JUNCTION CITY — Junction City residents had an opportunity to cheer for their hometown singer — Justin Aaron — Monday evening at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. Fans and supporters gathered to watch Justin perform on "The Voice" on NBC, where he is among eight semifinalists in the program.

"The Voice continues Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. on NBC. There will be another  free watch party at the C.L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670360262830.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>JC PostJUNCTION CITY — Junction City residents had an opportunity to cheer for their hometown singer — Justin Aaron — Monday evening at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. Fans and supporters gathered to watch Justin perform on "The Voice" on NBC, where he is among eight semifinalists in the program."The Voice continues Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. on NBC. There will be another free watch party at the C.L. Hoover Opera House in Junction City.

Hometown fans cheer as 'The Voice' finalist from Kan. advances

WASHINGTON —Kraft Heinz Foods Company of Kirksville, Missouri, is recalling approximately 2,400 pounds of ready-to-eat ham and cheese loaf products due to possible cross-contamination with under-processed products, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Tuesday, according to a statement from the USDA.

The ready-to-eat ham and cheese loaf products were produced on Oct. 10, 2022.&nbsp;

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “Est. 537V” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distribution centers in Ohio and Virginia, and further distributed for retail sales.

The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that the product was sliced on the same equipment as product that had been under processed, and the equipment was not cleaned between runs of the under-processed and fully cooked product. This has led to concerns of possible cross-contamination of the fully cooked ham and cheese loaf product.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls">www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls</a>.

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Lynsey Elve, Associate Director, Global Corporate Communications, The Kraft Heinz Food Company, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lynsey.elve@kraftheinz.com">lynsey.elve@kraftheinz.com</a>&nbsp;or call the Kraft Heinz Food Company Consumer Hotline at 1-866-572-3806.

Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or live chat via&nbsp;<a href="https://ask.usda.gov/">Ask USDA</a>&nbsp;from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at&nbsp;<a href="https://ask.usda.gov/">Ask USDA</a>&nbsp;or send a question via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:MPHotline@usda.gov">MPHotline@usda.gov</a>. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at&nbsp;<a href="https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/">https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670348951082.png" alt="16-oz. rigid vacuum-packed packages containing “Oscar Mayer Ham &amp; Cheese LOAF”&nbsp; &nbsp;with codes from “07 Feb 2023 20:40 7B” through “07 Feb 2023 22:16 7B” on the label.-USDA image" />
 <figcaption>16-oz. rigid vacuum-packed packages containing “Oscar Mayer Ham &amp; Cheese LOAF”&nbsp; &nbsp;with codes from “07 Feb 2023 20:40 7B” through “07 Feb 2023 22:16 7B” on the label.-USDA image</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Kraft Heinz Foods Company of Kirksville, Missouri, is recalling approximately 2,400 pounds of ready-to-eat ham and cheese loaf products due to possible cross-contamination with under-processed products, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced Tuesday, according to a statement from the USDA.The ready-to-eat ham and cheese loaf products were produced on Oct. 10, 2022.&nbsp;The products subject to recall bear establishment number “Est. 537V” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distribution centers in Ohio and Virginia, and further distributed for retail sales.The problem was discovered when the establishment notified FSIS that the product was sliced on the same equipment as product that had been under processed, and the equipment was not cleaned between runs of the under-processed and fully cooked product. This has led to concerns of possible cross-contamination of the fully cooked ham and cheese loaf product.There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.&nbsp;&nbsp;FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls">www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls</a>.Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Lynsey Elve, Associate Director, Global Corporate Communications, The Kraft Heinz Food Company, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:lynsey.elve@kraftheinz.com">lynsey.elve@kraftheinz.com</a>&nbsp;or call the Kraft Heinz Food Company Consumer Hotline at 1-866-572-3806.Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or live chat via&nbsp;<a href="https://ask.usda.gov/">Ask USDA</a>&nbsp;from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Consumers can also browse food safety messages at&nbsp;<a href="https://ask.usda.gov/">Ask USDA</a>&nbsp;or send a question via email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:MPHotline@usda.gov">MPHotline@usda.gov</a>. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at&nbsp;<a href="https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/">https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/</a>.

Oscar Mayer cold cuts recalled due to possible cross-contamination

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is still actively searching for ways to safeguard abortion access for millions of women, even as it bumps up against a complex web of strict new state laws enacted in the months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">after the Supreme Court stripped</a>&nbsp;the constitutional right.

Looking to seize on momentum following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-inflation-health-religion-9c15e24b280fe9c65f4f0c3ab4febb2a">midterm election</a>&nbsp;where voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-us-supreme-court-health-michigan-23bfba4a07de57b175d9de1281ecace6">widely rebuked tougher abortion restrictions,</a>&nbsp;there’s a renewed push at the White House to find ways to help women in states that have virtually outlawed or limited the treatment, and to keep the issue top of mind for voters.

In reality, though, the administration is shackled by a ban on federal funding for most abortions, a conservative-leaning Supreme Court inclined to rule against abortion rights and a split Congress unwilling to pass legislation on the matter.

Meanwhile, frustration on the ground in the most abortion-restricted states is mounting.

“This is not going away anytime soon," said Jen Klein of the Biden administration's Gender Policy Council. “Tens of millions of Americans are living under bans of various sorts, many of them quite extreme, and even in states where abortion is legal, we’re all seeing the impact on providers and on systems being loaded by people who are coming across state lines.”

Since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in June, roughly half the states have some type of abortion restrictions in place, with at least 11 states essentially banning the procedure.

Administration officials are meeting Tuesday and Wednesday with state lawmakers ahead of their 2023 sessions, including in states with more extreme bans on the table, and will discuss safeguarding rights and helping women access care as top issues. The meetings follow sit-downs with roughly nine governors, attorneys general and Democratic state legislators from more than 30 states.

The administration, meanwhile, is implementing Biden’s executive orders signed in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-government-and-politics-0e6496122de46f1039cbb2b5145d6d60">July</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-health-medicaid-edbef331da1b96baf2b7a3eee54c36f4">August that</a>&nbsp;directed federal agencies to push back on abortion restrictions and protect women traveling out of their state to seek one, though some women’s rights advocates say it doesn't go far enough.

And there are still other avenues left for the administration to explore, said Kathleen Sebelius, a former U.S. health and human services secretary.

HHS might look to wield its power around federal protections for health care providers, life-saving abortions, abortion pills and travel for women in abortion-restricted states, she said. During her tenure, for example, the agency did some policy maneuvering to expand rights for same-sex couples, including a requirement that any hospitals receiving federal funds allow their patients to select a same-sex partner as a visitor, years before gay marriage was legalized.

“It’s amazing how broad a lot of the agency’s authorities are and how much creative thinking can go on,” Sebelius said.

Already, the Justice Department has sued Idaho over its restrictive abortion policy and indicted at least 20 people who have been accused of obstructing access to abortion clinics. Attorney General Merrick Garland has said he would protect the right for women to travel between states for medical care.

