WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the 
amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2022 has 
increased to $20,500, up from $19,500 for 2021 and 2020. The IRS today 
also issued technical guidance regarding all of the cost‑of‑living 
adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other 
retirement-related items for tax year 2022 in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-61.pdf">Notice 2021-61</a>&nbsp;PDF, posted today on IRS.gov.

The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 
403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan
 is increased to $20,500, up from $19,500.

The income ranges for determining eligibility to make deductible 
contributions to traditional Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), 
to contribute to Roth IRAs, and to claim the Saver's Credit all 
increased for 2022.

Taxpayers can deduct contributions to a traditional IRA if they meet 
certain conditions. If during the year either the taxpayer or the 
taxpayer's spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work, the 
deduction may be reduced, or phased out, until it is eliminated, 
depending on filing status and income. (If neither the taxpayer nor the 
spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work, the phase-outs of the 
deduction do not apply.) Here are the phase-out ranges for 2022:

The income phase-out range for taxpayers making contributions to
 a Roth IRA is increased to $129,000 to $144,000 for singles and heads 
of household, up from $125,000 to $140,000. For married couples filing 
jointly, the income phase-out range is increased to $204,000 to 
$214,000, up from $198,000 to $208,000. The phase-out range for a 
married individual filing a separate return who makes contributions to a
 Roth IRA is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and 
remains $0 to $10,000.

The income limit for the Saver's Credit (also known as the Retirement
 Savings Contributions Credit) for low- and moderate-income workers is 
$68,000 for married couples filing jointly, up from $66,000; $51,000 for
 heads of household, up from $49,500; and $34,000 for singles and 
married individuals filing separately, up from $33,000.

The amount individuals can contribute to their SIMPLE retirement accounts is increased to $14,000, up from $13,500.

Key employee contribution limits that remain unchanged

The limit on annual contributions to an IRA remains unchanged at 
$6,000. The IRA catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and 
over is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains 
$1,000.

The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who 
participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal 
government's Thrift Savings Plan remains unchanged at $6,500. Therefore,
 participants in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal 
government's Thrift Savings Plan who are 50 and older can contribute up 
to $27,000, starting in 2022. The catch-up contribution limit for 
employees aged 50 and over who participate in SIMPLE plans remains 
unchanged at $3,000.

Details on these and other retirement-related cost-of-living adjustments for 2022 are in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-61.pdf">Notice 2021-61</a>&nbsp;PDF, available on IRS.gov.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the 
amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2022 has 
increased to $20,500, up from $19,500 for 2021 and 2020. The IRS today 
also issued technical guidance regarding all of the cost‑of‑living 
adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other 
retirement-related items for tax year 2022 in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-61.pdf">Notice 2021-61</a>&nbsp;PDF, posted today on IRS.gov.<h2>Highlights of changes for 2022</h2>The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 
403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government's Thrift Savings Plan
 is increased to $20,500, up from $19,500.The income ranges for determining eligibility to make deductible 
contributions to traditional Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), 
to contribute to Roth IRAs, and to claim the Saver's Credit all 
increased for 2022.Taxpayers can deduct contributions to a traditional IRA if they meet 
certain conditions. If during the year either the taxpayer or the 
taxpayer's spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work, the 
deduction may be reduced, or phased out, until it is eliminated, 
depending on filing status and income. (If neither the taxpayer nor the 
spouse is covered by a retirement plan at work, the phase-outs of the 
deduction do not apply.) Here are the phase-out ranges for 2022:<ul>
 <li>For single taxpayers covered by a workplace retirement plan, the
 phase-out range is increased to $68,000 to $78,000, up from $66,000 to 
$76,000.</li><li>For married couples filing jointly, if the spouse making the IRA 
contribution is covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out 
range is increased to $109,000 to $129,000, up from $105,000 to 
$125,000.</li><li>For an IRA contributor who is not covered by a workplace retirement
 plan and is married to someone who is covered, the phase-out range is 
increased to $204,000 to $214,000, up from $198,000 to $208,000.</li><li>For a married individual filing a separate return who is covered by
 a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range is not subject to an 
annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $0 to $10,000.</li>
 </ul>The income phase-out range for taxpayers making contributions to
 a Roth IRA is increased to $129,000 to $144,000 for singles and heads 
of household, up from $125,000 to $140,000. For married couples filing 
jointly, the income phase-out range is increased to $204,000 to 
$214,000, up from $198,000 to $208,000. The phase-out range for a 
married individual filing a separate return who makes contributions to a
 Roth IRA is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and 
remains $0 to $10,000.The income limit for the Saver's Credit (also known as the Retirement
 Savings Contributions Credit) for low- and moderate-income workers is 
$68,000 for married couples filing jointly, up from $66,000; $51,000 for
 heads of household, up from $49,500; and $34,000 for singles and 
married individuals filing separately, up from $33,000.The amount individuals can contribute to their SIMPLE retirement accounts is increased to $14,000, up from $13,500.<h2>Key employee contribution limits that remain unchanged</h2>The limit on annual contributions to an IRA remains unchanged at 
$6,000. The IRA catch-up contribution limit for individuals aged 50 and 
over is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains 
$1,000.The catch-up contribution limit for employees aged 50 and over who 
participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal 
government's Thrift Savings Plan remains unchanged at $6,500. Therefore,
 participants in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal 
government's Thrift Savings Plan who are 50 and older can contribute up 
to $27,000, starting in 2022. The catch-up contribution limit for 
employees aged 50 and over who participate in SIMPLE plans remains 
unchanged at $3,000.Details on these and other retirement-related cost-of-living adjustments for 2022 are in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-21-61.pdf">Notice 2021-61</a>&nbsp;PDF, available on IRS.gov.

IRS announces 401(k) limit increases to contributions

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas sex offender on new charges.

On Wednesday, police arrested 39-year-old Brett A. Johnson, 39, Lansing, on a Kansas Department of Corrections detain order for parole violation, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Johnson has three previous convictions for aggravated indecent liberties with a child. In addition, Johnson has eight previous convictions for theft and burglary and has convictions for aggravated battery, criminal restraint and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636036816185.png" alt="Johnson-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a registered Kansas sex offender on new charges.On Wednesday, police arrested 39-year-old Brett A. Johnson, 39, Lansing, on a Kansas Department of Corrections detain order for parole violation, according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.Johnson has three previous convictions for aggravated indecent liberties with a child. In addition, Johnson has eight previous convictions for theft and burglary and has convictions for aggravated battery, criminal restraint and criminal damage to property, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kan. sex offender with history of violent crime jailed for parole violation

LINN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6p.m. Thursday in Linn County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by Phillip A. Murray, 53, Bella Visa, Arkansas, was traveling on U.S. 69 three miles north of Pleasanton.&nbsp;

The pickup left the right side of the roadway and the driver overcorrected, re-entered the roadway, overcorrected again, entered the ditch and rolled. The pickup came to rest on its roof.

Murray was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

LINN COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6p.m. Thursday in Linn County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Chevy Silverado driven by Phillip A. Murray, 53, Bella Visa, Arkansas, was traveling on U.S. 69 three miles north of Pleasanton.&nbsp;The pickup left the right side of the roadway and the driver overcorrected, re-entered the roadway, overcorrected again, entered the ditch and rolled. The pickup came to rest on its roof.Murray was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Man dies in pickup rollover crash on Kansas highway

BUHLER— Following a special meeting held Thursday afternoon, the Buhler USD 313 School Board voted to have Buhler Grade School go to remote learning.&nbsp;

On Friday, Nov. 5, BGS staff will have a professional learning day to organize materials and devices for student pickup. Starting Monday, Nov. 8, Buhler Grade students will be learning remotely through Friday, Nov. 12. All students will return to school on Monday, Nov. 15, for in-person instruction.&nbsp;

As of Thursday, Buhler Grade School currently has 22 positive COVID cases with 6 more cases pending. The district says it planned for this scenario and is ready to quickly make this transition. Parents or guardians will be receiving more information via email regarding remote learning, device distribution and school lunches.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Again, students will not be reporting to Buhler Grade School starting tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 5. Information for your child’s Remote Learning school day and technology pickup will be shared via email.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636053800284.jpeg" alt="Buhler grade school" />
 <figcaption>Buhler grade school</figcaption>
 </figure>BUHLER— Following a special meeting held Thursday afternoon, the Buhler USD 313 School Board voted to have Buhler Grade School go to remote learning.&nbsp;On Friday, Nov. 5, BGS staff will have a professional learning day to organize materials and devices for student pickup. Starting Monday, Nov. 8, Buhler Grade students will be learning remotely through Friday, Nov. 12. All students will return to school on Monday, Nov. 15, for in-person instruction.&nbsp;As of Thursday, Buhler Grade School currently has 22 positive COVID cases with 6 more cases pending. The district says it planned for this scenario and is ready to quickly make this transition. Parents or guardians will be receiving more information via email regarding remote learning, device distribution and school lunches.&nbsp;&nbsp;Again, students will not be reporting to Buhler Grade School starting tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 5. Information for your child’s Remote Learning school day and technology pickup will be shared via email.

