DETROIT (AP) — A federal judge in Michigan should have blocked a Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6c1af80fb290472c89fb930e223505af">ban on bump stocks</a>, a device that allows semiautomatic firearms to fire rapidly, an appeals court said Thursday.

The ban came in response to a 2017 shooting in Las Vegas in which a gunman attached bump stocks to assault-style rifles to shoot concertgoers from his hotel room.

The prohibition came in the form of a regulation from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which treated bump stocks as if they are illegal machine guns. But the court, in a 2-1 decision, said changes in criminal law are up to Congress.

“It is not the role of the executive — particularly the unelected administrative state — to dictate to the public what is right and what is wrong,” said judges Alice Batchelder and Eric Murphy of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The court also said a bump stock doesn’t qualify as a machine gun.

“This is great news,” said Erich Pratt, senior vice president of Virginia-based Gun Owners of America.

In 2019, U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney in western Michigan turned down an injunction that would have stopped the bump stock ban. The case now will return to his court.

Gun owner groups “are likely to prevail on the merits and ... their motion for an injunction should have been granted,” the appeals court said.

Decisions from the 6th Circuit set legal precedent in federal courts in Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky.

There have been different opinions about the bump stock ban in federal courts across the country, which makes it a strong candidate for review by the U.S. Supreme Court. A year ago, the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/36d807ad9ea481fc88c7f679dbfa1857">turned down</a>&nbsp;an appeal, but it was a procedural step in a case that wasn’t fully developed.

“Waiting should not be mistaken for lack of concern,” Justice Neil Gorsuch said at the time.

DETROIT (AP) — A federal judge in Michigan should have blocked a Trump administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6c1af80fb290472c89fb930e223505af">ban on bump stocks</a>, a device that allows semiautomatic firearms to fire rapidly, an appeals court said Thursday.The ban came in response to a 2017 shooting in Las Vegas in which a gunman attached bump stocks to assault-style rifles to shoot concertgoers from his hotel room.The prohibition came in the form of a regulation from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which treated bump stocks as if they are illegal machine guns. But the court, in a 2-1 decision, said changes in criminal law are up to Congress.“It is not the role of the executive — particularly the unelected administrative state — to dictate to the public what is right and what is wrong,” said judges Alice Batchelder and Eric Murphy of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.The court also said a bump stock doesn’t qualify as a machine gun.“This is great news,” said Erich Pratt, senior vice president of Virginia-based Gun Owners of America.In 2019, U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney in western Michigan turned down an injunction that would have stopped the bump stock ban. The case now will return to his court.Gun owner groups “are likely to prevail on the merits and ... their motion for an injunction should have been granted,” the appeals court said.Decisions from the 6th Circuit set legal precedent in federal courts in Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky.There have been different opinions about the bump stock ban in federal courts across the country, which makes it a strong candidate for review by the U.S. Supreme Court. A year ago, the Supreme Court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/36d807ad9ea481fc88c7f679dbfa1857">turned down</a>&nbsp;an appeal, but it was a procedural step in a case that wasn’t fully developed.“Waiting should not be mistaken for lack of concern,” Justice Neil Gorsuch said at the time.___

Court deals blow to nationwide bump stock ban

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an Ohio man on sex crime allegations.

Investigators learned that 46-year-old Michael Taylor had traveled to Wichita from Ohio on March 22nd to meet with a 15-year-old girl, according to officer Trevor Macey. 

Taylor and the girl had been communicating on an internet platform and agreed to meet in Wichita at a local hotel. 

The mother of the 15- year-old contacted Wichita State University police upon realizing that the child was missing. Wichita State Police conducted a check, at which point the child was located on the campus of Wichita State University, accompanied by Taylor. 

After police located them, they took Taylor into custody and Wichita State University Police Officers transported both to the Exploited and Missing Child Unit for interviews.

At the time of the incident, it was determined that there was no relationship between Wichita State University and either of the persons involved, according to Macey. At no time was there any threat to the campus community.

The investigation revealed that Taylor had engaged in unlawful sexual activity, and numerous electronic devices were seized from Taylor’s hotel room. 

Further investigation is ongoing into multiple violations of state and federal law. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating with the assistance of the local agencies. The case has been turned over to the United States Attorney’s Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616791691617.png" alt="Taylor photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Taylor photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an Ohio man on sex crime allegations.Investigators learned that 46-year-old Michael Taylor had traveled to Wichita from Ohio on March 22nd to meet with a 15-year-old girl, according to officer Trevor Macey. Taylor and the girl had been communicating on an internet platform and agreed to meet in Wichita at a local hotel. The mother of the 15- year-old contacted Wichita State University police upon realizing that the child was missing. Wichita State Police conducted a check, at which point the child was located on the campus of Wichita State University, accompanied by Taylor. After police located them, they took Taylor into custody and Wichita State University Police Officers transported both to the Exploited and Missing Child Unit for interviews.At the time of the incident, it was determined that there was no relationship between Wichita State University and either of the persons involved, according to Macey. At no time was there any threat to the campus community.The investigation revealed that Taylor had engaged in unlawful sexual activity, and numerous electronic devices were seized from Taylor’s hotel room. Further investigation is ongoing into multiple violations of state and federal law. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is currently investigating with the assistance of the local agencies. The case has been turned over to the United States Attorney’s Office.

Police: Man traveled to Kansas for sex with 15-year-old

NEMAHA COUNTY- A Kansas volunteer firefighter has been arrested and charged with two counts of arson following an investigation by the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office, the Seneca Police Department and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

David M. Frehe, 40, Seneca, is accused of setting&nbsp; a fire at a vacant home in Seneca on May 1, 2019, according to Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert.&nbsp; He is also charged in connection with setting a pasture fire in rural Nemaha County on Nov. 4, 2020.

On March 22 authorities arrested Frehe. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond.&nbsp; His first appearance in court is scheduled for April 27, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616620035869.png" alt="Frehe photo Nemaha County" />
 <figcaption>Frehe photo Nemaha County</figcaption>
 </figure>NEMAHA COUNTY- A Kansas volunteer firefighter has been arrested and charged with two counts of arson following an investigation by the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office, the Seneca Police Department and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.David M. Frehe, 40, Seneca, is accused of setting&nbsp; a fire at a vacant home in Seneca on May 1, 2019, according to Nemaha County Attorney Brad Lippert.&nbsp; He is also charged in connection with setting a pasture fire in rural Nemaha County on Nov. 4, 2020.On March 22 authorities arrested Frehe. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond.&nbsp; His first appearance in court is scheduled for April 27, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. volunteer firefighter accused of setting fires

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Relatives of a missing Chinese woman whose remains are believed to be have been found in a Missouri park said the discovery brings closure and the chance to have a funeral as they await the murder trial of the woman’s husband.

Amy Salladay, an attorney for Mengqi Ji’s family, said Friday in a statement that the family is still processing the news that a driver’s license and some credit cards with Ji’s name on them were found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-tigers-mens-basketball-columbia-0f341cef77aa806e3973186497383c9c">Thursday,&nbsp;</a>along with the remains, in a remote area of Rock Bridge State Park in Boone County. The remains have preliminarily been identified as Ji’s, but DNA testing is planned to provide confirmation.

“As parents of a missing child they always hoped for their daughter’s return and for this to be a bad dream,” Salladay said. “At the same time they have wanted answers about what happened to Mengqi and this information now gives them some closure and a body so that a funeral can be planned for some time in the future.”

Ji’s husband, Joseph Elledge, who was a University of Missouri student, is jailed without bond while awaiting a Nov. 1 trial on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bb49ceba9e78fa8fc110e36d453865c5">charges of first-degree murder&nbsp;</a>in her October 2019 disappearance. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to related charges of child endangerment and domestic abuse.

The couple’s daughter turned a year old the weekend before Ji went missing; they took the baby to the St. Louis Zoo to celebrate. Salladay said Ji was still breastfeeding the girl at the time.

