CHEYENNE COUNTY —A Kansas teen died in an accident just after 1:30a.m. Saturday in Cheyenne County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1993 Ford Bronco driven by Serrano, John Carlos Serrano, 17, Bird City, was westbound on U.S. 36 a quarter mile east of Bird City.

The SUV began to pass a semi to the left while the roadway curved. The vehicle continued straight left the roadway into the south ditch and collided with a concrete barrier.

EMS transported Serrano to St. Francis Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

CHEYENNE COUNTY —A Kansas teen died in an accident just after 1:30a.m. Saturday in Cheyenne County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1993 Ford Bronco driven by Serrano, John Carlos Serrano, 17, Bird City, was westbound on U.S. 36 a quarter mile east of Bird City.The SUV began to pass a semi to the left while the roadway curved. The vehicle continued straight left the roadway into the south ditch and collided with a concrete barrier.EMS transported Serrano to St. Francis Hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen dies after SUV strikes concrete barrier

WASHINGTON (AP) — More than six weeks after promising a new vaccination-or-testing rule covering the millions of Americans at companies with 100 or more workers, President Joe Biden’s most aggressive move yet to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is almost ready to see the light of day.

The three largest public universities in Kansas will require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Officials with Kansas State, the University of Kansas and Wichita State all announced Friday that employees will need to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8. The announcement came after the Board of Regents determined that an executive order from President Joe Biden applies to universities that work on federal contracts.&nbsp;

An obscure White House office is expected to give the green light any day to the rule’s fine print detailing how and when companies will have to require their employees to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.

The full enforcement deadline, which could carry penalties of about $14,000 per violation, may not take effect until after the new year. That’s why Biden and his aides have for weeks encouraged businesses to act as though the rule was already in effect and start imposing vaccination requirements.

The regulation, to be published in the Federal Register, was drafted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration under emergency authorities to protect worker safety and will cover an estimated 80 million U.S. workers. The White House sees it as a potent tool to winnow down the ranks of roughly 65 million Americans who have thus far refused to get a shot.

Unlike healthcare providers or federal employees, who may not have a testing alternative to vaccination, private sector workers won’t necessarily face termination if they don’t get vaccinated. But some businesses may choose to impose their own more stringent vaccination mandate, and it’s possible that businesses may be allowed to pass on the cost of weekly COVID-19 testing to their unvaccinated employees.

White House officials declined to discuss when the rule will be published or go into details on when businesses will have to comply.

For the last week, federal officials have hosted more than two dozen listening sessions with industry groups, businesses and advocacy organizations. Some have been supportive of the rule, others vehemently opposed, but all are eager to learn more about the fine print of the regulation.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other groups that represent large employers are worried that the proposal’s threshold -– applying to companies with 100 or more employees – could cause workers to migrate to jobs at smaller employers where they won’t need to be vaccinated.

“We really stressed the concern about employers losing employees, and what that would mean in the context of current supply-chain challenges and the upcoming holiday season,” said Marc Freedman, vice president for employment policy at the Chamber of Commerce. “You could start to see some very serious disruptions.”

Freedman, who took part in the chamber’s call with administration officials, said the 100-worker threshold would also hurt job creation by giving employers who have 90 or 95 employees a reason not to expand.

The experience of United Airlines and health-care providers that acted early to require vaccination suggests that very few employees will give up their jobs because of a vaccine mandate. United says about 200 of its 67,000 U.S. workers face termination for refusing to get vaccinated and another 2,000 are still seeking medical or religious exemptions.

State government vaccination mandate deadlines went into effect this week in Washington state, Massachusetts and New Jersey after a host of legal challenges by state employees and first responders’ unions.

In Washington, the state patrol lost 127 employees, including 67 troopers, who left due to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for state employees, about 6% of the agency’s staff, officials said.

The Northwest state’s mandate also led to the high-profile firing of Washington State football coach Nick Rolovich and his four assistants, who wouldn’t get vaccinated.

In Massachusetts, nearly 1,600 state employees had not proved they were vaccinated or had sought a vaccine exemption by a Sunday deadline. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker announced in August that some 44,000 executive branch workers and contractors would be required to get vaccinated or face suspension and ultimately the loss of their jobs.

The National Association of Manufacturers is arguing that companies should get credit — perhaps an exemption from the rules — for taking early steps to get a high percentage of workers vaccinated. Manufacturers have expressed worry that they could see higher quit rates because many plants are located in rural areas where opposition to vaccination is stronger.

The manufacturers, the Chamber of Commerce and other business groups are also pushing the administration to let employers make unvaccinated workers pay for their own weekly COVID-19 testing.

“A lot of our members feel strongly that the vaccine is widely available, it is free, and so if a person opts not to be vaccinated potentially the onus of the test can and should fall on the employee who has made a choice not to vaccinate,” said Robyn Boerstling, a NAM vice president. She said employers should pay for testing if an employee has a medical condition or a “proven and true” religious reason for seeking an exemption.

Business groups, however, are not optimistic on the test-cost issue, saying that OSHA has a history of making employers bear the cost of new regulations.

Retailers are worried about the timing of the new regulation taking effect as they prepare for the critical holiday season. They want to push the rule’s effective date into next year.

Several people who took part in the discussions with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, which is doing the final review of the proposal, said they got no hints whether their arguments would sway the administration. They described conference-call meetings –- virtual because of the pandemic -– in which White House staffers listened and did not respond to their arguments.

It is not clear how the business community will respond once the final rule is published.

