custody without incident.Nesbitt remains jailed on requested&nbsp;charges of Aggravated burglary, Theft &lt; $1500 All Other, Criminal Damage and Possession of Meth, according to Hilton.

Kan. homeowner alerts police to home invasion burglary

HARVEY COUNTY —Brian Rousseau, a patrol officer with the North Newton Police Department, died Tuesday due to health complications from COVID-19, according to a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/northnewton">social media report</a> from the city.

Rousseau, 46, joined the North Newton Police Department in 2018.

“Brian was very dedicated to the profession. He was the kind of officer that if things went bad, you would want him beside you,” said North Newton Police Chief Randy Jordan. “He was a joy to be around in the office – a great sense of humor and a genuine love for life. We lost a terrific officer and a terrific person today.”

Prior to joining North Newton, Rousseau served a nearly 18-year tenure with the Newton Police Department and served in various roles on the Harvey County Emergency Response Team.

“Brian was an exemplary employee, but more so than that, a wonderful person to be around,” said North Newton City Administrator Kyle Fiedler. “Serving the community was immensely important to Brian, and our community will miss him greatly.”

Rousseau, a Marion County resident, was born in Grand Junction, Colo. He leaves behind his wife and two children. Funeral arrangements are pending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640775654454.png" alt="Brian Rousseau courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Brian Rousseau courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —Brian Rousseau, a patrol officer with the North Newton Police Department, died Tuesday due to health complications from COVID-19, according to a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/northnewton">social media report</a> from the city.Rousseau, 46, joined the North Newton Police Department in 2018.“Brian was very dedicated to the profession. He was the kind of officer that if things went bad, you would want him beside you,” said North Newton Police Chief Randy Jordan. “He was a joy to be around in the office – a great sense of humor and a genuine love for life. We lost a terrific officer and a terrific person today.”Prior to joining North Newton, Rousseau served a nearly 18-year tenure with the Newton Police Department and served in various roles on the Harvey County Emergency Response Team.“Brian was an exemplary employee, but more so than that, a wonderful person to be around,” said North Newton City Administrator Kyle Fiedler. “Serving the community was immensely important to Brian, and our community will miss him greatly.”Rousseau, a Marion County resident, was born in Grand Junction, Colo. He leaves behind his wife and two children. Funeral arrangements are pending.

North Newton police officer dies from COVID complications

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 21-year-old Kansas lawmaker has not been criminally charged a month after his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving because the testing to determine whether he was under the influence has not been completed.

Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman, of Kansas City, was to have a hearing Tuesday in Douglas County District Court, but it did not occur. A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-lawrence-c876d564826fdfeebc29b002a3298492">arrested him</a>&nbsp;Nov. 27 on Interstate 70 near Lawrence.

“At this time, test results are pending from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation,” Assistant District Attorney Ted Baird wrote in a brief report Monday to the district court that was released to reporters.

Coleman’s arrest in Douglas County was his second within a month.

He faces a misdemeanor domestic battery charge in neighboring Johnson County over an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-congress-d8716ccabd233448ea77860d6b97b419">Oct. 30 fight</a>&nbsp;with his 18-year-old brother. Court documents allege he hit and spit on his brother&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-cad353ffd3afe3583df3d267ebb535a5">during a fight</a>&nbsp;over his brother’s plan to get baptized. Coleman pled not guilty and has a Jan. 7 hearing in that case.

