WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Friday paved the way for children ages 5 to 11 to get Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.

The FDA cleared kid-size doses — just a third of the amount given to teens and adults — for emergency use, and up to 28 million more American children could be eligible for vaccinations as early as next week.

One more regulatory hurdle remains: On Tuesday, advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will make more detailed recommendations on which youngsters should get vaccinated, with a final decision by the agency’s director expected shortly afterwards.

“Vaccinating younger children against COVID-19 will bring us closer to returning to a sense of normalcy,” Dr. Janet Woodcock, the acting FDA commissioner, said in a statement. “Our comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the data pertaining to the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness should help assure parents and guardians that this vaccine meets our high standards.”

A few countries have begun using other COVID-19 vaccines in children under 12, including China, which just began vaccinations for 3-year-olds. But many that use the vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech are watching the U.S. decision, and European regulators just began considering the companies’ kid-size doses

With FDA’s action, Pfizer plans to begin shipping millions of vials of the pediatric vaccine — in orange caps to avoid mix-ups with the purple-capped doses for everyone else — to doctors’ offices, pharmacies and other vaccination sites. Once the CDC issues its ruling, eligible kids will get two shots, three weeks apart.

While children are at lower risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 than older people, 5- to 11-year-olds still have been seriously affected -- including over 8,300 hospitalizations, about a third requiring intensive care, and nearly 100 deaths since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the FDA.

And with the extra-contagious delta variant circulating, the government has counted more than 2,000 coronavirus-related school closings just since the start of the school year, affecting more than a million children.

“With this vaccine kids can go back to something that’s better than being locked at home on remote schooling, not being able to see their friends,” said Dr. Kawsar Talaat of Johns Hopkins University. “The vaccine will protect them and also protect our communities.”

Earlier this week, FDA’s independent scientific advisers voted that the pediatric vaccine’s promised benefits outweigh any risks. But several panelists said not all youngsters will need to be vaccinated, and that they preferred the shots be targeted to those at higher risk from the virus.

Nearly 70% of 5- to 11-year-olds hospitalized for COVID-19 in the U.S. have other serious medical conditions, including asthma and obesity, according to federal tracking. Additionally, more than two-thirds of youngsters hospitalized are Black or Hispanic, mirroring long-standing disparities in the disease’s impact.

The question of how broadly Pfizer’s vaccine should be used will be a key consideration for the CDC and its advisers, who set formal recommendations for pediatricians and other medical professionals.

A Pfizer study of 2,268 schoolchildren found the vaccine was nearly 91% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections, based on 16 cases of COVID-19 among kids given dummy shots compared to just three who got vaccinated.

The kid dosage also proved safe, with similar or fewer temporary reactions — such as sore arms, fever or achiness — that teens experience.

But the study wasn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that occasionally occurs after the second full-strength dose, mostly in young men and teen boys. It’s unclear if younger children getting a smaller dose also will face that rare risk.

Some parents are expected to vaccinate their children ahead of family holiday gatherings and the winter cold season.

But a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey suggests most parents won’t rush to get the shots. About 25% of parents polled earlier this month said they would get their children vaccinated “right away.” But the remaining majority of parents were roughly split between those who said they will to wait to see how the vaccine performs and those who said they “definitely” won’t have their children vaccinated.

The similarly made Moderna vaccine also is being studied in young children, and both Pfizer and Moderna also are testing shots for babies and preschoolers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635537216378.png" alt="The children's doze of the vaccine has an orange cap-photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>The children's doze of the vaccine has an orange cap-photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Friday paved the way for children ages 5 to 11 to get Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.The FDA cleared kid-size doses — just a third of the amount given to teens and adults — for emergency use, and up to 28 million more American children could be eligible for vaccinations as early as next week.One more regulatory hurdle remains: On Tuesday, advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will make more detailed recommendations on which youngsters should get vaccinated, with a final decision by the agency’s director expected shortly afterwards.“Vaccinating younger children against COVID-19 will bring us closer to returning to a sense of normalcy,” Dr. Janet Woodcock, the acting FDA commissioner, said in a statement. “Our comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the data pertaining to the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness should help assure parents and guardians that this vaccine meets our high standards.”A few countries have begun using other COVID-19 vaccines in children under 12, including China, which just began vaccinations for 3-year-olds. But many that use the vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech are watching the U.S. decision, and European regulators just began considering the companies’ kid-size dosesWith FDA’s action, Pfizer plans to begin shipping millions of vials of the pediatric vaccine — in orange caps to avoid mix-ups with the purple-capped doses for everyone else — to doctors’ offices, pharmacies and other vaccination sites. Once the CDC issues its ruling, eligible kids will get two shots, three weeks apart.While children are at lower risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 than older people, 5- to 11-year-olds still have been seriously affected -- including over 8,300 hospitalizations, about a third requiring intensive care, and nearly 100 deaths since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the FDA.And with the extra-contagious delta variant circulating, the government has counted more than 2,000 coronavirus-related school closings just since the start of the school year, affecting more than a million children.“With this vaccine kids can go back to something that’s better than being locked at home on remote schooling, not being able to see their friends,” said Dr. Kawsar Talaat of Johns Hopkins University. “The vaccine will protect them and also protect our communities.”Earlier this week, FDA’s independent scientific advisers voted that the pediatric vaccine’s promised benefits outweigh any risks. But several panelists said not all youngsters will need to be vaccinated, and that they preferred the shots be targeted to those at higher risk from the virus.Nearly 70% of 5- to 11-year-olds hospitalized for COVID-19 in the U.S. have other serious medical conditions, including asthma and obesity, according to federal tracking. Additionally, more than two-thirds of youngsters hospitalized are Black or Hispanic, mirroring long-standing disparities in the disease’s impact.The question of how broadly Pfizer’s vaccine should be used will be a key consideration for the CDC and its advisers, who set formal recommendations for pediatricians and other medical professionals.A Pfizer study of 2,268 schoolchildren found the vaccine was nearly 91% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections, based on 16 cases of COVID-19 among kids given dummy shots compared to just three who got vaccinated.The kid dosage also proved safe, with similar or fewer temporary reactions — such as sore arms, fever or achiness — that teens experience.But the study wasn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that occasionally occurs after the second full-strength dose, mostly in young men and teen boys. It’s unclear if younger children getting a smaller dose also will face that rare risk.Some parents are expected to vaccinate their children ahead of family holiday gatherings and the winter cold season.But a recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey suggests most parents won’t rush to get the shots. About 25% of parents polled earlier this month said they would get their children vaccinated “right away.” But the remaining majority of parents were roughly split between those who said they will to wait to see how the vaccine performs and those who said they “definitely” won’t have their children vaccinated.The similarly made Moderna vaccine also is being studied in young children, and both Pfizer and Moderna also are testing shots for babies and preschoolers.___

COVID vaccine is one step closer for 5 to 11-year-old kids

ROME —President Joe Biden and Pope Francis wrapped up their meeting at the Vatican Friday. The one-on-one meeting between the world's two most notable Roman Catholics started at noon and lasted about 75 minutes, an unusually long time for an audience with the pontiff.&nbsp;

During their visit, President Biden thanked His Holiness for his advocacy for the world’s poor and those suffering from hunger, conflict, and persecution, according to a statement from the White House. He lauded Pope Francis’ leadership in fighting the climate crisis, as well as his advocacy to ensure the pandemic ends for everyone through vaccine sharing and an equitable global economic recovery.&nbsp;

 Biden says abortion did not come up in the meeting. But the president says the pontiff told him he should continue to receive Communion, despite calls from conservatives Catholics to deny Biden the sacrament over his stance on abortion. Speaking to reporters after his private audience with the pope, Biden said Francis told him “He was happy I’m a good Catholic” and that he should “keep receiving Communion.”

After an audience with His Holiness, President Biden met Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin. The President thanked Cardinal Parolin for the Vatican’s active leadership in fighting the climate crisis— both through advocacy and encouraging the climate neutrality of hundreds of Christian organizations worldwide. 

