WASHINGTON (AP) —Pfizer is asking U.S. regulators to authorize its updated COVID-19 vaccine for children under age 5 — not as a booster but part of their initial shots.

Children ages 6 months through 4 years already are supposed to get three extra-small doses of the original Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine — each a tenth of the amount adults receive — as their primary series. If the Food and Drug Administration agrees, a dose of Pfizer’s bivalent omicron-targeting vaccine would be substituted for their third shot.

Pfizer and its partner BioNTech said Monday that may help prevent severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19 in little kids, at a time when children’s hospitals already are packed with youngsters hit by other respiratory illnesses.

Few of the nation’s youngest children have gotten their COVID-19 vaccinations since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-rochelle-walensky-222bc528985a897c2a2d6173cd3659a9">shots were OK’d in June</a>: Just 2% of tots under 2 and about 4% of 2- to 4-year-olds have gotten their primary doses so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The FDA has authorized the new bivalent COVID-19 shots — versions made by Pfizer and rival Moderna&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-business-covid-daaf1a4e5223d3b1251c4606b422ee0d">— as a booster for everyone ages 5 and older.</a>&nbsp;Those combination shots contain half the original vaccine and half tweaked to match the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron strains that until recently were dominant. Now BA.5 descendants are responsible for most COVID-19 cases.

The CDC last month released the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-covid-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-government-politics-cac663e28e4d6e44800f57c8ad50c707">first real-world data</a>&nbsp;showing that an updated booster, using either company’s version, does offer added protection to adults. The analysis found the greatest benefit was in people who’d never had a prior booster, just two doses of the original COVID-19 vaccine -- but that even those who’d had a summertime dose were more protected than if they’d skipped the newest shot

NEW YORK —&nbsp;Pfizer Inc. andBioNTech SE on Monday announced that the companies have submitted an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use authorization (EUA) of their Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine as the third 3-µg dose in the three-dose primary series for children 6 months through 4 years of age, according to a media release from the company.

With the high level of respiratory illnesses currently circulating among children under 5 years of age, updated COVID-19 vaccines may help prevent severe illness and hospitalization.

If authorized, children in this age group would receive a primary series consisting of two 3-µg doses of the original Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine followed by a third 3-µg dose of the Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine. An application to extend Pfizer and BioNTech’s Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine marketing authorization in the EU to include children ages 6 months through 4 years is under discussion with the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is currently authorized as a booster dose for ages 5 years and older in the U.S. and European Union (EU).&nbsp; The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines (COMIRNATY®) are based on BioNTech’s proprietary mRNA technology and were developed by both BioNTech and Pfizer. BioNTech is the Marketing Authorization Holder for BNT162b2 (Original) and BNT162b2 Bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.4/BA.5) in the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada and other countries, and the holder of emergency use authorizations or equivalents in the United States (jointly with Pfizer) and other countries.

Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5) &nbsp; AUTHORIZED USE Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5) is FDA-authorized under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use in individuals 5 years of age and older as a single booster dose administered at least 2 months after either:

Monovalent refers to any authorized and approved COVID-19 vaccine that contains or encodes the spike protein of only the Original SARS-CoV-2 virus &nbsp; COMIRNATY® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) INDICATION COMIRNATY® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) is a vaccine approved for active immunization to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 12 years of age and older. &nbsp; AUTHORIZED USE COMIRNATY® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) is FDA-authorized under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to provide: &nbsp; Primary Series

&nbsp; Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine &nbsp; AUTHORIZED USES Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is FDA authorized under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use in individuals 6 months and older to provide: &nbsp; Primary Series

&nbsp; EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION Emergency uses of the vaccines have not been approved or licensed by FDA but have been authorized by FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in individuals aged 6 months and older for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and 5 years and older for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent. The emergency uses are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of the medical product under Section 564(b)(1) of the FD&amp;C Act unless the declaration is terminated or authorization revoked sooner.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION &nbsp; Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5), COMIRNATY® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine &nbsp; Tell your vaccination provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

&nbsp; Side effects that have been reported with these vaccines include:

&nbsp; These may not be all the possible side effects of the vaccine. Call the vaccination provider or healthcare provider about bothersome side effects or side effects that do not go away.&nbsp;

Individuals should always ask their healthcare providers for medical advice about adverse events. &nbsp; Report vaccine side effects to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The VAERS toll-free number is 1-800-822-7967 or report online to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html" target="_blank">www.vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html</a>. In addition, individuals can report side effects to Pfizer Inc. at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pfizersafetyreporting.com/" target="_blank">www.pfizersafetyreporting.com</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-438-1985.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635537216378.png" alt="The Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is currently authorized as a booster dose for ages 5 years and older in the U.S. and European Union . -photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>The Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is currently authorized as a booster dose for ages 5 years and older in the U.S. and European Union . -photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Pfizer is asking U.S. regulators to authorize its updated COVID-19 vaccine for children under age 5 — not as a booster but part of their initial shots.Children ages 6 months through 4 years already are supposed to get three extra-small doses of the original Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine — each a tenth of the amount adults receive — as their primary series. If the Food and Drug Administration agrees, a dose of Pfizer’s bivalent omicron-targeting vaccine would be substituted for their third shot.Pfizer and its partner BioNTech said Monday that may help prevent severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19 in little kids, at a time when children’s hospitals already are packed with youngsters hit by other respiratory illnesses.Few of the nation’s youngest children have gotten their COVID-19 vaccinations since the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid-science-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-rochelle-walensky-222bc528985a897c2a2d6173cd3659a9">shots were OK’d in June</a>: Just 2% of tots under 2 and about 4% of 2- to 4-year-olds have gotten their primary doses so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The FDA has authorized the new bivalent COVID-19 shots — versions made by Pfizer and rival Moderna&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-business-covid-daaf1a4e5223d3b1251c4606b422ee0d">— as a booster for everyone ages 5 and older.</a>&nbsp;Those combination shots contain half the original vaccine and half tweaked to match the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron strains that until recently were dominant. Now BA.5 descendants are responsible for most COVID-19 cases.The CDC last month released the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-covid-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-government-politics-cac663e28e4d6e44800f57c8ad50c707">first real-world data</a>&nbsp;showing that an updated booster, using either company’s version, does offer added protection to adults. The analysis found the greatest benefit was in people who’d never had a prior booster, just two doses of the original COVID-19 vaccine -- but that even those who’d had a summertime dose were more protected than if they’d skipped the newest shot-------NEW YORK —&nbsp;Pfizer Inc. andBioNTech SE on Monday announced that the companies have submitted an application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use authorization (EUA) of their Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine as the third 3-µg dose in the three-dose primary series for children 6 months through 4 years of age, according to a media release from the company.With the high level of respiratory illnesses currently circulating among children under 5 years of age, updated COVID-19 vaccines may help prevent severe illness and hospitalization. If authorized, children in this age group would receive a primary series consisting of two 3-µg doses of the original Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine followed by a third 3-µg dose of the Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine. An application to extend Pfizer and BioNTech’s Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine marketing authorization in the EU to include children ages 6 months through 4 years is under discussion with the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is currently authorized as a booster dose for ages 5 years and older in the U.S. and European Union (EU).&nbsp; The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines (COMIRNATY®) are based on BioNTech’s proprietary mRNA technology and were developed by both BioNTech and Pfizer. BioNTech is the Marketing Authorization Holder for BNT162b2 (Original) and BNT162b2 Bivalent (Original/Omicron BA.4/BA.5) in the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada and other countries, and the holder of emergency use authorizations or equivalents in the United States (jointly with Pfizer) and other countries.U.S. INDICATION &amp; AUTHORIZED USEPfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5) &nbsp; AUTHORIZED USE Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5) is FDA-authorized under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use in individuals 5 years of age and older as a single booster dose administered at least 2 months after either:<ul>
 <li>completion of primary vaccination with any authorized or approved monovalent* COVID-19 vaccine; or</li><li>receipt of the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.</li>
 </ul>Monovalent refers to any authorized and approved COVID-19 vaccine that contains or encodes the spike protein of only the Original SARS-CoV-2 virus &nbsp; COMIRNATY® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) INDICATION COMIRNATY® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) is a vaccine approved for active immunization to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 12 years of age and older. &nbsp; AUTHORIZED USE COMIRNATY® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) is FDA-authorized under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to provide: &nbsp; Primary Series<ul>
 <li>a third primary series dose to individuals 12 years of age and older who have certain kinds of immunocompromise</li>
 </ul>&nbsp; Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine &nbsp; AUTHORIZED USES Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is FDA authorized under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use in individuals 6 months and older to provide: &nbsp; Primary Series<ul>
 <li>a 3-dose primary series to individuals 6 months through 4 years of age</li><li>a 2-dose primary series to individuals 5 years of age and older</li><li>a third primary series dose to individuals 5 years of age and older with certain kinds of immunocompromise</li>
 </ul>&nbsp; EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION Emergency uses of the vaccines have not been approved or licensed by FDA but have been authorized by FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in individuals aged 6 months and older for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and 5 years and older for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent. The emergency uses are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of the medical product under Section 564(b)(1) of the FD&amp;C Act unless the declaration is terminated or authorization revoked sooner.IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION &nbsp; Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5), COMIRNATY® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine &nbsp; Tell your vaccination provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:<ul>
 <li>have any allergies</li><li>have had myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart)</li><li>have a fever</li><li>have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner</li><li>are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects the immune system</li><li>are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding</li><li>have received another COVID-19 vaccine</li><li>have ever fainted in association with an injection</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>The vaccine may not protect everyone</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>You should not get COMIRNATY (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA), the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, or the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent if you have had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of COMIRNATY or the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or any ingredient in these vaccines</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>There is a remote chance that these vaccines could cause a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to 1 hour after getting a dose of the vaccine. For this reason, your vaccination provider may ask you to stay at the place where you received the vaccine for monitoring after vaccination. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, a fast heartbeat, a bad rash all over the body, dizziness, and weakness</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart) have occurred in some people who have received COMIRNATY® (COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA) or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. The observed risk is higher among adolescent males and adult males under 40 years of age than among females and older males, and the observed risk is highest in males 12 through 17 years of age. In most of these people, symptoms began within a few days following receipt of the second dose of vaccine. The chance of having this occur is very low</li>
 </ul>&nbsp; Side effects that have been reported with these vaccines include:<ul>
 <li>Severe allergic reactions</li><li>Non-severe allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face</li><li>Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)</li><li>Pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart)</li><li>Injection site pain</li><li>Tiredness</li><li>Headache</li><li>Muscle pain</li><li>Chills</li><li>Joint pain</li><li>Fever</li><li>Injection site swelling</li><li>Injection site redness</li><li>Nausea</li><li>Feeling unwell</li><li>Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)</li><li>Decreased appetite</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Arm pain</li><li>Fainting in association with injection of the vaccine</li><li>Unusual and persistent irritability</li><li>Unusual and persistent poor feeding</li><li>Unusual and persistent fatigue or lack of energy</li><li>Unusual and persistent cool, pale skin</li>
 </ul>&nbsp; These may not be all the possible side effects of the vaccine. Call the vaccination provider or healthcare provider about bothersome side effects or side effects that do not go away.&nbsp;Individuals should always ask their healthcare providers for medical advice about adverse events. &nbsp; Report vaccine side effects to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The VAERS toll-free number is 1-800-822-7967 or report online to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html" target="_blank">www.vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html</a>. In addition, individuals can report side effects to Pfizer Inc. at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pfizersafetyreporting.com/" target="_blank">www.pfizersafetyreporting.com</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-438-1985.&nbsp;

