Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. is launching a new effort to incentivize more Americans to get the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a media release from the company.

 The CommunityImmunity&nbsp;giveaway campaign&nbsp;will start next week and provide individuals, including customers and associates, the opportunity to win life-changing prizes like one of five $1 million payouts and 50 chances to win free groceries for a year.

The program comes after a collaboration with the Biden Administration to encourage increased vaccinations as part of the national push to have at least 70% of U.S. adults with at least their first dose by July 10.

"The faster we reach community immunity, the sooner we can all get back to enjoying backyard barbecues, live music and gathering for special occasions," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "We greatly appreciate President Joe Biden's leadership and partnership with the private sector to increase vaccinations among the U.S. population, especially people of color and individuals under age 30. As an employer, grocery provider, and community partner, the&nbsp;#CommunityImmunity&nbsp;giveaway is another way we are doing our part to help America recover from the public health crisis and safely return to normal."

As of Thursday, the Kroger Health organization's pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and healthcare technicians have distributed more than 4.6 million&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccines&nbsp;— and that number continues to grow daily.

Kroger Health will announce prizes, official rules, and eligibility next week for the #CommunityImmunity&nbsp;giveaway. Prizes will include five $1 million giveaways for a total of $5 million and 10 free groceries-for-a-year giveaways each week for five weeks, totaling 50 winners.

"To vaccinate more Americans and help bring this pandemic to an end, we all have to do our part, and it's exciting that Kroger is using innovative tactics to encourage vaccinations among its millions of customers across the country," said Ian Sams, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). "Businesses like Kroger are stepping up to the plate to encourage vaccinations, as we pursue President Biden's goal of having 70% of adults with at least their first dose by Independence Day."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622203472969.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. is launching a new effort to incentivize more Americans to get the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a media release from the company. The CommunityImmunity&nbsp;giveaway campaign&nbsp;will start next week and provide individuals, including customers and associates, the opportunity to win life-changing prizes like one of five $1 million payouts and 50 chances to win free groceries for a year.The program comes after a collaboration with the Biden Administration to encourage increased vaccinations as part of the national push to have at least 70% of U.S. adults with at least their first dose by July 10."The faster we reach community immunity, the sooner we can all get back to enjoying backyard barbecues, live music and gathering for special occasions," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "We greatly appreciate President Joe Biden's leadership and partnership with the private sector to increase vaccinations among the U.S. population, especially people of color and individuals under age 30. As an employer, grocery provider, and community partner, the&nbsp;#CommunityImmunity&nbsp;giveaway is another way we are doing our part to help America recover from the public health crisis and safely return to normal."As of Thursday, the Kroger Health organization's pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and healthcare technicians have distributed more than 4.6 million&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccines&nbsp;— and that number continues to grow daily.Kroger Health will announce prizes, official rules, and eligibility next week for the #CommunityImmunity&nbsp;giveaway. Prizes will include five $1 million giveaways for a total of $5 million and 10 free groceries-for-a-year giveaways each week for five weeks, totaling 50 winners."To vaccinate more Americans and help bring this pandemic to an end, we all have to do our part, and it's exciting that Kroger is using innovative tactics to encourage vaccinations among its millions of customers across the country," said Ian Sams, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). "Businesses like Kroger are stepping up to the plate to encourage vaccinations, as we pursue President Biden's goal of having 70% of adults with at least their first dose by Independence Day."

Kroger/Dillons to launch $5M giveaway to encourage vaccinations

SEWARD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple charges after her son called 911.

Just after 6:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to the 600 Block of North Pershing Avenue in Liberal after a 911 hang-up call, according to a media release from police.

Investigators determined a 31-year-old woman had driven a 2011 Ford Explorer while under the influence of alcohol while her children were in the vehicle.

The oldest child, a 14-year-old was in the passenger seat and became scared for himself and his siblings.&nbsp; The son reached over, placed the SUV in neutral, steered it to the side of the road and called 911. Police located the vehicle on North Pershing.

Police arrested the driver on requested charges of DUI, aggravated child endangerment and intimidation of a victim, according to police. The driver is also being held for domestic battery and criminal damage from an incident at another location.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

SEWARD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple charges after her son called 911.Just after 6:30a.m. Wednesday, police responded to the 600 Block of North Pershing Avenue in Liberal after a 911 hang-up call, according to a media release from police.Investigators determined a 31-year-old woman had driven a 2011 Ford Explorer while under the influence of alcohol while her children were in the vehicle.The oldest child, a 14-year-old was in the passenger seat and became scared for himself and his siblings.&nbsp; The son reached over, placed the SUV in neutral, steered it to the side of the road and called 911. Police located the vehicle on North Pershing.Police arrested the driver on requested charges of DUI, aggravated child endangerment and intimidation of a victim, according to police. The driver is also being held for domestic battery and criminal damage from an incident at another location.&nbsp; Police released no additional details.

Kan. boy calls 911 to protect siblings during mom's DUI drive

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as&nbsp;Aaron D. Shepherd, 49 of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Just before 5a.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 1200 Block SW 17th Street in Topeka, according to Lt. John Sturgeon.

At the scene, officer found Shepherd with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; Emergency crews transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to Sturgeon.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.

At the scene, officer found an adult man with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; Emergency crews transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to Sturgeon.

Police have not released the victim's identity or reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622125588529.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation early Thoursday -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation early Thoursday -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as&nbsp;Aaron D. Shepherd, 49 of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Just before 5a.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 1200 Block SW 17th Street in Topeka, according to Lt. John Sturgeon.At the scene, officer found Shepherd with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; Emergency crews transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to Sturgeon.----------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.Just before 5a.m. Thursday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 1200 Block SW 17th Street in Topeka, according to Lt. John Sturgeon.At the scene, officer found an adult man with a gunshot wound.&nbsp; Emergency crews transported the victim to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to Sturgeon.Police have not released the victim's identity or reported an arrest.

Police ID man who died after shooting at Kansas home

SALINE COUNTY—The three month search for a Kansas murder suspect ended Wednesday with the arrest of 36-year-old Nelson Hull and a woman believed to be helping him hide from authorities.

Police arrested Hull after a 2 1/2 hour standoff with Salina SWAT Team at a residence in the 500 Block of East Stimmel Road in Salina, according to a social media report from Salina police.

Based on information uncovered during the investigation, police also arrested 41-year Julie Ecton who resides at 511 E. Stimmel Road.

She was booked on requested charges of obstructing apprehension or prosecution, according to online booking records.

On Feb. 27, police identified Hull as a suspect in the murder of 36-year-old Courtney Ann Hoffman. She was found dead of a gunshot wound in a car in the 700 block of N. Fourth Street in Salina.

Hull is being held on requested charges of Murder in the first degree, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and a Probation violation.