The leaders discussed efforts to rally global support for vaccinating the developing world against COVID-19. President Biden thanked the Vatican for speaking out on behalf of the wrongfully detained, including in Venezuela and Cuba. The leaders committed to continue using their voices to advocate for personal and religious freedoms world-wide, according to the White House.&nbsp;

-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635514031020.png" alt="First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, President Joe Biden and Pope Francis during their Friday visit-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, President Joe Biden and Pope Francis during their Friday visit-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME —President Joe Biden and Pope Francis wrapped up their meeting at the Vatican Friday. The one-on-one meeting between the world's two most notable Roman Catholics started at noon and lasted about 75 minutes, an unusually long time for an audience with the pontiff.&nbsp;During their visit, President Biden thanked His Holiness for his advocacy for the world’s poor and those suffering from hunger, conflict, and persecution, according to a statement from the White House. He lauded Pope Francis’ leadership in fighting the climate crisis, as well as his advocacy to ensure the pandemic ends for everyone through vaccine sharing and an equitable global economic recovery.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635513708354.png" alt="President Biden, a translator and Pope Francis on Friday at the Vatican-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden, a translator and Pope Francis on Friday at the Vatican-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure> Biden says abortion did not come up in the meeting. But the president says the pontiff told him he should continue to receive Communion, despite calls from conservatives Catholics to deny Biden the sacrament over his stance on abortion. Speaking to reporters after his private audience with the pope, Biden said Francis told him “He was happy I’m a good Catholic” and that he should “keep receiving Communion.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Biden on whether the issue of abortion came up during his meeting with Pope Francis: &quot;No, it didn&#39;t … We just talked about the fact he was happy I was a good Catholic and I should keep receiving communion.&quot;<a href="https://t.co/opHdwuWcbj">https://t.co/opHdwuWcbj</a> <a href="https://t.co/8XWTGXv3ah">pic.twitter.com/8XWTGXv3ah</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1454110513848270854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>After an audience with His Holiness, President Biden met Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin. The President thanked Cardinal Parolin for the Vatican’s active leadership in fighting the climate crisis— both through advocacy and encouraging the climate neutrality of hundreds of Christian organizations worldwide. The leaders discussed efforts to rally global support for vaccinating the developing world against COVID-19. President Biden thanked the Vatican for speaking out on behalf of the wrongfully detained, including in Venezuela and Cuba. The leaders committed to continue using their voices to advocate for personal and religious freedoms world-wide, according to the White House.&nbsp;-The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Pres. Biden, Pope discuss Communion during lengthy meeting

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are starting hearings on federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates with many Republicans already adamant that they violate people’s liberties and will damage the economy.

The joint Committee on Government Overreach and the Impact of COVID-19 Mandates planned Friday to hear from Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office about potential legal challenges to President Joe Biden’s rules. It also planned to take testimony from the public Friday and Saturday.

Leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature formed the committee to consider ways Kansas might resist the Democratic president’s mandates, which could affect as many as 100 million people. Critics believe some workers will quit their jobs rather than get vaccinated.

Some GOP conservatives pushed for lawmakers to call themselves into special session, but they didn’t get much traction toward the necessary two-thirds majorities in both chambers. Lawmakers adjourned for the year in May and aren’t set to reconvene until January.

Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, has called Biden’s mandates “dictatorial edicts.” He is a committee member.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-26bace6485d88ad1ae3ef2aea60fbb65">Biden is requiring</a>&nbsp;all employers with more than 100 workers require them to be vaccinated or test for the virus weekly. He is mandating vaccines for government contractors and workers at health facilities that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid funds.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are starting hearings on federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates with many Republicans already adamant that they violate people’s liberties and will damage the economy.The joint Committee on Government Overreach and the Impact of COVID-19 Mandates planned Friday to hear from Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office about potential legal challenges to President Joe Biden’s rules. It also planned to take testimony from the public Friday and Saturday.Leaders of the Republican-controlled Legislature formed the committee to consider ways Kansas might resist the Democratic president’s mandates, which could affect as many as 100 million people. Critics believe some workers will quit their jobs rather than get vaccinated.Some GOP conservatives pushed for lawmakers to call themselves into special session, but they didn’t get much traction toward the necessary two-thirds majorities in both chambers. Lawmakers adjourned for the year in May and aren’t set to reconvene until January.Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, has called Biden’s mandates “dictatorial edicts.” He is a committee member.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-26bace6485d88ad1ae3ef2aea60fbb65">Biden is requiring</a>&nbsp;all employers with more than 100 workers require them to be vaccinated or test for the virus weekly. He is mandating vaccines for government contractors and workers at health facilities that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid funds.

Critical Kansas lawmakers open hearings on vaccine mandates

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,916 to a total of 434,646, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 70 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,415.

<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 1,916 to a total of 434,646, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 70 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,415.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635527384554.png" alt="Friday October 29, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday October 29, 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: 1,900 new cases, 70 more COVID deaths

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Police in Olathe say a pedestrian has died in a crash early Friday morning on Old 56 Highway. 

Police say in a news release that the crash happened just after 4:30 a.m., when Olathe officers were called to the area on a report of a semitrailer hitting a pedestrian. 

Arriving officers found a middle-aged woman at the scene who had been hit. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not immediately release her name. 

Police say the truck driver remained on the scene and was not injured in the collision. Officials closed a stretch of the eastbound lanes of Old 56 Highway while investigators reconstructed the crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635522271639.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the Friday morning crash photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the Friday morning crash photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Police in Olathe say a pedestrian has died in a crash early Friday morning on Old 56 Highway. Police say in a news release that the crash happened just after 4:30 a.m., when Olathe officers were called to the area on a report of a semitrailer hitting a pedestrian. Arriving officers found a middle-aged woman at the scene who had been hit. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police did not immediately release her name. Police say the truck driver remained on the scene and was not injured in the collision. Officials closed a stretch of the eastbound lanes of Old 56 Highway while investigators reconstructed the crash.

Police: Woman died after hit by semitrailer on Kansas highway

WASHINGTON — On Monday, November 1, the Internal Revenue Service will
 launch a new feature allowing any family receiving monthly Child Tax 
Credit payments to update their income using the Child Tax Credit Update
 Portal (CTC UP), found exclusively on IRS.gov.

To help families plan ahead, the IRS also announced today that in 
late November it will launch a new Spanish-language version of the CTC 
UP.

The IRS urges families to enter any significant income changes by 
midnight on November 1 in order for them to be reflected in their 
November payment, scheduled for November 15. If a family is unable to 
make the changes on November 1, enter them by November 29 so they are 
reflected in the December payment. Once the update is made, the IRS will
 adjust the remaining payment amounts to ensure people receive the total
 advance payment for the year. For married couples, if one spouse makes 
the income update, it will apply to both spouses and could impact both 
spouses' future monthly advance payments of the Child Tax Credit.

The new income feature can help families make sure they are getting 
the right amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments during 2021. For 
that reason, it will be especially useful to any family who wants to 
raise or lower their monthly payments because their 2021 income has 
risen or fallen substantially, compared to 2020.

In many, but not all, cases a big income swing can either raise or 
lower a family's monthly payments. Normally, this means that small 
changes in income will not impact the payment amount and need not be 
entered into the CTC UP.

Any change to the monthly payment amount will be reflected in both 
the November 15 and December 15 payments, but only if a person completes
 their updated income request before midnight Eastern Time on Monday, 
November 1. Changes made after that date, but before midnight on 
November 29, will only impact the December 15 payment, which is the last
 scheduled monthly payment for 2021. The IRS will adjust the payment 
amount to reflect these changes and ensure people receive their total 
advance payment for the year of up to $1,800 for each child under age 6 
and up to $1,500 for each child ages 6 through 17.

In some cases, families who are currently receiving monthly payments 
that are below the maximum may qualify to have their payments increased.
 This could happen if, for example, they experienced job loss during 
2021, or for some other reason are receiving substantially less income 
this year. If the reduction in income is large enough, reporting that 
change now may increase the amount of their advance CTC payments for the
 rest of this year.

For any family already receiving the maximum payment, a drop in 
income will not increase the payment amount. Normally, the maximum CTC 
payment is $300 per month for each qualifying child, under the age of 6,
 and $250 per month for each child, ages 6 to 17.

Most families are receiving half of the total CTC through monthly 
payments. This means that any changes entered into the CTC UP will 
increase or decrease their monthly payments to ensure they receive half 
of their total expected credit before the end of 2021. They will claim 
the remaining portion on their 2021 tax return.

Any family whose income rose substantially in 2021 should consider 
having their payments reduced. This is especially true if they are now 
receiving the maximum monthly payment, and they expect to qualify for 
less than the full credit when they file their 2021 federal income tax 
return. For more information on calculating the CTC, see Topic C of the 
agency's <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</a>. In particular, where a family qualifies to receive less than the full amount, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-c-calculation-of-the-2021-child-tax-credit#qc4">QC 4</a> &amp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-c-calculation-of-the-2021-child-tax-credit#qc5">QC 5</a>.

Using the portal to report income changes

Only families who are already eligible for and receiving advance CTC 
payments based on their 2020 tax return can use the CTC UP to update 
their income. Note that someone who filed a joint return for 2020 can 
only update their income if they plan to file a joint return for 2021 
with the same spouse. IRS representatives cannot process income changes 
over the phone or at Taxpayer Assistance Centers.

After an income update is completed, the Update Portal will 
acknowledge a change was made but will not display the change. Likewise,
 IRS representatives won't be able to confirm that an update was made.

It's not too late for low-income families to sign up for advance CTC payments.

The IRS urged any family not already receiving payments who normally 
isn't required to file a tax return to explore the tools available 
through IRS.gov. These tools can help determine eligibility for the 
advance CTC or help them file a simplified tax return to sign up for 
these payments as well as Economic Impact Payments and the Recovery 
Rebate Credit.

The deadline to sign up is November 15, 2021. People can get these 
benefits, even if they don't work and even if they receive no income.

Families who sign up will normally receive half of their total Child 
Tax Credit on December 15. This means a payment of up to $1,800 for each
 child, under 6, and up to $1,500 for each child, ages 6 to 17.

