MANHATTAN — Investigators from the Manhattan Fire Department have determined that improperly disposed of smoking materials caused the house fire that occurred on Tuesday evening at 3341 Effingham Drive in Mahattan, according to Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Almes. T

The building is a two-story single-family dwelling and was unoccupied at the time of the fire.&nbsp; Six pets were rescued from the fire and two of them succumbed to injuries at the scene.&nbsp; Loss is estimated at $60,000 to contents and $260,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Michele Ulmer of the same address.&nbsp;

Manhattan—Authorities are working to determine the cause a house fire in Manhattan.&nbsp;

Just after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening, fire crews were dispatched to 3341 Effingham Drive for a report of a house on fire, according to assistant Chief Sam Dameron.

Upon arrival, crews found a two-story single-family home with heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of the structure. Five dogs and one cat were rescued from the home. Two pets succumbed to their injuries at the scene.&nbsp; 

The fire reached a second alarm before it was contained within 40 minutes.&nbsp; The building is a two-story single-family dwelling and was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The residents were displaced from the building due to damage.&nbsp;

 Loss is estimated at $60,000 to contents and $260,000 to the structure.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632274029672.png" alt="Tuesday evening fire-photo Manhattan Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Tuesday evening fire-photo Manhattan Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN — Investigators from the Manhattan Fire Department have determined that improperly disposed of smoking materials caused the house fire that occurred on Tuesday evening at 3341 Effingham Drive in Mahattan, according to Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Almes. T The building is a two-story single-family dwelling and was unoccupied at the time of the fire.&nbsp; Six pets were rescued from the fire and two of them succumbed to injuries at the scene.&nbsp; Loss is estimated at $60,000 to contents and $260,000 to the structure. The owner is listed as Michele Ulmer of the same address.&nbsp;Manhattan—Authorities are working to determine the cause a house fire in Manhattan.&nbsp;Just after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday evening, fire crews were dispatched to 3341 Effingham Drive for a report of a house on fire, according to assistant Chief Sam Dameron.Upon arrival, crews found a two-story single-family home with heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear of the structure. Five dogs and one cat were rescued from the home. Two pets succumbed to their injuries at the scene.&nbsp; The fire reached a second alarm before it was contained within 40 minutes.&nbsp; The building is a two-story single-family dwelling and was unoccupied at the time of the fire. The residents were displaced from the building due to damage.&nbsp; Loss is estimated at $60,000 to contents and $260,000 to the structure.&nbsp;

Update: Investigators determine cause of 2-alarm Kan. house fire 

DEL RIO, Texas (AP) — Three hours after being freed from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-mexico-texas-caribbean-united-states-ac7f598bafd44b3f95b786d2d800f3ce">giant migrant camp&nbsp;</a>under an international bridge, Mackenson Veillard stood outside a gas station and took stock of his sudden good fortune as he and pregnant wife waited for a Greyhound bus to take them to a cousin in San Antonio.

The couple camped with thousands for a week under the bridge in Del Rio, Texas, sleeping on concrete and getting by on bread and bottled water.

“I felt so stressed,” Veillard, 25, said this week. “But now, I feel better. It’s like I’m starting a new life.”

Many Haitian migrants in Del Rio are being released in the United States, according to two U.S. officials, undercutting the Biden administration’s public statements that the thousands in the camp faced immediate expulsion to Haiti.

Haitians have been freed on a “very, very large scale” in recent days, one official said Tuesday. The official, who was not authorized to discuss the matter and thus spoke on condition of anonymity, put the figure in the thousands.

Many have been released with notices to appear at an immigration office within 60 days, an outcome that requires less processing time from Border Patrol agents than ordering an appearance in immigration court and points to the speed at which authorities are moving.

The releases come despite a massive effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/port-au-prince-haiti-c01b09afb49c4586fdd718031d32402a">expel Haitians on flights</a>&nbsp;under pandemic-related authority that denies migrants a chance to seek asylum. A third U.S. official not authorized to discuss operations said there were seven daily flights to Haiti planned starting Wednesday.

Ten flights arrived in Haiti from Sunday to Tuesday in planes designed for 135 passengers, according to Haitian officials, who didn’t provide a complete count but said six of those flights carried 713 migrants combined.

The camp held more than 14,000 people over the weekend, according to some estimates. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, during a visit Tuesday to Del Rio, said the county’s top official told him the most recent tally was about 8,600 migrants. U.S. authorities have declined to say how many have been released in the U.S. in recent days.

The Homeland Security Department has been busing Haitians from Del Rio, a town of 35,000 people, to El Paso, Laredo and Rio Grande Valley along the Texas border, and this week added flights to Tucson, Arizona, the official said. They are processed by the Border Patrol at those locations.

Criteria for deciding who is flown to Haiti and who is released in the U.S. is a mystery but two officials said single adults were a priority. If previous handling of asylum-seekers is any guide, the administration is more likely to release those deemed vulnerable, including pregnant women, families with young children and those with medical issues.

The Biden administration exempts unaccompanied children from expulsion flights on humanitarian grounds.

Wilgens Jean and his wife Junia Michel waited in Del Rio this week for relatives to send the $439 in bus fare to get to Springfield, Ohio, where Jean’s brother lives. Michel, who is pregnant, huddled under the little shade the parking lot had to offer from the brutal heat. Her only request was for sunscreen that she softly rubbed on her pregnant belly.

On the concrete in front of them lay two backpacks and a black garbage bag which held everything the couple owns. The pair left in Haiti in April and were in the Del Rio camp for five days. Jean said because his wife is expecting, they were released from the camp on Monday.

“I entered by crossing the river,” Jean said. “Immigration gave me a ticket.”

The system is a “black box,” said Wade McMullen, an attorney with the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, who was in Del Rio. “Right now, we have no official access to understand what processes are under way, what protections are being provided for the migrants.”

Accounts of wide-scale releases — some observed at the Del Rio bus station by Associated Press journalists -- are at odds with statements Monday by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who traveled to Del Rio to promise swift action.

“If you come to the United States illegally, you will be returned, your journey will not succeed, and you will be endangering your life and your family’s life,” he said at a news conference.

Homeland Security, asked to comment on releases in the United States, said Wednesday that migrants who are not immediately expelled to Haiti may be detained or released with a notice to appear in immigration court or report to an immigration office, depending on available custody space.

“The Biden Administration has reiterated that our borders are not open, and people should not make the dangerous journey,” the department said in a statement. “Individuals and families are subject to border restrictions, including expulsion.”

Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-immigration-mexico-texas-haiti-b7c55977dcb543262aae0e4ac0acd115">Mexico has begun busing and flying Haitian migrants away from the U.S. border,</a>&nbsp;signaling a new level of support for the United States as the camp presented President Joe Biden with a humanitarian and increasingly political challenge.

The White House is facing sharp bipartisan condemnation. Republicans say Biden administration policies led Haitians to believe they would get asylum. Democrats are expressing outrage after images went viral this week of Border Patrol agents on horseback using aggressive tactics against the migrants.

Immigrants have described a screening process at the camp where individuals are given a colored tickets for four categories: single men; single women; pregnant women; and families with young children, McMullen said. The vast majority of immigrants he and other advocates have interviewed and who have been released into the U.S. have been families with young children and pregnant women.

About 200 migrants were released on Monday in Del Rio. About 50 of them, mostly Haitian and many pregnant or with small children, boarded a bus to Houston, from where they would fly to destinations across the country. The Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition advocacy group arranged the charter bus and supplied sack lunches of a sandwich and cookies.

After an initial stay with family in San Antonio, Veillard eventually hopes to get to New York City to live with his sister. He will take any job he can find to support his growing family.

Veillard and his wife left Haiti four years ago and had been living in Brazil until they began their journey to the United States in June, much of it on foot.

