TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday applauded Brek Manufacturing Company’s plan to expand its operation into the state of Kansas. 

The Southern California-based aerospace company announced that it intends to purchase two buildings in Wichita, investing $4.5 million and creating 75 new jobs over the next five years.

“Wichita’s reputation as the Air Capital of the World - paired with our state’s talented workforce and strong economy - makes Brek’s expansion into Kansas a no-brainer,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “We’ll continue investing in our manufacturing and aerospace industries to support our existing companies and recruit new businesses and jobs to Kansas.”

Brek specializes in the manufacture of complex structural aircraft parts, including contoured surface parts common in the mold line of modern-day aircrafts. According to the company, Wichita’s aerospace and aviation ecosystem and workforce drove their decision to expand into Kansas.

“Our state is proud to be the home of the Air Capital of the World,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Brek is the latest example of Wichita’s well-deserved aerospace reputation resulting in new business investment and new jobs for Kansas.&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;to Brek, and thank you for choosing to expand in the nation’s best state for business.”

Brek products currently are in service throughout commercial, strategic and tactical military aircrafts.

“As we began exploring options for expansion, I recommended including Wichita because I have personally experienced the benefit of operating in one of the top aerospace clusters,”&nbsp;Marwan Hammouri, President and CEO Brek Manufacturing, said. “As we move through all the pieces of a complicated process, we are excited about the possibilities that opening a Wichita expansion brings to our customers and to the community and state.”

“Brek Manufacturing wanting to expand in Wichita over growing their current location in California is significant for our region,”&nbsp;said Tammy Porazka, Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Wichita Partnership. “The CEO knows from previously being located in the Air Capital of the high value and numerous benefits of our aerospace ecosystem and our world-class workforce. We are so excited about the possibilities this news brings and thank all the partners who helped make this possible, including the Kansas Department of Commerce, City of Wichita, Sedgwick County, Evergy and Workforce Alliance of South-Central Kansas.”

Brek’s expansion plans are in process following a vote on Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) at next week’s Wichita City Council meeting.

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday applauded Brek Manufacturing Company’s plan to expand its operation into the state of Kansas. The Southern California-based aerospace company announced that it intends to purchase two buildings in Wichita, investing $4.5 million and creating 75 new jobs over the next five years.“Wichita’s reputation as the Air Capital of the World - paired with our state’s talented workforce and strong economy - makes Brek’s expansion into Kansas a no-brainer,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “We’ll continue investing in our manufacturing and aerospace industries to support our existing companies and recruit new businesses and jobs to Kansas.”Brek specializes in the manufacture of complex structural aircraft parts, including contoured surface parts common in the mold line of modern-day aircrafts. According to the company, Wichita’s aerospace and aviation ecosystem and workforce drove their decision to expand into Kansas.“Our state is proud to be the home of the Air Capital of the World,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “Brek is the latest example of Wichita’s well-deserved aerospace reputation resulting in new business investment and new jobs for Kansas.&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;to Brek, and thank you for choosing to expand in the nation’s best state for business.”Brek products currently are in service throughout commercial, strategic and tactical military aircrafts.“As we began exploring options for expansion, I recommended including Wichita because I have personally experienced the benefit of operating in one of the top aerospace clusters,”&nbsp;Marwan Hammouri, President and CEO Brek Manufacturing, said. “As we move through all the pieces of a complicated process, we are excited about the possibilities that opening a Wichita expansion brings to our customers and to the community and state.”“Brek Manufacturing wanting to expand in Wichita over growing their current location in California is significant for our region,”&nbsp;said Tammy Porazka, Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Wichita Partnership. “The CEO knows from previously being located in the Air Capital of the high value and numerous benefits of our aerospace ecosystem and our world-class workforce. We are so excited about the possibilities this news brings and thank all the partners who helped make this possible, including the Kansas Department of Commerce, City of Wichita, Sedgwick County, Evergy and Workforce Alliance of South-Central Kansas.”Brek’s expansion plans are in process following a vote on Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) at next week’s Wichita City Council meeting.

Aerospace company plans Kan. expansion, $4.5 million investment

KANSAS CITY —On Friday, Governor Mike Parson announced that Missouri is tripling the number of mutual aid ambulances that provide long-haul patient transfers to help reduce the rising COVID-19 caseloads straining hospitals, according to a media release from his office.

Thirty ambulances and more than 60 trained personnel are scheduled to begin arriving in Kansas City and and four other regions of the state.

“The ambulance strike teams we positioned in Springfield have been extremely effective in helping save lives and ease the pressure on local hospitals,”&nbsp;Governor Parson&nbsp;said. “These 30 new ambulance teams triple our transport capacity and expand it to the entire state, as needed. Our health care professionals are performing heroically to save lives as the Delta variant dramatically increases hospital admissions. We will continue to support our health care heroes across the state.”&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The new ambulance strike teams, provided in response to a request to the Federal Emergency&nbsp;Management Agency, include 20 advanced life-support ambulances, five basic life-support ambulances, five specialty care ambulances, and required medical and support personnel. They are expected to begin transporting patients as early as Saturday. The teams are tasked with operating anywhere there is a critical need in Missouri through Sept. 5.

Ambulance strike teams will initially be positioned in Regions A (Kansas City area), B (northeast Missouri), D (southwest Missouri), G (south-central Missouri), and H (northwest Missouri) and have the ability to move as needed. &nbsp;

Thirteen&nbsp;federally-provided life support ambulances in southwest Missouri will replace the 10 ambulances provided through the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management and an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request from the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). The Arkansas teams will depart for home today. Since they began working in Missouri, the 10 ambulances have logged more than 53,000 miles on 223 patient transports. Some of those transports required roundtrips of seven to nine hours or more.

“Delta is the most aggressive and transmissible variant of COVID-19, and it is more important than ever to take advantage of the highly effective vaccines,”&nbsp;Governor Parson&nbsp;said. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19.&nbsp;

The Missouri&nbsp;Disaster Medical Assistance Team (MO DMAT-1) will continue to staff the state-run Monoclonal Antibody Centralized Infusion Center in Springfield. It reduces the strain on hospitals by treating COVID-19 patients who otherwise would require treatment in a hospital setting. Through Thursday, MO DMAT-1 staff had treated 243 patients at the infusion center since it opened on July 23. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that can help your body fight off COVID-19 and reduce the risk of severe disease and hospitalization&nbsp;–&nbsp;if administered&nbsp;to high-risk patients soon after diagnosis.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY —On Friday, Governor Mike Parson announced that Missouri is tripling the number of mutual aid ambulances that provide long-haul patient transfers to help reduce the rising COVID-19 caseloads straining hospitals, according to a media release from his office.Thirty ambulances and more than 60 trained personnel are scheduled to begin arriving in Kansas City and and four other regions of the state.“The ambulance strike teams we positioned in Springfield have been extremely effective in helping save lives and ease the pressure on local hospitals,”&nbsp;Governor Parson&nbsp;said. “These 30 new ambulance teams triple our transport capacity and expand it to the entire state, as needed. Our health care professionals are performing heroically to save lives as the Delta variant dramatically increases hospital admissions. We will continue to support our health care heroes across the state.”&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;The new ambulance strike teams, provided in response to a request to the Federal Emergency&nbsp;Management Agency, include 20 advanced life-support ambulances, five basic life-support ambulances, five specialty care ambulances, and required medical and support personnel. They are expected to begin transporting patients as early as Saturday. The teams are tasked with operating anywhere there is a critical need in Missouri through Sept. 5.Ambulance strike teams will initially be positioned in Regions A (Kansas City area), B (northeast Missouri), D (southwest Missouri), G (south-central Missouri), and H (northwest Missouri) and have the ability to move as needed. &nbsp;Thirteen&nbsp;federally-provided life support ambulances in southwest Missouri will replace the 10 ambulances provided through the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management and an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request from the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). The Arkansas teams will depart for home today. Since they began working in Missouri, the 10 ambulances have logged more than 53,000 miles on 223 patient transports. Some of those transports required roundtrips of seven to nine hours or more.“Delta is the most aggressive and transmissible variant of COVID-19, and it is more important than ever to take advantage of the highly effective vaccines,”&nbsp;Governor Parson&nbsp;said. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19.&nbsp;The Missouri&nbsp;Disaster Medical Assistance Team (MO DMAT-1) will continue to staff the state-run Monoclonal Antibody Centralized Infusion Center in Springfield. It reduces the strain on hospitals by treating COVID-19 patients who otherwise would require treatment in a hospital setting. Through Thursday, MO DMAT-1 staff had treated 243 patients at the infusion center since it opened on July 23. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that can help your body fight off COVID-19 and reduce the risk of severe disease and hospitalization&nbsp;–&nbsp;if administered&nbsp;to high-risk patients soon after diagnosis.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ambulance strike team in Kansas City for influx of Delta virus

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2177 to a total of 339,527, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 13 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5299.

