JEWELL COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of firearms in Jewell County and have made an arrest.

On Nov. 14, 2020, deputies responded to report of a burglary in Mankato in which seven firearms were stolen, according to a news release from the Jewell County Sheriff.

Since the initial report, there have been 4 additional burglaries including 3 in Mankato and 1 in Burr Oak, with a total of 18 firearms stolen. Along with the firearms there were also jewelry, knives, money, and narcotic pain medications that were stolen.

&nbsp;Investigators discovered that a juvenile was attempting to sell firearms over Snapchat. The firearms matched the description of the firearms stolen in the recent burglaries, according to the the sheriff.

On Thursday, the sheriff's office, with the assistance of the Beloit Police Department, arrested three juveniles on the requested charges that include five counts of felony burglary, fifteen counts of felony theft, two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance

Authorities have recovered no firearms as part of the investigation.

JEWELL COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of firearms in Jewell County and have made an arrest.On Nov. 14, 2020, deputies responded to report of a burglary in Mankato in which seven firearms were stolen, according to a news release from the Jewell County Sheriff.Since the initial report, there have been 4 additional burglaries including 3 in Mankato and 1 in Burr Oak, with a total of 18 firearms stolen. Along with the firearms there were also jewelry, knives, money, and narcotic pain medications that were stolen.&nbsp;Investigators discovered that a juvenile was attempting to sell firearms over Snapchat. The firearms matched the description of the firearms stolen in the recent burglaries, according to the the sheriff.On Thursday, the sheriff's office, with the assistance of the Beloit Police Department, arrested three juveniles on the requested charges that include five counts of felony burglary, fifteen counts of felony theft, two counts of felony possession of a controlled substanceAuthorities have recovered no firearms as part of the investigation.

Sheriff: 3 caught selling stolen firearms on social media

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting during an attempted carjacking ten days ago have made an arrest.

Just before 8p.m. January 22, police were dispatched to 1510 SW Wanamaker on a report of a possible shooting, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson. 

Officers located an individual with an apparent gunshot wound that was found to be non-life threatening. The victim had been approached by an individual who attempted to rob him of his vehicle. 

During the robbery attempt, the suspect later identified as Lasharra Riley, 30, Topeka, shot the victim and ran from the area.

On February 1, police with the assistance of U.S. Marshals located Riley and took him into custody.

He booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following charges of Attempted Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Battery, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and a Registration Violation, according to Johnson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612280675482.png" alt="Riley-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Riley-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting during an attempted carjacking ten days ago have made an arrest.Just before 8p.m. January 22, police were dispatched to 1510 SW Wanamaker on a report of a possible shooting, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson. Officers located an individual with an apparent gunshot wound that was found to be non-life threatening. The victim had been approached by an individual who attempted to rob him of his vehicle. During the robbery attempt, the suspect later identified as Lasharra Riley, 30, Topeka, shot the victim and ran from the area.On February 1, police with the assistance of U.S. Marshals located Riley and took him into custody.He booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on the following charges of Attempted Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Battery, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and a Registration Violation, according to Johnson.

U.S. Marshals help arrest Kan. attempted car-jacking suspect 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an incident involving three teenagers that injured a police officer during a pursuit.

Just after 3:30a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a suspicious character call at an apartment complex in the 3500 Block of North Inwood in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

A 911 caller reported that multiple individuals in a red Dodge Durango and a White Chevy Silverado were checking vehicles door handles and entering unlocked vehicles in the area.

An officer arrived in the area and spotted and then attempted to stop the Durango. The driver refused to stop, accelerated and led officers on a short vehicle pursuit, according to Davidson.

During the pursuit, a 16-year-old driving the Chevy Silverado intentionally rammed the patrol vehicle at East 30th Street North. The collision caused significant damage to the patrol vehicle. The Silverado then struck several utility poles before intentionally ramming another police vehicle involved in the pursuit.

The 16-year-old exited the pickup and attempted to walk away. Police quickly arrest him on requested charges of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, according to Davidson.

EMS transported one officer to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Police later located the Dodge Durango near East 21st Street and Interstate 235. Police arrested a 15 and a 16-old boy in connection to an unrelated aggravated assault case that occurred in the 2400 Block of North Grove in Wichita.

Police will present the cases to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612298578251.png" alt="Suspects in the apartment complex parking lot checking&nbsp; vehicle door handles and entering vehicles, according to police-image Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Suspects in the apartment complex parking lot checking&nbsp; vehicle door handles and entering vehicles, according to police-image Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an incident involving three teenagers that injured a police officer during a pursuit.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F425496532049603%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Just after 3:30a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a suspicious character call at an apartment complex in the 3500 Block of North Inwood in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.A 911 caller reported that multiple individuals in a red Dodge Durango and a White Chevy Silverado were checking vehicles door handles and entering unlocked vehicles in the area.An officer arrived in the area and spotted and then attempted to stop the Durango. The driver refused to stop, accelerated and led officers on a short vehicle pursuit, according to Davidson.During the pursuit, a 16-year-old driving the Chevy Silverado intentionally rammed the patrol vehicle at East 30th Street North. The collision caused significant damage to the patrol vehicle. The Silverado then struck several utility poles before intentionally ramming another police vehicle involved in the pursuit.The 16-year-old exited the pickup and attempted to walk away. Police quickly arrest him on requested charges of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer, according to Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612298421835.png" alt="One of the police vehicles damaged during the pursuit -photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>One of the police vehicles damaged during the pursuit -photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>EMS transported one officer to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries, according to Davidson.&nbsp; Police later located the Dodge Durango near East 21st Street and Interstate 235. Police arrested a 15 and a 16-old boy in connection to an unrelated aggravated assault case that occurred in the 2400 Block of North Grove in Wichita.Police will present the cases to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office, according to Davidson.

🎥  Kan. officers injured during pursuit of burglary suspect

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Meatpacking companies and public health officials are trying to overcome any reluctance workers may have about coronavirus vaccines before they become eligible to get them.

Major companies such as Tyson Foods and JBS are encouraging workers to get the vaccine with campaigns to educate them about the benefits and safety of the shots. Also, JBS and Pilgrim’s Corp. are offering $100 bonuses to workers who get the vaccine.

Last spring, the virus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6e446ae82aff17f25024f0533b7009ee">spread quickly</a>&nbsp;through meatpacking plants, where workers stand shoulder-to-shoulder as they carve up meat on production lines.

But some workers, who are largely immigrants, distrust the government and some question the safety of the shots because they were developed in less than a year, said Eric Reeder, president of United Food &amp; Commercial Workers Local 293 union.

“It’s the same thing as when we tried to get people involved in the (vaccine) trials,” Reeder&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/meatpackers-try-to-overcome-workers-vaccine-skepticism-jbs-offers-100-bonus-to-get-shots/article_563db32e-5f25-11eb-ab45-3fdba41562dd.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Omaha World-Herald. “We had a hard time with the non-English-speaking population. A lot of them felt like this was a government plot to kill them.”

JBS spokeswoman Nikki Richardson said the company is trying to address workers’ concerns through flyers in their native languages and other efforts.

“We are currently focused on achieving the highest voluntary participation rate possible and preventing barriers to getting the vaccine,” said JBS spokeswoman Nikki Richardson. “We want to do everything we can to protect our team members, their families, their co-workers and our communities.”

Reeder said he got the first dose of the vaccine Monday because he participated in a trial as it was being developed last year. He plans to share pictures of himself getting the vaccine with workers to encourage them to get it.

“A lot of it is just gonna be building some level of trust,” Reeder said.

In Nebraska, meatpacking workers and other essential workers who can’t work from home are scheduled to get the vaccine in one of the next phases of the campaign after health officials finish vaccinating people 65 and older. Gov. Pete Ricketts said local health officials will work with companies to determine the best way to vaccinate workers when the time comes.

Eddie Habte Mekasha, who works as a chaplain with the Ethiopian Community Association and in health care, said most immigrants he knows are eager to get the vaccine.

“At first, people were fearful and suspicious,” he said. “But later, because of the good promotion by the media and health and community professionals, our members and similar immigrants are waiting eagerly to get vaccinated, and a few like me and my wife (have been) vaccinated.”

More than 100,000 people have registered to get the vaccine since a new state website launched late last week, state officials said. So far, about 3.3% of the state’s population has received both required doses of one of the vaccines, and 185,536 doses have been administered across Nebraska.

