WASHINGTON (AP) — Bob Dole lay in state at the U.S. Capitol, as the president and others gathered Thursday to pay tribute to an “American giant” who served the country in war and in politics with pragmatism, self-deprecating wit and a bygone era’s sense of common civility.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?516619-1/tribute-ceremony-bob-dole-us-capitol">CLICK here&nbsp;</a>to watch the tribute

President Joe Biden entered the Capitol and a military escort carried Dole’s casket draped with the American flag into to the Rotunda. Biden is expected to offer remarks at the morning ceremony with invited guests and congressional leaders for the former Republican senator and presidential contender. Dole, who served nearly 36 years in Congress,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-dole-sports-mens-college-basketball-college-basketball-kansas-9b5a99a4d2689bf51a534b581f897d21">died Sunday</a>&nbsp;at the age of 98.

“For those like me who had the honor of calling him a friend, Bob Dole was an American giant,” President Joe Biden said in a Wednesday speech in Kansas City, Missouri.

Biden, a Democrat, called Dole “a man of extraordinary courage, both physical and moral courage.”

“A war hero, who sacrificed beyond measure,” Biden said. “Who nearly gave his life for our country in World War II. Among the greatest of the great generation.”

The service underway will be the first of several in Washington commemorating Dole’s life and legacy. Thursday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-dole-business-bill-clinton-veterans-foreign-policy-2fdfe82de4246e1b08aa96c283099bc7">event at the Capitol</a>&nbsp;and Friday’s funeral at the Washington National Cathedral are closed to the public. But Dole’s funeral will be livestreamed at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall, and his motorcade is expected to stop by later at an event with actor Tom Hanks honoring his life and military service before the casket travels to his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-dole-joe-biden-kansas-tom-hanks-congress-f3394204d74e7e32e9d7279ebe47f1bd">Kansas hometown and the state capital</a>.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Dole was a “patriot from the start” and an “exemplary person to serve with in Congress.”

“He served at a time when there was mutual respect, even though disagreement on many issues, across the aisle, across the Capitol,” Pelosi said Wednesday. “I found him to be a man of his word. Everybody did.”

Black draperies hung on doorways under the Capitol dome in preparation for the service. About 100 chairs were set up, socially distanced for COVID-19 protocols. A lectern was positioned in a way that the statue of another Kansas stateman, Dwight Eisenhower, will likely be seen in the background behind the day’s speakers.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, now the longest-serving Republican Senate leader, said Dole idolized Eisenhower, calling the former president and general a hero who embodied “the finest qualities of the American people.”

“We can say with certainty that Eisenhower isn’t the only Kansan who meets those standards,” McConnell said in a speech earlier this week.

McConnell had raised concerns that an event planner for the memorial service, Tim Unes, had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-bannon-joe-biden-donald-trump-capitol-siege-subpoenas-ea5218b06255349e05f67e1b47a45a31">subpoenaed by the House committee</a>&nbsp;investigating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol</a>&nbsp;about his role planning that day for Donald Trump, the former president, according to a person granted anonymity to discuss the private conversation. Trump had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-capitol-siege-media-e79eb5164613d6718e9f4502eb471f27">urged his followers</a>&nbsp;to head to the Capitol to fight the certification of Biden’s election victory.

Dole family spokesperson Steve Schwab said in a statement Thursday that Unes’ role had been terminated.

Schwab said Unes, a former Dole campaign staffer, had “volunteered his time to serve on the advance team for this week’s memorial events.” Schwab said Dole’s wife, Elizabeth Dole, “was previously unaware” of Unes’ participation and once he made her aware she “terminated his volunteer role.”

Unes did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The story was first reported by The New York Times.

Born a child of the Dust Bowl in Russell, Kansas, Bob Dole suffered paralyzing and near-fatal wounds after being shot in World War II that sent him home with a severely damaged right arm that he could not use to shake hands. Instead, Dole held a pen in it and reached out with his left as a way to put greeters at ease.

After earning a law degree, he worked as county attorney and served as a Kansas state legislator before running for Congress in 1960, joining the House for eight years then going on to win the Senate seat. He was the GOP’s presidential nominee in 1996, his third and final campaign for president — a race he never won.

Dole’s quick wit was on display after losing the presidential contest to incumbent Democrat Bill Clinton, who awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom days before the 1997 inauguration.

McConnell said when it was time for Dole’s remarks, he stood at the podium and began: “I, Robert J. Dole … do solemnly swear … oh, sorry, wrong speech!”

But that humor was rarely seen on the campaign trail or in his public pronouncements, where it could have helped him win more votes.

Instead, Dole was seen as a GOP “hatchet man,” a mentee of Richard Nixon and chairman of the Republican National Committee during the Watergate era. He went on to become the sharp-tongued vice presidential running mate to Gerald Ford, another lost race.

But it was Dole’s long career in the Senate where he grew to see the value of reaching across the aisle to Democrats and secured his more lasting achievements — most notably the Americans with Disabilities Act that to this day ensures a level of accessibility as a civil right.

At times, Dole bucked his own party, particularly on a landmark tax bill, and helped create the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday.

The former senator announced in February 2021 a diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer. Biden visited Dole at his home at the Watergate complex.

A few hours before the memorial was set to begin, Capitol Police locked down part of the Capitol complex after a staffer walked into an office building with a gun in his bag. The man was arrested on a charge of carrying a pistol without a license.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The body of the late Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol on Thursday as President Biden and congressional leaders honor the former Republican presidential candidate and World War II veteran.

The service is one of several over two days in Washington for the former Republican senator and presidential candidate.

Dole will be honored Friday in a private memorial service with President Joe Biden in attendance at Washington National Cathedral and a public service at the World War II Memorial in Washington. Those events will come before the casket of the former presidential candidate and decorated soldier travels to Kansas for events in Russell and Topeka.

&nbsp;A public memorial service is set for Saturday morning in Dole’s hometown of Russell and followed by a private afternoon ceremony at the Kansas Statehouse.

Dole served in Congress for 36 years. He died Sunday at the age of 98. He was a leader known for his caustic wit, which he often turned on himself but didn’t hesitate to turn on others, too.

He shaped tax and foreign policy and worked vigorously to help the disabled, enshrining protections against discrimination in employment, education and public services in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639064406713.png" alt="President Biden paid tribute to Dole during the service at the U.S. Capitol-photos courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden paid tribute to Dole during the service at the U.S. Capitol-photos courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Bob Dole lay in state at the U.S. Capitol, as the president and others gathered Thursday to pay tribute to an “American giant” who served the country in war and in politics with pragmatism, self-deprecating wit and a bygone era’s sense of common civility.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?516619-1/tribute-ceremony-bob-dole-us-capitol">CLICK here&nbsp;</a>to watch the tributePresident Joe Biden entered the Capitol and a military escort carried Dole’s casket draped with the American flag into to the Rotunda. Biden is expected to offer remarks at the morning ceremony with invited guests and congressional leaders for the former Republican senator and presidential contender. Dole, who served nearly 36 years in Congress,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-dole-sports-mens-college-basketball-college-basketball-kansas-9b5a99a4d2689bf51a534b581f897d21">died Sunday</a>&nbsp;at the age of 98.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639063246573.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“For those like me who had the honor of calling him a friend, Bob Dole was an American giant,” President Joe Biden said in a Wednesday speech in Kansas City, Missouri.Biden, a Democrat, called Dole “a man of extraordinary courage, both physical and moral courage.”“A war hero, who sacrificed beyond measure,” Biden said. “Who nearly gave his life for our country in World War II. Among the greatest of the great generation.”The service underway will be the first of several in Washington commemorating Dole’s life and legacy. Thursday’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-dole-business-bill-clinton-veterans-foreign-policy-2fdfe82de4246e1b08aa96c283099bc7">event at the Capitol</a>&nbsp;and Friday’s funeral at the Washington National Cathedral are closed to the public. But Dole’s funeral will be livestreamed at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall, and his motorcade is expected to stop by later at an event with actor Tom Hanks honoring his life and military service before the casket travels to his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bob-dole-joe-biden-kansas-tom-hanks-congress-f3394204d74e7e32e9d7279ebe47f1bd">Kansas hometown and the state capital</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639064367631.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Dole was a “patriot from the start” and an “exemplary person to serve with in Congress.”“He served at a time when there was mutual respect, even though disagreement on many issues, across the aisle, across the Capitol,” Pelosi said Wednesday. “I found him to be a man of his word. Everybody did.”Black draperies hung on doorways under the Capitol dome in preparation for the service. About 100 chairs were set up, socially distanced for COVID-19 protocols. A lectern was positioned in a way that the statue of another Kansas stateman, Dwight Eisenhower, will likely be seen in the background behind the day’s speakers.Sen. Mitch McConnell, now the longest-serving Republican Senate leader, said Dole idolized Eisenhower, calling the former president and general a hero who embodied “the finest qualities of the American people.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639061567115.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“We can say with certainty that Eisenhower isn’t the only Kansan who meets those standards,” McConnell said in a speech earlier this week.McConnell had raised concerns that an event planner for the memorial service, Tim Unes, had been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/steve-bannon-joe-biden-donald-trump-capitol-siege-subpoenas-ea5218b06255349e05f67e1b47a45a31">subpoenaed by the House committee</a>&nbsp;investigating&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-confirm-joe-biden-78104aea082995bbd7412a6e6cd13818">the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol</a>&nbsp;about his role planning that day for Donald Trump, the former president, according to a person granted anonymity to discuss the private conversation. Trump had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-capitol-siege-media-e79eb5164613d6718e9f4502eb471f27">urged his followers</a>&nbsp;to head to the Capitol to fight the certification of Biden’s election victory.Dole family spokesperson Steve Schwab said in a statement Thursday that Unes’ role had been terminated.Schwab said Unes, a former Dole campaign staffer, had “volunteered his time to serve on the advance team for this week’s memorial events.” Schwab said Dole’s wife, Elizabeth Dole, “was previously unaware” of Unes’ participation and once he made her aware she “terminated his volunteer role.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639062673023.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Unes did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The story was first reported by The New York Times.Born a child of the Dust Bowl in Russell, Kansas, Bob Dole suffered paralyzing and near-fatal wounds after being shot in World War II that sent him home with a severely damaged right arm that he could not use to shake hands. Instead, Dole held a pen in it and reached out with his left as a way to put greeters at ease.After earning a law degree, he worked as county attorney and served as a Kansas state legislator before running for Congress in 1960, joining the House for eight years then going on to win the Senate seat. He was the GOP’s presidential nominee in 1996, his third and final campaign for president — a race he never won.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639065496835.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dole’s quick wit was on display after losing the presidential contest to incumbent Democrat Bill Clinton, who awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom days before the 1997 inauguration.McConnell said when it was time for Dole’s remarks, he stood at the podium and began: “I, Robert J. Dole … do solemnly swear … oh, sorry, wrong speech!”But that humor was rarely seen on the campaign trail or in his public pronouncements, where it could have helped him win more votes.Instead, Dole was seen as a GOP “hatchet man,” a mentee of Richard Nixon and chairman of the Republican National Committee during the Watergate era. He went on to become the sharp-tongued vice presidential running mate to Gerald Ford, another lost race.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639063158412.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>But it was Dole’s long career in the Senate where he grew to see the value of reaching across the aisle to Democrats and secured his more lasting achievements — most notably the Americans with Disabilities Act that to this day ensures a level of accessibility as a civil right.At times, Dole bucked his own party, particularly on a landmark tax bill, and helped create the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639065568197.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The former senator announced in February 2021 a diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer. Biden visited Dole at his home at the Watergate complex.A few hours before the memorial was set to begin, Capitol Police locked down part of the Capitol complex after a staffer walked into an office building with a gun in his bag. The man was arrested on a charge of carrying a pistol without a license.--------------WASHINGTON (AP) — The body of the late Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol on Thursday as President Biden and congressional leaders honor the former Republican presidential candidate and World War II veteran.The service is one of several over two days in Washington for the former Republican senator and presidential candidate.Dole will be honored Friday in a private memorial service with President Joe Biden in attendance at Washington National Cathedral and a public service at the World War II Memorial in Washington. Those events will come before the casket of the former presidential candidate and decorated soldier travels to Kansas for events in Russell and Topeka.&nbsp;A public memorial service is set for Saturday morning in Dole’s hometown of Russell and followed by a private afternoon ceremony at the Kansas Statehouse.Dole served in Congress for 36 years. He died Sunday at the age of 98. He was a leader known for his caustic wit, which he often turned on himself but didn’t hesitate to turn on others, too.He shaped tax and foreign policy and worked vigorously to help the disabled, enshrining protections against discrimination in employment, education and public services in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