Coleman was embroiled in controversy even before his election in 2020. He has acknowledged past abuses against girls and young women, and a legislative committee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-congress-d8716ccabd233448ea77860d6b97b419">reprimanded him in writing</a>&nbsp;in February over those abuses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635804497310.png" alt="Coleman from his late Oct. arrest in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Coleman from his late Oct. arrest in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A 21-year-old Kansas lawmaker has not been criminally charged a month after his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving because the testing to determine whether he was under the influence has not been completed.Democratic state Rep. Aaron Coleman, of Kansas City, was to have a hearing Tuesday in Douglas County District Court, but it did not occur. A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-lawrence-c876d564826fdfeebc29b002a3298492">arrested him</a>&nbsp;Nov. 27 on Interstate 70 near Lawrence.“At this time, test results are pending from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation,” Assistant District Attorney Ted Baird wrote in a brief report Monday to the district court that was released to reporters.Coleman’s arrest in Douglas County was his second within a month.He faces a misdemeanor domestic battery charge in neighboring Johnson County over an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-congress-d8716ccabd233448ea77860d6b97b419">Oct. 30 fight</a>&nbsp;with his 18-year-old brother. Court documents allege he hit and spit on his brother&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-cad353ffd3afe3583df3d267ebb535a5">during a fight</a>&nbsp;over his brother’s plan to get baptized. Coleman pled not guilty and has a Jan. 7 hearing in that case.Coleman was embroiled in controversy even before his election in 2020. He has acknowledged past abuses against girls and young women, and a legislative committee&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-congress-d8716ccabd233448ea77860d6b97b419">reprimanded him in writing</a>&nbsp;in February over those abuses.___

Kansas lawmaker not yet charged over arrest in late November

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Harry Reid, the former Senate majority leader and Nevada’s longest-serving member of Congress, has died. He was 82. Landra Reid says her husband died peacefully after a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. 

The combative former boxer-turned-lawyer was widely-acknowledged as one of toughest dealmakers in Congress. Over a 34-year career in Washington, Reid thrived on behind-the-scenes wrangling and kept the Senate controlled by his party through two presidents, a crippling recession and the Republican takeover of the House after the 2010 elections. He retired in 2016 after an accident left him blind in one eye.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640742523815.png" alt="Sen. Harry Reid photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Harry Reid photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>LAS VEGAS (AP) — Harry Reid, the former Senate majority leader and Nevada’s longest-serving member of Congress, has died. He was 82. Landra Reid says her husband died peacefully after a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Harry Reid was one of the most amazing individuals I&#39;ve ever met He never forgot where he came from and used those boxing instincts to fearlessly fight those who were hurting the poor &amp; the middle class He’s gone but will walk by the sides of many of us in the Senate every day <a href="https://t.co/8T9PiD7vY4">pic.twitter.com/8T9PiD7vY4</a>&mdash; Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) <a href="https://twitter.com/SenSchumer/status/1475997288497565699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The combative former boxer-turned-lawyer was widely-acknowledged as one of toughest dealmakers in Congress. Over a 34-year career in Washington, Reid thrived on behind-the-scenes wrangling and kept the Senate controlled by his party through two presidents, a crippling recession and the Republican takeover of the House after the 2010 elections. He retired in 2016 after an accident left him blind in one eye.

Harry Reid, former Senate majority leader, dies at 82

SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for multiple felony charges following a pursuit that began late Christmas night.

Just after 11:30p.m. Saturday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop near SE 4th Street and SE Golden Avenue in Shawnee County on an orange 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with a license plate that did not belong on that vehicle, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 The driver failed to stop for the deputy, initiating a pursuit. The driver fled down multiple streets before striking the median at SE 6th Avenue and SE Branner Street and disabling the vehicle. 

The driver later identified as&nbsp;Richard C. Cabrera, 25, of Topeka, exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

Deputies located him in an alley nearby and placed him into custody. The vehicle had been reported stolen through the City of Topeka, according to Christian.