Veterans and their beneficiaries are able to access abortion, even in states that have outlawed it, through the Department of Veteran Affairs in cases where the woman’s life or health is at risk or in cases of rape or incest. The Defense Department will cover leave and travel costs for troops seeking abortions if they are not available in their state.

The Federal Trade Commission has sued at least one data broker for selling information that tracks people at reproductive health care clinics, while the Federal Communication Commission reminded 15 mobile carriers of privacy laws in a recent letter.

Perhaps most consequentially, the Department of Health and Human Services told hospitals they “must” provide abortions if a mother’s life is at risk. The agency cited federal law,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-lawsuits-xavier-becerra-ken-paxton-79b4db553df2d9f757e105eb7a64ada4">called the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act</a>, or EMTALA, that requires medical facilities to provide treatment if a person may be in labor or faces an emergency health situation.

But “no executive action can replace a precedent of nearly 50 years,” Klein said. “The most important thing is to fight for national legislation.”

None is upcoming in the lame-duck session before Republicans take control of the House. And Biden is limited in what else he can do.

Indeed, the administration's moves so far have made little difference in Ohio, said Kellie Copeland, the executive director at Pro-Choice Ohio. A law that would essentially ban abortion once fetal cardiac activity is detected is awaiting a court ruling. Currently, abortion is banned at 22 weeks, state Medicaid funds can't be used for abortion and parental consent is required for a minor to receive care.

“I can say as an advocate in Ohio, no one is saying, ‘Oh wow, this has made a difference,’” Copeland said. “The impact has not been felt.”

Copeland's organization is one of about 50 local advocacy groups and abortion clinics entrenched in states and cities that asked the president in an August letter to offer federal travel and childcare vouchers for people living in states where abortion is banned, introduce federal protections for mailing abortion pills, and gather hospital attorneys to reiterate that doctors must give abortions in life-saving situations.

Meanwhile, there's chaos at hospitals located in the country's most restrictive states,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-science-health-business-890e813d855b57cf8e92ff799580e7e8">where doctors treating critically ill pregnant patients must weigh their medical recommendations against potential punishments like prison time</a>. Reports of sick pregnant women&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-texas-government-and-politics-da85c82bf3e9ced09ad499e350ae5ee3">turned away by doctors or facing unsafe delays</a>&nbsp;in medical care are pouring in.

HHS is investigating at least&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-business-missouri-joplin-4204d1c9c7e9b83a93c833603e55a588">one hospital in Missouri</a>&nbsp;after officials there refused to let doctors perform an abortion on a woman during a medical emergency, but won't say how many complaints it has received against providers or hospital system for failing to provide life-saving care.

In August, HHS also invited states to apply for Medicaid waivers that would unlock federal funds to pay for travel costs for women who live in states where abortion procedures have been severely restricted.

Not a single state has applied, although the agency said it is in talks with officials in some states about applications.

In Louisiana,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-louisiana-lawsuits-government-and-politics-2aee46370d4a236c91a63515e0e0cca2">where abortion is banned except</a>&nbsp;in certain cases where a mother's life is at stake, federal policies around travel are likely to have the most impact, said Michelle Erenberg of the New Orleans-based abortion rights advocacy group Lift Louisiana.

She's not hopeful that other federal proposals will ease how women access abortion directly in the state.

"It’s a little frustrating,” Erenberg said. “Also, we understand there’s only so much the administration is going to be able to do when a state like Louisiana has decided to enact a near total ban on abortion care.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666127025170.png" alt="Since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in June, roughly half the states have some type of abortion restrictions in place, with at least 11 states essentially banning the procedure-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in June, roughly half the states have some type of abortion restrictions in place, with at least 11 states essentially banning the procedure-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is still actively searching for ways to safeguard abortion access for millions of women, even as it bumps up against a complex web of strict new state laws enacted in the months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">after the Supreme Court stripped</a>&nbsp;the constitutional right.Looking to seize on momentum following a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-inflation-health-religion-9c15e24b280fe9c65f4f0c3ab4febb2a">midterm election</a>&nbsp;where voters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-abortion-us-supreme-court-health-michigan-23bfba4a07de57b175d9de1281ecace6">widely rebuked tougher abortion restrictions,</a>&nbsp;there’s a renewed push at the White House to find ways to help women in states that have virtually outlawed or limited the treatment, and to keep the issue top of mind for voters.In reality, though, the administration is shackled by a ban on federal funding for most abortions, a conservative-leaning Supreme Court inclined to rule against abortion rights and a split Congress unwilling to pass legislation on the matter.Meanwhile, frustration on the ground in the most abortion-restricted states is mounting.“This is not going away anytime soon," said Jen Klein of the Biden administration's Gender Policy Council. “Tens of millions of Americans are living under bans of various sorts, many of them quite extreme, and even in states where abortion is legal, we’re all seeing the impact on providers and on systems being loaded by people who are coming across state lines.”Since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in June, roughly half the states have some type of abortion restrictions in place, with at least 11 states essentially banning the procedure.Administration officials are meeting Tuesday and Wednesday with state lawmakers ahead of their 2023 sessions, including in states with more extreme bans on the table, and will discuss safeguarding rights and helping women access care as top issues. The meetings follow sit-downs with roughly nine governors, attorneys general and Democratic state legislators from more than 30 states.The administration, meanwhile, is implementing Biden’s executive orders signed in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-us-supreme-court-government-and-politics-0e6496122de46f1039cbb2b5145d6d60">July</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-biden-health-medicaid-edbef331da1b96baf2b7a3eee54c36f4">August that</a>&nbsp;directed federal agencies to push back on abortion restrictions and protect women traveling out of their state to seek one, though some women’s rights advocates say it doesn't go far enough.And there are still other avenues left for the administration to explore, said Kathleen Sebelius, a former U.S. health and human services secretary.HHS might look to wield its power around federal protections for health care providers, life-saving abortions, abortion pills and travel for women in abortion-restricted states, she said. During her tenure, for example, the agency did some policy maneuvering to expand rights for same-sex couples, including a requirement that any hospitals receiving federal funds allow their patients to select a same-sex partner as a visitor, years before gay marriage was legalized.“It’s amazing how broad a lot of the agency’s authorities are and how much creative thinking can go on,” Sebelius said.Already, the Justice Department has sued Idaho over its restrictive abortion policy and indicted at least 20 people who have been accused of obstructing access to abortion clinics. Attorney General Merrick Garland has said he would protect the right for women to travel between states for medical care.Veterans and their beneficiaries are able to access abortion, even in states that have outlawed it, through the Department of Veteran Affairs in cases where the woman’s life or health is at risk or in cases of rape or incest. The Defense Department will cover leave and travel costs for troops seeking abortions if they are not available in their state.The Federal Trade Commission has sued at least one data broker for selling information that tracks people at reproductive health care clinics, while the Federal Communication Commission reminded 15 mobile carriers of privacy laws in a recent letter.Perhaps most consequentially, the Department of Health and Human Services told hospitals they “must” provide abortions if a mother’s life is at risk. The agency cited federal law,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-lawsuits-xavier-becerra-ken-paxton-79b4db553df2d9f757e105eb7a64ada4">called the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act</a>, or EMTALA, that requires medical facilities to provide treatment if a person may be in labor or faces an emergency health situation.But “no executive action can replace a precedent of nearly 50 years,” Klein said. “The most important thing is to fight for national legislation.”None is upcoming in the lame-duck session before Republicans take control of the House. And Biden is limited in what else he can do.Indeed, the administration's moves so far have made little difference in Ohio, said Kellie Copeland, the executive director at Pro-Choice Ohio. A law that would essentially ban abortion once fetal cardiac activity is detected is awaiting a court ruling. Currently, abortion is banned at 22 weeks, state Medicaid funds can't be used for abortion and parental consent is required for a minor to receive care.“I can say as an advocate in Ohio, no one is saying, ‘Oh wow, this has made a difference,’” Copeland said. “The impact has not been felt.”Copeland's organization is one of about 50 local advocacy groups and abortion clinics entrenched in states and cities that asked the president in an August letter to offer federal travel and childcare vouchers for people living in states where abortion is banned, introduce federal protections for mailing abortion pills, and gather hospital attorneys to reiterate that doctors must give abortions in life-saving situations.Meanwhile, there's chaos at hospitals located in the country's most restrictive states,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-science-health-business-890e813d855b57cf8e92ff799580e7e8">where doctors treating critically ill pregnant patients must weigh their medical recommendations against potential punishments like prison time</a>. Reports of sick pregnant women&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-texas-government-and-politics-da85c82bf3e9ced09ad499e350ae5ee3">turned away by doctors or facing unsafe delays</a>&nbsp;in medical care are pouring in.HHS is investigating at least&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-business-missouri-joplin-4204d1c9c7e9b83a93c833603e55a588">one hospital in Missouri</a>&nbsp;after officials there refused to let doctors perform an abortion on a woman during a medical emergency, but won't say how many complaints it has received against providers or hospital system for failing to provide life-saving care.In August, HHS also invited states to apply for Medicaid waivers that would unlock federal funds to pay for travel costs for women who live in states where abortion procedures have been severely restricted.Not a single state has applied, although the agency said it is in talks with officials in some states about applications.In Louisiana,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-louisiana-lawsuits-government-and-politics-2aee46370d4a236c91a63515e0e0cca2">where abortion is banned except</a>&nbsp;in certain cases where a mother's life is at stake, federal policies around travel are likely to have the most impact, said Michelle Erenberg of the New Orleans-based abortion rights advocacy group Lift Louisiana.She's not hopeful that other federal proposals will ease how women access abortion directly in the state."It’s a little frustrating,” Erenberg said. “Also, we understand there’s only so much the administration is going to be able to do when a state like Louisiana has decided to enact a near total ban on abortion care.”

