WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita man was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison for his role in a hoax phone call that led police to shoot and kill an innocent man in 2017.

Shane Gaskill was sentenced after pleading guilty in May to wire fraud, KSN&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/crime/wichita-man-sentenced-in-fatal-2017-swatting/?utm_source=t.co&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=socialflow">reported</a>. He was originally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-police-trials-coronavirus-pandemic-conspiracy-f89c6e65a96c0fde918995d8b488afc9">placed on probation</a>&nbsp;but faced renewed prosecution after violating the terms of his probation.

Prosecutors said Gaskill got into an argument in December 2017 with Ohio gamer Casey Viner over a $1.50 bet. Using an old Wichita address Gaskill had given him, Viner persuaded Tyler Barris in Los Angeles to call Wichita police and say a kidnapping and shooting had happened at the address, prosecutors said.

It's called “swatting,” a form of retaliation in which someone makes a false report to police to send first responders, including SWAT teams, to someone's address.

Andrew Finch, 28, who lived at the address, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3412c82c38104bec9afdc4331f4881ac">shot and killed by police</a>&nbsp;after he opened the front door to see what was going on outside.

Barris was sentenced to 20 years in prison after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-ea1d3ae559924c1c807ca3fad984e524">pleading guilty</a>&nbsp;to 51 counts of making fake emergency calls and threats around the country, including the one that led to Finch’s death.

Viner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-shootings-ap-top-news-courts-police-b54996cd2d154bf8a5a2d51a3bb3ae56">served 15 months</a>&nbsp;in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591210545859.png" alt="Police body camera image the night of the swatting call -Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Police body camera image the night of the swatting call -Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita man was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison for his role in a hoax phone call that led police to shoot and kill an innocent man in 2017.Shane Gaskill was sentenced after pleading guilty in May to wire fraud, KSN&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksn.com/news/crime/wichita-man-sentenced-in-fatal-2017-swatting/?utm_source=t.co&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=socialflow">reported</a>. He was originally&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-police-trials-coronavirus-pandemic-conspiracy-f89c6e65a96c0fde918995d8b488afc9">placed on probation</a>&nbsp;but faced renewed prosecution after violating the terms of his probation.Prosecutors said Gaskill got into an argument in December 2017 with Ohio gamer Casey Viner over a $1.50 bet. Using an old Wichita address Gaskill had given him, Viner persuaded Tyler Barris in Los Angeles to call Wichita police and say a kidnapping and shooting had happened at the address, prosecutors said.It's called “swatting,” a form of retaliation in which someone makes a false report to police to send first responders, including SWAT teams, to someone's address.Andrew Finch, 28, who lived at the address, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/3412c82c38104bec9afdc4331f4881ac">shot and killed by police</a>&nbsp;after he opened the front door to see what was going on outside.Barris was sentenced to 20 years in prison after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-ea1d3ae559924c1c807ca3fad984e524">pleading guilty</a>&nbsp;to 51 counts of making fake emergency calls and threats around the country, including the one that led to Finch’s death.Viner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-shootings-ap-top-news-courts-police-b54996cd2d154bf8a5a2d51a3bb3ae56">served 15 months</a>&nbsp;in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy and obstruction of justice.

Man sentenced in 'swatting' case that led to Kan. man's death

HARVEY COUNTY—Investigators have determined the cause of Sunday's fire at Fox Meadows Apartments, 720 West 12th Street in Newton, as undetermined with no criminal activity suspected, according to Newton County Fire and EMS

The fire marshal is working with the property owner to get the building secured. Units 101 and 103 were minimally damaged, and those residents are permitted to collect any needed belongings. 

Authorities asked residents of the other units not to enter their apartments because conditions are not safe.

The fire included 12 units and was isolated to one fourplex building, according to Newton Fire and Rescue.&nbsp;EMS transported one person in critical condition to a Wichita hospital.&nbsp;

Authorities have not updated the condition of this individual or released their name.

&nbsp;Financial donations to support the displaced residents can be sent to the Newton Community Foundation’s Community Response Fund: <a href="https://centralkansascf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1330&amp;sorg_id=1104&amp;fbclid=IwAR3UMGM2LqmYOGf7st6VYu7zwfS12qqfL7gRuYXJLC8DOnb5fW2p7K594oI" target="_blank">https://centralkansascf.fcsuite.com/.../create/fund...</a>Salvation Army at 208 W. 6th St. is accepting donations of clothing and household items the residents might need.

HARVEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an apartment fire Sunday in Newton.

The fire at Fox Meadows Apartments,&nbsp; 720 West 12th Street, included 12 units and was isolated to one fourplex building, according to Newton Fire and Rescue.

EMS transported one person in critical condition to a Wichita hospital. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office was on the scene to investigate the fire the cause.&nbsp; Departments from Hesston, Halstead and Walton&nbsp; &nbsp;assisted.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details Sunday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664137891279.png" alt="Crews on the scene of the apartment building fire Sunday in Newton-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Crews on the scene of the apartment building fire Sunday in Newton-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—Investigators have determined the cause of Sunday's fire at Fox Meadows Apartments, 720 West 12th Street in Newton, as undetermined with no criminal activity suspected, according to Newton County Fire and EMSThe fire marshal is working with the property owner to get the building secured. Units 101 and 103 were minimally damaged, and those residents are permitted to collect any needed belongings. Authorities asked residents of the other units not to enter their apartments because conditions are not safe.The fire included 12 units and was isolated to one fourplex building, according to Newton Fire and Rescue.&nbsp;EMS transported one person in critical condition to a Wichita hospital.&nbsp;Authorities have not updated the condition of this individual or released their name.&nbsp;Financial donations to support the displaced residents can be sent to the Newton Community Foundation’s Community Response Fund: <a href="https://centralkansascf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1330&amp;sorg_id=1104&amp;fbclid=IwAR3UMGM2LqmYOGf7st6VYu7zwfS12qqfL7gRuYXJLC8DOnb5fW2p7K594oI" target="_blank">https://centralkansascf.fcsuite.com/.../create/fund...</a>Salvation Army at 208 W. 6th St. is accepting donations of clothing and household items the residents might need.----------HARVEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an apartment fire Sunday in Newton.The fire at Fox Meadows Apartments,&nbsp; 720 West 12th Street, included 12 units and was isolated to one fourplex building, according to Newton Fire and Rescue.EMS transported one person in critical condition to a Wichita hospital. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office was on the scene to investigate the fire the cause.&nbsp; Departments from Hesston, Halstead and Walton&nbsp; &nbsp;assisted.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details Sunday afternoon.

Officials release new details on cause of Kan. apartment fire

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a violent attack and have a suspect in custody.

Just before 6:30a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a stabbing that occurred in the 400 block of West Central in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch. 

While en route to the call, officers learned a neighbor transported the 41-year-old male victim to a local hospital.

The investigation revealed 29-year-old Trey Schulz of Wichita and the victim were in a verbal altercation when Schulz stabbed the victim over 30 times.

Police arrested Schulz on requested charges of attempted murder. 

The victim and Schulz are known to each other, and this is not a random incident. The victim has since been released from the hospital, according to Ditch. Schulz is<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069699"> being held on a $150,000 bond</a>, according to online jail records.

On Sept. 9, police arrested Schultz on requested charges of criminal carrying a weapon; bludgeon, sand club knucklee; criminal trespass and drug possession. He had a previous drug conviction in Sumner County in 2015, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664222246737.png" alt="Schulz-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Schulz-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a violent attack and have a suspect in custody.Just before 6:30a.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a stabbing that occurred in the 400 block of West Central in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch. While en route to the call, officers learned a neighbor transported the 41-year-old male victim to a local hospital.The investigation revealed 29-year-old Trey Schulz of Wichita and the victim were in a verbal altercation when Schulz stabbed the victim over 30 times.Police arrested Schulz on requested charges of attempted murder. The victim and Schulz are known to each other, and this is not a random incident. The victim has since been released from the hospital, according to Ditch. Schulz is<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20069699"> being held on a $150,000 bond</a>, according to online jail records.On Sept. 9, police arrested Schultz on requested charges of criminal carrying a weapon; bludgeon, sand club knucklee; criminal trespass and drug possession. He had a previous drug conviction in Sumner County in 2015, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Police: Kansas felon stabbed victim 30 times

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

Authorities investigating the cause of death of a Salina man whose body was found in a central Salina backyard say Adam Guzman died of an accidental overdose, according to a media release from the Salina Police Department.&nbsp;

Guzman's body was found in the backyard of a residence in the 900 block of W. South Street on July 8

"The autopsy and toxicology findings have been received for Adam N. Guzman. Mr. Guzman’s cause of death is listed as an accidental overdose. The autopsy findings, toxicology report, and information from the case investigation have been provided to the Saline County Attorney, Jeff Ebel, and this case is now closed."

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostAuthorities investigating the cause of death of a Salina man whose body was found in a central Salina backyard say Adam Guzman died of an accidental overdose, according to a media release from the Salina Police Department.&nbsp;Guzman's body was found in the backyard of a residence in the 900 block of W. South Street on July 8"The autopsy and toxicology findings have been received for Adam N. Guzman. Mr. Guzman’s cause of death is listed as an accidental overdose. The autopsy findings, toxicology report, and information from the case investigation have been provided to the Saline County Attorney, Jeff Ebel, and this case is now closed."