“I don’t know how I’m going to feel tomorrow but now I feel lucky,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632317716965.png" alt="Migrants at the Texas border this week- photo Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>Migrants at the Texas border this week- photo Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>DEL RIO, Texas (AP) — Three hours after being freed from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-mexico-texas-caribbean-united-states-ac7f598bafd44b3f95b786d2d800f3ce">giant migrant camp&nbsp;</a>under an international bridge, Mackenson Veillard stood outside a gas station and took stock of his sudden good fortune as he and pregnant wife waited for a Greyhound bus to take them to a cousin in San Antonio.The couple camped with thousands for a week under the bridge in Del Rio, Texas, sleeping on concrete and getting by on bread and bottled water.“I felt so stressed,” Veillard, 25, said this week. “But now, I feel better. It’s like I’m starting a new life.”Many Haitian migrants in Del Rio are being released in the United States, according to two U.S. officials, undercutting the Biden administration’s public statements that the thousands in the camp faced immediate expulsion to Haiti.Haitians have been freed on a “very, very large scale” in recent days, one official said Tuesday. The official, who was not authorized to discuss the matter and thus spoke on condition of anonymity, put the figure in the thousands.Many have been released with notices to appear at an immigration office within 60 days, an outcome that requires less processing time from Border Patrol agents than ordering an appearance in immigration court and points to the speed at which authorities are moving.The releases come despite a massive effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/port-au-prince-haiti-c01b09afb49c4586fdd718031d32402a">expel Haitians on flights</a>&nbsp;under pandemic-related authority that denies migrants a chance to seek asylum. A third U.S. official not authorized to discuss operations said there were seven daily flights to Haiti planned starting Wednesday.Ten flights arrived in Haiti from Sunday to Tuesday in planes designed for 135 passengers, according to Haitian officials, who didn’t provide a complete count but said six of those flights carried 713 migrants combined.The camp held more than 14,000 people over the weekend, according to some estimates. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, during a visit Tuesday to Del Rio, said the county’s top official told him the most recent tally was about 8,600 migrants. U.S. authorities have declined to say how many have been released in the U.S. in recent days.The Homeland Security Department has been busing Haitians from Del Rio, a town of 35,000 people, to El Paso, Laredo and Rio Grande Valley along the Texas border, and this week added flights to Tucson, Arizona, the official said. They are processed by the Border Patrol at those locations.Criteria for deciding who is flown to Haiti and who is released in the U.S. is a mystery but two officials said single adults were a priority. If previous handling of asylum-seekers is any guide, the administration is more likely to release those deemed vulnerable, including pregnant women, families with young children and those with medical issues.The Biden administration exempts unaccompanied children from expulsion flights on humanitarian grounds.Wilgens Jean and his wife Junia Michel waited in Del Rio this week for relatives to send the $439 in bus fare to get to Springfield, Ohio, where Jean’s brother lives. Michel, who is pregnant, huddled under the little shade the parking lot had to offer from the brutal heat. Her only request was for sunscreen that she softly rubbed on her pregnant belly.On the concrete in front of them lay two backpacks and a black garbage bag which held everything the couple owns. The pair left in Haiti in April and were in the Del Rio camp for five days. Jean said because his wife is expecting, they were released from the camp on Monday.“I entered by crossing the river,” Jean said. “Immigration gave me a ticket.”The system is a “black box,” said Wade McMullen, an attorney with the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, who was in Del Rio. “Right now, we have no official access to understand what processes are under way, what protections are being provided for the migrants.”Accounts of wide-scale releases — some observed at the Del Rio bus station by Associated Press journalists -- are at odds with statements Monday by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who traveled to Del Rio to promise swift action.“If you come to the United States illegally, you will be returned, your journey will not succeed, and you will be endangering your life and your family’s life,” he said at a news conference.Homeland Security, asked to comment on releases in the United States, said Wednesday that migrants who are not immediately expelled to Haiti may be detained or released with a notice to appear in immigration court or report to an immigration office, depending on available custody space.“The Biden Administration has reiterated that our borders are not open, and people should not make the dangerous journey,” the department said in a statement. “Individuals and families are subject to border restrictions, including expulsion.”Meanwhile,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-immigration-mexico-texas-haiti-b7c55977dcb543262aae0e4ac0acd115">Mexico has begun busing and flying Haitian migrants away from the U.S. border,</a>&nbsp;signaling a new level of support for the United States as the camp presented President Joe Biden with a humanitarian and increasingly political challenge.The White House is facing sharp bipartisan condemnation. Republicans say Biden administration policies led Haitians to believe they would get asylum. Democrats are expressing outrage after images went viral this week of Border Patrol agents on horseback using aggressive tactics against the migrants.Immigrants have described a screening process at the camp where individuals are given a colored tickets for four categories: single men; single women; pregnant women; and families with young children, McMullen said. The vast majority of immigrants he and other advocates have interviewed and who have been released into the U.S. have been families with young children and pregnant women.About 200 migrants were released on Monday in Del Rio. About 50 of them, mostly Haitian and many pregnant or with small children, boarded a bus to Houston, from where they would fly to destinations across the country. The Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition advocacy group arranged the charter bus and supplied sack lunches of a sandwich and cookies.After an initial stay with family in San Antonio, Veillard eventually hopes to get to New York City to live with his sister. He will take any job he can find to support his growing family.Veillard and his wife left Haiti four years ago and had been living in Brazil until they began their journey to the United States in June, much of it on foot.“I don’t know how I’m going to feel tomorrow but now I feel lucky,” he said.___

Officials: Many migrants from border camp staying in US

By NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com/">Hutch Post</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt still doesn't have the language of the rule proposed by President Joe Biden earlier this month that would give employers with over 100 employees the choice to vaccinate or frequently test their employees for COVID-19.

"Those rules have not been published yet and so we continue to wait," Schmidt said. "We have to see them before we have a chance to evaluate their legality, which I think is suspect on its face and then decide how we're going to challenge them."

Schmidt notes that the legal ground is different for some of the other potential mandates from the administration.

"There's the so-called CMS mandate, the mandate for nursing home workers and for public health workers," Schmidt said. "We're in the process with some other states of really taking a hard look at those to see if there's a legal basis to challenge them. They're a little legally different from the general employer mandate. The analysis is a bit different. The bottom line, I was talking with some folks the other day who operate nursing facilities, long-term care facilities in Kansas and they said they are losing employees."

According to a survey from the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, 86 percent of nursing homes and 77 percent of assisted living providers said their workforce situation has gotten worse over the last three months.

"At the end of the day, we have a number of facilities that barely are hanging on as it is," Schmidt said. "They have trouble getting employees. The last thing we need is a federal mandate that puts long-term care facilities out of business in this state."

Only one percent of nursing homes nationally describe themselves as fully staffed.

By NICK GOSNELL <a href="https://hutchpost.com/">Hutch Post</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt still doesn't have the language of the rule proposed by President Joe Biden earlier this month that would give employers with over 100 employees the choice to vaccinate or frequently test their employees for COVID-19."Those rules have not been published yet and so we continue to wait," Schmidt said. "We have to see them before we have a chance to evaluate their legality, which I think is suspect on its face and then decide how we're going to challenge them."Schmidt notes that the legal ground is different for some of the other potential mandates from the administration."There's the so-called CMS mandate, the mandate for nursing home workers and for public health workers," Schmidt said. "We're in the process with some other states of really taking a hard look at those to see if there's a legal basis to challenge them. They're a little legally different from the general employer mandate. The analysis is a bit different. The bottom line, I was talking with some folks the other day who operate nursing facilities, long-term care facilities in Kansas and they said they are losing employees."According to a survey from the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, 86 percent of nursing homes and 77 percent of assisted living providers said their workforce situation has gotten worse over the last three months."At the end of the day, we have a number of facilities that barely are hanging on as it is," Schmidt said. "They have trouble getting employees. The last thing we need is a federal mandate that puts long-term care facilities out of business in this state."Only one percent of nursing homes nationally describe themselves as fully staffed.

Kansas AG: Don't mandate longterm care facilities out of business

DETROIT (AP) — Over 30 million air bags in more than 200 models from 20 car and truck makers are being investigated by a U.S. safety agency because they have the potential to explode and hurl shrapnel.

In a document posted Tuesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it opened the probe into air bag inflators made from 2011 through 2019 by now-bankrupt Takata that weren’t recalled previously.

The probe could reverse a decision made in May of last year not to recall the inflators, which contain a moisture-absorbing chemical called a dessicant.

It wasn’t clear what prompted the agency to open the investigation. Last year, it decided against recalling the inflators, based largely on industry research, and said it would monitor them.

“While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled dessicated inflators,” the agency said in the document.

Included in the probe are models made by Honda, Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis), General Motors, Ford, Nissan, Tesla, BMW, Toyota, Jaguar Land Rover, Daimler Vans, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, McLaren, Porsche, Mazda, Karma, Fisker, Spartan Fire vehicles.