Cabrera was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for two misdemeanor warrants through Shawnee County and requested charges of felony flee and elude, felony possession of stolen property, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving, numerous traffic violations and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license, registration and insurance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640626010007.png" alt="Cabrera-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cabrera-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for multiple felony charges following a pursuit that began late Christmas night.Just after 11:30p.m. Saturday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop near SE 4th Street and SE Golden Avenue in Shawnee County on an orange 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with a license plate that did not belong on that vehicle, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The driver failed to stop for the deputy, initiating a pursuit. The driver fled down multiple streets before striking the median at SE 6th Avenue and SE Branner Street and disabling the vehicle. The driver later identified as&nbsp;Richard C. Cabrera, 25, of Topeka, exited the vehicle and fled on foot.Deputies located him in an alley nearby and placed him into custody. The vehicle had been reported stolen through the City of Topeka, according to Christian.Cabrera was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for two misdemeanor warrants through Shawnee County and requested charges of felony flee and elude, felony possession of stolen property, felony interference with law enforcement, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving, numerous traffic violations and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license, registration and insurance.

Sheriff: Kan. man caught driving stolen vehicle Christmas night

John Madden, the Hall of Fame coach turned broadcaster whose exuberant calls combined with simple explanations provided a weekly soundtrack to NFL games for three decades, died Tuesday morning, the league said. He was 85.

The NFL said he died unexpectedly and did not detail a cause.

Madden gained fame in a decade-long stint as the coach of the renegade Oakland Raiders, making it to seven AFC title games and winning the Super Bowl following the 1976 season. He compiled a 103-32-7 regular-season record, and his .759 winning percentage is the best among NFL coaches with more than 100 games.

But it was his work after prematurely retiring as coach at age 42 that made Madden truly a household name. He educated a football nation with his use of the telestrator on broadcasts; entertained millions with his interjections of “Boom!” and “Doink!” throughout games; was an omnipresent pitchman selling restaurants, hardware stores and beer; became the face of “Madden NFL Football,” one of the most successful sports video games of all-time; and was a best-selling author.

Most of all, he was the preeminent television sports analyst for most of his three decades calling games, winning an unprecedented 16 Emmy Awards for outstanding sports analyst/personality, and covering 11 Super Bowls for four networks from 1979-2009.

“People always ask, are you a coach or a broadcaster or a video game guy?” he said when was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “I’m a coach, always been a coach.”

He started his broadcasting career at CBS after leaving coaching in great part because of his fear of flying. He and Pat Summerall became the network’s top announcing duo. Madden then helped give Fox credibility as a major network when he moved there in 1994, and went on to call prime-time games at ABC and NBC before retiring following Pittsburgh’s thrilling 27-23 win over Arizona in the 2009 Super Bowl.

“I am not aware of anyone who has made a more meaningful impact on the National Football League than John Madden, and I know of no one who loved the game more,” Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement.

Burly and a little unkempt, Madden earned a place in America’s heart with a likable, unpretentious style that was refreshing in a sports world of spiraling salaries and prima donna stars. He rode from game to game in his own bus because he suffered from claustrophobia and had stopped flying. For a time, Madden gave out a “turducken” — a chicken stuffed inside a duck stuffed inside a turkey — to the outstanding player in the Thanksgiving game that he called.

“Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.”

When he finally retired from the broadcast booth, leaving NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” colleagues universally praised Madden’s passion for the sport, his preparation, and his ability to explain an often-complicated game in down-to-earth terms.

“No one has made the sport more interesting, more relevant and more enjoyable to watch and listen to than John,” play-by-play announcer Al Michaels said at the time.

For anyone who heard Madden exclaim “Boom!” while breaking down a play, his love of the game was obvious.

“For me, TV is really an extension of coaching,” Madden wrote in “Hey, Wait a Minute! (I Wrote a Book!).”

“My knowledge of football has come from coaching. And on TV, all I’m trying to do is pass on some of that knowledge to viewers.”

Madden was raised in Daly City, California. He played on both the offensive and defensive lines for Cal Poly in 1957-58 and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the school.

Madden was chosen to the all-conference team and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, but a knee injury ended his hopes of a pro playing career. Instead, Madden got into coaching, first at Hancock Junior College and then as defensive coordinator at San Diego State.

