WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators on Thursday authorized the second pill against COVID-19, providing another easy-to-use medication to battle the rising tide of omicron infections.

The Food and Drug Administration authorization of Merck’s molnupiravir comes one day after the agency&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-pfizer-medication-f5f65e7e61d6aa9c7dfa193053e8878a">cleared a competing drug</a>&nbsp;from Pfizer. That pill, Paxlovid, is likely to become the first-choice treatment against the virus, thanks to its superior benefits and milder side effects.

As a result, Merck’s pill is expected to have a smaller role against the pandemic than predicted just a few weeks ago. Its ability to head off severe COVID-19 is much smaller than initially announced and the drug label will warn of serious safety issues, including the potential for birth defects.

The Food and Drug Administration authorized Merck’s drug for adults with early symptoms of COVID-19 who face the highest risks of hospitalization, including older people and those with conditions like obesity and heart disease. The U.K. first authorized the pill in early November.

Known as molnupiravir, the Merck drug will carry a warning against use during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should use birth control during treatment and for a few days after while men should use birth control for at least three months after their final dose, the FDA said.

The restrictions were expected after an FDA advisory panel only&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-medication-6932faff66f9295417b2b1f5e02a2165">narrowly endorsed</a>&nbsp;the drug last month, warning that its use would have to be strictly tailored to patients who can benefit the most.

The Pfizer pill works differently and doesn’t carry the same risks. Additionally, Pfizer’s drug was roughly three times more effective in testing, reducing hospitalization and death by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-1662719827498fa2b1a4f168c7723688">nearly 90% among high-risk patients,</a>&nbsp;compared with 30% for Merck’s.

Some experts question whether there will be much of a role for the Merck drug in the U.S.

“To the extent that there’s an ample supply of Pfizer’s pill, I think it won’t be used,” said Dr. Gregory Poland of the Mayo Clinic, referring to the Merck drug. “There would be no reason, given it has less efficacy and a higher risk of side effects.”

For now, the FDA decision provides another potential option against the virus that has killed more than 800,000 Americans, even as health officials brace for record-setting cases, hospitalizations and deaths driven by the omicron variant. Antiviral pills, including Merck’s, are expected to be effective against omicron because they don’t target the spike protein where most of the variant’s worrisome mutations reside.

The FDA based its decision on results showing nearly 7% of patients taking the drug ended up in the hospital and one died at the end of 30 days. That compared with 10% of patients hospitalized who were taking the placebo and nine deaths.

Federal officials have agreed to purchase enough of the drug to treat 3.1 million people.

The U.S. will pay about $700 for each course of Merck’s drug, which requires patients to take four pills twice a day for five days. A review by Harvard University and King’s College London estimated it costs about $18 to make each 40-pill course of treatment.

Merck’s drug inserts tiny errors into the coronavirus’ genetic code to slow its reproduction. That genetic effect has raised concerns that the drug could cause mutations in human fetuses and even spur more virulent strains of the virus. But FDA scientists said the variant risk is largely theoretical because people take the drug for such a short period of time.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators on Thursday authorized the second pill against COVID-19, providing another easy-to-use medication to battle the rising tide of omicron infections.The Food and Drug Administration authorization of Merck’s molnupiravir comes one day after the agency&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-pfizer-medication-f5f65e7e61d6aa9c7dfa193053e8878a">cleared a competing drug</a>&nbsp;from Pfizer. That pill, Paxlovid, is likely to become the first-choice treatment against the virus, thanks to its superior benefits and milder side effects.As a result, Merck’s pill is expected to have a smaller role against the pandemic than predicted just a few weeks ago. Its ability to head off severe COVID-19 is much smaller than initially announced and the drug label will warn of serious safety issues, including the potential for birth defects.The Food and Drug Administration authorized Merck’s drug for adults with early symptoms of COVID-19 who face the highest risks of hospitalization, including older people and those with conditions like obesity and heart disease. The U.K. first authorized the pill in early November.Known as molnupiravir, the Merck drug will carry a warning against use during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should use birth control during treatment and for a few days after while men should use birth control for at least three months after their final dose, the FDA said.The restrictions were expected after an FDA advisory panel only&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-medication-6932faff66f9295417b2b1f5e02a2165">narrowly endorsed</a>&nbsp;the drug last month, warning that its use would have to be strictly tailored to patients who can benefit the most.The Pfizer pill works differently and doesn’t carry the same risks. Additionally, Pfizer’s drug was roughly three times more effective in testing, reducing hospitalization and death by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-1662719827498fa2b1a4f168c7723688">nearly 90% among high-risk patients,</a>&nbsp;compared with 30% for Merck’s.Some experts question whether there will be much of a role for the Merck drug in the U.S.“To the extent that there’s an ample supply of Pfizer’s pill, I think it won’t be used,” said Dr. Gregory Poland of the Mayo Clinic, referring to the Merck drug. “There would be no reason, given it has less efficacy and a higher risk of side effects.”For now, the FDA decision provides another potential option against the virus that has killed more than 800,000 Americans, even as health officials brace for record-setting cases, hospitalizations and deaths driven by the omicron variant. Antiviral pills, including Merck’s, are expected to be effective against omicron because they don’t target the spike protein where most of the variant’s worrisome mutations reside.The FDA based its decision on results showing nearly 7% of patients taking the drug ended up in the hospital and one died at the end of 30 days. That compared with 10% of patients hospitalized who were taking the placebo and nine deaths.Federal officials have agreed to purchase enough of the drug to treat 3.1 million people.The U.S. will pay about $700 for each course of Merck’s drug, which requires patients to take four pills twice a day for five days. A review by Harvard University and King’s College London estimated it costs about $18 to make each 40-pill course of treatment.Merck’s drug inserts tiny errors into the coronavirus’ genetic code to slow its reproduction. That genetic effect has raised concerns that the drug could cause mutations in human fetuses and even spur more virulent strains of the virus. But FDA scientists said the variant risk is largely theoretical because people take the drug for such a short period of time.

FDA approves 2nd at home treatment against COVID-19

ELK COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Elk County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after two men were shot and killed outside a home in Longton, Kansas early Thursday morning, according to a media release from the KBI.

The Elk County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call on Thursday, Dec. 23, at approximately 12:10 a.m. The caller reported that a man had shot two other men at 205 W. 5th&nbsp;St. in Longton.

At approximately 12:40 a.m., the Elk County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the scene.

The preliminary investigation indicated that Dewayne L. Smith, 55, of Longton, a 57-year-old white male from Longton (who has not been identified pending notification of his kin), and three other men were at an outdoor gathering at a residence. While they were outside, Lyle W. Miller, 41, of Longton, arrived at the gathering. After a short time, Miller pulled a pistol from his waist and shot Smith and the 57-year-old man at close range. Miller then fled the area to a nearby residence at 107 W. 5th&nbsp;St.

When deputies from the Elk County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene both Smith and the 57-year-old man were pronounced dead.

Deputies determined Miller had entered the residence at 107 W. 5th&nbsp;St.&nbsp; Law enforcement surrounded the house. 

They made frequent announcements to Miller attempting to convince him to exit the home. No response occurred, so at approximately 5:50 a.m., a robot was sent inside. It located what seemed to be a deceased male in the attic. Tactical teams made entry into the house and confirmed that Miller was dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

ELK COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Elk County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after two men were shot and killed outside a home in Longton, Kansas early Thursday morning, according to a media release from the KBI.The Elk County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call on Thursday, Dec. 23, at approximately 12:10 a.m. The caller reported that a man had shot two other men at 205 W. 5th&nbsp;St. in Longton.At approximately 12:40 a.m., the Elk County Sheriff’s Office requested KBI assistance. KBI agents and the Crime Scene Response Team responded to the scene.The preliminary investigation indicated that Dewayne L. Smith, 55, of Longton, a 57-year-old white male from Longton (who has not been identified pending notification of his kin), and three other men were at an outdoor gathering at a residence. While they were outside, Lyle W. Miller, 41, of Longton, arrived at the gathering. After a short time, Miller pulled a pistol from his waist and shot Smith and the 57-year-old man at close range. Miller then fled the area to a nearby residence at 107 W. 5th&nbsp;St.When deputies from the Elk County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene both Smith and the 57-year-old man were pronounced dead.Deputies determined Miller had entered the residence at 107 W. 5th&nbsp;St.&nbsp; Law enforcement surrounded the house. They made frequent announcements to Miller attempting to convince him to exit the home. No response occurred, so at approximately 5:50 a.m., a robot was sent inside. It located what seemed to be a deceased male in the attic. Tactical teams made entry into the house and confirmed that Miller was dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

KBI: 2 dead after shooting outside Kansas home

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after an alleged arson fire at a home in Topeka.

