NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials on Monday cut isolation restrictions for Americans who catch the coronavirus from 10 to five days, and similarly shortened the time that close contacts need to quarantine.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said the guidance is in keeping with growing evidence that people with the coronavirus are most infectious in the two days before and three days after symptoms develop.

The decision also was driven by a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, propelled by the omicron variant.

Early research suggests omicron may cause milder illnesses than earlier versions of the coronavirus. But the sheer number of people becoming infected — and therefore having to isolate or quarantine — threatens to crush the ability of hospitals, airlines and other businesses to stay open, experts say.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the country is about to see a lot of omicron cases.

“Not all of those cases are going to be severe. In fact many are going to be asymptomatic,” she told The Associated Press on Monday. “We want to make sure there is a mechanism by which we can safely continue to keep society functioning while following the science.”

Last week, the agency loosened rules that previously called on health care workers to stay out of work for 10 days if they test positive. The new recommendations said workers could go back to work after seven days if they test negative and don’t have symptoms. And the agency said isolation time could be cut to five days, or even fewer, if there are severe staffing shortages.

Now, the CDC is changing the isolation and quarantine guidance for the general public to be even less stringent.

The guidance is not a mandate; it’s a recommendation to employers and state and local officials. Last week, New York state said it would expand on the CDC’s guidance for health-care workers to include employees who have other critical jobs that are facing a severe staffing shortage.

It’s possible other states will seek to shorten their isolation and quarantine policies, and CDC is trying to get out ahead of the shift. “It would be helpful to have uniform CDC guidance” that others could draw from, rather than a mishmash of policies, Walensky said.

The CDC’s guidance on isolation and quarantine has seemed confusing to the public, and the new recommendations are “happening at a time when more people are testing positive for the first time and looking for guidance,” said Lindsay Wiley, an American University public health law expert.

Nevertheless, the guidance continues to be complex.

The isolation rules are for people who are infected. They are the same for people who are unvaccinated, partly vaccinated, fully vaccinated or boosted.

—The clock starts the day you test positive.

—An infected person should go into isolations for five days, instead of the previously recommended 10.

—At the end of five days, if you have no symptoms, you can return to normal activities but must wear a mask everywhere — even at home around others — for at least five more days.

—If you still have symptoms after isolating for five days, stay home until you feel better and then start your five days of wearing a mask at all times.

The quarantine rules are for people who were in close contact with an infected person but not infected themselves.

For quarantine, the clock starts the day someone is alerted to they may have been exposed to the virus.

Previously, the CDC said people who were not fully vaccinated and who came in close contact with an infected person should stay home for at least 10 days.

Now the agency is saying only people who got booster shots can skip quarantine if they wear masks in all settings for at least 10 days.

That’s a change. Previously, people who were fully vaccinated — which the CDC has defined as having two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine — could be exempt from quarantine.

Now, people who got their initial shots but not boosters are in the same situation as those who are partly vaccinated or are not vaccinated at all: They can stop quarantine after five days if they wear masks in all settings for five days afterward.

Suspending both isolation and quarantine after five days is not without risk.

A lot of people get tested when they first feel symptoms, but many Americans get tested for others reasons, like to see if they can visit family or for work. That means a positive test result may not reveal exactly when a person was infected or give a clear picture of when they are most contagious, experts say.

When people get infected, the risk of spread drops substantially after five days, but it does not disappear for everyone, said Dr. Aaron Glatt, a New York physician who is a spokesman for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

“If you decrease it to five days, you’re still going to small but significant number of people who are contagious,” he said.

That’s why wearing masks is a critical part of the CDC guidance, Walensky said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640658435054.png" alt="CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the country is about to see a lot of omicron cases.-Photo from her Senate testimony in November -courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the country is about to see a lot of omicron cases.-Photo from her Senate testimony in November -courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials on Monday cut isolation restrictions for Americans who catch the coronavirus from 10 to five days, and similarly shortened the time that close contacts need to quarantine.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said the guidance is in keeping with growing evidence that people with the coronavirus are most infectious in the two days before and three days after symptoms develop.The decision also was driven by a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, propelled by the omicron variant.Early research suggests omicron may cause milder illnesses than earlier versions of the coronavirus. But the sheer number of people becoming infected — and therefore having to isolate or quarantine — threatens to crush the ability of hospitals, airlines and other businesses to stay open, experts say.CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the country is about to see a lot of omicron cases.“Not all of those cases are going to be severe. In fact many are going to be asymptomatic,” she told The Associated Press on Monday. “We want to make sure there is a mechanism by which we can safely continue to keep society functioning while following the science.”Last week, the agency loosened rules that previously called on health care workers to stay out of work for 10 days if they test positive. The new recommendations said workers could go back to work after seven days if they test negative and don’t have symptoms. And the agency said isolation time could be cut to five days, or even fewer, if there are severe staffing shortages.Now, the CDC is changing the isolation and quarantine guidance for the general public to be even less stringent.The guidance is not a mandate; it’s a recommendation to employers and state and local officials. Last week, New York state said it would expand on the CDC’s guidance for health-care workers to include employees who have other critical jobs that are facing a severe staffing shortage.It’s possible other states will seek to shorten their isolation and quarantine policies, and CDC is trying to get out ahead of the shift. “It would be helpful to have uniform CDC guidance” that others could draw from, rather than a mishmash of policies, Walensky said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635890433225.png" alt="Walensky and the CDC now says only people who got booster shots can skip quarantine if they wear masks in all settings for at least 10 days- White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Walensky and the CDC now says only people who got booster shots can skip quarantine if they wear masks in all settings for at least 10 days- White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The CDC’s guidance on isolation and quarantine has seemed confusing to the public, and the new recommendations are “happening at a time when more people are testing positive for the first time and looking for guidance,” said Lindsay Wiley, an American University public health law expert.Nevertheless, the guidance continues to be complex.ISOLATIONThe isolation rules are for people who are infected. They are the same for people who are unvaccinated, partly vaccinated, fully vaccinated or boosted.They say:—The clock starts the day you test positive.—An infected person should go into isolations for five days, instead of the previously recommended 10.—At the end of five days, if you have no symptoms, you can return to normal activities but must wear a mask everywhere — even at home around others — for at least five more days.—If you still have symptoms after isolating for five days, stay home until you feel better and then start your five days of wearing a mask at all times.QUARANTINEThe quarantine rules are for people who were in close contact with an infected person but not infected themselves.For quarantine, the clock starts the day someone is alerted to they may have been exposed to the virus.Previously, the CDC said people who were not fully vaccinated and who came in close contact with an infected person should stay home for at least 10 days.Now the agency is saying only people who got booster shots can skip quarantine if they wear masks in all settings for at least 10 days.That’s a change. Previously, people who were fully vaccinated — which the CDC has defined as having two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine — could be exempt from quarantine.Now, people who got their initial shots but not boosters are in the same situation as those who are partly vaccinated or are not vaccinated at all: They can stop quarantine after five days if they wear masks in all settings for five days afterward.FIVE DAYSSuspending both isolation and quarantine after five days is not without risk.A lot of people get tested when they first feel symptoms, but many Americans get tested for others reasons, like to see if they can visit family or for work. That means a positive test result may not reveal exactly when a person was infected or give a clear picture of when they are most contagious, experts say.When people get infected, the risk of spread drops substantially after five days, but it does not disappear for everyone, said Dr. Aaron Glatt, a New York physician who is a spokesman for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.“If you decrease it to five days, you’re still going to small but significant number of people who are contagious,” he said.That’s why wearing masks is a critical part of the CDC guidance, Walensky said.

CDC: More mask wearing required after shorter COVID isolation 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drive-by shooting and asking the public for help with information.

Just after 3:12a.m.&nbsp; Monday, police were dispatched to check shots in the area of the Hunter's Glen neighborhood near 45th Street North and K-96 Highway in the city of Maize, according to a media release.

 A home located in the 700 block of South Longbranch had been struck by several bullets fired from the street in front of the residence.  Several rounds penetrated the walls of the home where six people were asleep inside including a very young child. 

 Fortunately no one was injured, but the incident could have resulted in serious injury or death to the occupants of the home.