The state said 115 new cases of the virus were reported Monday, but that total will likely be adjusted in the next few days because Nebraska now reports positive cases by the date the tests were taken, not the day they were reported. A total of 191,437 virus cases and 1,929 deaths have been reported in the state.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593167451853.png" alt="Photo Courtesy Tyson Foods" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy Tyson Foods</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Meatpacking companies and public health officials are trying to overcome any reluctance workers may have about coronavirus vaccines before they become eligible to get them.Major companies such as Tyson Foods and JBS are encouraging workers to get the vaccine with campaigns to educate them about the benefits and safety of the shots. Also, JBS and Pilgrim’s Corp. are offering $100 bonuses to workers who get the vaccine.Last spring, the virus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6e446ae82aff17f25024f0533b7009ee">spread quickly</a>&nbsp;through meatpacking plants, where workers stand shoulder-to-shoulder as they carve up meat on production lines.But some workers, who are largely immigrants, distrust the government and some question the safety of the shots because they were developed in less than a year, said Eric Reeder, president of United Food &amp; Commercial Workers Local 293 union.“It’s the same thing as when we tried to get people involved in the (vaccine) trials,” Reeder&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/meatpackers-try-to-overcome-workers-vaccine-skepticism-jbs-offers-100-bonus-to-get-shots/article_563db32e-5f25-11eb-ab45-3fdba41562dd.html#tracking-source=home-top-story" target="_blank">told&nbsp;</a>the Omaha World-Herald. “We had a hard time with the non-English-speaking population. A lot of them felt like this was a government plot to kill them.”JBS spokeswoman Nikki Richardson said the company is trying to address workers’ concerns through flyers in their native languages and other efforts.“We are currently focused on achieving the highest voluntary participation rate possible and preventing barriers to getting the vaccine,” said JBS spokeswoman Nikki Richardson. “We want to do everything we can to protect our team members, their families, their co-workers and our communities.”Reeder said he got the first dose of the vaccine Monday because he participated in a trial as it was being developed last year. He plans to share pictures of himself getting the vaccine with workers to encourage them to get it.“A lot of it is just gonna be building some level of trust,” Reeder said.In Nebraska, meatpacking workers and other essential workers who can’t work from home are scheduled to get the vaccine in one of the next phases of the campaign after health officials finish vaccinating people 65 and older. Gov. Pete Ricketts said local health officials will work with companies to determine the best way to vaccinate workers when the time comes.Eddie Habte Mekasha, who works as a chaplain with the Ethiopian Community Association and in health care, said most immigrants he knows are eager to get the vaccine.“At first, people were fearful and suspicious,” he said. “But later, because of the good promotion by the media and health and community professionals, our members and similar immigrants are waiting eagerly to get vaccinated, and a few like me and my wife (have been) vaccinated.”More than 100,000 people have registered to get the vaccine since a new state website launched late last week, state officials said. So far, about 3.3% of the state’s population has received both required doses of one of the vaccines, and 185,536 doses have been administered across Nebraska.The state said 115 new cases of the virus were reported Monday, but that total will likely be adjusted in the next few days because Nebraska now reports positive cases by the date the tests were taken, not the day they were reported. A total of 191,437 virus cases and 1,929 deaths have been reported in the state.

Meatpacking firms encouraging workers to get virus vaccine

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy.

Just after 4:00 a.m. the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

While en route to the shooting scene, officers were flagged down near SE 6th Avenue and SE Golden Avenue by family members of an injured baby who were driving to a local hospital. 

Officers began rendering aid and called for American Medical Response to respond to their location. AMR transported the baby to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.

A crime scene was located at 804 SE Sherman Avenue where dozens of shell casings were located.

Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy remained in critical condition as 4p.m. Tuesday, according to Spiker.

Police have not released the names of the baby or family members.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Topeka are investigating an early-morning shooting that left a 1-year-old baby critically injured. 

The shooting happened around 4 a.m. Tuesday, when someone riddled a home near Eighth Street and Southeast Sherman Avenue with gunfire. 

Police say one of the shots hit a baby inside the home. Investigators report they found about two dozen bullet casings in the street outside the home. Officers called to the scene found a family leaving the home with the baby and rushed the child in critical condition to an area hospital. 

The names of the baby and family members were not immediately released, and no arrests have been announced.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612303293079.png" alt="Police near the scene of the shooting early Tuesday photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police near the scene of the shooting early Tuesday photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Tuesday morning shooting that critically injured a 1-year-old baby boy.Just after 4:00 a.m. the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a shooting that had just occurred in the 800 block of SE Sherman Avenue in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.While en route to the shooting scene, officers were flagged down near SE 6th Avenue and SE Golden Avenue by family members of an injured baby who were driving to a local hospital. Officers began rendering aid and called for American Medical Response to respond to their location. AMR transported the baby to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.A crime scene was located at 804 SE Sherman Avenue where dozens of shell casings were located.Investigators continue to working to identify the responsible person(s) and implore anyone with information to contact police. The baby boy remained in critical condition as 4p.m. Tuesday, according to Spiker.Police have not released the names of the baby or family members.-------------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Topeka are investigating an early-morning shooting that left a 1-year-old baby critically injured. The shooting happened around 4 a.m. Tuesday, when someone riddled a home near Eighth Street and Southeast Sherman Avenue with gunfire. Police say one of the shots hit a baby inside the home. Investigators report they found about two dozen bullet casings in the street outside the home. Officers called to the scene found a family leaving the home with the baby and rushed the child in critical condition to an area hospital. The names of the baby and family members were not immediately released, and no arrests have been announced.

Update: Baby in Kan. drive-by shooting in critical condition 

By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>


HUTCHINSON — A Midwest economic expert has concerns about an early policy goal
 of the Biden administration, to increase the federal minimum wage to 
$15 an hour.

"An increase in the minimum wage would certainly 
contribute to inflationary pressures," said Creighton University 
economist Ernie Goss. "There would be some job losses. There would also 
be some, if not job losses, certainly be a cut in the hours worked for 
current employees. In my judgment, this is particularly negative for our
 teenage workers. We'd like to see those young men and women get a leg 
up, or at least a first step on the economic ladder."

Goss is also concerned about how much more debt this would put the country in.

"This
 would probably mean the deficit for fiscal 2021 would be somewhere in 
the range of $3 to $4 trillion," Goss said. "That's putting us in the 
position where you are, in my judgment, going to see higher inflationary
 pressures."

The question is whether or not it would be outside 
the boundaries of what the Federal Reserve considers normal or 
acceptable. That remains to be seen, depending on what the final 
coronavirus relief deal ends up with. The Fed has said it will stick 
with the current low interest rates for some time going forward.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595014550898.jpeg" alt="Ernie Goss" />
 <figcaption>Ernie Goss</figcaption>
 </figure>
By
NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com">Hutch
Post</a>
HUTCHINSON — A Midwest economic expert has concerns about an early policy goal
 of the Biden administration, to increase the federal minimum wage to 
$15 an hour."An increase in the minimum wage would certainly 
contribute to inflationary pressures," said Creighton University 
economist Ernie Goss. "There would be some job losses. There would also 
be some, if not job losses, certainly be a cut in the hours worked for 
current employees. In my judgment, this is particularly negative for our
 teenage workers. We'd like to see those young men and women get a leg 
up, or at least a first step on the economic ladder."Goss is also concerned about how much more debt this would put the country in."This
 would probably mean the deficit for fiscal 2021 would be somewhere in 
the range of $3 to $4 trillion," Goss said. "That's putting us in the 
position where you are, in my judgment, going to see higher inflationary
 pressures."The question is whether or not it would be outside 
the boundaries of what the Federal Reserve considers normal or 
acceptable. That remains to be seen, depending on what the final 
coronavirus relief deal ends up with. The Fed has said it will stick 
with the current low interest rates for some time going forward.

Economist: Inflation concern if $15 minimum wage in virus aid deal

KANSAS CITY – An elected Missouri state representative has been indicted by a federal grand jury for a fraud scheme in which she made false claims about a supposed stem cell treatment marketed through her clinics in southern Missouri, and for illegally providing prescription drugs to clients of those clinics, according to the United States Attorney's office.

“This defendant abused her privileged position to enrich herself through deception,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison. “The indictment alleges she lied to her patients and she lied to federal agents. As an elected official and a health care provider, she deserves to be held to a high standard. This grand jury indictment exposes her deception and holds her accountable for her actions.”

Patricia “Tricia” Ashton Derges, 63, of Nixa, Missouri, was charged in a 20-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo. The indictment was unsealed and made public today following Derges’s self-surrender and initial court appearance.

This investigation began as a result of false or misleading statements made by Derges in April 2020 to a Springfield television station regarding her potential use of stem cells to treat COVID-19. Derges was elected in November 2020 as a Missouri state representative in District 140 (Christian County). Derges, who is not a physician but is licensed as an assistant physician, operates three Ozark Valley Medical Clinic locations in Springfield, Ozark, and Branson, Mo.