FDA to consider Pfizer omicron booster for kids under 5

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities have identified the body of a man discovered September 15, in a wooded area in the 4200 block of Kaw Drive as 41-year-old Ottoniel Agustin-Chavez, according to Kansas City, Kansas Police.

An individual walking in the area found the body. Based on autopsy results, the case is being investigated as a homicide.

The KCKPD Major Case Unit is in charge of the investigation. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips are anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.There is nothing further to report at this time.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities have identified the body of a man discovered September 15, in a wooded area in the 4200 block of Kaw Drive as 41-year-old Ottoniel Agustin-Chavez, according to Kansas City, Kansas Police.An individual walking in the area found the body. Based on autopsy results, the case is being investigated as a homicide.The KCKPD Major Case Unit is in charge of the investigation. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Crime Stoppers TIPS hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). All tips are anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.There is nothing further to report at this time.

Homicide: KC Police ID body of man found in wooded area

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Kirstie Alley, who won an Emmy for her role on “Cheers” and starred in films including “Look Who's Talking,” died Monday.

Alley died of cancer that was only recently discovered, her children True and Lillie Parker said in a post on Twitter. Alley's manager Donovan Daughtry confirmed the death in an email to The Associated Press.

Alley was 71. She was born in Wichita and graduated from Southeast High School in 1969.

“As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother,” her children's statement said.

She starred as Rebecca Howe on the NBC sitcom “Cheers” from 1987 to 1993, after the departure of original star Shelley Long.

She had her own sitcom on the network, “Veronica's Closet,” from 1997 to 2000.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Kirstie Alley, who won an Emmy for her role on “Cheers” and starred in films including “Look Who's Talking,” died Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/g4nAItrR5x">pic.twitter.com/g4nAItrR5x</a>&mdash; Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) <a href="https://twitter.com/kirstiealley/status/1599931870786908160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Alley died of cancer that was only recently discovered, her children True and Lillie Parker said in a post on Twitter. Alley's manager Donovan Daughtry confirmed the death in an email to The Associated Press.Alley was 71. She was born in Wichita and graduated from Southeast High School in 1969.“As iconic as she was on screen, she was an even more amazing mother and grandmother,” her children's statement said.She starred as Rebecca Howe on the NBC sitcom “Cheers” from 1987 to 1993, after the departure of original star Shelley Long.She had her own sitcom on the network, “Veronica's Closet,” from 1997 to 2000.

Kirstie Alley, Kansas native, Emmy-winning actress dies at 71

CHEROKEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Cherokee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Pontiac G6 driven by 20-year-old Trey Cunningham of Grove, Oklahoma, was northbound on&nbsp;U69 Alternate one and one half miles north of U.S. 166 Highway.

The car crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2016 GMC truck driven by Shannon L. Taft, 51, Baxter Springs.

EMS transported Cunningham and Taft to Freeman West Hospital in Joplin where he was pronounced dead. EMS transported a passenger in the Pontiac Valeria Lerma, 21, Miami, Oklahoma, to Mercy Hospital in Joplin. Cunningham was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

CHEROKEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Cherokee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Pontiac G6 driven by 20-year-old Trey Cunningham of Grove, Oklahoma, was northbound on&nbsp;U69 Alternate one and one half miles north of U.S. 166 Highway.The car crossed the center line and struck a southbound 2016 GMC truck driven by Shannon L. Taft, 51, Baxter Springs.EMS transported Cunningham and Taft to Freeman West Hospital in Joplin where he was pronounced dead. EMS transported a passenger in the Pontiac Valeria Lerma, 21, Miami, Oklahoma, to Mercy Hospital in Joplin. Cunningham was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

20-year-old dead after head-on crash on Kansas highway

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a November robbery at a business in Overland Park. On Monday police reported they have identified two suspects, according to Officer John Lacy.

The strong-arm robbery occurred just before 7p.m. November 12, in the 11300 Block of West 95th Street, according to Overland Park Police.&nbsp;

The suspects ripped merchandise from an elderly employees hands. The employee suffered a broken finger. The suspects fled the store in a white, newer Dodge Durango.&nbsp;

Police have not reported possible charges against the suspects.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668548175131.png" alt="Photo Overland Park Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Overland Park Police</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a November robbery at a business in Overland Park. On Monday police reported they have identified two suspects, according to Officer John Lacy.The strong-arm robbery occurred just before 7p.m. November 12, in the 11300 Block of West 95th Street, according to Overland Park Police.&nbsp;The suspects ripped merchandise from an elderly employees hands. The employee suffered a broken finger. The suspects fled the store in a white, newer Dodge Durango.&nbsp;Police have not reported possible charges against the suspects.

Police ID Kan. suspect who broke employee's finger during robbery

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victims as&nbsp;55-year-old David M. Koch and his 13-year-old daughter, Hayden Koch.

Just after 7 a.m. Monday deputies were called to the residence in the 700 block of E 1550 Road southeast of&nbsp;Lawrence for a possible shooting, according to sheriff's department spokesman&nbsp;George Diepenbrock.

Deputies arrived on the scene and spoke with the reporting party and located two bodies inside the home. The bodies were those of Koch and his daughter.

&nbsp;Initial information and evidence indicates Hayden died as the result of a gunshot wound and that David Koch died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The reporting party was uninjured.

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victims as&nbsp;55-year-old David M. Koch and his 13-year-old daughter, Hayden Koch.Just after 7 a.m. Monday deputies were called to the residence in the 700 block of E 1550 Road southeast of&nbsp;Lawrence for a possible shooting, according to sheriff's department spokesman&nbsp;George Diepenbrock. Deputies arrived on the scene and spoke with the reporting party and located two bodies inside the home. The bodies were those of Koch and his daughter. &nbsp;Initial information and evidence indicates Hayden died as the result of a gunshot wound and that David Koch died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The reporting party was uninjured.