In late February, police arrested Clarence Darnyl Brown, 34, of Salina, in connection with the case. Brown was booked on requested charges of Aiding and abetting first degree murder, Criminal solicitation and Interference with law enforcement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622129212395.jpeg" alt="Ecton photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Ecton photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—The three month search for a Kansas murder suspect ended Wednesday with the arrest of 36-year-old Nelson Hull and a woman believed to be helping him hide from authorities.Police arrested Hull after a 2 1/2 hour standoff with Salina SWAT Team at a residence in the 500 Block of East Stimmel Road in Salina, according to a social media report from Salina police.Based on information uncovered during the investigation, police also arrested 41-year Julie Ecton who resides at 511 E. Stimmel Road.She was booked on requested charges of obstructing apprehension or prosecution, according to online booking records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622111909347.png" alt="Hull photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Hull photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Feb. 27, police identified Hull as a suspect in the murder of 36-year-old Courtney Ann Hoffman. She was found dead of a gunshot wound in a car in the 700 block of N. Fourth Street in Salina.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614348886825.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal February shooting investigation in Salina -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal February shooting investigation in Salina -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>Hull is being held on requested charges of Murder in the first degree, Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and a Probation violation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614629894498.png" alt="Clarence Brown photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Clarence Brown photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In late February, police arrested Clarence Darnyl Brown, 34, of Salina, in connection with the case. Brown was booked on requested charges of Aiding and abetting first degree murder, Criminal solicitation and Interference with law enforcement.

Kansas woman accused of helping hide murder suspect

CASSVILLE, Mo. (AP) — A Verona woman and her boyfriend acknowledged in plea deals this week that they did not seek medical treatment in a timely manner for her 3-year-old son before he died.

Sarah L. Garbee, 27, of Verona, was scheduled to go to trial Monday on a felony child abuse charge. Instead, she pleaded guilty to first-degree child endangerment. The plea deal calls for a seven-year sentence with a court review after 120 days for possible probation.

Garbee’s boyfriend, Caleb Williams, who also was charged with child abuse, entered an Alford plea Monday to two felony counts of endangerment. The deal calls for him to serve consecutive prison terms of three years and five years.

The couple told investigators the boy first became sick on July 16, 2019, and had a temperature for a week but they didn't think the illness was serious. His condition worsened on July 23 but he became unresponsive on the way to the hospital and died on July 24, 2019.

An autopsy determined that the child died of blunt force trauma to his abdomen that ruptured his small intestine, leading to peritonitis.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622062054993.png" alt="Williams photo Lawrence Co." />
 <figcaption>Williams photo Lawrence Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>CASSVILLE, Mo. (AP) — A Verona woman and her boyfriend acknowledged in plea deals this week that they did not seek medical treatment in a timely manner for her 3-year-old son before he died.Sarah L. Garbee, 27, of Verona, was scheduled to go to trial Monday on a felony child abuse charge. Instead, she pleaded guilty to first-degree child endangerment. The plea deal calls for a seven-year sentence with a court review after 120 days for possible probation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622062031714.png" alt="Garbee photo Lawrence Co." />
 <figcaption>Garbee photo Lawrence Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Garbee’s boyfriend, Caleb Williams, who also was charged with child abuse, entered an Alford plea Monday to two felony counts of endangerment. The deal calls for him to serve consecutive prison terms of three years and five years.They will both be sentenced July 20.The couple told investigators the boy first became sick on July 16, 2019, and had a temperature for a week but they didn't think the illness was serious. His condition worsened on July 23 but he became unresponsive on the way to the hospital and died on July 24, 2019.An autopsy determined that the child died of blunt force trauma to his abdomen that ruptured his small intestine, leading to peritonitis.

Couple admits not seeking timely treatment before boy's death

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a shooting that injured a 6-year-old have made an arrest.

Just before 1:30 pm Monday, police were dispatched to the 3100 block of South Yale in Wichita for reports of gunshots heard in the area, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

A witness reported a vehicle leaving the area with adults and one child. That vehicle arrived at an area hospital a short time later with a six-year-old boy who had suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Officers stopped an adult suspect identified as 22-year-old Abdulrahman Melhem of Wichita. The shooting was reported to be accidental.&nbsp;

Later, police arrested Melhem on requested charges of reckless aggravated battery, according to Macy.

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a 6-year-old.&nbsp;

Just before 1:30 pm Monday, police were dispatched to the 3100 block of South Yale in Wichita for reports of gunshots heard in the area, according to Officer Trevor Macey. 

A Witness reported a vehicle leaving the area with adults and one child. That vehicle arrived at an area hospital a short time later with a six-year-old boy who had suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

The adult male suspect was stopped by officers. The shooting was reported to be accidental.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622141626884.png" alt="Melhem photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Melhem photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities&nbsp; investigating a shooting that injured a 6-year-old have made an arrest.Just before 1:30 pm Monday, police were dispatched to the 3100 block of South Yale in Wichita for reports of gunshots heard in the area, according to Officer Trevor Macy.A witness reported a vehicle leaving the area with adults and one child. That vehicle arrived at an area hospital a short time later with a six-year-old boy who had suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.Officers stopped an adult suspect identified as 22-year-old Abdulrahman Melhem of Wichita. The shooting was reported to be accidental.&nbsp;Later, police arrested Melhem on requested charges of reckless aggravated battery, according to Macy.The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s office.-------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting that injured a 6-year-old.&nbsp;Just before 1:30 pm Monday, police were dispatched to the 3100 block of South Yale in Wichita for reports of gunshots heard in the area, according to Officer Trevor Macey. A Witness reported a vehicle leaving the area with adults and one child. That vehicle arrived at an area hospital a short time later with a six-year-old boy who had suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.The adult male suspect was stopped by officers. The shooting was reported to be accidental.&nbsp; Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Arrest made after 6-year-old Kan. boy injured in shooting

KANSAS CITY—First Lady Dr. Jill Biden stopped by a vaccination clinic at Metropolitan Community College, 3200 Broadway, in Kansas City Thursday afternoon.&nbsp; 

The school is working to find creative ways to encourage young people to get vaccinated.

The school reminded area residents they still have Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines available for walk-ins at the MCC-Penn Valley Education Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622153299060.png" alt="Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver greet a patient waiting to get the shot. -Photos courtesy MCC" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver greet a patient waiting to get the shot. -Photos courtesy MCC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—First Lady Dr. Jill Biden stopped by a vaccination clinic at Metropolitan Community College, 3200 Broadway, in Kansas City Thursday afternoon.&nbsp; <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Welcome to Kansas City, <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLOTUS</a>! 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/fEDzST3V4A">pic.twitter.com/fEDzST3V4A</a>&mdash; Mayor Quinton Lucas (@MayorLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorLucasKC/status/1397988804024320001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The school is working to find creative ways to encourage young people to get vaccinated.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622153540164.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The school reminded area residents they still have Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines available for walk-ins at the MCC-Penn Valley Education Center.

