GENEVA (AP) — Rich countries with large supplies of coronavirus vaccines should refrain from offering booster shots through the end of the year and make the doses available for poorer countries, the head of the World Health Organization said Wednesday, doubling down on an earlier appeal for a “moratorium” on boosters that has largely been ignored.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also said he was “appalled” after hearing comments Tuesday from a top association of pharmaceutical manufacturers that vaccine supplies are high enough to allow for both booster shots for people in well-supplied countries and first jabs in poorer countries that face shortages. He said that’s already been the case.

“I will not stay silent when companies and countries that control the global supply of vaccines think the world’s poor should be satisfied with leftovers,” he told a news conference. “Because manufacturers have prioritized or been legally obliged to fulfill bilateral deals with rich countries willing to pay top dollar, low income countries have been deprived of the tools to protect their people.”

Tedros had previously called for a moratorium on boosters through the end of September. But wealthy countries — including Britain, Denmark, France, Greece, Germany, and Spain — have begun or are considering plans to offer third shots of two-dose vaccines to their vulnerable people such as the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.

Israel has been providing third doses to a wide swath of people who already received a full two-dose regimen months earlier. And last month, U.S. health officials recommended that all Americans get boosters to shore up their protection amid evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness is falling. WHO officials insist the scientific justification for boosters remains unclear.

Tedros acknowledged that third doses might be necessary for at-risk groups, but said: “We do not want to see widespread use of boosters for healthy people who are fully vaccinated.”

U.S. health officials are continuing to assess the science and utility of boosters, and there are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-coronavirus-pandemic-bd0bcbcfbd76b178d430000c94bf7a7e">growing indications&nbsp;</a>that the U.S. may miss the Biden administration’s Sept. 20 target date for a wide rollout of extra shots for vaccinated people.

The WHO chief said he received a message of “clear support” from health ministers at a meeting of the influential Group of 20 countries this week for a commitment to help hit a WHO target that all countries vaccinate at least 40% of their people by year’s end.

“A month ago, I called for a global moratorium on booster doses, at least until the end of September to prioritize vaccinating the most at risk people around the world who are yet to receive their first dose,” Tedros said. “There has been little change in the global situation since then.”

“So today, I’m calling for an extension of the moratorium until at least the end of the year to enable every country to vaccinate at least 40% of its population,” he said.

The WHO says 5.5 billion coronavirus vaccine doses have been administered so far, but 80% of those have been to upper- and middle-income countries. Rich countries have also offered to donate 1 billion doses to other countries, but fewer than 15% of those doses have “materialized,” Tedros said.

He noted that manufacturers have pledged to prioritize the U.N.-backed COVAX program, which aims to get vaccines to the neediest people in the world — no matter how wealthy the country.

“We don’t want any more promises. We just want the vaccines,” the WHO chief said.

Earlier Wednesday, COVAX managers again scaled back their target to ship doses this year, projecting about 1.4 billion doses will be available through the program by year-end — down from about 1.8 billion previously. They had originally hoped to ship 2 billion doses this year.

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which co-runs the program, said COVAX has faced setbacks including export restrictions from hard-hit India — a key producer of vaccines — as well as regulatory hurdles for some vaccine candidates and manufacturing troubles elsewhere. But it also said deliveries are ramping up strongly, and another 1.1 billion doses are expected to be available by year-end through the program, up from 330 million so far. Most of those doses have gone to or are destined for poorer countries.

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations said Tuesday that about 1.5 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses are now being produced every month, and cited projections that a total of 12 billion will have been produced by year-end.

Dr. Bruce Aylward, a top adviser to Tedros, acknowledged that “some countries may be going ahead with decisions” to widely administer boosters, but that the WHO call for a moratorium “makes a real difference.” He said some countries — which he did not identify — have approached the WHO about whether booster policies could be delayed.

But admittedly, the WHO’s first call for a moratorium through September has not fixed the gaping imbalance in access to vaccines.

“(O)ur role is to make sure that we put forward the strongest possible arguments and way out of this pandemic — and the way out of that is a moratorium and to extend it,” Aylward said. “Because since the last time we called for it, the equity gap has gotten greater, the amount of vaccine available to low-income countries has gone down.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631128370318.png" alt="WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during Wednesday press conference&nbsp;acknowledged that third doses might be necessary for at-risk groups, but said: “We do not want to see widespread use of boosters for healthy people who are fully vaccinated.”" />
 <figcaption>WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during Wednesday press conference&nbsp;acknowledged that third doses might be necessary for at-risk groups, but said: “We do not want to see widespread use of boosters for healthy people who are fully vaccinated.”</figcaption>
 </figure>GENEVA (AP) — Rich countries with large supplies of coronavirus vaccines should refrain from offering booster shots through the end of the year and make the doses available for poorer countries, the head of the World Health Organization said Wednesday, doubling down on an earlier appeal for a “moratorium” on boosters that has largely been ignored.WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also said he was “appalled” after hearing comments Tuesday from a top association of pharmaceutical manufacturers that vaccine supplies are high enough to allow for both booster shots for people in well-supplied countries and first jabs in poorer countries that face shortages. He said that’s already been the case.“I will not stay silent when companies and countries that control the global supply of vaccines think the world’s poor should be satisfied with leftovers,” he told a news conference. “Because manufacturers have prioritized or been legally obliged to fulfill bilateral deals with rich countries willing to pay top dollar, low income countries have been deprived of the tools to protect their people.”Tedros had previously called for a moratorium on boosters through the end of September. But wealthy countries — including Britain, Denmark, France, Greece, Germany, and Spain — have begun or are considering plans to offer third shots of two-dose vaccines to their vulnerable people such as the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.Israel has been providing third doses to a wide swath of people who already received a full two-dose regimen months earlier. And last month, U.S. health officials recommended that all Americans get boosters to shore up their protection amid evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness is falling. WHO officials insist the scientific justification for boosters remains unclear.Tedros acknowledged that third doses might be necessary for at-risk groups, but said: “We do not want to see widespread use of boosters for healthy people who are fully vaccinated.”U.S. health officials are continuing to assess the science and utility of boosters, and there are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-coronavirus-pandemic-bd0bcbcfbd76b178d430000c94bf7a7e">growing indications&nbsp;</a>that the U.S. may miss the Biden administration’s Sept. 20 target date for a wide rollout of extra shots for vaccinated people.The WHO chief said he received a message of “clear support” from health ministers at a meeting of the influential Group of 20 countries this week for a commitment to help hit a WHO target that all countries vaccinate at least 40% of their people by year’s end.“A month ago, I called for a global moratorium on booster doses, at least until the end of September to prioritize vaccinating the most at risk people around the world who are yet to receive their first dose,” Tedros said. “There has been little change in the global situation since then.”“So today, I’m calling for an extension of the moratorium until at least the end of the year to enable every country to vaccinate at least 40% of its population,” he said.The WHO says 5.5 billion coronavirus vaccine doses have been administered so far, but 80% of those have been to upper- and middle-income countries. Rich countries have also offered to donate 1 billion doses to other countries, but fewer than 15% of those doses have “materialized,” Tedros said.He noted that manufacturers have pledged to prioritize the U.N.-backed COVAX program, which aims to get vaccines to the neediest people in the world — no matter how wealthy the country.“We don’t want any more promises. We just want the vaccines,” the WHO chief said.Earlier Wednesday, COVAX managers again scaled back their target to ship doses this year, projecting about 1.4 billion doses will be available through the program by year-end — down from about 1.8 billion previously. They had originally hoped to ship 2 billion doses this year.Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which co-runs the program, said COVAX has faced setbacks including export restrictions from hard-hit India — a key producer of vaccines — as well as regulatory hurdles for some vaccine candidates and manufacturing troubles elsewhere. But it also said deliveries are ramping up strongly, and another 1.1 billion doses are expected to be available by year-end through the program, up from 330 million so far. Most of those doses have gone to or are destined for poorer countries.The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations said Tuesday that about 1.5 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses are now being produced every month, and cited projections that a total of 12 billion will have been produced by year-end.Dr. Bruce Aylward, a top adviser to Tedros, acknowledged that “some countries may be going ahead with decisions” to widely administer boosters, but that the WHO call for a moratorium “makes a real difference.” He said some countries — which he did not identify — have approached the WHO about whether booster policies could be delayed.But admittedly, the WHO’s first call for a moratorium through September has not fixed the gaping imbalance in access to vaccines.“(O)ur role is to make sure that we put forward the strongest possible arguments and way out of this pandemic — and the way out of that is a moratorium and to extend it,” Aylward said. “Because since the last time we called for it, the equity gap has gotten greater, the amount of vaccine available to low-income countries has gone down.”___

WHO Chief: No COVID booster shots for rest of the year

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a pedestrian accident and asking for help to identify a vehicle that may have been a witness.

