TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,462 to a total of 399,369, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 51 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,916.

<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 2,462 to a total of 399,369, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 51 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,916.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632157229211.png" alt="Monday Sept. 20, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday Sept. 20, 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: 2,460 new cases, 51 more COVID deaths

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Arson is suspected in a fire that damaged the historic Harlem Baptist Church in Kansas City.

John Ham of the Kansas City office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said&nbsp;that authorities have determined that the blaze was intentionally set, making it a federal crime.

The church serves as a gathering place for the United Christian Fellowship and the congregation is made up mostly of people from the South Sudan.

The fire was discovered about 9:15 a.m. Saturday. Arriving firefighters discovered that the front of the building and an area of stairs going to the basement were fully engulfed in flames. Investigators determined that's where the fire start.

One firefighter had to be rescued after the stairway collapsed. He was not injured. The church suffered heavy fire damage to the front, and smoke and water damage elsewhere.

The church was founded in 1907 and is the last remaining original building of a community known as Harlem.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632145614079.png" alt="The church was founded in 1907 and is the last remaining original building of a community known as Harlem. Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The church was founded in 1907 and is the last remaining original building of a community known as Harlem. Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Arson is suspected in a fire that damaged the historic Harlem Baptist Church in Kansas City.John Ham of the Kansas City office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said&nbsp;that authorities have determined that the blaze was intentionally set, making it a federal crime.The church serves as a gathering place for the United Christian Fellowship and the congregation is made up mostly of people from the South Sudan.The fire was discovered about 9:15 a.m. Saturday. Arriving firefighters discovered that the front of the building and an area of stairs going to the basement were fully engulfed in flames. Investigators determined that's where the fire start.One firefighter had to be rescued after the stairway collapsed. He was not injured. The church suffered heavy fire damage to the front, and smoke and water damage elsewhere.The church was founded in 1907 and is the last remaining original building of a community known as Harlem.

Arson suspected in fire at historic Kansas City church

TOPEKA&nbsp;– During their first meeting last week, members of the Safer Classrooms Workgroup announced that it will gather and share school testing metrics on a weekly basis to help the public understand the risk for COVID-19 in school communities, according to a media release from the governor's office.

“The information shared by this workgroup will make a huge difference for countless school kids, staff, and teachers,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I look forward to watching the group’s progress, and learning more about can we be doing together – in a spirit of cooperation and concern – to keep our schools open and our students and teachers safe.”

Each week, the Workgroup will gather information from Kansas school districts to share with the public, including:

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will seek data from all 286 school districts in Kansas, and as many private schools as possible. Data completeness will depend on schools’ active participation.

The Workgroup will use this data to highlight the urgency of protecting kids from COVID-19, and discuss how to help school districts, communities, and families keep their kids safe.

The Safer Classrooms Workgroup is composed of pediatricians, family physicians, school nurses, pharmacists, school psychologists, and other health professionals. They will meet weekly to highlight the urgency of protecting our kids from the delta variant, speaking with educators, parents, and advocates about their experiences as schools work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Membership of the&nbsp;Safer&nbsp;Classrooms Workgroup includes:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631567679495.png" alt="Members of the Safer Classroom workgroup as they began their work with Gov. Laura Kelly on Sept. 13." />
 <figcaption>Members of the Safer Classroom workgroup as they began their work with Gov. Laura Kelly on Sept. 13.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– During their first meeting last week, members of the Safer Classrooms Workgroup announced that it will gather and share school testing metrics on a weekly basis to help the public understand the risk for COVID-19 in school communities, according to a media release from the governor's office.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ejTdJLrn5N4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“The information shared by this workgroup will make a huge difference for countless school kids, staff, and teachers,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I look forward to watching the group’s progress, and learning more about can we be doing together – in a spirit of cooperation and concern – to keep our schools open and our students and teachers safe.”Each week, the Workgroup will gather information from Kansas school districts to share with the public, including:<ul>
 <li>The number of antigen tests administered</li><li>The number of PCR tests administered</li><li>The number of positive tests</li>
 </ul>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment will seek data from all 286 school districts in Kansas, and as many private schools as possible. Data completeness will depend on schools’ active participation.The Workgroup will use this data to highlight the urgency of protecting kids from COVID-19, and discuss how to help school districts, communities, and families keep their kids safe.The Safer Classrooms Workgroup is composed of pediatricians, family physicians, school nurses, pharmacists, school psychologists, and other health professionals. They will meet weekly to highlight the urgency of protecting our kids from the delta variant, speaking with educators, parents, and advocates about their experiences as schools work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.Membership of the&nbsp;Safer&nbsp;Classrooms Workgroup includes:<ul>
 <li>G.A. Buie,&nbsp;Executive Director, United School Administrators of Kansas</li><li>Jennifer Bacani McKenney, MD,&nbsp;Health Officer, Wilson County</li><li>Jen Brull, MD,&nbsp;Family Physician, Post Rock Family Medicine</li><li>Lindsay Byrnes, MD, MPH, Medical Director, KUSM-Wichita, Wesley Children’s Hospital</li><li>Kristie Clark, MD,&nbsp;Pediatrician, Rural Health Clinic</li><li>Allen Greiner, MD,&nbsp;Family Physician, Wyandotte County Health</li><li>Dena Hubbard, MD,&nbsp;Kansas American Academy of Pediatrics</li><li>Rhonda Hutchinson, BSN, RN, President, Kansas School Nurse Organization</li><li>Kimber Kasitz, BSN, RN,&nbsp;Director of Health, Homebound, and Section 504 Services, USD 259</li><li>Stephanie Kuhlmann, DO,&nbsp;Pediatric Hospitalist Division Director and Pediatric Medical Director, KUSM-W, Wesley Children’s Hospital</li><li>Vernon Mills, MD,&nbsp;Pediatrician, retired</li><li>Kelli Netson, PhD,&nbsp;Neuropsychologist, KUSM-W Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences</li><li>Kevin Riemann,&nbsp;Executive Director, Kansas National Education Association</li><li>Manuel Solano, MD,&nbsp;Physician and program director, Community Health Center of Wyandotte County</li><li>Margaret Thompson, RN, ARNP,&nbsp;Nurse Anesthetist, Kansas Black Nurses Association</li><li>Randy Watson, Ed.D,&nbsp;Commissioner, Kansas State Department of Education</li>
 </ul>

🎥 Safer Classrooms Workgroup to share COVID testing metrics 

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita man has been sentenced to three years of probation for a hit-and-run that killed a 4-year-old boy. 

The Sedgwick County district attorney's office said that Marcus Downey would serve 32 months in prison if he violates his probation. Downey was charged in March with fleeing an accident and driving with a suspended license.

Wichita police said 4-year-old Hazadi Ashimwe and his mother were crossing a street on March 8 when a truck hit the boy and fled. Hazadi died at a hospital. Downey was arrested near the scene of the accident.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A 32-year-old man is in custody after a child died in a hit-and-run in Wichita. Police arrested Marcus Downey Monday on potential charges of felony hit-and-run and driving with a suspended license. 

The 4-year-old boy was struck by a pickup truck when he and his mother were crossing a street in downtown Wichita Monday morning. He died at a Wichita hospital. Capt. Wendell Nicholson said the truck fled the scene but was found about 100 yards away. The boy's mother was not injured

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615252494342.png" alt="Police near the accident scene Monday photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police near the accident scene Monday photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita man has been sentenced to three years of probation for a hit-and-run that killed a 4-year-old boy. The Sedgwick County district attorney's office said that Marcus Downey would serve 32 months in prison if he violates his probation. Downey was charged in March with fleeing an accident and driving with a suspended license.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615254271840.png" alt="Downey-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Downey-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita police said 4-year-old Hazadi Ashimwe and his mother were crossing a street on March 8 when a truck hit the boy and fled. Hazadi died at a hospital. Downey was arrested near the scene of the accident.------------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A 32-year-old man is in custody after a child died in a hit-and-run in Wichita. Police arrested Marcus Downey Monday on potential charges of felony hit-and-run and driving with a suspended license. The 4-year-old boy was struck by a pickup truck when he and his mother were crossing a street in downtown Wichita Monday morning. He died at a Wichita hospital. Capt. Wendell Nicholson said the truck fled the scene but was found about 100 yards away. The boy's mother was not injured

Probation for Kan. man in hit-and-run that killed boy

GREENWOOD COUNTY—Nine people were injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Sunday in Greenwood County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Douglas O. Coon, 40, Wichita,&nbsp;crossed the center line on Highway 400 nine miles east of Severy.

The van&nbsp; struck a 2019 Kenworth semi driven by Tommy D. Posey, 59, Miami, Oklahoma, and then a 2004 Hyundai passenger vehicle driven by Tristen E Fields, 19, Springfield, Missouri.