Maize Police are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the person or person(s) responsible for this shooting.  The shooting appears deliberate and the home targeted.  No other homes were struck.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Maize Police Detective Piper at 316-425-3356 or you may report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Wichita/Sedgwick County at 316-267-2111 or online at <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=217&amp;fbclid=IwAR0YobOGHNRqVzC_xenOiRvi_MUsabrdU4dWY5taOQsvoeYIQ-bVsoz7vhM" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=217</a>. Residents in the area are also asked to check any surveillance video footage for anything unusual between 2:30 AM and 3:30 AM and provide the footage to police.Reference Maize PD Case Number: 202101182

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drive-by shooting and asking the public for help with information.Just after 3:12a.m.&nbsp; Monday, police were dispatched to check shots in the area of the Hunter's Glen neighborhood near 45th Street North and K-96 Highway in the city of Maize, according to a media release. A home located in the 700 block of South Longbranch had been struck by several bullets fired from the street in front of the residence. Several rounds penetrated the walls of the home where six people were asleep inside including a very young child. Fortunately no one was injured, but the incident could have resulted in serious injury or death to the occupants of the home.Maize Police are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the person or person(s) responsible for this shooting. The shooting appears deliberate and the home targeted. No other homes were struck.Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Maize Police Detective Piper at 316-425-3356 or you may report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Wichita/Sedgwick County at 316-267-2111 or online at <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=217&amp;fbclid=IwAR0YobOGHNRqVzC_xenOiRvi_MUsabrdU4dWY5taOQsvoeYIQ-bVsoz7vhM" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=217</a>. Residents in the area are also asked to check any surveillance video footage for anything unusual between 2:30 AM and 3:30 AM and provide the footage to police.Reference Maize PD Case Number: 202101182

6 including young child in Kan. home during drive-by shooting

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Black youth’s death&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-c46e524dc4dd062827c83c96c2ee3a3d">following a physical struggle</a>&nbsp;with staff at a Kansas juvenile center was a homicide, according to an autopsy report released Monday that contradicts an earlier, preliminary finding that the teenager hadn’t suffered life-threatening injuries.

The report said that 17-year-old Cedric Lofton’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. He was taken to a local hospital and died two days later.

“The family lost their son and their brother, so it’s just a tragic and unjustified death,” Andrew Stroth, one of the lawyers representing Lofton’s family and a Chicago civil rights attorney. “The family is is going to continue to seek answers and pursue all legal remedies available.”

The staff members involved in the struggle have not been identified, but they county said they are on paid administrative leave. Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett issued a statement saying his office is reviewing the autopsy report, along with a “lengthy investigation” by the local sheriff’s office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

“In my opinion, Cedric Lofton died as a result of complications from cardiopulmonary arrest sustained after physical struggle while restrained in the prone position,” Chief Medical Examiner Timothy Gorrill wrote in the report. “The manner of death is homicide.”

Stroth and Steven Hart, another Chicago attorney representing Lofton’s family, called on Bennett to pursue criminal charges.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.actioninjurylawgroup.com/home" target="_blank">Stroth’s firm</a>&nbsp;focuses on representing families of people injured or killed by police.

“Between the video evidence that we reviewed and the autopsy, it’s clear that this young man was unjustifiably killed,” Stroth said.

The autopsy report said that juvenile center employees were “unable to locate a pulse” four minutes after they handcuffed Lofton.

Gorrill wrote that Lofton’s subsequent treatment at a local hospital was complicated by brain injuries caused by a lack of oxygen, as well as respiratory failure and “acute kidney injury.” Lofton also tested positive for COVID-19.

The report also said that a screening of Lofton’s urine resulted in a “presumptive positive” for chemicals found in marijuana. The report was dated Dec. 21.

The county issued a statement saying that its officials could not comment because of “the active investigation.” Sheriff Jeff Easter said during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-jeff-easter-51e69e37b693eba66bfcf84600825a53">a Sept. 30 news conference</a>&nbsp;— four days after Lofton’s death — that preliminary autopsy results showed only scratches and a bruise on Lofton and not life-threatening injuries.

The autopsy cited reports from authorities that Lofton ran away from a foster home on Sept. 21, then was “erratic and aggressive” toward his foster parents when he returned early Sept. 24.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-501b53e2b9c70956c34b8d16940bdb87">The KBI has said</a>&nbsp;that Wichita police, responding to a call of a disturbance, encountered Lofton outside a house and tried to get him to seek mental health treatment.

The 5-foot-10, 135-pound Lofton resisted police, assaulting one or more of the officers, according the autopsy report, and he was taken to the juvenile center and put in a cell at 2:45 a.m. The autopsy report said that staff at the center let him out of his cell at 4:20 a.m. — to use the restroom, according to the KBI. Lofton was “uncooperative and agitated” and punched a staff member in the head, according to the autopsy report, leading to the struggle with multiple staff members.

Progeny, a partnership pushing Kansas to stop incarcerating young offenders and expand community programs instead, called Lofton “a young person in crisis.”

“We cannot continue to fail our youth in Kansas by leaving them with nobody to call during a mental health crisis, and we cannot allow another young person to lose their life when they just needed help,” it said in a statement.

The autopsy report said after the altercation with juvenile center employees started, Lofton’s ankles were shackled, he was “moved to the floor” and rolled onto his stomach, and he continued to struggle before being handcuffed. The autopsy report said Lofton then “calmed down, making occasional snoring sounds.” A minute after being unable to find a pulse, staff began chest compressions and called emergency personnel, just before 5:15 a.m., the report said.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Preliminary autopsy results show that a teenager&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-501b53e2b9c70956c34b8d16940bdb87">who died after being restrained</a>&nbsp;at a Kansas juvenile detention facility didn’t suffer any injuries that would have been life-threatening, authorities said Thursday.

The autopsy on 17-year-old Cedric “CJ” Lofton’s body found only scratches and a bruise and his cause of death hasn’t been determined, Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter said at a news conference. Authorities are awaiting a toxicology report as they investigate the circumstances surrounding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-c46e524dc4dd062827c83c96c2ee3a3d">Lofton’s death</a>&nbsp;last weekend.

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said he expects to receive a report from investigators either next week or the following week, once the toxicology results come back. He said he didn’t have enough information yet to decide whether charges are warranted.

Lofton was placed in the custody of the Kansas Department for Children and Families in 2019 in Junction City and put with foster parents in Wichita because of minor drug use and minor crimes, Easter said. His foster father called Wichita police early Friday because Lofton was having a mental breakdown, the sheriff said.

Officers tried to persuade Lofton to voluntarily seek mental health treatment before trying to take him into custody, but he resisted and assaulted the officers, authorities said. He was taken to the county’s Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center on charges of suspicion of battering a law enforcement officer.

Authorities released a timeline Thursday that showed police left the teen at the center only to be asked to return about an hour later because Lofton was having mental issues and was combative with staff.

That timeline shows that staff at the center were already conducting CPR on the teen by the time Wichita police returned to the center.