Just after 7a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a domestic violence call in the 2600 block of SE Minnesota Avenue, according to Police Lt. Aaron Jones.

 Upon arrival they noticed smoke coming from the house. All occupants were able to vacate the residence safely.

The Topeka Fire Department responded as officers continued to gather information about the domestic incident and attempted to locate 31-year-old Rudz Descartes of Topeka, involved in the domestic incident.

Just before 7:30 a.m., an officer located the Descartes near 28th and SE Adams. He resisted arrest and battered a police officer while being taken into custody. There were no injuries as a result of this incident.

The estimated dollar loss from the fire is $7,500.00 of which $5,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $2,500.00 is associated with contents loss, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

&nbsp;Descartes is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal Threat (Domestic Violence, Violation of a Protection Order, Arson, Felony Obstruction, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640210781672.png" alt="Descartes-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Descartes-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after an alleged arson fire at a home in Topeka.Just after 7a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a domestic violence call in the 2600 block of SE Minnesota Avenue, according to Police Lt. Aaron Jones. Upon arrival they noticed smoke coming from the house. All occupants were able to vacate the residence safely.The Topeka Fire Department responded as officers continued to gather information about the domestic incident and attempted to locate 31-year-old Rudz Descartes of Topeka, involved in the domestic incident.Just before 7:30 a.m., an officer located the Descartes near 28th and SE Adams. He resisted arrest and battered a police officer while being taken into custody. There were no injuries as a result of this incident.The estimated dollar loss from the fire is $7,500.00 of which $5,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $2,500.00 is associated with contents loss, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.&nbsp;Descartes is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Criminal Threat (Domestic Violence, Violation of a Protection Order, Arson, Felony Obstruction, Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer

Kan. man accused of setting fire during domestic dispute

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Wednesday proposed giving Kansas residents who filed state income tax returns last year a one-time rebate of $250, dropping the idea on a skeptical Republican-controlled Legislature as she faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-elections-4d59c1a0e5c3a27410a547966ec3f8c1">a tough reelection race.</a>

The governor had given no public hints that she was considering such a proposal, and she’s already called for eliminating the state’s high-for-the-U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-kansas-topeka-derek-schmidt-fe33c829200bb2c9345ee37534cf2b07">sales tax on groceries.</a>&nbsp;Her successful 2018 campaign for governor emphasized her opposition as a state senator to an earlier and nationally notorious experiment in slashing state income taxes under GOP Gov. Sam Brownback that was followed by persistent budget shortfalls.

But Kelly said Kansas can afford one-time rebates because the payments won’t permanently reduce state revenues. The state budget is in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-topeka-kansas-state-governments-0317bd2622cae9f317d5a002ec3469ea">dramatically better shape</a>&nbsp;than it was before lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e4f794cd96cb488cb04ab1cd48b1458d">repealed most</a>&nbsp;of the Brownback-era tax cuts in 2017, with tax collections exceeding expectations for all but three months since then.

The governor’s statement on the proposal touted her management of the state’s finances and efforts to attract business development, which are likely to be prominent themes in her reelection campaign.

“We can return money to taxpayers,” Kelly said in her statement, adding that the “significant savings for every family” would be delivered by next summer — just months before the November general election.

Kelly’s plan would provide $250 to individual tax filers and $500 to married couples filing jointly. The rebates would go to 1.2 million Kansas residents, costing the state about $445 million. People would get the rebate even if they didn’t owe taxes for the year, Kelly’s office said.

The Legislature would have to approve the plan after convening Jan. 10 for its next annual session. GOP lawmakers are expected to have their own proposals for cutting income taxes permanently.

Republicans were immediately skeptical of Kelly’s plan, both because of its timing and because the tax relief would not continue after next year. Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. said they prefer permanent tax cuts.

Republicans are confident that they can unseat Kelly next year, banking on frustration with Democratic President Joe Biden’s policies energizing conservatives and causing other GOP-leaning voters to vote against Kelly. Masterson, an Andover Republican, said Kelly’s latest plan show she had an “election year revelation.”

Ryckman, an Olathe Republican, said: “Kansans are smart, they can see right through Laura Kelly’s attempt to throw $250 their way right before her election.”

Republicans also were skeptical because Kelly has vetoed three GOP proposals to cut income taxes, each time suggesting that Republicans were fiscally irresponsible and trying to repeat the Brownback tax experiment. GOP lawmakers this year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-personal-taxes-elections-gun-politics-laws-f3dd335006fc321a08bc1716b211e418">overrode Kelly’s veto</a>&nbsp;of individual and corporate income tax cuts worth roughly $95 million a year.

And Kelly has repeatedly called for caution amid monthly revenue surpluses. After tax collections exceeded expectations by 3.1% in November — even after fiscal forecasters boosted their projections — Kelly said, “While our state revenue numbers continue to be encouraging, maintaining fiscal responsibility is paramount moving forward.”

While top Democratic lawmakers promised strong support, it wasn’t immediately clear if Kelly’s proposal had universal support among members of her party.

Jonathan Cole, a liberal Manhattan community activist,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/cole4kansas/status/1473688113402855439" target="_blank">almost immediately tweeted</a>&nbsp;that the proposal is “horrible politics.”

“What a perfect opportunity to have Republicans attack you for ‘buying’ votes,” he said.

Meanwhile, eliminating the state’s 6.5% sales tax on groceries has broad, bipartisan support. The proposal would cost the state roughly $450 million a year in revenues — but Kansas’ tax on groceries is the second only to Mississippi’s among U.S. states.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.taxadmin.org/assets/docs/Research/Rates/sales.pdf" target="_blank">Only six states</a>&nbsp;tax groceries at the same rate as other consumer goods, according to the Federation of Tax Administrators.

The presumed GOP nominee for governor next year, state Attorney General Derek Schmidt, called for reducing or eliminating the tax on groceries last month, a few days before Kelly formally unveiled the plan she’d been working on. Schmidt’s campaign manager, C.J. Grover, accused Kelly on Wednesday of attempting an “election-year makeover.”

But Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said Kelly’s proposal on income taxes will “give Kansas families a leg up.”