Sheriff: 13-year-old among two dead at Kansas home

GOODLAND — A Kansas man pleaded no contest Monday to charges of involuntary manslaughter and child abuse stemming from the death of an infant in May 2020, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Steven E. Johnson, 27, Goodland, entered the plea in Sherman County District Court to one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of child abuse. Judge Scott Showalter accepted the plea and set sentencing for 9 a.m. Jan. 30 in Sherman County District Court.

The case stems from the death of a 3-month-old child on May 13, 2020. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Goodland Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670269593466.png" alt="Johnson-photo Sherman Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Sherman Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GOODLAND — A Kansas man pleaded no contest Monday to charges of involuntary manslaughter and child abuse stemming from the death of an infant in May 2020, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Steven E. Johnson, 27, Goodland, entered the plea in Sherman County District Court to one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of child abuse. Judge Scott Showalter accepted the plea and set sentencing for 9 a.m. Jan. 30 in Sherman County District Court.The case stems from the death of a 3-month-old child on May 13, 2020. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Goodland Police Department.

NW Kan. man enters plea in death of 3-month old

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas House Republicans on Monday promoted their No. 2 leader into the top job of speaker, while Democrats picked a veteran of state and local politics to lead them over a much younger relative newcomer.

State Rep. Dan Hawkins, of Wichita, faced no opposition among the 85 GOP House members and members-elect to his promotion. He's served four years as majority leader, promoting the GOP's agenda as a vocal critic of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

GOP unity behind Hawkins contrasted with a divide among Democrats over who should lead them for the next two years. They voted 21-19 for 71-year-old state Rep. Vic Miller, of Topeka, over 32-year-old Rep. Brandon Woodard, of Lenexa, the first openly gay man to serve in the Legislature.

The full House must ratify Hawkins’ selection when lawmakers open their annual session Jan. 9, but that’s a formality.

Hawkins, 62, replaces Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., of Olathe, who is retiring from the Legislature. Miller replaces state Rep. Tom Sawyer, of Wichita, who won reelection but stepped down as leader.

Miller has served 10 years in the House since 1979, filling a Senate vacancy briefly and holding jobs in the state Department of Revenue and local government in between three House stints. Woodard was first elected to the House in 2018.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1645132056716.png" alt="&nbsp;Rep. Dan Hawkins&nbsp; of Wichita, faced no opposition among the 85 GOP House members and members-elect to his promotion.-photo by Sherman Smith" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Rep. Dan Hawkins&nbsp; of Wichita, faced no opposition among the 85 GOP House members and members-elect to his promotion.-photo by Sherman Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas House Republicans on Monday promoted their No. 2 leader into the top job of speaker, while Democrats picked a veteran of state and local politics to lead them over a much younger relative newcomer.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Congratulations to incoming House Speaker <a href="https://twitter.com/DanHawkinsKS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DanHawkinsKS</a>, Majority Leader <a href="https://twitter.com/CroftForKansas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CroftForKansas</a>, Minority Leader Vic Miller, and all others elected today to leadership positions in the Kansas House of Representatives.&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1599860284721573888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>State Rep. Dan Hawkins, of Wichita, faced no opposition among the 85 GOP House members and members-elect to his promotion. He's served four years as majority leader, promoting the GOP's agenda as a vocal critic of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.GOP unity behind Hawkins contrasted with a divide among Democrats over who should lead them for the next two years. They voted 21-19 for 71-year-old state Rep. Vic Miller, of Topeka, over 32-year-old Rep. Brandon Woodard, of Lenexa, the first openly gay man to serve in the Legislature.The full House must ratify Hawkins’ selection when lawmakers open their annual session Jan. 9, but that’s a formality.Hawkins, 62, replaces Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., of Olathe, who is retiring from the Legislature. Miller replaces state Rep. Tom Sawyer, of Wichita, who won reelection but stepped down as leader.Miller has served 10 years in the House since 1979, filling a Senate vacancy briefly and holding jobs in the state Department of Revenue and local government in between three House stints. Woodard was first elected to the House in 2018.

Legislative veterans to lead both parties in Kansas House

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A staff member had minor injuries after a confrontation with a teenage girl at a Wichita elementary school Monday morning.

A&nbsp; mother was dropping off children at the main entrance for Woodman Elementary School, 2500 South Hiram Street, when she got into an argument with her 13-year-old daughter, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

A staff member stepped in and the daughter then brought out a stun-gun type of device and shocked the staff member.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

The staff member had some scratches but did not need medical treatment. Police arrested the girl and took her to the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A staff member had minor injuries after a confrontation with a teenage girl at a Wichita elementary school Monday morning. A&nbsp; mother was dropping off children at the main entrance for Woodman Elementary School, 2500 South Hiram Street, when she got into an argument with her 13-year-old daughter, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.A staff member stepped in and the daughter then brought out a stun-gun type of device and shocked the staff member.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The staff member had some scratches but did not need medical treatment. Police arrested the girl and took her to the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

Police: Teen used stun gun on staff member at Kan. elementary school

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/02/troubling-and-authoritarian-kansas-aclu-warns-st-marys-officials-that-closing-town-library-is-unconstitutional/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas has advised St. Marys city commissioners to renew <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/14/future-of-kansas-towns-library-in-jeopardy-over-refusal-to-remove-divisive-books/">the imperiled lease of their local public library</a>, saying the officials are violating the Constitution in a “dangerous exercise of power.”

The Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library’s lease
 is under threat after the library refused to accept a renewal lease 
clause asking them to remove all LGBTQ and socially divisive books from 
the shelves.

The lease stipulated that the library
 not “supply, distribute, loan, encourage, or coerce acceptance of or 
approval of explicit sexual or racially or socially divisive material, 
or events (such as ‘drag queen story hours’) that support the LGBTQ+ or 
critical theory ideology or practice.”

The lease clause was discussed after a parent was outraged by “Melissa,” <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/18/alex-gino-author-of-book-that-sparked-effort-to-close-kansas-towns-library-speaks-out/">a book by Alex Gino</a>
 about a transgender middle-schooler. But the parent himself spoke in 
support of the library during a city debate of the library’s lease.

Officials have been debating whether or not to renew the lease — which ends Dec. 31 — for the past few months. At <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/16/future-of-kansas-towns-library-uncertain-after-outpouring-of-support-at-commission-meeting/">the latest commission meeting</a>,
 commissioners discussed allowing the library to have a short-term lease
 while they decided if the library met their “moral standards.” The 
deciding vote is expected to be held Dec. 6.&nbsp;

Many St. Marys residents are in favor
 of keeping the local library, and a petition in support of the library 
has more than 1,000 signatures.

The library has been housed in its 
current location since the 1980s, operating on an annual lease with the 
city. The St. Mary’s branch is the headquarters for eight locations, 
including Alma, Alta Vista, Eskridge, Harveyville, Olsburg, Onaga, St. 
Marys and Westmoreland, with county residents funding the library 
through taxes.

The ACLU urged the commissioners to 
drop their attempts at censoring the library in a letter sent to the 
commissioners Thursday, saying banning the proposed materials violated 
freedom of expression rights.&nbsp;

“Banning books on the grounds that 
they include racial, sexual, or LGBTQ+ content is not only antithetical 
to a library’s mission, it is patently unconstitutional,” the letter 
read. “And threatening to not renew Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional 
Library’s lease solely because the library declined to violate the 
constitution and engage in viewpoint-based censorship is a troubling and
 authoritarian step for the Commission to take.”&nbsp;

