WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is strongly considering requiring federal employees to show proof they’ve been vaccinated against the coronavirus or otherwise submit to regular testing and wear a mask — a potentially major shift in policy that reflects growing concerns about the spread of the more infectious delta variant.

The possible vaccine mandate for federal employees — regardless of the rate of transmission in their area — is one option under consideration by the Biden administration, according to a person familiar with the plans who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss deliberations that have yet to be made public. The White House is expected to announce its final decision after completing a policy review this week.

According to an analysis from the federal Office of Management and Budget, in 2020 there were more than 4.2 million federal workers nationwide, including those in the military.

President Joe Biden suggested Tuesday that expanding that mandate to the entire federal workforce was “under consideration,” but offered no further details. The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday became the first federal agency to require vaccinations, for its health workers.

The broader requirement under consideration would be the most significant shift by the Biden administration this week as the White House grapples with a surge in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations nationwide driven by the spread of the delta variant and breakthrough infections among vaccinated Americans.

On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed its masking guidelines and said that all Americans living in areas with substantial or high coronavirus transmission rates should wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.

And just like that, masks were back at the White House.

By Tuesday afternoon, when the latest CDC data found that Washington, D.C., is facing substantial rates of transmission, White House staff were asked to begin wearing masks indoors starting Wednesday. Press were asked to follow suit, and those staff and reporters remaining in the White House were already masking up.

An aide for Vice President Kamala Harris passed out masks to the reporters covering her events earlier that day, asking them to put them on before walking in to her meeting with Native American leaders on voting rights.

Masks will also be required again at the U.S. House.

Citing the new CDC guidance, the Capitol’s Attending Physician Brian P. Monahan issued a memo late Tuesday reinstating the mask requirement for all individuals, vaccinated and not, when entering the House chamber or other interior spaces in the complex when others are present. Fines that had been established under previous House rules can be imposed for offenders, though exceptions will be allowed when lawmakers are recognized to speak during proceedings.

For the Senate, with far fewer members, the masks are being recommended but not required for the chamber and other indoor spaces.

“All individuals should wear a well-fitted, medical-grade filtration mask,” Monahan wrote in a similar letter obtained by The Associated Press.

Biden dismissed concerns that the new masking guidance from the CDC could create confusion among Americans, saying those who remain unvaccinated are the ones who are “sowing enormous confusion.”

“The more we learn, the more we learn about this virus and the delta variation, the more we have to be worried and concerned. And there’s only one thing we know for sure — if those other 100 million people got vaccinated, we’d be in a very different world,” he told reporters after speaking to intelligence community employees at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday.

But the whiplash on masking and vaccinations — just the day before, White House press secretary Jen Psaki had avoided questions over why the administration had yet to require vaccines for federal workers — reflects the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus.

Various state and local governments, private companies, hospital administrators and universities across the nation have reverted to indoor mask mandates and instituted vaccine mandates in recent months, but just 60% of American adults have been completely vaccinated, and the latest wave of the coronavirus is hitting those communities with low vaccination rates particularly hard. The nation is averaging more than 57,000 cases a day and 24,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations.

But the Biden administration had thus far avoided embracing a vaccine mandate for its own employees — in part because officials are wary of further politicizing an already fraught issue by coming down too hard on the side of vaccine mandates.

Psaki acknowledged Tuesday that administration officials are aware of the risk that Biden’s support for vaccine mandates could harden opposition to vaccines among his detractors.

“The president certainly recognizes that he is not always the right voice to every community about the benefits of getting vaccinated, which is why we have invested as much as we have in local voices and empowering local, trusted voices,” she said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627469104760.png" alt="President Joe Biden suggested Tuesday that expanding that mandate to the entire federal workforce was “under consideration,” but offered no further details. The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday became the first federal agency to require vaccinations, for its health workers.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden suggested Tuesday that expanding that mandate to the entire federal workforce was “under consideration,” but offered no further details. The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday became the first federal agency to require vaccinations, for its health workers.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is strongly considering requiring federal employees to show proof they’ve been vaccinated against the coronavirus or otherwise submit to regular testing and wear a mask — a potentially major shift in policy that reflects growing concerns about the spread of the more infectious delta variant.The possible vaccine mandate for federal employees — regardless of the rate of transmission in their area — is one option under consideration by the Biden administration, according to a person familiar with the plans who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss deliberations that have yet to be made public. The White House is expected to announce its final decision after completing a policy review this week.According to an analysis from the federal Office of Management and Budget, in 2020 there were more than 4.2 million federal workers nationwide, including those in the military.President Joe Biden suggested Tuesday that expanding that mandate to the entire federal workforce was “under consideration,” but offered no further details. The Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday became the first federal agency to require vaccinations, for its health workers.The broader requirement under consideration would be the most significant shift by the Biden administration this week as the White House grapples with a surge in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations nationwide driven by the spread of the delta variant and breakthrough infections among vaccinated Americans.On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reversed its masking guidelines and said that all Americans living in areas with substantial or high coronavirus transmission rates should wear masks indoors, regardless of their vaccination status.And just like that, masks were back at the White House.By Tuesday afternoon, when the latest CDC data found that Washington, D.C., is facing substantial rates of transmission, White House staff were asked to begin wearing masks indoors starting Wednesday. Press were asked to follow suit, and those staff and reporters remaining in the White House were already masking up.An aide for Vice President Kamala Harris passed out masks to the reporters covering her events earlier that day, asking them to put them on before walking in to her meeting with Native American leaders on voting rights.Masks will also be required again at the U.S. House.Citing the new CDC guidance, the Capitol’s Attending Physician Brian P. Monahan issued a memo late Tuesday reinstating the mask requirement for all individuals, vaccinated and not, when entering the House chamber or other interior spaces in the complex when others are present. Fines that had been established under previous House rules can be imposed for offenders, though exceptions will be allowed when lawmakers are recognized to speak during proceedings.For the Senate, with far fewer members, the masks are being recommended but not required for the chamber and other indoor spaces.“All individuals should wear a well-fitted, medical-grade filtration mask,” Monahan wrote in a similar letter obtained by The Associated Press.Biden dismissed concerns that the new masking guidance from the CDC could create confusion among Americans, saying those who remain unvaccinated are the ones who are “sowing enormous confusion.”“The more we learn, the more we learn about this virus and the delta variation, the more we have to be worried and concerned. And there’s only one thing we know for sure — if those other 100 million people got vaccinated, we’d be in a very different world,” he told reporters after speaking to intelligence community employees at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday.But the whiplash on masking and vaccinations — just the day before, White House press secretary Jen Psaki had avoided questions over why the administration had yet to require vaccines for federal workers — reflects the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus.Various state and local governments, private companies, hospital administrators and universities across the nation have reverted to indoor mask mandates and instituted vaccine mandates in recent months, but just 60% of American adults have been completely vaccinated, and the latest wave of the coronavirus is hitting those communities with low vaccination rates particularly hard. The nation is averaging more than 57,000 cases a day and 24,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations.But the Biden administration had thus far avoided embracing a vaccine mandate for its own employees — in part because officials are wary of further politicizing an already fraught issue by coming down too hard on the side of vaccine mandates.Psaki acknowledged Tuesday that administration officials are aware of the risk that Biden’s support for vaccine mandates could harden opposition to vaccines among his detractors.“The president certainly recognizes that he is not always the right voice to every community about the benefits of getting vaccinated, which is why we have invested as much as we have in local voices and empowering local, trusted voices,” she said.