Al Davis brought him to the Raiders as a linebackers coach in 1967, and Oakland went to the Super Bowl in his first year in the pros. He replaced John Rauch as head coach after the 1968 season at age 32, beginning a remarkable 10-year run.

With his demonstrative demeanor on the sideline and disheveled look, Madden was the ideal coach for the collection of castoffs and misfits that made up those Raiders teams.

“Sometimes guys were disciplinarians in things that didn’t make any difference. I was a disciplinarian in jumping offsides; I hated that,” Madden once said. “Being in bad position and missing tackles, those things. I wasn’t, ‘Your hair has to be combed.’”

“I always thought his strong suit was his style of coaching,” quarterback Ken Stabler once said. “John just had a great knack for letting us be what we wanted to be, on the field and off the field. ... How do you repay him for being that way? You win for him.”

And boy, did they ever. Many years, the only problem was the playoffs.

Madden went 12-1-1 in his first season, losing the AFL title game 17-7 to Kansas City. That pattern repeated itself during his tenure; the Raiders won the division title in seven of his first eight seasons, but went 1-6 in conference title games during that span.

Still, Madden’s Raiders played in some of the sport’s most memorable games of the 1970s, games that helped change rules in the NFL. There was the “Holy Roller” in 1978, when Stabler purposely fumbled forward before being sacked on the final play. The ball rolled and was batted to the end zone before Dave Casper recovered it for the winning touchdown against San Diego.

The most famous of those games went against the Raiders in the 1972 playoffs at Pittsburgh. With the Raiders leading 7-6 and 22 seconds left, the Steelers had a fourth-and-10 from their 40. Terry Bradshaw’s desperation pass deflected off either Oakland’s Jack Tatum or Pittsburgh’s Frenchy Fuqua to Franco Harris, who caught it at his shoe tops and ran in for a TD.

In those days, a pass that bounced off an offensive player directly to a teammate was illegal, and the debate continues to this day over which player it hit. The catch, of course, was dubbed the “Immaculate Reception.”

Oakland finally broke through with a loaded team in 1976 that had Stabler at quarterback; Fred Biletnikoff and Cliff Branch at receiver; tight end Dave Casper; Hall of Fame offensive linemen Gene Upshaw and Art Shell; and a defense that included Willie Brown, Ted Hendricks, Tatum, John Matuszak, Otis Sistrunk and George Atkinson.

The Raiders went 13-1, losing only a blowout at New England in Week 4. They paid the Patriots back with a 24-21 win in their first playoff game and got over the AFC title game hump with a 24-7 win over the hated Steelers, who were crippled by injuries.

Oakland won it all with a 32-14 Super Bowl romp against Minnesota.

“Players loved playing for him,” Shell said. “He made it fun for us in camp and fun for us in the regular season. All he asked is that we be on time and play like hell when it was time to play.”