Just after 5:30a.m. Sept. 3,&nbsp;officers were dispatched to SE 35th and SE Adams in Topeka on a report of an injury accident between a vehicle and pedestrian identified as 41-year-old Robert Stan Williams, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

A vehicle struck Williams as he was standing in the southbound lanes of SE Adams. EMS transported him to a local hospital in critical condition. It was later reported another vehicle also struck&nbsp; Williams.&nbsp;

Investigators are attempting to identify the driver of a vehicle&nbsp; &nbsp;believed to be a witness to accident. The vehicle appears to be a light-colored 2008-2014 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab, short bed truck.

Officers made contact with the driver of the other vehicle who struck Williams. He remained at the scene and was not injured.&nbsp; Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631117961092.png" alt="The vehicle appears to be a light-colored 2008-2014 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab, short bed truck" />
 <figcaption>The vehicle appears to be a light-colored 2008-2014 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab, short bed truck</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a pedestrian accident and asking for help to identify a vehicle that may have been a witness.Just after 5:30a.m. Sept. 3,&nbsp;officers were dispatched to SE 35th and SE Adams in Topeka on a report of an injury accident between a vehicle and pedestrian identified as 41-year-old Robert Stan Williams, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.A vehicle struck Williams as he was standing in the southbound lanes of SE Adams. EMS transported him to a local hospital in critical condition. It was later reported another vehicle also struck&nbsp; Williams.&nbsp;Investigators are attempting to identify the driver of a vehicle&nbsp; &nbsp;believed to be a witness to accident. The vehicle appears to be a light-colored 2008-2014 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab, short bed truck.Officers made contact with the driver of the other vehicle who struck Williams. He remained at the scene and was not injured.&nbsp; Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Police: 2nd vehicle may have struck Kan. crash victim

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/07/kansas-lawmakers-weigh-options-for-docking-renovation-new-kdhe-lab/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas legislators Tuesday considered two proposals for what
 to do with the long-neglected Docking State Office Building.

Years of neglect and a desire by 
former Gov. Sam Brownback to demolish the 62-year-old complex adjacent 
to the Statehouse resulted in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20190501/kansas-taxpayers-stuck-with-fallout-from-brownbacks-assault-on-docking-building">health hazards and deteriorating insides</a>. Earlier this year, lawmakers approved up to $120 million in bonds to renovate the mostly vacant building.

The first option presented to 
legislators on the Joint Committee on State Building Construction, led 
by Rep. Marty Long, R-Ulysses, would be to renovate the entire 14-story 
building building, which would take until 2024 and cost about $127 
million. The second option would reduce the size to three floors and 
then add three new floors on top of the structure.

The second option would be about 
$15 million cheaper overall and offer potential cost savings on building
 maintenance and utilities. However, it would limit available space and 
would be completed in 2025.

“I’ve had a lot of visits with 
business owners, the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Topeka, around 
this whole development and the feeling I get is that we need to reduce 
the size of the Docking building,” said Rep. John Alcala, D-Topeka, 
whose district includes the building site. “It’s more cost efficient. 
We’ll be able to market it and be able to fill it.”

Many lawmakers on the committee 
indicated an initial preference toward the smaller building, although 
some were concerned about historical preservation or space for larger 
agencies. Tied into this decision is a debate about potential sites for a
 new, separate Kansas Department of Health and Environment lab.

Department of Administration 
secretary DeAngela Burns-Wallace noted the smaller building would 
include additional event and training space in the three new floors, 
which could prove beneficial for state agencies. During the COVID-19 
pandemic, the lack of available space for committee hearings with many 
people wishing to testify or other large gatherings became increasingly 
apparent.

“Having a larger, dynamic meeting 
and training space in this Capitol Complex is critical to our 
operational need,” Burns-Wallace said. “I have an agency that has close 
to 500 employees. There’s no place for me to bring more than a third of 
my agency together without being outside right now.”

Burns-Wallace said up to 50% of 
the renovation costs could be covered by federal pandemic aid, but some 
parts of the project may not be allowable expenses. The state must plan 
how to use these federal funds by 2024 and spend the money by 2026.

Both options fit that timeline, 
but delays could throw a wrench into that plan. Still, legislators were 
interested in using these funds for the Docking building and the 
relocation of the KDHE laboratory from Forbes Field airport grounds 
south of Topeka.

Legislators also set aside $55 
million in bonds for the lab in the budget earlier this year, which Gov.
 Laura Kelly’s administration had hoped would be housed within the 
Docking building.

The options that received approval
 from KDHE would involve either moving the lab to a parking lot adjacent
 to the state Capitol complex or the Kansas Neurological Institute 
grounds in southwest Topeka. Purchasing or leasing land is also an 
option but would incur additional costs and delays.

The committee is expected to make a
 recommendation to the State Finance Council on both the Docking and 
KDHE proposals at a meeting next month.

“In regard to the Docking 
building, it seems to be intertwined somewhat with the decision we make 
on the KDHE lab also,” Long said. “The State Finance Council will make a
 decision on both at the same time, and I think there’s a lot of things 
up in the air with both working together and (American Rescue Plan Act) 
money. There’s a lot of unknown.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631112696184.png" alt="The Joint Committee on State Building Construction, chaired by Rep. Marty Long, considers proposals for a renovation of the Docking State Office Building and a new KDHE laboratory. Their recommendation will be passed along to the State Finance Council for final approval. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Joint Committee on State Building Construction, chaired by Rep. Marty Long, considers proposals for a renovation of the Docking State Office Building and a new KDHE laboratory. Their recommendation will be passed along to the State Finance Council for final approval. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/07/kansas-lawmakers-weigh-options-for-docking-renovation-new-kdhe-lab/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas legislators Tuesday considered two proposals for what
 to do with the long-neglected Docking State Office Building.Years of neglect and a desire by 
former Gov. Sam Brownback to demolish the 62-year-old complex adjacent 
to the Statehouse resulted in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/news/20190501/kansas-taxpayers-stuck-with-fallout-from-brownbacks-assault-on-docking-building">health hazards and deteriorating insides</a>. Earlier this year, lawmakers approved up to $120 million in bonds to renovate the mostly vacant building.The first option presented to 
legislators on the Joint Committee on State Building Construction, led 
by Rep. Marty Long, R-Ulysses, would be to renovate the entire 14-story 
building building, which would take until 2024 and cost about $127 
million. The second option would reduce the size to three floors and 
then add three new floors on top of the structure.The second option would be about 
$15 million cheaper overall and offer potential cost savings on building
 maintenance and utilities. However, it would limit available space and 
would be completed in 2025.“I’ve had a lot of visits with 
business owners, the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Topeka, around 
this whole development and the feeling I get is that we need to reduce 
the size of the Docking building,” said Rep. John Alcala, D-Topeka, 
whose district includes the building site. “It’s more cost efficient. 
We’ll be able to market it and be able to fill it.”Many lawmakers on the committee 
indicated an initial preference toward the smaller building, although 
some were concerned about historical preservation or space for larger 
agencies. Tied into this decision is a debate about potential sites for a
 new, separate Kansas Department of Health and Environment lab.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631112743367.jpeg" alt="Administration secretary DeAngela Burns-Wallace says significant funding for the Docking renovation project could come through American Rescue Plan Act funds, although some parts of the plan would not be allowable expenses. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Administration secretary DeAngela Burns-Wallace says significant funding for the Docking renovation project could come through American Rescue Plan Act funds, although some parts of the plan would not be allowable expenses. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>Department of Administration 
secretary DeAngela Burns-Wallace noted the smaller building would 
include additional event and training space in the three new floors, 
which could prove beneficial for state agencies. During the COVID-19 
pandemic, the lack of available space for committee hearings with many 
people wishing to testify or other large gatherings became increasingly 
apparent.“Having a larger, dynamic meeting 
and training space in this Capitol Complex is critical to our 
operational need,” Burns-Wallace said. “I have an agency that has close 
to 500 employees. There’s no place for me to bring more than a third of 
my agency together without being outside right now.”Burns-Wallace said up to 50% of 
the renovation costs could be covered by federal pandemic aid, but some 
parts of the project may not be allowable expenses. The state must plan 
how to use these federal funds by 2024 and spend the money by 2026.Both options fit that timeline, 
but delays could throw a wrench into that plan. Still, legislators were 
interested in using these funds for the Docking building and the 
relocation of the KDHE laboratory from Forbes Field airport grounds 
south of Topeka.Legislators also set aside $55 
million in bonds for the lab in the budget earlier this year, which Gov.
 Laura Kelly’s administration had hoped would be housed within the 
Docking building.The options that received approval
 from KDHE would involve either moving the lab to a parking lot adjacent
 to the state Capitol complex or the Kansas Neurological Institute 
grounds in southwest Topeka. Purchasing or leasing land is also an 
option but would incur additional costs and delays.The committee is expected to make a
 recommendation to the State Finance Council on both the Docking and 
KDHE proposals at a meeting next month.“In regard to the Docking 
building, it seems to be intertwined somewhat with the decision we make 
on the KDHE lab also,” Long said. “The State Finance Council will make a
 decision on both at the same time, and I think there’s a lot of things 
up in the air with both working together and (American Rescue Plan Act) 
money. There’s a lot of unknown.”

