FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — More than 130 countries have agreed on sweeping changes to how big global companies are taxed, including a 15% minimum corporate rate designed to deter multinationals from stashing profits in low-tax countries.

The deal announced Friday is an attempt to address the ways globalization and digitalization have changed the world economy. It would allow countries to tax some of the earnings of companies located elsewhere that make money through online retailing, web advertising and other activities.

U.S. President Joe Biden has been one of the driving forces behind the agreement as governments around the world seek to boost revenue following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The agreement among 136 countries representing 90% of the global economy was announced by the Paris-based Organization for Cooperation and Economic Development, which hosted the talks that led to it. The OECD said that the minimum tax would reap some $150 billion for governments.

“Today’s agreement represents a once-in-a-generation accomplishment for economic diplomacy,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement. She said it would end a “race to the bottom” in which countries outbid each other with lower tax rates.

“Rather than competing on our ability to offer low corporate rates,” she said, “America will now compete on the skills of our workers and our capacity to innovate, which is a race we can win.”

The deal faces several hurdles before it can take effect. U.S. approval of related tax legislation proposed by Biden will be key, especially since the U.S. is home to many of the biggest multinational companies. A rejection by Congress would cast uncertainty over the entire project.

The big U.S. tech companies like Google and Amazon have supported the OECD negotiations. One reason is that countries would agree to withdraw individual digital services taxes they have imposed on them in return for the right to tax a part of their earnings under the global scheme.

That means the companies would deal with just the one international tax regime, not a multitude of different ones depending on the country.

“This accord opens the way to a true tax revolution for the 21st century,” said French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire. “Finally the digital giants will pay their just share in taxes in the countries — including France — where they produce.”

On Thursday, Ireland announced that it would join the agreement, ditching a low-tax policy that has led companies like Google and Facebook to base their European operations there.

Although the Irish agreement was a step forward for the deal, developing countries have raised objections and Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have indicated they will not sign up.

Anti-poverty and tax fairness advocates have said the bulk of new revenue would go to wealthier countries and offer less to developing countries that are more dependent on corporate taxes. The G-24 group of developing countries said that without a bigger share of revenue from reallocated profits, the deal would be “sub-optimal” and “not sustainable even in the short run.”

The deal will be taken up by the Group of 20 finance ministers next week, and then by G-20 leaders for final approval at a summit in Rome at the end of October.

Countries would sign up to a diplomatic agreement to implement the tax on companies that have no physical presence in a country but earn profits there, such as through digital services. That provision would affect around 100 global firms.

The second part of the deal, the global minimum of at least 15%, would apply to companies with more than 750 billion euros ($864 billion) in revenue and be passed into domestic law by countries according to model rules developed at the OECD. A top-up provision would mean tax avoided overseas would have to be paid at home. So long as at least the major headquarters countries implement the minimum tax, the deal would have most of its desired effect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633726100931.png" alt="Janet Yellen in Brussels this week on her first tour through the European Union as U.S. Treasury Secretary" />
 <figcaption>Janet Yellen in Brussels this week on her first tour through the European Union as U.S. Treasury Secretary</figcaption>
 </figure>FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — More than 130 countries have agreed on sweeping changes to how big global companies are taxed, including a 15% minimum corporate rate designed to deter multinationals from stashing profits in low-tax countries.The deal announced Friday is an attempt to address the ways globalization and digitalization have changed the world economy. It would allow countries to tax some of the earnings of companies located elsewhere that make money through online retailing, web advertising and other activities.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today’s agreement represents a once-in-a-generation accomplishment for economic diplomacy. We’ve turned tireless negotiations into decades of increased prosperity – for both America and the world. My statement on the OECD Inclusive Framework Announcement: <a href="https://t.co/nRUbRP4BrD">pic.twitter.com/nRUbRP4BrD</a>&mdash; Secretary Janet Yellen (@SecYellen) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecYellen/status/1446514646920355842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>U.S. President Joe Biden has been one of the driving forces behind the agreement as governments around the world seek to boost revenue following the COVID-19 pandemic.The agreement among 136 countries representing 90% of the global economy was announced by the Paris-based Organization for Cooperation and Economic Development, which hosted the talks that led to it. The OECD said that the minimum tax would reap some $150 billion for governments.“Today’s agreement represents a once-in-a-generation accomplishment for economic diplomacy,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement. She said it would end a “race to the bottom” in which countries outbid each other with lower tax rates.“Rather than competing on our ability to offer low corporate rates,” she said, “America will now compete on the skills of our workers and our capacity to innovate, which is a race we can win.”The deal faces several hurdles before it can take effect. U.S. approval of related tax legislation proposed by Biden will be key, especially since the U.S. is home to many of the biggest multinational companies. A rejection by Congress would cast uncertainty over the entire project.The big U.S. tech companies like Google and Amazon have supported the OECD negotiations. One reason is that countries would agree to withdraw individual digital services taxes they have imposed on them in return for the right to tax a part of their earnings under the global scheme.That means the companies would deal with just the one international tax regime, not a multitude of different ones depending on the country.“This accord opens the way to a true tax revolution for the 21st century,” said French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire. “Finally the digital giants will pay their just share in taxes in the countries — including France — where they produce.”On Thursday, Ireland announced that it would join the agreement, ditching a low-tax policy that has led companies like Google and Facebook to base their European operations there.Although the Irish agreement was a step forward for the deal, developing countries have raised objections and Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have indicated they will not sign up.Anti-poverty and tax fairness advocates have said the bulk of new revenue would go to wealthier countries and offer less to developing countries that are more dependent on corporate taxes. The G-24 group of developing countries said that without a bigger share of revenue from reallocated profits, the deal would be “sub-optimal” and “not sustainable even in the short run.”The deal will be taken up by the Group of 20 finance ministers next week, and then by G-20 leaders for final approval at a summit in Rome at the end of October.Countries would sign up to a diplomatic agreement to implement the tax on companies that have no physical presence in a country but earn profits there, such as through digital services. That provision would affect around 100 global firms.The second part of the deal, the global minimum of at least 15%, would apply to companies with more than 750 billion euros ($864 billion) in revenue and be passed into domestic law by countries according to model rules developed at the OECD. A top-up provision would mean tax avoided overseas would have to be paid at home. So long as at least the major headquarters countries implement the minimum tax, the deal would have most of its desired effect.___

U.S. joins 130 countries in a deal for new corporate tax

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the Sept. fatal shooting at a Wichita night club have made an arrest.

On Friday, U.S. Marshals arrested&nbsp;23-year-old Keshawn Dawson in Phoenix Arizona., according to officer Charley Davidson. Dawson is wanted for murder and other charges, stemming from a shooting that fatally injured 34-year-old Preston Spencer and injured six others with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

A Wichita Police Department (WPD) Officer currently assigned as a Task Force Officer with the United States Marshall’s Service and has been diligently working to locate Dawson for the past four weeks.&nbsp; His efforts led to Dawson’s arrest with the assistance of the United States Marshall’s Service Fugitive Task Force.&nbsp; Dawson was arrested without incident and a process will occur to extradite him back to Sedgwick County.

At approximately 12:40 a.m. on Sept. 7, officers responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosely.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims that were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; The investigation revealed Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was forced to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.

In addition, Dawson had active felony Sedgwick County warrants and was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631032156553.png" alt="Dawson photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Dawson photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the Sept. fatal shooting at a Wichita night club have made an arrest.On Friday, U.S. Marshals arrested&nbsp;23-year-old Keshawn Dawson in Phoenix Arizona., according to officer Charley Davidson. Dawson is wanted for murder and other charges, stemming from a shooting that fatally injured 34-year-old Preston Spencer and injured six others with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.A Wichita Police Department (WPD) Officer currently assigned as a Task Force Officer with the United States Marshall’s Service and has been diligently working to locate Dawson for the past four weeks.&nbsp; His efforts led to Dawson’s arrest with the assistance of the United States Marshall’s Service Fugitive Task Force.&nbsp; Dawson was arrested without incident and a process will occur to extradite him back to Sedgwick County.At approximately 12:40 a.m. on Sept. 7, officers responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosely.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims that were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; The investigation revealed Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was forced to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.In addition, Dawson had active felony Sedgwick County warrants and was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions, according to Davidson.