Business officials said legal challenges are more likely to come from Republican-led states such as Texas. And Alfredo Ortiz, president and CEO of the conservative Job Creators Network, reiterated his pledge Tuesday after meeting with the White House officials to sue to block the rule’s implementation. Two dozen attorneys general in GOP states vowed last month to use “every available legal option” to kill the mandate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631817363595.png" alt="President Biden says,"just get the shot." However, White House officials declined to discuss when the rule will be published or go into details on when businesses will have to comply." />
 <figcaption>President Biden says,"just get the shot." However, White House officials declined to discuss when the rule will be published or go into details on when businesses will have to comply.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — More than six weeks after promising a new vaccination-or-testing rule covering the millions of Americans at companies with 100 or more workers, President Joe Biden’s most aggressive move yet to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is almost ready to see the light of day.The three largest public universities in Kansas will require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Officials with Kansas State, the University of Kansas and Wichita State all announced Friday that employees will need to be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8. The announcement came after the Board of Regents determined that an executive order from President Joe Biden applies to universities that work on federal contracts.&nbsp;An obscure White House office is expected to give the green light any day to the rule’s fine print detailing how and when companies will have to require their employees to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.The full enforcement deadline, which could carry penalties of about $14,000 per violation, may not take effect until after the new year. That’s why Biden and his aides have for weeks encouraged businesses to act as though the rule was already in effect and start imposing vaccination requirements.The regulation, to be published in the Federal Register, was drafted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration under emergency authorities to protect worker safety and will cover an estimated 80 million U.S. workers. The White House sees it as a potent tool to winnow down the ranks of roughly 65 million Americans who have thus far refused to get a shot.Unlike healthcare providers or federal employees, who may not have a testing alternative to vaccination, private sector workers won’t necessarily face termination if they don’t get vaccinated. But some businesses may choose to impose their own more stringent vaccination mandate, and it’s possible that businesses may be allowed to pass on the cost of weekly COVID-19 testing to their unvaccinated employees.White House officials declined to discuss when the rule will be published or go into details on when businesses will have to comply.For the last week, federal officials have hosted more than two dozen listening sessions with industry groups, businesses and advocacy organizations. Some have been supportive of the rule, others vehemently opposed, but all are eager to learn more about the fine print of the regulation.The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other groups that represent large employers are worried that the proposal’s threshold -– applying to companies with 100 or more employees – could cause workers to migrate to jobs at smaller employers where they won’t need to be vaccinated.“We really stressed the concern about employers losing employees, and what that would mean in the context of current supply-chain challenges and the upcoming holiday season,” said Marc Freedman, vice president for employment policy at the Chamber of Commerce. “You could start to see some very serious disruptions.”Freedman, who took part in the chamber’s call with administration officials, said the 100-worker threshold would also hurt job creation by giving employers who have 90 or 95 employees a reason not to expand.The experience of United Airlines and health-care providers that acted early to require vaccination suggests that very few employees will give up their jobs because of a vaccine mandate. United says about 200 of its 67,000 U.S. workers face termination for refusing to get vaccinated and another 2,000 are still seeking medical or religious exemptions.State government vaccination mandate deadlines went into effect this week in Washington state, Massachusetts and New Jersey after a host of legal challenges by state employees and first responders’ unions.In Washington, the state patrol lost 127 employees, including 67 troopers, who left due to the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for state employees, about 6% of the agency’s staff, officials said.The Northwest state’s mandate also led to the high-profile firing of Washington State football coach Nick Rolovich and his four assistants, who wouldn’t get vaccinated.In Massachusetts, nearly 1,600 state employees had not proved they were vaccinated or had sought a vaccine exemption by a Sunday deadline. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker announced in August that some 44,000 executive branch workers and contractors would be required to get vaccinated or face suspension and ultimately the loss of their jobs.The National Association of Manufacturers is arguing that companies should get credit — perhaps an exemption from the rules — for taking early steps to get a high percentage of workers vaccinated. Manufacturers have expressed worry that they could see higher quit rates because many plants are located in rural areas where opposition to vaccination is stronger.The manufacturers, the Chamber of Commerce and other business groups are also pushing the administration to let employers make unvaccinated workers pay for their own weekly COVID-19 testing.“A lot of our members feel strongly that the vaccine is widely available, it is free, and so if a person opts not to be vaccinated potentially the onus of the test can and should fall on the employee who has made a choice not to vaccinate,” said Robyn Boerstling, a NAM vice president. She said employers should pay for testing if an employee has a medical condition or a “proven and true” religious reason for seeking an exemption.Business groups, however, are not optimistic on the test-cost issue, saying that OSHA has a history of making employers bear the cost of new regulations.Retailers are worried about the timing of the new regulation taking effect as they prepare for the critical holiday season. They want to push the rule’s effective date into next year.Several people who took part in the discussions with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, which is doing the final review of the proposal, said they got no hints whether their arguments would sway the administration. They described conference-call meetings –- virtual because of the pandemic -– in which White House staffers listened and did not respond to their arguments.It is not clear how the business community will respond once the final rule is published.Business officials said legal challenges are more likely to come from Republican-led states such as Texas. And Alfredo Ortiz, president and CEO of the conservative Job Creators Network, reiterated his pledge Tuesday after meeting with the White House officials to sue to block the rule’s implementation. Two dozen attorneys general in GOP states vowed last month to use “every available legal option” to kill the mandate.

Businesses nervously await fine print of Biden vax-or-test rule

BLANCHARD, Okla. (AP) — A Texas woman and her adult son have been arrested in Wyoming on murder warrants in connection with the slaying of a man in Oklahoma. 

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said Friday that 47-year-old Debbie Senft and 26-year-old Zachary Mussett are jailed in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, for the death of Michael “Andy” McGuffee of Blanchard.

The OSBI says McGuffee's body was found in his home Oct. 15 by a relative after McGuffee failed to arrive for work and items missing from the home were later located in a Salina, Kansas, pawn shop. 

Court records do not list attorneys who could speak on behalf of Senft or Mussett, both from Texarkana, Texas.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634931451937.png" alt="Senft photo Sweetwater Co." />
 <figcaption>Senft photo Sweetwater Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BLANCHARD, Okla. (AP) — A Texas woman and her adult son have been arrested in Wyoming on murder warrants in connection with the slaying of a man in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said Friday that 47-year-old Debbie Senft and 26-year-old Zachary Mussett are jailed in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, for the death of Michael “Andy” McGuffee of Blanchard.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634931339105.png" alt="Mussett-photo Sweetwater Co." />
 <figcaption>Mussett-photo Sweetwater Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The OSBI says McGuffee's body was found in his home Oct. 15 by a relative after McGuffee failed to arrive for work and items missing from the home were later located in a Salina, Kansas, pawn shop. Court records do not list attorneys who could speak on behalf of Senft or Mussett, both from Texarkana, Texas.

Oklahoma slaying arrest in Wyoming tied to Kan. pawn shop

SUPERIOR&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol identified the two victims who were killed in a shooting Thursday afternoon at Agrex Inc. in Superior, Nebraska, according to media release. Those deceased victims are identified as:

Sandra Nelson was pronounced deceased at the scene of the incident in Superior. Darin Koepke was flown to Bryan Health West Campus in Lincoln where he was later pronounced deceased.

A third victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the hospital in Superior and released Thursday afternoon. After the shooting began, an Agrex employee retrieved a shotgun from an office and returning fire, striking the suspect. The suspect has been identified as Max Hoskinson, 61, of Superior. Hoskinson was pronounced deceased at the hospital in Superior.

In consultation with the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office and the Nuckolls County Attorney’s Office, no charges are anticipated in relation to the employee who returned fire in protection of himself and other innocent parties present at the time of the incident.

The names of other individuals involved in this incident are being withheld at this time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.

SUPERIOR, Neb. (AP) — A man who had been fired from a grain elevator in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/nebraska">Nebraska</a>&nbsp;on Thursday returned with a gun and shot three people, killing one, before he was shot and killed by another employee, the Nebraska State Patrol said.

The patrol said the shooting occurred at the Agrex Elevator in Superior, a town in southeast Nebraska near the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;border.

A preliminary investigation showed that Max Hoskinson, 61, of Superior, was fired from the grain elevator on Thursday. He returned around 2 p.m. with a handgun and shot three people, the patrol said.

Another employee retrieved a shotgun from an office and shot Hoskinson, who was pronounced dead at a hospital, according to the patrol.

One of the victims shot by Hoskinson died at the scene. Another was flown to a hospital in Lincoln with injuries considered life-threatening. The third person was treated and released at a hospital in Superior.

Police have not released names of the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634854632151.png" alt="The shooting happened Thursday afternoon at the Agrex Elevator in Superior.Photo courtesy KSNB TV" />
 <figcaption>The shooting happened Thursday afternoon at the Agrex Elevator in Superior.Photo courtesy KSNB TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SUPERIOR&nbsp; — The Nebraska State Patrol identified the two victims who were killed in a shooting Thursday afternoon at Agrex Inc. in Superior, Nebraska, according to media release. Those deceased victims are identified as:Sandra Nelson, 60, of Formoso, KansasDarin Koepke, 53, of Hadar, NebraskaSandra Nelson was pronounced deceased at the scene of the incident in Superior. Darin Koepke was flown to Bryan Health West Campus in Lincoln where he was later pronounced deceased.A third victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the hospital in Superior and released Thursday afternoon. After the shooting began, an Agrex employee retrieved a shotgun from an office and returning fire, striking the suspect. The suspect has been identified as Max Hoskinson, 61, of Superior. Hoskinson was pronounced deceased at the hospital in Superior.In consultation with the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office and the Nuckolls County Attorney’s Office, no charges are anticipated in relation to the employee who returned fire in protection of himself and other innocent parties present at the time of the incident.The names of other individuals involved in this incident are being withheld at this time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.----------SUPERIOR, Neb. (AP) — A man who had been fired from a grain elevator in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/nebraska">Nebraska</a>&nbsp;on Thursday returned with a gun and shot three people, killing one, before he was shot and killed by another employee, the Nebraska State Patrol said.The patrol said the shooting occurred at the Agrex Elevator in Superior, a town in southeast Nebraska near the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;border.A preliminary investigation showed that Max Hoskinson, 61, of Superior, was fired from the grain elevator on Thursday. He returned around 2 p.m. with a handgun and shot three people, the patrol said.Another employee retrieved a shotgun from an office and shot Hoskinson, who was pronounced dead at a hospital, according to the patrol.One of the victims shot by Hoskinson died at the scene. Another was flown to a hospital in Lincoln with injuries considered life-threatening. The third person was treated and released at a hospital in Superior.Police have not released names of the victims.----------

Kan. woman among victims in Nebraska grain elevator killing

REPUBLIC COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 11a.m. Friday in Republic County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Ford van driven by Calvin L. Ricketts, 62, Wichita, was northbound on U.S. 81 six miles north of Belleville.