First Lady Jill Biden visits Kansas City vaccination clinic

SEWARD, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say sheriff's deputies in a southeast Nebraska county seized 103 pounds of methamphetamine in two stops this week. 

Seward County Sheriff Michael Vance says deputies recovered 3 pounds of the drug on Monday near the Goehner exit off Interstate 80.

A man from Council Bluffs, Iowa, and a woman from California were arrested. On Wednesday, deputies stopped a minivan for a traffic violation near the Milford exit on the interstate. A search found 100 pounds of methamphetamine in the van. A man identified as Dallas T. Faarmausili from Benton, Washington, was arrested.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622149005354.png" alt="Faarmausili -photo Seward County" />
 <figcaption>Faarmausili -photo Seward County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say sheriff's deputies in a southeast Nebraska county seized 103 pounds of methamphetamine in two stops this week. Seward County Sheriff Michael Vance says deputies recovered 3 pounds of the drug on Monday near the Goehner exit off Interstate 80.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622149047341.png" alt="Deputies say the meth was purchased for $2 million dollars and was to be delivered to New Jersey" />
 <figcaption>Deputies say the meth was purchased for $2 million dollars and was to be delivered to New Jersey</figcaption>
 </figure>A man from Council Bluffs, Iowa, and a woman from California were arrested. On Wednesday, deputies stopped a minivan for a traffic violation near the Milford exit on the interstate. A search found 100 pounds of methamphetamine in the van. A man identified as Dallas T. Faarmausili from Benton, Washington, was arrested.

Deputies seize 103 pounds of meth bought for $2 Million

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City are investigating two separate homicides that occurred Thursday morning.

The first occurred just before 1 a.m. at an apartment complex just north of Riss Lake, police said. Officers were called to the apartment building for a report of gunshots and found a woman with gunshot wounds in a common area of the building, police said in a news release. The woman was declared dead at the scene.

The second homicide was reported around 7 a.m. just west of U.S. 71 in a residential area near the Swope Park Campus, police said. Officers called to that scene found a man inside a home who appeared to have been shot. Police said he died at the scene.

Police did not immediately release the names of those killed and had not announced any arrests by late morning Thursday.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City are investigating two separate homicides that occurred Thursday morning.The first occurred just before 1 a.m. at an apartment complex just north of Riss Lake, police said. Officers were called to the apartment building for a report of gunshots and found a woman with gunshot wounds in a common area of the building, police said in a news release. The woman was declared dead at the scene.The second homicide was reported around 7 a.m. just west of U.S. 71 in a residential area near the Swope Park Campus, police said. Officers called to that scene found a man inside a home who appeared to have been shot. Police said he died at the scene.Police did not immediately release the names of those killed and had not announced any arrests by late morning Thursday.

Police in Kansas City investigate 2 more shooting deaths

WASHINGTON —The United States Senate on Thursday passed a bill by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/us-senate-unanimously-passes-senator-hawleys-police-suicide-prevention-legislation" target="_blank">U.S. Senator Josh Hawley</a>&nbsp;of Missouri&nbsp; to require the Biden administration to declassify intelligence related to any potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) and the origins of the Covid pandemic. Both Kansas Senators joined in the unanimous approval of the measure.

The bill is cosponsored by Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.).

In March 2020, Senator Hawley was the first member of Congress to call for&nbsp;an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/senator-hawley-calls-international-investigation-chinas-coronavirus-cover" target="_blank">international investigation</a>&nbsp;into China’s cover-up of the spread of coronavirus and, in April 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/senator-hawley-announces-bill-hold-chinese-communist-party-responsible-covid-19-pandemic" target="_blank">introduced legislation</a>&nbsp;to allow American citizens to sue the Chinese government for damages.

WASHINGTON —The United States Senate on Thursday passed a bill by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/us-senate-unanimously-passes-senator-hawleys-police-suicide-prevention-legislation" target="_blank">U.S. Senator Josh Hawley</a>&nbsp;of Missouri&nbsp; to require the Biden administration to declassify intelligence related to any potential links between the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) and the origins of the Covid pandemic. Both Kansas Senators joined in the unanimous approval of the measure.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nnjjgod---M?start=4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The bill is cosponsored by Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.).In March 2020, Senator Hawley was the first member of Congress to call for&nbsp;an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/senator-hawley-calls-international-investigation-chinas-coronavirus-cover" target="_blank">international investigation</a>&nbsp;into China’s cover-up of the spread of coronavirus and, in April 2020,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hawley.senate.gov/senator-hawley-announces-bill-hold-chinese-communist-party-responsible-covid-19-pandemic" target="_blank">introduced legislation</a>&nbsp;to allow American citizens to sue the Chinese government for damages.

🎥  Kan. Senators vote to declassify intel on origin of COVID-19

LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas couple for alleged animal cruelty.

Authorities say the couple face possible animal cruelty charges after 17 dogs were removed from their home. Lyon County Sheriff's deputies and animal control officers went to the home Wednesday to serve a court order to remove all but five animals from the home. 

The Hartford Municipal Court order said the animals were a nuisance and part of an unauthorized kennel. Deputies found poor living conditions in the home and removed 17 dogs, 14 of which were a dog-wolf breed. 

The homeowners, Thomas and Rhonda Staggs, are jailed in Lyon County on unrelated warrants and a requested charge of animal cruelty.&nbsp;Formal charges are pending through the Lyon County Attorney’s Office.

Guardian of the Wolves animal rescue is caring for the animals.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622130842400.png" alt="Staggs-photo Lyon County" />
 <figcaption>Staggs-photo Lyon County</figcaption>
 </figure>LYON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas couple for alleged animal cruelty.Authorities say the couple face possible animal cruelty charges after 17 dogs were removed from their home. Lyon County Sheriff's deputies and animal control officers went to the home Wednesday to serve a court order to remove all but five animals from the home. The Hartford Municipal Court order said the animals were a nuisance and part of an unauthorized kennel. Deputies found poor living conditions in the home and removed 17 dogs, 14 of which were a dog-wolf breed. The homeowners, Thomas and Rhonda Staggs, are jailed in Lyon County on unrelated warrants and a requested charge of animal cruelty.&nbsp;Formal charges are pending through the Lyon County Attorney’s Office.Guardian of the Wolves animal rescue is caring for the animals.--------

Kansas couple arrested after 17 dogs removed from home

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal car accident and have&nbsp; identified 32-year-old Kasondra Mantey of Wichita as the victim.

Just before midnight Wednesday, Mantey was driving a vehicle eastbound in the 1400 Block of Pawnee in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.&nbsp; The car left the road and struck a power pole.