<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 2177 to a total of 339,527, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 13 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5299.<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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628269466312.png" alt="Friday August 6, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday August 6, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>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

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY- Sheriff's deputies arrested a Kansas man Thursday afternoon after the car he was driving traveled off an exit ramp and launched over an overpass on Interstate 135.

Matthew Griffin, 45, of Salina, was northbound on Interstate 135 in a Ford Fusion when he began driving up the Assaria exit ramp south of Salina, then onto the grassy area between the exit ramp and the highway, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

The car struck the guardrail along the south side of Assaria Road and launched over the road, finally coming to a stop in the median of I-135 north of the exit.

An acquaintance called the sheriff's office to report that Griffin had been drinking and was driving in excess of 100 mph, but the accident occurred before deputies could locate him.

Griffin was transported to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment of a head laceration and then was booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges of Driving under the influence of alcohol, Transporting an open container, Driving with a suspended license, Making an unsafe turn and Improper driving on a laned roadways

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628267522100.png" alt="Griffin from an earlier DUI arrest in McPherson County" />
 <figcaption>Griffin from an earlier DUI arrest in McPherson County</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY- Sheriff's deputies arrested a Kansas man Thursday afternoon after the car he was driving traveled off an exit ramp and launched over an overpass on Interstate 135.Matthew Griffin, 45, of Salina, was northbound on Interstate 135 in a Ford Fusion when he began driving up the Assaria exit ramp south of Salina, then onto the grassy area between the exit ramp and the highway, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628265056576.jpeg" alt="The impact of the landing disabled the car. Photos Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>The impact of the landing disabled the car. Photos Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>The car struck the guardrail along the south side of Assaria Road and launched over the road, finally coming to a stop in the median of I-135 north of the exit.An acquaintance called the sheriff's office to report that Griffin had been drinking and was driving in excess of 100 mph, but the accident occurred before deputies could locate him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628265155278.jpeg" alt="tire tracks leading up to the overpass where the Fusion jumped." />
 <figcaption>tire tracks leading up to the overpass where the Fusion jumped.</figcaption>
 </figure>Griffin was transported to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment of a head laceration and then was booked into the Saline County Jail on the following requested charges of Driving under the influence of alcohol, Transporting an open container, Driving with a suspended license, Making an unsafe turn and Improper driving on a laned roadways

Kan. man jailed after car jumps interstate overpass

SHAWNEE COUNY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 2 p.m. Wednesday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a silver 2006 Mazda 3 in the 2000 block of NW Topeka Boulevard for an improper turn, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 During the investigation, it was discovered that both occupants had warrants for their arrest. A K9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were located.

The driver, Brandon M. Brooks, 29, of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for two warrants out of Shawnee County and requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no vehicle liability insurance, driving while suspended, improper turn and an expired tag.

The passenger, Sheyann N. Cutshall (28) of Topeka, was transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital following a non-life-threatening medical emergency on scene.

She was released from the hospital and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for a warrant out of the City of Topeka and requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628263966430.png" alt="Brooks photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Brooks photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just before 2 p.m. Wednesday, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a silver 2006 Mazda 3 in the 2000 block of NW Topeka Boulevard for an improper turn, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. During the investigation, it was discovered that both occupants had warrants for their arrest. A K9 Unit assisted and illegal narcotics were located.The driver, Brandon M. Brooks, 29, of Topeka, was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for two warrants out of Shawnee County and requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no vehicle liability insurance, driving while suspended, improper turn and an expired tag.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628263942727.png" alt="Cutshall photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cutshall photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The passenger, Sheyann N. Cutshall (28) of Topeka, was transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital following a non-life-threatening medical emergency on scene.She was released from the hospital and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for a warrant out of the City of Topeka and requested charges of&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Kan. drug suspect moved from hospital to jail

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — Officials with the Kansas City Zoo say they plan to begin vaccinating some animals housed at the attraction against COVID-19. 

Among those slated to be vaccinated are the zoo's great apes, including chimpanzees, orangutans and gorillas, and its big cats, including lions, tigers, cheetahs and leopards. 

Zoo officials say those species are the most susceptible to the virus. The animals will receive the Zoetis vaccine, which was developed specifically for animals and won’t affect the supply of vaccines for humans. 

More than 11,000 doses of that vaccine have been distributed across 70 zoos in 27 states.

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — Officials with the Kansas City Zoo say they plan to begin vaccinating some animals housed at the attraction against COVID-19. Among those slated to be vaccinated are the zoo's great apes, including chimpanzees, orangutans and gorillas, and its big cats, including lions, tigers, cheetahs and leopards. Zoo officials say those species are the most susceptible to the virus. The animals will receive the Zoetis vaccine, which was developed specifically for animals and won’t affect the supply of vaccines for humans. More than 11,000 doses of that vaccine have been distributed across 70 zoos in 27 states.

COVID vaccine distributed to zoos in Kansas, 26 other states

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man has been convicted of killing a National Guardsman during a road rage confrontation.

Nicholas Webb, 61, of Pleasant Hill, Mo., was convicted of second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Cody Harter, 23, of St. Joseph, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office announced Thursday.

Lee's Summit police were called to an area in Interstate 470 in May 2018 after witnesses reported a man on the ground. Officers found Harter suffering from a stab wound, and he later died from his injuries.

A witness told police Harter had his hands up and was backing away from Webb after they both got out of their vehicles, according to court documents.

Police discovered Webb had been arrested the same day in Liberty with a knife in his pants. Webb was released from prison after serving a sentence for second-degree murder in Jackson County in 1981.

As an Air National Guardsman, Harter had served in Iraq and Qatar and helped with hurricane relief in Houston and Puerto Rico.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628246838266.png" alt="Webb photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Webb photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man has been convicted of killing a National Guardsman during a road rage confrontation.Nicholas Webb, 61, of Pleasant Hill, Mo., was convicted of second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Cody Harter, 23, of St. Joseph, the Jackson County Prosecutor's office announced Thursday.Lee's Summit police were called to an area in Interstate 470 in May 2018 after witnesses reported a man on the ground. Officers found Harter suffering from a stab wound, and he later died from his injuries.A witness told police Harter had his hands up and was backing away from Webb after they both got out of their vehicles, according to court documents.Police discovered Webb had been arrested the same day in Liberty with a knife in his pants. Webb was released from prison after serving a sentence for second-degree murder in Jackson County in 1981.As an Air National Guardsman, Harter had served in Iraq and Qatar and helped with hurricane relief in Houston and Puerto Rico.

Man convicted in Kansas City-area road rage killing 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The suspect in an AMBER Alert issued in Wichita overnight is in custody.

Gary Allen Lowe identified, as a suicidal non-custodial father, abducted and threatened to murder two children.&nbsp;

Just after 2a.m., Wichita police located the children,&nbsp;2-year-old Gary Lowe and 1-year-old Imas Lowe and they were safe. Authorities reported no additional details.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —he Wichita Police Department is looking for a White 2007 Ford Edge, Kansas Tag#746NHH that is believed to be driven by the 27-year-old Gary Lowe III.

 He is with 2-year-old Gary Lowe, and 1-year-old Imas Lowe, who are believe to be in the vehicle. The suspect Gary Lowe III has active warrants.