Emergency medical responders were able to get Lofton’s heart started before transporting him to the hospital, but he died there two days later without regaining consciousness, Easter said.&nbsp; Friends established fundraiser to help the family.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-benefit-fundraiser-for-cedric">Click here to visit&nbsp;</a>the GoFundMe page.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633046927211.png" alt="Lofton-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Lofton-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Black youth’s death&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-c46e524dc4dd062827c83c96c2ee3a3d">following a physical struggle</a>&nbsp;with staff at a Kansas juvenile center was a homicide, according to an autopsy report released Monday that contradicts an earlier, preliminary finding that the teenager hadn’t suffered life-threatening injuries.The report said that 17-year-old Cedric Lofton’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. He was taken to a local hospital and died two days later.“The family lost their son and their brother, so it’s just a tragic and unjustified death,” Andrew Stroth, one of the lawyers representing Lofton’s family and a Chicago civil rights attorney. “The family is is going to continue to seek answers and pursue all legal remedies available.”The staff members involved in the struggle have not been identified, but they county said they are on paid administrative leave. Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett issued a statement saying his office is reviewing the autopsy report, along with a “lengthy investigation” by the local sheriff’s office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.“In my opinion, Cedric Lofton died as a result of complications from cardiopulmonary arrest sustained after physical struggle while restrained in the prone position,” Chief Medical Examiner Timothy Gorrill wrote in the report. “The manner of death is homicide.”Stroth and Steven Hart, another Chicago attorney representing Lofton’s family, called on Bennett to pursue criminal charges.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.actioninjurylawgroup.com/home" target="_blank">Stroth’s firm</a>&nbsp;focuses on representing families of people injured or killed by police.“Between the video evidence that we reviewed and the autopsy, it’s clear that this young man was unjustifiably killed,” Stroth said.The autopsy report said that juvenile center employees were “unable to locate a pulse” four minutes after they handcuffed Lofton.Gorrill wrote that Lofton’s subsequent treatment at a local hospital was complicated by brain injuries caused by a lack of oxygen, as well as respiratory failure and “acute kidney injury.” Lofton also tested positive for COVID-19.The report also said that a screening of Lofton’s urine resulted in a “presumptive positive” for chemicals found in marijuana. The report was dated Dec. 21.The county issued a statement saying that its officials could not comment because of “the active investigation.” Sheriff Jeff Easter said during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-jeff-easter-51e69e37b693eba66bfcf84600825a53">a Sept. 30 news conference</a>&nbsp;— four days after Lofton’s death — that preliminary autopsy results showed only scratches and a bruise on Lofton and not life-threatening injuries.The autopsy cited reports from authorities that Lofton ran away from a foster home on Sept. 21, then was “erratic and aggressive” toward his foster parents when he returned early Sept. 24.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-501b53e2b9c70956c34b8d16940bdb87">The KBI has said</a>&nbsp;that Wichita police, responding to a call of a disturbance, encountered Lofton outside a house and tried to get him to seek mental health treatment.The 5-foot-10, 135-pound Lofton resisted police, assaulting one or more of the officers, according the autopsy report, and he was taken to the juvenile center and put in a cell at 2:45 a.m. The autopsy report said that staff at the center let him out of his cell at 4:20 a.m. — to use the restroom, according to the KBI. Lofton was “uncooperative and agitated” and punched a staff member in the head, according to the autopsy report, leading to the struggle with multiple staff members.Progeny, a partnership pushing Kansas to stop incarcerating young offenders and expand community programs instead, called Lofton “a young person in crisis.”“We cannot continue to fail our youth in Kansas by leaving them with nobody to call during a mental health crisis, and we cannot allow another young person to lose their life when they just needed help,” it said in a statement.The autopsy report said after the altercation with juvenile center employees started, Lofton’s ankles were shackled, he was “moved to the floor” and rolled onto his stomach, and he continued to struggle before being handcuffed. The autopsy report said Lofton then “calmed down, making occasional snoring sounds.” A minute after being unable to find a pulse, staff began chest compressions and called emergency personnel, just before 5:15 a.m., the report said.-------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Preliminary autopsy results show that a teenager&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-501b53e2b9c70956c34b8d16940bdb87">who died after being restrained</a>&nbsp;at a Kansas juvenile detention facility didn’t suffer any injuries that would have been life-threatening, authorities said Thursday.<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 on Lofton's death during a Sept. news conference" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter and&nbsp;District Attorney Marc Bennett answered questions on Lofton's death during a Sept. news conference</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633046820362.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633046842835.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1633046927211.png" alt="Cedric Lofton-photo courtesy GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Cedric Lofton-photo courtesy GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>The autopsy on 17-year-old Cedric “CJ” Lofton’s body found only scratches and a bruise and his cause of death hasn’t been determined, Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter said at a news conference. Authorities are awaiting a toxicology report as they investigate the circumstances surrounding&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-c46e524dc4dd062827c83c96c2ee3a3d">Lofton’s death</a>&nbsp;last weekend.Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett said he expects to receive a report from investigators either next week or the following week, once the toxicology results come back. He said he didn’t have enough information yet to decide whether charges are warranted.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSedgwickCountySheriff%2Fvideos%2F400841661443170%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=0" 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>Lofton was placed in the custody of the Kansas Department for Children and Families in 2019 in Junction City and put with foster parents in Wichita because of minor drug use and minor crimes, Easter said. His foster father called Wichita police early Friday because Lofton was having a mental breakdown, the sheriff said.Officers tried to persuade Lofton to voluntarily seek mental health treatment before trying to take him into custody, but he resisted and assaulted the officers, authorities said. He was taken to the county’s Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center on charges of suspicion of battering a law enforcement officer.Authorities released a timeline Thursday that showed police left the teen at the center only to be asked to return about an hour later because Lofton was having mental issues and was combative with staff.That timeline shows that staff at the center were already conducting CPR on the teen by the time Wichita police returned to the center.Emergency medical responders were able to get Lofton’s heart started before transporting him to the hospital, but he died there two days later without regaining consciousness, Easter said.&nbsp; Friends established fundraiser to help the family.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-benefit-fundraiser-for-cedric">Click here to visit&nbsp;</a>the GoFundMe page.

Autopsy: Death of Black Kansas teen in custody was homicide

BARTON COUNTY —Five bald eagles, three adults and two immature birds, were spotted Monday morning on the southern edge of Cheyenne Bottoms, just northeast of Great Bend, according to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center. "Winter is a great time to look for eagles at Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, where they feed on fish and sick and injured geese and ducks. Generally, large numbers can be seen in both areas through March."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640632336360.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Five bald eagles, three adults and two immature birds, were spotted Monday morning on the southern edge of Cheyenne Bottoms, just northeast of Great Bend, according to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center. "Winter is a great time to look for eagles at Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, where they feed on fish and sick and injured geese and ducks. Generally, large numbers can be seen in both areas through March."

5 bald eagles spotted at Cheyenne Bottoms

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two&nbsp; suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.

On Dec. 21, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a 2019 Ford Escape near 126th&nbsp;and U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Deputies arrested Richard Michael Lane, 40, of Topeka and booked him into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and making false information.&nbsp;

 Jennifer Leigh Crabill, 36, of Holton, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; She was also wanted on outstanding Jackson County warrants, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640625393005.png" alt="Lane-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Lane-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two&nbsp; suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.On Dec. 21, a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a 2019 Ford Escape near 126th&nbsp;and U.S. Highway 75 for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Deputies arrested Richard Michael Lane, 40, of Topeka and booked him into the Jackson County Jail for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and making false information.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640625361475.png" alt="Crabill photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Crabill photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Jennifer Leigh Crabill, 36, of Holton, was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp; She was also wanted on outstanding Jackson County warrants, according to Morse.

Sheriff: Kan. couple jailed for alleged drug possession after traffic stop

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri woman has been charged with killing her boyfriend with a sword on Christmas Eve.

Cape Girardeau Police&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/capepolice/photos/a.627429190672627/4795581327190705/?type=3&amp;theater">said&nbsp;</a>32-year-old Brittany Wilson was found outside the home she shared with her boyfriend Friday night with blood on her clothing, and a sword was lying in the front yard. Cape Girardeau is in southeast Missouri about 115 miles south of St. Louis.

KFVS television&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kfvs12.com/2021/12/25/christmas-eve-homicide-involving-sword-cape-girardeau/">reported&nbsp;</a>that a woman had called police shortly after 11 p.m. Friday to report that she had killed her boyfriend with a sword.

After officers arrested Wilson, they went inside the home and found her boyfriend, 34-year-old Harrison Stephen Foster, dead with several fresh stab wounds.

Wilson told police that she and Foster had taken methamphetamine earlier in the day. She also told investigators that she believed Foster had several other entities living in his body, and she was setting him free by stabbing him.

Wilson was being held Sunday in lieu of $2 million bond. She has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. It was not immediately known if Wilson had an attorney to speak on her behalf.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640559033919.png" alt="Wilson-photo Cape Girardeau police" />
 <figcaption>Wilson-photo Cape Girardeau police</figcaption>
 </figure>CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri woman has been charged with killing her boyfriend with a sword on Christmas Eve.Cape Girardeau Police&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/capepolice/photos/a.627429190672627/4795581327190705/?type=3&amp;theater">said&nbsp;</a>32-year-old Brittany Wilson was found outside the home she shared with her boyfriend Friday night with blood on her clothing, and a sword was lying in the front yard. Cape Girardeau is in southeast Missouri about 115 miles south of St. Louis.KFVS television&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kfvs12.com/2021/12/25/christmas-eve-homicide-involving-sword-cape-girardeau/">reported&nbsp;</a>that a woman had called police shortly after 11 p.m. Friday to report that she had killed her boyfriend with a sword.After officers arrested Wilson, they went inside the home and found her boyfriend, 34-year-old Harrison Stephen Foster, dead with several fresh stab wounds.Wilson told police that she and Foster had taken methamphetamine earlier in the day. She also told investigators that she believed Foster had several other entities living in his body, and she was setting him free by stabbing him.Wilson was being held Sunday in lieu of $2 million bond. She has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. It was not immediately known if Wilson had an attorney to speak on her behalf.

Suspect smiles for mug shot after killing boyfriend with sword

WASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission has announced it is committing $602,985,895.13 in its latest wave of Emergency Connectivity Fund program support, which will connect over 1.4 million students in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.  These additional commitments bring the current total commitments to over $3.8 billion, supporting students, school staff, and library patrons in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.  The funding can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework and virtual learning, as schools and libraries continue to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“As students and educators around the country enjoy time with their families before tackling the second half of the school year, the FCC continues to provide support to ensure they have the connectivity they need when they return,” said FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel.  “Today’s announcement will help an additional million children get the internet access and technology needed for success in today’s virtual and hybrid classrooms.”