The van rear-ended a 1999 Peterbilt semi driven by Andries Adriaan Serdyn,&nbsp; 53, Scandia, who was attempting a right hand turn onto Fir Road.&nbsp;

Ricketts was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home. EMS transported Serdyn to the Republic County Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

REPUBLIC COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 11a.m. Friday in Republic County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2019 Ford van driven by Calvin L. Ricketts, 62, Wichita, was northbound on U.S. 81 six miles north of Belleville.The van rear-ended a 1999 Peterbilt semi driven by Andries Adriaan Serdyn,&nbsp; 53, Scandia, who was attempting a right hand turn onto Fir Road.&nbsp;Ricketts was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home. EMS transported Serdyn to the Republic County Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after van rear-ends a semi

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials may have solved the mystery of how four people in different states came down with a serious tropical disease even though none had traveled internationally: an aromatherapy spray imported from India.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that <a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Walmart-Recalls-Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Essential-Oil-Infused-Aromatherapy-Room-Spray-with-Gemstones-Due-to-Rare-and-Dangerous-Bacteria-Two-Deaths-Investigated">investigators found</a> the same type of bacteria that causes the disease, melioidosis, in a spray bottle found in one of the patients’ homes.

The four people were from Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota and Texas. Two of them, one a child in Georgia, died.

The agency said it was testing to confirm the bacteria in the bottle is the same strain as that seen in the four patients.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-1d8f11eadd4b27bd0faa6f1290613da5">It previously said</a>&nbsp;lab analyses showed all four infections were closely related.

<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Walmart-Recalls-Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Essential-Oil-Infused-Aromatherapy-Room-Spray-with-Gemstones-Due-to-Rare-and-Dangerous-Bacteria-Two-Deaths-Investigated">The spray found </a>in the Georgia patient’s home was made in India. The genetic profile of the bacteria in the bottle is similar to that of strains usually found in South Asia, the agency said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634933952546.png" alt="Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones-photo Consumer Product Safety Commission" />
 <figcaption>Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones-photo Consumer Product Safety Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials may have solved the mystery of how four people in different states came down with a serious tropical disease even though none had traveled internationally: an aromatherapy spray imported from India.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that <a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Walmart-Recalls-Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Essential-Oil-Infused-Aromatherapy-Room-Spray-with-Gemstones-Due-to-Rare-and-Dangerous-Bacteria-Two-Deaths-Investigated">investigators found</a> the same type of bacteria that causes the disease, melioidosis, in a spray bottle found in one of the patients’ homes.The four people were from Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota and Texas. Two of them, one a child in Georgia, died.The agency said it was testing to confirm the bacteria in the bottle is the same strain as that seen in the four patients.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-1d8f11eadd4b27bd0faa6f1290613da5">It previously said</a>&nbsp;lab analyses showed all four infections were closely related.<a href="https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2022/Walmart-Recalls-Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Essential-Oil-Infused-Aromatherapy-Room-Spray-with-Gemstones-Due-to-Rare-and-Dangerous-Bacteria-Two-Deaths-Investigated">The spray found </a>in the Georgia patient’s home was made in India. The genetic profile of the bacteria in the bottle is similar to that of strains usually found in South Asia, the agency said.

Recall: Aromatherapy spray used in Kan. linked to US deaths 

Service honored placement of additional seven names

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/22/kansas-attorney-general-criticizes-governor-for-missing-law-enforcement-memorial-event/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas gubernatorial candidate Derek Schmidt believes Gov. 
Laura Kelly should have attended the October memorial ceremony at the 
Capitol honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.

Schmidt, a Republican who serves at the state’s attorney general, 
spoke at the event along with Jeff Zmuda, secretary of the Kansas 
Department of Corrections. Three of the seven names added to the 
memorial this year had been employees of the state corrections 
department.

Kelly, a Democrat seeking re-election in 2022, was in Santa Fe, New 
Mexico, to attend the Democratic Governors Association fall policy 
conference.

“Governor Kelly’s disappointing decision to 
skip their annual memorial service, which this year recognized the 
sacrifice of seven more fallen Kansas officers, in order to attend a 
partisan political meeting poorly represents our state’s priorities and 
values,” Schmidt said. “Kansans love and respect the men and women who 
serve honorably in law enforcement.”

Schmidt, who is considered the top law enforcement officer in the 
state as attorney general, has attended the memorial services since 
sworn into office as attorney general in 2011.

The 2021 observance was originally scheduled for May, but was delayed
 to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 service honoring 
Kansas law enforcement officers was cancelled, but Kelly placed a wreath
 at the outdoor memorial.

“We must recognize the continued commitment of all our law 
enforcement officers,” she said last year in a video message. “Their 
bravery, dedication and professionalism warrants our sincere praise and 
gratitude.”

Kelly was the first governor to miss the service at the limestone 
memorial on the northeast corner of the statehouse grounds since Gov. 
Sam Brownback was absent in 2011. In her place Oct. 8, Zmuda of the 
state Department of Corrections addressed the crowd along with Schmidt.

The memorial was established in 1987 and includes names of 293 men 
and women, including 190 who died of gunfire and 27 who perished in 
vehicle accidents.

Sam Coleman, a spokesman for Kelly, said 
partisan attacks by Schmidt in terms of the law enforcement memorial 
“only serve to wrongfully politicize an important issue.”

“Governor Kelly supports our law 
enforcement and their families, which is why she fought for pay 
increases for members of state law enforcement, and this year she signed
 the Michael Wells Memorial Act which increases benefits for the 
families of first responders that die from a work-related condition,” he
 said.

Col. Herman Jones, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, said 
Kelly had been a dedicated advocate of Kansas law enforcement officers.

“In the last year alone, she has supported everything from the Kansas
 Highway Patrol’s officer recruitment and new academy class efforts, to 
upgrading equipment and providing new tools to keep our patrol men and 
women safe,” he said.

The three state corrections officers included on the memorial this 
year were George Bernard Robare, Olufela Adebiyi and Gabe Morales. Each 
died last year of COVID-19. Sheriff Allan Weber of Gove County, who also
 had COVID-19, was added to the memorial.

