LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A jury found a massage therapist guilty of sex crimes against five people, including three female soccer players at the University of Kansas. 

Jurors returned guilty verdicts Thursday on all eight counts against Lawrence massage therapist Shawn P. O’Brien. 

Three of the charges accuse O’Brien of indecent liberties with a child under the age of 14 for fondling a girl who was either 9 or 10 on three occasions between 2013 and 2015. The other five charges accuse him of sexual battery for fondling four women while giving them a massage to treat athletic-related issues between 2016 and 2019.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583523947471.png" alt="Shawn O'Brien photo Douglas County" />
 <figcaption>Shawn O'Brien photo Douglas County</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A jury found a massage therapist guilty of sex crimes against five people, including three female soccer players at the University of Kansas. Jurors returned guilty verdicts Thursday on all eight counts against Lawrence massage therapist Shawn P. O’Brien. Three of the charges accuse O’Brien of indecent liberties with a child under the age of 14 for fondling a girl who was either 9 or 10 on three occasions between 2013 and 2015. The other five charges accuse him of sexual battery for fondling four women while giving them a massage to treat athletic-related issues between 2016 and 2019.

Jury: Kansas massage therapist guilty of sex crimes

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Thursday said transplant recipients and others with severely weakened immune systems can get an extra dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to better protect them as the delta variant continues to surge.

The late-night announcement by the Food and Drug Administration applies to several million Americans who are especially vulnerable because of organ transplants, certain cancers or other disorders. Several other countries, including France and Israel, have similar recommendations.

It’s harder for vaccines to rev up an immune system suppressed by certain medications and diseases, so those patients don’t always get the same protection as otherwise healthy people — and small studies suggest for at least some, an extra dose may be the solution.

“Today’s action allows doctors to boost immunity in certain immunocompromised individuals who need extra protection from COVID-19,” Dr. Janet Woodcock, the FDA’s acting commissioner, said in a statement.

The FDA determined that transplant recipients and others with a similar level of compromised immunity can receive a third dose of the vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna at least 28 days after getting their second shot. The FDA made no mention of immune-compromised patients who received the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine.

The announcement comes as the extra-contagious delta version of the coronavirus surges through much of the country, pushing new cases, hospitalizations and deaths to heights not seen since last winter.

Importantly, the FDA’s decision only applies to this high-risk group, estimated to be no more than 3% of U.S. adults. It’s not an opening for booster doses for the general population.

Instead, health authorities consider the extra dose part of the initial prescription for the immune-compromised. For example, France since April has encouraged that such patients get a third dose four weeks after their regular second shot. Israel and Germany also recently began recommending a third dose of two-dose vaccines.

Separately, U.S. health officials are continuing to closely monitor if and when average people’s immunity wanes enough to require boosters for everyone — but for now, the vaccines continue to offer robust protection for the general population.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to formally recommend the extra shots for certain immune-compromised groups after a meeting Friday of its outside advisers.

Transplant recipients and others with suppressed immune systems know they’re at more risk than the average American and some have been seeking out extra doses on their own, even if it means lying about their vaccination status. The change means now the high-risk groups can more easily get another shot — but experts caution it’s not yet clear exactly who should.

“This is all going to be very personalized,” cautioned Dr. Dorry Segev, a transplant surgeon at Johns Hopkins University who is running a major National Institutes of Health study of extra shots for organ recipients. For some people, a third dose “increases their immune response. Yet for some people it does not seem to. We don’t quite know who’s who yet.”

One recent study of more than 650 transplant recipients found just over half harbored virus-fighting antibodies after two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines — although generally less than in otherwise healthy vaccinated people. Another study of people with rheumatoid arthritis and similar autoimmune diseases found only those who use particular medications have very poor vaccine responses.

There’s little data on how well a third dose works, and if it causes any safety problems such as an increased risk of organ rejection. Wednesday, Canadian researchers reported that transplant recipients were more likely to have high levels of antibodies if they got a third dose than those given a dummy shot for comparison. Other small studies have similarly found that some transplant recipients respond to a third dose while others still lack enough protection.

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators on Thursday said transplant recipients and others with severely weakened immune systems can get an extra dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to better protect them as the delta variant continues to surge.The late-night announcement by the Food and Drug Administration applies to several million Americans who are especially vulnerable because of organ transplants, certain cancers or other disorders. Several other countries, including France and Israel, have similar recommendations.It’s harder for vaccines to rev up an immune system suppressed by certain medications and diseases, so those patients don’t always get the same protection as otherwise healthy people — and small studies suggest for at least some, an extra dose may be the solution.“Today’s action allows doctors to boost immunity in certain immunocompromised individuals who need extra protection from COVID-19,” Dr. Janet Woodcock, the FDA’s acting commissioner, said in a statement.The FDA determined that transplant recipients and others with a similar level of compromised immunity can receive a third dose of the vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna at least 28 days after getting their second shot. The FDA made no mention of immune-compromised patients who received the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine.The announcement comes as the extra-contagious delta version of the coronavirus surges through much of the country, pushing new cases, hospitalizations and deaths to heights not seen since last winter.Importantly, the FDA’s decision only applies to this high-risk group, estimated to be no more than 3% of U.S. adults. It’s not an opening for booster doses for the general population.Instead, health authorities consider the extra dose part of the initial prescription for the immune-compromised. For example, France since April has encouraged that such patients get a third dose four weeks after their regular second shot. Israel and Germany also recently began recommending a third dose of two-dose vaccines.Separately, U.S. health officials are continuing to closely monitor if and when average people’s immunity wanes enough to require boosters for everyone — but for now, the vaccines continue to offer robust protection for the general population.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to formally recommend the extra shots for certain immune-compromised groups after a meeting Friday of its outside advisers.Transplant recipients and others with suppressed immune systems know they’re at more risk than the average American and some have been seeking out extra doses on their own, even if it means lying about their vaccination status. The change means now the high-risk groups can more easily get another shot — but experts caution it’s not yet clear exactly who should.“This is all going to be very personalized,” cautioned Dr. Dorry Segev, a transplant surgeon at Johns Hopkins University who is running a major National Institutes of Health study of extra shots for organ recipients. For some people, a third dose “increases their immune response. Yet for some people it does not seem to. We don’t quite know who’s who yet.”One recent study of more than 650 transplant recipients found just over half harbored virus-fighting antibodies after two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines — although generally less than in otherwise healthy vaccinated people. Another study of people with rheumatoid arthritis and similar autoimmune diseases found only those who use particular medications have very poor vaccine responses.There’s little data on how well a third dose works, and if it causes any safety problems such as an increased risk of organ rejection. Wednesday, Canadian researchers reported that transplant recipients were more likely to have high levels of antibodies if they got a third dose than those given a dummy shot for comparison. Other small studies have similarly found that some transplant recipients respond to a third dose while others still lack enough protection.___

Extra COVID vaccine OK'd for those with weak immune systems

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police have arrested a woman suspected in a hit-and-run crash that killed a motorcyclist in southeast Wichita. 

Television station KAKE reports that police <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20072020">arrested 25-year-old Lila Garcia early</a> Thursday morning on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, failure to stop at an accident resulting in death, DUI and a tag violation.

