
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Kansas legislative priorities for the National Federation of Independent Business are not much of a surprise, but a specific bill on energy usage is of interest.

"We are seeing in California, some pretty bad ideas as it relates to prohibiting the usage of gas for fuel in their municipalities," said Dan Murray with NFIB-Kansas. "Several municipalities in California have started to adopt bans on the usage of natural gas for businesses and residential use."

NFIB-Kansas wants to be sure those ideas can't come to the Sunflower State.

"We are seeking a bill that would prohibit municipalities from pursuing these kinds of ordinances," Murray said. "We balloted our members this fall, 88% of Kansas small business owners replied that municipalities should not be allowed to ban the use of various sources of energy, including natural gas."

Top priorities for the group this session include unemployment insurance reform, property tax transparency and decoupling of the income tax code.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600954270300.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
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By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch
Post
HUTCHINSON,
Kan. — The Kansas legislative priorities for the National Federation of Independent Business are not much of a surprise, but a specific bill on energy usage is of interest."We are seeing in California, some pretty bad ideas as it relates to prohibiting the usage of gas for fuel in their municipalities," said Dan Murray with NFIB-Kansas. "Several municipalities in California have started to adopt bans on the usage of natural gas for businesses and residential use."NFIB-Kansas wants to be sure those ideas can't come to the Sunflower State."We are seeking a bill that would prohibit municipalities from pursuing these kinds of ordinances," Murray said. "We balloted our members this fall, 88% of Kansas small business owners replied that municipalities should not be allowed to ban the use of various sources of energy, including natural gas."Top priorities for the group this session include unemployment insurance reform, property tax transparency and decoupling of the income tax code.

NFIB Kansas sets legislative priorities, including energy freedom bill

LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation into the report of a missing child and now, Aggravated Interference with Parental Custody, according to&nbsp;Sgt. Lisa Hayes with Emporia police.

 In response to the police request for public information Monday, authorities received numerous tips that 4-year-old Kyrese Cabrera-Downs may have been delivered to his father, Devin Downs, in Augusta, Kansas by his grandmother Jessica Downs. 

 The Augusta Police Department located and interviewed the father and the father allowed officers a search of his home.  The child was not located and is believed to still be with Jessica Downs.

Just after 10:30p.m. Monday, Emporia police received a credible tip that Jessica Downs was in Topeka. She was spotted near the Kicks 66 gas station on SW Gage Blvd south of Highway 470, according to Sgt. Hays.

Topeka Police Department responded to this information as soon as it was made available to the Emporia Police Department.&nbsp; They did not locate Jessica Downs or Kyrese.

This investigation is now being treated as a felony level Aggravated Interference with Parental Custody.&nbsp;

Police have had many inquiries about issuing an Amber Alert in this case. Amber Alert has strict criteria and at this time, this case does not meet the criteria. More information about Amber Alerts can be <a href="https://kbi.kansas.gov/ksamber/">found here.</a>

Jessica Downs is a 41-year-old white female. She is 5-foot-8 165 pounds, with blue eyes and blonde hair.  She may be driving a black or dark colored 4 door passenger car with a rounded body. Nathan Shown is a white male, 39 years of age, 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, with green eyes and brown hair.&nbsp;

 The child, Kyrese Cabrera-Downs, 2-years-old, a mixed race black and white male, approximately 25 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair was last seen wearing a red “Thomas the Tank Engine” pajama shirt and blue pajama pants.

If you have any information, please contact the Emporia Police Department at 620 343-4225 or Lyon County Crime Stoppers at 620 342-2273. You can also submit tips to Lyon County Crime Stoppers via Smartphone or online application by visiting P3&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftips.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3Q_z1M-mCHOmjWeGlafXzskZi8nMH3PNuGco8kvbQ163kbx-FU9O6jm3E&amp;h=AT1togncYbKoQ9Q3tBJOF5w0pBXF9xml7vdCJWlogzYrj3mNC0jaNCW-9DORh-0GVRkph82E-oNvFw0njpVzs5MNzmw1I_uG1P-lk9MQeqGg6jL-eiOqRsO3pv2en2BngUiAKR8&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0WKR9WRkRc_UX_GKlgmy0_zcsgD2PMCyZuMIVFqmINtOoJDBDB1KnwlX7eoW1ZiVWvRXfMK2CrEHHaKSK9PbJ0JhXiqnIfya4epIxKjHdAJEfNu83pXXlX6on8GI3Thu5f7nMnCL4h_nO1VUwjU_Tr1ApwvQXYvSbzKFI0HOVR7qA" target="_blank">tips.com</a>

LYON COUNTY —The Emporia Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating 2-year-old Kyrese Cabrera-Downs, a mixed race black and white boy last seen with his grandmother, Jessica S. Downs&nbsp; and possibly Nathan Shown, according to a media release from police.

 The child, Kyrese Cabrera-Downs, 2-years-old, a mixed race black and white male, approximately 25 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair was last seen wearing a red “Thomas the Tank Engine” pajama shirt and blue pajama pants. 

 Police believe Downs could be traveling to Augusta, KS with the child.  EPD is currently investigating this case as a missing child and Interference with Parental Custody. 

If you have any information, please contact the Emporia Police Department at 620 343-4225 or Lyon County Crime Stoppers at 620 342-2273. You can also submit tips to Lyon County Crime Stoppers via Smartphone or online application by visiting P3 <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftips.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3Q_z1M-mCHOmjWeGlafXzskZi8nMH3PNuGco8kvbQ163kbx-FU9O6jm3E&amp;h=AT1togncYbKoQ9Q3tBJOF5w0pBXF9xml7vdCJWlogzYrj3mNC0jaNCW-9DORh-0GVRkph82E-oNvFw0njpVzs5MNzmw1I_uG1P-lk9MQeqGg6jL-eiOqRsO3pv2en2BngUiAKR8&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0WKR9WRkRc_UX_GKlgmy0_zcsgD2PMCyZuMIVFqmINtOoJDBDB1KnwlX7eoW1ZiVWvRXfMK2CrEHHaKSK9PbJ0JhXiqnIfya4epIxKjHdAJEfNu83pXXlX6on8GI3Thu5f7nMnCL4h_nO1VUwjU_Tr1ApwvQXYvSbzKFI0HOVR7qA" target="_blank">tips.com</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611018035850.png" alt="Kyrese, Jessica Downs and Nathan Shown-photo Emporia police. Shown has various convictions that include for robbery, driving while suspended, giving worthless checks and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Kyrese, Jessica Downs and Nathan Shown-photo Emporia police. Shown has various convictions that include for robbery, driving while suspended, giving worthless checks and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation into the report of a missing child and now, Aggravated Interference with Parental Custody, according to&nbsp;Sgt. Lisa Hayes with Emporia police. In response to the police request for public information Monday, authorities received numerous tips that 4-year-old Kyrese Cabrera-Downs may have been delivered to his father, Devin Downs, in Augusta, Kansas by his grandmother Jessica Downs. The Augusta Police Department located and interviewed the father and the father allowed officers a search of his home. The child was not located and is believed to still be with Jessica Downs.Just after 10:30p.m. Monday, Emporia police received a credible tip that Jessica Downs was in Topeka. She was spotted near the Kicks 66 gas station on SW Gage Blvd south of Highway 470, according to Sgt. Hays.Topeka Police Department responded to this information as soon as it was made available to the Emporia Police Department.&nbsp; They did not locate Jessica Downs or Kyrese.This investigation is now being treated as a felony level Aggravated Interference with Parental Custody.&nbsp;Police have had many inquiries about issuing an Amber Alert in this case. Amber Alert has strict criteria and at this time, this case does not meet the criteria. More information about Amber Alerts can be <a href="https://kbi.kansas.gov/ksamber/">found here.</a>Jessica Downs is a 41-year-old white female. She is 5-foot-8 165 pounds, with blue eyes and blonde hair. She may be driving a black or dark colored 4 door passenger car with a rounded body. Nathan Shown is a white male, 39 years of age, 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, with green eyes and brown hair.&nbsp; The child, Kyrese Cabrera-Downs, 2-years-old, a mixed race black and white male, approximately 25 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair was last seen wearing a red “Thomas the Tank Engine” pajama shirt and blue pajama pants.If you have any information, please contact the Emporia Police Department at 620 343-4225 or Lyon County Crime Stoppers at 620 342-2273. You can also submit tips to Lyon County Crime Stoppers via Smartphone or online application by visiting P3&nbsp;<a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftips.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3Q_z1M-mCHOmjWeGlafXzskZi8nMH3PNuGco8kvbQ163kbx-FU9O6jm3E&amp;h=AT1togncYbKoQ9Q3tBJOF5w0pBXF9xml7vdCJWlogzYrj3mNC0jaNCW-9DORh-0GVRkph82E-oNvFw0njpVzs5MNzmw1I_uG1P-lk9MQeqGg6jL-eiOqRsO3pv2en2BngUiAKR8&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0WKR9WRkRc_UX_GKlgmy0_zcsgD2PMCyZuMIVFqmINtOoJDBDB1KnwlX7eoW1ZiVWvRXfMK2CrEHHaKSK9PbJ0JhXiqnIfya4epIxKjHdAJEfNu83pXXlX6on8GI3Thu5f7nMnCL4h_nO1VUwjU_Tr1ApwvQXYvSbzKFI0HOVR7qA" target="_blank">tips.com</a>----------LYON COUNTY —The Emporia Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating 2-year-old Kyrese Cabrera-Downs, a mixed race black and white boy last seen with his grandmother, Jessica S. Downs&nbsp; and possibly Nathan Shown, according to a media release from police.Jessica Downs is a 41-year-old white female. She is 5-foot-8 165 pounds, with blue eyes and blonde hair. She may be driving a black or dark colored 4 door passenger car with a rounded body. Nathan Shown is a white male, 39 years of age, 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, with green eyes and brown hair.&nbsp; The child, Kyrese Cabrera-Downs, 2-years-old, a mixed race black and white male, approximately 25 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair was last seen wearing a red “Thomas the Tank Engine” pajama shirt and blue pajama pants. Police believe Downs could be traveling to Augusta, KS with the child. EPD is currently investigating this case as a missing child and Interference with Parental Custody. If you have any information, please contact the Emporia Police Department at 620 343-4225 or Lyon County Crime Stoppers at 620 342-2273. You can also submit tips to Lyon County Crime Stoppers via Smartphone or online application by visiting P3 <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftips.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3Q_z1M-mCHOmjWeGlafXzskZi8nMH3PNuGco8kvbQ163kbx-FU9O6jm3E&amp;h=AT1togncYbKoQ9Q3tBJOF5w0pBXF9xml7vdCJWlogzYrj3mNC0jaNCW-9DORh-0GVRkph82E-oNvFw0njpVzs5MNzmw1I_uG1P-lk9MQeqGg6jL-eiOqRsO3pv2en2BngUiAKR8&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT0WKR9WRkRc_UX_GKlgmy0_zcsgD2PMCyZuMIVFqmINtOoJDBDB1KnwlX7eoW1ZiVWvRXfMK2CrEHHaKSK9PbJ0JhXiqnIfya4epIxKjHdAJEfNu83pXXlX6on8GI3Thu5f7nMnCL4h_nO1VUwjU_Tr1ApwvQXYvSbzKFI0HOVR7qA" target="_blank">tips.com</a>