Prosecutors have speculated that Elledge strangled his wife to avoid a costly divorce and to stop her from fleeing to China with their daughter.

Assistant Columbia Police Chief Jeremiah Hunter said parts of Rock Bridge State Park had been previously searched but not the area where the remains were found, which is about 30 feet&nbsp; from a road.

The discovery, if confirmed, removes one hurdle for prosecutors: proving that Ji is dead. The Boone County prosecutor didn’t immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

Elledge’s attorney, Scott Rosenblum, said he had no comment Thursday evening.

Ji’s family described her as a highly educated woman who loved her daughter. She received a master’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Missouri in December 2014. She previously attended the East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai.

“She wanted to be in the United States for the opportunities available to her and her family through education and employment,” the statement said. “She was a victim of domestic violence. She reached out for help but help did not come soon enough for her.”

A custody trial for Ji’s daughter is scheduled to take place after the criminal trial.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1572177968305.png" alt="Joseph Elledge is awaiting trial for his wife's murder- Photo Boone Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Joseph Elledge is awaiting trial for his wife's murder- Photo Boone Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Relatives of a missing Chinese woman whose remains are believed to be have been found in a Missouri park said the discovery brings closure and the chance to have a funeral as they await the murder trial of the woman’s husband.Amy Salladay, an attorney for Mengqi Ji’s family, said Friday in a statement that the family is still processing the news that a driver’s license and some credit cards with Ji’s name on them were found&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-tigers-mens-basketball-columbia-0f341cef77aa806e3973186497383c9c">Thursday,&nbsp;</a>along with the remains, in a remote area of Rock Bridge State Park in Boone County. The remains have preliminarily been identified as Ji’s, but DNA testing is planned to provide confirmation.“As parents of a missing child they always hoped for their daughter’s return and for this to be a bad dream,” Salladay said. “At the same time they have wanted answers about what happened to Mengqi and this information now gives them some closure and a body so that a funeral can be planned for some time in the future.”Ji’s husband, Joseph Elledge, who was a University of Missouri student, is jailed without bond while awaiting a Nov. 1 trial on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bb49ceba9e78fa8fc110e36d453865c5">charges of first-degree murder&nbsp;</a>in her October 2019 disappearance. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and to related charges of child endangerment and domestic abuse.The couple’s daughter turned a year old the weekend before Ji went missing; they took the baby to the St. Louis Zoo to celebrate. Salladay said Ji was still breastfeeding the girl at the time.Prosecutors have speculated that Elledge strangled his wife to avoid a costly divorce and to stop her from fleeing to China with their daughter.Assistant Columbia Police Chief Jeremiah Hunter said parts of Rock Bridge State Park had been previously searched but not the area where the remains were found, which is about 30 feet&nbsp; from a road.The discovery, if confirmed, removes one hurdle for prosecutors: proving that Ji is dead. The Boone County prosecutor didn’t immediately return a phone message seeking comment.Elledge’s attorney, Scott Rosenblum, said he had no comment Thursday evening.Ji’s family described her as a highly educated woman who loved her daughter. She received a master’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Missouri in December 2014. She previously attended the East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai.“She wanted to be in the United States for the opportunities available to her and her family through education and employment,” the statement said. “She was a victim of domestic violence. She reached out for help but help did not come soon enough for her.”A custody trial for Ji’s daughter is scheduled to take place after the criminal trial.

Woman's family: Discovery of body provides closure

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim&nbsp; as 39-year-old Kristi A. Rodriguez of Chanute, according to Topeka Police Lt. Shane Hilton. The other two victims are expected to recover from their injuries.

Police are also asking for help to locate two suspect in connection with the shooting. Anyone with information on 28-year-old Devonta B. Miller of Topeka, or 21-year-old Harlee E. Borders of Marysville should contact police.

Just before 10:30 p.m. Friday the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a possible shooting in the 3100 block of SE Bryant, according Lt. Matt Danielson.

 Officers arrived and located a crime scene. Two people were located inside of a home suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. 

Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was transported by officers to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. 

A third individual received injuries as a result of the incident, and was transported by AMR to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Friday evening shooting that left one person dead and two others injured.

Just before 10:30 p.m. the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a possible shooting in the 3100 block of SE Bryant, according Lt. Matt Danielson.

One of those individuals was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was transported by officers to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. 

Officers also located a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of SE 31st and SE Adams. Homicide detectives were investigating both scenes to determine if they are connected.

Due to the size of these crime scenes, police asked the public to avoid the areas while they were processed.&nbsp;

Police have not released name of the victim or reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616878094022.png" alt="Devonta B. Miller, 28, Topeka" />
 <figcaption>Devonta B. Miller, 28, Topeka</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim&nbsp; as 39-year-old Kristi A. Rodriguez of Chanute, according to Topeka Police Lt. Shane Hilton. The other two victims are expected to recover from their injuries.Police are also asking for help to locate two suspect in connection with the shooting. Anyone with information on 28-year-old Devonta B. Miller of Topeka, or 21-year-old Harlee E. Borders of Marysville should contact police.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616878072385.png" alt="Harlee E. Borders, 21, Marysville" />
 <figcaption>Harlee E. Borders, 21, Marysville</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 10:30 p.m. Friday the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a possible shooting in the 3100 block of SE Bryant, according Lt. Matt Danielson. Officers arrived and located a crime scene. Two people were located inside of a home suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was transported by officers to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. A third individual received injuries as a result of the incident, and was transported by AMR to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. ---------------SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Friday evening shooting that left one person dead and two others injured.Just before 10:30 p.m. the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center started receiving calls about a possible shooting in the 3100 block of SE Bryant, according Lt. Matt Danielson. Officers arrived and located a crime scene. Two people were located inside of a home suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. One of those individuals was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was transported by officers to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. A third individual received injuries as a result of the incident, and was transported by AMR to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Officers also located a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of SE 31st and SE Adams. Homicide detectives were investigating both scenes to determine if they are connected.Due to the size of these crime scenes, police asked the public to avoid the areas while they were processed.&nbsp;Police have not released name of the victim or reported an arrest.

Police search for suspects: 1 dead, 2 injured in Kan. shooting

MCPHERSON —&nbsp;A firefighter suffered minor injuries in a fire on Friday in McPherson.

Just after 10:30. a.m. crews responded to the 100 block of South Taft Street in McPherson, according to McPherson Fire Chief T.J. Wyssmann.

A trailer on that street, occupied by three adults and multiple animals, was on fire. All three people got out safely. One firefighter was taken to the hospital. The firefighter was treated and released. Two animals died.

The trailer is uninhabitable. The fire started accidentally in a bedroom. No damage estimate was given in the release.

MCPHERSON —&nbsp;A firefighter suffered minor injuries in a fire on Friday in McPherson.Just after 10:30. a.m. crews responded to the 100 block of South Taft Street in McPherson, according to McPherson Fire Chief T.J. Wyssmann.A trailer on that street, occupied by three adults and multiple animals, was on fire. All three people got out safely. One firefighter was taken to the hospital. The firefighter was treated and released. Two animals died.The trailer is uninhabitable. The fire started accidentally in a bedroom. No damage estimate was given in the release.

Firefighter injured, 2 pets die in Kan. trailer home fire

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sexual assault and have made an arrest.

On Friday police arrested 21-year-old&nbsp; Marvin Santell Gatewood Jr. of&nbsp; Manhattan, on a Geary County District Court Warrant, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report.

He is being held on a requested charge of rape; sexual intercourse with physically powerless victim on a bond $10,000, according to the RCPD.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616871323480.png" alt="Gatewood photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Gatewood photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sexual assault and have made an arrest.On Friday police arrested 21-year-old&nbsp; Marvin Santell Gatewood Jr. of&nbsp; Manhattan, on a Geary County District Court Warrant, according to the Riley County Police Department arrest report.He is being held on a requested charge of rape; sexual intercourse with physically powerless victim on a bond $10,000, according to the RCPD.