Early in 2022, families will receive Letter 6419 documenting any 
advance payments issued to them during 2021 and the number of qualifying
 children used to calculate the advance payments. This letter can help 
them accurately reconcile the advance CTC payments they have received 
and claim any remaining portion of the CTC when completing their 2021 
federal income tax return next year.

The income change feature joins a growing set of services available 
through CTC UP. Available only on IRS.gov, the portal already allows 
families to verify their eligibility for the payments and then, if they 
choose to:

The IRS has created a special Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page 
designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and
 the advance payments. It's at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.

The agency encourages partners and community groups to share 
information and use available online tools and toolkits to help 
non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups sign up. 
People can check their eligibility by using the advance Child Tax Credit
 Eligibility Assistant.

The webpage features a set of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">frequently asked questions</a> and a user guide for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5549.pdf">Child Tax Credit Update Portal (Publication 5549)</a>&nbsp;PDF.
 It also provides direct links to the portal, as well as two other 
online tools – the Non-Filer Sign Up Tool and the Child Tax Credit 
Eligibility Assistant – and other useful resources.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — On Monday, November 1, the Internal Revenue Service will
 launch a new feature allowing any family receiving monthly Child Tax 
Credit payments to update their income using the Child Tax Credit Update
 Portal (CTC UP), found exclusively on IRS.gov.To help families plan ahead, the IRS also announced today that in 
late November it will launch a new Spanish-language version of the CTC 
UP.The IRS urges families to enter any significant income changes by 
midnight on November 1 in order for them to be reflected in their 
November payment, scheduled for November 15. If a family is unable to 
make the changes on November 1, enter them by November 29 so they are 
reflected in the December payment. Once the update is made, the IRS will
 adjust the remaining payment amounts to ensure people receive the total
 advance payment for the year. For married couples, if one spouse makes 
the income update, it will apply to both spouses and could impact both 
spouses' future monthly advance payments of the Child Tax Credit.<h2>Income feature right for some&nbsp;</h2>The new income feature can help families make sure they are getting 
the right amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments during 2021. For 
that reason, it will be especially useful to any family who wants to 
raise or lower their monthly payments because their 2021 income has 
risen or fallen substantially, compared to 2020.In many, but not all, cases a big income swing can either raise or 
lower a family's monthly payments. Normally, this means that small 
changes in income will not impact the payment amount and need not be 
entered into the CTC UP.Any change to the monthly payment amount will be reflected in both 
the November 15 and December 15 payments, but only if a person completes
 their updated income request before midnight Eastern Time on Monday, 
November 1. Changes made after that date, but before midnight on 
November 29, will only impact the December 15 payment, which is the last
 scheduled monthly payment for 2021. The IRS will adjust the payment 
amount to reflect these changes and ensure people receive their total 
advance payment for the year of up to $1,800 for each child under age 6 
and up to $1,500 for each child ages 6 through 17.<h2>Who qualifies for a bigger payment</h2>In some cases, families who are currently receiving monthly payments 
that are below the maximum may qualify to have their payments increased.
 This could happen if, for example, they experienced job loss during 
2021, or for some other reason are receiving substantially less income 
this year. If the reduction in income is large enough, reporting that 
change now may increase the amount of their advance CTC payments for the
 rest of this year.For any family already receiving the maximum payment, a drop in 
income will not increase the payment amount. Normally, the maximum CTC 
payment is $300 per month for each qualifying child, under the age of 6,
 and $250 per month for each child, ages 6 to 17.Most families are receiving half of the total CTC through monthly 
payments. This means that any changes entered into the CTC UP will 
increase or decrease their monthly payments to ensure they receive half 
of their total expected credit before the end of 2021. They will claim 
the remaining portion on their 2021 tax return.<h2>Who should have their payments reduced</h2>Any family whose income rose substantially in 2021 should consider 
having their payments reduced. This is especially true if they are now 
receiving the maximum monthly payment, and they expect to qualify for 
less than the full credit when they file their 2021 federal income tax 
return. For more information on calculating the CTC, see Topic C of the 
agency's <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">Frequently Asked Questions</a>. In particular, where a family qualifies to receive less than the full amount, see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-c-calculation-of-the-2021-child-tax-credit#qc4">QC 4</a> &amp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-c-calculation-of-the-2021-child-tax-credit#qc5">QC 5</a>.<h2>Using the portal to report income changes</h2>Only families who are already eligible for and receiving advance CTC 
payments based on their 2020 tax return can use the CTC UP to update 
their income. Note that someone who filed a joint return for 2020 can 
only update their income if they plan to file a joint return for 2021 
with the same spouse. IRS representatives cannot process income changes 
over the phone or at Taxpayer Assistance Centers.After an income update is completed, the Update Portal will 
acknowledge a change was made but will not display the change. Likewise,
 IRS representatives won't be able to confirm that an update was made.<h2>Low-income families can still sign up</h2>It's not too late for low-income families to sign up for advance CTC payments.The IRS urged any family not already receiving payments who normally 
isn't required to file a tax return to explore the tools available 
through IRS.gov. These tools can help determine eligibility for the 
advance CTC or help them file a simplified tax return to sign up for 
these payments as well as Economic Impact Payments and the Recovery 
Rebate Credit.The deadline to sign up is November 15, 2021. People can get these 
benefits, even if they don't work and even if they receive no income.Families who sign up will normally receive half of their total Child 
Tax Credit on December 15. This means a payment of up to $1,800 for each
 child, under 6, and up to $1,500 for each child, ages 6 to 17.<h2>Get ready to file next year</h2>Early in 2022, families will receive Letter 6419 documenting any 
advance payments issued to them during 2021 and the number of qualifying
 children used to calculate the advance payments. This letter can help 
them accurately reconcile the advance CTC payments they have received 
and claim any remaining portion of the CTC when completing their 2021 
federal income tax return next year.The income change feature joins a growing set of services available 
through CTC UP. Available only on IRS.gov, the portal already allows 
families to verify their eligibility for the payments and then, if they 
choose to:<ul>
 <li>Switch from receiving a paper check to direct deposit;</li><li>Change the account where their payment is direct deposited;</li><li>Update their address or</li><li>Stop monthly payments for the rest of 2021.</li>
 </ul><h2>Latest information available on IRS.gov</h2>The IRS has created a special Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page 
designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and
 the advance payments. It's at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021</a>.The agency encourages partners and community groups to share 
information and use available online tools and toolkits to help 
non-filers, low-income families and other underserved groups sign up. 
People can check their eligibility by using the advance Child Tax Credit
 Eligibility Assistant.The webpage features a set of <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-frequently-asked-questions">frequently asked questions</a> and a user guide for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5549.pdf">Child Tax Credit Update Portal (Publication 5549)</a>&nbsp;PDF.
 It also provides direct links to the portal, as well as two other 
online tools – the Non-Filer Sign Up Tool and the Child Tax Credit 
Eligibility Assistant – and other useful resources.

Deadline for income change reporting for Child Tax Credit looming

WASHINGTON— In a call with radio stations from across Kansas on Friday,&nbsp; U.S. Senator Roger Marshall said the price tag for President Biden's infrastructure package could be even higher than is being reported.

"If all this legislation goes through that the President and the Democrats are wanting, it will be $7 trillion of spending over 10 years," Marshall said. "They're playing some budget gimmicks right now, where they are saying, maybe it's only $1.5 trillion. Only $1.5 trillion. If these programs would go through for the next 10 years, if they are reauthorized, I think it will still be $7 trillion. I think that's reckless spending, and that's on top of our annual budgets already."

Marshall is concerned about the continued threat of an increase of the stepped up basis on the sale of farmland.

"The land that my grandparents paid $50 an acre for back in 1910, is probably worth $2000 an acre," Marshall said. "My parents own that land now and someday, my brother and sister and I will inherit it. They would ask us to pay some type of tax on that increase. It would force us to sell the farm."

Marshall also believes that there will be an alternative minimum tax on corporations to help pay for the administration's spending.

"The latest is, they are going to do something with corporate taxes," Marshall said. "It sounds like Joe Manchin and probably Kyrsten Sinema moreso have pushed back on the taxing part of it for the corporations, but they're going to have an alternative minimum tax. Just remember, any type of corporate tax, 70% of that's going to go back to hard working Kansas. They'll be paying 70% of that tax increase, as well."