No Amber Alert: Search continues for 2-year-old Kan. boy

WILSON COUNTY— Three people died in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Monday in Wilson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Curtis D.&nbsp;Wilkins, 40, Cambridge, Kan., was westbound on U.S Highway 400 in the left lane. 

The pickup crossed the center line and struck a 2011 Ford F150 driven by Tiffany Lynn&nbsp;Bekemeier, 39, Aurora, Missouri, head-on. Both vehicles caught fire and came to rest in the eastbound lane of the highway.

Wilkins,&nbsp;Bekemeier and a passenger in the Ford Randy Lynn&nbsp;Carlisle, 16, Aurora, Missouri, died in the crash. The KHP did not report seat belt information.

WILSON COUNTY— Three people died in an accident just before 6:30p.m. Monday in Wilson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Curtis D.&nbsp;Wilkins, 40, Cambridge, Kan., was westbound on U.S Highway 400 in the left lane. The pickup crossed the center line and struck a 2011 Ford F150 driven by Tiffany Lynn&nbsp;Bekemeier, 39, Aurora, Missouri, head-on. Both vehicles caught fire and came to rest in the eastbound lane of the highway.Wilkins,&nbsp;Bekemeier and a passenger in the Ford Randy Lynn&nbsp;Carlisle, 16, Aurora, Missouri, died in the crash. The KHP did not report seat belt information.

3 dead after head-on Kansas crash, fire

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects following a weekend arrest.

Just after 8p.m. January 16, sheriff's deputies developed information that a suspect identified as Steven M. Rule, 35, of Topeka, may be in possession of a stolen Ford F250 pickup truck, according to Shawnee County Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.

Deputies located a vehicle matching the description at a business in the 6400 block of SW 17th Street and confirmed the truck was reported stolen out of Doniphan County. 

Deputies attempted to detain Rule as he exited the business but he fled the scene on foot. After a brief foot chase a deputy deployed a Taser which safely ended the pursuit and Rule was taken into custody.

Through the investigation at the scene, information was developed that Rule used a stolen check to purchase approximately $1400 worth of merchandise from the business prior running from deputies.

Deputies found a handgun&nbsp; and additional stolen check in the stolen truck. 

Deputies transported Rule to a local hospital for a medical screen and then transported him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

Hannah B. Holloway, 41, of Topeka, was with Rule in the business. Deputies took her into custody without incident.

Rule is being held on requested charges that includ Felon in possession of a firearm, Possession of stolen property, Identity Fraud, Forgery,&nbsp;Interference w/ LEO, Possession of paraphernalia, Warrants through the City of Topeka and for Transporting an open container of liquor.

Hannah B. Holloway was booked on requested charges that include Possession of drug paraphernalia, Identity Theft and Warrants through the City of Topeka

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610927420238.png" alt="Rule-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Rule-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects following a weekend arrest.Just after 8p.m. January 16, sheriff's deputies developed information that a suspect identified as Steven M. Rule, 35, of Topeka, may be in possession of a stolen Ford F250 pickup truck, according to Shawnee County Sgt. Todd Stallbaumer.Deputies located a vehicle matching the description at a business in the 6400 block of SW 17th Street and confirmed the truck was reported stolen out of Doniphan County. Deputies attempted to detain Rule as he exited the business but he fled the scene on foot. After a brief foot chase a deputy deployed a Taser which safely ended the pursuit and Rule was taken into custody.Through the investigation at the scene, information was developed that Rule used a stolen check to purchase approximately $1400 worth of merchandise from the business prior running from deputies.Deputies found a handgun&nbsp; and additional stolen check in the stolen truck. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610927396618.png" alt="Holloway-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Holloway-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies transported Rule to a local hospital for a medical screen and then transported him to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.Hannah B. Holloway, 41, of Topeka, was with Rule in the business. Deputies took her into custody without incident.Rule is being held on requested charges that includ Felon in possession of a firearm, Possession of stolen property, Identity Fraud, Forgery,&nbsp;Interference w/ LEO, Possession of paraphernalia, Warrants through the City of Topeka and for Transporting an open container of liquor.Hannah B. Holloway was booked on requested charges that include Possession of drug paraphernalia, Identity Theft and Warrants through the City of Topeka

Sheriff: Kan. suspects used stolen checks, drove stolen truck

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman at gunpoint after meeting her online.

The Jackson County prosecutor's office said Sunday that Jamen Jackson, 23, has been charged with sexual assault and possession of child pornography.

According to court documents, the victim told police she met Jackson on the Internet and had invited him to her apartment on January 9.&nbsp;

Soon after he arrived she told police that he pulled out a handgun, pointed it at her head and ordered her to perform oral sex on him.while he recorded the assault on his phone. Authorities say he then forced the woman to have sex with him.

When police interviewed Jackson, he told them the encounter was consensual but investigators said the video on his phone showed the woman crying and looking scared. Similar videos of other women were also found on the phone.

Investigators said they also found several pornographic images of young girls and boys on Jackson's phone.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610970248848.png" alt="Jackson Jackson is no longer in custody, according to online jail records in Jackson County." />
 <figcaption>Jackson Jackson is no longer in custody, according to online jail records in Jackson County.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman at gunpoint after meeting her online.The Jackson County prosecutor's office said Sunday that Jamen Jackson, 23, has been charged with sexual assault and possession of child pornography.According to court documents, the victim told police she met Jackson on the Internet and had invited him to her apartment on January 9.&nbsp;Soon after he arrived she told police that he pulled out a handgun, pointed it at her head and ordered her to perform oral sex on him.while he recorded the assault on his phone. Authorities say he then forced the woman to have sex with him.When police interviewed Jackson, he told them the encounter was consensual but investigators said the video on his phone showed the woman crying and looking scared. Similar videos of other women were also found on the phone.Investigators said they also found several pornographic images of young girls and boys on Jackson's phone.