Police release cause of death of man found in Salina backyard

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/26/aclu-of-kansas-legislature-needs-to-fix-endless-probation/">Kansas Reflector</a>

An <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/17/blood-from-stone-kansas-court-of-appeals-examines-endless-probation-for-poor-people/">“endless probation” case</a> is still dragging on in Kansas, with the defendant set to keep paying restitution for the next four decades, if legal reforms don’t address the situation.

Edwanda Garrett pleaded guilty in 
2009 to making fraudulent content, and again in 2017 for writing bad 
checks. Garrett’s restitution included deducting $50 from her paycheck 
each month for the next 40 years. She is currently on her 13th year of 
probation, said her defense attorney, Kasper Schirer, during an Aug. 17 
Kansas Court of Appeals hearing on the case.

The court rejected her case on technical grounds, without discussing the constitutionality of current state probation laws. 

In Kansas, probation is limited to 
five years by state law, but it can be extended indefinitely if the 
defendant fails to pay court costs, fines and restitution. Legal advocates have pushed back against
 the practice, calling it unconstitutional. People do not have the right
 to vote while on probation and are subject to other measures, including
 mandatory check-ins, potential surveillance, questioning and travel 
restrictions.&nbsp;

The American Civil Liberties Union of
 Kansas filed a June brief in support of Garrett, arguing that current 
probation laws are unconstitutional and unfairly affect people living 
below the poverty line. In the state, about 20% of all prison admissions
 are probation violators, according to the ACLU, which has said harsh 
probation measures set people up for failure.&nbsp;

Sharon Brett, legal director for the 
Kansas ACLU, said the Legislature needed to examine the disparity in 
treatment caused by current probation laws.

“The ACLU is hopeful Ms. Garrett will
 have her constitutional rights vindicated in the lower court, and that 
her criminal judge will recognize that continuing Ms. Garrett on state 
supervision indefinitely due to her poverty serves no legitimate 
community interest,” Brett wrote in a statement for Kansas Reflector.&nbsp;

The ACLU is currently pushing the state Legislature to reform <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_066_0008.html">a state law</a> which allows probation to continue until the amount of court-ordered restitution has been paid.

Brett said the system promotes a 
two-tiered system of punishment, in which people who cannot afford to 
pay fines are punished much more harshly than those who can.

“Those that have the economic means 
to do so can buy their freedom, and along with it, the restoration of 
their ability to vote,” Brett said. “Those that do not, however, remain 
stuck in criminal legal system purgatory, denied the ability to 
participate in democracy, simply because of their poverty.”

Schirer declined to comment on the current situation, as litigation is still pending.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664200776691.png" alt="Kasper Schirer appears before a Kansas Court of Appeals panel to argue against a state law that allows his client’s probation to be extended indefinitely. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from court video)" />
 <figcaption>Kasper Schirer appears before a Kansas Court of Appeals panel to argue against a state law that allows his client’s probation to be extended indefinitely. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from court video)</figcaption>
 </figure>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/09/26/aclu-of-kansas-legislature-needs-to-fix-endless-probation/">Kansas Reflector</a>An <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/08/17/blood-from-stone-kansas-court-of-appeals-examines-endless-probation-for-poor-people/">“endless probation” case</a> is still dragging on in Kansas, with the defendant set to keep paying restitution for the next four decades, if legal reforms don’t address the situation.Edwanda Garrett pleaded guilty in 
2009 to making fraudulent content, and again in 2017 for writing bad 
checks. Garrett’s restitution included deducting $50 from her paycheck 
each month for the next 40 years. She is currently on her 13th year of 
probation, said her defense attorney, Kasper Schirer, during an Aug. 17 
Kansas Court of Appeals hearing on the case.The court rejected her case on technical grounds, without discussing the constitutionality of current state probation laws. In Kansas, probation is limited to 
five years by state law, but it can be extended indefinitely if the 
defendant fails to pay court costs, fines and restitution. Legal advocates have pushed back against
 the practice, calling it unconstitutional. People do not have the right
 to vote while on probation and are subject to other measures, including
 mandatory check-ins, potential surveillance, questioning and travel 
restrictions.&nbsp;The American Civil Liberties Union of
 Kansas filed a June brief in support of Garrett, arguing that current 
probation laws are unconstitutional and unfairly affect people living 
below the poverty line. In the state, about 20% of all prison admissions
 are probation violators, according to the ACLU, which has said harsh 
probation measures set people up for failure.&nbsp;Sharon Brett, legal director for the 
Kansas ACLU, said the Legislature needed to examine the disparity in 
treatment caused by current probation laws.“The ACLU is hopeful Ms. Garrett will
 have her constitutional rights vindicated in the lower court, and that 
her criminal judge will recognize that continuing Ms. Garrett on state 
supervision indefinitely due to her poverty serves no legitimate 
community interest,” Brett wrote in a statement for Kansas Reflector.&nbsp;The ACLU is currently pushing the state Legislature to reform <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch21/021_066_0008.html">a state law</a> which allows probation to continue until the amount of court-ordered restitution has been paid.Brett said the system promotes a 
two-tiered system of punishment, in which people who cannot afford to 
pay fines are punished much more harshly than those who can.“Those that have the economic means 
to do so can buy their freedom, and along with it, the restoration of 
their ability to vote,” Brett said. “Those that do not, however, remain 
stuck in criminal legal system purgatory, denied the ability to 
participate in democracy, simply because of their poverty.”Schirer declined to comment on the current situation, as litigation is still pending.

ACLU of Kansas: Legislature needs to fix ‘endless probation’

WASHINGTON (AP) — Members of Congress have officially objected to the results in four of the last six presidential elections, a partisan practice that has been legal for over a century but became much more fraught after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">a violent mob</a>&nbsp;of then-President Donald Trump’s supporters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">attacked the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;last year.

In an effort to prevent another Jan. 6, 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-presidential-constitutions-congress-ba742c9f4c67c5189a6a6c9f8531721e">bills moving through the House and the Senate</a>&nbsp;would make it harder to lodge those objections when Congress counts the electoral votes in a joint session after every presidential election. The move to curtail the objections is part of a larger effort to overhaul the 1800s-era Electoral Count Act and safeguard the integrity of the vote after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;tried to persuade his Republican allies in Congress to vote against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">Democrat Joe Biden’s victory</a>&nbsp;and overturn his 2020 defeat.

Under current law, only one member of the House and one member of the Senate has to challenge a state’s results to trigger votes on that state’s electors in each chamber. If a simple majority in each chamber votes to sustain the objection, that state’s votes can be thrown out.

The House and Senate bills would each raise that threshold substantially, with the House bill requiring a third of each chamber to object and the Senate bill requiring a fifth of each chamber to object. The House legislation,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-presidential-constitutions-election-2020-32c6ea94829f95d11f7696d2cba542b6">passed last week</a>, would also lay out new requirements for the grounds for an objection.

“It is just too easy to trigger an objection when it only requires one person in each chamber,” says Maine Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican co-sponsor of the Senate version. Eleven GOP senators have signed on to the legislation, which is up for a vote in a Senate committee on Tuesday.

If the bills are consolidated into one measure that becomes law, it will do away with a tradition that has become increasingly popular as Congress has become more polarized.

Democrats have objected the last three times that Republicans were elected — twice against George W. Bush and once against Trump — but in each of those cases the Democratic candidate had already conceded the election.

The stakes were raised considerably in 2021, when Trump and his allies were actively trying to thwart Biden’s win, with a strategy to throw out Biden electors in Congress and the support of a violent mob that broke into the Capitol, interrupted the joint session and threatened the lives of lawmakers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-pence-electoral-vote-d27490021b4203087043df1939b82f8b">Vice President Mike Pence</a>.

House Administration Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren of California, the Democratic sponsor of the House bill with Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, said the bill would protect the voters’ will from “frivolous” objections and more sinister efforts.

“If you want to object to the vote, you better have your colleagues and the Constitution on your side,” Lofgren said just before the bill passed. “Don’t try to overturn our democracy.”

At the 2021 joint session, two GOP senators —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-2022-midterm-elections-biden-presidential-texas-b87d4001f2d03df10fa050af5b0b1239">Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri</a>&nbsp;— joined a larger group of House Republicans in objecting to Biden’s electoral votes in Arizona and Pennsylvania, two swing states that Trump had won in the 2016 election but lost in 2020. Both the House and the Senate voted to certify Biden’s win in those states in the hours after the rioters had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/docs-expose-depth-january-6-capitol-siege-chaos-fd3204574c11e453be8fb4e3c81258c3">injured police officers</a>, rampaged through the Capitol and sent lawmakers running for their lives. But eight senators and almost 140 members of the House voted to sustain the objections.

Congress had only held such votes twice since the enactment of the Electoral Count Act 135 years ago. In 1969, two Democratic senators joined a member of the House to object to the vote of one elector in North Carolina during the certification of Republican Richard Nixon’s victory. In 2004, Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer of California and Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio, objected to President George W. Bush’s electors in Ohio over what they said were voting irregularities.

In both cases, the House and the Senate rejected the objections.