ACLU officials say they will decide what action to take pending the results of the Dec. 6 vote. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670080648771.png" alt="A Christmas village display is set up inside the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A Christmas village display is set up inside the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library. (Rachel Mipro/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/02/troubling-and-authoritarian-kansas-aclu-warns-st-marys-officials-that-closing-town-library-is-unconstitutional/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas has advised St. Marys city commissioners to renew <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/14/future-of-kansas-towns-library-in-jeopardy-over-refusal-to-remove-divisive-books/">the imperiled lease of their local public library</a>, saying the officials are violating the Constitution in a “dangerous exercise of power.”The Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library’s lease
 is under threat after the library refused to accept a renewal lease 
clause asking them to remove all LGBTQ and socially divisive books from 
the shelves.The lease stipulated that the library
 not “supply, distribute, loan, encourage, or coerce acceptance of or 
approval of explicit sexual or racially or socially divisive material, 
or events (such as ‘drag queen story hours’) that support the LGBTQ+ or 
critical theory ideology or practice.”The lease clause was discussed after a parent was outraged by “Melissa,” <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/18/alex-gino-author-of-book-that-sparked-effort-to-close-kansas-towns-library-speaks-out/">a book by Alex Gino</a>
 about a transgender middle-schooler. But the parent himself spoke in 
support of the library during a city debate of the library’s lease.Officials have been debating whether or not to renew the lease — which ends Dec. 31 — for the past few months. At <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/16/future-of-kansas-towns-library-uncertain-after-outpouring-of-support-at-commission-meeting/">the latest commission meeting</a>,
 commissioners discussed allowing the library to have a short-term lease
 while they decided if the library met their “moral standards.” The 
deciding vote is expected to be held Dec. 6.&nbsp;Many St. Marys residents are in favor
 of keeping the local library, and a petition in support of the library 
has more than 1,000 signatures.The library has been housed in its 
current location since the 1980s, operating on an annual lease with the 
city. The St. Mary’s branch is the headquarters for eight locations, 
including Alma, Alta Vista, Eskridge, Harveyville, Olsburg, Onaga, St. 
Marys and Westmoreland, with county residents funding the library 
through taxes.The ACLU urged the commissioners to 
drop their attempts at censoring the library in a letter sent to the 
commissioners Thursday, saying banning the proposed materials violated 
freedom of expression rights.&nbsp;“Banning books on the grounds that 
they include racial, sexual, or LGBTQ+ content is not only antithetical 
to a library’s mission, it is patently unconstitutional,” the letter 
read. “And threatening to not renew Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional 
Library’s lease solely because the library declined to violate the 
constitution and engage in viewpoint-based censorship is a troubling and
 authoritarian step for the Commission to take.”&nbsp;ACLU officials say they will decide what action to take pending the results of the Dec. 6 vote.

'Troubling': ACLU issues warning ahead of Kansas library vote

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security announced Monday its intent to extend the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025, according to a statement from the agency.

<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/real-id">Click here for</a> additional details on Real ID

Under the new regulations published to execute this change, states will now have additional time to ensure their residents have driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security standards established by the REAL ID Act. As required by the law, following the enforcement deadline, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will be prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards. &nbsp;

“DHS continues to work closely with U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories to meet REAL ID requirements,”&nbsp;said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “This extension will give states needed time to ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card. DHS will also use this time to implement innovations to make the process more efficient and accessible. We will continue to ensure that the American public can travel safely.”&nbsp;

The extension is necessary, in part, to address the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. REAL ID progress over the past two years has been significantly hindered by state driver’s licensing agencies having to work through the backlogs created by the pandemic. Many of these agencies took various steps in response to the pandemic including automatically extending the expiration dates of driver’s licenses and identification cards and shifting operations to appointment only.&nbsp;

Passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be. Under the new regulations, beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport 1security checkpoints for domestic air travel.&nbsp;

Since enactment of the REAL ID Act in 2005, advancements in technology have enabled TSA to make significant improvements in checkpoint screening, particularly in the areas of identity management, on-person screening, accessible property screening and alarm resolution. Through the deployment of technologies such as Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), Advanced Technology (AT) X-ray, then Computed Tomography (CT), Bottled Liquids Scanners (BLS), and Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), as well as deployment of Passenger Screening Canines (PSC) and the rollout of TSA PreCheck®, TSA has continually advanced its security capabilities. TSA also increased its vetting capability through Secure Flight, a risk-based passenger prescreening program that enhances security by identifying low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveler lists and watchlists. REAL ID requirements will strengthen these improvements further by providing an additional layer of confidence in the identity of the traveler.&nbsp;

All 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and four of five U.S. territories covered by the REAL ID Act and related regulations are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. These standards have significantly improved the reliability and accuracy of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1617726479094.jpeg" alt="REAL ID Compliant- The credential has a gold star in the upper right corner." />
 <figcaption>REAL ID Compliant- The credential has a gold star in the upper right corner.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security announced Monday its intent to extend the REAL ID full enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023 to May 7, 2025, according to a statement from the agency.<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/real-id">Click here for</a> additional details on Real IDUnder the new regulations published to execute this change, states will now have additional time to ensure their residents have driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security standards established by the REAL ID Act. As required by the law, following the enforcement deadline, federal agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), will be prohibited from accepting driver’s licenses and identification cards that do not meet these federal standards. &nbsp;“DHS continues to work closely with U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories to meet REAL ID requirements,”&nbsp;said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “This extension will give states needed time to ensure their residents can obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or identification card. DHS will also use this time to implement innovations to make the process more efficient and accessible. We will continue to ensure that the American public can travel safely.”&nbsp;The extension is necessary, in part, to address the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card. REAL ID progress over the past two years has been significantly hindered by state driver’s licensing agencies having to work through the backlogs created by the pandemic. Many of these agencies took various steps in response to the pandemic including automatically extending the expiration dates of driver’s licenses and identification cards and shifting operations to appointment only.&nbsp;Passed by Congress in 2005 following a 9/11 Commission recommendation, the REAL ID Act establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. Security standards include incorporating anti-counterfeiting technology, preventing insider fraud, and using documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be. Under the new regulations, beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler 18 years of age or older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport 1security checkpoints for domestic air travel.&nbsp;Since enactment of the REAL ID Act in 2005, advancements in technology have enabled TSA to make significant improvements in checkpoint screening, particularly in the areas of identity management, on-person screening, accessible property screening and alarm resolution. Through the deployment of technologies such as Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), Advanced Technology (AT) X-ray, then Computed Tomography (CT), Bottled Liquids Scanners (BLS), and Credential Authentication Technology (CAT), as well as deployment of Passenger Screening Canines (PSC) and the rollout of TSA PreCheck®, TSA has continually advanced its security capabilities. TSA also increased its vetting capability through Secure Flight, a risk-based passenger prescreening program that enhances security by identifying low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveler lists and watchlists. REAL ID requirements will strengthen these improvements further by providing an additional layer of confidence in the identity of the traveler.&nbsp;All 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and four of five U.S. territories covered by the REAL ID Act and related regulations are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. These standards have significantly improved the reliability and accuracy of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.&nbsp;

DHS extends REAL ID full enforcement deadline again

By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2022-12-02/from-ghana-to-aggieville-ekow-boye-does-unlikely-journey-to-kansas-state-football">Kansas News Service</a>

When Kofi Boye-Doe and his family emigrated from Ghana to the United States in 2003, there were two connections he would’ve never imagined making in his new country: American football and the Kansas State Wildcats.

But 19 years later, his youngest son, born in a country where soccer is practically a religion, has excelled on the gridiron. After being raised in Lawrence, on the University of Kansas doorstep, Ekow Boye-Doe is doing it in Manhattan.

Plus, the starting senior cornerback for the Wildcats is enjoying the best stretch of football in his life. One week after the Wildcats’ victory over the Jayhawks, their biggest rivals, K-State is playing a 12-0 team from Texas Christian University Saturday in the Big 12 Football Championship.

“In high school I went to the playoffs, first-round, and lost,” said Boye-Doe, a Lawrence High School graduate who was born in Accra, Ghana’s capital city. Boye-Doe was 3 years old when his family settled in Kansas.

“That was the closest to a championship I’ve ever gotten,” he said.

Since then, he has distinguished himself with blazing speed.

"I mean, he's fast," senior defensive nose guard Eli Huggins said.

“You know what type of mindset and work ethic he’s going to show up with every day,” said Huggins. “It’s nice to have a veteran guy like that you know you can count on back there.”

Boye-Doe’s consistent defensive play has earned him a&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/news/2022/11/30/2022-all-big-12-football-awards-announced.aspx" target="_blank">2022 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention</a>.

Kofi Boye-Doe said his son’s speed comes from his mother, Valentina, who was a high school middle-distance runner in Ghana. But neither track nor soccer caught on with Ekow.

“I’m not a fan of just running for fun, and the workouts honestly,” said Boye-Doe with a laugh. “Football was my best option. I&nbsp;can&nbsp;run really fast.”

Boye-Doe remembers playing soccer after learning to walk and run in Ghana, but he got attached to football after moving to the USA. In Lawrence, his best friend’s dad convinced the speedy youngster to play youth football.

“I stuck with it. I loved it,” he said.

At Lawrence High School, Boye-Doe hardly left the field, playing wide receiver on offense, and defensive back the rest of the time.

Kofi admits he wasn’t crazy at first about his son deviating from the path to KU, where Ekow’s older twin brothers graduated. Both became successful in their own fields, one as a resident doctor in Chicago and the other as an accountant.

“Sports wasn’t my first love,” Kofi said, recalling his hopes for his youngest son. “Go get some sociology or something, then go to law school — do something.”

“I wasn’t so much into that kind of sport,” said Kofi, who shied away from attending some of Ekow’s games early on because of how rough the gameplay was.

“Of course,” laughed Kofi, who retired from the Johnson County, Kansas, Department of Corrections this year. He still teaches criminal justice at Johnson County Community College, and is a daily services coordinator for GoodLife Innovations, which provides residential and home care services for people with disabilities.