Today’s announcement marks the sixth wave of commitments and includes over $367 million in commitments from Window 1 applications and nearly $236 million in commitments from Window 2 applications. This round of commitments will support 1,651 schools, 85 libraries, and 14 consortia, which are approved to receive nearly 1.2 million connected devices and over 790,000 broadband connections.  Total commitments to date are supporting over 9,000 schools, 760 libraries, and 100 consortia for nearly 8.3 million connected devices and over 4.4 million broadband connections.  

More details about which schools and libraries have received funding commitments can be found at https://www.fcc.gov/ecf-current-funding-commitments.  

Detailed information on the status of Emergency Connectivity Fund applications is available in the Open Data Portal, including applicant details, requested funds, individual product or service details, funding commitment, and funding disbursement information.  Additional information on the Emergency Connectivity Fund program is available at: https://www.emergencyconnectivityfund.org.  The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company, with oversight from and under rules unanimously adopted by the Federal Communications Commission.

FCCWASHINGTON — The Federal Communications Commission has announced it is committing $602,985,895.13 in its latest wave of Emergency Connectivity Fund program support, which will connect over 1.4 million students in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. These additional commitments bring the current total commitments to over $3.8 billion, supporting students, school staff, and library patrons in all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. The funding can be used to support off-campus learning, such as nightly homework and virtual learning, as schools and libraries continue to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.“As students and educators around the country enjoy time with their families before tackling the second half of the school year, the FCC continues to provide support to ensure they have the connectivity they need when they return,” said FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “Today’s announcement will help an additional million children get the internet access and technology needed for success in today’s virtual and hybrid classrooms.”Today’s announcement marks the sixth wave of commitments and includes over $367 million in commitments from Window 1 applications and nearly $236 million in commitments from Window 2 applications. This round of commitments will support 1,651 schools, 85 libraries, and 14 consortia, which are approved to receive nearly 1.2 million connected devices and over 790,000 broadband connections. Total commitments to date are supporting over 9,000 schools, 760 libraries, and 100 consortia for nearly 8.3 million connected devices and over 4.4 million broadband connections. More details about which schools and libraries have received funding commitments can be found at https://www.fcc.gov/ecf-current-funding-commitments. Detailed information on the status of Emergency Connectivity Fund applications is available in the Open Data Portal, including applicant details, requested funds, individual product or service details, funding commitment, and funding disbursement information. Additional information on the Emergency Connectivity Fund program is available at: https://www.emergencyconnectivityfund.org. The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company, with oversight from and under rules unanimously adopted by the Federal Communications Commission.

Additional $603M dedicated to broadband services for students

RENO COUNTY— Fire crews worked two house fires Monday in Hutchinson.

Just after 8:30 a.m., fire crews responded to a fire at 110 Carlton Road.&nbsp; First-arriving crews found heavy fire showing from the west side of the home, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer.

Most of the fire was on the exterior of the home with some minor extension into the soffit of the roof and a utility room window. This fire was under control at 8:50 a.m.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.

Just before 5:30 a.m Monday., crews responded to 526 E. 2nd Street and found an unoccupied home involved in fire., according to Beer.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 6:45 a.m. and extensive overhaul measures took place due to a large amount of goods being stored in the residence.

A resident of the home to the east was displaced and is being assisted by the American Red Cross.

Investigators determined the fire on Carlton Road started due to discarded ashes from a fireplace into the trash bin.  Beer reminded the public to use caution as the temperatures begin to drop when discarding ashes. Discarding ashes into a non-combustible container with a lid is recommended.&nbsp; The cause of the fire on 2nd street is&nbsp; still under investigation.

RENO COUNTY— Fire crews worked two house fires Monday in Hutchinson.Just after 8:30 a.m., fire crews responded to a fire at 110 Carlton Road.&nbsp; First-arriving crews found heavy fire showing from the west side of the home, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer.Most of the fire was on the exterior of the home with some minor extension into the soffit of the roof and a utility room window. This fire was under control at 8:50 a.m.&nbsp; There were no injuries reported.Just before 5:30 a.m Monday., crews responded to 526 E. 2nd Street and found an unoccupied home involved in fire., according to Beer.The fire was brought under control at approximately 6:45 a.m. and extensive overhaul measures took place due to a large amount of goods being stored in the residence.A resident of the home to the east was displaced and is being assisted by the American Red Cross.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640633897714.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators determined the fire on Carlton Road started due to discarded ashes from a fireplace into the trash bin. Beer reminded the public to use caution as the temperatures begin to drop when discarding ashes. Discarding ashes into a non-combustible container with a lid is recommended.&nbsp; The cause of the fire on 2nd street is&nbsp; still under investigation.

Discarded ashes from a fireplace blamed for 1 of 2 Kan. house fires

WASHINGTON (AP)— President Joe Biden on Monday pledged the full support of the federal government to states facing surges in COVID-19 cases from the more-transmissible omicron variant and a run on at-home tests.

Joining a regular meeting between his coronavirus response team and the National Governors Association, Biden said, “My message is: if you need something, say something, and we are going to have your back any way we can.”

Biden acknowledged long lines and chaotic scenes as Americans sought out testing amid the case surge and as they looked to safely gather with family and friends over the holiday.

He referenced his administration’s plan to make 500 million rapid tests available to Americans beginning next month through an as-yet-to-be-developed website.

A White House official said the new tests would come from new manufacturing capacity and wouldn’t interfere with existing supply chains.

&nbsp;Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, said Monday that the U.S. should “seriously” consider a vaccination mandate for domestic travel.

Speaking to MSNBC, Fauci, who serves as President Joe Biden’s chief science adviser on the COVID-19 response, said “When you make vaccination a requirement, that’s another incentive to get more people vaccinated.”

The U.S. currently mandates that most foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, but has not instituted one for domestic travel.

The administration has at times considered a domestic vaccination requirement, or one requiring either vaccination or proof of negative test, but two officials said Biden’s science advisers have yet to formally make the recommendation to the president. The officials noted they have not been eager to mandate vaccination for domestic air travel because they expected it to immediately face legal challenges, mitigating its potential effectiveness as a tool to drive up vaccinations.

Biden’s employer vaccination requirements have been mired in legal wrangling, with the Supreme Court set to hear arguments in early January in cases seeking to overturn them.

WASHINGTON (AP)— President Joe Biden on Monday pledged the full support of the federal government to states facing surges in COVID-19 cases from the more-transmissible omicron variant and a run on at-home tests.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F445389280422896%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=180" width="560" height="314" 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>Joining a regular meeting between his coronavirus response team and the National Governors Association, Biden said, “My message is: if you need something, say something, and we are going to have your back any way we can.”Biden acknowledged long lines and chaotic scenes as Americans sought out testing amid the case surge and as they looked to safely gather with family and friends over the holiday.He referenced his administration’s plan to make 500 million rapid tests available to Americans beginning next month through an as-yet-to-be-developed website.A White House official said the new tests would come from new manufacturing capacity and wouldn’t interfere with existing supply chains.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640628036346.png" alt="Monday Dec. 27, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday Dec. 27, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, said Monday that the U.S. should “seriously” consider a vaccination mandate for domestic travel.Speaking to MSNBC, Fauci, who serves as President Joe Biden’s chief science adviser on the COVID-19 response, said “When you make vaccination a requirement, that’s another incentive to get more people vaccinated.”The U.S. currently mandates that most foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, but has not instituted one for domestic travel.The administration has at times considered a domestic vaccination requirement, or one requiring either vaccination or proof of negative test, but two officials said Biden’s science advisers have yet to formally make the recommendation to the president. The officials noted they have not been eager to mandate vaccination for domestic air travel because they expected it to immediately face legal challenges, mitigating its potential effectiveness as a tool to drive up vaccinations.Biden’s employer vaccination requirements have been mired in legal wrangling, with the Supreme Court set to hear arguments in early January in cases seeking to overturn them.

🎥 Biden pledges full support to states facing surge in COVID cases

KEARNY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Kearny County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead on Christmas morning in Lakin, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

The Kearny County Law Enforcement Center received a 911 call on Saturday, Dec. 25, at approximately 9:15 a.m., requesting help in the area of 304 East Waterman Ave. in Lakin. When arriving at the parking area of an apartment building, the responding deputy discovered a man who had suffered fatal stab wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The victim has been identified as Cristofer J. Davilla-Cardoza, 23, of Lakin. An autopsy was performed, according to the KBI.

Anyone with information related to this crime is urged to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME or submit a tip online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>. Tips can also been sent to the Kearny County Sheriff’s Office at 620-355-6211 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kcso@pld.com" target="_blank">kcso@pld.com</a>.