Kansas man arrested for alleged rape

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a fatal shooting.

Just before 4:30 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue for a shooting call, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arriving, they located&nbsp;54-year-old Merrill Rabus of Wichita unconscious and receiving life-saving measures.

Rabus had undetermined injuries, including what appeared to be a single gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The investigation revealed Rabus was on his bicycle at the intersection of 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue when he was struck by a white Plymouth van driven by 31-year-old Charity Blackmon. 

Blackmon then got out of her vehicle and fired a shot from a handgun, striking Rabus. Blackmon fled the scene and was followed by witnesses who provided her location. She was located and arrested at 14th&nbsp;Street North and Green Street by a Wichita State University police officer, according to Cruz.

 Blackmon and Rabus were not known to each other. Officers also recovered a handgun through this investigation.&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a bicyclist is dead after a woman struck him with her van as he crossed a Wichita street and then apparently shot him. 

&nbsp;Charity Charmon Blackmon, 31,&nbsp; was booked into jail Friday night on suspicion of first-degree murder, driving with a suspended license, unsafe turning or stopping and failure to give proper signal. 

Wichita police chief Gordon Ramsay said the victim was either riding or walking his bicycle when he was hit Friday afternoon. Ramsay said the initial reports were that the suspect got out to shoot the man after the crash. 

Ramsay said police would know definitively if he was shot after an autopsy. The man’s name wasn’t immediately released.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616871807743.png" alt="Police at the scene of the investigation on Friday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the investigation on Friday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman in connection with a fatal shooting.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616855135199.png" alt="Blackmon photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Blackmon photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just before 4:30 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue for a shooting call, according to officer Paul Cruz. Upon arriving, they located&nbsp;54-year-old Merrill Rabus of Wichita unconscious and receiving life-saving measures.Rabus had undetermined injuries, including what appeared to be a single gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries.The investigation revealed Rabus was on his bicycle at the intersection of 13th&nbsp;Street North and Oliver Avenue when he was struck by a white Plymouth van driven by 31-year-old Charity Blackmon. Blackmon then got out of her vehicle and fired a shot from a handgun, striking Rabus. Blackmon fled the scene and was followed by witnesses who provided her location. She was located and arrested at 14th&nbsp;Street North and Green Street by a Wichita State University police officer, according to Cruz. Blackmon and Rabus were not known to each other. Officers also recovered a handgun through this investigation.&nbsp;---------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Authorities say a bicyclist is dead after a woman struck him with her van as he crossed a Wichita street and then apparently shot him. &nbsp;Charity Charmon Blackmon, 31,&nbsp; was booked into jail Friday night on suspicion of first-degree murder, driving with a suspended license, unsafe turning or stopping and failure to give proper signal. Wichita police chief Gordon Ramsay said the victim was either riding or walking his bicycle when he was hit Friday afternoon. Ramsay said the initial reports were that the suspect got out to shoot the man after the crash. Ramsay said police would know definitively if he was shot after an autopsy. The man’s name wasn’t immediately released.

Police: Kan. driver hit and then fatally shot bicyclist

Authorities in Lawrence report they have located 94-year-old Marilyn Dowell and she is safe.

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Lawrence Police Department is seeking assistance in locating a missing elderly adult. 

Marilyn Dowell, 94-years-old was reported missing by a care-giver in the 1700 block of Brandon Woods Drive in Lawrence on Saturday morning, according to police spokesman Patrick Compton.&nbsp;

 Also missing was Marilyn’s 2012 gold, GMC Terrain, with a Kansas Disabled license plate: 12535.

Officers were able to locate Marilyn’s vehicle leaving the city at 7:44 a.m., and a neighbor told police she could be on her way to Arizona.

Marilyn needs movement assistance and is considered a fall risk.

If you see Ms. Dowell or her 2012 GMC Terrain, please contact the Lawrence Police Department immediately at (785) 832-7509.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616862060002.png" alt="Marilyn Dowell&nbsp;is also suffering from dementia like symptoms, according to police" />
 <figcaption>Marilyn Dowell&nbsp;is also suffering from dementia like symptoms, according to police</figcaption>
 </figure>Authorities in Lawrence report they have located 94-year-old Marilyn Dowell and she is safe.-----DOUGLAS COUNTY —Lawrence Police Department is seeking assistance in locating a missing elderly adult. Marilyn Dowell, 94-years-old was reported missing by a care-giver in the 1700 block of Brandon Woods Drive in Lawrence on Saturday morning, according to police spokesman Patrick Compton.&nbsp; Also missing was Marilyn’s 2012 gold, GMC Terrain, with a Kansas Disabled license plate: 12535.Officers were able to locate Marilyn’s vehicle leaving the city at 7:44 a.m., and a neighbor told police she could be on her way to Arizona.Marilyn needs movement assistance and is considered a fall risk.If you see Ms. Dowell or her 2012 GMC Terrain, please contact the Lawrence Police Department immediately at (785) 832-7509.

Police cancel Silver Alert; missing Kan. woman found

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Ambitious Republicans are starting to make moves in Iowa, long a proving ground for future presidents. Their first step is finding out whether activists there have gotten over the last one.

Former President Donald Trump remains a hulking presence in Iowa, where he won twice by healthy margins. He’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-leaves-white-house-ad718c0048c341d0044c4709fb23c8dd">hinted he’ll run again</a>, and his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-technology-49a24edd6d10888dbad61689c24b05a5">false claims</a>&nbsp;that the last election was stolen still dominate some Republican circles.

But that doesn’t mean Trump has frozen the field of potential 2024 Republican presidential candidates. Several GOP politicians have plans for trips to Iowa and other early nominating states this spring. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is the first since the election to gauge Iowans’ interest in person this week.

Party activists say these early arrivals are welcome, despite Trump’s enduring popularity and the pervasive belief he was somehow wronged in his 2020 defeat. But interviews with GOP county party leaders and local activists around the state expose the difference between their declared love for Trump and hope he runs again.

“There are Trumpsters who can’t wait for him to run again. They are the ones still moaning and groaning that they were cheated out of the election,” said Gwen Ecklund, a veteran former county chairwoman in conservative western Iowa. “But there are some — average, rank-and-file Republicans — who are turning the page.”

That’s who Pompeo will be looking for in this very early phase. The former top Trump diplomat and successful Kansas politician spoke Friday with a regular Republican breakfast group and up-and-coming Republicans in Des Moines as well as meet privately with top Iowa party officials.

Pompeo is fresh off a national political speaking debut at the American Conservative Union’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cpac-false-trump-claims-40eeace4eec6a286dc6e8fb50f0afd5b">CPAC conference</a>&nbsp;last month in Florida. As he’s expected to in Iowa, Pompeo subtly distinguished himself, without alienating Republicans still loyal to Trump and hoping for a 2024 comeback.

“I had the chance to bring home American hostages from Pyongyang,” Pompeo told the audience in Orlando. “‘America first’ takes some real courage. It takes a secretary of state willing to walk into a room and tell it like it is, and a president who will have his back.”

Others will attempt to walk the same line.

Florida Sen. Rick Scott plans to follow the well-worn path of presidential prospects with an April 1 trip to Cedar Rapids. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott is scheduled to meet Republicans in eastern Iowa’s Quad Cities on April 15, all signs of an an exceptionally early start to the 2024 campaign.

Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, who has met virtually with Republicans in the leadoff primary state New Hampshire, is also making plans to visit Iowa in the coming months, advisers said.

They’ll get a fair hearing, Henry County Republican chairwoman Nancy Amos said. But most in her southeast corner of Iowa want to see Trump run again.