 If you have any information on the whereabouts of these individuals or any information on the identification of the suspects please call the AMBER ALERT TIP LINE AT 316-383-4661 IMMEDIATELY

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628245411990.png" alt="Lowe-photo Wichita Police&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Lowe-photo Wichita Police&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The suspect in an AMBER Alert issued in Wichita overnight is in custody.Gary Allen Lowe identified, as a suicidal non-custodial father, abducted and threatened to murder two children.&nbsp;Just after 2a.m., Wichita police located the children,&nbsp;2-year-old Gary Lowe and 1-year-old Imas Lowe and they were safe. Authorities reported no additional details.-------SEDGWICK COUNTY —he Wichita Police Department is looking for a White 2007 Ford Edge, Kansas Tag#746NHH that is believed to be driven by the 27-year-old Gary Lowe III. He is with 2-year-old Gary Lowe, and 1-year-old Imas Lowe, who are believe to be in the vehicle. The suspect Gary Lowe III has active warrants. If you have any information on the whereabouts of these individuals or any information on the identification of the suspects please call the AMBER ALERT TIP LINE AT 316-383-4661 IMMEDIATELY

Suspect in Kansas Amber Alert in custody, children safe

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California will require all of its roughly 2.2 million health care workers and long term care workers to be fully vaccinated by Sept. 30 as the nation’s most populous state is losing ground in the battle against new infections of a more dangerous coronavirus variant.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Order-of-the-State-Public-Health-Officer-Health-Care-Worker-Vaccine-Requirement.aspx" target="_blank">order</a>, issued Thursday by the California Department of Public Health, is different than what Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-health-california-coronavirus-pandemic-c2c3dbfcf66e41ef77f3f0dbb15ca12f">said last month&nbsp;</a>when he announced health care workers would have the choice of either getting vaccinated or submitting to weekly testing.

Now, the order does not give health care workers a choice. It says all must be fully vaccinated by the end of September, with exceptions for people who decline the vaccine because of a religious belief or workers who cannot be inoculated because of a qualifying medical reason backed up by a note signed by a licensed medical professional.

The change comes as California is seeing the fastest increase in new virus cases since the start of the pandemic, averaging 18.3 new cases per 100,000 people a day. Most of the state’s new infections are caused by the delta variant, a more contagious version of the coronavirus that the state says “may cause more severe illness.”

“Increasing numbers of health care workers are among the new positive cases, despite vaccinations being prioritized for this group when vaccines initially became available,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, California’s public health officer. “Recent outbreaks in health care settings have frequently been traced to unvaccinated staff members.”

Gabe Montoya, an EMT at Kaiser Downey Medical Center and a member of the executive committee of the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, said “vaccines are an essential tool in fighting this virus,” adding that “workers must have a voice at the bargaining table whenever new conditions are placed on our work.”

“We’ve put our lives on the line for the last year and a half doing this on a daily basis — at great cost to ourselves and to our families,” Montoya said.

The order represents a new hard line in public health leaders’ quest to convince the hesitant to receive the vaccine. Several states are focusing on health care workers, since they are around vulnerable patients.

But other states with similar requirements have carved out exceptions, like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-oregon-coronavirus-pandemic-4ec0b8814283fe717b3363ea53b35b34">in Oregon</a>, where health care workers can instead get regular COVID-19 testing.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-maryland-28432aaf58e45223980958a48ffbf1cc">In Maryland</a>, the vaccine mandate only applies to certain state employees, such as those who work in health care facilities under the state health department.

In California, vaccine mandates are perilous for Newsom, who is facing a recall election next month fueled in part by anger over his handling of the pandemic. Newsom has angered many parents by continuing to require masks indoors at all public schools, but he has not required all teachers and staff to be vaccinated.

Some California local governments are going beyond the new rule. In Los Angeles County, some 110,000 government workers have until Oct. 1 to be vaccinated under a new order issued by Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis.

She noted that about 4 million of the county’s roughly 10 million residents remain unvaccinated. The Los Angeles order doesn’t specify penalties for employees who refuse to be vaccinated.

The city of San Jose in California’s Silicon Valley is also requiring an estimated 8,000 workers to be vaccinated or provide weekly proof of negative COVID-19 tests. It may eventually mandate vaccination, with exemptions for medical or religious reasons.

Meanwhile, a letter to the approximately 5,000 staffers of Los Angeles County Superior Court — the nation’s largest trial court system — ordered them to be fully vaccinated or be fired. The letter says workers must show proof of vaccination no more than 45 days after the federal Food and Drug Administration gives its final approval to one of the vaccines available in the U.S., the Los Angeles Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-08-05/l-a-county-court-will-fire-employees-who-dont-get-coronavirus-vaccine-after-full-fda-approval" target="_blank">reported</a>.

Both of those mandates provide exceptions for people on medical or religious reasons.

California’s new vaccine mandate is broad and applies to workers in most health care facilities, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, psychiatric hospitals, adult day health care centers, dialysis centers, hospice facilities and clinics and doctor’s offices.

Carmela Coyle, president and CEO of the California Hospital Association, called the vaccine mandate “an important step in the long battle we face against COVID-19 and the multiple variants that have emerged.”

“We are once again on a dangerous precipice that demands both our fortitude and our goodwill to protect loved ones and neighbors,” Coyle said. “California’s health care workers are being called upon – as they have through every step of this pandemic — to lead the charge in the battle between vaccine and variant.”

In a separate order, the state required hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities to verify all visitors have either been vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19 at least three days before an indoor visit. The state said it would give its updated guidance for long-term care facilities “in the near future.”

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California will require all of its roughly 2.2 million health care workers and long term care workers to be fully vaccinated by Sept. 30 as the nation’s most populous state is losing ground in the battle against new infections of a more dangerous coronavirus variant.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Order-of-the-State-Public-Health-Officer-Health-Care-Worker-Vaccine-Requirement.aspx" target="_blank">order</a>, issued Thursday by the California Department of Public Health, is different than what Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-health-california-coronavirus-pandemic-c2c3dbfcf66e41ef77f3f0dbb15ca12f">said last month&nbsp;</a>when he announced health care workers would have the choice of either getting vaccinated or submitting to weekly testing.Now, the order does not give health care workers a choice. It says all must be fully vaccinated by the end of September, with exceptions for people who decline the vaccine because of a religious belief or workers who cannot be inoculated because of a qualifying medical reason backed up by a note signed by a licensed medical professional.The change comes as California is seeing the fastest increase in new virus cases since the start of the pandemic, averaging 18.3 new cases per 100,000 people a day. Most of the state’s new infections are caused by the delta variant, a more contagious version of the coronavirus that the state says “may cause more severe illness.”“Increasing numbers of health care workers are among the new positive cases, despite vaccinations being prioritized for this group when vaccines initially became available,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, California’s public health officer. “Recent outbreaks in health care settings have frequently been traced to unvaccinated staff members.”Gabe Montoya, an EMT at Kaiser Downey Medical Center and a member of the executive committee of the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, said “vaccines are an essential tool in fighting this virus,” adding that “workers must have a voice at the bargaining table whenever new conditions are placed on our work.”“We’ve put our lives on the line for the last year and a half doing this on a daily basis — at great cost to ourselves and to our families,” Montoya said.The order represents a new hard line in public health leaders’ quest to convince the hesitant to receive the vaccine. Several states are focusing on health care workers, since they are around vulnerable patients.But other states with similar requirements have carved out exceptions, like&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-oregon-coronavirus-pandemic-4ec0b8814283fe717b3363ea53b35b34">in Oregon</a>, where health care workers can instead get regular COVID-19 testing.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-maryland-28432aaf58e45223980958a48ffbf1cc">In Maryland</a>, the vaccine mandate only applies to certain state employees, such as those who work in health care facilities under the state health department.In California, vaccine mandates are perilous for Newsom, who is facing a recall election next month fueled in part by anger over his handling of the pandemic. Newsom has angered many parents by continuing to require masks indoors at all public schools, but he has not required all teachers and staff to be vaccinated.Some California local governments are going beyond the new rule. In Los Angeles County, some 110,000 government workers have until Oct. 1 to be vaccinated under a new order issued by Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis.She noted that about 4 million of the county’s roughly 10 million residents remain unvaccinated. The Los Angeles order doesn’t specify penalties for employees who refuse to be vaccinated.The city of San Jose in California’s Silicon Valley is also requiring an estimated 8,000 workers to be vaccinated or provide weekly proof of negative COVID-19 tests. It may eventually mandate vaccination, with exemptions for medical or religious reasons.Meanwhile, a letter to the approximately 5,000 staffers of Los Angeles County Superior Court — the nation’s largest trial court system — ordered them to be fully vaccinated or be fired. The letter says workers must show proof of vaccination no more than 45 days after the federal Food and Drug Administration gives its final approval to one of the vaccines available in the U.S., the Los Angeles Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-08-05/l-a-county-court-will-fire-employees-who-dont-get-coronavirus-vaccine-after-full-fda-approval" target="_blank">reported</a>.Both of those mandates provide exceptions for people on medical or religious reasons.California’s new vaccine mandate is broad and applies to workers in most health care facilities, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, psychiatric hospitals, adult day health care centers, dialysis centers, hospice facilities and clinics and doctor’s offices.Carmela Coyle, president and CEO of the California Hospital Association, called the vaccine mandate “an important step in the long battle we face against COVID-19 and the multiple variants that have emerged.”“We are once again on a dangerous precipice that demands both our fortitude and our goodwill to protect loved ones and neighbors,” Coyle said. “California’s health care workers are being called upon – as they have through every step of this pandemic — to lead the charge in the battle between vaccine and variant.”In a separate order, the state required hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities to verify all visitors have either been vaccinated or tested negative for COVID-19 at least three days before an indoor visit. The state said it would give its updated guidance for long-term care facilities “in the near future.”