Biden considers vaccine mandate for all federal workers

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title.

The American gymnastics superstar withdrew from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being.

USA Gymnastics said in a statement on Wednesday that the 24-year-old is opting to not compete. The decision comes a day after Biles removed herself from the team final following one rotation because she felt she wasn’t mentally ready.

Jade Carey, who finished ninth in qualifying, will take Biles’ place in the all-around. Carey initially did not qualify because she was the third-ranking American behind Biles and Sunisa Lee. International Gymnastics Federation rules limit countries to two athletes per event in the finals.

The organization said Biles will be evaluated daily before deciding if she will participate in next week’s individual events. Biles qualified for the finals on all four apparatuses, something she didn’t even do during her five-medal haul in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

The 24-year-old came to Tokyo as arguably the face of the Games following the retirement of swimmer Michael Phelps and sprinter Usain Bolt. She topped qualifying on Sunday despite piling up mandatory deductions on vault, floor and beam following shaky dismounts.

She posted on social media on Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. The weight became too heavy after vaulting during team finals. She lost herself in mid-air and completed 1 1/2 twists instead of 2 1/2. She consulted with U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin before walking off the field of play.

When she returned, she took off her bar grips, hugged teammates Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum and Jordan Chiles and turned into the team’s head cheerleader as the U.S. claimed silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee.

“Once I came out here (to compete), I was like, ‘No mental is, not there so I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself,’” Biles said following the medal ceremony.

The decision opens the door wide open for the all-around, a title that was long considered a foregone conclusion. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil finished second to Biles during qualifying, followed by Lee and Russians Angelina Melnikova and Vladislava Urazova. The four were separated by three-tenths of a point on Sunday.

Carey now finds herself in the final, capping a remarkable journey for the 21-year-old from Phoenix. She spent two years traveling the globe in an effort to pile up enough points on the World Cup circuit to earn an individual nominative spot, meaning she would be in the Olympics but technically not be part of the four-woman U.S. team.

Carey posted the second-best score on vault and the third-best on floor during qualifying, earning trips to the event finals in the process. Now she finds herself competing for an all-around medal while replacing the athlete considered the greatest of all-time in the sport

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles will not defend her Olympic title.The American gymnastics superstar withdrew from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental well-being.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After further medical evaluation, Simone Biles has withdrawn from the final individual all-around competition. We wholeheartedly support Simone’s decision and applaud her bravery in prioritizing her well-being. Her courage shows, yet again, why she is a role model for so many. <a href="https://t.co/6ILdtSQF7o">pic.twitter.com/6ILdtSQF7o</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1420266286441922562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>USA Gymnastics said in a statement on Wednesday that the 24-year-old is opting to not compete. The decision comes a day after Biles removed herself from the team final following one rotation because she felt she wasn’t mentally ready.Jade Carey, who finished ninth in qualifying, will take Biles’ place in the all-around. Carey initially did not qualify because she was the third-ranking American behind Biles and Sunisa Lee. International Gymnastics Federation rules limit countries to two athletes per event in the finals.The organization said Biles will be evaluated daily before deciding if she will participate in next week’s individual events. Biles qualified for the finals on all four apparatuses, something she didn’t even do during her five-medal haul in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.The 24-year-old came to Tokyo as arguably the face of the Games following the retirement of swimmer Michael Phelps and sprinter Usain Bolt. She topped qualifying on Sunday despite piling up mandatory deductions on vault, floor and beam following shaky dismounts.She posted on social media on Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. The weight became too heavy after vaulting during team finals. She lost herself in mid-air and completed 1 1/2 twists instead of 2 1/2. She consulted with U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin before walking off the field of play.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We’re thinking of you, Simone. ❤️ Your strength and courage to focus on your wellbeing is something we can all learn from. Thank you for being the leader you are. <a href="https://t.co/Jnaa96AKse">pic.twitter.com/Jnaa96AKse</a>&mdash; Team USA (@TeamUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamUSA/status/1420306841351819265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>When she returned, she took off her bar grips, hugged teammates Sunisa Lee, Grace McCallum and Jordan Chiles and turned into the team’s head cheerleader as the U.S. claimed silver behind the Russian Olympic Committee.“Once I came out here (to compete), I was like, ‘No mental is, not there so I just need to let the girls do it and focus on myself,’” Biles said following the medal ceremony.The decision opens the door wide open for the all-around, a title that was long considered a foregone conclusion. Rebeca Andrade of Brazil finished second to Biles during qualifying, followed by Lee and Russians Angelina Melnikova and Vladislava Urazova. The four were separated by three-tenths of a point on Sunday.Carey now finds herself in the final, capping a remarkable journey for the 21-year-old from Phoenix. She spent two years traveling the globe in an effort to pile up enough points on the World Cup circuit to earn an individual nominative spot, meaning she would be in the Olympics but technically not be part of the four-woman U.S. team.Carey posted the second-best score on vault and the third-best on floor during qualifying, earning trips to the event finals in the process. Now she finds herself competing for an all-around medal while replacing the athlete considered the greatest of all-time in the sport

Superstar Simone Biles withdraws from all-around competition

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury indicted a Kansas man on 17 counts of failure to pay over payroll taxes, according to the United State's Attorney's office.

According to court documents, Jesus Perez-Aguayo, 38, served as owner, operator, and president of two companies, JLP Construction and JP Remodeling. Between 2015 and 2019.

Perez-Aguayo is accused of collecting but not forwarding hundreds of thousands of dollars in employee payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.

If there is a conviction, each count of Failure to Pay Over Payroll Taxes carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.

Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627331553120.png" alt="Perez-Aguayo -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Perez-Aguayo -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury indicted a Kansas man on 17 counts of failure to pay over payroll taxes, according to the United State's Attorney's office.According to court documents, Jesus Perez-Aguayo, 38, served as owner, operator, and president of two companies, JLP Construction and JP Remodeling. Between 2015 and 2019.Perez-Aguayo is accused of collecting but not forwarding hundreds of thousands of dollars in employee payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service.If there is a conviction, each count of Failure to Pay Over Payroll Taxes carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Indictment: Kan. construction firm skipped payroll taxes

SALINA —The USD 305 Board of Education wants students and employees safe and in school.