EMS transported Coon to Wesley Medical Center.&nbsp; Fields, another adult and five children in the van and a teen passenger in the Hyundai identified as Harley W. Wright, 18, Republic, Missouri&nbsp; were transported to Fredonia Regional Medical Center. Posey was not inured. All ten were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

GREENWOOD COUNTY—Nine people were injured in an accident just before 6p.m. Sunday in Greenwood County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Dodge Grand Caravan driven by Douglas O. Coon, 40, Wichita,&nbsp;crossed the center line on Highway 400 nine miles east of Severy.The van&nbsp; struck a 2019 Kenworth semi driven by Tommy D. Posey, 59, Miami, Oklahoma, and then a 2004 Hyundai passenger vehicle driven by Tristen E Fields, 19, Springfield, Missouri.EMS transported Coon to Wesley Medical Center.&nbsp; Fields, another adult and five children in the van and a teen passenger in the Hyundai identified as Harley W. Wright, 18, Republic, Missouri&nbsp; were transported to Fredonia Regional Medical Center. Posey was not inured. All ten were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

4 adults, 5 children hospitalized after 3-vehicle Kansas crash

Pfizer said Monday its COVID-19 vaccine works for children ages 5 to 11 and that it will seek U.S. authorization for this age group soon -- a key step toward beginning vaccinations for youngsters.

The vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech already is available for anyone 12 and older. But with kids now back in school and the extra-contagious delta variant causing a huge jump in pediatric infections, many parents are anxiously awaiting vaccinations for their younger children.

For elementary school-aged kids, Pfizer tested a much lower dose -- a third of the amount that’s in each shot given now. Yet after their second dose, children ages 5 to 11 developed coronavirus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as teenagers and young adults, Dr. Bill Gruber, a Pfizer senior vice president, told The Associated Press.

The kid dosage also proved safe, with similar or fewer temporary side effects -- such as sore arms, fever or achiness -- that teens experience, he said.

“I think we really hit the sweet spot,” said Gruber, who’s also a pediatrician.

Gruber said the companies aim to apply to the Food and Drug Administration by the end of the month for emergency use in this age group, followed shortly afterward with applications to European and British regulators.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-science-health-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-ffdc3c1ce4a9622a064a672ce8aee543">Earlier this month</a>, FDA chief Dr. Peter Marks told the AP that once Pfizer turns over its study results, his agency would evaluate the data “hopefully in a matter of weeks” to decide if the shots are safe and effective enough for younger kids.

Many Western countries so far have vaccinated no younger than age 12, awaiting evidence of what’s the right dose and that it works safely in smaller tots. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-cuba-coronavirus-pandemic-0cc17d2b249c1afe51052c38555cf053">Cuba</a>&nbsp;last week began immunizing children as young as 2 with its homegrown vaccines and Chinese regulators have cleared two of its brands down to age 3.

While kids are at lower risk of severe illness or death than older people, more than 5 million children in the U.S. have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began and at least 460 have died, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Cases in children have risen dramatically as the delta variant swept through the country.

“I feel a great sense of urgency” in making the vaccine available to children under 12, Gruber said. “There’s pent-up demand for parents to be able to have their children returned to a normal life.”

In New Jersey, 10-year-old Maya Huber asked why she couldn’t get vaccinated like her parents and both teen brothers have. Her mother, Dr. Nisha Gandhi, a critical care physician at Englewood Hospital, enrolled Maya in the Pfizer study at Rutgers University. But the family hasn’t eased up on their masking and other virus precautions until they learn if Maya received the real vaccine or a dummy shot.

Once she knows she’s protected, Maya’s first goal: “a huge sleepover with all my friends.”

Maya said it was exciting to be part of the study even though she was “super scared” about getting jabbed. But “after you get it, at least you feel like happy that you did it and relieved that it didn’t hurt,” she told the AP.

Pfizer said it studied the lower dose in 2,268 kindergartners and elementary school-aged kids. The FDA required what is called an immune “bridging” study: evidence that the younger children developed antibody levels already proven to be protective in teens and adults. That’s what Pfizer reported Monday in a press release, not a scientific publication. The study still is ongoing, and there haven’t yet been enough COVID-19 cases to compare rates between the vaccinated and those given a placebo — something that might offer additional evidence.

The study isn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that sometimes occurs after the second dose, mostly in young men. The FDA’s Marks said the pediatric studies should be large enough to rule out any higher risk to young children. Pfizer’s Gruber said once the vaccine is authorized for younger children, they’ll be carefully monitored for rare risks just like everyone else.

A second U.S. vaccine maker, Moderna, also is studying its shots in elementary school-aged children. Pfizer and Moderna are studying even younger tots as well, down to 6-month-olds. Results are expected later in the year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615549803471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressPfizer said Monday its COVID-19 vaccine works for children ages 5 to 11 and that it will seek U.S. authorization for this age group soon -- a key step toward beginning vaccinations for youngsters.The vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech already is available for anyone 12 and older. But with kids now back in school and the extra-contagious delta variant causing a huge jump in pediatric infections, many parents are anxiously awaiting vaccinations for their younger children.For elementary school-aged kids, Pfizer tested a much lower dose -- a third of the amount that’s in each shot given now. Yet after their second dose, children ages 5 to 11 developed coronavirus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as teenagers and young adults, Dr. Bill Gruber, a Pfizer senior vice president, told The Associated Press.The kid dosage also proved safe, with similar or fewer temporary side effects -- such as sore arms, fever or achiness -- that teens experience, he said.“I think we really hit the sweet spot,” said Gruber, who’s also a pediatrician.Gruber said the companies aim to apply to the Food and Drug Administration by the end of the month for emergency use in this age group, followed shortly afterward with applications to European and British regulators.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-science-health-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-ffdc3c1ce4a9622a064a672ce8aee543">Earlier this month</a>, FDA chief Dr. Peter Marks told the AP that once Pfizer turns over its study results, his agency would evaluate the data “hopefully in a matter of weeks” to decide if the shots are safe and effective enough for younger kids.Many Western countries so far have vaccinated no younger than age 12, awaiting evidence of what’s the right dose and that it works safely in smaller tots. But&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-cuba-coronavirus-pandemic-0cc17d2b249c1afe51052c38555cf053">Cuba</a>&nbsp;last week began immunizing children as young as 2 with its homegrown vaccines and Chinese regulators have cleared two of its brands down to age 3.While kids are at lower risk of severe illness or death than older people, more than 5 million children in the U.S. have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began and at least 460 have died, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Cases in children have risen dramatically as the delta variant swept through the country.“I feel a great sense of urgency” in making the vaccine available to children under 12, Gruber said. “There’s pent-up demand for parents to be able to have their children returned to a normal life.”In New Jersey, 10-year-old Maya Huber asked why she couldn’t get vaccinated like her parents and both teen brothers have. Her mother, Dr. Nisha Gandhi, a critical care physician at Englewood Hospital, enrolled Maya in the Pfizer study at Rutgers University. But the family hasn’t eased up on their masking and other virus precautions until they learn if Maya received the real vaccine or a dummy shot.Once she knows she’s protected, Maya’s first goal: “a huge sleepover with all my friends.”Maya said it was exciting to be part of the study even though she was “super scared” about getting jabbed. But “after you get it, at least you feel like happy that you did it and relieved that it didn’t hurt,” she told the AP.Pfizer said it studied the lower dose in 2,268 kindergartners and elementary school-aged kids. The FDA required what is called an immune “bridging” study: evidence that the younger children developed antibody levels already proven to be protective in teens and adults. That’s what Pfizer reported Monday in a press release, not a scientific publication. The study still is ongoing, and there haven’t yet been enough COVID-19 cases to compare rates between the vaccinated and those given a placebo — something that might offer additional evidence.The study isn’t large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that sometimes occurs after the second dose, mostly in young men. The FDA’s Marks said the pediatric studies should be large enough to rule out any higher risk to young children. Pfizer’s Gruber said once the vaccine is authorized for younger children, they’ll be carefully monitored for rare risks just like everyone else.A second U.S. vaccine maker, Moderna, also is studying its shots in elementary school-aged children. Pfizer and Moderna are studying even younger tots as well, down to 6-month-olds. Results are expected later in the year.___

Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine safe, works in kids ages 5 to 11

WASHINGTON (AP) — Revamp the tax code and important federal health care and environment programs. Spend $3.5 trillion over 10 years, but maybe a lot less. Ensure that no more than three Democrats in all of Congress vote “no” because Republicans will be unanimously opposed.

Try to finish within the next couple of weeks. And oh yes: Failure means President Joe Biden’s own party will have repudiated him on the cornerstone of his domestic agenda.