Prosecutor: KC man raped woman at gunpoint, filmed encounter

CLOUD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an incident that prompted the evacuation of a business in Cloud County.

Just after noon Monday, officers from the Concordia Police Department along with Deputies from the Cloud County Sheriff’s Department and Troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to a Criminal Threat from a subject stating that they were going to bring a firearm to Walmart, according to Police Chief&nbsp;Ric Fredrickson.

Officers were able to quickly and safely evacuate the building while the threat was investigated. After securing the area and a thorough search of the building by Officers, Walmart was allowed to reopen without incident.

Authorities released no additional details.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Concordia Police Department (785) 243-3131.

CLOUD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an incident that prompted the evacuation of a business in Cloud County.Just after noon Monday, officers from the Concordia Police Department along with Deputies from the Cloud County Sheriff’s Department and Troopers from the Kansas Highway Patrol responded to a Criminal Threat from a subject stating that they were going to bring a firearm to Walmart, according to Police Chief&nbsp;Ric Fredrickson.Officers were able to quickly and safely evacuate the building while the threat was investigated. After securing the area and a thorough search of the building by Officers, Walmart was allowed to reopen without incident.Authorities released no additional details.Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Concordia Police Department (785) 243-3131.

Police: Firearm threat prompts evacuation of Kan. Walmart 

PLATTE COUNTY —Authorities have charged a man with arson and murder following a deadly Sunday fire.

 Anthony Fleming, 24, allegedly set the fire at a home on Prospect Street in Weston, 30 miles north of Kansas City, that resulted in the death of Timothy Darby, 60, of Weston, according to Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd.

The charges were filed early January 18, following an investigation led by the Platte County Sheriff’s Office.

According to court documents, Fleming allegedly intentionally set a fire in the residence sometime between 1:00 and 2:00 a.m. on Sunday. He then allegedly fled from the residence on foot before authorities arrived. He was found about one mile from the home in a wooded area, wearing only socks.

Firefighters found Darby dead in the kitchen of the house. Platte County Sheriff Mark Owen said, “Our detectives, deputies, the Weston Police Department, and prosecutors did an outstanding job working together, which resulted in the quick apprehension of this defendant. Their tireless work is the reason prosecutors will be able to seek justice for the victim and his family."

Fleming faces up to life in prison on each charge. He is currently being held without bond in the Platte County Detention Facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610999688941.png" alt="Fleming-photo Platte Co." />
 <figcaption>Fleming-photo Platte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PLATTE COUNTY —Authorities have charged a man with arson and murder following a deadly Sunday fire. Anthony Fleming, 24, allegedly set the fire at a home on Prospect Street in Weston, 30 miles north of Kansas City, that resulted in the death of Timothy Darby, 60, of Weston, according to Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd.The charges were filed early January 18, following an investigation led by the Platte County Sheriff’s Office.According to court documents, Fleming allegedly intentionally set a fire in the residence sometime between 1:00 and 2:00 a.m. on Sunday. He then allegedly fled from the residence on foot before authorities arrived. He was found about one mile from the home in a wooded area, wearing only socks.Firefighters found Darby dead in the kitchen of the house. Platte County Sheriff Mark Owen said, “Our detectives, deputies, the Weston Police Department, and prosecutors did an outstanding job working together, which resulted in the quick apprehension of this defendant. Their tireless work is the reason prosecutors will be able to seek justice for the victim and his family."Fleming faces up to life in prison on each charge. He is currently being held without bond in the Platte County Detention Facility.

Man charged in deadly house fire near Kansas City

WASHINGTON (AP) —Organizers of the March for Life, the anti-abortion movement’s preeminent annual event, are asking their supporters nationwide not to gather in Washington this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic and political unrest.

Instead, a small group of invited pro-life leaders will march Jan. 29, and the event will be livestreamed, March for Life’s president, Jeanne Mancini, announced.

“Since we are in the midst of a pandemic which may be peaking, and in view of the heightened pressures that law enforcement officers and others are currently facing in and around the Capitol, this year’s March for Life will look different,” she said. “The annual rally will take place virtually and we are asking all participants to stay home and to join the March virtually.”

Tim Tebow, the football star, is still scheduled to make a keynote speech at a virtual gala taking place after the downsized march, Mancini said.

Mancini said she looks forward to holding the event in person next year.

The march has been held annually since 1974, one year after the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion across in the United States. Even blizzards in 1987 and 2016 did not force cancellation, although turnouts were smaller than usual.

Local March for Life events also have been affected this year. State marches in Arkansas and Oregon have been indefinitely postponed, while a march planned in Tucson, Arizona, was converted into a car caravan dubbed the Road Rally for Life.

The annual National Prayer Vigil for Life, usually held the night before the national march at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, will instead be a livestreamed event, with bishops participating virtually from across the U.S.

A year ago, President Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to address the March for Life. Trump became a hero to many anti-abortion activists for appointing Supreme Court justices and other federal judges viewed as open to the possibility of repealing or weakening the Roe v. Wade ruling.

This year’s event will take place nine days after the presidential inauguration of Democrat Joe Biden, who is a staunch supporter of abortion rights.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611004361565.png" alt="Photo courtesy March for Life" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy March for Life</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Organizers of the March for Life, the anti-abortion movement’s preeminent annual event, are asking their supporters nationwide not to gather in Washington this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic and political unrest.Instead, a small group of invited pro-life leaders will march Jan. 29, and the event will be livestreamed, March for Life’s president, Jeanne Mancini, announced.“Since we are in the midst of a pandemic which may be peaking, and in view of the heightened pressures that law enforcement officers and others are currently facing in and around the Capitol, this year’s March for Life will look different,” she said. “The annual rally will take place virtually and we are asking all participants to stay home and to join the March virtually.”Tim Tebow, the football star, is still scheduled to make a keynote speech at a virtual gala taking place after the downsized march, Mancini said.Mancini said she looks forward to holding the event in person next year.The march has been held annually since 1974, one year after the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion across in the United States. Even blizzards in 1987 and 2016 did not force cancellation, although turnouts were smaller than usual.Local March for Life events also have been affected this year. State marches in Arkansas and Oregon have been indefinitely postponed, while a march planned in Tucson, Arizona, was converted into a car caravan dubbed the Road Rally for Life.The annual National Prayer Vigil for Life, usually held the night before the national march at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, will instead be a livestreamed event, with bishops participating virtually from across the U.S.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579888682982.png" alt="President Trump at the 2020 March for Life Rally photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump at the 2020 March for Life Rally photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>A year ago, President Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to address the March for Life. Trump became a hero to many anti-abortion activists for appointing Supreme Court justices and other federal judges viewed as open to the possibility of repealing or weakening the Roe v. Wade ruling.This year’s event will take place nine days after the presidential inauguration of Democrat Joe Biden, who is a staunch supporter of abortion rights.___

March for Life supporters to stay home this year

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers have been moving quickly on legislation that would extend the state’s COVID-19 emergency declaration before it expires on Jan. 26.

“I’ve not seen, and I don’t think we’ve seen before, a bill that moved with such expediency,” said Sen. David Haley, D-Kansas City. “I daresay it is abnormal and it lends a certain question as to how fairly it can be deliberated and considered. This is a very crucial issue in terms of the public health.”

The temporary bills moving in the state Senate and House deal with COVID-19-related provisions that impact the coronavirus response. Both have had public hearings and passed out of committee in the first week of the session.

The bills extend legislation passed last year outlining temporary changes in law in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Those include allowing establishments to offer to-go alcohol, expanding the use of telemedicine and adding flexibility in health care licensing.

They aim to ensure continuity until lawmakers decide later in the session what exactly should be implemented in response to COVID-19 and how to oversee the governor during a long-term emergency like the pandemic.

“My understanding is that this is just to buy us time ... to give us more time to have a deep dive into each detail,” said Sen. Beverly Gossage, R-Eudora. “But right now, we have this looming deadline we have to address.”

The state added 3,688 cases from Friday to Monday, making its tally 259,822 since the start of the pandemic. It reported 23 more deaths since Friday, bringing the state’s total death toll to 3,525.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers have been moving quickly on legislation that would extend the state’s COVID-19 emergency declaration before it expires on Jan. 26.“I’ve not seen, and I don’t think we’ve seen before, a bill that moved with such expediency,” said Sen. David Haley, D-Kansas City. “I daresay it is abnormal and it lends a certain question as to how fairly it can be deliberated and considered. This is a very crucial issue in terms of the public health.”The temporary bills moving in the state Senate and House deal with COVID-19-related provisions that impact the coronavirus response. Both have had public hearings and passed out of committee in the first week of the session.The bills extend legislation passed last year outlining temporary changes in law in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Those include allowing establishments to offer to-go alcohol, expanding the use of telemedicine and adding flexibility in health care licensing.They aim to ensure continuity until lawmakers decide later in the session what exactly should be implemented in response to COVID-19 and how to oversee the governor during a long-term emergency like the pandemic.“My understanding is that this is just to buy us time ... to give us more time to have a deep dive into each detail,” said Sen. Beverly Gossage, R-Eudora. “But right now, we have this looming deadline we have to address.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610993132098.png" alt="Monday January 18, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday January 18, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>The state added 3,688 cases from Friday to Monday, making its tally 259,822 since the start of the pandemic. It reported 23 more deaths since Friday, bringing the state’s total death toll to 3,525.