To that end, the board decided Tuesday night that masks will be required for all students, employees, and visitors in USD 305 buildings beginning Wednesday. That's the word in a notice from USD 305 Superintendent Linn Exline.

The USD 305 Board of Education met Tuesday afternoon to discuss the district's Return to Instruction Plan. The masking decision was made during the meeting. 

Exline noted in her message to employees that the district's Return to Instruction Plan would be updated to reflect the board's decision.

Following is Exline's message to employees.

SALINA —The USD 305 Board of Education wants students and employees safe and in school.To that end, the board decided Tuesday night that masks will be required for all students, employees, and visitors in USD 305 buildings beginning Wednesday. That's the word in a notice from USD 305 Superintendent Linn Exline.The USD 305 Board of Education met Tuesday afternoon to discuss the district's Return to Instruction Plan. The masking decision was made during the meeting. Exline noted in her message to employees that the district's Return to Instruction Plan would be updated to reflect the board's decision.Following is Exline's message to employees.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627438093965.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Salina public schools to require masks beginning Wednesday

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teacher accused of alleged sex crimes made his first court appearance in the case Monday.

Shawn Wingfield, 48, was charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In June, police in Wichita were alerted to a concerning text messages sent by 48-year-old Shawn Wingfield, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;

USD 259 listed Wingfield as a gifted-6 teacher at Wichita Northwest High School. His linkdin profile said he also was involved with debate and forensics.

Further investigation into the text messages led police to arrest Wingfield on Saturday and he was booked&nbsp; into the Sedgwick County Jail <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=305200">on requested</a> charges of sexual exploitation of a child.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Wingfield wrote on social media," This morning, for reasons involving personal health and well being, I resigned from Wichita Public Schools. Without going into details, I have come to believe that this is not only the best decision for myself, but also for the district and my students. And while I do regret the timing of this decision so close to the start of the new school year, I believe that to stay any longer would prove to be a greater inconvenience to everyone in the end."

On Saturday Wingfield&nbsp; wrote on social media, "Time for me to check out for a while.  A little earlier than I had hoped.  See everyone, I hope, on the other side."

&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=305200">He remains jailed on a $50,000 </a>bond, according to online jail records&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627295318183.png" alt="Wingfield-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Wingfield-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teacher accused of alleged sex crimes made his first court appearance in the case Monday.Shawn Wingfield, 48, was charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In June, police in Wichita were alerted to a concerning text messages sent by 48-year-old Shawn Wingfield, according to Officer Charley Davidson.&nbsp;USD 259 listed Wingfield as a gifted-6 teacher at Wichita Northwest High School. His linkdin profile said he also was involved with debate and forensics.Further investigation into the text messages led police to arrest Wingfield on Saturday and he was booked&nbsp; into the Sedgwick County Jail <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=305200">on requested</a> charges of sexual exploitation of a child.&nbsp;Earlier this month, Wingfield wrote on social media," This morning, for reasons involving personal health and well being, I resigned from Wichita Public Schools. Without going into details, I have come to believe that this is not only the best decision for myself, but also for the district and my students. And while I do regret the timing of this decision so close to the start of the new school year, I believe that to stay any longer would prove to be a greater inconvenience to everyone in the end."On Saturday Wingfield&nbsp; wrote on social media, "Time for me to check out for a while. A little earlier than I had hoped. See everyone, I hope, on the other side."&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=305200">He remains jailed on a $50,000 </a>bond, according to online jail records&nbsp;

Kan. teacher charged with sex crimes after text message investigation

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon after an early morning traffic stop.

Just after 2a.m. Monday,&nbsp;&nbsp;a deputy conducted a traffic stop on white 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck at North Kansas Avenue and NE Fairchild Street for a broken taillight, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 As the officer approached the pickup truck, the driver later identified as 22-year-old Austin D. Reisinger  sped away, struck a curb and fled from the pickup on foot. 

Within minutes, deputies located Reisinger and took him into custody.&nbsp;During the investigation, deputies found a loaded firearm and drug paraphernalia inside the pickup truck.

Reisinger was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, flee and elude and multiple traffic offenses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627419025194.png" alt="Reisinger photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Reisinger photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon after an early morning traffic stop.Just after 2a.m. Monday,&nbsp;&nbsp;a deputy conducted a traffic stop on white 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck at North Kansas Avenue and NE Fairchild Street for a broken taillight, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. As the officer approached the pickup truck, the driver later identified as 22-year-old Austin D. Reisinger sped away, struck a curb and fled from the pickup on foot. Within minutes, deputies located Reisinger and took him into custody.&nbsp;During the investigation, deputies found a loaded firearm and drug paraphernalia inside the pickup truck.Reisinger was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, flee and elude and multiple traffic offenses.

Kan. deputies find loaded firearm, drugs during traffic stop

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the theft of a John Deere Gator are offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest in the cast.

The theft occurred just before 4 a.m. Tuesday from a residence&nbsp;in the 12000 Block of 166th Road in Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The landowner reported that he was notified by game cameras of trespassers on the property.

The land owner and deputies discovered another newer model John Deere Gator in a wooded area on the property.&nbsp; The Gator was taken from the 100 Block of East Central Street in Mayetta.&nbsp;

 At approximately 10:45 pm Monday evening, the owner’s game cameras alerted once again capturing a photo of a vehicle and a man wearing a tank top and glasses.&nbsp;

 If you have any information regarding the identity of the individual in this photo or those involved in the theft, please notify the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-364-2251.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627416101330.png" alt="Trail camera images from Jackson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Trail camera images from Jackson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating the theft of a John Deere Gator are offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest in the cast.The theft occurred just before 4 a.m. Tuesday from a residence&nbsp;in the 12000 Block of 166th Road in Jackson County, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The landowner reported that he was notified by game cameras of trespassers on the property.The land owner and deputies discovered another newer model John Deere Gator in a wooded area on the property.&nbsp; The Gator was taken from the 100 Block of East Central Street in Mayetta.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627416262503.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> At approximately 10:45 pm Monday evening, the owner’s game cameras alerted once again capturing a photo of a vehicle and a man wearing a tank top and glasses.&nbsp; If you have any information regarding the identity of the individual in this photo or those involved in the theft, please notify the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office at 785-364-2251.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reward offered for capture of suspects in Kan. ATV thefts

<a href="https://hosted.ap.org/semissourian/article/4732ad26ef9ce4dd580dd96c23c95fd4/missouri-works-boost-vaccinations-covid-19-worsens#">By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH</a>

As COVID-19 hospitalizations climb, St. Louis is offering incentives for some city employees to get immunized, while thousands are registering for a statewide vaccine lottery.

