WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats unveiled a sweeping proposal Monday for tax hikes on big corporations and the wealthy to fund President Joe Biden’s $3.5 trillion rebuilding plan, as Congress speeds ahead to shape the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-passes-budget-blueprint-0a1258e07b1a8b9aeddb69980093c838">far-reaching package&nbsp;</a>that touches almost all aspects of domestic life.

The proposed top tax rate would revert to 39.6% on individuals earning more than $400,000, or $450,000 for couples, and there would be a 3% tax on wealthier Americans with adjusted income beyond $5 million a year. For big businesses, the proposal would lift the corporate tax rate from 21% to 26.5% on incomes beyond $5 million, slightly less than the 28% rate the president had sought.

In all, the tax hikes are in line with Biden’s own proposals and would bring about the most substantive changes in the tax code since Republicans with then-President Donald Trump slashed taxes in 2017. Business and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-tax-reform-economy-2b5295280d2ee72f6b3b722cebc41c84">anti-tax groups are sure to object</a>. But Democrats are pressing forward.

Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., the chairman of the tax-writing Ways &amp; Means Committee, said the proposals, taken together, would “expand opportunity for the American people and support our efforts to build a healthier, more prosperous future.”

It’s an opening bid at a daunting moment for Biden and his allies in Congress as they assemble the massive package that is expected to become one of the largest single domestic policy measures considered in decades. The president’s “Build Back Better” agenda includes spending on child care, health care, education and strategies to confront climate change. It is an ambitious undertaking on par with the Great Society or New Deal.

Republican critics decry the sweep of Biden’s plan, suggesting it slopes toward a Western European-style socialism, and they particularly reject the taxes required to pay for it, bristling because it would reverse the GOP tax cuts that were approved just a few years ago.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said the proposal is “the last thing American families need.” All GOP lawmakers are expected to vote against it.

But Republicans are largely sidelined as Democrats rely on a budget process that will allow them to approve the proposals on their own, if they can muster their slight majority in Congress.

Democrats have no votes to spare to enact Biden’s agenda, with their slim hold on the House and the Senate split 50-50 and Vice President Kamala Harris the tiebreaker if there is no Republican support. Democratic congressional leaders have set a target of Wednesday for committees to have the bill drafted.

One Democratic senator vital to the bill’s fate says the cost will need to be slashed to $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion to win his support.

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., has suggested it’s time for a “strategic pause,” and cautioned there was “no way” Congress will meet the late September goal from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., for passage, given his wide differences with liberal Democrats on how much to spend and how to pay for it.

“I cannot support $3.5 trillion,” Manchin said Sunday, citing in particular his opposition to raising the corporate tax rate above 25%, a figure he says will keep the U.S. globally competitive.

Manchin is not alone, as other centrist lawmakers have raised concerns. Restive Democrats from high-tax, heavily Democratic states like New York, New Jersey and California are pushing for a repeal of the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions that was imposed by the 2017 Trump law. Neal indicated Monday that the issue is under serious consideration.

Finding compromise will be a daunting project as progressives, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., are angling for the most robust package possible. As chairman of the Budget Committee helping to write the bill, Sanders has noted that he and other members of the liberal flank&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-medicare-immigration-business-government-and-politics-06e658b07a41ebb9d55647f905ebd2b7">had initially urged an even more robust package</a>&nbsp;of $6 trillion.

“For me, this is not a particular number, but it is making sure that we meet this moment,” said Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., a member of House leadership. “The pandemic has shown us that we cannot continue to have an economy of haves and have nots.”

The White House welcomed the preliminary tax plan, which keeps to Biden’s promise not to tax anyone making less than $400,000. The proposal “makes significant progress towards ensuring our economy rewards work and not just wealth,” said deputy press secretary Andrew Bates.

The House, Senate and White House are working together to align their plans ahead of this month’s deadlines, though some differences are emerging that will need to be resolved.

The House tax proposal was pitched as potentially raising some $2.9 trillion, a preliminary estimate — but it would go a long way toward paying for the $3.5 trillion legislation. The White House is counting on long-term economic growth from the plan to generate an additional $600 billion to make up the difference.

Much of the revenue raised would come from the higher taxes on corporations and the highest earners, increasing the individual tax rate to 39.6% from the current 37%.

Looking at wealthy individuals, Neal is proposing an increase in the top tax rate on capital gains for those earning $400,000 a year or more, to 25% from the current 20%. Exemptions for estate taxes, which were doubled under the 2017 Trump tax law to now $11.7 million for individuals, would revert to $5 million.

Also proposed are increases in the tax rate on tobacco products and a new tax on non-tobacco nicotine delivered by e-cigarettes.

The broader blueprint from Democrats proposes spending billions for rebuilding infrastructure, tackling climate change and expanding or introducing a range of services, from free prekindergarten to dental, vision and hearing aid care for older people.

Congressional committees are hustling to wrap up their work to meet this week’s timeline from Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to have the bill drafted. Pelosi is seeking a House vote by Oct. 1, and it would then go to the Senate. That’s near the Sept. 27 timeline for voting on a slimmer infrastructure plan favored by moderate lawmakers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631615569863.png" alt="In all, the tax hikes are in line with Biden’s own proposals and would bring about the most substantive changes in the tax code since Republicans with then-President Donald Trump slashed taxes in 2017.- photo courtesy office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi" />
 <figcaption>In all, the tax hikes are in line with Biden’s own proposals and would bring about the most substantive changes in the tax code since Republicans with then-President Donald Trump slashed taxes in 2017.- photo courtesy office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats unveiled a sweeping proposal Monday for tax hikes on big corporations and the wealthy to fund President Joe Biden’s $3.5 trillion rebuilding plan, as Congress speeds ahead to shape the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-passes-budget-blueprint-0a1258e07b1a8b9aeddb69980093c838">far-reaching package&nbsp;</a>that touches almost all aspects of domestic life.The proposed top tax rate would revert to 39.6% on individuals earning more than $400,000, or $450,000 for couples, and there would be a 3% tax on wealthier Americans with adjusted income beyond $5 million a year. For big businesses, the proposal would lift the corporate tax rate from 21% to 26.5% on incomes beyond $5 million, slightly less than the 28% rate the president had sought.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The medium is the message. <a href="https://t.co/b4Ssr6HkYR">pic.twitter.com/b4Ssr6HkYR</a>&mdash; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) <a href="https://twitter.com/AOC/status/1437635268664774659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 14, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In all, the tax hikes are in line with Biden’s own proposals and would bring about the most substantive changes in the tax code since Republicans with then-President Donald Trump slashed taxes in 2017. Business and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-tax-reform-economy-2b5295280d2ee72f6b3b722cebc41c84">anti-tax groups are sure to object</a>. But Democrats are pressing forward.Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., the chairman of the tax-writing Ways &amp; Means Committee, said the proposals, taken together, would “expand opportunity for the American people and support our efforts to build a healthier, more prosperous future.”It’s an opening bid at a daunting moment for Biden and his allies in Congress as they assemble the massive package that is expected to become one of the largest single domestic policy measures considered in decades. The president’s “Build Back Better” agenda includes spending on child care, health care, education and strategies to confront climate change. It is an ambitious undertaking on par with the Great Society or New Deal.Republican critics decry the sweep of Biden’s plan, suggesting it slopes toward a Western European-style socialism, and they particularly reject the taxes required to pay for it, bristling because it would reverse the GOP tax cuts that were approved just a few years ago.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said the proposal is “the last thing American families need.” All GOP lawmakers are expected to vote against it.But Republicans are largely sidelined as Democrats rely on a budget process that will allow them to approve the proposals on their own, if they can muster their slight majority in Congress.Democrats have no votes to spare to enact Biden’s agenda, with their slim hold on the House and the Senate split 50-50 and Vice President Kamala Harris the tiebreaker if there is no Republican support. Democratic congressional leaders have set a target of Wednesday for committees to have the bill drafted.One Democratic senator vital to the bill’s fate says the cost will need to be slashed to $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion to win his support.Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., has suggested it’s time for a “strategic pause,” and cautioned there was “no way” Congress will meet the late September goal from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., for passage, given his wide differences with liberal Democrats on how much to spend and how to pay for it.“I cannot support $3.5 trillion,” Manchin said Sunday, citing in particular his opposition to raising the corporate tax rate above 25%, a figure he says will keep the U.S. globally competitive.Manchin is not alone, as other centrist lawmakers have raised concerns. Restive Democrats from high-tax, heavily Democratic states like New York, New Jersey and California are pushing for a repeal of the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions that was imposed by the 2017 Trump law. Neal indicated Monday that the issue is under serious consideration.Finding compromise will be a daunting project as progressives, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., are angling for the most robust package possible. As chairman of the Budget Committee helping to write the bill, Sanders has noted that he and other members of the liberal flank&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-medicare-immigration-business-government-and-politics-06e658b07a41ebb9d55647f905ebd2b7">had initially urged an even more robust package</a>&nbsp;of $6 trillion.“For me, this is not a particular number, but it is making sure that we meet this moment,” said Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., a member of House leadership. “The pandemic has shown us that we cannot continue to have an economy of haves and have nots.”The White House welcomed the preliminary tax plan, which keeps to Biden’s promise not to tax anyone making less than $400,000. The proposal “makes significant progress towards ensuring our economy rewards work and not just wealth,” said deputy press secretary Andrew Bates.The House, Senate and White House are working together to align their plans ahead of this month’s deadlines, though some differences are emerging that will need to be resolved.The House tax proposal was pitched as potentially raising some $2.9 trillion, a preliminary estimate — but it would go a long way toward paying for the $3.5 trillion legislation. The White House is counting on long-term economic growth from the plan to generate an additional $600 billion to make up the difference.Much of the revenue raised would come from the higher taxes on corporations and the highest earners, increasing the individual tax rate to 39.6% from the current 37%.Looking at wealthy individuals, Neal is proposing an increase in the top tax rate on capital gains for those earning $400,000 a year or more, to 25% from the current 20%. Exemptions for estate taxes, which were doubled under the 2017 Trump tax law to now $11.7 million for individuals, would revert to $5 million.Also proposed are increases in the tax rate on tobacco products and a new tax on non-tobacco nicotine delivered by e-cigarettes.The broader blueprint from Democrats proposes spending billions for rebuilding infrastructure, tackling climate change and expanding or introducing a range of services, from free prekindergarten to dental, vision and hearing aid care for older people.Congressional committees are hustling to wrap up their work to meet this week’s timeline from Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to have the bill drafted. Pelosi is seeking a House vote by Oct. 1, and it would then go to the Senate. That’s near the Sept. 27 timeline for voting on a slimmer infrastructure plan favored by moderate lawmakers.