COVID: Buhler Grade School going to full remote learning

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —A Kansas man has been found guilty on six criminal charges related to providing autopsy services in Wabaunsee County, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Shawn Parcells, 42, who has resided in Leawood and Topeka, was convicted after a three-day trial in Wabaunsee County District Court on three counts of felony theft and three misdemeanor counts of criminal desecration. District Court Chief Judge Jeffrey Elder accepted the verdict and set sentencing for January 10, 2022.

The jury found that Parcells unlawfully obtained money from Wabaunsee County to perform autopsies in three cases. In addition, Parcells had unauthorized control of the bodies and performed autopsies in three instances without a pathologist performing the autopsies, a violation of state law. The crimes took place in 2014 and 2015..

Parcells also faces a civil complaint filed by the attorney general in Shawnee County District Court for 14 alleged violations of the Kansas False Claims Act and violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act involving 82 consumers. The civil petition alleges Parcells contracted with Wabaunsee County to conduct coroner-ordered autopsies and failed to complete them in accordance with Kansas law. Additionally, the petition alleges he performed autopsies without the presence or supervision of a licensed pathologist or otherwise in violation of consumer protection laws.&nbsp;

In the course of the civil investigation and litigation, the state obtained control of more than 1,600 biological samples collected by Parcells. In November 2019, Judge Mary Christopher appointed Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman as receiver and directed KDHE to take control of the samples. Under court order, the state cataloged and stored the samples. Schmidt said that upon proper and verified request the samples are being released to family members who request them from the state.&nbsp;Any remaining samples will be processed in accordance with state law.

Parcells has been banned by court order from performing autopsies pending the completion of the civil litigation. The civil case remains pending.&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY, KAN.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A Kansas man who ran an autopsies-for-hire business was indicted Wednesday on federal fraud charges, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

In addition to criminal penalties, the indictment seeks to recover more than $1 million in fees paid by the defendant’s clients. Victims are encouraged to email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:NASVictims@fbi.gov" target="_blank">NASVictims@fbi.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 316-660-6439.

Shawn Lynn Parcells,&nbsp;41, Leawood, Kan., is charged with 10 counts of wire fraud.

The indictment alleges Parcells falsely led clients to believe they would receive an autopsy report prepared by a pathologist. In fact, in most of the cases, no pathologist was involved in the work on the autopsies. Parcells was not a physician and not a pathologist. He worked from 1996 to 2003 as a pathologist’s assistant with the Jackson County, Mo., Medical Examiner’s Office.

Parcells offered private autopsy services through his business, National Autopsy Services, based in Topeka. Clients generally paid a basic fee of $3,000 plus expenses up front for a full pathological study and diagnosis as the cause of a death of a family member.

The indictment alleges that from May 11, 2016, to May 5, 2019, Parcells obtained fees from at least 375 clients for a total amount of more than $1.1 million, but failed to provide a completed report in the majority of cases.

&nbsp;If convicted, Parcells could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574875994992.png" alt="Shawn Parcells photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Shawn Parcells photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WABAUNSEE COUNTY —A Kansas man has been found guilty on six criminal charges related to providing autopsy services in Wabaunsee County, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Shawn Parcells, 42, who has resided in Leawood and Topeka, was convicted after a three-day trial in Wabaunsee County District Court on three counts of felony theft and three misdemeanor counts of criminal desecration. District Court Chief Judge Jeffrey Elder accepted the verdict and set sentencing for January 10, 2022.The jury found that Parcells unlawfully obtained money from Wabaunsee County to perform autopsies in three cases. In addition, Parcells had unauthorized control of the bodies and performed autopsies in three instances without a pathologist performing the autopsies, a violation of state law. The crimes took place in 2014 and 2015..Parcells also faces a civil complaint filed by the attorney general in Shawnee County District Court for 14 alleged violations of the Kansas False Claims Act and violations of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act involving 82 consumers. The civil petition alleges Parcells contracted with Wabaunsee County to conduct coroner-ordered autopsies and failed to complete them in accordance with Kansas law. Additionally, the petition alleges he performed autopsies without the presence or supervision of a licensed pathologist or otherwise in violation of consumer protection laws.&nbsp;In the course of the civil investigation and litigation, the state obtained control of more than 1,600 biological samples collected by Parcells. In November 2019, Judge Mary Christopher appointed Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Lee Norman as receiver and directed KDHE to take control of the samples. Under court order, the state cataloged and stored the samples. Schmidt said that upon proper and verified request the samples are being released to family members who request them from the state.&nbsp;Any remaining samples will be processed in accordance with state law.Parcells has been banned by court order from performing autopsies pending the completion of the civil litigation. The civil case remains pending.&nbsp;---------KANSAS CITY, KAN.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A Kansas man who ran an autopsies-for-hire business was indicted Wednesday on federal fraud charges, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.In addition to criminal penalties, the indictment seeks to recover more than $1 million in fees paid by the defendant’s clients. Victims are encouraged to email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:NASVictims@fbi.gov" target="_blank">NASVictims@fbi.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 316-660-6439.Shawn Lynn Parcells,&nbsp;41, Leawood, Kan., is charged with 10 counts of wire fraud.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605802099921.png" alt="From the Parcells indictment -courtesy U.S. Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>From the Parcells indictment -courtesy U.S. Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>The indictment alleges Parcells falsely led clients to believe they would receive an autopsy report prepared by a pathologist. In fact, in most of the cases, no pathologist was involved in the work on the autopsies. Parcells was not a physician and not a pathologist. He worked from 1996 to 2003 as a pathologist’s assistant with the Jackson County, Mo., Medical Examiner’s Office.Parcells offered private autopsy services through his business, National Autopsy Services, based in Topeka. Clients generally paid a basic fee of $3,000 plus expenses up front for a full pathological study and diagnosis as the cause of a death of a family member.The indictment alleges that from May 11, 2016, to May 5, 2019, Parcells obtained fees from at least 375 clients for a total amount of more than $1.1 million, but failed to provide a completed report in the majority of cases.&nbsp;If convicted, Parcells could face a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.&nbsp;

Jury convicts Kan. man on criminal counts related to autopsy services

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A woman has pleaded guilty in the death of her boyfriend’s 3-year-old daughter whose body was found in a shallow grave in Kansas City, Kansas. 

Olivia Jansen was found dead after her grandparents raised concerns about her safety in a case that drew attention the state agency responsible for overseeing young children.

Thirty-four-year-old Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick pleaded guilty Wednesday to second-degree murder, child abuse and interference with law enforcement in the death of Olivia Ann Jansen. Court records show the girl had signs of physical abuse.