KEARNY COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Kearny County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead on Christmas morning in Lakin, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.The Kearny County Law Enforcement Center received a 911 call on Saturday, Dec. 25, at approximately 9:15 a.m., requesting help in the area of 304 East Waterman Ave. in Lakin. When arriving at the parking area of an apartment building, the responding deputy discovered a man who had suffered fatal stab wounds. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.The victim has been identified as Cristofer J. Davilla-Cardoza, 23, of Lakin. An autopsy was performed, according to the KBI.Anyone with information related to this crime is urged to call the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME or submit a tip online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar" target="_blank">https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar</a>. Tips can also been sent to the Kearny County Sheriff’s Office at 620-355-6211 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:kcso@pld.com" target="_blank">kcso@pld.com</a>.

KBI identifies Kan. man who died from stab wounds Christmas Day

WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, said Monday the U.S. should consider a vaccination mandate for domestic air travel, signaling a potential embrace of an idea the Biden administration has previously eschewed, as COVID-19 cases spike.

Fauci, President Joe Biden’s chief science adviser on the pandemic response, said such a mandate might drive up the nation's lagging vaccination rate as well as confer stronger protection on flights, for which federal regulations require all those aged 2 and older to wear a mask.

“When you make vaccination a requirement, that’s another incentive to get more people vaccinated," Fauci told MSNBC. “If you want to do that with domestic flights, I think that’s something that seriously should be considered.”

The Biden administration has thus far balked at imposing a vaccination requirement for domestic air travel. Two officials said Biden’s science advisers have yet to make a formal recommendation for such a requirement to the president.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said a vaccine mandate on planes could trigger a host of logistical and legal concerns.

The U.S. currently mandates that most foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, though citizens and permanent residents only need to show proof of a negative test taken within a day of boarding.

Federal rules don’t require people travelling by air within the U.S. to show a negative test. Hawaii requires travelers to test or show proof of vaccination to avoid a mandatory quarantine.

Earlier this year the White House explored a domestic vaccination requirement for flights, or one requiring either vaccination or proof of negative test. But officials have not been eager to mandate vaccination for domestic air travel because they expected it to face immediate legal challenges, mitigating its potential effectiveness as a tool to drive up vaccinations.

Pressed last week on why Biden had not mandated vaccinations for domestic air travel, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that “we know that masking can be, is, very effective on airplanes."

“We also know that putting in place that additional restriction might delay flights, might have additional implications,” she added. "We would do it, though, if the health impact was overwhelming. So we rely always on the advice of our health and medical experts. That isn’t a step at this point that they had determined we need to take.”

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show more than 241 million Americans, about 77% of the eligible population aged 5 and over, have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. Officials believe, though, that there is some over-count in the figures due to record-keeping errors in the administration of booster shots.

Since the summer, the Biden administration has embraced various vaccination requirements as a way to get unvaccinated Americans to roll up their sleeves. It has instituted requirements that federal workers, federal contractors, and those who work in health care get their shots, and that employers with 100 or more employees institute vaccination-or-testing requirements for their workers.

Those vaccination requirements have been mired in legal wrangling, with the Supreme Court set to hear arguments Jan. 7 in cases seeking to overturn them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640635329591.png" alt="Dr. Anthony Fauci, (right) White House Chief Medical Advisor participated in the White House COVID-19 Response Team's regular call with the National Governors Association at the White House Campus, Monday, Dec. 27-photo White House" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Anthony Fauci, (right) White House Chief Medical Advisor participated in the White House COVID-19 Response Team's regular call with the National Governors Association at the White House Campus, Monday, Dec. 27-photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, said Monday the U.S. should consider a vaccination mandate for domestic air travel, signaling a potential embrace of an idea the Biden administration has previously eschewed, as COVID-19 cases spike.Fauci, President Joe Biden’s chief science adviser on the pandemic response, said such a mandate might drive up the nation's lagging vaccination rate as well as confer stronger protection on flights, for which federal regulations require all those aged 2 and older to wear a mask.“When you make vaccination a requirement, that’s another incentive to get more people vaccinated," Fauci told MSNBC. “If you want to do that with domestic flights, I think that’s something that seriously should be considered.”The Biden administration has thus far balked at imposing a vaccination requirement for domestic air travel. Two officials said Biden’s science advisers have yet to make a formal recommendation for such a requirement to the president.The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said a vaccine mandate on planes could trigger a host of logistical and legal concerns.The U.S. currently mandates that most foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, though citizens and permanent residents only need to show proof of a negative test taken within a day of boarding.Federal rules don’t require people travelling by air within the U.S. to show a negative test. Hawaii requires travelers to test or show proof of vaccination to avoid a mandatory quarantine.Earlier this year the White House explored a domestic vaccination requirement for flights, or one requiring either vaccination or proof of negative test. But officials have not been eager to mandate vaccination for domestic air travel because they expected it to face immediate legal challenges, mitigating its potential effectiveness as a tool to drive up vaccinations.Pressed last week on why Biden had not mandated vaccinations for domestic air travel, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that “we know that masking can be, is, very effective on airplanes."“We also know that putting in place that additional restriction might delay flights, might have additional implications,” she added. "We would do it, though, if the health impact was overwhelming. So we rely always on the advice of our health and medical experts. That isn’t a step at this point that they had determined we need to take.”Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show more than 241 million Americans, about 77% of the eligible population aged 5 and over, have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. Officials believe, though, that there is some over-count in the figures due to record-keeping errors in the administration of booster shots.Since the summer, the Biden administration has embraced various vaccination requirements as a way to get unvaccinated Americans to roll up their sleeves. It has instituted requirements that federal workers, federal contractors, and those who work in health care get their shots, and that employers with 100 or more employees institute vaccination-or-testing requirements for their workers.Those vaccination requirements have been mired in legal wrangling, with the Supreme Court set to hear arguments Jan. 7 in cases seeking to overturn them.

Fauci: US should consider vaccine mandate for US air travel

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Five killings in Kansas City, Missouri, during Christmas week brought the 2021 total to 156, making it the city’s second-deadliest year on record.

Only last year was worse, when Kansas City had 182 homicides This year topped the 155 killings that occurred in 2017.

The entire Kansas City metropolitan area, including the Kansas suburbs, has seen 215 homicides in 2021.

Mayor Quinton Lucas, on Twitter, said the city will “never stop trying” to reduce the number of killings, calling it Kansas City’s “greatest challenge.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640631562726.png" alt="Police at the scene of a homicide investigation Dec. 23-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of a homicide investigation Dec. 23-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Five killings in Kansas City, Missouri, during Christmas week brought the 2021 total to 156, making it the city’s second-deadliest year on record.Only last year was worse, when Kansas City had 182 homicides This year topped the 155 killings that occurred in 2017.The entire Kansas City metropolitan area, including the Kansas suburbs, has seen 215 homicides in 2021.Mayor Quinton Lucas, on Twitter, said the city will “never stop trying” to reduce the number of killings, calling it Kansas City’s “greatest challenge.”

5 more killings: 2021 second-deadliest year on record in KC

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 6,939 to a total of 512,461, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 14 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6964.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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

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

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 6,939 to a total of 512,461, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 14 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6964.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640628036346.png" alt="Monday Dec. 27, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday Dec. 27, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 6,900 new cases, 14 more COVID deaths

NEW YORK (AP) — Flight cancellations that disrupted holiday travel stretched into Monday, with major U.S. airlines each canceling dozens of flights.

Staffers calling out sick because of COVID-19, particularly since the emergence of the omnicron variant, have left airlines short in recent days. According to FlightAware, which tracks flight cancellations, airlines have canceled roughly 4,000 flights to, from or inside the U.S. since Friday.

Delta, United, JetBlue and American have all said that the coronavirus was causing staffing problems, and European and Australian airlines also canceled holiday-season flights because staff were infected, but weather and other factors played a role as well.

Winter weather in the Pacific Northwest led to nearly 250 flight cancellations to or from Seattle on Sunday, said&nbsp;Alaska&nbsp;Airlines, and the airline expects more than 100 flight cancellations Monday. But it says that crew calling out sick because of COVID-19 is no longer a factor.

United said it canceled 115 flights Monday, out of more than 4,000 scheduled, due to crews out with COVID-19.

Flight delays and cancellations tied to staffing shortages have been a consistent problem this year. Airlines encouraged workers to quit in 2020 when air travel collapsed, and were caught short-staffed this year as air travel rebounded faster than almost anyone had expected.