That’s what congressional Democrats face as they try writing a final version of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-4937ea3b6a05aceec7dd6a4ddaaf902b">massive bill bolstering the social safety net</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-climate-europe-united-nations-19d5bef5d86983bbd4106e59e5c7b993">strengthening efforts to tame climate change</a>. Here’s a guide to some pivotal differences they must resolve:

The White House and top Democrats compromised on a $3.5 trillion, 10-year cost for the bill. That’s a huge sum, though a fraction of the $61 trillion in federal spending already slated over that period.

Moderates led by Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona have said $3.5 trillion is too expensive, and votes from every Democrat in the 50-50 Senate are mandatory for success. Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have recently acknowledged what seems inevitable: The final cost may have to drop.

Manchin has suggested limiting the total to $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion, which progressives reject as paltry. Led by Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., they initially said at least $6 trillion was needed for serious efforts to help families and curb global warming.

Eventually a compromise will be reached, with some expecting it in the $2 trillion to $2.5 trillion range. But since House committees just finished crafting a $3.5 trillion version of the package, a smaller price tag means some priorities would have to be trimmed.

To pay for much of the bill, the House Ways and Means Committee approved $2.1 trillion in tax boosts, mostly on the rich and corporations. Some details and numbers seem likely to change.

Biden, who’s promised to not increase taxes on people earning under $400,000, will probably get his proposal to raise the top individual income tax rate on the richest Americans to 39.6%. That would be up from 37% approved under former President Donald Trump.

But Democrats also want to raise other levies on the wealthiest. It’s unclear which proposals will survive and in what form.

For example, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., has expressed interest in boosting taxes on the value of some large estates that heirs inherit. Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal, D-Mass., omitted that from his panel’s plan.

Democrats want to provide tax credits for children, health care and child care costs and low-income workers. If the bill’s size shrinks, Democrats might save money by delaying, gradually phasing in or out or limiting some of those breaks. Some moderates say a proposed tax credit for buying electric vehicles shouldn’t go to higher-earning people.

Biden wants to raise the 21% corporate tax rate to 28% but may have to settle for around 25%. Democrats face other differences over taxes on corporate foreign income and stock buybacks.

Three moderate Democrats blocked a House committee from approving a top priority for Biden and progressives: saving hundreds of billions by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-kamala-harris-kyrsten-sinema-joe-manchin-3f796484455ad3f36aea0da36ac3363a">letting Medicare negotiate lower prices for pharmaceuticals</a>&nbsp;it buys. Another committee approved the language, so it’s not dead.

Still, the plan is opposed by drug manufacturers and some moderates want to water it down.

Democrats planned to use the savings to pay for another progressive goal: new dental, vision and hearing Medicare coverage. If the drug-pricing language is diluted and produces less savings, it’s unclear how the Medicare expansion would be financed.

In a town that loves acronyms, SALT, shorthand for state and local taxes, is on the table.

Democrats from high-tax coastal communities are demanding an increase in the current $10,000 limit on deductions taxpayers can claim for state and local taxes they pay.

With Pelosi unable to afford losing more than three Democratic votes, many think that deduction ceiling will be increased. To make up for the lost revenue, the IRS could be given extra money or banks might be required to report more financial transaction information to the IRS, ideas aimed at bolstering tax collections.

The House has proposed grants for power companies that move toward renewable fuels and fines on those that don’t, a pillar of the chamber’s climate change agenda. Manchin, chairman of the Senate energy committee and a fierce defender of his state’s coal industry, has told colleagues he opposes that.

The House has proposed a plan for mandatory family leave that’s significantly costlier than what Senate Democrats envision. And lawmakers await a decision from the Senate parliamentarian on whether language helping millions of immigrants remain in the U.S. violates budget rules and must be omitted.

Last month, Pelosi told moderates that the House would consider their top priority, a separate $1 trillion bill financing road and other infrastructure projects, by Sept. 27.

In what seems a mutual political suicide pact, progressives have threatened to vote against that bill unless unenthusiastic moderates support the $3.5 trillion package. Ideally, Democratic leaders would love for both bills to be voted on together.

With so many loose ends, it seems highly unlikely the $3.5 trillion measure will be finished then. That’s raised questions about how Pelosi will keep&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-bills-271b855bfea15b003837ae4d428b7724">her party’s antagonistic wings&nbsp;</a>supportive of each other’s priority bills and how she will shepherd both to passage.

For one thing, a collapse of the effort would mean a jarring failure to enact their highest priorities, weakening their bid to retain their congressional majorities in next year’s elections. Every Democrat knows that.

Another is Pelosi herself, who’s proven deft at holding Democrats together and squeezing out votes she needs.

House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth, D-Ky., cited both factors in an interview last week, describing what he tells Democrats.

“I’ve said everybody should be posturing and doing the best you can to stand up for your priorities, but in the final analysis you’re going to vote for this thing,” Yarmuth said. “And by the way, have you met Nancy Pelosi?”

ADVERTISEMENTTrending on AP News<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-health-business-ap-fact-check-economy-a6e9ac519af373be3877cd0c90e278fe">AP FACT CHECK: Biden’s shaky claims on jobs, gasoline</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-joe-biden-california-recall-music-arts-and-entertainment-67dde2240ff5a3095e142608a7ef4709">NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn’t happen this week</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-europe-business-health-france-516d7c24943c830823ff1602e4ab604e">One stunning afternoon: Setbacks imperil Biden’s reset</a><a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=organic-thumbnails-rr:Right%20Rail%20Thumbnails:" target="_blank">by Taboola</a>ADVERTISEMENT