“During my childhood, growing up, my parents taught me to appreciate life and always support your children,” he said. “Initially, I didn’t like the sport, but I have no choice but to support him.”

“I’m a criminologist — I study crimes for a living. If you say you want him to be a (pro) cornerback, so be it,” said Kofi.

Ekow earned his social studies degree last spring, but he said he’d like to get a shot at playing in the NFL.

“I’ve also had dreams and aspirations of working in the real estate business,” he said.

One other thing that’s changed is Kofi’s allegiance–from KU’s crimson and blue to K-State’s royal purple.

KU did offer a football scholarship to his son, but only after the Wildcats had already done so. By then it was too late.

“It’s still a mind-boggling thing,” said Kofi, looking back on KU’s whiff.

The Jayhawks’ loss back then was K-State’s gain, and it has helped the Wildcats reach their first conference title game since 2003 — a pretty significant year for the Boye-Doe family, too.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670261570732.png" alt="Ekow Boye-Doe is playing the best football of his career as a Kansas State Wildcat, something his father would never have imagined for his son. Sophie Osborn / Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Ekow Boye-Doe is playing the best football of his career as a Kansas State Wildcat, something his father would never have imagined for his son. Sophie Osborn / Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2022-12-02/from-ghana-to-aggieville-ekow-boye-does-unlikely-journey-to-kansas-state-football">Kansas News Service</a>When Kofi Boye-Doe and his family emigrated from Ghana to the United States in 2003, there were two connections he would’ve never imagined making in his new country: American football and the Kansas State Wildcats.But 19 years later, his youngest son, born in a country where soccer is practically a religion, has excelled on the gridiron. After being raised in Lawrence, on the University of Kansas doorstep, Ekow Boye-Doe is doing it in Manhattan.Plus, the starting senior cornerback for the Wildcats is enjoying the best stretch of football in his life. One week after the Wildcats’ victory over the Jayhawks, their biggest rivals, K-State is playing a 12-0 team from Texas Christian University Saturday in the Big 12 Football Championship.“In high school I went to the playoffs, first-round, and lost,” said Boye-Doe, a Lawrence High School graduate who was born in Accra, Ghana’s capital city. Boye-Doe was 3 years old when his family settled in Kansas.“That was the closest to a championship I’ve ever gotten,” he said.Since then, he has distinguished himself with blazing speed."I mean, he's fast," senior defensive nose guard Eli Huggins said.“You know what type of mindset and work ethic he’s going to show up with every day,” said Huggins. “It’s nice to have a veteran guy like that you know you can count on back there.”Boye-Doe’s consistent defensive play has earned him a&nbsp;<a href="https://big12sports.com/news/2022/11/30/2022-all-big-12-football-awards-announced.aspx" target="_blank">2022 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention</a>.<h2>‘I can run really fast’</h2>Kofi Boye-Doe said his son’s speed comes from his mother, Valentina, who was a high school middle-distance runner in Ghana. But neither track nor soccer caught on with Ekow.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670261700536.png" alt="Kofi Boye-Doe and his family emigrated from Ghana to the U.S. in 2003. Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Kofi Boye-Doe and his family emigrated from Ghana to the U.S. in 2003. Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>“I’m not a fan of just running for fun, and the workouts honestly,” said Boye-Doe with a laugh. “Football was my best option. I&nbsp;can&nbsp;run really fast.”Boye-Doe remembers playing soccer after learning to walk and run in Ghana, but he got attached to football after moving to the USA. In Lawrence, his best friend’s dad convinced the speedy youngster to play youth football.“I stuck with it. I loved it,” he said.At Lawrence High School, Boye-Doe hardly left the field, playing wide receiver on offense, and defensive back the rest of the time.Kofi admits he wasn’t crazy at first about his son deviating from the path to KU, where Ekow’s older twin brothers graduated. Both became successful in their own fields, one as a resident doctor in Chicago and the other as an accountant.“Sports wasn’t my first love,” Kofi said, recalling his hopes for his youngest son. “Go get some sociology or something, then go to law school — do something.”“I wasn’t so much into that kind of sport,” said Kofi, who shied away from attending some of Ekow’s games early on because of how rough the gameplay was.But all of that has changed.“Of course,” laughed Kofi, who retired from the Johnson County, Kansas, Department of Corrections this year. He still teaches criminal justice at Johnson County Community College, and is a daily services coordinator for GoodLife Innovations, which provides residential and home care services for people with disabilities.“During my childhood, growing up, my parents taught me to appreciate life and always support your children,” he said. “Initially, I didn’t like the sport, but I have no choice but to support him.”“I’m a criminologist — I study crimes for a living. If you say you want him to be a (pro) cornerback, so be it,” said Kofi.Ekow earned his social studies degree last spring, but he said he’d like to get a shot at playing in the NFL.“I’ve also had dreams and aspirations of working in the real estate business,” he said.<h2>‘A mind-boggling thing’</h2>One other thing that’s changed is Kofi’s allegiance–from KU’s crimson and blue to K-State’s royal purple.“I bleed purple,” he said.KU did offer a football scholarship to his son, but only after the Wildcats had already done so. By then it was too late.“It’s still a mind-boggling thing,” said Kofi, looking back on KU’s whiff.The Jayhawks’ loss back then was K-State’s gain, and it has helped the Wildcats reach their first conference title game since 2003 — a pretty significant year for the Boye-Doe family, too.

From Ghana to Aggieville: An unlikely journey to K-State football 

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 3p.m. Dec. 3, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop&nbsp; on a 2001 Nissan Sentra after allegedly committing a traffic infraction near 118th and U.S. Highway 75, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse.

 A Jackson County Sheriff’s K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle.  Deputies located illegal drug contraband during the stop.

The passenger, Brandy Lee Martin, 40, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.

Deputies arrested the driver, Todd Wayne Ray, 46, of Topeka, on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670239044627.png" alt="Ray-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Ray-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after a traffic stop.Just after 3p.m. Dec. 3, a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop&nbsp; on a 2001 Nissan Sentra after allegedly committing a traffic infraction near 118th and U.S. Highway 75, according to Jackson County Sheriff Tim Morse. A Jackson County Sheriff’s K-9 alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics inside the vehicle. Deputies located illegal drug contraband during the stop.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670239018146.png" alt="Martin-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Martin-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The passenger, Brandy Lee Martin, 40, of Topeka, was arrested on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and no drug tax stamp.Deputies arrested the driver, Todd Wayne Ray, 46, of Topeka, on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended.&nbsp;

Sheriff: Kansas woman accused of selling meth

NEMAHA COUNTY—Authorities investigating a drowning at a Kansas lake have identified the victim as 31-year-old Jesse W. Dove of Strasburg, Virginia.

On Friday, the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call about a watercraft occupied by a man that had capsized at the Centralia Lake, according to a media release.

 The caller advised that there was a man in the water. Immediately upon receiving the call, multiple agencies were dispatched to the call, including Law Enforcement, Fire &amp; Rescue, EMS, Wildlife &amp; Parks, and LifeNet. 

After an extensive search, it was determined that the response was no longer a rescue, but a recovery. The search continued until dark, when it was determined that the search would have to continue early Saturday morning. 

On Saturday, with the help of Kansas Wildlife and Parks and a local civilian who was familiar with the lake, authorities recovered Dove's body.

Dove was a second-generation Deputy of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, according to officials in Virginia.&nbsp; A procession bringing his body home entered Warren County just after 6a.m. Monday.&nbsp;

NEMAHA COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;&nbsp;an apparent drowning accident at the&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofcentraliaks.org/Centralia-Lake">Centralia Lake</a>, according to a social media report from the Nemaha County Sheriff's office.

&nbsp;The&nbsp; lake reopened to the public on Saturday. The sheriff's office reported no additional details.&nbsp;

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670255826361.png" alt="Photo courtesy Warren County Sheriff’s Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Warren County Sheriff’s Office</figcaption>
 </figure>NEMAHA COUNTY—Authorities investigating a drowning at a Kansas lake have identified the victim as 31-year-old Jesse W. Dove of Strasburg, Virginia.On Friday, the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call about a watercraft occupied by a man that had capsized at the Centralia Lake, according to a media release. The caller advised that there was a man in the water. Immediately upon receiving the call, multiple agencies were dispatched to the call, including Law Enforcement, Fire &amp; Rescue, EMS, Wildlife &amp; Parks, and LifeNet. After an extensive search, it was determined that the response was no longer a rescue, but a recovery. The search continued until dark, when it was determined that the search would have to continue early Saturday morning. On Saturday, with the help of Kansas Wildlife and Parks and a local civilian who was familiar with the lake, authorities recovered Dove's body.Dove was a second-generation Deputy of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, according to officials in Virginia.&nbsp; A procession bringing his body home entered Warren County just after 6a.m. Monday.&nbsp;------------NEMAHA COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating&nbsp;&nbsp;an apparent drowning accident at the&nbsp;<a href="https://cityofcentraliaks.org/Centralia-Lake">Centralia Lake</a>, according to a social media report from the Nemaha County Sheriff's office.&nbsp;The&nbsp; lake reopened to the public on Saturday. The sheriff's office reported no additional details.&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available.------------

Sheriff IDs 31-year-old man who drowned in Kansas lake

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/05/kansas-coalition-of-cities-flex-muscle-at-capitol-to-influence-tax-water-housing-reform/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas League of Municipalities is a proponent of 
eliminating the state’s 6.5% sales tax on food purchases, but an 
unexpected wrinkle complicates that policy position.