“We place our hope and our trust in health care providers and government officials,” said Timothy Langan, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Kansas City. “The defendant’s actions are not only a betrayal of that trust, but her actions erode the very core of our confidence in a system we rely on. Derges vowed to do no harm as a health care professional and was elected to serve the people, not deceive them. She used her position for personal gain and damaged the public’s trust.”

“Medical professionals who knowingly abuse their power by prescribing medications, without ensuring they are for legitimate medical purposes, take advantage of the public’s trust,” said Inez Davis, St. Louis Division Diversion Program Manager for the Drug Enforcement Administration. “With the support of our enforcement partners, DEA will investigate to the maximum extent of our ability to ensure these individuals are prevented from risking lives within our communities.”

“Ms. Derges knowingly provided false information and made false claims about the medical treatment she was providing, and these falsehoods may have significant consequences for the patients she served,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. &nbsp;“We will continue to hold accountable individuals who abuse their positions of power to prey on unsuspecting individuals.”

The federal indictment charges Derges with eight counts of wire fraud related to five specific victims (identified by their initials).These five victims were among those who lost a total of nearly $200,000 in the fraud scheme, which lasted from December 2018 to May 2020.

During this time, Derges exclusively obtained amniotic fluid, which she marketed under the name Regenerative Biologics, from the University of Utah. Derges advertised Ozark Valley Medical Clinic as a “Leader in … Regenerative Medicine,” including stem cells, and marketed her “stem cell” practice through seminars, media interviews, and social media. The federal indictment cites an August 2019 seminar in which Derges told her audience that the amniotic fluid she used in her stem cell practice was a “stem cell shot” and that it contained “mesenchymal stem cells.” According to the indictment, Derges made similar claims in personal consultations.

In fact, however, the amniotic fluid Derges administered to her patients did not contain mesenchymal stem cells, or any other stem cells. The amniotic fluid she obtained from the University of Utah was a sterile filtered amniotic fluid allograft (a tissue graft comprised of human amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid components derived from placental tissue). The amniotic fluid allograft was “acellular,” meaning it did not contain any cells, including stem cells.&nbsp;

Despite being told that the University of Utah’s amniotic fluid allograft was “acellular” and did not contain mesenchymal stem cells, Derges allegedly continued to tell her patients and the public that the amniotic fluid allograft contained stem cells.&nbsp;

Derges administered amniotic fluid, which she falsely claimed contained stem cells, to patients who suffered from, among other things, tissue damage, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Lyme disease, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence. In an April 11, 2020, Facebook post Derges wrote of amniotic fluid allograft: “This amazing treatment stands to provide a potential cure for COVID-19 patients that is safe and natural.”

The University of Utah sold its amniotic fluid allograft to Derges for approximately $244 per milliliter and $438 for two milliliters. Derges charged her patients $950 to $1,450 per milliliter. In total, Derges’s patients paid her approximately $191,815 for amniotic fluid that did not contain stem cells.

The federal indictment charges Derges with 10 counts of distributing Oxycodone and Adderall over the internet without valid prescriptions.&nbsp;

The indictment alleges that Derges, without conducting in-person medical evaluations of the patients, wrote electronic prescriptions for Oxycodone and Adderall for patients and transmitted them to pharmacies over the internet.

Because none of the assistant physicians whom Derges employed at Ozark Valley Medical Clinic could prescribe Schedule II controlled substances, the indictment says, it was the standard practice of the assistant physicians to see a patient and later communicate to Derges the controlled substances they wanted her to prescribe to their patients. Derges, allegedly without conducting an in-person medical evaluation of the patients, wrote electronic prescriptions for the patients and transmitted the prescriptions over the internet to pharmacies.

The federal indictment charges Derges with two counts of making false statements to federal agents investigating this case in May 2020.&nbsp;

Derges allegedly told agents that the amniotic fluid allograft that she used in her practice contained mesenchymal stem cells, which she knew was false. Derges also allegedly told federal agents that she had not treated a patient for urinary incontinence with amniotic fluid allograft, which she knew was false.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Derges is not a physician but is licensed as an assistant physician. An assistant physician is a mid-level medical professional in the state of Missouri. Under Missouri law, medical school graduates who have not been accepted into a residency program but have passed Step 1 and Step 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination may apply to become an assistant physician. State law mandates that assistant physicians practice pursuant to a collaborative practice arrangement with a licensed physician.

Derges obtained her medical degree from the Caribbean Medical University of Curacao in May 2014 but was not accepted into a post-graduate residency program. Derges was licensed as an assistant physician by the state of Missouri on Sept. 8, 2017.

<figure>
 <img src="https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/styles/width_7/public/press-releases/images/2021/02/01/derges_press_conference_0.jpg?itok=zE6dYwe3" alt="U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison announces a federal indictment against Patricia Derges-photo courtesy office of U.S. Attorney" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison announces a federal indictment against Patricia Derges-photo courtesy office of U.S. Attorney</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – An elected Missouri state representative has been indicted by a federal grand jury for a fraud scheme in which she made false claims about a supposed stem cell treatment marketed through her clinics in southern Missouri, and for illegally providing prescription drugs to clients of those clinics, according to the United States Attorney's office.“This defendant abused her privileged position to enrich herself through deception,” said U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison. “The indictment alleges she lied to her patients and she lied to federal agents. As an elected official and a health care provider, she deserves to be held to a high standard. This grand jury indictment exposes her deception and holds her accountable for her actions.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612227622244.png" alt="Rep. Tricia Derges photo courtesy Lift Up Springfield" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Tricia Derges photo courtesy Lift Up Springfield</figcaption>
 </figure>Patricia “Tricia” Ashton Derges, 63, of Nixa, Missouri, was charged in a 20-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo. The indictment was unsealed and made public today following Derges’s self-surrender and initial court appearance.This investigation began as a result of false or misleading statements made by Derges in April 2020 to a Springfield television station regarding her potential use of stem cells to treat COVID-19. Derges was elected in November 2020 as a Missouri state representative in District 140 (Christian County). Derges, who is not a physician but is licensed as an assistant physician, operates three Ozark Valley Medical Clinic locations in Springfield, Ozark, and Branson, Mo.“We place our hope and our trust in health care providers and government officials,” said Timothy Langan, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Kansas City. “The defendant’s actions are not only a betrayal of that trust, but her actions erode the very core of our confidence in a system we rely on. Derges vowed to do no harm as a health care professional and was elected to serve the people, not deceive them. She used her position for personal gain and damaged the public’s trust.”“Medical professionals who knowingly abuse their power by prescribing medications, without ensuring they are for legitimate medical purposes, take advantage of the public’s trust,” said Inez Davis, St. Louis Division Diversion Program Manager for the Drug Enforcement Administration. “With the support of our enforcement partners, DEA will investigate to the maximum extent of our ability to ensure these individuals are prevented from risking lives within our communities.”“Ms. Derges knowingly provided false information and made false claims about the medical treatment she was providing, and these falsehoods may have significant consequences for the patients she served,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. &nbsp;“We will continue to hold accountable individuals who abuse their positions of power to prey on unsuspecting individuals.”Wire Fraud SchemeThe federal indictment charges Derges with eight counts of wire fraud related to five specific victims (identified by their initials).These five victims were among those who lost a total of nearly $200,000 in the fraud scheme, which lasted from December 2018 to May 2020.During this time, Derges exclusively obtained amniotic fluid, which she marketed under the name Regenerative Biologics, from the University of Utah. Derges advertised Ozark Valley Medical Clinic as a “Leader in … Regenerative Medicine,” including stem cells, and marketed her “stem cell” practice through seminars, media interviews, and social media. The federal indictment cites an August 2019 seminar in which Derges told her audience that the amniotic fluid she used in her stem cell practice was a “stem cell shot” and that it contained “mesenchymal stem cells.” According to the indictment, Derges made similar claims in personal consultations.In fact, however, the amniotic fluid Derges administered to her patients did not contain mesenchymal stem cells, or any other stem cells. The amniotic fluid she obtained from the University of Utah was a sterile filtered amniotic fluid allograft (a tissue graft comprised of human amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid components derived from placental tissue). The amniotic fluid allograft was “acellular,” meaning it did not contain any cells, including stem cells.&nbsp;Despite being told that the University of Utah’s amniotic fluid allograft was “acellular” and did not contain mesenchymal stem cells, Derges allegedly continued to tell her patients and the public that the amniotic fluid allograft contained stem cells.&nbsp;Derges administered amniotic fluid, which she falsely claimed contained stem cells, to patients who suffered from, among other things, tissue damage, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Lyme disease, erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence. In an April 11, 2020, Facebook post Derges wrote of amniotic fluid allograft: “This amazing treatment stands to provide a potential cure for COVID-19 patients that is safe and natural.”The University of Utah sold its amniotic fluid allograft to Derges for approximately $244 per milliliter and $438 for two milliliters. Derges charged her patients $950 to $1,450 per milliliter. In total, Derges’s patients paid her approximately $191,815 for amniotic fluid that did not contain stem cells.The Controlled Substances ActThe federal indictment charges Derges with 10 counts of distributing Oxycodone and Adderall over the internet without valid prescriptions.&nbsp;The indictment alleges that Derges, without conducting in-person medical evaluations of the patients, wrote electronic prescriptions for Oxycodone and Adderall for patients and transmitted them to pharmacies over the internet.Because none of the assistant physicians whom Derges employed at Ozark Valley Medical Clinic could prescribe Schedule II controlled substances, the indictment says, it was the standard practice of the assistant physicians to see a patient and later communicate to Derges the controlled substances they wanted her to prescribe to their patients. Derges, allegedly without conducting an in-person medical evaluation of the patients, wrote electronic prescriptions for the patients and transmitted the prescriptions over the internet to pharmacies.False StatementsThe federal indictment charges Derges with two counts of making false statements to federal agents investigating this case in May 2020.&nbsp;Derges allegedly told agents that the amniotic fluid allograft that she used in her practice contained mesenchymal stem cells, which she knew was false. Derges also allegedly told federal agents that she had not treated a patient for urinary incontinence with amniotic fluid allograft, which she knew was false.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.Assistant PhysicianDerges is not a physician but is licensed as an assistant physician. An assistant physician is a mid-level medical professional in the state of Missouri. Under Missouri law, medical school graduates who have not been accepted into a residency program but have passed Step 1 and Step 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination may apply to become an assistant physician. State law mandates that assistant physicians practice pursuant to a collaborative practice arrangement with a licensed physician.Derges obtained her medical degree from the Caribbean Medical University of Curacao in May 2014 but was not accepted into a post-graduate residency program. Derges was licensed as an assistant physician by the state of Missouri on Sept. 8, 2017.