First responders pronounced her dead at the scene.

This is the 18th traffic fatality in Wichita this year, according to Macy.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal car accident and have&nbsp; identified 32-year-old Kasondra Mantey of Wichita as the victim.Just before midnight Wednesday, Mantey was driving a vehicle eastbound in the 1400 Block of Pawnee in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.&nbsp; The car left the road and struck a power pole.First responders pronounced her dead at the scene.This is the 18th traffic fatality in Wichita this year, according to Macy.

Police: Kan. woman died after car struck power pole

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A southwest Missouri woman pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor Wednesday for a 2019 crash that caused the death of an 11-year-old girl.

Mikaila Koch, 19, admitted to careless and imprudent driving before the crash on Highway 65 in Springfield that killed Izabella Lightner and injured another person.

The plea called for Koch, who was originally charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault, to be sentenced to 10 days in jail, 200 hours of community service and two years on probation.

Court documents said Koch was driving 81 mph immediately before she rear-ended a car carrying Izabella, her mother and her sister. Koch also admitted she was adjusting bags in the car moments before the crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622063513164.png" alt="Koch photo Polk Co." />
 <figcaption>Koch photo Polk Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A southwest Missouri woman pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor Wednesday for a 2019 crash that caused the death of an 11-year-old girl.Mikaila Koch, 19, admitted to careless and imprudent driving before the crash on Highway 65 in Springfield that killed Izabella Lightner and injured another person.The plea called for Koch, who was originally charged with involuntary manslaughter and assault, to be sentenced to 10 days in jail, 200 hours of community service and two years on probation.Court documents said Koch was driving 81 mph immediately before she rear-ended a car carrying Izabella, her mother and her sister. Koch also admitted she was adjusting bags in the car moments before the crash.

Teen pleads guilty in crash that killed 11-year-old girl

JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting in Johnson County.

Just before 5p.m. Wednesday, police responded to the 1100 Block of East Santa Fe Street in Olathe for report of a suspicious person parked in the parking lot, according to a media release.

While contacting the adult male, officers noticed a firearm in the vehicle. The man pointed the gun at the officer.&nbsp; The officer fired his department issued handgun striking the man who ran from the vehicle.

Police caught him quickly and EMS transported him to a nearby hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Officials activated the Johnson County multi-jurisdictional officer-involved shooting investigation team to investigate the incident, according to the release. As a matter of standard procedure, the officer has been placed on administrative leave.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622115790951.png" alt="Police on the scene of Wednesday's officer-involved shooting photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of Wednesday's officer-involved shooting photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting in Johnson County.Just before 5p.m. Wednesday, police responded to the 1100 Block of East Santa Fe Street in Olathe for report of a suspicious person parked in the parking lot, according to a media release.While contacting the adult male, officers noticed a firearm in the vehicle. The man pointed the gun at the officer.&nbsp; The officer fired his department issued handgun striking the man who ran from the vehicle.Police caught him quickly and EMS transported him to a nearby hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery.Officials activated the Johnson County multi-jurisdictional officer-involved shooting investigation team to investigate the incident, according to the release. As a matter of standard procedure, the officer has been placed on administrative leave.

Man wounded in Kansas officer-involved shooting

KANSAS CITY —The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, Wednesday released the cause of the fire that destroyed a part of the Waldo Heights Apartment Complex, according to a media release from the ATF.

The fire, which was reported to the Kansas City Fire Department at approximately 7:00 p.m. on December 28, caused an estimated $2.5 million in damages and displaced dozens of residents. Several residents were injured as they jumped from the third floor of the building to avoid the flames. 

The fire was investigated by Special Agent/Certified Fire Investigators from ATF’s Kansas City Field Division, ATF’s National Response Team, along with the Kansas City Police Department’s Bomb and Arson Unit and the Kansas City Fire Department’s Fire Investigation’s Unit.

The joint investigation revealed that the fire was intentionally set on the third floor of the building moments before the fire was reported to authorities.

ATF agents and detectives from the Kansas City Police Department’s Bomb and Arson Unit are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person responsible for setting the fire. Anyone with information is asked to the call the Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS or contact the ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ATFTips@atf.gov">ATFTips@atf.gov</a>, or contact ATF through its website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips">www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips</a>. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to ATF by texting ATFKC to 63975 and following the prompts.

This fire was investigated by ATF’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atf.gov/explosives/national-response-team">National Response Team (NRT)</a>. ATF developed the NRT to bring its expertise to federal, state and local investigators in meeting the challenges faced at the scenes of significant fire incidents. The NRT consists of four teams organized geographically to cover the United States. The teams are each composed of veteran special agents who have extensive post blast and fire origin and cause expertise; forensic chemists; explosives enforcement officers; fire protection engineers; accelerant detection canines and electrical engineers. The team works alongside state and local officers in reconstructing the scene, identifying the seat of the blast or origin of the fire, conducting interviews, and sifting through debris to obtain evidence related to the bombing/arson. The team was last deployed to Kansas City to investigate a 2015 fire that killed two Kansas City firemen. That fire was also intentionally set and the arsonist was convicted in the 16th Circuit of Missouri.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609251195844.png" alt="Crews fighting the apartment fire photo <a href="https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/2-taken-to-hospital-following-large-fire-at-waldo-heights-apartments/article_cc28349a-497e-11eb-b9f3-336bf837a01b.html?block_id=991162">courtesy KCTV</a>" />
 <figcaption>Crews fighting the apartment fire photo <a href="https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/2-taken-to-hospital-following-large-fire-at-waldo-heights-apartments/article_cc28349a-497e-11eb-b9f3-336bf837a01b.html?block_id=991162">courtesy KCTV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, Wednesday released the cause of the fire that destroyed a part of the Waldo Heights Apartment Complex, according to a media release from the ATF.The fire, which was reported to the Kansas City Fire Department at approximately 7:00 p.m. on December 28, caused an estimated $2.5 million in damages and displaced dozens of residents. Several residents were injured as they jumped from the third floor of the building to avoid the flames. The fire was investigated by Special Agent/Certified Fire Investigators from ATF’s Kansas City Field Division, ATF’s National Response Team, along with the Kansas City Police Department’s Bomb and Arson Unit and the Kansas City Fire Department’s Fire Investigation’s Unit.The joint investigation revealed that the fire was intentionally set on the third floor of the building moments before the fire was reported to authorities.ATF agents and detectives from the Kansas City Police Department’s Bomb and Arson Unit are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person responsible for setting the fire. Anyone with information is asked to the call the Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS or contact the ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS, email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ATFTips@atf.gov">ATFTips@atf.gov</a>, or contact ATF through its website at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips">www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips</a>. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to ATF by texting ATFKC to 63975 and following the prompts.This fire was investigated by ATF’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atf.gov/explosives/national-response-team">National Response Team (NRT)</a>. ATF developed the NRT to bring its expertise to federal, state and local investigators in meeting the challenges faced at the scenes of significant fire incidents. The NRT consists of four teams organized geographically to cover the United States. The teams are each composed of veteran special agents who have extensive post blast and fire origin and cause expertise; forensic chemists; explosives enforcement officers; fire protection engineers; accelerant detection canines and electrical engineers. The team works alongside state and local officers in reconstructing the scene, identifying the seat of the blast or origin of the fire, conducting interviews, and sifting through debris to obtain evidence related to the bombing/arson. The team was last deployed to Kansas City to investigate a 2015 fire that killed two Kansas City firemen. That fire was also intentionally set and the arsonist was convicted in the 16th Circuit of Missouri.