Kan. lawmakers weigh options for Docking renovation, new KDHE lab

WERX at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) has received its first Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft, according to a media release from the University.

Governor Laura Kelly was in Wichita to celebrate the rapidly growing Maintenance Repair and Overhaul program at Wichita State University.

As part of its rapidly growing Maintenance Repair and Overhaul program, WSU-NIAR WERX, in conjunction with the Kansas Modification Center, will convert the passenger aircraft into a freighter that will be transferred to an external client to meet the growing needs of the e-commerce and express cargo market.

The Kansas Modification Center, led by President and CEO Jim Gibbs, is a newly formed business aimed at meeting the industry’s growing need for MRO and conversion programs. It will own the aircraft Supplemental Type Certificate and license the conversions.

The 777 conversion program will provide unique applied learning opportunities for WSU engineering and WSU Tech airframe and powerplant mechanics students.

“This is a rare opportunity for students to gain experience working on an industry program alongside and under the guidance of NIAR’s seasoned team of experts,” said Dave Jones, director of NIAR WERX. “Our engineers have the unique chance to pass their combined 7,500 years of experience in design, production and testing on to the next generation of aviation professionals.”

“This is an exceptional chance for the students to gain practical, real-world experience, working under the mentorship of experienced engineers and licensed mechanics,” said Sheree Utash, WSU Tech president.

NIAR WERX is based out of modification facilities adjacent to McConnell Air Force Base. The WERX team implements innovative and efficient methods for the rapid development of engineering, modification, testing and certification of new aircraft and modifications/overhaul. &nbsp;

“This collaboration reflects the vision set forth in the Kansas Framework for Growth and will create new opportunities for commercial aviation while demonstrating the world-class sophistication of our state’s aviation experts,” said Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly.&nbsp;

“This agreement exemplifies the innovative spirit of Wichita and the reason they continue to be the ‘Air Capital of the World,’” said U.S. Senator Jerry Moran. “This is just the start for NIAR WERX, and I look forward to seeing all they will accomplish and the positive footprint it will leave on Wichita.”

<a href="https://www.wichita.edu/research/NIAR/Laboratories/werx/werx.php">NIAR WERX</a>&nbsp;performs structure and subsystems design; stress, fatigue and damage tolerance; avionics, electrical and mechanical systems; flight sciences, external loads and structural dynamics; powerplant and airworthiness certification with a team of more than 300 experienced engineers and technicians.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631121168781.png" alt="“This collaboration reflects the vision set forth in the Kansas Framework for Growth and will create new opportunities for commercial aviation while demonstrating the world-class sophistication of our state’s aviation experts,” said Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>“This collaboration reflects the vision set forth in the Kansas Framework for Growth and will create new opportunities for commercial aviation while demonstrating the world-class sophistication of our state’s aviation experts,” said Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WERX at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) has received its first Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft, according to a media release from the University.Governor Laura Kelly was in Wichita to celebrate the rapidly growing Maintenance Repair and Overhaul program at Wichita State University.As part of its rapidly growing Maintenance Repair and Overhaul program, WSU-NIAR WERX, in conjunction with the Kansas Modification Center, will convert the passenger aircraft into a freighter that will be transferred to an external client to meet the growing needs of the e-commerce and express cargo market.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631122412694.png" alt="photo courtesy office of Governor Laura Kelly " />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy office of Governor Laura Kelly </figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Modification Center, led by President and CEO Jim Gibbs, is a newly formed business aimed at meeting the industry’s growing need for MRO and conversion programs. It will own the aircraft Supplemental Type Certificate and license the conversions.The 777 conversion program will provide unique applied learning opportunities for WSU engineering and WSU Tech airframe and powerplant mechanics students.“This is a rare opportunity for students to gain experience working on an industry program alongside and under the guidance of NIAR’s seasoned team of experts,” said Dave Jones, director of NIAR WERX. “Our engineers have the unique chance to pass their combined 7,500 years of experience in design, production and testing on to the next generation of aviation professionals.”“This is an exceptional chance for the students to gain practical, real-world experience, working under the mentorship of experienced engineers and licensed mechanics,” said Sheree Utash, WSU Tech president.NIAR WERX is based out of modification facilities adjacent to McConnell Air Force Base. The WERX team implements innovative and efficient methods for the rapid development of engineering, modification, testing and certification of new aircraft and modifications/overhaul. &nbsp;“This collaboration reflects the vision set forth in the Kansas Framework for Growth and will create new opportunities for commercial aviation while demonstrating the world-class sophistication of our state’s aviation experts,” said Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly.&nbsp;“This agreement exemplifies the innovative spirit of Wichita and the reason they continue to be the ‘Air Capital of the World,’” said U.S. Senator Jerry Moran. “This is just the start for NIAR WERX, and I look forward to seeing all they will accomplish and the positive footprint it will leave on Wichita.”<a href="https://www.wichita.edu/research/NIAR/Laboratories/werx/werx.php">NIAR WERX</a>&nbsp;performs structure and subsystems design; stress, fatigue and damage tolerance; avionics, electrical and mechanical systems; flight sciences, external loads and structural dynamics; powerplant and airworthiness certification with a team of more than 300 experienced engineers and technicians.&nbsp;

Governor celebrates growing aviation program at WSU

BOSTON (AP) — The wife of the late Robert F. Kennedy’s says assassin Sirhan Sirhan should not be released from prison, further roiling a family divide over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-d5e12df9cc3c0241ab108bfc124dda1b">whether the man convicted of killing her husband in California in 1968 should be freed</a>&nbsp;on parole.

In a brief statement released on Twitter by her daughter, lawyer and activist Kerry Kennedy, Ethel Kennedy said bluntly Tuesday: “He should not be paroled.”

“Bobby believed we should work to ‘tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of the world,’” Kennedy, 93, wrote.

“He wanted to end the war in Vietnam and bring people together to build a better, stronger country. More than anything, he wanted to be a good father and loving husband,” she wrote, adding: “Our family and our country suffered an unspeakable loss due to the inhumanity of one man. We believe in the gentleness that spared his life, but in taming his act of violence, he should not have the opportunity to terrorize again.”

Her statement came a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sirhan-sirhan-1986e0afd6f9fc6510abcdd46bac1587">former U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II, RFK’s oldest son, also denounced the possible parole</a>&nbsp;of Sirhan, 77.

Two other RFK offspring, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Douglas Kennedy, have said they support the release.

The California Parole Board found last month that Sirhan no longer poses a threat to society, noting that he had enrolled in more than 20 programs including anger management classes, tai chi and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Sirhan has served 53 years of a life sentence.