Madden battled an ulcer the following season, when the Raiders once again lost in the AFC title game. He retired from coaching at age 42 after a 9-7 season in 1978.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia, and two sons, Joseph and Michael. John and Virginia Madden’s 62nd wedding anniversary was two days before his death.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640439615693.jpeg" alt="John Madden in 2007 wikicommons" />
 <figcaption>John Madden in 2007 wikicommons</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOSH DUBOW, AP Pro Football WriterJohn Madden, the Hall of Fame coach turned broadcaster whose exuberant calls combined with simple explanations provided a weekly soundtrack to NFL games for three decades, died Tuesday morning, the league said. He was 85.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Raiders Family is deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary John Madden. Statement » <a href="https://t.co/9Drm7UNvf6">https://t.co/9Drm7UNvf6</a> <a href="https://t.co/HA0GDGPN46">pic.twitter.com/HA0GDGPN46</a>&mdash; Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) <a href="https://twitter.com/Raiders/status/1475992603254423553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The NFL said he died unexpectedly and did not detail a cause.Madden gained fame in a decade-long stint as the coach of the renegade Oakland Raiders, making it to seven AFC title games and winning the Super Bowl following the 1976 season. He compiled a 103-32-7 regular-season record, and his .759 winning percentage is the best among NFL coaches with more than 100 games.But it was his work after prematurely retiring as coach at age 42 that made Madden truly a household name. He educated a football nation with his use of the telestrator on broadcasts; entertained millions with his interjections of “Boom!” and “Doink!” throughout games; was an omnipresent pitchman selling restaurants, hardware stores and beer; became the face of “Madden NFL Football,” one of the most successful sports video games of all-time; and was a best-selling author.Most of all, he was the preeminent television sports analyst for most of his three decades calling games, winning an unprecedented 16 Emmy Awards for outstanding sports analyst/personality, and covering 11 Super Bowls for four networks from 1979-2009.“People always ask, are you a coach or a broadcaster or a video game guy?” he said when was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “I’m a coach, always been a coach.”He started his broadcasting career at CBS after leaving coaching in great part because of his fear of flying. He and Pat Summerall became the network’s top announcing duo. Madden then helped give Fox credibility as a major network when he moved there in 1994, and went on to call prime-time games at ABC and NBC before retiring following Pittsburgh’s thrilling 27-23 win over Arizona in the 2009 Super Bowl.“I am not aware of anyone who has made a more meaningful impact on the National Football League than John Madden, and I know of no one who loved the game more,” Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement.Burly and a little unkempt, Madden earned a place in America’s heart with a likable, unpretentious style that was refreshing in a sports world of spiraling salaries and prima donna stars. He rode from game to game in his own bus because he suffered from claustrophobia and had stopped flying. For a time, Madden gave out a “turducken” — a chicken stuffed inside a duck stuffed inside a turkey — to the outstanding player in the Thanksgiving game that he called.“Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.”When he finally retired from the broadcast booth, leaving NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” colleagues universally praised Madden’s passion for the sport, his preparation, and his ability to explain an often-complicated game in down-to-earth terms.“No one has made the sport more interesting, more relevant and more enjoyable to watch and listen to than John,” play-by-play announcer Al Michaels said at the time.For anyone who heard Madden exclaim “Boom!” while breaking down a play, his love of the game was obvious.“For me, TV is really an extension of coaching,” Madden wrote in “Hey, Wait a Minute! (I Wrote a Book!).”“My knowledge of football has come from coaching. And on TV, all I’m trying to do is pass on some of that knowledge to viewers.”Madden was raised in Daly City, California. He played on both the offensive and defensive lines for Cal Poly in 1957-58 and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the school.Madden was chosen to the all-conference team and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, but a knee injury ended his hopes of a pro playing career. Instead, Madden got into coaching, first at Hancock Junior College and then as defensive coordinator at San Diego State.Al Davis brought him to the Raiders as a linebackers coach in 1967, and Oakland went to the Super Bowl in his first year in the pros. He replaced John Rauch as head coach after the 1968 season at age 32, beginning a remarkable 10-year run.With his demonstrative demeanor on the sideline and disheveled look, Madden was the ideal coach for the collection of castoffs and misfits that made up those Raiders teams.“Sometimes guys were disciplinarians in things that didn’t make any difference. I was a disciplinarian in jumping offsides; I hated that,” Madden once said. “Being in bad position and missing tackles, those things. I wasn’t, ‘Your hair has to be combed.’”The Raiders responded.“I always thought his strong suit was his style of coaching,” quarterback Ken Stabler once said. “John just had a great knack for letting us be what we wanted to be, on the field and off the field. ... How do you repay him for being that way? You win for him.”And boy, did they ever. Many years, the only problem was the playoffs.Madden went 12-1-1 in his first season, losing the AFL title game 17-7 to Kansas City. That pattern repeated itself during his tenure; the Raiders won the division title in seven of his first eight seasons, but went 1-6 in conference title games during that span.Still, Madden’s Raiders played in some of the sport’s most memorable games of the 1970s, games that helped change rules in the NFL. There was the “Holy Roller” in 1978, when Stabler purposely fumbled forward before being sacked on the final play. The ball rolled and was batted to the end zone before Dave Casper recovered it for the winning touchdown against San Diego.The most famous of those games went against the Raiders in the 1972 playoffs at Pittsburgh. With the Raiders leading 7-6 and 22 seconds left, the Steelers had a fourth-and-10 from their 40. Terry Bradshaw’s desperation pass deflected off either Oakland’s Jack Tatum or Pittsburgh’s Frenchy Fuqua to Franco Harris, who caught it at his shoe tops and ran in for a TD.In those days, a pass that bounced off an offensive player directly to a teammate was illegal, and the debate continues to this day over which player it hit. The catch, of course, was dubbed the “Immaculate Reception.”Oakland finally broke through with a loaded team in 1976 that had Stabler at quarterback; Fred Biletnikoff and Cliff Branch at receiver; tight end Dave Casper; Hall of Fame offensive linemen Gene Upshaw and Art Shell; and a defense that included Willie Brown, Ted Hendricks, Tatum, John Matuszak, Otis Sistrunk and George Atkinson.The Raiders went 13-1, losing only a blowout at New England in Week 4. They paid the Patriots back with a 24-21 win in their first playoff game and got over the AFC title game hump with a 24-7 win over the hated Steelers, who were crippled by injuries.Oakland won it all with a 32-14 Super Bowl romp against Minnesota.“Players loved playing for him,” Shell said. “He made it fun for us in camp and fun for us in the regular season. All he asked is that we be on time and play like hell when it was time to play.”Madden battled an ulcer the following season, when the Raiders once again lost in the AFC title game. He retired from coaching at age 42 after a 9-7 season in 1978.Survivors include his wife, Virginia, and two sons, Joseph and Michael. John and Virginia Madden’s 62nd wedding anniversary was two days before his death.___

