KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Federal authorities are investigating a former Kansas City, Kansas, police detective who has been accused of sexually abusing minority and poor women for decades and framing Lamonte McIntyre, who was wrongfully imprisoned for a 1994 double murder. 

The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department acknowledged Thursday that since 2019 it's been responding to subpoenas from the FBI involving allegations against Roger Golubski. 

CNN reported Thursday that federal authorities have convened a grand jury for the investigation. Former Kansas City Police Chief Terry Zeigler told the network he and more than a half-dozen officers have or will testify before the grand jury.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593723693793.png" alt="Roger Golubski photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Roger Golubski photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Federal authorities are investigating a former Kansas City, Kansas, police detective who has been accused of sexually abusing minority and poor women for decades and framing Lamonte McIntyre, who was wrongfully imprisoned for a 1994 double murder. The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department acknowledged Thursday that since 2019 it's been responding to subpoenas from the FBI involving allegations against Roger Golubski. CNN reported Thursday that federal authorities have convened a grand jury for the investigation. Former Kansas City Police Chief Terry Zeigler told the network he and more than a half-dozen officers have or will testify before the grand jury.

Feds investigate ex- Kan. police detective accused of corruption 

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) —&nbsp;Kansas' Republican secretary of state did not violate the state's open records law by ordering the removal of an election database function that generates a statewide report showing which provisional ballots were not counted, a judge ruled.

The decision Wednesday by Shawnee County District Judge Teresa Watson comes in a lawsuit filed by voting rights activist Davis Hammet, who is the president of Loud Light, a nonprofit that strives to increase voter turnout. The group helps voters fix issues that led them to cast provisional ballots so that their votes are counted.

Voters are given provisional ballots if they don’t appear to be registered, if they fail to present the required identification or if they are trying to vote at the wrong polling place.

The judge sided with Secretary of State Scott Schwab in finding that the ability to produce a statewide provisional ballot detail report in the election database is not a public record as defined by the Kansas Open Records Act. Watson found that eliminating that functionality does not violate the state law as written.

The lawsuit contended Schwab altered the software to hide election records.

“Hammet understandably raises the question about why Schwab would purposely eliminate the ability to expediently and inexpensively produce a statewide provisional detail report (in the state database), even if the Secretary of State's office has no use for it," according to the ruling.

But the judge wrote that Schwab's “motives and reasoning are only conjecture” at this point in the litigation and are not material to the purely legal questions on summary judgment.

Watson also rejected Hammet's argument that Schwab destroyed government records by removing the program that allowed his office to generate the report, because functionality itself is not a government record.

Hammet won a separate lawsuit last year that forced Schwab to turn over to him the names of voters who cast provisional ballots in the 2018 general election, including whether their votes were counted.

Schwab complied with the court’s order for the 2018 data, then instructed the outside firm that manages the database to end the secretary of state’s access to the statewide provisional ballot detail report. The state’s 105 counties can still run those reports, but only for their own local data.

Hammet said he planned to meet with his lawyers to explore his options, and would comment later.

In an emailed statement, Schwab's office said it appreciated the ruling .

“The decision to remove the provisional ballot detailed report function was based in a desire to provide accurate and complete data as a state agency,” according to that statement. “The function produced a report that was incomplete and could easily have led to misinformation, something the Secretary of State's office strives to prevent.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1586715324051.jpeg" alt=" Republican Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab- Credit Stephen Koranda / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption> Republican Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab- Credit Stephen Koranda / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By ROXANA HEGEMANBELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP) —&nbsp;Kansas' Republican secretary of state did not violate the state's open records law by ordering the removal of an election database function that generates a statewide report showing which provisional ballots were not counted, a judge ruled.The decision Wednesday by Shawnee County District Judge Teresa Watson comes in a lawsuit filed by voting rights activist Davis Hammet, who is the president of Loud Light, a nonprofit that strives to increase voter turnout. The group helps voters fix issues that led them to cast provisional ballots so that their votes are counted.Voters are given provisional ballots if they don’t appear to be registered, if they fail to present the required identification or if they are trying to vote at the wrong polling place.The judge sided with Secretary of State Scott Schwab in finding that the ability to produce a statewide provisional ballot detail report in the election database is not a public record as defined by the Kansas Open Records Act. Watson found that eliminating that functionality does not violate the state law as written.The lawsuit contended Schwab altered the software to hide election records.“Hammet understandably raises the question about why Schwab would purposely eliminate the ability to expediently and inexpensively produce a statewide provisional detail report (in the state database), even if the Secretary of State's office has no use for it," according to the ruling.But the judge wrote that Schwab's “motives and reasoning are only conjecture” at this point in the litigation and are not material to the purely legal questions on summary judgment.Watson also rejected Hammet's argument that Schwab destroyed government records by removing the program that allowed his office to generate the report, because functionality itself is not a government record.Hammet won a separate lawsuit last year that forced Schwab to turn over to him the names of voters who cast provisional ballots in the 2018 general election, including whether their votes were counted.Schwab complied with the court’s order for the 2018 data, then instructed the outside firm that manages the database to end the secretary of state’s access to the statewide provisional ballot detail report. The state’s 105 counties can still run those reports, but only for their own local data.Hammet said he planned to meet with his lawyers to explore his options, and would comment later.In an emailed statement, Schwab's office said it appreciated the ruling .“The decision to remove the provisional ballot detailed report function was based in a desire to provide accurate and complete data as a state agency,” according to that statement. “The function produced a report that was incomplete and could easily have led to misinformation, something the Secretary of State's office strives to prevent.”

Judge: Kansas election database function not public record

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman accused in the abuse death of her 1-year-old daughter made her first court appearance Thursday.

Neriah Dilley, 27 of Wichita, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and abuse of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

Just after 3 p.m. Oct. 9, police responded to a home in the 800 block of South Mission in Wichita after report of an infant not breathing, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers located 1-year-old Myonna Townley in critical condition. EMS transported her an area hospital for medical treatment where she succumbed to her injuries. Townley was also found to have trauma on her body, according to Davidson.

Interviews and the examination of evidence led police to arrest Dilley, the girl's mother.&nbsp;Her next court date is October 28. She remains jailed on a $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633901481923.png" alt="Dilley photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dilley photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A woman accused in the abuse death of her 1-year-old daughter made her first court appearance Thursday.Neriah Dilley, 27 of Wichita, is charged with 1st&nbsp;degree murder and abuse of a child, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.Just after 3 p.m. Oct. 9, police responded to a home in the 800 block of South Mission in Wichita after report of an infant not breathing, according to Officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers located 1-year-old Myonna Townley in critical condition. EMS transported her an area hospital for medical treatment where she succumbed to her injuries. Townley was also found to have trauma on her body, according to Davidson.Interviews and the examination of evidence led police to arrest Dilley, the girl's mother.&nbsp;Her next court date is October 28. She remains jailed on a $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney.

Kan. mother charged with abuse, murder of infant daughter

WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation at the wholesale level rose 8.6% in September compared to a year ago, the largest advance since the 12-month change was first calculated in 2010.

The Labor Department reported Thursday that the monthly increase in its producer price index, which measures inflationary pressures before they reach consumers, was 0.5% for September compared to a 0.7% gain in August.

The 8.6% rise for the 12 months ending in September compared to an 8.3% increase for the 12 months ending in August, which had been the previous record 12-month gain.

On Wednesday, the government reported that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-consumer-prices-inflation-prices-e80c0c24a6ec5ca1c977eccd6294d01b">inflation at the retail level rose 0.4% in September with its consumer price index up 5.4% over the past 12 months</a>, matching the fastest pace since 2008.