California mandates COVID vaccines for all health workers

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a stabbing and after asking for help to locate a suspect identified as 29-year-old Clinton Osborne have made an arrest.

Just before 8:00 a.m. Tuesday police&nbsp; responded to the 900 block of SW 10th Avenue on a report of a stabbing that had just occurred., according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

At the scene, officers located the victim, an adult male, suffering from injuries believed to be life-threatening. The victim was transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response for treatment of his injuries.

Just after 11a.m. Thursday, a police investigator located Osborne in the 1600 block of SW Wanamaker Road, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

&nbsp;He was taken into custody, arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for Aggravated battery, Domestic battery, Possession of marijuana and Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body.

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

Police identified 29-year-old Clinton P. Osborne as person of interest in this investigation and asked the public for help to locate him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628017248289.png" alt="Osborne photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Osborne photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a stabbing and after asking for help to locate a suspect identified as 29-year-old Clinton Osborne have made an arrest.Just before 8:00 a.m. Tuesday police&nbsp; responded to the 900 block of SW 10th Avenue on a report of a stabbing that had just occurred., according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.At the scene, officers located the victim, an adult male, suffering from injuries believed to be life-threatening. The victim was transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response for treatment of his injuries.Just after 11a.m. Thursday, a police investigator located Osborne in the 1600 block of SW Wanamaker Road, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.&nbsp;He was taken into custody, arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections for Aggravated battery, Domestic battery, Possession of marijuana and Use/possess w/intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body.-------------SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and asking the public for help to locate a suspect.Just before 8:00 a.m. Tuesday police&nbsp; responded to the 900 block of SW 10th Avenue on a report of a stabbing that had just occurred., according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.At the scene, officers located the victim, an adult male, suffering from injuries believed to be life-threatening. The victim was transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response for treatment of his injuries.Police identified 29-year-old Clinton P. Osborne as person of interest in this investigation and asked the public for help to locate him.

Police locate, arrest Kansas stabbing suspect

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearing decision time, senators are wrapping up work on the bipartisan infrastructure plan and talks were underway Thursday to expedite consideration of the nearly $1 trillion proposal, with votes expected in the days ahead.

A much anticipated analysis of the bill from the Congressional Budget Office concluded that the legislation would increase deficits by about $256 billion over the next decade. Senators wanted that information before votes on the package, which could start soon and push into Saturday.

It's unclear if the budget office's assessment could peel away support, particularly from Republican senators who have been wary of using what some view as gimmicks to pay for the package. But the bill's backers sprang to defend the overall package, and said it included additional savings and would boost economic growth in ways the CBO does not measure.

The top negotiators, Sens. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., and Rob Portman, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/ohio">Ohio</a>, said the package is “a historic investment in our nation’s core infrastructure needs.” In a statement, they said the package is a long-term investment that will “improve economic efficiency and productivity, increase GDP, generate additional revenue, and will not increase inflation.”

The package had been on track for Senate passage, a rare accord between Republicans and Democrats joining on a shared priority that also is essential to President Joe Biden’s agenda. The Senate has processed nearly two dozen amendments to the 2,700-page bill, an unusual legislative undertaking, with more on tap. None has substantially changed the framework of the public works package, which would send money for roads, bridges, water works, broadband and other projects to virtually every corner of the nation.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said earlier Thursday, “We can bring this bill to a close very shortly.”

Once the bill clears the Senate, lawmakers will turn to the much more partisan undertaking on the next phase of Biden's agenda: a $3.5 trillion proposal for what the White House calls human infrastructure — child care support, home health care, education and other expenditures that are Democratic priorities that Republicans have pledged to reject. Debate will extend into the fall.

Schumer wants the Senate to pass both the bipartisan package and a budget blueprint for the bigger proposal before senators depart for an August recess.

Dividing lines set, senators are eager to wrap up.

“I don’t think anybody’s looking to extend this out any longer than necessary,” Sen. John Cornyn, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/texas">Texas</a>, told reporters.

The budget office analysis comes as critics of the bill have voiced concerns about the impact the infrastructure spending would have on the national debt, and criticized the pay-fors cited by supporters as “squishy” or “fake.”

That’s because supporters in some cases counted savings that would have occurred regardless of whether the infrastructure bill passes.

For example, the CBO did not count the $53 billion that is expected to be saved because more than two dozen states cut off expanded unemployment compensation before the benefit was set to expire. The bipartisan negotiators had also claimed $56 billion in savings through economic growth, while the CBO did not take that into account.

Key to watch will be how many Republicans join what's expected to be all Democrats in supporting the bipartisan package as it heads toward votes.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kentucky">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;had promised to be “100% focused” on stopping Biden’s agenda, but when it comes to the bipartisan infrastructure plan, he's sounding like a go.

Republicans are almost certain to split over that bill, and McConnell's eventual vote will carry weight.

McConnell has been acting and voting like a lawmaker ready to set aside — for a few days, anyway — his reputation as a roadblock for one of the Democratic president's chief legislative priorities, opening the door to potentially giving his support for final passage.

“There’s an excellent chance it will be a success story for the country,” McConnell said Tuesday.

The package has much for senators to support, as they tap federal dollars for big-ticket public works projects that their states and cities are typically unable to support on their own.

In days of debate, senators backing the bipartisan package have risen to speak about it on the Senate floor.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/alaska">Alaska</a>, has spoken of the dire need to bring running water to rural parts of her state, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., has focused on money to curb coastal erosion in his state and elsewhere.

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., talked about how $110 billion in new money for roads and bridges would mean access to markets for farms in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/montana">Montana</a>&nbsp;such as his own.

McConnell’s vote could make or break the package, serving up a victory for Biden with passage or delivering another failure by Washington to address the nation’s infrastructure needs. The Trump administration was unable to follow through on President Donald Trump's call for investing trillions of dollars in infrastructure.

Republican strategist Scott Jennings, a longtime McConnell ally, said it’s easy to see how McConnell could get to “yes” on this first part of Biden's infrastructure priorities.

“Just listen to what he said,” Jennings said. “He always said it should be a smaller package focused on roads bridges airports and broadband.”

Politically, the votes ahead could be a win-win for McConnell and Republicans to show some bipartisanship on this first package while launching into a strictly partisan broadside against the larger plan.