Her House counterpart, Rep. Tom Sawyer, of Wichita, said with the state’s financially healthy, “We need to make sure hard-working families benefit as soon as possible.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607368689953.jpeg" alt="Senate President Ty Masterson -photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector" />
 <figcaption>Senate President Ty Masterson -photo by Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Wednesday proposed giving Kansas residents who filed state income tax returns last year a one-time rebate of $250, dropping the idea on a skeptical Republican-controlled Legislature as she faces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-elections-4d59c1a0e5c3a27410a547966ec3f8c1">a tough reelection race.</a>The governor had given no public hints that she was considering such a proposal, and she’s already called for eliminating the state’s high-for-the-U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-kansas-topeka-derek-schmidt-fe33c829200bb2c9345ee37534cf2b07">sales tax on groceries.</a>&nbsp;Her successful 2018 campaign for governor emphasized her opposition as a state senator to an earlier and nationally notorious experiment in slashing state income taxes under GOP Gov. Sam Brownback that was followed by persistent budget shortfalls.But Kelly said Kansas can afford one-time rebates because the payments won’t permanently reduce state revenues. The state budget is in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-topeka-kansas-state-governments-0317bd2622cae9f317d5a002ec3469ea">dramatically better shape</a>&nbsp;than it was before lawmakers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e4f794cd96cb488cb04ab1cd48b1458d">repealed most</a>&nbsp;of the Brownback-era tax cuts in 2017, with tax collections exceeding expectations for all but three months since then.The governor’s statement on the proposal touted her management of the state’s finances and efforts to attract business development, which are likely to be prominent themes in her reelection campaign.“We can return money to taxpayers,” Kelly said in her statement, adding that the “significant savings for every family” would be delivered by next summer — just months before the November general election.Kelly’s plan would provide $250 to individual tax filers and $500 to married couples filing jointly. The rebates would go to 1.2 million Kansas residents, costing the state about $445 million. People would get the rebate even if they didn’t owe taxes for the year, Kelly’s office said.The Legislature would have to approve the plan after convening Jan. 10 for its next annual session. GOP lawmakers are expected to have their own proposals for cutting income taxes permanently.Republicans were immediately skeptical of Kelly’s plan, both because of its timing and because the tax relief would not continue after next year. Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. said they prefer permanent tax cuts.Republicans are confident that they can unseat Kelly next year, banking on frustration with Democratic President Joe Biden’s policies energizing conservatives and causing other GOP-leaning voters to vote against Kelly. Masterson, an Andover Republican, said Kelly’s latest plan show she had an “election year revelation.”Ryckman, an Olathe Republican, said: “Kansans are smart, they can see right through Laura Kelly’s attempt to throw $250 their way right before her election.”Republicans also were skeptical because Kelly has vetoed three GOP proposals to cut income taxes, each time suggesting that Republicans were fiscally irresponsible and trying to repeat the Brownback tax experiment. GOP lawmakers this year&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-personal-taxes-elections-gun-politics-laws-f3dd335006fc321a08bc1716b211e418">overrode Kelly’s veto</a>&nbsp;of individual and corporate income tax cuts worth roughly $95 million a year.And Kelly has repeatedly called for caution amid monthly revenue surpluses. After tax collections exceeded expectations by 3.1% in November — even after fiscal forecasters boosted their projections — Kelly said, “While our state revenue numbers continue to be encouraging, maintaining fiscal responsibility is paramount moving forward.”While top Democratic lawmakers promised strong support, it wasn’t immediately clear if Kelly’s proposal had universal support among members of her party.Jonathan Cole, a liberal Manhattan community activist,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/cole4kansas/status/1473688113402855439" target="_blank">almost immediately tweeted</a>&nbsp;that the proposal is “horrible politics.”“What a perfect opportunity to have Republicans attack you for ‘buying’ votes,” he said.Meanwhile, eliminating the state’s 6.5% sales tax on groceries has broad, bipartisan support. The proposal would cost the state roughly $450 million a year in revenues — but Kansas’ tax on groceries is the second only to Mississippi’s among U.S. states.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.taxadmin.org/assets/docs/Research/Rates/sales.pdf" target="_blank">Only six states</a>&nbsp;tax groceries at the same rate as other consumer goods, according to the Federation of Tax Administrators.The presumed GOP nominee for governor next year, state Attorney General Derek Schmidt, called for reducing or eliminating the tax on groceries last month, a few days before Kelly formally unveiled the plan she’d been working on. Schmidt’s campaign manager, C.J. Grover, accused Kelly on Wednesday of attempting an “election-year makeover.”But Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, said Kelly’s proposal on income taxes will “give Kansas families a leg up.”Her House counterpart, Rep. Tom Sawyer, of Wichita, said with the state’s financially healthy, “We need to make sure hard-working families benefit as soon as possible.”___

GOP skeptical of Kan. governor's proposed $250 tax rebates

PITTSBURGH, PA (AP) — Police say a man suspected of shoplifting at a store where he worked in Pittsburgh is wanted for homicide in Texas. Officers were called to the Family Dollar store on Wednesday night to assist with the termination of 22-year-old Joseph Tedder of Hutchinson, Kansas. 

But Tedder fled the scene. Police say they soon learned Tedder was wanted in connection with a homicide in early November in Austin, Texas, that stemmed from a drug deal. 

Authorities tracked Tedder to a Pittsburgh home and he was taken into custody. He's awaiting arraignment and an extradition hearing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640264599102.png" alt="Tedder-photo&nbsp;Allegheny County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Tedder-photo&nbsp;Allegheny County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>PITTSBURGH, PA (AP) — Police say a man suspected of shoplifting at a store where he worked in Pittsburgh is wanted for homicide in Texas. Officers were called to the Family Dollar store on Wednesday night to assist with the termination of 22-year-old Joseph Tedder of Hutchinson, Kansas. But Tedder fled the scene. Police say they soon learned Tedder was wanted in connection with a homicide in early November in Austin, Texas, that stemmed from a drug deal. Authorities tracked Tedder to a Pittsburgh home and he was taken into custody. He's awaiting arraignment and an extradition hearing.

Kansas man jailed in Pennsylvania wanted for Texas homicide

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court says it will hold a special session in just over two weeks to weigh challenges to two Biden administration policies covering vaccine requirements for millions of workers, policies that affect large employers and health care workers.

The high court’s announcement Wednesday that it will hear arguments in the cases Jan. 7 comes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-jen-psaki-08ee41d8e7c0af1ad8b4dfb7b434ea61">amid rising coronavirus cases</a>&nbsp;and is an extraordinarily fast timeline. The court had not been scheduled to hear cases again until Jan. 10.

A three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-880d2052bb4127fb40bcaaca98514753">ruled 2-1 on Friday</a>&nbsp;that the vaccine or testing regime for workers at larger companies could take effect. The plan requires workers at larger companies to be vaccinated or wear face masks and get tested weekly. The requirement could affect some 84 million U.S. workers.

Republican-led states, conservative organizations and businesses had challenged the requirement after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration published the rule in early November. The rule was to go into effect Jan. 4.

The high court also will hear arguments over a rule published Nov. 5 by the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid that applies to a wide range of health care providers that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid funding. It requires their workers to receive the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Dec. 6 and be fully vaccinated by Jan. 4. It was projected to affect more than 17 million workers in about 76,000 health care facilities as well as home health care providers.

Decisions by the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and St. Louis-based 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals as well as a federal judge in Texas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-new-orleans-17a164134a3ea6a615f1ac12a288b6f5">have the mandate blocked in about half of states</a>.

In a statement Wednesday evening after the court announced it would hear arguments, the White House defended its policies and said that especially with the rise of the coronavirus’ omicron variant, “it is critical to protect workers with vaccination requirements and testing protocols that are urgently needed.”

“We are confident in the legal authority for both policies and (the Justice Department) will vigorously defend both at the Supreme Court,” the statement said.

The high court’s decision to quickly hold arguments on the requirements was unusual. Both issues arrived at the court on an emergency basis, and the court usually quickly decides emergency applications without the more typical full briefing and oral argument.

But the court has also been criticized recently for how it handles the process, which has been called the court’s “shadow docket.” Justice Samuel Alito&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-courts-us-supreme-court-samuel-alito-211dd5411c74746ede15d3b861420e60">pushed back in September</a>&nbsp;against that criticism, saying it was unwarranted.

The Supreme Court announced earlier this year that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-us-supreme-court-coronavirus-pandemic-courts-512e90426518f23b69a4e90a24eff19f">all the justices have been vaccinated</a>. Because of the coronavirus, however, the court is not open to the public. Lawyers arguing cases must test negative COVID-19 and journalists observing arguments must also have a negative test.