In several other instances, members of the House have lodged objections without the support of a senator. In 2000, several members of the Congressional Black Caucus objected to Bush’s electors in Florida after the Supreme Court had forced a halt to vote-counting in that state and decided the election. Vice President Al Gore, whom Bush had defeated, gaveled the objections down as he presided over the session.

In 2016, several Democrats stood and objected to Trump’s win over Democrat Hillary Clinton but no senator joined, and Vice President Joe Biden dismissed them. Like Gore, Clinton had already conceded defeat.

Members on both sides of the Capitol have been working on the revisions to the Electoral Count Act since the 2021 insurrection, saying the law’s vague language was not robust enough protection against Trump’s overt attempts to subvert the will of the people. The bills would also clarify that the vice president’s role is solely ceremonial and try to prevent states from creating slates of illegitimate electors, as Trump’s allies tried to do.

The House bill is more expansive than the Senate bill, and the two sides will eventually have to resolve their differences into a single measure. That includes the House language with new grounds for any objection, which would restrict the process even further.

Under the House legislation, no member could make an objection unless it fell under a strict set of parameters that relate to the Constitution — that the state is not validly a state, if the state submits too many electoral votes or if a candidate is not eligible, for example.

House Republicans argued against the legislation by saying it was a political attack on Trump, noting the frequent Democratic objections over the years. It only received nine Republican votes, all from members who are not returning to the House next year.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., responded that if lawmakers believed there had been too many objections in the past, “you should absolutely be supporting this legislation.”

Hawley, who was photographed raising a fist to pro-Trump protesters outside the Capitol ahead of last year’s joint session, said in an interview that he is “skeptical” of the effort to change a law that has been in place for so many years.

“My concern is that it’s going to look like to Republican voters that Democrats can object as much as often as they want,” the Missouri Republican said, noting the objections in 2000, 2004 and 2016.

“As soon as Republicans do, they change the law,” Hawley said. “I can promise you, that will be the perception.”

Still, 11 Republican senators have signed on to the Senate bill, enough to break a filibuster and pass the bill in the 50-50 Senate.

Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, who is retiring, was the latest GOP senator to sign on to the legislation last week.

“The poor drafting of the 1887 Electoral Count Act endangered the transition of power from one Administration to the next,” Toomey said when he announced his support.

“Unfortunately, in the over 100 intervening years, individual Democratic and Republican members of Congress have occasionally attempted to exploit the ambiguities in this law to cast doubt on the validity of our elections, culminating in the debacle of January 6, 2021," he said. "It is past time Congress act.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1609956651601.png" alt="Former Vice President Mike Pence as he presided over the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress to certify Joe Biden’s election victory-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Former Vice President Mike Pence as he presided over the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress to certify Joe Biden’s election victory-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Members of Congress have officially objected to the results in four of the last six presidential elections, a partisan practice that has been legal for over a century but became much more fraught after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">a violent mob</a>&nbsp;of then-President Donald Trump’s supporters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">attacked the U.S. Capitol</a>&nbsp;last year.In an effort to prevent another Jan. 6, 2021,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-presidential-constitutions-congress-ba742c9f4c67c5189a6a6c9f8531721e">bills moving through the House and the Senate</a>&nbsp;would make it harder to lodge those objections when Congress counts the electoral votes in a joint session after every presidential election. The move to curtail the objections is part of a larger effort to overhaul the 1800s-era Electoral Count Act and safeguard the integrity of the vote after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;tried to persuade his Republican allies in Congress to vote against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">Democrat Joe Biden’s victory</a>&nbsp;and overturn his 2020 defeat.Under current law, only one member of the House and one member of the Senate has to challenge a state’s results to trigger votes on that state’s electors in each chamber. If a simple majority in each chamber votes to sustain the objection, that state’s votes can be thrown out.The House and Senate bills would each raise that threshold substantially, with the House bill requiring a third of each chamber to object and the Senate bill requiring a fifth of each chamber to object. The House legislation,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-donald-trump-presidential-constitutions-election-2020-32c6ea94829f95d11f7696d2cba542b6">passed last week</a>, would also lay out new requirements for the grounds for an objection.“It is just too easy to trigger an objection when it only requires one person in each chamber,” says Maine Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican co-sponsor of the Senate version. Eleven GOP senators have signed on to the legislation, which is up for a vote in a Senate committee on Tuesday.If the bills are consolidated into one measure that becomes law, it will do away with a tradition that has become increasingly popular as Congress has become more polarized.Democrats have objected the last three times that Republicans were elected — twice against George W. Bush and once against Trump — but in each of those cases the Democratic candidate had already conceded the election.The stakes were raised considerably in 2021, when Trump and his allies were actively trying to thwart Biden’s win, with a strategy to throw out Biden electors in Congress and the support of a violent mob that broke into the Capitol, interrupted the joint session and threatened the lives of lawmakers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mike-pence-electoral-vote-d27490021b4203087043df1939b82f8b">Vice President Mike Pence</a>.House Administration Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren of California, the Democratic sponsor of the House bill with Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, said the bill would protect the voters’ will from “frivolous” objections and more sinister efforts.“If you want to object to the vote, you better have your colleagues and the Constitution on your side,” Lofgren said just before the bill passed. “Don’t try to overturn our democracy.”At the 2021 joint session, two GOP senators —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-2022-midterm-elections-biden-presidential-texas-b87d4001f2d03df10fa050af5b0b1239">Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri</a>&nbsp;— joined a larger group of House Republicans in objecting to Biden’s electoral votes in Arizona and Pennsylvania, two swing states that Trump had won in the 2016 election but lost in 2020. Both the House and the Senate voted to certify Biden’s win in those states in the hours after the rioters had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/docs-expose-depth-january-6-capitol-siege-chaos-fd3204574c11e453be8fb4e3c81258c3">injured police officers</a>, rampaged through the Capitol and sent lawmakers running for their lives. But eight senators and almost 140 members of the House voted to sustain the objections.Congress had only held such votes twice since the enactment of the Electoral Count Act 135 years ago. In 1969, two Democratic senators joined a member of the House to object to the vote of one elector in North Carolina during the certification of Republican Richard Nixon’s victory. In 2004, Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer of California and Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, D-Ohio, objected to President George W. Bush’s electors in Ohio over what they said were voting irregularities.In both cases, the House and the Senate rejected the objections.In several other instances, members of the House have lodged objections without the support of a senator. In 2000, several members of the Congressional Black Caucus objected to Bush’s electors in Florida after the Supreme Court had forced a halt to vote-counting in that state and decided the election. Vice President Al Gore, whom Bush had defeated, gaveled the objections down as he presided over the session.In 2016, several Democrats stood and objected to Trump’s win over Democrat Hillary Clinton but no senator joined, and Vice President Joe Biden dismissed them. Like Gore, Clinton had already conceded defeat.Members on both sides of the Capitol have been working on the revisions to the Electoral Count Act since the 2021 insurrection, saying the law’s vague language was not robust enough protection against Trump’s overt attempts to subvert the will of the people. The bills would also clarify that the vice president’s role is solely ceremonial and try to prevent states from creating slates of illegitimate electors, as Trump’s allies tried to do.The House bill is more expansive than the Senate bill, and the two sides will eventually have to resolve their differences into a single measure. That includes the House language with new grounds for any objection, which would restrict the process even further.Under the House legislation, no member could make an objection unless it fell under a strict set of parameters that relate to the Constitution — that the state is not validly a state, if the state submits too many electoral votes or if a candidate is not eligible, for example.House Republicans argued against the legislation by saying it was a political attack on Trump, noting the frequent Democratic objections over the years. It only received nine Republican votes, all from members who are not returning to the House next year.Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., responded that if lawmakers believed there had been too many objections in the past, “you should absolutely be supporting this legislation.”Hawley, who was photographed raising a fist to pro-Trump protesters outside the Capitol ahead of last year’s joint session, said in an interview that he is “skeptical” of the effort to change a law that has been in place for so many years.“My concern is that it’s going to look like to Republican voters that Democrats can object as much as often as they want,” the Missouri Republican said, noting the objections in 2000, 2004 and 2016.“As soon as Republicans do, they change the law,” Hawley said. “I can promise you, that will be the perception.”Still, 11 Republican senators have signed on to the Senate bill, enough to break a filibuster and pass the bill in the 50-50 Senate.Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, who is retiring, was the latest GOP senator to sign on to the legislation last week.“The poor drafting of the 1887 Electoral Count Act endangered the transition of power from one Administration to the next,” Toomey said when he announced his support.“Unfortunately, in the over 100 intervening years, individual Democratic and Republican members of Congress have occasionally attempted to exploit the ambiguities in this law to cast doubt on the validity of our elections, culminating in the debacle of January 6, 2021," he said. "It is past time Congress act.”

Bills would curtail objections at future Jan. 6 vote counts

RENO COUNTY— The preliminary is set for Tuesday for registered Kansas sex offender on numerous counts of inappropriate contact with children.&nbsp;

Wayne Willard, 34, Hutchinson is charged with 10 counts of rape of a child under the age of 14. Each count carries a mandatory 50 years in prison. He’s also charged with Rape by force which carries a possible sentence of 12 to 54 years, and an alternative count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He was arrested by law enforcement back in April of this year.

