<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/8fd1bb4f-0626-46cb-b97a-7f82f98d3524">RELATED:&nbsp;November Child Tax Credit payments on the way, December deadline looms</a>

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service today updated its frequently-asked-questions (FAQs) on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs">2020 Unemployment Compensation Exclusion</a>.

These <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2021-14.pdf">updated FAQs (FS-2021-14)</a>&nbsp;PDF&nbsp;are:

Question 2, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs-topic-d-amended-return-form-1040-x">Topic D: Amended Return (Form 1040-X)</a>&nbsp; 
Questions 8 &amp; 9, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs-topic-g-receiving-a-refund-letter-or-notice">Topic G: Receiving a Refund, Letter, or Notice</a>&nbsp; 
Question 3, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs-topic-i-post-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-adjustment">Topic I: Post Unemployment Compensation Exclusion Adjustment</a>.

These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.

More information about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/general-overview-of-taxpayer-reliance-on-guidance-published-in-the-internal-revenue-bulletin-and-faqs">reliance is available</a>.

<a href="https://littleapplepost.com/posts/8fd1bb4f-0626-46cb-b97a-7f82f98d3524">RELATED:&nbsp;November Child Tax Credit payments on the way, December deadline looms</a>IRSWASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service today updated its frequently-asked-questions (FAQs) on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs">2020 Unemployment Compensation Exclusion</a>.These <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/fs-2021-14.pdf">updated FAQs (FS-2021-14)</a>&nbsp;PDF&nbsp;are:Question 2, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs-topic-d-amended-return-form-1040-x">Topic D: Amended Return (Form 1040-X)</a>&nbsp; 
Questions 8 &amp; 9, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs-topic-g-receiving-a-refund-letter-or-notice">Topic G: Receiving a Refund, Letter, or Notice</a>&nbsp; 
Question 3, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2020-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-faqs-topic-i-post-unemployment-compensation-exclusion-adjustment">Topic I: Post Unemployment Compensation Exclusion Adjustment</a>.These FAQs are being issued to provide general information to taxpayers and tax professionals as expeditiously as possible.More information about <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/general-overview-of-taxpayer-reliance-on-guidance-published-in-the-internal-revenue-bulletin-and-faqs">reliance is available</a>.

IRS updates FAQs for 2020 Unemployment Compensation Exclusion

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal court declined Friday to lift its stay on the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for businesses with 100 or more workers.

The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency stay last Saturday of the requirement by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration that those workers be vaccinated by Jan. 4 or face mask requirements and weekly tests.

Lawyers for the Justice and Labor departments filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-19-pandemic-employer-vaccine-mandate-joe-biden-152b777c2d5861f342810a819e7d8407">response</a>&nbsp;Monday in which they said stopping the mandate from taking effect will only prolong the COVID-19 pandemic and would “cost dozens or even hundreds of lives per day.”

But the appeals court rejected that argument Friday. Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt wrote that the stay “is firmly in the public interest.”

“From economic uncertainty to workplace strife, the mere specter of the Mandate has contributed to untold economic upheaval in recent months,” Engelhardt wrote.

At least 27 states have filed legal challenges in at least six federal appeals courts after OSHA released its rules on Nov. 4. The federal government said in its court filings Monday that the cases should be consolidated and that one of the circuit courts where a legal challenge has been filed should be chosen at random on Nov. 16 to hear it.

Administration lawyers said there is no reason to keep the vaccine mandate on hold while the court where the cases ultimately land remains undetermined.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632661305209.png" alt="Biden administration lawyers said there is no reason to keep the vaccine mandate on hold while the court where the cases ultimately land remains undetermined.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>Biden administration lawyers said there is no reason to keep the vaccine mandate on hold while the court where the cases ultimately land remains undetermined.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal court declined Friday to lift its stay on the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate for businesses with 100 or more workers.The New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted an emergency stay last Saturday of the requirement by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration that those workers be vaccinated by Jan. 4 or face mask requirements and weekly tests.Lawyers for the Justice and Labor departments filed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-19-pandemic-employer-vaccine-mandate-joe-biden-152b777c2d5861f342810a819e7d8407">response</a>&nbsp;Monday in which they said stopping the mandate from taking effect will only prolong the COVID-19 pandemic and would “cost dozens or even hundreds of lives per day.”But the appeals court rejected that argument Friday. Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt wrote that the stay “is firmly in the public interest.”“From economic uncertainty to workplace strife, the mere specter of the Mandate has contributed to untold economic upheaval in recent months,” Engelhardt wrote.At least 27 states have filed legal challenges in at least six federal appeals courts after OSHA released its rules on Nov. 4. The federal government said in its court filings Monday that the cases should be consolidated and that one of the circuit courts where a legal challenge has been filed should be chosen at random on Nov. 16 to hear it.Administration lawyers said there is no reason to keep the vaccine mandate on hold while the court where the cases ultimately land remains undetermined.

Federal court declines to lift stay on Biden vaccine mandate

ROOKS COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 4p.m. Friday in Rooks County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Frieghtliner semi driven by&nbsp; Jean C.&nbsp;De La Roche, 39, Great Bend, was westbound on County Road X one mile south of Palco. A 2000 Sterling semi driven by Michael L. Towns, 69, Palco was northbound on County Road 3. 

The driver of the Freightliner failed to yield right of way. The trucks collided in the intersection. After the collision, both trucks&nbsp;entered a field northwest of the intersection and struck a power pole.

EMS transported Towns to Hays Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp; De La Roche was transported to the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville for treatment of minor injuries. Towns was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

ROOKS COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 4p.m. Friday in Rooks County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Frieghtliner semi driven by&nbsp; Jean C.&nbsp;De La Roche, 39, Great Bend, was westbound on County Road X one mile south of Palco. A 2000 Sterling semi driven by Michael L. Towns, 69, Palco was northbound on County Road 3. The driver of the Freightliner failed to yield right of way. The trucks collided in the intersection. After the collision, both trucks&nbsp;entered a field northwest of the intersection and struck a power pole.EMS transported Towns to Hays Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp; De La Roche was transported to the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville for treatment of minor injuries. Towns was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dead, another injured after trucks collide 

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug charges after an arrest.

On Nov. 6,&nbsp; a sheriff’s deputy stopped to assist a driver who was locked out of her 2008 Ford Fusion, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

During the encounter the deputy located illegal narcotics in the vehicle. 

The deputy arrested the driver and owner of the vehicle, Tania Lila Rogers, 46, of Topeka on requested charges that included possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636641344892.png" alt="Rogers photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Rogers photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug charges after an arrest.On Nov. 6,&nbsp; a sheriff’s deputy stopped to assist a driver who was locked out of her 2008 Ford Fusion, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.During the encounter the deputy located illegal narcotics in the vehicle. The deputy arrested the driver and owner of the vehicle, Tania Lila Rogers, 46, of Topeka on requested charges that included possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kan. deputy helping woman locked out of car found illegal drugs

DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a chase on Interstate 70.

Early Wednesday, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office was notified that the Geary County Sheriff’s Office was pursuing a 2015 Ford Mustang, reported stolen from Wichita, westbound on Interstate 70, according to Sheriff Jerry Davis.

 Geary County deputies lost sight of the vehicle as it entered the road construction near the Chapman exit. Dickinson County deputies later located the vehicle on Interstate in the north ditch, just before the bridge under construction.

The Dickinson County Deputy responsible for operating the agency’s drone responded and, using thermal imaging technology, was able to locate the suspect in a field approximately ¼ mile north of Interstate. 