The ruling will be reviewed over the next four months by the board’s staff. Then it will be sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who will have 30 days to decide whether to grant it, reverse it or modify it.

Robert F. Kennedy was a U.S. senator from New York and the brother of President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. RFK was seeking the Democratic presidential nomination when he was gunned down at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles moments after delivering a victory speech in the pivotal California primary. Five others were wounded.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630107734279.png" alt="Sirhan Sirhan-photo California Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Sirhan Sirhan-photo California Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — The wife of the late Robert F. Kennedy’s says assassin Sirhan Sirhan should not be released from prison, further roiling a family divide over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-d5e12df9cc3c0241ab108bfc124dda1b">whether the man convicted of killing her husband in California in 1968 should be freed</a>&nbsp;on parole.In a brief statement released on Twitter by her daughter, lawyer and activist Kerry Kennedy, Ethel Kennedy said bluntly Tuesday: “He should not be paroled.”“Bobby believed we should work to ‘tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of the world,’” Kennedy, 93, wrote.“He wanted to end the war in Vietnam and bring people together to build a better, stronger country. More than anything, he wanted to be a good father and loving husband,” she wrote, adding: “Our family and our country suffered an unspeakable loss due to the inhumanity of one man. We believe in the gentleness that spared his life, but in taming his act of violence, he should not have the opportunity to terrorize again.”Her statement came a week after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sirhan-sirhan-1986e0afd6f9fc6510abcdd46bac1587">former U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II, RFK’s oldest son, also denounced the possible parole</a>&nbsp;of Sirhan, 77.Two other RFK offspring, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Douglas Kennedy, have said they support the release.The California Parole Board found last month that Sirhan no longer poses a threat to society, noting that he had enrolled in more than 20 programs including anger management classes, tai chi and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Sirhan has served 53 years of a life sentence.The ruling will be reviewed over the next four months by the board’s staff. Then it will be sent to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who will have 30 days to decide whether to grant it, reverse it or modify it.Robert F. Kennedy was a U.S. senator from New York and the brother of President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. RFK was seeking the Democratic presidential nomination when he was gunned down at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles moments after delivering a victory speech in the pivotal California primary. Five others were wounded.

RFK wife Ethel Kennedy says assassin shouldn't be released

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 5,727 to a total of 382,850 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 63 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,693.

Wednesday's numbers are since last Friday. The KDHE did not report COVID numbers on Labor Day.

<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 5,727 to a total of 382,850 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 63 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5,693.Wednesday's numbers are since last Friday. The KDHE did not report COVID numbers on Labor Day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631120250124.png" alt="Wednesday Sept. 8, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Sept. 8, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 5,700 new cases, 63 more COVID deaths

FORD COUNTY— A southwest Kansas police dog has died after being sent to chase a suspect, according to a social media report from the Ford County Sheriff's Department.

The dog named Kyra was called in Monday to help in chasing down a suspect. The female Belgian Malinois began showing signs of distress immediately after the chase and was rushed to a veterinary clinic for emergency surgery. 

"Despite all efforts, she crossed over the rainbow bridge,” the sheriff's office reported. Kyra had served the Ford County Sheriff's Office for eight years as a trained narcotics detection and patrol dog.

FORD COUNTY— A southwest Kansas police dog has died after being sent to chase a suspect, according to a social media report from the Ford County Sheriff's Department.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3D2933687433551504%26id%3D1635751826678411&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="479" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>The dog named Kyra was called in Monday to help in chasing down a suspect. The female Belgian Malinois began showing signs of distress immediately after the chase and was rushed to a veterinary clinic for emergency surgery. "Despite all efforts, she crossed over the rainbow bridge,” the sheriff's office reported. Kyra had served the Ford County Sheriff's Office for eight years as a trained narcotics detection and patrol dog.

Sheriff: Southwest Kan. K-9 died after chasing suspect

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — There has been a lineup change for the Kansas State Fair.

"We heard from Tracy Lawrence's camp that someone within the camp was feeling ill and just didn't think that it would be a good thing to come to the Kansas State Fair this year," said Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz. "We did our due diligence, got in touch with our agency, Romeo Entertainment Group and we were able to lock in Sawyer Brown."

Logan Mize will perform as scheduled. Schulz is excited for the performance.

"I have had the opportunity of seeing Sawyer Brown and Mark Miller several times," Schulz said. "I actually had them at my other fairs and they do a phenomenal job. If you're at all a fan of country music, great country music. This would be a perfect opportunity, if you haven't bought tickets yet."

Sawyer Brown won Star Search back in 1983 and Miller still brings it for every performance.

"Before he goes on stage, he's actually doing situps and pushups," Schulz said. "So much energy. I just love what he can do out on that stage."

Previously purchased tickets to this Tuesday night show will be honored. Refunds or exchanges will be issued to current ticketholders who wish to cancel their order. Refunds or exchanges will only be issued by calling or visiting the Kansas State Fair Ticket Office by Sunday, September 12 at 8:00 p.m. The Ticket Office phone number is (620) 669-3618.

By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — There has been a lineup change for the Kansas State Fair."We heard from Tracy Lawrence's camp that someone within the camp was feeling ill and just didn't think that it would be a good thing to come to the Kansas State Fair this year," said Kansas State Fair General Manager Bryan Schulz. "We did our due diligence, got in touch with our agency, Romeo Entertainment Group and we were able to lock in Sawyer Brown."Logan Mize will perform as scheduled. Schulz is excited for the performance."I have had the opportunity of seeing Sawyer Brown and Mark Miller several times," Schulz said. "I actually had them at my other fairs and they do a phenomenal job. If you're at all a fan of country music, great country music. This would be a perfect opportunity, if you haven't bought tickets yet."Sawyer Brown won Star Search back in 1983 and Miller still brings it for every performance."Before he goes on stage, he's actually doing situps and pushups," Schulz said. "So much energy. I just love what he can do out on that stage."Previously purchased tickets to this Tuesday night show will be honored. Refunds or exchanges will be issued to current ticketholders who wish to cancel their order. Refunds or exchanges will only be issued by calling or visiting the Kansas State Fair Ticket Office by Sunday, September 12 at 8:00 p.m. The Ticket Office phone number is (620) 669-3618.

Sawyer Brown to replace Tracy Lawrence at Kansas State Fair 

KANSAS CITY(AP) — A man was fatally shot in Kansas City's historic 18th and Vine neighborhood early Wednesday, and investigators were looking for clues and a suspect, police said.

The shooting happened just after midnight Tuesday, police said in a news release. Officers called to the area were told that a man who had been shot was taken by a private vehicle to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Police did not immediately release the victim’s name, and no suspects in the shooting were immediately identified.

The killing marked the city’s 104th homicide this year, compared with 143 homicides by this time last year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631107303235.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY(AP) — A man was fatally shot in Kansas City's historic 18th and Vine neighborhood early Wednesday, and investigators were looking for clues and a suspect, police said.The shooting happened just after midnight Tuesday, police said in a news release. Officers called to the area were told that a man who had been shot was taken by a private vehicle to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.Police did not immediately release the victim’s name, and no suspects in the shooting were immediately identified.The killing marked the city’s 104th homicide this year, compared with 143 homicides by this time last year.

Police: Man fatally shot in Kansas City historic district

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is moving slowly to spend the latest round of COVID-19 aid, and one town turned down its share because city officials decided it’s not needed.

While most state and local governments across the country saw the influx of money as an opportunity to shore up infrastructure, fight the COVID-19 pandemic and help local businesses, the 2,300-person town of Lakin turned down the $300,000 it was due to receive.

City administrator Michael Heinitz said the local economy is humming and the town has ample reserves on hand to handle any new projects that might arise.

“If somebody else needed the money, it could go to them instead of us,” Heinitz said.

All told, Kansas and local governments in the state are set to receive $8.6 billion in aid under the American Rescue Plan Act, which Congress approved in December. That is on top of earlier federal relief money that already has been spent.

Larger municipalities are getting tens of millions of dollars — if not more — prompting debate about where the money should go.

And smaller governments are increasingly finding themselves hamstrung by a litany of rules and reporting requirements.

Many, like Lakin, have limited full-time staff to keep on top of the paperwork and some have been forced to look to outside consultants to help them cope.