Other law enforcement officers to die in the line of duty in 2020 and
 placed on the Kansas memorial were Michael Mosher, an Overland Park 
police officer shot by a hit-and-run suspect in Johnson County, and 
Daniel Abramovitz, a deputy corporal with the Leavenworth County 
sheriff’s office killed in a traffic accident. In addition, historical 
records prompted inclusion of Charles McKinney, who was assistant police
 chief in Independence, Kansas, when shot and killed in 1920.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634923537060.png" alt="Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a Republican candidate for governor in 2022, is criticizing Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly for missing the October memorial service for fallen law enforcement officers. (Screen capture of Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Attorney General Derek Schmidt, a Republican candidate for governor in 2022, is criticizing Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly for missing the October memorial service for fallen law enforcement officers. (Screen capture of Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Service honored placement of additional seven names</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/10/22/kansas-attorney-general-criticizes-governor-for-missing-law-enforcement-memorial-event/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas gubernatorial candidate Derek Schmidt believes Gov. 
Laura Kelly should have attended the October memorial ceremony at the 
Capitol honoring law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.Schmidt, a Republican who serves at the state’s attorney general, 
spoke at the event along with Jeff Zmuda, secretary of the Kansas 
Department of Corrections. Three of the seven names added to the 
memorial this year had been employees of the state corrections 
department.Kelly, a Democrat seeking re-election in 2022, was in Santa Fe, New 
Mexico, to attend the Democratic Governors Association fall policy 
conference.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634923608554.png" alt="Gov. Laura Kelly set a wreath at the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial in 2020 when the public service honoring officers killed in the line of duty in Kansas was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Screen capture from office of the governor/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Gov. Laura Kelly set a wreath at the Kansas Law Enforcement Memorial in 2020 when the public service honoring officers killed in the line of duty in Kansas was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Screen capture from office of the governor/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Governor Kelly’s disappointing decision to 
skip their annual memorial service, which this year recognized the 
sacrifice of seven more fallen Kansas officers, in order to attend a 
partisan political meeting poorly represents our state’s priorities and 
values,” Schmidt said. “Kansans love and respect the men and women who 
serve honorably in law enforcement.”Schmidt, who is considered the top law enforcement officer in the 
state as attorney general, has attended the memorial services since 
sworn into office as attorney general in 2011.The 2021 observance was originally scheduled for May, but was delayed
 to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 service honoring 
Kansas law enforcement officers was cancelled, but Kelly placed a wreath
 at the outdoor memorial.“We must recognize the continued commitment of all our law 
enforcement officers,” she said last year in a video message. “Their 
bravery, dedication and professionalism warrants our sincere praise and 
gratitude.”Kelly was the first governor to miss the service at the limestone 
memorial on the northeast corner of the statehouse grounds since Gov. 
Sam Brownback was absent in 2011. In her place Oct. 8, Zmuda of the 
state Department of Corrections addressed the crowd along with Schmidt.The memorial was established in 1987 and includes names of 293 men 
and women, including 190 who died of gunfire and 27 who perished in 
vehicle accidents.Sam Coleman, a spokesman for Kelly, said 
partisan attacks by Schmidt in terms of the law enforcement memorial 
“only serve to wrongfully politicize an important issue.”“Governor Kelly supports our law 
enforcement and their families, which is why she fought for pay 
increases for members of state law enforcement, and this year she signed
 the Michael Wells Memorial Act which increases benefits for the 
families of first responders that die from a work-related condition,” he
 said.Col. Herman Jones, superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, said 
Kelly had been a dedicated advocate of Kansas law enforcement officers.“In the last year alone, she has supported everything from the Kansas
 Highway Patrol’s officer recruitment and new academy class efforts, to 
upgrading equipment and providing new tools to keep our patrol men and 
women safe,” he said.The three state corrections officers included on the memorial this 
year were George Bernard Robare, Olufela Adebiyi and Gabe Morales. Each 
died last year of COVID-19. Sheriff Allan Weber of Gove County, who also
 had COVID-19, was added to the memorial.Other law enforcement officers to die in the line of duty in 2020 and
 placed on the Kansas memorial were Michael Mosher, an Overland Park 
police officer shot by a hit-and-run suspect in Johnson County, and 
Daniel Abramovitz, a deputy corporal with the Leavenworth County 
sheriff’s office killed in a traffic accident. In addition, historical 
records prompted inclusion of Charles McKinney, who was assistant police
 chief in Independence, Kansas, when shot and killed in 1920.

Schmidt criticizes Kan. governor for missing law enforcement memorial event

FORD COUNTY – The Stanton County Sheriff’s Office reported that 70-year-old Jim Hines, of Johnson, was located safe this afternoon along the Ford County and Edwards County line.&nbsp;

FORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Stanton County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Johnson man who was last seen at Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City, Kansas.

The whereabouts of James “Jim” W. Hines, 70, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.

Hines was last seen at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21 at the Boot Hill Casino and Resort. He may be driving a white or tan 2011 Ford F-150 pickup truck with Kansas license HAPWT. 

He was last known wearing a bright pink button-down shirt, bright yellow running shoes, and jeans.

Hines is a 70-year-old white male, around 5 foot-11 in. tall, who weighs approximately 200 pounds He has gray and brown hair and brown eyes. He also wears glasses and has a mustache. Hines has dementia.

If you see Hines or his vehicle, or have information about his whereabouts, please immediately contact 911 or the Stanton County Sheriff’s Office at&nbsp;(620) 492-6866.

FORD COUNTY – The Stanton County Sheriff’s Office reported that 70-year-old Jim Hines, of Johnson, was located safe this afternoon along the Ford County and Edwards County line.&nbsp;--------FORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Stanton County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Johnson man who was last seen at Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Dodge City, Kansas.The whereabouts of James “Jim” W. Hines, 70, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him.Hines was last seen at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21 at the Boot Hill Casino and Resort. He may be driving a white or tan 2011 Ford F-150 pickup truck with Kansas license HAPWT. He was last known wearing a bright pink button-down shirt, bright yellow running shoes, and jeans.Hines is a 70-year-old white male, around 5 foot-11 in. tall, who weighs approximately 200 pounds He has gray and brown hair and brown eyes. He also wears glasses and has a mustache. Hines has dementia.If you see Hines or his vehicle, or have information about his whereabouts, please immediately contact 911 or the Stanton County Sheriff’s Office at&nbsp;(620) 492-6866.

KBI: Silver Alert cancelled, missing Kansas man safe

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and 45 colleagues in introducing the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/0/d/0df73fcf-3d82-4d6a-af9b-0c646c7e2774/01BF3E4F905CF1AD6A69D5960565FAA2.gai21b02.pdf" target="_blank">Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act</a>, according to a release from Moran's office.

This bill would prevent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from implementing Democrats’ plan to give the agency access to transaction information of virtually every American.

“President Biden and the Democrats’ invasive IRS proposal is a serious threat to the privacy and financial data of Kansans,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran. “This proposal will give the IRS unprecedented access to the bank accounts of nearly every American in every tax bracket, and Kansans are right to be outraged. My colleagues and I will continue pushing back on this terribly intrusive plan and will work to implement legislative safeguards to protect the privacy of taxpayers.”

“Requiring financial institutions to comply with this IRS reporting proposal is incredibly intrusive, and violates the rights and privacy of hardworking Americans,”&nbsp;said Sen. Marshall. “This is just another example of the Biden Administration’s mission to expand the federal government’s control over every aspect of Americans’ lives. I’m proud to support legislation that will stop the IRS from harassing American taxpayers in a misguided attempt to fund the Administration’s reckless tax-and-spend spree.”