ATF: $2.5M fire at KC apartment complex was intentionally set

SALINE COUNTY— The three month search for a man wanted for murder in Salina ended Wednesday.

Just after 5p.m., police arrested 36-year-old Nelson Hull after a 2 1/2 hour standoff with Salina SWAT at a residence in the 500 Block of East Stimmel, according to a social media report from Salina police.

This incident did involve chemical agents being introduced into the home, according to police.&nbsp;

Hull was identified on Feb. 27 as a suspect in the murder of 36-year-old Courtney Ann Hoffman. She was found dead in a car in the 700 block of N. Fourth Street on Feb. 23. She had been shot.

SALINA—Law enforcement authorities investigating the murder of a woman in Salina continue their search for a suspect identified as as 36-year-old Nelson Gerrod Hull.

He is wanted for the February 23 shooting death of 36-year-old Courtney Ann Hoffman.&nbsp; The Saline County District Court issued an arrest warrant for Hull for murder in the first degree.

Hull is described as a black male, 6-foot-3, 200 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. A tattoo on the right side of his neck is "Mi Familia."

On Monday, police reported the arrest of Clarence Darnyl Brown, 34, of Salina, in connection with the case.&nbsp;Brown is being held on requested charges of Aiding and abetting first degree murder, Criminal solicitation and Interference with law enforcement.

Just after 11:30a.m. on February 23, police responded to the 700 block of North Fourth Street in Salina for a report of the sound of gunfire and someone screaming, according to a media release.

Upon arrival, Salina Police Officers located a woman identified as Hoffman inside a vehicle at 731 N. 4th Street. She had a gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased by Salina Fire Department EMS personnel.

Police say Hull should be considered armed and dangerous. They encourage anyone with information on Hull's current location to contact 911 immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622111909347.png" alt="Hull is being held on a requested charge of murder -photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Hull is being held on a requested charge of murder -photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY— The three month search for a man wanted for murder in Salina ended Wednesday.Just after 5p.m., police arrested 36-year-old Nelson Hull after a 2 1/2 hour standoff with Salina SWAT at a residence in the 500 Block of East Stimmel, according to a social media report from Salina police.This incident did involve chemical agents being introduced into the home, according to police.&nbsp;Hull was identified on Feb. 27 as a suspect in the murder of 36-year-old Courtney Ann Hoffman. She was found dead in a car in the 700 block of N. Fourth Street on Feb. 23. She had been shot.-----------SALINA—Law enforcement authorities investigating the murder of a woman in Salina continue their search for a suspect identified as as 36-year-old Nelson Gerrod Hull.He is wanted for the February 23 shooting death of 36-year-old Courtney Ann Hoffman.&nbsp; The Saline County District Court issued an arrest warrant for Hull for murder in the first degree.Hull is described as a black male, 6-foot-3, 200 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. A tattoo on the right side of his neck is "Mi Familia."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614348886825.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Tuesday in Salina. photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Tuesday in Salina. photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, police reported the arrest of Clarence Darnyl Brown, 34, of Salina, in connection with the case.&nbsp;Brown is being held on requested charges of Aiding and abetting first degree murder, Criminal solicitation and Interference with law enforcement.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614629894498.png" alt="Clarence Brown -photo Saline County" />
 <figcaption>Clarence Brown -photo Saline County</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 11:30a.m. on February 23, police responded to the 700 block of North Fourth Street in Salina for a report of the sound of gunfire and someone screaming, according to a media release.Upon arrival, Salina Police Officers located a woman identified as Hoffman inside a vehicle at 731 N. 4th Street. She had a gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased by Salina Fire Department EMS personnel.Police say Hull should be considered armed and dangerous. They encourage anyone with information on Hull's current location to contact 911 immediately.

Search for suspect in Kan. woman's murder ends after standoff

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday ordered U.S. intelligence officials to “redouble” their efforts to investigate the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, including any possibility the trail might lead to a Chinese laboratory.

After months of minimizing that possibility as a fringe theory, the Biden administration is joining worldwide pressure for China to be more open about the outbreak, aiming to head off GOP complaints the president has not been tough enough as well as to use the opportunity to press China on alleged obstruction.

&nbsp;China is accusing the Biden administration of playing politics and shirking its responsibility in calling for the investigation. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson says President Joe Biden's order shows that the U.S. “does not care about facts and truth, nor is it interested in serious scientific origin tracing."

Biden asked U.S. intelligence agencies to report back within 90 days. He directed U.S. national laboratories to assist with the investigation and the intelligence community to prepare a list of specific queries for the Chinese government. He called on China to cooperate with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/india-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-9fc262598b4a6e1fc5ff223fdd748cea">international probes into the origins of the pandemic</a>.

Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have promoted the theory that the virus emerged from a laboratory accident rather than naturally through human contact with an infected animal in Wuhan, China.

Biden in a statement said the majority of the intelligence community had “coalesced” around those two scenarios but “do not believe there is sufficient information to assess one to be more likely than the other.” He revealed that two agencies lean toward the animal link and “one leans more toward” the lab theory, “each with low or moderate confidence.”

“The United States will also keep working with like-minded partners around the world to press China to participate in a full, transparent, evidence-based international investigation and to provide access to all relevant data and evidence,” said Biden.

His statement came after weeks of the administration endeavoring to avoid public discussion of the lab leak theory and privately suggesting it was farfetched.

In another sign of shifting attitudes, the Senate approved two Wuhan lab-related amendments without opposition, attaching them to a largely unrelated bill to increase U.S. investments in innovation.

One of the amendments, from Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., would block U.S. funding of Chinese “gain of function” research on enhancing the severity or transmissibility of a virus. Paul has been critical of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert, and aggressively questioned him at a recent Senate hearing over the work in China. The other amendment was from GOP Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa and it would prevent any funding to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

Both were approved without roll call votes as part of the broader bill that is still under debate in the Senate.