The drone operator was able to direct a Sheriff’s Office unit and a Chapman Police Department unit to the suspect's location and they took Jacob A. Lehmkuhl, 33, of Wichita, into custody. He was turned over to Geary County Deputies for transport back to Geary County.

Lehmkuhl is being held on requested charges of possession of stolen property, driving without a license, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and a parole violation, according to online jail records.

Lehmkuhl has seventeen previous convictions for theft, burglary, criminal threat, aggravated assault and a weapons violation, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636750917580.png" alt="Lehmkuhl has seventeen previous convictions for theft, burglary, criminal threat, aggravated assault and a weapons violation, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Lehmkuhl has seventeen previous convictions for theft, burglary, criminal threat, aggravated assault and a weapons violation, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a chase on Interstate 70.Early Wednesday, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office was notified that the Geary County Sheriff’s Office was pursuing a 2015 Ford Mustang, reported stolen from Wichita, westbound on Interstate 70, according to Sheriff Jerry Davis. Geary County deputies lost sight of the vehicle as it entered the road construction near the Chapman exit. Dickinson County deputies later located the vehicle on Interstate in the north ditch, just before the bridge under construction.The Dickinson County Deputy responsible for operating the agency’s drone responded and, using thermal imaging technology, was able to locate the suspect in a field approximately ¼ mile north of Interstate. The drone operator was able to direct a Sheriff’s Office unit and a Chapman Police Department unit to the suspect's location and they took Jacob A. Lehmkuhl, 33, of Wichita, into custody. He was turned over to Geary County Deputies for transport back to Geary County.Lehmkuhl is being held on requested charges of possession of stolen property, driving without a license, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement and a parole violation, according to online jail records.Lehmkuhl has seventeen previous convictions for theft, burglary, criminal threat, aggravated assault and a weapons violation, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kan. deputy uses drone to catch serial burglar in a field on I-70

TOPEKA&nbsp;– On Friday, Governor Laura Kelly announced she will use her constitutional power under Article 1, Section 5 of the Kansas Constitution to reconvene the Kansas Legislature for a special session on November 22, 2021.

“Today, the legislature delivered a successful petition to my office; I take my constitutional obligations as Governor seriously, and am announcing a special session accordingly,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.

This action follows the Legislature filing a legislative petition consisting of signatures of 86 members of the Kansas House of Representatives and 29 members of the Kansas Senate – surpassing the two-thirds majority needed for a legislative petition. The special session will take place beginning at 10:00 AM CT on November 22, 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636763119175.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– On Friday, Governor Laura Kelly announced she will use her constitutional power under Article 1, Section 5 of the Kansas Constitution to reconvene the Kansas Legislature for a special session on November 22, 2021.“Today, the legislature delivered a successful petition to my office; I take my constitutional obligations as Governor seriously, and am announcing a special session accordingly,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.This action follows the Legislature filing a legislative petition consisting of signatures of 86 members of the Kansas House of Representatives and 29 members of the Kansas Senate – surpassing the two-thirds majority needed for a legislative petition. The special session will take place beginning at 10:00 AM CT on November 22, 2021.

History: Gov. Kelly announces special session of the Kan. Legislature

LYON COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Friday in Lyon County.

A 1990 Ford Economice van driven by Jay Turner, 59, of Madison, Kansas, was southbound on Road R and failed to stop at the marked stop sign at 30 Road, according to Lyon County Deputy Jody Myers.

The van struck an eastbound Ford F350 driven by Justin Sage, 30, of Madison, that was traveling through the intersection. 

After impact, the van overturned in the roadway. Turner was pronounced dead at the scene. A private vehicle transported Sage to Newman Regional Medical Center. Turner was not wearing a seat belt, according to Deputy Myers.

LYON COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Friday in Lyon County.A 1990 Ford Economice van driven by Jay Turner, 59, of Madison, Kansas, was southbound on Road R and failed to stop at the marked stop sign at 30 Road, according to Lyon County Deputy Jody Myers.The van struck an eastbound Ford F350 driven by Justin Sage, 30, of Madison, that was traveling through the intersection. After impact, the van overturned in the roadway. Turner was pronounced dead at the scene. A private vehicle transported Sage to Newman Regional Medical Center. Turner was not wearing a seat belt, according to Deputy Myers.

Kansas man dead, another hospitalized after 2-vehicle crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping will hold their much-anticipated virtual summit on Monday evening as the two sides look to dial back tensions after a rough start to the U.S.-China relationship since Biden took office earlier this year.

The White House is setting low expectations for the video call between the leaders. Biden looks to stress that the two nations need to set guardrails in deepening areas of conflict in the increasingly complicated relationship between the two nations. White House officials said that no major announcements are expected to come from the meeting.

“The two leaders will discuss ways to responsibly manage the competition between the United States and the PRC, as well as ways to work together where our interests align," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement announcing the timing of the summit, referring to the People’s Republic of China. “Throughout, President Biden will make clear U.S. intentions and priorities and be clear and candid about our concerns."

The meeting will be the third engagement between the two leaders since February. It comes after the U.S. and China this week pledged at U.N. climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland to increase their cooperation and speed up action to rein in climate-damaging emissions.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi came to an agreement on holding the Biden-Xi virtual summit by year's end when they met last month for talks in Zurich but the two sides had not settled on a date.

The virtual meeting was proposed after Biden, who spent a substantial amount of time with Xi when the two were vice presidents, mentioned during a September phone call with the Chinese leader that he would like to be able to see Xi again, according to the White House.

Xi has not left China during the coronavirus pandemic. White House officials proposed a virtual summit as the best available substitute for the two leaders to have a substantive conversation on a number of issues that have put strains on the U.S.-China relationship.

“We hope the U.S. will work together with China to jointly strive to make the leaders’ summit a success and bring China-U.S. ties back to the right track of sound and stable development,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Friday.

There has been no shortage of tension in the relationship in recent months as Biden has made clear he sees Beijing's actions on a number of fronts as concerning.

The president has criticized China for human rights abuses against ethnic minorities in northwest China, squelching pro-democracy efforts in Hong Kong, and resisting global pressure to cooperate fully with investigations into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. Tensions have also been exacerbated recently by the Chinese military’s flying dozens of sorties near the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.

Biden, at the Group of 20 meeting in Rome and again at the U.N. climate gathering, criticized Xi for failing to show up to the summits, where world leaders discussed the way forward on the pandemic and steps to ease the impact of climate change.

"I think it’s been a big mistake, quite frankly, for China ... not showing up, “ Biden said in Glasgow. ”The rest of the world is going to look to China and say, what value added have they provided?"