Democrats unveil tax hikes to pay for Biden's $3.5T plan

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a chase inside a store.

Just after 2:30p.m. Sept. 11, a sheriff's deputy and a police officer responded to Walmart, in the 400 Block of Arizona Avenue in Holton in reference to a report of a theft in progress, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

One suspect fled on foot with the deputy pursuing inside the store.  The deputy took the suspect to the ground and placed him in custody.

 During the struggle, allegedly items believed to be drug paraphernalia fell from the his person.  The suspect allegedly attempted to identify himself through a stolen passport out of Colorado.  The suspect was eventually identified as Robert Ray Boyles, 32, of Longmont, Colorado. 

 Boyles was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of interference with law enforcement, possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia, identity theft, displaying an I.D. card belonging to someone else, no drug tax stamp, and possession of stolen property. In addition, Boyles had 5 outstanding warrants from the State of Colorado. 

 A second suspect, Whitney Page Rutschmann, 38, of Topeka, was also arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of theft, criminal trespass, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia,

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631530411877.png" alt="Boyles photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Boyles photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges after a chase inside a store.Just after 2:30p.m. Sept. 11, a sheriff's deputy and a police officer responded to Walmart, in the 400 Block of Arizona Avenue in Holton in reference to a report of a theft in progress, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.One suspect fled on foot with the deputy pursuing inside the store. The deputy took the suspect to the ground and placed him in custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631530374486.png" alt="Rutschmann" />
 <figcaption>Rutschmann</figcaption>
 </figure> During the struggle, allegedly items believed to be drug paraphernalia fell from the his person. The suspect allegedly attempted to identify himself through a stolen passport out of Colorado. The suspect was eventually identified as Robert Ray Boyles, 32, of Longmont, Colorado. Boyles was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of interference with law enforcement, possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug, and possession of drug paraphernalia, identity theft, displaying an I.D. card belonging to someone else, no drug tax stamp, and possession of stolen property. In addition, Boyles had 5 outstanding warrants from the State of Colorado. A second suspect, Whitney Page Rutschmann, 38, of Topeka, was also arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges of theft, criminal trespass, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia,

Kan. theft suspects captured after chase inside store

WASHINGTON (AP)—The average person doesn’t need a COVID-19 booster yet, an international group of scientists — including two top U.S. regulators — wrote Monday in a scientific journal.

The experts reviewed studies of the vaccines’ performance and concluded the shots are working well despite the extra-contagious delta variant, especially against severe disease.

“Even in populations with fairly high vaccination rates, the unvaccinated are still the major drivers of transmission” at this stage of the pandemic,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thelancet.com/pb-assets/Lancet/pdfs/S0140673621020468.pdf" target="_blank">they concluded</a>.

The opinion piece, published in The Lancet, illustrates the intense scientific debate about who needs booster doses and when, a decision the U.S. and other countries are grappling with.

After revelations of political meddling in the Trump administration’s coronavirus response, President Joe Biden has promised to “follow the science.” But the review raises the question of whether his administration is moving faster than the experts.

The authors include two leading vaccine reviewers at the Food and Drug Administration, Drs. Phil Krause and Marion Gruber, who recently announced they will be stepping down this fall. Among the other 16 authors are leading vaccine researchers in the U.S., Britain, France, South Africa and India, plus scientists with the World Health Organization, which already has urged a moratorium on boosters until poor countries are better vaccinated.

In the U.S., the White House has begun planning for boosters later this month, if both the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agree. Advisers to the FDA will weigh evidence about an extra Pfizer shot Friday at a key public meeting.

Georgetown University’s Larry Gostin said the paper “throws gasoline on the fire” in the debate about whether most Americans truly need boosters and whether the White House got ahead of scientists.

“It’s always a fundamental error of process to make a scientific announcement before the public health agencies have acted and that’s exactly what happened here,” said Gostin, a lawyer and public health specialist.

The FDA did not respond to requests for comment Monday morning.

The U.S. already offers an extra dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to people with severely weakened immune systems.

For the general population, the debate is boiling down to whether boosters should be given even though the vaccines are still offering high protection against severe disease — possibly in hopes of blocking milder “breakthrough” infections among the fully vaccinated.

Last week, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-coronavirus-pandemic-rochelle-walensky-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-31ddcca6119e018bd826d2a05df7f68b">new data</a>&nbsp;showed that as delta surged, the unvaccinated were 4.5 times more likely than the fully vaccinated to get infected, over 10 times more likely to be hospitalized and 11 times more likely to die. Still, government scientists are also weighing hints that protection is waning among older adults who were vaccinated early last winter.

The writers of Monday’s commentary reported reviewing worldwide studies since delta began surging, mostly of U.S. and European vaccines. The team concluded “none of these studies has provided credible evidence of substantially declining protection against severe disease.”

Because the body builds layers of immunity, gradual drops in antibody levels don’t necessarily mean overall effectiveness is dropping “and reductions in vaccine efficacy against mild disease do not necessarily predict reductions in the (typically higher) efficacy against severe disease,” they wrote.

The more the virus spreads, the more opportunity it has to evolve into strains that could escape current vaccines. The Lancet reviewers suggest there could be bigger gains from creating booster doses that better match circulating variants, much like flu vaccine is regularly updated, than from just giving extra doses of the original vaccine.

“There is an opportunity now to study variant-based boosters before there is widespread need for them,” the scientists wrote.