Police say the crash happened around 9 p.m. Wednesday when Garcia's eastbound car reportedly crossed in front of the westbound motorcycle. Investigators say the car then fled the scene. Police have not yet identified the motorcyclist killed in the collision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628780235399.png" alt="Garcia-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Garcia-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police have arrested a woman suspected in a hit-and-run crash that killed a motorcyclist in southeast Wichita. Television station KAKE reports that police <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20072020">arrested 25-year-old Lila Garcia early</a> Thursday morning on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence, failure to stop at an accident resulting in death, DUI and a tag violation. Police say the crash happened around 9 p.m. Wednesday when Garcia's eastbound car reportedly crossed in front of the westbound motorcycle. Investigators say the car then fled the scene. Police have not yet identified the motorcyclist killed in the collision.

Kan. woman accused of fatal DUI crash, fleeing scene

DICKINSON COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Thursday in Dickinson County.

The Kansas Highway&nbsp; Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Equinox driven by Ryan Pack, 34, Abilene, was eastbound on Interstate 70 a mile and a half west of Chapman.

The vehicle crossed the median and struck a westbound 2021 Kenworth semi driven by Garrett Jones, 32, Lawrence.

Pack was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Martin Becker Carlson Funeral Home. Jones was not injured. The KHP did have complete seat belt information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628791633584.png" alt="Fatal accident scene photo courtesy KHP" />
 <figcaption>Fatal accident scene photo courtesy KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY —A Kansas man died in an accident just before 12:30p.m. Thursday in Dickinson County.The Kansas Highway&nbsp; Patrol reported a 2002 Chevy Equinox driven by Ryan Pack, 34, Abilene, was eastbound on Interstate 70 a mile and a half west of Chapman.The vehicle crossed the median and struck a westbound 2021 Kenworth semi driven by Garrett Jones, 32, Lawrence.Pack was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Martin Becker Carlson Funeral Home. Jones was not injured. The KHP did have complete seat belt information.

Kansas man dies after I-70 crash, and fire

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Kansas man was arrested after he allegedly struck an acquaintance with a Chevrolet Suburban Wednesday morning in Salina.

Officers were dispatched to the parking lot of 1515 W. Crawford Street in Salina for the report of a man&nbsp; hit by a vehicle., according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

A tan Chevrolet Subruban struck Montana Davis, 26, of Salina, and left the area eastbound on W. Crawford Street.

A witness told police that she saw the Suburban drive past Davis as he was walking on the sidewalk. She said the Suburban made a U-turn, drove back toward Davis, and up onto the sidewalk, striking Davis. 

He had non-life-threatening injuries to his left arm and leg and was transported to Salina Regional Health Center, Forrester said.

Later in the day, a police officer located the Suburban at the intersection of McAdams Road and Sunrise Drive in Salina.

Police arrested the driver, Scott Smith, 28, of Salina. He was found to have a Social Security card in his possession that was reported stolen in a vehicle burglary on June 16, according to Forrester. He is being held on requested charges of Aggravated battery and Possession of stolen property. Smith and were acquainted, according to Forrester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628760842542.jpeg" alt="Smith photo Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Smith photo Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Kansas man was arrested after he allegedly struck an acquaintance with a Chevrolet Suburban Wednesday morning in Salina.Officers were dispatched to the parking lot of 1515 W. Crawford Street in Salina for the report of a man&nbsp; hit by a vehicle., according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.A tan Chevrolet Subruban struck Montana Davis, 26, of Salina, and left the area eastbound on W. Crawford Street.A witness told police that she saw the Suburban drive past Davis as he was walking on the sidewalk. She said the Suburban made a U-turn, drove back toward Davis, and up onto the sidewalk, striking Davis. He had non-life-threatening injuries to his left arm and leg and was transported to Salina Regional Health Center, Forrester said.Later in the day, a police officer located the Suburban at the intersection of McAdams Road and Sunrise Drive in Salina.Police arrested the driver, Scott Smith, 28, of Salina. He was found to have a Social Security card in his possession that was reported stolen in a vehicle burglary on June 16, according to Forrester. He is being held on requested charges of Aggravated battery and Possession of stolen property. Smith and were acquainted, according to Forrester.

Police: Hit and run driver had stolen Social Security card

ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 2p.m. Thursday in Atchison County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chevy Silverado was driverless and traveling out of control westbound on a private driveway at 3789 U.S. 73 Highway. 

&nbsp;David W. Richardson, 61, St. Joseph, Mo., pursued the pickup on foot. The pickup struck him as it jackknifed.

Richardson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Rupp's Funeral Home.

ATCHISON COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 2p.m. Thursday in Atchison County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Chevy Silverado was driverless and traveling out of control westbound on a private driveway at 3789 U.S. 73 Highway. &nbsp;David W. Richardson, 61, St. Joseph, Mo., pursued the pickup on foot. The pickup struck him as it jackknifed.Richardson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Rupp's Funeral Home.

Man killed by out of control, driverless pickup

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Another Kansas school district is reinstating masking requirements to combat COVID-19 outbreaks and vaccination efforts are increasing as younger patients and staffing shortages strain the state’s hospitals.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Kansas has risen over the past two weeks from 667.57 new cases per day on July 27 to 1,683.57 new cases per day on Tuesday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

That has led to three active clusters at schools and four active sports outbreaks, according to state health officials.

The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education voted 6-1 at a special meeting Wednesday night to confirm the district’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd383.org/home/showpublisheddocument/30465" target="_blank">updated Pandemic Response Plan</a>. The face mask requirement is regardless of vaccination status.

“I do not want to have to close buildings due to them being understaffed or because we have lots of sick children,” said board vice president Kristin Brighton.

Douglas County leaders also expressed interest Wednesday in potential mask requirements for children who are not yet eligible for vaccination, noting that not all school districts in the county were requiring masks, the Lawrence Journal-World reports.

The rise in cases is straining hospital, which are treating younger patients. Hutchinson Regional Medical Center vice president Chuck Welch said the average age of the 55 COVID-19 patients it has treated since June is 48, compared to 65 last year, The Hutchinson News reported. One patient was just 2 weeks old, Welch told the Reno County Commission.

“We’re seeing it again,” he said. “We’re getting reached out to from Arkansas and Nebraska asking ‘can you take a patient?’ Our response to those folks has primarily been ‘as of yet, we’re not accepting those patients.’”

The reason, Welch said, is that the hospital’s daily census is already up, even without a lot of COVID-19 cases, while skilled nursing staff levels are down about 30%.

According to the Kansas Hospital Association, 13 of Kansas’ 125 hospitals statewide are anticipating “critical” staffing shortages within the next week. Even before the pandemic, nurses were in short supply, with turnover usually higher than 10% and vacancies around 5%, The Kansas City Star reports.

But in 2020, hospitals have seen staff burn out, retire or leave for higher-paying jobs.

Turnover among Kansas RN’s more than doubled from 7% in 2019 to 16% in 2020. At the end of the year, hospitals reported that 9% of RN positions were vacant.

Cindy Samuelson, a spokeswoman for KHA, said staffing has been the number one complaint among hospitals for weeks.

“It continues to be really stressful and challenging for the people that are left to care for patients,” she said.