Both leaders took part in Friday’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) virtual meeting, where leaders discussed efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic and support the global economic recovery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636738705535.png" alt="The meeting will be the third engagement between the two leaders since February.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>The meeting will be the third engagement between the two leaders since February.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping will hold their much-anticipated virtual summit on Monday evening as the two sides look to dial back tensions after a rough start to the U.S.-China relationship since Biden took office earlier this year.The White House is setting low expectations for the video call between the leaders. Biden looks to stress that the two nations need to set guardrails in deepening areas of conflict in the increasingly complicated relationship between the two nations. White House officials said that no major announcements are expected to come from the meeting.“The two leaders will discuss ways to responsibly manage the competition between the United States and the PRC, as well as ways to work together where our interests align," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement announcing the timing of the summit, referring to the People’s Republic of China. “Throughout, President Biden will make clear U.S. intentions and priorities and be clear and candid about our concerns."The meeting will be the third engagement between the two leaders since February. It comes after the U.S. and China this week pledged at U.N. climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland to increase their cooperation and speed up action to rein in climate-damaging emissions.White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi came to an agreement on holding the Biden-Xi virtual summit by year's end when they met last month for talks in Zurich but the two sides had not settled on a date.The virtual meeting was proposed after Biden, who spent a substantial amount of time with Xi when the two were vice presidents, mentioned during a September phone call with the Chinese leader that he would like to be able to see Xi again, according to the White House.Xi has not left China during the coronavirus pandemic. White House officials proposed a virtual summit as the best available substitute for the two leaders to have a substantive conversation on a number of issues that have put strains on the U.S.-China relationship.“We hope the U.S. will work together with China to jointly strive to make the leaders’ summit a success and bring China-U.S. ties back to the right track of sound and stable development,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Friday.There has been no shortage of tension in the relationship in recent months as Biden has made clear he sees Beijing's actions on a number of fronts as concerning.The president has criticized China for human rights abuses against ethnic minorities in northwest China, squelching pro-democracy efforts in Hong Kong, and resisting global pressure to cooperate fully with investigations into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. Tensions have also been exacerbated recently by the Chinese military’s flying dozens of sorties near the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.Biden, at the Group of 20 meeting in Rome and again at the U.N. climate gathering, criticized Xi for failing to show up to the summits, where world leaders discussed the way forward on the pandemic and steps to ease the impact of climate change."I think it’s been a big mistake, quite frankly, for China ... not showing up, “ Biden said in Glasgow. ”The rest of the world is going to look to China and say, what value added have they provided?"Both leaders took part in Friday’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) virtual meeting, where leaders discussed efforts to end the COVID-19 pandemic and support the global economic recovery.

Biden-Xi virtual summit will discuss tensions with China

FINNEY COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reported threat at a Kansas middle school.

On Thursday, police were informed of a suspected threat at Horace Good Middle School, 1412 north Main in Garden City, according to a media release.

Officers learned that a 13-year-old student made threats against the school, which were reported to Horace Good personnel by several students. 

Through the course of the investigation, it was learned there was no threat to the school or students. Disciplinary action has been taken by the school for the 13-year-old student.

The Garden City Police Department and Garden City Public Schools encourage parents to remind your child to immediately report any information about any school safety-related incidents to administrators/staff at school and/or police.

FINNEY COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reported threat at a Kansas middle school.On Thursday, police were informed of a suspected threat at Horace Good Middle School, 1412 north Main in Garden City, according to a media release.Officers learned that a 13-year-old student made threats against the school, which were reported to Horace Good personnel by several students. Through the course of the investigation, it was learned there was no threat to the school or students. Disciplinary action has been taken by the school for the 13-year-old student.The Garden City Police Department and Garden City Public Schools encourage parents to remind your child to immediately report any information about any school safety-related incidents to administrators/staff at school and/or police.

Police investigate alleged threat against SW Kan. middle school

TOPEKA —The&nbsp; Kansas Legislature’s Special Committee on Government Overreach and the Impact of COVID-19 Mandates is holding an informational hearing on the legislation to require Kansas businesses&nbsp;to exempt workers from mandates if the employee has medical advice to not be vaccinated or has “sincerely held” religious beliefs opposing the vaccination.

The second proposed bill would&nbsp;allow employees who lose their jobs because they refuse to be vaccinated or to wear a face mask to receive unemployment benefits.

On Thursday, Republican lawmakers succeeded in forcing a Thanksgiving-week special session of the Kansas Legislature to consider financially protecting workers who refuse to comply with federal vaccine mandates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636743481166.jpeg" alt="The government overreach committee heard members of the public for and against the vaccine mandates during Friday hearing." />
 <figcaption>The government overreach committee heard members of the public for and against the vaccine mandates during Friday hearing.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —The&nbsp; Kansas Legislature’s Special Committee on Government Overreach and the Impact of COVID-19 Mandates is holding an informational hearing on the legislation to require Kansas businesses&nbsp;to exempt workers from mandates if the employee has medical advice to not be vaccinated or has “sincerely held” religious beliefs opposing the vaccination.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LW-B7s9kMcs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The second proposed bill would&nbsp;allow employees who lose their jobs because they refuse to be vaccinated or to wear a face mask to receive unemployment benefits.On Thursday, Republican lawmakers succeeded in forcing a Thanksgiving-week special session of the Kansas Legislature to consider financially protecting workers who refuse to comply with federal vaccine mandates.

🎥Kan. legislative committee meeting on impact of COVID mandates 

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,705 to a total of 447,794, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 5 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,618.

<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 2,705 to a total of 447,794, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 5 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,618.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636740957613.png" alt="Friday November 12, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday November 12, 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: 2,700 new cases, 5 more COVID deaths

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a two-county high-speed chase.

Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a pursuit by the PBPN Police Department northbound on U.S. 75 Highway near 206th Road for allegedly speeding over 100 mph, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

 Jackson County Deputies continued the pursuit into Brown County.  Brown County Deputies deployed tire deflation devices which disabled the vehicle and ended the vehicle pursuit. 

 The suspect vehicle traveled into a ditch west of Fairview on U.S. 36 Highway.  The driver later identified as 31-year-old Brendon Dion Stephens of Sachse, Texas,&nbsp; fled the vehicle on foot. 

 Law enforcement officers located Stephens and took him into custody just before 6p.m. He is being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony flee and elude, according to Morse.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636773752728.png" alt="Stephens photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Stephens photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after a two-county high-speed chase.Just after 5:30p.m. Thursday, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a pursuit by the PBPN Police Department northbound on U.S. 75 Highway near 206th Road for allegedly speeding over 100 mph, according to Sheriff Tim Morse. Jackson County Deputies continued the pursuit into Brown County. Brown County Deputies deployed tire deflation devices which disabled the vehicle and ended the vehicle pursuit. The suspect vehicle traveled into a ditch west of Fairview on U.S. 36 Highway. The driver later identified as 31-year-old Brendon Dion Stephens of Sachse, Texas,&nbsp; fled the vehicle on foot. Law enforcement officers located Stephens and took him into custody just before 6p.m. He is being held in the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of felony flee and elude, according to Morse.

Texas man captured after 100 mph chase across 2 Kan. counties

HUTCHINSON — Gas prices are still above $3 a gallon, but not as far above this week.

"We polled some Kansas drivers this month and of those who said they are not planning to travel this Thanksgiving, 26% said that gas prices did play a role in their decision not to travel," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas.&nbsp; Most Kansans still are paying less than much of the country.

"The national average is $3.41 a gallon," Steward said. "Kansas is still in good shape, 31 cents less than the national average. That puts us at 6th cheapest in the U.S."

The fundamentals are still hard to pin down, even as we get closer to holiday travel.

"Demand generally, this time of year, has started to decrease," Steward said. "But, in the most recent weekly report, we saw a slight increase in gas demand. You'd expect that quite a few people are going to be traveling for the holiday weekend coming up, so you would expect demand to be fairly strong again this week. That, coupled with the high crude oil prices that we continue to see, that's keeping prices elevated when we go to fill up at the pumps."

The least expensive state in the nation, Oklahoma, still has average gas prices above $3 a gallon at $3.02 as of Friday.