Kan. lawmakers move quickly on COVID-19 legislation

WASHINGTON (AP) —President-elect Joe Biden will take the stage for his inaugural address at perhaps the most difficult starting point for a president since Franklin Roosevelt began his first term by assuring a nation scarred by the Great Depression that “we have nothing to fear but fear itself.”

But memorable turns of phrase like Roosevelt’s are more the exception than the rule when it comes to inaugural addresses.

Former President Barack Obama in his memoir noted that singer Aretha Franklin’s showy hat and a glitch in Chief Justice John Roberts’ administration of the oath of office got more attention than his speech in the days following the first Black president’s address, delivered as the nation was mired in recession and a growing malaise over two intractable wars.

Now, with the coronavirus raging, unemployment claims soaring and partisan divisions sharpening, Biden faces a fraught moment as he prepares to deliver a speech that aides say he wants to use to “call Americans to unity.”

“The situation he faces is absolutely brutal,” said Cody Keenan, who served as a chief speechwriter for Obama and assisted with his two inaugural addresses. He added that Biden in many ways is ”the perfect president for the moment, because he is not hyperbolic, he’s not a bomb thrower, he’s surrounded himself with policy wonks who already have all these plans. I think what we are going to hear him talk about is ‘Here’s where we are, here’s what we have to get done.’ I think that’s going to go a long way just to making people feel better.”

With the current mood of the country, Biden’s consistent focus on restoring “the soul of America” may be of greater value to the nation than any soaring oratory, in the view of some Democratic allies of the incoming president.

“It is entirely possible that this inaugural is one we remember for generations to come, because of the gravity of this moment” said David Litt, who served as an Obama speechwriter and wrote the comedic memoir, “Thanks, Obama: My Hopey Changey White House Years.” “But I also think it’s possible that the signature speeches of the Biden administration come at less expected moments and that would be par for the course.”

The inaugural address is as much a celebration of the peaceful handover of power as it is a set piece for a new or reelected president to lay out a vision for the nation. In recent memory, inaugural addresses have followed a predictable structure: The nation has challenges but there is hope to solve the problems if the president’s agenda is embraced.

One tradition dating back at least to Jimmy Carter’s 1977 inaugural is for the incoming president to offer the nation’s gratitude to the outgoing president — a moment of graciousness intended to put aside the strife of the political campaign and signal to Americans that it’s time to come together as a nation.

President Donald Trump won’t be there to hear it. He’s already said he won’t attend the inauguration — the first outgoing president to skip his successor’s swearing-in since Andrew Johnson did not attend Ulysses S. Grant’s inauguration in 1869.

Ari Fleischer, who served as press secretary for President George W. Bush, said there are still ways that Biden’s speechwriting team can continue the tradition of honoring the peaceful transition of power by simply giving a nod to the past presidents and Vice President Mike Pence, who are expected to be at the Capitol for the address.

Biden chief of staff Ron Klain said during a recent event hosted by The Washington Post that the president-elect has been chipping away on the address through the entire transition — taking time every few days to write and rewrite his thoughts. His speechwriting team is led by longtime Biden collaborator Vinay Reddy.

More important than flowery oratory is substantively demonstrating how Biden will take steps to begin unifying a country that remains emotionally raw because of the pandemic and a divisive election cycle that culminated with the violent insurrection at the Capitol, Fleischer said.

“Don’t dwell on today’s difficulties. Focus on tomorrow’s answers,” Fleischer advised. “Soaring oratory is just not Joe Biden. The effectiveness of his speech is going to be much more about what he says than how he says it.”

Edward Frantz, a presidential historian at the University of Indianapolis, said Biden’s daunting moment has parallels to what Roosevelt faced in 1933 as he sought to rally support for his agenda, as well as to Rutherford B. Hayes, who delivered his inaugural address in 1877 after winning by a single Electoral College vote in an election in which he and his allies alleged fraud in several states.

In addition to pushing a message of unity for Americans, Biden should signal to the world that the United States will recalibrate after four years of Trump, Frantz said. That may be easier said than done, though.

“How do you talk about returning to new normal while also not seeming arrogant about the United States’ position in the world — especially after what’s transpired over the last four years of the Trump administration and also with what foreign observers watched in horror as the riots transpired,” Frantz said. “There really is no parallel to what Biden faces.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610986740193.png" alt="President-elect Biden volunteered at a hunger relief charity based in Philadelphia, as part of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service.-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President-elect Biden volunteered at a hunger relief charity based in Philadelphia, as part of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service.-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —President-elect Joe Biden will take the stage for his inaugural address at perhaps the most difficult starting point for a president since Franklin Roosevelt began his first term by assuring a nation scarred by the Great Depression that “we have nothing to fear but fear itself.”But memorable turns of phrase like Roosevelt’s are more the exception than the rule when it comes to inaugural addresses.Former President Barack Obama in his memoir noted that singer Aretha Franklin’s showy hat and a glitch in Chief Justice John Roberts’ administration of the oath of office got more attention than his speech in the days following the first Black president’s address, delivered as the nation was mired in recession and a growing malaise over two intractable wars.Now, with the coronavirus raging, unemployment claims soaring and partisan divisions sharpening, Biden faces a fraught moment as he prepares to deliver a speech that aides say he wants to use to “call Americans to unity.”“The situation he faces is absolutely brutal,” said Cody Keenan, who served as a chief speechwriter for Obama and assisted with his two inaugural addresses. He added that Biden in many ways is ”the perfect president for the moment, because he is not hyperbolic, he’s not a bomb thrower, he’s surrounded himself with policy wonks who already have all these plans. I think what we are going to hear him talk about is ‘Here’s where we are, here’s what we have to get done.’ I think that’s going to go a long way just to making people feel better.”With the current mood of the country, Biden’s consistent focus on restoring “the soul of America” may be of greater value to the nation than any soaring oratory, in the view of some Democratic allies of the incoming president.“It is entirely possible that this inaugural is one we remember for generations to come, because of the gravity of this moment” said David Litt, who served as an Obama speechwriter and wrote the comedic memoir, “Thanks, Obama: My Hopey Changey White House Years.” “But I also think it’s possible that the signature speeches of the Biden administration come at less expected moments and that would be par for the course.”The inaugural address is as much a celebration of the peaceful handover of power as it is a set piece for a new or reelected president to lay out a vision for the nation. In recent memory, inaugural addresses have followed a predictable structure: The nation has challenges but there is hope to solve the problems if the president’s agenda is embraced.One tradition dating back at least to Jimmy Carter’s 1977 inaugural is for the incoming president to offer the nation’s gratitude to the outgoing president — a moment of graciousness intended to put aside the strife of the political campaign and signal to Americans that it’s time to come together as a nation.President Donald Trump won’t be there to hear it. He’s already said he won’t attend the inauguration — the first outgoing president to skip his successor’s swearing-in since Andrew Johnson did not attend Ulysses S. Grant’s inauguration in 1869.Ari Fleischer, who served as press secretary for President George W. Bush, said there are still ways that Biden’s speechwriting team can continue the tradition of honoring the peaceful transition of power by simply giving a nod to the past presidents and Vice President Mike Pence, who are expected to be at the Capitol for the address.Biden chief of staff Ron Klain said during a recent event hosted by The Washington Post that the president-elect has been chipping away on the address through the entire transition — taking time every few days to write and rewrite his thoughts. His speechwriting team is led by longtime Biden collaborator Vinay Reddy.More important than flowery oratory is substantively demonstrating how Biden will take steps to begin unifying a country that remains emotionally raw because of the pandemic and a divisive election cycle that culminated with the violent insurrection at the Capitol, Fleischer said.“Don’t dwell on today’s difficulties. Focus on tomorrow’s answers,” Fleischer advised. “Soaring oratory is just not Joe Biden. The effectiveness of his speech is going to be much more about what he says than how he says it.”Edward Frantz, a presidential historian at the University of Indianapolis, said Biden’s daunting moment has parallels to what Roosevelt faced in 1933 as he sought to rally support for his agenda, as well as to Rutherford B. Hayes, who delivered his inaugural address in 1877 after winning by a single Electoral College vote in an election in which he and his allies alleged fraud in several states.In addition to pushing a message of unity for Americans, Biden should signal to the world that the United States will recalibrate after four years of Trump, Frantz said. That may be easier said than done, though.“How do you talk about returning to new normal while also not seeming arrogant about the United States’ position in the world — especially after what’s transpired over the last four years of the Trump administration and also with what foreign observers watched in horror as the riots transpired,” Frantz said. “There really is no parallel to what Biden faces.”___

Biden aims for unifying speech at daunting moment for US

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 3688 to a total of 259,822, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3525 an increase of 23

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.M

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 3688 to a total of 259,822, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 3525 an increase of 23<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.M<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610993132098.png" alt="Monday January 18, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday January 18, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 21-year-old Kansas City woman has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting that took place last week.