Some of the most popular vehicles in the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2021/INOA-EA21002-7663.PDF" target="_blank">are identified in the probe</a>, including certain Chevrolet Silverado pickups from 2014 and 2015, some Jeep Grand Cherokees from 2011 through 2019 and the Honda CR-V from 2012 through 2015.

The document posted Tuesday said none of the inflators under investigation have blown apart while in use. About 25 million vehicles have the questionable driver or front passenger inflators that were installed at the factory. At least 5 million more had the inflators installed as replacement parts for more dangerous Takata inflators that have been recalled.

NHTSA didn’t immediately comment when asked what changed, prompting it to open the investigation. The agency said in a statement Monday that drivers don’t need to take any action. “NHTSA will conduct a thorough investigation, and should we determine that a safety defect exists, we will act,” the agency said.

At least&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-carolina-business-61e8b31d57720ccfe704d2bd500b096c">19 people in the U.S. and 28 worldwide have been killed&nbsp;</a>by exploding Takata inflators. More than 400 have been injured in the U.S.

The Japanese company used ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion to inflate air bags in a crash. But the chemical can become more volatile over time when exposed to moisture in the air and high temperatures. The explosion can blow apart a metal canister and hurl shrapnel into the passenger compartment.

The problem caused the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history, with at least 67 million inflators recalled. About 17 million had not been repaired as of January. Worldwide, around 100 million inflators have been recalled.

Takata added the dessicant to absorb moisture and stop the ammonium nitrate from deteriorating. But in the document, NHTSA said at some point the dessicants will become saturated. In the most hot and humid locations, saturation can take place in five years, the agency said.

Jason Levine, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, a nonprofit advocacy group, said he’s not sure what caused the agency to change from last year. But he said NHTSA is opening the probe before something bad happens. “What’s refreshing here is that NHTSA is taking a step that says we don’t have to wait for a body count. That’s great,” Levine said.

Under President Donald Trump, the agency enacted few safety regulations and was less active in regulating the industry than under past administrations. But Levine said it is being far more active under President Joe Biden.

Levine said the agency should have begun the investigation last year so owners of vehicles with the questionable inflators could know by now whether their air bag systems are safe or whether they’re defective.

“It leaves consumers in an unnecessary state of concern,” Levine said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576782225717.png" alt="photo National Highway Traffic Safety Administration" />
 <figcaption>photo National Highway Traffic Safety Administration</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Over 30 million air bags in more than 200 models from 20 car and truck makers are being investigated by a U.S. safety agency because they have the potential to explode and hurl shrapnel.In a document posted Tuesday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it opened the probe into air bag inflators made from 2011 through 2019 by now-bankrupt Takata that weren’t recalled previously.The probe could reverse a decision made in May of last year not to recall the inflators, which contain a moisture-absorbing chemical called a dessicant.It wasn’t clear what prompted the agency to open the investigation. Last year, it decided against recalling the inflators, based largely on industry research, and said it would monitor them.“While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled dessicated inflators,” the agency said in the document.Included in the probe are models made by Honda, Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis), General Motors, Ford, Nissan, Tesla, BMW, Toyota, Jaguar Land Rover, Daimler Vans, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, McLaren, Porsche, Mazda, Karma, Fisker, Spartan Fire vehicles.Some of the most popular vehicles in the U.S.&nbsp;<a href="https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/inv/2021/INOA-EA21002-7663.PDF" target="_blank">are identified in the probe</a>, including certain Chevrolet Silverado pickups from 2014 and 2015, some Jeep Grand Cherokees from 2011 through 2019 and the Honda CR-V from 2012 through 2015.The document posted Tuesday said none of the inflators under investigation have blown apart while in use. About 25 million vehicles have the questionable driver or front passenger inflators that were installed at the factory. At least 5 million more had the inflators installed as replacement parts for more dangerous Takata inflators that have been recalled.NHTSA didn’t immediately comment when asked what changed, prompting it to open the investigation. The agency said in a statement Monday that drivers don’t need to take any action. “NHTSA will conduct a thorough investigation, and should we determine that a safety defect exists, we will act,” the agency said.At least&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/south-carolina-business-61e8b31d57720ccfe704d2bd500b096c">19 people in the U.S. and 28 worldwide have been killed&nbsp;</a>by exploding Takata inflators. More than 400 have been injured in the U.S.The Japanese company used ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion to inflate air bags in a crash. But the chemical can become more volatile over time when exposed to moisture in the air and high temperatures. The explosion can blow apart a metal canister and hurl shrapnel into the passenger compartment.The problem caused the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history, with at least 67 million inflators recalled. About 17 million had not been repaired as of January. Worldwide, around 100 million inflators have been recalled.Takata added the dessicant to absorb moisture and stop the ammonium nitrate from deteriorating. But in the document, NHTSA said at some point the dessicants will become saturated. In the most hot and humid locations, saturation can take place in five years, the agency said.Jason Levine, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, a nonprofit advocacy group, said he’s not sure what caused the agency to change from last year. But he said NHTSA is opening the probe before something bad happens. “What’s refreshing here is that NHTSA is taking a step that says we don’t have to wait for a body count. That’s great,” Levine said.Under President Donald Trump, the agency enacted few safety regulations and was less active in regulating the industry than under past administrations. But Levine said it is being far more active under President Joe Biden.Levine said the agency should have begun the investigation last year so owners of vehicles with the questionable inflators could know by now whether their air bag systems are safe or whether they’re defective.“It leaves consumers in an unnecessary state of concern,” Levine said.

US probes Takata air bags in 200 models from 20 automakers

By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-09-21/kansas-courts-uphold-the-nations-toughest-rules-for-tracking-people-after-conviction">Kansas News Service</a>

TOPEKA, Kansas — People on criminal registries in Kansas face felony charges for getting a new email address without alerting law enforcement.

It’s just one of the ways that <a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/registeredoffender/FAQ.aspx" target="_blank">criminal registries</a> in Kansas restrict a broad range of people even after they’ve completed probation and parole.

The
 Kansas Supreme Court ruled in a pair of cases last week that the 
state’s criminal registry laws — among the most sweeping in the country —
 are constitutional.

“Dissemination of registration information 
does not rise to the level of public shaming, does not impose an 
affirmative disability or restraint, are not excessive, and are 
rationally connected to a nonpunitive purpose,” the court wrote in its 
ruling.

Both cases involved people convicted of offenses that 
required they be on the list, but only for certain periods of time. The 
state Legislature later amended the Kansas Offender Registration Act 
requiring those people stay on the list for life and comply with a range
 of requirements to keep the state clued in to a variety of changes in 
their lives.

Both cases challenged the law as unconstitutional 
because they added requirements that didn’t exist at the time the crimes
 were committed.

<a href="https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Opinions/119796_2.pdf?ext=.pdf" target="_blank">In one case</a>,
 the offender was originally sentenced at age 14 and didn’t serve time 
in prison. But a later change in the statute meant the child offender is
 legally required to live up to the rules of the criminal registry for 
life. Justice Eric Rosen dissented with the court’s majority and argued 
that being on the list is “effective banishment.”

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2018-02-20/can-registries-cover-too-many-crimes-kansas-legislation-suggests-a-rollback" target="_blank">A 2018 investigation by the Kansas News</a>
 Service found that the state’s online registry was more extensive and 
had more stringent requirements than those in force in virtually any 
other state. People convicted of drug, violent or sex crimes must 
register on the list.

Whether they were convicted of serious 
felonies or misdemeanors, registrants must check in with their sheriff’s
 office and pay $20 every three months. Changing jobs, getting a tattoo 
or buying a car, boat or any other vehicle would also require a check-in
 within three days of the change. People on the registry without 
permanent addresses need to check in monthly.

Missing check-ins or falling behind $40 on fees for more than two weeks is a felony.

The
 person who was convicted when they were 14 — identified only as N.R. in
 the case — became homeless, had his life put in danger and faced an 
“insurmountable financial strain” because of the requirements to remain 
on the list, according to the plea challenging the law.

“Countless
 jurists, scholars, and social scientists have confirmed how common 
these burdens are to those required to register,” Rosen wrote in his 
dissent. “Today, the court eschews the United States Constitution and 
the citizens it stands to protect for reasons I cannot comprehend.”

Rosen also dissented in <a href="https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Opinions/119759_1.pdf?ext=.pdf" target="_blank">Davidson v. State of Kansas</a>, arguing again that “the oppressive and onerous requirements of offender registration are punitive.”