Her father also was charged with murder. Kirkpatrick is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 20. The father's trial is set for May 2.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1596232659832.png" alt="Olivia Jansen-photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Olivia Jansen-photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A woman has pleaded guilty in the death of her boyfriend’s 3-year-old daughter whose body was found in a shallow grave in Kansas City, Kansas. Olivia Jansen was found dead after her grandparents raised concerns about her safety in a case that drew attention the state agency responsible for overseeing young children.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594490776368.png" alt="Kirkpatrick photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Kirkpatrick photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Thirty-four-year-old Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick pleaded guilty Wednesday to second-degree murder, child abuse and interference with law enforcement in the death of Olivia Ann Jansen. Court records show the girl had signs of physical abuse.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594468009097.png" alt="Howard Jansen-photo Wyandotte Co." />
 <figcaption>Howard Jansen-photo Wyandotte Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Her father also was charged with murder. Kirkpatrick is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 20. The father's trial is set for May 2.

Woman from Amber Alert enters plea in death of Kansas girl

COLUMBUS – A Kansas man has pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree premeditated murder for the deaths of two men in southeast Kansas in 2020, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.&nbsp; &nbsp; 

Mark Hopkins II, 30, of Columbus, Kan. entered a guilty plea Wednesday in Cherokee County District Court. 

Senior Judge Robert Fleming accepted the plea on two counts of first-degree premeditated murder and set sentencing for December 27.

The crime occurred in June 2020, resulting in the deaths of Blaze Shank and Kylan Shook in Cherokee County. The case was investigated by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Related charges against another defendant remains pending. Charges are merely accusations; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Authorities arrested 26-year-old Tasha Young, of Weir, for her alleged role in Hopkins escape.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Vic Braden and Assistant Attorney General Shannon Rush of Schmidt’s office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622299174237.png" alt="Authorities captured Hopkins in Oklahoma -Photo Cherokee Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Authorities captured Hopkins in Oklahoma -Photo Cherokee Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBUS – A Kansas man has pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree premeditated murder for the deaths of two men in southeast Kansas in 2020, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.&nbsp; &nbsp; Mark Hopkins II, 30, of Columbus, Kan. entered a guilty plea Wednesday in Cherokee County District Court. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621960469451.png" alt="Hopkins photo Cherokee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hopkins photo Cherokee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Senior Judge Robert Fleming accepted the plea on two counts of first-degree premeditated murder and set sentencing for December 27. The crime occurred in June 2020, resulting in the deaths of Blaze Shank and Kylan Shook in Cherokee County. The case was investigated by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Related charges against another defendant remains pending. Charges are merely accusations; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622212658690.png" alt="Tasha Taylor Young" />
 <figcaption>Tasha Taylor Young</figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities arrested 26-year-old Tasha Young, of Weir, for her alleged role in Hopkins escape.The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Vic Braden and Assistant Attorney General Shannon Rush of Schmidt’s office.-----------------

Man who escaped from Kansas jail convicted in double killing

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.

Just before 9a.m. Wednesday, police responded to 2147 SW Westport Drive on a burglary to the animal clinic, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.

While officers were in route to the clinic, citizens saw an individual acting suspicious near AAA self-Storage and began to follow him as they called police. The individual pulled out a firearm and fired it at the citizen. The citizen, who was not struck, provided a good description of the individual, which was broadcast to officers.

Two detectives in the area saw the individual later identified as 42-year-old , Benjamin D. Hardesty run into the McDonalds located at 17th and SW Wanamaker.

Officers located him in the men’s bathroom and&nbsp; he was taken into custody without incident.

Hardesty is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on&nbsp; requested charges of Aggravated Assault and Burglary charges. Officer were later able to locate the firearm near a business where Hardesty was seen disposing of it. Officers also located a business that had been burglarized. No injuries were reported at the scene, according to Munoz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635972065735.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.Just before 9a.m. Wednesday, police responded to 2147 SW Westport Drive on a burglary to the animal clinic, according to Lt. Manuel Munoz.While officers were in route to the clinic, citizens saw an individual acting suspicious near AAA self-Storage and began to follow him as they called police. The individual pulled out a firearm and fired it at the citizen. The citizen, who was not struck, provided a good description of the individual, which was broadcast to officers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636022858956.png" alt="Hardesty-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Hardesty-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>Two detectives in the area saw the individual later identified as 42-year-old , Benjamin D. Hardesty run into the McDonalds located at 17th and SW Wanamaker.Officers located him in the men’s bathroom and&nbsp; he was taken into custody without incident.Hardesty is being held in the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on&nbsp; requested charges of Aggravated Assault and Burglary charges. Officer were later able to locate the firearm near a business where Hardesty was seen disposing of it. Officers also located a business that had been burglarized. No injuries were reported at the scene, according to Munoz.

Kansas burglary suspect hid in bathroom at McDonalds

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A prosecutor says that a Wichita police officer who fatally shot a fleeing bank robbery suspect last year is immune from prosecution under Kansas law.

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett released his findings Thursday into the Dec. 21 death of Paul Peraza following a robbery at the Golden Plains Credit Union in Wichita and the subsequent police chase. 

He concluded no criminal charges would be filed against the officer. Bennett says the officer’s explanation that he believed Peraza posed a danger to the other officer and the public is supported by the facts.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities including the Kansas Bureau of Investigating and the FBI are investigating a bank robbery resulting in an officer-involved shooting.

Just after 3:40 p.m. Monday, police responded to a bank robbery at the Golden Plains Credit Union, 9555 East Corporate Hills Drive in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.

 The suspect, 50-year-old Paul Peraza, entered the bank, walked behind the counter, and demanded money. Employees did not see a weapon, but they were in fear of their safety. Peraza took cash and then fled in a Toyota Tundra that was reported stolen on December 14, according to Cruz.

A police officer observed the Toyota traveling north on Webb Road and attempted to stop Peraza. 

He refused to stop and drove at excessive speeds into oncoming traffic to evade the officer. Peraza turned east on 13th&nbsp;street and struck a 2001 silver Chevy Suburban that was stopped at a red light. The driver received minor injuries. 

Peraza then put the Tundra in reverse and rammed the officer’s patrol vehicle in an attempt to flee. The officer was not injured. Peraza refused to exit the truck. The officer, concerned about his safety and the public’s safety, fired shots and struck Peraza. 

Peraza then drove forward and struck a Honda Accord, which was also stopped at the intersection.

EMS responded to render aid, but Peraza was pronounced dead on the scene. Investigators recovered money from the robbery in the bed of the pick-up truck.

After the incident, police learned that in 1996, Peraza was convicted of a bank robbery in California. He was also convicted of an armed bank robbery in 2006 in Oklahoma and was placed on Federal Probation.

A federal probation violation warrant had been issued for Peraza on December 14, according to Cruz.

The involved WPD officer is a nine-year veteran of the department and is assigned to the Patrol East Bureau. The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636056372231.png" alt="The suspect put the Tundra in reverse and rammed the officer’s patrol vehicle in an attempt to flee. The officer was not injured. Peraza refused to exit the truck. The officer, concerned about his safety and the public’s safety, fired shots and struck Peraza." />
 <figcaption>The suspect put the Tundra in reverse and rammed the officer’s patrol vehicle in an attempt to flee. The officer was not injured. Peraza refused to exit the truck. The officer, concerned about his safety and the public’s safety, fired shots and struck Peraza.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A prosecutor says that a Wichita police officer who fatally shot a fleeing bank robbery suspect last year is immune from prosecution under Kansas law.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQ3o9-ImW0I?start=13" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett released his findings Thursday into the Dec. 21 death of Paul Peraza following a robbery at the Golden Plains Credit Union in Wichita and the subsequent police chase. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608669653480.png" alt="Peraza from an earlier stay in the Butler Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Peraza from an earlier stay in the Butler Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>He concluded no criminal charges would be filed against the officer. Bennett says the officer’s explanation that he believed Peraza posed a danger to the other officer and the public is supported by the facts.--------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities including the Kansas Bureau of Investigating and the FBI are investigating a bank robbery resulting in an officer-involved shooting.Just after 3:40 p.m. Monday, police responded to a bank robbery at the Golden Plains Credit Union, 9555 East Corporate Hills Drive in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz. The suspect, 50-year-old Paul Peraza, entered the bank, walked behind the counter, and demanded money. Employees did not see a weapon, but they were in fear of their safety. Peraza took cash and then fled in a Toyota Tundra that was reported stolen on December 14, according to Cruz.A police officer observed the Toyota traveling north on Webb Road and attempted to stop Peraza. He refused to stop and drove at excessive speeds into oncoming traffic to evade the officer. Peraza turned east on 13th&nbsp;street and struck a 2001 silver Chevy Suburban that was stopped at a red light. The driver received minor injuries. Peraza then put the Tundra in reverse and rammed the officer’s patrol vehicle in an attempt to flee. The officer was not injured. Peraza refused to exit the truck. The officer, concerned about his safety and the public’s safety, fired shots and struck Peraza. Peraza then drove forward and struck a Honda Accord, which was also stopped at the intersection.EMS responded to render aid, but Peraza was pronounced dead on the scene. Investigators recovered money from the robbery in the bed of the pick-up truck.After the incident, police learned that in 1996, Peraza was convicted of a bank robbery in California. He was also convicted of an armed bank robbery in 2006 in Oklahoma and was placed on Federal Probation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608669937205.png" alt="On December 10, Wichita police arrested Peraza for felon in possession of firearm, possession of illegal weapons, possession of methamphetamine, auto theft, possession of narcotics, and possession of a narcotic instrument-photo Sedgwick Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>On December 10, Wichita police arrested Peraza for felon in possession of firearm, possession of illegal weapons, possession of methamphetamine, auto theft, possession of narcotics, and possession of a narcotic instrument-photo Sedgwick Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>A federal probation violation warrant had been issued for Peraza on December 14, according to Cruz.The involved WPD officer is a nine-year veteran of the department and is assigned to the Patrol East Bureau. The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings.