The Jackson County prosecutor's office said Sunday that Tityana Coppage has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in Wednesday's shooting death of 36-year-old Keith Lars.

The shooting happened shortly after noon Wednesday. Officers who arrived at the scene found evidence of a shooting but no victims.

A short time later, a woman flagged down firefighters to report that Lars was in her car with a gunshot wound. Firefighters tried to save Lars but he died at the scene.

According to court documents, Coppage told detectives that her family believes Lars may have been involved in the fatal shooting of her 16-year-old brother three days before Lars died.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610974115170.png" alt="Coppage-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Coppage-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 21-year-old Kansas City woman has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting that took place last week.The Jackson County prosecutor's office said Sunday that Tityana Coppage has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in Wednesday's shooting death of 36-year-old Keith Lars.The shooting happened shortly after noon Wednesday. Officers who arrived at the scene found evidence of a shooting but no victims.A short time later, a woman flagged down firefighters to report that Lars was in her car with a gunshot wound. Firefighters tried to save Lars but he died at the scene.According to court documents, Coppage told detectives that her family believes Lars may have been involved in the fatal shooting of her 16-year-old brother three days before Lars died.

KC woman charged for alleged revenge killing 

DENVER (AP) — Howard Jones, who’s 83, was on the phone for three to four hours every day trying to sign up for a coronavirus vaccine.

Jones, who lives alone in Colorado Springs, doesn’t have the internet, and that’s made it much more difficult for him to make an appointment. It took him about a week. He said the confusion has added to his anxiety about catching what could be a life-threatening disease at his age.

“It has been hell,” Jones said. “I’m 83 and to not have the use of a computer is just terrible.”

As states across the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-when-can-i-get-it-20de995ab6d01dd286ad3bbea46f69ce">roll out the COVID-19 vaccine</a>&nbsp;to people 65 and older, senior citizens are scrambling to figure out how to sign up to get their shots. Many states and counties ask people to make appointments online, but glitchy websites, overwhelmed phone lines and a patchwork of fast-changing rules are bedeviling older people who are often less tech-savvy, may live far from vaccination sites and are more likely to not have internet access at all, especially people of color and those who are poor.

Nearly 9.5 million seniors, or 16.5% of U.S. adults 65 and older, lack internet access, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Access is worse for seniors of color: more than 25% of Black people, about 21% of Hispanic people and over 28% of Native Americans 65 and older have no way to get online. That’s compared with 15.5% of white seniors.

In the San Francisco Bay Area, Dr. Rebecca Parish has been dismayed by the bureaucratic process and continued calls for help from seniors. One of her patients, who’s 83, called her in tears, unable to navigate the online appointment system at Rite Aid. A 92-year-old woman called her before dawn this week after reading about her in a newspaper, telling her, “I’ll do anything to get this vaccine.”

So Parish took things into her own hands. She reached out to Contra Costa County and acquired 500 doses to vaccinate people this weekend at a middle school in Lafayette, California. She’s working with nonprofits to identify seniors who don’t live in nursing homes and risk falling through the cracks. All her appointments have been claimed, but she’ll start taking them again once more doses are available.

Some health officials have been trying to find other solutions to ease the confusion and help senior citizens sign up, just as the Trump administration urged states this week to make the nation’s 54 million&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-coronavirus-vaccine-8e846e47cd71f39fed71dcd6700d729b">seniors eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine</a>.

Some places have found simple ideas work. In Morgantown, West Virginia, county health officials used a large road construction sign to list the phone number for seniors to call for an appointment. Others are considering partnering with community groups or setting up mobile clinics for harder-to-reach populations.

Some seniors may be waiting to hear from their doctor. But there are limits to using health care systems, pharmacies or primary care providers to reach underserved people who don’t have the internet, said Claire Hannan, executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers.

She said the two coronavirus vaccines available in the U.S. and their cold temperature requirements “don’t lend themselves to being sent out to rural areas.”

In McComb, Mississippi, where 77.5% of residents are Black and almost half the population lives below the poverty line, 71-year-old Mary Christian made an appointment online with her son’s help. But the only available sites are at least an hour away from she lives.

“I’m 71 years old, and my kids are not going to be happy for me driving 1 to 200 miles away to get a vaccine,” said Christian, who has diabetes.

Some medical systems, like UCHealth in Colorado, are trying to partner with community groups to get vaccines to underserved populations, like seniors.

Dr. Jean Kutner, chief medical officer of UCHealth University at Colorado Hospital, said she’s volunteering at a clinic hosted by a church that brings in the vaccine and helps build trust between health care workers and residents.

For now, UCHealth schedules appointments online, but Kutner said a COVID-19 hotline is in the works because of the volume of calls from seniors.

“Seniors are comfortable with the phone side of things, so that that’s not really a technological barrier for them,” said Gretchen Garofoli, an associate professor at West Virginia University’s School of Pharmacy.

But even a Colorado health provider setting up vaccine clinics for underserved communities, Salud Family Health Centers, said their phone lines can’t handle the volume of calls they’re receiving and encouraged people to go online.

When calling for an appointment is an option, finding a number is often only possible online.

That was the problem for Jones, the 83-year-old in Colorado. A retired service member, he considered reaching out to Veterans Affairs but couldn’t find a phone number.

He asked for help from a friend, who gave him several numbers. One led to Angela Cortez, head of communications for AARP in Colorado.

AARP has been flooded with calls from seniors like Jones who don’t have the internet and need help navigating the websites of health departments, care providers and vaccine sign-up forms, Cortez said.

“It’s not like you can show up somewhere and get vaccinated,” Cortez said. “And if you don’t have access to a computer, you’re at a disadvantage.”

Even Cortez had trouble as she tried to help Jones. She called numbers listed on the Colorado health department website and several Safeway stores after Jones heard friends were vaccinated there.

Eventually, Cortez was told to sign up online.

“I’m an employee of AARP, one; and two, I’m the communications director — I’m a trained journalist — and I have a computer, three, and I can’t even get through to anybody,” she said.