The jump in inflation this year reflects higher prices for food and energy and a number of other items from furniture to autos as the pandemic has snarled supply chains and demand has outstripped supply.

The report on wholesale prices showed that core inflation at the wholesale level, excluding volatile energy and food, was up 0.2% in September from August and was 6.8% higher over the past 12 months.

Almost 80% of the overall increase in wholesale prices last month was attributed to a 1.3% rise in the price of goods, the largest increase since May. In September, 40% of the jump in goods prices reflected rising energy prices. Price increases for services rose a smaller 0.2%

Food costs at the wholesale level rose 2% in September while energy prices were up 2.8%, the biggest jump since a 5% surge in March.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden took actions in an effort to address the supply chain problems including announcing that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-los-angeles-health-48ff262b882a37308e4a3f15934b2ee4">Port of Los Angeles would begin operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week to clear bottlenecks&nbsp;</a>at one of America’s largest ports.

Economists said that the jump in wholesale and retail prices reflected impacts of the pandemic as strong demand is running up against supply chain problems.

“The demand impact will fade further over coming months,” said Rubeela Farooqi, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics. “But there is a risk of more persistent headwinds from broken supply chains that could keep goods prices and inflation high for longer than expected.”

Minutes released Wednesday of the Federal Reserve’s September meeting provided further indications that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-inflation-economy-3137e678ed459364dd3e1bc3a909920a">the central bank is preparing to start pulling back on its $120 billion in monthly bond purchases</a>, possibly at its next meeting in November, as the first step in unwinding the extraordinary support the central bank has been providing the economy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587348963152.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation at the wholesale level rose 8.6% in September compared to a year ago, the largest advance since the 12-month change was first calculated in 2010.The Labor Department reported Thursday that the monthly increase in its producer price index, which measures inflationary pressures before they reach consumers, was 0.5% for September compared to a 0.7% gain in August.The 8.6% rise for the 12 months ending in September compared to an 8.3% increase for the 12 months ending in August, which had been the previous record 12-month gain.On Wednesday, the government reported that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-consumer-prices-inflation-prices-e80c0c24a6ec5ca1c977eccd6294d01b">inflation at the retail level rose 0.4% in September with its consumer price index up 5.4% over the past 12 months</a>, matching the fastest pace since 2008.The jump in inflation this year reflects higher prices for food and energy and a number of other items from furniture to autos as the pandemic has snarled supply chains and demand has outstripped supply.The report on wholesale prices showed that core inflation at the wholesale level, excluding volatile energy and food, was up 0.2% in September from August and was 6.8% higher over the past 12 months.Almost 80% of the overall increase in wholesale prices last month was attributed to a 1.3% rise in the price of goods, the largest increase since May. In September, 40% of the jump in goods prices reflected rising energy prices. Price increases for services rose a smaller 0.2%Food costs at the wholesale level rose 2% in September while energy prices were up 2.8%, the biggest jump since a 5% surge in March.On Wednesday, President Joe Biden took actions in an effort to address the supply chain problems including announcing that the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-los-angeles-health-48ff262b882a37308e4a3f15934b2ee4">Port of Los Angeles would begin operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week to clear bottlenecks&nbsp;</a>at one of America’s largest ports.Economists said that the jump in wholesale and retail prices reflected impacts of the pandemic as strong demand is running up against supply chain problems.“The demand impact will fade further over coming months,” said Rubeela Farooqi, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics. “But there is a risk of more persistent headwinds from broken supply chains that could keep goods prices and inflation high for longer than expected.”Minutes released Wednesday of the Federal Reserve’s September meeting provided further indications that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-inflation-economy-3137e678ed459364dd3e1bc3a909920a">the central bank is preparing to start pulling back on its $120 billion in monthly bond purchases</a>, possibly at its next meeting in November, as the first step in unwinding the extraordinary support the central bank has been providing the economy.

Record: US wholesale prices rose 8.6% over past 12-months

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas has reinstalled a Native American art exhibit that was vandalized in September.

Museum officials announced Wednesday that the exhibit, “Native Hosts” by Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds, is back in front of the museum.

The work consists of five aluminum signs, which each name Native tribes who historically or currently live in what is now known as Kansas. On each sign, the colonial name is printed backward while the name of the land’s original occupants is printed forward.

The exhibit was removed for repairs after two people damaged four of the pieces on Sept. 4. The fifth panel was later taken but was recovered.

The museum is planning a public celebration of the exhibit on Thursday afternoon, which will be led by Native American faculty and students from Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633119849006.png" alt="Photos courtesy Spencer Museum of Art at KU" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Spencer Museum of Art at KU</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas has reinstalled a Native American art exhibit that was vandalized in September.Museum officials announced Wednesday that the exhibit, “Native Hosts” by Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds, is back in front of the museum.The work consists of five aluminum signs, which each name Native tribes who historically or currently live in what is now known as Kansas. On each sign, the colonial name is printed backward while the name of the land’s original occupants is printed forward.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634238139558.png" alt="Spencer Museum" />
 <figcaption>Spencer Museum</figcaption>
 </figure>The exhibit was removed for repairs after two people damaged four of the pieces on Sept. 4. The fifth panel was later taken but was recovered.The museum is planning a public celebration of the exhibit on Thursday afternoon, which will be led by Native American faculty and students from Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University.

Museum at KU reinstalls vandalized Native American exhibit

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. (AP) — Two steers that escaped from a suburban Kansas City meat processing plant were shot and killed by police — including one on a high school football field, officials said.

The incident happened Wednesday afternoon, after three steers escaped the Valley Oaks meat processing plant and headed through residential and business district streets, Blue Springs Police spokeswoman Jennifer Brady confirmed.

While crews managed to corral one steer and load it onto a trailer, the other two had to be killed, Brady said. One steer was shot by police as it headed onto Interstate 70. The other made its way to Blue Springs High School’s freshman campus football field, where it was fatally shot.

“Unfortunately, we could not get a veterinarian to respond and officers had to shoot the steers, which had displayed erratic behavior and presented an immediate danger to persons and property," Brady said in an email to The Associated Press on Thursday.

Brady said the students were kept safe inside the school as the animal was shot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634293469971.png" alt="&nbsp;One steer was shot by police as it headed onto Interstate 70-photo courtesy KMBC TV&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;One steer was shot by police as it headed onto Interstate 70-photo courtesy KMBC TV&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. (AP) — Two steers that escaped from a suburban Kansas City meat processing plant were shot and killed by police — including one on a high school football field, officials said.The incident happened Wednesday afternoon, after three steers escaped the Valley Oaks meat processing plant and headed through residential and business district streets, Blue Springs Police spokeswoman Jennifer Brady confirmed.While crews managed to corral one steer and load it onto a trailer, the other two had to be killed, Brady said. One steer was shot by police as it headed onto Interstate 70. The other made its way to Blue Springs High School’s freshman campus football field, where it was fatally shot.“Unfortunately, we could not get a veterinarian to respond and officers had to shoot the steers, which had displayed erratic behavior and presented an immediate danger to persons and property," Brady said in an email to The Associated Press on Thursday.Brady said the students were kept safe inside the school as the animal was shot.

Police kill 2 steers that fled KC-area processing plant

JACKSON COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges following a two county chase.