🎥Prosecutor declines to file charges in fatal Kansas police shooting

NEOSHO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; the January murder of a man in Georgia have made an arrest in Kansas.

After months of searching,&nbsp;the US Marshals Service and the Chanute Police Department arrested 41-year-old Adrian Weston Wednesday in Chanute, Kansas, according to the Chanute Police Department.

Weston is being held on requested charges in connection with the murder of Alex Tolbert.

Weston is currently being held in the Neosho County, Kansas jail awaiting extradition back to Georgia by Morgan Co. Sheriff.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636057527380.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEOSHO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating&nbsp; the January murder of a man in Georgia have made an arrest in Kansas.After months of searching,&nbsp;the US Marshals Service and the Chanute Police Department arrested 41-year-old Adrian Weston Wednesday in Chanute, Kansas, according to the Chanute Police Department.Weston is being held on requested charges in connection with the murder of Alex Tolbert.Weston is currently being held in the Neosho County, Kansas jail awaiting extradition back to Georgia by Morgan Co. Sheriff.

Police: Suspect in Georgia killing captured in Kansas

The search ended Thursday for a Kansas woman reported missing on Sunday. Patricia Knafla has been found and is safe, according to Wichita Police Spokesperson Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

SEDGWICK COUNTY –&nbsp;The Wichita Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Wichita woman who was last believed to be near Kinkaid, Kansas.

The whereabouts of Patricia Knafla, 70, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.

Last contact with Patricia occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31. She is described as 5-foot-6, 150 pounds., with gray hair, and green eyes. She wears glasses. Additionally, Patricia was scheduled to work on Monday but never arrived, and may be having a mental health crisis and in the need of assistance.

She is traveling in a gold 2000 Ford Taurus with Kansas tag 418 CDM. Investigators learned she was in the area of Kinkaid, Kansas at approximately 10:50 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1.

If you know the whereabouts of Patricia Knafla, or if you see her, please call 911 immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635846636565.png" alt="Patricia Knafla photo Wichita PD" />
 <figcaption>Patricia Knafla photo Wichita PD</figcaption>
 </figure>The search ended Thursday for a Kansas woman reported missing on Sunday. Patricia Knafla has been found and is safe, according to Wichita Police Spokesperson Charley Davidson.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.--------SEDGWICK COUNTY –&nbsp;The Wichita Police Department requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a missing Wichita woman who was last believed to be near Kinkaid, Kansas.The whereabouts of Patricia Knafla, 70, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.Last contact with Patricia occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31. She is described as 5-foot-6, 150 pounds., with gray hair, and green eyes. She wears glasses. Additionally, Patricia was scheduled to work on Monday but never arrived, and may be having a mental health crisis and in the need of assistance.She is traveling in a gold 2000 Ford Taurus with Kansas tag 418 CDM. Investigators learned she was in the area of Kinkaid, Kansas at approximately 10:50 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 1.If you know the whereabouts of Patricia Knafla, or if you see her, please call 911 immediately.

Silver Alert canceled, missing Kan. woman found safe

Washington—During a Thursday press conference, Senator Roger Marshall was asked about Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) vaccine mandate for employers with more than 100 employees.

“This federal vaccine mandate is unconstitutional and I can’t think of a worse decision for Joe Biden to make right now.

 Inflation, the labor shortage, and the vaccine mandate are the number one issues I hear about back home, and this rule is going to exasperate an already horrible situation,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate is going to create more supply chain blocks and that’s going to lead to more inflation – of course Joe Biden knows this so he’s decided to hold off on enforcement until after the holidays. I will continue to do everything in my power to put a stop to this unconstitutional mandate.”

Washington—During a Thursday press conference, Senator Roger Marshall was asked about Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) vaccine mandate for employers with more than 100 employees.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iHv-vB3DilE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“This federal vaccine mandate is unconstitutional and I can’t think of a worse decision for Joe Biden to make right now. Inflation, the labor shortage, and the vaccine mandate are the number one issues I hear about back home, and this rule is going to exasperate an already horrible situation,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall. “Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate is going to create more supply chain blocks and that’s going to lead to more inflation – of course Joe Biden knows this so he’s decided to hold off on enforcement until after the holidays. I will continue to do everything in my power to put a stop to this unconstitutional mandate.”

🎥 Senator Marshall: Vaccine mandate a bad decision for Biden

A Kansas woman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-f5452aa069fdeb578443f5947418d794">who used a 134-year-old state law to convene a citizen grand jury</a>&nbsp;after a prosecutor declined to file rape charges against a man she accused of attacking her said Wednesday she was angry but not surprised that jurors didn’t bring charges in the case.

Madison Smith, 23, of McPherson, gathered hundreds of signatures to empanel the grand jury after she said a fellow student at Bethany College slapped and strangled her during a sexual encounter in his dorm room in February 2018. The student, Jared Stolzenburg, was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading guilty to aggravated battery.

The grand jury convened on Oct. 18 and Smith was told of its decision Tuesday.

Smith said the grand jury’s refusal to bring rape charges reinforces society’s reluctance to deal honestly and fairly with sexual assault victims.

“I was very angry that people just don’t see rape for what it is and refuse to be educated about it,” Smith said. “I was also angry that I had to take so many steps that victims should not have to take and it still didn’t work out as we wanted it to.”

Defense attorney Brent Boyer said Wednesday he had not represented Stolzenburg for some time and declined to comment on the grand jury’s decision.

Kansas is one of six states that allow citizens to petition for grand juries, using a law that was passed in 1887. Smith’s case is believed to be the first time the law was used by someone claiming sexual assault.

Smith said her encounter with Stolzenburg was consensual until he started slapping and strangling her to the point where she began to lose consciousness and she feared he was going to kill her. She said she couldn’t verbally withdraw consent because she was being choked.

When McPherson County Attorney Gregory Benefiel declined to file rape charges, Smith used the Kansas law to call her own grand jury. She stood on street corners and told her story to strangers in order to gather hundreds of signatures on petitions. And she did it twice after the first petition was declined because of technicality.

Despite the grand jury’s decision, Smith said she does not regret publicizing her case and hopes it will bring changes to how sexual assault victims are treated by law enforcement officials and society in general.

“I’m just sick and tired of people being all hush-hush about rape,” she said. “I wanted to bring awareness not only to my case but to the fact that victims of rape and sexual assault do not get justice or the treatment they should.”

Benefiel did not immediately return a call seeking comment on the grand jury’s decision. In an interview in May, he said sex crimes are “extremely challenging to prosecute” because jurors are looking “for that CSI type of evidence.”