“I do think it gives Republicans senators a chance to say, ‘Look, they always claim we’re going to stop everything,’” Jennings said.

“It does give the Republicans a chance to say, `We're for the stuff that makes sense and we’re against the stuff that doesn't.'”

The Senate was expected to be quiet on Friday as many lawmakers attend funeral services for former Sen. Mike Enzi in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/wyoming">Wyoming</a>. But senators are bracing for another weekend session as they push ahead on both pieces of legislation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628204297918.png" alt="It's unclear if the budget office's assessment could peel away support, particularly from Republican senators who have been wary of using what some view as gimmicks to pay for the package.President Biden during a White House Rose Garden ceremony Thursday afternoon-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>It's unclear if the budget office's assessment could peel away support, particularly from Republican senators who have been wary of using what some view as gimmicks to pay for the package.President Biden during a White House Rose Garden ceremony Thursday afternoon-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearing decision time, senators are wrapping up work on the bipartisan infrastructure plan and talks were underway Thursday to expedite consideration of the nearly $1 trillion proposal, with votes expected in the days ahead.A much anticipated analysis of the bill from the Congressional Budget Office concluded that the legislation would increase deficits by about $256 billion over the next decade. Senators wanted that information before votes on the package, which could start soon and push into Saturday.It's unclear if the budget office's assessment could peel away support, particularly from Republican senators who have been wary of using what some view as gimmicks to pay for the package. But the bill's backers sprang to defend the overall package, and said it included additional savings and would boost economic growth in ways the CBO does not measure.The top negotiators, Sens. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., and Rob Portman, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/ohio">Ohio</a>, said the package is “a historic investment in our nation’s core infrastructure needs.” In a statement, they said the package is a long-term investment that will “improve economic efficiency and productivity, increase GDP, generate additional revenue, and will not increase inflation.”The package had been on track for Senate passage, a rare accord between Republicans and Democrats joining on a shared priority that also is essential to President Joe Biden’s agenda. The Senate has processed nearly two dozen amendments to the 2,700-page bill, an unusual legislative undertaking, with more on tap. None has substantially changed the framework of the public works package, which would send money for roads, bridges, water works, broadband and other projects to virtually every corner of the nation.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said earlier Thursday, “We can bring this bill to a close very shortly.”Once the bill clears the Senate, lawmakers will turn to the much more partisan undertaking on the next phase of Biden's agenda: a $3.5 trillion proposal for what the White House calls human infrastructure — child care support, home health care, education and other expenditures that are Democratic priorities that Republicans have pledged to reject. Debate will extend into the fall.Schumer wants the Senate to pass both the bipartisan package and a budget blueprint for the bigger proposal before senators depart for an August recess.Dividing lines set, senators are eager to wrap up.“I don’t think anybody’s looking to extend this out any longer than necessary,” Sen. John Cornyn, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/texas">Texas</a>, told reporters.The budget office analysis comes as critics of the bill have voiced concerns about the impact the infrastructure spending would have on the national debt, and criticized the pay-fors cited by supporters as “squishy” or “fake.”That’s because supporters in some cases counted savings that would have occurred regardless of whether the infrastructure bill passes.For example, the CBO did not count the $53 billion that is expected to be saved because more than two dozen states cut off expanded unemployment compensation before the benefit was set to expire. The bipartisan negotiators had also claimed $56 billion in savings through economic growth, while the CBO did not take that into account.Key to watch will be how many Republicans join what's expected to be all Democrats in supporting the bipartisan package as it heads toward votes.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kentucky">Kentucky</a>&nbsp;had promised to be “100% focused” on stopping Biden’s agenda, but when it comes to the bipartisan infrastructure plan, he's sounding like a go.Republicans are almost certain to split over that bill, and McConnell's eventual vote will carry weight.McConnell has been acting and voting like a lawmaker ready to set aside — for a few days, anyway — his reputation as a roadblock for one of the Democratic president's chief legislative priorities, opening the door to potentially giving his support for final passage.“There’s an excellent chance it will be a success story for the country,” McConnell said Tuesday.The package has much for senators to support, as they tap federal dollars for big-ticket public works projects that their states and cities are typically unable to support on their own.In days of debate, senators backing the bipartisan package have risen to speak about it on the Senate floor.Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/alaska">Alaska</a>, has spoken of the dire need to bring running water to rural parts of her state, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., has focused on money to curb coastal erosion in his state and elsewhere.Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., talked about how $110 billion in new money for roads and bridges would mean access to markets for farms in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/montana">Montana</a>&nbsp;such as his own.McConnell’s vote could make or break the package, serving up a victory for Biden with passage or delivering another failure by Washington to address the nation’s infrastructure needs. The Trump administration was unable to follow through on President Donald Trump's call for investing trillions of dollars in infrastructure.Republican strategist Scott Jennings, a longtime McConnell ally, said it’s easy to see how McConnell could get to “yes” on this first part of Biden's infrastructure priorities.“Just listen to what he said,” Jennings said. “He always said it should be a smaller package focused on roads bridges airports and broadband.”Politically, the votes ahead could be a win-win for McConnell and Republicans to show some bipartisanship on this first package while launching into a strictly partisan broadside against the larger plan.“I do think it gives Republicans senators a chance to say, ‘Look, they always claim we’re going to stop everything,’” Jennings said.“It does give the Republicans a chance to say, `We're for the stuff that makes sense and we’re against the stuff that doesn't.'”The Senate was expected to be quiet on Friday as many lawmakers attend funeral services for former Sen. Mike Enzi in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/wyoming">Wyoming</a>. But senators are bracing for another weekend session as they push ahead on both pieces of legislation.

Budget office: Infrastructure bill adds $256B to deficits

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman was sentenced to prison Wednesday for the shooting death of a man who she dated and who worked for her at an illegal gambling business.

 District Court Judge Bruce Brown sentenced Stacey Peters, 47 of Wichita, to nearly ten years&nbsp; in prison for killing 41-year-old&nbsp; Robert Duvaul.

In June, Peters pleaded guilty to second degree murder and one count of commercial gambling.

In the early morning of November 19, 2019, police responded to the business at 3072 S. Hillside in Wichita after Peters called 911 to report that she shot “someone intruding.” 

Officers found Duvaul with a fatal gunshot wound to his torso. Officers noted that Duvaul had been deceased for some time before Peters made the 911 call.

At an evidentiary hearing in the case prior to the entry of the plea, witnesses testified Peters called a friend after the shooting and said “I shot Bob.” Those witnesses testified that when they arrived, Peters said she had not called the police because she did not know what to tell them.

Investigators searched the premises and found evidence of numerous illegal commercial gambling devices in a back room. Surveillance video recovered from the scene showed Peters operating a commercial gambling establishment. 

The video showed Peters and Duvaul working at the business earlier in the evening of the shooting. In a portion of the video, Duvual is seen with his hands up, then staggers backwards and collapses. 

Witnesses testified Peters was known to carry a pistol on her hip while she worked at the business.

Testimony presented at the hearing indicated Peters and Duvaul had been in an on-again, offagain dating relationship for around five years. As part of the plea agreement, Judge Brown found the homicide was a domestic violence offense.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628108146357.png" alt="Peters photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Peters photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman was sentenced to prison Wednesday for the shooting death of a man who she dated and who worked for her at an illegal gambling business. District Court Judge Bruce Brown sentenced Stacey Peters, 47 of Wichita, to nearly ten years&nbsp; in prison for killing 41-year-old&nbsp; Robert Duvaul.In June, Peters pleaded guilty to second degree murder and one count of commercial gambling.In the early morning of November 19, 2019, police responded to the business at 3072 S. Hillside in Wichita after Peters called 911 to report that she shot “someone intruding.” Officers found Duvaul with a fatal gunshot wound to his torso. Officers noted that Duvaul had been deceased for some time before Peters made the 911 call.At an evidentiary hearing in the case prior to the entry of the plea, witnesses testified Peters called a friend after the shooting and said “I shot Bob.” Those witnesses testified that when they arrived, Peters said she had not called the police because she did not know what to tell them.Investigators searched the premises and found evidence of numerous illegal commercial gambling devices in a back room. Surveillance video recovered from the scene showed Peters operating a commercial gambling establishment. The video showed Peters and Duvaul working at the business earlier in the evening of the shooting. In a portion of the video, Duvual is seen with his hands up, then staggers backwards and collapses. Witnesses testified Peters was known to carry a pistol on her hip while she worked at the business.Testimony presented at the hearing indicated Peters and Duvaul had been in an on-again, offagain dating relationship for around five years. As part of the plea agreement, Judge Brown found the homicide was a domestic violence offense.