The investigation started with an incident reported to patrol deputies. They got detectives involved and another victim and more incidents were reported. It is suspected that there may be several more victims and more incidents may have occurred.

&nbsp;Willard has been a registered sex offender since 2008 for convictions that include aggravated indecent liberties with a child and sexual battery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

The hearing is set for 2:30 p.m. in front of Judge Joe McCarville.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649805813736.png" alt="&nbsp;Willard has been a registered sex offender since 2008 for convictions that include aggravated indecent liberties with a child and sexual battery." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Willard has been a registered sex offender since 2008 for convictions that include aggravated indecent liberties with a child and sexual battery.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY— The preliminary is set for Tuesday for registered Kansas sex offender on numerous counts of inappropriate contact with children.&nbsp;Wayne Willard, 34, Hutchinson is charged with 10 counts of rape of a child under the age of 14. Each count carries a mandatory 50 years in prison. He’s also charged with Rape by force which carries a possible sentence of 12 to 54 years, and an alternative count of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. He was arrested by law enforcement back in April of this year.The investigation started with an incident reported to patrol deputies. They got detectives involved and another victim and more incidents were reported. It is suspected that there may be several more victims and more incidents may have occurred.&nbsp;Willard has been a registered sex offender since 2008 for convictions that include aggravated indecent liberties with a child and sexual battery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.The hearing is set for 2:30 p.m. in front of Judge Joe McCarville.

Registered Kan. sex offender set for hearing on rape charges

A Salina man was not injured early Sunday morning when his SUV was shot at while he was sitting inside.

At approximately 12:50 a.m. Sunday, the 37-year-old had just pulled into his driveway in the 800 block of Osage Avenue when two black Chevrolet Impalas turned west off of Broadway Boulevard onto Franklin Street. The two vehicles slowed down as they approached his residence. Then he heard what sounded to be a gunshot and the rear window of his 2007 GMC Yukon shattered, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

The man ducked down in the front seat of the vehicle as the shots continued to be fired. Forrester said the first vehicle continued shooting as it turned south onto Osage Avenue. The second vehicle continued west on Franklin Street.

Officers located 23 spent shell casings from a .223 rifle. Numerous rounds struck the vehicle and some also struck the house, Forrester said.

The 37-year-old's two daughters, ages 15 and 8, were inside the house but were not injured, Forrester said.

A 30-year-old Salina man who was visiting a neighbor, called police later to report that the bumper of his 2020 Audi had been shot. Forrester said the man had no connection to the 37-year-old.

Damage to the bumper was estimated at $500. Damage to the 37-year-old man's house was estimated at $200, while damage to the Yukon was estimated at $1,000. Forrester said the Yukon was destroyed.

Police are checking for surveillance video in the area.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man was not injured early Sunday morning when his SUV was shot at while he was sitting inside.At approximately 12:50 a.m. Sunday, the 37-year-old had just pulled into his driveway in the 800 block of Osage Avenue when two black Chevrolet Impalas turned west off of Broadway Boulevard onto Franklin Street. The two vehicles slowed down as they approached his residence. Then he heard what sounded to be a gunshot and the rear window of his 2007 GMC Yukon shattered, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.The man ducked down in the front seat of the vehicle as the shots continued to be fired. Forrester said the first vehicle continued shooting as it turned south onto Osage Avenue. The second vehicle continued west on Franklin Street.Officers located 23 spent shell casings from a .223 rifle. Numerous rounds struck the vehicle and some also struck the house, Forrester said.The 37-year-old's two daughters, ages 15 and 8, were inside the house but were not injured, Forrester said.A 30-year-old Salina man who was visiting a neighbor, called police later to report that the bumper of his 2020 Audi had been shot. Forrester said the man had no connection to the 37-year-old.Damage to the bumper was estimated at $500. Damage to the 37-year-old man's house was estimated at $200, while damage to the Yukon was estimated at $1,000. Forrester said the Yukon was destroyed.Police are checking for surveillance video in the area.

Police investigate drive-by shooting in Salina

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a scam on Manhattan.

Just after 6p.m. Friday. officers filed a report for fraud in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

 A 22-year-old woman reported she was scammed through Facebook and sent $660 to an unknown suspect and didn't receive it back.&nbsp;

Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353#">Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers</a>. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a scam on Manhattan.Just after 6p.m. Friday. officers filed a report for fraud in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 22-year-old woman reported she was scammed through Facebook and sent $660 to an unknown suspect and didn't receive it back.&nbsp;Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=353#">Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers</a>. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Police: Facebook scam cost Kansas woman $660

&nbsp;WASHINGTON —Pfizer Inc.&nbsp;and&nbsp;BioNTech SE&nbsp;on Monday announced they have completed a submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of a 10-µg booster dose of the companies’ Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 through 11 years of age, according to a statement from the company.

The request for Emergency Use Authorization of the Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine in this age group is supported by safety and immunogenicity data from the companies’ Omicron BA.1-adapted bivalent vaccine, non-clinical and manufacturing data from the companies’ 10-µg Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine, and preclinical data from the companies’ Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine. 

Earlier this month, the&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;endorsed the reformulated COVID-19 vaccine booster by Pfizer and BioNTech for emergency use in people ages 12 and older. The agency also endorsed the use of Moderna’s bivalent booster in adults ages 18 and older.

The companies have also initiated a Phase 1/2/3 study (<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=w0ykE0ip4Xlc-0tV6qe4-Wfp_QdMf3zjmuNE0KYuYEygfRYq7qBtV2XdDDGnMaotHZzoiIGm939UX_5iHP7lkJfp5aoyIQDb4QWnceRNTV4IKC1byaDRx6ghFQQd4MFw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NCT05543616</a>, C4591048) to evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of different doses and dosing regimens of the companies’ Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine in children 6 months through 11 years of age. This pediatric study is consistent with regulatory guidance and follows a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=SrqULrivkP9OFE-84gLKoNljlZz4RebTxQ9u4Rcmf7kwbHjUwTZcTJTpkf58SUn5b27GBjYbSJ3TiNffQafMnprmA8lLLRsoeGBKbpMBH_2f9qBI3MrZJRHqn0JkiES6ljRp8X_kWswaU5iPJv4k2GmRomJosLF4pqImGrwk8nM1hzJYbyKLeOhtEQGRFecquKsfKCvBEfx1A5sHMQqWvQ==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">previous</a>&nbsp;Phase 1/2/3 trial involving these age groups that demonstrated the original Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is well-tolerated and offers a high level of protection against COVID-19, measured at a time when the Omicron BA.2 strain was highly prevalent.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which is based on BioNTech’s proprietary mRNA technology, was developed by both BioNTech and Pfizer. BioNTech is the Marketing Authorization Holder for BNT162b2 (COMIRNATY®) 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. Submissions to pursue regulatory approvals in those countries where emergency use authorizations or equivalent were initially granted are planned.

About the Study The Phase 1/2/3 pediatric clinical study will have four substudies examining different bivalent COVID-19 vaccine dose regimens and dose levels across different ages, including:

U.S. INDICATION &amp; AUTHORIZED USE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE, BIVALENT (ORIGINAL AND OMICRON BA.4/BA.5) AUTHORIZED USES&nbsp;

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5)&nbsp;is FDA-authorized under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use in individuals 12 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®&nbsp;(COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) INDICATION COMIRNATY®&nbsp;(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.

COMIRNATY®&nbsp;AUTHORIZED USES COMIRNATY®&nbsp;(COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) is FDA-authorized under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to provide:

PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE AUTHORIZED USES&nbsp;

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

Emergency uses of the original and bivalent 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:

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.&nbsp;

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5),&nbsp;COMIRNATY®&nbsp;(COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