As for the origin of pandemic, Fauci, a White House coronavirus adviser, said Wednesday that he and most others in the scientific community “believe that the most likely scenario is that this was a natural occurrence, but no one knows that 100% for sure.”

“And since there’s a lot of concern, a lot of speculation and since no one absolutely knows that, I believe we do need the kind of investigation where there’s open transparency and all the information that’s available, to be made available, to scrutinize,” Fauci said at a Senate hearing.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that the White House supports a new World Health Organization investigation in China, but she added that an effective probe “would require China finally stepping up and allowing access needed to determine the origins.”

Biden still held out the possibility that a firm conclusion may never be reached, given the Chinese government’s refusal to fully cooperate with international investigations.

“The failure to get our inspectors on the ground in those early months will always hamper any investigation into the origin of COVID-19,” he said.

The Chinese embassy in Washington, without mentioning the Biden order, accused unnamed political forces of being fixated on a blame game while ignoring the urgent need to combat the pandemic.

“Smear campaign and blame shifting are making a comeback, and the conspiracy theory of ‘lab leak’ is resurfacing,” it said in a statement posted Wednesday on its website.

Administration officials continue to harbor strong doubts about the lab leak theory. Rather, they view China’s refusal to cooperate in the investigation — particularly on something of such magnitude — as emblematic of other irresponsible actions on the world stage.

Privately, administration officials say the end result, if ever known, won’t change anything, but note China’s stonewalling is now on display for the world to see.

The State Department, which ended one Trump-era probe into the Chinese lab theory this spring, said it was continuing to cooperate with other government agencies and pressed China to cooperate with the world.

“China’s position that their part in this investigation is complete is disappointing and at odds with the rest of the international community that is working collaboratively across the board to bring an end to this pandemic and improve global health security,” said spokesman Ned Price.

Research into the origins of the virus is critically important, said Arinjay Banerjee, a virologist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization in Saskatchewan, Canada, because, “If you don’t know where it came from, how are you going to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/or-state-wire-ohio-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-health-4c7a3728b79700faea66a6d5b57966fe">stop it from spreading it again</a>?”

“The great probability is still that this virus came from a wildlife reservoir,” he said, pointing to the fact that spillover events – when viruses jump from animals to humans – are common in nature, and that scientists already know of two similar beta coronaviruses that evolved in bats and caused epidemics when humans were infected, SARS1 and MERS. “The evidence we so far have suggests that this virus came from wildlife,” he said

However, the case is not completely closed. “There are probabilities, and there are possibilities,” said Banerjee. “Because nobody has identified a virus that’s 100% identical to SARS-CoV-2 in any animal, there is still room for researchers to ask about other possibilities.”

Andy Slavitt, Biden’s senior adviser for the coronavirus, said Tuesday that the world needs to “get to the bottom ... whatever the answer may be.”

“We need a completely transparent process from China; we need the WHO to assist in that matter,”″ Slavitt said. “We don’t feel like we have that now.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582725655069.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Wednesday ordered U.S. intelligence officials to “redouble” their efforts to investigate the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, including any possibility the trail might lead to a Chinese laboratory.After months of minimizing that possibility as a fringe theory, the Biden administration is joining worldwide pressure for China to be more open about the outbreak, aiming to head off GOP complaints the president has not been tough enough as well as to use the opportunity to press China on alleged obstruction.&nbsp;China is accusing the Biden administration of playing politics and shirking its responsibility in calling for the investigation. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson says President Joe Biden's order shows that the U.S. “does not care about facts and truth, nor is it interested in serious scientific origin tracing."Biden asked U.S. intelligence agencies to report back within 90 days. He directed U.S. national laboratories to assist with the investigation and the intelligence community to prepare a list of specific queries for the Chinese government. He called on China to cooperate with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/india-technology-coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-9fc262598b4a6e1fc5ff223fdd748cea">international probes into the origins of the pandemic</a>.Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have promoted the theory that the virus emerged from a laboratory accident rather than naturally through human contact with an infected animal in Wuhan, China.Biden in a statement said the majority of the intelligence community had “coalesced” around those two scenarios but “do not believe there is sufficient information to assess one to be more likely than the other.” He revealed that two agencies lean toward the animal link and “one leans more toward” the lab theory, “each with low or moderate confidence.”“The United States will also keep working with like-minded partners around the world to press China to participate in a full, transparent, evidence-based international investigation and to provide access to all relevant data and evidence,” said Biden.His statement came after weeks of the administration endeavoring to avoid public discussion of the lab leak theory and privately suggesting it was farfetched.In another sign of shifting attitudes, the Senate approved two Wuhan lab-related amendments without opposition, attaching them to a largely unrelated bill to increase U.S. investments in innovation.One of the amendments, from Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., would block U.S. funding of Chinese “gain of function” research on enhancing the severity or transmissibility of a virus. Paul has been critical of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert, and aggressively questioned him at a recent Senate hearing over the work in China. The other amendment was from GOP Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa and it would prevent any funding to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.Both were approved without roll call votes as part of the broader bill that is still under debate in the Senate.As for the origin of pandemic, Fauci, a White House coronavirus adviser, said Wednesday that he and most others in the scientific community “believe that the most likely scenario is that this was a natural occurrence, but no one knows that 100% for sure.”“And since there’s a lot of concern, a lot of speculation and since no one absolutely knows that, I believe we do need the kind of investigation where there’s open transparency and all the information that’s available, to be made available, to scrutinize,” Fauci said at a Senate hearing.White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Tuesday that the White House supports a new World Health Organization investigation in China, but she added that an effective probe “would require China finally stepping up and allowing access needed to determine the origins.”Biden still held out the possibility that a firm conclusion may never be reached, given the Chinese government’s refusal to fully cooperate with international investigations.“The failure to get our inspectors on the ground in those early months will always hamper any investigation into the origin of COVID-19,” he said.The Chinese embassy in Washington, without mentioning the Biden order, accused unnamed political forces of being fixated on a blame game while ignoring the urgent need to combat the pandemic.“Smear campaign and blame shifting are making a comeback, and the conspiracy theory of ‘lab leak’ is resurfacing,” it said in a statement posted Wednesday on its website.Administration officials continue to harbor strong doubts about the lab leak theory. Rather, they view China’s refusal to cooperate in the investigation — particularly on something of such magnitude — as emblematic of other irresponsible actions on the world stage.Privately, administration officials say the end result, if ever known, won’t change anything, but note China’s stonewalling is now on display for the world to see.The State Department, which ended one Trump-era probe into the Chinese lab theory this spring, said it was continuing to cooperate with other government agencies and pressed China to cooperate with the world.“China’s position that their part in this investigation is complete is disappointing and at odds with the rest of the international community that is working collaboratively across the board to bring an end to this pandemic and improve global health security,” said spokesman Ned Price.Research into the origins of the virus is critically important, said Arinjay Banerjee, a virologist at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization in Saskatchewan, Canada, because, “If you don’t know where it came from, how are you going to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/or-state-wire-ohio-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-health-4c7a3728b79700faea66a6d5b57966fe">stop it from spreading it again</a>?”“The great probability is still that this virus came from a wildlife reservoir,” he said, pointing to the fact that spillover events – when viruses jump from animals to humans – are common in nature, and that scientists already know of two similar beta coronaviruses that evolved in bats and caused epidemics when humans were infected, SARS1 and MERS. “The evidence we so far have suggests that this virus came from wildlife,” he saidHowever, the case is not completely closed. “There are probabilities, and there are possibilities,” said Banerjee. “Because nobody has identified a virus that’s 100% identical to SARS-CoV-2 in any animal, there is still room for researchers to ask about other possibilities.”Andy Slavitt, Biden’s senior adviser for the coronavirus, said Tuesday that the world needs to “get to the bottom ... whatever the answer may be.”“We need a completely transparent process from China; we need the WHO to assist in that matter,”″ Slavitt said. “We don’t feel like we have that now.”___