Marshall said that inflation is one of the top concerns he is hearing about from Kansans, along with the proposed vaccine mandates from the Biden administration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635518423886.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostWASHINGTON— In a call with radio stations from across Kansas on Friday,&nbsp; U.S. Senator Roger Marshall said the price tag for President Biden's infrastructure package could be even higher than is being reported."If all this legislation goes through that the President and the Democrats are wanting, it will be $7 trillion of spending over 10 years," Marshall said. "They're playing some budget gimmicks right now, where they are saying, maybe it's only $1.5 trillion. Only $1.5 trillion. If these programs would go through for the next 10 years, if they are reauthorized, I think it will still be $7 trillion. I think that's reckless spending, and that's on top of our annual budgets already."Marshall is concerned about the continued threat of an increase of the stepped up basis on the sale of farmland."The land that my grandparents paid $50 an acre for back in 1910, is probably worth $2000 an acre," Marshall said. "My parents own that land now and someday, my brother and sister and I will inherit it. They would ask us to pay some type of tax on that increase. It would force us to sell the farm."Marshall also believes that there will be an alternative minimum tax on corporations to help pay for the administration's spending."The latest is, they are going to do something with corporate taxes," Marshall said. "It sounds like Joe Manchin and probably Kyrsten Sinema moreso have pushed back on the taxing part of it for the corporations, but they're going to have an alternative minimum tax. Just remember, any type of corporate tax, 70% of that's going to go back to hard working Kansas. They'll be paying 70% of that tax increase, as well."Marshall said that inflation is one of the top concerns he is hearing about from Kansans, along with the proposed vaccine mandates from the Biden administration.

Marshall: Price tag for infrastructure bill likely more than reported

JOHNSON COUNTY—A Kansas sheriff's department is hiring and sent a strong message Thursday to unvaccinated officers from across the nation.

In a social media message,&nbsp;Johnson County, Kansas Sheriff Calvin Hayden said, "We have a place for you. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is a safe haven for law enforcement officers who feel unsupported and undervalued by their communities and their government leaders."

 “True to our Midwestern values, Johnson County is a place where freedom is valued, and law enforcement is respected. The support our citizens have shown over the last several years has been overwhelming," said Hayden. 

In dozens of cities across the United States, men and women in uniform are being faced with a decision that jeopardizes their family’s livelihood – to stay or to go. Shrinking budgets, low morale and government overreach are just a few of the reasons behind the law enforcement exodus happening in many agencies.

 Hayden wants those officers to know that won’t happen at his Sheriff’s Office. 

“People may say this is all about the vaccine, but that’s missing the point. This issue is so much more than that. This is about valuing, empowering and supporting individual decisions," said Hayden. 

"The Sheriff's Office is a large family of unique, highly-trained professionals dedicated to serving our citizens. We are proud of our diversity and professionalism. We trust our staff to make the best decisions for themselves and our citizens.

"Hayden says his employees are like family to him; their wellbeing is his top priority. Moreover, he says Johnson County offers the complete package for families looking to relocate: Great schools, safe neighborhoods, community support, an easy commute, a big sports town, beautiful parks, and most importantly, jobs. Plus, we are halfway to anywhere in the country. 

Hayden emphasizes the diversity of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, with employees from all over the globe, from Scotland to California. Additionally, at least 16 languages are currently spoken by employees of the Sheriff’s Office. Equal opportunity is provided to all. “We are blessed here in Johnson County to have a safe, friendly and welcoming environment for raising families. Our citizens support our mission and we are looking for the best of the best to continue our tradition of excellence," said Hayden. 

The sheriff&nbsp; encourage any first responders who are looking for a positive career change to go to their hiring website <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fjoinjcso.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0qJsjVECjly55K1jkO1J3fp5OAc9dIZCAUPDeoFDLFVXFhWsdh9_6hOxg&amp;h=AT2JSJN2qdGJPxHZTOA9f1SqgjiyVNtxsX3k_KJQt6FLfOPG9hg7aVLZP58ae54pzFGJIPX5yU2zxcsyKsFUfPky_jVHahMuSuJ30COlfkyAd6UDGro_xJpnze6_KOO6ObEu-bo&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0HzeZPnkmsRGyJXFTUEvCGIjDAGF3ZgozPn8v6eWOBPFUe1nqmbFDFR2BJvyhGMBUZpJUx1zFD-LXCApRMEWAEQDEoBvyLbC8xcMCIlVn8kOJtoUvcdBSkYTHu0kNmWMvn_PJLzsJ3NFNX8wGqwDT3JYKoYEEBjZ6BmL6AcX616Q" target="_blank">joinjcso.org</a>.

JOHNSON COUNTY—A Kansas sheriff's department is hiring and sent a strong message Thursday to unvaccinated officers from across the nation.In a social media message,&nbsp;Johnson County, Kansas Sheriff Calvin Hayden said, "We have a place for you. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is a safe haven for law enforcement officers who feel unsupported and undervalued by their communities and their government leaders." “True to our Midwestern values, Johnson County is a place where freedom is valued, and law enforcement is respected. The support our citizens have shown over the last several years has been overwhelming," said Hayden. In dozens of cities across the United States, men and women in uniform are being faced with a decision that jeopardizes their family’s livelihood – to stay or to go. Shrinking budgets, low morale and government overreach are just a few of the reasons behind the law enforcement exodus happening in many agencies. Hayden wants those officers to know that won’t happen at his Sheriff’s Office. “People may say this is all about the vaccine, but that’s missing the point. This issue is so much more than that. This is about valuing, empowering and supporting individual decisions," said Hayden. "The Sheriff's Office is a large family of unique, highly-trained professionals dedicated to serving our citizens. We are proud of our diversity and professionalism. We trust our staff to make the best decisions for themselves and our citizens."Hayden says his employees are like family to him; their wellbeing is his top priority. Moreover, he says Johnson County offers the complete package for families looking to relocate: Great schools, safe neighborhoods, community support, an easy commute, a big sports town, beautiful parks, and most importantly, jobs. Plus, we are halfway to anywhere in the country. Hayden emphasizes the diversity of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, with employees from all over the globe, from Scotland to California. Additionally, at least 16 languages are currently spoken by employees of the Sheriff’s Office. Equal opportunity is provided to all. “We are blessed here in Johnson County to have a safe, friendly and welcoming environment for raising families. Our citizens support our mission and we are looking for the best of the best to continue our tradition of excellence," said Hayden. The sheriff&nbsp; encourage any first responders who are looking for a positive career change to go to their hiring website <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fjoinjcso.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0qJsjVECjly55K1jkO1J3fp5OAc9dIZCAUPDeoFDLFVXFhWsdh9_6hOxg&amp;h=AT2JSJN2qdGJPxHZTOA9f1SqgjiyVNtxsX3k_KJQt6FLfOPG9hg7aVLZP58ae54pzFGJIPX5yU2zxcsyKsFUfPky_jVHahMuSuJ30COlfkyAd6UDGro_xJpnze6_KOO6ObEu-bo&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0HzeZPnkmsRGyJXFTUEvCGIjDAGF3ZgozPn8v6eWOBPFUe1nqmbFDFR2BJvyhGMBUZpJUx1zFD-LXCApRMEWAEQDEoBvyLbC8xcMCIlVn8kOJtoUvcdBSkYTHu0kNmWMvn_PJLzsJ3NFNX8wGqwDT3JYKoYEEBjZ6BmL6AcX616Q" target="_blank">joinjcso.org</a>.

Kan. sheriff welcomes unvaccinated officers from other states

TOPEKA– Governor Kelly visited with students and educators from Dodge City USD 443 to view the Day of the Dead altar located in the Kansas Statehouse, according to a media release from her office.

“The students I visited with today went above and beyond to decorate this year's Day of the Dead altar,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I appreciated their expertise, and the opportunity to join them to celebrate our state's diversity and the lives of those who have passed before us."

The&nbsp;Day of the Dead, or&nbsp;Día de los Muertos,&nbsp;is celebrated November 1-2. The holiday involves family and friends gathering to remember and pay respects to loved ones who have died. The altar and decorations will be on display in the first floor rotunda of the Kansas Statehouse until Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635445723781.png" alt="The holiday involves family and friends gathering to remember and pay respects to loved ones who have died.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The holiday involves family and friends gathering to remember and pay respects to loved ones who have died.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA– Governor Kelly visited with students and educators from Dodge City USD 443 to view the Day of the Dead altar located in the Kansas Statehouse, according to a media release from her office.“The students I visited with today went above and beyond to decorate this year's Day of the Dead altar,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I appreciated their expertise, and the opportunity to join them to celebrate our state's diversity and the lives of those who have passed before us."The&nbsp;Day of the Dead, or&nbsp;Día de los Muertos,&nbsp;is celebrated November 1-2. The holiday involves family and friends gathering to remember and pay respects to loved ones who have died. The altar and decorations will be on display in the first floor rotunda of the Kansas Statehouse until Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

Governor visits Day of the Dead celebration in Kan. Statehouse

NEMAHA COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested the man who was shot by law enforcement officers during an incident outside his residence in Sabetha.

Just before 5 p.m. Thursday, KBI agents arrested Kelly J. Hall, 38, of Sabetha, for aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. Hall had been receiving medical treatment at Stormont Vail hospital in Topeka, and was arrested as he was released from the hospital.

Just before 8 p.m. Oct. 20, the Sabetha Police Department and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a man who was threatening suicide, according to the KBI.

When officers arrived at 319 N. 9th Street in Sabetha, they tried to convince Hall to come outside so they could verify his welfare. He would not exit the house, so they attempted to communicate with him over their public announcement (PA) system.