WASHINGTON (AP)—The average person doesn’t need a COVID-19 booster yet, an international group of scientists — including two top U.S. regulators — wrote Monday in a scientific journal.The experts reviewed studies of the vaccines’ performance and concluded the shots are working well despite the extra-contagious delta variant, especially against severe disease.“Even in populations with fairly high vaccination rates, the unvaccinated are still the major drivers of transmission” at this stage of the pandemic,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thelancet.com/pb-assets/Lancet/pdfs/S0140673621020468.pdf" target="_blank">they concluded</a>.The opinion piece, published in The Lancet, illustrates the intense scientific debate about who needs booster doses and when, a decision the U.S. and other countries are grappling with.After revelations of political meddling in the Trump administration’s coronavirus response, President Joe Biden has promised to “follow the science.” But the review raises the question of whether his administration is moving faster than the experts.The authors include two leading vaccine reviewers at the Food and Drug Administration, Drs. Phil Krause and Marion Gruber, who recently announced they will be stepping down this fall. Among the other 16 authors are leading vaccine researchers in the U.S., Britain, France, South Africa and India, plus scientists with the World Health Organization, which already has urged a moratorium on boosters until poor countries are better vaccinated.In the U.S., the White House has begun planning for boosters later this month, if both the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agree. Advisers to the FDA will weigh evidence about an extra Pfizer shot Friday at a key public meeting.Georgetown University’s Larry Gostin said the paper “throws gasoline on the fire” in the debate about whether most Americans truly need boosters and whether the White House got ahead of scientists.“It’s always a fundamental error of process to make a scientific announcement before the public health agencies have acted and that’s exactly what happened here,” said Gostin, a lawyer and public health specialist.The FDA did not respond to requests for comment Monday morning.The U.S. already offers an extra dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to people with severely weakened immune systems.For the general population, the debate is boiling down to whether boosters should be given even though the vaccines are still offering high protection against severe disease — possibly in hopes of blocking milder “breakthrough” infections among the fully vaccinated.Last week, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-coronavirus-pandemic-rochelle-walensky-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-31ddcca6119e018bd826d2a05df7f68b">new data</a>&nbsp;showed that as delta surged, the unvaccinated were 4.5 times more likely than the fully vaccinated to get infected, over 10 times more likely to be hospitalized and 11 times more likely to die. Still, government scientists are also weighing hints that protection is waning among older adults who were vaccinated early last winter.The writers of Monday’s commentary reported reviewing worldwide studies since delta began surging, mostly of U.S. and European vaccines. The team concluded “none of these studies has provided credible evidence of substantially declining protection against severe disease.”Because the body builds layers of immunity, gradual drops in antibody levels don’t necessarily mean overall effectiveness is dropping “and reductions in vaccine efficacy against mild disease do not necessarily predict reductions in the (typically higher) efficacy against severe disease,” they wrote.The more the virus spreads, the more opportunity it has to evolve into strains that could escape current vaccines. The Lancet reviewers suggest there could be bigger gains from creating booster doses that better match circulating variants, much like flu vaccine is regularly updated, than from just giving extra doses of the original vaccine.“There is an opportunity now to study variant-based boosters before there is widespread need for them,” the scientists wrote.___

FDA experts among those opposing US booster shot plan

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas legislator accused of kicking a high school student in the testicles has pleaded guilty to three lesser misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct. 

A magistrate judge on Monday placed Republican state Rep. Mark Samsel on a year’s probation under a deal with the local prosecutor. 

Samsel also agreed not to use social media for personal purposes or have any contact with two high school students whose complaints led to the charges. Samsel had faced three higher misdemeanor criminal charges of battery over interactions with the two students, ages 15 or 16, during an April 28 high school art class in his eastern Kansas hometown of Wellsville.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619814603053.png" alt="Samsel in his Franklin County booking photo" />
 <figcaption>Samsel in his Franklin County booking photo</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas legislator accused of kicking a high school student in the testicles has pleaded guilty to three lesser misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct. A magistrate judge on Monday placed Republican state Rep. Mark Samsel on a year’s probation under a deal with the local prosecutor. Samsel also agreed not to use social media for personal purposes or have any contact with two high school students whose complaints led to the charges. Samsel had faced three higher misdemeanor criminal charges of battery over interactions with the two students, ages 15 or 16, during an April 28 high school art class in his eastern Kansas hometown of Wellsville.

Kan. lawmaker accused of battery while teaching gets plea deal

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged criminal threat in Atchison.

Just before 7p.m. oSaturday police responded to a residence in the 1500 block Commercial Street in Atchison to investigate a report of a man trying to set the house of fire, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Officers located 34-year old Delvin Debnam at the residence. A 38-year old woman had left the residence. Officers found her several blocks away. 

 It was determined that a disturbance had occurred at the residence between Debnam and the woman who both reside at the home, according to Wilson.

 During the disturbance Debnam threatened to burn the house down.  There was no fire found at the house. Police took Debnam into custody for on a requested charged of criminal threat, according to Wilson. He remains in the Atchison County Jail on Monday, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631541206480.png" alt="Debnam photo Atchison County" />
 <figcaption>Debnam photo Atchison County</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged criminal threat in Atchison.Just before 7p.m. oSaturday police responded to a residence in the 1500 block Commercial Street in Atchison to investigate a report of a man trying to set the house of fire, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.Officers located 34-year old Delvin Debnam at the residence. A 38-year old woman had left the residence. Officers found her several blocks away. It was determined that a disturbance had occurred at the residence between Debnam and the woman who both reside at the home, according to Wilson. During the disturbance Debnam threatened to burn the house down. There was no fire found at the house. Police took Debnam into custody for on a requested charged of criminal threat, according to Wilson. He remains in the Atchison County Jail on Monday, according to online jail records.

Police: Kan. man threatened to burn down home

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A member of Washington University's student government placed nearly 3,000 U.S. flags meant to commemorate victims of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/attacks-anniversary-world-trade-center-pentagon-pennsylvania-696e656f355a6ef55f37b29d2e90e648">the Sept. 11 attacks</a>&nbsp;in trash bags, prompting an investigation by the school.

The university's chapter of College Republicans had placed the 2,977 flags on Mudd Field at the school's campus in St. Louis to honor Saturday's 20th anniversary of the attacks.

Fadel Alkilani, a vice president of finance for the Student Union, acknowledged that he removed the flags on Saturday and put them in plastic bags as part of a protest but he was interrupted when another student began recording video of him.

After a video was posted on social media, Alkilani said in a statement that he intended to leave the bags on Mudd Field along with statistics detailing the human cost of Sept. 11 since the attacks. He said the flag display did not mention Islamophobia in the U.S. or civilian casualties in the Middle East caused by the U.S. military, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article254186463.html">reported</a>.

Washington University Chancellor Andrew Martin said in a statement that removing the flags was “reprehensible” and was seen as “a personal affront by many, at WashU and beyond, and as an affront to the ideals of our institution.”

Martin, who did not name Alkilani in his statement, said the university will follow its normal protocols while investigating and will ensure “that the student involved has access to campus resources that are regularly available to students as he navigates the consequences of his actions, both on campus and beyond. ”

Martin said the flag display was an act of free speech, which he called a hallmark of the academic community.

“Students have the right to express their viewpoints, but they also have the obligation to respect others’ expressions,” Martin said.

Nathaniel Hope, a member of the College Republicans who took the video of Alkilani removing the flags, said the group places the flags on Mudd Field, which is on the western edge of campus, every year to remember Sept. 11.

Hope, a sophomore,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.audacy.com/kmox/news/local/student-removed-american-flags-on-9-11-at-st-louis-college">told KMOX radio</a>&nbsp;that he called police, who confiscated the flags and returned them to the College Republicans, who reinstalled the flags on Saturday.