Biden's efforts to protect abortion access hit roadblocks

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement arrested a Salina man early Tuesday after he allegedly entered a north Salina apartment without permission and attempted to lock out the man who lives there.

Just before 1:30a.m., officers were sent to the 200 block of N. 10th Street in Salina and found two men wrestling in the front yard, One was a neighbor who was trying to hold Matthew Reynard, 43, of Salina, until the police arrived, according Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Reynard allegedly approached a 56-year-old Salina man, who was sitting on his front porch and asked him for a cigarette. Reynard then allegedly entered the man's apartment and locked the door. 

The man had a spare key and was able to enter the apartment, where he saw Reynard holding his Samsung Galaxy A13 cellphone, some Thinsulate gloves, and a backpack. The items were valued at approximately $250. The man also noticed that all of the electronics in his apartment had been unplugged.

Forrester said the neighbor, a 32-year-old Salina man, who reported the incident to police, got involved when he allegedly saw on his Ring camera that Reynard was looking in his mailbox. When he went outside to investigate, he found out from the 56-year-old that Reynard had entered his apartment and locked the door.

Reynard is being held on requested charges of Aggravated burglary and Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670345900264.jpeg" alt="Reynard- photo Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Reynard- photo Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement arrested a Salina man early Tuesday after he allegedly entered a north Salina apartment without permission and attempted to lock out the man who lives there.Just before 1:30a.m., officers were sent to the 200 block of N. 10th Street in Salina and found two men wrestling in the front yard, One was a neighbor who was trying to hold Matthew Reynard, 43, of Salina, until the police arrived, according Police Captain Paul Forrester.Reynard allegedly approached a 56-year-old Salina man, who was sitting on his front porch and asked him for a cigarette. Reynard then allegedly entered the man's apartment and locked the door. The man had a spare key and was able to enter the apartment, where he saw Reynard holding his Samsung Galaxy A13 cellphone, some Thinsulate gloves, and a backpack. The items were valued at approximately $250. The man also noticed that all of the electronics in his apartment had been unplugged.Forrester said the neighbor, a 32-year-old Salina man, who reported the incident to police, got involved when he allegedly saw on his Ring camera that Reynard was looking in his mailbox. When he went outside to investigate, he found out from the 56-year-old that Reynard had entered his apartment and locked the door.Reynard is being held on requested charges of Aggravated burglary and Theft.

Police: Kan. burglary suspect locked resident out of apartment

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wrong-way, DUI crash and asking the public for help with information.

Just after 7:30p.m. Monday, sheriff's deputies arrested a Eudora, Kansas woman for driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of Kansas Highway 10.&nbsp; Her vehicle struck a Eudora Police officer's vehicle and several other westbound vehicles, according to the Douglas County sheriff's office.

Deputies are asking anyone who was traveling westbound on K-10&nbsp;between the exit E 1900 Road and N 1400 Road near Eudora on Monday evening and had to avoid a collision to contact them.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wrong-way, DUI crash and asking the public for help with information.Just after 7:30p.m. Monday, sheriff's deputies arrested a Eudora, Kansas woman for driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of Kansas Highway 10.&nbsp; Her vehicle struck a Eudora Police officer's vehicle and several other westbound vehicles, according to the Douglas County sheriff's office.Deputies are asking anyone who was traveling westbound on K-10&nbsp;between the exit E 1900 Road and N 1400 Road near Eudora on Monday evening and had to avoid a collision to contact them.

Kansas woman in DUI, wrong-way crash struck police vehicle

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Major freight railroads are facing pressure to add sick days for their workers from a new front: An influential investment group says some of its members are now pushing the measure that Congress declined to as part of the contracts they imposed last week to avert a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-strikes-climate-and-environment-government-politics-92ea7632a29f807ccc0e2658c50d731e">potentially devastating</a>&nbsp;nationwide rail strike.

The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility said Monday that two investment managers it works with to help promote social change at companies had filed proposals at Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads to give shareholders a vote on whether rail workers should get paid sick leave. Similar proposals are likely to be filed at CSX and at BNSF's parent company of Berkshire Hathaway, but they haven't been submitted yet. The ICCR represents 300 members with over $4 trillion in assets.