“Oh, sure, we’ll go and listen to them. It’s not like we won’t give others a chance,” said Amos, who represents one of a string of Mississippi River counties Trump carried after Democrat Barack Obama had earlier. “It’s just most of the talk is about Trump.”

Trump’s enduring popularity, however, doesn’t mean everyone wants him to run again. Though Trump carried Crawford County — where Ecklund is GOP co-chairwoman — by more than 30 percentage points twice, she’s encountered Republicans “ready to move on” and “tired of extreme controversy.”

Statewide, views of Trump have dimmed some since he carried Iowa by about 8 percentage points in November. In The Des Moines Register’s March Iowa Poll, 53% of Iowans viewed the former president unfavorably and 45% favorably, about the reverse of a year ago.

In an unscientific measure, a straw poll of 1,000 attendees at the CPAC conference found that 97% of these devout conservative activists approved of the job Trump had done as president, though only 68% said he, now age 74, should run again in four years.

Yet, Trump prompted roaring applause and a standing ovation in Orlando when he told the audience, “Who knows, I may even decide to beat them a third time,” alluding to his false claim that he won the 2020 election.

Members of his own administration, including Attorney General William Barr, say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barr-no-widespread-election-fraud-b1f1488796c9a98c4b1a9061a6c7f49d">no proof of widespread voter fraud</a>&nbsp;has been uncovered. Courts in multiple battleground states have thrown out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-losing-election-lawsuits-36d113484ac0946fa5f0614deb7de15e">a barrage of lawsuits</a>&nbsp;filed on behalf of the president.

In a January Pew Research poll, taken after the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters, a 57% majority of Republicans said Trump should continue to be a major political figure for many years to come.

To maintain his influence, he’s going to have to find a way back to the spotlight, a challenge without his signature Twitter account, said Republican pollster Ed Goeas, who has advised Republican Senate candidates including Iowa Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst.

“At some point he’s going to figure out how to get more attention than he’s getting now, or he’s going to fade into the sunset,” Goeas said. “I just think Donald Trump two years from now is going to look very different than Donald Trump of a month ago.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616766061345.png" alt="Mike Pompeo spoke to the Pottawattamie County GOP in Council Bluffs, IA Thursday evening-photo courtesy Secretary Pompeo" />
 <figcaption>Mike Pompeo spoke to the Pottawattamie County GOP in Council Bluffs, IA Thursday evening-photo courtesy Secretary Pompeo</figcaption>
 </figure>DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Ambitious Republicans are starting to make moves in Iowa, long a proving ground for future presidents. Their first step is finding out whether activists there have gotten over the last one.Former President Donald Trump remains a hulking presence in Iowa, where he won twice by healthy margins. He’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-leaves-white-house-ad718c0048c341d0044c4709fb23c8dd">hinted he’ll run again</a>, and his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-ap-fact-check-joe-biden-donald-trump-technology-49a24edd6d10888dbad61689c24b05a5">false claims</a>&nbsp;that the last election was stolen still dominate some Republican circles.But that doesn’t mean Trump has frozen the field of potential 2024 Republican presidential candidates. Several GOP politicians have plans for trips to Iowa and other early nominating states this spring. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is the first since the election to gauge Iowans’ interest in person this week.Party activists say these early arrivals are welcome, despite Trump’s enduring popularity and the pervasive belief he was somehow wronged in his 2020 defeat. But interviews with GOP county party leaders and local activists around the state expose the difference between their declared love for Trump and hope he runs again.“There are Trumpsters who can’t wait for him to run again. They are the ones still moaning and groaning that they were cheated out of the election,” said Gwen Ecklund, a veteran former county chairwoman in conservative western Iowa. “But there are some — average, rank-and-file Republicans — who are turning the page.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616766008619.png" alt="Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was elected to serve Kansas 4th congressional district in 2010 until he accepted appointment as CIA Director in 2017." />
 <figcaption>Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was elected to serve Kansas 4th congressional district in 2010 until he accepted appointment as CIA Director in 2017.</figcaption>
 </figure>That’s who Pompeo will be looking for in this very early phase. The former top Trump diplomat and successful Kansas politician spoke Friday with a regular Republican breakfast group and up-and-coming Republicans in Des Moines as well as meet privately with top Iowa party officials.Pompeo is fresh off a national political speaking debut at the American Conservative Union’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cpac-false-trump-claims-40eeace4eec6a286dc6e8fb50f0afd5b">CPAC conference</a>&nbsp;last month in Florida. As he’s expected to in Iowa, Pompeo subtly distinguished himself, without alienating Republicans still loyal to Trump and hoping for a 2024 comeback.“I had the chance to bring home American hostages from Pyongyang,” Pompeo told the audience in Orlando. “‘America first’ takes some real courage. It takes a secretary of state willing to walk into a room and tell it like it is, and a president who will have his back.”Others will attempt to walk the same line.Florida Sen. Rick Scott plans to follow the well-worn path of presidential prospects with an April 1 trip to Cedar Rapids. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott is scheduled to meet Republicans in eastern Iowa’s Quad Cities on April 15, all signs of an an exceptionally early start to the 2024 campaign.Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, who has met virtually with Republicans in the leadoff primary state New Hampshire, is also making plans to visit Iowa in the coming months, advisers said.They’ll get a fair hearing, Henry County Republican chairwoman Nancy Amos said. But most in her southeast corner of Iowa want to see Trump run again.“Oh, sure, we’ll go and listen to them. It’s not like we won’t give others a chance,” said Amos, who represents one of a string of Mississippi River counties Trump carried after Democrat Barack Obama had earlier. “It’s just most of the talk is about Trump.”Trump’s enduring popularity, however, doesn’t mean everyone wants him to run again. Though Trump carried Crawford County — where Ecklund is GOP co-chairwoman — by more than 30 percentage points twice, she’s encountered Republicans “ready to move on” and “tired of extreme controversy.”Statewide, views of Trump have dimmed some since he carried Iowa by about 8 percentage points in November. In The Des Moines Register’s March Iowa Poll, 53% of Iowans viewed the former president unfavorably and 45% favorably, about the reverse of a year ago.In an unscientific measure, a straw poll of 1,000 attendees at the CPAC conference found that 97% of these devout conservative activists approved of the job Trump had done as president, though only 68% said he, now age 74, should run again in four years.Yet, Trump prompted roaring applause and a standing ovation in Orlando when he told the audience, “Who knows, I may even decide to beat them a third time,” alluding to his false claim that he won the 2020 election.Members of his own administration, including Attorney General William Barr, say&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barr-no-widespread-election-fraud-b1f1488796c9a98c4b1a9061a6c7f49d">no proof of widespread voter fraud</a>&nbsp;has been uncovered. Courts in multiple battleground states have thrown out&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-losing-election-lawsuits-36d113484ac0946fa5f0614deb7de15e">a barrage of lawsuits</a>&nbsp;filed on behalf of the president.In a January Pew Research poll, taken after the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters, a 57% majority of Republicans said Trump should continue to be a major political figure for many years to come.To maintain his influence, he’s going to have to find a way back to the spotlight, a challenge without his signature Twitter account, said Republican pollster Ed Goeas, who has advised Republican Senate candidates including Iowa Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst.“At some point he’s going to figure out how to get more attention than he’s getting now, or he’s going to fade into the sunset,” Goeas said. “I just think Donald Trump two years from now is going to look very different than Donald Trump of a month ago.”___

Former Kan. congressman in Iowa ahead of 2024 campaign

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was charged Friday with five counts related to his arrest on suspicion of drunk driving, Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay said.

Suellentrop was arrested March 16 after the Kansas Highway Patrol said he was driving the wrong way on Interstate 70 in Topeka. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-7380a7e3e4fbe335536f78e0a5bf719d">was released&nbsp;</a>hours later after a Shawnee County judge said the arrest report did not contain information needed to hold him.