St. Louis said in a news release Tuesday that nearly 6,000 of its workers will be eligible to receive $100 in gift cards and can use paid time off to get vaccinated. The announcement comes one day after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-79959d313428d98ab8aa905bbe287ba0">mask mandate</a>&nbsp;took effect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/23f9b3da8c866cfffc617699b28caacb">in the city and St. Louis County.</a>

Missouri has the nation’s fourth-worst COVID-19 diagnosis rate over the past week, with one in every 360 people diagnosed with COVID-19.

“Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 remains the best way for St. Louisans to protect their families and greatly reduce their chance of ending up in the ICU, and we are using many different tools in our toolbox to encourage vaccination,” said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones in the release.

Statewide, COVID-19 hospitalization jumped by 168% from a low point of 628 of May 23 to 1,684 on Aug. 24, state data shows. But the jump was much sharper in sparsely vaccinated southwest Missouri, where the number of hospitalizations leapt by 443% and reached pandemic highs.

To help, the state rolled out a vaccine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-michael-brown-c5cf37ca59327da018687038b5ec8870">incentive program&nbsp;</a>last week that includes $10,000 prizes for 900 lottery winners. About 250,000 people have registered so far, said health department spokeswoman Lisa Cox.

Only 47.4% of Missourians have received at least one dose of the vaccine, compared with 56.8% nationally, state and federal data shows. The rate is far lower for younger residents, with just 26.5% of 12- to 14-year-olds and 36.5% of 15- to 24-year-olds getting at least one dose.

Hospital officials in Springfield have been begging on social media for people to get vaccinated.

Erik Frederick, chief administrative officer of Mercy Springfield, retweeted a message Monday night from a COVID-19 nurse who wrote that the situation was “getting worse" and that there was “no end in sight."

Rising cases also are putting a strain on contact tracers in St. Joseph in northwest Missouri, said Connie Werner, health department clinic coordinator. The vaccination rate in surrounding Buchanan County is just 22.3%.

“It’s not that the vaccine isn’t available, and it’s not that there’s not multiple opportunities and multiple times for people to get it, it’s just that they’re not going to get it,” Werner told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newspressnow.com/news/local_news/coronavirus/health-department-struggling-to-keep-up-with-contact-tracing/article_8e033414-ee54-11eb-9d32-2f1cbda66db7.html">St. Joseph News-Press</a>. “It does take the community to have accountability as well, instead of us walking up to you and begging you to take it.”

<a href="https://hosted.ap.org/semissourian/article/4732ad26ef9ce4dd580dd96c23c95fd4/missouri-works-boost-vaccinations-covid-19-worsens#">By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH</a>As COVID-19 hospitalizations climb, St. Louis is offering incentives for some city employees to get immunized, while thousands are registering for a statewide vaccine lottery.St. Louis said in a news release Tuesday that nearly 6,000 of its workers will be eligible to receive $100 in gift cards and can use paid time off to get vaccinated. The announcement comes one day after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-79959d313428d98ab8aa905bbe287ba0">mask mandate</a>&nbsp;took effect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/23f9b3da8c866cfffc617699b28caacb">in the city and St. Louis County.</a>Missouri has the nation’s fourth-worst COVID-19 diagnosis rate over the past week, with one in every 360 people diagnosed with COVID-19.“Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 remains the best way for St. Louisans to protect their families and greatly reduce their chance of ending up in the ICU, and we are using many different tools in our toolbox to encourage vaccination,” said St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones in the release.Statewide, COVID-19 hospitalization jumped by 168% from a low point of 628 of May 23 to 1,684 on Aug. 24, state data shows. But the jump was much sharper in sparsely vaccinated southwest Missouri, where the number of hospitalizations leapt by 443% and reached pandemic highs.To help, the state rolled out a vaccine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-michael-brown-c5cf37ca59327da018687038b5ec8870">incentive program&nbsp;</a>last week that includes $10,000 prizes for 900 lottery winners. About 250,000 people have registered so far, said health department spokeswoman Lisa Cox.Only 47.4% of Missourians have received at least one dose of the vaccine, compared with 56.8% nationally, state and federal data shows. The rate is far lower for younger residents, with just 26.5% of 12- to 14-year-olds and 36.5% of 15- to 24-year-olds getting at least one dose.Hospital officials in Springfield have been begging on social media for people to get vaccinated.Erik Frederick, chief administrative officer of Mercy Springfield, retweeted a message Monday night from a COVID-19 nurse who wrote that the situation was “getting worse" and that there was “no end in sight."Rising cases also are putting a strain on contact tracers in St. Joseph in northwest Missouri, said Connie Werner, health department clinic coordinator. The vaccination rate in surrounding Buchanan County is just 22.3%.“It’s not that the vaccine isn’t available, and it’s not that there’s not multiple opportunities and multiple times for people to get it, it’s just that they’re not going to get it,” Werner told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newspressnow.com/news/local_news/coronavirus/health-department-struggling-to-keep-up-with-contact-tracing/article_8e033414-ee54-11eb-9d32-2f1cbda66db7.html">St. Joseph News-Press</a>. “It does take the community to have accountability as well, instead of us walking up to you and begging you to take it.”

Missouri among the nation's worst COVID-19 diagnosis rate

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The fuel needle is moving closer to “empty” at some U.S. airports.

American Airlines says it’s running into fuel shortages at some smaller and mid-size airports, and in some cases the airline will add refueling stops or fly fuel into locations where the supply is tight.

The airline said that the shortages showed up first in the West, where they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-government-and-politics-fires-environment-and-nature-29b3eb2572c64109ecce45258a93f78c">could affect efforts to fight wildfires.</a>&nbsp;They are now being reported in other parts of the country and will last through mid-August, according to a company memo to pilots on Monday. It asked pilots to conserve fuel by, for example, leaving one engine off while taxiing.

American said fuel supplies are being squeezed at “several” airports, which it didn’t name, mostly because of a shortage of tanker trucks or drivers.

Delta Air Lines, meanwhile, said Reno, Nevada, is the most affected location. Delta said pipelines have been devoting more space to gasoline and diesel and less to jet fuel during the pandemic. Nevada politicians worry that the situation could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-government-and-politics-nevada-coronavirus-pandemic-de990bb6053cab4b938d56bbd1186e10">limit the flow of tourism dollars</a>.

Southwest said the fuel situation hasn’t affected its flights, but it has added more fuel on some planes to limit the amount needed at airports with shortages.

Trade group Airlines for America said it is talking to federal authorities and pipeline operators about the situation, which it said mostly affects smaller airports in the West.

The jet fuel supply is being taxed by a strong recovery in travel, which means more planes in the air. U.S. air travel has reached about 80% of its pre-pandemic levels, with about 2 million people a day are flying in the U.S., double the number in early March.