The 2022 Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly approved a law dropping the
 statewide sales tax on groceries to 4% on Jan. 1. It would fall to 2% 
on Jan. 1, 2024, and vaporize one year later. The Republican-dominated 
2023 Legislature, which convenes Jan. 9 in Topeka, will have an 
opportunity to address Kelly’s plea to immediately strike the state’s 
share of the food sales tax. High inflation has bolstered political 
support for the move.

Here’s the catch: Reduction and elimination of the state food sales 
tax would undermine the ability of cities, such as Newton, to meet 
obligations of STAR bonds used to finance economic development projects 
that included retail stores selling groceries. The STAR bond program 
requires debt to be paid off with sales tax revenue, but that source of 
cash would be diminished when the state’s portion of the food sales tax 
was shelved.

“We absolutely support the lower food sales tax, and we support the 
Legislature doing it away with it immediately if they can,” said Spencer
 Duncan, a lobbyist for the Kansas League of Municipalities.

On the Kansas Reflector podcast, Duncan recommended lawmakers 
consider an alternative to possible default of STAR bonds tied to tax 
revenue on grocery sales. He said the state’s large surplus would allow 
resources to be set aside to cover retirement of that long-term debt.

The League of Municipalities was founded in 1910 and directly 
represents 530 member cities, but generally serves interests of all 625 
cities in Kansas. In addition to lobbying, the League of Municipalities 
conducts training and education programs on public transparency and 
government leadership. The League’s attorney took more than 2,000 calls 
this year from local government officials seeking legal advice.

The legislative priorities of the League of Municipalities runs from 
property and sales tax issues to policy on water, traffic codes, 
housing, mental health, asset forfeiture, liquor regulation, 
infrastructure, energy, pension systems and state mandates. It touches 
on longstanding local government subjects, including annexation, eminent
 domain, city and county consolidation, home rule, elections as well as 
police powers.

Duncan said water quality and quantity may not seen like a forefront 
issue for the League of Municipalities, but diminishment of the Ogallala
 Aquifer, drought and climate change posed a threat to growth and 
viability of communities. The organization urged legislators to 
aggressively pursue conservation, protection and development of water 
supplies. The League also recommended the state take action, in 
consultation with municipal suppliers, to address controversy about 
“over-appropriated surface and groundwater resources.”

“If you want to the truth, but we have hit the point where a lot of 
the legislators, especially from western Kansas, have said, ‘Enough is 
enough,'” Duncan said. “We also recognize that what works in western 
Kansas is different than what works in southeast Kansas, what works in 
the middle of the state&nbsp;or works in eastern Kansas. There needs to be 
nuances in that legislation to give those locals the ability to deal 
with their specific water issue, because they’re different.”

Another of the League of Municipalities’ priorities would be for the 
Legislature and governor to affirm state law allowing non-certified 
attendants to drive ambulances with a lone medical attendant providing 
care to the patient. Under current regulatory standards, however, both 
staff in the ambulance must be medical professionals.

Duncan said the regulation was a hardship in communities with a 
modest number of ambulances and crews. The staffing requirement 
undermined the ability of cities to respond to emergencies, he said.

The League of Municipalities also requested the state invest more in 
rural housing, including expanded use of tax credits, loan guarantees 
and other devices to spur construction of quality housing. Specifically,
 the League proposed the state create a $100 million revolving 
low-interest loan fund to finance Rural Housing Incentive Districts.

Duncan also said the organization supported bills to streamline the 
ability of local governments, neighborhood associations and private 
businesses to deal with blight of abandoned, nuisance and foreclosed 
housing.

“Not a city that’s not dealing with the housing problem,” he said. 
“We’re not asking for the free money, but a lower interest rate loan 
that these cities could take out to then build some of these 
developments and then fix some of these blight issues and rundown houses
 and turn them flip them around.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670255022389.png" alt="Spencer Duncan, a lobbyist with the Kansas League of Municipalities, outlines the organization’s 2023 legislative agenda shaped by more than 600 city government leaders for a Kansas Reflector podcast. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Spencer Duncan, a lobbyist with the Kansas League of Municipalities, outlines the organization’s 2023 legislative agenda shaped by more than 600 city government leaders for a Kansas Reflector podcast. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/05/kansas-coalition-of-cities-flex-muscle-at-capitol-to-influence-tax-water-housing-reform/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas League of Municipalities is a proponent of 
eliminating the state’s 6.5% sales tax on food purchases, but an 
unexpected wrinkle complicates that policy position.The 2022 Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly approved a law dropping the
 statewide sales tax on groceries to 4% on Jan. 1. It would fall to 2% 
on Jan. 1, 2024, and vaporize one year later. The Republican-dominated 
2023 Legislature, which convenes Jan. 9 in Topeka, will have an 
opportunity to address Kelly’s plea to immediately strike the state’s 
share of the food sales tax. High inflation has bolstered political 
support for the move.Here’s the catch: Reduction and elimination of the state food sales 
tax would undermine the ability of cities, such as Newton, to meet 
obligations of STAR bonds used to finance economic development projects 
that included retail stores selling groceries. The STAR bond program 
requires debt to be paid off with sales tax revenue, but that source of 
cash would be diminished when the state’s portion of the food sales tax 
was shelved.“We absolutely support the lower food sales tax, and we support the 
Legislature doing it away with it immediately if they can,” said Spencer
 Duncan, a lobbyist for the Kansas League of Municipalities.<div><iframe width="100%" height="300" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1396174945&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast" title="Reflector Podcast" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Reflector Podcast</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/kansas-reflector-podcast/kansas-league-municipalities-legislature-agenda" title="What Kansas cities want from the Legislature next year" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">What Kansas cities want from the Legislature next year</a></div></div>On the Kansas Reflector podcast, Duncan recommended lawmakers 
consider an alternative to possible default of STAR bonds tied to tax 
revenue on grocery sales. He said the state’s large surplus would allow 
resources to be set aside to cover retirement of that long-term debt.The League of Municipalities was founded in 1910 and directly 
represents 530 member cities, but generally serves interests of all 625 
cities in Kansas. In addition to lobbying, the League of Municipalities 
conducts training and education programs on public transparency and 
government leadership. The League’s attorney took more than 2,000 calls 
this year from local government officials seeking legal advice.The legislative priorities of the League of Municipalities runs from 
property and sales tax issues to policy on water, traffic codes, 
housing, mental health, asset forfeiture, liquor regulation, 
infrastructure, energy, pension systems and state mandates. It touches 
on longstanding local government subjects, including annexation, eminent
 domain, city and county consolidation, home rule, elections as well as 
police powers.Duncan said water quality and quantity may not seen like a forefront 
issue for the League of Municipalities, but diminishment of the Ogallala
 Aquifer, drought and climate change posed a threat to growth and 
viability of communities. The organization urged legislators to 
aggressively pursue conservation, protection and development of water 
supplies. The League also recommended the state take action, in 
consultation with municipal suppliers, to address controversy about 
“over-appropriated surface and groundwater resources.”“If you want to the truth, but we have hit the point where a lot of 
the legislators, especially from western Kansas, have said, ‘Enough is 
enough,'” Duncan said. “We also recognize that what works in western 
Kansas is different than what works in southeast Kansas, what works in 
the middle of the state&nbsp;or works in eastern Kansas. There needs to be 
nuances in that legislation to give those locals the ability to deal 
with their specific water issue, because they’re different.”Another of the League of Municipalities’ priorities would be for the 
Legislature and governor to affirm state law allowing non-certified 
attendants to drive ambulances with a lone medical attendant providing 
care to the patient. Under current regulatory standards, however, both 
staff in the ambulance must be medical professionals.Duncan said the regulation was a hardship in communities with a 
modest number of ambulances and crews. The staffing requirement 
undermined the ability of cities to respond to emergencies, he said.The League of Municipalities also requested the state invest more in 
rural housing, including expanded use of tax credits, loan guarantees 
and other devices to spur construction of quality housing. Specifically,
 the League proposed the state create a $100 million revolving 
low-interest loan fund to finance Rural Housing Incentive Districts.Duncan also said the organization supported bills to streamline the 
ability of local governments, neighborhood associations and private 
businesses to deal with blight of abandoned, nuisance and foreclosed 
housing.“Not a city that’s not dealing with the housing problem,” he said. 
“We’re not asking for the free money, but a lower interest rate loan 
that these cities could take out to then build some of these 
developments and then fix some of these blight issues and rundown houses
 and turn them flip them around.”