The
 majority of the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that the state Legislature 
didn’t intend for the system to be a punishment, and therefore can’t be 
considered cruel or unusual punishment. Local law enforcement also 
supports keeping the registry intact, saying it keeps Kansans informed 
on potential “hazards for their child.”

“Choices have 
consequences,” Greg Smith, a former state senator, told the Kansas News 
Service in 2018. “If you don’t want to register, don’t do the crime.”

The
 registry has continued to grow in recent years. Jennifer Roth, a Kansas
 public defender, said there are more than 20,000 people on the list. 
She said the list isn’t “grounded in research, evidence, science (or) 
data.”

Rosen wrote registries do little to affect recidivism rates.

Critics
 of the Kansas registry have been pushing for changes in recent years, 
saying the system contributes to jail and prison overcrowding by putting
 people behind bars for failing to meet its rigid requirements.

Roth,
 who is also co-chair of the legislative committee of the Kansas 
Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, worked on legislation that 
would reduce penalties for non-compliance and allow Kansans to get off 
the list early. Last year, a bill passed out of a Kansas House committee
 and then stalled.

The Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission is now considering some of those recommendations.

“I
 have seen movements over the years in the members of the public and 
people who are elected to the Legislature in Kansas,” Roth said, “where 
they really are seeing that there’s some unfairness to this.”

Blaise
 Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas 
News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or 
email him at blaise@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632317038841.png" alt="The state’s criminal registry is constitutional, the Kansas Supreme Court says, despite critics saying it is a form of cruel and unusual punishment. This map from the registry shows the location of people who must comply with its rules." />
 <figcaption>The state’s criminal registry is constitutional, the Kansas Supreme Court says, despite critics saying it is a form of cruel and unusual punishment. This map from the registry shows the location of people who must comply with its rules.</figcaption>
 </figure>By BLAISE MESA <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-09-21/kansas-courts-uphold-the-nations-toughest-rules-for-tracking-people-after-conviction">Kansas News Service</a>TOPEKA, Kansas — People on criminal registries in Kansas face felony charges for getting a new email address without alerting law enforcement.It’s just one of the ways that <a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/registeredoffender/FAQ.aspx" target="_blank">criminal registries</a> in Kansas restrict a broad range of people even after they’ve completed probation and parole.The
 Kansas Supreme Court ruled in a pair of cases last week that the 
state’s criminal registry laws — among the most sweeping in the country —
 are constitutional.“Dissemination of registration information 
does not rise to the level of public shaming, does not impose an 
affirmative disability or restraint, are not excessive, and are 
rationally connected to a nonpunitive purpose,” the court wrote in its 
ruling.Both cases involved people convicted of offenses that 
required they be on the list, but only for certain periods of time. The 
state Legislature later amended the Kansas Offender Registration Act 
requiring those people stay on the list for life and comply with a range
 of requirements to keep the state clued in to a variety of changes in 
their lives.Both cases challenged the law as unconstitutional 
because they added requirements that didn’t exist at the time the crimes
 were committed.<a href="https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Opinions/119796_2.pdf?ext=.pdf" target="_blank">In one case</a>,
 the offender was originally sentenced at age 14 and didn’t serve time 
in prison. But a later change in the statute meant the child offender is
 legally required to live up to the rules of the criminal registry for 
life. Justice Eric Rosen dissented with the court’s majority and argued 
that being on the list is “effective banishment.”<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2018-02-20/can-registries-cover-too-many-crimes-kansas-legislation-suggests-a-rollback" target="_blank">A 2018 investigation by the Kansas News</a>
 Service found that the state’s online registry was more extensive and 
had more stringent requirements than those in force in virtually any 
other state. People convicted of drug, violent or sex crimes must 
register on the list.Whether they were convicted of serious 
felonies or misdemeanors, registrants must check in with their sheriff’s
 office and pay $20 every three months. Changing jobs, getting a tattoo 
or buying a car, boat or any other vehicle would also require a check-in
 within three days of the change. People on the registry without 
permanent addresses need to check in monthly.Missing check-ins or falling behind $40 on fees for more than two weeks is a felony.The
 person who was convicted when they were 14 — identified only as N.R. in
 the case — became homeless, had his life put in danger and faced an 
“insurmountable financial strain” because of the requirements to remain 
on the list, according to the plea challenging the law.“Countless
 jurists, scholars, and social scientists have confirmed how common 
these burdens are to those required to register,” Rosen wrote in his 
dissent. “Today, the court eschews the United States Constitution and 
the citizens it stands to protect for reasons I cannot comprehend.”Rosen also dissented in <a href="https://www.kscourts.org/KSCourts/media/KsCourts/Opinions/119759_1.pdf?ext=.pdf" target="_blank">Davidson v. State of Kansas</a>, arguing again that “the oppressive and onerous requirements of offender registration are punitive.”The
 majority of the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that the state Legislature 
didn’t intend for the system to be a punishment, and therefore can’t be 
considered cruel or unusual punishment. Local law enforcement also 
supports keeping the registry intact, saying it keeps Kansans informed 
on potential “hazards for their child.”“Choices have 
consequences,” Greg Smith, a former state senator, told the Kansas News 
Service in 2018. “If you don’t want to register, don’t do the crime.”The
 registry has continued to grow in recent years. Jennifer Roth, a Kansas
 public defender, said there are more than 20,000 people on the list. 
She said the list isn’t “grounded in research, evidence, science (or) 
data.”Rosen wrote registries do little to affect recidivism rates.Critics
 of the Kansas registry have been pushing for changes in recent years, 
saying the system contributes to jail and prison overcrowding by putting
 people behind bars for failing to meet its rigid requirements.Roth,
 who is also co-chair of the legislative committee of the Kansas 
Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, worked on legislation that 
would reduce penalties for non-compliance and allow Kansans to get off 
the list early. Last year, a bill passed out of a Kansas House committee
 and then stalled.The Kansas Criminal Justice Reform Commission is now considering some of those recommendations.“I
 have seen movements over the years in the members of the public and 
people who are elected to the Legislature in Kansas,” Roth said, “where 
they really are seeing that there’s some unfairness to this.”Blaise
 Mesa reports on criminal justice and social services for the Kansas 
News Service in Topeka. You can follow him on Twitter @Blaise_Mesa or 
email him at blaise@kcur.org.

Kansas courts uphold nation's toughest offender tracking rules

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,562 to a total of 401,931 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 3 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5919.

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

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

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,562 to a total of 401,931 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 3 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 5919.<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: Kansas tops 400,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 

Administrator highlights new portal as critical to accelerating reviews, approvals

U.S. Small Business Administration

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– The&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjIuNDYzMjExODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zYmEuZ292Lz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.lrqy0mQ29tRHjmurVyZtJRDbzSNwHE3pDXVRTrUsCc8/s/1045497324/br/112744057704-l" target="_blank">U.S. Small Business Administration</a>&nbsp;(SBA)&nbsp;reached a major milestone today as its&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjIuNDYzMjExODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zYmEuZ292L3BwcD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.fzx87wTekhvZR9x51Dh_jEKSrtxd5NFZf_gyGlHGMdA/s/1045497324/br/112744057704-l" target="_blank">Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)&nbsp;</a>Direct Borrower Forgiveness Portal recorded its one millionth PPP loan forgiveness application for borrowers seeking forgiveness for loans of $150,000 or less.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We are committed to delivering against the promise of forgiveness for our eligible PPP borrowers. Our innovative direct forgiveness portal is helping our PPP borrowers get back to doing what they do best – creating jobs and powering our nation’s economy,”&nbsp;said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman.&nbsp;“With over one million application submissions, our direct forgiveness portal has already given so many of our smallest businesses the ability to apply for forgiveness quickly and smoothly and move forward with their rebuilding and recovery. I encourage those eligible PPP borrowers who have yet to apply to visit&nbsp;<a href="http://sba.gov/">SBA.gov</a>&nbsp;or contact their lender today.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since the portal’s launch on August 4th,&nbsp;the SBA has received applications for over $17 billion of relief from more than&nbsp;one&nbsp;million of America’s smallest businesses, furthering President Biden’s commitment to equity across the U.S. government. In fewer than 45 days, 91% of all loans&nbsp;eligible for direct forgiveness&nbsp;in the 2020 PPP portfolio have been&nbsp;submitted, showcasing the SBA’s efficiency in delivering relief to entrepreneurs who suffered during the height of the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;Furthermore, the&nbsp;number of&nbsp;Direct Forgiveness&nbsp;participating lenders has more than doubled from 600&nbsp;when the portal opened, to over 1,400 today.&nbsp;