Airlines have called on the Biden administration to shorten the guidelines for the isolation period for vaccinated workers who get COVID-19, in order to ease staffing shortages. The union for flight attendants has pushed back against that, saying the isolation period should remain 10 days.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640348737573.png" alt="Photo courtesy Wichita Eisenhower National Airport" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Wichita Eisenhower National Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Flight cancellations that disrupted holiday travel stretched into Monday, with major U.S. airlines each canceling dozens of flights.Staffers calling out sick because of COVID-19, particularly since the emergence of the omnicron variant, have left airlines short in recent days. According to FlightAware, which tracks flight cancellations, airlines have canceled roughly 4,000 flights to, from or inside the U.S. since Friday.Delta, United, JetBlue and American have all said that the coronavirus was causing staffing problems, and European and Australian airlines also canceled holiday-season flights because staff were infected, but weather and other factors played a role as well.Winter weather in the Pacific Northwest led to nearly 250 flight cancellations to or from Seattle on Sunday, said&nbsp;Alaska&nbsp;Airlines, and the airline expects more than 100 flight cancellations Monday. But it says that crew calling out sick because of COVID-19 is no longer a factor.United said it canceled 115 flights Monday, out of more than 4,000 scheduled, due to crews out with COVID-19.Flight delays and cancellations tied to staffing shortages have been a consistent problem this year. Airlines encouraged workers to quit in 2020 when air travel collapsed, and were caught short-staffed this year as air travel rebounded faster than almost anyone had expected.Airlines have called on the Biden administration to shorten the guidelines for the isolation period for vaccinated workers who get COVID-19, in order to ease staffing shortages. The union for flight attendants has pushed back against that, saying the isolation period should remain 10 days.

Flight cancellations continue due to sick crews, bad weather

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a Christmas Day fatal accident have&nbsp; identified the victim as 33-year-old Esbardo Chavez-Ruiz of Wichita.

Just after 4 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a single-vehicle accident in the area of Main and Dewey in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

 Upon arrival, officers located Chavez-Ruiz pinned inside of a 2002 Nissan Maxima. He was removed from the vehicle by Wichita Fire Personnel and he was pronounced deceased on the scene.

The investigation revealed, Chavez-Ruiz was the lone occupant of the Maxima driving south on Main Street and lost control of the vehicle causing it to leave the roadway, roll and strike the decorative retaining wall north of Kellogg. Speed is believed to be a factor in this accident, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640619556891.png" alt="Fatal crash on Christmas Day -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Fatal crash on Christmas Day -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a Christmas Day fatal accident have&nbsp; identified the victim as 33-year-old Esbardo Chavez-Ruiz of Wichita.Just after 4 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a single-vehicle accident in the area of Main and Dewey in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers located Chavez-Ruiz pinned inside of a 2002 Nissan Maxima. He was removed from the vehicle by Wichita Fire Personnel and he was pronounced deceased on the scene.The investigation revealed, Chavez-Ruiz was the lone occupant of the Maxima driving south on Main Street and lost control of the vehicle causing it to leave the roadway, roll and strike the decorative retaining wall north of Kellogg. Speed is believed to be a factor in this accident, according to Davidson.

Police ID Kansas man who died in rollover crash on Christmas Day

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly spent 18 months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-ks-state-wire-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-health-7302d46eef675734fe1343f2640236f9">sparring with Kansas’ legislative Republicans</a>&nbsp;over COVID-19 measures. In the early days of the pandemic she imposed and then extended a stay-at-home order, issued a brief statewide mask mandate and tried to limit in-person worship services – all while meeting growls of GOP protest.

Then in November, two days after Republican Glenn Youngkin defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe to become governor of reliably blue Virginia, Kelly expressed her first opposition to Democratic President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandates. A couple weeks later, she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-religion-822d31ed5cd6cdca053f21f4a9a965d9">signed a bill</a>&nbsp;aimed at helping Kansas workers resist vaccine mandates, a proposal that even the GOP-friendly Kansas Chamber of Commerce opposed.

As Democrats shook their heads, Kelly’s moves signaled her efforts to appeal to moderate Republican and GOP-leaning independent voters who she will need to win a tough reelection race in a heavily Republican state next year.

Like Democratic governors in Michigan and Wisconsin, Kelly will try to win a second term against midterm political headwinds blowing in Republicans’ favor. But she’s trying it in a state former President Donald Trump carried twice and where Republicans, energized in opposition to Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-26bace6485d88ad1ae3ef2aea60fbb65">vaccine mandates</a>, look likely to avoid a serious primary fight.

Her attempt to stake out ground in the political center has irritated some fellow Democrats in the short term. But others argue the tactic could work for her if she also hammers home a message that Kansas now has a stable budget and its public schools are considered fully funded.

“What Democrats need to remember is that she’s doing that to try to win reelection,” said Mike Swenson, who has worked as a Democratic strategist and consultant in the Kansas City area for over four decades.

He added: “We can appeal to the moderates — absolutely.”

Kelly said throughout the pandemic that she would follow science in addressing it. But Republican lawmakers used their legislative supermajorities to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/56291b90279c36bafb21087cdc845c8a">force her to accept</a>&nbsp;more local control over decisions about requiring masks and restricting businesses — a move that allowed many communities to reject recommendations from public health officials. She weathered their criticism for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-prisons-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-2ab2cdda2657d74e5dac4645e3660691">making prison inmates an early priority</a>&nbsp;for vaccines.

And so she surprised some Democrats and liberal activists by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-kansas-topeka-86d570bbf1eb4376a5e7b519c4cb4903">publicly questioning</a>&nbsp;Biden’s vaccine mandates and quickly signing&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2021s/b2021s/measures/documents/ccrb_hb2001_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">Republicans’ bill.&nbsp;</a>The new law provides unemployment benefits if workers lose jobs for refusing shots and allows them to claim religious exemptions, no questions asked.

Also, to some Democrats, she seemed closer to Republican leaders: Multiple Democratic lawmakers said they learned of her plans to sign the bill from GOP colleagues’ gloating texts.

“It’s a huge, huge gamble,” said Christopher Reeves, a Kansas City-area consultant and former Democratic National Committee member.

She signed the measure less than a week after the state health department’s head abruptly resigned. Dr. Lee Norman was visible early in the coronavirus pandemic, appearing with Kelly at news conferences, often wearing a white lab coat. Internal emails showed an internal conflict this past summer over pandemic messaging, and Norman also recently said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-public-health-kansas-topeka-6ab3969aafde6d360cbd11f9eeba3564">Kelly’s administration ousted him</a>&nbsp;because of COVID-19 politics.

Kelly positioning herself in the political center on vaccines contrasts with her strong support for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tn-state-wire-us-news-womens-rights-courts-constitutions-22946ef8ed04d62a3360a7af4b635868">abortion access</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-government-and-politics-321b19c681fe78be837bde945c0f6aa4">LGBTQ rights.</a>

Kelly said during a recent Associated Press interview that her decision-making isn’t driven by “what voters it’s going to keep in my camp.” She cited major bipartisan legislation on school funding and transportation funding as examples of her approach.

“It’s the only way to govern and govern well,” she said.

Even as Kelly and GOP lawmakers sparred early in the pandemic, she praised Trump’s response to outbreaks in meatpacking plants enough that he later said she was doing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/af4b08e27e49ddbcfb0e1ca9765d236a">a “fantastic job”</a>&nbsp;in handling the pandemic.

Environmental issues provide another example of appealing to Republican-minded voters. Her administration resisted Biden administration efforts to preserve the lesser prairie chicken’s habitat, which raises concerns that agriculture and energy production will be restricted. Kelly’s administration has also been skeptical of Biden’s push to preserve 30% of the nation’s land by 2030, which critics call a land grab.

In addition, after forming a racial justice commission after the Minnesota killing of George Floyd last year, she didn’t intervene this year when its proposals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-city-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-death-of-george-floyd-6fa82522e516c9fa53ebf412dfb060f7">stalled in the Legislature.</a>

And on Wednesday, Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-personal-taxes-kansas-topeka-state-taxes-9c8e53d13a10b9bdd113db8a64be5d52">proposed giving a one-time $250 rebate</a>&nbsp;to every Kansas resident who filed a state income tax return last year, with $500 going to married couples who file jointly. The move came after Kelly vetoed three GOP proposals for permanent income tax cuts in three years, calling those measures fiscally irresponsible.

“It’s just the reality of being a Democratic governor in Kansas,” said Bob Beatty, a Washburn University of Topeka political scientist. “You have to be in the middle and sometimes you have to be in the middle-right.”

While Democrats haven’t won a U.S. Senate race in Kansas in nearly 90 years, they’ve been successful in trading the governor’s office back and forth with Republicans over the past half-century.