In south-central Kansas, Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital has sent patients to hospitals in Denver because closer facilities are full, said CEO Ashley Taylor.

And she said the nursing staff is tired. Six nurses, about a third of their staff, have left in the past year. Many who were close to retirement left early because of the pandemic. The staff that remains, she said, has become less willing to pick up extra shifts then they were last year.

“It’s so hard to bounce back from the mental and physical exhaustion and get your head back in the game” Taylor said.

Meanwhile, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is taking aim at the rising cases by partnering with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and the Kansas Turnpike Authority to offer free COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics at three Kansas Turnpike service areas.

“Receiving the vaccine continues to be the best way to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said Dr. Lee Norman, secretary of KDHE, in a news release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1627997369246.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Another Kansas school district is reinstating masking requirements to combat COVID-19 outbreaks and vaccination efforts are increasing as younger patients and staffing shortages strain the state’s hospitals.The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Kansas has risen over the past two weeks from 667.57 new cases per day on July 27 to 1,683.57 new cases per day on Tuesday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628700958712.png" alt="Wednesday August 11, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday August 11, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>That has led to three active clusters at schools and four active sports outbreaks, according to state health officials.The Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education voted 6-1 at a special meeting Wednesday night to confirm the district’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usd383.org/home/showpublisheddocument/30465" target="_blank">updated Pandemic Response Plan</a>. The face mask requirement is regardless of vaccination status.“I do not want to have to close buildings due to them being understaffed or because we have lots of sick children,” said board vice president Kristin Brighton.Douglas County leaders also expressed interest Wednesday in potential mask requirements for children who are not yet eligible for vaccination, noting that not all school districts in the county were requiring masks, the Lawrence Journal-World reports.The rise in cases is straining hospital, which are treating younger patients. Hutchinson Regional Medical Center vice president Chuck Welch said the average age of the 55 COVID-19 patients it has treated since June is 48, compared to 65 last year, The Hutchinson News reported. One patient was just 2 weeks old, Welch told the Reno County Commission.“We’re seeing it again,” he said. “We’re getting reached out to from Arkansas and Nebraska asking ‘can you take a patient?’ Our response to those folks has primarily been ‘as of yet, we’re not accepting those patients.’”The reason, Welch said, is that the hospital’s daily census is already up, even without a lot of COVID-19 cases, while skilled nursing staff levels are down about 30%.According to the Kansas Hospital Association, 13 of Kansas’ 125 hospitals statewide are anticipating “critical” staffing shortages within the next week. Even before the pandemic, nurses were in short supply, with turnover usually higher than 10% and vacancies around 5%, The Kansas City Star reports.But in 2020, hospitals have seen staff burn out, retire or leave for higher-paying jobs.Turnover among Kansas RN’s more than doubled from 7% in 2019 to 16% in 2020. At the end of the year, hospitals reported that 9% of RN positions were vacant.Cindy Samuelson, a spokeswoman for KHA, said staffing has been the number one complaint among hospitals for weeks.“It continues to be really stressful and challenging for the people that are left to care for patients,” she said.In south-central Kansas, Medicine Lodge Memorial Hospital has sent patients to hospitals in Denver because closer facilities are full, said CEO Ashley Taylor.And she said the nursing staff is tired. Six nurses, about a third of their staff, have left in the past year. Many who were close to retirement left early because of the pandemic. The staff that remains, she said, has become less willing to pick up extra shifts then they were last year.“It’s so hard to bounce back from the mental and physical exhaustion and get your head back in the game” Taylor said.Meanwhile, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is taking aim at the rising cases by partnering with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and the Kansas Turnpike Authority to offer free COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics at three Kansas Turnpike service areas.“Receiving the vaccine continues to be the best way to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” said Dr. Lee Norman, secretary of KDHE, in a news release.

More masking as rise in COVID cases strains Kan. hospitals

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Crews on Thursday recovered the body of a man who jumped into a Kansas City-area lake to help his children.

Firefighters were called to Longview Lake just after 9:30 a.m. Thursday and were told that two adults had jumped into the water to help the kids who were wearing life jackets but started to drift away from a pontoon boat.

The children were eventually retrieved safely but the man went under the water and didn't resurface. His body was recovered about 2 p.m. Thursday. His name has not been released.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Crews on Thursday recovered the body of a man who jumped into a Kansas City-area lake to help his children.Firefighters were called to Longview Lake just after 9:30 a.m. Thursday and were told that two adults had jumped into the water to help the kids who were wearing life jackets but started to drift away from a pontoon boat.The children were eventually retrieved safely but the man went under the water and didn't resurface. His body was recovered about 2 p.m. Thursday. His name has not been released.

Man's body recovered from Kansas City-area lake

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a 2-year-old child who died in southeastern Kansas had woken up from a nap, unlocked the home’s front door and gotten into the family vehicle. Investigators say the mother found the child unconscious Tuesday. 

The child was transported to a hospital where he died. KSNW-TV reports that Cowley County Sheriff David Falletti says a preliminary autopsy finding determined the child died due to extreme heat exposure. 

The sheriff says the investigation is over. Most of Kansas has been under a heat advisory all week.

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Sheriff's officials along the southeastern border of Kansas say a 2-year-old there has died, likely from excessive heat. 

The Cowley County Sheriff's Office says deputies and medics were called just after 6 p.m. Tuesday to a home in the southern part of the county for reports of an unresponsive child. 

First responders could not revive the child. Sheriff David Falletti says early indications show the toddler died due to heat. Officials have not released details of how the child or where the child was found, but Falletti says no foul play is suspected. 

Most of Kansas has been under a heat advisory this week, and the heat index in Cowley County on Tuesday reached as high as 108 degrees.

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a 2-year-old child who died in southeastern Kansas had woken up from a nap, unlocked the home’s front door and gotten into the family vehicle. Investigators say the mother found the child unconscious Tuesday. The child was transported to a hospital where he died. KSNW-TV reports that Cowley County Sheriff David Falletti says a preliminary autopsy finding determined the child died due to extreme heat exposure. The sheriff says the investigation is over. Most of Kansas has been under a heat advisory all week.-------------ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Sheriff's officials along the southeastern border of Kansas say a 2-year-old there has died, likely from excessive heat. The Cowley County Sheriff's Office says deputies and medics were called just after 6 p.m. Tuesday to a home in the southern part of the county for reports of an unresponsive child. First responders could not revive the child. Sheriff David Falletti says early indications show the toddler died due to heat. Officials have not released details of how the child or where the child was found, but Falletti says no foul play is suspected. Most of Kansas has been under a heat advisory this week, and the heat index in Cowley County on Tuesday reached as high as 108 degrees.

Sheriff: Kan. toddler who died was found in hot car

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — The death toll from COVID-19 in Missouri has topped 10,000, according to the state health department’s coronavirus dashboard Thursday. Twice as many as in Kansas.&nbsp; The Kansas Department of Health reported 35 new COVID-19 deaths Wednesday for a total of 5357.

The dashboard in Missouri showed 20 new deaths Thursday, bringing the total to 10,002 since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020. Nationally, more than 615,000 Americans have died from the virus.