U.S. Marshals capture Kansas club killing suspect in Arizona

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A hospital employee was stabbed Friday in an assault that police said stemmed from a domestic situation.

Police Lt. Jennifer Charleston said the attack happened around 7:15 a.m. in a stairwell at the Mercy Surgery Center, which is located about a block south of the main hospital. The victim is listed in serious condition, said Mercy Springfield spokeswoman Sonya Kullmann.

After the stabbing, officers had everyone exit the surgery center so they could search the building to make sure it was safe, Lt. Steve Schwind said. The police department announced around noon that the suspect, a man, was in custody.

Schwind said police suspect that the attacker is someone who had been in a romantic relationship with the victim.

Charleston said she didn't immediately have details about the man, including his name, age or where he was taken into custody.

Kullmann said that the main hospital also was placed on lockdown after the attack. She said the hospital later reopened, but the surgery center, which also houses physician offices, was closed for the the rest of the day.

Neither Charleston now Kullmann were immediately able to provide details about the woman’s job at the hospital.

“She is in our prayers and her family is in our prayers," Kullmann said, “and we are hoping for a speedy recovery."

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A hospital employee has been stabbed, and law enforcement said the attacker is someone who had been in a romantic relationship with her.

The woman was working in the Mercy Surgery Center when she was attacked around 7:15 a.m. Friday.

Police Lt. Steve Schwind Schwind said the victim was taken to the main Mercy facility for treatment. He did not know the extent of her injuries.

He said officers had everyone exit the surgery center so they could search the building to make sure it was safe. The police department announced around noon that the suspect was in custody.

Mercy Springfield Sonya Kullmann said the entire hospital facility was briefly placed on lockdown.

The main hospital is now open, but Kullmann said that she anticipated the surgery center would be closed for the rest of the day.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A hospital employee was stabbed Friday in an assault that police said stemmed from a domestic situation.Police Lt. Jennifer Charleston said the attack happened around 7:15 a.m. in a stairwell at the Mercy Surgery Center, which is located about a block south of the main hospital. The victim is listed in serious condition, said Mercy Springfield spokeswoman Sonya Kullmann.After the stabbing, officers had everyone exit the surgery center so they could search the building to make sure it was safe, Lt. Steve Schwind said. The police department announced around noon that the suspect, a man, was in custody.Schwind said police suspect that the attacker is someone who had been in a romantic relationship with the victim.Charleston said she didn't immediately have details about the man, including his name, age or where he was taken into custody.Kullmann said that the main hospital also was placed on lockdown after the attack. She said the hospital later reopened, but the surgery center, which also houses physician offices, was closed for the the rest of the day.Neither Charleston now Kullmann were immediately able to provide details about the woman’s job at the hospital.“She is in our prayers and her family is in our prayers," Kullmann said, “and we are hoping for a speedy recovery."----------SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A hospital employee has been stabbed, and law enforcement said the attacker is someone who had been in a romantic relationship with her.The woman was working in the Mercy Surgery Center when she was attacked around 7:15 a.m. Friday.Police Lt. Steve Schwind Schwind said the victim was taken to the main Mercy facility for treatment. He did not know the extent of her injuries.He said officers had everyone exit the surgery center so they could search the building to make sure it was safe. The police department announced around noon that the suspect was in custody.Mercy Springfield Sonya Kullmann said the entire hospital facility was briefly placed on lockdown.The main hospital is now open, but Kullmann said that she anticipated the surgery center would be closed for the rest of the day.

Hospital locked down, romantic partner arrested after stabbing

SHAWNEE COUNTY —The search for a missing 5-year-old ended just before 5p.m. Friday.&nbsp; Authorities found Lakota Rigsby and she is safe, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.&nbsp; 

The case involving her grandmother is still under investigation.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are attempting to locate a 5-year-old girl to place her into protective custody, according Deputy Abigail Christian.

 Lakota D. Rigsby is 4 feet tall, 55 pounds with blue eyes and blonde hair. She is believed to be with her maternal grandmother, Virontka Kay Rigsby,55, of Tecumseh, Kansas.

Virontka is in violation of an Ex Parte Order that awarded custody to Lakota’s father. She is known to drive a 2000 maroon Ford F250 pickup truck with an expired Kansas license plate 060MWU. Virontka has ties to Kansas, Missouri and Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633710679834.png" alt="Rigsby-photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Rigsby-photo Shawnee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —The search for a missing 5-year-old ended just before 5p.m. Friday.&nbsp; Authorities found Lakota Rigsby and she is safe, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.&nbsp; The case involving her grandmother is still under investigation.-----------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are attempting to locate a 5-year-old girl to place her into protective custody, according Deputy Abigail Christian. Lakota D. Rigsby is 4 feet tall, 55 pounds with blue eyes and blonde hair. She is believed to be with her maternal grandmother, Virontka Kay Rigsby,55, of Tecumseh, Kansas.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633710943650.png" alt="Lakota-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Lakota-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Virontka is in violation of an Ex Parte Order that awarded custody to Lakota’s father. She is known to drive a 2000 maroon Ford F250 pickup truck with an expired Kansas license plate 060MWU. Virontka has ties to Kansas, Missouri and Colorado.

Sheriff: 5-year-old found safe; Kansas woman under investigation

NEW YORK (AP)— A panel of vaccine experts will meet in early November to consider whether to recommend the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children younger than 12.

The Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices scheduled a two-day meeting for Nov. 2-3, health officials said Friday. The Pfizer topic is expected to take up part of the agenda.

The experts are anticipating the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will have decided by then whether to authorize use of the Pfizer vaccine for children between ages 5 to 11. The committee’s job is to help the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention develop recommendations for doctors and the public about which vaccines should be used and how they should given.

Currently, Pfizer vaccines are authorized only for people 12 and older.

NEW YORK (AP)— A panel of vaccine experts will meet in early November to consider whether to recommend the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children younger than 12.The Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices scheduled a two-day meeting for Nov. 2-3, health officials said Friday. The Pfizer topic is expected to take up part of the agenda.The experts are anticipating the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will have decided by then whether to authorize use of the Pfizer vaccine for children between ages 5 to 11. The committee’s job is to help the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention develop recommendations for doctors and the public about which vaccines should be used and how they should given.Currently, Pfizer vaccines are authorized only for people 12 and older.

Panel sets meeting to consider COVID shots for ages 5-11 

TOPEKA —The suspect who walked away from from the Wichita Work Release Facility on Saturday is back in custody.

On Friday afternoon, 43-year-old Elvin Eugene Morris was taken into custody by officials from the Kansas Department of Corrections Enforcement Apprehensions &amp; Investigations (EAI) Unit and booked into Sedgwick County Jail.

Morris was placed on escape status Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, after he failing to report back to correctional facility.

The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state facility with a population of 250.

TOPEKA, Kansas –&nbsp;Minimum-custody resident Elvin Eugene Morris continues on escape status since 7:50 p.m. Saturday, October 2, after he walked away from the Wichita Work Release Facility, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Morris, a 43-year-old black male, left for Walmart in the community at 4:05 p.m. and was reported missing when he did not report back to the facility following an approved community pass.

Morris is currently serving a sentence for a conviction in Sedgwick County for removing electronic monitoring equipment. Morris was last seen leaving the Wichita Work Release Facility at 400 South Emporia in Wichita, Kansas.

Morris is 5 feet 10 inches tall, 179 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. Morris was last seen wearing jeans and a long sleeved, button up, white shirt and gray sweatshirt.

Anyone with information on Morris can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 316-265-5211, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.

The&nbsp;escape&nbsp;is currently being investigated.&nbsp; New information will be released as it becomes available.