The lack of paid sick time in the industry became a major sticking point this fall in contract talks between the railroads and their 12 unions. Four of those unions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-congress-government-and-politics-79d2e2c2779598b0a14396464ee4f7e9">rejected five-year deals</a>&nbsp;that included 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses because of their concerns about sick leave, demanding schedules and other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality-of-life concerns.</a>

President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-economy-government-and-politics-fe5f657b036b2b612d072368584e00cd">signed a bill Friday</a>&nbsp;that forces railroad workers to accept those deals that were negotiated back in September and prohibits them from going on strike. A separate bill that would have required sick time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-pete-buttigieg-strikes-congress-c95510555dcd4cdc2d839e61d1195b06">failed in the Senate</a>.

Labor groups said after Congress acted they will keep fighting for sick time and better working conditions even though this round of negotiations that began three years ago is now over because their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-strikes-congress-d2ae4d3aecb27f176418518d977e69e1">concerns linger</a>.

Marvin Owens with nonprofit investment manager Impact Shares filed the shareholder proposal at Norfolk Southern. Impact Shares works with groups like the YWCA and NAACP to establish criteria for funds. Owens said companies should consider sick time as an investment in its workforce, not an expense.

“In this day and age, this really boggles the mind why a company would not provide that given the need to retain workers and really provide workers with the kind of support needed to keep them in place and to keep them healthy. Paid sick leave is key to that," Owens said.

The railroads refused to add sick time during these negotiations because they said the unions had agreed over the decades to forgo paid sick leave in favor of higher wages and strong short-term disability benefits that start to kick in after four or seven days and replace part of a worker's wages for up to a year.

The railroads also say employees can take personal leave days or vacation days for illnesses, although workers say those have to be approved far ahead of time so they aren't very useful for illnesses. Workers are also allowed to take unpaid time off for illnesses but they may be penalized under a railroad's attendance policy if they miss too many days.

The Association of American Railroads trade group also said the special board of arbitrators that intervened in the contract dispute this summer opted not to recommend paid sick time.

A spokesman for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union that rejected its deal with the railroads praised the investors' action.

“The railroads never engaged on this issue in good faith. Their arrogance led us to this juncture and it has rightfully left their public reputation bruised. That’s their fault,” said Clark Ballew with the BMWED. ”There’s no excuse other than their insatiable greed and that is a flimsy, pathetic excuse at that."

Union Pacific said in a statement that it “knows quality of life concerns are real and we are working with employees to make changes.”

Norfolk Southern declined to comment on the investor proposal.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Major freight railroads are facing pressure to add sick days for their workers from a new front: An influential investment group says some of its members are now pushing the measure that Congress declined to as part of the contracts they imposed last week to avert a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-strikes-climate-and-environment-government-politics-92ea7632a29f807ccc0e2658c50d731e">potentially devastating</a>&nbsp;nationwide rail strike.The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility said Monday that two investment managers it works with to help promote social change at companies had filed proposals at Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads to give shareholders a vote on whether rail workers should get paid sick leave. Similar proposals are likely to be filed at CSX and at BNSF's parent company of Berkshire Hathaway, but they haven't been submitted yet. The ICCR represents 300 members with over $4 trillion in assets.The lack of paid sick time in the industry became a major sticking point this fall in contract talks between the railroads and their 12 unions. Four of those unions&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-business-congress-government-and-politics-79d2e2c2779598b0a14396464ee4f7e9">rejected five-year deals</a>&nbsp;that included 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses because of their concerns about sick leave, demanding schedules and other&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality-of-life concerns.</a>President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-economy-government-and-politics-fe5f657b036b2b612d072368584e00cd">signed a bill Friday</a>&nbsp;that forces railroad workers to accept those deals that were negotiated back in September and prohibits them from going on strike. A separate bill that would have required sick time&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-politics-pete-buttigieg-strikes-congress-c95510555dcd4cdc2d839e61d1195b06">failed in the Senate</a>.Labor groups said after Congress acted they will keep fighting for sick time and better working conditions even though this round of negotiations that began three years ago is now over because their&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-strikes-congress-d2ae4d3aecb27f176418518d977e69e1">concerns linger</a>.Marvin Owens with nonprofit investment manager Impact Shares filed the shareholder proposal at Norfolk Southern. Impact Shares works with groups like the YWCA and NAACP to establish criteria for funds. Owens said companies should consider sick time as an investment in its workforce, not an expense.“In this day and age, this really boggles the mind why a company would not provide that given the need to retain workers and really provide workers with the kind of support needed to keep them in place and to keep them healthy. Paid sick leave is key to that," Owens said.The railroads refused to add sick time during these negotiations because they said the unions had agreed over the decades to forgo paid sick leave in favor of higher wages and strong short-term disability benefits that start to kick in after four or seven days and replace part of a worker's wages for up to a year.The railroads also say employees can take personal leave days or vacation days for illnesses, although workers say those have to be approved far ahead of time so they aren't very useful for illnesses. Workers are also allowed to take unpaid time off for illnesses but they may be penalized under a railroad's attendance policy if they miss too many days.The Association of American Railroads trade group also said the special board of arbitrators that intervened in the contract dispute this summer opted not to recommend paid sick time.A spokesman for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union that rejected its deal with the railroads praised the investors' action.“The railroads never engaged on this issue in good faith. Their arrogance led us to this juncture and it has rightfully left their public reputation bruised. That’s their fault,” said Clark Ballew with the BMWED. ”There’s no excuse other than their insatiable greed and that is a flimsy, pathetic excuse at that."Union Pacific said in a statement that it “knows quality of life concerns are real and we are working with employees to make changes.”Norfolk Southern declined to comment on the investor proposal.

Investors press railroads to add sick time for workers

WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a woman's shooting death have filed charges against her husband.

Police have arrested the suspect in the November 21, homicide of 23-year-old Loren Flores, according to Kansas City Kansas&nbsp; Police.&nbsp;

Miguel Flores, 32, of Kansas City, Kan., is charged with first-degree murder, according to the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office. Detectives reported the couple were married, but in the process of a divorce when he shot his estranged wife outside a residence. 

Flores then fled the scene, but was taken into custody a short time later by police.&nbsp;Flores is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670279334296.png" alt="Flores-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Flores-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WYANDOTTE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a woman's shooting death have filed charges against her husband.Police have arrested the suspect in the November 21, homicide of 23-year-old Loren Flores, according to Kansas City Kansas&nbsp; Police.&nbsp;Miguel Flores, 32, of Kansas City, Kan., is charged with first-degree murder, according to the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office. Detectives reported the couple were married, but in the process of a divorce when he shot his estranged wife outside a residence. Flores then fled the scene, but was taken into custody a short time later by police.&nbsp;Flores is currently being held in the Wyandotte County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

Kansas man accused of killing his estranged wife

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ben-sasse-makes-it-official-will-resign-u-s-senate-seat-jan-8/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., made it official Monday 
afternoon, submitting a resignation letter that says he will leave 
office on Jan. 8.