During the incident officers heard several pops coming from inside the residence. Attempts to communicate continued until Hall stepped outside the front door holding an air-powered nail gun. Officers and deputies ordered him to drop the nail gun. Hall began firing nails in the direction of officers. A deputy from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the Sabetha Police Department fired rounds at Hall, striking him. Shots were fired at around 9:45 p.m.

Hall retreated back into the residence. Officers and deputies entered the house and rendered aid to Hall. EMS responded and transported him to the Sabetha Community Hospital. He was later transferred to Stormont Vail in Topeka.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635513014441.png" alt="Hall is being held without bond" />
 <figcaption>Hall is being held without bond</figcaption>
 </figure>NEMAHA COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested the man who was shot by law enforcement officers during an incident outside his residence in Sabetha.Just before 5 p.m. Thursday, KBI agents arrested Kelly J. Hall, 38, of Sabetha, for aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. Hall had been receiving medical treatment at Stormont Vail hospital in Topeka, and was arrested as he was released from the hospital.Just before 8 p.m. Oct. 20, the Sabetha Police Department and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a man who was threatening suicide, according to the KBI.When officers arrived at 319 N. 9th Street in Sabetha, they tried to convince Hall to come outside so they could verify his welfare. He would not exit the house, so they attempted to communicate with him over their public announcement (PA) system.During the incident officers heard several pops coming from inside the residence. Attempts to communicate continued until Hall stepped outside the front door holding an air-powered nail gun. Officers and deputies ordered him to drop the nail gun. Hall began firing nails in the direction of officers. A deputy from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the Sabetha Police Department fired rounds at Hall, striking him. Shots were fired at around 9:45 p.m.Hall retreated back into the residence. Officers and deputies entered the house and rendered aid to Hall. EMS responded and transported him to the Sabetha Community Hospital. He was later transferred to Stormont Vail in Topeka.No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

Kan. man who shot nail gun at officers moved from hospital to jail

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A woman is facing a dozen charges, including second-degree murder, after prosecutors said she went on a violent rampage that left one man dead and another woman hospitalized. The Wyandotte County prosecutors office said Alyssa Leanne Arreola began the rampage early Wednesday when she stole a vehicle in Kansas City, Kansas. 

In the next several hours, Arreola allegedly was involved in two hit-and-run crashes, broke into a woman's home and stabbed her, and then fatally shot a man before stealing his car. The stabbing victim remains hospitalized. Authorities have not said what prompted Arreola's actions.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Kansas, say they've arrested a woman considered a person of interest in a violent rampage that saw a man fatally shot. Television station KCTV reports that the string of violence began around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, when a woman reportedly stole a vehicle from a store parking lot. 

A few hours later, police say that car was involved in two separate hit-and-run crashes before the woman fled on foot. Police say they then received reports of a woman breaking into an elderly woman's apartment and stabbing the older woman before fleeing. 

About a block away, a man was fatally shot in his driveway and his car stolen. Police say they later found the car with the woman driving it and arrested her.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Late Wednesday afternoon, police recovered the red Hyundai Tucson the suspect was reportedly driving. Officers found it in Kansas City, Missouri. 

A short time later, officers arrested a white female - matching the suspect's description - on unrelated charges. At this time, our detectives consider her a person interest. Officials released no additional details.

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

On Wednesday afternoon, police in Kansas City, Kansas released a photo of a woman who is&nbsp;suspect in a homicide that took place shortly after 1p.m. in the 7900 block of Sandusky.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She is possibly armed and definitely dangerous. She was last seen eastbound on Interstate 70 in red Hyundai Tucson w Kansas Tag 237 NLE

 If you see her or the vehicle call 911.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635501503065.png" alt="Arreola-is being held in Jackson Co. Missouri&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Arreola-is being held in Jackson Co. Missouri&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A woman is facing a dozen charges, including second-degree murder, after prosecutors said she went on a violent rampage that left one man dead and another woman hospitalized. The Wyandotte County prosecutors office said Alyssa Leanne Arreola began the rampage early Wednesday when she stole a vehicle in Kansas City, Kansas. In the next several hours, Arreola allegedly was involved in two hit-and-run crashes, broke into a woman's home and stabbed her, and then fatally shot a man before stealing his car. The stabbing victim remains hospitalized. Authorities have not said what prompted Arreola's actions.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635368127641.png" alt="Security camera images KCK&nbsp; police" />
 <figcaption>Security camera images KCK&nbsp; police</figcaption>
 </figure>------KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Kansas, say they've arrested a woman considered a person of interest in a violent rampage that saw a man fatally shot. Television station KCTV reports that the string of violence began around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, when a woman reportedly stole a vehicle from a store parking lot. A few hours later, police say that car was involved in two separate hit-and-run crashes before the woman fled on foot. Police say they then received reports of a woman breaking into an elderly woman's apartment and stabbing the older woman before fleeing. About a block away, a man was fatally shot in his driveway and his car stolen. Police say they later found the car with the woman driving it and arrested her.----------JOHNSON COUNTY—Late Wednesday afternoon, police recovered the red Hyundai Tucson the suspect was reportedly driving. Officers found it in Kansas City, Missouri. A short time later, officers arrested a white female - matching the suspect's description - on unrelated charges. At this time, our detectives consider her a person interest. Officials released no additional details.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635368221797.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>----------JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a homicide and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.On Wednesday afternoon, police in Kansas City, Kansas released a photo of a woman who is&nbsp;suspect in a homicide that took place shortly after 1p.m. in the 7900 block of Sandusky.&nbsp;&nbsp;She is possibly armed and definitely dangerous. She was last seen eastbound on Interstate 70 in red Hyundai Tucson w Kansas Tag 237 NLE If you see her or the vehicle call 911.&nbsp;

Kansas woman charged after violent rampage that left 1 dead

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden announced Thursday that he and Democrats in Congress have reached a “historic” framework for his sweeping domestic policy package. But he still needs to lock down votes from key colleagues for what’s now a dramatically scaled-back bill.

Eager to have a deal in hand before his departure late in the day for global summits, Biden made his case privately on Capitol Hill to House Democrats and publicly in a speech at the White House. He’s now pressing for a still-robust package — $1.75 trillion of social services and climate change programs — that the White House believes can pass the 50-50 Senate.

The fast-moving developments put Democrats closer to a hard-fought deal, but battles remain as they press to finish the final draft in the days and weeks ahead.

“Let’s get this done,” Biden exhorted.

“It will fundamentally change the lives of millions of people for the better,” he said about the package, which he badly wanted before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-rome-scotland-30c46a7eda7f8549d12fd70bd264b4f3">the summits</a>&nbsp;to show the world American democracy still works.

Together with a nearly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, Biden claimed the infusion of federal investments would be a domestic achievement modeled on those of Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson.

“I need your votes,” Biden told the lawmakers at the Capitol, according to a person who requested anonymity to discuss the private remarks.

But final votes will not be called for some time. The revised package has lost&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/web/stories/details/60a1bc276d0ab8eb3e0347fc54ee8c2c.12.13.json?type=tab" target="_blank">some top priorities,&nbsp;</a>frustrating many lawmakers as the president’s ambitions make way for the political realities of the narrowly divided Congress.

Paid family leave and efforts to lower prescription drug pricing are now gone entirely from the package, drawing outrage from some lawmakers and advocates.

Still in the mix, a long list of other priorities: free prekindergarten for all youngsters, expanded health care programs — including the launch of a new $35 billion hearing aid benefit for people with Medicare — and $555 billion to tackle climate change.

There’s also a one-year extension of a child care tax credit that was put in place during the COVID-19 rescue and new child care subsidies. An additional $100 billion to bolster the immigration and border processing system could boost the overall package to $1.85 trillion if it clears Senate rules.

One pivotal Democratic holdout, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, said, “I look forward to getting this done.”

However, another, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, was less committal: “This is all in the hands of the House right now.”

The two Democrats have almost single-handedly reduced the size and scope of their party’s big vision, and are crucial to sealing the deal.

Republicans remain overwhelmingly opposed, forcing Biden to rely on the Democrats’ narrow majority in Congress with no votes to spare in the Senate and few in the House.

Taking form after months of negotiations, Biden’s emerging bill would still be among the most sweeping of its kind in a generation, modeled on New Deal and Great Society programs. The White House calls it the largest-ever investment in climate change and the biggest improvement to the nation’s healthcare system in more than a decade.

In his meeting with lawmakers at the Capitol, Biden made clear how important it was to show progress as he headed to the summits.

“We are at an inflection point,” he said. “The rest of the world wonders whether we can function.”

With U.S. elections on the horizon, he said it’s not “hyperbole to say that the House and Senate majorities and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-health-d14c1764e3967c36d29d93ff7ff4bb72">my presidency will be determined by what happens in the next week.”</a>

At one point, Biden “asked for a spirited, enthusiastic vote on his plan,” said Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass.

Twice over the course of the hour-long meeting Democratic lawmakers rose to their feet and started yelling: “Vote, vote, vote,” said Rep. Gerald Connolly of Virginia.

Biden’s proposal would be paid for by imposing a new 5% surtax on income over $10 million a year, and instituting a new 15% corporate minimum tax, keeping with his plans to have no new taxes on those earning less than $400,000 a year, officials said. A special “billionaires tax” was not included.