By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON — Gas prices are still above $3 a gallon, but not as far above this week."We polled some Kansas drivers this month and of those who said they are not planning to travel this Thanksgiving, 26% said that gas prices did play a role in their decision not to travel," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas.&nbsp; Most Kansans still are paying less than much of the country."The national average is $3.41 a gallon," Steward said. "Kansas is still in good shape, 31 cents less than the national average. That puts us at 6th cheapest in the U.S."The fundamentals are still hard to pin down, even as we get closer to holiday travel."Demand generally, this time of year, has started to decrease," Steward said. "But, in the most recent weekly report, we saw a slight increase in gas demand. You'd expect that quite a few people are going to be traveling for the holiday weekend coming up, so you would expect demand to be fairly strong again this week. That, coupled with the high crude oil prices that we continue to see, that's keeping prices elevated when we go to fill up at the pumps."The least expensive state in the nation, Oklahoma, still has average gas prices above $3 a gallon at $3.02 as of Friday.

Many Kan. drivers not traveling for holiday because of gas prices

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — A prosthetic-tailed dolphin named Winter that starred in the “Dolphin Tale” movies died Thursday evening at a Florida aquarium despite life-saving efforts to treat a gastrointestinal abnormality, aquarium officials said.

The 16-year-old female bottlenose dolphin died while being held by animal care experts who were preparing Winter for a procedure at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where the famous marine mammal has long resided.

“While we are heartbroken by Winter’s death, we are comforted knowing that our team did everything possible to give her the best chance at survival,” said veterinarian Dr. Shelly Marquardt, in a statement released by the aquarium.

Marquardt said the aquarium worked with specialists and marine mammal experts from around the country but the dolphin, which was in critical condition and declining, died while being held by caregivers.

The statement said the aquarium would remain closed on Friday to provide staff time to grieve. It had earlier said a Friday closure would allow workers to focus on the dolphin’s medical care with plans to reopen Saturday.

James “Buddy” Powell, president of the aquarium, told reporters Thursday that the facility’s staff and outside experts were doing everything possible seeking to restore the dolphin to health.

Winter previously experienced intestinal issues — not uncommon among dolphins — but such problems have never affected her like this, Powell had said Thursday. But at the time, he said Winter was not responding to treatment as in the past, adding there was no evidence Winter had the coronavirus.

Winter was two months old when her tail became entangled in a crab trap near Cape Canaveral, which forced its amputation. “Dolphin Tale,” which was released in 2011, chronicled Winter’s recovery and the unprecedented, lengthy effort to fit her with a prosthetic tail.

The film, starring Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson, Morgan Freeman and Nathan Gamble, was largely shot at the Clearwater aquarium and surrounding Tampa Bay locations. It put the non-profit aquarium, first opened in 1972 on the site of a former water treatment plant, on the map internationally.

“This place wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Winter,” Powell said.

Winter’s story of rehabilitation has become an inspiration for disabled people around the world and the aquarium has received thousands of messages of support since Winter’s illness became known.

“Many are inspired by her resiliency and this amazing response reminds us of how deeply she has affected millions, including so many on their own health journey,” the aquarium statement said.

A sequel, “Dolphin Tale 2,” was released three years later starring Winter and Hope, another rescued dolphin cared for by the Clearwater aquarium.

Bottlenose dolphins can live up to 60 years and are considered one of the most intelligent of all animal species.

Winter and Hope became the most famous residents of the Clearwater aquarium, which also operates sea turtle and manatee rescue programs.

An $80 million expansion of the facility was recently completed, including a 1.5 million-gallon (5.6 million-liter) new dolphin complex, to handle the crowds that have descended on the aquarium since “Dolphin Tale” was released a decade ago.

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — A prosthetic-tailed dolphin named Winter that starred in the “Dolphin Tale” movies died Thursday evening at a Florida aquarium despite life-saving efforts to treat a gastrointestinal abnormality, aquarium officials said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">With heavy hearts, CMA announced tonight that Winter the Dolphin died at approximately 8 p.m. as animal care experts from around the country worked to treat her gastrointestinal abnormality. The CMA family is devastated. Read more: <a href="https://t.co/23pbetCu1l">https://t.co/23pbetCu1l</a> <a href="https://t.co/39KUcf2jpv">pic.twitter.com/39KUcf2jpv</a>&mdash; Clearwater Aquarium (@CMAquarium) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMAquarium/status/1458991398066462721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The 16-year-old female bottlenose dolphin died while being held by animal care experts who were preparing Winter for a procedure at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where the famous marine mammal has long resided.“While we are heartbroken by Winter’s death, we are comforted knowing that our team did everything possible to give her the best chance at survival,” said veterinarian Dr. Shelly Marquardt, in a statement released by the aquarium.Marquardt said the aquarium worked with specialists and marine mammal experts from around the country but the dolphin, which was in critical condition and declining, died while being held by caregivers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Earlier this week we shared that initial tests indicated Winter the Dolphin was likely fighting a gastrointestinal infection. Today, test results show that despite treatment her intestinal abnormalities have intensified. Read more: <a href="https://t.co/23pbetBWbN">https://t.co/23pbetBWbN</a> <a href="https://t.co/APx3Bvq0gk">pic.twitter.com/APx3Bvq0gk</a>&mdash; Clearwater Aquarium (@CMAquarium) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMAquarium/status/1458595327984943105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The statement said the aquarium would remain closed on Friday to provide staff time to grieve. It had earlier said a Friday closure would allow workers to focus on the dolphin’s medical care with plans to reopen Saturday.James “Buddy” Powell, president of the aquarium, told reporters Thursday that the facility’s staff and outside experts were doing everything possible seeking to restore the dolphin to health.Winter previously experienced intestinal issues — not uncommon among dolphins — but such problems have never affected her like this, Powell had said Thursday. But at the time, he said Winter was not responding to treatment as in the past, adding there was no evidence Winter had the coronavirus.Winter was two months old when her tail became entangled in a crab trap near Cape Canaveral, which forced its amputation. “Dolphin Tale,” which was released in 2011, chronicled Winter’s recovery and the unprecedented, lengthy effort to fit her with a prosthetic tail.The film, starring Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Kris Kristofferson, Morgan Freeman and Nathan Gamble, was largely shot at the Clearwater aquarium and surrounding Tampa Bay locations. It put the non-profit aquarium, first opened in 1972 on the site of a former water treatment plant, on the map internationally.“This place wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Winter,” Powell said.Winter’s story of rehabilitation has become an inspiration for disabled people around the world and the aquarium has received thousands of messages of support since Winter’s illness became known.“Many are inspired by her resiliency and this amazing response reminds us of how deeply she has affected millions, including so many on their own health journey,” the aquarium statement said.A sequel, “Dolphin Tale 2,” was released three years later starring Winter and Hope, another rescued dolphin cared for by the Clearwater aquarium.Bottlenose dolphins can live up to 60 years and are considered one of the most intelligent of all animal species.Winter and Hope became the most famous residents of the Clearwater aquarium, which also operates sea turtle and manatee rescue programs.An $80 million expansion of the facility was recently completed, including a 1.5 million-gallon (5.6 million-liter) new dolphin complex, to handle the crowds that have descended on the aquarium since “Dolphin Tale” was released a decade ago.

Beloved movie star dolphin dies at Florida aquarium

TOPEKA –Some members of the Kansas businesses community say&nbsp; COVID-19 legislation to protect workers from being fired for not getting vaccinated for religious or medical reasons could create&nbsp;unintended consequences.

According to a statement from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas business community expressed concerns about legislation introduced Tuesday by the Kansas Legislature’s Special Committee on Government Overreach and the Impact of COVID-19 Mandates.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Republican lawmakers succeeded in forcing a Thanksgiving-week special session of the Kansas legislature to consider financially protecting workers who refuse to comply with federal vaccine mandates.&nbsp;

There are GOP proposals to make it easier for workers to claim religious exemptions to vaccine mandates and to provide unemployment benefits to employees fired for not getting inoculated.