Indictment: Lawmaker provided fake stem cell treatments

Less revenue is hurting recruitment, retention of judges, says Chief Justice Marla Luckert

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/01/27/kansas-top-judge-praises-technological-advances-in-state-of-the-judiciary-speech/">Kansas Reflector</a>

In the <a href="https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Publications/State-of-Judiciary-2021.pdf">annual State of the Judiciary address</a>
 Wednesday, the leading judge of the Kansas Supreme Court said the focus
 of the judicial branch in 2020 was largely on weathering the financial 
and physical realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The
 judiciary worked toward maximizing access to fair justice and 
harnessing new technologies to overcome the challenges presented by the 
pandemic, said Chief Justice Marla Luckert.

Due to the efforts of court staff, she said essential court services never ceased in 2020.

“I
 am proud to say that Kansas judicial branch employees and judges 
reacted by harnessing bold ideas, implementing thoughtful solutions, and
 adopting a spirit of perseverance that moved our judiciary forward. 
Many innovations provided Kansans with easier means for accessing 
courts,” she said.

Unlike
 years past, Luckert delivered the address to the governor and all 
members of the state Legislature virtually to maintain proper COVID-19 
protocol. She emphasized successes in using technology to overcome 
social distancing barriers, but highlighted a need for legislation 
extending the court’s authority to use such technology and for increased
 pay.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/b2019_20/measures/sb102/" target="_blank">A bill</a>
 passed through both chambers and approved by the governor in March 
2020, gave Luckert the authority in any state of emergency to extend or 
suspend statutory deadlines or authorize video conferencing in any court
 proceeding when necessary to ensure the health and safety of all.

This
 allowed appellate courts to conduct all proceedings virtually for the 
past 10 months. District courts have conducted tens of thousands of 
videoconference hearings, Luckert said.

“The
 judges and employees of the Kansas judicial branch channeled the drive 
to care for neighbors into virtual court hearings, remote working 
environments, carefully crafted plans for making court offices and 
courtrooms safer and new strategies for safeguarding the health of all 
who enter Kansas courthouses,” she said.

Luckert
 said a record amount of grant funding received by the judicial branch 
also went toward technological improvements, including an online service
 that allows victims of abuse to seek protection orders and a way to 
apply for a marriage license without visiting a courthouse.

However,
 the legislation allowing some of the technological advances is set to 
expire March 31, Luckert said. She urged legislators to extend the 
provisions.

Luckert
 also called for a pay increase for judges in Kansas to help fill 
vacancies. She said a 16% decrease in revenue from docket fees led to a 
hiring freeze in the judicial branch. Now, 11% of branch vacancies 
remain unfilled.

According to a July 2020 <a href="https://www.ncsc.org/salarytracker/explore-the-data">judicial salary survey</a>
 conducted by the National Center for State Courts, Kansas district 
judge pay ranks 48 out of 50 states in both actual pay and when adjusted
 for cost of living.

“To
 encourage well qualified Kansans to apply to become judges, Kansas must
 offer salaries that align with the high level of responsibility of the 
position,” Luckert said. “Adequate salaries are necessary to attract and
 retain the quality of judges and employees Kansans expect and deserve.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1611847076223.png" alt="Marla Luckert, Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, delivered the annual state of the judiciary address virtually on Wednesday. She emphasized successes with videoconferencing in maintaining essential court services. (Screenshot from Kansas Supreme Court YouTube/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Marla Luckert, Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court, delivered the annual state of the judiciary address virtually on Wednesday. She emphasized successes with videoconferencing in maintaining essential court services. (Screenshot from Kansas Supreme Court YouTube/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Less revenue is hurting recruitment, retention of judges, says Chief Justice Marla Luckert</h2>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/01/27/kansas-top-judge-praises-technological-advances-in-state-of-the-judiciary-speech/">Kansas Reflector</a>In the <a href="https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Publications/State-of-Judiciary-2021.pdf">annual State of the Judiciary address</a>
 Wednesday, the leading judge of the Kansas Supreme Court said the focus
 of the judicial branch in 2020 was largely on weathering the financial 
and physical realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.The
 judiciary worked toward maximizing access to fair justice and 
harnessing new technologies to overcome the challenges presented by the 
pandemic, said Chief Justice Marla Luckert.Due to the efforts of court staff, she said essential court services never ceased in 2020.“I
 am proud to say that Kansas judicial branch employees and judges 
reacted by harnessing bold ideas, implementing thoughtful solutions, and
 adopting a spirit of perseverance that moved our judiciary forward. 
Many innovations provided Kansans with easier means for accessing 
courts,” she said.Unlike
 years past, Luckert delivered the address to the governor and all 
members of the state Legislature virtually to maintain proper COVID-19 
protocol. She emphasized successes in using technology to overcome 
social distancing barriers, but highlighted a need for legislation 
extending the court’s authority to use such technology and for increased
 pay.<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020/b2019_20/measures/sb102/" target="_blank">A bill</a>
 passed through both chambers and approved by the governor in March 
2020, gave Luckert the authority in any state of emergency to extend or 
suspend statutory deadlines or authorize video conferencing in any court
 proceeding when necessary to ensure the health and safety of all.This
 allowed appellate courts to conduct all proceedings virtually for the 
past 10 months. District courts have conducted tens of thousands of 
videoconference hearings, Luckert said.“The
 judges and employees of the Kansas judicial branch channeled the drive 
to care for neighbors into virtual court hearings, remote working 
environments, carefully crafted plans for making court offices and 
courtrooms safer and new strategies for safeguarding the health of all 
who enter Kansas courthouses,” she said.Luckert
 said a record amount of grant funding received by the judicial branch 
also went toward technological improvements, including an online service
 that allows victims of abuse to seek protection orders and a way to 
apply for a marriage license without visiting a courthouse.However,
 the legislation allowing some of the technological advances is set to 
expire March 31, Luckert said. She urged legislators to extend the 
provisions.Luckert
 also called for a pay increase for judges in Kansas to help fill 
vacancies. She said a 16% decrease in revenue from docket fees led to a 
hiring freeze in the judicial branch. Now, 11% of branch vacancies 
remain unfilled.According to a July 2020 <a href="https://www.ncsc.org/salarytracker/explore-the-data">judicial salary survey</a>
 conducted by the National Center for State Courts, Kansas district 
judge pay ranks 48 out of 50 states in both actual pay and when adjusted
 for cost of living.“To
 encourage well qualified Kansans to apply to become judges, Kansas must
 offer salaries that align with the high level of responsibility of the 
position,” Luckert said. “Adequate salaries are necessary to attract and
 retain the quality of judges and employees Kansans expect and deserve.”

Pandemic has had significant impact on Kansas courts

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges following a weekend traffic stop.