Revenue to help pay for the package would also come from rolling back some of the Trump administration’s 2017 tax cuts, along with stepped-up enforcement of tax-dodgers by the IRS. Biden has vowed to cover the entire cost of the plan, ensuring it does not pile onto the debt load.

With the framework being converted to a 1,600-page legislative text for review, lawmakers and aides cautioned it had not yet been agreed to.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., the progressive leader, said her caucus endorsed the framework, even as progressive lawmakers worked to delay further action. “We want to see the actual text because we don’t want any confusion and misunderstandings,” she said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Biden asked the House to vote on the related $1 trillion infrastructure bill, which already cleared the Senate but became tangled in deliberations over the broader bill. But Jayapal said she did not hear an urgent request from him, which emboldened progressives to halt the hoped-for Thursday vote.

“When the president gets off that plane we want him to have a vote of confidence from this Congress,” Pelosi told lawmakers, the person at the private meeting said.

But no votes were scheduled. Progressives have been withholding their support for the roads-and-bridges bill as leverage until they have a commitment that Manchin, Sinema and the other senators are ready to vote on Biden’s bigger package.

“Hell no,” said Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., about allowing the smaller infrastructure bill to pass.

Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., shared her own story of making “pennies” at low-wage work, struggling to afford child care and wanting to ensure constituents have better.

“We need both bills to ride together. And we don’t have that right now,” Bush said. “I feel a bit bamboozled because this was not what I thought was coming today.”

Instead, Congress approved an extension to Dec. 3 of Sunday’s deadline for routine transportation funds that were at risk of expiring without the infrastructure bill.

The two holdout Democratic senators now hold enormous power, essentially deciding whether Biden will be able to deliver on the Democrats’ major campaign promises.

Sinema has been instrumental in pushing her party off a promise to undo the Republicans’ 2017 tax cuts. And Manchin’s resistance forced serious cutbacks to a clean energy plan, the elimination of paid family leave and the imposition of work requirements for parents receiving the new child care subsidies.

At the same time, progressives achieved one key priority — Vermont Independent Bernie Sanders’ proposal to provide hearing aid benefits for people on Medicare. However, his ideas to also include dental and vision care were left out.

Other expanded health care programs build on the Affordable Care Act by funding subsidies to help people buy insurance policies and coverage in states that declined the Obamacare program.

Overall, the new package also sets up political battles in future years. The enhanced child care tax credit expires alongside next year’s midterm elections, while much of the health care funding will expire in 2025, ensuring a campaign issue ahead of the next presidential election.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635428977074.png" alt="President Biden arrived on Capitol Hill Thursday morning in an attempt to rally members of his party to support his $1.75T plan" />
 <figcaption>President Biden arrived on Capitol Hill Thursday morning in an attempt to rally members of his party to support his $1.75T plan</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden announced Thursday that he and Democrats in Congress have reached a “historic” framework for his sweeping domestic policy package. But he still needs to lock down votes from key colleagues for what’s now a dramatically scaled-back bill.Eager to have a deal in hand before his departure late in the day for global summits, Biden made his case privately on Capitol Hill to House Democrats and publicly in a speech at the White House. He’s now pressing for a still-robust package — $1.75 trillion of social services and climate change programs — that the White House believes can pass the 50-50 Senate.The fast-moving developments put Democrats closer to a hard-fought deal, but battles remain as they press to finish the final draft in the days and weeks ahead.“Let’s get this done,” Biden exhorted.“It will fundamentally change the lives of millions of people for the better,” he said about the package, which he badly wanted before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-rome-scotland-30c46a7eda7f8549d12fd70bd264b4f3">the summits</a>&nbsp;to show the world American democracy still works.Together with a nearly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, Biden claimed the infusion of federal investments would be a domestic achievement modeled on those of Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson.“I need your votes,” Biden told the lawmakers at the Capitol, according to a person who requested anonymity to discuss the private remarks.But final votes will not be called for some time. The revised package has lost&nbsp;<a href="https://pronto.associatedpress.com/web/stories/details/60a1bc276d0ab8eb3e0347fc54ee8c2c.12.13.json?type=tab" target="_blank">some top priorities,&nbsp;</a>frustrating many lawmakers as the president’s ambitions make way for the political realities of the narrowly divided Congress.Paid family leave and efforts to lower prescription drug pricing are now gone entirely from the package, drawing outrage from some lawmakers and advocates.Still in the mix, a long list of other priorities: free prekindergarten for all youngsters, expanded health care programs — including the launch of a new $35 billion hearing aid benefit for people with Medicare — and $555 billion to tackle climate change.There’s also a one-year extension of a child care tax credit that was put in place during the COVID-19 rescue and new child care subsidies. An additional $100 billion to bolster the immigration and border processing system could boost the overall package to $1.85 trillion if it clears Senate rules.One pivotal Democratic holdout, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, said, “I look forward to getting this done.”However, another, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, was less committal: “This is all in the hands of the House right now.”The two Democrats have almost single-handedly reduced the size and scope of their party’s big vision, and are crucial to sealing the deal.Republicans remain overwhelmingly opposed, forcing Biden to rely on the Democrats’ narrow majority in Congress with no votes to spare in the Senate and few in the House.Taking form after months of negotiations, Biden’s emerging bill would still be among the most sweeping of its kind in a generation, modeled on New Deal and Great Society programs. The White House calls it the largest-ever investment in climate change and the biggest improvement to the nation’s healthcare system in more than a decade.In his meeting with lawmakers at the Capitol, Biden made clear how important it was to show progress as he headed to the summits.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635435981999.png" alt="Revenue to help pay for the package would also come from rolling back some of the Trump administration’s 2017 tax cuts-photo courtesy White House&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Revenue to help pay for the package would also come from rolling back some of the Trump administration’s 2017 tax cuts-photo courtesy White House&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“We are at an inflection point,” he said. “The rest of the world wonders whether we can function.”With U.S. elections on the horizon, he said it’s not “hyperbole to say that the House and Senate majorities and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-health-d14c1764e3967c36d29d93ff7ff4bb72">my presidency will be determined by what happens in the next week.”</a>At one point, Biden “asked for a spirited, enthusiastic vote on his plan,” said Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass.Twice over the course of the hour-long meeting Democratic lawmakers rose to their feet and started yelling: “Vote, vote, vote,” said Rep. Gerald Connolly of Virginia.Biden’s proposal would be paid for by imposing a new 5% surtax on income over $10 million a year, and instituting a new 15% corporate minimum tax, keeping with his plans to have no new taxes on those earning less than $400,000 a year, officials said. A special “billionaires tax” was not included.Revenue to help pay for the package would also come from rolling back some of the Trump administration’s 2017 tax cuts, along with stepped-up enforcement of tax-dodgers by the IRS. Biden has vowed to cover the entire cost of the plan, ensuring it does not pile onto the debt load.With the framework being converted to a 1,600-page legislative text for review, lawmakers and aides cautioned it had not yet been agreed to.Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., the progressive leader, said her caucus endorsed the framework, even as progressive lawmakers worked to delay further action. “We want to see the actual text because we don’t want any confusion and misunderstandings,” she said.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Biden asked the House to vote on the related $1 trillion infrastructure bill, which already cleared the Senate but became tangled in deliberations over the broader bill. But Jayapal said she did not hear an urgent request from him, which emboldened progressives to halt the hoped-for Thursday vote.“When the president gets off that plane we want him to have a vote of confidence from this Congress,” Pelosi told lawmakers, the person at the private meeting said.But no votes were scheduled. Progressives have been withholding their support for the roads-and-bridges bill as leverage until they have a commitment that Manchin, Sinema and the other senators are ready to vote on Biden’s bigger package.“Hell no,” said Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., about allowing the smaller infrastructure bill to pass.Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., shared her own story of making “pennies” at low-wage work, struggling to afford child care and wanting to ensure constituents have better.“We need both bills to ride together. And we don’t have that right now,” Bush said. “I feel a bit bamboozled because this was not what I thought was coming today.”Instead, Congress approved an extension to Dec. 3 of Sunday’s deadline for routine transportation funds that were at risk of expiring without the infrastructure bill.The two holdout Democratic senators now hold enormous power, essentially deciding whether Biden will be able to deliver on the Democrats’ major campaign promises.Sinema has been instrumental in pushing her party off a promise to undo the Republicans’ 2017 tax cuts. And Manchin’s resistance forced serious cutbacks to a clean energy plan, the elimination of paid family leave and the imposition of work requirements for parents receiving the new child care subsidies.At the same time, progressives achieved one key priority — Vermont Independent Bernie Sanders’ proposal to provide hearing aid benefits for people on Medicare. However, his ideas to also include dental and vision care were left out.Other expanded health care programs build on the Affordable Care Act by funding subsidies to help people buy insurance policies and coverage in states that declined the Obamacare program.Overall, the new package also sets up political battles in future years. The enhanced child care tax credit expires alongside next year’s midterm elections, while much of the health care funding will expire in 2025, ensuring a campaign issue ahead of the next presidential election.___

Democrat infighting puts Biden's 'historic' $1.75T plan in jeopardy

SALINA —Strong winds pummeled the state most of Thursday. A gust of wind equal to that of an EF-0 tornado blasted Salina Thursday afternoon. The Salina Regional Airport recorded a 66 mph gust at 3:53 p.m. According to the Enhanced Fujita Scale, an EF-0 tornado has wind speeds of 65-85 mph.