The bill is&nbsp;co-sponsored by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Pat Toomey (R-Penn.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and Rob Portman (R-Ohio).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634928272205.png" alt="Photo courtesy Emprise Bank" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Emprise Bank</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall joined Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and 45 colleagues in introducing the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/0/d/0df73fcf-3d82-4d6a-af9b-0c646c7e2774/01BF3E4F905CF1AD6A69D5960565FAA2.gai21b02.pdf" target="_blank">Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act</a>, according to a release from Moran's office.This bill would prevent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from implementing Democrats’ plan to give the agency access to transaction information of virtually every American.“President Biden and the Democrats’ invasive IRS proposal is a serious threat to the privacy and financial data of Kansans,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran. “This proposal will give the IRS unprecedented access to the bank accounts of nearly every American in every tax bracket, and Kansans are right to be outraged. My colleagues and I will continue pushing back on this terribly intrusive plan and will work to implement legislative safeguards to protect the privacy of taxpayers.”“Requiring financial institutions to comply with this IRS reporting proposal is incredibly intrusive, and violates the rights and privacy of hardworking Americans,”&nbsp;said Sen. Marshall. “This is just another example of the Biden Administration’s mission to expand the federal government’s control over every aspect of Americans’ lives. I’m proud to support legislation that will stop the IRS from harassing American taxpayers in a misguided attempt to fund the Administration’s reckless tax-and-spend spree.”The bill is&nbsp;co-sponsored by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Pat Toomey (R-Penn.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), John Thune (R-S.D.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and Rob Portman (R-Ohio).

Moran, Marshall fight Dem's IRS proposal to snoop on your bank account

LAWRENCE —The University of Kansas announced&nbsp; their vaccine mandate in a message to employees from Chancellor Douglas Girod Friday afternoon.

"Last month, President Joe Biden issued an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fbriefing-room%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2021%2F09%2F09%2Fexecutive-order-on-ensuring-adequate-covid-safety-protocols-for-federal-contractors%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ckatunruh%40ku.edu%7C7a3f2cb10fb3453902d508d9957d4c9f%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C637705189539814171%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=dRQHONfampJR02C6CcvdWM68Jz6uQilOb0EA0P1Z5OA%3D&amp;reserved=0">executive order</a>&nbsp;requiring employees of institutions that contract with the federal government to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by Dec. 8."

"Per this order, the University of Kansas will now require all KU employees to submit proof they are fully vaccinated by Dec. 8."

"Because of the scope of the federal order, this mandate applies to all KU employees – including student employees – on all campuses and in all KU affiliates and auxiliaries, unless an employee applies for and receives a religious or medical exemption. Employees who do not comply with the vaccine requirement are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination from employment."

According to the Chancellor, the determination that KU needs to comply with the federal order was made in consultation with federal and state partners, including the Kansas Board of Regents, which has provided formal guidance illustrating the necessity that the state’s three research universities comply with the federal order.

KU participates in millions of dollars in federal contracts that fund research, employment and educational efforts — all of which are at risk if we are not aligned with the executive order. For this reason, we cannot be flexible with employees who choose not to comply with the vaccine requirement.

"In the days ahead, we will share information on how employees can submit proof of vaccination through a secure upload process or apply for a religious or medical exemption through the applicable Human Resources office.

In the meantime, unvaccinated employees need to seek their first vaccine dose immediately. Per the federal order, employees must be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8. Because the full vaccination process can take up to six weeks, unvaccinated employees should plan to receive their first vaccine dose as soon as possible. (See the chart below for deadlines associated with each of the three FDA-approved vaccinations.)

Unvaccinated individuals are responsible to seek out vaccination opportunities. Vaccines are available at no charge at pharmacies and health clinics across the region. Employees may also look into available options near them at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaccines.gov%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ckatunruh%40ku.edu%7C7a3f2cb10fb3453902d508d9957d4c9f%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C637705189539814171%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=bdlj5zCFHjEFDGFvEFtgSYwtm0uXx8PhEhbsIXp1TQ0%3D&amp;reserved=0">vaccines.gov</a>.

I appreciate your attention to this matter as we work to comply with the federal mandate."

Available vaccines and associated deadlines

The CDC also publishes recommended waiting periods following the first dose of the two-dose vaccine options. Considering these definitions and recommended waiting periods, please review the following timelines to meet the Dec. 8 deadline to become fully vaccinated for each of the three primary vaccine options.

Oct. 27 – Last day to receive first vaccine dose

Nov. 24 – Last day to receive second vaccine dose

Dec. 8 – Deadline to be fully vaccinated

<a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fcovid-19%2Finfo-by-product%2Fmoderna%2Findex.html&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ckatunruh%40ku.edu%7C7a3f2cb10fb3453902d508d9957d4c9f%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C637705189539824125%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=waLwDKgL6EQNXCauo%2FqMEt4cZI7fmHxmIdHDAMG7Fj4%3D&amp;reserved=0">View CDC Moderna recommendations</a>

Nov. 3 – Last day to receive first vaccine dose

<a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fcovid-19%2Finfo-by-product%2Fpfizer%2Findex.html&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ckatunruh%40ku.edu%7C7a3f2cb10fb3453902d508d9957d4c9f%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C637705189539824125%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=3KJgDdjP1HiQ2xXUfpUrY1tMo0zjrBbTwabztYwKGEM%3D&amp;reserved=0">View CDC Pfizer recommendations</a>

Nov. 24 – Last day to receive single dose vaccine

<a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fcovid-19%2Finfo-by-product%2Fjanssen%2Findex.html&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ckatunruh%40ku.edu%7C7a3f2cb10fb3453902d508d9957d4c9f%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C637705189539834079%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=0XXucgOYrU305t6KNJOt8YFL%2BpuakxjZBi08sJh8BkI%3D&amp;reserved=0">View CDC Johnson &amp; Johnson recommendations</a>

How can I upload my proof of vaccination?

Information on how to upload your proof of vaccination will be shared in the days ahead. All medical records will be secure and kept confidential.

How can I apply for a religious or medical exemption from the vaccine mandate?

Information on how to apply for a religious or medical exemption will be shared in the days ahead. All applications will be secure and kept confidential.

Does the vaccine requirement apply to all KU employees – including those who work for KU affiliate and auxiliary units?

What happens to employees who do not comply with the mandate?

Employees who do not comply with the vaccine requirement are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination from employment.

Does the order apply to students?

The order does not apply to students who aren’t employees. The order does apply to student employees, which includes students who work for KU in any capacity, including as graduate assistants/associates and postdoctoral scholars.

What if I have lost my vaccination card?

First, contact your vaccination provider. These providers keep records of all vaccinations and will have a way for you to obtain a copy of your vaccine document. You may be able to log into their patient portal to view a copy of your vaccine document.

In addition, all states have a way to request a copy of your vaccination record. View the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fprograms%2Fiis%2Fcontacts-locate-records.html%23state&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ckatunruh%40ku.edu%7C7a3f2cb10fb3453902d508d9957d4c9f%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C637705189539834079%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=C65YwMUhbiK7z3RMNKpnZASCGTAMaydfOaAdvaTMDdw%3D&amp;reserved=0">CDC’s list of states</a>&nbsp;with links to request your vaccination record.

What about Kansas state law regarding vaccinations and proof of vaccination?