The American Airlines memo to pilots was reported earlier by CNBC.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The fuel needle is moving closer to “empty” at some U.S. airports.American Airlines says it’s running into fuel shortages at some smaller and mid-size airports, and in some cases the airline will add refueling stops or fly fuel into locations where the supply is tight.The airline said that the shortages showed up first in the West, where they&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-government-and-politics-fires-environment-and-nature-29b3eb2572c64109ecce45258a93f78c">could affect efforts to fight wildfires.</a>&nbsp;They are now being reported in other parts of the country and will last through mid-August, according to a company memo to pilots on Monday. It asked pilots to conserve fuel by, for example, leaving one engine off while taxiing.American said fuel supplies are being squeezed at “several” airports, which it didn’t name, mostly because of a shortage of tanker trucks or drivers.Delta Air Lines, meanwhile, said Reno, Nevada, is the most affected location. Delta said pipelines have been devoting more space to gasoline and diesel and less to jet fuel during the pandemic. Nevada politicians worry that the situation could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-government-and-politics-nevada-coronavirus-pandemic-de990bb6053cab4b938d56bbd1186e10">limit the flow of tourism dollars</a>.Southwest said the fuel situation hasn’t affected its flights, but it has added more fuel on some planes to limit the amount needed at airports with shortages.Trade group Airlines for America said it is talking to federal authorities and pipeline operators about the situation, which it said mostly affects smaller airports in the West.The jet fuel supply is being taxed by a strong recovery in travel, which means more planes in the air. U.S. air travel has reached about 80% of its pre-pandemic levels, with about 2 million people a day are flying in the U.S., double the number in early March.The American Airlines memo to pilots was reported earlier by CNBC.

Airlines cite concerns about fuel shortages at some airports

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles arrived in Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. She convinced herself she was prepared for the pressure. That she was ready to carry the burden of outsized expectations.

Only, as the women’s gymnastics team final approached on Tuesday night, something felt off. And the athlete widely considered the Greatest of All Time in her sport knew it.

So rather than push through the doubts that crept into her head as she’s done so many times in the past, Biles decided enough was enough. She was done. For now.

The American star withdrew from the competition following one rotation, opening the door for the team of Russian athletes to win gold for the first time in nearly three decades.

Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Grace McCallum guided the U.S. to silver while Biles cheered from the sideline in a white sweatsuit, at peace with a decision that revealed a shift not only in Biles but perhaps the sport she’s redefined.

“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day we’re human, too,” Biles said. “So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”

The Americans — fueled by an uneven bars routine by Lee that not even Biles could match — drew within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium for the first time since the Unified Team won in Barcelona in 1992.

The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final. Great Britain edged Italy for bronze.

“The impossible is possible now,” Melnikova said.

In the five years since Biles and the U.S. put on a dazzling display on their way to gold in Rio de Janeiro, gymnastics has undergone a reckoning. The tectonic plates in a sport where obedience, discipline and silence were long considered as important as talent and artistry are moving.

Biles has become an outspoken advocate for athlete’s rights and the importance of proper mental health. There was a time, there were many times actually, where she felt she wasn’t right and just powered through because that’s what people expected of her.

Not anymore. And the stand she took could resonate far beyond the color of any medal she may win in Tokyo.

Biles is the latest in a series of high-profile athletes, including tennis star Naomi Osaka, who have used their platforms to discuss their mental heath struggles. A subject that was once taboo has become far more accepted and embraced.

U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland applauded Biles for prioritizing her “mental wellness over all else” and offered the organization’s full support. USA Gymnastics women’s program vice-president called Biles’ act “incredibly selfless.”

Biles posted on social media Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders after an uncharacteristically sloppy showing during qualifying left the Americans looking up at the ROC on the scoreboard.

The tension affected her practice. It affected her confidence. And when she stepped onto the vault runway, it finally found its way to her performance, too.

She was scheduled to do an “Amanar” vault that requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while the rest of the Americans moved on to uneven bars without her.

When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, her night was over.

“To see her kind of go out like that is very sad because this Olympic Games, I feel like, is kind of hers,” Lee said.

Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games. She said she will regroup on Wednesday before deciding whether to continue.

Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country enters three of their four athletes on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.

Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.

Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which counted a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.

Without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling, the U.S. needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.

Not that Chiles or the rest of the Americans particularly cared. The gold might be gone, but something more significant may have happened instead. It’s a tradeoff they can live with.

“This medal is definitely for (Biles),” said Chiles. “If it wasn’t if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t be here where we are right now. We wouldn’t be a silver medalist because of who she is as a person.”

Chiles then turned to her good friend. Biles helped convince her to move to Houston to train alongside her two years ago, a decision that turned Chiles into an Olympian. In an empty arena in the middle of Japan with the world watching, Chiles did for Biles what Biles has done for so many for so long. She had her back.

“Kudos to you girl,” Chiles said. “This is all for you.”

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles came to Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. It all came to a stunning halt in the women’s gymnastics final on Tuesday night with an uncertain vault.

In a flash, the rest of the American star’s Games came into question. And the United States’ long run at the top of the sport came to an end.

The team representing the Russia Olympic Committee surged past the shorthanded U.S. to the top of the podium, posting a score of 169.258 to win the country’s first Olympic team gold in nearly 30 years.

The Americans, with Biles serving as head cheerleader while clad in a white sweatsuit and dealing with what USA Gymnastics called a “medical issue,” hung on for silver.

Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles drew the U.S. within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium.

The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final.

The U.S. entered the finals hoping to bounce back from a shaky performance in qualifying, when the Americans came in second to the ROC. It marked the first time in 11 years the U.S. found itself looking up at the scoreboard at someone else.

The team declined to talk to the media afterward, though the 24-year-old did post on social media that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and that the Olympics were “no joke.”

Yet, something happened during the first rotation. She attempted an Amanar vault during warmups only to roll out of it upon landing. The code for that vault posted when she saluted the judges, but in midair things went awry.

The vault requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while her teammates moved on to uneven bars without her.

When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, the greatest of all-time’s night was over.

USA Gymnastics did not specify the nature of Biles’ medical issue, saying in a statement she “will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”

Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games.

Whether she will get that opportunity remains to be seen.

Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country puts three of their four athletes up on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.

Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which recorded a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.

Yet the Americans — without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling — needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.

TOKYO (AP) — Reigning Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles is out of the team finals after apparently suffering an injury during the vault.

The 24-year-old U.S. star, considered to be the greatest gymnast of all time, huddled with a trainer after landing her vault. She then exited the competition floor with the team doctor.

Biles returned several minutes later with her right leg wrapped. She took off her bar grips, and hugged teammates Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles before putting on a jacket and sweatpants.&nbsp;Chiles replaced Biles on uneven bars and balance bream.

The Americans will be forced to finish the rest of the competition without her, severely hampering their bid to claim a third straight Olympic title.

Biles arrived in Tokyo as the unquestioned star of the Games but struggled, at least by her high standards, during qualifying.

TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles arrived in Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. She convinced herself she was prepared for the pressure. That she was ready to carry the burden of outsized expectations.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Official statement: &quot;Simone Biles has withdrawn from the team final competition due to a medical issue. She will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.&quot; Thinking of you, Simone! <a href="https://t.co/QA1GYHwWTv">pic.twitter.com/QA1GYHwWTv</a>&mdash; USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAGym/status/1419992728352526339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Only, as the women’s gymnastics team final approached on Tuesday night, something felt off. And the athlete widely considered the Greatest of All Time in her sport knew it.So rather than push through the doubts that crept into her head as she’s done so many times in the past, Biles decided enough was enough. She was done. For now.The American star withdrew from the competition following one rotation, opening the door for the team of Russian athletes to win gold for the first time in nearly three decades.Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee and Grace McCallum guided the U.S. to silver while Biles cheered from the sideline in a white sweatsuit, at peace with a decision that revealed a shift not only in Biles but perhaps the sport she’s redefined.“We also have to focus on ourselves, because at the end of the day we’re human, too,” Biles said. “So, we have to protect our mind and our body, rather than just go out there and do what the world wants us to do.”The Americans — fueled by an uneven bars routine by Lee that not even Biles could match — drew within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium for the first time since the Unified Team won in Barcelona in 1992.The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final. Great Britain edged Italy for bronze.“The impossible is possible now,” Melnikova said.Perhaps in more ways than one.In the five years since Biles and the U.S. put on a dazzling display on their way to gold in Rio de Janeiro, gymnastics has undergone a reckoning. The tectonic plates in a sport where obedience, discipline and silence were long considered as important as talent and artistry are moving.Biles has become an outspoken advocate for athlete’s rights and the importance of proper mental health. There was a time, there were many times actually, where she felt she wasn’t right and just powered through because that’s what people expected of her.Not anymore. And the stand she took could resonate far beyond the color of any medal she may win in Tokyo.Biles is the latest in a series of high-profile athletes, including tennis star Naomi Osaka, who have used their platforms to discuss their mental heath struggles. A subject that was once taboo has become far more accepted and embraced.U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland applauded Biles for prioritizing her “mental wellness over all else” and offered the organization’s full support. USA Gymnastics women’s program vice-president called Biles’ act “incredibly selfless.”Biles posted on social media Monday that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders after an uncharacteristically sloppy showing during qualifying left the Americans looking up at the ROC on the scoreboard.The tension affected her practice. It affected her confidence. And when she stepped onto the vault runway, it finally found its way to her performance, too.She was scheduled to do an “Amanar” vault that requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while the rest of the Americans moved on to uneven bars without her.When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, her night was over.“To see her kind of go out like that is very sad because this Olympic Games, I feel like, is kind of hers,” Lee said.Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games. She said she will regroup on Wednesday before deciding whether to continue.Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country enters three of their four athletes on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which counted a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.Without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling, the U.S. needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.Not that Chiles or the rest of the Americans particularly cared. The gold might be gone, but something more significant may have happened instead. It’s a tradeoff they can live with.“This medal is definitely for (Biles),” said Chiles. “If it wasn’t if it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t be here where we are right now. We wouldn’t be a silver medalist because of who she is as a person.”Chiles then turned to her good friend. Biles helped convince her to move to Houston to train alongside her two years ago, a decision that turned Chiles into an Olympian. In an empty arena in the middle of Japan with the world watching, Chiles did for Biles what Biles has done for so many for so long. She had her back.“Kudos to you girl,” Chiles said. “This is all for you.”-------TOKYO (AP) — Simone Biles came to Tokyo as the star of the U.S. Olympic movement and perhaps the Games themselves. It all came to a stunning halt in the women’s gymnastics final on Tuesday night with an uncertain vault.In a flash, the rest of the American star’s Games came into question. And the United States’ long run at the top of the sport came to an end.The team representing the Russia Olympic Committee surged past the shorthanded U.S. to the top of the podium, posting a score of 169.258 to win the country’s first Olympic team gold in nearly 30 years.The Americans, with Biles serving as head cheerleader while clad in a white sweatsuit and dealing with what USA Gymnastics called a “medical issue,” hung on for silver.Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles drew the U.S. within eight-tenths of a point through three rotations. ROC, however, never wavered on floor. And they erupted when 21-year-old Angelina Melnikova’s score assured them of the top spot on the podium.The victory came a day after ROC men’s team edged Japan for the top spot in the men’s final.Great Britain edged Italy for bronzeThe U.S. entered the finals hoping to bounce back from a shaky performance in qualifying, when the Americans came in second to the ROC. It marked the first time in 11 years the U.S. found itself looking up at the scoreboard at someone else.The team declined to talk to the media afterward, though the 24-year-old did post on social media that she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders and that the Olympics were “no joke.”Yet, something happened during the first rotation. She attempted an Amanar vault during warmups only to roll out of it upon landing. The code for that vault posted when she saluted the judges, but in midair things went awry.The vault requires a roundoff back handspring onto the table followed by 2 1/2 twists. Biles instead did just 1 1/2 twists with a big leap forward after landing. She sat down and talked to U.S. team doctor Marcia Faustin, then headed to the back while her teammates moved on to uneven bars without her.When Biles returned several minutes later, she hugged her teammates and took off her bar grips. And just like that, the greatest of all-time’s night was over.USA Gymnastics did not specify the nature of Biles’ medical issue, saying in a statement she “will be assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions.”Biles is scheduled to defend her Olympic title in the all-around final on Thursday. She also qualified for all four event finals later in the Games.Whether she will get that opportunity remains to be seen.Biles’ abrupt absence forced the Americans to scramble a bit. The finals are a three-up/three-count format, meaning each country puts three of their four athletes up on an apparatus, with all three scores counting.Chiles stepped in to take Biles’ place on uneven bars and balance beam. The 20-year-old who made the team with her steady consistency pulled off a solid bars routine and drilled her balance beam set two days after falling twice on the event.Thanks in part to a little help from ROC — which recorded a pair of falls on beam — the U.S. drew within striking distance heading to floor, the final rotation.Yet the Americans — without Biles and her otherworldly tumbling — needed to be near perfect to close the gap. It didn’t happen. Chiles stumbled to the mat at the end of her second pass, and any chance the U.S. had of chasing down ROC went right along with it.---------TOKYO (AP) — Reigning Olympic gymnastics champion Simone Biles is out of the team finals after apparently suffering an injury during the vault.The 24-year-old U.S. star, considered to be the greatest gymnast of all time, huddled with a trainer after landing her vault. She then exited the competition floor with the team doctor.Biles returned several minutes later with her right leg wrapped. She took off her bar grips, and hugged teammates Grace McCallum, Sunisa Lee and Jordan Chiles before putting on a jacket and sweatpants.&nbsp;Chiles replaced Biles on uneven bars and balance bream.The Americans will be forced to finish the rest of the competition without her, severely hampering their bid to claim a third straight Olympic title.Biles arrived in Tokyo as the unquestioned star of the Games but struggled, at least by her high standards, during qualifying.