Tell your vaccination provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

Seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following symptoms:&nbsp;difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, a fast heartbeat, a bad rash all over the body, dizziness, and weakness&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;WASHINGTON —Pfizer Inc.&nbsp;and&nbsp;BioNTech SE&nbsp;on Monday announced they have completed a submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of a 10-µg booster dose of the companies’ Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 through 11 years of age, according to a statement from the company.The request for Emergency Use Authorization of the Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine in this age group is supported by safety and immunogenicity data from the companies’ Omicron BA.1-adapted bivalent vaccine, non-clinical and manufacturing data from the companies’ 10-µg Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine, and preclinical data from the companies’ Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent vaccine. Earlier this month, the&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;endorsed the reformulated COVID-19 vaccine booster by Pfizer and BioNTech for emergency use in people ages 12 and older. The agency also endorsed the use of Moderna’s bivalent booster in adults ages 18 and older.The companies have also initiated a Phase 1/2/3 study (<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=w0ykE0ip4Xlc-0tV6qe4-Wfp_QdMf3zjmuNE0KYuYEygfRYq7qBtV2XdDDGnMaotHZzoiIGm939UX_5iHP7lkJfp5aoyIQDb4QWnceRNTV4IKC1byaDRx6ghFQQd4MFw" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NCT05543616</a>, C4591048) to evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of different doses and dosing regimens of the companies’ Omicron BA.4/BA.5-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine in children 6 months through 11 years of age. This pediatric study is consistent with regulatory guidance and follows a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=SrqULrivkP9OFE-84gLKoNljlZz4RebTxQ9u4Rcmf7kwbHjUwTZcTJTpkf58SUn5b27GBjYbSJ3TiNffQafMnprmA8lLLRsoeGBKbpMBH_2f9qBI3MrZJRHqn0JkiES6ljRp8X_kWswaU5iPJv4k2GmRomJosLF4pqImGrwk8nM1hzJYbyKLeOhtEQGRFecquKsfKCvBEfx1A5sHMQqWvQ==" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">previous</a>&nbsp;Phase 1/2/3 trial involving these age groups that demonstrated the original Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is well-tolerated and offers a high level of protection against COVID-19, measured at a time when the Omicron BA.2 strain was highly prevalent.The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which is based on BioNTech’s proprietary mRNA technology, was developed by both BioNTech and Pfizer. BioNTech is the Marketing Authorization Holder for BNT162b2 (COMIRNATY®) 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. Submissions to pursue regulatory approvals in those countries where emergency use authorizations or equivalent were initially granted are planned.About the Study The Phase 1/2/3 pediatric clinical study will have four substudies examining different bivalent COVID-19 vaccine dose regimens and dose levels across different ages, including:<ul>
 <li>Substudy A (ages 6 through 23 months who are COVID-19 vaccine-naïve):&nbsp;Phase 1 dose-finding study will evaluate 3-µg, 6-µg and 10-µg dose levels of the bivalent vaccine. Based on Phase 1, participants in the Phase 2/3 will receive the selected dose as a three-dose primary series, followed by a booster dose.</li><li>Substudy B (ages 6 months through 4 years who previously received 2-3 doses of original COVID-19 vaccine):&nbsp;Those who have received two doses of the original COVID-19 vaccine prior to enrollment will receive both a third and fourth 3-µg dose of the bivalent vaccine. Those who have previously received three doses of the original vaccine will receive a 3-µg booster (fourth) dose of the bivalent vaccine.</li><li>Substudy C (ages 6 months through 4 years who previously received 3 doses of original COVID-19 vaccine):&nbsp;Phase 1 dose-finding study will evaluate 6-µg and 10-µg dose levels of the bivalent vaccine as a fourth dose. Based on Phase 1, Phase 2/3 will receive the selected dose as a fourth dose.</li><li>Substudy D (ages 5 through 11 years who previously received 2-3 doses of original COVID-19 vaccine):&nbsp;Participants will receive the bivalent vaccine as either a third or fourth 10-µg booster dose.</li>
 </ul>U.S. INDICATION &amp; AUTHORIZED USE PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE, BIVALENT (ORIGINAL AND OMICRON BA.4/BA.5) AUTHORIZED USES&nbsp;Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5)&nbsp;is FDA-authorized under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use in individuals 12 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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</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®&nbsp;(COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) INDICATION COMIRNATY®&nbsp;(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.COMIRNATY®&nbsp;AUTHORIZED USES COMIRNATY®&nbsp;(COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) is FDA-authorized under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to provide: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>PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE AUTHORIZED USES&nbsp;Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is FDA&nbsp;authorized under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use in individuals 6 months and older to provide: 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 through 11 years of age</li><li>a third primary series dose to individuals 5 years through 11 years of age with certain kinds of immunocompromise</li>
 </ul>Booster<ul>
 <li>a single booster dose to individuals 5 through 11 years of age who have completed a primary series with Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine</li>
 </ul>EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATIONEmergency uses of the original and bivalent 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:<ul>
 <li>individuals 6 months of age and older (original vaccine)</li><li>individuals 12 years of age and older (bivalent vaccine)&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>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.&nbsp;IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONPfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5),&nbsp;COMIRNATY®&nbsp;(COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 VaccineTell 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><li>COMIRNATY® (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5) may not protect all vaccine recipients.&nbsp;</li><li>You should not receive Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5) if you have had a severe allergic reaction to after a previous dose of COMIRNATY (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) or the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID 19 Vaccine or had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in these vaccines&nbsp;</li><li>There is a remote chance that Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5) 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>Seek medical attention right away if you have any of the following symptoms:&nbsp;difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, a fast heartbeat, a bad rash all over the body, dizziness, and weakness&nbsp;<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 the first week following receipt of the second primary series dose or first booster dose, with most booster doses administered at least 5 months after completing primary vaccination. The chance of having this occur is very low.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Side effects that have been reported with these vaccines include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Severe allergic reactions&nbsp;</li><li>Non-severe allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face&nbsp;</li><li>Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)&nbsp;</li><li>Pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart)&nbsp;</li><li>Injection site pain&nbsp;</li><li>Tiredness&nbsp;</li><li>Headache&nbsp;</li><li>Muscle pain&nbsp;</li><li>Chills&nbsp;</li><li>Joint pain&nbsp;</li><li>Fever&nbsp;</li><li>Injection site swelling&nbsp;</li><li>Injection site redness&nbsp;</li><li>Nausea&nbsp;</li><li>Feeling unwell&nbsp;</li><li>Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)&nbsp;</li><li>Decreased appetite&nbsp;</li><li>Diarrhea&nbsp;</li><li>Vomiting&nbsp;</li><li>Arm pain&nbsp;</li><li>Fainting in association with injection of the vaccine&nbsp;</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>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.<ul>
 <li>Individuals should always ask their healthcare providers for medical advice about adverse events. 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" rel="nofollow" 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/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.pfizersafetyreporting.com</a>&nbsp;or by calling 1-800-438-1985</li>
 </ul>

Pfizer: Emergency request for COVID omicron booster in kids

BATES COUNTY, Missouri—A Kansas man died in an accident at a dirt track just after noon Sunday in Bates County Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Yamaha motorcycle driven by 50-year-old Jody C. Warne, 50, Ottawa, Kansas, was on the Midwest Extreme Dirt Park ramp 2.&nbsp;

The motorcycle went airborne, overturned and the driver was ejected. Warne was pronounced dead at the scene and released to Bates County Coroner.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664155329114.png" alt="Courtesy image" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy image</figcaption>
 </figure>BATES COUNTY, Missouri—A Kansas man died in an accident at a dirt track just after noon Sunday in Bates County Missouri.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2017 Yamaha motorcycle driven by 50-year-old Jody C. Warne, 50, Ottawa, Kansas, was on the Midwest Extreme Dirt Park ramp 2.&nbsp;The motorcycle went airborne, overturned and the driver was ejected. Warne was pronounced dead at the scene and released to Bates County Coroner.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmidwestextremepark%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0LxeaAkud2NwQCXNUxYtQRyQKC2hTQzj9JTkhJUb8puB2SWBBByouToJn3VuyUrRbl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="532" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>

Kansas man died after off-road, motocross track crash

OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and the Kansas Fire Marshal's office investigating a home explosion and fire in Osage County have identified the victim as&nbsp;62-year-old Timothy L. Howey.

Just before 7p.m. Saturday, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office received 911 calls of a possible house explosion at 11600 S. Indian Hills Road, near Carbondale, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.

First arriving deputies reported that the house was destroyed and was on fire. Howey, who lived at the residence, was transported from the scene by a Lifesave Air Ambulance to University of Kansas Medical Center where he remains in critical condition, according to the sheriff's office.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office ask that anyone with information please contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit at 785-828-3121 or to remain anonymous contact Osage County Crime Stoppers at (877) OSCRIME or email&nbsp;tips@oscosheriff.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664155724080.png" alt="Location of the home explosion and fire-Google map" />
 <figcaption>Location of the home explosion and fire-Google map</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities and the Kansas Fire Marshal's office investigating a home explosion and fire in Osage County have identified the victim as&nbsp;62-year-old Timothy L. Howey.Just before 7p.m. Saturday, the Osage County Sheriff’s Office received 911 calls of a possible house explosion at 11600 S. Indian Hills Road, near Carbondale, according to Osage County Sheriff Chris Wells.First arriving deputies reported that the house was destroyed and was on fire. Howey, who lived at the residence, was transported from the scene by a Lifesave Air Ambulance to University of Kansas Medical Center where he remains in critical condition, according to the sheriff's office.The Osage County Sheriff’s Office ask that anyone with information please contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit at 785-828-3121 or to remain anonymous contact Osage County Crime Stoppers at (877) OSCRIME or email&nbsp;tips@oscosheriff.org.

Sheriff IDs victim in Kansas home explosion, fire 

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged aggravated assault.

Just after 9p.m. on Sept. 24, officers investigated an altercation that had occurred in a parking lot in the 700 block Kansas Avenue, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

 A 39-year-old victim reported being threatened by a man she did not know who was holding what appeared to be a handgun. The victim saw an officer on patrol nearby and notified him.

Police arrested Kyle A. Lawley, 32, Atchison, on requested charges of aggravated assault. Police also recovered a pellet gun resembling a handgun at the scene, according to Wilson. 