We will continue to work with KBOR and state lawmakers to address discrepancies between state law and the federal order

LAWRENCE —The University of Kansas announced&nbsp; their vaccine mandate in a message to employees from Chancellor Douglas Girod Friday afternoon."Last month, President Joe Biden issued an&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitehouse.gov%2Fbriefing-room%2Fpresidential-actions%2F2021%2F09%2F09%2Fexecutive-order-on-ensuring-adequate-covid-safety-protocols-for-federal-contractors%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ckatunruh%40ku.edu%7C7a3f2cb10fb3453902d508d9957d4c9f%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C637705189539814171%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=dRQHONfampJR02C6CcvdWM68Jz6uQilOb0EA0P1Z5OA%3D&amp;reserved=0">executive order</a>&nbsp;requiring employees of institutions that contract with the federal government to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by Dec. 8.""Per this order, the University of Kansas will now require all KU employees to submit proof they are fully vaccinated by Dec. 8.""Because of the scope of the federal order, this mandate applies to all KU employees – including student employees – on all campuses and in all KU affiliates and auxiliaries, unless an employee applies for and receives a religious or medical exemption. Employees who do not comply with the vaccine requirement are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination from employment."According to the Chancellor, the determination that KU needs to comply with the federal order was made in consultation with federal and state partners, including the Kansas Board of Regents, which has provided formal guidance illustrating the necessity that the state’s three research universities comply with the federal order.KU participates in millions of dollars in federal contracts that fund research, employment and educational efforts — all of which are at risk if we are not aligned with the executive order. For this reason, we cannot be flexible with employees who choose not to comply with the vaccine requirement.Next steps"In the days ahead, we will share information on how employees can submit proof of vaccination through a secure upload process or apply for a religious or medical exemption through the applicable Human Resources office.In the meantime, unvaccinated employees need to seek their first vaccine dose immediately. Per the federal order, employees must be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8. Because the full vaccination process can take up to six weeks, unvaccinated employees should plan to receive their first vaccine dose as soon as possible. (See the chart below for deadlines associated with each of the three FDA-approved vaccinations.)Unvaccinated individuals are responsible to seek out vaccination opportunities. Vaccines are available at no charge at pharmacies and health clinics across the region. Employees may also look into available options near them at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vaccines.gov%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ckatunruh%40ku.edu%7C7a3f2cb10fb3453902d508d9957d4c9f%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C637705189539814171%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=bdlj5zCFHjEFDGFvEFtgSYwtm0uXx8PhEhbsIXp1TQ0%3D&amp;reserved=0">vaccines.gov</a>.I appreciate your attention to this matter as we work to comply with the federal mandate."Available vaccines and associated deadlinesThe CDC defines fully vaccinated as:<ul>
 <li>Two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or</li><li>Two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine</li>
 </ul>The CDC also publishes recommended waiting periods following the first dose of the two-dose vaccine options. Considering these definitions and recommended waiting periods, please review the following timelines to meet the Dec. 8 deadline to become fully vaccinated for each of the three primary vaccine options.Moderna VaccineOct. 27 – Last day to receive first vaccine doseNov. 24 – Last day to receive second vaccine doseDec. 8 – Deadline to be fully vaccinated<a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fcovid-19%2Finfo-by-product%2Fmoderna%2Findex.html&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ckatunruh%40ku.edu%7C7a3f2cb10fb3453902d508d9957d4c9f%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C637705189539824125%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=waLwDKgL6EQNXCauo%2FqMEt4cZI7fmHxmIdHDAMG7Fj4%3D&amp;reserved=0">View CDC Moderna recommendations</a>Pfizer-BioNTech VaccineNov. 3 – Last day to receive first vaccine doseNov. 24 – Last day to receive second vaccine doseDec. 8 – Deadline to be fully vaccinated<a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fcovid-19%2Finfo-by-product%2Fpfizer%2Findex.html&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ckatunruh%40ku.edu%7C7a3f2cb10fb3453902d508d9957d4c9f%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C637705189539824125%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=3KJgDdjP1HiQ2xXUfpUrY1tMo0zjrBbTwabztYwKGEM%3D&amp;reserved=0">View CDC Pfizer recommendations</a>Johnson &amp; Johnson VaccineNov. 24 – Last day to receive single dose vaccineDec. 8 – Deadline to be fully vaccinated<a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fcovid-19%2Finfo-by-product%2Fjanssen%2Findex.html&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ckatunruh%40ku.edu%7C7a3f2cb10fb3453902d508d9957d4c9f%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C637705189539834079%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=0XXucgOYrU305t6KNJOt8YFL%2BpuakxjZBi08sJh8BkI%3D&amp;reserved=0">View CDC Johnson &amp; Johnson recommendations</a>FAQsHow can I upload my proof of vaccination?Information on how to upload your proof of vaccination will be shared in the days ahead. All medical records will be secure and kept confidential.How can I apply for a religious or medical exemption from the vaccine mandate?Information on how to apply for a religious or medical exemption will be shared in the days ahead. All applications will be secure and kept confidential.Does the vaccine requirement apply to all KU employees – including those who work for KU affiliate and auxiliary units?Yes.What happens to employees who do not comply with the mandate?Employees who do not comply with the vaccine requirement are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination from employment.Does the order apply to students?The order does not apply to students who aren’t employees. The order does apply to student employees, which includes students who work for KU in any capacity, including as graduate assistants/associates and postdoctoral scholars.What if I have lost my vaccination card?First, contact your vaccination provider. These providers keep records of all vaccinations and will have a way for you to obtain a copy of your vaccine document. You may be able to log into their patient portal to view a copy of your vaccine document.In addition, all states have a way to request a copy of your vaccination record. View the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fprograms%2Fiis%2Fcontacts-locate-records.html%23state&amp;data=04%7C01%7Ckatunruh%40ku.edu%7C7a3f2cb10fb3453902d508d9957d4c9f%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C637705189539834079%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=C65YwMUhbiK7z3RMNKpnZASCGTAMaydfOaAdvaTMDdw%3D&amp;reserved=0">CDC’s list of states</a>&nbsp;with links to request your vaccination record.What about Kansas state law regarding vaccinations and proof of vaccination?We will continue to work with KBOR and state lawmakers to address discrepancies between state law and the federal order

KU announces vaccine requirement for employees

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,893 to a total of 428,816, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 26 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,211.

<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 1,893 to a total of 428,816, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 26 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,211.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634922293572.png" alt="Friday October 22, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday October 22, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 1,893 new cases, 26 more COVID deaths

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the vandalism to the Native American Art at the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas have identified the suspects, according to the KU Public Safety Office.

Police recovered a stolen panel from the exhibit weeks after other panels in the exhibit were vandalized.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, museum officials announced&nbsp; that the exhibit, “Native Hosts” by Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds, was back in front of the museum.

The work consists of five aluminum signs, which each name Native tribes who historically or currently live in what is now known as Kansas. On each sign, the colonial name is printed backward while the name of the land’s original occupants is printed forward.

Officials thanked the public for helping identify the suspects who damaged the artwork. The case is being forwarded to the Douglas County District Attorney for charging consideration, according to the KU Public Safety office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634839264178.png" alt="Photo KU Public Safety Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo KU Public Safety Office</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the vandalism to the Native American Art at the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas have identified the suspects, according to the KU Public Safety Office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633119849006.png" alt="Photos courtesy Spencer Museum of Art at KU" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Spencer Museum of Art at KU</figcaption>
 </figure>Police recovered a stolen panel from the exhibit weeks after other panels in the exhibit were vandalized.&nbsp;Earlier this month, museum officials announced&nbsp; that the exhibit, “Native Hosts” by Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds, was back in front of the museum.The work consists of five aluminum signs, which each name Native tribes who historically or currently live in what is now known as Kansas. On each sign, the colonial name is printed backward while the name of the land’s original occupants is printed forward.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634238139558.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Officials thanked the public for helping identify the suspects who damaged the artwork. The case is being forwarded to the Douglas County District Attorney for charging consideration, according to the KU Public Safety office.--------

Police ID suspects in vandalism of Native American exhibit at KU

MANHATTAN—During a virtual town hall Friday, Kansas State University announced that all university employees must be fully vaccinated by December 8.

<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/info/announcement/?id=78099">Click here to additional&nbsp;</a>details on the KSU vaccine requirement

The university is expected to send an email with details to all students and faculty by early afternoon, according to the media relations office.

President Biden's executive order on vaccine requirements announced six weeks ago applies to all research universities in Kansas and their employees.