Swenson said the formula is “simple”: Run up votes in the state’s 10 most populous counties and avoid losing the other 95 by too much. Kelly essentially followed that path to victory in 2018.

It also helped Kelly in 2018 that her GOP foe was polarizing conservative Trump ally Kris Kobach, whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c51d18affef34e919d63c19612d767f2">take-no-prisoners style</a>&nbsp;alienated moderate voters. Kelly’s expected Republican opponent next year is Derek Schmidt, the state’s three-term attorney general.

Schmidt is running as an anti-abortion, small-government attorney general, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ks-state-wire-kansas-election-2020-government-and-politics-e30db29af1d52723292a6549c20a4477">in the mold</a>&nbsp;of Kansas Republicans like former U.S. Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/275216bff11a438fafb4435c02319876">Pat Roberts</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-dole-dead-kansas-republican-737084f4e606c10a33a15384fbe05967">the late Bob Dole</a>&nbsp;— pragmatic enough to avoid alienating moderates.

Kelly prepared for 2022 by hiring a reelection campaign manager who in 2020 led Democrats’ successful effort to flip a Republican congressional seat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-bob-barr-rob-woodall-health-b16dde57b3fd89770ff416484e16af29">in Georgia.</a>&nbsp;Shelbi Dantic was also the deputy campaign manager in Montana for U.S. Sen. Jon Tester when he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6b8b324c23f9470d89c402e35e22a717">narrowly&nbsp;</a>reelected in 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634130978150.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly and Dr. Jill Biden met for lunch during the First Lady's trip to Kansas in mid October-photo courtesy office of the First Lady." />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly and Dr. Jill Biden met for lunch during the First Lady's trip to Kansas in mid October-photo courtesy office of the First Lady.</figcaption>
 </figure> By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly spent 18 months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-ks-state-wire-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-health-7302d46eef675734fe1343f2640236f9">sparring with Kansas’ legislative Republicans</a>&nbsp;over COVID-19 measures. In the early days of the pandemic she imposed and then extended a stay-at-home order, issued a brief statewide mask mandate and tried to limit in-person worship services – all while meeting growls of GOP protest.Then in November, two days after Republican Glenn Youngkin defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe to become governor of reliably blue Virginia, Kelly expressed her first opposition to Democratic President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandates. A couple weeks later, she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-religion-822d31ed5cd6cdca053f21f4a9a965d9">signed a bill</a>&nbsp;aimed at helping Kansas workers resist vaccine mandates, a proposal that even the GOP-friendly Kansas Chamber of Commerce opposed.As Democrats shook their heads, Kelly’s moves signaled her efforts to appeal to moderate Republican and GOP-leaning independent voters who she will need to win a tough reelection race in a heavily Republican state next year.Like Democratic governors in Michigan and Wisconsin, Kelly will try to win a second term against midterm political headwinds blowing in Republicans’ favor. But she’s trying it in a state former President Donald Trump carried twice and where Republicans, energized in opposition to Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-26bace6485d88ad1ae3ef2aea60fbb65">vaccine mandates</a>, look likely to avoid a serious primary fight.Her attempt to stake out ground in the political center has irritated some fellow Democrats in the short term. But others argue the tactic could work for her if she also hammers home a message that Kansas now has a stable budget and its public schools are considered fully funded.“What Democrats need to remember is that she’s doing that to try to win reelection,” said Mike Swenson, who has worked as a Democratic strategist and consultant in the Kansas City area for over four decades.He added: “We can appeal to the moderates — absolutely.”Kelly said throughout the pandemic that she would follow science in addressing it. But Republican lawmakers used their legislative supermajorities to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/56291b90279c36bafb21087cdc845c8a">force her to accept</a>&nbsp;more local control over decisions about requiring masks and restricting businesses — a move that allowed many communities to reject recommendations from public health officials. She weathered their criticism for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-prisons-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-2ab2cdda2657d74e5dac4645e3660691">making prison inmates an early priority</a>&nbsp;for vaccines.And so she surprised some Democrats and liberal activists by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-kansas-topeka-86d570bbf1eb4376a5e7b519c4cb4903">publicly questioning</a>&nbsp;Biden’s vaccine mandates and quickly signing&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2021s/b2021s/measures/documents/ccrb_hb2001_02_0000.pdf" target="_blank">Republicans’ bill.&nbsp;</a>The new law provides unemployment benefits if workers lose jobs for refusing shots and allows them to claim religious exemptions, no questions asked.Also, to some Democrats, she seemed closer to Republican leaders: Multiple Democratic lawmakers said they learned of her plans to sign the bill from GOP colleagues’ gloating texts.“It’s a huge, huge gamble,” said Christopher Reeves, a Kansas City-area consultant and former Democratic National Committee member.She signed the measure less than a week after the state health department’s head abruptly resigned. Dr. Lee Norman was visible early in the coronavirus pandemic, appearing with Kelly at news conferences, often wearing a white lab coat. Internal emails showed an internal conflict this past summer over pandemic messaging, and Norman also recently said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-public-health-kansas-topeka-6ab3969aafde6d360cbd11f9eeba3564">Kelly’s administration ousted him</a>&nbsp;because of COVID-19 politics.Kelly positioning herself in the political center on vaccines contrasts with her strong support for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tn-state-wire-us-news-womens-rights-courts-constitutions-22946ef8ed04d62a3360a7af4b635868">abortion access</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-government-and-politics-321b19c681fe78be837bde945c0f6aa4">LGBTQ rights.</a>Kelly said during a recent Associated Press interview that her decision-making isn’t driven by “what voters it’s going to keep in my camp.” She cited major bipartisan legislation on school funding and transportation funding as examples of her approach.“It’s the only way to govern and govern well,” she said.Even as Kelly and GOP lawmakers sparred early in the pandemic, she praised Trump’s response to outbreaks in meatpacking plants enough that he later said she was doing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/af4b08e27e49ddbcfb0e1ca9765d236a">a “fantastic job”</a>&nbsp;in handling the pandemic.Environmental issues provide another example of appealing to Republican-minded voters. Her administration resisted Biden administration efforts to preserve the lesser prairie chicken’s habitat, which raises concerns that agriculture and energy production will be restricted. Kelly’s administration has also been skeptical of Biden’s push to preserve 30% of the nation’s land by 2030, which critics call a land grab.In addition, after forming a racial justice commission after the Minnesota killing of George Floyd last year, she didn’t intervene this year when its proposals&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/legislature-kansas-city-kansas-coronavirus-pandemic-death-of-george-floyd-6fa82522e516c9fa53ebf412dfb060f7">stalled in the Legislature.</a>And on Wednesday, Kelly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-personal-taxes-kansas-topeka-state-taxes-9c8e53d13a10b9bdd113db8a64be5d52">proposed giving a one-time $250 rebate</a>&nbsp;to every Kansas resident who filed a state income tax return last year, with $500 going to married couples who file jointly. The move came after Kelly vetoed three GOP proposals for permanent income tax cuts in three years, calling those measures fiscally irresponsible.“It’s just the reality of being a Democratic governor in Kansas,” said Bob Beatty, a Washburn University of Topeka political scientist. “You have to be in the middle and sometimes you have to be in the middle-right.”While Democrats haven’t won a U.S. Senate race in Kansas in nearly 90 years, they’ve been successful in trading the governor’s office back and forth with Republicans over the past half-century.Swenson said the formula is “simple”: Run up votes in the state’s 10 most populous counties and avoid losing the other 95 by too much. Kelly essentially followed that path to victory in 2018.It also helped Kelly in 2018 that her GOP foe was polarizing conservative Trump ally Kris Kobach, whose&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c51d18affef34e919d63c19612d767f2">take-no-prisoners style</a>&nbsp;alienated moderate voters. Kelly’s expected Republican opponent next year is Derek Schmidt, the state’s three-term attorney general.Schmidt is running as an anti-abortion, small-government attorney general, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ks-state-wire-kansas-election-2020-government-and-politics-e30db29af1d52723292a6549c20a4477">in the mold</a>&nbsp;of Kansas Republicans like former U.S. Sen.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/275216bff11a438fafb4435c02319876">Pat Roberts</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-dole-dead-kansas-republican-737084f4e606c10a33a15384fbe05967">the late Bob Dole</a>&nbsp;— pragmatic enough to avoid alienating moderates.Kelly prepared for 2022 by hiring a reelection campaign manager who in 2020 led Democrats’ successful effort to flip a Republican congressional seat&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-bob-barr-rob-woodall-health-b16dde57b3fd89770ff416484e16af29">in Georgia.</a>&nbsp;Shelbi Dantic was also the deputy campaign manager in Montana for U.S. Sen. Jon Tester when he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6b8b324c23f9470d89c402e35e22a717">narrowly&nbsp;</a>reelected in 2018.___

Kansas governor breaks with Biden in appeal to GOP voters

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man wanted in connection with the shooting death of a toddler in suburban Kansas City has been arrested in Omaha.