“These flags were not put in place for any political reason,” Hope said. “They were for the lives lost. For anyone, I don't care if you're right-leaning, left-leaning, to remove those flags before Sept. 12 is inappropriate.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631559839626.png" alt="Fadel Alkilani as seen in the social media video" />
 <figcaption>Fadel Alkilani as seen in the social media video</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — A member of Washington University's student government placed nearly 3,000 U.S. flags meant to commemorate victims of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/attacks-anniversary-world-trade-center-pentagon-pennsylvania-696e656f355a6ef55f37b29d2e90e648">the Sept. 11 attacks</a>&nbsp;in trash bags, prompting an investigation by the school.The university's chapter of College Republicans had placed the 2,977 flags on Mudd Field at the school's campus in St. Louis to honor Saturday's 20th anniversary of the attacks.Fadel Alkilani, a vice president of finance for the Student Union, acknowledged that he removed the flags on Saturday and put them in plastic bags as part of a protest but he was interrupted when another student began recording video of him.After a video was posted on social media, Alkilani said in a statement that he intended to leave the bags on Mudd Field along with statistics detailing the human cost of Sept. 11 since the attacks. He said the flag display did not mention Islamophobia in the U.S. or civilian casualties in the Middle East caused by the U.S. military, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article254186463.html">reported</a>.Washington University Chancellor Andrew Martin said in a statement that removing the flags was “reprehensible” and was seen as “a personal affront by many, at WashU and beyond, and as an affront to the ideals of our institution.”Martin, who did not name Alkilani in his statement, said the university will follow its normal protocols while investigating and will ensure “that the student involved has access to campus resources that are regularly available to students as he navigates the consequences of his actions, both on campus and beyond. ”Martin said the flag display was an act of free speech, which he called a hallmark of the academic community.“Students have the right to express their viewpoints, but they also have the obligation to respect others’ expressions,” Martin said.Nathaniel Hope, a member of the College Republicans who took the video of Alkilani removing the flags, said the group places the flags on Mudd Field, which is on the western edge of campus, every year to remember Sept. 11.Hope, a sophomore,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.audacy.com/kmox/news/local/student-removed-american-flags-on-9-11-at-st-louis-college">told KMOX radio</a>&nbsp;that he called police, who confiscated the flags and returned them to the College Republicans, who reinstalled the flags on Saturday.“These flags were not put in place for any political reason,” Hope said. “They were for the lives lost. For anyone, I don't care if you're right-leaning, left-leaning, to remove those flags before Sept. 12 is inappropriate.”

Student removes nearly 3,000 US flags from Sept. 11 display

By LUCY PETERSON <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/12/we-demand-better-ku-students-faculty-call-on-administrators-to-mandate-covid-19-vaccines/">For the Kansas Reflector</a>

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas 
students, faculty and staff members called on administrators to mandate 
vaccines on campus during a rally Sunday, expressing concerns about the 
ongoing surge of the delta variant of COVID-19.

Nearly 40 people gathered at the 
university’s Wescoe Beach to push back on the administration’s 
reluctance to mandate a COVID-19 vaccine for individuals on campus this 
year. The rally was hosted by the Vaccinate KU coalition, which formed 
this summer with a Change.org petition urging KU to require vaccines. 
The petition has garnered 1,118 signatures since it was posted on July 
18.

Vaccinate KU presented a list of 11 
recommendations to the chiefs of staff for KU chancellor Douglas Girod 
and provost Barbara Bichelmeyer at the start of the school year, said 
the coalition’s founder, Sophie Kunin, a senior at KU. Kunin scheduled 
the Vaccinate KU rally in the shadow of Strong Hall, where Girod, 
Bichelmeyer and other administrators have offices, because none of the 
recommendations was implemented.

“The university needs to recognize 
that by not taking on this list of safety precautions, they’re putting 
KU and the Lawrence community at risk,” Kunin said at the rally. “Today 
is a day to recognize other perspectives and to discuss what we need to 
do at KU to keep our community safe. This rally is about the safety of 
everyone.”

The recommendations made to KU 
include requiring masks on campus until 80% of students are vaccinated, 
implementing social distancing requirements on campus and creating an 
office for contact tracing.

Despite several schools across the 
country who have mandated vaccines on campus, such as the University of 
Indiana and the California State Universities system, KU has not 
required vaccines on campus because “state law limits our ability to 
require vaccination or proof of vaccination,” said KU spokeswoman Erinn 
Barcomb-Peterson, responding to an inquiry for this story via email.

The state statute Barcomb-Peterson 
cited prohibits state buildings from requiring a COVID-19 “vaccination 
passport” for entrance.

KU requires all students to have a 
measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine before arriving on campus and 
requires all students living in university housing to have a meningitis 
vaccine before moving in.

Advocates for an on-campus COVID-19 
vaccine mandate included professors, graduate teaching assistants and 
students who are worried of contracting the coronavirus in classrooms. 
Many who spoke urged KU to push against the Legislature to protect the 
KU community and surrounding Lawrence community.

“Suing the state for the ability to 
mandate a vaccine could save KU, would save lives, and it won’t put any 
target on our back as an institution that wasn’t already there,” said 
Elise Higgins, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department for Women, Gender and
 Sexuality Studies at KU. “Vaccine mandates can lower COVID rates, and 
if our Legislature won’t protect us, you can at least try to do it 
yourselves.”

Professors and students shared 
stories of fear as they and those in their classrooms began contracting 
the coronavirus in the 2020-2021 school year, but were unable to know 
the extent to which the spread occurred because of a state statute 
barring KU from conducting its own contact tracing.

Since Aug. 1, 2020, 1,824 people at KU have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://protect.ku.edu/sites/protect/files/documents/Dashboard/COVID-19%20Dashboard_Aug12020toSept102021.pdf">KU’s COVID-19 dashboard</a>. In the week of Sept. 2, 12 people on campus tested positive for the coronavirus.

Andrew Kustodowicz, president of the 
Graduate Teaching Assistant Coalition, said professors and GTAs were 
forced to return to in-person learning, despite the GTA union’s formal 
request to require vaccinations before returning to the classroom.

“I think what’s really unfortunate is
 that KU’s administration has kind of weaponized the overwhelming 
majority of people’s desires to be back on campus,” Kustodowicz said. 
“GTAs, while we did excellent work on Zoom, ultimately, we want to be in
 the classroom. But when KU said, ‘You will be in the classroom, there 
will be no vaccine mandate and you cannot choose to protect yourself,’ 
that became an unacceptable working condition.”

GTAC called a meeting as part of its 
ongoing contract negotiations with KU where members asked for 
flexibility in how they could safely instruct classes if vaccines 
weren’t required, Kustodowicz said. KU denied a request to choose how 
classes would be conducted, he said.

Student body president Niya McAdoo 
said the Student Senate office has had informal talks about on-campus 
vaccine mandates, and she and her administration are prioritizing 
protecting students’ livelihoods.

“People are still dying every day 
from COVID. We’re not out of the pandemic,” McAdoo said at the rally. 
“Obviously, vaccination has helped, but it hasn’t solved the issue 100%,
 so we have to continue to work together to show up for each other and 
show up for the greater community. If we don’t do it, a lot of other 
people won’t do it for us.”

lthough the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-covid-19-vaccine">received full approval</a>
 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Aug. 23, Barcomb-Peterson
 said KU is still unable to mandate vaccinations. No universities in 
Kansas have moved to require vaccines for its students, faculty and 
staff.

KU <a target="_blank" href="https://chancellor.ku.edu/news/2021/may27">rescinded its mask mandate</a>
 on May 27 after recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and
 Prevention said vaccinated individuals no longer needed to wear masks. 
On Aug. 6, KU said it would again require masks for the 2021-22 school 
year because of a surge in the highly contagious delta variant forcing 
the CDC to revise its mask recommendations.

Naomi Madu, a senior from Abuja, 
Nigeria, studying strategic communication, said her family members have 
little access to vaccines in Nigeria. Only 2.3% of people in Nigeria 
have been vaccinated against COVID-19, <a target="_blank" href="https://covid19.who.int/region/afro/country/ng">according to the World Health Organization</a>.