Just after 9 p.m. Jan. 31, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Suburban in the 1200 block of NE Quincy Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

 During the investigation, deputies located narcotics and drug paraphernalia. They arrested&nbsp; Robert E. Adams, 56, of Topeka on requested drug related charges including possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility. 

They also arrested Dawn M. Miller, 47, of Topeka on requested charges possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement, revoked driver’s license, habitual violator, no registration and no tag light.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612215067938.png" alt="Adams photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Adams photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple charges following a weekend traffic stop.Just after 9 p.m. Jan. 31, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Suburban in the 1200 block of NE Quincy Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612215426015.png" alt="Miller photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Miller photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> During the investigation, deputies located narcotics and drug paraphernalia. They arrested&nbsp; Robert E. Adams, 56, of Topeka on requested drug related charges including possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and trafficking contraband into a correctional facility. They also arrested Dawn M. Miller, 47, of Topeka on requested charges possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement, revoked driver’s license, habitual violator, no registration and no tag light.

Kan. man accused of trafficking contraband into jail

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A little more than a third of nursing home workers have been getting COVID-19 vaccines when the shots are first offered, U.S. health officials said Monday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7005e2.htm?s_cid=mm7005e2_w" target="_blank">national accounting</a>&nbsp;of a problem that’s been reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-health-workers-676e03a99badfd5ce3a6cfafe383f6af">anecdotally</a>&nbsp;— many nursing home workers are not getting the shots.

The CDC looked at more than 11,000 nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities that had at least one vaccination clinic between the middle of December and the middle of January. The researchers found that while 78% of residents got at least one shot, only 37.5% of staff members did.

Data previously showed that people who work in nursing homes and long-term care facilities get flu vaccines at lower rates than other health-care workers. Surveys suggest that long-term care workers are skeptical the shots work and don’t think viruses spread easily from them to the people they care for.

The problem was discussed last week during a meeting of an expert panel that advises the CDC on vaccine policy. At the meeting, the CDC’s Dr. Amanda Cohn said more staffers get vaccinated when a second or third clinic is held at a home.

“Continuing to capture those staff who did not accept vaccine early will be really important as we try eliminate outbreaks and protect both staff and residents in long-term care facilities,” Cohn said.

The government tasked CVS and Walgreens with administering the shots to long-term care homes in nearly every state. Each vaccine requires two shots a few weeks apart, and CVS and Walgreens say they have wrapped up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-nursing-homes-d18a3cbfb45f8e807dec0b6431c774a4">first-dose clinics</a>&nbsp;in nursing homes. The chains plan three visits to each location.

The CDC released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7005e1.htm?s_cid=mm7005e1_w" target="_blank">second report</a>&nbsp;Monday that offered a larger national look at who has been getting the vaccine.

The CDC study found that of the people who got at least one shot between mid-December and mid-January, 63% were women, and 55% were age 50 or older. It also found 60% were White, 11.5% Hispanic, 6% Asian, 5% Black, 2% American Indian/Alaska Native, and most of the others multiracial.

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A little more than a third of nursing home workers have been getting COVID-19 vaccines when the shots are first offered, U.S. health officials said Monday.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7005e2.htm?s_cid=mm7005e2_w" target="_blank">national accounting</a>&nbsp;of a problem that’s been reported&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-health-workers-676e03a99badfd5ce3a6cfafe383f6af">anecdotally</a>&nbsp;— many nursing home workers are not getting the shots.The CDC looked at more than 11,000 nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities that had at least one vaccination clinic between the middle of December and the middle of January. The researchers found that while 78% of residents got at least one shot, only 37.5% of staff members did.Data previously showed that people who work in nursing homes and long-term care facilities get flu vaccines at lower rates than other health-care workers. Surveys suggest that long-term care workers are skeptical the shots work and don’t think viruses spread easily from them to the people they care for.The problem was discussed last week during a meeting of an expert panel that advises the CDC on vaccine policy. At the meeting, the CDC’s Dr. Amanda Cohn said more staffers get vaccinated when a second or third clinic is held at a home.“Continuing to capture those staff who did not accept vaccine early will be really important as we try eliminate outbreaks and protect both staff and residents in long-term care facilities,” Cohn said.The government tasked CVS and Walgreens with administering the shots to long-term care homes in nearly every state. Each vaccine requires two shots a few weeks apart, and CVS and Walgreens say they have wrapped up&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-nursing-homes-d18a3cbfb45f8e807dec0b6431c774a4">first-dose clinics</a>&nbsp;in nursing homes. The chains plan three visits to each location.The CDC released a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7005e1.htm?s_cid=mm7005e1_w" target="_blank">second report</a>&nbsp;Monday that offered a larger national look at who has been getting the vaccine.The CDC study found that of the people who got at least one shot between mid-December and mid-January, 63% were women, and 55% were age 50 or older. It also found 60% were White, 11.5% Hispanic, 6% Asian, 5% Black, 2% American Indian/Alaska Native, and most of the others multiracial.

Report: Many US nursing home staff refuse first COVID shots

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden told ten Republican senators including Jerry Moran of Kansas during a two-hour meeting he’s unwilling to settle on an insufficient coronavirus aid package after they pitched their slimmed down $618 billion proposal that’s a fraction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-coronavirus-action-plan-3d8d5841bb9098a81ad9452fb2619024">the $1.9 trillion he is seeking.</a>

No compromise was reached in the lengthy session Monday night, Biden’s first with lawmakers at the White House, and Democrats in Congress pushed ahead with groundwork for approving his COVID-19 relief plan with or without Republican votes. Despite the Republican group’s appeal for bipartisanship, as part of Biden’s efforts to unify the country, the president made it clear he won’t delay aid in hopes of winning GOP support.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that while there were areas of agreement, “the president also reiterated his view that Congress must respond boldly and urgently, and noted many areas which the Republican senators’ proposal does not address.”

She said, “He will not slow down work on this urgent crisis response, and will not settle for a package that fails to meet the moment.”

The two sides are far apart, with the Republican group of 10 senators focused primarily on the health care crisis and smaller $1,000 direct aid to Americans, and Biden leading Democrats toward a more sweeping rescue package, three times the size, to shore up households, local governments and a partly shuttered economy.

On a fast track, the goal is to have COVID-19 relief approved by March, when extra unemployment assistance and other pandemic aid expires, testing the ability of the new administration and Congress to deliver, with political risks for all sides from failure.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine called the meeting a “frank and very useful” conversation, noting that the president also filled in some details on his proposal.

“All of us are concerned about struggling families, teetering small businesses and an overwhelmed health care system,” said Collins, flanked by other senators outside the White House.

Republicans are tapping into bipartisan urgency to improve the nation’s vaccine distribution and vastly expand virus testing with $160 billion in aid. That is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-jen-psaki-coronavirus-pandemic-united-states-73dd5842fda2ecdeddcc73a74cbeac47">similar to what Biden has proposed</a>. But from there, the two plans drastically diverge.

The GOP’s $1,000 direct payments would go to fewer households than the $1,400 Biden has proposed, and the Republicans offer only a fraction of what he wants to reopen schools.

They also would give nothing to states, money that Democrats argue is just as important, with $350 billion in Biden’s plan to keep police, fire and other workers on the job.

Gone are Democratic priorities such as a gradual lifting of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-rashida-tlaib-coronavirus-pandemic-minimum-wage-ee0e8cc7c96a30d9581723b2c6bb4189?utm_source=Twitter&amp;utm_campaign=SocialFlow&amp;utm_medium=AP_Politics">federal minimum wage to $15&nbsp;</a>an hour.

Wary Democrats pushed ahead at the Capitol, unwilling to take too much time in courting GOP support that may not materialize or in delivering too meager a package that they believe doesn’t address the scope of the nation’s health crisis and economic problems.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer warned that history is filled with “the costs of small thinking.”

House and Senate Democrats released a separate budget resolution Monday a step toward approving Biden’s package with a reconciliation process that wouldn’t depend on Republican support for passage.

“The cost of inaction is high and growing, and the time for decisive action is now,” Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement.

The accelerating talks came as the Congressional Budget Office delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-economic-growth-government-spending-coronavirus-pandemic-economy-6570eb877ea0b2e7791966035f82cd35">mixed economic forecasts&nbsp;</a>Monday with robust growth expected at a 4.5% annual rate but employment rates not to return to pre-pandemic levels for several years.

The overture from the coalition of 10 GOP senators, mostly centrists, was an attempt to show that at least some in the Republican ranks want to work with Biden’s new administration, rather than simply operating as the opposition in the minority in Congress.

Asked if Biden had shown a willingness to reduce his $1.9 trillion top line, Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, said, “He didn’t say that, nor did we say we’re willing to come up” from the GOP plan. He said it’s “too early” to say if a deal can be reached.