A friend was finally able to get Jones an appointment for Saturday. But he’s frustrated that he had “to go through side channels” instead of doing it himself.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610104544544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Howard Jones, who’s 83, was on the phone for three to four hours every day trying to sign up for a coronavirus vaccine.Jones, who lives alone in Colorado Springs, doesn’t have the internet, and that’s made it much more difficult for him to make an appointment. It took him about a week. He said the confusion has added to his anxiety about catching what could be a life-threatening disease at his age.“It has been hell,” Jones said. “I’m 83 and to not have the use of a computer is just terrible.”As states across the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-when-can-i-get-it-20de995ab6d01dd286ad3bbea46f69ce">roll out the COVID-19 vaccine</a>&nbsp;to people 65 and older, senior citizens are scrambling to figure out how to sign up to get their shots. Many states and counties ask people to make appointments online, but glitchy websites, overwhelmed phone lines and a patchwork of fast-changing rules are bedeviling older people who are often less tech-savvy, may live far from vaccination sites and are more likely to not have internet access at all, especially people of color and those who are poor.Nearly 9.5 million seniors, or 16.5% of U.S. adults 65 and older, lack internet access, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Access is worse for seniors of color: more than 25% of Black people, about 21% of Hispanic people and over 28% of Native Americans 65 and older have no way to get online. That’s compared with 15.5% of white seniors.In the San Francisco Bay Area, Dr. Rebecca Parish has been dismayed by the bureaucratic process and continued calls for help from seniors. One of her patients, who’s 83, called her in tears, unable to navigate the online appointment system at Rite Aid. A 92-year-old woman called her before dawn this week after reading about her in a newspaper, telling her, “I’ll do anything to get this vaccine.”So Parish took things into her own hands. She reached out to Contra Costa County and acquired 500 doses to vaccinate people this weekend at a middle school in Lafayette, California. She’s working with nonprofits to identify seniors who don’t live in nursing homes and risk falling through the cracks. All her appointments have been claimed, but she’ll start taking them again once more doses are available.Some health officials have been trying to find other solutions to ease the confusion and help senior citizens sign up, just as the Trump administration urged states this week to make the nation’s 54 million&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-coronavirus-vaccine-8e846e47cd71f39fed71dcd6700d729b">seniors eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine</a>.Some places have found simple ideas work. In Morgantown, West Virginia, county health officials used a large road construction sign to list the phone number for seniors to call for an appointment. Others are considering partnering with community groups or setting up mobile clinics for harder-to-reach populations.Some seniors may be waiting to hear from their doctor. But there are limits to using health care systems, pharmacies or primary care providers to reach underserved people who don’t have the internet, said Claire Hannan, executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers.She said the two coronavirus vaccines available in the U.S. and their cold temperature requirements “don’t lend themselves to being sent out to rural areas.”In McComb, Mississippi, where 77.5% of residents are Black and almost half the population lives below the poverty line, 71-year-old Mary Christian made an appointment online with her son’s help. But the only available sites are at least an hour away from she lives.“I’m 71 years old, and my kids are not going to be happy for me driving 1 to 200 miles away to get a vaccine,” said Christian, who has diabetes.Some medical systems, like UCHealth in Colorado, are trying to partner with community groups to get vaccines to underserved populations, like seniors.Dr. Jean Kutner, chief medical officer of UCHealth University at Colorado Hospital, said she’s volunteering at a clinic hosted by a church that brings in the vaccine and helps build trust between health care workers and residents.For now, UCHealth schedules appointments online, but Kutner said a COVID-19 hotline is in the works because of the volume of calls from seniors.“Seniors are comfortable with the phone side of things, so that that’s not really a technological barrier for them,” said Gretchen Garofoli, an associate professor at West Virginia University’s School of Pharmacy.But even a Colorado health provider setting up vaccine clinics for underserved communities, Salud Family Health Centers, said their phone lines can’t handle the volume of calls they’re receiving and encouraged people to go online.When calling for an appointment is an option, finding a number is often only possible online.That was the problem for Jones, the 83-year-old in Colorado. A retired service member, he considered reaching out to Veterans Affairs but couldn’t find a phone number.He asked for help from a friend, who gave him several numbers. One led to Angela Cortez, head of communications for AARP in Colorado.AARP has been flooded with calls from seniors like Jones who don’t have the internet and need help navigating the websites of health departments, care providers and vaccine sign-up forms, Cortez said.“It’s not like you can show up somewhere and get vaccinated,” Cortez said. “And if you don’t have access to a computer, you’re at a disadvantage.”Even Cortez had trouble as she tried to help Jones. She called numbers listed on the Colorado health department website and several Safeway stores after Jones heard friends were vaccinated there.Eventually, Cortez was told to sign up online.“I’m an employee of AARP, one; and two, I’m the communications director — I’m a trained journalist — and I have a computer, three, and I can’t even get through to anybody,” she said.A friend was finally able to get Jones an appointment for Saturday. But he’s frustrated that he had “to go through side channels” instead of doing it himself.___

Online sign-ups complicate vaccine rollout for many

By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-15/government-ordered-to-pay-more-than-1-million-to-yet-another-veteran-abused-at-leavenworth-va">Kansas News Service</a>

A federal judge has awarded more than $1 million in damages to yet 
another veteran who was abused by a former physician assistant at the 
Leavenworth VA.

It’s the third time since November that U.S. 
District Judge Daniel Crabtree has ruled against the government in cases
 brought by veterans charging the government with medical malpractice.

The
 veterans allege they were subjected to unnecessary genital exams and 
other physical abuse by Mark Wisner, who was a physician assistant at 
the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center from 2008 to 2014.

Wisner
 was convicted of aggravated sexual battery and aggravated criminal 
assault in 2017 and sentenced to nearly 16 years in prison. He 
surrendered his license to the Kansas Board of Healing Arts in February 
2015.

Wisner is thought to have abused as many as 100 military 
veterans. More than 80 of them settled their lawsuits against the 
government in 2019 for $7 million.

Several veterans, however, 
chose to take their cases to trial rather than settle. The cases have 
been tried remotely via Zoom before Crabtree, who in November awarded 
$538,000 in damages to one veteran and more than $1.5 million to 
another.

The lawyer representing the veterans, Danny Thomas, said he has yet to hear whether the government intends to pay the judgments.

“Presumably
 they want to appeal,” he said in an email. “That is fine. We have 
waited this long. We have no problem continuing the fight.”

Thomas,
 who said he was getting ready to tee up five more cases for trial, 
slammed the government for not investigating the VA Health System over 
what happened.

“It would appear our government has forgotten about
 these men who risked their lives in combat for this nation,” he said. 
“I am honored, however, that the United States District Court for the 
District of Kansas has spoken for these men. The Court has told these 
men their sacrifices mean something and what the VA did to them is 
absolutely horrible. The Court has spoken when no other body within the 
federal government even bothered to investigate.”

A spokesman for the Leavenworth VA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The
 verdict handed down Friday by Crabtree concerned a veteran who had seen
 Wisner for shoulder pain. Evidence showed that during various medical 
exams, Wisner performed genital exams on him without gloves, had him 
disrobe and made sexual comments to him.

In his 50-page ruling, 
Crabtree, as he did in his previous rulings, found that the Leavenworth 
VA “wholly failed to comply” with the VA’s policy on reporting and 
tracking allegations of sexual misconduct at its facilities.

“The 
VA should have foreseen that this omission could produce serious 
problems if a VA employee took advantage of his position in interactions
 with patrons,” he wrote.

He also found that “the preponderance of
 evidence established – and by a wide margin – that plaintiff sustained 
additional PTSD because of his encounters with Wisner.”

Although 
the government didn’t dispute that Wisner sexually molested veterans, it
 argued it shouldn’t be held accountable for his conduct because it was 
outside the scope of his employment.

As in the earlier cases, Crabtree rejected that argument, finding that Wisner’s conduct was foreseeable.

Dan Margolies is senior reporter and editor at KCUR. He can be reached by email at dan@kcur.org or on Twitter @DanMargolies.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610745890506.png" alt="Mark Wisner worked as a physician assistant at the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth, Kansas, pictured here. He is now serving a prison sentence of nearly 16 years. www.leavenworth.va.gov" />
 <figcaption>Mark Wisner worked as a physician assistant at the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth, Kansas, pictured here. He is now serving a prison sentence of nearly 16 years. www.leavenworth.va.gov</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-01-15/government-ordered-to-pay-more-than-1-million-to-yet-another-veteran-abused-at-leavenworth-va">Kansas News Service</a>A federal judge has awarded more than $1 million in damages to yet 
another veteran who was abused by a former physician assistant at the 
Leavenworth VA.It’s the third time since November that U.S. 
District Judge Daniel Crabtree has ruled against the government in cases
 brought by veterans charging the government with medical malpractice.The
 veterans allege they were subjected to unnecessary genital exams and 
other physical abuse by Mark Wisner, who was a physician assistant at 
the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center from 2008 to 2014.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594147941909.png" alt="Mark Wisner- Atchison County Detention Center" />
 <figcaption>Mark Wisner- Atchison County Detention Center</figcaption>
 </figure>Wisner
 was convicted of aggravated sexual battery and aggravated criminal 
assault in 2017 and sentenced to nearly 16 years in prison. He 
surrendered his license to the Kansas Board of Healing Arts in February 
2015.Wisner is thought to have abused as many as 100 military 
veterans. More than 80 of them settled their lawsuits against the 
government in 2019 for $7 million.Several veterans, however, 
chose to take their cases to trial rather than settle. The cases have 
been tried remotely via Zoom before Crabtree, who in November awarded 
$538,000 in damages to one veteran and more than $1.5 million to 
another.The lawyer representing the veterans, Danny Thomas, said he has yet to hear whether the government intends to pay the judgments.“Presumably
 they want to appeal,” he said in an email. “That is fine. We have 
waited this long. We have no problem continuing the fight.”Thomas,
 who said he was getting ready to tee up five more cases for trial, 
slammed the government for not investigating the VA Health System over 
what happened.“It would appear our government has forgotten about
 these men who risked their lives in combat for this nation,” he said. 
“I am honored, however, that the United States District Court for the 
District of Kansas has spoken for these men. The Court has told these 
men their sacrifices mean something and what the VA did to them is 
absolutely horrible. The Court has spoken when no other body within the 
federal government even bothered to investigate.”A spokesman for the Leavenworth VA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The
 verdict handed down Friday by Crabtree concerned a veteran who had seen
 Wisner for shoulder pain. Evidence showed that during various medical 
exams, Wisner performed genital exams on him without gloves, had him 
disrobe and made sexual comments to him.In his 50-page ruling, 
Crabtree, as he did in his previous rulings, found that the Leavenworth 
VA “wholly failed to comply” with the VA’s policy on reporting and 
tracking allegations of sexual misconduct at its facilities.“The 
VA should have foreseen that this omission could produce serious 
problems if a VA employee took advantage of his position in interactions
 with patrons,” he wrote.He also found that “the preponderance of
 evidence established – and by a wide margin – that plaintiff sustained 
additional PTSD because of his encounters with Wisner.”Although 
the government didn’t dispute that Wisner sexually molested veterans, it
 argued it shouldn’t be held accountable for his conduct because it was 
outside the scope of his employment.As in the earlier cases, Crabtree rejected that argument, finding that Wisner’s conduct was foreseeable.Dan Margolies is senior reporter and editor at KCUR. He can be reached by email at dan@kcur.org or on Twitter @DanMargolies.&nbsp;