Just before 10:30p.m. Wednesday, a sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a 2016 Chevy Equinox on US Highway 75 near 110th&nbsp;Road for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

The driver of the vehicle, later identified as 28-year-old Chelsea Jean finch of Powhattan, allegedly failed to stop. The vehicle continued south into Shawnee County.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;Several law enforcement agencies including the Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Topeka Police Department assisted and attempted to stop the pursuit with tire deflation devices which resulted in the deflation of two passenger side tires.

 The pursuit continued west on Interstate 70 where the suspect vehicle left the interstate on Danbury Lane and sideswiped another vehicle.&nbsp; 

The suspect vehicle continued, striking a mailbox with the pursuit coming to a stop near Fairlawn and West Drive. Officers took Finch into custody. The Chevy Equinox she was driving had been reported stolen out of Lawrence. 

Deputies transported Finch to the Jackson County Jail where she is being held on requested charges of felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement,&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine,&nbsp; possession of drug paraphernalia, felony theft, identity theft, avoiding spike strips, reckless driving, driving while suspended, multiple counts of stolen property, according to Morse. Further charges on Finch are possible.&nbsp; 

Finch is known to area law enforcement. In 2020, Finch was involved in a pursuit in Shawnee County. In 2018, Jackson County Deputies pulled Finch through a ceiling in a Horton residence where she was hiding in an attic from law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634242739616.png" alt=" In 2018, Jackson county deputies pulled Finch through a ceiling in a Horton residence where she was hiding in an attic from law enforcement.-photo Jackson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption> In 2018, Jackson county deputies pulled Finch through a ceiling in a Horton residence where she was hiding in an attic from law enforcement.-photo Jackson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY –Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges following a two county chase.Just before 10:30p.m. Wednesday, a sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a 2016 Chevy Equinox on US Highway 75 near 110th&nbsp;Road for a traffic infraction, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.The driver of the vehicle, later identified as 28-year-old Chelsea Jean finch of Powhattan, allegedly failed to stop. The vehicle continued south into Shawnee County.&nbsp; &nbsp;Several law enforcement agencies including the Kansas Highway Patrol, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and the Topeka Police Department assisted and attempted to stop the pursuit with tire deflation devices which resulted in the deflation of two passenger side tires. The pursuit continued west on Interstate 70 where the suspect vehicle left the interstate on Danbury Lane and sideswiped another vehicle.&nbsp; The suspect vehicle continued, striking a mailbox with the pursuit coming to a stop near Fairlawn and West Drive. Officers took Finch into custody. The Chevy Equinox she was driving had been reported stolen out of Lawrence. Deputies transported Finch to the Jackson County Jail where she is being held on requested charges of felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement,&nbsp; possession of methamphetamine,&nbsp; possession of drug paraphernalia, felony theft, identity theft, avoiding spike strips, reckless driving, driving while suspended, multiple counts of stolen property, according to Morse. Further charges on Finch are possible.&nbsp; Finch is known to area law enforcement. In 2020, Finch was involved in a pursuit in Shawnee County. In 2018, Jackson County Deputies pulled Finch through a ceiling in a Horton residence where she was hiding in an attic from law enforcement.

Kan. woman driving stolen SUV captured after 2-county chase

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two Kansas City men were charged with murder after a shooting that left two men dead in March, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Earl L. Dunn III, 20, and Vontez G. Howard, 24, were each with two counts of first-degree murder, robbery, and five other counts.

Kansas City police responding to a call about a shooting and crash on March 1 found Kyle Gerhardt and Kristopher Lunsford-Barrett inside a burning car. Both men had been shot. Detectives said the car caught fire after it crashed into a tree.

Video showed the suspects chasing the vehicle the victims were in until their car crashed, according to court documents. Prosecutors said investigators also used phones, ballistics, and DNA evidence to connect the shooters to the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634213484056.png" alt="Howard photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Howard photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two Kansas City men were charged with murder after a shooting that left two men dead in March, prosecutors said Wednesday.Earl L. Dunn III, 20, and Vontez G. Howard, 24, were each with two counts of first-degree murder, robbery, and five other counts.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634213429981.png" alt="&nbsp;Dunn photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;Dunn photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas City police responding to a call about a shooting and crash on March 1 found Kyle Gerhardt and Kristopher Lunsford-Barrett inside a burning car. Both men had been shot. Detectives said the car caught fire after it crashed into a tree.Video showed the suspects chasing the vehicle the victims were in until their car crashed, according to court documents. Prosecutors said investigators also used phones, ballistics, and DNA evidence to connect the shooters to the victims.

2 charged after victims in Kansas City found shot, left in burning car

PAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have arrested a third accomplice in connection with the escape of John Freeman Colt from the sex offender treatment program at the Larned State Hospital, according to Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King.

This third employee identified as 29-year-old Sydni Eileen Hartman&nbsp; was also employed by Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services at the time of the escape.&nbsp;

The other two accomplices in the escape identified as&nbsp;Rachel Rena Perez, 50, Larned, and Liliana Guadalupe Houser, 45 now of Garden City,  were employed by Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services leading up to the time of the escape. They face multiple charges, according to King.

Perez is charged with a 15 count Felony Criminal Complaint. Houser is charged with a 13 count Felony Criminal Complaint, according to the Pawnee Co. Attorney's office.

<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/chron/2021/colt.pdf"> John Freeman Colt</a>, 42, was sentenced on Dec. 14, 2001, to five years in state prison for aggravated sexual battery, attempted rape, aggravated burglary, and four counts of aggravated battery against law enforcement. He was required to register as a sexual offender for the remainder of his life.

After his criminal sentence was completed, the State of Kansas courts deemed him a Sexually Violent Predator at high risk to commit a future sex offense and too dangerous to be released. He was indefinitely civilly committed and sent to the Larned State Hospital’s Sexual Predator Treatment Program in 2007, where he has resided until the escape.

Investigators believe Colt planned his escape several months in advance, obtaining a replica of a staff ID badge and dress clothes. The morning of his escape he shaved off his long hair and beard. He put blankets under his bed covers making it appear he was still in bed sleeping. He was then able to convince a new staff worker (that he targeted) that he was in fact a new doctor and needed help finding his way out. Posing as a doctor, Colt was able to make his way past five secured doors and ultimately outside the gates.

Several hours passed before staff noticed he was missing and alerted the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office.

After escaping, Colt received a ride from a local farmer into Larned, where he was last seen leaving a hardware store on a motorcycle he’d purchased prior to his escape with the help of an accomplice.&nbsp; U.S. Marshals arrested him in Wayne County Utah on Sept. 27.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634300894930.png" alt="Hartman -photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hartman -photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities have arrested a third accomplice in connection with the escape of John Freeman Colt from the sex offender treatment program at the Larned State Hospital, according to Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King.This third employee identified as 29-year-old Sydni Eileen Hartman&nbsp; was also employed by Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services at the time of the escape.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632850718422.png" alt="Colt-photo Sevier Co. Utah Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Colt-photo Sevier Co. Utah Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The other two accomplices in the escape identified as&nbsp;Rachel Rena Perez, 50, Larned, and Liliana Guadalupe Houser, 45 now of Garden City, were employed by Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services leading up to the time of the escape. They face multiple charges, according to King.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634076399777.png" alt="Perez -photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Perez -photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Perez is charged with a 15 count Felony Criminal Complaint. Houser is charged with a 13 count Felony Criminal Complaint, according to the Pawnee Co. Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634076547899.png" alt="Houser photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Houser photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/chron/2021/colt.pdf"> John Freeman Colt</a>, 42, was sentenced on Dec. 14, 2001, to five years in state prison for aggravated sexual battery, attempted rape, aggravated burglary, and four counts of aggravated battery against law enforcement. He was required to register as a sexual offender for the remainder of his life.After his criminal sentence was completed, the State of Kansas courts deemed him a Sexually Violent Predator at high risk to commit a future sex offense and too dangerous to be released. He was indefinitely civilly committed and sent to the Larned State Hospital’s Sexual Predator Treatment Program in 2007, where he has resided until the escape.Investigators believe Colt planned his escape several months in advance, obtaining a replica of a staff ID badge and dress clothes. The morning of his escape he shaved off his long hair and beard. He put blankets under his bed covers making it appear he was still in bed sleeping. He was then able to convince a new staff worker (that he targeted) that he was in fact a new doctor and needed help finding his way out. Posing as a doctor, Colt was able to make his way past five secured doors and ultimately outside the gates.Several hours passed before staff noticed he was missing and alerted the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office.After escaping, Colt received a ride from a local farmer into Larned, where he was last seen leaving a hardware store on a motorcycle he’d purchased prior to his escape with the help of an accomplice.&nbsp; U.S. Marshals arrested him in Wayne County Utah on Sept. 27.