John Madden, Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster has died

Washington, D.C&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Roger Marshall's legislation to prevent service members from receiving a dishonorable discharge for choosing to not get the COVID vaccine was signed into law Monday by President Joe Biden as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), according to a statement from Marshall's office.

In total, Senator Marshall secured 14 NDAA wins in his first year as a U.S. Senator to protect our national security.

“As a former Army doctor, I am proud the NDAA was signed into law and included my amendment to ensure service members will be protected from a dishonorable discharge for choosing not to get the COVID vaccine. Simply put, a dishonorable discharge treats our heroes as felons. But, our American heroes deserve better,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“I support the vaccine, but I also support those who are defending our freedoms and have carefully weighed their decision on whether to receive it. With the NDAA having been signed into law, our service men and women have medical freedom they rightly deserve.”

In addition to his amendment protecting unvaccinated service members from receiving a dishonorable discharge, Senator Marshall secured various wins in the NDAA that champion Kansas military communities and advance America’s defense capabilities, including provisions to:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Require the Department of Defense to establish uniform standards under which service members may be exempted from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine for administrative, medical, or religious reasons;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Require the Department of Defense to consider the effects of natural immunity in setting medical standards, as well as whether the service member is approaching retirement when setting the administrative exemption standards;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prohibit the Department of Defense from working with EcoHealth Alliance, Inc., a non-profit that funneled taxpayer dollars to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, to conduct research supported by the Chinese government;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prohibit any reduction in the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles or retiring or reconverting our low-yield nuclear warheads at a time when China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal;