“A lot of the criteria was designed for big city monetary use,” said Jason Wells, chair of the Wichita County Commission, a rural western Kansas community of farmers and ranchers. “It wasn’t designed for our 1,200-person town.”

And governments of all sizes remain frustrated that the U.S. Treasury Department hasn’t been quicker to provide a better sense of what the funds can be used, with officials hesitant to act out of fear that they will make a wrong turn, forcing them to repay the funds.

In the Topeka area, Shawnee County officials wanted to use a sliver of their money for building projects but had to back off over fears the federal rules might change.

Dave Jones, chair of the Finney County Commission, pointed to additional confusion over a provision preventing the money from being used to pay the salaries of county workers — unless they work in public safety of public health.

“It sure as hell would be nice to know where we stand and how we’re going to get to where we’re headed,” he said. “We’ve got an itch for more information.”

At the state level, an executive committee appointed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican legislators are tasked with reviewing potential uses for the funds. The committee has met just a few times since it was formed earlier this year, and the process has led to political fighting, with Republican lawmakers threatening legal action.

Department of Administration Secretary DeAngela Burns-Wallace noted there is less of a hurry in figuring out a spending plan — state and local governments have until 2023 to report to Washington how they are planning on using the money.

But Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, and chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said the delays in the process in Kansas were mystifying.

“We’re kind of at a standstill,” Waymaster said.

Burns-Wallace said the holdup was determining if there should be a broader group of stakeholders to give input and, if so, what that should look like.

Even though they theoretically have years to make up their minds on how to spend their windfall, Bruce Chladny, executive director of the Kansas Association of Counties, said officials don’t want the issue hanging over their heads any longer than necessary.

“I think a lot of them are just like, ’I want to get it out the door and be done with it,” Chladny said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1615415105785.png" alt="In March, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer celebrate the passage of the $1.9&nbsp;trillion American Rescue Plan.&nbsp; In a <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor-laura-kelly-announces-american-rescue-plan-programs-for-kansas/">statement from </a>her office, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said,“The plan will provide critical relief to Kansas families and businesses who have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic."" />
 <figcaption>In March, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer celebrate the passage of the $1.9&nbsp;trillion American Rescue Plan.&nbsp; In a <a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/governor-laura-kelly-announces-american-rescue-plan-programs-for-kansas/">statement from </a>her office, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said,“The plan will provide critical relief to Kansas families and businesses who have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic."</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas is moving slowly to spend the latest round of COVID-19 aid, and one town turned down its share because city officials decided it’s not needed.While most state and local governments across the country saw the influx of money as an opportunity to shore up infrastructure, fight the COVID-19 pandemic and help local businesses, the 2,300-person town of Lakin turned down the $300,000 it was due to receive.City administrator Michael Heinitz said the local economy is humming and the town has ample reserves on hand to handle any new projects that might arise.“If somebody else needed the money, it could go to them instead of us,” Heinitz said.All told, Kansas and local governments in the state are set to receive $8.6 billion in aid under the American Rescue Plan Act, which Congress approved in December. That is on top of earlier federal relief money that already has been spent.Larger municipalities are getting tens of millions of dollars — if not more — prompting debate about where the money should go.And smaller governments are increasingly finding themselves hamstrung by a litany of rules and reporting requirements.Many, like Lakin, have limited full-time staff to keep on top of the paperwork and some have been forced to look to outside consultants to help them cope.“A lot of the criteria was designed for big city monetary use,” said Jason Wells, chair of the Wichita County Commission, a rural western Kansas community of farmers and ranchers. “It wasn’t designed for our 1,200-person town.”And governments of all sizes remain frustrated that the U.S. Treasury Department hasn’t been quicker to provide a better sense of what the funds can be used, with officials hesitant to act out of fear that they will make a wrong turn, forcing them to repay the funds.In the Topeka area, Shawnee County officials wanted to use a sliver of their money for building projects but had to back off over fears the federal rules might change.Dave Jones, chair of the Finney County Commission, pointed to additional confusion over a provision preventing the money from being used to pay the salaries of county workers — unless they work in public safety of public health.“It sure as hell would be nice to know where we stand and how we’re going to get to where we’re headed,” he said. “We’ve got an itch for more information.”At the state level, an executive committee appointed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and Republican legislators are tasked with reviewing potential uses for the funds. The committee has met just a few times since it was formed earlier this year, and the process has led to political fighting, with Republican lawmakers threatening legal action.Department of Administration Secretary DeAngela Burns-Wallace noted there is less of a hurry in figuring out a spending plan — state and local governments have until 2023 to report to Washington how they are planning on using the money.But Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, and chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said the delays in the process in Kansas were mystifying.“We’re kind of at a standstill,” Waymaster said.Burns-Wallace said the holdup was determining if there should be a broader group of stakeholders to give input and, if so, what that should look like.Even though they theoretically have years to make up their minds on how to spend their windfall, Bruce Chladny, executive director of the Kansas Association of Counties, said officials don’t want the issue hanging over their heads any longer than necessary.“I think a lot of them are just like, ’I want to get it out the door and be done with it,” Chladny said.

Spending federal COVID aid proves tricky in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is preparing an urgent and populist message for selling President Joe Biden's $3.5 trillion “build back better” agenda, even as House committee leaders begin churning out pieces of the forthcoming measure.

In a memo being sent Tuesday to Capitol Hill and obtained by The Associated Press, the administration warns there is no time to waste in passing the package of corporate tax hikes and domestic initiatives by the end of the month.

“We face a fundamental choice in America right now as we rebuild our economy: this time, will everyone get in on the deal?” the memo says. “The time is now. We have to meet the needs in front of us. Not tomorrow, not months from now, not next year. Right now.”

The urgent appeal comes at a crucial time, with House and Senate Democrats hoping to assemble the package by a self-imposed Sept. 15 deadline. It also comes as Biden seeks to refocus on his core campaign promises after a brutal summer, punctuated by spiking COVID-19 cases and the deadly evacuations and withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Illustrating Democrats' ambition as well as the challenges they face, House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal released part of his panel's portion of the bill Tuesday.

The Massachusetts Democrat proposed creating a new paid family and medical leave program for workers that is more generous than Biden's own plan and expanding Medicare to provide dental, vision and hearing benefits.

But Neal also did not immediately unveil tax boosts on the rich and corporations that Democrats say will pay for much of the measure's cost, saving that for coming days.

The tax increases are likely to be among the most contentious items in the package, with some moderate Democrats facing tough reelection fights wary of them. But they are crucial if the party wants to support its claim that those tax boosts and other savings will pay for the entire measure, which they say will cost $3.5 trillion over 10 years.

Neal and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., are trying to resolve differences over some items in hopes the measure the House ultimately approves will largely face smooth sailing in the Senate, said Democrats who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the legislation's status.

The bill will need the support of virtually every Democrat to clear the closely divided Congress. The Ways and Means panel has jurisdiction over the biggest chunk of the overall bill, and its members plan to begin voting on their piece of the plan on Thursday and Friday.

“This is our historic opportunity to support working families and ensure our economy is stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient for generations to come,” Neal said in a statement.

Republicans say Neal's measure will end up raising taxes on people earning under $400,000, which Biden and Democrats have said will not happen. “They're hiding the ball,” said J.P. Freire, the panel's GOP spokesman.

The committee's proposal will pay for up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave for workers, beginning in 2023, including for higher earners. Biden's plan would be phased in over the decade.

Neal's proposal would also phase in Medicare coverage for vision benefits starting in 2022, hearing in 2023 and dental in 2028. Missing in the details he released Tuesday was a proposal to lower the Medicare eligibility age to 60, which has been considered unlikely to be included because it is expensive.

It includes increased spending for child care, long-term care facilities, better benefits for workers laid off due to imports and training health care workers. It would also require many employers to automatically enroll workers in savings arrangements like IRAs or 401(k) plans.

Inside the White House, September is seen as a crucial month to make gains on Biden's agenda. In speeches and travel, the president is expected to take a more aggressively populist tone as he rallies support for the plan.

Congressional approval is not guaranteed as Democrats work to fundamentally reorder aspects of the U.S. economy and its governmental support systems.

Democrats are already preparing for an onslaught of attacks over what Republicans call Biden's big tax and spending plans, as the GOP tries to wrest control of Congress by winning House and Senate seats in next year's midterm elections.