🎥 Biden pays tribute to ‘American giant’ Bob Dole at Capitol

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A man suspected of a total of six killings in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri">Missouri</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;pleaded not guilty Wednesday in two deaths in St. Louis.

Perez Reed, 26, appeared via video to face charges that he shot and killed 49-year-old Pamela Abercrombie on Sept. 16 and 24-year-old Carey Ross on Sept. 19 in St. Louis..

Reed is also charged in two killings in St. Louis County and two others in Kansas City, Kansas, in September and October.

He was arrested in early November while he was traveling from Kansas City to St. Louis.

Public defender Brian Horneyer entered not guilty pleas for Reed to two counts of murder and armed criminal action. Horneyer told the judge that Reed has an extensive history of mental health issues, KMOV reported.

Reed is charged in the St. Louis County killings of 16-year-old Marnay Haynes on Sept. 13 and Lester Robinson, 40, on Sept. 26. He is also charged with killing Damon Washington Irvin and Rau’daja De’Naya Farrow on Oct. 28-29 in Kansas City, Kansas. He has not been arraigned in those deaths.

Reed pleaded not guilty in November to a federal weapons charge. Authorities have said there is no known connection between the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636462416961.png" alt="Reed-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Reed-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — A man suspected of a total of six killings in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/missouri">Missouri</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kansas">Kansas</a>&nbsp;pleaded not guilty Wednesday in two deaths in St. Louis.Perez Reed, 26, appeared via video to face charges that he shot and killed 49-year-old Pamela Abercrombie on Sept. 16 and 24-year-old Carey Ross on Sept. 19 in St. Louis..Reed is also charged in two killings in St. Louis County and two others in Kansas City, Kansas, in September and October.He was arrested in early November while he was traveling from Kansas City to St. Louis.Public defender Brian Horneyer entered not guilty pleas for Reed to two counts of murder and armed criminal action. Horneyer told the judge that Reed has an extensive history of mental health issues, KMOV reported.Reed is charged in the St. Louis County killings of 16-year-old Marnay Haynes on Sept. 13 and Lester Robinson, 40, on Sept. 26. He is also charged with killing Damon Washington Irvin and Rau’daja De’Naya Farrow on Oct. 28-29 in Kansas City, Kansas. He has not been arraigned in those deaths.Reed pleaded not guilty in November to a federal weapons charge. Authorities have said there is no known connection between the victims.

Man charged in 2 Kan. killings enters plea for 2 deaths in Missouri

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate narrowly approved a resolution Wednesday to nullify the Biden administration’s requirement that&nbsp;businesses with 100 or more workers have their employees be vaccinated against the coronavirus or submit to weekly testing.

The vote was 52-48. The Democratic-led House is unlikely to take the measure up, which means the mandate would stand, though courts have put it on hold for now. Still, the vote gave senators a chance to voice opposition to a policy that they say has sparked fears back home from businesses and from unvaccinated constituents who worry about losing their jobs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-lawsuits-2d05c688115e139b034ec4a497140c3b">should the rule go into effect</a>.

“Every so often Washington D.C. does something that lights up the phone lines. This is one of these moments,” said Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont. At home, he said, “this issue is what I hear about. This issue is a top-of-mind issue.”

Lawmakers can invalidate certain federal agency regulations if a joint resolution is approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the president, or if Congress overrides a presidential veto. That’s unlikely to happen in this case.

Under the rule, private-sector companies with 100 or more workers must require their employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be tested for the virus weekly and wear masks on the job. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said it would work with companies on compliance but would fine them up to more than $13,000 for each violation, though implementation and enforcement is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/ets2" target="_blank">suspended as the litigation unfolds.</a>

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Americans who have refused to get vaccinated are the biggest impediment to ending the pandemic. He implied that some of the resistance to mandated vaccines is based on politics.

“Some of the anti-vaxxers here in this chamber remind me of what happened 400 years ago when people were clinging to the fact that the sun revolved around the Earth. They just didn’t believe science. Or 500 years ago when they were sure the Earth was flat,” Schumer said.

Schumer said social media has played a role in spreading falsehoods about the vaccine, and “so has the far right.” He urged senators to vote against the resolution, sponsored by Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind.

Republicans said they are supportive of the vaccine, but that the mandate amounts to government overreach.

“His mandates are under fire in the courts. Main Street job creators are complaining against it, and tonight, the U.S. Senate must send a clear message: back off this bad idea,” Braun said.

Some argued that the mandate may even contribute to people not getting vaccinated.

“I think, actually, the mandate has made it worse in terms of hardening people who don’t want to be told what to do by the government,” said Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said a telephone town hall she recently held with constituents made clear they are concerned about keeping their a job if the mandate goes into effect.

“If you look at my state, 40% of my state’s workforce stands to lose their job under this mandate,” Capito said. “It will be a killer to our economy.”

In the end, two Democratic lawmakers voted with 50 Republicans to void the mandate, Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Jon Tester of Montana. Manchin had said in a tweet that he does not support any federal vaccine mandate for private businesses. Tester’s office said his opposition is based on conversations with Montana businesses who “expressed deep concerns about the negative effect on their bottom lines and our state’s economy during this fragile recovery period.”

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., sided with the Biden administration, noting that the pandemic is still raging and that deaths are overwhelmingly among the unvaccinated.

“How on earth does it make sense right now to undercut one of the strongest tools that we have to get people vaccinated and stop this virus?” Murray said. “In what world is that a good idea?”

The White House released a statement earlier this week stating that Biden’s advisers would recommend he veto the resolution in the unlikely event it makes it to his desk.

“The president wants to see Americans back on the job, and Americans back at work should not face risk from those who are not vaccinated and who refuse to be tested,” the White House said.

Deaths in the United States stemming from COVID-19 are running close to 1,600 a day on average. The overall U.S. death toll less than two years into the pandemic could soon reach 800,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639053472760.png" alt="Kansas Senator Roger Marshall joined Sen. Mike Braun to lead other Republican senators pushing for rollback of Biden vaccine mandate for businesses-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senator Roger Marshall joined Sen. Mike Braun to lead other Republican senators pushing for rollback of Biden vaccine mandate for businesses-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate narrowly approved a resolution Wednesday to nullify the Biden administration’s requirement that&nbsp;businesses with 100 or more workers have their employees be vaccinated against the coronavirus or submit to weekly testing.The vote was 52-48. The Democratic-led House is unlikely to take the measure up, which means the mandate would stand, though courts have put it on hold for now. Still, the vote gave senators a chance to voice opposition to a policy that they say has sparked fears back home from businesses and from unvaccinated constituents who worry about losing their jobs&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-lawsuits-2d05c688115e139b034ec4a497140c3b">should the rule go into effect</a>.“Every so often Washington D.C. does something that lights up the phone lines. This is one of these moments,” said Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont. At home, he said, “this issue is what I hear about. This issue is a top-of-mind issue.”Lawmakers can invalidate certain federal agency regulations if a joint resolution is approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the president, or if Congress overrides a presidential veto. That’s unlikely to happen in this case.Under the rule, private-sector companies with 100 or more workers must require their employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be tested for the virus weekly and wear masks on the job. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said it would work with companies on compliance but would fine them up to more than $13,000 for each violation, though implementation and enforcement is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/ets2" target="_blank">suspended as the litigation unfolds.</a>Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Americans who have refused to get vaccinated are the biggest impediment to ending the pandemic. He implied that some of the resistance to mandated vaccines is based on politics.“Some of the anti-vaxxers here in this chamber remind me of what happened 400 years ago when people were clinging to the fact that the sun revolved around the Earth. They just didn’t believe science. Or 500 years ago when they were sure the Earth was flat,” Schumer said.Schumer said social media has played a role in spreading falsehoods about the vaccine, and “so has the far right.” He urged senators to vote against the resolution, sponsored by Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind.Republicans said they are supportive of the vaccine, but that the mandate amounts to government overreach.“His mandates are under fire in the courts. Main Street job creators are complaining against it, and tonight, the U.S. Senate must send a clear message: back off this bad idea,” Braun said.Some argued that the mandate may even contribute to people not getting vaccinated.“I think, actually, the mandate has made it worse in terms of hardening people who don’t want to be told what to do by the government,” said Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo.Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said a telephone town hall she recently held with constituents made clear they are concerned about keeping their a job if the mandate goes into effect.“If you look at my state, 40% of my state’s workforce stands to lose their job under this mandate,” Capito said. “It will be a killer to our economy.”In the end, two Democratic lawmakers voted with 50 Republicans to void the mandate, Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Jon Tester of Montana. Manchin had said in a tweet that he does not support any federal vaccine mandate for private businesses. Tester’s office said his opposition is based on conversations with Montana businesses who “expressed deep concerns about the negative effect on their bottom lines and our state’s economy during this fragile recovery period.”Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., sided with the Biden administration, noting that the pandemic is still raging and that deaths are overwhelmingly among the unvaccinated.“How on earth does it make sense right now to undercut one of the strongest tools that we have to get people vaccinated and stop this virus?” Murray said. “In what world is that a good idea?”The White House released a statement earlier this week stating that Biden’s advisers would recommend he veto the resolution in the unlikely event it makes it to his desk.“The president wants to see Americans back on the job, and Americans back at work should not face risk from those who are not vaccinated and who refuse to be tested,” the White House said.Deaths in the United States stemming from COVID-19 are running close to 1,600 a day on average. The overall U.S. death toll less than two years into the pandemic could soon reach 800,000.