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632091075972.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have recently acknowledged what seems inevitable: The final $3.5 trillion cost may have to drop-photo courtesy Office of House Speaker." />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have recently acknowledged what seems inevitable: The final $3.5 trillion cost may have to drop-photo courtesy Office of House Speaker.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Revamp the tax code and important federal health care and environment programs. Spend $3.5 trillion over 10 years, but maybe a lot less. Ensure that no more than three Democrats in all of Congress vote “no” because Republicans will be unanimously opposed.Try to finish within the next couple of weeks. And oh yes: Failure means President Joe Biden’s own party will have repudiated him on the cornerstone of his domestic agenda.That’s what congressional Democrats face as they try writing a final version of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-4937ea3b6a05aceec7dd6a4ddaaf902b">massive bill bolstering the social safety net</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-climate-europe-united-nations-19d5bef5d86983bbd4106e59e5c7b993">strengthening efforts to tame climate change</a>. Here’s a guide to some pivotal differences they must resolve:PRICE TAGThe White House and top Democrats compromised on a $3.5 trillion, 10-year cost for the bill. That’s a huge sum, though a fraction of the $61 trillion in federal spending already slated over that period.Moderates led by Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona have said $3.5 trillion is too expensive, and votes from every Democrat in the 50-50 Senate are mandatory for success. Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have recently acknowledged what seems inevitable: The final cost may have to drop.Manchin has suggested limiting the total to $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion, which progressives reject as paltry. Led by Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., they initially said at least $6 trillion was needed for serious efforts to help families and curb global warming.Eventually a compromise will be reached, with some expecting it in the $2 trillion to $2.5 trillion range. But since House committees just finished crafting a $3.5 trillion version of the package, a smaller price tag means some priorities would have to be trimmed.TAXESTo pay for much of the bill, the House Ways and Means Committee approved $2.1 trillion in tax boosts, mostly on the rich and corporations. Some details and numbers seem likely to change.Biden, who’s promised to not increase taxes on people earning under $400,000, will probably get his proposal to raise the top individual income tax rate on the richest Americans to 39.6%. That would be up from 37% approved under former President Donald Trump.But Democrats also want to raise other levies on the wealthiest. It’s unclear which proposals will survive and in what form.For example, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., has expressed interest in boosting taxes on the value of some large estates that heirs inherit. Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal, D-Mass., omitted that from his panel’s plan.Democrats want to provide tax credits for children, health care and child care costs and low-income workers. If the bill’s size shrinks, Democrats might save money by delaying, gradually phasing in or out or limiting some of those breaks. Some moderates say a proposed tax credit for buying electric vehicles shouldn’t go to higher-earning people.Biden wants to raise the 21% corporate tax rate to 28% but may have to settle for around 25%. Democrats face other differences over taxes on corporate foreign income and stock buybacks.MEDICAREThree moderate Democrats blocked a House committee from approving a top priority for Biden and progressives: saving hundreds of billions by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-kamala-harris-kyrsten-sinema-joe-manchin-3f796484455ad3f36aea0da36ac3363a">letting Medicare negotiate lower prices for pharmaceuticals</a>&nbsp;it buys. Another committee approved the language, so it’s not dead.Still, the plan is opposed by drug manufacturers and some moderates want to water it down.Democrats planned to use the savings to pay for another progressive goal: new dental, vision and hearing Medicare coverage. If the drug-pricing language is diluted and produces less savings, it’s unclear how the Medicare expansion would be financed.SALT AND IRSIn a town that loves acronyms, SALT, shorthand for state and local taxes, is on the table.Democrats from high-tax coastal communities are demanding an increase in the current $10,000 limit on deductions taxpayers can claim for state and local taxes they pay.With Pelosi unable to afford losing more than three Democratic votes, many think that deduction ceiling will be increased. To make up for the lost revenue, the IRS could be given extra money or banks might be required to report more financial transaction information to the IRS, ideas aimed at bolstering tax collections.OTHER PRIORITIESThe House has proposed grants for power companies that move toward renewable fuels and fines on those that don’t, a pillar of the chamber’s climate change agenda. Manchin, chairman of the Senate energy committee and a fierce defender of his state’s coal industry, has told colleagues he opposes that.The House has proposed a plan for mandatory family leave that’s significantly costlier than what Senate Democrats envision. And lawmakers await a decision from the Senate parliamentarian on whether language helping millions of immigrants remain in the U.S. violates budget rules and must be omitted.TIMINGLast month, Pelosi told moderates that the House would consider their top priority, a separate $1 trillion bill financing road and other infrastructure projects, by Sept. 27.In what seems a mutual political suicide pact, progressives have threatened to vote against that bill unless unenthusiastic moderates support the $3.5 trillion package. Ideally, Democratic leaders would love for both bills to be voted on together.With so many loose ends, it seems highly unlikely the $3.5 trillion measure will be finished then. That’s raised questions about how Pelosi will keep&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-bills-271b855bfea15b003837ae4d428b7724">her party’s antagonistic wings&nbsp;</a>supportive of each other’s priority bills and how she will shepherd both to passage.DEMOCRATS’ TWO SECRET WEAPONSFor one thing, a collapse of the effort would mean a jarring failure to enact their highest priorities, weakening their bid to retain their congressional majorities in next year’s elections. Every Democrat knows that.Another is Pelosi herself, who’s proven deft at holding Democrats together and squeezing out votes she needs.House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth, D-Ky., cited both factors in an interview last week, describing what he tells Democrats.“I’ve said everybody should be posturing and doing the best you can to stand up for your priorities, but in the final analysis you’re going to vote for this thing,” Yarmuth said. “And by the way, have you met Nancy Pelosi?”ADVERTISEMENTTrending on AP News<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-health-business-ap-fact-check-economy-a6e9ac519af373be3877cd0c90e278fe">AP FACT CHECK: Biden’s shaky claims on jobs, gasoline</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-joe-biden-california-recall-music-arts-and-entertainment-67dde2240ff5a3095e142608a7ef4709">NOT REAL NEWS: A look at what didn’t happen this week</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-europe-business-health-france-516d7c24943c830823ff1602e4ab604e">One stunning afternoon: Setbacks imperil Biden’s reset</a><a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=associatedpress-apnews&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=organic-thumbnails-rr:Right%20Rail%20Thumbnails:" target="_blank">by Taboola</a>ADVERTISEMENT

Congress focused on taxes, health, climate in push to spend $3.5T

SUMNER COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident involving a lawnmower and a small child.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Just before 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Mulvane EMS&nbsp; responded to a home on East Samantha Court in Mulvane, according to a media release.

Upon arrival they discovered a 1-year-old with life-threatening injuries. EMS transported the child to a Wichita hospital. The child's grandparents have&nbsp; established a<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/medical-expenses-for-everlee-kay?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link_all&amp;utm_source=customer"> GoFundMe</a> to assist the family.

Police have released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632134325810.png" alt="photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>SUMNER COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating an accident involving a lawnmower and a small child.&nbsp; &nbsp;Just before 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Mulvane EMS&nbsp; responded to a home on East Samantha Court in Mulvane, according to a media release.Upon arrival they discovered a 1-year-old with life-threatening injuries. EMS transported the child to a Wichita hospital. The child's grandparents have&nbsp; established a<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/medical-expenses-for-everlee-kay?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link_all&amp;utm_source=customer"> GoFundMe</a> to assist the family.Police have released no additional details.

Toddler injured in lawnmower accident at Kansas home

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A group of about two dozen people gathered Saturday to pay their respects to the 22-year-old Independence police officer killed in a shooting earlier in the week.

The small crowd gathered outside Centerpoint Medical Center as a motorcade escorted Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans's body from the hospital to the Jackson County Medical Examiner's office.

“It’s totally unnecessary for one to have to lose their life like he did, and it’s a real shame because he’s less than half my age,” said Independence resident Tony Kriz, 61. “I’m here to just show my support and say I’m sorry that it happened.”

Madrid-Evans died Wednesday after a confrontation with a man who was being sought for violating parole. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the suspect fired a handgun at Madrid-Evans and his partner, who returned fire. The suspect, 33-year-old Cody L. Harrison, died at the scene and Madrid-Evans died at a hospital later.

Madrid-Evans was also honored at Smithville High School’s football game. A moment of silence was held for the former Smithville student, three airplanes flew overhead and Independence police officers and the Missouri Highway Patrol held a banner with Madrid-Evans’ name written on it.

Ronnie Crowder, who also attended the remembrance Saturday, said he showed up because an officer had once been there for him. In 2018 he suffered a stroke while driving along Truman Road. He went blind and crashed his car. A police officer pulled him out, he said.

“They do things that most of us wouldn’t,” Crowder, 69, said. “It’s sad that such a young man who was truly going to be a blessing to the world was taken from us.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632133373379.png" alt="Photo courtesy Independence Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Independence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A group of about two dozen people gathered Saturday to pay their respects to the 22-year-old Independence police officer killed in a shooting earlier in the week.The small crowd gathered outside Centerpoint Medical Center as a motorcade escorted Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans's body from the hospital to the Jackson County Medical Examiner's office.“It’s totally unnecessary for one to have to lose their life like he did, and it’s a real shame because he’s less than half my age,” said Independence resident Tony Kriz, 61. “I’m here to just show my support and say I’m sorry that it happened.”<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=317&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fipdinfo%2Fvideos%2F1502618573424548%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="317" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Madrid-Evans died Wednesday after a confrontation with a man who was being sought for violating parole. The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the suspect fired a handgun at Madrid-Evans and his partner, who returned fire. The suspect, 33-year-old Cody L. Harrison, died at the scene and Madrid-Evans died at a hospital later.Madrid-Evans was also honored at Smithville High School’s football game. A moment of silence was held for the former Smithville student, three airplanes flew overhead and Independence police officers and the Missouri Highway Patrol held a banner with Madrid-Evans’ name written on it.Ronnie Crowder, who also attended the remembrance Saturday, said he showed up because an officer had once been there for him. In 2018 he suffered a stroke while driving along Truman Road. He went blind and crashed his car. A police officer pulled him out, he said.“They do things that most of us wouldn’t,” Crowder, 69, said. “It’s sad that such a young man who was truly going to be a blessing to the world was taken from us.”

Group honors officer killed by suspect near Kansas City

KANSAS CITY – A man who worked as a teacher in China was sentenced in federal court Friday for sexually exploiting one of his former students by attempting to blackmail her into sending him pornographic images.

Curtis J. Baldwin, 48,&nbsp;Springfield, Missouri,  pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 41 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. The Court also sentenced Baldwin to spend the rest of his life on supervised release after incarceration.

On Oct. 5, 2020, Baldwin pleaded guilty to one count of the sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.

Baldwin worked as an English language teacher in China. Baldwin left his employment on Nov. 20, 2019. After he returned to Springfield, he contacted a 12-year-old former student, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, via the WeChat application. Baldwin told Jane Doe he had video footage that showed her engaged in sexually explicit conduct and threatened to post the video on the Internet unless she sent him additional images and a video of herself engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Jane Doe’s father saw the WeChat messages and contacted authorities at the language school, who relayed the information to the FBI for investigation.