Third state hospital staff arrested in Kan. sex offender's escape

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man in connection with an incident in Atchison.

On Wednesday, police responded to the 1500 Block of Applegate Drive in Atchison. They arrested 29-year-old James W. Duhon, Rushville Mo, on a requested charge of domestic battery, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

In 2018, Police arrested Duhon on a requested charge of aggravated assault and in 2017 on a requested charge for marijuana possession, according to online jail records. Police have arrested him ten other times, according to jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634215313154.png" alt="Duhon photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Duhon photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man in connection with an incident in Atchison.On Wednesday, police responded to the 1500 Block of Applegate Drive in Atchison. They arrested 29-year-old James W. Duhon, Rushville Mo, on a requested charge of domestic battery, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.In 2018, Police arrested Duhon on a requested charge of aggravated assault and in 2017 on a requested charge for marijuana possession, according to online jail records. Police have arrested him ten other times, according to jail records.

Kan. man with history of crime jailed for alleged domestic battery

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Chairpersons of the House and Senate education committees took the Kansas State Board of Education to task Wednesday because they don’t think the panel is taking seriously enough lawmakers’ and parents’ concerns about how race and racism are discussed in schools.

Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican who chairs the Senate Education Committee, told board members to direct state Department of Education staff to “get real” about how Kansas schools are applying the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-critical-race-theory-08f5d0a0489c7d6eab7d9a238365d2c1">concept</a>&nbsp;of “critical race theory,” which centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nation’s institutions and that they function to maintain the dominance of white people in society.

Baumgardner said in Wednesday’s meeting that she is aware of four bills being drafted that oppose the teaching of critical race theory, including bills inspired by those in Oklahoma and Texas.

“That issue is absolutely not going to go away in the state of Kansas,” Baumgardner said.

In July, the state school board&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-school-boards-7500c858ac801f1f0abd13dfa6f0cc66">issued a statement</a>&nbsp;saying that critical race theory is not part of state academic standards. Some parents say that skirts the issue, pointing to class reading assignments and diversity training for teachers as examples of the discussions about race that they oppose.

The state school board’s statement also said that critics were conflating critical race theory with “federal and state policies and requirements for measuring achievement, fairness and opportunity in education.”

On Wednesday, Baumgardner criticized the statement, saying that some perceived it as a “smokescreen.”

Board Chairman Jim Porter and other board members did not respond to Baumgardner’s comments during the meeting. However, he told The Associated Press later in the day that board members plan to discuss critical race theory in a “relatively near” meeting.

“I’m one-tenth of the group, but as a general rule, we don’t believe it’s a real problem,” Porter said. “However, it is a real problem to others. So consequently, we need to look into it further.”

Rep. Steve Huebert, a Valley Center Republican who chairs the House Education Committee, said the board’s July statement raised questions for him about whether a practice called culturally responsive teaching was opening the door for school districts and teachers “who are motivated to do some things that maybe aren’t in our standards.”

Culturally responsive teaching generally refers to an approach that connects students’ cultures and life experiences with what they learn in school.

Nationally, a push for culturally responsive teaching gained steam following last year’s police killing of George Floyd.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tn-state-wire-laws-racial-injustice-race-and-ethnicity-5da643d3fd15e425adbde2b4e0340ad4">Lawmakers and governors</a>&nbsp;have championed legislation to limit the teaching of material that explores how race and racism influence American politics, culture and law. Laws have been enacted in Tennessee, Idaho and Oklahoma.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-race-and-ethnicity-d69cf5d38e3293884fca00ad3963a90e">Oklahoma’s new law</a>&nbsp;governing the teaching of race went into effect July 1 and prohibits teaching that individuals, by virtue of race or gender, are inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633458024736.png" alt="Sen. Molly Baumgardner, R-Louisburg, said in Wednesday’s meeting that she is aware of four bills being drafted that oppose the teaching of critical race theory, including bills inspired by those in Oklahoma and Texas.-photo by Sherman Smith" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Molly Baumgardner, R-Louisburg, said in Wednesday’s meeting that she is aware of four bills being drafted that oppose the teaching of critical race theory, including bills inspired by those in Oklahoma and Texas.-photo by Sherman Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Chairpersons of the House and Senate education committees took the Kansas State Board of Education to task Wednesday because they don’t think the panel is taking seriously enough lawmakers’ and parents’ concerns about how race and racism are discussed in schools.Sen. Molly Baumgardner, a Louisburg Republican who chairs the Senate Education Committee, told board members to direct state Department of Education staff to “get real” about how Kansas schools are applying the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-is-critical-race-theory-08f5d0a0489c7d6eab7d9a238365d2c1">concept</a>&nbsp;of “critical race theory,” which centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nation’s institutions and that they function to maintain the dominance of white people in society.Baumgardner said in Wednesday’s meeting that she is aware of four bills being drafted that oppose the teaching of critical race theory, including bills inspired by those in Oklahoma and Texas.“That issue is absolutely not going to go away in the state of Kansas,” Baumgardner said.In July, the state school board&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-school-boards-7500c858ac801f1f0abd13dfa6f0cc66">issued a statement</a>&nbsp;saying that critical race theory is not part of state academic standards. Some parents say that skirts the issue, pointing to class reading assignments and diversity training for teachers as examples of the discussions about race that they oppose.The state school board’s statement also said that critics were conflating critical race theory with “federal and state policies and requirements for measuring achievement, fairness and opportunity in education.”On Wednesday, Baumgardner criticized the statement, saying that some perceived it as a “smokescreen.”Board Chairman Jim Porter and other board members did not respond to Baumgardner’s comments during the meeting. However, he told The Associated Press later in the day that board members plan to discuss critical race theory in a “relatively near” meeting.“I’m one-tenth of the group, but as a general rule, we don’t believe it’s a real problem,” Porter said. “However, it is a real problem to others. So consequently, we need to look into it further.”Rep. Steve Huebert, a Valley Center Republican who chairs the House Education Committee, said the board’s July statement raised questions for him about whether a practice called culturally responsive teaching was opening the door for school districts and teachers “who are motivated to do some things that maybe aren’t in our standards.”Culturally responsive teaching generally refers to an approach that connects students’ cultures and life experiences with what they learn in school.Nationally, a push for culturally responsive teaching gained steam following last year’s police killing of George Floyd.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tn-state-wire-laws-racial-injustice-race-and-ethnicity-5da643d3fd15e425adbde2b4e0340ad4">Lawmakers and governors</a>&nbsp;have championed legislation to limit the teaching of material that explores how race and racism influence American politics, culture and law. Laws have been enacted in Tennessee, Idaho and Oklahoma.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/oklahoma-race-and-ethnicity-d69cf5d38e3293884fca00ad3963a90e">Oklahoma’s new law</a>&nbsp;governing the teaching of race went into effect July 1 and prohibits teaching that individuals, by virtue of race or gender, are inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.___

Kan. legislators press state school board on critical race theory

RICE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;Law enforcement authorities arrested a Sterling man Thursday morning after an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).