Deaths have been rising again in recent weeks due to the delta variant, and it has been especially troubling in southwestern Missouri. The Springfield-Greene County Health Department said Wednesday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-michael-brown-e2e650d259b50d8a43fac94ccc2f0f17">82 people died in Greene County</a>&nbsp;alone between July 1 and Aug. 10.

New cases and hospitalizations also are at their worst levels since the winter.

The state dashboard on Thursday also showed 2,675 new cases and a seven-day average of 2,013 confirmed cases. Hospitalizations rose by 68 to 2,268. Intensive care unit space in Missouri hospitals is at 17% — and 14% in the St. Louis area.

New cases, deaths and hospitalizations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-michael-brown-038c02dbc512e00b9e08aef98061b13d">have been rising in Missouri since June</a>&nbsp;as the delta variant has taken hold in a state with an initial vaccination rate that lags nearly 10 percentage points below the nation as a whole.

Medical professionals say the difference between now and the winter is that younger people are more vulnerable.

During a news conference Wednesday in Springfield, CoxHealth CEO Steve Edwards said a 23-year-old woman died Tuesday at the hospital in Springfield. He said his hospitals are seeing four to six deaths each day. Forty-eight of the 173 people hospitalized at CoxHealth were younger than 50.

“I believe our staff will carry these losses for the rest of their lives,” Edwards said.

O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) — The death toll from COVID-19 in Missouri has topped 10,000, according to the state health department’s coronavirus dashboard Thursday. Twice as many as in Kansas.&nbsp; The Kansas Department of Health reported 35 new COVID-19 deaths Wednesday for a total of 5357.The dashboard in Missouri showed 20 new deaths Thursday, bringing the total to 10,002 since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020. Nationally, more than 615,000 Americans have died from the virus.Deaths have been rising again in recent weeks due to the delta variant, and it has been especially troubling in southwestern Missouri. The Springfield-Greene County Health Department said Wednesday that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-education-coronavirus-pandemic-michael-brown-e2e650d259b50d8a43fac94ccc2f0f17">82 people died in Greene County</a>&nbsp;alone between July 1 and Aug. 10.New cases and hospitalizations also are at their worst levels since the winter.The state dashboard on Thursday also showed 2,675 new cases and a seven-day average of 2,013 confirmed cases. Hospitalizations rose by 68 to 2,268. Intensive care unit space in Missouri hospitals is at 17% — and 14% in the St. Louis area.New cases, deaths and hospitalizations&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-michael-brown-038c02dbc512e00b9e08aef98061b13d">have been rising in Missouri since June</a>&nbsp;as the delta variant has taken hold in a state with an initial vaccination rate that lags nearly 10 percentage points below the nation as a whole.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628700958712.png" alt="Map of COVD by county in Kansas for Wednesday August 11, 2021 -KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Map of COVD by county in Kansas for Wednesday August 11, 2021 -KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Medical professionals say the difference between now and the winter is that younger people are more vulnerable.During a news conference Wednesday in Springfield, CoxHealth CEO Steve Edwards said a 23-year-old woman died Tuesday at the hospital in Springfield. He said his hospitals are seeing four to six deaths each day. Forty-eight of the 173 people hospitalized at CoxHealth were younger than 50.“I believe our staff will carry these losses for the rest of their lives,” Edwards said.

Kansas has half the number of COVID deaths as Missouri

DOVER, Del. (AP) — Attorneys for the Boy Scouts of America are asking a&nbsp;Delaware&nbsp;judge to approve an $850 million agreement that is the foundation of the group's plan to emerge from bankruptcy.

The judge was to begin a hearing Thursday on whether to approve the agreement, which involves the national Boy Scouts organization, the roughly 250 local Boy Scout councils, and law firms representing some 70,000 men who claim they were molested as youngsters by Scoutmasters and others.

The Irving,&nbsp;Texas-based Boy Scouts sought bankruptcy protection in February 2020 amid an onslaught of lawsuits by men who said they were sexually abused as children. The filing was part of an attempt to reach a global resolution of abuse claims and create a compensation fund for victims.

The Boy Scouts have proposed contributing up to $250 million in cash and property to a fund for abuse victims. Local councils, which run day-to-day operations for Boy Scout troops, would contribute $600 million. The national organization and councils also would transfer their rights to Boy Scout insurance policies to the victims fund. In return, they would be released from further liability for abuse claims.

The agreement is opposed by insurers that issued policies to the Boy Scouts and local councils, other law firms representing thousands of abuse victims, and various church denominations that have sponsored local Boy Scout troops.

As part of the agreement, the Boy Scouts are seeking permission from the judge to back out of a settlement reached in April with one of their insurers, The Hartford. The Hartford agreed to pay $650 million into the victims fund in exchange for being released from any further obligations, but victims attorneys have said their clients won't support a reorganization plan that includes it.

DOVER, Del. (AP) — Attorneys for the Boy Scouts of America are asking a&nbsp;Delaware&nbsp;judge to approve an $850 million agreement that is the foundation of the group's plan to emerge from bankruptcy.The judge was to begin a hearing Thursday on whether to approve the agreement, which involves the national Boy Scouts organization, the roughly 250 local Boy Scout councils, and law firms representing some 70,000 men who claim they were molested as youngsters by Scoutmasters and others.The Irving,&nbsp;Texas-based Boy Scouts sought bankruptcy protection in February 2020 amid an onslaught of lawsuits by men who said they were sexually abused as children. The filing was part of an attempt to reach a global resolution of abuse claims and create a compensation fund for victims.The Boy Scouts have proposed contributing up to $250 million in cash and property to a fund for abuse victims. Local councils, which run day-to-day operations for Boy Scout troops, would contribute $600 million. The national organization and councils also would transfer their rights to Boy Scout insurance policies to the victims fund. In return, they would be released from further liability for abuse claims.The agreement is opposed by insurers that issued policies to the Boy Scouts and local councils, other law firms representing thousands of abuse victims, and various church denominations that have sponsored local Boy Scout troops.As part of the agreement, the Boy Scouts are seeking permission from the judge to back out of a settlement reached in April with one of their insurers, The Hartford. The Hartford agreed to pay $650 million into the victims fund in exchange for being released from any further obligations, but victims attorneys have said their clients won't support a reorganization plan that includes it.

Boy Scouts hope for $850M agreement in bankruptcy fight

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman convicted in the methadone death of her 2-year-old son arrived in court for sentencing Thursday morning. Kimberly Compass, 25, asked the court for a new attorney and Judge Kevin O’Connor granted that request, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In May, a jury convicted Compass of first-degree felony murder after her 2-year-old son died from ingesting methadone. A Sedgwick County jury deliberated about two hours Monday before finding her guilty in the death of Zayden Jay Nesahkluah. 

Zayden died of a methadone overdose in a Wichita motel on May 31, 2019. Prosecutors accused Compass of mishandling three bottles of methadone, which had been prescribed to help her kick a heroin habit. It remains unclear exactly how the boy got ahold of the methadone. 