That would be only three days after Gov.-elect Jim Pillen takes the oath of office.

Pillen, a Columbus pork producer and veterinarian, is widely expected to appoint current Gov. Pete Ricketts to the post.

Ricketts, a fellow Republican, endorsed Pillen and was a key 
financial backer in his tough Republican primary victory in May over 
Falls City businessman Charles Herbster and State Sen. Brett Lindstrom 
of Omaha.

Immediately after Sasse’s resignation letter became public, Pillen 
issued a press release, seeking applicants for the Senate vacancy.

“Governor-elect Pillen will begin receiving applications and 
evaluating candidates immediately,” the release said, adding that he 
wanted Nebraska’s congressional delegation to return “to full strength” 
as soon as possible.

A deadline of Dec. 23 was set for applications.

Ricketts did not immediately respond to messages Monday afternoon 
asking whether he planned to apply. Previously, he has said he would 
defer the decision to Pillen, and would not say if he would apply.

In a one-paragraph resignation letter, addressed to Ricketts and 
copied to Pillen, Sasse wrote that it was “an honor to serve the people 
of Nebraska for the past eight years.”

“I am confident that Governor-elect&nbsp; Pillen will appoint someone that will serve Nebraskans well in Washington,” Sasse wrote.

Last month, the <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/sen-ben-sasse-confirmed-as-next-president-of-the-university-of-florida/">University of Florida Board of Governors voted</a> to affirm Sasse’s appointment as the next president of the university in Gainesville, Florida.

Sasse, 50, had served as president of Midland University in Fremont 
before he was elected to the Senate in 2014. His first day at Florida 
will be Jan. 6.

He overcame some opposition from student organizations over his past opposition to same-sex marriage.

Some also questioned if he had the experience to run a much larger 
university. Florida’s enrollment is 50,000 students, compared to 1,400 
at Midland.

Even before the ink dried on Sasse’s resignation letter, one 
candidate threw his hat into the ring — retired Lt. Col. John Weaver of 
Omaha, an unsuccessful candidate for U.S. Congress this year, wrote to 
Pillen that he would represent conservative values if selected.

Applications are also being sought to fill the Nebraska Legislature 
seat being vacated by State Sen. Mike Hilgers of Lincoln. Hilgers, who 
represents District 21 on the north side of Lincoln, was elected 
Nebraska Attorney General.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667330936433.png" alt="Sen. Ben Sasse answers questions from the University of Florida’s Board of Trustees before they vote on him to serve as UF’s next president on Nov. 1, 2022. (Screenshot/University of Florida)" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Ben Sasse answers questions from the University of Florida’s Board of Trustees before they vote on him to serve as UF’s next president on Nov. 1, 2022. (Screenshot/University of Florida)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/ben-sasse-makes-it-official-will-resign-u-s-senate-seat-jan-8/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., made it official Monday 
afternoon, submitting a resignation letter that says he will leave 
office on Jan. 8.That would be only three days after Gov.-elect Jim Pillen takes the oath of office.Pillen, a Columbus pork producer and veterinarian, is widely expected to appoint current Gov. Pete Ricketts to the post.<h2>Ricketts was key backer of Pillen</h2>Ricketts, a fellow Republican, endorsed Pillen and was a key 
financial backer in his tough Republican primary victory in May over 
Falls City businessman Charles Herbster and State Sen. Brett Lindstrom 
of Omaha.Immediately after Sasse’s resignation letter became public, Pillen 
issued a press release, seeking applicants for the Senate vacancy.“Governor-elect Pillen will begin receiving applications and 
evaluating candidates immediately,” the release said, adding that he 
wanted Nebraska’s congressional delegation to return “to full strength” 
as soon as possible.A deadline of Dec. 23 was set for applications.Ricketts did not immediately respond to messages Monday afternoon 
asking whether he planned to apply. Previously, he has said he would 
defer the decision to Pillen, and would not say if he would apply.<h2>‘An honor to serve’</h2>In a one-paragraph resignation letter, addressed to Ricketts and 
copied to Pillen, Sasse wrote that it was “an honor to serve the people 
of Nebraska for the past eight years.”“I am confident that Governor-elect&nbsp; Pillen will appoint someone that will serve Nebraskans well in Washington,” Sasse wrote.Last month, the <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/sen-ben-sasse-confirmed-as-next-president-of-the-university-of-florida/">University of Florida Board of Governors voted</a> to affirm Sasse’s appointment as the next president of the university in Gainesville, Florida.Sasse, 50, had served as president of Midland University in Fremont 
before he was elected to the Senate in 2014. His first day at Florida 
will be Jan. 6.<h2>Florida much larger university</h2>He overcame some opposition from student organizations over his past opposition to same-sex marriage.Some also questioned if he had the experience to run a much larger 
university. Florida’s enrollment is 50,000 students, compared to 1,400 
at Midland.Even before the ink dried on Sasse’s resignation letter, one 
candidate threw his hat into the ring — retired Lt. Col. John Weaver of 
Omaha, an unsuccessful candidate for U.S. Congress this year, wrote to 
Pillen that he would represent conservative values if selected.Applications are also being sought to fill the Nebraska Legislature 
seat being vacated by State Sen. Mike Hilgers of Lincoln. Hilgers, who 
represents District 21 on the north side of Lincoln, was elected 
Nebraska Attorney General.

Sasse makes it official, will resign U.S. Senate seat Jan. 8

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

<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2022/21-476">Click here to listen</a> to the oral argument or<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2022/21-476_8n59.pdf"> here to read</a> the transcript

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

Over more than two hours of spirited arguments, the justices repeatedly tested out what ruling for the designer could mean, using detailed and sometimes colorful hypothetical scenarios. Those included a Black Santa asked to take a picture with a child dressed in a Ku Klux Klan outfit, a photographer asked to take pictures for the Jewish dating website JDate and also the marital infidelity website Ashley Madison, and a food business called “Grandma Helen's Protestant Provisions.”

Justice Neil Gorsuch, one of three high court appointees of former President Donald Trump, described&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-religion-colorado-discrimination-360d60888809823779d033acce40c9bf">Lorie Smith</a>, the website designer in the case, as “an individual who says she will sell and does sell to everyone, all manner of websites, (but) that she won’t sell a website that requires her to express a view about marriage that she finds offensive.”

Where to draw the line for what a business might do without violating state anti-discrimination laws was a big question in Monday's arguments at the high court.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson asked whether a photography store in a shopping mall could refuse to take pictures of Black people on Santa's lap.

“Their policy is that only white children can be photographed with Santa in this way, because that’s how they view the scenes with Santa that they’re trying to depict,” Jackson said.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor repeatedly pressed Kristen Waggoner, the lawyer for Smith, over other categories. “How about people who don’t believe in interracial marriage? Or about people who don’t believe that disabled people should get married? Where’s the line?” Sotomayor asked.