🎧 Kansas coalition of cities flexes its muscle at Capitol

KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City woman has been charged in connection with the death of one child and the neglect of another in their Kansas City residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Adair R. Fish, 43, faces Abuse or Neglect of a Child Resulting in Death, Abuse or Neglet of a Child, and two Endangering the Welfare of a Child 1st Degree charges.

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 5700 block of St. John Avenue on a report of a deceased child, age 5. Officers found two children, one deceased and the other non-responsive. The mother called police dispatch and reported one of the children had been dead for several days. 

The mother was the legal guardian of the child and had care, custody and control of their health and well-being. A doctor diagnosed that the deceased child suffered from malnutrition and dehydration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670192753456.png" alt="Fish-photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Fish-photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—A Kansas City woman has been charged in connection with the death of one child and the neglect of another in their Kansas City residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Adair R. Fish, 43, faces Abuse or Neglect of a Child Resulting in Death, Abuse or Neglet of a Child, and two Endangering the Welfare of a Child 1st Degree charges.According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 5700 block of St. John Avenue on a report of a deceased child, age 5. Officers found two children, one deceased and the other non-responsive. The mother called police dispatch and reported one of the children had been dead for several days. The mother was the legal guardian of the child and had care, custody and control of their health and well-being. A doctor diagnosed that the deceased child suffered from malnutrition and dehydration.

Mother charged in death of child, neglect of another in KC home

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is hearing the case Monday of a Christian graphic artist who objects to designing wedding websites for gay couples, a dispute that's the latest clash of religion and gay rights to land at the highest court.

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/live.aspx">Click here to </a>listen to the oral arguments that begin at 9a.m. CST

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-us-supreme-court-entertainment-religion-discrimination-075f74b1f2828d117dc933d75b8bf191">designer and her supporters say</a>&nbsp;that ruling against her would force artists — from painters and photographers to writers and musicians — to do work that is against their faith. Her opponents, meanwhile, say that if she wins, a range of businesses will be able to discriminate, refusing to serve Black customers, Jewish or Muslim people, interracial or interfaith couples or immigrants, among others.

The case comes at a time when the court is dominated 6-3 by conservatives and following a series of cases in which the justices have sided with religious plaintiffs. It also comes as, across the street from the court, lawmakers in Congress are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-religion-gay-rights-marriage-clarence-thomas-2d09d9213472d04195c64d09644f124c">finalizing a landmark bill</a>&nbsp;protecting same-sex marriage.

The bill, which also protects interracial marriage, steadily gained momentum following the high court's decision earlier this year to end constitutional protections for abortion. That decision&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade case</a>&nbsp;prompted questions about whether the court — now that it is more conservative — might also overturn its 2015 decision declaring a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-courts-marriage-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-united-states-government-9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">nationwide right to same-sex marriage</a>. Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/clarence-thomas">Clarence Thomas</a>&nbsp;explicitly said that decision should also be reconsidered.

The case being argued before the high court Monday involves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-religion-colorado-discrimination-360d60888809823779d033acce40c9bf">Lorie Smith</a>, a graphic artist and website designer in Colorado who wants to begin offering wedding websites. Smith says her Christian faith prevents her from creating websites celebrating same-sex marriages. But that could get her in trouble with state law. Colorado, like most other states, has what's called a public accommodation law that says if Smith offers wedding websites to the public, she must provide them to all customers. Businesses that violate the law can be fined, among other things.

Five years ago, the Supreme Court heard a different challenge involving Colorado's law and a baker, Jack Phillips, who objected to designing a wedding cake for a gay couple. That case&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-ap-top-news-courts-supreme-courts-politics-459b5e723c4c47ffa40df839097503c9">ended with a limited decision</a>, however, and set up a return of the issue to the high court. Phillips' lawyer, Kristen Waggoner of the Alliance Defending Freedom, is now representing Smith.

Like Phillips, Smith says her objection is not to working with gay people. She says she'd work with a gay client who needed help with graphics for an animal rescue shelter, for example, or to promote an organization serving children with disabilities. But she objects to creating messages supporting same-sex marriage, she says, just as she won't take jobs that would require her to create content promoting atheism or gambling or supporting abortion.

Smith says Colorado’s law violates her free speech rights. Her opponents, including the Biden administration and groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union, the NAACP Legal Defense &amp; Educational Fund, disagree.

Twenty mostly liberal states, including California and New York, are supporting Colorado while another 20 mostly Republican states, including Arizona, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee, are supporting Smith.

The case is 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, 21-476.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670097259543.png" alt="Web designer Lorie Smith is shown in her office on Nov. 7, 2022, in the southwest part of Littleton, Colo. The Supreme Court is being warned about the potentially dire consequences of a case involving Smith, a Christian graphic artist, who objects to designing wedding websites for same-sex couples. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)" />
 <figcaption>Web designer Lorie Smith is shown in her office on Nov. 7, 2022, in the southwest part of Littleton, Colo. The Supreme Court is being warned about the potentially dire consequences of a case involving Smith, a Christian graphic artist, who objects to designing wedding websites for same-sex couples. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;is hearing the case Monday of a Christian graphic artist who objects to designing wedding websites for gay couples, a dispute that's the latest clash of religion and gay rights to land at the highest court.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/live.aspx">Click here to </a>listen to the oral arguments that begin at 9a.m. CSTThe&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-us-supreme-court-entertainment-religion-discrimination-075f74b1f2828d117dc933d75b8bf191">designer and her supporters say</a>&nbsp;that ruling against her would force artists — from painters and photographers to writers and musicians — to do work that is against their faith. Her opponents, meanwhile, say that if she wins, a range of businesses will be able to discriminate, refusing to serve Black customers, Jewish or Muslim people, interracial or interfaith couples or immigrants, among others.The case comes at a time when the court is dominated 6-3 by conservatives and following a series of cases in which the justices have sided with religious plaintiffs. It also comes as, across the street from the court, lawmakers in Congress are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-religion-gay-rights-marriage-clarence-thomas-2d09d9213472d04195c64d09644f124c">finalizing a landmark bill</a>&nbsp;protecting same-sex marriage.The bill, which also protects interracial marriage, steadily gained momentum following the high court's decision earlier this year to end constitutional protections for abortion. That decision&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade case</a>&nbsp;prompted questions about whether the court — now that it is more conservative — might also overturn its 2015 decision declaring a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-courts-marriage-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-united-states-government-9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">nationwide right to same-sex marriage</a>. Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/clarence-thomas">Clarence Thomas</a>&nbsp;explicitly said that decision should also be reconsidered.The case being argued before the high court Monday involves&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-religion-colorado-discrimination-360d60888809823779d033acce40c9bf">Lorie Smith</a>, a graphic artist and website designer in Colorado who wants to begin offering wedding websites. Smith says her Christian faith prevents her from creating websites celebrating same-sex marriages. But that could get her in trouble with state law. Colorado, like most other states, has what's called a public accommodation law that says if Smith offers wedding websites to the public, she must provide them to all customers. Businesses that violate the law can be fined, among other things.Five years ago, the Supreme Court heard a different challenge involving Colorado's law and a baker, Jack Phillips, who objected to designing a wedding cake for a gay couple. That case&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-ap-top-news-courts-supreme-courts-politics-459b5e723c4c47ffa40df839097503c9">ended with a limited decision</a>, however, and set up a return of the issue to the high court. Phillips' lawyer, Kristen Waggoner of the Alliance Defending Freedom, is now representing Smith.Like Phillips, Smith says her objection is not to working with gay people. She says she'd work with a gay client who needed help with graphics for an animal rescue shelter, for example, or to promote an organization serving children with disabilities. But she objects to creating messages supporting same-sex marriage, she says, just as she won't take jobs that would require her to create content promoting atheism or gambling or supporting abortion.Smith says Colorado’s law violates her free speech rights. Her opponents, including the Biden administration and groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union, the NAACP Legal Defense &amp; Educational Fund, disagree.Twenty mostly liberal states, including California and New York, are supporting Colorado while another 20 mostly Republican states, including Arizona, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee, are supporting Smith.The case is 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, 21-476.___

🎤Supreme Court taking up clash of religion and gay rights

ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he wants to keep the military’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate in place to protect the health of the troops, as Republican governors and lawmakers press to rescind it.