Kansas Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb said the business community would welcome the opportunity to work with state lawmakers to fight the federal COVID-19 vaccination mandate but warned of unintended consequences of the potential legislation lawmakers will consider.

“Kansas businesses by and large do not want to mandate the COVID-19 vaccination because they know it will negatively impact their workforce and compound the lack of available workers even more,” said Cobb. “Kansas businesses from the beginning of the pandemic have led the way on determining how to keep their facilities and operations safe. They continue to be the best ones to decide whether a vaccine mandate or wearing face masks are the correct approaches for their companies.”

Cobb said also concerning is the potential impact the legislation could have on the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. Based on current vaccination rates in Kansas, the state could expect to pay out $606 million to $5.6 billion dollars in unemployment benefits to those who lose their jobs because they refuse to follow a federal government mandate or an employer’s human resources policy.

“Allowing unemployment benefits as the proposed legislation recommends could cause significant financial harm to the state’s UI trust fund, negatively impact its solvency, and lead to increased taxes on the Kansas businesses who are struggling to recover from the pandemic,” said Cobb.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601386295900.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –Some members of the Kansas businesses community say&nbsp; COVID-19 legislation to protect workers from being fired for not getting vaccinated for religious or medical reasons could create&nbsp;unintended consequences.According to a statement from the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas business community expressed concerns about legislation introduced Tuesday by the Kansas Legislature’s Special Committee on Government Overreach and the Impact of COVID-19 Mandates.&nbsp;On Thursday, Republican lawmakers succeeded in forcing a Thanksgiving-week special session of the Kansas legislature to consider financially protecting workers who refuse to comply with federal vaccine mandates.&nbsp;There are GOP proposals to make it easier for workers to claim religious exemptions to vaccine mandates and to provide unemployment benefits to employees fired for not getting inoculated.Kansas Chamber President and CEO Alan Cobb said the business community would welcome the opportunity to work with state lawmakers to fight the federal COVID-19 vaccination mandate but warned of unintended consequences of the potential legislation lawmakers will consider.“Kansas businesses by and large do not want to mandate the COVID-19 vaccination because they know it will negatively impact their workforce and compound the lack of available workers even more,” said Cobb. “Kansas businesses from the beginning of the pandemic have led the way on determining how to keep their facilities and operations safe. They continue to be the best ones to decide whether a vaccine mandate or wearing face masks are the correct approaches for their companies.”Cobb said also concerning is the potential impact the legislation could have on the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. Based on current vaccination rates in Kansas, the state could expect to pay out $606 million to $5.6 billion dollars in unemployment benefits to those who lose their jobs because they refuse to follow a federal government mandate or an employer’s human resources policy.“Allowing unemployment benefits as the proposed legislation recommends could cause significant financial harm to the state’s UI trust fund, negatively impact its solvency, and lead to increased taxes on the Kansas businesses who are struggling to recover from the pandemic,” said Cobb.

Unintended consequences in mandate protections for Kan. workers

BUTLER COUNTY —The family of a Kansas woman who died in a head-on crash Wednesday was the mother of four children, according to a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-sarahs-funeral-and-children">GoFundMe</a> page established by her sister.

Elizabeth Colling, 39, Potwin, died just before 7a.m. Wednesday when a 2006 Honda Pilot driven by Trella Marie Batten, 62, Whitewater, was westbound on Kansas 196 just east of Hillside Road passing two other vehicles.

The Honda struck an eastbound 2008 Hyundai Elantra driven by Colling head-on. After the crash, the Honda veered right and struck a westbound 2018 Freightliner semi driven by Joseph Leigh Maske, 43, Salina.&nbsp;

Debris from the head-on crash struck westbound 2016 Chevy driven by Gregg Edward Ewing, 47, Carterville, Missouri. The Hyundai veered right and rolled onto its top in the south ditch.

Colling was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Preferred Mortuary.&nbsp; EMS transported Batten to Wesley Medical Center. Maske and Ewing were not injured. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636665561941.png" alt="Colling was a single mother with four children; two girls ages 11 and 13, and two boys ages 15 and 18, all still in school-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Colling was a single mother with four children; two girls ages 11 and 13, and two boys ages 15 and 18, all still in school-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>BUTLER COUNTY —The family of a Kansas woman who died in a head-on crash Wednesday was the mother of four children, according to a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-sarahs-funeral-and-children">GoFundMe</a> page established by her sister.Elizabeth Colling, 39, Potwin, died just before 7a.m. Wednesday when a 2006 Honda Pilot driven by Trella Marie Batten, 62, Whitewater, was westbound on Kansas 196 just east of Hillside Road passing two other vehicles.The Honda struck an eastbound 2008 Hyundai Elantra driven by Colling head-on. After the crash, the Honda veered right and struck a westbound 2018 Freightliner semi driven by Joseph Leigh Maske, 43, Salina.&nbsp;Debris from the head-on crash struck westbound 2016 Chevy driven by Gregg Edward Ewing, 47, Carterville, Missouri. The Hyundai veered right and rolled onto its top in the south ditch.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636574315320.png" alt="photo courtesy KWCH&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy KWCH&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Colling was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp; Preferred Mortuary.&nbsp; EMS transported Batten to Wesley Medical Center. Maske and Ewing were not injured. The KHP had incomplete seat belt usage information.

Family: Kan. woman who died in head-on crash was mother of 4

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers succeeded Thursday in forcing a Thanksgiving-week special session of the Kansas Legislature to consider financially protecting workers who refuse to comply with federal vaccine mandates.

GOP legislative leaders announced that all Republicans in both the House and the Senate have signed a petition demanding a special session starting Nov. 22. Governors call special sessions, but the Kansas Constitution requires them to do it if two-thirds of both chambers demand it — the GOP holds more than enough seats.

Republicans have been looking for ways for Kansas to resist vaccine mandates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-26bace6485d88ad1ae3ef2aea60fbb65">announced in September</a>&nbsp;by President Joe Biden that cover more than 100 million workers. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-religion-legislature-2f5d833228a712538a1c55de34bc3b6e">has proposed measures</a>&nbsp;to make it easier for workers to claim religious exemptions to the mandates from their employers and to provide unemployment benefits to workers who are fired for not getting inoculated.

The full Legislature has been out of session since May and wasn’t scheduled to reconvene until January.

It’s the first time in Kansas history that lawmakers have forced a governor to call a special session. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-kansas-topeka-86d570bbf1eb4376a5e7b519c4cb4903">expressed opposition&nbsp;</a>to Biden’s vaccine mandates but was non-committal Wednesday about bringing lawmakers back to Topeka.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers have succeeded in forcing a Thanksgiving-week special session of the Kansas Legislature to consider financially protecting workers who refuse to comply with federal vaccine mandates. GOP legislative leaders announced that all Republicans in both the House and the Senate have signed a petition demanding a special session starting Nov. 22.

"This unprecedented action is necessitated by equally unprecedented actions from the Biden administration that enacted these mandates unilaterally, without respecting the constitutional law making power reserved for Congress. Never before has the federal government forced Kansans to choose between their personal beliefs and their livelihoods, according to a statement from House Speaker Ron Ryckman (R-Olathe), House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins (R-Wichita) and Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch (R-Ottawa).