But Justice Samuel Alito, who seemed to favor Smith, asked whether it's “fair to equate opposition to same-sex marriage to opposition to interracial marriage?”

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

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

The case being argued before the high court Monday involves Smith, a graphic artist and website designer in Colorado who wants to begin offering wedding websites. Smith says her Christian faith prevents her from creating websites celebrating same-sex marriages.

“Ms. Smith believes opposite-sex marriage honors scripture and same-sex marriage contradicts it,” Waggoner told the justices.

But offering wedding websites to same-sex couples and refusing to design them for opposite sex couples could get Smith in trouble with state law. Colorado, like most other states, has what's called a public accommodation law that says if Smith offers wedding websites to the public, she must provide them to all customers. Businesses that violate the law can be fined, among other things.

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

Like Phillips, Smith says her objection is not to working with gay people. She has had gay clients, her lawyer said. But she objects to creating messages supporting same-sex marriage, just as she wouldn't create a website for a couple who met while they both were married to other people and then divorced.

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

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

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670097259543.png" alt="Web designer Lorie Smith is shown in her office on Nov. 7, 2022, in the southwest part of Littleton, Colo. The Supreme Court is being warned about the potentially dire consequences of a case involving Smith, a Christian graphic artist, who objects to designing wedding websites for same-sex couples. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)" />
 <figcaption>Web designer Lorie Smith is shown in her office on Nov. 7, 2022, in the southwest part of Littleton, Colo. The Supreme Court is being warned about the potentially dire consequences of a case involving Smith, a Christian graphic artist, who objects to designing wedding websites for same-sex couples. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;'s conservative majority sounded sympathetic Monday to a Christian graphic artist who objects to designing wedding websites for gay couples, a dispute that's the latest clash of religion and gay rights to land at the highest court.<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/audio/2022/21-476">Click here to listen</a> to the oral argument or<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2022/21-476_8n59.pdf"> here to read</a> the transcriptThe&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ketanji-brown-jackson-us-supreme-court-entertainment-religion-discrimination-075f74b1f2828d117dc933d75b8bf191">designer and her supporters say</a>&nbsp;that ruling against her would force artists — from painters and photographers to writers and musicians — to do work that is against their beliefs. Her opponents, meanwhile, say that if she wins, a range of businesses will be able to discriminate, refusing to serve Black customers, Jewish or Muslim people, interracial or interfaith couples or immigrants, among others.Over more than two hours of spirited arguments, the justices repeatedly tested out what ruling for the designer could mean, using detailed and sometimes colorful hypothetical scenarios. Those included a Black Santa asked to take a picture with a child dressed in a Ku Klux Klan outfit, a photographer asked to take pictures for the Jewish dating website JDate and also the marital infidelity website Ashley Madison, and a food business called “Grandma Helen's Protestant Provisions.”Justice Neil Gorsuch, one of three high court appointees of former President Donald Trump, described&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-religion-colorado-discrimination-360d60888809823779d033acce40c9bf">Lorie Smith</a>, the website designer in the case, as “an individual who says she will sell and does sell to everyone, all manner of websites, (but) that she won’t sell a website that requires her to express a view about marriage that she finds offensive.”Where to draw the line for what a business might do without violating state anti-discrimination laws was a big question in Monday's arguments at the high court.Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson asked whether a photography store in a shopping mall could refuse to take pictures of Black people on Santa's lap.“Their policy is that only white children can be photographed with Santa in this way, because that’s how they view the scenes with Santa that they’re trying to depict,” Jackson said.Justice Sonia Sotomayor repeatedly pressed Kristen Waggoner, the lawyer for Smith, over other categories. “How about people who don’t believe in interracial marriage? Or about people who don’t believe that disabled people should get married? Where’s the line?” Sotomayor asked.But Justice Samuel Alito, who seemed to favor Smith, asked whether it's “fair to equate opposition to same-sex marriage to opposition to interracial marriage?”The case comes at a time when the court is dominated 6-3 by conservatives and follows a series of cases in which the justices have sided with religious plaintiffs. Across the street from the court, lawmakers at the Capitol are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-religion-gay-rights-marriage-clarence-thomas-2d09d9213472d04195c64d09644f124c">finalizing what would be a landmark bill</a>&nbsp;protecting same-sex marriage.The proposed law, which also would protect interracial marriage, has gained momentum following the high court's decision earlier this year to end constitutional protections for abortion. That decision&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling</a>&nbsp;prompted questions about whether the court — now that it is more conservative — might also overturn its 2015 decision declaring a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-courts-marriage-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-united-states-government-9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">nationwide right to same-sex marriage</a>. Justice&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/clarence-thomas">Clarence Thomas</a>&nbsp;explicitly said that decision should be reconsidered.The case being argued before the high court Monday involves Smith, a graphic artist and website designer in Colorado who wants to begin offering wedding websites. Smith says her Christian faith prevents her from creating websites celebrating same-sex marriages.“Ms. Smith believes opposite-sex marriage honors scripture and same-sex marriage contradicts it,” Waggoner told the justices.But offering wedding websites to same-sex couples and refusing to design them for opposite sex couples could get Smith in trouble with state law. Colorado, like most other states, has what's called a public accommodation law that says if Smith offers wedding websites to the public, she must provide them to all customers. Businesses that violate the law can be fined, among other things.Five years ago, the Supreme Court heard a different challenge involving Colorado's law and a baker, Jack Phillips, who objected to designing a wedding cake for a gay couple. That case&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-ap-top-news-courts-supreme-courts-politics-459b5e723c4c47ffa40df839097503c9">ended with a limited decision</a>&nbsp;and set up a return of the issue to the high court. Waggoner, of the Alliance Defending Freedom, also represented Phillips.Like Phillips, Smith says her objection is not to working with gay people. She has had gay clients, her lawyer said. But she objects to creating messages supporting same-sex marriage, just as she wouldn't create a website for a couple who met while they both were married to other people and then divorced.Smith says Colorado’s law violates her free speech rights. Her opponents, including the Biden administration, the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP Legal Defense &amp; Educational Fund, disagree.Twenty mostly liberal states, including California and New York, are supporting Colorado, while 20 other, mostly Republican,states, including Arizona, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee, are supporting Smith.The case is 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, 21-476.

🎤 Court sympathetic to designer opposed to gay marriage

CRAWFORD COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 11:30p.m. Monday in Crawford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Hyundai Vera Cruz driven by Robert E. Shaver, 70,&nbsp; Pittsburg, Kansas, was southbound at 1065 220th Road. 

The SUV traveled off the roadway to the west,&nbsp; struck a concrete culvert and overturned into a field.