Kan. woman killed boyfriend at illegal gambling hall

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Kansas man convicted of reckless second-degree murder in 2018 will be back in a Reno County courtroom Friday for re-sentencing.

Tristan Delaney, 22, who is being held in the Hutchinson Correctional Facility, entered a plea to a second-degree murder charge after originally being charged with felony murder for the killing of Norman Cushinberry during a drug deal.

He was sentenced to four years in prison. The state appealed the sentence and the Kansas Court of Appeals remanded the case back to district court for re-sentencing.

The Court of Appeals stated that Judge Trish Rose didn’t provide specific reasons for departing from state sentencing guidelines.&nbsp;

The shooting happened in the 500 block of Washington when Curtis Garcia went to sell a quarter pound of marijuana. When he arrived, Cushinberry tried to pay him with six counterfeit $100 bills, so Garcia left. He later came back after a text from Delaney and that’s when the shooting occurred. Delaney was wounded during that incident and nearly died.&nbsp;

Garcia, who did the shooting, was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628020178508.jpeg" alt="Delaney" />
 <figcaption>Delaney</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A Kansas man convicted of reckless second-degree murder in 2018 will be back in a Reno County courtroom Friday for re-sentencing.Tristan Delaney, 22, who is being held in the Hutchinson Correctional Facility, entered a plea to a second-degree murder charge after originally being charged with felony murder for the killing of Norman Cushinberry during a drug deal.He was sentenced to four years in prison. The state appealed the sentence and the Kansas Court of Appeals remanded the case back to district court for re-sentencing.The Court of Appeals stated that Judge Trish Rose didn’t provide specific reasons for departing from state sentencing guidelines.&nbsp;The shooting happened in the 500 block of Washington when Curtis Garcia went to sell a quarter pound of marijuana. When he arrived, Cushinberry tried to pay him with six counterfeit $100 bills, so Garcia left. He later came back after a text from Delaney and that’s when the shooting occurred. Delaney was wounded during that incident and nearly died.&nbsp;Garcia, who did the shooting, was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Kan. man set for re-sentencing in drug deal killing

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas inmate who died Thursday had tested positive for COVID-19, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.

Lester Jacobs, 60, had a history of a chronic medical issues prior to incarceration when he was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on July 16, on felony charges of violating the offender registration act and a state parole violation.

On Wednesday, Jacobs was admitted to the hospital after showing decreases in cognitive functions, according to Blick.

While in the hospital Jacobs tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;

 Just before noon Thursday he was pronounced dead. The preliminary cause of death is unknown pending an autopsy.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigation Division were notified.&nbsp;

The Sedgwick County Detention Facility has booked over 13,000 people so far this year. This is the first in-custody death for 2021, according to Blick.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628193164801.png" alt="Lester Jacobs -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Lester Jacobs -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas inmate who died Thursday had tested positive for COVID-19, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's office.Lester Jacobs, 60, had a history of a chronic medical issues prior to incarceration when he was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on July 16, on felony charges of violating the offender registration act and a state parole violation.On Wednesday, Jacobs was admitted to the hospital after showing decreases in cognitive functions, according to Blick.While in the hospital Jacobs tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp; Just before noon Thursday he was pronounced dead. The preliminary cause of death is unknown pending an autopsy.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Investigation Division were notified.&nbsp;The Sedgwick County Detention Facility has booked over 13,000 people so far this year. This is the first in-custody death for 2021, according to Blick.

Kan. jail inmate who tested positive for COVID dies

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ most populous county on Thursday imposed a mask mandate for students and staff in elementary schools in hopes of checking the more contagious COVID-19 delta variant.

The Johnson County Commission voted 5-2 for a mask requirement for schools from kindergarten through the sixth grade. The commission faced criticism both from health care providers who urged members to go further and from parents and other residents who opposed a mask mandate.

Johnson County, in the Kansas City area, has six public school districts with about 96,000 students or 20% of the state’s total. The mandate would affect roughly 50,000 students.

“We all want our schools open,” commission Chairman Ed Eilert said during a live-streamed meeting. “We all want out kids in school, learning.”

Critics questioned whether the commission can set policy for school districts. Many of the 90-plus people who signed up to make public comments questioned the effectiveness of masks or said parents should decide whether children wear them.

And Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara said the delta variant is not yet a serious public health problem.

“It’s time to get on with the business of life,” she said.

Kansas has seen new COVID-19 case numbers rise steadily over the past six weeks because of the delta variant.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas’ most populous county on Thursday imposed a mask mandate for students and staff in elementary schools in hopes of checking the more contagious COVID-19 delta variant.The Johnson County Commission voted 5-2 for a mask requirement for schools from kindergarten through the sixth grade. The commission faced criticism both from health care providers who urged members to go further and from parents and other residents who opposed a mask mandate.Johnson County, in the Kansas City area, has six public school districts with about 96,000 students or 20% of the state’s total. The mandate would affect roughly 50,000 students.“We all want our schools open,” commission Chairman Ed Eilert said during a live-streamed meeting. “We all want out kids in school, learning.”Critics questioned whether the commission can set policy for school districts. Many of the 90-plus people who signed up to make public comments questioned the effectiveness of masks or said parents should decide whether children wear them.And Commissioner Charlotte O’Hara said the delta variant is not yet a serious public health problem.“It’s time to get on with the business of life,” she said.Kansas has seen new COVID-19 case numbers rise steadily over the past six weeks because of the delta variant.

Kansas’ most populous county mandates masks for K-6 schools

Reno County Commissioner&nbsp;Daniel Friesen penned an opinion column in support of being vaccinated against COVID-19. The column sparked a response (below) from State Sen. Mark Steffen. Courtesy <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>.

OPINION: Reno County commissioner makes case for the vaccine

By DANIEL P. FRIESEN Reno County Commissioner

If you look closely, I just got my first dose Wednesday of last week.
 Prior to my vaccination, like many, I had reservations about the 
vaccine - nothing specific, it just didn't seem worth it. I had Covid-19
 last year and generally felt my risk was low. Those are similar reasons
 I’ve heard from other people that have chosen not to get the vaccine.

However,
 I felt compelled to get the vaccine if as a county commissioner, I’m 
going to support our health department and local medical community’s 
plea for you to get it too. While I certainly have strong convictions on
 personal freedom and choice, I am also a very analytical person that 
seeks facts and information and have never found my decisions on 
Covid-19 policy to be driven politically.

The latest information I
 have from our local hospital is that resources are again tight (related
 to many factors including a shortage of nurses), and hospitalized covid
 patients are increasing again. The situation is significant enough that
 many Kansas hospitals are again full and deferring patients elsewhere. 
This was a surprise to me and a large factor in this open letter to our 
community.

I believe our local health professionals when they say 
people are showing up at the hospital with life threatening covid 
symptoms who didn’t even know they were at risk. They also say they are 
now actively seeing younger covid patients as the virus naturally moves 
towards a population that is less vaccinated.

It seems quite 
possible that the Covid virus is here for a long time to come, and most 
every person will encounter it at some point. It is also quite evident 
that the virus and its impact is wildly unpredictable. These factors all
 look like risks to me, especially to those most vulnerable. You should 
weigh those risks with the Reno County commission’s current position on 
mandates.

I would not expect Reno County to require masks, limit 
gatherings, or close businesses or schools through this next wave. We 
have the right tools at our disposal to individually handle this threat 
and weather the storm the best we can. Most every adult and adolescent 
has an opportunity to get a potentially life-saving vaccine, stay home 
when they are sick or vulnerable to sickness, and do other common sense 
measures like listening to their family physician.