On March 10, 2020, federal agents executed a search warrant at Baldwin’s residence. Multiple items were seized, including Baldwin’s Apple MacBook Pro, which contained files of child pornography. Multiple videos of minor Chinese females engaged in sexually explicit conduct that had been produced by Baldwin were among the files. The minor Chinese females were students of Baldwin.&nbsp; The files also contained a sexually explicit video titled “My First Project,” created by Baldwin of a minor female in Springfield.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602011260825.png" alt="Baldwin remains jailed in Greene County" />
 <figcaption>Baldwin remains jailed in Greene County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – A man who worked as a teacher in China was sentenced in federal court Friday for sexually exploiting one of his former students by attempting to blackmail her into sending him pornographic images.Curtis J. Baldwin, 48,&nbsp;Springfield, Missouri, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 41 years and eight months in federal prison without parole. The Court also sentenced Baldwin to spend the rest of his life on supervised release after incarceration.On Oct. 5, 2020, Baldwin pleaded guilty to one count of the sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.Baldwin worked as an English language teacher in China. Baldwin left his employment on Nov. 20, 2019. After he returned to Springfield, he contacted a 12-year-old former student, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, via the WeChat application. Baldwin told Jane Doe he had video footage that showed her engaged in sexually explicit conduct and threatened to post the video on the Internet unless she sent him additional images and a video of herself engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Jane Doe’s father saw the WeChat messages and contacted authorities at the language school, who relayed the information to the FBI for investigation.On March 10, 2020, federal agents executed a search warrant at Baldwin’s residence. Multiple items were seized, including Baldwin’s Apple MacBook Pro, which contained files of child pornography. Multiple videos of minor Chinese females engaged in sexually explicit conduct that had been produced by Baldwin were among the files. The minor Chinese females were students of Baldwin.&nbsp; The files also contained a sexually explicit video titled “My First Project,” created by Baldwin of a minor female in Springfield.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Teacher sentenced for using phone app to sexually exploit student

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 31-year-old Kansas City man has been sentenced to almost 50 years in prison for a fatal accident that occurred when he was fleeing from law enforcement officers. 

Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said in a news release Friday that Anthony Jay Dorsey was sentenced for second-degree murder after a deadly crash near Bonner Springs in September 2019. 

Prosecutors said a highway patrol trooper tried to stop Dorsey on Interstate 70 for an expired tag. Dorsey fled and eventually drove the wrong way on the interstate. His vehicle collided with a car driven by 19-year-old Nathan Pena, of Brookfield, Illinois, who died at the scene.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 31-year-old Kansas City man has pleaded guilty in a crash in Kansas that killed an Illinois man. Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said 

Anthony Dorsey pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder in the death of 19-year-old Nathan Pena, of Brookfield, Illinois.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash occurred on Interstate 70 in Leavenworth County in September 2019 when Dorsey was fleeing troopers over an alleged vehicle registration violation. 

The patrol says Pena was driving another vehicle and both men swerved to avoid a collision but their vehicles crashed. Dorsey faces up to 49 years in prison when he is sentenced Sept. 17.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628539161423.png" alt="Traffic backed up due to the Sept. 2019 fatal crash-photo courtesy Kansas City Scout" />
 <figcaption>Traffic backed up due to the Sept. 2019 fatal crash-photo courtesy Kansas City Scout</figcaption>
 </figure>LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 31-year-old Kansas City man has been sentenced to almost 50 years in prison for a fatal accident that occurred when he was fleeing from law enforcement officers. Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said in a news release Friday that Anthony Jay Dorsey was sentenced for second-degree murder after a deadly crash near Bonner Springs in September 2019. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628539326591.png" alt="Dorsey-photo Leavenworth Co." />
 <figcaption>Dorsey-photo Leavenworth Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Prosecutors said a highway patrol trooper tried to stop Dorsey on Interstate 70 for an expired tag. Dorsey fled and eventually drove the wrong way on the interstate. His vehicle collided with a car driven by 19-year-old Nathan Pena, of Brookfield, Illinois, who died at the scene.-----------LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A 31-year-old Kansas City man has pleaded guilty in a crash in Kansas that killed an Illinois man. Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said Anthony Dorsey pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder in the death of 19-year-old Nathan Pena, of Brookfield, Illinois.The Kansas Highway Patrol says the crash occurred on Interstate 70 in Leavenworth County in September 2019 when Dorsey was fleeing troopers over an alleged vehicle registration violation. The patrol says Pena was driving another vehicle and both men swerved to avoid a collision but their vehicles crashed. Dorsey faces up to 49 years in prison when he is sentenced Sept. 17.

Man sentenced  fatal crash in Kansas during police chase

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man&nbsp; for alleged attack on two women at a residence in Saline County.

Just after noon Thursday, deputies were sent to a residence in the 400 block of E. Water Well Road for the report of a disturbance. When they arrived, they discovered that the 45-year-old female victim was at the nearby business from where she called to report the alleged incident, according to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander.

The woman told deputies that while she was at the residence, Andrew Wood, 25, got into a verbal argument with her. The argument escalated and Wood allegedly battered her and another woman, who was still in the residence with Wood.&nbsp; Wood also allegedly used a shovel to threaten the woman who reported the incident, he added.

Deputies were able to contact the legal resident of the house, who told them that the two people still inside did not have permission to be there. The victim who reported the incident was the only person who had permission to be there. Melander said that woman had invited the other two people into the house.

Deputies forced their way into the residence and arrested Wood on four active Salina Municipal Court warrants and the following requested charges, Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Domestic battery, Battery and Criminal restraint

While there, the deputies discovered that a woman in the residence, Taylor Bennet, 21, of Salina, had two active Salina Municipal Court warrants, so they arrested her as well, Melander said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631893218252.jpeg" alt="Wood photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Wood photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man&nbsp; for alleged attack on two women at a residence in Saline County.Just after noon Thursday, deputies were sent to a residence in the 400 block of E. Water Well Road for the report of a disturbance. When they arrived, they discovered that the 45-year-old female victim was at the nearby business from where she called to report the alleged incident, according to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander.The woman told deputies that while she was at the residence, Andrew Wood, 25, got into a verbal argument with her. The argument escalated and Wood allegedly battered her and another woman, who was still in the residence with Wood.&nbsp; Wood also allegedly used a shovel to threaten the woman who reported the incident, he added.Deputies were able to contact the legal resident of the house, who told them that the two people still inside did not have permission to be there. The victim who reported the incident was the only person who had permission to be there. Melander said that woman had invited the other two people into the house.Deputies forced their way into the residence and arrested Wood on four active Salina Municipal Court warrants and the following requested charges, Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Domestic battery, Battery and Criminal restraint<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631894831758.png" alt="Bennett-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Bennett-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>While there, the deputies discovered that a woman in the residence, Taylor Bennet, 21, of Salina, had two active Salina Municipal Court warrants, so they arrested her as well, Melander said.

2 jailed after Kan. man allegedly threatened woman with shovel

South-central Kansas has been missing from Amtrak's map for decades

By NADYA FAULX <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/transportation/2021-09-15/the-return-of-passenger-rail-could-mean-big-things-for-towns-like-ark-city-if-congress-makes-it-a-reality">For the Kansas News Service</a>

Sitting in the middle of Wilson Park near downtown Arkansas City is a massive, black steam engine from 1910.

The
 city restored the old Atchison Northern Santa Fe locomotive in 2008. 
It’s a symbol of the importance the rail industry has played in Ark 
City’s 150-year history.

“Rail is part of what our city was built 
on,” said Andrew Lawson, the city’s public information officer. “The 
rail’s always been here.”

But, like the rest of south-central Kansas, the town hasn’t had 
passenger rail service since 1979. Amtrak ended its Lone Star route 
between Chicago and Houston, leaving a sprawling gap from Oklahoma City 
to Wichita.

Some Ark City residents remember when the trains still passed through.

“My
 dad was a railroader, and so a couple of times in my childhood we rode 
the passenger train,” said Pam Crain, the head of Visit Ark City. “And 
so it would just be really neat to be able to have that opportunity here
 in Ark City, to be able to catch it here.”

President Joe Biden’s massive infrastructure plan — which includes <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/06/24/1009923468/heres-whats-included-in-the-infrastructure-deal-that-biden-struck-with-senators" target="_blank">more than $60 billion just for rail</a> — is giving a boost to a years-long effort to bring passenger rail back to the region.

On Amtrak’s <a href="https://media.amtrak.com/2021/05/amtrak-seeks-to-bring-more-rail-service-to-more-communities/#:~:text=The%20economic%20benefit%20of%20Amtrak's,capital%20investment%20during%202021%20%E2%80%93%202035." target="_blank">long wish list of new and improved rail service</a>
 is the Heartland Flyer, which makes one trip a day between Dallas and 
Oklahoma City. Advocates — and Amtrak — want to extend the route north 
to Newton and increase service, passing through Guthrie and Ponca City 
in Oklahoma, and Wichita and Ark City on the Kansas side of the tracks.

That could mean big things for Ark City, a rural town of about 12,000 people located 17 miles from I-35.

“It
 would absolutely be an economic driver,” said Ark City Mayor Scott 
Rogers. “And I think that's one thing that excites lot of these 
communities between Oklahoma City in Wichita … Everyone already goes to 
those communities. So it's nice for them to come and experience what 
these smaller communities have to offer.”