U.S. star, Biles withdraws from gymnastics final to protect team, self

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reversing course on some masking guidelines. The agency announced new recommendations Tuesday that even vaccinated people should return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the coronavirus is surging. 

Scientists cited new information about the ability of the delta variant to spread among vaccinated people. The CDC also recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status. 

The new guidance follows recent decisions in Los Angeles and St. Louis to revert to indoor mask mandates amid a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations that have been especially bad in the South.

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was expected to backpedal Tuesday on its masking guidelines and recommend that even vaccinated people wear masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the coronavirus is surging, a federal official said.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss details of the new policy. The CDC was expected to make an announcement later in the day.

The new guidance follows recent decisions in Los Angeles and St. Louis to revert to indoor mask mandates amid a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations that have been especially bad in the South. The country is averaging more than 57,000 cases a day and 24,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations.

For much of the pandemic, the CDC advised Americans to wear masks outdoors if they were within 6 feet of one another.

Then in April, as vaccination rates rose sharply, the agency eased its guidelines on the wearing of masks outdoors, saying that fully vaccinated Americans no longer needed to cover their faces unless they were in a big crowd of strangers. In May, the guidance was eased further for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings.

The guidance still called for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but it cleared the way for reopening workplaces and other venues.

Subsequent CDC guidance said fully vaccinated people no longer needed to wear masks at summer camps or at schools, either.

For months COVID cases, deaths and hospitalizations were falling steadily, but those trends began to change at the beginning of the summer as a mutated and more transmissible version of the coronavirus, the delta variant, began to spread widely, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates.

Some public health experts said they thought the earlier CDC decision was based on good science, which indicated that the risk of vaccinated people spreading the virus was relatively low and that the risk of them catching the virus and becoming extremely ill was even lower.

But those experts were also critical, noting that there was no call for Americans to document their vaccination status, which created an honor system. Unvaccinated people who did not want to wear masks in the first place saw it as an opportunity to do what they wanted, they said.

“If all the unvaccinated people were responsible and wore mask indoors, we would not be seeing this surge,” said Dr. Ali Khan, a former CDC disease investigator who now is dean of the University of Nebraska’s College of Public Health.

Lawrence Gostin, a public health law professor at Georgetown University, drew a similar conclusion.

“It was completely foreseeable that when they (the CDC) made their announcement, masking would no longer be the norm, and that’s exactly what’s happened,” Gostin said.

The CDC may be seen as “flip-flopping,” he said, because there’s been no widely recognized change in the science, he said. Furthermore, it’s not likely to change the behavior of the people who most need to wear masks.

“I don’t think you can effectively walk that back,” he said.

Ken Thigpen, a retired respiratory therapist who now works for a medical device manufacturer, is fully vaccinated and stopped wearing his mask in public after the CDC changed its guidance in May. But he started to reconsider in the last week after his job took him to hospitals Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida, where he witnessed medical centers getting inundated with COVID-19 patients.

“That delta variant is intense. It is so transmissible that we have to do something to tamp it down,” he said.

“I loved it when I could call the hospitals and they said, ‘We actually closed our COVID ward today or we are down to two COVID patients,’” he recalled. “And now we are opening the wards back up, and the numbers are going nuts.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reversing course on some masking guidelines. The agency announced new recommendations Tuesday that even vaccinated people should return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the coronavirus is surging. Scientists cited new information about the ability of the delta variant to spread among vaccinated people. The CDC also recommended indoor masks for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status. The new guidance follows recent decisions in Los Angeles and St. Louis to revert to indoor mask mandates amid a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations that have been especially bad in the South.-----------KANSAS CITY (AP) —The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was expected to backpedal Tuesday on its masking guidelines and recommend that even vaccinated people wear masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the coronavirus is surging, a federal official said.The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to discuss details of the new policy. The CDC was expected to make an announcement later in the day.The new guidance follows recent decisions in Los Angeles and St. Louis to revert to indoor mask mandates amid a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations that have been especially bad in the South. The country is averaging more than 57,000 cases a day and 24,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations.For much of the pandemic, the CDC advised Americans to wear masks outdoors if they were within 6 feet of one another.Then in April, as vaccination rates rose sharply, the agency eased its guidelines on the wearing of masks outdoors, saying that fully vaccinated Americans no longer needed to cover their faces unless they were in a big crowd of strangers. In May, the guidance was eased further for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings.The guidance still called for wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but it cleared the way for reopening workplaces and other venues.Subsequent CDC guidance said fully vaccinated people no longer needed to wear masks at summer camps or at schools, either.For months COVID cases, deaths and hospitalizations were falling steadily, but those trends began to change at the beginning of the summer as a mutated and more transmissible version of the coronavirus, the delta variant, began to spread widely, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates.Some public health experts said they thought the earlier CDC decision was based on good science, which indicated that the risk of vaccinated people spreading the virus was relatively low and that the risk of them catching the virus and becoming extremely ill was even lower.But those experts were also critical, noting that there was no call for Americans to document their vaccination status, which created an honor system. Unvaccinated people who did not want to wear masks in the first place saw it as an opportunity to do what they wanted, they said.“If all the unvaccinated people were responsible and wore mask indoors, we would not be seeing this surge,” said Dr. Ali Khan, a former CDC disease investigator who now is dean of the University of Nebraska’s College of Public Health.Lawrence Gostin, a public health law professor at Georgetown University, drew a similar conclusion.“It was completely foreseeable that when they (the CDC) made their announcement, masking would no longer be the norm, and that’s exactly what’s happened,” Gostin said.The CDC may be seen as “flip-flopping,” he said, because there’s been no widely recognized change in the science, he said. Furthermore, it’s not likely to change the behavior of the people who most need to wear masks.“I don’t think you can effectively walk that back,” he said.Ken Thigpen, a retired respiratory therapist who now works for a medical device manufacturer, is fully vaccinated and stopped wearing his mask in public after the CDC changed its guidance in May. But he started to reconsider in the last week after his job took him to hospitals Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida, where he witnessed medical centers getting inundated with COVID-19 patients.“That delta variant is intense. It is so transmissible that we have to do something to tamp it down,” he said.“I loved it when I could call the hospitals and they said, ‘We actually closed our COVID ward today or we are down to two COVID patients,’” he recalled. “And now we are opening the wards back up, and the numbers are going nuts.”

CDC now says vaccinated should wear masks

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are retiring Warpaint the horse, president Mark Donovan said Monday at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-michael-brown-kansas-city-chiefs-01e201a0ef431bfef01d07cd50656a60">training camp</a>.