Her defense attorney argued throughout the trial that Compass didn't know the boy ingested the drug.&nbsp;

The judge has not chosen the new defense attorney and has set no date for her next appearance in court, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621892806239.png" alt="Compass was originally booked into jail in August of 2019- photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Compass was originally booked into jail in August of 2019- photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas woman convicted in the methadone death of her 2-year-old son arrived in court for sentencing Thursday morning. Kimberly Compass, 25, asked the court for a new attorney and Judge Kevin O’Connor granted that request, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In May, a jury convicted Compass of first-degree felony murder after her 2-year-old son died from ingesting methadone. A Sedgwick County jury deliberated about two hours Monday before finding her guilty in the death of Zayden Jay Nesahkluah. Zayden died of a methadone overdose in a Wichita motel on May 31, 2019. Prosecutors accused Compass of mishandling three bottles of methadone, which had been prescribed to help her kick a heroin habit. It remains unclear exactly how the boy got ahold of the methadone. Her defense attorney argued throughout the trial that Compass didn't know the boy ingested the drug.&nbsp;The judge has not chosen the new defense attorney and has set no date for her next appearance in court, according to the district attorney's office.

Sentencing delayed for Kan. woman in son's methadone death

FRANKLIN COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in a crash during a police chase just before 4:30p.m. Wednesday in Franklin County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol a Franklin County Deputy was in pursuit of a 2005 Chevy Malibu driven by 20-year-old Dalton D. Hartley of Topeka, eastbound on 7th Street in Ottawa.

Hartley failed to stop at the stop sign at 7th and Cedar Street. The Malibu struck a southbound 2010 Chevy Silverado driven by Thomas Nichol, 63, Ottawa.&nbsp;

EMS transported Hartley and a passenger in the Chevy Shelby R. Rima, 29, Ottawa, to Advent Health. Nichol was not injured. Hartley and Rima were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.&nbsp; The sheriff's office has not reported what prompted the chase.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628770476097.png" alt="Hartley-from a previous arrest in Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hartley-from a previous arrest in Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>FRANKLIN COUNTY —A Kansas man was injured in a crash during a police chase just before 4:30p.m. Wednesday in Franklin County.The Kansas Highway Patrol a Franklin County Deputy was in pursuit of a 2005 Chevy Malibu driven by 20-year-old Dalton D. Hartley of Topeka, eastbound on 7th Street in Ottawa.Hartley failed to stop at the stop sign at 7th and Cedar Street. The Malibu struck a southbound 2010 Chevy Silverado driven by Thomas Nichol, 63, Ottawa.&nbsp;EMS transported Hartley and a passenger in the Chevy Shelby R. Rima, 29, Ottawa, to Advent Health. Nichol was not injured. Hartley and Rima were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.&nbsp; The sheriff's office has not reported what prompted the chase.

Kansas man, woman injured after crash during chase

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Police say a man on a motorized bicycle died when a car ran a red light at an intersection in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park.

 Investigators say the crash happened shortly before 9 a.m. Wednesday at West 95th Street and Lowell Avenue, when the car ran a red light and hit a moped driven by Wade Parsons of Overland Park. 

Police say Parsons was thrown from the moped and critically injured. He was taken to an area hospital, where he later died. Police say the driver of the car stayed on the scene and is cooperating with police.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Police say a man on a motorized bicycle died when a car ran a red light at an intersection in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park. Investigators say the crash happened shortly before 9 a.m. Wednesday at West 95th Street and Lowell Avenue, when the car ran a red light and hit a moped driven by Wade Parsons of Overland Park. Police say Parsons was thrown from the moped and critically injured. He was taken to an area hospital, where he later died. Police say the driver of the car stayed on the scene and is cooperating with police.

Police ID Kan. moped driver killed when car ran red light

KANSAS CITY —A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned a two-count indictment charging a man with a hate crime and firearm violations for shooting a teenager with the intent to kill because of the victim’s sexual orientation, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Malachi Robinson, 25, is charged with violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and with using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, according to court documents.

Robinson allegedly shot the victim with a 9mm handgun because of his sexual orientation, causing significant non-fatal injuries.&nbsp;

If convicted, Robinson faces up to life in prison on the hate crime charge and a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, on the firearm charge. Robinson also faces a fine of up to $250,000 with respect to each charge.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office and the Kansas City Police Department.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628718372500.png" alt="Robinson photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Robinson photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned a two-count indictment charging a man with a hate crime and firearm violations for shooting a teenager with the intent to kill because of the victim’s sexual orientation, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.Malachi Robinson, 25, is charged with violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and with using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, according to court documents.Robinson allegedly shot the victim with a 9mm handgun because of his sexual orientation, causing significant non-fatal injuries.&nbsp;If convicted, Robinson faces up to life in prison on the hate crime charge and a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, on the firearm charge. Robinson also faces a fine of up to $250,000 with respect to each charge.The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office and the Kansas City Police Department.&nbsp;

Kansas City man indicted on federal hate crime charges

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 16-year-old Nebraska high school football player died after a heat-related medical emergency at a practice.

Drake Geiger died at an Omaha hospital on Tuesday night after medics were called to South High School. An Omaha Fire Department spokesman said Geiger had a pulse when medics arrived and was treated for heat exposure and taken to the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

The temperature was 91 degrees with a heat index of 105 at the time Geiger collapsed.

He is at least the fourth high school football player in less than a month to die during a practice or conditioning session, according to media reports.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628716205896.png" alt="Drake Geiger courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Drake Geiger courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 16-year-old Nebraska high school football player died after a heat-related medical emergency at a practice.Drake Geiger died at an Omaha hospital on Tuesday night after medics were called to South High School. An Omaha Fire Department spokesman said Geiger had a pulse when medics arrived and was treated for heat exposure and taken to the University of Nebraska Medical Center.The temperature was 91 degrees with a heat index of 105 at the time Geiger collapsed.He is at least the fourth high school football player in less than a month to die during a practice or conditioning session, according to media reports.

4th high school football player dies in less than a month

Review shows agency caught $19.2 million in overpayments over 2-year period

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/11/audit-reveals-kdhe-mistakenly-paid-1-3-million-to-medicaid-contractors-for-care-of-dead-people/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — An expansive audit of 
Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s payments to companies 
contracted to deliver services under the state’s Medicaid program found 
$1.3 million in inappropriate compensation for care of people who had 
actually died.

Steven Anderson, the state’s Medicaid inspector general, said the 
examination found 25 instances from 2015 to 2020 in which KDHE cut 
checks for beneficiaries who were deceased. When the report was issued 
last week, KDHE hadn’t yet recouped the cash from the managed-care 
companies handling KanCare. Approximately 360,000 Kansans are Medicaid 
recipients.

In addition, analysis by Anderson of the period from July 2019 and 
July 2021 showed KDHE had identified $19.2 million improperly paid to 
the contractors that was subsequently recovered by docking future 
payments. The mistakes caught by KDHE involved 632 cases in which the 
state continued making payments after a death. In 56 of those cases, the
 inspector general’s report said, inappropriate payments had continued 
for five or more years after the beneficiaries’ demise.

Anderson’s office reviewed the length of time overpaid funds were in 
possession of MCOs and determined the miscue was equivalent to giving 
those for-profit companies a $1.5 million cash loan.