In framing the arguments ahead as a choice, the White House is showing congressional Democrats one way the administration plans to counter those Republican attacks.

“Republicans who oppose the Build Back Better agenda have chosen whose side they are on, too,” said the memo from White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield to House Democratic communicators.

“The Build Back Better agenda is about tackling those challenges, and leveling the playing field to ensure the wealthiest and corporations pay their fair share and working families get a fighting chance to succeed and prosper in this country," the memo said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631062749047.png" alt="President Biden visited a neighborhood in Manville, New Jersey and toured the damage left by Hurricane Ida. Photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden visited a neighborhood in Manville, New Jersey and toured the damage left by Hurricane Ida. Photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is preparing an urgent and populist message for selling President Joe Biden's $3.5 trillion “build back better” agenda, even as House committee leaders begin churning out pieces of the forthcoming measure.In a memo being sent Tuesday to Capitol Hill and obtained by The Associated Press, the administration warns there is no time to waste in passing the package of corporate tax hikes and domestic initiatives by the end of the month.“We face a fundamental choice in America right now as we rebuild our economy: this time, will everyone get in on the deal?” the memo says. “The time is now. We have to meet the needs in front of us. Not tomorrow, not months from now, not next year. Right now.”The urgent appeal comes at a crucial time, with House and Senate Democrats hoping to assemble the package by a self-imposed Sept. 15 deadline. It also comes as Biden seeks to refocus on his core campaign promises after a brutal summer, punctuated by spiking COVID-19 cases and the deadly evacuations and withdrawal from Afghanistan.Illustrating Democrats' ambition as well as the challenges they face, House Ways and Means Chairman Richard Neal released part of his panel's portion of the bill Tuesday.The Massachusetts Democrat proposed creating a new paid family and medical leave program for workers that is more generous than Biden's own plan and expanding Medicare to provide dental, vision and hearing benefits.But Neal also did not immediately unveil tax boosts on the rich and corporations that Democrats say will pay for much of the measure's cost, saving that for coming days.The tax increases are likely to be among the most contentious items in the package, with some moderate Democrats facing tough reelection fights wary of them. But they are crucial if the party wants to support its claim that those tax boosts and other savings will pay for the entire measure, which they say will cost $3.5 trillion over 10 years.Neal and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., are trying to resolve differences over some items in hopes the measure the House ultimately approves will largely face smooth sailing in the Senate, said Democrats who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the legislation's status.The bill will need the support of virtually every Democrat to clear the closely divided Congress. The Ways and Means panel has jurisdiction over the biggest chunk of the overall bill, and its members plan to begin voting on their piece of the plan on Thursday and Friday.“This is our historic opportunity to support working families and ensure our economy is stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient for generations to come,” Neal said in a statement.Republicans say Neal's measure will end up raising taxes on people earning under $400,000, which Biden and Democrats have said will not happen. “They're hiding the ball,” said J.P. Freire, the panel's GOP spokesman.The committee's proposal will pay for up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave for workers, beginning in 2023, including for higher earners. Biden's plan would be phased in over the decade.Neal's proposal would also phase in Medicare coverage for vision benefits starting in 2022, hearing in 2023 and dental in 2028. Missing in the details he released Tuesday was a proposal to lower the Medicare eligibility age to 60, which has been considered unlikely to be included because it is expensive.It includes increased spending for child care, long-term care facilities, better benefits for workers laid off due to imports and training health care workers. It would also require many employers to automatically enroll workers in savings arrangements like IRAs or 401(k) plans.Inside the White House, September is seen as a crucial month to make gains on Biden's agenda. In speeches and travel, the president is expected to take a more aggressively populist tone as he rallies support for the plan.Congressional approval is not guaranteed as Democrats work to fundamentally reorder aspects of the U.S. economy and its governmental support systems.Democrats are already preparing for an onslaught of attacks over what Republicans call Biden's big tax and spending plans, as the GOP tries to wrest control of Congress by winning House and Senate seats in next year's midterm elections.In framing the arguments ahead as a choice, the White House is showing congressional Democrats one way the administration plans to counter those Republican attacks.“Republicans who oppose the Build Back Better agenda have chosen whose side they are on, too,” said the memo from White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield to House Democratic communicators.“The Build Back Better agenda is about tackling those challenges, and leveling the playing field to ensure the wealthiest and corporations pay their fair share and working families get a fighting chance to succeed and prosper in this country," the memo said.

Administration wants Biden's $3.5T plan passed this month

NEMAHA COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal Labor Day accident have identified the teen who died as 16-year-old Lawson Schmelzle of Seneca.

Just before 10:30 a.m. Monday, deputies responded to report of a crash on Q Road south of 112th, according to the Nemaha County Sheriff.

Investigators determined a 2005 Chevrolet pickup driven by Schmelzle was northbound, traveled left of center and struck the rear axle of a southbound&nbsp; 1989 Freightliner semi driven by Craig Nolte, 32, Seneca. 

After impact, the pickup traveled off the east side of the road and flipped. Schmelzle was pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff's department reported no additional information.

NEMAHA COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal Labor Day accident have identified the teen who died as 16-year-old Lawson Schmelzle of Seneca.Just before 10:30 a.m. Monday, deputies responded to report of a crash on Q Road south of 112th, according to the Nemaha County Sheriff.Investigators determined a 2005 Chevrolet pickup driven by Schmelzle was northbound, traveled left of center and struck the rear axle of a southbound&nbsp; 1989 Freightliner semi driven by Craig Nolte, 32, Seneca. After impact, the pickup traveled off the east side of the road and flipped. Schmelzle was pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff's department reported no additional information.

Sheriff IDs Kansas teen who died after crash with a semi

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting have identified the victim as 27-year-old Travis Eugene Bowman of Kansas City, Kansas, according to police. The suspect is 35-year-old Darnell D. Walker of Kansas City, Kansas.

Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2200 Block of Silver Court in Kansas City, Kansas.

They found Bowman with a gunshot wound. EMS transported the him to an area hospital where he died.&nbsp;

Police believe the shooting occurred as the result of an argument and physical altercation between the two men over a missing Amazon package that had been delivered to the apartment of the victim's sister.

Walker is being held on a $250,000 bond on requested charges of first degree murder.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest.

Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2200 Block of Silver Court in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.

They found a man in his late 20s with a gunshot wound. EMS transported the victim to an area hospital where he died. Police took a suspect into custody. Police have not released the victim's name or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630976998538.png" alt="Walker-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Walker-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal weekend shooting have identified the victim as 27-year-old Travis Eugene Bowman of Kansas City, Kansas, according to police. The suspect is 35-year-old Darnell D. Walker of Kansas City, Kansas.Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2200 Block of Silver Court in Kansas City, Kansas.They found Bowman with a gunshot wound. EMS transported the him to an area hospital where he died.&nbsp;Police believe the shooting occurred as the result of an argument and physical altercation between the two men over a missing Amazon package that had been delivered to the apartment of the victim's sister.Walker is being held on a $250,000 bond on requested charges of first degree murder.---------WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have made an arrest.Just after 10:30p.m. Saturday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 2200 Block of Silver Court in Kansas City, Kansas, according to a media release.They found a man in his late 20s with a gunshot wound. EMS transported the victim to an area hospital where he died. Police took a suspect into custody. Police have not released the victim's name or additional details.

Kansas man killed over missing Amazon package

COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate a two-vehicle accident that led to hospitalizations Tuesday morning following an attempted traffic stop in Cowley County.

Just before 9:30 a.m., police observed a red 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, driven by Casiopia Price, 27, of Arkansas City, traveling eastbound on East Chestnut Avenue at the B Street intersection, according to police spokesman Andrew Lawson.

Police learned Price was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license and they attempted to conduct a traffic stop at 9:21 a.m. as both vehicles continued eastbound, approaching North D Street.

Price accelerated the Dodge truck away from officers when they attempted to stop her for the violation. The truck continued to accelerate and failed to stop at the intersection of Chestnut and U.S. 77.

The the truck entered the bypass intersection, where it was struck by an apparently northbound 2015 Chrysler Town and Country van. Both vehicles traveled through the intersection after the collision and came to a stop off the roadway, to the northeast of the intersection.