In addition,&nbsp;significant progress has been made on the 2021 PPP Loans with 65% of all loans&nbsp;eligible for direct forgiveness&nbsp;already&nbsp;submitted.&nbsp;The SBA has also been able to streamline the process for those not eligible for direct forgiveness&nbsp;using&nbsp;the COVID Health score, which eliminates the need for overwhelming paperwork to be provided to lenders, and&nbsp;serve&nbsp;over 600,000 borrowers to date.&nbsp; &nbsp;

With the introduction of the new PPP Direct Forgiveness Portal, the SBA has streamlined application processes in order to re-center the user experience around small business owners – a priority of Administrator Guzman. Today, a borrower of a participating lender can now complete most or all of a forgiveness application using a computer or, for the first time, their smartphone. On average, users are able to complete and submit directly to the SBA their applications in just six minutes, and most receive their forgiveness decisions within a week from the date of submission.&nbsp;

Eligible interested borrowers can access the portal from the SBA website&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjIuNDYzMjExODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2RpcmVjdGZvcmdpdmVuZXNzLnNiYS5nb3YvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.EbdttqWgsEcxLhc7BcYxwkUbL1cNEHmZWgxTeQ7LKIY/s/1045497324/br/112744057704-l" target="_blank">https://directforgiveness.sba.gov</a>. Borrowers that need assistance with their forgiveness applications or have questions can contact the PPP customer service team by calling (877) 552-2692, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Borrowers whose loans are through banks that have chosen not to opt-in to the SBA’s direct forgiveness portal must apply through their lender for forgiveness.&nbsp;

More information:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjIuNDYzMjExODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zYmEuZ292L2RvY3VtZW50L3JlcG9ydC1wcHAtZm9yZ2l2ZW5lc3MtcGxhdGZvcm0tbGVuZGVyLXN1Ym1pc3Npb24tbWV0cmljcy1yZXBvcnRzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.XDc9tosLU7177KMivecqOJbm1uxz9AIjJ0SiGJYtM6k/s/1045497324/br/112744057704-l" target="_blank">PPP forgiveness platform lender submission metrics reports</a>&nbsp;(as of 9/20/2021).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584386106306.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Administrator highlights new portal as critical to accelerating reviews, approvals</h2>U.S. Small Business AdministrationWASHINGTON&nbsp;– The&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjIuNDYzMjExODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zYmEuZ292Lz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.lrqy0mQ29tRHjmurVyZtJRDbzSNwHE3pDXVRTrUsCc8/s/1045497324/br/112744057704-l" target="_blank">U.S. Small Business Administration</a>&nbsp;(SBA)&nbsp;reached a major milestone today as its&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjIuNDYzMjExODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zYmEuZ292L3BwcD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.fzx87wTekhvZR9x51Dh_jEKSrtxd5NFZf_gyGlHGMdA/s/1045497324/br/112744057704-l" target="_blank">Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)&nbsp;</a>Direct Borrower Forgiveness Portal recorded its one millionth PPP loan forgiveness application for borrowers seeking forgiveness for loans of $150,000 or less.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We are committed to delivering against the promise of forgiveness for our eligible PPP borrowers. Our innovative direct forgiveness portal is helping our PPP borrowers get back to doing what they do best – creating jobs and powering our nation’s economy,”&nbsp;said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman.&nbsp;“With over one million application submissions, our direct forgiveness portal has already given so many of our smallest businesses the ability to apply for forgiveness quickly and smoothly and move forward with their rebuilding and recovery. I encourage those eligible PPP borrowers who have yet to apply to visit&nbsp;<a href="http://sba.gov/">SBA.gov</a>&nbsp;or contact their lender today.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Since the portal’s launch on August 4th,&nbsp;the SBA has received applications for over $17 billion of relief from more than&nbsp;one&nbsp;million of America’s smallest businesses, furthering President Biden’s commitment to equity across the U.S. government. In fewer than 45 days, 91% of all loans&nbsp;eligible for direct forgiveness&nbsp;in the 2020 PPP portfolio have been&nbsp;submitted, showcasing the SBA’s efficiency in delivering relief to entrepreneurs who suffered during the height of the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;Furthermore, the&nbsp;number of&nbsp;Direct Forgiveness&nbsp;participating lenders has more than doubled from 600&nbsp;when the portal opened, to over 1,400 today.&nbsp;In addition,&nbsp;significant progress has been made on the 2021 PPP Loans with 65% of all loans&nbsp;eligible for direct forgiveness&nbsp;already&nbsp;submitted.&nbsp;The SBA has also been able to streamline the process for those not eligible for direct forgiveness&nbsp;using&nbsp;the COVID Health score, which eliminates the need for overwhelming paperwork to be provided to lenders, and&nbsp;serve&nbsp;over 600,000 borrowers to date.&nbsp; &nbsp;With the introduction of the new PPP Direct Forgiveness Portal, the SBA has streamlined application processes in order to re-center the user experience around small business owners – a priority of Administrator Guzman. Today, a borrower of a participating lender can now complete most or all of a forgiveness application using a computer or, for the first time, their smartphone. On average, users are able to complete and submit directly to the SBA their applications in just six minutes, and most receive their forgiveness decisions within a week from the date of submission.&nbsp;Eligible interested borrowers can access the portal from the SBA website&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDcsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjIuNDYzMjExODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2RpcmVjdGZvcmdpdmVuZXNzLnNiYS5nb3YvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.EbdttqWgsEcxLhc7BcYxwkUbL1cNEHmZWgxTeQ7LKIY/s/1045497324/br/112744057704-l" target="_blank">https://directforgiveness.sba.gov</a>. Borrowers that need assistance with their forgiveness applications or have questions can contact the PPP customer service team by calling (877) 552-2692, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Borrowers whose loans are through banks that have chosen not to opt-in to the SBA’s direct forgiveness portal must apply through their lender for forgiveness.&nbsp;More information:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDgsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA5MjIuNDYzMjExODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5zYmEuZ292L2RvY3VtZW50L3JlcG9ydC1wcHAtZm9yZ2l2ZW5lc3MtcGxhdGZvcm0tbGVuZGVyLXN1Ym1pc3Npb24tbWV0cmljcy1yZXBvcnRzP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.XDc9tosLU7177KMivecqOJbm1uxz9AIjJ0SiGJYtM6k/s/1045497324/br/112744057704-l" target="_blank">PPP forgiveness platform lender submission metrics reports</a>&nbsp;(as of 9/20/2021).

Paycheck Protection Program milestone: 1M apply for direct forgiveness

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A 25-year-old man has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the 2017 death of a Wichita doctor who was stabbed more than 160 times. 

Television station KAKE reports that Umar Dutt entered the plea Tuesday, admitting to killing 57-year-old Dr. Achutha Reddy on September 13, 2017, behind Reddy's psychiatrics office. 

Prosecutors say police were called to the Holistic Psychiatric Services clinic that night and found Reddy's body in an alley outside the business. Investigators say Dutt entered the clinic with Reddy and assaulted the doctor inside an office before being interrupted by an office manager. Police say Reddy then fled the building, but Dutt caught up with him in the alley. Dutt is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632260560803.png" alt="Dutt photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dutt photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A 25-year-old man has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the 2017 death of a Wichita doctor who was stabbed more than 160 times. Television station KAKE reports that Umar Dutt entered the plea Tuesday, admitting to killing 57-year-old Dr. Achutha Reddy on September 13, 2017, behind Reddy's psychiatrics office. Prosecutors say police were called to the Holistic Psychiatric Services clinic that night and found Reddy's body in an alley outside the business. Investigators say Dutt entered the clinic with Reddy and assaulted the doctor inside an office before being interrupted by an office manager. Police say Reddy then fled the building, but Dutt caught up with him in the alley. Dutt is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 9.

Man enters plea in violent murder of Kansas doctor

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) — Colorado officials say three assisted living facility workers are being prosecuted in the death of an 86-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s disease who was allegedly left outside in sweltering weather. 

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced the charges Tuesday in the death of Hazel Place died at at Cappella Assisted Living and Memory in Grand Junction on June 14. 

The high temperature was 102 degrees. Cappella Assisted Living and Memory says two of the workers were fired and that the third is on leave. 