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fully fund the modernization of our nuclear triad, including Ground Based Strategic Deterrent.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639511676130.png" alt="Senator Marshall&nbsp; said, “I support the vaccine, but I also support those who are defending our freedoms and have carefully weighed their decision on whether to receive it."-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Senator Marshall&nbsp; said, “I support the vaccine, but I also support those who are defending our freedoms and have carefully weighed their decision on whether to receive it."-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Washington, D.C&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Roger Marshall's legislation to prevent service members from receiving a dishonorable discharge for choosing to not get the COVID vaccine was signed into law Monday by President Joe Biden as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), according to a statement from Marshall's office.In total, Senator Marshall secured 14 NDAA wins in his first year as a U.S. Senator to protect our national security.“As a former Army doctor, I am proud the NDAA was signed into law and included my amendment to ensure service members will be protected from a dishonorable discharge for choosing not to get the COVID vaccine. Simply put, a dishonorable discharge treats our heroes as felons. But, our American heroes deserve better,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“I support the vaccine, but I also support those who are defending our freedoms and have carefully weighed their decision on whether to receive it. With the NDAA having been signed into law, our service men and women have medical freedom they rightly deserve.”Senator Marshall’s NDAA Wins:In addition to his amendment protecting unvaccinated service members from receiving a dishonorable discharge, Senator Marshall secured various wins in the NDAA that champion Kansas military communities and advance America’s defense capabilities, including provisions to:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Require the Department of Defense to establish uniform standards under which service members may be exempted from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine for administrative, medical, or religious reasons;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Require the Department of Defense to consider the effects of natural immunity in setting medical standards, as well as whether the service member is approaching retirement when setting the administrative exemption standards;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prohibit the Department of Defense from working with EcoHealth Alliance, Inc., a non-profit that funneled taxpayer dollars to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, to conduct research supported by the Chinese government;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prohibit any reduction in the number of intercontinental ballistic missiles or retiring or reconverting our low-yield nuclear warheads at a time when China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal;·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fully fund the modernization of our nuclear triad, including Ground Based Strategic Deterrent.

Marshall amendment protecting unvaccinated service members is law

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas burglary suspect after he&nbsp;was found hiding in the utility closet.

Just after 3:30p.m. Monday, 9fficers responded to the report of a burglary in progress in the 200 block of S. Eighth Street in Salina, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester.

 Neighbors had reported that they had seen a small-statured man enter the residence and that they had seen him coming and going from the residence since Thursday. The residence, owned by a 70-year-old Solomon woman, was supposed to be vacant.

During a search of the residence, officers found Nicholas Reimonenq, 29, of Salina, hiding in a small space between the furnace and the wall of a utility closet, Forrester said.

They also located a backpack belonging to Reimonenq, that allegedly had in it items belonging to previous residents. Additionally, an antique glass doorknob allegedly was found in Reimonenq's pocket, Forrester said. The total of the items was $55.

Reimonenq was arrested on requested charges of Burglary, Theft and Interference with a law enforcement officer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640705279664.jpeg" alt="Reimonenq photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Reimonenq photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas burglary suspect after he&nbsp;was found hiding in the utility closet.Just after 3:30p.m. Monday, 9fficers responded to the report of a burglary in progress in the 200 block of S. Eighth Street in Salina, according to Police Captain Paul Forrester. Neighbors had reported that they had seen a small-statured man enter the residence and that they had seen him coming and going from the residence since Thursday. The residence, owned by a 70-year-old Solomon woman, was supposed to be vacant.During a search of the residence, officers found Nicholas Reimonenq, 29, of Salina, hiding in a small space between the furnace and the wall of a utility closet, Forrester said.They also located a backpack belonging to Reimonenq, that allegedly had in it items belonging to previous residents. Additionally, an antique glass doorknob allegedly was found in Reimonenq's pocket, Forrester said. The total of the items was $55.Reimonenq was arrested on requested charges of Burglary, Theft and Interference with a law enforcement officer

Kansas burglary suspect found hiding in utility closet

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — The former co-owner of a Schlitterbahn water park in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;when a 10-year-old boy was killed on one of its rides faces sentencing in March after he pleaded guilty to a felony rug charge.

Jeff Henry, 66, pleaded guilty Dec. 16 to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In exchange for the plea, two other drug-related charges and a charge of hiring someone for sex were dismissed.