Several locations in Kansas had wind gusts of 50-60 mph. The high wind warnings ended Thursday evening. There were no injuries reported.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635464790310.jpeg" alt="Thursday's high winds wreaked havoc on Salina's trees, including this tree at the corner of E. Ash Street and N. Columbia Avenue. Photo by Randy Pick" />
 <figcaption>Thursday's high winds wreaked havoc on Salina's trees, including this tree at the corner of E. Ash Street and N. Columbia Avenue. Photo by Randy Pick</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA —Strong winds pummeled the state most of Thursday. A gust of wind equal to that of an EF-0 tornado blasted Salina Thursday afternoon. The Salina Regional Airport recorded a 66 mph gust at 3:53 p.m. According to the Enhanced Fujita Scale, an EF-0 tornado has wind speeds of 65-85 mph.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Here&#39;s a look at some of the higher wind reports from across the area today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kswx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kswx</a> <a href="https://t.co/uc65uI8Gp9">pic.twitter.com/uc65uI8Gp9</a>&mdash; NWS Wichita (@NWSWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSWichita/status/1453882469548113920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Several locations in Kansas had wind gusts of 50-60 mph. The high wind warnings ended Thursday evening. There were no injuries reported.

60-mph wind gusts cause damage across Kansas

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Hunters killed 12 black bears during Missouri's first black bear hunting season, the Missouri Conservation Department said Thursday.

The hunt was allowed after the state's black bear population grew to about 800, with most in southern Missouri.

More than 6,330 people applied for 400 permits for the hunt, which limited the total number of bears that could be taken to 40.

The hunt, which began Oct. 17 and ended Wednesday, was divided into three zones.

Hunters took nine bears in southwest Missouri and three in the western zone. No bears were killed in a zone that stretched from southeast Missouri to St. Louis, the department said.

The 40 bear maximum limit was only about 5% of the state's total bear population, said bear biologist Laura Conlee.

Black bears were abundant in Missouri forests before European settlement but were nearly eliminated by unregulated killing in the late 19th century and habitat loss in the Ozarks.

Their numbers have rebounded in the last 50 years and the population is expected to double in the next 10 years, the conservation department said.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Hunters killed 12 black bears during Missouri's first black bear hunting season, the Missouri Conservation Department said Thursday.The hunt was allowed after the state's black bear population grew to about 800, with most in southern Missouri.More than 6,330 people applied for 400 permits for the hunt, which limited the total number of bears that could be taken to 40.The hunt, which began Oct. 17 and ended Wednesday, was divided into three zones.Hunters took nine bears in southwest Missouri and three in the western zone. No bears were killed in a zone that stretched from southeast Missouri to St. Louis, the department said.The 40 bear maximum limit was only about 5% of the state's total bear population, said bear biologist Laura Conlee.Black bears were abundant in Missouri forests before European settlement but were nearly eliminated by unregulated killing in the late 19th century and habitat loss in the Ozarks.Their numbers have rebounded in the last 50 years and the population is expected to double in the next 10 years, the conservation department said.

Hunters kill 12 bears in Missouri's first black bear season

If you’re planning to get festive with your Halloween, 
Christmas, or other holiday decorations, keep your eyes open for this 
scam. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker">BBB Scam Tracker</a> has received complaints about false advertisements and phony promises for holiday decor. &nbsp;

You are searching for some holiday decorations for your home or lawn.
 You come across the perfect item through a social media ad or a search 
result. The photos on the website look great! The decorations are 
larger-than-life with incredible lights and features and, best of all, 
low prices.

You make your payment and wait for the decorations to arrive. 
However, when your package is delivered, the product is nothing like 
what you saw online. In many cases, it’s a poorly manufactured miniature
 version of what you thought you bought. You now don't have a way to 
return the items or receive a refund. In fact, you probably won’t even 
be able to contact the company.

&nbsp;One consumer reported the following experience: “I ordered a giant 
7-foot pumpkin head and giant 7-foot skeleton with LED eyes and sounds. 
What I finally got in the mail after almost a month was two rubber 
7-inch dolls that sort of looked like what they were advertising. This 
company will not reply to their emails, which is the only means of 
communicating. The items looked amazing online, but the store is a total
 scam.”

Review the <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23348-shop-safe">BBB Tip: Shop Safe and Shop Smart this Holiday Season</a> for more ways to protect yourself from scams while holiday shopping.

If you spot a scam, report it at <a href="http://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. Your report can help others recognize a scam before they fall victim.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBIf you’re planning to get festive with your Halloween, 
Christmas, or other holiday decorations, keep your eyes open for this 
scam. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker">BBB Scam Tracker</a> has received complaints about false advertisements and phony promises for holiday decor. &nbsp;<h2>How the scam works</h2>You are searching for some holiday decorations for your home or lawn.
 You come across the perfect item through a social media ad or a search 
result. The photos on the website look great! The decorations are 
larger-than-life with incredible lights and features and, best of all, 
low prices.You make your payment and wait for the decorations to arrive. 
However, when your package is delivered, the product is nothing like 
what you saw online. In many cases, it’s a poorly manufactured miniature
 version of what you thought you bought. You now don't have a way to 
return the items or receive a refund. In fact, you probably won’t even 
be able to contact the company.&nbsp;One consumer reported the following experience: “I ordered a giant 
7-foot pumpkin head and giant 7-foot skeleton with LED eyes and sounds. 
What I finally got in the mail after almost a month was two rubber 
7-inch dolls that sort of looked like what they were advertising. This 
company will not reply to their emails, which is the only means of 
communicating. The items looked amazing online, but the store is a total
 scam.”<h2>Avoiding scams</h2><ul>
 <li>Do your research before you buy. Before you make a 
purchase on an unfamilar website, check out the company. Make sure they 
have working contact information. This should include a telephone 
number, email address, and, preferably, a physical address. Look on 
other websites for reviews of the company and reports of scams. You can 
always look for business ratings and customer reviews on <a href="http://www.BBB.org">BBB.org</a>. </li><li>Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. 
Keep in mind that large decorations that involve special lights and 
technology are expensive. If you find something amazing for cheap, it 
could be a scam. </li><li>Don’t make quick purchases on social media. Scam 
advertisers can track your buying habits from social media ads and then 
target you with specific products they think you’ll fall for. Don’t buy 
anything on impulse while scrolling through your feed. Do research first
 to avoid getting scammed. </li><li>Always use your credit card for online purchases. Credit
 card companies allow you to dispute fraudulent charges, a resource you 
may not have at your disposal if you purchase an item with a debit or 
gift card.</li>
 </ul><h2>For More Information</h2>Review the <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23348-shop-safe">BBB Tip: Shop Safe and Shop Smart this Holiday Season</a> for more ways to protect yourself from scams while holiday shopping.If you spot a scam, report it at <a href="http://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. Your report can help others recognize a scam before they fall victim.

'Tis the season: Don't get duped by holiday decoration scams

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.

Just before 6:30a.m. Wednesday police responded to the area of the Oak Hill Cemetery in the 200 block North 17th street in Atchison to investigate a suspicious person with a gun, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Officers located 26-year-old Chad M. Gorrell, Atchison,&nbsp; who was in possession of a firearm. Officers took him into custody on a requested charge of criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

He has previous convictions for burglary, obstruction, interference with law enforcement and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; He had been out of prison since 2019.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635351163327.png" alt="Gorrell photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Gorrell photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after an arrest.Just before 6:30a.m. Wednesday police responded to the area of the Oak Hill Cemetery in the 200 block North 17th street in Atchison to investigate a suspicious person with a gun, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Officers located 26-year-old Chad M. Gorrell, Atchison,&nbsp; who was in possession of a firearm. Officers took him into custody on a requested charge of criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.He has previous convictions for burglary, obstruction, interference with law enforcement and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.&nbsp; He had been out of prison since 2019.

Police: Kan. felon was wandering near cemetery with a gun

WASHINGTON (AP) —There’s an intriguing subplot to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-pope-francis-business-europe-dcf0c3e68138c318f1980a04b27ade39">President Joe Biden’s Friday meeting with Pope Francis</a>. The world’s two most prominent Roman Catholics will be celebrating a shared outlook on church teaching and vital social issues even as Biden faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-government-and-politics-religion-ea0179cd6c8eddbf66693a7e2b28e2da">unwavering opposition from many U.S. Catholic bishops</a>&nbsp;over his stances on abortion and LGBTQ rights.

Less than three weeks after Biden’s visit to the Vatican on Friday, the American bishops will convene in Baltimore, with one of the agenda items inspired in part by conservatives who contend that Biden’s support for abortion rights&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-joe-biden-communion-d58f0eec9ac1a1ff576e38fb85bf532f">should disqualify him from receiving Communion</a>. Though any document that emerges is not expected to mention Biden by name, it’s possible there could be a clear message of rebuke.