Shaver was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Derfelt Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

CRAWFORD COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 11:30p.m. Monday in Crawford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Hyundai Vera Cruz driven by Robert E. Shaver, 70,&nbsp; Pittsburg, Kansas, was southbound at 1065 220th Road. The SUV traveled off the roadway to the west,&nbsp; struck a concrete culvert and overturned into a field.Shaver was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Derfelt Funeral Home. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after SUV rolls into a field

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FDA to consider Pfizer omicron booster for kids under 5

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

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

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

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

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

PRATT, Kan. — A Kansas man arrested in May on sex crime charges has been sentenced to 25-years in prison.

&nbsp;On September 19, Larry Beireis, 62, Pratt, was convicted in Pratt County District Court on charges of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child Under 14, according to a media release.

He is being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility, according to online jail records.

PRATT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged child sex crimes.

Following an investigation into allegations that a child had been sexually assaulted,&nbsp; police arrested 62-year-old Larry  Bereis, according to a media release from police.

Bereis is currently being held on a $500,000 bond on requested charges of sexual assault of a child &lt; 14 years of age.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652105332811.png" alt="Beireis -photo Pratt Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Beireis -photo Pratt Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PRATT, Kan. — A Kansas man arrested in May on sex crime charges has been sentenced to 25-years in prison.&nbsp;On September 19, Larry Beireis, 62, Pratt, was convicted in Pratt County District Court on charges of Aggravated Indecent Liberties with a Child Under 14, according to a media release.He is being held in the El Dorado Correctional Facility, according to online jail records.-----------PRATT COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged child sex crimes.Following an investigation into allegations that a child had been sexually assaulted,&nbsp; police arrested 62-year-old Larry Bereis, according to a media release from police.Bereis is currently being held on a $500,000 bond on requested charges of sexual assault of a child &lt; 14 years of age.

Kansas  man sentenced on child sex crime charges

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service encouraged taxpayers to 
take important actions this month to help them file their 2022 federal 
tax returns.

This is the second in a series of reminders to help taxpayers get ready for the upcoming tax filing season. A <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">"Get Ready" page</a> outlines steps taxpayers can take now to make tax filing easier in 2023.

Here's what's new and some key items for taxpayers to consider before they file next year.

Reporting rules changed for Form 1099-K. Taxpayers should receive <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1099-k">Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions</a>, by January 31, 2023, if they received third party payments in tax year 2022 for goods and services that exceeded $600.

There's no change to the taxability of income. All income, including 
from part-time work, side jobs or the sale of goods is still taxable. 
Taxpayers must report all income on their tax return unless it's 
excluded by law, whether they receive a Form 1099-K, a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1099-nec">Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation</a>, or any other information return.

Prior to 2022, Form 1099-K was issued for third party networks 
transactions only if the total number of transactions exceeded 200 for 
the year and the aggregate amount of these transactions exceeded 
$20,000. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-k">lowered the reporting threshold</a> for third party networks that process payments for those doing business.

Now a single transaction exceeding $600 can require the third party 
platform to issue a 1099-K. Money received through third party payment 
networks from friends and relatives as personal gifts or reimbursements 
for personal expenses is not taxable.

The IRS cautions people in this category who may be receiving a Form 
1099 for the first time – especially "early filers" who typically file a
 tax return during the month of January or early February – to be 
careful and make sure they have all of their key income documents before
 submitting a tax return. A little extra caution could save people 
additional time and effort related to filing an amended tax return. And 
if they have untaxed income on a Form 1099 that isn't reflected on the 
tax return they initially file, that could mean they need to submit a 
tax payment with an amended tax return.

If the information is incorrect on the 1099-K, taxpayers should 
contact the payer immediately, whose name appears in the upper left 
corner on the form. The IRS cannot correct it.

Some tax credits return to 2019 levels. This means 
that affected taxpayers will likely receive a significantly smaller 
refund compared with the previous tax year. Changes include amounts for 
the&nbsp;Child Tax Credit (CTC), Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)&nbsp;and Child 
and Dependent Care Credit.

Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-and-deductions">Credits and Deductions</a> for more details.

No above-the-line charitable deductions. During 
COVID, taxpayers could take up to a $600 charitable donation tax 
deduction on their tax returns. However, in 2022, those who take a 
standard deduction may not take an above-the-line deduction for 
charitable donations.

More people may be eligible for the Premium Tax Credit. For tax year 2022, taxpayers may still qualify for temporarily expanded eligibility for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/individuals-and-families/the-premium-tax-credit-the-basics">premium tax credit</a>.

Eligibility rules changed to claim a tax credit for clean vehicles. Review the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/plug-in-electric-drive-vehicle-credit-section-30d">changes</a> under the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/latest-news-on-the-inflation-reduction-act-of-2022">Inflation Reduction Act of 2022</a> to qualify for a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/plug-in-electric-vehicle-credit-irc-30-and-irc-30d">Clean Vehicle Credit</a>.

Avoid refund delays and understand refund timing

Many different factors can affect the timing of a refund after the 
IRS receives a return. Although the IRS issues most refunds in less than
 21 days, the IRS cautions taxpayers not to rely on receiving a 2022 
federal tax refund by a certain date, especially when making major 
purchases or paying bills. Some returns may require additional review 
and may take longer to process if IRS systems detect a possible error, 
the return is missing information or there is suspected identity theft 
or fraud.

Also, the IRS cannot issue refunds for people claiming the EITC or 
Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. The law requires
 the IRS to hold the entire refund – not just the portion associated 
with EITC or ACTC.

Last quarterly payment for 2022 is due on January 17, 2023

Taxpayers may need to consider estimated or additional tax payments 
due to non-wage income from unemployment, self-employment, annuity 
income or even digital assets. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 on IRS.gov can help wage earners determine if there is a need to 
consider an additional tax payment to avoid an unexpected tax bill when 
they file.

Taxpayers should develop a recordkeeping system − electronic or paper
 − that keeps important information in one place. This includes year-end
 income documents like Forms W-2 from employers, Forms 1099 from banks 
or other payers, Form 1099-K from third party payment networks, Form 
1099-NEC for nonemployee compensation, Form 1099-MISC for miscellaneous 
income, or Form 1099-INT if you were paid interest, as well as records 
documenting all digital asset transactions. 

Ensuring their tax records are complete before filing helps taxpayers
 avoid errors that lead to processing delays. When they have all their 
documentation, taxpayers are in the best position to file an accurate 
return and avoid processing or refund delays or IRS letters.

An <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS Online Account</a>
 lets taxpayers securely access their personal tax information, 
including tax return transcripts, payment history, certain notices, 
prior year adjusted gross income and power of attorney information. 
Filers can log in to verify if their name and address are correct. They 
should <a href="https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/address-changes">notify IRS if their address has changed</a>. They must notify the <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/">Social Security Administration</a> of a legal name change to avoid a delay in processing their tax return.

Get banked to speed refunds with direct deposit

The fastest way to get a tax refund is by filing electronically and choosing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.
 Direct deposit is faster than waiting for a paper check in the mail. It
 also avoids the possibility that a refund check could be lost, stolen 
or returned to the IRS as undeliverable.