The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state prison with a population of 250.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633225847462.png" alt="Morris has previous convictions for theft and one for aggravated robbery in addition to his conviction in Sedgwick County for removing electronic monitoring equipment, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Morris has previous convictions for theft and one for aggravated robbery in addition to his conviction in Sedgwick County for removing electronic monitoring equipment, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —The suspect who walked away from from the Wichita Work Release Facility on Saturday is back in custody.On Friday afternoon, 43-year-old Elvin Eugene Morris was taken into custody by officials from the Kansas Department of Corrections Enforcement Apprehensions &amp; Investigations (EAI) Unit and booked into Sedgwick County Jail.Morris was placed on escape status Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, after he failing to report back to correctional facility.The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state facility with a population of 250.------------TOPEKA, Kansas –&nbsp;Minimum-custody resident Elvin Eugene Morris continues on escape status since 7:50 p.m. Saturday, October 2, after he walked away from the Wichita Work Release Facility, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Corrections.Morris, a 43-year-old black male, left for Walmart in the community at 4:05 p.m. and was reported missing when he did not report back to the facility following an approved community pass.Morris is currently serving a sentence for a conviction in Sedgwick County for removing electronic monitoring equipment. Morris was last seen leaving the Wichita Work Release Facility at 400 South Emporia in Wichita, Kansas.Morris is 5 feet 10 inches tall, 179 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. Morris was last seen wearing jeans and a long sleeved, button up, white shirt and gray sweatshirt.Anyone with information on Morris can call the Kansas Department of Corrections at 316-265-5211, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (800) 572-7463 or local law enforcement at 911.The&nbsp;escape&nbsp;is currently being investigated.&nbsp; New information will be released as it becomes available.The Wichita Work Release Facility, a satellite unit of the Winfield Correctional Facility, is an all-male, minimum-custody state prison with a population of 250.

Kan. felon who walked away from work release is back in custody

WICHITA, Kan. — U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. issued the following statement after the Department of Labor released a dismal September jobs report showing only 194,000 jobs added, falling dramatically short of DOL’s estimated 500,000. This is the second month in a row of sluggish job growth, lagging far behind the more than 940,000 jobs added in July. Additionally, according to the Wall Street Journal, today’s report indicates that, “U.S. job growth fell to the slowest pace of the year.” The U-6 unemployment rate, a broader measure that includes part-time and discouraged workers, sits at 8.5% for September. Currently, there are nearly 11 million job openings in the U.S. and only 194,000 Americans went back to work this past month.

“Today’s pathetic jobs report proves President Biden’s failed socialist driven spending policies continue to harm our economy. Not only are these policies driving up inflation, but they also created lucrative government dependency that made it more beneficial to stay unemployed rather than return to work. While the increased unemployment benefits ended in early September, President Biden delivered another blow to employers when he announced his unconstitutional vaccine mandate just days later,” said Senator Marshall. “People not returning to work is another reason why we have Biden-Flation, and make no mistake, the current economic downturn is another self-inflicted crisis caused by this Administration. We need to put a stop to the vaccine mandate and we need smart, targeted investments – not radical socialist spending that leaves the country at a disadvantage.”

Senator Marshall has been leading the fight in the U.S. Senate to halt President Biden’s vaccine mandate. Yesterday, he questioned DOL Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training nominee Jose Javier Rodriguez on how he plans to handle the upcoming spike in unemployment rates caused by President Biden’s vaccine mandate. Senator Marshall said in part,

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622814919936.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. — U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. issued the following statement after the Department of Labor released a dismal September jobs report showing only 194,000 jobs added, falling dramatically short of DOL’s estimated 500,000. This is the second month in a row of sluggish job growth, lagging far behind the more than 940,000 jobs added in July. Additionally, according to the Wall Street Journal, today’s report indicates that, “U.S. job growth fell to the slowest pace of the year.” The U-6 unemployment rate, a broader measure that includes part-time and discouraged workers, sits at 8.5% for September. Currently, there are nearly 11 million job openings in the U.S. and only 194,000 Americans went back to work this past month.“Today’s pathetic jobs report proves President Biden’s failed socialist driven spending policies continue to harm our economy. Not only are these policies driving up inflation, but they also created lucrative government dependency that made it more beneficial to stay unemployed rather than return to work. While the increased unemployment benefits ended in early September, President Biden delivered another blow to employers when he announced his unconstitutional vaccine mandate just days later,” said Senator Marshall. “People not returning to work is another reason why we have Biden-Flation, and make no mistake, the current economic downturn is another self-inflicted crisis caused by this Administration. We need to put a stop to the vaccine mandate and we need smart, targeted investments – not radical socialist spending that leaves the country at a disadvantage.”Senator Marshall has been leading the fight in the U.S. Senate to halt President Biden’s vaccine mandate. Yesterday, he questioned DOL Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training nominee Jose Javier Rodriguez on how he plans to handle the upcoming spike in unemployment rates caused by President Biden’s vaccine mandate. Senator Marshall said in part,

Senator Marshall weighs in on dismal jobs report

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The fundamentals behind the price at the pump are headed in a higher direction again this week.

"High crude oil prices are pushing the average gas prices up both nationally and in Kansas," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "At the close of Thursday's trading, West Texas Intermediate Crude was trading at more than $78 a barrel. That's up more than three dollars from the previous weeks."

That's contributing to gas prices nationally that are the highest in several years.

"Since Monday, the national average gas price has risen by four cents to $3.24 a gallon," Steward said. "That's a price that we haven't seen since October 2014."

Prices are still lower in Kansas than nationwide.

"We are up three cents in the last week to an average today of $2.97 a gallon," Steward said. "That still puts us at eighth-cheapest in the country. Reno County is $2.96 a gallon, about a cent cheaper than the statewide average."

Part of what is pushing crude prices higher is OPEC going back on what was an anticipated increase in production later this year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627259328916.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The fundamentals behind the price at the pump are headed in a higher direction again this week."High crude oil prices are pushing the average gas prices up both nationally and in Kansas," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "At the close of Thursday's trading, West Texas Intermediate Crude was trading at more than $78 a barrel. That's up more than three dollars from the previous weeks."That's contributing to gas prices nationally that are the highest in several years."Since Monday, the national average gas price has risen by four cents to $3.24 a gallon," Steward said. "That's a price that we haven't seen since October 2014."Prices are still lower in Kansas than nationwide."We are up three cents in the last week to an average today of $2.97 a gallon," Steward said. "That still puts us at eighth-cheapest in the country. Reno County is $2.96 a gallon, about a cent cheaper than the statewide average."Part of what is pushing crude prices higher is OPEC going back on what was an anticipated increase in production later this year.

AAA: Crude is keeping pump prices up

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,211 to a total of 417,643, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 21 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,127.

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

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

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,211 to a total of 417,643, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 21 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,127.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633714665316.png" alt="Friday Oct. 8, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday Oct. 8, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 2,200 new cases, 21 additional COVID deaths

CHANDLER ARIZONA —One of two people who died after after a helicopter crashed following a mid-air collision with a single-engine plane near a suburban Phoenix airport has been identified as flight instructor Jessica Brandal, according to Dodge City Community College.

She worked for the Dodge City Community College&nbsp;<a href="https://dc3.edu/arizona-campus/">helicopter flight instructor program</a>&nbsp;in Chandler, Arizona. Student Michael Papendick also died in the crash. Friends established <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembermikepappy?qid=eb09b2a2eeb116bc75dddf86cc595662">a GoFundMe</a> to help his wife and daughter.

The collision happened October 1, near Chandler Municipal Airport. The plane was able to land safely, and the flight instructor and student pilot on board the airplane declined medical treatment. 