Yet, my fear is
 that people in our community are going to die because they did not get 
the vaccine or our medical resources become overwhelmed. I continue to 
respect the decision of those who choose not to get it, but I recently 
have come to respectfully disagree with those who argue the potential 
risk of the vaccine outweighs the value.

There seems to be good 
local evidence that vaccinated individuals currently have a hugely 
better likelihood of surviving contracting covid. Specifically, greater 
than 99% of all hospitalizations and deaths related to Covid-19 in Reno 
County are unvaccinated and we have yet to lose one person who was 
vaccinated. Consider that when you consider your risks.

You can 
choose to believe me or not, parse my words, or find information that 
supports an argument against what I have laid out above. It really does 
not matter because at the end of the day, those decisions are your own 
to make, and I am simply hopeful you consider the risk to yourself, your
 loved ones and your community in whatever you decide.

Finally, two important specific notes. One, vaccines are <a href="https://www.vaccines.gov/search/">widely available to you today</a>.
 Two, if you are a registered nurse who has time, please consider 
offering your skills to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center - Kayla 
Orellana (620) 665-2227. They are in increasing need for your help as 
Covid patient counts continue to rise.

Commissioner Daniel 
Friesen is vice-chair of the Reno County Commission. He was elected last
 November and took office in early January of this year. Friesen was 
previously a third-term mayor of the City of Buhler, holding that 
position for 11 years before joining the Commission.

OPINION: State senator responds to county commissioner's column

By MARK STEFFEN Kansas State Senator

It was about the second, maybe third, day of the Covid virus debacle 
that I realized the politics behind the response. And, it continues. The
 Biden Administration is at war with Florida and Texas where Republican 
Governors place individual rights and a fact based understanding of the 
covid virus before inflated fear campaigns. A wide open southern border 
betrays the Democrat’s desire to fill the country with their kind of 
voters of which many are contagious with the Covid-19 virus. While Cuban
 refugees who are passionate for democracy remain ignored. More liberals
 spread throughout our nation are more important than containing the 
spread of their dreaded virus. Pure politics!

At the very core is 
the shot. It’s not a vaccine. It’s a medical procedure. The liberals 
brag and brag as to its efficacy. Yet, not a peep as to its pitfalls and
 they are plentiful. The CDC has a system to report vaccine 
complications. Its acronym is VAERS. Its on the CDC website. Do not fall
 for the liberal mainstream talking points. More deaths and 
complications are associated with this current shot than all other 
vaccinations in the several decade history of VAERS. Do the research!

A
 recent study by the renowned Cleveland Clinic of 50,000 people proved 
the robust nature of natural immunity. The shot just adds risks for 
complications. It is an affront to science to deny the worth of 
naturally acquired immunity. Do the research!

Recent studies out 
of the United Kingdom and Israel show a much different rate of infection
 after vaccination versus that reported by our overly enthusiastic 
Health Department. They to are guilty of fanning the flames of fear 
rather than talking to us in an adult manner. Fanning flames with 
misleading data points goes beyond enthusiasm and becomes blatantly off 
putting. Do the research!

Injecting our children with this mRNA 
shot is beyond bizarre. A report on the CDC website outlining their 
thought processes on recommending the shot clearly defines that 
vaccinated children experienced “more severe complications” than 
unvaccinated children. Never in the history of mankind has a society 
knowingly sacrificed children for the alleged benefit of adults. Please 
do your research!

It’s quite clear that the India (delta) variant 
is more contagious and correspondingly less deadly than the original 
Covid-19 virus. Early treatment remains key. Ivermectin and 
hydroxychloroquine are proven in multiple studies to be effective in 
preventing hospitalization and death. Yet, liberal academic medicine 
continues to shut down their use while promoting a brand new, unproven, 
hospital based IV infusion that is expensive and in short supply. This, 
to a medical doctor such as myself, is unforgiveable if not criminal. I 
won’t forgive my colleagues for this. Do the research.

I will 
leave the idiocy of masks for another time. And, if you want the shot, 
then by all means please get it. Just don’t be so condescending as to 
tell me what to do. Remember this, elected officials that feel a 
stronger need to “go along to get along” rather than advance the truth, 
are not leaders. They are politicians. My respect they do not gain.

For those of you intrigued enough to continue down this road of edification, look no further than <a href="https://rccft.org/">RCCFT.org</a> for all the studies referred to above.

Reno County Commissioner&nbsp;Daniel Friesen penned an opinion column in support of being vaccinated against COVID-19. The column sparked a response (below) from State Sen. Mark Steffen. Courtesy <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch Post</a>.<h2>OPINION: Reno County commissioner makes case for the vaccine</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628158712566.jpeg" alt="Daniel Friesen" />
 <figcaption>Daniel Friesen</figcaption>
 </figure>By DANIEL P. FRIESEN Reno County CommissionerBelow is my vaccination card.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628158688655.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you look closely, I just got my first dose Wednesday of last week.
 Prior to my vaccination, like many, I had reservations about the 
vaccine - nothing specific, it just didn't seem worth it. I had Covid-19
 last year and generally felt my risk was low. Those are similar reasons
 I’ve heard from other people that have chosen not to get the vaccine.However,
 I felt compelled to get the vaccine if as a county commissioner, I’m 
going to support our health department and local medical community’s 
plea for you to get it too. While I certainly have strong convictions on
 personal freedom and choice, I am also a very analytical person that 
seeks facts and information and have never found my decisions on 
Covid-19 policy to be driven politically.The latest information I
 have from our local hospital is that resources are again tight (related
 to many factors including a shortage of nurses), and hospitalized covid
 patients are increasing again. The situation is significant enough that
 many Kansas hospitals are again full and deferring patients elsewhere. 
This was a surprise to me and a large factor in this open letter to our 
community.I believe our local health professionals when they say 
people are showing up at the hospital with life threatening covid 
symptoms who didn’t even know they were at risk. They also say they are 
now actively seeing younger covid patients as the virus naturally moves 
towards a population that is less vaccinated.It seems quite 
possible that the Covid virus is here for a long time to come, and most 
every person will encounter it at some point. It is also quite evident 
that the virus and its impact is wildly unpredictable. These factors all
 look like risks to me, especially to those most vulnerable. You should 
weigh those risks with the Reno County commission’s current position on 
mandates.I would not expect Reno County to require masks, limit 
gatherings, or close businesses or schools through this next wave. We 
have the right tools at our disposal to individually handle this threat 
and weather the storm the best we can. Most every adult and adolescent 
has an opportunity to get a potentially life-saving vaccine, stay home 
when they are sick or vulnerable to sickness, and do other common sense 
measures like listening to their family physician.Yet, my fear is
 that people in our community are going to die because they did not get 
the vaccine or our medical resources become overwhelmed. I continue to 
respect the decision of those who choose not to get it, but I recently 
have come to respectfully disagree with those who argue the potential 
risk of the vaccine outweighs the value.There seems to be good 
local evidence that vaccinated individuals currently have a hugely 
better likelihood of surviving contracting covid. Specifically, greater 
than 99% of all hospitalizations and deaths related to Covid-19 in Reno 
County are unvaccinated and we have yet to lose one person who was 
vaccinated. Consider that when you consider your risks.You can 
choose to believe me or not, parse my words, or find information that 
supports an argument against what I have laid out above. It really does 
not matter because at the end of the day, those decisions are your own 
to make, and I am simply hopeful you consider the risk to yourself, your
 loved ones and your community in whatever you decide.Finally, two important specific notes. One, vaccines are <a href="https://www.vaccines.gov/search/">widely available to you today</a>.
 Two, if you are a registered nurse who has time, please consider 
offering your skills to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center - Kayla 
Orellana (620) 665-2227. They are in increasing need for your help as 
Covid patient counts continue to rise.Commissioner Daniel 
Friesen is vice-chair of the Reno County Commission. He was elected last
 November and took office in early January of this year. Friesen was 
previously a third-term mayor of the City of Buhler, holding that 
position for 11 years before joining the Commission.-----------------<h2>OPINION: State senator responds to county commissioner's column</h2><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611761226060.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Mark Steffen&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Mark Steffen&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK STEFFEN Kansas State SenatorIt was about the second, maybe third, day of the Covid virus debacle 
that I realized the politics behind the response. And, it continues. The
 Biden Administration is at war with Florida and Texas where Republican 
Governors place individual rights and a fact based understanding of the 
covid virus before inflated fear campaigns. A wide open southern border 
betrays the Democrat’s desire to fill the country with their kind of 
voters of which many are contagious with the Covid-19 virus. While Cuban
 refugees who are passionate for democracy remain ignored. More liberals
 spread throughout our nation are more important than containing the 
spread of their dreaded virus. Pure politics!At the very core is 
the shot. It’s not a vaccine. It’s a medical procedure. The liberals 
brag and brag as to its efficacy. Yet, not a peep as to its pitfalls and
 they are plentiful. The CDC has a system to report vaccine 
complications. Its acronym is VAERS. Its on the CDC website. Do not fall
 for the liberal mainstream talking points. More deaths and 
complications are associated with this current shot than all other 
vaccinations in the several decade history of VAERS. Do the research!A
 recent study by the renowned Cleveland Clinic of 50,000 people proved 
the robust nature of natural immunity. The shot just adds risks for 
complications. It is an affront to science to deny the worth of 
naturally acquired immunity. Do the research!Recent studies out 
of the United Kingdom and Israel show a much different rate of infection
 after vaccination versus that reported by our overly enthusiastic 
Health Department. They to are guilty of fanning the flames of fear 
rather than talking to us in an adult manner. Fanning flames with 
misleading data points goes beyond enthusiasm and becomes blatantly off 
putting. Do the research!Injecting our children with this mRNA 
shot is beyond bizarre. A report on the CDC website outlining their 
thought processes on recommending the shot clearly defines that 
vaccinated children experienced “more severe complications” than 
unvaccinated children. Never in the history of mankind has a society 
knowingly sacrificed children for the alleged benefit of adults. Please 
do your research!It’s quite clear that the India (delta) variant 
is more contagious and correspondingly less deadly than the original 
Covid-19 virus. Early treatment remains key. Ivermectin and 
hydroxychloroquine are proven in multiple studies to be effective in 
preventing hospitalization and death. Yet, liberal academic medicine 
continues to shut down their use while promoting a brand new, unproven, 
hospital based IV infusion that is expensive and in short supply. This, 
to a medical doctor such as myself, is unforgiveable if not criminal. I 
won’t forgive my colleagues for this. Do the research.I will 
leave the idiocy of masks for another time. And, if you want the shot, 
then by all means please get it. Just don’t be so condescending as to 
tell me what to do. Remember this, elected officials that feel a 
stronger need to “go along to get along” rather than advance the truth, 
are not leaders. They are politicians. My respect they do not gain.For those of you intrigued enough to continue down this road of edification, look no further than <a href="https://rccft.org/">RCCFT.org</a> for all the studies referred to above.