U.S., China at odds over Biden's order to investigate COVID origin

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A woman sentenced to life in prison for the killing of a Lawrence man in 2014 had her sentence reduced by 25 years. Sarah Gonzales-McLinn had been sentenced to 50 years in prison without the possibility of parole for the death of 52-year-old Harold Sasko. 

On Tuesday, a judge agreed to a recommendation from prosecutors and her defense attorney that Gonzales-McLinn be resentenced to allow for parole after 25 years. The agreement acknowledged that Gonzales-McLinn received ineffective counsel during her 2015 trial. Sasko and Gonzales-McLinn were living together when he was killed. Prosecutors said he was drugged and bound and nearly decapitated. Gonzales-McLinn supporters suggested Sasko was abusing her at the time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576601843621.png" alt="Gonzales-McGinn photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Gonzales-McGinn photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A woman sentenced to life in prison for the killing of a Lawrence man in 2014 had her sentence reduced by 25 years. Sarah Gonzales-McLinn had been sentenced to 50 years in prison without the possibility of parole for the death of 52-year-old Harold Sasko. On Tuesday, a judge agreed to a recommendation from prosecutors and her defense attorney that Gonzales-McLinn be resentenced to allow for parole after 25 years. The agreement acknowledged that Gonzales-McLinn received ineffective counsel during her 2015 trial. Sasko and Gonzales-McLinn were living together when he was killed. Prosecutors said he was drugged and bound and nearly decapitated. Gonzales-McLinn supporters suggested Sasko was abusing her at the time.

Kan. woman's life sentence reduced in murder of her roommate

LABETTE COUNTY—Two Kansas men died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Wednesday in Labette County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford F150 driven by Jason Clay Hopkins, 43, Parsons, was northbound on U.S. 59. 

The pickup traveled left of center and struck a southbound 2010 Ford Escape driven by&nbsp;Rowe, Robert L. Rowe, 67, Oswego, head-on.&nbsp;

Hopkins and Rowe were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to Frontier Forensics.

EMS transported a passenger in the F150 Jennifer L. Faller, 41, Parsons, to Labette Health.&nbsp; Hopkins was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

LABETTE COUNTY—Two Kansas men died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Wednesday in Labette County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2001 Ford F150 driven by Jason Clay Hopkins, 43, Parsons, was northbound on U.S. 59. The pickup traveled left of center and struck a southbound 2010 Ford Escape driven by&nbsp;Rowe, Robert L. Rowe, 67, Oswego, head-on.&nbsp;Hopkins and Rowe were pronounced dead at the scene and were transported to Frontier Forensics.EMS transported a passenger in the F150 Jennifer L. Faller, 41, Parsons, to Labette Health.&nbsp; Hopkins was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

2 Kan. men dead, woman injured after head-on crash

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for child sex crimes.

The Osage County Sheriff’s Office investigators have been conducting an investigation regarding the online solicitation of a child by an adult. The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) took into custody an adult male who had made plans to meet with someone he believed to be a minor.

Gabriel R. Remboldt, 22, of Topeka, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of aggravated human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation of a child, and use of a communication facility to commit a felony.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621985657390.png" alt="Remboldt photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Remboldt photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man for child sex crimes.The Osage County Sheriff’s Office investigators have been conducting an investigation regarding the online solicitation of a child by an adult. The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) took into custody an adult male who had made plans to meet with someone he believed to be a minor.Gabriel R. Remboldt, 22, of Topeka, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of aggravated human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation of a child, and use of a communication facility to commit a felony.

Sheriff: 22-year-old Kan. man jailed for alleged sex crime

SHAWNEE COUNTy —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for burglary thanks to an alert citizen.

Just after 4:00 a.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call about a man and woman that were seen breaking into a vehicle at an apartment complex at 3720 SW 29th Street in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Officers responded a short time later and located two people matching the description of the suspects. They were taken into custody at the scene.

Numerous stolen items were recovered and as a result of the investigation, police booked Michael D. Delaney, 31 of Silver Lake and Shelby L. Whitaker, 23 of Topeka into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary; Vehicle Theft &lt; $1,500, From Motor Vehicle.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621891957083.png" alt="Delaney -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Delaney -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTy —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for burglary thanks to an alert citizen.Just after 4:00 a.m. Monday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a call about a man and woman that were seen breaking into a vehicle at an apartment complex at 3720 SW 29th Street in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Officers responded a short time later and located two people matching the description of the suspects. They were taken into custody at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621892010471.png" alt="Whitaker photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Whitaker photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Numerous stolen items were recovered and as a result of the investigation, police booked Michael D. Delaney, 31 of Silver Lake and Shelby L. Whitaker, 23 of Topeka into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Burglary; Vehicle Theft &lt; $1,500, From Motor Vehicle.

Alert citizen helps police catch Kansas burglary suspects

LENEXA, Kan. (AP) — Police in the Kansas City suburb of Lenexa, Kansas, say a 34-year-old man from Tennessee died in a shootout with police at a hotel. Lenexa police spokesman Danny Chavez said 34-year-old Darren Dejuan Chandler, who was from the Nashville area, died in the shooting at the Extended Stay America hotel early Tuesday. 

Police were called after receiving several calls about a man and woman fighting inside a hotel room. Police say officers were trying to contact the people involved when they encountered Chandler, who they said had a gun. Two officers exchanged shots with Chandler, who died at the scene. No officers were injured.

LENEXA, Kan. (AP) — Police in suburban Kansas City, Kansas, say a man has been killed in an early-morning shootout with officers at a Lenexa hotel. 