No one on the ground was injured. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the cause of the collision and crash. Chandler Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport that does not provide commercial airline service. Authorities say both aircraft are operated by separate flight schools.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633123334142.png" alt="First responders at the crash scene photo courtesy KPHO TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the crash scene photo courtesy KPHO TV</figcaption>
 </figure>CHANDLER ARIZONA —One of two people who died after after a helicopter crashed following a mid-air collision with a single-engine plane near a suburban Phoenix airport has been identified as flight instructor Jessica Brandal, according to Dodge City Community College.She worked for the Dodge City Community College&nbsp;<a href="https://dc3.edu/arizona-campus/">helicopter flight instructor program</a>&nbsp;in Chandler, Arizona. Student Michael Papendick also died in the crash. Friends established <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembermikepappy?qid=eb09b2a2eeb116bc75dddf86cc595662">a GoFundMe</a> to help his wife and daughter.The collision happened October 1, near Chandler Municipal Airport. The plane was able to land safely, and the flight instructor and student pilot on board the airplane declined medical treatment. No one on the ground was injured. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the cause of the collision and crash. Chandler Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport that does not provide commercial airline service. Authorities say both aircraft are operated by separate flight schools.--------------

Dodge City CC IDs flight instructor who died in helicopter crash

BARTON COUNTY—Police in Great Bend shared a fun story this week. Someone in the community found a wallet at the Crest Theater, 1905 Lakin in Great Bend and turned it into police, according to a social media report.

The wallet contained several items including a social security card and a driver’s license that expired in 1974.

Police tracked down the owner, who now lives in Lawrence. The man lost the wallet in the early 70’s. According to police, the owner was tickled and shared that he made the wallet himself. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633702999165.png" alt="Photo courtesy Great Bend Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Great Bend Police</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Police in Great Bend shared a fun story this week. Someone in the community found a wallet at the Crest Theater, 1905 Lakin in Great Bend and turned it into police, according to a social media report.The wallet contained several items including a social security card and a driver’s license that expired in 1974.Police tracked down the owner, who now lives in Lawrence. The man lost the wallet in the early 70’s. According to police, the owner was tickled and shared that he made the wallet himself.

Wallet lost in the 1970s found and returned to Kansas man

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ largest city is under a water boil order after a large water main break, leading Wichita-area schools to close and prompting residents to make a run on bottled water. 

The city ordered the boil advisory Thursday afternoon, affecting its nearly 400,000 residents and some surrounding communities, following the break of a 42-inch main on Wichita’s north side. 

Mayor Brandon Whipple asked residents not to hoard bottled water, but many area store shelves were wiped out of water by late Thursday. The advisory is to remain in effect until testing shows the city's water is safe. Officials hope to be able to lift the order at some point this weekend.

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)&nbsp; issued a boil water advisory for the following public water supply systems that purchase water from the City of Wichita:

Sedgwick Co RWD 1 City of Bel Aire, Sedgwick Co RWD 2 City of Rose Hill, City of Benton, Sedgwick Co RWD 3 El Paso Water Co. (City of Derby), City of Kechi and. the City of Valley Center.&nbsp; Most schools in the region are also closed Friday due to the water issue.

Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:

• If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.

• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.

• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker.

• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.

The advisory took effect on October 7 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure in the City of Wichita’s distribution system due to a waterline break. Failure to maintain pressure can lead to a loss of chlorine residual levels and may result in bacterial contamination.

Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633655322314.png" alt="View of the water main break courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>View of the water main break courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ largest city is under a water boil order after a large water main break, leading Wichita-area schools to close and prompting residents to make a run on bottled water. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Staff is working with the KDHE. We expect to get back water testing results Saturday morning. KDHE will then advise whether the boil advisory can be lifted or will remain in effect at that time.&mdash; City of Wichita (@CityofWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/CityofWichita/status/1446313567821647889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The city ordered the boil advisory Thursday afternoon, affecting its nearly 400,000 residents and some surrounding communities, following the break of a 42-inch main on Wichita’s north side. Mayor Brandon Whipple asked residents not to hoard bottled water, but many area store shelves were wiped out of water by late Thursday. The advisory is to remain in effect until testing shows the city's water is safe. Officials hope to be able to lift the order at some point this weekend.--------TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)&nbsp; issued a boil water advisory for the following public water supply systems that purchase water from the City of Wichita:Sedgwick Co RWD 1 City of Bel Aire, Sedgwick Co RWD 2 City of Rose Hill, City of Benton, Sedgwick Co RWD 3 El Paso Water Co. (City of Derby), City of Kechi and. the City of Valley Center.&nbsp; Most schools in the region are also closed Friday due to the water issue.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Due to the water main break, we will NOT have school tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 8. As we are still under a boil water advisory, we don&#39;t have the ability to provide enough bottled water for our students and staff. For details, go to <a href="https://t.co/jF6Kn9Eq20">https://t.co/jF6Kn9Eq20</a> <a href="https://t.co/N8z8ZJ3GPB">pic.twitter.com/N8z8ZJ3GPB</a>&mdash; Wichita Public Schools (@WichitaUSD259) <a href="https://twitter.com/WichitaUSD259/status/1446305072208506883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The City is issuing a water boil advisory at this time. <a href="https://t.co/JxOCEE5YmV">pic.twitter.com/JxOCEE5YmV</a>&mdash; City of Wichita (@CityofWichita) <a href="https://twitter.com/CityofWichita/status/1446213626260598792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:• If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.• Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.• Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic ice maker.• Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.• Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.The advisory took effect on October 7 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE issued the advisory because of a loss of pressure in the City of Wichita’s distribution system due to a waterline break. Failure to maintain pressure can lead to a loss of chlorine residual levels and may result in bacterial contamination.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Restaurants/food establishments in City of Wichita (and communities that get water from City of W), take note. Food Safety handout available here: <a href="https://t.co/Zer2W1fWH9">https://t.co/Zer2W1fWH9</a> -- for further questions, contact KDA Food Safety &amp; Lodging program at kda.fsl@ks.gov or call 785-564-6767. <a href="https://t.co/kJXGsXUxig">https://t.co/kJXGsXUxig</a>&mdash; Kansas Dept of Ag (@KansasDeptofAg) <a href="https://twitter.com/KansasDeptofAg/status/1446234285502042112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Regardless of whether the public water supplier or KDHE announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.<div></div>

Wichita Mayor: Don't hoard bottled water in midst of large water main break

PICHER, Okla. (AP) — Authorities have announced a new search for the bodies of two northeast Oklahoma girls missing since 1999. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and Craig County District Attorney Investigator Gary Stansill say investigators will search a cellar Friday on vacant land in the former town of Picher where a suspect in the girls' disappearance lived at the time. 

The search is for the remains of Ashley Freeman and Lauria Bible, who were 16 when they disappeared from Freeman's home near Welch on Dec. 30, 1999. 

Freeman's parents were found dead in the burned rubble of the home and Ronnie Busick of Wichita, Kansas, pleaded guilty to an accessory to murder charge in the case in August.

VINITA, Okla. (AP) — A Kansas man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with the deaths of two people and the disappearance of two teenage girls more than 20 years ago.

Ronnie Busick, 69, Wichita, was sentenced Monday i<a href="https://craigcountyso.com/inmate-search.php?FullName=busick&amp;Search=Search">n Craig County </a>on one count of accessory to murder, said Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Brook Arbeitman.

Busick, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2d867480c8bdaafe2d0f6a9db9a005fb">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in July, could have earned a reduction in his sentence by showing authorities where the bodies of Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman were located, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2b48eaf595d69d063f23809078e3d4ff">several searches</a>&nbsp;have not recovered the teens’ remains, Arbeitman said.

Bible and Freeman, who were both 16, haven’t been seen since Dec. 30. 1999, after Freeman’s parents, Danny and Kathy Freeman, were found slain in their burned mobile home in Welch about 70 miles (113 kilometers) northeast of Tulsa.