Governors call special sessions, but the Kansas Constitution requires them to do it if two-thirds of both chambers demand it — and the GOP holds more than enough seats. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610471713302.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers succeeded Thursday in forcing a Thanksgiving-week special session of the Kansas Legislature to consider financially protecting workers who refuse to comply with federal vaccine mandates.GOP legislative leaders announced that all Republicans in both the House and the Senate have signed a petition demanding a special session starting Nov. 22. Governors call special sessions, but the Kansas Constitution requires them to do it if two-thirds of both chambers demand it — the GOP holds more than enough seats.Republicans have been looking for ways for Kansas to resist vaccine mandates&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-26bace6485d88ad1ae3ef2aea60fbb65">announced in September</a>&nbsp;by President Joe Biden that cover more than 100 million workers. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-religion-legislature-2f5d833228a712538a1c55de34bc3b6e">has proposed measures</a>&nbsp;to make it easier for workers to claim religious exemptions to the mandates from their employers and to provide unemployment benefits to workers who are fired for not getting inoculated.The full Legislature has been out of session since May and wasn’t scheduled to reconvene until January.It’s the first time in Kansas history that lawmakers have forced a governor to call a special session. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-kansas-topeka-86d570bbf1eb4376a5e7b519c4cb4903">expressed opposition&nbsp;</a>to Biden’s vaccine mandates but was non-committal Wednesday about bringing lawmakers back to Topeka.-----------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican lawmakers have succeeded in forcing a Thanksgiving-week special session of the Kansas Legislature to consider financially protecting workers who refuse to comply with federal vaccine mandates. GOP legislative leaders announced that all Republicans in both the House and the Senate have signed a petition demanding a special session starting Nov. 22."This unprecedented action is necessitated by equally unprecedented actions from the Biden administration that enacted these mandates unilaterally, without respecting the constitutional law making power reserved for Congress. Never before has the federal government forced Kansans to choose between their personal beliefs and their livelihoods, according to a statement from House Speaker Ron Ryckman (R-Olathe), House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins (R-Wichita) and Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch (R-Ottawa).Governors call special sessions, but the Kansas Constitution requires them to do it if two-thirds of both chambers demand it — and the GOP holds more than enough seats. There are GOP proposals to make it easier for workers to claim religious exemptions to vaccine mandates and to provide unemployment benefits to employees fired for not getting inoculated.

GOP succeeds in forcing Kan. to have special session on mandates

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that the last quarter of 2021 is a good time to check withholding.

Life brings constant changes to individual financial situations. 
Events like marriage, divorce, a new child or home purchase can all be 
reasons to adjust withholding.

The convenient <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>,
 also available in Spanish, will help taxpayers determine if they have 
too much withheld and how to make an adjustment to put more cash into 
their own pocket now. In other cases, it will help taxpayers see that 
they should withhold more or make an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">estimated tax payment</a> to avoid a tax bill when they file their tax return next year.

Things to consider when adjusting withholding for 2021 are:

Taxes are generally <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-as-you-go-so-you-wont-owe-a-guide-to-withholding-estimated-taxes-and-ways-to-avoid-the-estimated-tax-penalty">paid throughout the year</a> whether from salary withholding, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">quarterly estimated tax payments</a>
 or a combination of both. About 70% of taxpayers, however, over 
withhold their taxes every year, which typically results in a refund. 
The average refund in 2021 was more than $2,700.

Taxpayers can pay online, by phone or from the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go app</a>.
 They can schedule payments for future dates, which can be useful during
 filing season, for payment plan payments or for estimated tax payments.

Taxpayers can also log into their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">IRS.gov/account</a>
 to view the amount they owe, their payment plan details and options, 
their payment history (up to 5 years), any scheduled or pending 
payments, and key tax return information from their most recent tax 
return.

The IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 makes it easier for everyone to have the right amount of tax withheld. 
This is especially important for anyone who faced an unexpected tax bill
 or a penalty when they filed this year, or whose jobs or tax 
circumstances have changed during the year.

The tool offers workers, as well as retirees, self-employed 
individuals and other taxpayers, a user-friendly, step-by-step tool for 
effectively tailoring the amount of income tax they have withheld from 
wages and pension payments.

For more information about taxes, estimated taxes and tax withholding, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/tax-withholding">Tax Withholding</a> at IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that the last quarter of 2021 is a good time to check withholding.Life brings constant changes to individual financial situations. 
Events like marriage, divorce, a new child or home purchase can all be 
reasons to adjust withholding.The convenient <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>,
 also available in Spanish, will help taxpayers determine if they have 
too much withheld and how to make an adjustment to put more cash into 
their own pocket now. In other cases, it will help taxpayers see that 
they should withhold more or make an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">estimated tax payment</a> to avoid a tax bill when they file their tax return next year.<h2>Items that may affect 2021 taxes</h2>Things to consider when adjusting withholding for 2021 are:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments">Coronavirus tax relief</a>
 – Tax help for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations and 
others – including health plans – affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/disaster-assistance-and-emergency-relief-for-individuals-and-businesses">Disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes</a> –
 Special tax law provisions may help taxpayers and businesses recover 
financially from the impact of a disaster, especially when the federal 
government declares their location to be a major disaster area.</li><li>Job loss – <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4128.pdf">IRS Publication 4128, Tax Impact of Job Loss</a>&nbsp;PDF, explains how this unfortunate circumstance can create new tax issues.</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/gig-economy-tax-center">Workers moving into the gig economy due to the pandemic</a>
 – IRS advises people earning income in the gig economy to consider 
estimated tax payments to avoid a balance or penalties when they file.</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/a-tax-checklist-for-newly-married-couples">Life changes such as marriage or childbirth</a> – Getting married or having a child are just a couple of life events that can affect your refund or how much you owe.</li>
 </ul><h2>Pay as you go</h2>Taxes are generally <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-as-you-go-so-you-wont-owe-a-guide-to-withholding-estimated-taxes-and-ways-to-avoid-the-estimated-tax-penalty">paid throughout the year</a> whether from salary withholding, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes">quarterly estimated tax payments</a>
 or a combination of both. About 70% of taxpayers, however, over 
withhold their taxes every year, which typically results in a refund. 
The average refund in 2021 was more than $2,700.Taxpayers can pay online, by phone or from the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go app</a>.
 They can schedule payments for future dates, which can be useful during
 filing season, for payment plan payments or for estimated tax payments.Taxpayers can also log into their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">IRS.gov/account</a>
 to view the amount they owe, their payment plan details and options, 
their payment history (up to 5 years), any scheduled or pending 
payments, and key tax return information from their most recent tax 
return.<h2>Tax Withholding Estimator</h2>The IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 makes it easier for everyone to have the right amount of tax withheld. 
This is especially important for anyone who faced an unexpected tax bill
 or a penalty when they filed this year, or whose jobs or tax 
circumstances have changed during the year.The tool offers workers, as well as retirees, self-employed 
individuals and other taxpayers, a user-friendly, step-by-step tool for 
effectively tailoring the amount of income tax they have withheld from 
wages and pension payments.For more information about taxes, estimated taxes and tax withholding, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/tax-withholding">Tax Withholding</a> at IRS.gov.

Give tax withholding a fresh look as 2021 year-end nears

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just before 5p.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Kia Forte driven by&nbsp; Shailee Y.&nbsp;Viramontes, 23, Leavenworth, was southbound on Interstate 435 at Wolcott. The vehicle traveled off the road and struck a pole.

Viramontes was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. EMS transported a&nbsp; 3-year-old passenger&nbsp; Malachi M.&nbsp;Viramonte of Leavenworth to Children's Mercy. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just before 5p.m. Thursday in Wyandotte County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Kia Forte driven by&nbsp; Shailee Y.&nbsp;Viramontes, 23, Leavenworth, was southbound on Interstate 435 at Wolcott. The vehicle traveled off the road and struck a pole.Viramontes was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. EMS transported a&nbsp; 3-year-old passenger&nbsp; Malachi M.&nbsp;Viramonte of Leavenworth to Children's Mercy. Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dead, 3-year-old injured after car strikes a pole

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A jury recommended early Friday up to 28 years in prison for a Missouri man found guilty of second-degree murder in his wife's death.