Just after 8 a.m., KBI agents served an arrest warrant at the residence of 2020 Avenue R in Sterling, Kansas. The Rice County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted during the arrest, according to a media release from the KBI.

Jonathan A. Braden, 43, also known as Jonathan Behnke, was arrested without incident. He was booked into the Rice County Jail for two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, and 25 counts of sexual exploitation of a child. The crimes allege Braden engaged in sexual conduct with a juvenile, and possessed and manufactured child pornography.

In September 2019, a report was made to the Grandview Plaza Police Department when a subject discovered images of child pornography that were suspected to be Braden’s. The Grandview Plaza Police Department began investigating. They requested KBI assistance in October of 2019.

On Dec. 19, 2019, a search warrant was executed at Braden’s residence in Sterling, and evidence was located and seized.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634246081483.png" alt="Braden -photo KBI" />
 <figcaption>Braden -photo KBI</figcaption>
 </figure>RICE COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp;Law enforcement authorities arrested a Sterling man Thursday morning after an investigation by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).Just after 8 a.m., KBI agents served an arrest warrant at the residence of 2020 Avenue R in Sterling, Kansas. The Rice County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas Highway Patrol assisted during the arrest, according to a media release from the KBI.Jonathan A. Braden, 43, also known as Jonathan Behnke, was arrested without incident. He was booked into the Rice County Jail for two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy, two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, and 25 counts of sexual exploitation of a child. The crimes allege Braden engaged in sexual conduct with a juvenile, and possessed and manufactured child pornography.In September 2019, a report was made to the Grandview Plaza Police Department when a subject discovered images of child pornography that were suspected to be Braden’s. The Grandview Plaza Police Department began investigating. They requested KBI assistance in October of 2019.On Dec. 19, 2019, a search warrant was executed at Braden’s residence in Sterling, and evidence was located and seized.

KBI: Kansas man jailed for alleged child sex crimes 

WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. health advisers said Thursday that some Americans who received Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine should get a half-dose booster to bolster protection against the virus.

The panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration voted unanimously to recommend a booster shot for seniors, adults with other health problems, jobs or living situations that put them at increased risk for COVID-19.

The recommendation is non-binding but it’s a key step toward expanding the U.S. booster campaign to millions more Americans. Many people who got their initial Pfizer shots at least six months ago are already getting a booster after the FDA authorized their use last month.

As for the dose, initial Moderna vaccination consists of two 100-microgram shots. But Moderna says a single 50-microgram shot should be enough for a booster.

The agency convened its experts Thursday and Friday to weigh-in on who should get boosters and when for people that received the Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson shots earlier this year.

The FDA will use its advisers’ recommendations in making final decisions for boosters from both companies. Assuming a positive decision, there’s still another hurdle: Next week, a panel convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will offer more specifics on who should get one.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1613693226012.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —U.S. health advisers said Thursday that some Americans who received Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine should get a half-dose booster to bolster protection against the virus.The panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration voted unanimously to recommend a booster shot for seniors, adults with other health problems, jobs or living situations that put them at increased risk for COVID-19.The recommendation is non-binding but it’s a key step toward expanding the U.S. booster campaign to millions more Americans. Many people who got their initial Pfizer shots at least six months ago are already getting a booster after the FDA authorized their use last month.As for the dose, initial Moderna vaccination consists of two 100-microgram shots. But Moderna says a single 50-microgram shot should be enough for a booster.The agency convened its experts Thursday and Friday to weigh-in on who should get boosters and when for people that received the Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson shots earlier this year.The FDA will use its advisers’ recommendations in making final decisions for boosters from both companies. Assuming a positive decision, there’s still another hurdle: Next week, a panel convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will offer more specifics on who should get one.

FDA panel endorses lower-dose Moderna COVID shot for booster

WASHINGTON (AP)— President Joe Biden on Thursday spoke out against misinformation surrounding COVID-19 vaccination mandates, encouraging the approximately 66 million unvaccinated Americans to get a shot.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?515337-1/president-biden-update-covid-19-response-vaccinations">Click here to watch </a>the President's statement

“School board members, religious leaders and doctors across the country are fighting misinformation and educating people about the importance of vaccines,” Biden said.

Speaking at the White House, Biden says employer requirements that their workers be vaccinated are effective. He added: “Vaccination requirements should not be another issue that divides us.”

Biden has issued a federal vaccine mandate on businesses with 100 or more employees that will be implemented in the coming weeks. He says the federal government, as well as businesses and community groups, must “continue to battle the misinformation that’s out there.”

He noted both Southwest Airlines and its pilots’ union dismissed claims that worker action over a pending vaccine mandate at the company was responsible for days of disruption at the airline.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634230982483.png" alt="Speaking at the White House, Biden says employer requirements that their workers be vaccinated are effective. He added: “Vaccination requirements should not be another issue that divides us.”" />
 <figcaption>Speaking at the White House, Biden says employer requirements that their workers be vaccinated are effective. He added: “Vaccination requirements should not be another issue that divides us.”</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP)— President Joe Biden on Thursday spoke out against misinformation surrounding COVID-19 vaccination mandates, encouraging the approximately 66 million unvaccinated Americans to get a shot.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?515337-1/president-biden-update-covid-19-response-vaccinations">Click here to watch </a>the President's statement“School board members, religious leaders and doctors across the country are fighting misinformation and educating people about the importance of vaccines,” Biden said.Speaking at the White House, Biden says employer requirements that their workers be vaccinated are effective. He added: “Vaccination requirements should not be another issue that divides us.”Biden has issued a federal vaccine mandate on businesses with 100 or more employees that will be implemented in the coming weeks. He says the federal government, as well as businesses and community groups, must “continue to battle the misinformation that’s out there.”He noted both Southwest Airlines and its pilots’ union dismissed claims that worker action over a pending vaccine mandate at the company was responsible for days of disruption at the airline.

🎥Biden: Vaccination mandates should not be an issue that divides us

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in the violent killing of his mother made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.

Kyle Romey, 42 of Goddard, is charged with 1st degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.

Just after 11a.m. Oct. 6, deputies responded to the check the welfare of a person at a trailer home in the 15300 Block of U.S. 54, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.

At the scene, deputies saw a victim on the floor and forced entry into the residence. They found the body of 67-year-old Denyce Briet. It was very obvious to the deputies that there was blunt force trauma to the victim and that this was a homicide, according to Easter.

During the investigation, deputies responded to a related call at a home the 1000 Block of West Dayton. The same caller told deputies they believed the victim, Denyce Breit, had been injured by her son.

Investigators developed a suspect identified as 42-year-old Kyle L. Romey. He is Breit's son. Deputies located him near the area of Taft and McClain and took him into custody.