The White House is expected to give the green light any day to the executive order's fine print detailing how and when companies and universities will have to require their employees to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.

MANHATTAN—During a virtual town hall Friday, Kansas State University announced that all university employees must be fully vaccinated by December 8.<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/info/announcement/?id=78099">Click here to additional&nbsp;</a>details on the KSU vaccine requirement<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QlqHbxGP5lE?start=1093" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The university is expected to send an email with details to all students and faculty by early afternoon, according to the media relations office.President Biden's executive order on vaccine requirements announced six weeks ago applies to all research universities in Kansas and their employees.The White House is expected to give the green light any day to the executive order's fine print detailing how and when companies and universities will have to require their employees to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.The full enforcement deadline, which could carry penalties of about $14,000 per violation, may not take effect until after the new year. That’s why Biden and his aides have for weeks encouraged businesses to act as though the rule was already in effect and start imposing vaccination requirements.

🎥 K-State announces COVID vaccination deadline for all employees 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House and Democrats are hurriedly reworking key aspects of President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion domestic policy plan, trimming the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-69c7bb592f8d73232bec1d8e15be82e3">social services&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-e9b976d57b1b8b35e459c9950b34fca0">climate change programs</a>&nbsp;and rethinking new taxes on corporations and the wealthy to pay for a scaled-back package.

The changes come as Biden more forcefully appeals to the American public, including in a televised town hall Thursday, for what he says are the middle-class values at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-seniors-medicare-congress-c544f9a1cd4d3ef0d7d5b99b129ccca7">the heart of his proposal</a>.

Biden mentioned during the evening event the challenge he faces in wrangling the sharply divergent factions in the Democratic party to agree to the final contours of the bill. With an evenly divided Senate, he can’t afford to lose a single vote, and he is navigating the competing demands of progressives, who want major investments in social services, and centrists, who want to see the price tag on the package come down.

“When you’re president of the United States, you have 50 Democrats — every one is a president. Every single one. So you gotta work things out,” he said during a CNN town hall.

Still, he expressed optimism about the process, saying “I think so” when asked if Democrats were close to a deal.

“It’s all about compromise. Compromise has become a dirty word, but bipartisanship and compromise still has to be possible,” he said.

Biden later said the discussions are “down to four or five issues.”

On one issue — the taxes to pay for the package — the White House idea seemed to be making headway with a new strategy of abandoning plans for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-business-personal-taxes-137e00b41f113f85cc241438c780785b">reversing Trump-era tax cuts&nbsp;</a>in favor of an approach that would involve taxing the investment incomes of billionaires to help finance the deal.

Biden has faced resistance from key holdouts, in particular&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-az-state-wire-government-and-politics-6632b84d43dcd5f897dbaea36d780bbb">Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz.,</a>&nbsp;who has not been on board with her party’s plan to undo President Donald Trump’s tax breaks for big corporations or individuals earning more than $400,000 a year.

The president was unusually forthcoming Thursday night about the sticking points in the negotiations with Sinema and another key Democrat, conservative Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.

While the president said Sinema “will not raise a single penny in taxes” on the wealthy or corporations, a White House official later clarified that the president was referring to raising the top tax rates, not the range of tax proposals “which Senator Sinema supports.”

Biden said Manchin doesn’t want to “rush” the transition to clean energy so quickly it will result in major job losses in his coal-producing state.

Even as he seemed encouraged by progress, Biden acknowledged major reductions to his original vision. He signaled the final plan would no longer provide free community college, but said he hoped to increase Pell Grants to compensate for the loss of the policy.

“It’s not going to get us the whole thing, but it is a start,” he said.

He also said that what had been envisioned as a federally paid, months-long family leave program would be just four weeks.

As long-sought programs are adjusted or eliminated, Democratic leaders are working to swiftly wrap up talks, possibly in the days ahead.

Talks between the White House and Democratic lawmakers are focused on reducing what had been a $3.5 trillion package to about $2 trillion, in what would be an unprecedented federal effort to expand social services for millions and address the rising threat of climate change.

“We have a goal. We have a timetable. We have milestones, and we’ve met them all,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who predicted Thursday, “It will pass soon.”

An abrupt change of course came late Wednesday when the White House floated new ways to pay for parts of the proposal.

Biden himself signaled flexibility on the tax provisions of the bill, as long as it’s paid for and it doesn’t increase taxes on those earning $400,000 or less.

“I’m willing to make sure that we pay for everything,” he said when pressed on what tax proposal he’d support.

The newly proposed tax provisions, though, are likely to sour progressives and even some moderate Democrats who have long campaigned on scrapping the Republican-backed 2017 tax cuts that many believe unduly reward the wealthy and cost the government untold sums in lost revenue at a time of gaping income inequality. Many are furious that perhaps a lone senator could stymie that goal.

The chairman of the tax-writing Ways &amp; Means Committee, Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., said he spoke for more than 30 minutes with the centrist Arizona senator, whose closely held views are a mystery to her colleagues.

“I said, Kyrsten, you and I both know this has got to pass. She said: ‘I couldn’t agree more,’” Neal told reporters at the Capitol.

Sinema’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

Under existing law passed in 2017, the corporate tax rate is 21%. Democrats had proposed raising it to 26.5% for companies earning more than $5 million a year. The top individual income tax rate would go from 37% to 39.6% for those earning more than $400,000, or $450,000 for married couples.

Under the changes being floated the corporate rate would not change. But the revisions would not be all positive for big companies and the wealthy.

The White House is reviving the idea of a minimum corporate tax rate, similar to the 15% rate Biden had proposed this year. That’s even for companies that say they had no taxable income — a frequent target of Biden, who complains they pay “zero” in taxes.

The new tax on the wealthiest individuals would be modeled on legislation from Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. He has proposed taxing stock gains of people with more than $1 billion in assets — fewer than 1,000 Americans.

Other tax options are also being considered, and Democrats are almost certain to include a provision to beef up the Internal Revenue Service to go after tax dodgers.

Biden and his party are trying to shore up middle-class households, tackle climate change and stem the trend toward rising income inequality.

In the mix are at least $500 billion to battle climate change, $350 billion for child care subsidies and free prekindergarten, a one-year extension of the $300 monthly child tax credit put in place during the COVID-19 crisis, and money for health care provided through the Affordable Care Act and Medicare.

The president especially wants to advance the legislation by the time he departs next week for a global climate summit in Scotland.

Manchin has made clear&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-joe-biden-business-environment-environment-and-nature-81ccfa671e8cdd095ce26b62c33641ce">he opposes the president’s initial energy plan,&nbsp;</a>which was to have the government impose penalties on electric utilities that fail to meet clean energy benchmarks and provide financial rewards to those that do.

Instead, Biden is focused on providing at least $500 billion in tax credits, grants and loans for energy producers that reach emission-reduction goals.