A lawyer for one of the workers says her client has concerns that the facility has not been held accountable.

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) — Colorado officials say three assisted living facility workers are being prosecuted in the death of an 86-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s disease who was allegedly left outside in sweltering weather. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced the charges Tuesday in the death of Hazel Place died at at Cappella Assisted Living and Memory in Grand Junction on June 14. The high temperature was 102 degrees. Cappella Assisted Living and Memory says two of the workers were fired and that the third is on leave. A lawyer for one of the workers says her client has concerns that the facility has not been held accountable.

3 charged in death of elderly Colo. woman left outside in heat

By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — A proposal being pushed by the Biden administration that banks
report all transactions of more than $600 and keep tabs on accounts above that
threshold is strongly opposed by the Missouri Bankers Association.

Executive Vice President of Member Services Jackson Hataway
says the IRS claims the proposal would catch the wealthiest Americans
attempting to move money around outside of the tax system.

“And the reality is our federal agencies do not use data that
well as it is now,” Hataway tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, what in the world
would lead us to believe that a landslide of more data from millions of Americans
is suddenly going to make our tax policy more effective? The ones and zeroes
don’t add up. The math doesn’t make sense.”

Hataway says the $600-dollar threshold would affect the vast
majority of bank customers.

“Basically, affects every consumer at every bank,” according
to Hataway. “There will certainly be those who have underneath the $600
threshold, but the vast majority of accounts will be subject to this kind of
regulation and intrusive action from the government.”

Hataway says the federal government at present requires banks
to report transactions of more than $10,000 under the Currency Transaction
Report (CTR). This proposal greatly expands that requirement, lowering the
threshold to transactions exceeding $600.

The proposal was attached to the $3.5 trillion reconciliation
bill, but removed. The MBA expects it to resurface in another form.

Hataway calls the proposal a breach of privacy.

“While we can appreciate the objective goal of trying to track
down more revenues from people who are dodging the tax system, this methodology
for doing it is unproven, it’s unsound, and honestly in a world of data
breaches, where we see the IRS and other agencies constantly dealing with cyber
struggles, the thought of all of our account information flowing into an entity
that can’t keep data secure, should reasonably be something that we’re all deeply
concerned about,” Hataway says.

The proposal seems to have flown under the radar for a while,
but Hataway says more and more banks report customers have started complaining
about the proposal. The MBA is encouraging Missourians to contact members of Congress
and voice opposition to the proposal.

By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — A proposal being pushed by the Biden administration that banks
report all transactions of more than $600 and keep tabs on accounts above that
threshold is strongly opposed by the Missouri Bankers Association.Executive Vice President of Member Services Jackson Hataway
says the IRS claims the proposal would catch the wealthiest Americans
attempting to move money around outside of the tax system.“And the reality is our federal agencies do not use data that
well as it is now,” Hataway tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “So, what in the world
would lead us to believe that a landslide of more data from millions of Americans
is suddenly going to make our tax policy more effective? The ones and zeroes
don’t add up. The math doesn’t make sense.”Hataway says the $600-dollar threshold would affect the vast
majority of bank customers.“Basically, affects every consumer at every bank,” according
to Hataway. “There will certainly be those who have underneath the $600
threshold, but the vast majority of accounts will be subject to this kind of
regulation and intrusive action from the government.”Hataway says the federal government at present requires banks
to report transactions of more than $10,000 under the Currency Transaction
Report (CTR). This proposal greatly expands that requirement, lowering the
threshold to transactions exceeding $600.The proposal was attached to the $3.5 trillion reconciliation
bill, but removed. The MBA expects it to resurface in another form.Hataway calls the proposal a breach of privacy.“While we can appreciate the objective goal of trying to track
down more revenues from people who are dodging the tax system, this methodology
for doing it is unproven, it’s unsound, and honestly in a world of data
breaches, where we see the IRS and other agencies constantly dealing with cyber
struggles, the thought of all of our account information flowing into an entity
that can’t keep data secure, should reasonably be something that we’re all deeply
concerned about,” Hataway says.The proposal seems to have flown under the radar for a while,
but Hataway says more and more banks report customers have started complaining
about the proposal. The MBA is encouraging Missourians to contact members of Congress
and voice opposition to the proposal.Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Mo. bankers object to Biden proposal to track $600 cash transactions

By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-09-21/heres-a-glimmer-of-hope-that-the-delta-surge-in-kansas-is-slowing">Kansas News Service</a>

When the delta variant arrived this summer, COVID-19 <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-26/kansas-coronavirus-cases-skyrocket-from-hundreds-to-thousands-per-week" target="_blank">hospitalizations in Kansas skyrocketed</a>. In just a few short months, hospitals went from serving about 100 coronavirus inpatients a day to treating 800 at a time.

But, a month ago, hospitalizations leveled off and finally started sliding slightly downward.

The state remains in a bad place, just better off than where it seemed headed.

“The
 fact that we still have so many ICUs full is very concerning,” said 
Marci Nielsen, chief advisor to Governor Laura Kelly on the state’s 
pandemic response. “Health care workers are exhausted and burned out.”

They spend hours just <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-08-18/a-kansas-doctor-tells-the-story-of-sending-her-critically-ill-covid-patient-570-miles-away" target="_blank">finding beds for patients</a>.
 Intensive care units are so taxed with patients in respiratory 
distress, that it delays medical treatment for others who need it badly,
 too. The University of Kansas Health System says about one in 10 of its
 <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article254257788.html" target="_blank">respiratory therapists quit</a> within the past month.

Here’s how many inpatients Kansas hospitals reported each day — from last fall through the first week of September:

Kansas hospitals have more than twice as many COVID-19 inpatients compared to September a year ago.

And
 because many schools welcomed back their teachers and students last 
month to in-person classes and extracurricular activities without masks, anxiety lingers that this winter could fill more hospital beds than last.

So any slowdown in COVID-19 hospitalizations is a welcome sight, but one that comes with no guarantees for what happens next.

“It doesn’t tell us we can let down our guard,” Nielsen said.

Only about half the state’s population is fully vaccinated.

The highly contagious delta variant clobbered other countries, such as the United Kingdom, before the United States. When it <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/01/health/covid-delta-us-britain.html" target="_blank">waned after a few months</a>, that lifted the hopes of some scientists. Maybe the U.S. would see the same.

In fact, the variant’s vicious surge is now <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_dailycases" target="_blank">losing steam</a> in parts of the country and hospitalizations are dipping across the U.S.

For the first time since June, the state health department has reported fewer newly identified cases two weeks in a row.

Does
 that mean less virus passing around? This isn’t a simple question. The 
number of people who get tested fluctuates constantly. It shot up when 
the delta variant hit, but sank after Labor Day, Nielsen said.

Here’s the count of newly identified cases per week since the start of the year:

To further complicate matters, COVID cases made <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/world/united-kingdom-covid-cases.html" target="_blank">a second rally</a> in September in the U.K.

And
 in the U.S. and Kansas, epidemiologists worry that even if the delta 
surge wanes in some places, its rapid growth will continue in others.

In
 Kansas, state health officials have their eyes on Douglas and Riley 
counties, for example, where case counts rose after students returned to
 the state’s two largest universities for the new academic year.

They’re concerned, too, about increasing infections in several counties in
 the Wichita area. And though infections have slowed in southeast 
Kansas, where the delta variant spread quickly from nearby Missouri, 
public officials aren’t breathing a sigh of relief because vaccination 
rates remain low.

Another worrisome trend this fall: The number of
 infants and children developing such severe cases of COVID-19 that they
 end up in hospital beds and even on ventilators.

About this time 
last year, Kansas and Kansas City hospitals were caring for seven such 
cases. Now they’re caring for four times as many.