According to Easter, Romey and his family had a history of violence but investigators don't know what led to Breit's death.&nbsp; Romey had been living at the trailer home since he was paroled in April.&nbsp;Romey has had several previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated battery; great bodily harm and felon in possession of a weapon, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Romey is being held on a $500,000 bond.&nbsp; His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 28, according to the district attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633632874021.png" alt="Romey was on parole and had several previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated battery; great bodily harm and felon in possession of a weapon, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Romey was on parole and had several previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated battery; great bodily harm and felon in possession of a weapon, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A man accused in the violent killing of his mother made his first court appearance in the case Tuesday.Kyle Romey, 42 of Goddard, is charged with 1st degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.Just after 11a.m. Oct. 6, deputies responded to the check the welfare of a person at a trailer home in the 15300 Block of U.S. 54, according to Sheriff Jeff Easter.At the scene, deputies saw a victim on the floor and forced entry into the residence. They found the body of 67-year-old Denyce Briet. It was very obvious to the deputies that there was blunt force trauma to the victim and that this was a homicide, according to Easter.During the investigation, deputies responded to a related call at a home the 1000 Block of West Dayton. The same caller told deputies they believed the victim, Denyce Breit, had been injured by her son.Investigators developed a suspect identified as 42-year-old Kyle L. Romey. He is Breit's son. Deputies located him near the area of Taft and McClain and took him into custody.According to Easter, Romey and his family had a history of violence but investigators don't know what led to Breit's death.&nbsp; Romey had been living at the trailer home since he was paroled in April.&nbsp;Romey has had several previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated battery; great bodily harm and felon in possession of a weapon, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.Romey is being held on a $500,000 bond.&nbsp; His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 28, according to the district attorney.

Kansas man charged in the violent murder of his mother

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The accidental shooting death of an 8-year-old boy in suburban Kansas City happened when his younger sibling found a gun in their home, police said.

The shooting happened early Saturday morning in Independence. Officers called to the home found the boy with a gunshot wound; he later died.

Investigators believe the boy's younger sibling found a gun that had been left unsecured in the home and was handling it when it fired and hit his older brother,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/independence-pd-says-sibling-shot-killed-older-brother-in-saturday-accidental-shooting">television station KSHB reported</a>. Police have not released the victim’s or his family members' names.

The case will be sent to to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, which will determine whether any charges will be filed in the case, police said

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The accidental shooting death of an 8-year-old boy in suburban Kansas City happened when his younger sibling found a gun in their home, police said.The shooting happened early Saturday morning in Independence. Officers called to the home found the boy with a gunshot wound; he later died.Investigators believe the boy's younger sibling found a gun that had been left unsecured in the home and was handling it when it fired and hit his older brother,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/independence-pd-says-sibling-shot-killed-older-brother-in-saturday-accidental-shooting">television station KSHB reported</a>. Police have not released the victim’s or his family members' names.The case will be sent to to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, which will determine whether any charges will be filed in the case, police said

8-year-old KC-area boy fatally shot by younger sibling

WASHINGTON (AP) –Thousands of public servants who were rejected from a student loan forgiveness program will get their cases reviewed by the Education Department as part of a settlement in a lawsuit brought by one of the nation’s largest teachers unions.

The settlement announced Wednesday aims to resolve a 2019 suit accusing the department of mismanaging its Public Service Loan Forgiveness program — a troubled initiative that the agency is separately working to fix through an overhaul&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-congress-student-loans-education-cecef88ebeebe2f524022f603f22a83b">announced last week</a>.

The suit was brought by the American Federation of Teachers on behalf of eight members who said they were wrongly denied debt cancellation through the program.

Created in 2007, the program promises that college graduates who take jobs in public service can have their federal student debt forgiven after making 10 years of monthly payments. But the vast majority of applicants have been rejected, often for failing to meet complicated eligibility rules.

According to the lawsuit, the Education Department routinely made errors while processing applications yet offered no appeals process. It argued that borrowers were illegally being denied their right to due process. The suit targeted the department and former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

As part of the settlement, the department said it will automatically review applications for all borrowers who were rejected prior to Nov. 1, 2020, as long as they had made 10 years of payments. If the department finds that a rejection was justified, it will email borrowers to explain the decision and how they can become eligible.

It goes a step further than a temporary expansion announced last week, which allows some previously ineligible borrowers to get loan forgiveness if they submit an application by the end of October 2022.

A new appeals process also will be created by April 30, 2022, for anyone whose application is denied. All eight plaintiffs in the suit will also get their loan balances erased, estimated at nearly $400,000.

Randi Weingarten, president of the AFT, called it a “game-changing victory” for educators, nurses and other public workers who were wrongly rejected.

“We just ensured that a promise made is a promise kept,” Weingarten said in a call with reporters. “The settlement unravels the Gordian knot of PSLF’s botched implementation.”

Kelly Leon, a department spokesperson, said the Biden administration is committed to improving the program, which she said has failed to live up to its promise.

“We are pleased to settle this litigation and look forward to working with organizations including AFT to further improve the PSLF Program,” she said in a statement.

Among the plaintiffs is Debbie Baker, an Oklahoma teacher who made 10 years of payments before learning she had a type of loan that isn’t eligible under the program’s rules. She will now get more than $80,000 in student debt erased.

“This is just lifechanging — to be able to go to school and teach every day, and not have to deal with the anxiety and the anguish and the guilt and the feeling of just being trapped by debt,” she told reporters. “This is truly, truly lifechanging.”

Some other plaintiffs said their student loan servicers incorrectly told them they were eligible for the program, only to find out later that they had an ineligible loan or repayment plan. They also will see their loans cleared.

The department also agreed to email borrowers who may be eligible for loan forgiveness and explain how to submit the right paperwork.

The program has been a subject of debate for years amid criticism that it failed to deliver its promise to public servants. It was created to steer more college graduates into jobs that serve the public good but often have modest pay. It’s open to government workers at all levels and employees of nonprofit groups.

After finding that most applications were being rejected, Congress added $700 million to the program and temporarily expanded its rules in 2018. But even after that change, just 1% of applications were approved, according to a federal report a year later.

Thousands of applicants have been denied because they had loans through a now-defunct program that gave federally backed student loans through banks. Those loans are ineligible under the program’s original rules, as are some repayment plans.

Last week, the Education Department announced it will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-student-loans-education-e7ddbd51e67e7e0ffb0f833f3ef02c42">temporarily lift some rules</a>&nbsp;to expand eligibility while it works on permanent improvements.

Under the change, past payments can be counted toward the required 10 years of payments even if they were made on loans or through payment plans that were previously ineligible. Borrowers have until Oct. 30, 2022, to get those payments counted.

The department is lifting the rules by invoking the HEROES Act of 2003, a federal law that allows the agency to waive certain rules during a national emergency. The move was applauded by Democrats and student advocates but blasted by Republicans, who say any changes should be made by Congress.

The Biden administration vowed to make permanent improvements through a federal rulemaking process. Hearings for that process started last week.