“I don’t know how to explain to (my 
family) that the country with the most vaccines in the world has the 
least regard for human life,” Madu said at the rally. “There’s no reason
 for us to still be here, and it’s unbelievably reckless that this 
university has adopted a ‘wait and see’ approach while new variants 
continue to ravage marginalized communities in this country.”

To urge students to get vaccinated, 
KU is offering prizes for students who upload their vaccination cards to
 their Watkins Health Center patient portal. Prizes include a full 
semester’s tuition, $5,000 in cash, $1,000 in dining dollars and a free 
campus parking pass.

“If we are capable of grasping the 
gravity of this situation we’re in,” Madu said, “our educators and 
administrators should be able to grasp that as well, and I hope they 
understand that our lives are worth more than $230,000 in prize money.”

Lucy Peterson is a junior at the University of Kansas studying journalism, political science, and French. She has worked in several roles at the University Daily Kansan, KU’s student publication. She is from Denver, Colorado.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631569411492.png" alt="Students, faculty and staff members rally Sunday at Wescoe Beach on the University of Kansas campus to call on administrators to impose a vaccine mandate on campus. (Lucy Peterson for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Students, faculty and staff members rally Sunday at Wescoe Beach on the University of Kansas campus to call on administrators to impose a vaccine mandate on campus. (Lucy Peterson for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By LUCY PETERSON <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/12/we-demand-better-ku-students-faculty-call-on-administrators-to-mandate-covid-19-vaccines/">For the Kansas Reflector</a>LAWRENCE — University of Kansas 
students, faculty and staff members called on administrators to mandate 
vaccines on campus during a rally Sunday, expressing concerns about the 
ongoing surge of the delta variant of COVID-19.Nearly 40 people gathered at the 
university’s Wescoe Beach to push back on the administration’s 
reluctance to mandate a COVID-19 vaccine for individuals on campus this 
year. The rally was hosted by the Vaccinate KU coalition, which formed 
this summer with a Change.org petition urging KU to require vaccines. 
The petition has garnered 1,118 signatures since it was posted on July 
18.Vaccinate KU presented a list of 11 
recommendations to the chiefs of staff for KU chancellor Douglas Girod 
and provost Barbara Bichelmeyer at the start of the school year, said 
the coalition’s founder, Sophie Kunin, a senior at KU. Kunin scheduled 
the Vaccinate KU rally in the shadow of Strong Hall, where Girod, 
Bichelmeyer and other administrators have offices, because none of the 
recommendations was implemented.“The university needs to recognize 
that by not taking on this list of safety precautions, they’re putting 
KU and the Lawrence community at risk,” Kunin said at the rally. “Today 
is a day to recognize other perspectives and to discuss what we need to 
do at KU to keep our community safe. This rally is about the safety of 
everyone.”The recommendations made to KU 
include requiring masks on campus until 80% of students are vaccinated, 
implementing social distancing requirements on campus and creating an 
office for contact tracing.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631569476808.png" alt="About 40 people attended Sunday’s rally to express safety concerns amid the surge of the delta variant of COVID-19. (Lucy Peterson for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>About 40 people attended Sunday’s rally to express safety concerns amid the surge of the delta variant of COVID-19. (Lucy Peterson for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Despite several schools across the 
country who have mandated vaccines on campus, such as the University of 
Indiana and the California State Universities system, KU has not 
required vaccines on campus because “state law limits our ability to 
require vaccination or proof of vaccination,” said KU spokeswoman Erinn 
Barcomb-Peterson, responding to an inquiry for this story via email.The state statute Barcomb-Peterson 
cited prohibits state buildings from requiring a COVID-19 “vaccination 
passport” for entrance.KU requires all students to have a 
measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine before arriving on campus and 
requires all students living in university housing to have a meningitis 
vaccine before moving in.Advocates for an on-campus COVID-19 
vaccine mandate included professors, graduate teaching assistants and 
students who are worried of contracting the coronavirus in classrooms. 
Many who spoke urged KU to push against the Legislature to protect the 
KU community and surrounding Lawrence community.“Suing the state for the ability to 
mandate a vaccine could save KU, would save lives, and it won’t put any 
target on our back as an institution that wasn’t already there,” said 
Elise Higgins, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department for Women, Gender and
 Sexuality Studies at KU. “Vaccine mandates can lower COVID rates, and 
if our Legislature won’t protect us, you can at least try to do it 
yourselves.”Professors and students shared 
stories of fear as they and those in their classrooms began contracting 
the coronavirus in the 2020-2021 school year, but were unable to know 
the extent to which the spread occurred because of a state statute 
barring KU from conducting its own contact tracing.Since Aug. 1, 2020, 1,824 people at KU have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://protect.ku.edu/sites/protect/files/documents/Dashboard/COVID-19%20Dashboard_Aug12020toSept102021.pdf">KU’s COVID-19 dashboard</a>. In the week of Sept. 2, 12 people on campus tested positive for the coronavirus.Andrew Kustodowicz, president of the 
Graduate Teaching Assistant Coalition, said professors and GTAs were 
forced to return to in-person learning, despite the GTA union’s formal 
request to require vaccinations before returning to the classroom.“I think what’s really unfortunate is
 that KU’s administration has kind of weaponized the overwhelming 
majority of people’s desires to be back on campus,” Kustodowicz said. 
“GTAs, while we did excellent work on Zoom, ultimately, we want to be in
 the classroom. But when KU said, ‘You will be in the classroom, there 
will be no vaccine mandate and you cannot choose to protect yourself,’ 
that became an unacceptable working condition.”GTAC called a meeting as part of its 
ongoing contract negotiations with KU where members asked for 
flexibility in how they could safely instruct classes if vaccines 
weren’t required, Kustodowicz said. KU denied a request to choose how 
classes would be conducted, he said.Student body president Niya McAdoo 
said the Student Senate office has had informal talks about on-campus 
vaccine mandates, and she and her administration are prioritizing 
protecting students’ livelihoods.“People are still dying every day 
from COVID. We’re not out of the pandemic,” McAdoo said at the rally. 
“Obviously, vaccination has helped, but it hasn’t solved the issue 100%,
 so we have to continue to work together to show up for each other and 
show up for the greater community. If we don’t do it, a lot of other 
people won’t do it for us.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631569516435.png" alt="A dozen people tested positive for COVID-19 last week on the University of Kansas campus. (Lucy Peterson for Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A dozen people tested positive for COVID-19 last week on the University of Kansas campus. (Lucy Peterson for Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>lthough the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-covid-19-vaccine">received full approval</a>
 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Aug. 23, Barcomb-Peterson
 said KU is still unable to mandate vaccinations. No universities in 
Kansas have moved to require vaccines for its students, faculty and 
staff.KU <a target="_blank" href="https://chancellor.ku.edu/news/2021/may27">rescinded its mask mandate</a>
 on May 27 after recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and
 Prevention said vaccinated individuals no longer needed to wear masks. 
On Aug. 6, KU said it would again require masks for the 2021-22 school 
year because of a surge in the highly contagious delta variant forcing 
the CDC to revise its mask recommendations.Naomi Madu, a senior from Abuja, 
Nigeria, studying strategic communication, said her family members have 
little access to vaccines in Nigeria. Only 2.3% of people in Nigeria 
have been vaccinated against COVID-19, <a target="_blank" href="https://covid19.who.int/region/afro/country/ng">according to the World Health Organization</a>.“I don’t know how to explain to (my 
family) that the country with the most vaccines in the world has the 
least regard for human life,” Madu said at the rally. “There’s no reason
 for us to still be here, and it’s unbelievably reckless that this 
university has adopted a ‘wait and see’ approach while new variants 
continue to ravage marginalized communities in this country.”To urge students to get vaccinated, 
KU is offering prizes for students who upload their vaccination cards to
 their Watkins Health Center patient portal. Prizes include a full 
semester’s tuition, $5,000 in cash, $1,000 in dining dollars and a free 
campus parking pass.“If we are capable of grasping the 
gravity of this situation we’re in,” Madu said, “our educators and 
administrators should be able to grasp that as well, and I hope they 
understand that our lives are worth more than $230,000 in prize money.”Lucy Peterson is a junior at the University of Kansas studying journalism, political science, and French. She has worked in several roles at the University Daily Kansan, KU’s student publication. She is from Denver, Colorado.