He said he believed he and Smith were both seeking “truth and justice” but had different ideas on what that would be in this case.

Smith’s mother, Mandy, who works at Bethany College in Lindsborg, about 70 miles&nbsp; north of Wichita, said she was proud of her daughter’s determination to stand up for herself and shine a light on how poorly sexual assault victims are treated by the legal system.

“She was not treated with any empathy or dignity,” Mandy Smith said. “Prosecutors do not understand how to do their jobs in a trauma-informed way and that is a huge part of the problem in these cases … This case should help get consent education out there. It should be everywhere and it’s not.”

Justin Boardman, a retired detective who trains police and prosecutors on investigating sexual crimes, said law enforcement officers and prosecutors often are “speaking a different language” than sexual assault victims, largely because of cultural biases about such crimes.

He said law enforcement officers and the public often question why a victim didn’t scream, or fight back, or why victims sometimes struggle to tell their stories or don’t cry. All those responses are related to how the brain reacts to trauma, he said, and there is “a huge gap in miscommunication” between victims and law enforcement.

Madison Smith, who graduated in May and is working as a medical assistant while applying to nursing schools, said she was encouraged by the support she received from family, friends and strangers during the process.

“We swung the bat as hard as we could and unfortunately we missed,” she said. “I just had to know that I tried everything I could.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559731985807.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MARGARET STAFFORD, Associated PressA Kansas woman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-f5452aa069fdeb578443f5947418d794">who used a 134-year-old state law to convene a citizen grand jury</a>&nbsp;after a prosecutor declined to file rape charges against a man she accused of attacking her said Wednesday she was angry but not surprised that jurors didn’t bring charges in the case.Madison Smith, 23, of McPherson, gathered hundreds of signatures to empanel the grand jury after she said a fellow student at Bethany College slapped and strangled her during a sexual encounter in his dorm room in February 2018. The student, Jared Stolzenburg, was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading guilty to aggravated battery.The grand jury convened on Oct. 18 and Smith was told of its decision Tuesday.Smith said the grand jury’s refusal to bring rape charges reinforces society’s reluctance to deal honestly and fairly with sexual assault victims.“I was very angry that people just don’t see rape for what it is and refuse to be educated about it,” Smith said. “I was also angry that I had to take so many steps that victims should not have to take and it still didn’t work out as we wanted it to.”Defense attorney Brent Boyer said Wednesday he had not represented Stolzenburg for some time and declined to comment on the grand jury’s decision.Kansas is one of six states that allow citizens to petition for grand juries, using a law that was passed in 1887. Smith’s case is believed to be the first time the law was used by someone claiming sexual assault.Smith said her encounter with Stolzenburg was consensual until he started slapping and strangling her to the point where she began to lose consciousness and she feared he was going to kill her. She said she couldn’t verbally withdraw consent because she was being choked.When McPherson County Attorney Gregory Benefiel declined to file rape charges, Smith used the Kansas law to call her own grand jury. She stood on street corners and told her story to strangers in order to gather hundreds of signatures on petitions. And she did it twice after the first petition was declined because of technicality.Despite the grand jury’s decision, Smith said she does not regret publicizing her case and hopes it will bring changes to how sexual assault victims are treated by law enforcement officials and society in general.“I’m just sick and tired of people being all hush-hush about rape,” she said. “I wanted to bring awareness not only to my case but to the fact that victims of rape and sexual assault do not get justice or the treatment they should.”Benefiel did not immediately return a call seeking comment on the grand jury’s decision. In an interview in May, he said sex crimes are “extremely challenging to prosecute” because jurors are looking “for that CSI type of evidence.”He said he believed he and Smith were both seeking “truth and justice” but had different ideas on what that would be in this case.Smith’s mother, Mandy, who works at Bethany College in Lindsborg, about 70 miles&nbsp; north of Wichita, said she was proud of her daughter’s determination to stand up for herself and shine a light on how poorly sexual assault victims are treated by the legal system.“She was not treated with any empathy or dignity,” Mandy Smith said. “Prosecutors do not understand how to do their jobs in a trauma-informed way and that is a huge part of the problem in these cases … This case should help get consent education out there. It should be everywhere and it’s not.”Justin Boardman, a retired detective who trains police and prosecutors on investigating sexual crimes, said law enforcement officers and prosecutors often are “speaking a different language” than sexual assault victims, largely because of cultural biases about such crimes.He said law enforcement officers and the public often question why a victim didn’t scream, or fight back, or why victims sometimes struggle to tell their stories or don’t cry. All those responses are related to how the brain reacts to trauma, he said, and there is “a huge gap in miscommunication” between victims and law enforcement.Madison Smith, who graduated in May and is working as a medical assistant while applying to nursing schools, said she was encouraged by the support she received from family, friends and strangers during the process.“We swung the bat as hard as we could and unfortunately we missed,” she said. “I just had to know that I tried everything I could.”

Kansas case tried to change how rape is charged

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats added a new paid family leave program, immigrant work permits and a state-and-local tax break to President Joe Biden’s $1.75 trillion social services and environmental bill Wednesday, reviving key priorities in the rush to finish up and start voting after dismal overnight election results.

The House Rules Committee convened late Wednesday afternoon to consider the updated text of the now-sprawling 2,135-page package — a crucial step ahead of initial House votes that are possible as soon as Thursday.

The flurry of last-minute additions — on top of a plan to include lower Medicare prescription drug prices — comes as Democrats are desperate to deliver on Biden’s signature domestic proposals after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2021-virginia-governor-glenn-youngkin-mcaulife-6cdbf77acf9a966e216ab2a297601baa">grim election results for the party in Virginia</a>, a warning that their grip on power could be in peril in next year’s midterms.

Most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-election-ap-votecast-survey-75520c5c9a245bee384526abc138a61a">voters in Virginia said drawn-out negotiations</a>&nbsp;in Washington over Biden’s governing agenda were an important factor in their vote, so blame was flowing to Capitol Hill as Democrats have spent months arguing over details of the package.

“We’ve got to produce,” Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia told reporters at the Capitol. “We’ve got to get results for people.”

From the White House, Biden agreed: “What I do know is I do know that people want us to get things done.”

Biden said, “I’m continuing to push very hard for the Democratic Party to move along and pass my infrastructure bill and my ‘Build Back Better’ bill.”

Democrats have been working fervently to shelve their differences, particularly with holdout Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, and launch votes on Biden’s big bill and a related $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package that has stalled.

The family leave provision Manchin had resisted earlier is expected to include four weeks of paid time off for childbirth, recovery from major illness or caring for family members, less than the 12-week program once envisioned, but all fully paid for with revenue elsewhere.

Biden had reluctantly dropped a scaled-back paid leave proposal from last week’s White House framework after Manchin balked at the cost. But Democrats who lobbied that paid leave has been a party priority for decades continued to push it.

Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, said the paid leave program came together after talks early Wednesday with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. It’s “a policy that will finally give workers and their families the peace of mind of knowing that when disaster strikes, they can rely on paid leave to avoid total crisis,” he said in a statement.

On another remaining issue, the Democrats compromised on a plan partly to do away with the $10,000 limit on state and local tax deductions that particularly hits New York, California and other high-tax states and was enacted as part of the Trump-era 2017 tax plan.

While repeal of the so-called SALT deduction cap is a priority for several northeastern state lawmakers, progressives wanted to prevent the super-wealthy from benefiting. Under the plan, the $10,000 deduction cap would be lifted to $72,500 for 10 years, starting with the 2021 tax year.

And the just-added immigration provision would create a new program for some 7 million immigrants who are in the country without legal standing, allowing them to apply for permits to work and travel in the U.S. for five years. It would also allow the government to tap unused visas to admit people into the U.S.

Resolving the immigration issue was among the last daunting challenges to finishing up the draft of Biden’s package. Biden had set aside $100 billion to fund the immigration changes, which could bolster the overall package from $1.75 trillion to $1.85 trillion if the provision is accepted by the Senate. Lawmakers plan to make their case to Senate parliamentarian in coming days, hopeful the changes will pass muster under Senate rules because they build on existing programs, those involved said.

“We have to have something for our immigrants,” said Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif.