Also brewing in lower courts are challenges to the Biden administration’s requirement that federal contractors receive COVID-19 vaccinations.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court says it will hold a special session in just over two weeks to weigh challenges to two Biden administration policies covering vaccine requirements for millions of workers, policies that affect large employers and health care workers.The high court’s announcement Wednesday that it will hear arguments in the cases Jan. 7 comes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-jen-psaki-08ee41d8e7c0af1ad8b4dfb7b434ea61">amid rising coronavirus cases</a>&nbsp;and is an extraordinarily fast timeline. The court had not been scheduled to hear cases again until Jan. 10.A three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-880d2052bb4127fb40bcaaca98514753">ruled 2-1 on Friday</a>&nbsp;that the vaccine or testing regime for workers at larger companies could take effect. The plan requires workers at larger companies to be vaccinated or wear face masks and get tested weekly. The requirement could affect some 84 million U.S. workers.Republican-led states, conservative organizations and businesses had challenged the requirement after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration published the rule in early November. The rule was to go into effect Jan. 4.The high court also will hear arguments over a rule published Nov. 5 by the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid that applies to a wide range of health care providers that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid funding. It requires their workers to receive the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Dec. 6 and be fully vaccinated by Jan. 4. It was projected to affect more than 17 million workers in about 76,000 health care facilities as well as home health care providers.Decisions by the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and St. Louis-based 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals as well as a federal judge in Texas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-new-orleans-17a164134a3ea6a615f1ac12a288b6f5">have the mandate blocked in about half of states</a>.In a statement Wednesday evening after the court announced it would hear arguments, the White House defended its policies and said that especially with the rise of the coronavirus’ omicron variant, “it is critical to protect workers with vaccination requirements and testing protocols that are urgently needed.”“We are confident in the legal authority for both policies and (the Justice Department) will vigorously defend both at the Supreme Court,” the statement said.The high court’s decision to quickly hold arguments on the requirements was unusual. Both issues arrived at the court on an emergency basis, and the court usually quickly decides emergency applications without the more typical full briefing and oral argument.But the court has also been criticized recently for how it handles the process, which has been called the court’s “shadow docket.” Justice Samuel Alito&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-courts-us-supreme-court-samuel-alito-211dd5411c74746ede15d3b861420e60">pushed back in September</a>&nbsp;against that criticism, saying it was unwarranted.The Supreme Court announced earlier this year that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-us-supreme-court-coronavirus-pandemic-courts-512e90426518f23b69a4e90a24eff19f">all the justices have been vaccinated</a>. Because of the coronavirus, however, the court is not open to the public. Lawyers arguing cases must test negative COVID-19 and journalists observing arguments must also have a negative test.Also brewing in lower courts are challenges to the Biden administration’s requirement that federal contractors receive COVID-19 vaccinations.

Supreme Court to hold special session on vaccine requirements

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas prosecutors argued Wednesday that a 21-year-old state lawmaker who is charged with domestic battery in a disturbance involving his brother is no longer eligible for diversion.

Johnson County Assistant District Attorney Samantha Shannon said in a Zoom hearing that the issue is that a warrant was issued for Aaron Coleman after a motion to revoke his bond was filed in the wake of his arrest late last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-lawrence-c876d564826fdfeebc29b002a3298492">on suspicion of drunken driving.</a>

But Coleman’s attorney, David Bell, said that he didn’t know what had changed to prevent diversion.

Magistrate Judge James Phelan set a hearing for Jan. 7 to consider the issue and hear the results of a mental health evaluation that he previously ordered. Phelan said Coleman could remain free on bond until the hearing.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-cad353ffd3afe3583df3d267ebb535a5">affidavit</a>&nbsp;in the domestic battery case said that the Kansas City, Kansas, Democrat pushed and hit his 18-year-old brother in an Oct. 30 fight. The sergeant said Coleman, who has acknowledged past abuses against girls and young women, was “uncooperative” with police and “extremely erratic.”

Several lawmakers have called for Coleman to resign, but no formal action has been taken yet.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635804497310.png" alt="Coleman from his October booking photo in Johnson County" />
 <figcaption>Coleman from his October booking photo in Johnson County</figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas prosecutors argued Wednesday that a 21-year-old state lawmaker who is charged with domestic battery in a disturbance involving his brother is no longer eligible for diversion.Johnson County Assistant District Attorney Samantha Shannon said in a Zoom hearing that the issue is that a warrant was issued for Aaron Coleman after a motion to revoke his bond was filed in the wake of his arrest late last month&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-lawrence-c876d564826fdfeebc29b002a3298492">on suspicion of drunken driving.</a>But Coleman’s attorney, David Bell, said that he didn’t know what had changed to prevent diversion.Magistrate Judge James Phelan set a hearing for Jan. 7 to consider the issue and hear the results of a mental health evaluation that he previously ordered. Phelan said Coleman could remain free on bond until the hearing.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-kansas-city-kansas-cad353ffd3afe3583df3d267ebb535a5">affidavit</a>&nbsp;in the domestic battery case said that the Kansas City, Kansas, Democrat pushed and hit his 18-year-old brother in an Oct. 30 fight. The sergeant said Coleman, who has acknowledged past abuses against girls and young women, was “uncooperative” with police and “extremely erratic.”Several lawmakers have called for Coleman to resign, but no formal action has been taken yet.

Prosecutors: Kansas lawmaker shouldn't get diversion

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A law forbidding local police from enforcing federal gun laws in Missouri is hampering efforts to protect the public, federal authorities say.

A blistering court brief filed Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Justice outlines multiple examples. The brief said that after an Independence police officer was killed in a shootout in September, state law enforcement initially refused routine federal assistance in tracing the murder weapon.

The Justice Department says the Missouri state crime lab, operated by the Highway Patrol, also is refusing to process evidence that would help federal firearms prosecutions.

The Missouri Information and Analysis Center, also under the Highway Patrol, no longer cooperates with federal agencies investigating federal firearms offenses. And the Highway Patrol, along with many other agencies, have suspended joint efforts to enforce federal firearms laws.

The Justice Department's brief comes in an ongoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-mo-state-wire-michael-brown-st-louis-gun-politics-3c5e14ad275f3c6f0b08e201db5b51cd">lawsuit&nbsp;</a>challenging the state gun law, filed by St. Louis City, St. Louis County and Jackson County.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/laws-gun-politics-missouri-35bd985b9cc7bf0881b04372af62eff1">A Cole County court's decision upholding the law&nbsp;</a>is being appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court.

The brief says the law “poses a clear and substantial threat to public safety" and has “seriously impaired the federal government’s ability to combat violent crime in Missouri.”

The law declares “invalid” many federal gun regulations that don’t have an equivalent in Missouri law. These include statutes covering weapons registration and tracking, and possession of firearms by some domestic violence offenders.

Local departments are barred from enforcing them, or risk being sued for $50,000 by private citizens who believe their Second Amendment rights have been violated.

Police are also prohibited from giving “material aid and support” to federal agents and prosecutors in enforcing those “invalid” laws against “law-abiding citizens” — defined as those who Missouri law permits to have a gun.

The Justice Department, Democrats and other critics of the law, signed in June by Republican Gov. Mike Parson, say it’s blatantly unconstitutional. The brief appears to include the most extreme examples to date of the measure’s toll on law enforcement.

It says the law “is not only damaging valuable institutional relationships for enforcing firearms laws, but also increasing dangers in the field across a broad array of law enforcement operations.”

A Highway Patrol spokesman declined to comment, citing pending litigation.