With Dem votes, Senate kills Biden's vaccine mandate for businesses

SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged child rape and trafficking of a runaway 13-year-old girl from Texas, according to a media release from the&nbsp;Liberal Police Department.

On Tuesday, authorities located the Denison, Texas girl in the 1000 block of South Kansas Avenue in Liberal.&nbsp; She was with a 63-year-old man.

Two 63-year-old men from Liberal approached the girl at a restaurant in Denison, and one of them convinced the teen to come with them to Kansas.

After they arrived in Liberal, Kansas, the 13-year-old girl reported she was forcefully raped by one of the men, according to the release.

 "The man also alleged told her he was going to prostitute her out to other people who would pay them good money."

Police booked the suspect on requested charges of rape and aggravated counts of human trafficking, kidnapping, interference with parental custody, intimidation of a victim and indecent liberties with a child. Police did not release the suspect's name.

A search warrant connected to the case was executed in the 800 block of South Lincoln in Liberal.&nbsp; The victim also told police the suspect had several visitors while she was in his home.

SEWARD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged child rape and trafficking of a runaway 13-year-old girl from Texas, according to a media release from the&nbsp;Liberal Police Department.On Tuesday, authorities located the Denison, Texas girl in the 1000 block of South Kansas Avenue in Liberal.&nbsp; She was with a 63-year-old man. Two 63-year-old men from Liberal approached the girl at a restaurant in Denison, and one of them convinced the teen to come with them to Kansas.After they arrived in Liberal, Kansas, the 13-year-old girl reported she was forcefully raped by one of the men, according to the release. "The man also alleged told her he was going to prostitute her out to other people who would pay them good money."Police booked the suspect on requested charges of rape and aggravated counts of human trafficking, kidnapping, interference with parental custody, intimidation of a victim and indecent liberties with a child. Police did not release the suspect's name.A search warrant connected to the case was executed in the 800 block of South Lincoln in Liberal.&nbsp; The victim also told police the suspect had several visitors while she was in his home.

Police arrest SW Kan. man for alleged rape, human trafficking 

The
 Federal Trade Commission is returning an additional $25 million to 
consumers who lost money to a business coaching scheme that used the 
names Coaching Department and Apply Knowledge, among others. These 
refunds are the result of the FTC’s settlements with <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/04/defendants-who-took-part-business-coaching-scheme-settle-ftc">the</a> scheme’s ringleaders, the companies through which the scheme operated, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/05/worldwide-payment-processor-payments-industry-executive-pay-402">a payment processor</a> who helped facilitate the scheme.

According to the FTC, the defendants conned millions 
of dollars from consumers by falsely telling them they could earn 
thousands of dollars a month by purchasing their business coaching 
services and establishing an Internet business. The complaint alleges 
that consumers who bought into the scheme lost thousands—sometimes tens 
of thousands—of dollars each, most of it by racking up huge credit card 
debt at the defendants’ urging.

The funds for this distribution come from the FTC’s case against <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/05/worldwide-payment-processor-payments-industry-executive-pay-402">First Data Merchant Services</a>, LLC (First Data),
 one of several companies that processed credit card payments for the 
defendants in this case. According to the FTC, First Data allegedly 
ignored repeated warnings from employees, 
banks, and others that they were processing payments for companies that 
were breaking the law. First Data agreed to pay $40 million to settle 
the FTC’s charges, which has also been used to provide refunds to 
consumers in the FTC’s cases against <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2017/06/defendants-involved-selling-business-coaching-programs-settle-ftc">Lift International</a> and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-sends-more-11m-refunds-consumers-affected-credit-card">E.M. Systems and Services</a>.

In this distribution, 10,749 consumers 
will receive checks from the FTC totaling more than $25.6 million. Prior
 refund distributions in this case totaled more than $2 million.

People who receive checks should deposit or cash them
 within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Recipients who have 
questions about their checks should call the refund administrator, 
Analytics, LLC, at 844-982-1005. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check.

The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but recently the United States Supreme Court ruled the FTC 
lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal 
court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and file a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/complaint">consumer complaint online</a> or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).&nbsp;For the latest news and resources, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> and read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FTCThe
 Federal Trade Commission is returning an additional $25 million to 
consumers who lost money to a business coaching scheme that used the 
names Coaching Department and Apply Knowledge, among others. These 
refunds are the result of the FTC’s settlements with <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2018/04/defendants-who-took-part-business-coaching-scheme-settle-ftc">the</a> scheme’s ringleaders, the companies through which the scheme operated, and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/05/worldwide-payment-processor-payments-industry-executive-pay-402">a payment processor</a> who helped facilitate the scheme.According to the FTC, the defendants conned millions 
of dollars from consumers by falsely telling them they could earn 
thousands of dollars a month by purchasing their business coaching 
services and establishing an Internet business. The complaint alleges 
that consumers who bought into the scheme lost thousands—sometimes tens 
of thousands—of dollars each, most of it by racking up huge credit card 
debt at the defendants’ urging.The funds for this distribution come from the FTC’s case against <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2020/05/worldwide-payment-processor-payments-industry-executive-pay-402">First Data Merchant Services</a>, LLC (First Data),
 one of several companies that processed credit card payments for the 
defendants in this case. According to the FTC, First Data allegedly 
ignored repeated warnings from employees, 
banks, and others that they were processing payments for companies that 
were breaking the law. First Data agreed to pay $40 million to settle 
the FTC’s charges, which has also been used to provide refunds to 
consumers in the FTC’s cases against <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2017/06/defendants-involved-selling-business-coaching-programs-settle-ftc">Lift International</a> and <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-sends-more-11m-refunds-consumers-affected-credit-card">E.M. Systems and Services</a>.In this distribution, 10,749 consumers 
will receive checks from the FTC totaling more than $25.6 million. Prior
 refund distributions in this case totaled more than $2 million.People who receive checks should deposit or cash them
 within 90 days, as indicated on the check. Recipients who have 
questions about their checks should call the refund administrator, 
Analytics, LLC, at 844-982-1005. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check.The FTC’s <a href="https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/federal.trade.commission/viz/Refunds_15797958402020/RefundsbyCase">interactive dashboards for refund data(link is external)</a>
 provide a state-by-state breakdown of FTC refunds. In 2020, FTC actions
 led to more than $483 million in refunds to consumers across the 
country, but recently the United States Supreme Court ruled the FTC 
lacks authority under Section 13(b) to seek monetary relief in federal 
court going forward. The <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2021/04/ftc-asks-congress-pass-legislation-reviving-agencys-authority">Commission has urged Congress</a> to restore the FTC’s ability to get money back for consumers.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and file a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/complaint">consumer complaint online</a> or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).&nbsp;For the latest news and resources, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> and read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

FTC: Coaching scam victims repaid additional $25M

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — President Joe Biden unveiled a new slogan for his $1 trillion infrastructure package on Wednesday, but his overall message is staying largely the same.

Biden, trying to rebound from sagging poll numbers, rebranded his Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework as “Building a Better America.” He spoke at the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, surrounded by buses and signs featuring the new slogan as he continued a weekslong tour to put greater focus on the planned spending for roads, bridges, water systems, broadband and greater resilience against climate change.

The economy has revived since Biden took office, but high inflation, political polarization and the inability to fully break free of the coronavirus pandemic have all hurt his popularity. The new slogan for his big, just-passed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-infrastructure-bill-signing-b5b8cca843133de060778f049861b144">infrastructure package</a>&nbsp;says the president’s bipartisan deal will improve the country in ways well beyond repairing its aging roads and bridges.

“We’re talking about rebuilding America, investing in America, building a better America,” Biden said.

The new slogan hews closely to Biden’s separate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-joe-biden-business-environment-congress-d1e755379b1941e1cca1178d3fb66b80">“Build Back Better” agenda of tax hikes on the wealthy and an expansion of education, family and environmental programs</a>&nbsp;still pending in the Senate. That slogan, too, has its critics, who say it makes it challenging for people to easily grasp all that’s in the package.

Biden mixed together talk of “Build Back Better” with the new infrastructure law on Wednesday, declaring that the risks of climate change mean roads need to be constructed higher and that costs more money.

“You got to build back better,” he said in his remarks.

The White House launched a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/build/" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;Wednesday that asks Americans to record videos about how the infrastructure spending will help their own communities, part of a search for grassroots support as the administration seeks greater recognition for its achievements ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.

The infrastructure law will fund upgrades and repairs to roads, bridges, mass transit and water systems nationwide, along with a shift to electrical vehicles to help ease the effects of climate change.