But in echoes of the 2009 financial crisis, Democrats warn against too small a package as they believe happened during the Obama administration’s attempt to pull the nation toward recovery.

Psaki said earlier Monday there is “obviously a big gap” between the $1.9 trillion package Biden has proposed and the $618 billion counteroffer.

An invitation to the GOP senators to meet with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House came hours after the&nbsp;<a href="https://beta.documentcloud.org/documents/20467847-gop-letter-on-covid-relief" target="_blank">lawmakers sent Biden a letter on Sunday</a>&nbsp;urging him to negotiate rather than try to ram through his relief package solely on Democratic votes.

The cornerstone of the GOP plan is $160 billion for the health care response — vaccine distribution, a “massive expansion” of testing, protective gear and funds for rural hospitals, according to a draft.

It also includes $20 billion to reopen schools compared to $170 billion in Biden’s plan. The Republicans offer $40 billion for Paycheck Protection Program business aid.

Under the GOP proposal, $1,000 direct payments would go to individuals earning up to $40,000 a year, or $80,000 for couples. The proposal would begin to phase out the benefit after that, with no payments for individuals earning more than $50,000, or $100,000 for couples. That’s less than Biden’s proposal of $1,400 direct payments at higher incomes levels, up to $300,000 for some households.

The meeting, though private, was Biden’s most public involvement in the negotiations.

Winning the support of 10 Republicans would be significant for Biden, potentially giving him the votes needed in the 50-50 Senate where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-symone-sanders-south-asia-coronavirus-pandemic-d11545d09f132366909d492822df692d">Harris</a>&nbsp;is the tie-breaker. Or he can push it through the budget reconciliation process, which would allow the bill to pass with a 51-vote majority in the Senate, rather than the 60 votes typically needed to advance legislation.

The White House remains committed to exploring avenues for bipartisanship even as it prepares for Democrats to move alone on a COVID-19 relief bill, according to a senior administration official granted anonymity to discuss the private thinking.

At the same time, the White House may be willing to adjust its ask, perhaps shifting some less virus-oriented aspects into a package that is set to go next before Congress, the official said.

Biden himself has been on the phone to some of the Republicans, the official said.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/z4K90nNRDGg" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Interview before the Oval Office meeting.

Besides&nbsp; Moran, Collins and Cassidy, the GOP senators meeting with Biden were Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Todd Young of Indiana, Rob Portman of Ohio, Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota joined by phone.

Biden has leaned on his resume of decades in the Senate and as vice president to bring the parties together, but less than two weeks into his presidency he has shown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-travel-politics-coronavirus-pandemic-a8b290a250c56c55f5d17a02ef9078e2">frustration with the pace of negotiations</a>&nbsp;as applications for jobless benefits remain stubbornly high and the COVID-19 death toll nears 450,000 Americans.

Moran said, "my view is Mr. President, let’s focus on vaccines – I think it’s the most important thing,”&nbsp;continued Sen. Moran. “More shots in more arms is the best thing that can happen for our country’s wellbeing, both from a health perspective and from an economic point of view. But I also want to make sure we get kids back in the classroom, that small businesses get some assistance and Americans who need the most help get help from this package… …I am certainly willing to work with the President to get a more conservative, targeted response to COVID-19, and get it done quickly to benefit Americans.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612221562807.png" alt="Senator Jerry Moran (wearing glasses) sitting to the right and behind&nbsp; West Virginia Senator Shelly Moore Capito during Monday's Oval Office meeting-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Senator Jerry Moran (wearing glasses) sitting to the right and behind&nbsp; West Virginia Senator Shelly Moore Capito during Monday's Oval Office meeting-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden told ten Republican senators including Jerry Moran of Kansas during a two-hour meeting he’s unwilling to settle on an insufficient coronavirus aid package after they pitched their slimmed down $618 billion proposal that’s a fraction of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-coronavirus-action-plan-3d8d5841bb9098a81ad9452fb2619024">the $1.9 trillion he is seeking.</a>No compromise was reached in the lengthy session Monday night, Biden’s first with lawmakers at the White House, and Democrats in Congress pushed ahead with groundwork for approving his COVID-19 relief plan with or without Republican votes. Despite the Republican group’s appeal for bipartisanship, as part of Biden’s efforts to unify the country, the president made it clear he won’t delay aid in hopes of winning GOP support.White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that while there were areas of agreement, “the president also reiterated his view that Congress must respond boldly and urgently, and noted many areas which the Republican senators’ proposal does not address.”She said, “He will not slow down work on this urgent crisis response, and will not settle for a package that fails to meet the moment.”The two sides are far apart, with the Republican group of 10 senators focused primarily on the health care crisis and smaller $1,000 direct aid to Americans, and Biden leading Democrats toward a more sweeping rescue package, three times the size, to shore up households, local governments and a partly shuttered economy.On a fast track, the goal is to have COVID-19 relief approved by March, when extra unemployment assistance and other pandemic aid expires, testing the ability of the new administration and Congress to deliver, with political risks for all sides from failure.Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine called the meeting a “frank and very useful” conversation, noting that the president also filled in some details on his proposal.“All of us are concerned about struggling families, teetering small businesses and an overwhelmed health care system,” said Collins, flanked by other senators outside the White House.Republicans are tapping into bipartisan urgency to improve the nation’s vaccine distribution and vastly expand virus testing with $160 billion in aid. That is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-jen-psaki-coronavirus-pandemic-united-states-73dd5842fda2ecdeddcc73a74cbeac47">similar to what Biden has proposed</a>. But from there, the two plans drastically diverge.The GOP’s $1,000 direct payments would go to fewer households than the $1,400 Biden has proposed, and the Republicans offer only a fraction of what he wants to reopen schools.They also would give nothing to states, money that Democrats argue is just as important, with $350 billion in Biden’s plan to keep police, fire and other workers on the job.Gone are Democratic priorities such as a gradual lifting of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-rashida-tlaib-coronavirus-pandemic-minimum-wage-ee0e8cc7c96a30d9581723b2c6bb4189?utm_source=Twitter&amp;utm_campaign=SocialFlow&amp;utm_medium=AP_Politics">federal minimum wage to $15&nbsp;</a>an hour.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612221614309.png" alt="Pres. Biden and Vice President Harris discuss the proposal from GOP Senators on Monday evening -image courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Pres. Biden and Vice President Harris discuss the proposal from GOP Senators on Monday evening -image courtesy CSPAN&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Wary Democrats pushed ahead at the Capitol, unwilling to take too much time in courting GOP support that may not materialize or in delivering too meager a package that they believe doesn’t address the scope of the nation’s health crisis and economic problems.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer warned that history is filled with “the costs of small thinking.”House and Senate Democrats released a separate budget resolution Monday a step toward approving Biden’s package with a reconciliation process that wouldn’t depend on Republican support for passage.“The cost of inaction is high and growing, and the time for decisive action is now,” Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement.The accelerating talks came as the Congressional Budget Office delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-economic-growth-government-spending-coronavirus-pandemic-economy-6570eb877ea0b2e7791966035f82cd35">mixed economic forecasts&nbsp;</a>Monday with robust growth expected at a 4.5% annual rate but employment rates not to return to pre-pandemic levels for several years.The overture from the coalition of 10 GOP senators, mostly centrists, was an attempt to show that at least some in the Republican ranks want to work with Biden’s new administration, rather than simply operating as the opposition in the minority in Congress.Asked if Biden had shown a willingness to reduce his $1.9 trillion top line, Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, said, “He didn’t say that, nor did we say we’re willing to come up” from the GOP plan. He said it’s “too early” to say if a deal can be reached.But in echoes of the 2009 financial crisis, Democrats warn against too small a package as they believe happened during the Obama administration’s attempt to pull the nation toward recovery.Psaki said earlier Monday there is “obviously a big gap” between the $1.9 trillion package Biden has proposed and the $618 billion counteroffer.An invitation to the GOP senators to meet with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House came hours after the&nbsp;<a href="https://beta.documentcloud.org/documents/20467847-gop-letter-on-covid-relief" target="_blank">lawmakers sent Biden a letter on Sunday</a>&nbsp;urging him to negotiate rather than try to ram through his relief package solely on Democratic votes.The cornerstone of the GOP plan is $160 billion for the health care response — vaccine distribution, a “massive expansion” of testing, protective gear and funds for rural hospitals, according to a draft.It also includes $20 billion to reopen schools compared to $170 billion in Biden’s plan. The Republicans offer $40 billion for Paycheck Protection Program business aid.Under the GOP proposal, $1,000 direct payments would go to individuals earning up to $40,000 a year, or $80,000 for couples. The proposal would begin to phase out the benefit after that, with no payments for individuals earning more than $50,000, or $100,000 for couples. That’s less than Biden’s proposal of $1,400 direct payments at higher incomes levels, up to $300,000 for some households.The meeting, though private, was Biden’s most public involvement in the negotiations.Winning the support of 10 Republicans would be significant for Biden, potentially giving him the votes needed in the 50-50 Senate where&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-race-and-ethnicity-symone-sanders-south-asia-coronavirus-pandemic-d11545d09f132366909d492822df692d">Harris</a>&nbsp;is the tie-breaker. Or he can push it through the budget reconciliation process, which would allow the bill to pass with a 51-vote majority in the Senate, rather than the 60 votes typically needed to advance legislation.The White House remains committed to exploring avenues for bipartisanship even as it prepares for Democrats to move alone on a COVID-19 relief bill, according to a senior administration official granted anonymity to discuss the private thinking.At the same time, the White House may be willing to adjust its ask, perhaps shifting some less virus-oriented aspects into a package that is set to go next before Congress, the official said.Biden himself has been on the phone to some of the Republicans, the official said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612221153515.png" alt="Just before the Oval Office Meeting, Senator Moran said “I’m going to do everything I can to encourage the President to do something that is much more targeted and much less expensive than the $1.9 trillion package that the White House has proposed,” said Sen. Moran. “I’m a pretty darn conservative Republican and to spend this amount of money, I want to make sure it is going towards the relief of Americans who are suffering as a consequence of COVID-19 and there are lots of things in this bill (Biden’s proposal) that is beyond that scope.” Click&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/z4K90nNRDGg" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Interview before the Biden meeting." />
 <figcaption>Just before the Oval Office Meeting, Senator Moran said “I’m going to do everything I can to encourage the President to do something that is much more targeted and much less expensive than the $1.9 trillion package that the White House has proposed,” said Sen. Moran. “I’m a pretty darn conservative Republican and to spend this amount of money, I want to make sure it is going towards the relief of Americans who are suffering as a consequence of COVID-19 and there are lots of things in this bill (Biden’s proposal) that is beyond that scope.” Click&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/z4K90nNRDGg" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Interview before the Biden meeting.</figcaption>
 </figure>Click&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/z4K90nNRDGg" target="_blank">HERE</a>&nbsp;to Watch Sen. Moran’s Full Interview before the Oval Office meeting.Besides&nbsp; Moran, Collins and Cassidy, the GOP senators meeting with Biden were Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, Todd Young of Indiana, Rob Portman of Ohio, Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota joined by phone.Biden has leaned on his resume of decades in the Senate and as vice president to bring the parties together, but less than two weeks into his presidency he has shown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-travel-politics-coronavirus-pandemic-a8b290a250c56c55f5d17a02ef9078e2">frustration with the pace of negotiations</a>&nbsp;as applications for jobless benefits remain stubbornly high and the COVID-19 death toll nears 450,000 Americans.Moran said, "my view is Mr. President, let’s focus on vaccines – I think it’s the most important thing,”&nbsp;continued Sen. Moran. “More shots in more arms is the best thing that can happen for our country’s wellbeing, both from a health perspective and from an economic point of view. But I also want to make sure we get kids back in the classroom, that small businesses get some assistance and Americans who need the most help get help from this package… …I am certainly willing to work with the President to get a more conservative, targeted response to COVID-19, and get it done quickly to benefit Americans.”