The report from the inspector general recommended KDHE “review 
quality control measures and staff training protocols to ensure they are
 sufficient to confirm staff members know how to effectively and 
efficiently identify and process cases involving death of a 
beneficiaries.”

Apparently many of the mistakes occurred when the company Maximus was
 under contract from 2016 to 2020 to operate the state’s Medicaid 
clearinghouse for processing claims. KDHE should consider feasibility of
 taking legal action against Maximus to recover funds, Anderson’s report
 said.

In Kansas, KDHE is responsible for administering Medicaid, also known
 as KanCare. KDHE contracts with three companies to coordinate health 
care for individuals enrolled in KanCare. The Medicaid inspector 
general, housed in the attorney general’s office, is responsible for 
independent and ongoing reviews of the program.

“We have worked hard, in cooperation with the Legislature, to 
revitalize the office of Medicaid inspector general into a professional,
 independent reviewer that can promote efficiency in the Medicaid 
program,” said Attorney General Derek Schmidt. “These audits are 
products of that important work to reduce fraud and identify cost 
savings within the Kansas Medicaid, MediKan and State Children’s Health 
Insurance programs.”

The inspector general also released a July 30 report outlining 
challenges facing Kansans interested in reporting Medicaid fraud and 
recommended ways of improving access to the proper points of contact.

In a third report, also released on July 30, Anderson said 912 
MediKan beneficiaries who exceeded the 12-month lifetime eligibility 
limit between January 2018 and April 2021. Providing benefits beyond the
 maximum period resulted in the state paying $1.6 million for medical 
claims for adults 18 to 64 years of age who were&nbsp; ineligible for the 
program, the audit said. MediKan is a state-funded initiative providing 
medical services for people with physical or mental disabilities who 
wouldn’t qualify for Medicaid.

Kristi Zears, spokeswoman for KDHE, said 457 of the ineligible 
recipients of MediKan benefits were discontinued before release of the 
inspector general’s audit. The other 455 improper recipients had been 
discontinued by July 29, she said.

“We appreciate the work of the Medicaid inspector general and welcome
 the opportunity to further improve state medical assistance programs,” 
said Zears, who indicated KDHE’s reporting system would guarantee timely
 discontinuation of ineligible people.

The inspector general, who is required by state law to report on 
fraud, waste, abuse and illegal contact, presented the information to 
Schmidt, KDHE secretary Lee Norman, KDHE Medicaid director Sarah Fertig 
and the House and Senate members on the KanCare oversight committee. The
 joint legislative oversight committee’s meeting Tuesday was called off 
with a tentative plan to convene lawmakers during September.

Under KanCare, the managed-care companies receive a monthly payment 
from the state for each eligible beneficiary enrolled with that company 
regardless of whether the person incurred medical costs that month.

Sunflower State Health Plan and United Healthcare Community Plan of 
Kansas have worked in the privatized Medicaid system since implemented 
in 2013 during the administration of Gov. Sam Brownback. Amerigroup’s 
contract was allowed to expire by KDHE in 2018 and that troubled company
 was replaced by Aetna Better Health of Kansas.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628701837911.png" alt="A state inspector general discovered the Kansas Department of Health and Environment didn’t detect overpayment of $1.3 million to private companies contracted to deliver services under Medicaid. (Illustration by Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>A state inspector general discovered the Kansas Department of Health and Environment didn’t detect overpayment of $1.3 million to private companies contracted to deliver services under Medicaid. (Illustration by Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Review shows agency caught $19.2 million in overpayments over 2-year period</h2>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/08/11/audit-reveals-kdhe-mistakenly-paid-1-3-million-to-medicaid-contractors-for-care-of-dead-people/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — An expansive audit of 
Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s payments to companies 
contracted to deliver services under the state’s Medicaid program found 
$1.3 million in inappropriate compensation for care of people who had 
actually died.Steven Anderson, the state’s Medicaid inspector general, said the 
examination found 25 instances from 2015 to 2020 in which KDHE cut 
checks for beneficiaries who were deceased. When the report was issued 
last week, KDHE hadn’t yet recouped the cash from the managed-care 
companies handling KanCare. Approximately 360,000 Kansans are Medicaid 
recipients.In addition, analysis by Anderson of the period from July 2019 and 
July 2021 showed KDHE had identified $19.2 million improperly paid to 
the contractors that was subsequently recovered by docking future 
payments. The mistakes caught by KDHE involved 632 cases in which the 
state continued making payments after a death. In 56 of those cases, the
 inspector general’s report said, inappropriate payments had continued 
for five or more years after the beneficiaries’ demise.Anderson’s office reviewed the length of time overpaid funds were in 
possession of MCOs and determined the miscue was equivalent to giving 
those for-profit companies a $1.5 million cash loan.The report from the inspector general recommended KDHE “review 
quality control measures and staff training protocols to ensure they are
 sufficient to confirm staff members know how to effectively and 
efficiently identify and process cases involving death of a 
beneficiaries.”Apparently many of the mistakes occurred when the company Maximus was
 under contract from 2016 to 2020 to operate the state’s Medicaid 
clearinghouse for processing claims. KDHE should consider feasibility of
 taking legal action against Maximus to recover funds, Anderson’s report
 said.In Kansas, KDHE is responsible for administering Medicaid, also known
 as KanCare. KDHE contracts with three companies to coordinate health 
care for individuals enrolled in KanCare. The Medicaid inspector 
general, housed in the attorney general’s office, is responsible for 
independent and ongoing reviews of the program.“We have worked hard, in cooperation with the Legislature, to 
revitalize the office of Medicaid inspector general into a professional,
 independent reviewer that can promote efficiency in the Medicaid 
program,” said Attorney General Derek Schmidt. “These audits are 
products of that important work to reduce fraud and identify cost 
savings within the Kansas Medicaid, MediKan and State Children’s Health 
Insurance programs.”<h2>MediKan benefit woes</h2>The inspector general also released a July 30 report outlining 
challenges facing Kansans interested in reporting Medicaid fraud and 
recommended ways of improving access to the proper points of contact.In a third report, also released on July 30, Anderson said 912 
MediKan beneficiaries who exceeded the 12-month lifetime eligibility 
limit between January 2018 and April 2021. Providing benefits beyond the
 maximum period resulted in the state paying $1.6 million for medical 
claims for adults 18 to 64 years of age who were&nbsp; ineligible for the 
program, the audit said. MediKan is a state-funded initiative providing 
medical services for people with physical or mental disabilities who 
wouldn’t qualify for Medicaid.Kristi Zears, spokeswoman for KDHE, said 457 of the ineligible 
recipients of MediKan benefits were discontinued before release of the 
inspector general’s audit. The other 455 improper recipients had been 
discontinued by July 29, she said.“We appreciate the work of the Medicaid inspector general and welcome
 the opportunity to further improve state medical assistance programs,” 
said Zears, who indicated KDHE’s reporting system would guarantee timely
 discontinuation of ineligible people.The inspector general, who is required by state law to report on 
fraud, waste, abuse and illegal contact, presented the information to 
Schmidt, KDHE secretary Lee Norman, KDHE Medicaid director Sarah Fertig 
and the House and Senate members on the KanCare oversight committee. The
 joint legislative oversight committee’s meeting Tuesday was called off 
with a tentative plan to convene lawmakers during September.Under KanCare, the managed-care companies receive a monthly payment 
from the state for each eligible beneficiary enrolled with that company 
regardless of whether the person incurred medical costs that month.Sunflower State Health Plan and United Healthcare Community Plan of 
Kansas have worked in the privatized Medicaid system since implemented 
in 2013 during the administration of Gov. Sam Brownback. Amerigroup’s 
contract was allowed to expire by KDHE in 2018 and that troubled company
 was replaced by Aetna Better Health of Kansas.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.&nbsp;

Audit: KDHE paid $1.3M to contractors for care of dead people

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California will become the first state in the nation to require all teachers and school staff to get vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing, as schools return from summer break amid growing concerns about the highly contagious delta variant, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday.