One of the vehicles also struck utility pole which caused a downed line on the U.S. 77 bypass, which was closed temporarily between Kansas and Madison avenues while emergency crews responded.

Price allegedly attempted to flee the scene on foot. However, she was quickly taken into custody.

The Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department was dispatched to the scene to treat the injured parties.

The 46-year-old driver of the van was transported in stable condition to William Newton Hospital in Winfield. A 37-year-old passenger in the van was transported by the Fire-EMS Department in critical condition to South Central Kansas Medical Center and later flown to Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita for further treatment. A 3-year-old passenger in the van was treated at South Central Kansas Medical Center, and is listed as stable and in good condition. Price was listed as being in fair to critical condition after also being transported to South Central Kansas Medical Center.

The Kansas Highway Patrol is assisting ACPD with the investigation. Once it is complete, the police department will coordinate with the Cowley County Attorney’s Office on possible criminal charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631045036865.png" alt="Casiopia Price&nbsp; from an earlier arrest in Cowley County.&nbsp; She remains hospitalized following the Tuesday crash, according to police" />
 <figcaption>Casiopia Price&nbsp; from an earlier arrest in Cowley County.&nbsp; She remains hospitalized following the Tuesday crash, according to police</figcaption>
 </figure>COWLEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate a two-vehicle accident that led to hospitalizations Tuesday morning following an attempted traffic stop in Cowley County.Just before 9:30 a.m., police observed a red 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, driven by Casiopia Price, 27, of Arkansas City, traveling eastbound on East Chestnut Avenue at the B Street intersection, according to police spokesman Andrew Lawson.Police learned Price was operating the vehicle with a suspended driver’s license and they attempted to conduct a traffic stop at 9:21 a.m. as both vehicles continued eastbound, approaching North D Street.Price accelerated the Dodge truck away from officers when they attempted to stop her for the violation. The truck continued to accelerate and failed to stop at the intersection of Chestnut and U.S. 77.The the truck entered the bypass intersection, where it was struck by an apparently northbound 2015 Chrysler Town and Country van. Both vehicles traveled through the intersection after the collision and came to a stop off the roadway, to the northeast of the intersection.One of the vehicles also struck utility pole which caused a downed line on the U.S. 77 bypass, which was closed temporarily between Kansas and Madison avenues while emergency crews responded.Price allegedly attempted to flee the scene on foot. However, she was quickly taken into custody.The Arkansas City Fire-EMS Department was dispatched to the scene to treat the injured parties.The 46-year-old driver of the van was transported in stable condition to William Newton Hospital in Winfield. A 37-year-old passenger in the van was transported by the Fire-EMS Department in critical condition to South Central Kansas Medical Center and later flown to Ascension Via Christi St. Francis in Wichita for further treatment. A 3-year-old passenger in the van was treated at South Central Kansas Medical Center, and is listed as stable and in good condition. Price was listed as being in fair to critical condition after also being transported to South Central Kansas Medical Center.The Kansas Highway Patrol is assisting ACPD with the investigation. Once it is complete, the police department will coordinate with the Cowley County Attorney’s Office on possible criminal charges.

3 adults, child injured after crash during police chase

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former NFL players Tamarick Vanover,&nbsp;Clinton Portis, and Robert McCune pleaded guilty for their roles in a nationwide health care fraud scheme and could face years in prison, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday.

Portis, Vanover and McCune admitted to defrauding an NFL program set up to reimburse medical expenses not covered by insurance for retired players and their families, the Justice Department said.

McCune could be facing life in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, 13 counts of health care fraud, 11 counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 19.

The DOJ said McCune orchestrated the scheme that resulted in approximately $2.9 million worth of false and fraudulent claims being filed and $2.5 million paid out between June 2017 and April 2018.

Portis and Vanover each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and could face up to 10 years in prison. According to court documents, Portis was responsible for just under $100,000 and Vanover just under $160,000 in benefits for expensive medical equipment that were not provided.

They agreed to pay back that money. Portis is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 6 and Vanover on Jan. 22.

An NFL spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The league established the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan after the 2006 collective bargaining agreement to provide tax-free reimbursement of medical expenses up to $350,000 per player.

Portis, Vanover and McCune were originally indicted in the Eastern District of Kentucky in December 2019. Twelve other retired players had previously been charged and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, including former Chiefs and Saints receiver Joe Horn and longtime defensive back Carlos Rogers.

The FBI investigated the case across the U.S., according to the Justice Department.

McCune, 42, was a 2005 fifth-round draft pick who played eight NFL games at linebacker with Washington and Baltimore.

Vanover, 47, was taken in the third round of the 1995 draft by Kansas City and played 77 games at receiver for the Chiefs and Chargers.

Portis, 40, was a second-round pick of the Broncos in 2002 and won AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors that year. The running back played 113 games with Denver and Washington from 2002-2010.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Former NFL players Tamarick Vanover,&nbsp;Clinton Portis, and Robert McCune pleaded guilty for their roles in a nationwide health care fraud scheme and could face years in prison, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday.Portis, Vanover and McCune admitted to defrauding an NFL program set up to reimburse medical expenses not covered by insurance for retired players and their families, the Justice Department said.McCune could be facing life in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, 13 counts of health care fraud, 11 counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 19.The DOJ said McCune orchestrated the scheme that resulted in approximately $2.9 million worth of false and fraudulent claims being filed and $2.5 million paid out between June 2017 and April 2018.Portis and Vanover each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and could face up to 10 years in prison. According to court documents, Portis was responsible for just under $100,000 and Vanover just under $160,000 in benefits for expensive medical equipment that were not provided.They agreed to pay back that money. Portis is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 6 and Vanover on Jan. 22.An NFL spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The league established the Gene Upshaw NFL Player Health Reimbursement Account Plan after the 2006 collective bargaining agreement to provide tax-free reimbursement of medical expenses up to $350,000 per player.Portis, Vanover and McCune were originally indicted in the Eastern District of Kentucky in December 2019. Twelve other retired players had previously been charged and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, including former Chiefs and Saints receiver Joe Horn and longtime defensive back Carlos Rogers.The FBI investigated the case across the U.S., according to the Justice Department.McCune, 42, was a 2005 fifth-round draft pick who played eight NFL games at linebacker with Washington and Baltimore.Vanover, 47, was taken in the third round of the 1995 draft by Kansas City and played 77 games at receiver for the Chiefs and Chargers.Portis, 40, was a second-round pick of the Broncos in 2002 and won AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors that year. The running back played 113 games with Denver and Washington from 2002-2010.___

Former KC Chief, 2 others admit to health care fraud scheme

By SHERMAN SMITH and NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/07/kansas-data-doesnt-reflect-reality-as-covid-19-rips-through-schools/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — School districts across 
the state independently reported hundreds of infections of COVID-19 
among students and staff in the first two weeks of school, while the 
state’s official ledger showed just two small outbreaks.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s data on school 
infections is unreliable because of the difficulty in tracing sources of
 infections and communication between the agency and local health 
officials. In its most recent update, the agency’s official accounting 
attributed just 75 new cases to outbreaks at public schools.

The number of outbreaks is actually much higher, but nobody is 
attempting to tally statewide numbers. Gov. Laura Kelly last week 
announced a new workgroup would produce a weekly report with active 
outbreaks, but the governor’s office didn’t say when the first report 
would be released. It isn’t clear whether the report will rely on the 
same incomplete data.

County health departments determine the source of outbreaks, but the 
task is made difficult by the surge in COVID-19 cases attributed to the 
delta variant and restrictions imposed by the Legislature last year that
 allow infected residents to opt out of contact tracing. Because of 
widespread community transmission, it can be difficult to determine 
whether children who test positive at school were infected there or 
showed up with the virus.

Craig Barnes, division manager for community health outreach and 
planning at the Shawnee County Health Department, said keeping track of 
cases at schools is complicated. The department is able to investigate 
just 20% of the cases countywide.

“The large number of cases coming in both via schools and the 
community has made investigations and contact tracing rather difficult,”
 Barnes said. “There are schools that have multiple cases. However, 
without an epidemiological link between the cases at the physical 
school, we would not list this as an outbreak or cluster.”