Dueling opinions on COVID-19 vaccine in Reno County

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man died Thursday after being hit by a vehicle as he ran into a busy highway in suburban Kansas City to retrieve a ladder that had fallen from his van, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The crash happened just before 8 a.m. in the southbound lanes of Interstate 49 at Grandview, the patrol said. Patrol Sgt. Bill Lowe said the man was in the roadway trying to reach the ladder when he was hit.

That crash caused a chain reaction crash involving two more cars and resulting in three other people injured.

The name of the man killed has not been released. The crash shut down the southbound lanes of the interstate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628189688971.png" alt="Traffic backed up as a result of the fatal accident-photo courtesy KC Scout" />
 <figcaption>Traffic backed up as a result of the fatal accident-photo courtesy KC Scout</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man died Thursday after being hit by a vehicle as he ran into a busy highway in suburban Kansas City to retrieve a ladder that had fallen from his van, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.The crash happened just before 8 a.m. in the southbound lanes of Interstate 49 at Grandview, the patrol said. Patrol Sgt. Bill Lowe said the man was in the roadway trying to reach the ladder when he was hit.That crash caused a chain reaction crash involving two more cars and resulting in three other people injured.The name of the man killed has not been released. The crash shut down the southbound lanes of the interstate.

Patrol: Man retrieving ladder from KC highway hit, killed

KANSAS CITY (AP) — After a federal eviction moratorium was allowed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-d6bfbe4aff82bbcf7586a3936ea98731">lapse</a>&nbsp;last weekend, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new moratorium Tuesday on evictions that would last until Oct. 3.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628034052731.png" alt="Protesters at the U.S. Capitol over the weekend-photo courtesy Senator Cori Bush" />
 <figcaption>Protesters at the U.S. Capitol over the weekend-photo courtesy Senator Cori Bush</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — After a federal eviction moratorium was allowed to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-d6bfbe4aff82bbcf7586a3936ea98731">lapse</a>&nbsp;last weekend, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new moratorium Tuesday on evictions that would last until Oct. 3.The new moratorium aims to keep millions in their homes and prevent the spread of the coronavirus’ delta variant. The order cites the fact that there are lower vaccination rates in areas most at risk for eviction.The moratorium also give states additional time to get out nearly&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/eviction-moratorium-rental-assistance-coronavirus-bd0947fe93b72c88305629a6608602ee">$47 billion in rental assistance</a>, most of which has yet to be distributed to tenants and landlords.WHO BENEFITS FROM THE NEW MORATORIUM?Most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-58f318ba0fb988fdcfaf184c33d4257a">tenants facing eviction</a>&nbsp;and who counted on the CDC moratorium in the past should be protected. The new ban would temporarily halt evictions in&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view" target="_blank">counties</a>&nbsp;with “substantial and high levels” of virus transmission and is expected to cover areas where 90% of the U.S. population lives.The number of tenants protected is likely to change, however, since it would stop being applicable in counties that go 14 days without seeing substantial or high levels of coronavirus transmission. Counties that are not covered now, but later experience spikes, would also fall under the moratorium when that happens.There are concerns among advocates that judges, especially in rural areas, may ignore the CDC moratorium as some did earlier in the pandemic. Already, a lawyer in North Carolina said Wednesday that a judge refused to accept it as a defense because the Administrative Office of the Courts has not provided any guidance on it.HOW CAN A TENANT USE THE MORATORIUM TO PREVENT AN EVICTION?Just like the original CDC moratorium, a tenant facing eviction for nonpayment of rent must fill out a form and present it to their landlord or the owner of the property.The new order makes clear that someone protected by the original CDC order would still be protected. It also says that anyone in court for nonpayment of rent but whose case has not yet been completed would be protected by the order.But as was the case previously, the order would not protect someone who engaged in criminal activities, damaged their apartment or threatened the health and safety of other residents among other violationsWILL THIS ORDER SURVIVE LEGAL CHALLENGES?After pushing the CDC to reconsider its options, President Joe Biden acknowledged Tuesday that he wasn’t sure the new moratorium could withstand lawsuits about its constitutionality. Landlords had successfully challenge the original order in court.When the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the eviction ban to remain in place through the end of July by a 5-4 vote, one justice in the majority, Brett Kavanaugh, wrote that Congress would have to act to extend it further.Landlords groups reacted to the new order as they did the old one, criticizing it as an unfunded government mandate. They have yet to detail their legal strategy, though most housing advocates are counting on more lawsuits. Even if the order is overturned in court, advocates are hopeful it gives states enough time to get rental assistance out.WHAT MORE COULD BE DONE FOR TENANTS?Housing advocates have called the extension the best option given the current situation. Most would have liked Congress to take up the issue and pass a comprehensive eviction moratorium. But that is unlikely in the current political climate.The other option is for states and cities to pass their own moratoriums, as many did during the pandemic. California, New York and New Jersey are among a handful of states that still have moratoriums in place.But it’s unlikely that states or cities will enact their own, especially with the CDC extension in place. For most advocates, the focus remains on getting states to speed up the distribution of rental assistance — seen as the best long-term option to keeping tenants housed over the long-term and making landlords whole.