A spokeswoman for Parson didn’t immediately comment. Republican Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office, which is representing the state in the challenge to the gun law, hasn’t yet filed a brief in the appeal.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A law forbidding local police from enforcing federal gun laws in Missouri is hampering efforts to protect the public, federal authorities say.A blistering court brief filed Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Justice outlines multiple examples. The brief said that after an Independence police officer was killed in a shootout in September, state law enforcement initially refused routine federal assistance in tracing the murder weapon.The Justice Department says the Missouri state crime lab, operated by the Highway Patrol, also is refusing to process evidence that would help federal firearms prosecutions.The Missouri Information and Analysis Center, also under the Highway Patrol, no longer cooperates with federal agencies investigating federal firearms offenses. And the Highway Patrol, along with many other agencies, have suspended joint efforts to enforce federal firearms laws.The Justice Department's brief comes in an ongoing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-mo-state-wire-michael-brown-st-louis-gun-politics-3c5e14ad275f3c6f0b08e201db5b51cd">lawsuit&nbsp;</a>challenging the state gun law, filed by St. Louis City, St. Louis County and Jackson County.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/laws-gun-politics-missouri-35bd985b9cc7bf0881b04372af62eff1">A Cole County court's decision upholding the law&nbsp;</a>is being appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court.The brief says the law “poses a clear and substantial threat to public safety" and has “seriously impaired the federal government’s ability to combat violent crime in Missouri.”The law declares “invalid” many federal gun regulations that don’t have an equivalent in Missouri law. These include statutes covering weapons registration and tracking, and possession of firearms by some domestic violence offenders.Local departments are barred from enforcing them, or risk being sued for $50,000 by private citizens who believe their Second Amendment rights have been violated.Police are also prohibited from giving “material aid and support” to federal agents and prosecutors in enforcing those “invalid” laws against “law-abiding citizens” — defined as those who Missouri law permits to have a gun.The Justice Department, Democrats and other critics of the law, signed in June by Republican Gov. Mike Parson, say it’s blatantly unconstitutional. The brief appears to include the most extreme examples to date of the measure’s toll on law enforcement.It says the law “is not only damaging valuable institutional relationships for enforcing firearms laws, but also increasing dangers in the field across a broad array of law enforcement operations.”A Highway Patrol spokesman declined to comment, citing pending litigation.A spokeswoman for Parson didn’t immediately comment. Republican Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office, which is representing the state in the challenge to the gun law, hasn’t yet filed a brief in the appeal.

Feds: Gun law poses 'clear and substantial threat' in Kansas City

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after he allegedly ran over a man and fled from police.

Just after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to vehicle vs. pedestrian accident in the 1600 block of South Millwood in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

 As officers arrived, the suspect vehicle fled the scene, and as officers attempted to pursue it—the vehicle fled into a nearby apartment complex where officers lost it, according to Macy.

Officers at the accident scene located a 19-year-old man with minor injuries who reported being run over by the suspect vehicle. Witnesses reported the suspect intentionally running over the victim and threatening to run over additional people.

Officers eventually contacted the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Raymond Clark. Officers also learned that as he was fleeing law enforcement, he had two children – a 4-year-old and 4-month-old in the vehicle with him. 

Police arrested Clark and booked him into the Sedgwick county jail on requested charges of of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault,&nbsp; flee &amp; elude, endangering a child, and criminal threat.

EMS transported the victim to an area hospital for treatment of possible minor injuries. The suspect and victim are believed to be known to each other, according to Macy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640196877362.png" alt="Clark photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Clark photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect after he allegedly ran over a man and fled from police.Just after 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to vehicle vs. pedestrian accident in the 1600 block of South Millwood in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy. As officers arrived, the suspect vehicle fled the scene, and as officers attempted to pursue it—the vehicle fled into a nearby apartment complex where officers lost it, according to Macy.Officers at the accident scene located a 19-year-old man with minor injuries who reported being run over by the suspect vehicle. Witnesses reported the suspect intentionally running over the victim and threatening to run over additional people.Officers eventually contacted the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Raymond Clark. Officers also learned that as he was fleeing law enforcement, he had two children – a 4-year-old and 4-month-old in the vehicle with him. Police arrested Clark and booked him into the Sedgwick county jail on requested charges of of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault,&nbsp; flee &amp; elude, endangering a child, and criminal threat.EMS transported the victim to an area hospital for treatment of possible minor injuries. The suspect and victim are believed to be known to each other, according to Macy.

Kan. man with kids in vehicle ran over man, fled from police

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City woman has been sentenced to three consecutive life terms for killing three people in 2019.

The sentence was handed down Tuesday for 37-year-old Lynnsey D. Jones. She was found guilty in November of three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of armed criminal action.

Court documents said Jones went to a Kansas City home to buy drugs on Oct. 17, 2019. Officers responding to reports of gunshots saw her walking with a weapon in her hands. Officers then found the bodies of Larona T. Jones, Brady Jones and Larry T. Barnes Jr. inside and outside of the home.

When police asked Jones why she shot the three victims, she replied “because I’m a bad person,” according to a police affidavit.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636135682333.png" alt="Jones-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Jones-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City woman has been sentenced to three consecutive life terms for killing three people in 2019.The sentence was handed down Tuesday for 37-year-old Lynnsey D. Jones. She was found guilty in November of three counts of first-degree murder and three counts of armed criminal action.Court documents said Jones went to a Kansas City home to buy drugs on Oct. 17, 2019. Officers responding to reports of gunshots saw her walking with a weapon in her hands. Officers then found the bodies of Larona T. Jones, Brady Jones and Larry T. Barnes Jr. inside and outside of the home.When police asked Jones why she shot the three victims, she replied “because I’m a bad person,” according to a police affidavit.

Kansas City woman sentenced for 2019 triple-murder

JOHNSON COUNTY —Fire crews in the city of Shawnee worked two fires in the past 24 hours caused by hot coals flaring up after being thrown out. 

They reminded the public to please make sure the coals have cooled completely. The best step is to put them in a metal can and then place them in an outdoor trash bin. They also urged the public to check smoke detectors before Christmas guests arrive.&nbsp;

Authorities reported no injuries from the fires.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640201209551.png" alt="Photo city of Shawnee, Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Photo city of Shawnee, Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Fire crews in the city of Shawnee worked two fires in the past 24 hours caused by hot coals flaring up after being thrown out. They reminded the public to please make sure the coals have cooled completely. The best step is to put them in a metal can and then place them in an outdoor trash bin. They also urged the public to check smoke detectors before Christmas guests arrive.&nbsp;Authorities reported no injuries from the fires.

2 fires in 24-hours started by improperly discarded hot coals

BOURBON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Fort Scott Police Department have arrested 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, the person of interest connected to the murders of Melissa Mitchell and Leonard Zimmerman, according to a media release from the KBI.

Mitchell was arrested at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday near the intersection of 5th&nbsp;St. and Judson St. in Fort Scott.

He is being held on requested charges of theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unlawful possession of controlled substances. He was then booked into the Bourbon County Jail.

Currently, Mitchell has not been charged related to the murders, according to the KBI.

BOURBON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating after two victims were found shot in their Fort Scott home on Tuesday night, according to a media release from the&nbsp;Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, the Fort Scott Police Department received a 911 call from a subject who came home to find a female family member had been shot. 

When police arrived at 402 Main St. in Fort Scott, they located 48-year-old Melissa L. Mitchell who had died from a gunshot wound. They also discovered 53-year-old Leonard D. Zimmerman deceased inside the residence. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

The victims’ son, Dawson J. Mitchell, 23, of Fort Scott, is a person of interest and is wanted for questioning connected to the case. Investigators are working to locate him at this time.

If you know the whereabouts of 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, you are asked to contact the Fort Scott Police Department at 620-223-1700 or the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Mitchell is expected to be armed and dangerous. Do not approach him, but immediately call police.

Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640220648047.png" alt="Dawson-photo Bourbon Co." />
 <figcaption>Dawson-photo Bourbon Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BOURBON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Fort Scott Police Department have arrested 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, the person of interest connected to the murders of Melissa Mitchell and Leonard Zimmerman, according to a media release from the KBI.Mitchell was arrested at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday near the intersection of 5th&nbsp;St. and Judson St. in Fort Scott.He is being held on requested charges of theft of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unlawful possession of controlled substances. He was then booked into the Bourbon County Jail.Currently, Mitchell has not been charged related to the murders, according to the KBI.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640191022809.png" alt="Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>------------BOURBON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating after two victims were found shot in their Fort Scott home on Tuesday night, according to a media release from the&nbsp;Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Just after 7:30p.m. Tuesday, the Fort Scott Police Department received a 911 call from a subject who came home to find a female family member had been shot. When police arrived at 402 Main St. in Fort Scott, they located 48-year-old Melissa L. Mitchell who had died from a gunshot wound. They also discovered 53-year-old Leonard D. Zimmerman deceased inside the residence. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640190791746.png" alt="Mitchell-photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Mitchell-photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>The victims’ son, Dawson J. Mitchell, 23, of Fort Scott, is a person of interest and is wanted for questioning connected to the case. Investigators are working to locate him at this time.If you know the whereabouts of 23-year-old Dawson J. Mitchell, you are asked to contact the Fort Scott Police Department at 620-223-1700 or the KBI at 1-800-KS-CRIME. Mitchell is expected to be armed and dangerous. Do not approach him, but immediately call police.Mitchell is a white male, 5-foot- 7 in. tall, 160 pounds. He has blonde hair and blue eyes. Mitchell was last seen wearing blue jeans, a brown Carhartt-style coat and a baseball cap that is light in color in the front and dark in color in the back.

KBI captures Kan. man wanted in the death of his mother, another man

MONTGOMERY COUNTY– A Kansas man has pleaded no contest to first-degree murder for a 2019 shooting death in southeast Kansas, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Benjamin Job Mason II, 20, of Coffeyville, entered a no contest plea Monday in Montgomery County District Court. Judge F. William Cullins accepted the plea to one count of first-degree murder and set sentencing for 1 p.m., February 15, 2022.

Mason was convicted for his role in the 2019 shooting death of 19-year-old <a href="https://www.wickhamfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Kimberly-Dawn-Meeks?obId=9627614#/celebrationWall">Kimberly Meeks</a>.&nbsp; She was shot to death as she walked with a man in Independence on Dec. 14, 2019.

Witnesses said someone fired shots from a passing car. Mason was arrested a day after the shooting at his home in Coffeyville, about 20 miles south of the shooting scene.

 The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Independence Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff and U.S. Postal Inspectors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576519962832.png" alt="Mason photo Montgomery County" />
 <figcaption>Mason photo Montgomery County</figcaption>
 </figure>MONTGOMERY COUNTY– A Kansas man has pleaded no contest to first-degree murder for a 2019 shooting death in southeast Kansas, according to Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Benjamin Job Mason II, 20, of Coffeyville, entered a no contest plea Monday in Montgomery County District Court. Judge F. William Cullins accepted the plea to one count of first-degree murder and set sentencing for 1 p.m., February 15, 2022.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640185141154.png" alt="Kimberly Meeks-photo courtesy Wickham Family Funeral Home" />
 <figcaption>Kimberly Meeks-photo courtesy Wickham Family Funeral Home</figcaption>
 </figure>Mason was convicted for his role in the 2019 shooting death of 19-year-old <a href="https://www.wickhamfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Kimberly-Dawn-Meeks?obId=9627614#/celebrationWall">Kimberly Meeks</a>.&nbsp; She was shot to death as she walked with a man in Independence on Dec. 14, 2019.Witnesses said someone fired shots from a passing car. Mason was arrested a day after the shooting at his home in Coffeyville, about 20 miles south of the shooting scene. The case was investigated by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Independence Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff and U.S. Postal Inspectors.

Kan. man enters plea in woman's drive-by shooting death

DOVER, Del. (AP) — Congregations affiliated with the United Methodist Church have agreed to contribute $30 million to a fund for victims who say they were molested as youngsters in the Boy Scouts of America, an attorney said Tuesday.

A committee representing United Methodist churches that sponsored Scouting activities also agreed to help raise an additional $100 million for the fund.

Jessica Lauria, an attorney for the BSA, told Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein about the planned agreement during an online hearing Tuesday in federal bankruptcy court in Delaware. Lauria said the United Methodist-affiliated churches would receive protected party status, which means they would be released from further liability for abuse claims.

The proposed trust is expected to grow to more than $2.6 billion and would be the largest sexual abuse settlement in U.S. history.

More than 82,000 sexual abuse claims have been filed in the bankruptcy case. Victims who say they were abused must vote by Dec. 28 on a Boy Scouts reorganization plan.

Judge Silverstein had originally scheduled a hearing starting Jan. 24 to consider the voting results and to decide whether the plan meets the requirements of the bankruptcy code and should be approved. But on Tuesday, the judge pushed the hearing start date to Feb. 22 to give attorneys more time to prepare.

Tuesday’s announcement involving United Methodist churches comes a week after attorneys said a tentative settlement was reached with one of BSA’s largest insurers, Century Indemnity Co. and affiliated companies had agreed to contribute $800 million into the fund in return for being released from further liability for abuse claims.

Other agreements involve another major Boy Scouts insurer, The Hartford, and the BSA’s former largest troop sponsor, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church. The Hartford has agreed to pay $787 million into the victims’ fund, and the Mormons have agreed to contribute $250 million. In exchange, both entities would be released from any further liability involving child sex abuse claims.

The BSA is continuing to negotiate with Roman Catholic-affiliated churches that sponsored Scouting units.

The Boy Scouts, based in Irving, Texas, sought bankruptcy protection in February 2020, seeking to halt hundreds of individual lawsuits and create a fund for victims who say they were sexually abused as children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582026338805.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DOVER, Del. (AP) — Congregations affiliated with the United Methodist Church have agreed to contribute $30 million to a fund for victims who say they were molested as youngsters in the Boy Scouts of America, an attorney said Tuesday.A committee representing United Methodist churches that sponsored Scouting activities also agreed to help raise an additional $100 million for the fund.Jessica Lauria, an attorney for the BSA, told Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein about the planned agreement during an online hearing Tuesday in federal bankruptcy court in Delaware. Lauria said the United Methodist-affiliated churches would receive protected party status, which means they would be released from further liability for abuse claims.The proposed trust is expected to grow to more than $2.6 billion and would be the largest sexual abuse settlement in U.S. history.More than 82,000 sexual abuse claims have been filed in the bankruptcy case. Victims who say they were abused must vote by Dec. 28 on a Boy Scouts reorganization plan.Judge Silverstein had originally scheduled a hearing starting Jan. 24 to consider the voting results and to decide whether the plan meets the requirements of the bankruptcy code and should be approved. But on Tuesday, the judge pushed the hearing start date to Feb. 22 to give attorneys more time to prepare.Tuesday’s announcement involving United Methodist churches comes a week after attorneys said a tentative settlement was reached with one of BSA’s largest insurers, Century Indemnity Co. and affiliated companies had agreed to contribute $800 million into the fund in return for being released from further liability for abuse claims.Other agreements involve another major Boy Scouts insurer, The Hartford, and the BSA’s former largest troop sponsor, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church. The Hartford has agreed to pay $787 million into the victims’ fund, and the Mormons have agreed to contribute $250 million. In exchange, both entities would be released from any further liability involving child sex abuse claims.The BSA is continuing to negotiate with Roman Catholic-affiliated churches that sponsored Scouting units.The Boy Scouts, based in Irving, Texas, sought bankruptcy protection in February 2020, seeking to halt hundreds of individual lawsuits and create a fund for victims who say they were sexually abused as children.

Sex abuse settlement: United Methodists join in plan for Boy Scouts bankruptcy 

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators on Wednesday authorized the first pill against COVID-19, a Pfizer drug that Americans will be able to take at home to head off the worst effects of the virus.

The long-awaited milestone comes as U.S. cases, hospitalizations and deaths are all rising and health officials warn of a tsunami of new infections from the omicron variant that could overwhelm hospitals.

The drug, Paxlovid, is a faster, cheaper way to treat early COVID-19 infections, though initial supplies will be extremely limited. All of the previously authorized drugs against the disease require an IV or an injection.

An antiviral pill from Merck also is expected to soon win authorization. But Pfizer's drug is all but certain to be the preferred option because of its mild side effects and superior effectiveness, including a nearly 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease.

“The efficacy is high, the side effects are low and it’s oral. It checks all the boxes,” said Dr. Gregory Poland of the Mayo Clinic. “You’re looking at a 90% decreased risk of hospitalization and death in a high-risk group — that’s stunning.”

The Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer's drug for adults and children ages 12 and older with a positive COVID-19 test and early symptoms who face the highest risks of hospitalization. That includes older people and those with conditions like obesity and heart disease. Children eligible for the drug must weigh at least 88 pounds&nbsp;

The pills from both Pfizer and Merck are expected to be effective against omicron because they don’t target the spike protein where most of the variant’s worrisome mutations reside.

Pfizer currently has 180,000 treatment courses available worldwide, with roughly 60,000 to 70,000 allocated to the U.S. Federal health officials are expected to ration early shipments to the hardest hit parts of the country. Pfizer said the small supply is due to the manufacturing time — currently about nine months. The company says it can halve production time next year.

The U.S. government has agreed to purchase enough Paxlovid to treat 10 million people. Pfizer says it's on track to produce 80 million courses globally next year, under contracts with the U.K., Australia and other nations.

Health experts agree that vaccination remains the best way to protect against COVID-19. But with roughly 40 million American adults still unvaccinated, effective drugs will be critical to blunting the current and future waves of infection.

The U.S. is now reporting more than 140,000 new infections daily and federal officials warn that the omicron variant could send case counts soaring. Omicron has already whipped across the country to become the dominant strain, federal officials confirmed earlier this week.

Against that backdrop, experts warn that Paxlovid's initial impact could be limited.

For more than a year, biotech-engineered antibody drugs have been the go-to treatments for COVID-19. But they are expensive, hard to produce and require an injection or infusion, typically given at a hospital or clinic. Also, laboratory testing suggests the two leading antibody drugs used in the U.S. aren't effective against omicron.

Pfizer’s pill comes with its own challenges.

Patients will need a positive COVID-19 test to get a prescription. And Paxlovid has only proven effective if given within five days of symptoms appearing. With testing supplies stretched, experts worry it may be unrealistic for patients to self-diagnose, get tested, see a physician and pick up a prescription within that narrow window.

“If you go outside that window of time I fully expect the effectiveness of this drug is going to fall,” said Andrew Pekosz, a Johns Hopkins University virologist.

The FDA based its decision on company results from a 2,250-patient trial that showed the pill cut hospitalizations and deaths by 89% when given to people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 within three days of symptoms. Less than 1% of patients taking the drug were hospitalized and none died at the end of the 30-day study period, compared with 6.5% of patients hospitalized in the group getting a dummy pill, which included nine deaths.

Pfizer’s drug is part of a decades-old family of antiviral drugs known as protease inhibitors, which revolutionized the treatment of HIV and hepatitis C. The drugs block a key enzyme which viruses need to multiply in the human body.

The U.S. will pay about $500 for each course of Pfizer's treatment, which consists of three pills taken twice a day for five days. Two of the pills are Paxlovid and the third is a different antiviral that helps boost levels of the main drug in the body.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators on Wednesday authorized the first pill against COVID-19, a Pfizer drug that Americans will be able to take at home to head off the worst effects of the virus.The long-awaited milestone comes as U.S. cases, hospitalizations and deaths are all rising and health officials warn of a tsunami of new infections from the omicron variant that could overwhelm hospitals.The drug, Paxlovid, is a faster, cheaper way to treat early COVID-19 infections, though initial supplies will be extremely limited. All of the previously authorized drugs against the disease require an IV or an injection.An antiviral pill from Merck also is expected to soon win authorization. But Pfizer's drug is all but certain to be the preferred option because of its mild side effects and superior effectiveness, including a nearly 90% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths among patients most likely to get severe disease.“The efficacy is high, the side effects are low and it’s oral. It checks all the boxes,” said Dr. Gregory Poland of the Mayo Clinic. “You’re looking at a 90% decreased risk of hospitalization and death in a high-risk group — that’s stunning.”The Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer's drug for adults and children ages 12 and older with a positive COVID-19 test and early symptoms who face the highest risks of hospitalization. That includes older people and those with conditions like obesity and heart disease. Children eligible for the drug must weigh at least 88 pounds&nbsp;The pills from both Pfizer and Merck are expected to be effective against omicron because they don’t target the spike protein where most of the variant’s worrisome mutations reside.Pfizer currently has 180,000 treatment courses available worldwide, with roughly 60,000 to 70,000 allocated to the U.S. Federal health officials are expected to ration early shipments to the hardest hit parts of the country. Pfizer said the small supply is due to the manufacturing time — currently about nine months. The company says it can halve production time next year.The U.S. government has agreed to purchase enough Paxlovid to treat 10 million people. Pfizer says it's on track to produce 80 million courses globally next year, under contracts with the U.K., Australia and other nations.Health experts agree that vaccination remains the best way to protect against COVID-19. But with roughly 40 million American adults still unvaccinated, effective drugs will be critical to blunting the current and future waves of infection.The U.S. is now reporting more than 140,000 new infections daily and federal officials warn that the omicron variant could send case counts soaring. Omicron has already whipped across the country to become the dominant strain, federal officials confirmed earlier this week.Against that backdrop, experts warn that Paxlovid's initial impact could be limited.For more than a year, biotech-engineered antibody drugs have been the go-to treatments for COVID-19. But they are expensive, hard to produce and require an injection or infusion, typically given at a hospital or clinic. Also, laboratory testing suggests the two leading antibody drugs used in the U.S. aren't effective against omicron.Pfizer’s pill comes with its own challenges.Patients will need a positive COVID-19 test to get a prescription. And Paxlovid has only proven effective if given within five days of symptoms appearing. With testing supplies stretched, experts worry it may be unrealistic for patients to self-diagnose, get tested, see a physician and pick up a prescription within that narrow window.“If you go outside that window of time I fully expect the effectiveness of this drug is going to fall,” said Andrew Pekosz, a Johns Hopkins University virologist.The FDA based its decision on company results from a 2,250-patient trial that showed the pill cut hospitalizations and deaths by 89% when given to people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 within three days of symptoms. Less than 1% of patients taking the drug were hospitalized and none died at the end of the 30-day study period, compared with 6.5% of patients hospitalized in the group getting a dummy pill, which included nine deaths.Pfizer’s drug is part of a decades-old family of antiviral drugs known as protease inhibitors, which revolutionized the treatment of HIV and hepatitis C. The drugs block a key enzyme which viruses need to multiply in the human body.The U.S. will pay about $500 for each course of Pfizer's treatment, which consists of three pills taken twice a day for five days. Two of the pills are Paxlovid and the third is a different antiviral that helps boost levels of the main drug in the body.___

Pfizer pill becomes 1st US-authorized home COVID treatment

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 5,074 to a total of 505,522, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 34 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6950&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

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

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 5,074 to a total of 505,522, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 34 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6950&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640196021664.png" alt="Wednesday Dec. 23, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Dec. 23, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 5000 new cases, 34 more COVID deaths

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is extending a student loan moratorium that has allowed millions of Americans to put off debt payments during the pandemic. Under the action Wednesday, payments on federal student loans will remain paused through May 1. 

Interest rates will remain at 0% during that period, and debt collection efforts will be suspended. Those measures have been in place since early in the pandemic but were set to expire Jan. 31. This is the second extension from the administration. 

In a statement from the White House, President Biden said: 

"When I came into office, we were facing a number of unprecedented crises. Our economy was creating only 50,000 new jobs per month, less than 1 percent of Americans were fully vaccinated, many schools were closed, and Americans across the country were struggling to pay their bills and stay afloat.