Barnes provided a hypothetical example: “Let’s say a school 
basketball team had a sleepover, and from that sleepover five-plus kids 
were infected. These would be COVID-positive students with an 
epidemiological linkage. However, the exposure and linkage was outside 
the school setting, and as such, the cluster would be the sleepover, not
 the school.”

It is also possible, he said, that health officials won’t recognize the link between cases and a school until much later.

KDHE provides a list of outbreaks involving five or more people 
within the past 14 days, and updates the list on Wednesdays. The only 
schools to show up on the list in recent weeks are Mount Olive Lutheran 
School in Overland Park, with eight cases, and USD 405 Central 
Elementary School in Lyons, with six cases.

“We also see the numerous news reports of entire classrooms being 
quarantined and schools closing,” said Matt Lara, spokesman for KDHE. 
“When we see these, we reach out to local health departments to find out
 if there is an active outbreak that we have not been notified about. 
Again, KDHE relies on communication and cooperation between students, 
teachers, staff, parents, schools and the local health departments to 
identify these outbreaks.”

The Wellington school district <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/27/house-leader-warned-of-mask-madness-in-kansas-schools-downplayed-risk-of-covid-19-to-kids/">closed schools from Aug. 27 until Tuesday</a>
 after more than 40 students and staff members tested positive in the 
first eight days of school. The Sumner County Health Department 
recommended closing after tracing three separate outbreaks of infections
 to district schools.

The Valley Center school district said 45 students and staff had 
tested positive for COVID-19 as of Sept. 1, up from eight a week before,
 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.arkvalleynews.com/web/isite.dll?1629992528439">the Ark Valley News reported</a>.

Last week, the Andover school district imposed a mask mandate at 
public schools after 38 students tested positive for the virus, up from 
19 the previous week, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kwch.com/2021/08/31/andover-public-schools-discuss-rising-covid-19-cases-mask-requirement/">KWCH-TV reported</a>.

In the Wichita school district, 194 students and 51 staff tested 
positive before Aug. 23, when the school board required students to wear
 masks. The district had 1,612 students in quarantine at that time, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/news/coronavirus/article253690228.html">the Wichita Eagle reported</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631038433388.png" alt="Photo by Sherman Smith / Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Sherman Smith / Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH and NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/09/07/kansas-data-doesnt-reflect-reality-as-covid-19-rips-through-schools/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — School districts across 
the state independently reported hundreds of infections of COVID-19 
among students and staff in the first two weeks of school, while the 
state’s official ledger showed just two small outbreaks.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s data on school 
infections is unreliable because of the difficulty in tracing sources of
 infections and communication between the agency and local health 
officials. In its most recent update, the agency’s official accounting 
attributed just 75 new cases to outbreaks at public schools.The number of outbreaks is actually much higher, but nobody is 
attempting to tally statewide numbers. Gov. Laura Kelly last week 
announced a new workgroup would produce a weekly report with active 
outbreaks, but the governor’s office didn’t say when the first report 
would be released. It isn’t clear whether the report will rely on the 
same incomplete data.County health departments determine the source of outbreaks, but the 
task is made difficult by the surge in COVID-19 cases attributed to the 
delta variant and restrictions imposed by the Legislature last year that
 allow infected residents to opt out of contact tracing. Because of 
widespread community transmission, it can be difficult to determine 
whether children who test positive at school were infected there or 
showed up with the virus.Craig Barnes, division manager for community health outreach and 
planning at the Shawnee County Health Department, said keeping track of 
cases at schools is complicated. The department is able to investigate 
just 20% of the cases countywide.“The large number of cases coming in both via schools and the 
community has made investigations and contact tracing rather difficult,”
 Barnes said. “There are schools that have multiple cases. However, 
without an epidemiological link between the cases at the physical 
school, we would not list this as an outbreak or cluster.”Barnes provided a hypothetical example: “Let’s say a school 
basketball team had a sleepover, and from that sleepover five-plus kids 
were infected. These would be COVID-positive students with an 
epidemiological linkage. However, the exposure and linkage was outside 
the school setting, and as such, the cluster would be the sleepover, not
 the school.”It is also possible, he said, that health officials won’t recognize the link between cases and a school until much later.KDHE provides a list of outbreaks involving five or more people 
within the past 14 days, and updates the list on Wednesdays. The only 
schools to show up on the list in recent weeks are Mount Olive Lutheran 
School in Overland Park, with eight cases, and USD 405 Central 
Elementary School in Lyons, with six cases.“We also see the numerous news reports of entire classrooms being 
quarantined and schools closing,” said Matt Lara, spokesman for KDHE. 
“When we see these, we reach out to local health departments to find out
 if there is an active outbreak that we have not been notified about. 
Again, KDHE relies on communication and cooperation between students, 
teachers, staff, parents, schools and the local health departments to 
identify these outbreaks.”The Wellington school district <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/27/house-leader-warned-of-mask-madness-in-kansas-schools-downplayed-risk-of-covid-19-to-kids/">closed schools from Aug. 27 until Tuesday</a>
 after more than 40 students and staff members tested positive in the 
first eight days of school. The Sumner County Health Department 
recommended closing after tracing three separate outbreaks of infections
 to district schools.The Valley Center school district said 45 students and staff had 
tested positive for COVID-19 as of Sept. 1, up from eight a week before,
 <a target="_blank" href="http://www.arkvalleynews.com/web/isite.dll?1629992528439">the Ark Valley News reported</a>.Last week, the Andover school district imposed a mask mandate at 
public schools after 38 students tested positive for the virus, up from 
19 the previous week, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kwch.com/2021/08/31/andover-public-schools-discuss-rising-covid-19-cases-mask-requirement/">KWCH-TV reported</a>.In the Wichita school district, 194 students and 51 staff tested 
positive before Aug. 23, when the school board required students to wear
 masks. The district had 1,612 students in quarantine at that time, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansas.com/news/coronavirus/article253690228.html">the Wichita Eagle reported</a>.In Garden City, the school district had seven cases in the first week
 of school, 15 the following week, and 13 on Aug. 23 alone, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gctelegram.com/story/news/2021/08/24/usd-457-board-discusses-district-covid-impact/8250987002/">the Garden City Telegram reported</a>.In the Gardner Edgerton school district, 50 students and staff tested
 positive for the virus, and 200 students had to be quarantined, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/education/article253703143.html">the Kansas City Star reported</a>.The Auburn-Washburn school district in Shawnee County had 47 students
 and three staff members test positive in the first week of school, 
requiring 163 students and four staff members to be quarantined, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/2021/08/22/auburn-washburn-usd-437-mask-mandate-kansas-schools-board-members-vote-6-0-approve-covid-19/8237310002/">the Topeka Capital-Journal reported</a>.Mulvane and Ark City schools boards imposed mask mandates last week in response to an increase in the number of cases, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kake.com/story/44633828/mulvane-ark-city-schools-vote-to-require-face-masks">KAKE-TV reported</a>.In the Turner school district in Kansas City, Kansas, 23 students and
 four staff members tested positive in the first week of class.Mark Tallman, associate executive director of the Kansas Association 
of School Boards, said schools prepared for the school year with the 
hope of returning to normal. School officials didn’t want to 
over-respond to the rising threat of the delta variant, he said.“No one wants to go back to mandates. No one wants to have kids in 
quarantine. No one wants to think about closing schools,” Tallman said. 
“The idea is to live as close to normal as possible to get the best 
possible environment.”The governor said the new Safer Classrooms Workgroup would bring 
together pediatricians, family physicians, school nurses, pharmacists, 
school psychologists, and other health professionals to meet weekly. The
 group will produce a report to serve as a resource for schools, 
parents, media and policymakers.The report will provide a list of active outbreaks at schools, as 
well as timely information about testing and masking policies, including
 best practices; information about vaccination clinics; and county-level
 data on youth vaccination status, hospitalizations, cases and deaths.Kelly “has a crackerjack team of physicians and epidemiologist that 
are studying the outbreak county by county and looking at transmission 
in schools and how we can keep schools open,” said Kansas education 
commissioner Randy Watson. “That really is the key. Because everyone’s 
worried if this trends like last year as we get into the winter months, 
it may get worse. We hope not.“So I know that the simple answer is if we can vaccinate and we can 
mask, we can test, we can start to diminish it. But I think that group’s
 going to look at a lot of things.”