Busick, of Wichita, Kansas, was arrested and charged in 2018, and investigators say two other suspects are now dead.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1598956739361.png" alt="Ronnie Busick, of Wichita was sentenced in Sept. 2020 for his role in the girls' disappearance.-photo Craig Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Ronnie Busick, of Wichita was sentenced in Sept. 2020 for his role in the girls' disappearance.-photo Craig Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PICHER, Okla. (AP) — Authorities have announced a new search for the bodies of two northeast Oklahoma girls missing since 1999. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and Craig County District Attorney Investigator Gary Stansill say investigators will search a cellar Friday on vacant land in the former town of Picher where a suspect in the girls' disappearance lived at the time. The search is for the remains of Ashley Freeman and Lauria Bible, who were 16 when they disappeared from Freeman's home near Welch on Dec. 30, 1999. Freeman's parents were found dead in the burned rubble of the home and Ronnie Busick of Wichita, Kansas, pleaded guilty to an accessory to murder charge in the case in August.------------VINITA, Okla. (AP) — A Kansas man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection with the deaths of two people and the disappearance of two teenage girls more than 20 years ago.Ronnie Busick, 69, Wichita, was sentenced Monday i<a href="https://craigcountyso.com/inmate-search.php?FullName=busick&amp;Search=Search">n Craig County </a>on one count of accessory to murder, said Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman Brook Arbeitman. Busick, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2d867480c8bdaafe2d0f6a9db9a005fb">pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;in July, could have earned a reduction in his sentence by showing authorities where the bodies of Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman were located, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2b48eaf595d69d063f23809078e3d4ff">several searches</a>&nbsp;have not recovered the teens’ remains, Arbeitman said.Bible and Freeman, who were both 16, haven’t been seen since Dec. 30. 1999, after Freeman’s parents, Danny and Kathy Freeman, were found slain in their burned mobile home in Welch about 70 miles (113 kilometers) northeast of Tulsa.Busick, of Wichita, Kansas, was arrested and charged in 2018, and investigators say two other suspects are now dead.

Search continues in cold case a year after Kan. man sentenced

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Il. (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday championed COVID-19 vaccination requirements, determined that the roughly 67 million&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-941fcf43d9731c76c16e7354f5d5e187">unvaccinated American adults</a>&nbsp;must get the shot even as he acknowledged that mandates weren’t his “first instinct.”

Biden had ruled out such requirements before taking office in January, but they now are a tactic he feels forced into using by a stubborn slice of the public that has refused to be inoculated and has jeopardized the lives of others and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-economy-economic-growth-a35a482985d6c4b2046ba884a99319a8">the nation’s economic recovery</a>.

“There is no other way to beat the pandemic than to get the vast majority of the American people vaccinated,” Biden said in suburban Chicago at an event promoting the mandates. “While I didn’t race to do it right away, that’s why I’ve had to move toward requirements.”

In the coming weeks, more than 100 million Americans will be subject to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-executive-branch-18fb12993f05be13bf760946a6fb89be">vaccine requirements ordered by Biden</a>. And his administration is encouraging employers to take additional steps voluntarily that would push vaccines on people or subject them to onerous testing requirements.

Forcing people to do something they do not want to do is rarely a winning political strategy. Yet with the majority of the country already vaccinated and with industry on his side, Biden has emerged as an unlikely advocate of browbeating tactics to drive vaccinations.

“Look, I know that vaccination requirements are a tough medicine — unpopular to some, politics for others — but they’re lifesaving, they’re game-changing for our country,” Biden said.

But the requirements have drawn widespread public support. People are hoping to put behind a pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 700,000 in the United States, and businesses see vaccinations as a road map toward a revitalized economic.

Biden took that message to a construction site run by Clayco, a large building firm that announced a new vaccinate-or-test requirement for its workforce in conjunction with Biden’s visit. The company is taking action weeks before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-henry-mcmaster-f33acd986ad5045e48088a832c6f9903">a forthcoming rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>&nbsp;that will require all employers with more than 100 employees to require that their staffs be vaccinated or face weekly testing for the coronavirus.

“You’re setting an example and a powerful example,” Biden told company officials. “I’m calling on more employers to act.”

Biden encouraged other businesses to follow suit by taking action before the OSHA rule and to go even further by requiring shots for their employees without offering a test-out option.

Biden also met with the CEO of United Airlines, Scott Kirby, whose company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-de26955d518a498c5ffb26160d9c623d">successfully implemented a vaccine mandate</a>, with no option for workers to be tested instead. Less than 1% have failed to comply and risk termination.

Biden’s mandates have “worked spectacularly well,” said Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert at Georgetown University’s law school. He added that the president’s rules have also had a “modeling effect” for cities, states and businesses. That’s what the White House intended.

U.S. officials began anticipating the need for a more forceful vaccination campaign by April, when the nation’s supply of shots began to outpace demand. Political conditions meant immediate steps to require shots would have likely proved counterproductive.

The idea of mandatory vaccination faced pushback from critics who argue it smacks of government overreach and takes away people’s rights to make their own medical decisions.

So first, officials engaged in a monthslong and multibillion-dollar education and incentives effort to persuade people to get the vaccines of their own accord.

By midsummer,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-coronavirus-pandemic-ac6ef8534bffeec97e9dc771b7990fe6">the more transmissible delta variant</a>&nbsp;of the virus was eroding months of health and economic progress and the rate of new vaccinations had slowed to a trickle. Biden’s strategy shifted from inducement to compulsion, with a slow, and deliberate heightening of vaccination restrictions.

“It’s a good political strategy, but it also is a good public health strategy, because once you have a lot of people that have already been vaccinated. then mandates become more acceptable,” Gostin said.

It started with a vaccination requirement for federal frontline health workers serving veterans in VA hospitals. Then the military, followed in steady succession by all healthcare workers reimbursed by the government, all federal workers, and then the more than 80 million Americans who work at mid- and large-size companies.

Nearly 100 million adult Americans were unvaccinated in July. That figure has been cut by one-third since federal, state and private-sector mandates have been imposed.

“Here’s the deal: These requirements are already proving that they work,” Biden said Thursday.

In conjunction with the president’s trip to Chicago, the White House was releasing a report that outlines the early successes of vaccine mandates at driving up vaccination rates and tries to make the economic case for businesses and local governments to put mandates in place. It points to everything from reduced employee hours to diminished restaurant reservations in areas with fewer vaccinations, not to mention markedly reduced instances of serious illness and death from the virus in areas with higher vaccination rates.

Millions of workers, the White House notes, say they are still unable to work due to pandemic-related effects, because their workplaces have been shuttered or reduced service, or because they’re afraid to work or can’t get child care.

“The evidence has been overwhelmingly clear that these vaccine mandates work,” said Charlie Anderson, director of economic policy and budget for the White House COVID-19 response team. “And so now, I think it’s a good time to lift up and say, ‘Now’s the time to move, if you haven’t yet.’”

While mandates are the ultimate tool to press Americans to get vaccinated, Biden has resisted, at least thus far, requiring shots or tests for interstate or international air travel, a move that legal experts say is within his powers. Officials said it was under consideration.