“This is way beyond embarrassing,” said Massimo Faggioli, a professor of historical theology at Villanova University who recently authored a&nbsp;<a href="https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/media/pressreleases/2021/0113.html" target="_blank">book</a>&nbsp;about Biden and Catholicism.

“For some of the bishops, it’s an act of intimidation” toward Biden, Faggioli said. “And they have a pope who is protecting a Catholic president’s access to the sacraments — he’s had to send a signal from the Vatican saying, ‘We don’t think this is wise.’”

The pope upholds Catholic doctrine opposing abortion and same-sex marriage, but he has irked some conservative Catholics in the U.S. and elsewhere by emphasizing other issues that mesh with Biden’s priorities — protecting the environment, combating racial injustice and poverty, for example.

The pope and Biden “see eye to eye on many issues,” Faggioli said. “But they both are really embattled, facing very strong headwinds ... fighting against different kinds of ideologues.”

Biden is only the second Catholic president of the United States., after John F. Kennedy, and displays his faith openly, often wearing a rosary and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-pope-francis-jen-psaki-42db004ea67e67350c1a563adbece683">attending Mass routinely</a>. The devotion dates to childhood; he has expressed gratitude to the nuns who helped bolster his confidence while he struggled with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-news-politics-7670c784a29d8cf6e60558156bdd239e">stuttering as a schoolboy.</a>

“Wherever there were nuns, there was home,” he wrote in his 2007 memoir “Promises to Keep.” “My idea of self, of family, of community, of the wider world comes straight from my religion.”

His faith was tested, but not weakened, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-pence-holidays-joe-biden-ap-top-news-delaware-e5a1e70314eb44219448eeb850c65f1e">his wife and baby daughter were killed in a traffic accident</a>&nbsp;in 1972.

“I never doubted that there was a God, but I was angry with God,” he told The Christian Science Monitor in 2007.

In that same interview, Biden conveyed why he considers himself a faithful Catholic despite his views on abortion.

“My views are totally consistent with Catholic social doctrine,” Biden said. “There are elements within the church who say that if you are at odds with any of the teachings of the church, you are at odds with the church. I think the church is bigger than that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635005251145.png" alt="In 2015, then Vice President Joe Biden accompanied Pope Francis on a walk through the U.S. Capitol-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>In 2015, then Vice President Joe Biden accompanied Pope Francis on a walk through the U.S. Capitol-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —There’s an intriguing subplot to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-pope-francis-business-europe-dcf0c3e68138c318f1980a04b27ade39">President Joe Biden’s Friday meeting with Pope Francis</a>. The world’s two most prominent Roman Catholics will be celebrating a shared outlook on church teaching and vital social issues even as Biden faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-government-and-politics-religion-ea0179cd6c8eddbf66693a7e2b28e2da">unwavering opposition from many U.S. Catholic bishops</a>&nbsp;over his stances on abortion and LGBTQ rights.Less than three weeks after Biden’s visit to the Vatican on Friday, the American bishops will convene in Baltimore, with one of the agenda items inspired in part by conservatives who contend that Biden’s support for abortion rights&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-joe-biden-communion-d58f0eec9ac1a1ff576e38fb85bf532f">should disqualify him from receiving Communion</a>. Though any document that emerges is not expected to mention Biden by name, it’s possible there could be a clear message of rebuke.“This is way beyond embarrassing,” said Massimo Faggioli, a professor of historical theology at Villanova University who recently authored a&nbsp;<a href="https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/media/pressreleases/2021/0113.html" target="_blank">book</a>&nbsp;about Biden and Catholicism.“For some of the bishops, it’s an act of intimidation” toward Biden, Faggioli said. “And they have a pope who is protecting a Catholic president’s access to the sacraments — he’s had to send a signal from the Vatican saying, ‘We don’t think this is wise.’”The pope upholds Catholic doctrine opposing abortion and same-sex marriage, but he has irked some conservative Catholics in the U.S. and elsewhere by emphasizing other issues that mesh with Biden’s priorities — protecting the environment, combating racial injustice and poverty, for example.The pope and Biden “see eye to eye on many issues,” Faggioli said. “But they both are really embattled, facing very strong headwinds ... fighting against different kinds of ideologues.”Biden is only the second Catholic president of the United States., after John F. Kennedy, and displays his faith openly, often wearing a rosary and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-pope-francis-jen-psaki-42db004ea67e67350c1a563adbece683">attending Mass routinely</a>. The devotion dates to childhood; he has expressed gratitude to the nuns who helped bolster his confidence while he struggled with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-us-news-politics-7670c784a29d8cf6e60558156bdd239e">stuttering as a schoolboy.</a>“Wherever there were nuns, there was home,” he wrote in his 2007 memoir “Promises to Keep.” “My idea of self, of family, of community, of the wider world comes straight from my religion.”His faith was tested, but not weakened, after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-pence-holidays-joe-biden-ap-top-news-delaware-e5a1e70314eb44219448eeb850c65f1e">his wife and baby daughter were killed in a traffic accident</a>&nbsp;in 1972.“I never doubted that there was a God, but I was angry with God,” he told The Christian Science Monitor in 2007.In that same interview, Biden conveyed why he considers himself a faithful Catholic despite his views on abortion.“My views are totally consistent with Catholic social doctrine,” Biden said. “There are elements within the church who say that if you are at odds with any of the teachings of the church, you are at odds with the church. I think the church is bigger than that.”Francis already has made clear he won’t shun U.S. political leaders who support abortion rights. On Oct. 9 he met at the Vatican with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose abortion stance has drawn the wrath of the top Catholic in her hometown of San Francisco, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone.Cordileone has been urging the U.S. bishops conference to send a message to Biden, Pelosi and others “that would move them in their conscience.”“They need to understand the scandal that is caused when they say they are faithfully Catholic and yet oppose the church on such a basic concept,”&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-government-and-politics-religion-22e0d1ba299fe8693013036e3cc85c81">he told The Associated Press in April</a>.Under Catholic policy, decisions regarding exclusion from Communion are left to individual bishops. While Cordileone has discouraged Pelosi from receiving Communion in his archdiocese, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, has made clear that Biden is welcome to receive Communion when he attends services there.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-joe-biden-communion-d58f0eec9ac1a1ff576e38fb85bf532f#:~:text=ABOARD%20THE%20PAPAL%20PLANE%20(AP,into%20questions%20about%20receiving%20Communion.">Francis, asked last month</a>&nbsp;whether Biden and like-minded politicians should be denied Communion, avoided a “yes” or “no” answer, saying bishops must minister to such people with “compassion and tenderness.” He warned that clerics shouldn’t let politics influence decisions about receiving Communion.Abortion is not the only issue placing Biden in opposition to the U.S. bishops. He is a strong supporter of the proposed Equality Act, which would extend federal civil rights protections to LGBTQ people nationwide.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usccb.org/equality-act" target="_blank">The bishops say the bill,</a>&nbsp;currently stalled in the Senate, would violate the religious freedom of churches and individuals opposed to same-sex marriage and various transgender-rights policies.The meeting this coming week will be Biden’s first encounter with Francis since becoming president, but he has met him three times before: first when Francis was inaugurated as pope in 2013; later during the pontiff’s 2015 visit to the U.S.; and in 2016, when Biden visited the Vatican for a conference on regenerative medicine, where he spoke on cancer prevention.Francis repeatedly reaffirmed his opposition to abortion in recent weeks, calling the procedure “murder” and defending the right of conscientious objectors to refuse to participate in it. He has likened abortion to “hiring a hitman” to solve a problem.Chad Pecknold, a professor of theology at The Catholic University of America, doubts that the pope will confront Biden over his support for abortion rights, but said many Catholics — bishops included — may wish that would happen.“I think the Catholic faithful have a right to hope for this, and to express their concern for the soul of Mr. Biden,” Pecknold said.The Biden-Francis visit “could actually highlight the urgent need to unite around a clear and coherent view of how the bishops should respond to politicians who publicly hold the Church’s teaching in contempt while presenting themselves for Holy Communion,” Pecknold added via email.Steven Millies, a professor of public theology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, said the meeting will affect the debate over abortion and Communion “in a way that will produce a lot of heat and very little light.” He doubts Francis will see a need to discuss abortion with Biden.“It’s not going to get anybody anywhere,” Millies said. “On the other hand, there’s a great deal to be accomplished by focusing on areas of aligned concerned and shared interest.”When Kennedy became the first Catholic president in 1960, abortion was not the divisive issue that it is today. Not until 1973 was there a nationwide right to abortion, and Kennedy felt no pressure to take a public stance.Anti-Catholic prejudice was common as Kennedy campaigned. Some Protestant ministers questioned whether he could maintain independence from the Catholic Church.Unlike Biden, Kennedy enjoyed overwhelming support from Catholic voters, winning about 80% of their votes in 1960, according to researchers at Georgetown University. Biden was backed by about half of Catholic voters in the 2020 election.