Democrats also want to add funding to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-seniors-environment-health-7c573827e3e96f1f4c15bb3234815321">dental, vision and hearing aid benefits&nbsp;</a>to people on Medicare proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634847207082.png" alt="“We have a goal. We have a timetable. We have milestones, and we’ve met them all,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who predicted Thursday, “It will pass soon.”-photo courtesy office of House Speaker" />
 <figcaption>“We have a goal. We have a timetable. We have milestones, and we’ve met them all,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who predicted Thursday, “It will pass soon.”-photo courtesy office of House Speaker</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House and Democrats are hurriedly reworking key aspects of President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion domestic policy plan, trimming the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-69c7bb592f8d73232bec1d8e15be82e3">social services&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-e9b976d57b1b8b35e459c9950b34fca0">climate change programs</a>&nbsp;and rethinking new taxes on corporations and the wealthy to pay for a scaled-back package.The changes come as Biden more forcefully appeals to the American public, including in a televised town hall Thursday, for what he says are the middle-class values at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-seniors-medicare-congress-c544f9a1cd4d3ef0d7d5b99b129ccca7">the heart of his proposal</a>.Biden mentioned during the evening event the challenge he faces in wrangling the sharply divergent factions in the Democratic party to agree to the final contours of the bill. With an evenly divided Senate, he can’t afford to lose a single vote, and he is navigating the competing demands of progressives, who want major investments in social services, and centrists, who want to see the price tag on the package come down.“When you’re president of the United States, you have 50 Democrats — every one is a president. Every single one. So you gotta work things out,” he said during a CNN town hall.Still, he expressed optimism about the process, saying “I think so” when asked if Democrats were close to a deal.“It’s all about compromise. Compromise has become a dirty word, but bipartisanship and compromise still has to be possible,” he said.Biden later said the discussions are “down to four or five issues.”On one issue — the taxes to pay for the package — the White House idea seemed to be making headway with a new strategy of abandoning plans for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-business-personal-taxes-137e00b41f113f85cc241438c780785b">reversing Trump-era tax cuts&nbsp;</a>in favor of an approach that would involve taxing the investment incomes of billionaires to help finance the deal.Biden has faced resistance from key holdouts, in particular&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-az-state-wire-government-and-politics-6632b84d43dcd5f897dbaea36d780bbb">Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz.,</a>&nbsp;who has not been on board with her party’s plan to undo President Donald Trump’s tax breaks for big corporations or individuals earning more than $400,000 a year.The president was unusually forthcoming Thursday night about the sticking points in the negotiations with Sinema and another key Democrat, conservative Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.While the president said Sinema “will not raise a single penny in taxes” on the wealthy or corporations, a White House official later clarified that the president was referring to raising the top tax rates, not the range of tax proposals “which Senator Sinema supports.”Biden said Manchin doesn’t want to “rush” the transition to clean energy so quickly it will result in major job losses in his coal-producing state.Even as he seemed encouraged by progress, Biden acknowledged major reductions to his original vision. He signaled the final plan would no longer provide free community college, but said he hoped to increase Pell Grants to compensate for the loss of the policy.“It’s not going to get us the whole thing, but it is a start,” he said.He also said that what had been envisioned as a federally paid, months-long family leave program would be just four weeks.As long-sought programs are adjusted or eliminated, Democratic leaders are working to swiftly wrap up talks, possibly in the days ahead.Talks between the White House and Democratic lawmakers are focused on reducing what had been a $3.5 trillion package to about $2 trillion, in what would be an unprecedented federal effort to expand social services for millions and address the rising threat of climate change.“We have a goal. We have a timetable. We have milestones, and we’ve met them all,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who predicted Thursday, “It will pass soon.”An abrupt change of course came late Wednesday when the White House floated new ways to pay for parts of the proposal.Biden himself signaled flexibility on the tax provisions of the bill, as long as it’s paid for and it doesn’t increase taxes on those earning $400,000 or less.“I’m willing to make sure that we pay for everything,” he said when pressed on what tax proposal he’d support.The newly proposed tax provisions, though, are likely to sour progressives and even some moderate Democrats who have long campaigned on scrapping the Republican-backed 2017 tax cuts that many believe unduly reward the wealthy and cost the government untold sums in lost revenue at a time of gaping income inequality. Many are furious that perhaps a lone senator could stymie that goal.The chairman of the tax-writing Ways &amp; Means Committee, Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., said he spoke for more than 30 minutes with the centrist Arizona senator, whose closely held views are a mystery to her colleagues.“I said, Kyrsten, you and I both know this has got to pass. She said: ‘I couldn’t agree more,’” Neal told reporters at the Capitol.Sinema’s office did not respond to a request for comment.Under existing law passed in 2017, the corporate tax rate is 21%. Democrats had proposed raising it to 26.5% for companies earning more than $5 million a year. The top individual income tax rate would go from 37% to 39.6% for those earning more than $400,000, or $450,000 for married couples.Under the changes being floated the corporate rate would not change. But the revisions would not be all positive for big companies and the wealthy.The White House is reviving the idea of a minimum corporate tax rate, similar to the 15% rate Biden had proposed this year. That’s even for companies that say they had no taxable income — a frequent target of Biden, who complains they pay “zero” in taxes.The new tax on the wealthiest individuals would be modeled on legislation from Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. He has proposed taxing stock gains of people with more than $1 billion in assets — fewer than 1,000 Americans.Other tax options are also being considered, and Democrats are almost certain to include a provision to beef up the Internal Revenue Service to go after tax dodgers.Biden and his party are trying to shore up middle-class households, tackle climate change and stem the trend toward rising income inequality.In the mix are at least $500 billion to battle climate change, $350 billion for child care subsidies and free prekindergarten, a one-year extension of the $300 monthly child tax credit put in place during the COVID-19 crisis, and money for health care provided through the Affordable Care Act and Medicare.The president especially wants to advance the legislation by the time he departs next week for a global climate summit in Scotland.Manchin has made clear&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-joe-biden-business-environment-environment-and-nature-81ccfa671e8cdd095ce26b62c33641ce">he opposes the president’s initial energy plan,&nbsp;</a>which was to have the government impose penalties on electric utilities that fail to meet clean energy benchmarks and provide financial rewards to those that do.Instead, Biden is focused on providing at least $500 billion in tax credits, grants and loans for energy producers that reach emission-reduction goals.Democrats also want to add funding to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-seniors-environment-health-7c573827e3e96f1f4c15bb3234815321">dental, vision and hearing aid benefits&nbsp;</a>to people on Medicare proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

White House, Dems hurriedly reworking Biden's $2 trillion plan

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas felon accused in the Sept. 7, mass shooting at a Wichita night club and arrested in Arizona was booked into jail in Kansas Wednesday afternoon and made his first court appearance Thursday.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20044181">Keshawn Dawson, 23 of Wichita, </a>was charged with 1st degree intentional murder, 1st degree murder in the commission of a felony, six counts of aggravated battery, and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Dawson is also charged in two separate cases for criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon for an incident on June 15, and&nbsp; criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia for use involving an arrest in January, according to the district attorney.

On Oct. 8, U.S. Marshals arrested Dawson in Phoenix Arizona., according to officer Charley Davidson. Dawson is being held on bond of five-million dollars for a shooting that killed 34-year-old Preston Spencer and injured six others with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

At approximately 12:40 a.m. on Sept. 7, officers responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosely.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims that were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; The investigation revealed Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was forced to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.

In addition, Dawson had active felony Sedgwick County warrants and was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634817510235.png" alt="Dawson photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dawson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas felon accused in the Sept. 7, mass shooting at a Wichita night club and arrested in Arizona was booked into jail in Kansas Wednesday afternoon and made his first court appearance Thursday.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20044181">Keshawn Dawson, 23 of Wichita, </a>was charged with 1st degree intentional murder, 1st degree murder in the commission of a felony, six counts of aggravated battery, and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Dawson is also charged in two separate cases for criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon for an incident on June 15, and&nbsp; criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia for use involving an arrest in January, according to the district attorney.On Oct. 8, U.S. Marshals arrested Dawson in Phoenix Arizona., according to officer Charley Davidson. Dawson is being held on bond of five-million dollars for a shooting that killed 34-year-old Preston Spencer and injured six others with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.At approximately 12:40 a.m. on Sept. 7, officers responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosely.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims that were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; The investigation revealed Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was forced to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.In addition, Dawson had active felony Sedgwick County warrants and was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions, according to Davidson.Dawson's next court appearance is November 4, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;