“We have a track record, and I think it’s clear, that shows that we’re pulling available levers to require vaccinations,” said Jeff Zients, the White House COVID-19 coordinator. “And we’re not taking anything off the table.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633699117760.png" alt="“There is no other way to beat the pandemic than to get the vast majority of the American people vaccinated,” Biden said in suburban Chicago at an event promoting the mandates.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>“There is no other way to beat the pandemic than to get the vast majority of the American people vaccinated,” Biden said in suburban Chicago at an event promoting the mandates.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Il. (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday championed COVID-19 vaccination requirements, determined that the roughly 67 million&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-941fcf43d9731c76c16e7354f5d5e187">unvaccinated American adults</a>&nbsp;must get the shot even as he acknowledged that mandates weren’t his “first instinct.”Biden had ruled out such requirements before taking office in January, but they now are a tactic he feels forced into using by a stubborn slice of the public that has refused to be inoculated and has jeopardized the lives of others and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-economy-economic-growth-a35a482985d6c4b2046ba884a99319a8">the nation’s economic recovery</a>.“There is no other way to beat the pandemic than to get the vast majority of the American people vaccinated,” Biden said in suburban Chicago at an event promoting the mandates. “While I didn’t race to do it right away, that’s why I’ve had to move toward requirements.”In the coming weeks, more than 100 million Americans will be subject to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-executive-branch-18fb12993f05be13bf760946a6fb89be">vaccine requirements ordered by Biden</a>. And his administration is encouraging employers to take additional steps voluntarily that would push vaccines on people or subject them to onerous testing requirements.Forcing people to do something they do not want to do is rarely a winning political strategy. Yet with the majority of the country already vaccinated and with industry on his side, Biden has emerged as an unlikely advocate of browbeating tactics to drive vaccinations.“Look, I know that vaccination requirements are a tough medicine — unpopular to some, politics for others — but they’re lifesaving, they’re game-changing for our country,” Biden said.But the requirements have drawn widespread public support. People are hoping to put behind a pandemic that has taken the lives of more than 700,000 in the United States, and businesses see vaccinations as a road map toward a revitalized economic.Biden took that message to a construction site run by Clayco, a large building firm that announced a new vaccinate-or-test requirement for its workforce in conjunction with Biden’s visit. The company is taking action weeks before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-henry-mcmaster-f33acd986ad5045e48088a832c6f9903">a forthcoming rule by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>&nbsp;that will require all employers with more than 100 employees to require that their staffs be vaccinated or face weekly testing for the coronavirus.“You’re setting an example and a powerful example,” Biden told company officials. “I’m calling on more employers to act.”Biden encouraged other businesses to follow suit by taking action before the OSHA rule and to go even further by requiring shots for their employees without offering a test-out option.Biden also met with the CEO of United Airlines, Scott Kirby, whose company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-de26955d518a498c5ffb26160d9c623d">successfully implemented a vaccine mandate</a>, with no option for workers to be tested instead. Less than 1% have failed to comply and risk termination.Biden’s mandates have “worked spectacularly well,” said Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert at Georgetown University’s law school. He added that the president’s rules have also had a “modeling effect” for cities, states and businesses. That’s what the White House intended.U.S. officials began anticipating the need for a more forceful vaccination campaign by April, when the nation’s supply of shots began to outpace demand. Political conditions meant immediate steps to require shots would have likely proved counterproductive.The idea of mandatory vaccination faced pushback from critics who argue it smacks of government overreach and takes away people’s rights to make their own medical decisions.So first, officials engaged in a monthslong and multibillion-dollar education and incentives effort to persuade people to get the vaccines of their own accord.It wasn’t enough.By midsummer,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-coronavirus-pandemic-ac6ef8534bffeec97e9dc771b7990fe6">the more transmissible delta variant</a>&nbsp;of the virus was eroding months of health and economic progress and the rate of new vaccinations had slowed to a trickle. Biden’s strategy shifted from inducement to compulsion, with a slow, and deliberate heightening of vaccination restrictions.“It’s a good political strategy, but it also is a good public health strategy, because once you have a lot of people that have already been vaccinated. then mandates become more acceptable,” Gostin said.It started with a vaccination requirement for federal frontline health workers serving veterans in VA hospitals. Then the military, followed in steady succession by all healthcare workers reimbursed by the government, all federal workers, and then the more than 80 million Americans who work at mid- and large-size companies.Nearly 100 million adult Americans were unvaccinated in July. That figure has been cut by one-third since federal, state and private-sector mandates have been imposed.“Here’s the deal: These requirements are already proving that they work,” Biden said Thursday.In conjunction with the president’s trip to Chicago, the White House was releasing a report that outlines the early successes of vaccine mandates at driving up vaccination rates and tries to make the economic case for businesses and local governments to put mandates in place. It points to everything from reduced employee hours to diminished restaurant reservations in areas with fewer vaccinations, not to mention markedly reduced instances of serious illness and death from the virus in areas with higher vaccination rates.Millions of workers, the White House notes, say they are still unable to work due to pandemic-related effects, because their workplaces have been shuttered or reduced service, or because they’re afraid to work or can’t get child care.“The evidence has been overwhelmingly clear that these vaccine mandates work,” said Charlie Anderson, director of economic policy and budget for the White House COVID-19 response team. “And so now, I think it’s a good time to lift up and say, ‘Now’s the time to move, if you haven’t yet.’”While mandates are the ultimate tool to press Americans to get vaccinated, Biden has resisted, at least thus far, requiring shots or tests for interstate or international air travel, a move that legal experts say is within his powers. Officials said it was under consideration.“We have a track record, and I think it’s clear, that shows that we’re pulling available levers to require vaccinations,” said Jeff Zients, the White House COVID-19 coordinator. “And we’re not taking anything off the table.”

President Biden makes economic case for vaccine mandates

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged threat of violence at a Kansas middle school.

Just before 9:00 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of a possible school threat at Hadley Middle School, 1101 North Douglas in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy. 

Students at the school reported seeing a post on Instagram that appeared to show someone holding a gun in what appeared to be a bathroom. The Instagram account also had posted threats, which prompted students to inform a teacher who called 911.

Officers responded, and an investigation began into who posted the image and the threats. It was later determined that the photo was not taken at Hadley Middle School.&nbsp;

Police are still working to determine who was involved and released no additional details late Thursday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633639248311.png" alt="Hadley Middle School -google image" />
 <figcaption>Hadley Middle School -google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged threat of violence at a Kansas middle school.Just before 9:00 a.m. Thursday, police responded to a report of a possible school threat at Hadley Middle School, 1101 North Douglas in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy. Students at the school reported seeing a post on Instagram that appeared to show someone holding a gun in what appeared to be a bathroom. The Instagram account also had posted threats, which prompted students to inform a teacher who called 911.Officers responded, and an investigation began into who posted the image and the threats. It was later determined that the photo was not taken at Hadley Middle School.&nbsp;Police are still working to determine who was involved and released no additional details late Thursday afternoon.

Police investigate alleged threat at Kansas middle school

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has dodged a U.S. debt disaster, voting to extend the government’s borrowing authority into December and temporarily avert an unprecedented federal default that experts warned would devastate the economy and harm millions of Americans.

The party-line Democratic vote of 50-48 in support of the bill to raise the government’s debt ceiling by nearly a half-trillion dollars brought instant relief in Washington and far beyond. However, it provides only a reprieve. Assuming the House goes along with the Senate’s Thursday night vote, which it will, Republican and Democratic lawmakers will still have to tackle their deep differences on the issue once more before yearend.

That debate will take place as lawmakers also work to fund the federal government for the new fiscal year and as they keep up their bitter battling over President Joe Biden’s top domestic priorities — a bipartisan infrastructure plan with nearly $550 billion in new spending as well as a much more expansive, $3.5 trillion effort focused on health, safety net programs and the environment.

Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against the measure. In a statement from his office, Moran said, “As inflation rates continue to climb, burdening American families with higher prices at the gas station and grocery store, Congress should be working on an enduring solution to rein in federal spending, not passing short-term proposals that kick the problem down the road. I will not support the Democrats’ efforts to raise the debt limit to facilitate their out-of-control spending that is jeopardizing our economy and hurting American families.” Missouri Senator Roy Blunt voted with the majority.

Easing the crisis at hand — a disastrous default looming in just weeks — the Republican Senate leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, offered his support for allowing a short-term extension of the government’s borrowing authority after leading solid GOP opposition to a longer extension. He acted as Biden and business leaders ramped up their concerns that a default would disrupt government payments to millions of Americans and throw the nation into recession.

The GOP concession to give up its blockade for now was not popular with some members of McConnell’s Republican caucus, who complained that the nation’s debt levels are unsustainable.

“I can’t vote to raise this debt ceiling, not right now, especially given the plans at play to increase spending immediately by another $3.5 trillion,” Sen. Mike Lee of Utah said shortly before the vote.

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said the Democrats had been on “a path to surrender” on the process used to lift the debt cap, “and then unfortunately, yesterday, Republicans blinked.”

But Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was among those voting to end debate and allow a vote on the bill.

“I’m not willing to let this train go off the cliff,” she said.