The new policy applies to both public and private schools and will affect more than 800,000 employees, including about 320,000 public school teachers and a host of support staff such as cafeteria workers and cleaners, the state Department of Public Health said. It will also apply to school volunteers.

Newsom announced the new policy at a San Francisco Bay Area school that reopened earlier this week to in-person classes. Many California schools are back in session, with others starting in the coming weeks.

“We think this is the right thing to do, and we think this is a sustainable way to keeping our schools open and to address the number one anxiety that parents like myself have for young children,” said Newsom, who is a father of four. “That is knowing that the schools are doing everything in their power to keep our kids safe.”

Several large school districts in the state have issued similar requirements in recent days, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and Long Beach Unified.

California, like the rest of the country, has seen a troubling surge in COVID-19 infections because of the delta variant, which represents the vast majority of new cases. It has affected children more than previous strains of the virus, prompting a growing number of teachers unions to ease earlier opposition to vaccine mandates.

California’s two largest teachers unions, both powerful political allies to the governor, said Wednesday they fully supported Newsom’s policy.

The California Teachers Association and the California Federation of Teachers both cited state and national polling that indicates nearly 90% of educators have been vaccinated but said the rising spread of the delta variant, particularly among children, makes the new policy necessary. Children under 12 are not yet eligible to be vaccinated.

“Educators want to be in classrooms with their students, and the best way to make sure that happens is for everyone who is medically eligible to be vaccinated, with robust testing and multi-tiered safety measures,” CTA President E. Toby Boyd said in a statement.

While Hawaii Gov. David Ige announced last week that all Department of Education staffers would be required to disclose their vaccination status or face weekly testing, California’s order is far more sweeping, applying to all staff who work in both public and private schools in the country’s most populous state.

Over the past few weeks, Newsom has mandated that all health care workers must be fully vaccinated and required that all state employees get vaccinated or choose weekly testing. The weekly testing schedule is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For schools, Newsom had already issued a mask mandate that applies to teachers and students. But until Wednesday, he had left the decision of whether to require vaccines up to local districts.

Vaccine mandates are perilous for the Democratic governor, who faces a recall election next month fueled in part by anger over his handling of the pandemic.

California was the first state to order a pandemic lockdown in March 2020, which shuttered businesses and schools statewide. While many private schools maintained in-person classes, most public schools kept students in distance learning for up to a year. Newsom faced intense political pressure to reopen schools from Republican opponents and supporters who urged him to override powerful labor unions. Many public schools finally reopened last spring, lagging much of the country.

Newsom pushed for a full return to in-person learning this fall. But his mask mandate for schools has angered some parents and been criticized by Republican candidates vying to replace him.

Several of the GOP candidates criticized the new plan Wednesday. Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, who has encouraged everyone to get vaccinated, said state officials “should not be pushing uniform statewide orders on every school district across the state” but should leave it to local districts.

Details of how the new policy will be enforced were not announced. Labor unions say those logistics still need to be worked out.

Matthew Hardy, a spokesman for the California Federation of Teachers, said the union supports the plan that allows an option for testing.

“We do not think people should lose their jobs over this,” he said.

Schools are required to be in full compliance with the new policy by Oct. 15, giving schools time to verify vaccination status and have in place weekly testing for unvaccinated staff, said Amelia Matier, a spokeswoman in the governor’s office.

Newsom did not rule out expanding the requirement to students after a vaccine is approved for children under 12 years old.

“We’ll consider all options in the future,” he said, in response to a question. “We believe this is a meaningful first step.”

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California will become the first state in the nation to require all teachers and school staff to get vaccinated or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing, as schools return from summer break amid growing concerns about the highly contagious delta variant, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday.The new policy applies to both public and private schools and will affect more than 800,000 employees, including about 320,000 public school teachers and a host of support staff such as cafeteria workers and cleaners, the state Department of Public Health said. It will also apply to school volunteers.Newsom announced the new policy at a San Francisco Bay Area school that reopened earlier this week to in-person classes. Many California schools are back in session, with others starting in the coming weeks.“We think this is the right thing to do, and we think this is a sustainable way to keeping our schools open and to address the number one anxiety that parents like myself have for young children,” said Newsom, who is a father of four. “That is knowing that the schools are doing everything in their power to keep our kids safe.”Several large school districts in the state have issued similar requirements in recent days, including San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and Long Beach Unified.California, like the rest of the country, has seen a troubling surge in COVID-19 infections because of the delta variant, which represents the vast majority of new cases. It has affected children more than previous strains of the virus, prompting a growing number of teachers unions to ease earlier opposition to vaccine mandates.California’s two largest teachers unions, both powerful political allies to the governor, said Wednesday they fully supported Newsom’s policy.The California Teachers Association and the California Federation of Teachers both cited state and national polling that indicates nearly 90% of educators have been vaccinated but said the rising spread of the delta variant, particularly among children, makes the new policy necessary. Children under 12 are not yet eligible to be vaccinated.“Educators want to be in classrooms with their students, and the best way to make sure that happens is for everyone who is medically eligible to be vaccinated, with robust testing and multi-tiered safety measures,” CTA President E. Toby Boyd said in a statement.While Hawaii Gov. David Ige announced last week that all Department of Education staffers would be required to disclose their vaccination status or face weekly testing, California’s order is far more sweeping, applying to all staff who work in both public and private schools in the country’s most populous state.Over the past few weeks, Newsom has mandated that all health care workers must be fully vaccinated and required that all state employees get vaccinated or choose weekly testing. The weekly testing schedule is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.For schools, Newsom had already issued a mask mandate that applies to teachers and students. But until Wednesday, he had left the decision of whether to require vaccines up to local districts.Vaccine mandates are perilous for the Democratic governor, who faces a recall election next month fueled in part by anger over his handling of the pandemic.California was the first state to order a pandemic lockdown in March 2020, which shuttered businesses and schools statewide. While many private schools maintained in-person classes, most public schools kept students in distance learning for up to a year. Newsom faced intense political pressure to reopen schools from Republican opponents and supporters who urged him to override powerful labor unions. Many public schools finally reopened last spring, lagging much of the country.Newsom pushed for a full return to in-person learning this fall. But his mask mandate for schools has angered some parents and been criticized by Republican candidates vying to replace him.Several of the GOP candidates criticized the new plan Wednesday. Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, who has encouraged everyone to get vaccinated, said state officials “should not be pushing uniform statewide orders on every school district across the state” but should leave it to local districts.Details of how the new policy will be enforced were not announced. Labor unions say those logistics still need to be worked out.Matthew Hardy, a spokesman for the California Federation of Teachers, said the union supports the plan that allows an option for testing.“We do not think people should lose their jobs over this,” he said.Schools are required to be in full compliance with the new policy by Oct. 15, giving schools time to verify vaccination status and have in place weekly testing for unvaccinated staff, said Amelia Matier, a spokeswoman in the governor’s office.Newsom did not rule out expanding the requirement to students after a vaccine is approved for children under 12 years old.“We’ll consider all options in the future,” he said, in response to a question. “We believe this is a meaningful first step.”___

First state in nation requires vaccines for teachers, staff

BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a teen are again asking for help with information in the case.