KU students, faculty call for mandate on COVID-19 vaccines

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Sunday night shooting and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.

Just after 7 p.m. police responded to the 1900 block of NE Jefferson Street in Topeka on a report of a shooting involving known individuals, according to police department spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

The victim sustained non-life threatening injuries in the incident and was treated at a local hospital.

Throughout the course of the investigation, 35-year-old Nicholas D. Price was identified as a person of nterest in this incident.&nbsp; If you see Price or know where he is, call 911 immediately and do not attempt to apprehend him yourself. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online at www.p3tips.com/128. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631562211720.png" alt="Price has previous felony convictions for domestic battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Price has previous felony convictions for domestic battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections- photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Sunday night shooting and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.Just after 7 p.m. police responded to the 1900 block of NE Jefferson Street in Topeka on a report of a shooting involving known individuals, according to police department spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.The victim sustained non-life threatening injuries in the incident and was treated at a local hospital.Throughout the course of the investigation, 35-year-old Nicholas D. Price was identified as a person of nterest in this incident.&nbsp; If you see Price or know where he is, call 911 immediately and do not attempt to apprehend him yourself. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online at www.p3tips.com/128.

Police: Kansas felon wanted for weekend shooting

By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-09-13/a-kansas-4-h-student-found-a-bug-thats-bad-news-for-the-state">Kansas News Service</a>

A 4-H student presenting a project at the Kansas State Fair has 
inadvertently triggered a state and federal investigation into a nasty, 
unwelcome bug.

Known as the spotted lanternfly, the Asian bug 
secretes a sticky substance that can prevent plants and trees from 
performing photosynthesis. In many cases, it ends up killing the plant.

It loves to feed on woody, fruit and ornamental trees.

The student found the bug in Thomas County in western Kansas and included it in a 4-H entomology display.

One
 of the judges recognized the bug species, which the student had 
correctly identified and labeled, and knew that he needed to notify the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture will lead the investigation.

“This
 does happen occasionally where we’ll see information about an insect 
and we’ll do some investigation and find out if there's anything to 
indicate that there’s a real problem,” said Kansas Department of 
Agriculture spokeswoman Heather Lansdowne.

The invasive bug appeared in Pennsylvania in 2014. Because the bug is
 a good hitchhiker, there are now at least 45 counties in Pennsylvania 
and New Jersey with quarantine orders.

That means people in those 
areas have to follow a checklist before moving cars or recreational 
vehicles outside of the area. The order has them check for signs of the 
bugs or their eggs.

The bug is native to China and it is suspected to have arrived in the U.S. on a container ship.

This year’s outbreak in Pennsylvania has been particularly bad. State agriculture officials <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/08/24/1030633334/pennsylvania-spotted-lanternfly-species-quarantine" target="_blank">told NPR earlier this year</a> that if they ever see the bug they should, "Kill it! Squash it, smash it. ... Just get rid of it."

The
 threat of an established population appears to be mostly contained to 
states in the Northeast. The bug found in Kansas likely got there by 
hitching a ride on an RV or other vehicle, said Lansdowne. Interstate 70
 runs through Thomas County.

“There’s not a reason to be alarmed at this point,” Lansdowne said. “It was one insect that was found and it’s no longer alive.”

Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en" target="_blank">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631556239848.png" alt="Pinned spotted lanternfly adult with wings open. Note the bright red coloration now visible on the hindwings. This cannot be seen when the insect is at rest. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture" />
 <figcaption>Pinned spotted lanternfly adult with wings open. Note the bright red coloration now visible on the hindwings. This cannot be seen when the insect is at rest. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2021-09-13/a-kansas-4-h-student-found-a-bug-thats-bad-news-for-the-state">Kansas News Service</a>A 4-H student presenting a project at the Kansas State Fair has 
inadvertently triggered a state and federal investigation into a nasty, 
unwelcome bug.Known as the spotted lanternfly, the Asian bug 
secretes a sticky substance that can prevent plants and trees from 
performing photosynthesis. In many cases, it ends up killing the plant.It loves to feed on woody, fruit and ornamental trees.The student found the bug in Thomas County in western Kansas and included it in a 4-H entomology display.One
 of the judges recognized the bug species, which the student had 
correctly identified and labeled, and knew that he needed to notify the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service.The Kansas Department of Agriculture will lead the investigation.“This
 does happen occasionally where we’ll see information about an insect 
and we’ll do some investigation and find out if there's anything to 
indicate that there’s a real problem,” said Kansas Department of 
Agriculture spokeswoman Heather Lansdowne.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631556310818.png" alt="Top left: Hatched spotted lanternfly egg masses | Bottom left: Unhatched spotted lanternfly egg masses | Right: Mature spotted lanternfly. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture" />
 <figcaption>Top left: Hatched spotted lanternfly egg masses | Bottom left: Unhatched spotted lanternfly egg masses | Right: Mature spotted lanternfly. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture</figcaption>
 </figure>The invasive bug appeared in Pennsylvania in 2014. Because the bug is
 a good hitchhiker, there are now at least 45 counties in Pennsylvania 
and New Jersey with quarantine orders.That means people in those 
areas have to follow a checklist before moving cars or recreational 
vehicles outside of the area. The order has them check for signs of the 
bugs or their eggs.The bug is native to China and it is suspected to have arrived in the U.S. on a container ship.This year’s outbreak in Pennsylvania has been particularly bad. State agriculture officials <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/08/24/1030633334/pennsylvania-spotted-lanternfly-species-quarantine" target="_blank">told NPR earlier this year</a> that if they ever see the bug they should, "Kill it! Squash it, smash it. ... Just get rid of it."The
 threat of an established population appears to be mostly contained to 
states in the Northeast. The bug found in Kansas likely got there by 
hitching a ride on an RV or other vehicle, said Lansdowne. Interstate 70
 runs through Thomas County.“There’s not a reason to be alarmed at this point,” Lansdowne said. “It was one insect that was found and it’s no longer alive.”Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/briangrimmett?lang=en" target="_blank">@briangrimmett</a> or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

Discovery of invasive bug bad news for state of Kansas

HESSTON — Stanley Black &amp; Decker has entered into an agreement to acquire Heston, Kansas based Excel Industries for $375 million in cash, according to a media release from the company.

The 600-employee Excel Industries, founded in 1960, is a leading designer and manufacturer of premium commercial and residential turf-care equipment under the distinct brands of Hustler Turf Equipment and BigDog Mower Co.

Stanley Black &amp; Decker's CEO James M. Loree commented in a press release, "This is a strategically important bolt-on acquisition as we build an outdoor products leader. Excel brings a range of premier, commercial grade and prosumer turf-care equipment, an extensive dealer network, a talented team and a loyal customer base."

Stanley Black &amp; Decker operates the world's largest tools and storage business and the world's second largest commercial electronic security company. Excel employees were told of the sale.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631555246514.png" alt="google image" />
 <figcaption>google image</figcaption>
 </figure>HESSTON — Stanley Black &amp; Decker has entered into an agreement to acquire Heston, Kansas based Excel Industries for $375 million in cash, according to a media release from the company.The 600-employee Excel Industries, founded in 1960, is a leading designer and manufacturer of premium commercial and residential turf-care equipment under the distinct brands of Hustler Turf Equipment and BigDog Mower Co.Stanley Black &amp; Decker's CEO James M. Loree commented in a press release, "This is a strategically important bolt-on acquisition as we build an outdoor products leader. Excel brings a range of premier, commercial grade and prosumer turf-care equipment, an extensive dealer network, a talented team and a loyal customer base."Stanley Black &amp; Decker operates the world's largest tools and storage business and the world's second largest commercial electronic security company. Excel employees were told of the sale.

Kan. based Excel Industries sold for $375 million

TOPEKA – To protect Kansas students, teachers, and staff from the threat of the contagious Delta variant of COVID-19, Governor Laura Kelly's Safer Classrooms Workgroup will meet for the first time at 1p.m. Monday. Governor Laura Kelly will address the group.