Feds to pay more than $1M to veteran abused at Leavenworth VA

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas abortion opponents are moving with unusual speed to put an anti-abortion amendment to the state constitution on a ballot. Backers of the measure fear a COVID-19 outbreak could thwart them if they delay. 

The proposed amendment would overturn a state Supreme Court decision in 2019 that declared access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state constitution. It would declare that there is no Kansas constitutional right to abortion and preserve the Legislature’s power to regulate abortion. 

One or both chambers could debate the measure later this week. Efforts to pass the measure last year ended when the Legislature shortened its session because of the pandemic.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Abortion opponents and abortion rights supporters previewed arguments they’ll make to voters if lawmakers put a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the state constitution on the ballot.

House and Senate committees heard testimony Friday on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hcr5003/" target="_blank">a proposal&nbsp;</a>to overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">a Kansas Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;in 2019 declaring access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state constitution. The measure would declare there is no state right to abortion and the Legislature has broad authority to regulate it.

Both Republican-controlled committees are expected to approve the measure, possibly this week. But abortion opponents need two-thirds majorities in both chambers to get the measure on the ballot as planned in the August 2022 primary, when a simple of majority of voters could add it to the constitution.

Testimony often moved from the text of the proposal to larger arguments about regulating abortion.

Abortion opponents argue that they are trying only to preserve restrictions enacted previously with bipartisan support. They spent much of their time talking about why they believe restrictions are necessary.

Abortion rights supporters argued that the proposed amendment is a step toward a state abortion ban, and much of their testimony focused on why they believe preserving access to abortion benefits women’s health.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587570641350.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas abortion opponents are moving with unusual speed to put an anti-abortion amendment to the state constitution on a ballot. Backers of the measure fear a COVID-19 outbreak could thwart them if they delay. The proposed amendment would overturn a state Supreme Court decision in 2019 that declared access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state constitution. It would declare that there is no Kansas constitutional right to abortion and preserve the Legislature’s power to regulate abortion. One or both chambers could debate the measure later this week. Efforts to pass the measure last year ended when the Legislature shortened its session because of the pandemic.---------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Abortion opponents and abortion rights supporters previewed arguments they’ll make to voters if lawmakers put a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the state constitution on the ballot.House and Senate committees heard testimony Friday on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hcr5003/" target="_blank">a proposal&nbsp;</a>to overturn&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3f479b218a6140719e1694fcfcdb8036">a Kansas Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;in 2019 declaring access to abortion a “fundamental” right under the state constitution. The measure would declare there is no state right to abortion and the Legislature has broad authority to regulate it.Both Republican-controlled committees are expected to approve the measure, possibly this week. But abortion opponents need two-thirds majorities in both chambers to get the measure on the ballot as planned in the August 2022 primary, when a simple of majority of voters could add it to the constitution.Testimony often moved from the text of the proposal to larger arguments about regulating abortion.Abortion opponents argue that they are trying only to preserve restrictions enacted previously with bipartisan support. They spent much of their time talking about why they believe restrictions are necessary.Abortion rights supporters argued that the proposed amendment is a step toward a state abortion ban, and much of their testimony focused on why they believe preserving access to abortion benefits women’s health.

Kan. legislators study proposed anti-abortion amendment

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. defense officials say they are worried about an insider attack or other threat from service members involved in securing President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, prompting the FBI to vet all of the 25,000 National Guard troops coming into Washington for the event.

The massive undertaking reflects the extraordinary security concerns that have gripped Washington following the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump rioters. And it underscores fears that some of the very people assigned to protect the city over the next several days could present a threat to the incoming president and other VIPs in attendance.

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told The Associated Press on Sunday that officials are conscious of the potential threat, and he warned commanders to be on the lookout for any problems within their ranks as the inauguration approaches. So far, however, he and other leaders say they have seen no evidence of any threats, and officials said the vetting hadn’t flagged any issues.

”We’re continually going through the process, and taking second, third looks at every one of the individuals assigned to this operation,” McCarthy said in an interview after he and other military leaders went through an exhaustive, three-hour security drill in preparation for Wednesday’s inauguration. He said Guard members are also getting training on how to identify potential insider threats.

About 25,000 members of the National Guard are streaming into Washington from across the country — at least two and a half times the number for previous inaugurals. And while the military routinely reviews service members for extremist connections, the FBI screening is in addition to any previous monitoring.

Multiple officials said the process began as the first Guard troops began deploying to D.C. more than a week ago. And they said it is slated to be complete by Wednesday. Several officials discussed military planning on condition of anonymity.

“The question is, is that all of them? Are there others?” said McCarthy. “We need to be conscious of it and we need to put all of the mechanisms in place to thoroughly vet these men and women who would support any operations like this.”

In a situation like this one, FBI vetting would involve running peoples’ names through databases and watchlists maintained by the bureau to see if anything alarming comes up. That could include involvement in prior investigations or terrorism-related concerns, said David Gomez, a former FBI national security supervisor in Seattle.

Insider threats have been a persistent law enforcement priority in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. But in most cases, the threats are from homegrown insurgents radicalized by al-Qaida, the Islamic State group or similar groups. In contrast, the threats against Biden’s inauguration have been fueled by supporters of President Donald Trump, far-right militants, white supremacists and other radical groups. Many believe Trump’s baseless accusations that the election was stolen from him, a claim that has been refuted by many courts, the Justice Department and Republican officials in key battleground states.

The insurrection at the Capitol began after Trump made incendiary remarks at the Jan. 6 rally. According to McCarthy, service members from across the military were at that rally, but it’s not clear how many were there or who may have participated in the breach at the Capitol. So far only a couple of current active-duty or National Guard members have been arrested in connection with the Capitol assault, which left five people dead. The dead included a Capitol Police officer and a woman shot by police as she climbed through a window in a door near the House chamber.

Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, has been meeting with Guard troops as they arrive in D.C. and as they gather downtown. He said he believes there are good processes in place to identify any potential threats.

“If there’s any indication that any of our soldiers or airmen are expressing things that are extremist views, it’s either handed over to law enforcement or dealt with the chain of command immediately,” he said.

The insider threat, however, was just one of the security concerns voiced by officials on Sunday, as dozens of military, National Guard, law enforcement and Washington, D.C., officials and commanders went through a security rehearsal in northern Virginia. As many as three dozen leaders lined tables that ringed a massive color-coded map of D.C. reflected onto the floor. Behind them were dozens more National Guard officers and staff, with their eyes trained on additional maps and charts displayed on the wall.

The Secret Service is in charge of event security, but there is a wide variety of military and law enforcement personnel involved, ranging from the National Guard and the FBI to Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department, U.S. Capitol Police and U.S. Park Police.

Commanders went over every aspect of the city’s complicated security lockdown, with McCarthy and others peppering them with questions about how the troops will respond in any scenario and how well they can communicate with the other enforcement agencies scattered around the city.

Hokanson said he believes his troops have been adequately equipped and prepared, and that they are rehearsing as much as they can to be prepared for any contingency.

The major security concern is an attack by armed groups of individuals, as well as planted explosives and other devices. McCarthy said intelligence reports suggest that groups are organizing armed rallies leading up to Inauguration Day, and possibly after that.

The bulk of the Guard members will be armed. And McCarthy said units are going through repeated drills to practice when and how to use force and how to work quickly with law enforcement partners. Law enforcement officers would make any arrests.