This past week more than 20 Republican governors sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking that the administration remove the mandate, saying it has hurt the U.S. National Guard’s ability to recruit troops. Those troops are activated by governors to respond to natural disasters or unrest.

Congress may consider legislation this coming week to end the mandate as a requirement to gather enough support to pass this years’ defense budget, which is already two months late.

Austin said he would not comment on pressure from the Hill.

“We lost a million people to this virus," Austin told reporters traveling with him Saturday. “A million people died in the United States of America. We lost hundreds in DOD. So this mandate has kept people healthy.”

“I’m the guy” who ordered the military to require the vaccine, Austin added. “I support continuation of vaccinating the troops.”

Last year Austin directed that all troops get the vaccine or face potential expulsion from the military; thousands of active duty forces have been discharged since then for their refusal to get the shots.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670210293452.png" alt="This past week more than 20 Republican governors sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking that the administration remove the mandate,The letter&nbsp;was signed by Missouri's Mike Parsons, Nebraska’s Pete Ricketts, Alabama’s Kay Ivey, Arizona’s Doug Ducey, Arkansas’ Asa Hutchinson, Florida’s Ron DeSantis, Idaho’s Brad Little, Indiana’s Eric Holcomb, Iowa’s Kim Reynolds, Mississippi’s Tate Reeves, Montana’s Greg Gianforte, New Hampshire’s Chris Sununu, North Dakota’s Doug Burgum, Oklahoma’s Kevin Stitt, South Carolina’s Henry McMaster, South Dakota’s Kristi Noem, Texas’ Greg Abbott, Utah’s Spencer Cox, Virginia’s Glenn Youngkin and Wyoming’s Mark Gordon." />
 <figcaption>This past week more than 20 Republican governors sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking that the administration remove the mandate,The letter&nbsp;was signed by Missouri's Mike Parsons, Nebraska’s Pete Ricketts, Alabama’s Kay Ivey, Arizona’s Doug Ducey, Arkansas’ Asa Hutchinson, Florida’s Ron DeSantis, Idaho’s Brad Little, Indiana’s Eric Holcomb, Iowa’s Kim Reynolds, Mississippi’s Tate Reeves, Montana’s Greg Gianforte, New Hampshire’s Chris Sununu, North Dakota’s Doug Burgum, Oklahoma’s Kevin Stitt, South Carolina’s Henry McMaster, South Dakota’s Kristi Noem, Texas’ Greg Abbott, Utah’s Spencer Cox, Virginia’s Glenn Youngkin and Wyoming’s Mark Gordon.</figcaption>
 </figure>ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT (AP) — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said he wants to keep the military’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate in place to protect the health of the troops, as Republican governors and lawmakers press to rescind it.This past week more than 20 Republican governors sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking that the administration remove the mandate, saying it has hurt the U.S. National Guard’s ability to recruit troops. Those troops are activated by governors to respond to natural disasters or unrest.Congress may consider legislation this coming week to end the mandate as a requirement to gather enough support to pass this years’ defense budget, which is already two months late.Austin said he would not comment on pressure from the Hill.“We lost a million people to this virus," Austin told reporters traveling with him Saturday. “A million people died in the United States of America. We lost hundreds in DOD. So this mandate has kept people healthy.”“I’m the guy” who ordered the military to require the vaccine, Austin added. “I support continuation of vaccinating the troops.”Last year Austin directed that all troops get the vaccine or face potential expulsion from the military; thousands of active duty forces have been discharged since then for their refusal to get the shots.

U.S. Defense Chief: Keep COVID military vaccine mandate

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged kidnapping and continue asking for help to locate a suspect.

Aldrick L. Scott, 47, of Topeka, is wanted by the Douglas County Nebraska Sheriff's Office in connection with the disappearance of 43-year-old Cari Allen.

Nebraska officials are working to locate Allen, according to a social media report from Omaha Police. She is described as a white female, 5-foot-8, 130 pounds, blonde hair and hazel eyes. She&nbsp;was last seen Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 p.m. Scott has ties to Topeka and Shawnee County, according to the sheriff's department. On Monday, the sheriff's office released photos of Scott.

Anyone with information on Allen's whereabouts is encouraged to call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 402-444-6000 or 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669652492930.png" alt="Scott-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Scott-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged kidnapping and continue asking for help to locate a suspect.Aldrick L. Scott, 47, of Topeka, is wanted by the Douglas County Nebraska Sheriff's Office in connection with the disappearance of 43-year-old Cari Allen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669587276863.png" alt="Allen-photo Omaha Police" />
 <figcaption>Allen-photo Omaha Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska officials are working to locate Allen, according to a social media report from Omaha Police. She is described as a white female, 5-foot-8, 130 pounds, blonde hair and hazel eyes. She&nbsp;was last seen Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 p.m. Scott has ties to Topeka and Shawnee County, according to the sheriff's department. On Monday, the sheriff's office released photos of Scott.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669652758142.png" alt="Scott-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Scott-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Anyone with information on Allen's whereabouts is encouraged to call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 402-444-6000 or 911.

Search continues for Kan. man in woman's disappearance

SHAWNEE COUNTY(WIBW)—A second person has died from injuries accident just before 2:30 pm Sunday in Shawnee County.

According to Police Lt. Michael Hren, two vehicles collided at 6th and Madison. After impact, the car traveled over the bridge onto Interstate 70. One person was pronounced deceased at scene. First responders transported another person to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Just after 10:30a.m. Monday, police reported that person had also died.

Police asked the public to avoid the area of SE 6th and Madison as well as westbound Interstate 70 at 10th Street.

Just before 5a.m. Monday, Police Lt. Kerry Connell reported all roads in the area were open.&nbsp; Police have not reported names of the victims or additional details of the accident.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 2:30 pm Sunday in Shawnee County.

According to Police Lt. Michael Hren, two vehicles collided at 6th and Madison. After impact, the car traveled over the bridge onto Interstate 70. One person was pronounced deceased at scene. First responders transported another person to the hospital with life threatening injuries. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670238218069.png" alt="Photo by Lane Gillespie courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Lane Gillespie courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY(WIBW)—A second person has died from injuries accident just before 2:30 pm Sunday in Shawnee County.According to Police Lt. Michael Hren, two vehicles collided at 6th and Madison. After impact, the car traveled over the bridge onto Interstate 70. One person was pronounced deceased at scene. First responders transported another person to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Just after 10:30a.m. Monday, police reported that person had also died.Police asked the public to avoid the area of SE 6th and Madison as well as westbound Interstate 70 at 10th Street.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670238098086.png" alt="Photo by Lane Gillespie courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Lane Gillespie courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 5a.m. Monday, Police Lt. Kerry Connell reported all roads in the area were open.&nbsp; Police have not reported names of the victims or additional details of the accident.---------SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before 2:30 pm Sunday in Shawnee County.According to Police Lt. Michael Hren, two vehicles collided at 6th and Madison. After impact, the car traveled over the bridge onto Interstate 70. One person was pronounced deceased at scene. First responders transported another person to the hospital with life threatening injuries. Police asked the public to avoid the area of SE 6th and Madison as well as westbound Interstate 70 at 10th Street.Just before 5a.m. Monday, Police Lt. Kerry Connell reported all roads in the area were open.&nbsp; Police have not reported names of the victims or additional details of the accident.

2nd person dead after crash that sent car over bridge onto I-70

KANSAS CITY —Felony charges have been filed against a Kansas City man who fired shots from his vehicle, fatally wounding man on the street, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Andrew Harold Bostic, 62, faces Unlawful Use of a Weapon and &nbsp;Armed &nbsp;Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched officers to the area of Armour Blvd and Broadway after the victim was found unresponsive in the street. Emergency responders determined the victim was deceased. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670014656226.png" alt="Bostic-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Bostic-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Felony charges have been filed against a Kansas City man who fired shots from his vehicle, fatally wounding man on the street, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Andrew Harold Bostic, 62, faces Unlawful Use of a Weapon and &nbsp;Armed &nbsp;Criminal Action charges.According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched officers to the area of Armour Blvd and Broadway after the victim was found unresponsive in the street. Emergency responders determined the victim was deceased. Video surveillance from the area showed Bostic's vehicle on Broadway. The vehicle is stationary while the victim interacts with it. The victim is punching the air or shadow boxing but no one is near him. Then, the victim throws a traffic cone at Bostic's vehicle. He doubles over and stumbles as he tries to run away. He collapses on the sidewalk. Detectives located the vehicle in the parking lot of a building on Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. Bostic told police that he fired a shot as a warning.&nbsp;