The shooting happened shortly after 5 a.m. Tuesday, when officers were called to the Extended Stay America hotel for reports of a man and woman arguing loudly in one of the rooms, according to police.

&nbsp;Officers went to the room to question the people inside when gunfire erupted. Police say a man fired at the officers, who also fired their weapons at the man. 

Police say the man was later declared dead at the scene. The officers were not injured. Police have not released the names of the man killed or the officers involved.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1621956034256.png" alt="Police on the scene near the hotel early Tuesday photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene near the hotel early Tuesday photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>LENEXA, Kan. (AP) — Police in the Kansas City suburb of Lenexa, Kansas, say a 34-year-old man from Tennessee died in a shootout with police at a hotel. Lenexa police spokesman Danny Chavez said 34-year-old Darren Dejuan Chandler, who was from the Nashville area, died in the shooting at the Extended Stay America hotel early Tuesday. Police were called after receiving several calls about a man and woman fighting inside a hotel room. Police say officers were trying to contact the people involved when they encountered Chandler, who they said had a gun. Two officers exchanged shots with Chandler, who died at the scene. No officers were injured.--------LENEXA, Kan. (AP) — Police in suburban Kansas City, Kansas, say a man has been killed in an early-morning shootout with officers at a Lenexa hotel. The shooting happened shortly after 5 a.m. Tuesday, when officers were called to the Extended Stay America hotel for reports of a man and woman arguing loudly in one of the rooms, according to police.&nbsp;Officers went to the room to question the people inside when gunfire erupted. Police say a man fired at the officers, who also fired their weapons at the man. Police say the man was later declared dead at the scene. The officers were not injured. Police have not released the names of the man killed or the officers involved.

Police ID man killed in shootout with officers at Kan. hotel

WASHINGTON — U.S. wildlife managers are proposing federal protections for the lesser prairie chicken. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Wednesday said it will consider public comments and scientific information over the coming months before making a final determination.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran said,&nbsp;“The Biden administration's proposal to list the lesser prairie-chicken under the Endangered Species Act threatens to harm farmers, ranchers, energy producers and rural communities. Kansas and surrounding states invested millions of public and private dollars in conservation efforts in the habitat area, resulting in the bird’s population more than doubling. The decision to propose a listing despite voluntary conservation efforts that continue to successfully restore habitat area removes any incentive for similar locally-driven efforts to occur for other species. This proposal will result in less wildlife conservation in the future, not more.”

Once listed as a threatened species, the chicken’s habitat spans parts of five states — including a portion of the oil-rich Permian Basin. Environmentalists have been pushing to reinstate federal protections. Landowners and the oil and gas industry have been working on voluntary conservation programs. Still, federal officials say threats remain. They're proposing to list the northern population as threatened and those in eastern New Mexico and the southern Texas Panhandle as endangered.

WASHINGTON — U.S. wildlife managers are proposing federal protections for the lesser prairie chicken. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Wednesday said it will consider public comments and scientific information over the coming months before making a final determination.U.S. Senator Jerry Moran said,&nbsp;“The Biden administration's proposal to list the lesser prairie-chicken under the Endangered Species Act threatens to harm farmers, ranchers, energy producers and rural communities. Kansas and surrounding states invested millions of public and private dollars in conservation efforts in the habitat area, resulting in the bird’s population more than doubling. The decision to propose a listing despite voluntary conservation efforts that continue to successfully restore habitat area removes any incentive for similar locally-driven efforts to occur for other species. This proposal will result in less wildlife conservation in the future, not more.”Once listed as a threatened species, the chicken’s habitat spans parts of five states — including a portion of the oil-rich Permian Basin. Environmentalists have been pushing to reinstate federal protections. Landowners and the oil and gas industry have been working on voluntary conservation programs. Still, federal officials say threats remain. They're proposing to list the northern population as threatened and those in eastern New Mexico and the southern Texas Panhandle as endangered.

Moran: Lesser prairie chicken proposal will hurt farmers, ranchers

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of&nbsp; vehicles being burglarized in the city on Great Bend.

In addition, just before 11a.m. Monday, officers took a report of a stolen 2012 Dodge Journey from the 2500 block of 16th Street in Great Bend, according to a media release.

 Utilizing doorbell surveillance cameras in the area of one of the vehicle burglaries, officers were able to determine a suspect vehicle matched the description of the stolen vehicle.

Officers then received information that the stolen vehicle was located at the Great Bend Public Library. Officers contacted 22-year-old Hunter Ward&nbsp; in the area. 

During the investigation, Officers located some of the property reported stolen from vehicles on the suspect. 

In addition, Ward&nbsp; had the key to the stolen vehicle in his possession and was also in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. 

Officers arrested him on requested charges of burglary of a motor vehicle, Poss. of stolen property, Poss. of methamphetamine, Poss. of marijuana, Poss. of drug paraphernalia, No drug tax stamp.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/5/1622041981942.png" alt="Ward photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Ward photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of&nbsp; vehicles being burglarized in the city on Great Bend.In addition, just before 11a.m. Monday, officers took a report of a stolen 2012 Dodge Journey from the 2500 block of 16th Street in Great Bend, according to a media release. Utilizing doorbell surveillance cameras in the area of one of the vehicle burglaries, officers were able to determine a suspect vehicle matched the description of the stolen vehicle.Officers then received information that the stolen vehicle was located at the Great Bend Public Library. Officers contacted 22-year-old Hunter Ward&nbsp; in the area. During the investigation, Officers located some of the property reported stolen from vehicles on the suspect. In addition, Ward&nbsp; had the key to the stolen vehicle in his possession and was also in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Officers arrested him on requested charges of burglary of a motor vehicle, Poss. of stolen property, Poss. of methamphetamine, Poss. of marijuana, Poss. of drug paraphernalia, No drug tax stamp.

Doorbell camera helps police ID Kan. burglary suspect

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Kansas, are investigating a double shooting that left one man dead and another man critically injured. 

Police say the shooting happened Tuesday afternoon in a residential area a couple of blocks north of Silver City Park. Police were called to the area by a person who reported hearing gunshots, and arriving officers found two men outside a home suffering from gunshot wounds. 

Police say one man died at the scene. The other man was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, but was later listed in stable condition. Police had not released the names of the men or reported any arrests in the shooting by Wednesday morning.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police in Kansas City, Kansas, are investigating a double shooting that left one man dead and another man critically injured. Police say the shooting happened Tuesday afternoon in a residential area a couple of blocks north of Silver City Park. Police were called to the area by a person who reported hearing gunshots, and arriving officers found two men outside a home suffering from gunshot wounds. Police say one man died at the scene. The other man was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, but was later listed in stable condition. Police had not released the names of the men or reported any arrests in the shooting by Wednesday morning.