“It’s time to stop just kind of repairing our grandparents’ infrastructure — it’s time to start innovating,” said Rep. Sharice Davids, a Democrat from the nearby state of Kansas who spoke at the event.

Biden lost Kansas and Missouri in last year’s presidential election. But the tour is a chance to make inroads with voters by showing that the administration can deliver results. Missouri has nearly 2,200 bridges and more than 7,570 miles of highway deemed in poor condition. Under the law, the state could expect $7 billion for highways and bridges, a nearly 30% increase in federal funding, the White House said.

The Buck O’Neil Bridge in Kansas City is among the bridges in the state in need of repair.

It’s named for Buck O’Neil, a two-time All-Star first baseman in baseball’s Negro Leagues and the first Black coach in the Major Leagues. O’Neil, who died in Kansas City in 2006, was inducted in baseball’s Hall of Fame on Sunday.

Construction on a replacement bridge began in the fall, before Biden signed the infrastructure bill, and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024, at an estimated cost of close to $220 million borne by the state and the city.

The 65-year-old bridge is a key route connecting downtown Kansas City with northern Kansas City and growing suburbs across the Missouri River, and carries about 50,000 vehicles a day, according to the state Department of Transportation. It opened in 1956 and has required frequent upgrades and repairs in recent years.

Biden kicked off the infrastructure tour nearly a month ago with a speech at the Port of Baltimore.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639014758366.png" alt="President Biden arrived at Kansas City International airport Wednesday afternoon- photo courtesy city of KCMO" />
 <figcaption>President Biden arrived at Kansas City International airport Wednesday afternoon- photo courtesy city of KCMO</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — President Joe Biden unveiled a new slogan for his $1 trillion infrastructure package on Wednesday, but his overall message is staying largely the same.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Glad to send <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> off with some Kansas City barbecue! Great trip. <a href="https://t.co/pCixrFuqzB">pic.twitter.com/pCixrFuqzB</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1468730768369373191?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden, trying to rebound from sagging poll numbers, rebranded his Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework as “Building a Better America.” He spoke at the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, surrounded by buses and signs featuring the new slogan as he continued a weekslong tour to put greater focus on the planned spending for roads, bridges, water systems, broadband and greater resilience against climate change.The economy has revived since Biden took office, but high inflation, political polarization and the inability to fully break free of the coronavirus pandemic have all hurt his popularity. The new slogan for his big, just-passed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-congress-infrastructure-bill-signing-b5b8cca843133de060778f049861b144">infrastructure package</a>&nbsp;says the president’s bipartisan deal will improve the country in ways well beyond repairing its aging roads and bridges.“We’re talking about rebuilding America, investing in America, building a better America,” Biden said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will improve transit, rebuild roads, bridges and rails, expand access to clean drinking water, ensure every American has access to high-speed internet, tackle the climate crisis, and invest in communities that have too often been left behind. <a href="https://t.co/InXiYpzwqH">pic.twitter.com/InXiYpzwqH</a>&mdash; RideKC (@RideKCTransit) <a href="https://twitter.com/RideKCTransit/status/1468688853531779077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The new slogan hews closely to Biden’s separate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-joe-biden-business-environment-congress-d1e755379b1941e1cca1178d3fb66b80">“Build Back Better” agenda of tax hikes on the wealthy and an expansion of education, family and environmental programs</a>&nbsp;still pending in the Senate. That slogan, too, has its critics, who say it makes it challenging for people to easily grasp all that’s in the package.Biden mixed together talk of “Build Back Better” with the new infrastructure law on Wednesday, declaring that the risks of climate change mean roads need to be constructed higher and that costs more money.“You got to build back better,” he said in his remarks.The White House launched a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/build/" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;Wednesday that asks Americans to record videos about how the infrastructure spending will help their own communities, part of a search for grassroots support as the administration seeks greater recognition for its achievements ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.The infrastructure law will fund upgrades and repairs to roads, bridges, mass transit and water systems nationwide, along with a shift to electrical vehicles to help ease the effects of climate change.“It’s time to stop just kind of repairing our grandparents’ infrastructure — it’s time to start innovating,” said Rep. Sharice Davids, a Democrat from the nearby state of Kansas who spoke at the event.Biden lost Kansas and Missouri in last year’s presidential election. But the tour is a chance to make inroads with voters by showing that the administration can deliver results. Missouri has nearly 2,200 bridges and more than 7,570 miles of highway deemed in poor condition. Under the law, the state could expect $7 billion for highways and bridges, a nearly 30% increase in federal funding, the White House said.The Buck O’Neil Bridge in Kansas City is among the bridges in the state in need of repair.It’s named for Buck O’Neil, a two-time All-Star first baseman in baseball’s Negro Leagues and the first Black coach in the Major Leagues. O’Neil, who died in Kansas City in 2006, was inducted in baseball’s Hall of Fame on Sunday.Construction on a replacement bridge began in the fall, before Biden signed the infrastructure bill, and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024, at an estimated cost of close to $220 million borne by the state and the city.The 65-year-old bridge is a key route connecting downtown Kansas City with northern Kansas City and growing suburbs across the Missouri River, and carries about 50,000 vehicles a day, according to the state Department of Transportation. It opened in 1956 and has required frequent upgrades and repairs in recent years.Biden kicked off the infrastructure tour nearly a month ago with a speech at the Port of Baltimore.

Biden enjoys KC barbecue, sells his $1 Trillion spending plan

ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas man and woman died in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Atchison County.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Toyota Camry driven by&nbsp; Derek R F&nbsp;Wohletz, 37,&nbsp;Tonganoxie, was southbound on U.S. 73 approximately three miles south of Atchison.

The Camry traveled left of center into the northbound lane and struck a&nbsp; northbound 2002 Toyota Corolla driven by Felieca K. Paxton, 26, Atchison, head-on.

Paxton and a passenger Jovonnie D&nbsp;Franklin, 33, Atchison, were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Lindsborg-Pruitt Funeral Home. 

EMS transported a 7-year-old boy from Atchison to Amberwell Atchison Hospital and a 6-year-old boy from Atchison to Children's Mercy. EMS transported Wohletz to KU Medical Center.

The adults were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP. The KHP did not have details on child seat/seatbelt status for the children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1563104261595.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas man and woman died in an accident just before 9:30p.m. Wednesday in Atchison County.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Toyota Camry driven by&nbsp; Derek R F&nbsp;Wohletz, 37,&nbsp;Tonganoxie, was southbound on U.S. 73 approximately three miles south of Atchison.The Camry traveled left of center into the northbound lane and struck a&nbsp; northbound 2002 Toyota Corolla driven by Felieca K. Paxton, 26, Atchison, head-on.Paxton and a passenger Jovonnie D&nbsp;Franklin, 33, Atchison, were pronounced dead at the scene and transported to&nbsp;Lindsborg-Pruitt Funeral Home. EMS transported a 7-year-old boy from Atchison to Amberwell Atchison Hospital and a 6-year-old boy from Atchison to Children's Mercy. EMS transported Wohletz to KU Medical Center.The adults were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP. The KHP did not have details on child seat/seatbelt status for the children.

Kan. man, woman dead, 2 children hospitalized after head-on crash

SALINE COUNTY —&nbsp; Over a dozen earthquakes including a 4.3 magnitude quake shook central Kansas Wednesday.

The big jolt was reported at 7:45a.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey and&nbsp; was centered approximately 3 miles southwest of Gypsum and felt across a wide area.

The the other quakes throughout the day measured under 3 magnitude, according to the Kansas Geological Survey. However, the agency did report a 3.4 magnitude quake southwest of Gypsum just before 2:30p.m.&nbsp;

There are no reports of damage or injury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638972145787.png" alt="Star marks location of Wednesday's 4.3 magnitude quake -USGS image" />
 <figcaption>Star marks location of Wednesday's 4.3 magnitude quake -USGS image</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —&nbsp; Over a dozen earthquakes including a 4.3 magnitude quake shook central Kansas Wednesday.The big jolt was reported at 7:45a.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey and&nbsp; was centered approximately 3 miles southwest of Gypsum and felt across a wide area.The the other quakes throughout the day measured under 3 magnitude, according to the Kansas Geological Survey. However, the agency did report a 3.4 magnitude quake southwest of Gypsum just before 2:30p.m.&nbsp;There are no reports of damage or injury.

Over a dozen earthquakes reported in Saline County Wednesday

The demand for “quarantine puppies” 
and other pets increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing with it a
 spike in scams that has persisted even as virus-related lockdowns have 
abated. Online pet scams -- in which an online search ends with a 
would-be pet owner paying hundreds of dollars or more to adopt a pet 
that ultimately doesn’t exist -- are especially pervasive during the 
holiday season, when families may be looking to add a furry family 
member as a gift. Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises extreme caution 
if shopping for a pet online.&nbsp;

In addition to a shortage of puppies available due to high demand, earlier this year, the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/high-risk-dog-ban-frn.html#:~:text=As%20of%20July%2014%2C%202021,in%20the%20past%206%20months." target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suspended imports of dogs</a>
 to the U.S. from&nbsp; countries deemed at high risk of rabies. The U.S. 
typically imports 1 million dogs each year and have since updated the 
restrictions.