Police have said the child died after a gun the 2-year-old was handling discharged Friday afternoon in Independence, Missouri.

The man fled after police went to the home to confront him about the incident. Police said they were initially told that the child was wounded by a bullet from a drive-by shooting, but investigators determined that wasn’t what happened.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said the 23-year-old Missouri man got a ride to Nebraska and made arrangements to meet someone at a restaurant in Omaha. But authorities were tipped off about the meeting, so officers were waiting for the man when he arrived Friday.

Douglas County Chief Deputy Wayne Hudson said the man was trying to break in to a pickup truck when he was arrested. He has been charged with theft in Nebraska and the sheriff’s office is working with investigators in Missouri.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A toddler from suburban Kansas City died when a gun the child was handling discharged, police said.

The shooting happened Friday afternoon in Independence, Missouri. The name of the 2-year-old child has not been released.

Police said they were initially told that the child was struck by a bullet from a drive-by shooting. Investigators later determined that was not that case, but rather the child was struck by a bullet while handling the weapon, police said in a news release.

Police say an adult who was in the home fled when officers arrived, and their vehicle crashed at the intersection of Truman and Noland roads. The driver fled the crash scene and is still being sought.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man wanted in connection with the shooting death of a toddler in suburban Kansas City has been arrested in Omaha.Police have said the child died after a gun the 2-year-old was handling discharged Friday afternoon in Independence, Missouri.The man fled after police went to the home to confront him about the incident. Police said they were initially told that the child was wounded by a bullet from a drive-by shooting, but investigators determined that wasn’t what happened.The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said the 23-year-old Missouri man got a ride to Nebraska and made arrangements to meet someone at a restaurant in Omaha. But authorities were tipped off about the meeting, so officers were waiting for the man when he arrived Friday.Douglas County Chief Deputy Wayne Hudson said the man was trying to break in to a pickup truck when he was arrested. He has been charged with theft in Nebraska and the sheriff’s office is working with investigators in Missouri.--------KANSAS CITY (AP) — A toddler from suburban Kansas City died when a gun the child was handling discharged, police said.The shooting happened Friday afternoon in Independence, Missouri. The name of the 2-year-old child has not been released.Police said they were initially told that the child was struck by a bullet from a drive-by shooting. Investigators later determined that was not that case, but rather the child was struck by a bullet while handling the weapon, police said in a news release.Police say an adult who was in the home fled when officers arrived, and their vehicle crashed at the intersection of Truman and Noland roads. The driver fled the crash scene and is still being sought.

Man wanted for 2-year-old’s Christmas Eve death arrested 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The latest COVID-19 variant is upending holiday plans for tens of thousands of travelers — but it didn’t do much damage to holiday shopping.

Airlines canceled hundreds more flights Sunday, citing staffing problems tied to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19</a>, as the nation’s travel woes extended beyond Christmas, with no clear indication when normal schedules would resume.

But shoppers shrugged off the omicron variant, and holiday sales rose at the fastest pace in 17 years, according to one spending measure.

Omicron is likely to slow the economy’s unexpectedly strong rebound from last year’s coronavirus recession by disrupting travel and discouraging some consumers from venturing out. The variant could also add more heat to already simmering inflation by forcing shutdowns at factories and ports, delaying shipments and driving up prices.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640547293052.png" alt="Outside Nebraska Furniture Mart&nbsp; on Sunday-Security camera image" />
 <figcaption>Outside Nebraska Furniture Mart&nbsp; on Sunday-Security camera image</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The latest COVID-19 variant is upending holiday plans for tens of thousands of travelers — but it didn’t do much damage to holiday shopping.Airlines canceled hundreds more flights Sunday, citing staffing problems tied to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">COVID-19</a>, as the nation’s travel woes extended beyond Christmas, with no clear indication when normal schedules would resume.But shoppers shrugged off the omicron variant, and holiday sales rose at the fastest pace in 17 years, according to one spending measure.Omicron is likely to slow the economy’s unexpectedly strong rebound from last year’s coronavirus recession by disrupting travel and discouraging some consumers from venturing out. The variant could also add more heat to already simmering inflation by forcing shutdowns at factories and ports, delaying shipments and driving up prices.“A full reopening of the U.S. economy will be delayed yet again,” said Robin Brooks, chief economist at the Institute of International Finance, a trade group of financial firms.But it’s not yet clear how deep the hurt will go or how long it will last.For now, the variant is playing havoc with travel. More than 700 flights entering, leaving or flying within the U.S. were called off, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware. That figure was down from nearly 1,000 on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-travel-e08ef1ae7825361486b2d3eb404d5381">Saturday</a>. More than 50 flights were already canceled for Monday.Delta, United, JetBlue and American have blamed omicron for staffing shortages that forced cancellations.“This was unexpected,” United spokesperson Maddie King said of the variant’s effect on staffing.Globally, airlines scrapped about 2,200 flights as of Sunday morning, down from more than 2,800 cancellations the day before, FlightAware’s data showed. The site does not say why flights were canceled.JetBlue scrapped 10% of its flights Sunday. Delta canceled 5% and United canceled 4%, according to FlightAware. The three airlines canceled more than 10% of their scheduled flights on Saturday.Mason Herlocker waited Sunday at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey to pick up his girlfriend, who was coming in from Paris. Her flight was delayed for four hours.It took her five hours to get a COVID-19 test the day before to enter the U.S. She’s visiting for three weeks, and Herlocker said he fears that she will get stuck here if she doesn’t have a negative test result before trying to return home to France.Worried about his parents getting sick, Herlocker recently got a booster shot and encouraged others to get theirs, too. He said he doesn’t believe an end to the pandemic is in sight.“I’m of the opinion that this is the new normal,” Herlocker said. “I don’t foresee (the virus) going away any time soon.”Aneesh Abhyankar flew in from Atlanta on Sunday and was waiting for a flight to India.Neither of his flights was delayed or canceled, but he said news of the omicron variant encouraged him to push up his travels to ensure he could get to his destination. He said face masks and vaccines are likely to become ingrained in everyday life for the foreseeable future.“I don’t think we have much to worry about if we take all the precautions, and I think we will be entering a situation where we just live with” the virus, he said.Despite omicron, American consumers appeared undaunted. Mastercard SpendingPulse, which tracks all kinds of payments, including cash and debit cards, reported Sunday that holiday sales had risen 8.5% from a year earlier, the biggest annual gain in 17 years. Mastercard SpendingPulse had expected an 8.8% increase.The results, which covered Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, were fueled by purchases of clothing and jewelry. Holiday sales were up 10.7% compared with the pre-pandemic 2019 holiday period.After omicron hit, some consumers shifted their spending to e-commerce, but sales stayed strong.“I feel really good about how the season played out,” said Steve Sadove, senior adviser to Mastercard and former CEO of Saks Inc. “When people feel a little bit uncomfortable, you’ll see a little bit of a pickup in online and a little bit of a slowdown in store performance.’’Sadove said consumers are “learning to live″ with what COVID-19 throws at them.“You’re coming out of 2021 with quite a bit of consumer momentum,” he said.Also Sunday, the nation’s top infectious disease doctor acknowledged that he was frustrated with the limited supply of COVID-19 tests.Demand for tests has risen amid the omicron surge. “We’ve obviously got to do better,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said an interview that aired Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.”“I think things will improve greatly as we get into January, but that doesn’t help us today and tomorrow,” Fauci said.Fauci said he was pleased with evidence that omicron causes less severe illness for most people. But he warned against complacency because the rapid spread of the disease could “override a real diminution in severity,” because so many more people could get infected.There are still many questions about how bad the omicron surge will be in the U.S., Johns Hopkins infectious disease specialist Dr. Amesh Adalja said Sunday.“There are multiple signals showing decreased severity. But the problem is, we have many high-risk individuals that are not vaccinated in some parts of the country. And there are hospitals in those regions that already are dealing with a lot of delta patients,” Adalja said.Meanwhile in Europe, France recorded more than 100,000 virus infections in a single day for the first time in the pandemic. COVID-19 hospitalizations have doubled over the past month as omicron complicates the French government’s efforts to stave off a new lockdown. The country’s overall death toll stands at more than 122,000.President Emmanuel Macron’s government planned emergency meetings for Monday to discuss the next steps. Some scientists and educators have urged delaying the post-holiday return to school or suggested re-imposing a curfew.___

State