"That is why, on my very first day as President, I directed the Department of Education to pause federal student loan repayments through September. In August, my Administration once again extended the pause, through January 31, 2022. That pause has given 41 million Americans badly-needed breathing room during the economic upheaval caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic." Now, while our jobs recovery is one of the strongest ever — with nearly 6 million jobs added this year, the fewest Americans filing for unemployment in more than 50 years, and overall unemployment at 4.2 percent — we know that millions of student loan borrowers are still coping with the impacts of the pandemic and need some more time before resuming payments. This is an issue Vice President Harris has been closely focused on, and one we both care deeply about. Given these considerations, today my Administration is extending the pause on federal student loan repayments for an additional 90 days — through May 1, 2022 — as we manage the ongoing pandemic and further strengthen our economic recovery. Meanwhile, the Department of Education will continue working with borrowers to ensure they have the support they need to transition smoothly back into repayment and advance economic stability for their own households and for our nation. As we are taking this action, I’m asking all student loan borrowers to do their part as well: take full advantage of the Department of Education’s resources to help you prepare for payments to resume; look at options to lower your payments through income-based repayment plans; explore public service loan forgiveness; and make sure you are vaccinated and boosted when eligible."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633363477999.png" alt="President Joe Biden says the administration understands that borrowers are still coping with the impact of the pandemic." />
 <figcaption>President Joe Biden says the administration understands that borrowers are still coping with the impact of the pandemic.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is extending a student loan moratorium that has allowed millions of Americans to put off debt payments during the pandemic. Under the action Wednesday, payments on federal student loans will remain paused through May 1. Interest rates will remain at 0% during that period, and debt collection efforts will be suspended. Those measures have been in place since early in the pandemic but were set to expire Jan. 31. This is the second extension from the administration. In a statement from the White House, President Biden said: "When I came into office, we were facing a number of unprecedented crises. Our economy was creating only 50,000 new jobs per month, less than 1 percent of Americans were fully vaccinated, many schools were closed, and Americans across the country were struggling to pay their bills and stay afloat."That is why, on my very first day as President, I directed the Department of Education to pause federal student loan repayments through September. In August, my Administration once again extended the pause, through January 31, 2022. That pause has given 41 million Americans badly-needed breathing room during the economic upheaval caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic." Now, while our jobs recovery is one of the strongest ever — with nearly 6 million jobs added this year, the fewest Americans filing for unemployment in more than 50 years, and overall unemployment at 4.2 percent — we know that millions of student loan borrowers are still coping with the impacts of the pandemic and need some more time before resuming payments. This is an issue Vice President Harris has been closely focused on, and one we both care deeply about. Given these considerations, today my Administration is extending the pause on federal student loan repayments for an additional 90 days — through May 1, 2022 — as we manage the ongoing pandemic and further strengthen our economic recovery. Meanwhile, the Department of Education will continue working with borrowers to ensure they have the support they need to transition smoothly back into repayment and advance economic stability for their own households and for our nation. As we are taking this action, I’m asking all student loan borrowers to do their part as well: take full advantage of the Department of Education’s resources to help you prepare for payments to resume; look at options to lower your payments through income-based repayment plans; explore public service loan forgiveness; and make sure you are vaccinated and boosted when eligible."

Pause on student loan payments is extended again

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced a new proposal for a one-time $250 tax rebate to all Kansas residents who filed a tax return in the 2021 calendar year, according to a media release from her office.

“Since 2019, my administration has carefully worked to get Kansas’ budget back on track after years of mismanagement,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Thanks to our fiscal responsibility and record economic development success, we can return money to taxpayers and give every Kansas resident who filed taxes in 2021 a $250 rebate. These are significant savings for every family to be delivered by summer of 2022."

Governor Kelly is calling for a one-time rebate in the form of a non-taxable direct payment of $250 for every Kansas resident tax filer. 

Resident tax filers who filed as married and filing jointly will be eligible for a $500 direct payment. All other filing types will be eligible for a $250 direct payment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Under the Governor’s plan, Kansas will return approximately $445 million to over 1.2 million Kansas resident taxpayers. Additionally, as a one-time payment, this will have no impact on the state’s ongoing ability to collect revenues that fund critical services. The proposal will be paid for with Kansas’ current budget surplus and is intended to provide relief to tax filers who are Kansas residents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640188110223.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly with Santa during the delivery of this year’s Christmas Tree to Cedar Crest.&nbsp;Under her plan, Kansas will return approximately $445 million to over 1.2 million Kansas resident taxpayers-photo from the governor's social media page." />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly with Santa during the delivery of this year’s Christmas Tree to Cedar Crest.&nbsp;Under her plan, Kansas will return approximately $445 million to over 1.2 million Kansas resident taxpayers-photo from the governor's social media page.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced a new proposal for a one-time $250 tax rebate to all Kansas residents who filed a tax return in the 2021 calendar year, according to a media release from her office.“Since 2019, my administration has carefully worked to get Kansas’ budget back on track after years of mismanagement,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Thanks to our fiscal responsibility and record economic development success, we can return money to taxpayers and give every Kansas resident who filed taxes in 2021 a $250 rebate. These are significant savings for every family to be delivered by summer of 2022."Governor Kelly is calling for a one-time rebate in the form of a non-taxable direct payment of $250 for every Kansas resident tax filer. Resident tax filers who filed as married and filing jointly will be eligible for a $500 direct payment. All other filing types will be eligible for a $250 direct payment.&nbsp;&nbsp;Under the Governor’s plan, Kansas will return approximately $445 million to over 1.2 million Kansas resident taxpayers. Additionally, as a one-time payment, this will have no impact on the state’s ongoing ability to collect revenues that fund critical services. The proposal will be paid for with Kansas’ current budget surplus and is intended to provide relief to tax filers who are Kansas residents.

Merry Christmas: Gov. proposes a $250 rebate for Kan. taxpayers

KANSAS CITy (AP) — The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned a man's murder conviction in a deadly 2018 shooting outside of a suburban Kansas City shopping mall because during his trial, he wasn't allowed to argue that he had acted in self-defense.

The high court ruled that the trial judge hamstrung Tyler Gates' attorneys by not allowing them to argue it was self-defense and violated Gates' constitutional rights.

Jurors convicted Gates in June 2019 of second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the killing of 17-year-old Matthew Haylock at the Independence Center. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Gates’ co-defendant, Luis Ramirez, was sentenced to concurrent terms of eight years in prison for attempted robbery and three years for armed criminal action in the same case.

Prosecutors said the shooting occurred after Gates, who was 18 at the time, and Ramirez, who was also a teen, decided to rob Haylock of a gun. Gates, however, claims he did not rob Haylock. He said he fired in self-defense after Haylock tried to rob him. But he was barred from presenting the self-defense argument at his trial.

The state Supreme Court's ruling sends the case back to a lower court.

Gates’ attorney, Jeannie Willibey, said in a statement that she is “pleased that the Court upheld the fundamental right of a criminal defendant to tell the jury in his own words his version of what happened” and added that “fairness requires a new trial.”

A spokesman for the Jackson County prosecutor’s office didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640128466324.png" alt="Gates-photo MODOC" />
 <figcaption>Gates-photo MODOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITy (AP) — The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday overturned a man's murder conviction in a deadly 2018 shooting outside of a suburban Kansas City shopping mall because during his trial, he wasn't allowed to argue that he had acted in self-defense.The high court ruled that the trial judge hamstrung Tyler Gates' attorneys by not allowing them to argue it was self-defense and violated Gates' constitutional rights.Jurors convicted Gates in June 2019 of second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the killing of 17-year-old Matthew Haylock at the Independence Center. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.Gates’ co-defendant, Luis Ramirez, was sentenced to concurrent terms of eight years in prison for attempted robbery and three years for armed criminal action in the same case.Prosecutors said the shooting occurred after Gates, who was 18 at the time, and Ramirez, who was also a teen, decided to rob Haylock of a gun. Gates, however, claims he did not rob Haylock. He said he fired in self-defense after Haylock tried to rob him. But he was barred from presenting the self-defense argument at his trial.The state Supreme Court's ruling sends the case back to a lower court.Gates’ attorney, Jeannie Willibey, said in a statement that she is “pleased that the Court upheld the fundamental right of a criminal defendant to tell the jury in his own words his version of what happened” and added that “fairness requires a new trial.”A spokesman for the Jackson County prosecutor’s office didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

State