Warpaint is a two-time Pinto World Champion who galloped on the field at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium before games and after the Chiefs scored a touchdown.

The pinto horse was originally ridden by a man in full Native American headdress. For years, a cheerleader has ridden Warpaint instead as the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-football-mo-state-wire-kansas-city-chiefs-7914d80f8e9a688ea076eb7e6aa621be">distance themselves from Native American imagery</a>.

Last season the Chiefs prohibited fans from wearing headdresses or war paint amid a push for more cultural sensitivity, and began pushing for a subtle change to the tomahawk chop celebration amid complaints that it’s racist. Cheerleaders used a closed fist instead of an open palm to signal the beating of a drum. The team typically has a celebrity or other guest of honor beat a large drum before the start of the game.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627402967711.png" alt="Warpaint participated in the Feb. 2020 Superbowl parade -photo courtesy KHBS" />
 <figcaption>Warpaint participated in the Feb. 2020 Superbowl parade -photo courtesy KHBS</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are retiring Warpaint the horse, president Mark Donovan said Monday at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-michael-brown-kansas-city-chiefs-01e201a0ef431bfef01d07cd50656a60">training camp</a>.Warpaint is a two-time Pinto World Champion who galloped on the field at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium before games and after the Chiefs scored a touchdown.The pinto horse was originally ridden by a man in full Native American headdress. For years, a cheerleader has ridden Warpaint instead as the Chiefs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-nfl-football-mo-state-wire-kansas-city-chiefs-7914d80f8e9a688ea076eb7e6aa621be">distance themselves from Native American imagery</a>.Last season the Chiefs prohibited fans from wearing headdresses or war paint amid a push for more cultural sensitivity, and began pushing for a subtle change to the tomahawk chop celebration amid complaints that it’s racist. Cheerleaders used a closed fist instead of an open palm to signal the beating of a drum. The team typically has a celebrity or other guest of honor beat a large drum before the start of the game.

Pinto horse Warpaint retiring from Chiefs football games

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The man arrested in connection with the abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick counties was back in court Tuesday for the formal reading of charges.

Kamden Campos, 22,&nbsp; is facing 12 counts including six counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of criminal threat.

The six counts of attempted murder and the single kidnapping carry sentences of up to 55 years in prison if Campos is convicted. Campos told the court that he is working on finding an attorney and did not ask for a reduction in his bond, which is set at $2,101,500.

Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;

The woman drove into Sedgwick County where she called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and is recovering.

Campos' next court date is set for Aug. 4. If he does not have an attorney at that time, one could be appointed for him.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The man arrested in connection with the July 19, abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick counties will be back in court Tuesday for the formal reading of charges.

Kamden Campos, 22, is facing several alternative counts of attempted first-degree murder and several alternative counts of aggravated kidnapping. All are level one person felonies, which could see Campos spend a significant amount of time in prison if he is convicted.

Campos is still being held on a $2,101,500 bond.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A man arrested in connection with the abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick County on Monday made his first appearance in Reno County District Court Tuesday morning. The injured two-year-old had surgery and is recovering, according to the sheriff's department.

In a very short hearing, 22-year-old Kamden Campos answered two questions with one word answers and did not make any request for a reduction of his bond which is $2,101,500.

Campos is facing possible charges of four counts of attempted first degree murder, kidnapping and theft. Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her daughter in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old.&nbsp;

The woman drove into Sedgwick County where she called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she remained in critical condition, according to the Sheriff's office.

District Attorney Tom Stanton said he hopes to have formal charges filed by no later than Monday. Campos is due back in court Tuesday, July 27 unless charges are brought against him before then.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/7/1627335322956.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ROD ZOOKHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The man arrested in connection with the abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick counties was back in court Tuesday for the formal reading of charges.Kamden Campos, 22,&nbsp; is facing 12 counts including six counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping, three counts of aggravated battery and two counts of criminal threat.The six counts of attempted murder and the single kidnapping carry sentences of up to 55 years in prison if Campos is convicted. Campos told the court that he is working on finding an attorney and did not ask for a reduction in his bond, which is set at $2,101,500.Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;The woman drove into Sedgwick County where she called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and is recovering.Campos' next court date is set for Aug. 4. If he does not have an attorney at that time, one could be appointed for him.--------HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp;The man arrested in connection with the July 19, abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick counties will be back in court Tuesday for the formal reading of charges.Kamden Campos, 22, is facing several alternative counts of attempted first-degree murder and several alternative counts of aggravated kidnapping. All are level one person felonies, which could see Campos spend a significant amount of time in prison if he is convicted.Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her family in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old girl.&nbsp;The woman drove into Sedgwick County where she called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she underwent surgery and is recovering.Campos is still being held on a $2,101,500 bond.--------HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A man arrested in connection with the abduction and shooting in Reno and Sedgwick County on Monday made his first appearance in Reno County District Court Tuesday morning. The injured two-year-old had surgery and is recovering, according to the sheriff's department.In a very short hearing, 22-year-old Kamden Campos answered two questions with one word answers and did not make any request for a reduction of his bond which is $2,101,500.Campos is facing possible charges of four counts of attempted first degree murder, kidnapping and theft. Campos was arrested after allegedly abducting a woman and her daughter in Wichita. They drove out to Cheney Lake. When the woman tried to escape in a vehicle, Campos allegedly shot at the vehicle, hitting a 2-year-old.&nbsp;The woman drove into Sedgwick County where she called 911. The child was taken to Wesley Medical Center where she remained in critical condition, according to the Sheriff's office.District Attorney Tom Stanton said he hopes to have formal charges filed by no later than Monday. Campos is due back in court Tuesday, July 27 unless charges are brought against him before then.

Suspect charged in abduction, shooting of Kan. toddler 

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY- A Kansas man was killed just after 5p.m. Monday in a two vehicle accident on E. Old Highway 40 in Saline County.

Jameson Holloway, 45, of Solomon, was westbound on E. Old Highway 40 just west of Solomon on a 2014 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide when an eastbound 2021 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Morris Rasher, 87, of Solomon, started to make a left turn onto N. Amos Road.

The pickup turned in front of the motorcycle, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY- A Kansas man was killed just after 5p.m. Monday in a two vehicle accident on E. Old Highway 40 in Saline County.Jameson Holloway, 45, of Solomon, was westbound on E. Old Highway 40 just west of Solomon on a 2014 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide when an eastbound 2021 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Morris Rasher, 87, of Solomon, started to make a left turn onto N. Amos Road.The pickup turned in front of the motorcycle, according to Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan.Holloway, was thrown from the motorcycle upon impact, Soldan said. The motorcycle was stuck in the front of the pickup, he said.Holloway was transported to Salina Regional Health Center where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp;Rasher suffered minor injuries. He was cited for failure to yield on a left turn. Holloway was not wearing a helmet, according to Soldan.