Henry was charged in 2018 after police found drugs and an alleged sex worker in a Merriam hotel room he and others were in, KCUR reported.

The arrest occurred while Henry and other Schlitterbahn officials faced charges, including second-degree murder, in the death of 10-year-old Caleb Schwab, who was decapitated on a Schlitterbahn water slide in Kansas City, Kansas, in 2016. Henry was awaiting a court hearing in that case when he was arrested at the hotel.

The charges involving Caleb Schwab's death were later dismissed when a Wyandotte County judge found the Kansas Attorney General relied on improper evidence to influence the grand jury that brought the charges.

Schlitterbahn closed its Kansas City location and now operates only two parks in&nbsp;Texas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640726754685.png" alt="Henry from his arrest in Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Henry from his arrest in Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — The former co-owner of a Schlitterbahn water park in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;when a 10-year-old boy was killed on one of its rides faces sentencing in March after he pleaded guilty to a felony rug charge.Jeff Henry, 66, pleaded guilty Dec. 16 to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. In exchange for the plea, two other drug-related charges and a charge of hiring someone for sex were dismissed.Henry was charged in 2018 after police found drugs and an alleged sex worker in a Merriam hotel room he and others were in, KCUR reported.Henry will be sentenced March 4.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598904658260.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The arrest occurred while Henry and other Schlitterbahn officials faced charges, including second-degree murder, in the death of 10-year-old Caleb Schwab, who was decapitated on a Schlitterbahn water slide in Kansas City, Kansas, in 2016. Henry was awaiting a court hearing in that case when he was arrested at the hotel.The charges involving Caleb Schwab's death were later dismissed when a Wyandotte County judge found the Kansas Attorney General relied on improper evidence to influence the grand jury that brought the charges.Schlitterbahn closed its Kansas City location and now operates only two parks in&nbsp;Texas.

Former Schlitterbahn co-owner pleads guilty to drug charge

TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly held a Kwanzaa Celebration at the Statehouse in Topeka Monday.

In a social media statement, the governor said, "I&nbsp;had the pleasure of joining the Kansas African American Affairs Commission and the Historic St. Mark’s A.M.E. Church to light the kinara at the statehouse. Wishing everyone a very happy Kwanzaa!"

The weeklong holiday from Dec. 26 through Jan 1. celebrates African-American family, community and culture. Its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640705100333.png" alt="Photos courtesy Gov. Laura Kelly" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Gov. Laura Kelly</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Kansas Governor Laura Kelly held a Kwanzaa Celebration at the Statehouse in Topeka Monday.In a social media statement, the governor said, "I&nbsp;had the pleasure of joining the Kansas African American Affairs Commission and the Historic St. Mark’s A.M.E. Church to light the kinara at the statehouse. Wishing everyone a very happy Kwanzaa!"<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640705013425.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The weeklong holiday from Dec. 26 through Jan 1. celebrates African-American family, community and culture. Its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa.

Governor celebrates Kwanzaa at the Kansas Statehouse

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man has been arrested in a Kansas City killing after residents came forward to tell police of the man's possible involvement in the crime.

The fatal shooting happened Monday evening. Officers called to the scene found a man fatally shot on the front porch of a home.

Officer Donna Drake told reporters at the scene that several people spoke to responding officers, leading to the man being taken into custody.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man has been arrested in a Kansas City killing after residents came forward to tell police of the man's possible involvement in the crime.The fatal shooting happened Monday evening. Officers called to the scene found a man fatally shot on the front porch of a home.Officer Donna Drake told reporters at the scene that several people spoke to responding officers, leading to the man being taken into custody.Rosilyn Temple of KC Mothers in Charge said the fact that those at the scene came forward further proves that the community is tired of the violence.The killing was the 157th this year in Kansas City, based on data collected by the Star, making it the second-deadliest year on record. The worst year for homicides was 2020, when 182 people were killed.