In 2021, police arrested Lawley on requested charges of domestic battery, violating a protection order and a bond violation, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663959942956.png" alt="Lawley-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Lawley-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for alleged aggravated assault.Just after 9p.m. on Sept. 24, officers investigated an altercation that had occurred in a parking lot in the 700 block Kansas Avenue, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson. A 39-year-old victim reported being threatened by a man she did not know who was holding what appeared to be a handgun. The victim saw an officer on patrol nearby and notified him.Police arrested Kyle A. Lawley, 32, Atchison, on requested charges of aggravated assault. Police also recovered a pellet gun resembling a handgun at the scene, according to Wilson. In 2021, police arrested Lawley on requested charges of domestic battery, violating a protection order and a bond violation, according to online jail records.

Kansas man with a pellet gun allegedly threatened woman 

STAFFORD COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Sunday in Stafford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Honda motorcycle driven by Larry J. Ryan, 25, Pratt, was northbound on SE 80th Avenue six miles south of Stafford.

The driver attempted to avoid a deer that had entered the roadway from the right. The driver lost control of the motorcycle.&nbsp; It left the roadway and came to rest in the east ditch.

EMS transported Ryan to the Stafford County Hospital where he died. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574443414576.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>STAFFORD COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 7:30p.m. Sunday in Stafford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Honda motorcycle driven by Larry J. Ryan, 25, Pratt, was northbound on SE 80th Avenue six miles south of Stafford.The driver attempted to avoid a deer that had entered the roadway from the right. The driver lost control of the motorcycle.&nbsp; It left the roadway and came to rest in the east ditch.EMS transported Ryan to the Stafford County Hospital where he died. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies in motorcycle crash after attempt to avoid deer

If you want solar panels, be very careful when evaluating 
installation offers. Con artists use misleading sales tactics and 
outright lies to trick homeowners out of money and personal information.
 If you've received an offer for "free solar panels," it's likely a 
scam. Here's what you should know.

Someone contacts you through email, phone, social media, or even in person, as in many cases reported to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>.
 They are pretending to be a solar company salesperson. The 
"representative" has a special offer: they can install solar panels on 
your home for a very low cost – or even free. The amazing deal is only 
available for a limited time, so you must act now!

From here, the scam can take several turns. In some versions, the 
scammer is after your personal information. They ask you to fill out 
forms with your banking details "to see if you qualify." Other times, 
the "solar representative" claims you need to pay upfront costs, which 
they promise will be reimbursed by a (non-existent) government program. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/">BBB Scam Tracker</a> has 
seen numerous reports of this kind of scam. One homeowner was approached
 by a door-to-door salesperson "claiming he could get me a new roof plus
 solar equipment, with a government rebate for 26% off cost, essentially
 paying for the new roof." After doing their research, the homeowner 
found that while a government rebate program existed, the salesperson 
was misrepresenting it to make a sale.

In another case, a homeowner spoke on the phone to a "solar engineer"
 after being approached in person. "The engineer claimed they could make
 it cost-free for us. He said they had finished their installations in 
our neighborhood and met their quota but would try to squeeze us in." 
However, the conversation took a strange turn when the "solar engineer" 
started asking for personal information. When the homeowner declined to 
answer, the conversation got heated. "We ended the conversation, and I 
received a nasty text… It was completely unprofessional."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBIf you want solar panels, be very careful when evaluating 
installation offers. Con artists use misleading sales tactics and 
outright lies to trick homeowners out of money and personal information.
 If you've received an offer for "free solar panels," it's likely a 
scam. Here's what you should know.<h2>How the scam works</h2>Someone contacts you through email, phone, social media, or even in person, as in many cases reported to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>.
 They are pretending to be a solar company salesperson. The 
"representative" has a special offer: they can install solar panels on 
your home for a very low cost – or even free. The amazing deal is only 
available for a limited time, so you must act now!From here, the scam can take several turns. In some versions, the 
scammer is after your personal information. They ask you to fill out 
forms with your banking details "to see if you qualify." Other times, 
the "solar representative" claims you need to pay upfront costs, which 
they promise will be reimbursed by a (non-existent) government program. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/">BBB Scam Tracker</a> has 
seen numerous reports of this kind of scam. One homeowner was approached
 by a door-to-door salesperson "claiming he could get me a new roof plus
 solar equipment, with a government rebate for 26% off cost, essentially
 paying for the new roof." After doing their research, the homeowner 
found that while a government rebate program existed, the salesperson 
was misrepresenting it to make a sale.In another case, a homeowner spoke on the phone to a "solar engineer"
 after being approached in person. "The engineer claimed they could make
 it cost-free for us. He said they had finished their installations in 
our neighborhood and met their quota but would try to squeeze us in." 
However, the conversation took a strange turn when the "solar engineer" 
started asking for personal information. When the homeowner declined to 
answer, the conversation got heated. "We ended the conversation, and I 
received a nasty text… It was completely unprofessional."<h2>How to avoid solar panel scams </h2><ul>
 <li>Do your research. Genuine incentive programs and <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/26112-bbb-tip-a-consumers-guide-to-going-solar" target="_blank">reputable solar energy contractors</a> do exist. Before you accept an unsolicited offer, do some research on solar companies in your area. <a href="https://www.bbb.org/search" target="_blank">Investigate each company's reputation</a> and business practices before you consider signing a contract for services. </li><li>Don't give in to high-pressure sales tactics. Con 
artists want to provoke an emotional reaction that would cause you to 
give in to their requests without thinking it through. Take your time 
and know that a legitimate company won't pressure you to act. If someone
 is using aggressive sales tactics on you, it's best to cut off 
communication immediately. </li><li>Get competing bids. Contact several solar 
installers if you plan on going solar and get bids from each company. If
 someone is pulling a con, they will be much easier to spot this way. </li><li>Ask plenty of questions and consider the answers. Ask
 questions about any aspect of a contract or proposal you don't 
understand. If the company gets upset about your questions, refuses to 
answer them, or is vague with their answers, consider it a red flag.</li>
 </ul>

Scam alert: 'Free' solar panels can cost you big time

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities and school district officials are investigating a substitute school teacher for allegedly sending inappropriate messages to students.

On Tuesday, a school resource officer in the Kansas City suburb of Belton received information from a student regarding inappropriate social media messages and videos received by the student from a substitute teacher, according to a media release from police.

 This officer, along with members of the Belton Police Investigations Division and with the cooperation from the Belton School District began an investigation which uncovered additional victims. 

 In the early morning hours Wednesday, the suspect was detained by the Bates County Sheriff’s Office as a person of interest in this case. 

 The suspect was extradited back to the Belton Jail at that time. On 9-21-2022, the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office filed the following charges against 42-year-old Jason L. Carey of Enticement or Attempted Enticement of a Child, Felony; Child Molestation, 2nd Degree Felony; 2 Counts of Furnishing Pornographic Material or Attempt to Furnish Pornographic Material to a Minor, Misdemeanor

Carey is currently being held without bond in the Cass County Jail.Although charges have been filed, this continues to be an ongoing investigation and additional charges may be filed as more information is obtained.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663878773893.png" alt="Carey photo Cass County" />
 <figcaption>Carey photo Cass County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities and school district officials are investigating a substitute school teacher for allegedly sending inappropriate messages to students.On Tuesday, a school resource officer in the Kansas City suburb of Belton received information from a student regarding inappropriate social media messages and videos received by the student from a substitute teacher, according to a media release from police. This officer, along with members of the Belton Police Investigations Division and with the cooperation from the Belton School District began an investigation which uncovered additional victims. In the early morning hours Wednesday, the suspect was detained by the Bates County Sheriff’s Office as a person of interest in this case. The suspect was extradited back to the Belton Jail at that time. On 9-21-2022, the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office filed the following charges against 42-year-old Jason L. Carey of Enticement or Attempted Enticement of a Child, Felony; Child Molestation, 2nd Degree Felony; 2 Counts of Furnishing Pornographic Material or Attempt to Furnish Pornographic Material to a Minor, MisdemeanorCarey is currently being held without bond in the Cass County Jail.Although charges have been filed, this continues to be an ongoing investigation and additional charges may be filed as more information is obtained.

KC-area teacher sent inappropriate videos to students

The fire at Fox Meadows Apartments,&nbsp; 720 West 12th Street, included 12 units and was isolated to one fourplex building, according to Newton Fire and Rescue. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664137891279.png" alt="Crews on the scene of the apartment building fire Sunday in Newton-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Crews on the scene of the apartment building fire Sunday in Newton-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY—One person was injured in an apartment fire Sunday in Newton.The fire at Fox Meadows Apartments,&nbsp; 720 West 12th Street, included 12 units and was isolated to one fourplex building, according to Newton Fire and Rescue. EMS transported one person in critical condition to a Wichita hospital. The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office was on the scene to investigate the fire the cause.&nbsp; Departments from Hesston, Halstead and Walton&nbsp; &nbsp;assisted.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details Sunday afternoon.

One critically injured after Kansas  apartment fire 

SEDGWICK COUNTY— Wichita Police K9 Major and his handler Officer Kevin Dykstra assisted U.S. Marshals this week in apprehending a violent and dangerous fugitive from Texas who was staying in a Wichita hotel, according to a media release from police.

U.S. Marshal's requested Dykstra and K9 Major assist with apprehending 48-year-old Demetrius T. Carter of Lancaster, TX. Demetrius was wanted on an outstanding Texas warrant for Aggravated Assault. 

He was also found to have a Sedgwick County Warrant for distribution of cocaine in addition to an extensive criminal history in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas involving robbery, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and multiple firearm offenses.