“The history of our nation,
 you look and see … where the rail rates went through, that's where the 
prosperity was,” she said. “And so, you know, it would be naive for us 
to think that them coming through and stopping will not be some kind of a
 positive impact on our community.”

Ark City’s not the only town on board (pun intended). So are Wichita, Hutchinson, and Sedgwick County.

A dozen cities and organizations in Kansas and Oklahoma <a href="https://www.northernflyeralliance.com/support-and-resolutions/resolutions.html" target="_blank">have passed resolutions of support</a> this year for extending the Heartland Flyer. The Kansas and Oklahoma legislatures also passed resolutions supporting the <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hr6017_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">“development, funding and implementation” of the extension</a>.

The desire is there. The funding is another story.

“You
 don't need to waste your time thinking about trying to find some 
legislation for passenger rail,” Kansas Department of Transportation 
Secretary Julie Lorenz told a passenger rail commission earlier this 
year. “We have authorizing legislation that’s needed.

Amtrak
 officials estimate it’ll cost about $500 million to update the tracks 
to handle passenger trains and increase frequency of service. Lorenz 
said track updates would run about $30 million on the Kansas side, and 
about triple that in Oklahoma — and that’s just the upfront cost. 
Eventually the states would have to take on the cost of operations.

But even with the hefty price tag, advocates like Deborah Fischer with the Northern Flyer Alliance in Kansas say it’s worth it.

“The
 fact that the legislatures of both states want it, the mayors and 
community members want it, and the federal government has said they’re 
going to pay for it,” she said, “I mean, I don’t know a better formula, 
honestly.”

Republican Rep. Ron Estes, who represents south-central
 Kansas, said in a statement that the “common sense extension” of the 
Heartland Flyer would be a “win for our region.”

And Sen. Jerry Moran expressed support on a call with Amtrak in June, calling the investment “invaluable to Kansans.”

But
 the infrastructure plan still faces opposition in Congress: Moran was 
part of a bipartisan group that worked with Biden to renegotiate his 
proposal, from $2 trillion down to about $1.2 trillion. But he voted 
against the bill when it <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/08/10/1026081880/senate-passes-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill" target="_blank">passed the Senate last month</a>. The House has yet to vote.

Fischer says many politicians don’t see rail as infrastructure.

“We
 are trying to work with the Kansas and Oklahoma congressional delegates
 to change their position on that,” she said. “This is infrastructure. 
There’s no doubt about it. It’s infrastructure, and it’s good for the 
economy. It’s good for jobs. It’s good for families.”

In Ark City, officials aren’t just waiting around on Congress. 
Rogers, the mayor, said they’ve already talked to BNSF about using the 
northern end of a small, worn depot a few blocks away from the historic 
downtown. The city wants to convert it into a coffee and snack shop 
where passengers can wait for the next train.

Beyond that, there’s
 not much else Arkansas City can do until rail funding comes through – 
and Amtrak can start work on the Heartland Flyer extension.

“We 
can only do so much here and show our support up to so much,” Rogers 
said, “but it ultimately falls on D.C. and the federal level.”

Nadya Faulx is KMUW's Digital News Editor and Reporter, which means she splits her time between working on-air and working online, managing news on KMUW.org, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631890178647.png" alt="A cargo train passes by a mostly vacant depot in Arkansas City. The town is hoping the potential return of passenger rail could be an economic boost. Nadya Faulx / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>A cargo train passes by a mostly vacant depot in Arkansas City. The town is hoping the potential return of passenger rail could be an economic boost. Nadya Faulx / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>South-central Kansas has been missing from Amtrak's map for decades</h2>By NADYA FAULX <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/transportation/2021-09-15/the-return-of-passenger-rail-could-mean-big-things-for-towns-like-ark-city-if-congress-makes-it-a-reality">For the Kansas News Service</a>Sitting in the middle of Wilson Park near downtown Arkansas City is a massive, black steam engine from 1910.The
 city restored the old Atchison Northern Santa Fe locomotive in 2008. 
It’s a symbol of the importance the rail industry has played in Ark 
City’s 150-year history.“Rail is part of what our city was built 
on,” said Andrew Lawson, the city’s public information officer. “The 
rail’s always been here.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631890260429.png" alt="A restored steam engine sits in Wilson Park in Arkansas City. Nadya Faulx" />
 <figcaption>A restored steam engine sits in Wilson Park in Arkansas City. Nadya Faulx</figcaption>
 </figure>But, like the rest of south-central Kansas, the town hasn’t had 
passenger rail service since 1979. Amtrak ended its Lone Star route 
between Chicago and Houston, leaving a sprawling gap from Oklahoma City 
to Wichita.Some Ark City residents remember when the trains still passed through.“My
 dad was a railroader, and so a couple of times in my childhood we rode 
the passenger train,” said Pam Crain, the head of Visit Ark City. “And 
so it would just be really neat to be able to have that opportunity here
 in Ark City, to be able to catch it here.”President Joe Biden’s massive infrastructure plan — which includes <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/06/24/1009923468/heres-whats-included-in-the-infrastructure-deal-that-biden-struck-with-senators" target="_blank">more than $60 billion just for rail</a> — is giving a boost to a years-long effort to bring passenger rail back to the region.On Amtrak’s <a href="https://media.amtrak.com/2021/05/amtrak-seeks-to-bring-more-rail-service-to-more-communities/#:~:text=The%20economic%20benefit%20of%20Amtrak's,capital%20investment%20during%202021%20%E2%80%93%202035." target="_blank">long wish list of new and improved rail service</a>
 is the Heartland Flyer, which makes one trip a day between Dallas and 
Oklahoma City. Advocates — and Amtrak — want to extend the route north 
to Newton and increase service, passing through Guthrie and Ponca City 
in Oklahoma, and Wichita and Ark City on the Kansas side of the tracks.That could mean big things for Ark City, a rural town of about 12,000 people located 17 miles from I-35.“It
 would absolutely be an economic driver,” said Ark City Mayor Scott 
Rogers. “And I think that's one thing that excites lot of these 
communities between Oklahoma City in Wichita … Everyone already goes to 
those communities. So it's nice for them to come and experience what 
these smaller communities have to offer.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631890299389.png" alt="Arkansas City's historic downtown district / Nadya Faulx" />
 <figcaption>Arkansas City's historic downtown district / Nadya Faulx</figcaption>
 </figure>Crain, with Visit Ark City, agrees.“The history of our nation,
 you look and see … where the rail rates went through, that's where the 
prosperity was,” she said. “And so, you know, it would be naive for us 
to think that them coming through and stopping will not be some kind of a
 positive impact on our community.”Ark City’s not the only town on board (pun intended). So are Wichita, Hutchinson, and Sedgwick County.A dozen cities and organizations in Kansas and Oklahoma <a href="https://www.northernflyeralliance.com/support-and-resolutions/resolutions.html" target="_blank">have passed resolutions of support</a> this year for extending the Heartland Flyer. The Kansas and Oklahoma legislatures also passed resolutions supporting the <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/documents/hr6017_enrolled.pdf" target="_blank">“development, funding and implementation” of the extension</a>.The desire is there. The funding is another story.“You
 don't need to waste your time thinking about trying to find some 
legislation for passenger rail,” Kansas Department of Transportation 
Secretary Julie Lorenz told a passenger rail commission earlier this 
year. “We have authorizing legislation that’s needed.“What we need is money.”Amtrak
 officials estimate it’ll cost about $500 million to update the tracks 
to handle passenger trains and increase frequency of service. Lorenz 
said track updates would run about $30 million on the Kansas side, and 
about triple that in Oklahoma — and that’s just the upfront cost. 
Eventually the states would have to take on the cost of operations.But even with the hefty price tag, advocates like Deborah Fischer with the Northern Flyer Alliance in Kansas say it’s worth it.“The
 fact that the legislatures of both states want it, the mayors and 
community members want it, and the federal government has said they’re 
going to pay for it,” she said, “I mean, I don’t know a better formula, 
honestly.”Republican Rep. Ron Estes, who represents south-central
 Kansas, said in a statement that the “common sense extension” of the 
Heartland Flyer would be a “win for our region.”And Sen. Jerry Moran expressed support on a call with Amtrak in June, calling the investment “invaluable to Kansans.”But
 the infrastructure plan still faces opposition in Congress: Moran was 
part of a bipartisan group that worked with Biden to renegotiate his 
proposal, from $2 trillion down to about $1.2 trillion. But he voted 
against the bill when it <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/08/10/1026081880/senate-passes-bipartisan-infrastructure-bill" target="_blank">passed the Senate last month</a>. The House has yet to vote.Fischer says many politicians don’t see rail as infrastructure.“We
 are trying to work with the Kansas and Oklahoma congressional delegates
 to change their position on that,” she said. “This is infrastructure. 
There’s no doubt about it. It’s infrastructure, and it’s good for the 
economy. It’s good for jobs. It’s good for families.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631890333139.png" alt="Pam Crain, Mayor Scott Rogers and Andrew Lawson are hopeful passenger rail will return to Ark City. Nadya Faulx" />
 <figcaption>Pam Crain, Mayor Scott Rogers and Andrew Lawson are hopeful passenger rail will return to Ark City. Nadya Faulx</figcaption>
 </figure>In Ark City, officials aren’t just waiting around on Congress. 
Rogers, the mayor, said they’ve already talked to BNSF about using the 
northern end of a small, worn depot a few blocks away from the historic 
downtown. The city wants to convert it into a coffee and snack shop 
where passengers can wait for the next train.Beyond that, there’s
 not much else Arkansas City can do until rail funding comes through – 
and Amtrak can start work on the Heartland Flyer extension.“We 
can only do so much here and show our support up to so much,” Rogers 
said, “but it ultimately falls on D.C. and the federal level.”Nadya Faulx is KMUW's Digital News Editor and Reporter, which means she splits her time between working on-air and working online, managing news on KMUW.org, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.&nbsp;