🎥 Moran, 9 other Senators take COVID deal to White House

As taxpayers get ready to file their federal tax returns, most will also be thinking about preparing their state taxes. 

There’s some good news for filers wanting to save money. Eligible taxpayers can file their federal and, in many cases, their state taxes at no cost.

Taxpayers whose adjusted gross income was $72,000 or less in 2019 can file their 2020 federal taxes for free using&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMDEuMzQzNzk5ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZnJlZWZpbGUifQ.c8In63PSPRucqdOX14DGHIk872P49Z6saaA76x-2jMU/s/1260222507/br/96814697949-l" target="_blank">IRS Free File</a>. Many of them can also do their state taxes at no charge. They do so through Free File offered by the IRS.

Here’s are a few things for taxpayers to know about filing state tax returns through Free File.

●Most people make less than the $72,000 income limit. So, most people can use Free File.

●Generally, taxpayers must complete their federal tax return before they can begin their state taxes.

●More than 20 states have a state Free File program patterned after the federal partnership. This means many taxpayers are eligible for free federal and free state online tax preparation.

●The states with a Free File program are Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia, plus the District of Columbia.. IRS Free File partners feature&nbsp;online products, some in Spanish. They offer most or some state tax returns for free as well. Some of them may charge so it’s important for taxpayers to explore their free options.

●Free File partners will charge a fee for state tax return preparation unless their offer says upfront the taxpayer can file both federal and state returns for free. Taxpayers who want to use one of the state Free File program products should go to their state tax agency’s Free File page.

 ●Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming don’t have an income tax. So, IRS Free File for a federal return may be the only tax product people in those states need.

As taxpayers get ready to file their federal tax returns, most will also be thinking about preparing their state taxes. There’s some good news for filers wanting to save money. Eligible taxpayers can file their federal and, in many cases, their state taxes at no cost.Taxpayers whose adjusted gross income was $72,000 or less in 2019 can file their 2020 federal taxes for free using&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMjgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAyMDEuMzQzNzk5ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lmlycy5nb3YvZnJlZWZpbGUifQ.c8In63PSPRucqdOX14DGHIk872P49Z6saaA76x-2jMU/s/1260222507/br/96814697949-l" target="_blank">IRS Free File</a>. Many of them can also do their state taxes at no charge. They do so through Free File offered by the IRS.Here’s are a few things for taxpayers to know about filing state tax returns through Free File.●Most people make less than the $72,000 income limit. So, most people can use Free File.●Generally, taxpayers must complete their federal tax return before they can begin their state taxes.●More than 20 states have a state Free File program patterned after the federal partnership. This means many taxpayers are eligible for free federal and free state online tax preparation.●The states with a Free File program are Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia, plus the District of Columbia.. IRS Free File partners feature&nbsp;online products, some in Spanish. They offer most or some state tax returns for free as well. Some of them may charge so it’s important for taxpayers to explore their free options.●Free File partners will charge a fee for state tax return preparation unless their offer says upfront the taxpayer can file both federal and state returns for free. Taxpayers who want to use one of the state Free File program products should go to their state tax agency’s Free File page. ●Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming don’t have an income tax. So, IRS Free File for a federal return may be the only tax product people in those states need.--<a href="http://irs.gov">IRS</a>--

IRS: Many taxpayers can file their state and federal tax returns for free

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) — There will be six more weeks of winter, Punxsutawney Phil predicted as he emerged from his burrow on a snowy Tuesday morning to perform his Groundhog Day duties.

Members of Phil’s “inner circle” woke up the furry critter at 7:25 a.m. at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to see whether he would see his shadow or not.

Shortly after this year’s prediction was revealed, one of the members of the inner circle shared a message he said Phil had told him earlier in the day: “After winter, you’re looking forward to one of the most beautiful and brightest springs you’ve ever seen.”

Another member of the “inner circle” noted the uniqueness of the past year.

“People have been referencing Groundhog Day. It has felt like at times we’re all living the same day over and over again,” one of the members said. “Groundhog Day also shows us that the monotony ends. The cycle will be broken.”

“Today actually is Groundhog Day, there’s only one,” he added. “There is quite literally a new day coming over the horizon.”

The spectacle that is Groundhog Day still went on, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, revelers weren’t able to see Phil and celebrate in person: This year, it was all virtual and included cardboard cutouts to represent spectators.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2Wz9F8-DVQ&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">A livestream</a>, which had more than 15,000 viewers at one point, played footage from previous Groundhog Day’s ahead of the big reveal.

Then of course, the prognosticator of prognosticators emerged at dawn. The lore goes that if he sees his shadow as he did this year, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, spring comes early.

Wearing top hats, members of the club summoned Phil from a new tree stump.

“You look beautiful,” club president Jeff Lundy told Phil, who directed members to one of two scrolls.

A club member announced, “We have all passed through the darkness of night, but now see hope in morning’s bright light. But now when I turn to see, there’s a perfect shadow cast of me.”

The livestream from Gobbler’s Knob, a tiny hill just outside Punxsutawney about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northeast of Pittsburgh, is made possible by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s Holi-stay PA. The event there — always Feb. 2 — dates back to 1887.

Phil this year, like many years in the past, gave his forecast during a major snowstorm that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-ned-lamont-new-york-city-storms-coronavirus-pandemic-11d87badafa4c27f4cadb789e1ae81bd">hit the entire Northeast</a>.