The jury returned the recommendation only hours after Joseph Elledge was convicted late Thursday in the killing of 28-year-old Mengqi Ji, news outlets reported. Circuit Judge J. Hasbrouck Jacobs will make the final decision on the sentence at a December hearing but cannot sentence Elledge to more than 28 years.

Elledge had admitted during the trial to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-missouri-missouri-columbia-216284c1ec05a2c6f2f9df771075c428">burying his wife’s body</a>&nbsp;and misleading authorities for more than a year about Ji's whereabouts.

After deliberating for almost seven hours, a jury found Elledge guilty in the killing of Ji, whom he married after she moved to the U.S. from China to study at the University of Missouri.

Elledge reported Ji missing in October 2019, prompting months of extensive searches. Her remains were found in a park near Columbia, Missouri, in March.

Elledge was charged with first-degree murder, but Jacobs told jurors they could consider charges of second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter and first-degree or second-degree involuntary manslaughter. Elledge was acquitted of the first-degree murder charge.

First-degree murder requires the state to prove that Elledge killed Ji intentionally after deliberating about it, and Elledge’s intent was central to arguments throughout the trial.

Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Knight had asked for life in prison, while Elledge’s attorney, Scott Rosenblum, asked for 10 years,&nbsp;<a href="https://abc17news.com/news/2021/11/11/jury-recommends-28-year-prison-sentence-for-joseph-elledge/">KMIZ-TV</a>&nbsp;reported.

The jury heard evidence from both sides before returning the recommended sentence, television stations KMIZ and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/joseph-elledge-sentenced-to-up-to-28-years-in-prison-following-second-degree-murder-conviction/article_33aada6e-3e52-11ec-8a78-d71ae1955859.html?utm_source=SocialNewsDesk&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=SND_twitter">KOMU</a>&nbsp;reported.

An attorney for Ji's family told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/courts/2021/11/11/ury-agrees-second-degree-murder-conviction-joseph-elledge/6367072001/">the Columbia Daily Tribune</a>&nbsp;before the trial started that they didn't plan to provide a statement, but said on Wednesday they're pleased with Knight's efforts.

During closing arguments on Thursday, Knight told the jury that Elledge was a “stone cold killer” who was guilty of first-degree murder because he intentionally killed his wife.

Rosenblum argued that his client was awkward and made “unbelievably dumb” decisions after she died. But he said Elledge never intended to kill his wife and should never have been charged with murder.

During his trial,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-columbia-52ef87b9ad760f2385213c702a47fc67">Elledge said Ji’s death was accidental</a>. He said she fell and hit her head on Oct. 8, 2019, after he pushed her during an argument and he found her dead in bed the next morning. He said he panicked, put her body in the trunk of her car and did not report what happened while he tried to decide what to do.

He did not tell anyone, including Ji’s mother, about her disappearance.

On Oct. 10, with the couple’s young daughter in the car, Elledge drove to Rock Bridge State Park about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of Columbia, where they lived. There, he dug a grave and buried Ji at a site a half-mile from where he proposed to her. He then returned home and reported her missing.

Prosecutors used social media posts, audio tapes and a journal Elledge kept to document the couple’s volatile relationship. The evidence showed them frequently yelling at each other and arguing, with Elledge often criticizing his wife for her appearance and for how she treated him.

Elledge said that in the days before her death, he discovered Ji had been exchanging sexually suggestive messages with a man from China via social media. He also testified that the couple’s relationship suffered because of tension caused by her parents who moved from China to live with them after their daughter was born on Oct. 3, 2018.

The couple met in 2015 at Nanova, a company that makes dental products, where Ji was Elledge’s supervisor. They began dating the following year and eventually traveled to China, where he asked Ji’s parents for permission to marry her. The couple married in 2017.

Ji earned a master’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Missouri in December 2014. Elledge was a student at the university when his wife died.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man has been found guilty of killing his wife, whose remains were not found for more than a year. A jury on Thursday convicted Joseph Elledge of second-degree murder in the October 2019 death of 28-year-old Mengqi Ji. 

Prosecutors presented tapes, a journal and social media posts that detailed the couple’s volatile relationship. Ji met Elledge after moving to the U.S. from China to study at the University of Missouri.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man accused of killing his wife and burying her body two years ago is a “stone cold killer," a prosecuting attorney said Thursday.

Boone County Prosecutor Dan Knight urged a jury during closing arguments in the trial of Joseph Elledge to find him guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his 28-year-old wife, Mengqi Ji.

Scott Rosenblum, Elledge's attorney, countered in his closing argument that Elledge was “awkward” and made “dumb decisions” but never intended to kill his wife.

"This case was never a murder case. Never," Rosenblum said, KOMU-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/the-murder-trial-of-joseph-elledge-jury-to-hear-closing-arguments/article_d09c7912-42fe-11ec-9783-b73c8f9378d3.html">reported</a>.

The couple married in 2017 after Ji had moved to the U.S. from China and earned a master's degree from the University of Missouri. The couple had a daughter who was 1 year old when Ji died.

Elledge is charged with first-degree murder, but Circuit Judge J. Hasbrouck Jacobs told jurors they could consider charges of second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and first-degree or second-degree involuntary manslaughter.

First-degree murder requires the state to prove that Elledge killed Ji intentionally after deliberating about it, and Elledge's intent was central to arguments throughout the trial.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-missouri-missouri-columbia-216284c1ec05a2c6f2f9df771075c428">During his testimony</a>&nbsp;earlier this week, Elledge acknowledged that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-tigers-mens-basketball-columbia-0f341cef77aa806e3973186497383c9c">buried his wife's body&nbsp;</a>and lied about her whereabouts. But he insisted that she died accidentally after she fell and hit her head during an argument at their home in Columbia on Oct. 8, 2019.

He said the argument began after he confronted his wife about sexual messages he said she was exchanging with another man.

Elledge said he found her dead in bed the next morning and put her body in the trunk of a car because he panicked and couldn't decide what to do. He drove to several spots the next day but could not find a place to bury her, he said, and returned home. He did not tell anyone she was missing on Oct. 9.

On Oct 10, with the couple's daughter in the car, Elledge said he drove to a park near Columbia, dug a grave and buried Ji. He then returned home and reported her missing.

After extensive searches, Ji's remains were found in a park south of Columbia in March.

During his closing, Knight discussed about nine hours of audio recordings he played during the trial that included the couple arguing and Elledge frequently insulting or threatening his wife, and criticizing her for her appearance and how she treated him.

“The defendant in his very own voice told you what his intent was; he told you what he felt about Mengqi,” Knight said.

Knight also told the jury Elledge “is a huge liar.”

“He lied to the police. He lied to the media. He lied to (the jury),” Knight said. “Make no mistake, he’s a stone cold killer. Period.”

Rosenblum argued during the trial that the audio recordings were presented without context and did not show the full range of the couple's relationship.

In his closing argument, Rosenblum said if Elledge did not respond to his wife's death as jurors might have expected, it's because he is “as awkward as can be," not because he wasn't telling the truth.