Passenger rail could mean big things for some Kan. communities

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — More than 200 people have marched to the Wichita State University police station to protest the handling of a reported rape in a dormitory. 

Students gathered Friday at Shocker Hall, where the sexual assault is alleged to have occurred Sept. 12. They then marched to the campus police station. Some carried signs reading “We deserve a rape-free campus” and “WSU, do better.” 

WSU Dean of Students Andrew Austin said it would be inappropriate to comment on the case that brought the students out, but that the university supported their right to peacefully protest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632068079202.png" alt="photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — More than 200 people have marched to the Wichita State University police station to protest the handling of a reported rape in a dormitory. Students gathered Friday at Shocker Hall, where the sexual assault is alleged to have occurred Sept. 12. They then marched to the campus police station. Some carried signs reading “We deserve a rape-free campus” and “WSU, do better.” WSU Dean of Students Andrew Austin said it would be inappropriate to comment on the case that brought the students out, but that the university supported their right to peacefully protest.

Students protest over alleged dorm rape at Wichita State

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A man jailed in a deadly Topeka shooting has died of what officials are describing as an apparent heart attack. 

&nbsp;Marshall Stewart IV,&nbsp; 38, was pronounced dead at 5:35 p.m. Thursday after he was taken from the Shawnee County Jail to a Topeka Hospital. 

Maj. Tim Phelps, of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections said the county corrections department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation were investigating. 

Stewart was arrested in June on charges of second-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a gun in connection with the killing of 51-year-old Bradley Bellinder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1624842500783.png" alt="Stewart-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Stewart-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A man jailed in a deadly Topeka shooting has died of what officials are describing as an apparent heart attack. &nbsp;Marshall Stewart IV,&nbsp; 38, was pronounced dead at 5:35 p.m. Thursday after he was taken from the Shawnee County Jail to a Topeka Hospital. Maj. Tim Phelps, of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections said the county corrections department and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation were investigating. Stewart was arrested in June on charges of second-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a gun in connection with the killing of 51-year-old Bradley Bellinder.

Jailed Kansas murder suspect dies of apparent heart attack

BY TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/16/kansas-board-of-regents-takes-step-toward-evaluation-of-campus-health-clinics/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents tentatively endorsed Thursday 
formation of a task force to independently examine options for limiting 
legal risks of operating campus student health centers and for 
increasing collection of payments from insurance companies for treatment
 services.

Members of the Board of Regents joined with state university 
officials to question timing and scope of a proposed review applicable 
to the public universities based in Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita, Hays, 
Pittsburg and Emporia. The initiative was criticized as a drain on 
personnel at campus health clinics, which presidents of Kansas State 
University and Pittsburg State University asserted remained under 
profound stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regent Mark Hutton, of Andover, has campaigned for the inquiry due to
 concern about escalating student health fees, malpractice liability 
exposure of university-managed health centers and the longstanding 
ability of insurance companies to sidestep obligations to cover health 
care expenditures for students covered by their parents’ health plans.

Originally, Hutton wanted the task force to deliver a set of reform 
recommendations no later than February. That’s unlikely given the board 
reacted to criticism by delaying final action on the task force proposal
 until November.

Hutton said state university students were paying $14 million 
annually in health fees, while $4 million was derived from health 
insurance companies and $2 million from student copayments each year. He
 indicated a much higher portion of costs should be covered by 
insurance.

“This is not an attack on the quality care that your health care 
professionals are offering,” Hutton said. “We have a higher 
responsibility before we just raise student fees.”

The Board of Regents agreed to the concept of a task force evaluation
 of university clinics, but withheld final approval to provide 
opportunity for more discussion about boundaries and timeline of the 
project.

Two retiring presidents of state universities agreed the pandemic wasn’t the right moment to launch such an inquiry.

“Is there a need to do this kind of work?” said PSU president Steve 
Scott. “There’s not a group on campus that’s been more stretched than 
our health care centers. This is a tough time to launch a deep dive into
 their operations.”

KSU president Richard Myers said the university’s health system was 
responsible for 40 students in quarantine and more than 100 in isolation
 due to COVID-19. An external investigation sends a negative message to 
campus health staff at precisely the wrong moment, he said.

“Is this so urgent that we have to do it in the middle of a 
pandemic?” Myers said. “I wonder about the timing and what that tells 
health care workers. They are today busting their butts to serve our 
population.”

In January, the University of Kansas transitioned responsibility for 
medical management and oversight of Watkins Health Services on campus to
 the University of Kansas Health System and Lawrence Memorial Hospital 
Health. KU chancellor Doug Girod said the change would expand care of 
students and establish a “clear medical-oversight model” at a 
challenging time for university health facilities.

KU had previously formed a partnership with both health providers to provide medical services to Jayhawk athletes.

“We decided to leverage it more broadly for our student health clinic,” Girod said.

A graphic example of what could go wrong was revealed as Michigan 
State University paid out more than $500 million since 2016 as part of 
the criminal scandal involving Larry Nassar, a former sports medicine 
doctor at MSU who molested young patients. Much of the money paid by 
Michigan State was allocated to settling lawsuits, but $64 million was 
dedicated to covering legal costs arising from the case.

Regent Wint Winter, of Lawrence, said the Board of Regents would be 
commended, even by skeptics of public higher education, for tackling 
complex issues tied to stewardship of millions of dollars funneled into 
campus health care. The project can send a message to the Kansas 
Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly that members of the board aren’t shy 
about digging into difficult financial matters, he said.

Given reservations raised about the task force, Winter said, the best
 course would be to proceed with preliminary work but postpone detailed 
analytical activity until authorized by the board.

“Delaying this until November is the right thing to do,” said Board of Regents member Allen Schmidt, of Hays.

Hutton said his vision was for the task force to evaluate university 
student health clinics for efficiency and quality of care. The project 
should include analysis of student safety, a comparison of public versus
 private health costs and an assessment of opportunities to capture 
third-party insurance payments, he said.

Emphasis ought to be placed on medical services available to minority
 populations and the availability of mental health services, Hutton 
said.