People currently shopping for pets online 
are very likely to encounter a scam listing in an online ad or website. 
Knowing the red flags associated with this scam can help people avoid 
heartache and loss of money.&nbsp;

Online shopping scam reports to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>
 skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and pet scams make up 35% of 
those reports in 2021. While pet scam-related reports are down slightly 
from 2020, they are expected to double this year to those reported in 
2019, and more than four times as many were reported in 2017, when BBB 
published its <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/scamstudies/puppy-scams/puppy-scams-full-study" target="_blank">first investigative study about online puppy scams.</a>&nbsp;

Scammers frequently capitalize on the high
 demand during the holidays by posting pictures of pets in Christmas 
hats and other gear. When a would-be pet parent pursues the listing, the
 scammer refuses to let the consumer meet the pet before buying – often 
claiming COVID-19 considerations. The scammer claims that they must use a
 pet delivery agency of some kind, often an airline. BBB Scam Tracker 
has received many reports of fake web pages impersonating real 
businesses for this purpose. The scammer also may demand fees for 
vaccinations or other last-minute “needs.” Ultimately, the pet does not 
exist, and the consumer has lost money and emotional investment.&nbsp;

The largest group of victims by age are 
those 25-35, followed by those 35-44. The average financial loss 
reported to BBB Scam Tracker was $1,088. While 82% of pet scam reports 
involved dogs, other reports included cats, birds and iguanas.&nbsp;

The tactics used in <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/petscams" target="_blank">pet scams</a>
 continue to evolve. Scammers increasingly ask for payment through 
untraceable cash apps such as Zelle, Google Pay, Cash App, Venmo and 
Apple Pay.&nbsp; A review of BBB Scam Tracker data finds that the vast 
majority of reports listed Zelle as the payment method involving the 
purchase of online pets. &nbsp;

A St. Louis woman told BBB Scam Tracker in
 April 2021 that she paid a $500 deposit via Zelle for a cavapoo puppy 
she had seen online. The seller sent her several photos and then asked 
for the remaining balance on the puppy via Zelle -- a transaction that 
the would-be buyer’s bank flagged as fraudulent. The woman requested a 
refund but never received it, and the puppy is still listed on the 
seller’s website.&nbsp;

A Castro Valley, California, woman 
reported losing $1,350 during the summer of 2021 when she and her 
husband tried to buy a samoyed puppy online. The woman told BBB Scam 
Tracker she signed a contract to purchase a puppy from a “breeder” who 
contacted her via email; she paid the “breeder” $1,350 via Zelle. She 
said she knew she had been scammed when the “shipping company” handling 
the puppy’s delivery contacted her and asked her to rent a 
temperature-regulated crate. &nbsp;

Pet scams are a worldwide problem, with 
the United Kingdom and Australia reporting large increases in pet scam 
complaints in 2020 and 2021.&nbsp;Many pet scams originate in Cameroon, 
according to data from Petscams.com, which tracks and catalogues puppy 
scams.&nbsp;

Law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and 
abroad have worked to apprehend pet scammers. In December 2020, the U.S.
 Department of Justice announced criminal charges against a Cameroonian 
national living in Romania; among other tactics, the suspect had claimed
 the&nbsp;pets he was selling had COVID-19 and required would-be buyers to 
purchase a “vaccine guarantee document.”&nbsp;

BBB recommendations for buying pets online:&nbsp;

Who to contact if you are the victim of a pet scam:&nbsp;

Read more about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/petscams" target="_blank">pet scams on BBB.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639068796110.jpg" alt="Courtesy Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>BBBThe demand for “quarantine puppies” 
and other pets increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing with it a
 spike in scams that has persisted even as virus-related lockdowns have 
abated. Online pet scams -- in which an online search ends with a 
would-be pet owner paying hundreds of dollars or more to adopt a pet 
that ultimately doesn’t exist -- are especially pervasive during the 
holiday season, when families may be looking to add a furry family 
member as a gift. Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises extreme caution 
if shopping for a pet online.&nbsp;In addition to a shortage of puppies available due to high demand, earlier this year, the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/high-risk-dog-ban-frn.html#:~:text=As%20of%20July%2014%2C%202021,in%20the%20past%206%20months." target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suspended imports of dogs</a>
 to the U.S. from&nbsp; countries deemed at high risk of rabies. The U.S. 
typically imports 1 million dogs each year and have since updated the 
restrictions.People currently shopping for pets online 
are very likely to encounter a scam listing in an online ad or website. 
Knowing the red flags associated with this scam can help people avoid 
heartache and loss of money.&nbsp;Online shopping scam reports to <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>
 skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and pet scams make up 35% of 
those reports in 2021. While pet scam-related reports are down slightly 
from 2020, they are expected to double this year to those reported in 
2019, and more than four times as many were reported in 2017, when BBB 
published its <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/scamstudies/puppy-scams/puppy-scams-full-study" target="_blank">first investigative study about online puppy scams.</a>&nbsp;Scammers frequently capitalize on the high
 demand during the holidays by posting pictures of pets in Christmas 
hats and other gear. When a would-be pet parent pursues the listing, the
 scammer refuses to let the consumer meet the pet before buying – often 
claiming COVID-19 considerations. The scammer claims that they must use a
 pet delivery agency of some kind, often an airline. BBB Scam Tracker 
has received many reports of fake web pages impersonating real 
businesses for this purpose. The scammer also may demand fees for 
vaccinations or other last-minute “needs.” Ultimately, the pet does not 
exist, and the consumer has lost money and emotional investment.&nbsp;The largest group of victims by age are 
those 25-35, followed by those 35-44. The average financial loss 
reported to BBB Scam Tracker was $1,088. While 82% of pet scam reports 
involved dogs, other reports included cats, birds and iguanas.&nbsp;The tactics used in <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/petscams" target="_blank">pet scams</a>
 continue to evolve. Scammers increasingly ask for payment through 
untraceable cash apps such as Zelle, Google Pay, Cash App, Venmo and 
Apple Pay.&nbsp; A review of BBB Scam Tracker data finds that the vast 
majority of reports listed Zelle as the payment method involving the 
purchase of online pets. &nbsp;A St. Louis woman told BBB Scam Tracker in
 April 2021 that she paid a $500 deposit via Zelle for a cavapoo puppy 
she had seen online. The seller sent her several photos and then asked 
for the remaining balance on the puppy via Zelle -- a transaction that 
the would-be buyer’s bank flagged as fraudulent. The woman requested a 
refund but never received it, and the puppy is still listed on the 
seller’s website.&nbsp;A Castro Valley, California, woman 
reported losing $1,350 during the summer of 2021 when she and her 
husband tried to buy a samoyed puppy online. The woman told BBB Scam 
Tracker she signed a contract to purchase a puppy from a “breeder” who 
contacted her via email; she paid the “breeder” $1,350 via Zelle. She 
said she knew she had been scammed when the “shipping company” handling 
the puppy’s delivery contacted her and asked her to rent a 
temperature-regulated crate. &nbsp;Pet scams are a worldwide problem, with 
the United Kingdom and Australia reporting large increases in pet scam 
complaints in 2020 and 2021.&nbsp;Many pet scams originate in Cameroon, 
according to data from Petscams.com, which tracks and catalogues puppy 
scams.&nbsp;Law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and 
abroad have worked to apprehend pet scammers. In December 2020, the U.S.
 Department of Justice announced criminal charges against a Cameroonian 
national living in Romania; among other tactics, the suspect had claimed
 the&nbsp;pets he was selling had COVID-19 and required would-be buyers to 
purchase a “vaccine guarantee document.”&nbsp;BBB recommendations for buying pets online:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>See the pet in person before paying any money.
 Consider a video call with the seller if there are concerns about 
meeting in person because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This way, you are 
able to see the seller and the actual pet for sale. More often than not,
 scammers won't comply with the request and help avoid a scam.&nbsp;</li><li>Conduct a reverse image search of the photo of the pet and search for a distinctive phrase in the description.&nbsp;</li><li>Research the breed to get a sense of a fair price&nbsp;
 you are considering. Think twice if someone advertises a purebred dog 
for free or at a deeply discounted price … it could be a fraudulent 
offer.&nbsp;</li><li>Check out a local animal shelter for pets to meet in person before adopting.&nbsp;</li><li>BBB urges more law enforcement action against pet scammers.&nbsp;</li><li>The media and public should help to educate those looking for pets online by sharing BBB’s tips and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/scamstudies/puppy-scams" target="_blank">study</a>.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Who to contact if you are the victim of a pet scam:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Petscams.com&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://petscams.com/report-pet-scam-websites/" target="_blank">petscams.com/report-pet-scam-websites</a>&nbsp;tracks complaints, catalogues puppy scammers and endeavors to get fraudulent pet sales websites taken down.&nbsp;</li><li>Federal Trade Commission (FTC)&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/" target="_blank">reportfraud.ftc.gov</a> to file a complaint online or call 877-FTC-Help.</li><li>Better Business Bureau&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker" target="_blank">BBB Scam Tracker</a>&nbsp;to report a scam online.&nbsp;</li><li>Canadian Antifraud Centre&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/report-signalez-eng.htm" target="_blank">antifraudcentre-centreantifraude</a>&nbsp;or call 1-888-495-8501 for scams involving Canada.&nbsp;</li><li>Your credit card issuer&nbsp;– report the incident&nbsp;if you&nbsp;shared&nbsp;your credit card number, even if the transaction was not completed.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Read more about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/petscams" target="_blank">pet scams on BBB.org</a>.

SIT, STAY: Purchasing a puppy online remains extremely risky

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man has been sentenced for a&nbsp;deadly drug deal shooting.

On Monday, Judge Eric Williams sentenced 18-year-old Nathaniel Brandy to 16-years and 5 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and an additional year in the county jail, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office for second degree murder, robbery and criminal use of a weapon.

&nbsp;In December of 2020, police arrested then 17-year-old Brandy in connection with the shooting happened in the 9300 block of East Funston in Wichita, according to officer Trevor Macy.

Officers found the victim identified as 20-year-old Cooper Kelley with a gunshot wound. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigation determined the shooting was over an illegal drug deal arranged over social media. They say there were several witnesses who were very helpful in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://www.ksn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/12/Brandy-Nathaniel-Sedgwick-County-Sheriff.jpg" alt="Brandy-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Brandy-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas man has been sentenced for a&nbsp;deadly drug deal shooting.On Monday, Judge Eric Williams sentenced 18-year-old Nathaniel Brandy to 16-years and 5 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections and an additional year in the county jail, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office for second degree murder, robbery and criminal use of a weapon.&nbsp;In December of 2020, police arrested then 17-year-old Brandy in connection with the shooting happened in the 9300 block of East Funston in Wichita, according to officer Trevor Macy.Officers found the victim identified as 20-year-old Cooper Kelley with a gunshot wound. EMS transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.Investigation determined the shooting was over an illegal drug deal arranged over social media. They say there were several witnesses who were very helpful in the case.