Both the paid family leave and the immigration law changes have drawn resistance from Manchin, whose support remains crucial in the 50-50 Senate, where Biden has no votes to spare. The overall bill faces united opposition from Republicans.

Manchin wants Democrats to take more time in negotiations, and panned the paid-leave announcement, suggesting it could be done separate from Biden’s package or “in a bipartisan way.”

Pelosi in a letter to colleagues Wednesday acknowledged opposition to the House’s approach from a single senator, a reference to Manchin. But Pelosi’s strategy now seems intent on passing the most robust bill possible in her chamber and then leaving the Senate to adjust or strip out the portions they won’t agree to.

“We must strive to find common ground in the legislation,” Pelosi said in a letter to colleagues.

Biden’s $1.75 trillion package would provide large numbers of Americans with assistance to pay for health care, education, raising children and caring for elderly people in their homes. It also would provide some $555 billion in tax breaks encouraging cleaner energy and electrified vehicles, the nation’s largest commitment to tackling climate change.

Much of its costs would be covered with higher taxes on people earning over $10 million annually and large corporations, which would now face a 15% minimum tax in efforts to stop big business from claiming so many deductions they end up paying zero in taxes.

Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas., said the party’s internal debates have been harmful not only for public opinion, but “also harmful in terms of showing that our democracy is working.” He said Wednesday, “We have to show that we can govern.”

Still, the final details of Biden’s big proposal are coming into shape.

Along with Wednesday’s additions of the paid family leave, immigration and local tax deduction programs, Democrats on Tuesday reached a deal to lower prescription drug costs for most older people, capping out-of-pocket Medicare Part D costs at $2,000 and reducing the price of insulin.

For the first time, Medicare will be able to negotiate prescription drug prices in its Part B and Part D programs. The new monthly cap on the price of insulin would lower the price to no more than $35 a dose and there would be a so-called inflation rebate if annual prices rise too high, Democrats said.

Some moderate Democrats in the House said they want to see a fiscal assessment of Biden’s overall package from the Congressional Budget Office before taking the vote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1635971215142.png" alt="“We must strive to find common ground in the legislation,” Pelosi said in a letter to colleagues on Wednesday-photo courtesy office of House Speaker" />
 <figcaption>“We must strive to find common ground in the legislation,” Pelosi said in a letter to colleagues on Wednesday-photo courtesy office of House Speaker</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats added a new paid family leave program, immigrant work permits and a state-and-local tax break to President Joe Biden’s $1.75 trillion social services and environmental bill Wednesday, reviving key priorities in the rush to finish up and start voting after dismal overnight election results.The House Rules Committee convened late Wednesday afternoon to consider the updated text of the now-sprawling 2,135-page package — a crucial step ahead of initial House votes that are possible as soon as Thursday.The flurry of last-minute additions — on top of a plan to include lower Medicare prescription drug prices — comes as Democrats are desperate to deliver on Biden’s signature domestic proposals after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2021-virginia-governor-glenn-youngkin-mcaulife-6cdbf77acf9a966e216ab2a297601baa">grim election results for the party in Virginia</a>, a warning that their grip on power could be in peril in next year’s midterms.Most&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virginia-election-ap-votecast-survey-75520c5c9a245bee384526abc138a61a">voters in Virginia said drawn-out negotiations</a>&nbsp;in Washington over Biden’s governing agenda were an important factor in their vote, so blame was flowing to Capitol Hill as Democrats have spent months arguing over details of the package.“We’ve got to produce,” Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia told reporters at the Capitol. “We’ve got to get results for people.”From the White House, Biden agreed: “What I do know is I do know that people want us to get things done.”Biden said, “I’m continuing to push very hard for the Democratic Party to move along and pass my infrastructure bill and my ‘Build Back Better’ bill.”Democrats have been working fervently to shelve their differences, particularly with holdout Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, and launch votes on Biden’s big bill and a related $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package that has stalled.The family leave provision Manchin had resisted earlier is expected to include four weeks of paid time off for childbirth, recovery from major illness or caring for family members, less than the 12-week program once envisioned, but all fully paid for with revenue elsewhere.Biden had reluctantly dropped a scaled-back paid leave proposal from last week’s White House framework after Manchin balked at the cost. But Democrats who lobbied that paid leave has been a party priority for decades continued to push it.Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, said the paid leave program came together after talks early Wednesday with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. It’s “a policy that will finally give workers and their families the peace of mind of knowing that when disaster strikes, they can rely on paid leave to avoid total crisis,” he said in a statement.On another remaining issue, the Democrats compromised on a plan partly to do away with the $10,000 limit on state and local tax deductions that particularly hits New York, California and other high-tax states and was enacted as part of the Trump-era 2017 tax plan.While repeal of the so-called SALT deduction cap is a priority for several northeastern state lawmakers, progressives wanted to prevent the super-wealthy from benefiting. Under the plan, the $10,000 deduction cap would be lifted to $72,500 for 10 years, starting with the 2021 tax year.And the just-added immigration provision would create a new program for some 7 million immigrants who are in the country without legal standing, allowing them to apply for permits to work and travel in the U.S. for five years. It would also allow the government to tap unused visas to admit people into the U.S.Resolving the immigration issue was among the last daunting challenges to finishing up the draft of Biden’s package. Biden had set aside $100 billion to fund the immigration changes, which could bolster the overall package from $1.75 trillion to $1.85 trillion if the provision is accepted by the Senate. Lawmakers plan to make their case to Senate parliamentarian in coming days, hopeful the changes will pass muster under Senate rules because they build on existing programs, those involved said.“We have to have something for our immigrants,” said Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif.Both the paid family leave and the immigration law changes have drawn resistance from Manchin, whose support remains crucial in the 50-50 Senate, where Biden has no votes to spare. The overall bill faces united opposition from Republicans.Manchin wants Democrats to take more time in negotiations, and panned the paid-leave announcement, suggesting it could be done separate from Biden’s package or “in a bipartisan way.”Pelosi in a letter to colleagues Wednesday acknowledged opposition to the House’s approach from a single senator, a reference to Manchin. But Pelosi’s strategy now seems intent on passing the most robust bill possible in her chamber and then leaving the Senate to adjust or strip out the portions they won’t agree to.“We must strive to find common ground in the legislation,” Pelosi said in a letter to colleagues.Biden’s $1.75 trillion package would provide large numbers of Americans with assistance to pay for health care, education, raising children and caring for elderly people in their homes. It also would provide some $555 billion in tax breaks encouraging cleaner energy and electrified vehicles, the nation’s largest commitment to tackling climate change.Much of its costs would be covered with higher taxes on people earning over $10 million annually and large corporations, which would now face a 15% minimum tax in efforts to stop big business from claiming so many deductions they end up paying zero in taxes.Rep. Colin Allred, D-Texas., said the party’s internal debates have been harmful not only for public opinion, but “also harmful in terms of showing that our democracy is working.” He said Wednesday, “We have to show that we can govern.”Still, the final details of Biden’s big proposal are coming into shape.Along with Wednesday’s additions of the paid family leave, immigration and local tax deduction programs, Democrats on Tuesday reached a deal to lower prescription drug costs for most older people, capping out-of-pocket Medicare Part D costs at $2,000 and reducing the price of insulin.For the first time, Medicare will be able to negotiate prescription drug prices in its Part B and Part D programs. The new monthly cap on the price of insulin would lower the price to no more than $35 a dose and there would be a so-called inflation rebate if annual prices rise too high, Democrats said.Some moderate Democrats in the House said they want to see a fiscal assessment of Biden’s overall package from the Congressional Budget Office before taking the vote.

Paid leave, immigration, tax changes added to Biden's $1.7T bill

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the October 27, shooting death of 22-year-old Chase Anderson in Hoisington.

Just after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Hoisington Police arrested&nbsp; 32-year-old Adam M. Sullivan of Hoisington, on requested charges of involuntary manslaughter connected to the shooting, according to a media release from the KBI.

Sullivan was already in custody at the Barton County Jail when he was arrested for the new charge.