WASHINGTON (AP) –Thousands of public servants who were rejected from a student loan forgiveness program will get their cases reviewed by the Education Department as part of a settlement in a lawsuit brought by one of the nation’s largest teachers unions.The settlement announced Wednesday aims to resolve a 2019 suit accusing the department of mismanaging its Public Service Loan Forgiveness program — a troubled initiative that the agency is separately working to fix through an overhaul&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-congress-student-loans-education-cecef88ebeebe2f524022f603f22a83b">announced last week</a>.The suit was brought by the American Federation of Teachers on behalf of eight members who said they were wrongly denied debt cancellation through the program.Created in 2007, the program promises that college graduates who take jobs in public service can have their federal student debt forgiven after making 10 years of monthly payments. But the vast majority of applicants have been rejected, often for failing to meet complicated eligibility rules.According to the lawsuit, the Education Department routinely made errors while processing applications yet offered no appeals process. It argued that borrowers were illegally being denied their right to due process. The suit targeted the department and former Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.As part of the settlement, the department said it will automatically review applications for all borrowers who were rejected prior to Nov. 1, 2020, as long as they had made 10 years of payments. If the department finds that a rejection was justified, it will email borrowers to explain the decision and how they can become eligible.It goes a step further than a temporary expansion announced last week, which allows some previously ineligible borrowers to get loan forgiveness if they submit an application by the end of October 2022.A new appeals process also will be created by April 30, 2022, for anyone whose application is denied. All eight plaintiffs in the suit will also get their loan balances erased, estimated at nearly $400,000.Randi Weingarten, president of the AFT, called it a “game-changing victory” for educators, nurses and other public workers who were wrongly rejected.“We just ensured that a promise made is a promise kept,” Weingarten said in a call with reporters. “The settlement unravels the Gordian knot of PSLF’s botched implementation.”Kelly Leon, a department spokesperson, said the Biden administration is committed to improving the program, which she said has failed to live up to its promise.“We are pleased to settle this litigation and look forward to working with organizations including AFT to further improve the PSLF Program,” she said in a statement.Among the plaintiffs is Debbie Baker, an Oklahoma teacher who made 10 years of payments before learning she had a type of loan that isn’t eligible under the program’s rules. She will now get more than $80,000 in student debt erased.“This is just lifechanging — to be able to go to school and teach every day, and not have to deal with the anxiety and the anguish and the guilt and the feeling of just being trapped by debt,” she told reporters. “This is truly, truly lifechanging.”Some other plaintiffs said their student loan servicers incorrectly told them they were eligible for the program, only to find out later that they had an ineligible loan or repayment plan. They also will see their loans cleared.The department also agreed to email borrowers who may be eligible for loan forgiveness and explain how to submit the right paperwork.The program has been a subject of debate for years amid criticism that it failed to deliver its promise to public servants. It was created to steer more college graduates into jobs that serve the public good but often have modest pay. It’s open to government workers at all levels and employees of nonprofit groups.After finding that most applications were being rejected, Congress added $700 million to the program and temporarily expanded its rules in 2018. But even after that change, just 1% of applications were approved, according to a federal report a year later.Thousands of applicants have been denied because they had loans through a now-defunct program that gave federally backed student loans through banks. Those loans are ineligible under the program’s original rules, as are some repayment plans.Last week, the Education Department announced it will&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-student-loans-education-e7ddbd51e67e7e0ffb0f833f3ef02c42">temporarily lift some rules</a>&nbsp;to expand eligibility while it works on permanent improvements.Under the change, past payments can be counted toward the required 10 years of payments even if they were made on loans or through payment plans that were previously ineligible. Borrowers have until Oct. 30, 2022, to get those payments counted.The department is lifting the rules by invoking the HEROES Act of 2003, a federal law that allows the agency to waive certain rules during a national emergency. The move was applauded by Democrats and student advocates but blasted by Republicans, who say any changes should be made by Congress.The Biden administration vowed to make permanent improvements through a federal rulemaking process. Hearings for that process started last week.

Borrowers denied student loan relief will get a 2nd look

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drive-by shooting and asking the public for information regarding an incident Tuesday that injured an 11-year-old girl at a home in Wichita.

&nbsp;Police are offering a $1000 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest in this case.

At approximately 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, officers responded to a drive-by call at a home in the 1400 block of North Harding, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

 Upon arrival, officers located a home that had been damaged by a gunshot.  Inside the home, officers located an 11-year-old girl who was laying in bed and had been shot.  She was taken to an area hospital for medical treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.  Four other individuals were inside the home at the time and were not injured.

Calling parties reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing an unknown type of vehicle leaving north on Harding and then traveling west towards Oliver.

“This is not believed to be a random incident, and someone knows information on who is involved,” WPD Captain Jason Stephens said.  “We have one goal, and that is to hold the offender accountable, especially when it involves an innocent child victim, but we need the community’s help.”

Anyone with information can call police detectives at 316-268-4407, the See Something Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282, or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634162750977.png" alt="Image of the suspect vehicle driving by early Tuesday-Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image of the suspect vehicle driving by early Tuesday-Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a drive-by shooting and asking the public for information regarding an incident Tuesday that injured an 11-year-old girl at a home in Wichita.&nbsp;Police are offering a $1000 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest in this case.At approximately 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, officers responded to a drive-by call at a home in the 1400 block of North Harding, according to Officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers located a home that had been damaged by a gunshot. Inside the home, officers located an 11-year-old girl who was laying in bed and had been shot. She was taken to an area hospital for medical treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Four other individuals were inside the home at the time and were not injured.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634171148198.png" alt="A cousin established a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/victim-of-shooting-family-needs-help?member=14541373&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=more&amp;utm_source=customer">GoFundMe page </a>to help the girl's family with medical expenses. She was in the ICU at a Wichita hospital late Wednesday, according to the fundraiser account." />
 <figcaption>A cousin established a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/victim-of-shooting-family-needs-help?member=14541373&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=more&amp;utm_source=customer">GoFundMe page </a>to help the girl's family with medical expenses. She was in the ICU at a Wichita hospital late Wednesday, according to the fundraiser account.</figcaption>
 </figure>Calling parties reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing an unknown type of vehicle leaving north on Harding and then traveling west towards Oliver.“This is not believed to be a random incident, and someone knows information on who is involved,” WPD Captain Jason Stephens said. “We have one goal, and that is to hold the offender accountable, especially when it involves an innocent child victim, but we need the community’s help.”Anyone with information can call police detectives at 316-268-4407, the See Something Say Something hotline at 316-519-2282, or Crime Stoppers at 316-267-2111.&nbsp;

Reward offered in shooting that injured 11-year-old Kan. girl

WASHINGTON (AP) — With many Americans who got Pfizer vaccinations already rolling up their sleeves for a booster shot, millions of others who received the Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine wait anxiously to learn when it’s their turn.

Federal regulators begin tackling that question this week.

On Thursday and Friday, the Food and Drug Administration convenes its independent advisers for the first stage in the process of deciding whether extra doses of the two vaccines should be dispensed and, if so, who should get them and when. The final go-ahead is not expected for at least another week.

After the FDA advisers give their recommendation, the agency itself will make a decision on whether to authorize boosters. Then next week, a panel convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will offer more specifics on who should get them. Its decision is subject to approval by the CDC director.

The process is meant to bolster public confidence in the vaccines. But it has already led to conflicts among experts and agencies — and documents the FDA released Tuesday suggest this week’s decisions will be equally difficult.

In one earlier vaccine dispute, the CDC’s advisory panel last month backed Pfizer boosters at the six-month point for older Americans, nursing home residents and people with underlying health problems. But CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-science-health-coronavirus-vaccine-95b8d9a432b60fe0e9713adf75dde0ee">overruled her advisers</a>&nbsp;and decided boosters should also be offered to those with high-risk jobs such as teachers and health care workers, adding tens of millions more Americans to the list.

Some health experts fear the back-and-forth deliberations are muddling the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-science-health-coronavirus-vaccine-bd0d386c8a800e4d2c08fa7e3eef6f6e">public effort&nbsp;</a>to persuade the unvaccinated to get their first shots. They worry that the talk of boosters will lead people to wrongly doubt the effectiveness of the vaccines in the first place.

When the FDA’s panel meets to review the Moderna and J&amp;J vaccines, experts will discuss whether a third Moderna shot should contain just half the original dose and what’s the best timing for a second shot of the single-dose J&amp;J vaccine.