Kan. teen sentenced for killing during social media planned drug deal

GALENA, Mo. (AP) — Three men charged after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-accidents-us-news-ap-top-news-storms-north-america-60b99441d63a48428b5dd79bbc37c75a">a tourist boat sank in Missouri during a 2018 storm</a>, killing 17 people, were in court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing to determine if the criminal case against them will proceed.

Kenneth Scott McKee, 54, the captain of the vessel known as a duck boat; Curtis P. Lanham, 39, the general manager at Ride the Ducks in Branson; and Charles V. Baltzell, 79, the operations supervisor who was a manager on duty&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/music-boat-accidents-us-news-ap-top-news-in-state-wire-e9ea37df0760459ba5ace5fff07e8779">the night the boat sank,</a>&nbsp;are each charged with 17 counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter.

McKee also faces 12 charges counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child because 12 children were on the amphibious boat when it capsized on Table Rock Lake near Branson on July 19, 2018. Riders from Missouri, Indiana, Illinois and Arkansas were killed. Fourteen people survived.

Associate Circuit County Judge Alan Mark Blankenship will hear testimony in Stone County Court and determine if the cases will be bound over for trial.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-duck-boat-accident-charges-9be4b42462ab8c878cd35cc7f3bbf809">When charges were filed in July</a>, an affidavit from a Missouri Highway Patrol sergeant accused McKee of taking the duck boat onto the lake despite concern about an approaching storm. Lanham and Baltzell are accused of failing to communicate weather conditions and to stop operations after a severe thunderstorm warning was issued.

The three men each pleaded not guilty in September.

On Tuesday, McKee, of Verona, filed a motion to dismiss his charges, citing a lack of probable cause. He also accused Lanham, of Galena, and Baltzell, of Kirbyville, of not communicating the danger of the oncoming storm and halting the tour, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article256400501.html">reported</a>.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt and the Stone County prosecutor filed the state charges after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-a424e3b6697a538067ae9daa5e09eac3">a judge dismissed federal charges</a>, ruling that the federal government did not have jurisdiction because Table Rock Lake is not considered a navigable waterway, which means it doesn’t support commerce.

The tour boats — a popular attraction on Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo — have not been operating in Branson since the sinking.

Ride the Ducks and Ripley Entertainment, a Canadian company that owned the Ride the Ducks attraction in Branson at the time, have settled numerous lawsuits filed by survivors and relatives of those who died.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/7/1563393605763.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the tragedy in 2018- photo courtesy KYTV" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the tragedy in 2018- photo courtesy KYTV</figcaption>
 </figure>GALENA, Mo. (AP) — Three men charged after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/boat-accidents-us-news-ap-top-news-storms-north-america-60b99441d63a48428b5dd79bbc37c75a">a tourist boat sank in Missouri during a 2018 storm</a>, killing 17 people, were in court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing to determine if the criminal case against them will proceed.Kenneth Scott McKee, 54, the captain of the vessel known as a duck boat; Curtis P. Lanham, 39, the general manager at Ride the Ducks in Branson; and Charles V. Baltzell, 79, the operations supervisor who was a manager on duty&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/music-boat-accidents-us-news-ap-top-news-in-state-wire-e9ea37df0760459ba5ace5fff07e8779">the night the boat sank,</a>&nbsp;are each charged with 17 counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter.McKee also faces 12 charges counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child because 12 children were on the amphibious boat when it capsized on Table Rock Lake near Branson on July 19, 2018. Riders from Missouri, Indiana, Illinois and Arkansas were killed. Fourteen people survived.Associate Circuit County Judge Alan Mark Blankenship will hear testimony in Stone County Court and determine if the cases will be bound over for trial.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-duck-boat-accident-charges-9be4b42462ab8c878cd35cc7f3bbf809">When charges were filed in July</a>, an affidavit from a Missouri Highway Patrol sergeant accused McKee of taking the duck boat onto the lake despite concern about an approaching storm. Lanham and Baltzell are accused of failing to communicate weather conditions and to stop operations after a severe thunderstorm warning was issued.The three men each pleaded not guilty in September.On Tuesday, McKee, of Verona, filed a motion to dismiss his charges, citing a lack of probable cause. He also accused Lanham, of Galena, and Baltzell, of Kirbyville, of not communicating the danger of the oncoming storm and halting the tour, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article256400501.html">reported</a>.Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt and the Stone County prosecutor filed the state charges after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-a424e3b6697a538067ae9daa5e09eac3">a judge dismissed federal charges</a>, ruling that the federal government did not have jurisdiction because Table Rock Lake is not considered a navigable waterway, which means it doesn’t support commerce.The tour boats — a popular attraction on Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo — have not been operating in Branson since the sinking.Ride the Ducks and Ripley Entertainment, a Canadian company that owned the Ride the Ducks attraction in Branson at the time, have settled numerous lawsuits filed by survivors and relatives of those who died.

Preliminary hearing for 3 charged in Branson Duck boat tragedy

BLUE RAPIDS, Kan. (AP) — A civil rights group says a Kansas town has dropped all charges against a man prosecuted for flying a flag outside his home with a profanity against President Joe Biden. 

The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas said Wednesday it got involved after the city of Blue Rapids charged David Sain in August with promoting obscenity. 

The ACLU says in a news release that Sain has a constitutionally protected right to free speech. Blue Rapids officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Sain says he is grateful that he can express himself without fear of prosecution.

BLUE RAPIDS, Kan. (AP) — A civil rights group says a Kansas town has dropped all charges against a man prosecuted for flying a flag outside his home with a profanity against President Joe Biden. The American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas said Wednesday it got involved after the city of Blue Rapids charged David Sain in August with promoting obscenity. The ACLU says in a news release that Sain has a constitutionally protected right to free speech. Blue Rapids officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Sain says he is grateful that he can express himself without fear of prosecution.

Charges dropped against Kan. man flying flag with profanity against Biden

Pfizer said Wednesday that a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine may offer important protection against the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-can-i-protect-myself-from-omicron-variant-c4e5662a36708a594c454b171ab93bd0">new omicron variant</a>&nbsp;even though the initial two doses appear significantly less effective.

Pfizer and its partner BioNTech said that while two doses may not be protective enough to prevent infection, lab tests showed a booster increased by 25-fold people’s levels of virus-fighting antibodies against the omicron variant.

Blood samples taken a month after a booster showed people harbored levels of omicron-neutralizing antibodies that were similar to amounts proven protective against earlier variants after two doses.

Scientists don’t yet know how big a threat the omicron variant really is. Currently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-southern-africa-pandemics-2a445501cff8d0354fabcf493418365e">the extra-contagious delta variant&nbsp;</a>is responsible for most of the COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and other countries.

But the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-pandemics-ec296f982f7342c29fa89f96e09db93a">omicron variant</a>, discovered late last month, carries an unusually large number of mutations and scientists are racing to learn how easily it spreads, whether it causes illness that is more serious or milder than other coronavirus types — and how much it might evade the protection of prior vaccinations.

Pfizer’s findings, announced in a press release, are preliminary and haven’t yet undergone scientific review. But they’re the first from a vaccine maker examining whether the booster doses that health authorities are urging people to get may indeed make an important difference.

Scientists have speculated that the high jump in antibodies that comes with a third dose of COVID-19 vaccines might be enough to counter any decrease in effectiveness.

Pfizer and BioNTech already are working to create an omicron-specific vaccine in case it’s needed.

Antibody levels predict how well a vaccine may prevent infection with the coronavirus but they are just one layer of the immune system’s defenses. Pfizer said two doses of the vaccine should still protect against severe disease, because the mutations in omicron don’t appear to hamper one of those other defenses, T cells that fight the virus after infection sets in.

“Although two doses of the vaccine may still offer protection against severe disease caused by the Omicron strain, it’s clear from these preliminary data that protection is maximized with a third dose of our vaccine,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement.

Pfizer’s announcement had an immediate impact on U.S. markets. Futures that had pointed to a lower open reversed course in seconds and swung solidly to the positive with the Dow jumping almost 200 points.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608677701818.png" alt="A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 -photo Truman Medical Center" />
 <figcaption>A worker at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City prepares doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine against the virus that causes COVID-19 -photo Truman Medical Center</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressPfizer said Wednesday that a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine may offer important protection against the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/how-can-i-protect-myself-from-omicron-variant-c4e5662a36708a594c454b171ab93bd0">new omicron variant</a>&nbsp;even though the initial two doses appear significantly less effective.Pfizer and its partner BioNTech said that while two doses may not be protective enough to prevent infection, lab tests showed a booster increased by 25-fold people’s levels of virus-fighting antibodies against the omicron variant.Blood samples taken a month after a booster showed people harbored levels of omicron-neutralizing antibodies that were similar to amounts proven protective against earlier variants after two doses.Scientists don’t yet know how big a threat the omicron variant really is. Currently&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-southern-africa-pandemics-2a445501cff8d0354fabcf493418365e">the extra-contagious delta variant&nbsp;</a>is responsible for most of the COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and other countries.But the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-pandemics-ec296f982f7342c29fa89f96e09db93a">omicron variant</a>, discovered late last month, carries an unusually large number of mutations and scientists are racing to learn how easily it spreads, whether it causes illness that is more serious or milder than other coronavirus types — and how much it might evade the protection of prior vaccinations.Pfizer’s findings, announced in a press release, are preliminary and haven’t yet undergone scientific review. But they’re the first from a vaccine maker examining whether the booster doses that health authorities are urging people to get may indeed make an important difference.Scientists have speculated that the high jump in antibodies that comes with a third dose of COVID-19 vaccines might be enough to counter any decrease in effectiveness.Pfizer and BioNTech already are working to create an omicron-specific vaccine in case it’s needed.Antibody levels predict how well a vaccine may prevent infection with the coronavirus but they are just one layer of the immune system’s defenses. Pfizer said two doses of the vaccine should still protect against severe disease, because the mutations in omicron don’t appear to hamper one of those other defenses, T cells that fight the virus after infection sets in.“Although two doses of the vaccine may still offer protection against severe disease caused by the Omicron strain, it’s clear from these preliminary data that protection is maximized with a third dose of our vaccine,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said in a statement.Pfizer’s announcement had an immediate impact on U.S. markets. Futures that had pointed to a lower open reversed course in seconds and swung solidly to the positive with the Dow jumping almost 200 points.___

Pfizer: COVID booster may offer protection against omicron

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Move over, BIF and BBB. Now there's BBA.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?516606-1/president-biden-delivers-remarks-missouri-infrastructure-law&amp;live">Click here to watch t</a>he President's comments while in Kansas City.