Suellentrop, a Republican from Wichita, was charged Friday with eluding or attempting to elude police, driving under the influence, reckless driving, driving the wrong way down a divided highway and speeding.

He turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued, and bond was set at $5,000, Kagay said in a news release.

Suellentrop’s attorney, Tom Lemon, did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616846113554.png" alt="Suellentrop&nbsp;turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued, and bond was set at $5,000, according to Shawnee Co. District Attorney Mike Kagay.&nbsp; &nbsp;Photo Shawnee Co. Detention Center" />
 <figcaption>Suellentrop&nbsp;turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued, and bond was set at $5,000, according to Shawnee Co. District Attorney Mike Kagay.&nbsp; &nbsp;Photo Shawnee Co. Detention Center</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop was charged Friday with five counts related to his arrest on suspicion of drunk driving, Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay said.Suellentrop was arrested March 16 after the Kansas Highway Patrol said he was driving the wrong way on Interstate 70 in Topeka. He&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-wichita-arrests-topeka-driving-under-the-influence-7380a7e3e4fbe335536f78e0a5bf719d">was released&nbsp;</a>hours later after a Shawnee County judge said the arrest report did not contain information needed to hold him.Suellentrop, a Republican from Wichita, was charged Friday with eluding or attempting to elude police, driving under the influence, reckless driving, driving the wrong way down a divided highway and speeding.He turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued, and bond was set at $5,000, Kagay said in a news release.Suellentrop’s attorney, Tom Lemon, did not immediately return a telephone message seeking comment.

Kan. Senate leader out of jail after criminal charges filed 

WELD COUNTY, Colorado — Law enforcement authorities investigating the cold case murder of a woman in Colorado confirmed an arrest Friday.

&nbsp;Kay Daye was 29-years-old when she went missing in late November of 1979, according to Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams. The business lab monitor was working nights at a community college in Greeley when she was last seen alive by a student on November 26, 1979, according to Reams.

The following day, two of her co-workers found her 1977 Datsun station wagon parked on the eastbound shoulder in the 5700 Block of&nbsp; of 20th Street, three blocks from the Aimes Community College Campus.&nbsp;

The co-workers also discovered her body inside. She had been beaten, sexually assaulted and strangled to death with the cloth belt of her own coat, according to Reams.

For more than 41-years, her family and friends have waited for law enforcement to bring the killer to justice.

On Tuesday, two Weld County Deputies traveled to Wichita and arrested a 64-year-old suspect identified as James Herman Dye for the murder. This follows a detective who reopened the investigation in May of 2020, according to Reams.

Dye has been charged with murder in the first-degree, according to the Weld County Attorney. The extradition process that will move Dye from Kansas to Colorado is also underway.

Investigators said at a Friday news conference that Dye was also a student at the community college where the victim worked.&nbsp;DNA evidence linked him to the crime.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616796453520.png" alt="A photo of murder victim Kay Daye behind Sheriff&nbsp; Steve Reams during Friday's press conference" />
 <figcaption>A photo of murder victim Kay Daye behind Sheriff&nbsp; Steve Reams during Friday's press conference</figcaption>
 </figure>WELD COUNTY, Colorado — Law enforcement authorities investigating the cold case murder of a woman in Colorado confirmed an arrest Friday.&nbsp;Kay Daye was 29-years-old when she went missing in late November of 1979, according to Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams. The business lab monitor was working nights at a community college in Greeley when she was last seen alive by a student on November 26, 1979, according to Reams.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616792269449.png" alt="Dye-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dye-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>The following day, two of her co-workers found her 1977 Datsun station wagon parked on the eastbound shoulder in the 5700 Block of&nbsp; of 20th Street, three blocks from the Aimes Community College Campus.&nbsp;The co-workers also discovered her body inside. She had been beaten, sexually assaulted and strangled to death with the cloth belt of her own coat, according to Reams.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616796383618.png" alt="Suspect images courtesy Weld Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Suspect images courtesy Weld Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>For more than 41-years, her family and friends have waited for law enforcement to bring the killer to justice.On Tuesday, two Weld County Deputies traveled to Wichita and arrested a 64-year-old suspect identified as James Herman Dye for the murder. This follows a detective who reopened the investigation in May of 2020, according to Reams.Dye has been charged with murder in the first-degree, according to the Weld County Attorney. The extradition process that will move Dye from Kansas to Colorado is also underway.Investigators said at a Friday news conference that Dye was also a student at the community college where the victim worked.&nbsp;DNA evidence linked him to the crime.

Man arrested in Kansas for woman's 1979 murder

STAFFORD COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Friday in Stafford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Pontiac G6 driven by Jordan Anthony Megyeri Thomas, 31, Hutchinson, was westbound on U.S. 50 just west of Stafford being pursued by the Reno County Sheriff's Office. 

The driver attempted to avoid tire deflation devices. He lost control of the car. It traveled into the south ditch, Struck a sign post and several trees.

EMS transported&nbsp;Thomas to the Stafford County Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616804317751.png" alt="Thomas has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated escape from custody, aggravated failure to appear, domestic battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections" />
 <figcaption>Thomas has previous convictions for criminal threat, aggravated escape from custody, aggravated failure to appear, domestic battery and for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections</figcaption>
 </figure>STAFFORD COUNTY—One person was injured in an accident just before 4p.m. Friday in Stafford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Pontiac G6 driven by Jordan Anthony Megyeri Thomas, 31, Hutchinson, was westbound on U.S. 50 just west of Stafford being pursued by the Reno County Sheriff's Office. The driver attempted to avoid tire deflation devices. He lost control of the car. It traveled into the south ditch, Struck a sign post and several trees.EMS transported&nbsp;Thomas to the Stafford County Hospital. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP

Wanted Kan. felon hospitalized after chase, crash

HASKELL COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Friday in Haskell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Ram pulling a horse trailer and driven by Ira Sage Dickinson, 21, Rock Springs, WY., was eastbound on U.S. 56 three miles west of Satanta.

The driver attempted to pass a 2003 Peterbilt dump truck driven by Jessie Allen Eckert, 49, Hugoton. The Dodge made contact with the dump truck drivers side front bumper. 

The dump truck traveled into the south ditch. The Dodge pickup and trailer traveled into the north ditch.&nbsp; It rolled and&nbsp; the horse trailer detached.

Two passengers in the Dodge identified as Hadly G&nbsp;McCormick, 23, Scottsbluff, NE. and Cade Cinch Bullock, 19, Campo, CO., were&nbsp; pronounced dead at the scene.

McCormick was transported to&nbsp;Ziegler Funeral Chapel and Bullock to Robinson Funeral Home.

EMS transported Eckert and Dickinson to the Satanta District Hospital. The occupants of the Dodge were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

HASKELL COUNTY—Two people died in an accident just after 8:30a.m. Friday in Haskell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Dodge Ram pulling a horse trailer and driven by Ira Sage Dickinson, 21, Rock Springs, WY., was eastbound on U.S. 56 three miles west of Satanta.The driver attempted to pass a 2003 Peterbilt dump truck driven by Jessie Allen Eckert, 49, Hugoton. The Dodge made contact with the dump truck drivers side front bumper. The dump truck traveled into the south ditch. The Dodge pickup and trailer traveled into the north ditch.&nbsp; It rolled and&nbsp; the horse trailer detached.Two passengers in the Dodge identified as Hadly G&nbsp;McCormick, 23, Scottsbluff, NE. and Cade Cinch Bullock, 19, Campo, CO., were&nbsp; pronounced dead at the scene.McCormick was transported to&nbsp;Ziegler Funeral Chapel and Bullock to Robinson Funeral Home.EMS transported Eckert and Dickinson to the Satanta District Hospital. The occupants of the Dodge were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

2 dead after pickup, dump truck crash on Kan. highway

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program has relaunched to assist unemployed Kansans with job searches and career counseling, according to a media release from Governor Laura Kelly's office.