“We need to make sure we don’t work this with a cookie-cutter 
approach,” said Richard Muma, president of Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631887889907.png" alt="The Kansas Board of Regents delayed final action on board member Mark Hutton’s proposal for a task force study of the health and financial well-being of health clinics at the six state universities. The board is scheduled to consider the project in November. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas Board of Regents delayed final action on board member Mark Hutton’s proposal for a task force study of the health and financial well-being of health clinics at the six state universities. The board is scheduled to consider the project in November. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>BY TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/16/kansas-board-of-regents-takes-step-toward-evaluation-of-campus-health-clinics/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas Board of Regents tentatively endorsed Thursday 
formation of a task force to independently examine options for limiting 
legal risks of operating campus student health centers and for 
increasing collection of payments from insurance companies for treatment
 services.Members of the Board of Regents joined with state university 
officials to question timing and scope of a proposed review applicable 
to the public universities based in Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita, Hays, 
Pittsburg and Emporia. The initiative was criticized as a drain on 
personnel at campus health clinics, which presidents of Kansas State 
University and Pittsburg State University asserted remained under 
profound stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631887973027.png" alt="Pittsburg State University president Steve Scott said the COVID-19 pandemic was the wrong time for the Kansas Board of Regents to dive into financial and health aspects of campus health clinics. (Screen capture/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Pittsburg State University president Steve Scott said the COVID-19 pandemic was the wrong time for the Kansas Board of Regents to dive into financial and health aspects of campus health clinics. (Screen capture/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Regent Mark Hutton, of Andover, has campaigned for the inquiry due to
 concern about escalating student health fees, malpractice liability 
exposure of university-managed health centers and the longstanding 
ability of insurance companies to sidestep obligations to cover health 
care expenditures for students covered by their parents’ health plans.Originally, Hutton wanted the task force to deliver a set of reform 
recommendations no later than February. That’s unlikely given the board 
reacted to criticism by delaying final action on the task force proposal
 until November.Hutton said state university students were paying $14 million 
annually in health fees, while $4 million was derived from health 
insurance companies and $2 million from student copayments each year. He
 indicated a much higher portion of costs should be covered by 
insurance.“This is not an attack on the quality care that your health care 
professionals are offering,” Hutton said. “We have a higher 
responsibility before we just raise student fees.”The Board of Regents agreed to the concept of a task force evaluation
 of university clinics, but withheld final approval to provide 
opportunity for more discussion about boundaries and timeline of the 
project.Two retiring presidents of state universities agreed the pandemic wasn’t the right moment to launch such an inquiry.“Is there a need to do this kind of work?” said PSU president Steve 
Scott. “There’s not a group on campus that’s been more stretched than 
our health care centers. This is a tough time to launch a deep dive into
 their operations.”KSU president Richard Myers said the university’s health system was 
responsible for 40 students in quarantine and more than 100 in isolation
 due to COVID-19. An external investigation sends a negative message to 
campus health staff at precisely the wrong moment, he said.“Is this so urgent that we have to do it in the middle of a 
pandemic?” Myers said. “I wonder about the timing and what that tells 
health care workers. They are today busting their butts to serve our 
population.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631888001152.png" alt="Wint Winter, a Lawrence member of the Kansas Board of Regents, said delaying until November a decision about how to organize a study of state university health clinics shouldn’t derail the project. (Screen capture/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Wint Winter, a Lawrence member of the Kansas Board of Regents, said delaying until November a decision about how to organize a study of state university health clinics shouldn’t derail the project. (Screen capture/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>In January, the University of Kansas transitioned responsibility for 
medical management and oversight of Watkins Health Services on campus to
 the University of Kansas Health System and Lawrence Memorial Hospital 
Health. KU chancellor Doug Girod said the change would expand care of 
students and establish a “clear medical-oversight model” at a 
challenging time for university health facilities.KU had previously formed a partnership with both health providers to provide medical services to Jayhawk athletes.“We decided to leverage it more broadly for our student health clinic,” Girod said.A graphic example of what could go wrong was revealed as Michigan 
State University paid out more than $500 million since 2016 as part of 
the criminal scandal involving Larry Nassar, a former sports medicine 
doctor at MSU who molested young patients. Much of the money paid by 
Michigan State was allocated to settling lawsuits, but $64 million was 
dedicated to covering legal costs arising from the case.Regent Wint Winter, of Lawrence, said the Board of Regents would be 
commended, even by skeptics of public higher education, for tackling 
complex issues tied to stewardship of millions of dollars funneled into 
campus health care. The project can send a message to the Kansas 
Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly that members of the board aren’t shy 
about digging into difficult financial matters, he said.Given reservations raised about the task force, Winter said, the best
 course would be to proceed with preliminary work but postpone detailed 
analytical activity until authorized by the board.“Delaying this until November is the right thing to do,” said Board of Regents member Allen Schmidt, of Hays.Hutton said his vision was for the task force to evaluate university 
student health clinics for efficiency and quality of care. The project 
should include analysis of student safety, a comparison of public versus
 private health costs and an assessment of opportunities to capture 
third-party insurance payments, he said.Emphasis ought to be placed on medical services available to minority
 populations and the availability of mental health services, Hutton 
said.“We need to make sure we don’t work this with a cookie-cutter 
approach,” said Richard Muma, president of Wichita State University.

Kansas Regents take step toward evaluation of campus health clinics

KANSAS CITY (AP) —As significant numbers of Americans seek&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-health-religion-los-angeles-arkansas-3ba53f2f00e1ab7105d7d128f2b1e65d">religious exemptions from COVID-19 vaccine mandates</a>, many faith leaders are saying: Not with our endorsement.

Leaders of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goarch.org/-/holy-eparchial-synod-ccmmunique" target="_blank">said Thursday&nbsp;</a>that while some people may have medical reasons for not receiving the vaccine, “there is no exemption in the Orthodox Church for Her faithful from any vaccination for religious reasons.”

The Holy Eparchial Synod of the nationwide archdiocese, representing the largest share of Eastern Orthodox people in the United States, urged members to “pay heed to competent medical authorities, and to avoid the false narratives utterly unfounded in science.”

“No clergy are to issue such religious exemption letters,” Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elpidophoros said, and any such letter “is not valid.”

Similarly, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America issued a recent statement encouraging vaccine use and saying that “there is no evident basis for religious exemption” in its own or the wider Lutheran tradition.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York laid out its own stance during the summer, saying that any priest issuing an exemption letter would be “acting in contradiction” to statements from Pope Francis that receiving the vaccine is morally acceptable and responsible.

Both the Vatican and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have said Catholics can receive the vaccines in good conscience given the lack of alternatives and the goal of alleviating suffering — even while objecting to research with even a remote connection to abortion.

A number of dioceses have adopted policies similar to New York’s, and bishops in El Paso, Texas, and Lexington, Kentucky, have mandated vaccines for employees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627688144182.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —As significant numbers of Americans seek&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-health-religion-los-angeles-arkansas-3ba53f2f00e1ab7105d7d128f2b1e65d">religious exemptions from COVID-19 vaccine mandates</a>, many faith leaders are saying: Not with our endorsement.Leaders of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goarch.org/-/holy-eparchial-synod-ccmmunique" target="_blank">said Thursday&nbsp;</a>that while some people may have medical reasons for not receiving the vaccine, “there is no exemption in the Orthodox Church for Her faithful from any vaccination for religious reasons.”The Holy Eparchial Synod of the nationwide archdiocese, representing the largest share of Eastern Orthodox people in the United States, urged members to “pay heed to competent medical authorities, and to avoid the false narratives utterly unfounded in science.”“No clergy are to issue such religious exemption letters,” Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elpidophoros said, and any such letter “is not valid.”Similarly, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America issued a recent statement encouraging vaccine use and saying that “there is no evident basis for religious exemption” in its own or the wider Lutheran tradition.The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York laid out its own stance during the summer, saying that any priest issuing an exemption letter would be “acting in contradiction” to statements from Pope Francis that receiving the vaccine is morally acceptable and responsible.Both the Vatican and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have said Catholics can receive the vaccines in good conscience given the lack of alternatives and the goal of alleviating suffering — even while objecting to research with even a remote connection to abortion.A number of dioceses have adopted policies similar to New York’s, and bishops in El Paso, Texas, and Lexington, Kentucky, have mandated vaccines for employees.But other Catholic jurisdictions are more accommodating of exemptions. The Colorado Catholic Conference, the policy arm of the state’s bishops, has posted online a template for a letter that priests can sign saying an individual parishioner may draw on Catholic values to object to the vaccines. South Dakota’s bishops have also taken that stance.At issue for many Catholics and other abortion opponents is that the most widely used COVID-19 vaccines were tested on fetal cell lines developed over decades in laboratories, though the vaccines themselves do not contain any such material.The issue is becoming more heated as public- and private-sector employers increasingly impose mandates.A clerical letter wouldn’t necessarily be needed for someone to be granted an exemption — federal law requires employers make reasonable accommodations for “sincerely held” religious beliefs — though a clergy endorsement could help bolster a person’s claim.The Rev. Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas, a Southern Baptist megachurch, said he and his staff “are neither offering nor encouraging members to seek religious exemptions from the vaccine mandates.”“There is no credible religious argument against the vaccines,” he said via email. “Christians who are troubled by the use of a fetal cell line for the testing of the vaccines would also have to abstain from the use of Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, Ibuprofen, and other products that used the same cell line if they are sincere in their objection.”The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not provide religious exemptions for vaccines for members, according to church spokesman Eric Hawkins. Leaders of the Utah-based faith have made pleas for members to get vaccinated even as doctrine acknowledges it’s up to individual choice.The church’s Brigham Young University has asked students to report their vaccination status but is not requiring vaccinations, and the church is also requiring U.S. missionaries serving in foreign countries to be vaccinated.Some other religious groups, such as the Orthodox Union, an umbrella organization for Orthodox Judaism, and the United Methodist Church, have encouraged people to get vaccines but have not issued policy statements on exemptions.The Fiqh Council of North America, made up of Islamic scholars, has advised Muslims to receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and to debunk “baseless rumors and myths” about them.