He said Guard units are going through “constant mental repetitions of looking at the map and talking through scenarios with leaders so they understand their task and purpose, they know their routes, they know where they’re friendly, adjacent units are, they have the appropriate frequencies to communicate with their law enforcement partners.”

The key goal, he said, is for America’s transfer of power to happen without incident.

“This is a national priority. We have to be successful as an institution,” said McCarthy. “We want to send the message to everyone in the United States and for the rest of the world that we can do this safely and peacefully.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610939789454.png" alt="H Street at Massachusetts Avenue and 3rd Street in the District of Columbia Sunday night-image DC traffic camera" />
 <figcaption>H Street at Massachusetts Avenue and 3rd Street in the District of Columbia Sunday night-image DC traffic camera</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. defense officials say they are worried about an insider attack or other threat from service members involved in securing President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, prompting the FBI to vet all of the 25,000 National Guard troops coming into Washington for the event.The massive undertaking reflects the extraordinary security concerns that have gripped Washington following the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump rioters. And it underscores fears that some of the very people assigned to protect the city over the next several days could present a threat to the incoming president and other VIPs in attendance.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610835825899.png" alt="Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy meeting with National Guard Troops in Washington- Photo courtesy Secretary of the U.S. Army" />
 <figcaption>Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy meeting with National Guard Troops in Washington- Photo courtesy Secretary of the U.S. Army</figcaption>
 </figure>Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told The Associated Press on Sunday that officials are conscious of the potential threat, and he warned commanders to be on the lookout for any problems within their ranks as the inauguration approaches. So far, however, he and other leaders say they have seen no evidence of any threats, and officials said the vetting hadn’t flagged any issues.”We’re continually going through the process, and taking second, third looks at every one of the individuals assigned to this operation,” McCarthy said in an interview after he and other military leaders went through an exhaustive, three-hour security drill in preparation for Wednesday’s inauguration. He said Guard members are also getting training on how to identify potential insider threats.About 25,000 members of the National Guard are streaming into Washington from across the country — at least two and a half times the number for previous inaugurals. And while the military routinely reviews service members for extremist connections, the FBI screening is in addition to any previous monitoring.Multiple officials said the process began as the first Guard troops began deploying to D.C. more than a week ago. And they said it is slated to be complete by Wednesday. Several officials discussed military planning on condition of anonymity.“The question is, is that all of them? Are there others?” said McCarthy. “We need to be conscious of it and we need to put all of the mechanisms in place to thoroughly vet these men and women who would support any operations like this.”In a situation like this one, FBI vetting would involve running peoples’ names through databases and watchlists maintained by the bureau to see if anything alarming comes up. That could include involvement in prior investigations or terrorism-related concerns, said David Gomez, a former FBI national security supervisor in Seattle.Insider threats have been a persistent law enforcement priority in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. But in most cases, the threats are from homegrown insurgents radicalized by al-Qaida, the Islamic State group or similar groups. In contrast, the threats against Biden’s inauguration have been fueled by supporters of President Donald Trump, far-right militants, white supremacists and other radical groups. Many believe Trump’s baseless accusations that the election was stolen from him, a claim that has been refuted by many courts, the Justice Department and Republican officials in key battleground states.The insurrection at the Capitol began after Trump made incendiary remarks at the Jan. 6 rally. According to McCarthy, service members from across the military were at that rally, but it’s not clear how many were there or who may have participated in the breach at the Capitol. So far only a couple of current active-duty or National Guard members have been arrested in connection with the Capitol assault, which left five people dead. The dead included a Capitol Police officer and a woman shot by police as she climbed through a window in a door near the House chamber.Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, has been meeting with Guard troops as they arrive in D.C. and as they gather downtown. He said he believes there are good processes in place to identify any potential threats.“If there’s any indication that any of our soldiers or airmen are expressing things that are extremist views, it’s either handed over to law enforcement or dealt with the chain of command immediately,” he said.The insider threat, however, was just one of the security concerns voiced by officials on Sunday, as dozens of military, National Guard, law enforcement and Washington, D.C., officials and commanders went through a security rehearsal in northern Virginia. As many as three dozen leaders lined tables that ringed a massive color-coded map of D.C. reflected onto the floor. Behind them were dozens more National Guard officers and staff, with their eyes trained on additional maps and charts displayed on the wall.The Secret Service is in charge of event security, but there is a wide variety of military and law enforcement personnel involved, ranging from the National Guard and the FBI to Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department, U.S. Capitol Police and U.S. Park Police.Commanders went over every aspect of the city’s complicated security lockdown, with McCarthy and others peppering them with questions about how the troops will respond in any scenario and how well they can communicate with the other enforcement agencies scattered around the city.Hokanson said he believes his troops have been adequately equipped and prepared, and that they are rehearsing as much as they can to be prepared for any contingency.The major security concern is an attack by armed groups of individuals, as well as planted explosives and other devices. McCarthy said intelligence reports suggest that groups are organizing armed rallies leading up to Inauguration Day, and possibly after that.The bulk of the Guard members will be armed. And McCarthy said units are going through repeated drills to practice when and how to use force and how to work quickly with law enforcement partners. Law enforcement officers would make any arrests.He said Guard units are going through “constant mental repetitions of looking at the map and talking through scenarios with leaders so they understand their task and purpose, they know their routes, they know where they’re friendly, adjacent units are, they have the appropriate frequencies to communicate with their law enforcement partners.”The key goal, he said, is for America’s transfer of power to happen without incident.“This is a national priority. We have to be successful as an institution,” said McCarthy. “We want to send the message to everyone in the United States and for the rest of the world that we can do this safely and peacefully.”___

FBI vetting Guard troops in DC amid fears of insider attack

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California’s state epidemiologist is urging a halt to more than 300,000 coronavirus vaccinations using a Moderna vaccine version because some people received medical treatment for possible severe allergic reactions.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California’s state epidemiologist is urging a halt to more than 300,000 coronavirus vaccinations using a Moderna vaccine version because some people received medical treatment for possible severe allergic reactions.Dr. Erica S. Pan on Sunday recommended providers stop using lot 41L20A of the Moderna vaccine pending completion of an investigation by state officials, Moderna, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the federal Food and Drug Administration.“Out of an extreme abundance of caution and also recognizing the extremely limited supply of vaccine, we are recommending that providers use other available vaccine inventory,” Pan said in a statement.She said more than 330,000 doses from the lot arrived in California between Jan. 5 and Jan. 12 and were distributed to 287 providers.Fewer than 10 people, who all received the vaccine at the same community site, needed medical attention over a 24-hour period, Pan said. No other similar clusters were found.Pan did not specify the number of cases involved or where they occurred.However, six San Diego health care workers had allergic reactions to vaccines they received at a mass vaccination center on Jan. 14. The site was temporarily closed and is now using other vaccines, KTGV-TV reported.Moderna in a statement said the company “is unaware of comparable adverse events from other vaccination centers which may have administered vaccines from the same lot.”The CDC has said COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects for a few days that include fever, chills, headache, swelling or tiredness, “which are normal signs that your body is building protection.”However, severe reactions are extremely rare. Pan said in a vaccine similar to Moderna, the rate of anaphylaxis — in which an immune system reaction can block breathing and cause blood pressure to drop — was about 1 in 100,000.The announcement came as California counties continue to plead for more COVID-19 vaccine as the state tries to reduce its rate of infection, which has led to record numbers of hospitalizations and deaths.California, with a population of 40 million, has shipped about about 3.2 million doses of the vaccine — which requires two doses for full immunization — to local health departments and health care systems, the state’s Department of Public Health reported Monday.Only about 1.4 million of those doses, or around 40%, have been administered.So far. the state has vaccinated fewer than 2,500 people per 100,000 residents, a rate that falls well below the national average, according to federal data.Although Gov. Gavin Newsom announced last week that anyone age 65 and older would be eligible to start receiving the vaccine, Los Angeles County and some others have said they do not have enough doses to vaccinate so many people and are first concentrating on inoculating health care workers and the most vulnerable elderly living in care homes.On Monday, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District sent a letter to state and county public health officials asking for authorization to provide COVID-19 vaccinations at schools for staff, local community members and for students once a vaccine for children has been approved.“Doing so will help reopen schools as soon as possible, and in the safest way possible,” Superintendent Austin Beutner wrote.California is nearing 3 million coronavirus cases and more than 33,600 people have died since the start of the pandemic last year, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.The death rate from COVID-19 in Los Angeles County — the nation’s most populous and an epicenter of the state pandemic — works out to about one person every six minutes.On Sunday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District suspended some pollution-control limits on the number of cremations for at least 10 days in order to deal with a backlog of bodies at hospitals and funeral homes.“The current rate of death is more than double that of pre-pandemic years,” the agency said.