Eleven Republicans voted to end debate, providing the threshold needed to move the bill to a final vote. However, no Republicans sided with Democrats in the final vote for the measure. McConnell has insisted that the majority party will have to increase the debt ceiling on its own.

Congress has just days to act before the Oct. 18 deadline after which the Treasury Department has warned it will quickly run short of funds to handle the nation’s already accrued debt load.

The House is likely to approve the measure next week. After the Senate action, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer announced the House is being called back to session Tuesday evening for votes.

Republican leaders worked through the day to find the 10 votes they needed from their party to advance the debt limit extension to a final vote, holding a private huddle late in the afternoon. It was a long and “spirited” discussion in the room, said Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri.

McConnell allowed for an airing of all views and ultimately told the senators he would be voting yes to limit debate.

The vote started with McConnell and South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the second-ranking Republican, waiting patiently as slowly, but surely, nine of their GOP colleagues came and gave the anticipated thumbs up. When Cruz voted no, McConnell joked: “I thought you were undecided. Thanks for showing up.”

The White House signaled Biden’s support, with principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre saying the president would sign a bill to raise the debt limit when it passed Congress. Jabbing the Republicans, she also said, “It gives us some breathing room from the catastrophic default we were approaching because of Sen. McConnell’s decision to play politics with our economy.”

Wall Street rallied modestly Thursday on news of the agreement.

The accord sets the stage for a sequel of sorts in December, when Congress will again face pressing deadlines to fund the government and raise the debt limit before heading home for the holidays.

The $480 billion increase in the debt ceiling is the level that the Treasury Department has said is needed to get safely to Dec. 3.

“I thank my Democratic colleagues for showing unity in solving this Republican-manufactured crisis,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. “Despite immense opposition from Leader McConnell and members of his conference, our caucus held together and we have pulled our country back from the cliff’s edge that Republicans tried to push us over.”

“The pathway our Democratic colleagues have accepted will spare the American people any near-term crisis, while definitively resolving the majority’s excuse that they lacked time to address the debt limit through (reconciliation),” McConnell said Thursday. “Now there will be no question: They’ll have plenty of time.

McConnell and fellow Senate Republicans still insist that the Democrats go it alone to raise the debt ceiling longer term. Further, McConnell has insisted that Democrats use the same cumbersome legislative process called reconciliation that they used to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill</a>&nbsp;and have been employing to try to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-business-us-news-ap-top-news-a6e8ed2379857b7aa9c64f6d608bb938">Biden’s $3.5 trillion measure</a>&nbsp;to boost safety net, health and environmental programs.

On Wednesday, Biden had enlisted top business leaders to push for immediately suspending the debt limit, saying the approaching deadline created the risk of a historic default that would be like a “meteor” that could crush the U.S. economy and send waves of damage worldwide.

At a White House event, the president shamed Republican senators for threatening to filibuster any suspension of the $28.4 trillion cap. He leaned into the credibility of corporate America — a group that has traditionally been aligned with the GOP on tax and regulatory issues — to drive home his point as the heads of Citi, JP Morgan Chase and Nasdaq gathered in person and virtually to say the debt limit must be lifted.

“It’s not right and it’s dangerous,” Biden said of the resistance by Senate Republicans.

Once a routine matter, raising the debt limit has become politically treacherous over the past decade or more, used by Republicans, in particular, to rail against government spending and the rising debt load.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633689181636.png" alt="The party-line Democratic vote of 50-48 in support of the bill to raise the government’s debt ceiling by nearly a half-trillion dollars brought instant relief in Washington and far beyond. The House must still approve the measure. Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>The party-line Democratic vote of 50-48 in support of the bill to raise the government’s debt ceiling by nearly a half-trillion dollars brought instant relief in Washington and far beyond. The House must still approve the measure. Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has dodged a U.S. debt disaster, voting to extend the government’s borrowing authority into December and temporarily avert an unprecedented federal default that experts warned would devastate the economy and harm millions of Americans.The party-line Democratic vote of 50-48 in support of the bill to raise the government’s debt ceiling by nearly a half-trillion dollars brought instant relief in Washington and far beyond. However, it provides only a reprieve. Assuming the House goes along with the Senate’s Thursday night vote, which it will, Republican and Democratic lawmakers will still have to tackle their deep differences on the issue once more before yearend.That debate will take place as lawmakers also work to fund the federal government for the new fiscal year and as they keep up their bitter battling over President Joe Biden’s top domestic priorities — a bipartisan infrastructure plan with nearly $550 billion in new spending as well as a much more expansive, $3.5 trillion effort focused on health, safety net programs and the environment.Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall voted against the measure. In a statement from his office, Moran said, “As inflation rates continue to climb, burdening American families with higher prices at the gas station and grocery store, Congress should be working on an enduring solution to rein in federal spending, not passing short-term proposals that kick the problem down the road. I will not support the Democrats’ efforts to raise the debt limit to facilitate their out-of-control spending that is jeopardizing our economy and hurting American families.” Missouri Senator Roy Blunt voted with the majority.Easing the crisis at hand — a disastrous default looming in just weeks — the Republican Senate leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, offered his support for allowing a short-term extension of the government’s borrowing authority after leading solid GOP opposition to a longer extension. He acted as Biden and business leaders ramped up their concerns that a default would disrupt government payments to millions of Americans and throw the nation into recession.The GOP concession to give up its blockade for now was not popular with some members of McConnell’s Republican caucus, who complained that the nation’s debt levels are unsustainable.“I can’t vote to raise this debt ceiling, not right now, especially given the plans at play to increase spending immediately by another $3.5 trillion,” Sen. Mike Lee of Utah said shortly before the vote.Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said the Democrats had been on “a path to surrender” on the process used to lift the debt cap, “and then unfortunately, yesterday, Republicans blinked.”But Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was among those voting to end debate and allow a vote on the bill.“I’m not willing to let this train go off the cliff,” she said.Eleven Republicans voted to end debate, providing the threshold needed to move the bill to a final vote. However, no Republicans sided with Democrats in the final vote for the measure. McConnell has insisted that the majority party will have to increase the debt ceiling on its own.Congress has just days to act before the Oct. 18 deadline after which the Treasury Department has warned it will quickly run short of funds to handle the nation’s already accrued debt load.The House is likely to approve the measure next week. After the Senate action, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer announced the House is being called back to session Tuesday evening for votes.Republican leaders worked through the day to find the 10 votes they needed from their party to advance the debt limit extension to a final vote, holding a private huddle late in the afternoon. It was a long and “spirited” discussion in the room, said Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri.McConnell allowed for an airing of all views and ultimately told the senators he would be voting yes to limit debate.The vote started with McConnell and South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the second-ranking Republican, waiting patiently as slowly, but surely, nine of their GOP colleagues came and gave the anticipated thumbs up. When Cruz voted no, McConnell joked: “I thought you were undecided. Thanks for showing up.”The White House signaled Biden’s support, with principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre saying the president would sign a bill to raise the debt limit when it passed Congress. Jabbing the Republicans, she also said, “It gives us some breathing room from the catastrophic default we were approaching because of Sen. McConnell’s decision to play politics with our economy.”Wall Street rallied modestly Thursday on news of the agreement.The accord sets the stage for a sequel of sorts in December, when Congress will again face pressing deadlines to fund the government and raise the debt limit before heading home for the holidays.The $480 billion increase in the debt ceiling is the level that the Treasury Department has said is needed to get safely to Dec. 3.“I thank my Democratic colleagues for showing unity in solving this Republican-manufactured crisis,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. “Despite immense opposition from Leader McConnell and members of his conference, our caucus held together and we have pulled our country back from the cliff’s edge that Republicans tried to push us over.”McConnell saw it quite differently.“The pathway our Democratic colleagues have accepted will spare the American people any near-term crisis, while definitively resolving the majority’s excuse that they lacked time to address the debt limit through (reconciliation),” McConnell said Thursday. “Now there will be no question: They’ll have plenty of time.McConnell and fellow Senate Republicans still insist that the Democrats go it alone to raise the debt ceiling longer term. Further, McConnell has insisted that Democrats use the same cumbersome legislative process called reconciliation that they used to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-vote-coronavirus-relief-package-33f4902ca9a2aed4e76274af6bb2ea5c">a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill</a>&nbsp;and have been employing to try to pass&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-business-us-news-ap-top-news-a6e8ed2379857b7aa9c64f6d608bb938">Biden’s $3.5 trillion measure</a>&nbsp;to boost safety net, health and environmental programs.On Wednesday, Biden had enlisted top business leaders to push for immediately suspending the debt limit, saying the approaching deadline created the risk of a historic default that would be like a “meteor” that could crush the U.S. economy and send waves of damage worldwide.At a White House event, the president shamed Republican senators for threatening to filibuster any suspension of the $28.4 trillion cap. He leaned into the credibility of corporate America — a group that has traditionally been aligned with the GOP on tax and regulatory issues — to drive home his point as the heads of Citi, JP Morgan Chase and Nasdaq gathered in person and virtually to say the debt limit must be lifted.“It’s not right and it’s dangerous,” Biden said of the resistance by Senate Republicans.Once a routine matter, raising the debt limit has become politically treacherous over the past decade or more, used by Republicans, in particular, to rail against government spending and the rising debt load.------