<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MTAuNDU3NDk5MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjEvMDkvU2FmZXItQ2xhc3Nyb29tcy1Xb3JrZ3JvdXAtTGF1bmNoLU1lZXRpbmctQWdlbmRhLTAwMi5wZGYifQ.HT3pCLXYCj9rqDwx1cFAzgDdyqHVKnSCwN35StexejY/s/1303160919/br/112176908414-l" target="_blank">View the meeting's agenda here.</a>

The workgroup, composed of highly skilled health professionals from across Kansas, will highlight the urgency of protecting kids from COVID-19 and use the best available science and information to support Governor Kelly’s administration, local governments, and school districts to promote health and safety in our schools.&nbsp;

“Children are catching the virus, being hospitalized, and dying from COVID at increasingly higher rates. There’s nothing more important than keeping our students healthy and in the&nbsp;classroom,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“The&nbsp;Safer&nbsp;Classrooms Workgroup will provide information and guidance to give parents, teachers, school boards, and others the tools they need to make informed decisions to protect our students and our communities.”

The&nbsp;Safer&nbsp;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. &nbsp;

Every week, the workgroup will release a “School Safety Report” to serve as a resource for media, parents, schools, communities, and policymakers.&nbsp;

Information in this weekly report will include:

“We got our kids back in school by listening to health professionals, wearing masks, implementing stringent public health protocol, and getting vaccinated,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We’ll keep them there by continuing to follow the best health practices. I encourage all Kansans to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The full membership of the&nbsp;Safer&nbsp;Classrooms Workgroup is as follows:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631556289277.png" alt="Members of the Safer Classroom workgroup as they began their work Monday afternoon" />
 <figcaption>Members of the Safer Classroom workgroup as they began their work Monday afternoon</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – To protect Kansas students, teachers, and staff from the threat of the contagious Delta variant of COVID-19, Governor Laura Kelly's Safer Classrooms Workgroup will meet for the first time at 1p.m. Monday. Governor Laura Kelly will address the group.<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><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MTAuNDU3NDk5MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2dvdmVybm9yLmthbnNhcy5nb3Yvd3AtY29udGVudC91cGxvYWRzLzIwMjEvMDkvU2FmZXItQ2xhc3Nyb29tcy1Xb3JrZ3JvdXAtTGF1bmNoLU1lZXRpbmctQWdlbmRhLTAwMi5wZGYifQ.HT3pCLXYCj9rqDwx1cFAzgDdyqHVKnSCwN35StexejY/s/1303160919/br/112176908414-l" target="_blank">View the meeting's agenda here.</a>The workgroup, composed of highly skilled health professionals from across Kansas, will highlight the urgency of protecting kids from COVID-19 and use the best available science and information to support Governor Kelly’s administration, local governments, and school districts to promote health and safety in our schools.&nbsp;“Children are catching the virus, being hospitalized, and dying from COVID at increasingly higher rates. There’s nothing more important than keeping our students healthy and in the&nbsp;classroom,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“The&nbsp;Safer&nbsp;Classrooms Workgroup will provide information and guidance to give parents, teachers, school boards, and others the tools they need to make informed decisions to protect our students and our communities.”The&nbsp;Safer&nbsp;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. &nbsp;Every week, the workgroup will release a “School Safety Report” to serve as a resource for media, parents, schools, communities, and policymakers.&nbsp;Information in this weekly report will include:<ul>
 <li>Timely and relevant policies on testing and masking in schools, and best practices that can be shared across school districts.</li><li>Updates on school districts with clearly communicated quarantine, testing, and masking policies, to ensure parents and families have what they need to know to keep their children safe.</li><li>Information on school district vaccination and testing events – with resources to help schools plan, publicize, and implement.</li><li>County-level data on youth vaccinations, cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.&nbsp;</li><li>Schools with active outbreaks.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>“We got our kids back in school by listening to health professionals, wearing masks, implementing stringent public health protocol, and getting vaccinated,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“We’ll keep them there by continuing to follow the best health practices. I encourage all Kansans to get vaccinated as soon as possible.The full membership of the&nbsp;Safer&nbsp;Classrooms Workgroup is as follows:<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>

🎥  Kan. Safer Classrooms workgroup first meeting 

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 3,149 to a total of 390,031 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported seven new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,773.&nbsp;

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

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

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 3,149 to a total of 390,031 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported seven new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,773.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631552953487.png" alt="Monday September 13, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday September 13, 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: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred early Monday in Shawnee County

Just after 1:30a.m., the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center (Dispatch) began receiving reports of an individual in the roadway of Interstate 70&nbsp; near SW Auburn Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

While deputies were in route, they were notified that the individual had been struck by a vehicle. The 25-year-old man was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Preliminary investigation shows that the victim was also involved in a single vehicle accident in the 700 block of SW Auburn Road earlier in the morning, prior to the being hit.

Interstate 70 westbound was closed near the scene from approximately 1:45am until 6:15a.m. Authorities have not released the victim's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631551999173.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal accident early Monday-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal accident early Monday-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred early Monday in Shawnee CountyJust after 1:30a.m., the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center (Dispatch) began receiving reports of an individual in the roadway of Interstate 70&nbsp; near SW Auburn Road, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.While deputies were in route, they were notified that the individual had been struck by a vehicle. The 25-year-old man was pronounced deceased at the scene.Preliminary investigation shows that the victim was also involved in a single vehicle accident in the 700 block of SW Auburn Road earlier in the morning, prior to the being hit.Interstate 70 westbound was closed near the scene from approximately 1:45am until 6:15a.m. Authorities have not released the victim's name.

Sheriff: Man struck, killed on I-70 after earlier crash


HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Former Kansas U.S. Senator and Governor Sam Brownback is joining a Christian organization dedicated to helping those persecuted for holding that faith.

In a news release, Open Doors USA announced that Brownback will serve as Senior Fellow. 

Brownback most recently served as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, from February 2018 to January 2021. He is also co-chair for the International Religious Freedom Summit. As Senior Fellow, Brownback will continue to research the most pressing issues in religious persecution and advocate on behalf of persecuted religious minorities worldwide.

“Open Doors USA is a leading global advocate for Christians and other religious communities facing persecution around the world. From Nigeria to Afghanistan to India to China, these issues remain as pressing as ever, and I look forward as Senior Fellow to expanding the work of Open Doors and to bringing relief to these persecuted communities wherever and whenever possible,” said Ambassador Brownback.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631110999175.jpeg" alt="Former Senator and Governor served as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom in the Trump administration" />
 <figcaption>Former Senator and Governor served as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom in the Trump administration</figcaption>
 </figure>
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — 
Former Kansas U.S. Senator and Governor Sam Brownback is joining a Christian organization dedicated to helping those persecuted for holding that faith.In a news release, Open Doors USA announced that Brownback will serve as Senior Fellow. Brownback most recently served as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, from February 2018 to January 2021. He is also co-chair for the International Religious Freedom Summit. As Senior Fellow, Brownback will continue to research the most pressing issues in religious persecution and advocate on behalf of persecuted religious minorities worldwide.“Open Doors USA is a leading global advocate for Christians and other religious communities facing persecution around the world. From Nigeria to Afghanistan to India to China, these issues remain as pressing as ever, and I look forward as Senior Fellow to expanding the work of Open Doors and to bringing relief to these persecuted communities wherever and whenever possible,” said Ambassador Brownback.

Brownback joining organization to help persecuted Christians

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City are searching for a killer after security guards found a man fatally shot in the city’s Old Westport neighborhood.

The guards reported hearing gunshots around 3 a.m. Sunday in the area of Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard, police said in a news release. When they went to investigate, they found a man in the street with gunshot wounds. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police did not immediately release the victim's name. Police said they did not have any suspects in the shooting.