Just after 3a.m. Oct. 27, the Hoisington Police Department received a 911 call reporting a shooting at 405 E. 2nd&nbsp;St. in Hoisington.

When officers arrived they located Anderson suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; EMS arrived and attempted life-saving measures. A short time later Anderson was pronounced dead.

Preliminary information revealed that Anderson was shot in the chest with a handgun. His acquaintance, 32-year-old Adam Sullivan, of Hoisington, was also in the residence at the time of the shooting. Officers arrested him for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Barton County Jail.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636039970228.png" alt="Sullivan-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Sullivan-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the October 27, shooting death of 22-year-old Chase Anderson in Hoisington.Just after 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Hoisington Police arrested&nbsp; 32-year-old Adam M. Sullivan of Hoisington, on requested charges of involuntary manslaughter connected to the shooting, according to a media release from the KBI.Sullivan was already in custody at the Barton County Jail when he was arrested for the new charge.Just after 3a.m. Oct. 27, the Hoisington Police Department received a 911 call reporting a shooting at 405 E. 2nd&nbsp;St. in Hoisington.When officers arrived they located Anderson suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; EMS arrived and attempted life-saving measures. A short time later Anderson was pronounced dead.Preliminary information revealed that Anderson was shot in the chest with a handgun. His acquaintance, 32-year-old Adam Sullivan, of Hoisington, was also in the residence at the time of the shooting. Officers arrested him for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Barton County Jail.

Kan. man accused of involuntary manslaughter in fatal shooting

Annual window has opened to enroll through Healthcare.gov

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-11-03/thousands-of-uninsured-kansans-qualify-for-free-health-insurance-with-federal-subsidies">Kansas News Service</a>

In 2014, a man in his fifties showed up at GraceMed Health Clinic in 
Wichita, asking about his options for buying health insurance.

He hadn’t bothered with coverage before. The expense proved daunting for someone running his own business.

GraceMed employee Juven Nava recalls helping the man find coverage for a monthly premium of about $20 through <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/" target="_blank">Healthcare.gov</a>.

“For such a long time, the one thing that he felt he could sacrifice was health insurance,” Nava said.

“I told him … ‘Use it. Get everything checked out. You haven’t been to a doctor in forever.’ "

So the self-employed man did just that. The checkups uncovered cancer, and he began treatment.

The experience stuck with Nava, who has helped people sign up for subsidized health insurance every year since.

This year, more uninsured Kansans qualify for financial aid than before the pandemic. It’s part of <a href="https://www.kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/how-the-american-rescue-plan-will-improve-affordability-of-private-health-coverage/" target="_blank">a coronavirus relief law</a> that Congress passed in March.

About <a href="https://www.kff.org/health-reform/state-indicator/distribution-of-eligibility-for-aca-coverage-among-the-remaining-uninsured/?dataView=1&amp;currentTimeframe=0&amp;selectedRows=%7B%22states%22:%7B%22kansas%22:%7B%7D%7D%7D&amp;sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D" target="_blank">260,000 Kansans</a> don’t have health insurance. The <a href="https://www.kff.org/private-insurance/issue-brief/a-closer-look-at-the-uninsured-marketplace-eligible-population-following-the-american-rescue-plan-act/" target="_blank">Kaiser Family Foundation</a>
 estimated in May that about 70,000 uninsured Kansans are eligible for 
free health plans through Healthcare.gov for 2022. Tens of thousands 
more can get discounted premiums, sometimes as low as $10 a month.

Because
 of the temporary pandemic-related changes, some people who earn more 
than four times the poverty level will find they qualify for subsidies.

On Monday, the annual enrollment period kicked off for people who want to buy health insurance through Healthcare.gov for 2022.

Enrollment continues until Jan. 15, but if you want your coverage to start on Jan. 1, you need to sign up no later than Dec. 15.

How can you get help exploring your options?

Nava
 leads a team of bilingual experts at GraceMed — about half a dozen 
navigators who’ll sit with you for free in Wichita or Topeka, talk about
 your options and answer every question you’ve wondered about insurance 
jargon.

Out-of-pocket maximums? Coinsurance? Bronze, silver and gold plans? It’s their job to make sense of it for you.

The next few months promise to be busy for the GraceMed team. Their work is in demand.

“We
 were already receiving calls a month ago ... trying to get on our 
navigator schedules,” Nava said. “So this week, it’s pretty packed.”

They meet with people one-on-one, in English or Spanish, and try to 
get to everyone. Sometimes they call on colleagues at other clinics to 
help. They can also point people to assistance in other languages.

If you want to talk to a navigator, Nava recommends checking for an expert near you, because meeting in person is valuable.

You can do that on the <a href="https://getcoveredkansas.org/find-navigator" target="_blank">GetCoveredKansas</a> website, run by a <a href="https://www.communitycareks.org/" target="_blank">coalition of community clinics</a> across Kansas that help people sign up for insurance.

Or
 you can call the coalition at (866) 826-8375 to ask questions or 
schedule an appointment that could take place in person, over the phone 
or by video conference.

Some Kansans have more insurance plans to pick from this year.

<a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/" target="_blank">Healthcare.gov</a>
 isn’t the only place you can buy insurance, but if you qualify for 
subsidies, you can only get that financial help by going through the 
official marketplace.

This year, seven companies are selling 
insurance to Kansans on Healthcare.gov, including local options like 
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas and national insurers like Cigna.

That’s more options than ever. It continues a dramatic trend over the past several years of increasing options:

Still,
 choices vary by county. Most rural counties only have three insurance 
companies to choose from. More urban areas have more options. Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636035201207.png" alt="Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Annual window has opened to enroll through Healthcare.gov</h2>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-11-03/thousands-of-uninsured-kansans-qualify-for-free-health-insurance-with-federal-subsidies">Kansas News Service</a>In 2014, a man in his fifties showed up at GraceMed Health Clinic in 
Wichita, asking about his options for buying health insurance.He hadn’t bothered with coverage before. The expense proved daunting for someone running his own business.GraceMed employee Juven Nava recalls helping the man find coverage for a monthly premium of about $20 through <a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/" target="_blank">Healthcare.gov</a>.“For such a long time, the one thing that he felt he could sacrifice was health insurance,” Nava said.And now he finally had it.“I told him … ‘Use it. Get everything checked out. You haven’t been to a doctor in forever.’ " <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1601308401778.png" alt="This story is part of the series, Bills of Health. Do you have a medical bill from Kansas that you want to share with a reporter? Email celia@kcur.org." />
 <figcaption>This story is part of the series, Bills of Health. Do you have a medical bill from Kansas that you want to share with a reporter? Email celia@kcur.org.</figcaption>
 </figure>So the self-employed man did just that. The checkups uncovered cancer, and he began treatment.The experience stuck with Nava, who has helped people sign up for subsidized health insurance every year since.This year, more uninsured Kansans qualify for financial aid than before the pandemic. It’s part of <a href="https://www.kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/how-the-american-rescue-plan-will-improve-affordability-of-private-health-coverage/" target="_blank">a coronavirus relief law</a> that Congress passed in March.About <a href="https://www.kff.org/health-reform/state-indicator/distribution-of-eligibility-for-aca-coverage-among-the-remaining-uninsured/?dataView=1&amp;currentTimeframe=0&amp;selectedRows=%7B%22states%22:%7B%22kansas%22:%7B%7D%7D%7D&amp;sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D" target="_blank">260,000 Kansans</a> don’t have health insurance. The <a href="https://www.kff.org/private-insurance/issue-brief/a-closer-look-at-the-uninsured-marketplace-eligible-population-following-the-american-rescue-plan-act/" target="_blank">Kaiser Family Foundation</a>
 estimated in May that about 70,000 uninsured Kansans are eligible for 
free health plans through Healthcare.gov for 2022. Tens of thousands 
more can get discounted premiums, sometimes as low as $10 a month.Because
 of the temporary pandemic-related changes, some people who earn more 
than four times the poverty level will find they qualify for subsidies.On Monday, the annual enrollment period kicked off for people who want to buy health insurance through Healthcare.gov for 2022.Enrollment continues until Jan. 15, but if you want your coverage to start on Jan. 1, you need to sign up no later than Dec. 15.How can you get help exploring your options?Nava
 leads a team of bilingual experts at GraceMed — about half a dozen 
navigators who’ll sit with you for free in Wichita or Topeka, talk about
 your options and answer every question you’ve wondered about insurance 
jargon.Out-of-pocket maximums? Coinsurance? Bronze, silver and gold plans? It’s their job to make sense of it for you.The next few months promise to be busy for the GraceMed team. Their work is in demand.“We
 were already receiving calls a month ago ... trying to get on our 
navigator schedules,” Nava said. “So this week, it’s pretty packed.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636035316979.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>They meet with people one-on-one, in English or Spanish, and try to 
get to everyone. Sometimes they call on colleagues at other clinics to 
help. They can also point people to assistance in other languages.If you want to talk to a navigator, Nava recommends checking for an expert near you, because meeting in person is valuable.You can do that on the <a href="https://getcoveredkansas.org/find-navigator" target="_blank">GetCoveredKansas</a> website, run by a <a href="https://www.communitycareks.org/" target="_blank">coalition of community clinics</a> across Kansas that help people sign up for insurance.Or
 you can call the coalition at (866) 826-8375 to ask questions or 
schedule an appointment that could take place in person, over the phone 
or by video conference.Some Kansans have more insurance plans to pick from this year.<a href="https://www.healthcare.gov/" target="_blank">Healthcare.gov</a>
 isn’t the only place you can buy insurance, but if you qualify for 
subsidies, you can only get that financial help by going through the 
official marketplace.This year, seven companies are selling 
insurance to Kansans on Healthcare.gov, including local options like 
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas and national insurers like Cigna.That’s more options than ever. It continues a dramatic trend over the past several years of increasing options: <ul>
 <li>2019: Three insurers offered 23 plans across Kansas.</li><li>2020: Five insurers offered 82 plans.</li><li>2021: Six insurers offered 100 plans.</li><li>2022: Seven insurers are offering 123 plans.</li>
 </ul>Still,
 choices vary by county. Most rural counties only have three insurance 
companies to choose from. More urban areas have more options. Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