President Joe Biden, trying to rebound from sagging poll numbers, is rebranding his bipartisan infrastructure package as “Building a Better America” as part of a trip Wednesday to Kansas City, Missouri, to promote the deal.

The economy has roared back during Biden's tenure, but high inflation, political polarization and the inability to fully break free of the coronavirus pandemic has hurt his popularity. The new slogan tied to the $1 trillion infrastructure package is an effort to say that the president's bipartisan deal will improve the country in ways well beyond simply repairing its aging roads and bridges.

The new slogan replaces past informal references to BIF, the bipartisan infrastructure framework. And it also hews closely to Biden’s separate “Build Back Better” agenda of tax hikes on the wealthy and an expansion of education, family and environmental programs still pending in the Senate. That broad slogan has made it challenging for people to easily grasp all that’s in the package.

The White House launched a site Wednesday that asks Americans to record videos about how the infrastructure spending will help their communities, part of a search for grassroots support as the administration seeks greater recognition for its achievements ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.

The infrastructure law will fund upgrades and repairs to roads, bridges, and mass transit and water systems nationwide, along with a shift to electrical vehicles to help ease the effects of climate change.

Biden on Wednesday headed to Missouri which has nearly 2,200 bridges and more than 7,570 miles of highway deemed in poor condition. Under the law, Missouri would expect to receive $7 billion for highways and bridges, a nearly 30% increase in federal funding, the White House said.

The Buck O'Neil Bridge in Kansas City is among bridges in the state in need of repair.

The 65-year-old bridge is a key route connecting downtown Kansas City with northern Kansas City and growing suburbs across the Missouri River, and carries about 50,000 vehicles a day, according to the state Department of Transportation. It opened in 1956 and had required frequent upgrades and repairs in recent years.

The bridge is named for Buck O'Neil, a two-time All-Star first baseman in baseball's Negro Leagues and the first Black coach in the National or American leagues. O'Neil was inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame on Sunday.

Biden kicked off the infrastructure tour last week at a technical college in Rosemount, Minnesota.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638998187745.png" alt="President Biden, with Kansas congresswoman Sharice Davids and Missouri congressman Emanuel Cleaver, greets Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas during his arrival at KCI on Wednesday-White House Photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden, with Kansas congresswoman Sharice Davids and Missouri congressman Emanuel Cleaver, greets Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas during his arrival at KCI on Wednesday-White House Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Move over, BIF and BBB. Now there's BBA.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?516606-1/president-biden-delivers-remarks-missouri-infrastructure-law&amp;live">Click here to watch t</a>he President's comments while in Kansas City.President Joe Biden, trying to rebound from sagging poll numbers, is rebranding his bipartisan infrastructure package as “Building a Better America” as part of a trip Wednesday to Kansas City, Missouri, to promote the deal.The economy has roared back during Biden's tenure, but high inflation, political polarization and the inability to fully break free of the coronavirus pandemic has hurt his popularity. The new slogan tied to the $1 trillion infrastructure package is an effort to say that the president's bipartisan deal will improve the country in ways well beyond simply repairing its aging roads and bridges.The new slogan replaces past informal references to BIF, the bipartisan infrastructure framework. And it also hews closely to Biden’s separate “Build Back Better” agenda of tax hikes on the wealthy and an expansion of education, family and environmental programs still pending in the Senate. That broad slogan has made it challenging for people to easily grasp all that’s in the package.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638998657515.png" alt="President Biden during his visit to Ride KC- The public transit organization in the city." />
 <figcaption>President Biden during his visit to Ride KC- The public transit organization in the city.</figcaption>
 </figure>The White House launched a site Wednesday that asks Americans to record videos about how the infrastructure spending will help their communities, part of a search for grassroots support as the administration seeks greater recognition for its achievements ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.The infrastructure law will fund upgrades and repairs to roads, bridges, and mass transit and water systems nationwide, along with a shift to electrical vehicles to help ease the effects of climate change.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will improve transit, rebuild roads, bridges and rails, expand access to clean drinking water, ensure every American has access to high-speed internet, tackle the climate crisis, and invest in communities that have too often been left behind. <a href="https://t.co/InXiYpzwqH">pic.twitter.com/InXiYpzwqH</a>&mdash; RideKC (@RideKCTransit) <a href="https://twitter.com/RideKCTransit/status/1468688853531779077?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Biden on Wednesday headed to Missouri which has nearly 2,200 bridges and more than 7,570 miles of highway deemed in poor condition. Under the law, Missouri would expect to receive $7 billion for highways and bridges, a nearly 30% increase in federal funding, the White House said.The Buck O'Neil Bridge in Kansas City is among bridges in the state in need of repair.Construction on a replacement bridge began in the fall, before Biden signed the infrastructure bill, and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024, at an estimated cost of close to $220 million borne by the state and the city.The 65-year-old bridge is a key route connecting downtown Kansas City with northern Kansas City and growing suburbs across the Missouri River, and carries about 50,000 vehicles a day, according to the state Department of Transportation. It opened in 1956 and had required frequent upgrades and repairs in recent years.The bridge is named for Buck O'Neil, a two-time All-Star first baseman in baseball's Negro Leagues and the first Black coach in the National or American leagues. O'Neil was inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame on Sunday.Biden kicked off the infrastructure tour last week at a technical college in Rosemount, Minnesota.

🎥 Biden in Kansas City reveals new brand for infrastructure deal 

MOSCOW (AP) — President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that Moscow will face a severe economic pain if it tries to attack Ukraine, but promised prospective talks to address Russia's concerns about NATO's expansion.

Biden said he was “very straightforward” with Putin during their call Tuesday, warning the Russian leader that he will pay a heavy price if he invades Ukraine.

“There were no minced words," Biden said at the White House before departing for Kanzas City. "It was polite, but I made it very clear. If in fact he invades Ukraine, there will be severe consequences, severe consequences. Economic consequences like you’ve never seen. I am absolutely confident he got the message.”

Asked by reporters if he’d ruled out U.S. troops on the ground to stop Russia, Biden said “that’s not on the table," saying that a U.S. obligation to protect NATO allies if they come under attack doesn't extend to Ukraine, which is not in the Atlantic military alliance.

"The idea that the United States is going to unilaterally use force to confront Russia for invading Ukraine is not in the cards right now,” Biden said.

At the same time, he said that the U.S., its allies and Russia could sit down for talks to discuss Moscow's grievances about NATO's expansion.

“We hope by Friday we’re gonna be able to say, announce to you we’re having meetings at a higher level, not just with us, but with at least four of our major NATO allies, and Russia to discuss the future of Russia’s concern relative to NATO writ large and whether or not we could work out any accommodations as it relates to bringing down the temperature along the eastern front (in Ukraine)," Biden said.

Putin, for his part, promised that Moscow will submit its proposals for a security dialogue with the U.S. in a few days. He reaffirmed his denial of planning to attack Ukraine, but said that Moscow can’t remain indifferent to NATO’s possible expansion to its neighbor.

Putin, who entered Tuesday's call with Biden looking for Western guarantees precluding NATO’s expansion to Ukraine, countered Western arguments that Russia has no say in the alliance expansion by arguing that security in Europe can only be mutual.

“Every country certainly has the right to choose the most acceptable way of ensuring its security, but it must be done in a way that doesn't infringe on the interests and undermine security of other countries, in this case Russia," Putin said. “Security must be global and equally cover everyone.”

“We can’t fail to be concerned about the prospect of Ukraine’s accession to NATO, because that will undoubtedly lead to the deployment of military contingents, bases and weapons that would threaten us,” he told reporters after talks in Sochi with visiting Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

He described the two-hour conversation with Biden as “very open, specific and, I would say constructive,” adding that he and Biden have agreed to ask experts to conduct talks on security in Europe.

“Russia will prepare its arguments literally in a few days, within a week, and we will submit it to the American side for consideration,” he said.

“We proceed from the assumption that this time are concerns will be heard,” he said, noting that the West ignored Moscow's complaints in the past about NATO's expansion eastward to incorporate former Soviet allies in Central and Eastern Europe and former Soviet republics in the Baltics.

Asked Wednesday if Russia was going to attack Ukraine, Putin called the question provocative, saying that “Russia is conducting a peaceful foreign policy, but it has the right to ensure its security in the mid- and long-term perspective.”

The leader-to-leader conversation — Biden speaking from the White House Situation Room, Putin from his residence in Sochi — was one of the most important of Biden’s presidency and came at a perilous time.

U.S. intelligence officials have determined that Russia has moved 70,000 troops near the Ukraine border and has made preparations for a possible invasion early next year. Moscow has denied any plans to attack Ukraine, rejecting Western concerns as part of a campaign to smear Russia.

White House officials made clear that Biden is not interested in putting U.S. troops in harm’s way defending Ukraine. But U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan noted that Biden said the U.S. would also “provide additional defensive material to the Ukrainians … and we would fortify our NATO allies on the eastern flank with additional capabilities in response to such an escalation.”