"By connecting unemployed Kansans with the resources needed to secure a high-quality job, the RESEA program will improve our economy, communities, and the livelihoods of Kansans statewide,"&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly. "It's not good enough to return to the days before the pandemic; instead, we must rebuild a healthier, stronger, more resilient workforce and economy.”

RESEA is a collaboration between the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Department of Labor to provide early-intervention job search assistance and career counseling to unemployment claimants deemed likely to exhaust their benefits. In order to continue receiving benefits, individuals who are selected are required to participate.

“We’re here to help the people of Kansas find meaningful, in-demand jobs in our state, and the RESEA program is a key resource to make that happen quickly,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “RESEA helps Kansans get jobs, and get them as soon as possible. We’ve experienced an unprecedented employment crisis, and we’re here to provide every resource possible to make sure affected Kansans can provide for themselves and their families.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, appointments will be entirely virtual. If internet access is an issue, case managers will work with participants to find an alternative appointment method.

This program is being reinstated with the following objectives in mind:

Kansans receiving unemployment who are selected to participate in the RESEA program will receive a letter soon with more information. They will also be assigned a Case Manager who will provide necessary documentation.

Appointment dates for RESEA program participants will begin on March 29.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1560186434781.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program has relaunched to assist unemployed Kansans with job searches and career counseling, according to a media release from Governor Laura Kelly's office."By connecting unemployed Kansans with the resources needed to secure a high-quality job, the RESEA program will improve our economy, communities, and the livelihoods of Kansans statewide,"&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly. "It's not good enough to return to the days before the pandemic; instead, we must rebuild a healthier, stronger, more resilient workforce and economy.”RESEA is a collaboration between the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Department of Labor to provide early-intervention job search assistance and career counseling to unemployment claimants deemed likely to exhaust their benefits. In order to continue receiving benefits, individuals who are selected are required to participate.“We’re here to help the people of Kansas find meaningful, in-demand jobs in our state, and the RESEA program is a key resource to make that happen quickly,”&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “RESEA helps Kansans get jobs, and get them as soon as possible. We’ve experienced an unprecedented employment crisis, and we’re here to provide every resource possible to make sure affected Kansans can provide for themselves and their families.”Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, appointments will be entirely virtual. If internet access is an issue, case managers will work with participants to find an alternative appointment method.This program is being reinstated with the following objectives in mind:<ul>
 <li>Quickly assist unemployed Kansans in finding new, meaningful work in our state;</li><li>Strengthen the integrity of Kansas’ unemployment program;</li><li>Promote alignment with the vision of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA);</li><li>Establish RESEA as an entry point to other workforce system partners.</li>
 </ul>Kansans receiving unemployment who are selected to participate in the RESEA program will receive a letter soon with more information. They will also be assigned a Case Manager who will provide necessary documentation.Appointment dates for RESEA program participants will begin on March 29.&nbsp;

Kansas restarts Reemployment Services program

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — The suspect in the Colorado supermarket shootings bought a firearm at a local gun store after passing a background check, and he also had a second weapon with him that he didn’t use in the attack that killed 10 people this week, authorities and the gun store owner said Friday.

Investigators are working to determine the motive for the shooting, but they don’t know yet why the suspect chose the King Soopers grocery store in Boulder or what led him to carry out the rampage, Police Chief Maris Herold said at a news conference.

“Like the rest of the community, we too want to know why — why that King Soopers, why Boulder, why Monday,” Herold said. “It will be something haunting for all of us until we figure that out. Sometimes you just don’t figure these things out. But, I am hoping that we will.”

The quick response by officers, who traded gunfire with the suspect, kept many people inside the store out of danger, said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, who declined to say how many people were in the supermarket. The first officer on scene was killed.

“Their actions saved other civilians from being killed,” Dougherty said about the officers. “They charged into the store and immediately faced a very significant amount of gunfire from the shooter, who at first they were unable to locate.”

More charges will be filed against 21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa in the coming weeks in connection with firing at officers, Dougherty said.

John Mark Eagleton, owner of Eagles Nest Armory in the Denver suburb of Arvada, said in a statement that his store was cooperating with authorities as they investigate. The suspect passed a background check conducted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation before purchasing a gun, Eagleton said.

Alissa used a Ruger AR-556 pistol, which resembles an AR-15 rifle with a slightly shorter stock, in the shooting, Herold said. An arrest affidavit says Alissa purchased it on March 16, six days before the shooting.

He also had a 9 mm handgun, which the police chief said was not believed to have been used in the attack. Herold didn’t say how Alissa obtained it.

“We are absolutely shocked by what happened and our hearts are broken for the victims and families that are left behind. Ensuring every sale that occurs at our shop is lawful, has always been and will always remain the highest priority for our business,” Eagleton said in the statement.

The gun store is in a shopping center that also has a chiropractic clinic, yoga studio and foot massage parlor. It is less than a half-mile from one of the restaurants Alissa’s family owns and about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from his family’s house in Arvada. A different King Soopers store is across the street.

Colorado has a universal background check law covering almost all gun sales, but misdemeanor convictions generally do not prevent people from purchasing weapons.

Alissa was convicted in 2018 of misdemeanor assault after he knocked a fellow high school student to the floor, climbed on top of him and punched him in the head several times, according to police documents. He was sentenced to probation and community service.

If Alissa had been convicted of a felony, his gun purchase would have been prohibited under federal law.

Dougherty, the district attorney, said Friday that the FBI and other agencies were looking into the background of Alissa and the victims and didn’t yet have information to share. He said federal agencies were looking into “other firearms that might be connected to him” but refused to elaborate.

Dougherty said officials will limit how much they reveal about the investigation, which is expected to take months, to protect Alissa’s right to a fair trial and ensure it takes place in Boulder County.

“If we share too much about the facts of the investigation, it’s possible we’ll see a motion by the defense to move this trial to somewhere else in the state of Colorado,” Dougherty said. “And I want to make sure that the people of Boulder have the opportunity for this trial to be held and for justice to be done here.”

Alissa made his first court appearance Thursday, where his public defender asked for a mental health evaluation but provided no details about his mental state. He is charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder over shots fired at a police officer who was not hurt.

Alissa was treated at a hospital before going to jail, his hands bound during the transfer by the handcuffs used by Officer Eric Talley, who died in the attack. Alissa has been moved to a jail outside Boulder County due to safety concerns stemming from threats made against him, county sheriff’s spokeswoman Carrie Haverfield said in a statement Friday.

Alissa is being held without bail and has not yet entered a plea. His next court hearing will not be scheduled for two to three months to allow his attorneys to evaluate his mental state and evidence collected by investigators.