“Was he making unbelievably dumb decisions? He was. But it was hard to turn back,” Rosenblum said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1572177968305.png" alt="Joseph Elledge photo Boone Co." />
 <figcaption>Joseph Elledge photo Boone Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A jury recommended early Friday up to 28 years in prison for a Missouri man found guilty of second-degree murder in his wife's death.The jury returned the recommendation only hours after Joseph Elledge was convicted late Thursday in the killing of 28-year-old Mengqi Ji, news outlets reported. Circuit Judge J. Hasbrouck Jacobs will make the final decision on the sentence at a December hearing but cannot sentence Elledge to more than 28 years.Elledge had admitted during the trial to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-missouri-missouri-columbia-216284c1ec05a2c6f2f9df771075c428">burying his wife’s body</a>&nbsp;and misleading authorities for more than a year about Ji's whereabouts.After deliberating for almost seven hours, a jury found Elledge guilty in the killing of Ji, whom he married after she moved to the U.S. from China to study at the University of Missouri.Elledge reported Ji missing in October 2019, prompting months of extensive searches. Her remains were found in a park near Columbia, Missouri, in March.Elledge was charged with first-degree murder, but Jacobs told jurors they could consider charges of second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter and first-degree or second-degree involuntary manslaughter. Elledge was acquitted of the first-degree murder charge.First-degree murder requires the state to prove that Elledge killed Ji intentionally after deliberating about it, and Elledge’s intent was central to arguments throughout the trial.Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Knight had asked for life in prison, while Elledge’s attorney, Scott Rosenblum, asked for 10 years,&nbsp;<a href="https://abc17news.com/news/2021/11/11/jury-recommends-28-year-prison-sentence-for-joseph-elledge/">KMIZ-TV</a>&nbsp;reported.The jury heard evidence from both sides before returning the recommended sentence, television stations KMIZ and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/joseph-elledge-sentenced-to-up-to-28-years-in-prison-following-second-degree-murder-conviction/article_33aada6e-3e52-11ec-8a78-d71ae1955859.html?utm_source=SocialNewsDesk&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=SND_twitter">KOMU</a>&nbsp;reported.An attorney for Ji's family told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/courts/2021/11/11/ury-agrees-second-degree-murder-conviction-joseph-elledge/6367072001/">the Columbia Daily Tribune</a>&nbsp;before the trial started that they didn't plan to provide a statement, but said on Wednesday they're pleased with Knight's efforts.During closing arguments on Thursday, Knight told the jury that Elledge was a “stone cold killer” who was guilty of first-degree murder because he intentionally killed his wife.Rosenblum argued that his client was awkward and made “unbelievably dumb” decisions after she died. But he said Elledge never intended to kill his wife and should never have been charged with murder.During his trial,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-columbia-52ef87b9ad760f2385213c702a47fc67">Elledge said Ji’s death was accidental</a>. He said she fell and hit her head on Oct. 8, 2019, after he pushed her during an argument and he found her dead in bed the next morning. He said he panicked, put her body in the trunk of her car and did not report what happened while he tried to decide what to do.He did not tell anyone, including Ji’s mother, about her disappearance.On Oct. 10, with the couple’s young daughter in the car, Elledge drove to Rock Bridge State Park about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of Columbia, where they lived. There, he dug a grave and buried Ji at a site a half-mile from where he proposed to her. He then returned home and reported her missing.Prosecutors used social media posts, audio tapes and a journal Elledge kept to document the couple’s volatile relationship. The evidence showed them frequently yelling at each other and arguing, with Elledge often criticizing his wife for her appearance and for how she treated him.Elledge said that in the days before her death, he discovered Ji had been exchanging sexually suggestive messages with a man from China via social media. He also testified that the couple’s relationship suffered because of tension caused by her parents who moved from China to live with them after their daughter was born on Oct. 3, 2018.The couple met in 2015 at Nanova, a company that makes dental products, where Ji was Elledge’s supervisor. They began dating the following year and eventually traveled to China, where he asked Ji’s parents for permission to marry her. The couple married in 2017.Ji earned a master’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Missouri in December 2014. Elledge was a student at the university when his wife died.-------COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man has been found guilty of killing his wife, whose remains were not found for more than a year. A jury on Thursday convicted Joseph Elledge of second-degree murder in the October 2019 death of 28-year-old Mengqi Ji. Prosecutors presented tapes, a journal and social media posts that detailed the couple’s volatile relationship. Ji met Elledge after moving to the U.S. from China to study at the University of Missouri.---------COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man accused of killing his wife and burying her body two years ago is a “stone cold killer," a prosecuting attorney said Thursday.Boone County Prosecutor Dan Knight urged a jury during closing arguments in the trial of Joseph Elledge to find him guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his 28-year-old wife, Mengqi Ji.Scott Rosenblum, Elledge's attorney, countered in his closing argument that Elledge was “awkward” and made “dumb decisions” but never intended to kill his wife."This case was never a murder case. Never," Rosenblum said, KOMU-TV&nbsp;<a href="https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/the-murder-trial-of-joseph-elledge-jury-to-hear-closing-arguments/article_d09c7912-42fe-11ec-9783-b73c8f9378d3.html">reported</a>.The couple married in 2017 after Ji had moved to the U.S. from China and earned a master's degree from the University of Missouri. The couple had a daughter who was 1 year old when Ji died.Elledge is charged with first-degree murder, but Circuit Judge J. Hasbrouck Jacobs told jurors they could consider charges of second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and first-degree or second-degree involuntary manslaughter.First-degree murder requires the state to prove that Elledge killed Ji intentionally after deliberating about it, and Elledge's intent was central to arguments throughout the trial.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/university-of-missouri-missouri-columbia-216284c1ec05a2c6f2f9df771075c428">During his testimony</a>&nbsp;earlier this week, Elledge acknowledged that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-tigers-mens-basketball-columbia-0f341cef77aa806e3973186497383c9c">buried his wife's body&nbsp;</a>and lied about her whereabouts. But he insisted that she died accidentally after she fell and hit her head during an argument at their home in Columbia on Oct. 8, 2019.He said the argument began after he confronted his wife about sexual messages he said she was exchanging with another man.Elledge said he found her dead in bed the next morning and put her body in the trunk of a car because he panicked and couldn't decide what to do. He drove to several spots the next day but could not find a place to bury her, he said, and returned home. He did not tell anyone she was missing on Oct. 9.On Oct 10, with the couple's daughter in the car, Elledge said he drove to a park near Columbia, dug a grave and buried Ji. He then returned home and reported her missing.After extensive searches, Ji's remains were found in a park south of Columbia in March.During his closing, Knight discussed about nine hours of audio recordings he played during the trial that included the couple arguing and Elledge frequently insulting or threatening his wife, and criticizing her for her appearance and how she treated him.“The defendant in his very own voice told you what his intent was; he told you what he felt about Mengqi,” Knight said.Knight also told the jury Elledge “is a huge liar.”“He lied to the police. He lied to the media. He lied to (the jury),” Knight said. “Make no mistake, he’s a stone cold killer. Period.”Rosenblum argued during the trial that the audio recordings were presented without context and did not show the full range of the couple's relationship.In his closing argument, Rosenblum said if Elledge did not respond to his wife's death as jurors might have expected, it's because he is “as awkward as can be," not because he wasn't telling the truth.“Was he making unbelievably dumb decisions? He was. But it was hard to turn back,” Rosenblum said.In testimony on Wednesday, Keith Norton, a forensic pathologist at the Boone County Medical Examiner’s Office who performed Ji’s autopsy, said he could not determine an exact cause of death but it “was caused by another person.” He said he did not rule the death an accident.Rosenblum argued during the trial that Ji died from a subdural hematoma, or bleeding in the brain, after she was pushed by Elledge in the couple’s kitchen and hit her head.