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/2021/9/1632322051428.png" alt="A COVID vaccine booth in Graham County. David Condos / Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>A COVID vaccine booth in Graham County. David Condos / Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-09-21/heres-a-glimmer-of-hope-that-the-delta-surge-in-kansas-is-slowing">Kansas News Service</a>When the delta variant arrived this summer, COVID-19 <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-07-26/kansas-coronavirus-cases-skyrocket-from-hundreds-to-thousands-per-week" target="_blank">hospitalizations in Kansas skyrocketed</a>. In just a few short months, hospitals went from serving about 100 coronavirus inpatients a day to treating 800 at a time.But, a month ago, hospitalizations leveled off and finally started sliding slightly downward.The state remains in a bad place, just better off than where it seemed headed.“The
 fact that we still have so many ICUs full is very concerning,” said 
Marci Nielsen, chief advisor to Governor Laura Kelly on the state’s 
pandemic response. “Health care workers are exhausted and burned out.”They spend hours just <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-08-18/a-kansas-doctor-tells-the-story-of-sending-her-critically-ill-covid-patient-570-miles-away" target="_blank">finding beds for patients</a>.
 Intensive care units are so taxed with patients in respiratory 
distress, that it delays medical treatment for others who need it badly,
 too. The University of Kansas Health System says about one in 10 of its
 <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article254257788.html" target="_blank">respiratory therapists quit</a> within the past month.Here’s how many inpatients Kansas hospitals reported each day — from last fall through the first week of September:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632322105639.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas hospitals have more than twice as many COVID-19 inpatients compared to September a year ago.And
 because many schools welcomed back their teachers and students last 
month to in-person classes and extracurricular activities without masks, anxiety lingers that this winter could fill more hospital beds than last.So any slowdown in COVID-19 hospitalizations is a welcome sight, but one that comes with no guarantees for what happens next.“It doesn’t tell us we can let down our guard,” Nielsen said.Only about half the state’s population is fully vaccinated.COVID-19 case countsThe highly contagious delta variant clobbered other countries, such as the United Kingdom, before the United States. When it <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/01/health/covid-delta-us-britain.html" target="_blank">waned after a few months</a>, that lifted the hopes of some scientists. Maybe the U.S. would see the same.In fact, the variant’s vicious surge is now <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#trends_dailycases" target="_blank">losing steam</a> in parts of the country and hospitalizations are dipping across the U.S.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632322142328.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>What about case counts here in Kansas?For the first time since June, the state health department has reported fewer newly identified cases two weeks in a row.Does
 that mean less virus passing around? This isn’t a simple question. The 
number of people who get tested fluctuates constantly. It shot up when 
the delta variant hit, but sank after Labor Day, Nielsen said.Here’s the count of newly identified cases per week since the start of the year:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632322171771.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>To further complicate matters, COVID cases made <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/world/united-kingdom-covid-cases.html" target="_blank">a second rally</a> in September in the U.K.And
 in the U.S. and Kansas, epidemiologists worry that even if the delta 
surge wanes in some places, its rapid growth will continue in others.In
 Kansas, state health officials have their eyes on Douglas and Riley 
counties, for example, where case counts rose after students returned to
 the state’s two largest universities for the new academic year.They’re concerned, too, about increasing infections in several counties in
 the Wichita area. And though infections have slowed in southeast 
Kansas, where the delta variant spread quickly from nearby Missouri, 
public officials aren’t breathing a sigh of relief because vaccination 
rates remain low.Another worrisome trend this fall: The number of
 infants and children developing such severe cases of COVID-19 that they
 end up in hospital beds and even on ventilators.About this time 
last year, Kansas and Kansas City hospitals were caring for seven such 
cases. Now they’re caring for four times as many.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.

Here's a glimmer of hope the delta surge in Kansas is slowing

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the case of the body found southwest of Salina say the case is a homicide, according Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan

 At approximately 10:50 a.m. Tuesday, the body of a man in his early 40s was found&nbsp;near the intersection of S. Halstead Road and W. McReynolds Road.

The sheriff has not released the name of the victim.

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a man in his early 40s after a body was found southwest of Salina Tuesday.

According to information from Sheriff Roger Soldan, a body was located near the intersection of S. Halstead Road and W. McReynolds Road at approximately 10:50 a.m. Tuesday. The body was that of a man in his early 40s. No other identifying information has been released.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Scene Response Team has been called in to assist with this investigation, Soldan noted in a news release.

Persons who witnessed any suspicious activity in this area or think they may have information in reference to this incident are asked to contact the Saline County Sheriff’s Office (785) 826-6500 or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-KSCRIME.

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostSALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the case of the body found southwest of Salina say the case is a homicide, according Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan At approximately 10:50 a.m. Tuesday, the body of a man in his early 40s was found&nbsp;near the intersection of S. Halstead Road and W. McReynolds Road.The sheriff has not released the name of the victim.---------SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a man in his early 40s after a body was found southwest of Salina Tuesday.According to information from Sheriff Roger Soldan, a body was located near the intersection of S. Halstead Road and W. McReynolds Road at approximately 10:50 a.m. Tuesday. The body was that of a man in his early 40s. No other identifying information has been released.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Scene Response Team has been called in to assist with this investigation, Soldan noted in a news release.Persons who witnessed any suspicious activity in this area or think they may have information in reference to this incident are asked to contact the Saline County Sheriff’s Office (785) 826-6500 or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-KSCRIME.

Homicide investigation: Man's body found southwest of Salina

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The search continues for the suspect accused in the Sept. 7, nightclub shooting in Wichita that killed one man and injured five women.

During a Sept. 16 news conference, members of the community including Wichita Vice Mayor Brandon Johnson asked the suspect 22-year-old Keshawn Dawson to turn himself in. Wichita Police Captain Jason Stephens said authorities do not know where Dawson is in hiding. Police have received information that suggests he may be in south Wichita, according to Stephens.&nbsp; 

There is a reward of up to $2500 through Crime Stoppers for information in the case that leads to an arrest.&nbsp;

Police say Dawson is armed and dangerous. He was released from prison in December of 2020 after serving time for weapons violations.

Just after 12:30 a.m. Sept. 7, police responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosley in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims.&nbsp; They were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; One victim identified as 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita died from his injuries. Friends and family held his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-kendra-and-the-spencer-family?fbclid=IwAR1CeDwwCQIfSCoQNv5hK0sgu10mWuhu3Tv8iapl8Qnv-1Q6hJWoNgFeDag">memorial service</a>&nbsp;on Monday.

The other victims, all women ages, 22, Two age 24, 28 and 40, received non life-threatening injuries, according to Stephens. Most of the injuries were to the legs. One had an injury to an arm and her lower back.&nbsp; All of the women are expected to survive.

The investigation revealed a male suspect identified as Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.

Anyone with information on Dawson is asked to call 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631032156553.png" alt="Dawson photo from an earlier arrest in Sedgwick County.&nbsp; He is described as 5-foot-11, and 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes." />
 <figcaption>Dawson photo from an earlier arrest in Sedgwick County.&nbsp; He is described as 5-foot-11, and 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —The search continues for the suspect accused in the Sept. 7, nightclub shooting in Wichita that killed one man and injured five women.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWichitaPolice%2Fvideos%2F415078036812791%2F&show_text=true&width=560&t=51" width="560" height="429" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>During a Sept. 16 news conference, members of the community including Wichita Vice Mayor Brandon Johnson asked the suspect 22-year-old Keshawn Dawson to turn himself in. Wichita Police Captain Jason Stephens said authorities do not know where Dawson is in hiding. Police have received information that suggests he may be in south Wichita, according to Stephens.&nbsp; There is a reward of up to $2500 through Crime Stoppers for information in the case that leads to an arrest.&nbsp;Police say Dawson is armed and dangerous. He was released from prison in December of 2020 after serving time for weapons violations.Just after 12:30 a.m. Sept. 7, police responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosley in Wichita.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims.&nbsp; They were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; One victim identified as 34-year-old Preston Spencer of Wichita died from his injuries. Friends and family held his <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-kendra-and-the-spencer-family?fbclid=IwAR1CeDwwCQIfSCoQNv5hK0sgu10mWuhu3Tv8iapl8Qnv-1Q6hJWoNgFeDag">memorial service</a>&nbsp;on Monday.The other victims, all women ages, 22, Two age 24, 28 and 40, received non life-threatening injuries, according to Stephens. Most of the injuries were to the legs. One had an injury to an arm and her lower back.&nbsp; All of the women are expected to survive.The investigation revealed a male suspect identified as Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was made to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.Anyone with information on Dawson is asked to call 911.---------------

After two weeks, Kansas club shooting suspect still at large

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator and veteran Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Senators Ted Cruz, James Lankford, and Tommy Tuberville&nbsp;in introducing the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/HEY21B23-2.pdf" target="_blank">COVID-19 Vaccine Dishonorable Discharge Prevention Act</a>.

It prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from giving U.S. service members a dishonorable discharge for choosing not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

The House Armed Services Committee recently passed similar language led by Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) in an amendment to the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation comes on the heels of President Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/09/09/1035149651/biden-will-require-vaccines-for-federal-workers-as-part-of-a-new-covid-strategy" target="_blank">mandating millions</a>&nbsp;of Americans – including service members – to get vaccinated and the DOD issuing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-army/2021/09/14/armys-plan-for-mandatory-covid-19-vaccines-is-here/" target="_blank">guidance</a>&nbsp;stating that soldiers who refuse the vaccine will face “administrative or non-judicial punishment [under UCMJ] – to include relief of duties or discharge.”

“As a physician and veteran who is confident that the vaccine has saved countless lives, I believe vaccinating our service members against COVID-19 is an important effort; however, whether or not to receive the vaccine should be a personal choice between an individual and their doctor,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“Service members who refuse to get vaccinated, and are subsequently separated from the service, should not receive anything other than an honorable discharge. There is no question about it: American heroes should not be treated as felons because of their personal medical choices.”

“It’s an insult to our servicemen and women who have served with honor to dishonorably discharge them for refusing the COVID vaccine. It is the same way we dishonorably discharge those convicted of serious crimes such as treason, desertion, sexual assault, and murder. Forcing all service members, including pregnant women and those who have already had COVID-19, to receive the vaccine is just one more example of President Biden and his administration putting politics ahead of science. I am proud to join Sen. Marshall on this crucial bill to ensure the proper steps are taken by the military chain of command in response to those seeking exemptions from this vaccine,”&nbsp;said Senator Cruz.

“When America shut down last year, our military personnel continued to serve us at home and abroad,”&nbsp;said Senator Lankford.&nbsp;“Now, Biden wants to remove service members who have already recovered from COVID, but will not also take the vaccine, or have a medical, religious or personal reason not to take the vaccine.&nbsp;Our men and women in uniform have fought to protect the freedoms we enjoy, and it’s right for us to protect their freedom now to choose whether or not to get the vaccine. President Biden should not give our military members a ‘less than honorable’ or ‘dishonorable’ discharge from the military for a conscious objection to a vaccine after they have risked their lives for our country. ”

“The brave men and women of our military who make the personal medical decision to not to take the COVID-19 vaccine should not receive anything other than an honorable discharge. I was proud to get this legislation included as an amendment to the NDAA in the House and am grateful to Senator Marshall for his leadership in the Senate,”&nbsp;said Representative Green.

Dishonorably discharged U.S. service members surrender the following rights and benefits:

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ownership of any sort of firearm or ammunition

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Access to the GI Bill for further education

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;VA home loans

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;VA medical benefits

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Military Funeral Honors

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Re-enlistment in another military branch

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629972789785.png" alt="&nbsp;photo U.S. Dept. of Defense" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;photo U.S. Dept. of Defense</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator and veteran Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Senators Ted Cruz, James Lankford, and Tommy Tuberville&nbsp;in introducing the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marshall.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/HEY21B23-2.pdf" target="_blank">COVID-19 Vaccine Dishonorable Discharge Prevention Act</a>.It prohibits the Department of Defense (DOD) from giving U.S. service members a dishonorable discharge for choosing not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The House Armed Services Committee recently passed similar language led by Rep. Mark Green (R-TN) in an amendment to the FY2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation comes on the heels of President Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/09/09/1035149651/biden-will-require-vaccines-for-federal-workers-as-part-of-a-new-covid-strategy" target="_blank">mandating millions</a>&nbsp;of Americans – including service members – to get vaccinated and the DOD issuing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-army/2021/09/14/armys-plan-for-mandatory-covid-19-vaccines-is-here/" target="_blank">guidance</a>&nbsp;stating that soldiers who refuse the vaccine will face “administrative or non-judicial punishment [under UCMJ] – to include relief of duties or discharge.”“As a physician and veteran who is confident that the vaccine has saved countless lives, I believe vaccinating our service members against COVID-19 is an important effort; however, whether or not to receive the vaccine should be a personal choice between an individual and their doctor,”&nbsp;said Senator Marshall.&nbsp;“Service members who refuse to get vaccinated, and are subsequently separated from the service, should not receive anything other than an honorable discharge. There is no question about it: American heroes should not be treated as felons because of their personal medical choices.”“It’s an insult to our servicemen and women who have served with honor to dishonorably discharge them for refusing the COVID vaccine. It is the same way we dishonorably discharge those convicted of serious crimes such as treason, desertion, sexual assault, and murder. Forcing all service members, including pregnant women and those who have already had COVID-19, to receive the vaccine is just one more example of President Biden and his administration putting politics ahead of science. I am proud to join Sen. Marshall on this crucial bill to ensure the proper steps are taken by the military chain of command in response to those seeking exemptions from this vaccine,”&nbsp;said Senator Cruz.“When America shut down last year, our military personnel continued to serve us at home and abroad,”&nbsp;said Senator Lankford.&nbsp;“Now, Biden wants to remove service members who have already recovered from COVID, but will not also take the vaccine, or have a medical, religious or personal reason not to take the vaccine.&nbsp;Our men and women in uniform have fought to protect the freedoms we enjoy, and it’s right for us to protect their freedom now to choose whether or not to get the vaccine. President Biden should not give our military members a ‘less than honorable’ or ‘dishonorable’ discharge from the military for a conscious objection to a vaccine after they have risked their lives for our country. ”“The brave men and women of our military who make the personal medical decision to not to take the COVID-19 vaccine should not receive anything other than an honorable discharge. I was proud to get this legislation included as an amendment to the NDAA in the House and am grateful to Senator Marshall for his leadership in the Senate,”&nbsp;said Representative Green.Background:Dishonorably discharged U.S. service members surrender the following rights and benefits:·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ownership of any sort of firearm or ammunition·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Access to the GI Bill for further education·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;VA home loans·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;VA medical benefits·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Military Funeral Honors·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Re-enlistment in another military branch

Bill prohibits dishonorable discharge for unvaccinated service members

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting near a&nbsp; Wichita high school have&nbsp;arrested a 17-year-old boy and two 16-year-old boy, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

At approximately 12:20 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 2300 block of East Douglas.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old who both had minor gunshot wounds.&nbsp; They were taken to an area hospital for medical treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and released from the hospital, according to Davidson.

Later, officers were notified of another 15-year-old who had a superficial gunshot wound and received medical treatment on the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632304941239.png" alt="The Wichita East High building was struck twice by gunfire. Both shots ricocheted off windows and did not penetrate the building-photo courtesy KWCH&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The Wichita East High building was struck twice by gunfire. Both shots ricocheted off windows and did not penetrate the building-photo courtesy KWCH&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting near a&nbsp; Wichita high school have&nbsp;arrested a 17-year-old boy and two 16-year-old boy, according to Officer Charley Davidson.At approximately 12:20 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting in the 2300 block of East Douglas.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old who both had minor gunshot wounds.&nbsp; They were taken to an area hospital for medical treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and released from the hospital, according to Davidson.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/ETyrQAMN6D">pic.twitter.com/ETyrQAMN6D</a>&mdash; East High Aces (@EastHighAces) <a href="https://twitter.com/EastHighAces/status/1440406957907611652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Later, officers were notified of another 15-year-old who had a superficial gunshot wound and received medical treatment on the scene.The investigation revealed the three suspects pulled into an alley north of Douglas off Spruce in a gray Volkswagen Passat.&nbsp; The suspects exited the vehicle and approached the 15-year-old and 17-year-old victims on Spruce North of Douglas.&nbsp; Multiple shots were fired toward the victims, striking them and East High School.&nbsp; The victims then ran across Douglas to a food truck parked on the Southside of Douglas where officers contacted them.&nbsp; The suspects fled in the Passat. Officers later learned another 15-year-old boy was outside the school when he sustained a superficial gunshot wound.&nbsp; The three victims are all students of East High school.With the help of alert witnesses, officers obtained the vehicle description and tag number of the suspect vehicle.&nbsp; The information was placed into WPD’s Flock License Plate Reader program that helped track the suspects and suspect vehicle to the 1900 block of South Roanoke where the suspects were arrested.&nbsp; Officers located a handgun inside of the vehicle and other evidence related to the shooting.The East High building was struck twice by gunfire.&nbsp; Both shots ricocheted off windows and did not penetrate the building.&nbsp;This was not a random incident and is believed to stem from ongoing disputes, according to Davidson.