A Catholic funeral Mass for Talley will be celebrated Monday at a cathedral in downtown Denver. His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday in the Boulder County city of Lafayette. The 51-year-old joined the Police Department in 2010. He had seven children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616793462620.png" alt="The community has come together in the face of this week's horrific tragedy-photo City of Boulder" />
 <figcaption>The community has come together in the face of this week's horrific tragedy-photo City of Boulder</figcaption>
 </figure>BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — The suspect in the Colorado supermarket shootings bought a firearm at a local gun store after passing a background check, and he also had a second weapon with him that he didn’t use in the attack that killed 10 people this week, authorities and the gun store owner said Friday.Investigators are working to determine the motive for the shooting, but they don’t know yet why the suspect chose the King Soopers grocery store in Boulder or what led him to carry out the rampage, Police Chief Maris Herold said at a news conference.“Like the rest of the community, we too want to know why — why that King Soopers, why Boulder, why Monday,” Herold said. “It will be something haunting for all of us until we figure that out. Sometimes you just don’t figure these things out. But, I am hoping that we will.”The quick response by officers, who traded gunfire with the suspect, kept many people inside the store out of danger, said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, who declined to say how many people were in the supermarket. The first officer on scene was killed.“Their actions saved other civilians from being killed,” Dougherty said about the officers. “They charged into the store and immediately faced a very significant amount of gunfire from the shooter, who at first they were unable to locate.”More charges will be filed against 21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa in the coming weeks in connection with firing at officers, Dougherty said.John Mark Eagleton, owner of Eagles Nest Armory in the Denver suburb of Arvada, said in a statement that his store was cooperating with authorities as they investigate. The suspect passed a background check conducted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation before purchasing a gun, Eagleton said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616547245871.png" alt="Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa photo Boulder Police" />
 <figcaption>Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa photo Boulder Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Alissa used a Ruger AR-556 pistol, which resembles an AR-15 rifle with a slightly shorter stock, in the shooting, Herold said. An arrest affidavit says Alissa purchased it on March 16, six days before the shooting.He also had a 9 mm handgun, which the police chief said was not believed to have been used in the attack. Herold didn’t say how Alissa obtained it.“We are absolutely shocked by what happened and our hearts are broken for the victims and families that are left behind. Ensuring every sale that occurs at our shop is lawful, has always been and will always remain the highest priority for our business,” Eagleton said in the statement.The gun store is in a shopping center that also has a chiropractic clinic, yoga studio and foot massage parlor. It is less than a half-mile from one of the restaurants Alissa’s family owns and about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from his family’s house in Arvada. A different King Soopers store is across the street.Colorado has a universal background check law covering almost all gun sales, but misdemeanor convictions generally do not prevent people from purchasing weapons.Alissa was convicted in 2018 of misdemeanor assault after he knocked a fellow high school student to the floor, climbed on top of him and punched him in the head several times, according to police documents. He was sentenced to probation and community service.If Alissa had been convicted of a felony, his gun purchase would have been prohibited under federal law.Dougherty, the district attorney, said Friday that the FBI and other agencies were looking into the background of Alissa and the victims and didn’t yet have information to share. He said federal agencies were looking into “other firearms that might be connected to him” but refused to elaborate.Dougherty said officials will limit how much they reveal about the investigation, which is expected to take months, to protect Alissa’s right to a fair trial and ensure it takes place in Boulder County.“If we share too much about the facts of the investigation, it’s possible we’ll see a motion by the defense to move this trial to somewhere else in the state of Colorado,” Dougherty said. “And I want to make sure that the people of Boulder have the opportunity for this trial to be held and for justice to be done here.”Alissa made his first court appearance Thursday, where his public defender asked for a mental health evaluation but provided no details about his mental state. He is charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder over shots fired at a police officer who was not hurt.Alissa was treated at a hospital before going to jail, his hands bound during the transfer by the handcuffs used by Officer Eric Talley, who died in the attack. Alissa has been moved to a jail outside Boulder County due to safety concerns stemming from threats made against him, county sheriff’s spokeswoman Carrie Haverfield said in a statement Friday.Alissa is being held without bail and has not yet entered a plea. His next court hearing will not be scheduled for two to three months to allow his attorneys to evaluate his mental state and evidence collected by investigators.A Catholic funeral Mass for Talley will be celebrated Monday at a cathedral in downtown Denver. His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday in the Boulder County city of Lafayette. The 51-year-old joined the Police Department in 2010. He had seven children.___

Colorado shooting suspect passed check in legal gun purchase

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service issued <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/a-21-07.pdf">Announcement 2021-7&nbsp;PDF</a>
 today clarifying that the purchase of personal protective equipment, 
such as masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, for the primary 
purpose of preventing the spread of coronavirus are deductible medical 
expenses.

The amounts paid for personal protective equipment are also eligible 
to be paid or reimbursed under health flexible spending arrangements , Archer medical savings accounts, health 
reimbursement arrangements, or health savings accounts.

For more information on determining what is deductible, see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/can-i-deduct-my-medical-and-dental-expenses">Can I Deduct My Medical and Dental Expenses?</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502">Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service issued <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/a-21-07.pdf">Announcement 2021-7&nbsp;PDF</a>
 today clarifying that the purchase of personal protective equipment, 
such as masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, for the primary 
purpose of preventing the spread of coronavirus are deductible medical 
expenses.The amounts paid for personal protective equipment are also eligible 
to be paid or reimbursed under health flexible spending arrangements , Archer medical savings accounts, health 
reimbursement arrangements, or health savings accounts.For more information on determining what is deductible, see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/can-i-deduct-my-medical-and-dental-expenses">Can I Deduct My Medical and Dental Expenses?</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502">Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses</a>.

IRS: Masks, other PPP to prevent COVID spread now tax-deductible

RILEY COUNTY —A home in rural Riley County is a complete loss after a fire.&nbsp;

Just before 8p.m. Thursday Riley County Fire District #1 received a report of a structure fire with smoke and flames visible at 9280 Barton Road, according to Riley County Fire District #1 Chief Michael Regal.

“Upon arrival, the 2-story residence was heavily involved in fire. Crews conducted exterior operations due to the structure being 75% involved.

Two individuals have been displaced from the fire. Riley County EMS treated occupants on the scene, no one was transported for further care.

A representative from the Kansas State Fire Marshal Service was on the scene Friday to determine a cause.

A portion of Barton Road between Country Road and Tuttle Creek Road in the Leonardville area was temporarily closed to allow fire crews to work, according to the Riley County Police Department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616786994416.png" alt="A representative from the Kansas State Fire Marshal Service was on the scene Friday to determine a cause-photo courtesy Riley Co. Fire District 1." />
 <figcaption>A representative from the Kansas State Fire Marshal Service was on the scene Friday to determine a cause-photo courtesy Riley Co. Fire District 1.</figcaption>
 </figure>RILEY COUNTY —A home in rural Riley County is a complete loss after a fire.&nbsp;Just before 8p.m. Thursday Riley County Fire District #1 received a report of a structure fire with smoke and flames visible at 9280 Barton Road, according to Riley County Fire District #1 Chief Michael Regal.“Upon arrival, the 2-story residence was heavily involved in fire. Crews conducted exterior operations due to the structure being 75% involved.Two individuals have been displaced from the fire. Riley County EMS treated occupants on the scene, no one was transported for further care.A representative from the Kansas State Fire Marshal Service was on the scene Friday to determine a cause.A portion of Barton Road between Country Road and Tuttle Creek Road in the Leonardville area was temporarily closed to allow fire crews to work, according to the Riley County Police Department.

Fire Chief: Home destroyed in rural Kansas fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is including rivals Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China among the invitees to the first big climate talks of his administration, an event the U.S. hopes will help shape, speed up and deepen global efforts to cut climate-wrecking fossil fuel pollution, administration officials told The Associated Press. 

The president is seeking to revive a U.S.-convened forum of the world’s major economies on climate that George W. Bush and Barack Obama both used and Donald Trump let languish. 

Leaders of some of the world’s top climate-change sufferers, do-gooders and backsliders round out the rest of the 40 invitations being delivered Friday. It will be held April 22 and 23.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614942546425.png" alt="Biden" />
 <figcaption>Biden</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is including rivals Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China among the invitees to the first big climate talks of his administration, an event the U.S. hopes will help shape, speed up and deepen global efforts to cut climate-wrecking fossil fuel pollution, administration officials told The Associated Press. The president is seeking to revive a U.S.-convened forum of the world’s major economies on climate that George W. Bush and Barack Obama both used and Donald Trump let languish. Leaders of some of the world’s top climate-change sufferers, do-gooders and backsliders round out the rest of the 40 invitations being delivered Friday. It will be held April 22 and 23.