Sullivan said the U.S. believes that Putin hasn’t yet made a final decision to invade. Biden was vice president in 2014 when Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula and backed an insurgency in eastern Ukraine, which has killed more than 14,000 people and is still an active conflict.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638976547895.png" alt="President Biden held a secure video call with Russian President Putin of Russia to discuss a range of topics in the U.S.-Russia relationship, including concerns about Russian military activities on the border with Ukraine, cyber security and other regional issues.-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden held a secure video call with Russian President Putin of Russia to discuss a range of topics in the U.S.-Russia relationship, including concerns about Russian military activities on the border with Ukraine, cyber security and other regional issues.-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) — President Joe Biden said Wednesday that he warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that Moscow will face a severe economic pain if it tries to attack Ukraine, but promised prospective talks to address Russia's concerns about NATO's expansion.Biden said he was “very straightforward” with Putin during their call Tuesday, warning the Russian leader that he will pay a heavy price if he invades Ukraine.“There were no minced words," Biden said at the White House before departing for Kanzas City. "It was polite, but I made it very clear. If in fact he invades Ukraine, there will be severe consequences, severe consequences. Economic consequences like you’ve never seen. I am absolutely confident he got the message.”Asked by reporters if he’d ruled out U.S. troops on the ground to stop Russia, Biden said “that’s not on the table," saying that a U.S. obligation to protect NATO allies if they come under attack doesn't extend to Ukraine, which is not in the Atlantic military alliance."The idea that the United States is going to unilaterally use force to confront Russia for invading Ukraine is not in the cards right now,” Biden said.At the same time, he said that the U.S., its allies and Russia could sit down for talks to discuss Moscow's grievances about NATO's expansion.“We hope by Friday we’re gonna be able to say, announce to you we’re having meetings at a higher level, not just with us, but with at least four of our major NATO allies, and Russia to discuss the future of Russia’s concern relative to NATO writ large and whether or not we could work out any accommodations as it relates to bringing down the temperature along the eastern front (in Ukraine)," Biden said.Putin, for his part, promised that Moscow will submit its proposals for a security dialogue with the U.S. in a few days. He reaffirmed his denial of planning to attack Ukraine, but said that Moscow can’t remain indifferent to NATO’s possible expansion to its neighbor.Putin, who entered Tuesday's call with Biden looking for Western guarantees precluding NATO’s expansion to Ukraine, countered Western arguments that Russia has no say in the alliance expansion by arguing that security in Europe can only be mutual.“Every country certainly has the right to choose the most acceptable way of ensuring its security, but it must be done in a way that doesn't infringe on the interests and undermine security of other countries, in this case Russia," Putin said. “Security must be global and equally cover everyone.”“We can’t fail to be concerned about the prospect of Ukraine’s accession to NATO, because that will undoubtedly lead to the deployment of military contingents, bases and weapons that would threaten us,” he told reporters after talks in Sochi with visiting Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.He described the two-hour conversation with Biden as “very open, specific and, I would say constructive,” adding that he and Biden have agreed to ask experts to conduct talks on security in Europe.“Russia will prepare its arguments literally in a few days, within a week, and we will submit it to the American side for consideration,” he said.“We proceed from the assumption that this time are concerns will be heard,” he said, noting that the West ignored Moscow's complaints in the past about NATO's expansion eastward to incorporate former Soviet allies in Central and Eastern Europe and former Soviet republics in the Baltics.Asked Wednesday if Russia was going to attack Ukraine, Putin called the question provocative, saying that “Russia is conducting a peaceful foreign policy, but it has the right to ensure its security in the mid- and long-term perspective.”The leader-to-leader conversation — Biden speaking from the White House Situation Room, Putin from his residence in Sochi — was one of the most important of Biden’s presidency and came at a perilous time.U.S. intelligence officials have determined that Russia has moved 70,000 troops near the Ukraine border and has made preparations for a possible invasion early next year. Moscow has denied any plans to attack Ukraine, rejecting Western concerns as part of a campaign to smear Russia.White House officials made clear that Biden is not interested in putting U.S. troops in harm’s way defending Ukraine. But U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan noted that Biden said the U.S. would also “provide additional defensive material to the Ukrainians … and we would fortify our NATO allies on the eastern flank with additional capabilities in response to such an escalation.”Sullivan said the U.S. believes that Putin hasn’t yet made a final decision to invade. Biden was vice president in 2014 when Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula and backed an insurgency in eastern Ukraine, which has killed more than 14,000 people and is still an active conflict.Putin's foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov told reporters that Putin countered Biden’s expressions of concern about the Russian troop buildup near Ukraine by snapping: “You Americans are worried about Russian battalions on Russian territory thousands of miles away from the United States, while we are really worried about our security.”Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday that “it was positive that the U.S. president spoke to the Russian president,” adding that he would comment in detail on Thursday, after his own phone call with Biden.With no immediate breakthrough&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-russia-ukraine-vladimir-putin-moscow-1170930d07c3b41d227dbf44b062aa26">on the Ukraine question</a>, the U.S. emphasized a need for diplomacy and de-escalation, while issuing stern threats to Russia about the high costs of a military incursion.A top U.S. envoy, Victoria Nuland, said a Russian invasion of Ukraine would also jeopardize a controversial pipeline between Russia and Germany known as Nord Stream 2. She told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday that if Russia invaded, “our expectation is that the pipeline will be suspended.”On another matter, Putin proposed to lift all mutual restrictions on diplomatic missions and help normalize other aspects of bilateral relations, according to the Kremlin. Sullivan said the leaders would direct their staff to continue negotiations on that.There was at least one area where the two leaders found common ground. Sullivan said Biden and Putin had a “good discussion” on efforts to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power and called it an area where the two countries could cooperate.----------MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed to appoint envoys to continue talks on security in Europe in light of escalating tensions over Russia’s massing tens of thousands of troops near its border with Ukraine, but the Kremlin said Wednesday it was unclear when the talks would happen.Biden and Putin spoke for over two hours during a video call on Tuesday. The conversation seemed to have yielded little progress on Ukraine and the Russian troop buildup apart from the two leaders agreeing to name envoys to keep the discussion going.“It’s impossible to tell at this point when exactly this would happen, but the presidents meant that it should happen rather promptly,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in response to a question about the next steps for Washington and Moscow after the much-anticipated call between Putin and Biden.Biden delivered a simple message to during his call with Putin: invade Ukraine again and face painful sanctions that will do resounding harm to your economy. The Russian president had his own blunt take, telling Biden that “the Russian troops are on their own territory, and they don’t threaten anyone,” according to Putin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday that he would comment in detail on Thursday, after his own scheduled phone call with Biden. “Overall,...it was positive that the U.S. president spoke to the Russian president,” Zelenskyy said.With no immediate breakthrough on the Ukraine question, the U.S. emphasized a need for diplomacy and de-escalation, while issuing stern threats to Russia about the high costs of a military incursion.Biden “told President Putin directly that if Russia further invades Ukraine, the United States and our European allies would respond with strong economic measures,” U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said. He added that Biden said the U.S. would also “provide additional defensive material to the Ukrainians … and we would fortify our NATO allies on the eastern flank with additional capabilities in response to such an escalation.”White House officials made clear that Biden is not interested in putting U.S. troops in harm’s way defending Ukraine. But Sullivan added that potential efforts to bolster regional allies could lead to additional deployments of U.S. troops to eastern European NATO allies.A top U.S. envoy, Victoria Nuland, said a Russian invasion of Ukraine would also jeopardize a controversial pipeline between Russia and Germany known as Nord Stream 2. She told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday that if Russia invaded, “our expectation is that the pipeline will be suspended.”Kremlin spokesman Peskov insisted Wednesday that Nord Stream 2 wasn't even mentioned during the call between Putin and Biden.Ushakov, Putin's foreign policy adviser, dismissed the sanctions threat, telling reporters following the presidents' video call: “Sanctions aren’t something new. They have been in place for a long time and will not have any effect.”He described the presidents’ video conference as “candid and businesslike,” adding that they also exchanged occasional jokes.The two leaders spoke on the 80th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, a defining moment that led to the U.S. entry in World War II. They commiserated about the cost of that conflict to their own families, Ushakov noted. Hours before the high-stakes call, Biden and first lady Jill Biden visited a war memorial in Washington to commemorate the anniversary.In a brief snippet of the start of their meeting broadcasted by Russian state television, the two leaders offered friendly greetings to each other.“I welcome you, Mr. President,” Putin said, with a Russian flag behind him and a video monitor showing Biden in front of him.At the White House, Sullivan called it “a useful meeting,” allowing Biden to lay out in candid terms where America stands.But as the U.S. and Russian presidents conferred, Ukraine grew only more anxious about the tens of thousands of Russian troops that have been deployed near its border.Ukrainian officials said Russia had further escalated the crisis by sending tanks and snipers to war-torn eastern Ukraine to “provoke return fire” and lay a pretext for a potential invasion.U.S. intelligence officials haven't been able to independently verify that accusation, according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter.But the official said that the White House has directly raised concerns with the Russians about “resorting to their old playbook” by trying to provoke the Ukrainians.Putin entered the call looking for guarantees from Biden that an expansion of the NATO military alliance would never include Ukraine, a demand that was a non-starter for the U.S. and its NATO allies.The Kremlin, in a post-call statement, said NATO had been “making dangerous attempts to expand its presence on the Ukrainian territory and has been expanding its military potential near Russian borders.”On another matter, Putin proposed to lift all mutual restrictions on diplomatic missions and help normalize other aspects of bilateral relations, according to the Kremlin. Sullivan said the leaders would direct their staff to continue negotiations on that.The leader-to-leader conversation — Biden speaking from the White House Situation Room, Putin from his residence in Sochi — was one of the most important of Biden’s presidency and came at a perilous time.U.S. intelligence officials have determined that Russia has moved 70,000 troops near the Ukraine border and has made preparations for a possible invasion early next year.Sullivan said the U.S. believes that Putin hasn't yet made a final decision to invade. Biden was vice president in 2014 when Russian troops strode into the Black Sea's Crimean Peninsula and annexed it from Ukraine.Aides say the Crimea episode — one of the darker moments for then President Barack Obama on the international stage — looms large as Biden looks at the smoldering current crisis.Biden’s Republican opponents in Washington are framing this moment as a key test of the president’s leadership on the global stage. Biden vowed as a candidate to reassert American leadership after President Donald Trump’s emphasis on an “America First” foreign policy.“I will look you in the eye and tell you as President Biden looked President Putin in the eye and told him today that things we did not do in 2014, we are prepared to do now,” Sullivan told reporters after the leaders’ video call.But there was at least one area where the two leaders found common ground during Tuesday’s call.Sullivan said Biden and Putin had a “good discussion” on efforts to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power and called it an area where the two countries could cooperate.In Russia, the talks were seen as acceptable overall, said Pavel Sharikov, senior research fellow at the Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences.“The impression of the (call) is satisfactory. It was held in a pragmatic manner. There was an intense dialogue, an exchange of opinions,” Sharikov told The Associated Press.Biden on Tuesday spoke for the second straight day with leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy to coordinate messaging and potential sanctions. Biden is also expected to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday.___