The annual event has its origin in a German legend about a furry rodent. Records dating to the late 1800s show Phil has predicted longer winters more than 100 times. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b67bd366299457f8cdc663928fcfdf7f">2020 forecast called for an early spring</a>&nbsp;— however, Phil didn’t say anything about a pandemic.

In its 135-year history, Phil has predicted winter 106 times and spring 20 times, the club said. Ten years were lost because no records were kept.

Punxsutawney Phil may be the most famous groundhog seer but he’s certainly not the only one. There are two other high-profile “imposters,” as the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club calls them, in the region.

Staten Island Chuck will be asked for his prophesy Tuesday around 8 a.m. at the Staten Island Zoo in New York. That event will be streamed on Facebook since the zoo is closed.

Connecticut marked Groundhog Day with a hedgehog making the prediction after the state’s official groundhog, Chuckles X,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connecticut-museums-manchester-animals-5a1a39d77419b93f8968b6d200ab8f88">died last year</a>. Like Phil, Phoebe predicted another six weeks of winter after seeing its shadow at the Lutz Children’s Museum in Manchester.

PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (AP) — There will be six more weeks of winter, Punxsutawney Phil predicted as he emerged from his burrow on a snowy Tuesday morning to perform his Groundhog Day duties.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x2Wz9F8-DVQ?start=2877" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Members of Phil’s “inner circle” woke up the furry critter at 7:25 a.m. at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to see whether he would see his shadow or not.Shortly after this year’s prediction was revealed, one of the members of the inner circle shared a message he said Phil had told him earlier in the day: “After winter, you’re looking forward to one of the most beautiful and brightest springs you’ve ever seen.”Another member of the “inner circle” noted the uniqueness of the past year.“People have been referencing Groundhog Day. It has felt like at times we’re all living the same day over and over again,” one of the members said. “Groundhog Day also shows us that the monotony ends. The cycle will be broken.”“Today actually is Groundhog Day, there’s only one,” he added. “There is quite literally a new day coming over the horizon.”The spectacle that is Groundhog Day still went on, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, revelers weren’t able to see Phil and celebrate in person: This year, it was all virtual and included cardboard cutouts to represent spectators.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2Wz9F8-DVQ&amp;feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">A livestream</a>, which had more than 15,000 viewers at one point, played footage from previous Groundhog Day’s ahead of the big reveal.Then of course, the prognosticator of prognosticators emerged at dawn. The lore goes that if he sees his shadow as he did this year, there will be six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, spring comes early.Wearing top hats, members of the club summoned Phil from a new tree stump.“You look beautiful,” club president Jeff Lundy told Phil, who directed members to one of two scrolls.A club member announced, “We have all passed through the darkness of night, but now see hope in morning’s bright light. But now when I turn to see, there’s a perfect shadow cast of me.”The livestream from Gobbler’s Knob, a tiny hill just outside Punxsutawney about 65 miles (105 kilometers) northeast of Pittsburgh, is made possible by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s Holi-stay PA. The event there — always Feb. 2 — dates back to 1887.Phil this year, like many years in the past, gave his forecast during a major snowstorm that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-ned-lamont-new-york-city-storms-coronavirus-pandemic-11d87badafa4c27f4cadb789e1ae81bd">hit the entire Northeast</a>.The annual event has its origin in a German legend about a furry rodent. Records dating to the late 1800s show Phil has predicted longer winters more than 100 times. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b67bd366299457f8cdc663928fcfdf7f">2020 forecast called for an early spring</a>&nbsp;— however, Phil didn’t say anything about a pandemic.In its 135-year history, Phil has predicted winter 106 times and spring 20 times, the club said. Ten years were lost because no records were kept.Punxsutawney Phil may be the most famous groundhog seer but he’s certainly not the only one. There are two other high-profile “imposters,” as the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club calls them, in the region.Staten Island Chuck will be asked for his prophesy Tuesday around 8 a.m. at the Staten Island Zoo in New York. That event will be streamed on Facebook since the zoo is closed.Connecticut marked Groundhog Day with a hedgehog making the prediction after the state’s official groundhog, Chuckles X,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/connecticut-museums-manchester-animals-5a1a39d77419b93f8968b6d200ab8f88">died last year</a>. Like Phil, Phoebe predicted another six weeks of winter after seeing its shadow at the Lutz Children’s Museum in Manchester.

🎥 Virtual Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil says more winter

NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say four people from Topeka, Kansas, died in a crash in southeast Nebraska. Cass County Sheriff's Capt. David Lamprecht says the wreck happened Sunday evening on Highway 75 just south of Union, Nebraska. 

Lamprecht said a pickup truck driven by a La Vista, Nebraska, man crossed the center line and hit an SUV registered in Topeka. 

Those who died at the scene were identified as the SUV driver, 21-year-old, Ashley Bracken; 22-year-old passenger Tatiyana Wade; 4-year-old Malaysia Reece and 5-year-old Keniah Robinson, all of Topeka. 

Wade's 20-year-old sister, was hospitalized with serious injuries. The driver of the pickup suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. (AP) — A southeast Nebraska sheriff says four people from Kansas died in a crash. 

Cass County Sheriff's Capt. David Lamprecht says all those killed in the crash Sunday evening were from Topeka, Kansas. The wreck happened on Highway 75 north of Nebraska City. No other information has been released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612197928027.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal crash- photo courtesy WOWT TV" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal crash- photo courtesy WOWT TV</figcaption>
 </figure>NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say four people from Topeka, Kansas, died in a crash in southeast Nebraska. Cass County Sheriff's Capt. David Lamprecht says the wreck happened Sunday evening on Highway 75 just south of Union, Nebraska. Lamprecht said a pickup truck driven by a La Vista, Nebraska, man crossed the center line and hit an SUV registered in Topeka. Those who died at the scene were identified as the SUV driver, 21-year-old, Ashley Bracken; 22-year-old passenger Tatiyana Wade; 4-year-old Malaysia Reece and 5-year-old Keniah Robinson, all of Topeka. Wade's 20-year-old sister, was hospitalized with serious injuries. The driver of the pickup suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.----------NEBRASKA CITY, Neb. (AP) — A southeast Nebraska sheriff says four people from Kansas died in a crash. Cass County Sheriff's Capt. David Lamprecht says all those killed in the crash Sunday evening were from Topeka, Kansas. The wreck happened on Highway 75 north of Nebraska City. No other information has been released.

Sheriff IDs 2 adults, 2 children from Kan. killed in crash in Nebraska

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple charges after a traffic stop.

Just after 1p.m. Jan. 26, sheriff's&nbsp;deputies stopped a northbound Ford F-150 truck bearing a Texas license plate pulling a trailer in the City of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver allegedly committed a traffic infraction. Deputies discovered that the South Dakota license plate on the trailer had been reported stolen. Deputies also located a piece of tape on the trailer tongue that had been spray painted to match the trailer. The piece of tape was covering the VIN number. The trailer had been reported stolen out of Cherry County, Nebraska in October of 2020. 

Jackson County deputies made contact with the Cherry County Nebraska Sheriff’s Office and was advised that an additional trailer had been stolen near the same time in Nebraska. Further investigation led deputies to contact the Orange County, Texas Sheriff’s Office who then was able to recover the second stolen trailer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612214632111.png" alt="Miller-Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Miller-Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just after 1p.m. Jan. 26, sheriff's&nbsp;deputies stopped a northbound Ford F-150 truck bearing a Texas license plate pulling a trailer in the City of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver allegedly committed a traffic infraction. Deputies discovered that the South Dakota license plate on the trailer had been reported stolen. Deputies also located a piece of tape on the trailer tongue that had been spray painted to match the trailer. The piece of tape was covering the VIN number. The trailer had been reported stolen out of Cherry County, Nebraska in October of 2020. Jackson County deputies made contact with the Cherry County Nebraska Sheriff’s Office and was advised that an additional trailer had been stolen near the same time in Nebraska. Further investigation led deputies to contact the Orange County, Texas Sheriff’s Office who then was able to recover the second stolen trailer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612214604457.png" alt="Hall-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hall-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The pickup driver identified as Michael A. Hall, 35, of Mauriceville, Texas, was arrested on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, driving while suspended, transporting an open container and for an outstanding felony warrant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612214684637.png" alt="Sanger-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Sanger-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Deputies arrested a two passengers. Brian Michael Miller, 29, of Sulphur, Louisiana, was jailed on requested charges of possession of a hallucinogenic drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a person addicted to a controlled substance, criminal possession of a weapon by felon; convicted in last 5 years.Shane E. Sanger, 46, of Vidor, Texas, was arrested on requested charges of transporting an open container and possession of stolen property; felony. All three men were booked into the Jackson County Jail.