Pres. Biden invites Putin, Xi Jinping to climate talks 

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that starting Monday, March 29, the State of Kansas will make the COVID-19 vaccine available to all Kansans (16+), entering the final Phase 5 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMjYuMzc3ODQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAyLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cua2Fuc2FzdmFjY2luZS5nb3YlMkZEb2N1bWVudENlbnRlciUyRlZpZXclMkYxMjElMkZWYWNjaW5lLVByaW9yaXRpemF0aW9uLVNsaWRlcy1QREYmZGF0YT0wNCU3QzAxJTdDTGF1cmVuLkZpdHpnZXJhbGQlNDBrcy5nb3YlN0NhYjU1Njk1YjZkMWQ0ZjBmMjE2ZjA4ZDhlZmZhMTFjZSU3Q2RjYWU4MTAxYzkyZDQ4MGNiYzQzYzY3NjFjY2NjYzVhJTdDMCU3QzAlN0M2Mzc1MjMyMDQ2MDk5MzM5NDYlN0NVbmtub3duJTdDVFdGcGJHWnNiM2Q4ZXlKV0lqb2lNQzR3TGpBd01EQWlMQ0pRSWpvaVYybHVNeklpTENKQlRpSTZJazFoYVd3aUxDSlhWQ0k2TW4wJTNEJTdDMTAwMCZzZGF0YT1KWW0yVmtxOWhvaU1oWjR5eEZUdXJ1dWJJaDNoVzI2Zk1uN1NxRWN4ZDdnJTNEJnJlc2VydmVkPTAifQ.ubDUIVThm5i2wwMrejtn9iLpuJil1tvbFfXjWRlw4_Q/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">Vaccine Prioritization</a>&nbsp;plan, according to a media release from her office.

“With the anticipated increase in supply from the federal government, we must get every dose of vaccine into arms quickly,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I strongly encourage every Kansan to get the COVID-19 vaccine so we can get back to school, back to work, and back to normal.”

Kansas will become the 8th&nbsp;state to make the vaccine available to all adults, joining Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Utah, and West Virginia.

As of March 26,<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMjYuMzc3ODQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvdmlkLmNkYy5nb3YvY292aWQtZGF0YS10cmFja2VyLyN2YWNjaW5hdGlvbnMifQ.sFC6hfLyb9saz9FMqRT-HD3k5y5Z0XZPHX487V3L_rA/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">&nbsp;35.1%</a>&nbsp;of the adult population in Kansas had received at least one dose of the vaccine.

In the early part of the vaccination program (December 2020 – February 2021), limited federal supply led to demand for vaccine consistently outstripping supply. However, the supply increases of recent weeks have reversed this situation. Local Health Departments (LHDs) and providers have started reporting a decline in demand despite the state opening to Phases 3 and 4 populations. To ensure no vaccine goes to waste, the Kelly administration decided to open eligibility to all Kansans.

Kansans are encouraged to use the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.aeqhimZY4uP5KjdOQ4BPwDU6G3ogyV88Q0Amwsf3xEU/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">Vaccine Finder</a>&nbsp;tool to find the nearest location with available vaccine.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/1/1610104544544.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that starting Monday, March 29, the State of Kansas will make the COVID-19 vaccine available to all Kansans (16+), entering the final Phase 5 of the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMjYuMzc3ODQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2djYzAyLnNhZmVsaW5rcy5wcm90ZWN0aW9uLm91dGxvb2suY29tLz91cmw9aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cua2Fuc2FzdmFjY2luZS5nb3YlMkZEb2N1bWVudENlbnRlciUyRlZpZXclMkYxMjElMkZWYWNjaW5lLVByaW9yaXRpemF0aW9uLVNsaWRlcy1QREYmZGF0YT0wNCU3QzAxJTdDTGF1cmVuLkZpdHpnZXJhbGQlNDBrcy5nb3YlN0NhYjU1Njk1YjZkMWQ0ZjBmMjE2ZjA4ZDhlZmZhMTFjZSU3Q2RjYWU4MTAxYzkyZDQ4MGNiYzQzYzY3NjFjY2NjYzVhJTdDMCU3QzAlN0M2Mzc1MjMyMDQ2MDk5MzM5NDYlN0NVbmtub3duJTdDVFdGcGJHWnNiM2Q4ZXlKV0lqb2lNQzR3TGpBd01EQWlMQ0pRSWpvaVYybHVNeklpTENKQlRpSTZJazFoYVd3aUxDSlhWQ0k2TW4wJTNEJTdDMTAwMCZzZGF0YT1KWW0yVmtxOWhvaU1oWjR5eEZUdXJ1dWJJaDNoVzI2Zk1uN1NxRWN4ZDdnJTNEJnJlc2VydmVkPTAifQ.ubDUIVThm5i2wwMrejtn9iLpuJil1tvbFfXjWRlw4_Q/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">Vaccine Prioritization</a>&nbsp;plan, according to a media release from her office.“With the anticipated increase in supply from the federal government, we must get every dose of vaccine into arms quickly,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“I strongly encourage every Kansan to get the COVID-19 vaccine so we can get back to school, back to work, and back to normal.”Kansas will become the 8th&nbsp;state to make the vaccine available to all adults, joining Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Utah, and West Virginia.As of March 26,<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMjYuMzc3ODQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2NvdmlkLmNkYy5nb3YvY292aWQtZGF0YS10cmFja2VyLyN2YWNjaW5hdGlvbnMifQ.sFC6hfLyb9saz9FMqRT-HD3k5y5Z0XZPHX487V3L_rA/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">&nbsp;35.1%</a>&nbsp;of the adult population in Kansas had received at least one dose of the vaccine.In the early part of the vaccination program (December 2020 – February 2021), limited federal supply led to demand for vaccine consistently outstripping supply. However, the supply increases of recent weeks have reversed this situation. Local Health Departments (LHDs) and providers have started reporting a decline in demand despite the state opening to Phases 3 and 4 populations. To ensure no vaccine goes to waste, the Kelly administration decided to open eligibility to all Kansans.Kansans are encouraged to use the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.aeqhimZY4uP5KjdOQ4BPwDU6G3ogyV88Q0Amwsf3xEU/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">Vaccine Finder</a>&nbsp;tool to find the nearest location with available vaccine.About the COVID-19 vaccines:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTAzMjYuMzc3ODQ5MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3RpbWUuY29tLzU5NDIwNzYvcHJvb2YtY292aWQtMTktdmFjY2luZXMtd29yay8ifQ.4K2ibSgHqf_L3FHxbJLaaAjBad4X-loM4Yd3tTjswCQ/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">COVID-19 Vaccines work</a>:&nbsp;New England Journal of Medicine&nbsp;published a study on Feb. 24 that found researchers in Israel and the U.S. report that the vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech was highly effective in protecting against infection with the COVID-19 virus, lowering people’s chances of getting sick with the disease—especially severe disease—and dropping COVID-19 hospitalization rates.</li><li>Scientists have been researching&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.28L4URDjRLyYtmmVFwrZFVEIwLixtTKUQ8CB8vIxQuQ/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">mRNA</a>&nbsp;technology, which makes it possible to create a vaccine faster, for years to prepare for potential infectious viruses. This research and the high supply of volunteers for clinical trials led to the relatively&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.DO1KeJdPNKo7fYVCmfZPYk38nG3hLc13868zPgifkWk/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">quick</a>&nbsp;development of the COVID-19 vaccines.</li><li>COVID-19 vaccines must meet&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.WrLjrb9CNPgiehOWJoSp92P265nv0uSksmJw-AdXo20/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">rigorous</a>&nbsp;standards and have undergone the most&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.zK4AWTSgGHpTY36_AQHWCk1IVNfP5zNZvNjD-TpmksQ/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">intensive</a>&nbsp;safety monitoring in U.S. history. The three COVID-19 vaccines had to meet safety and effectiveness standards to be approved for Emergency Use Authorization and have been evaluated in&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.1fCwgNA_d2YWui9oFU8guVKsMFWjuyS9VnXGH3pfcI0/s/1303160919/br/100735784539-l" target="_blank">tens of thousands</a>&nbsp;of participants in clinical trials.</li>
 </ul>