Officers located Carter at a hotel in the 300 block of S. Webb in Wichita and attempted to take him into custody. After seeing the officers, Carter tried to run back into his hotel room but was quickly apprehended by K9 Major.

EMS transported Carter to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries prior to being booked into the Sedgwick County Jail for his outstanding warrants. Officers also located an AR-style rifle inside his hotel room, which he is prohibited from carrying due to his status as a convicted felon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663933488824.png" alt="K-9 Major -photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>K-9 Major -photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Wichita Police K9 Major and his handler Officer Kevin Dykstra assisted U.S. Marshals this week in apprehending a violent and dangerous fugitive from Texas who was staying in a Wichita hotel, according to a media release from police.U.S. Marshal's requested Dykstra and K9 Major assist with apprehending 48-year-old Demetrius T. Carter of Lancaster, TX. Demetrius was wanted on an outstanding Texas warrant for Aggravated Assault. He was also found to have a Sedgwick County Warrant for distribution of cocaine in addition to an extensive criminal history in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas involving robbery, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and multiple firearm offenses.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663933438858.png" alt="Carter-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Carter-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Officers located Carter at a hotel in the 300 block of S. Webb in Wichita and attempted to take him into custody. After seeing the officers, Carter tried to run back into his hotel room but was quickly apprehended by K9 Major.EMS transported Carter to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries prior to being booked into the Sedgwick County Jail for his outstanding warrants. Officers also located an AR-style rifle inside his hotel room, which he is prohibited from carrying due to his status as a convicted felon.

Kan. police K9 helps U.S. Marshals catch wanted cocaine dealer 

NEW YORK (AP) — Sharply rising cases of some sexually transmitted diseases — including a 26% rise in new syphilis infections reported last year — are prompting U.S. health officials to call for new prevention and treatment efforts.

“It is imperative that we ... work to rebuild, innovate, and expand (STD) prevention in the U.S.,” said Dr. Leandro Mena of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a speech Monday at a medical conference on sexually transmitted diseases.

Infections rates for some STDs, including gonorrhea and syphilis, have been rising for years. Last year the rate of syphilis cases reached its highest since 1991 and the total number of cases hit its highest since 1948. HIV cases are also on the rise, up 16% last year.

And an international outbreak of monkeypox, which is being spread mainly between men who have sex with other men, has further highlighted the nation's worsening problem with diseases spread mostly through sex.

David Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors, called the situation “out of control.”

Officials are working on new approaches to the problem, such as home-test kits for some STDs that will make it easier for people to learn they are infected and to take steps to prevent spreading it to others, Mena said.

Another expert said a core part of any effort must work to increase the use of condoms.

“It's pretty simple. More sexually transmitted infections occur when people are having more unprotected sex,” said Dr. Mike Saag, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Syphilis is a bacterial disease that surfaces as genital sores but can ultimately lead to severe symptoms and death if left untreated.

New syphilis infections plummeted in the U.S. starting in the 1940s when antibiotics became widely available. They fell to their lowest ever by 1998, when fewer than 7,000 new cases were reported nationwide. The CDC was so encouraged by the progress it launched a plan to eliminate syphilis in the U.S.

But by 2002 cases began rising again, largely among gay and bisexual men, and they kept going. In late 2013, CDC ended its elimination campaign in the face of limited funding and escalating cases, which that year surpassed 17,000.

By 2020 cases had reached nearly 41,700 and they spiked even further last year, to more than 52,000.

The rate of cases has been rising, too, hitting about 16 per 100,000 people last year. That's the highest in three decades.

Rates are highest in men who have sex with men, and among Black and Hispanic Americans and Native Americans. While the rate for women is lower than it is for men, officials noted that it's has been rising more dramatically — up about 50% last year.

That ties to another problem — the rise in congenital syphilis, in which infected moms pass the virus on to their babies, potentially leading to death of the child or health problems like deafness and blindness. Annual congenital syphilis cases numbered only about 300 a decade ago; they surged to nearly 2,700 last year. Of last year's tally, 211 were stillbirths or infant deaths, Mena said.

The increases in syphilis and other STDs may have several causes, experts say. Testing and prevention efforts have been hobbled by years of inadequate funding, and spread may have gotten worse — especially during the pandemic — as a result of delayed diagnosis and treatment. Drug and alcohol use may have contributed to risky sexual behavior. Condom use has been declining.

And there may have been a surge in sexual activity as people emerged from COVID-19 lockdowns. “People are feeling liberated,” Saag said.

The arrival of monkeypox added a large additional burden. CDC recently sent a letter to state and local health departments saying that their HIV and STD resources could be used to fight the monkeypox outbreak. But some experts say the government needs to provide more funding for STD work, not divert it.

Harvey's group and some other public health organizations are pushing a proposal for more federal funding, including at least $500 million for STD clinics.

Mena, who last year became director of the CDC's Division of STD Prevention, called for reducing stigma, broadening screening and treatment services, and supporting the development and accessibility of at-home testing. “I envision one day where getting tested (for STDs) can be as simple and as affordable as doing a home pregnancy test,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1663639233225.png" alt="Gonorrhea CDC image" />
 <figcaption>Gonorrhea CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Sharply rising cases of some sexually transmitted diseases — including a 26% rise in new syphilis infections reported last year — are prompting U.S. health officials to call for new prevention and treatment efforts.“It is imperative that we ... work to rebuild, innovate, and expand (STD) prevention in the U.S.,” said Dr. Leandro Mena of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a speech Monday at a medical conference on sexually transmitted diseases.Infections rates for some STDs, including gonorrhea and syphilis, have been rising for years. Last year the rate of syphilis cases reached its highest since 1991 and the total number of cases hit its highest since 1948. HIV cases are also on the rise, up 16% last year.And an international outbreak of monkeypox, which is being spread mainly between men who have sex with other men, has further highlighted the nation's worsening problem with diseases spread mostly through sex.David Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors, called the situation “out of control.”Officials are working on new approaches to the problem, such as home-test kits for some STDs that will make it easier for people to learn they are infected and to take steps to prevent spreading it to others, Mena said.Another expert said a core part of any effort must work to increase the use of condoms.“It's pretty simple. More sexually transmitted infections occur when people are having more unprotected sex,” said Dr. Mike Saag, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.Syphilis is a bacterial disease that surfaces as genital sores but can ultimately lead to severe symptoms and death if left untreated.New syphilis infections plummeted in the U.S. starting in the 1940s when antibiotics became widely available. They fell to their lowest ever by 1998, when fewer than 7,000 new cases were reported nationwide. The CDC was so encouraged by the progress it launched a plan to eliminate syphilis in the U.S.But by 2002 cases began rising again, largely among gay and bisexual men, and they kept going. In late 2013, CDC ended its elimination campaign in the face of limited funding and escalating cases, which that year surpassed 17,000.By 2020 cases had reached nearly 41,700 and they spiked even further last year, to more than 52,000.The rate of cases has been rising, too, hitting about 16 per 100,000 people last year. That's the highest in three decades.Rates are highest in men who have sex with men, and among Black and Hispanic Americans and Native Americans. While the rate for women is lower than it is for men, officials noted that it's has been rising more dramatically — up about 50% last year.That ties to another problem — the rise in congenital syphilis, in which infected moms pass the virus on to their babies, potentially leading to death of the child or health problems like deafness and blindness. Annual congenital syphilis cases numbered only about 300 a decade ago; they surged to nearly 2,700 last year. Of last year's tally, 211 were stillbirths or infant deaths, Mena said.The increases in syphilis and other STDs may have several causes, experts say. Testing and prevention efforts have been hobbled by years of inadequate funding, and spread may have gotten worse — especially during the pandemic — as a result of delayed diagnosis and treatment. Drug and alcohol use may have contributed to risky sexual behavior. Condom use has been declining.And there may have been a surge in sexual activity as people emerged from COVID-19 lockdowns. “People are feeling liberated,” Saag said.The arrival of monkeypox added a large additional burden. CDC recently sent a letter to state and local health departments saying that their HIV and STD resources could be used to fight the monkeypox outbreak. But some experts say the government needs to provide more funding for STD work, not divert it.Harvey's group and some other public health organizations are pushing a proposal for more federal funding, including at least $500 million for STD clinics.Mena, who last year became director of the CDC's Division of STD Prevention, called for reducing stigma, broadening screening and treatment services, and supporting the development and accessibility of at-home testing. “I envision one day where getting tested (for STDs) can be as simple and as affordable as doing a home pregnancy test,” he said.

CDC: Sexually transmitted diseases are out of control

NEW YORK (AP) — When President Joe Biden announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-program-explained-d248f3b049c292856bb1c74be6aedef2">plan to forgive student loan debt</a>, many borrowers who kept making payments during the pandemic wondered if they'd made the right choice

Borrowers who paid down their debt during a pandemic freeze that started in March 2020 can in fact get a refund — and&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/one-time-cancellation">then apply for forgiveness</a>&nbsp;– but the process for doing that hasn’t always been clear.

If you think you’re eligible, here’s what you need to know:

Borrowers who hold eligible federal student loans and have made voluntary payments since March 13, 2020, can get a refund, according to the Department of Education.