The panel will also look into the safety and effectiveness of mixing-and-matching different brands of vaccine, something regulators have not endorsed so far.

An estimated 103 million Americans are fully vaccinated with Pfizer’s formula, 69 million with Moderna’s and 15 million with J&amp;J’s, according to the CDC. Regulators took up the question of Pfizer boosters first because the company submitted its data ahead of the other vaccine makers.

Tim Anderson, a U.S. history teacher at a high school outside Louisville, Kentucky, already had his two Moderna shots months before he came down with COVID-19 in August. While his symptoms hit him “like a sledgehammer,” he is convinced that the inoculation saved him and his girlfriend from the more severe effects of the disease.

The two are now awaiting clearance of a Moderna booster shot.

“Until we can build up enough immunity within our own self and, you know, as a group of humans, I’m willing to do what I need to do,” Anderson, 58, said.

The FDA meetings come as U.S. vaccinations have climbed back above 1 million per day on average, an increase of more than 50% over the past two weeks. The rise has been driven mainly by Pfizer boosters and employer vaccine mandates.

While the FDA and CDC so far have endorsed Pfizer boosters for specific groups only, Biden administration officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, have suggested that extra shots will eventually be recommended for most Americans.

In a new review of Moderna’s data, the FDA did not indicate Tuesday if it was leaning toward clearing the company’s booster. It said vaccines used in the U.S. still provide protection, and it raised questions about some of Moderna’s data.

The two initial Moderna shots contain 100 micrograms of vaccine each. But the drugmaker says 50 micrograms ought to be enough for a booster for healthy people.

A company study of 344 people gave them a 50-microgram shot six months after their second dose, and levels of virus-fighting antibodies jumped. Moderna said the booster even triggered a 42-fold rise in antibodies able to target the extra-contagious delta variant.

Side effects were similar to the fevers and aches that Moderna recipients commonly experience after their second regular shot, the company said.

As for people who got the J&amp;J vaccine, the company submitted data to the FDA for different options: a booster shot at two months or at six months. The company said in its FDA submission that a six-month booster is recommended but that a second dose could be given at two months in some situations.

J&amp;J released data in September showing that a booster given at two months provided 94% protection against moderate-to-severe COVID-19 infection. The company has not disclosed patient data on a six-month booster, but early measures of virus-fighting antibodies suggest it provides even higher protection.

Even without a booster, J&amp;J says, its vaccine remains about 80% effective at preventing COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S.

Scientists emphasize that all three vaccines used in the U.S. still offer strong protection against severe disease and death from COVID-19. The issue is how quickly, and how much, protection against milder infection may wane.

In one recent study, researchers compared about 14,000 people who had gotten their first Moderna dose a year ago with 11,000 vaccinated eight months ago. As the delta variant surged in July and August, the more recently vaccinated group had a 36% lower rate of “breakthrough” infections compared with those vaccinated longer ago.

WASHINGTON (AP) — With many Americans who got Pfizer vaccinations already rolling up their sleeves for a booster shot, millions of others who received the Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine wait anxiously to learn when it’s their turn.Federal regulators begin tackling that question this week.On Thursday and Friday, the Food and Drug Administration convenes its independent advisers for the first stage in the process of deciding whether extra doses of the two vaccines should be dispensed and, if so, who should get them and when. The final go-ahead is not expected for at least another week.After the FDA advisers give their recommendation, the agency itself will make a decision on whether to authorize boosters. Then next week, a panel convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will offer more specifics on who should get them. Its decision is subject to approval by the CDC director.The process is meant to bolster public confidence in the vaccines. But it has already led to conflicts among experts and agencies — and documents the FDA released Tuesday suggest this week’s decisions will be equally difficult.In one earlier vaccine dispute, the CDC’s advisory panel last month backed Pfizer boosters at the six-month point for older Americans, nursing home residents and people with underlying health problems. But CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-science-health-coronavirus-vaccine-95b8d9a432b60fe0e9713adf75dde0ee">overruled her advisers</a>&nbsp;and decided boosters should also be offered to those with high-risk jobs such as teachers and health care workers, adding tens of millions more Americans to the list.Some health experts fear the back-and-forth deliberations are muddling the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-science-health-coronavirus-vaccine-bd0d386c8a800e4d2c08fa7e3eef6f6e">public effort&nbsp;</a>to persuade the unvaccinated to get their first shots. They worry that the talk of boosters will lead people to wrongly doubt the effectiveness of the vaccines in the first place.When the FDA’s panel meets to review the Moderna and J&amp;J vaccines, experts will discuss whether a third Moderna shot should contain just half the original dose and what’s the best timing for a second shot of the single-dose J&amp;J vaccine.The panel will also look into the safety and effectiveness of mixing-and-matching different brands of vaccine, something regulators have not endorsed so far.An estimated 103 million Americans are fully vaccinated with Pfizer’s formula, 69 million with Moderna’s and 15 million with J&amp;J’s, according to the CDC. Regulators took up the question of Pfizer boosters first because the company submitted its data ahead of the other vaccine makers.Tim Anderson, a U.S. history teacher at a high school outside Louisville, Kentucky, already had his two Moderna shots months before he came down with COVID-19 in August. While his symptoms hit him “like a sledgehammer,” he is convinced that the inoculation saved him and his girlfriend from the more severe effects of the disease.The two are now awaiting clearance of a Moderna booster shot.“Until we can build up enough immunity within our own self and, you know, as a group of humans, I’m willing to do what I need to do,” Anderson, 58, said.The FDA meetings come as U.S. vaccinations have climbed back above 1 million per day on average, an increase of more than 50% over the past two weeks. The rise has been driven mainly by Pfizer boosters and employer vaccine mandates.While the FDA and CDC so far have endorsed Pfizer boosters for specific groups only, Biden administration officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, have suggested that extra shots will eventually be recommended for most Americans.In a new review of Moderna’s data, the FDA did not indicate Tuesday if it was leaning toward clearing the company’s booster. It said vaccines used in the U.S. still provide protection, and it raised questions about some of Moderna’s data.The two initial Moderna shots contain 100 micrograms of vaccine each. But the drugmaker says 50 micrograms ought to be enough for a booster for healthy people.A company study of 344 people gave them a 50-microgram shot six months after their second dose, and levels of virus-fighting antibodies jumped. Moderna said the booster even triggered a 42-fold rise in antibodies able to target the extra-contagious delta variant.Side effects were similar to the fevers and aches that Moderna recipients commonly experience after their second regular shot, the company said.As for people who got the J&amp;J vaccine, the company submitted data to the FDA for different options: a booster shot at two months or at six months. The company said in its FDA submission that a six-month booster is recommended but that a second dose could be given at two months in some situations.J&amp;J released data in September showing that a booster given at two months provided 94% protection against moderate-to-severe COVID-19 infection. The company has not disclosed patient data on a six-month booster, but early measures of virus-fighting antibodies suggest it provides even higher protection.Even without a booster, J&amp;J says, its vaccine remains about 80% effective at preventing COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S.Scientists emphasize that all three vaccines used in the U.S. still offer strong protection against severe disease and death from COVID-19. The issue is how quickly, and how much, protection against milder infection may wane.In one recent study, researchers compared about 14,000 people who had gotten their first Moderna dose a year ago with 11,000 vaccinated eight months ago. As the delta variant surged in July and August, the more recently vaccinated group had a 36% lower rate of “breakthrough” infections compared with those vaccinated longer ago.___