Thousands of uninsured Kansans qualify for free health insurance

WASHINGTON (AP) —Tens of millions of Americans who work at companies with 100 or more employees will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4 or get tested for the virus weekly under government rules issued Thursday.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said companies that fail to comply could face penalties of nearly $14,000 per violation.

The new requirements, which were first previewed by President Joe Biden in September, will apply to about 84 million workers at medium and large businesses, although it is not clear how many of those employees are unvaccinated.

Tougher rules will apply to another 17 million people who work in nursing homes, hospitals and other facilities that receive money from Medicare and Medicaid. Those workers will not have an option for testing and will need to be vaccinated.

It was unclear how OSHA planned to enforce the rules. A senior administration official said the agency would target companies if it gets complaints.

Workers will be able to ask for exemptions on medical or religious grounds.

The release of the rules followed weeks of regulatory review and meetings with business groups, labor unions and others. The regulations form the cornerstone of Biden’s most aggressive effort yet to combat the spread of COVID-19, which has killed more than 740,000 people in the U.S.

OSHA drafted the rules under emergency authority meant to protect workers from an imminent health hazard. Senior administration officials said the rules preempt conflicting state laws or orders, including those that ban employers from requiring vaccinations, testing or the wearing of face masks.

The administration will face an immediate challenge from Republican state officials who are eager to fight Biden in court. More than two dozen Republicans serving as state attorneys general have indicated they plan to sue, arguing that only Congress can enact such sweeping requirements under emergency authority.

Last week, 19 states sued to stop Biden’s narrower mandate that employees of federal contractors be vaccinated. That requirement was scheduled to take effect Dec. 8, but the administration said Thursday it will be delayed until Jan. 4 to match the requirements on other large employers and health care providers.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631817363595.png" alt="President Biden says,"just get the shot."&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>President Biden says,"just get the shot."&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Tens of millions of Americans who work at companies with 100 or more employees will need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4 or get tested for the virus weekly under government rules issued Thursday.The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said companies that fail to comply could face penalties of nearly $14,000 per violation.The new requirements, which were first previewed by President Joe Biden in September, will apply to about 84 million workers at medium and large businesses, although it is not clear how many of those employees are unvaccinated.Tougher rules will apply to another 17 million people who work in nursing homes, hospitals and other facilities that receive money from Medicare and Medicaid. Those workers will not have an option for testing and will need to be vaccinated.It was unclear how OSHA planned to enforce the rules. A senior administration official said the agency would target companies if it gets complaints.Workers will be able to ask for exemptions on medical or religious grounds.The release of the rules followed weeks of regulatory review and meetings with business groups, labor unions and others. The regulations form the cornerstone of Biden’s most aggressive effort yet to combat the spread of COVID-19, which has killed more than 740,000 people in the U.S.OSHA drafted the rules under emergency authority meant to protect workers from an imminent health hazard. Senior administration officials said the rules preempt conflicting state laws or orders, including those that ban employers from requiring vaccinations, testing or the wearing of face masks.The administration will face an immediate challenge from Republican state officials who are eager to fight Biden in court. More than two dozen Republicans serving as state attorneys general have indicated they plan to sue, arguing that only Congress can enact such sweeping requirements under emergency authority.Last week, 19 states sued to stop Biden’s narrower mandate that employees of federal contractors be vaccinated. That requirement was scheduled to take effect Dec. 8, but the administration said Thursday it will be delayed until Jan. 4 to match the requirements on other large employers and health care providers.Workers will need to receive either two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine by Jan. 4. Unvaccinated employees must submit a verified negative test to the company at least once a week and wear face masks on the job.Employees who test positive must be removed from the workplace.OSHA will require businesses to provide paid time off for employees to get vaccines and sick leave to recover from side effects that prevent them from working. The requirements for masks and paid time off for shots will take effect Dec. 5.Because vaccines are free, OSHA said, companies do not have to provide or pay for tests.The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services issued a rule requiring vaccination for workers in 76,000 health facilities and home health care providers that get funding from the government health programs. A senior administration official said that several large private health care organizations imposed their own mandates and achieved high vaccination rates — 96% or higher — without widespread resignations.The White House sees the new requirements as a potent tool to winnow down the ranks of the tens of millions of Americans who have thus far refused to get a shot.For weeks, Biden has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-6e758dc5e24320677e48f58cbfca37bf">encouraged businesses not to wait&nbsp;</a>for the OSHA rule to take effect. He has touted businesses that have already announced their own vaccine mandates and urged other companies to follow their lead.Administration officials say those efforts are paying off, with about 70% of the nation’s adults now fully vaccinated.Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, said in late July it was requiring all workers at its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, as well as its managers who travel within the U.S., to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 4. But the company had stopped short of requiring shots for its frontline workers.United Airlines required U.S. employees to get vaccinated or face termination. Only a very small number of its 67,000 workers refused to do so.In August, Tyson Foods told its 120,000 U.S. workers that they must be vaccinated by Nov. 1. A week before that deadline, the company said 96% of its workforce was fully vaccinated.However, some companies have expressed fear that some vaccine-hesitant workers might quit, leaving their workforces even thinner in what is already a tight labor market.Several large business groups complained about the timing of the mandate. Retail groups worried that the requirement could disrupt their operations during the critical Christmas shopping period. Retailers and others also said it could worsen supply chain disruptions.The mandate on federal contractors led to demonstrations by opponents, including workers at a NASA rocket engine test site in Mississippi. Some said they are immune because they contracted COVID-19. Others said vaccines violated their religious beliefs and constitutional rights.“No one should be forced to take a medical treatment just to keep their job,” said Nyla Trumbach, an engineer at the site. “There’s years and years of experience and skill out here, and I just want anyone who’s watching to see what we stand to lose here if these people don’t keep their jobs.”Dozens of groups sought meetings with administration officials to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-college-football-sports-business-29461bc697d9e7e4b9f5227d50693038">air their concerns</a>&nbsp;and objections to likely provisions of the OSHA rule, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the AFL-CIO and anti-vaccine organizations.___

State