For some people, that refund will be automatic. You can get a refund without applying if your payments brought your loan balance below the maximum debt relief amount: $10,000 for all borrowers, and $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients. Borrowers can check their balance in their&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing">studentaid.gov account</a>.

For example, if a borrower paid $100 a month for 10 months of the pandemic and their balance is now $8,000, that $1,000 will automatically be refunded. Then they can apply to get the rest of their debt forgiven.

But if a borrower paid throughout the pandemic and still owes $14,000, they won’t get an automatic refund. They can, however, apply to have $10,000 of that debt erased.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1661356712793.png" alt="Image White House" />
 <figcaption>Image White House</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — When President Joe Biden announced a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-program-explained-d248f3b049c292856bb1c74be6aedef2">plan to forgive student loan debt</a>, many borrowers who kept making payments during the pandemic wondered if they'd made the right choiceBorrowers who paid down their debt during a pandemic freeze that started in March 2020 can in fact get a refund — and&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/one-time-cancellation">then apply for forgiveness</a>&nbsp;– but the process for doing that hasn’t always been clear.If you think you’re eligible, here’s what you need to know:___WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A REFUND?Borrowers who hold eligible federal student loans and have made voluntary payments since March 13, 2020, can get a refund, according to the Department of Education.For some people, that refund will be automatic. You can get a refund without applying if your payments brought your loan balance below the maximum debt relief amount: $10,000 for all borrowers, and $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients. Borrowers can check their balance in their&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing">studentaid.gov account</a>.For example, if a borrower paid $100 a month for 10 months of the pandemic and their balance is now $8,000, that $1,000 will automatically be refunded. Then they can apply to get the rest of their debt forgiven.But if a borrower paid throughout the pandemic and still owes $14,000, they won’t get an automatic refund. They can, however, apply to have $10,000 of that debt erased.Another group of people that has to apply for a refund is those who completely paid off their loan balance during the pandemic. If that’s you, you’re eligible for loan forgiveness, but you’ll have to request a refund prior to applying for debt relief. Borrowers should confirm their eligibility for the loan forgiveness program prior to requesting a refund.For example, if a borrower had $5,000 in debt at the start of the pandemic and paid it all back during the freeze, but is eligible for up to $10,000 in forgiveness, they would apply for a $5,000 refund, then apply to have their debt forgiven.“Borrowers who paid off their loans during the pause will need to request a refund first, then request cancellation,” said a spokesperson from the Departmentof Education.The refund is not available for private student loans.Eligible federal student loans:—Direct Loans (defaulted and non defaulted)—Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans held by ED (defaulted and non defaulted)—Federal Perkins Loans held by ED (defaulted and non defaulted)—Defaulted FFEL Program loans not held by ED—Defaulted HEAL loansIf you are not sure which loan you have, visit your&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing">dashboard at studentaid.gov</a>&nbsp;and find the “my loan servicers” section. If you can’t access your dashboard, you can call the Federal Student Aid office at 1-800-433-3243 to ask for loan servicer information.HOW CAN I APPLY FOR A REFUND?Borrowers who want a specific amount refunded can apply by calling their loan service provider. Right now, refunds are only being done via phone and not through any website or email.When the Biden Administration announced the forgiveness,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mygreatlakes/posts/pfbid0h5Z1LyJ6u8qPYvGarnxeogUk97jEJLBKf84yz9TjRnkdP65P4c9uhzFkB1VQEfmil">loan servicers found themselves inundated with calls</a>. But many borrowers now say they’re not waiting long when calling.“I was on hold for about five minutes,” said Megan McParland, of New Jersey, who graduated in 2018 and made several payments during the payment freeze.McParland requested a refund the first week of September. At first, she felt the servicer tried to dissuade her from making the request. But after confirming that she wanted to proceed, she was told that she would see her refund in about a month.Sierra Tibbs, a 47-year-old resident of Casselberry, Florida, had a similar experience. The entire phone call with her loan servicer took around 20 minutes.Tibbs applied for a refund after seeing a video online informing her that she could get back money she paid during the pandemic.If you are unsure who services your loan, or if the servicer changed during the pandemic, visit your&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing?redirectTo=%2F">student aid account dashboard</a>&nbsp;and scroll to “my loan servicers” or call 1-800-433-3243.Before calling your loan provider to request your refund, you need to know your account number and the amount you want refunded.—Loan servicers’ phone numbers:<a href="https://myfedloan.org/">FedLoan Servicing</a>: 1-800-699-2908<a href="https://mygreatlakes.org/">Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc.</a>: 1-800-236-4300<a href="https://edfinancial.com/home">Edfinancial</a>: 1-855-337-6884<a href="https://www.mohela.com/">MOHELA</a>: 1-888-866-4352<a href="https://aidvantage.com/">Aidvantage</a>: 1-800-722-1300<a href="https://www.nelnet.com/account/login/">Nelnet</a>: 1-888-486-4722<a href="https://public.osla.org/">OSLA Servicing</a>: 1-866-264-9762<a href="https://efpls.ed.gov/">ECSI</a>: 1-866-313-3797<a href="https://myeddebt.ed.gov/">Default Resolution Group</a>: 1-800-621-3115 (1-877-825-9923 for the deaf or hard of hearing)HOW WILL THE REFUND WORK — AND WHEN WILL MY LOANS BE FORGIVEN?When you request a refund, the amount that you have paid during the payment freeze will be added back to your student loan balance, said Katherine Welbeck, Civil Rights Counsel for the Student Borrower Protection Center.That amount is still eligible for cancellation and can be eliminated after you&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/one-time-cancellation">apply for forgiveness</a>.You're&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/student-loan-forgiveness-program-explained-d248f3b049c292856bb1c74be6aedef2">eligible for debt relief</a>&nbsp;if you had an annual federal income below $125,000 individually or $250,000 if you're married or head of household in 2020 or 2021. The application is expected to open in early October and you can apply until Dec. 31, 2023.It is unclear when borrowers will see debt relief. So far,&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/one-time-cancellation">the plan only mentions</a>&nbsp;borrowers will be notified by their loan servicer when their debt is forgiven. There is also a possibility that forgiveness could be delayed if the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-health-education-0fea030a0875c0e4e1a39b0c098bd48a">Biden administration faces legal challenges</a>.Laura Baum, a 30-year-old resident of Chicago, paid $5,000 during the payment freeze toward her $15,000 remaining debt. She is eligible to have $20,000 canceled since she was a Pell grant recipient when she was an undergraduate. At the beginning of September, Baum called her loan servicer and asked for a refund.But because of the uncertainty, she is planning to save that money until the Department of Education confirms her debt has been canceled.“I’m going to hold on to that refund until I absolutely see $0 in my student loans,” Baum said.WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO APPLY?The&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/one-time-cancellation">deadline to apply for a refund</a>&nbsp;is December 31, 2023. However, Welbeck recommends that you apply for a refund before you apply for debt forgiveness.“If you apply first, you can process the refund to get your money back, and then that balance in your account is canceled,” Welbeck said.The application process for loan forgiveness is expected to take four to six weeks.The Department of Education is offering a subscription page&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ed.gov/subscriptions">where you can sign up to be notified</a>&nbsp;when the application is open.HOW MUCH CAN I GET REFUNDED?You can get a refund for the entire amount you paid during the payment freeze, according to the Department of Education. However, you can choose a lower amount.You might pick this option if, during the pandemic, you paid enough to get your debt below the maximum amount of forgiveness. You could get a partial refund, then apply to have your remaining debt wiped out.Say you had $15,000 worth of debt remaining at the beginning of the payment freeze and have since paid $8,000, but qualify for $10,000 in debt relief. You might decide to ask for a refund of just $3,000. Then, your debt balance will be exactly $10,000, and you can apply for maximum loan forgiveness.WHEN WILL I GET MY REFUND?Borrowers should expect to receive their refund six to 12 weeks after requesting it, according to the Department of Education. But you might want to double-check with your loan servicer.McParland’s loan servicer told her that she should see her refunded amount in 30 to 45 business days, but Baum was told that it would take 60 to 70 business days to see her money back in her bank account.IS THE REFUND TAXABLE INCOME?It is not yet clear if the refunded money will be considered taxable income. Welbeck recommends borrowers check with financial advisers from their own state.Some states,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-education-indiana-pell-grant-1a20d161073a073f8d5ed0f954188462">such as Indiana</a>, have already said they will tax debt relief for people who have their student loans canceled. Policies vary from state to state.DOES THE REFUND AFFECT MY CREDIT SCORE?Since the Department of Education has not yet announced how the cancellation or refunds will be reported to the credit bureaus, it is still uncertain if these amounts will affect borrowers’ credit scores, said Welbeck.SHOULD I START PAYING AGAIN WHEN THE PAYMENT FREEZE ENDS?The pandemic payment freeze is set to end Dec. 31. If you have not seen debt relief by then, you are still expected to start making payments. Welbeck recommends that borrowers enroll in income-driven repayment plans before the end of the payment freeze.Income-driven repayment plans allow you to set an affordable payment amount based on income and family size.You can find more information about the four types of income-driven repayment plans&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans/income-driven#eligibility">here</a>.___