Kan. Senators vote no as U.S Senate approves extending debt limit

BEIJING (AP) — In a relationship as fraught as America’s and China’s, just an agreement that talks were productive was a sign of progress.

Nine months into Joe Biden's presidency, the two sides finally appear to be trying to ease tensions that date from the Trump administration — though U.S. complaints about Chinese policies on trade, Taiwan and other issues are little diminished.

A closed-door meeting in Zurich on Wednesday between senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan was not accompanied by the public acrimony on display at earlier meetings.

After the six-hour talks, the U.S. disclosed an agreement in principle for a virtual summit between Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping by the end of the year. The two have talked by phone twice since Biden became president in January but not held a formal meeting.

Major differences divide what are by many measures the world’s two most powerful nations as they jostle for what each sees as its rightful place in the world order. Some differences over regional security and trade and technology may be irreconcilable, but successful talks could manage them and prevent any spillover that impedes cooperation in other areas such as climate change.

“I don’t think this marks the turnaround and somehow we’ll have a golden era, but maybe we’ve found the floor, or a floor, in which the relationships won’t sink any deeper,” said Drew Thompson, a former U.S. defense official who managed military-to-military relations with China, Taiwan and Mongolia.

Thompson, a visiting fellow at the National University of Singapore, said the meeting in Zurich went “spectacularly well” compared with a March meeting in Alaska that Yang and Sullivan attended and other U.S.-China meetings in the last three years.

Zhao Kejin, a professor of international relations at Tsinghua University in Beijing, described the current direction as an attempt to ease tensions and said a Xi-Biden meeting could cap those efforts.

“Compared to the tense relations during the Trump administration, the current relationship is moving toward mitigation,” he said. “As far as how far it will move, we will wait and see.”

One thorn in the relationship was removed two weeks ago when U.S. prosecutors reached a deal with a Chinese telecom executive that brought an end to prolonged extradition proceedings in Canada and allowed her to return to China.

Shortly after, two Canadians held by China for more than two years were released, and two Americans who had been blocked from leaving China were allowed to return to the United States.

And earlier this week, Chinese state media highlighted remarks by Biden's top trade official, Katherine Tai, that she plans frank conversations with her Chinese counterparts on resolving a tariff war. The U.S. administration, though, has not said whether it will accede to Chinese demands to roll back the tariffs, which were levied under former President Donald Trump.

There is little sign of any easing up in regional security, where China's territorial and strategic ambitions in the western Pacific are running into pushback from the U.S. military and its allies.

By KEN MORITSUGU, Associated PressBEIJING (AP) — In a relationship as fraught as America’s and China’s, just an agreement that talks were productive was a sign of progress.Nine months into Joe Biden's presidency, the two sides finally appear to be trying to ease tensions that date from the Trump administration — though U.S. complaints about Chinese policies on trade, Taiwan and other issues are little diminished.A closed-door meeting in Zurich on Wednesday between senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan was not accompanied by the public acrimony on display at earlier meetings.After the six-hour talks, the U.S. disclosed an agreement in principle for a virtual summit between Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping by the end of the year. The two have talked by phone twice since Biden became president in January but not held a formal meeting.Major differences divide what are by many measures the world’s two most powerful nations as they jostle for what each sees as its rightful place in the world order. Some differences over regional security and trade and technology may be irreconcilable, but successful talks could manage them and prevent any spillover that impedes cooperation in other areas such as climate change.“I don’t think this marks the turnaround and somehow we’ll have a golden era, but maybe we’ve found the floor, or a floor, in which the relationships won’t sink any deeper,” said Drew Thompson, a former U.S. defense official who managed military-to-military relations with China, Taiwan and Mongolia.Thompson, a visiting fellow at the National University of Singapore, said the meeting in Zurich went “spectacularly well” compared with a March meeting in Alaska that Yang and Sullivan attended and other U.S.-China meetings in the last three years.Zhao Kejin, a professor of international relations at Tsinghua University in Beijing, described the current direction as an attempt to ease tensions and said a Xi-Biden meeting could cap those efforts.“Compared to the tense relations during the Trump administration, the current relationship is moving toward mitigation,” he said. “As far as how far it will move, we will wait and see.”One thorn in the relationship was removed two weeks ago when U.S. prosecutors reached a deal with a Chinese telecom executive that brought an end to prolonged extradition proceedings in Canada and allowed her to return to China.Shortly after, two Canadians held by China for more than two years were released, and two Americans who had been blocked from leaving China were allowed to return to the United States.And earlier this week, Chinese state media highlighted remarks by Biden's top trade official, Katherine Tai, that she plans frank conversations with her Chinese counterparts on resolving a tariff war. The U.S. administration, though, has not said whether it will accede to Chinese demands to roll back the tariffs, which were levied under former President Donald Trump.There is little sign of any easing up in regional security, where China's territorial and strategic ambitions in the western Pacific are running into pushback from the U.S. military and its allies.China flew a record number of military planes south of Taiwan over a four-day period in the past week, which the U.S. called risky and destabilizing. The flights came as the U.S. and five other countries carried out joint naval maneuvers with three aircraft carriers northeast of Taiwan. China describes such exercises as a provocation.The U.S. defense relationship with Taiwan is sensitive, and while the U.S. has no military bases on the island, American special operations forces have been training with the Taiwan military for more than a year, including maritime operations with Marine commandos in recent weeks, U.S. officials said Thursday.The training, which first surfaced publicly last year, hasn’t been officially acknowledged by the Defense Department. But in a statement, Pentagon spokesman John Supple said Thursday that U.S. military support for Taiwan is “based on an assessment of Taiwan’s defense needs and the threat posed by” China.U.S. officials said the number of American special operations forces doing the training has fluctuated over time, but has been very small and recently was about two dozen. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations. The issue came to the forefront on Thursday when it was described in a story by The Wall Street Journal.Supple said China “has stepped up efforts to intimidate and pressure Taiwan and other allies and partners, including increasing military activities conducted in the vicinity of Taiwan, East China Sea, and South China Sea which we believe are destabilizing and increase the risk of miscalculation.”Biden is also under pressure from human rights activists and Republicans to maintain a firm line on China even as his administration seeks cooperation on climate change and on getting North Korea to end its nuclear weapons program.U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican and frequent critic, tweeted Wednesday that Biden is “dangerously delusional” if he thinks he can get a climate deal by playing down “great-power competition” with China.Beijing residents were cautious about the future of relations, but some said it is better for the two sides to be talking than not. They blamed a hostile U.S. stance for the state of relations, echoing the position of the Chinese government.“I don’t have a good impression of the U.S.," said He Taiqin. "I feel the country is overbearing and aggressive.”___