On April 29, 2020, police&nbsp; were dispatched to an address on S. Star Street in El Dorado, Kansas for a report of a 14-year-old with a gunshot wound to the head, according to a media release.

 The juvenile was later pronounced deceased at a local hospital.  Through the initial investigation, it was discovered that several juveniles had burglarized an abandoned house where firearms and ammunition had been discarded.  One of the firearms stolen was used in the fatal shooting. 

 It was initially reported to investigators that this shooting was a possible suicide. However, with information from the Sedgwick County Medical Examiner and tips from the public, the death has been ruled “undetermined.”

  Investigators have continuously followed up leads provided by the community and have received assistance from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. 

 This case has remained open since the shooting has occurred as it has yet to be resolved.

The El Dorado Police Department is once again asking for the community’s help in identifying what happened on April 29, 2020.&nbsp; Police are not able to release additional information without parental consent. 

Anyone with information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect/suspects could be eligible for an award up to $1000.00, please leave a tip at crime stoppers <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/community/mobile/index.htm?fbclid=IwAR0wMYOMkmmZTLG9WczEQcYdPPqXPW1SwXjVPYJxfacFAsvGcxTHJK3MjEI" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/community/mobile/index.htm</a>, download the app, or call (316) 321-1080.

BUTLER COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the death of a teen are again asking for help with information in the case.On April 29, 2020, police&nbsp; were dispatched to an address on S. Star Street in El Dorado, Kansas for a report of a 14-year-old with a gunshot wound to the head, according to a media release. The juvenile was later pronounced deceased at a local hospital. Through the initial investigation, it was discovered that several juveniles had burglarized an abandoned house where firearms and ammunition had been discarded. One of the firearms stolen was used in the fatal shooting. It was initially reported to investigators that this shooting was a possible suicide. However, with information from the Sedgwick County Medical Examiner and tips from the public, the death has been ruled “undetermined.” Investigators have continuously followed up leads provided by the community and have received assistance from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. This case has remained open since the shooting has occurred as it has yet to be resolved.The El Dorado Police Department is once again asking for the community’s help in identifying what happened on April 29, 2020.&nbsp; Police are not able to release additional information without parental consent. Anyone with information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect/suspects could be eligible for an award up to $1000.00, please leave a tip at crime stoppers <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/community/mobile/index.htm?fbclid=IwAR0wMYOMkmmZTLG9WczEQcYdPPqXPW1SwXjVPYJxfacFAsvGcxTHJK3MjEI" target="_blank">https://www.p3tips.com/community/mobile/index.htm</a>, download the app, or call (316) 321-1080.

Police: Reward offered in death of Kansas teen

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 driven by&nbsp; Joseph S. Soza, 61, Wichita, was westbound on Kansas 42 just east of 87th Street South.

The pickup crossed the center line and struck an eastbound 2015 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp;Bowhay, Bradley Dean Bowhay, 50, Fall River, Kansas.

Souza was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center.&nbsp;Bowhay was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628726283607.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the fatal crash photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the fatal crash photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just after 1p.m. Wednesday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 GMC Sierra 1500 driven by&nbsp; Joseph S. Soza, 61, Wichita, was westbound on Kansas 42 just east of 87th Street South.The pickup crossed the center line and struck an eastbound 2015 Kenworth semi driven by&nbsp;Bowhay, Bradley Dean Bowhay, 50, Fall River, Kansas.Souza was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center.&nbsp;Bowhay was not injured. Both drivers were properly restrained at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after crash with a semi 

RENO COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen on multiple charges after a high-speed cross-county chase.

On Tuesday afternoon,&nbsp; Reno County Dispatch informed Reno County Sheriff’s Deputies about a vehicle that the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol had at different times pursued, a 2000 Ford Mustang, according to a media release.

 All of these agencies had terminated their pursuit of the vehicle as it came into Reno County.  While Dispatch was giving this information to Reno County Deputies they were still receiving calls that other motorists were complaining about the driver speeding in excess of 100 miles per hour, while not being pursued. 

 Near South Hutchinson Reno County Deputies were informed that the vehicle had just performed a hit and run accident along K-96 Highway. 

 Reno County Deputies located the vehicle at 4th and Airport Road and&nbsp;attempted a traffic stop. The driver later identified as 18-year-old Logan Myers of Hutchinson&nbsp; fled towards Hutchinson on 4th. 

 He then traveled South onto K-61 Highway and continued out of town, onto rural roads, and K-96 for the remainder of the pursuit. 

 While driving South on Yoder Road the driver forced another vehicle off of the road near Eales Road.  The chase ultimately ended approximately four miles into Sedgwick County after the suspect vehicle ran over a tire deflation device. 

Deputies arrested&nbsp; Myers on requested charges of Felony Flee and Elude, Reckless Driving, Illegal Display of Tag, No Drivers License, No Insurance, and four Counts of Aggravated Assault for the vehicle he ran off of the road. He’s being held on a bond of $52,000, according to online records.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628709167962.png" alt="Myers photo Reno County" />
 <figcaption>Myers photo Reno County</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas teen on multiple charges after a high-speed cross-county chase.On Tuesday afternoon,&nbsp; Reno County Dispatch informed Reno County Sheriff’s Deputies about a vehicle that the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol had at different times pursued, a 2000 Ford Mustang, according to a media release. All of these agencies had terminated their pursuit of the vehicle as it came into Reno County. While Dispatch was giving this information to Reno County Deputies they were still receiving calls that other motorists were complaining about the driver speeding in excess of 100 miles per hour, while not being pursued. Near South Hutchinson Reno County Deputies were informed that the vehicle had just performed a hit and run accident along K-96 Highway. Reno County Deputies located the vehicle at 4th and Airport Road and&nbsp;attempted a traffic stop. The driver later identified as 18-year-old Logan Myers of Hutchinson&nbsp; fled towards Hutchinson on 4th. He then traveled South onto K-61 Highway and continued out of town, onto rural roads, and K-96 for the remainder of the pursuit. While driving South on Yoder Road the driver forced another vehicle off of the road near Eales Road. The chase ultimately ended approximately four miles into Sedgwick County after the suspect vehicle ran over a tire deflation device. Deputies arrested&nbsp; Myers on requested charges of Felony Flee and Elude, Reckless Driving, Illegal Display of Tag, No Drivers License, No Insurance, and four Counts of Aggravated Assault for the vehicle he ran off of the road. He’s being held on a bond of $52,000, according to online records.