Don't have a bank account?&nbsp;Learn how to open an account at an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked/">FDIC-Insured bank</a>&nbsp;or through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National&nbsp;Credit Union Locator Tool</a>. Veterans should see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)</a>&nbsp;for access to financial services at participating banks.

Prepaid debit cards or mobile apps may allow direct deposit of tax 
refunds.&nbsp;They must have routing and account numbers associated with them
 that can be entered on a tax return. Taxpayers can check with the 
mobile app provider or financial institution to confirm which numbers to
 use.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service encouraged taxpayers to 
take important actions this month to help them file their 2022 federal 
tax returns.This is the second in a series of reminders to help taxpayers get ready for the upcoming tax filing season. A <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">"Get Ready" page</a> outlines steps taxpayers can take now to make tax filing easier in 2023.Here's what's new and some key items for taxpayers to consider before they file next year.Reporting rules changed for Form 1099-K. Taxpayers should receive <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1099-k">Form 1099-K, Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions</a>, by January 31, 2023, if they received third party payments in tax year 2022 for goods and services that exceeded $600.There's no change to the taxability of income. All income, including 
from part-time work, side jobs or the sale of goods is still taxable. 
Taxpayers must report all income on their tax return unless it's 
excluded by law, whether they receive a Form 1099-K, a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1099-nec">Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation</a>, or any other information return.Prior to 2022, Form 1099-K was issued for third party networks 
transactions only if the total number of transactions exceeded 200 for 
the year and the aggregate amount of these transactions exceeded 
$20,000. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/understanding-your-form-1099-k">lowered the reporting threshold</a> for third party networks that process payments for those doing business.Now a single transaction exceeding $600 can require the third party 
platform to issue a 1099-K. Money received through third party payment 
networks from friends and relatives as personal gifts or reimbursements 
for personal expenses is not taxable.The IRS cautions people in this category who may be receiving a Form 
1099 for the first time – especially "early filers" who typically file a
 tax return during the month of January or early February – to be 
careful and make sure they have all of their key income documents before
 submitting a tax return. A little extra caution could save people 
additional time and effort related to filing an amended tax return. And 
if they have untaxed income on a Form 1099 that isn't reflected on the 
tax return they initially file, that could mean they need to submit a 
tax payment with an amended tax return.If the information is incorrect on the 1099-K, taxpayers should 
contact the payer immediately, whose name appears in the upper left 
corner on the form. The IRS cannot correct it.Some tax credits return to 2019 levels. This means 
that affected taxpayers will likely receive a significantly smaller 
refund compared with the previous tax year. Changes include amounts for 
the&nbsp;Child Tax Credit (CTC), Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)&nbsp;and Child 
and Dependent Care Credit.<ul>
 <li>Those who got $3,600 per dependent in 2021 for the CTC will, if eligible, get $2,000 for the 2022 tax year.</li><li>For the EITC, eligible taxpayers with no children who received roughly $1,500 in 2021 will now get $500 in 2022.</li><li>The Child and Dependent Care Credit returns to a maximum of $2,100 in 2022 instead of $8,000 in 2021.</li>
 </ul>Visit <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-and-deductions">Credits and Deductions</a> for more details.No above-the-line charitable deductions. During 
COVID, taxpayers could take up to a $600 charitable donation tax 
deduction on their tax returns. However, in 2022, those who take a 
standard deduction may not take an above-the-line deduction for 
charitable donations.More people may be eligible for the Premium Tax Credit. For tax year 2022, taxpayers may still qualify for temporarily expanded eligibility for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/individuals-and-families/the-premium-tax-credit-the-basics">premium tax credit</a>.Eligibility rules changed to claim a tax credit for clean vehicles. Review the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/plug-in-electric-drive-vehicle-credit-section-30d">changes</a> under the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/latest-news-on-the-inflation-reduction-act-of-2022">Inflation Reduction Act of 2022</a> to qualify for a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/plug-in-electric-vehicle-credit-irc-30-and-irc-30d">Clean Vehicle Credit</a>.<h2>Avoid refund delays and understand refund timing</h2>Many different factors can affect the timing of a refund after the 
IRS receives a return. Although the IRS issues most refunds in less than
 21 days, the IRS cautions taxpayers not to rely on receiving a 2022 
federal tax refund by a certain date, especially when making major 
purchases or paying bills. Some returns may require additional review 
and may take longer to process if IRS systems detect a possible error, 
the return is missing information or there is suspected identity theft 
or fraud.Also, the IRS cannot issue refunds for people claiming the EITC or 
Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. The law requires
 the IRS to hold the entire refund – not just the portion associated 
with EITC or ACTC.<h2>Last quarterly payment for 2022 is due on January 17, 2023</h2>Taxpayers may need to consider estimated or additional tax payments 
due to non-wage income from unemployment, self-employment, annuity 
income or even digital assets. The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator">Tax Withholding Estimator</a>
 on IRS.gov can help wage earners determine if there is a need to 
consider an additional tax payment to avoid an unexpected tax bill when 
they file.<h2>Gather 2022 tax documents</h2>Taxpayers should develop a recordkeeping system − electronic or paper
 − that keeps important information in one place. This includes year-end
 income documents like Forms W-2 from employers, Forms 1099 from banks 
or other payers, Form 1099-K from third party payment networks, Form 
1099-NEC for nonemployee compensation, Form 1099-MISC for miscellaneous 
income, or Form 1099-INT if you were paid interest, as well as records 
documenting all digital asset transactions. Ensuring their tax records are complete before filing helps taxpayers
 avoid errors that lead to processing delays. When they have all their 
documentation, taxpayers are in the best position to file an accurate 
return and avoid processing or refund delays or IRS letters.<h2>Sign in to Online Account</h2>An <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS Online Account</a>
 lets taxpayers securely access their personal tax information, 
including tax return transcripts, payment history, certain notices, 
prior year adjusted gross income and power of attorney information. 
Filers can log in to verify if their name and address are correct. They 
should <a href="https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/address-changes">notify IRS if their address has changed</a>. They must notify the <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/">Social Security Administration</a> of a legal name change to avoid a delay in processing their tax return.<h2>Get banked to speed refunds with direct deposit</h2>The fastest way to get a tax refund is by filing electronically and choosing <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>.
 Direct deposit is faster than waiting for a paper check in the mail. It
 also avoids the possibility that a refund check could be lost, stolen 
or returned to the IRS as undeliverable.Don't have a bank account?&nbsp;Learn how to open an account at an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked/">FDIC-Insured bank</a>&nbsp;or through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">National&nbsp;Credit Union Locator Tool</a>. Veterans should see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)</a>&nbsp;for access to financial services at participating banks.Prepaid debit cards or mobile apps may allow direct deposit of tax 
refunds.&nbsp;They must have routing and account numbers associated with them
 that can be entered on a tax return. Taxpayers can check with the 
mobile app provider or financial institution to confirm which numbers to
 use.

Tax time: What's new, what to consider when filing in 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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