The killing marked the city's 105th homicide this year, compared with 144 homicides by the same time last year, according to data kept by the Kansas City Star.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City are searching for a killer after security guards found a man fatally shot in the city’s Old Westport neighborhood.The guards reported hearing gunshots around 3 a.m. Sunday in the area of Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard, police said in a news release. When they went to investigate, they found a man in the street with gunshot wounds. The man was pronounced dead at the scene.Police did not immediately release the victim's name. Police said they did not have any suspects in the shooting.The killing marked the city's 105th homicide this year, compared with 144 homicides by the same time last year, according to data kept by the Kansas City Star.

Security guards: Man fatally shot in KC's Westport area

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ hospitals are worried about the upcoming flu season because they’re already strained by the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Wichita’s four hospitals have been operating for weeks at full capacity, with limited beds and staff. At various points, they have had to ask ambulances to take patients to other facilities.

“Looking ahead, the prospect of COVID-19 potentially being combined with a more typical influenza and viral respiratory illness season is alarming,” said Sam Antonios, the chief clinical officer at Ascension Via Christi.

Flu season&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm" target="_blank">lasts from the fall through the winter</a>&nbsp;and it generally peaks in the U.S. from December through February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At Wesley Healthcare, a shortage of nurses and a growing number of mostly unvaccinated patients is straining the system, said chief medical officer Lowell Ebersole.

“While we do everything we can to provide quality care to our community, we are concerned about the imminent change of seasons, which historically brings with it a significant increase in respiratory and flu symptoms,” Ebersole said.

Meanwhile, The University of Kansas Health System said 13 people died at its facilities in less than a week.

Its chief medical officer, Steve Stites, noted that the health system had far more COVID-19 patients on Labor Day this year than it did last year, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article254058803.html" target="_blank">reported.</a>

“I think what we just have to recognize is that we’re probably at greater risk this year than last year,” he said during a Tuesday briefing, adding that the “saving grace” is the vaccines that didn’t start coming to market until last December.

Lawrence Memorial Hospital treated as many COVID-19 patients on Tuesday as it did in January, when it last had so many. Three people died of the disease there over the weekend.

“Today’s news is a good reminder that this pandemic is far from over and the costs are real and unchanging,” the hospital said in a news release, reminding community members to take every precaution to protect themselves and others from the disease.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ hospitals are worried about the upcoming flu season because they’re already strained by the surge in COVID-19 cases.Wichita’s four hospitals have been operating for weeks at full capacity, with limited beds and staff. At various points, they have had to ask ambulances to take patients to other facilities.“Looking ahead, the prospect of COVID-19 potentially being combined with a more typical influenza and viral respiratory illness season is alarming,” said Sam Antonios, the chief clinical officer at Ascension Via Christi.Flu season&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season.htm" target="_blank">lasts from the fall through the winter</a>&nbsp;and it generally peaks in the U.S. from December through February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.At Wesley Healthcare, a shortage of nurses and a growing number of mostly unvaccinated patients is straining the system, said chief medical officer Lowell Ebersole.“While we do everything we can to provide quality care to our community, we are concerned about the imminent change of seasons, which historically brings with it a significant increase in respiratory and flu symptoms,” Ebersole said.Meanwhile, The University of Kansas Health System said 13 people died at its facilities in less than a week.Its chief medical officer, Steve Stites, noted that the health system had far more COVID-19 patients on Labor Day this year than it did last year, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article254058803.html" target="_blank">reported.</a>“I think what we just have to recognize is that we’re probably at greater risk this year than last year,” he said during a Tuesday briefing, adding that the “saving grace” is the vaccines that didn’t start coming to market until last December.Lawrence Memorial Hospital treated as many COVID-19 patients on Tuesday as it did in January, when it last had so many. Three people died of the disease there over the weekend.“Today’s news is a good reminder that this pandemic is far from over and the costs are real and unchanging,” the hospital said in a news release, reminding community members to take every precaution to protect themselves and others from the disease.

Looming flu season worries COVID-strained Kansas hospitals

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man accused in the fatal shooting of a man on a bicycle in Wichita made his first court appearance last week.

Daniel Scott Carpenter, 33, was charged with 1st degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Just after 2 a.m. Sept. 1, officers responded to a welfare check in the 800 block of West Murdock in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 32-year-old Jason Huber of Wichita who had been shot. He was taken to an area hospital for medical treatment where he died.

A suspect later seen on security cameras and identified as Carpenter was at the same nearby business as Huber before the shooting, according to Davidson. Carpenter left the business driving a white Buick La Sabre and Huber left on a bicycle both going west on Mudock.

At Murdock and Stackman Drive, Huber was shot and his bicycle was taken. Following an investigation, police arrested Carpenter on Friday, according to online jail records.

Carpenter has previous felony convictions for criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child under the age of 16 in 2008, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

He is scheduled back in court date on Sept. 23 and remains in the Sedgwick County Jail on a bond of $500,000, according to the district attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630758451498.png" alt="Carpenter-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Carpenter-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man accused in the fatal shooting of a man on a bicycle in Wichita made his first court appearance last week.Daniel Scott Carpenter, 33, was charged with 1st degree murder and attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Just after 2 a.m. Sept. 1, officers responded to a welfare check in the 800 block of West Murdock in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located 32-year-old Jason Huber of Wichita who had been shot. He was taken to an area hospital for medical treatment where he died.A suspect later seen on security cameras and identified as Carpenter was at the same nearby business as Huber before the shooting, according to Davidson. Carpenter left the business driving a white Buick La Sabre and Huber left on a bicycle both going west on Mudock.At Murdock and Stackman Drive, Huber was shot and his bicycle was taken. Following an investigation, police arrested Carpenter on Friday, according to online jail records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630691706666.png" alt="Carpenter as seen on security cameras -Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Carpenter as seen on security cameras -Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Carpenter has previous felony convictions for criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child under the age of 16 in 2008, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.He is scheduled back in court date on Sept. 23 and remains in the Sedgwick County Jail on a bond of $500,000, according to the district attorney.

Kan. sex offender charged for killing bicycle rider

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Resettlement agencies in the Kansas City area have told the federal government that they have the capacity to welcome 625 refugees from Afghanistan.

Three organizations designated by the U.S. State Department as resettlement agencies submitted the figure in a proposal to the agency in late August,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article254137513.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star reports.</a>&nbsp;The agencies are Della Lamb Community Center, Jewish Vocational Services and Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.

But Della Lamb Executive Director Ryan Hudnall said the figure is subject to change depending on who chooses to come to Kansas and who has existing relationships in the area.

Catholic Charities has agreed to receive 85 Afghan refugees, but spokesperson Carol Cowdrey said the number is likely to grow. It already has settled three families.

President Joe Biden in May raised the overall cap on refugees from the historic low set by former President Donald Trump’s administration to 62,500. Biden said his goal was to boost the cap to 125,000 starting in October.

Hudnall said the situation is further complicated by the fact that agencies may receive as little as 24 hours’ notice to receive someone evaculated from Afghanistan.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629817340549.png" alt="Evacuees board a C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport last month in Kabul, Afghanistan.-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>Evacuees board a C-17 Globemaster III at Hamid Karzai International Airport last month in Kabul, Afghanistan.-photo courtesy U.S. Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Resettlement agencies in the Kansas City area have told the federal government that they have the capacity to welcome 625 refugees from Afghanistan.Three organizations designated by the U.S. State Department as resettlement agencies submitted the figure in a proposal to the agency in late August,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article254137513.html" target="_blank">The Kansas City Star reports.</a>&nbsp;The agencies are Della Lamb Community Center, Jewish Vocational Services and Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas.But Della Lamb Executive Director Ryan Hudnall said the figure is subject to change depending on who chooses to come to Kansas and who has existing relationships in the area.Catholic Charities has agreed to receive 85 Afghan refugees, but spokesperson Carol Cowdrey said the number is likely to grow. It already has settled three families.President Joe Biden in May raised the overall cap on refugees from the historic low set by former President Donald Trump’s administration to 62,500. Biden said his goal was to boost the cap to 125,000 starting in October.Hudnall said the situation is further complicated by the fact that agencies may receive as little as 24 hours’ notice to receive someone evaculated from Afghanistan.