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

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

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

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

Man enters plea in violent murder of Kansas doctor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celia 
Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bill prohibits dishonorable discharge for unvaccinated service members

SALINE COUNTY— A Missouri man died in an accident just after 1a.m. Wednesday in Saline County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Freightliner semi driven by Christopher D. Johnson, 37, Dandridge, TN, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of Sweet Springs.

The semi struck a pedestrian identified as Jamie L. Barnett, 61, Raytown, who was in the roadway. She was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the county medical examiner's office. Johnson was not injured and properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

SALINE COUNTY— A Missouri man died in an accident just after 1a.m. Wednesday in Saline County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2013 Freightliner semi driven by Christopher D. Johnson, 37, Dandridge, TN, was eastbound on Interstate 70 just west of Sweet Springs.The semi struck a pedestrian identified as Jamie L. Barnett, 61, Raytown, who was in the roadway. She was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the county medical examiner's office. Johnson was not injured and properly restrained, according to the MSHP.

Missouri woman dies after struck by semi on I-70

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Ben &amp; Jerry's latest ice cream flavor is supporting a new approach to policing, a proposal sponsored by Democratic U.S. Rep. Cori Bush of St. Louis.

The Vermont-based company on Monday launched the flavor “Change is Brewing." The limited-batch offering features the flavor of cold brew coffee ice cream with swirls of marshmallow and fudge brownies. The company, at a news conference, also announced support for Bush's legislation, the People's Response Act.

The measure seeks to change the emphasis in public safety toward less criminalization and toward providing more care to help people overcome mental health problems, substance abuse and other concerns.

Jabari Paul, U.S. activism manager for Ben &amp; Jerry’s, said in a news release that the legislation “would boldly transform public safety in America.”

Soon after George Floyd's death last year, Ben &amp; Jerry's put out a lengthy message calling for racial justice.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-michael-brown-mo-state-wire-politics-racial-injustice-36ae43993c0fe43e67bcdd9539675997">Bush, serving her first term,</a>&nbsp;is a longtime racial injustice activist. She led several protests in Ferguson, Missouri, after the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown in 2014.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632307343007.png" alt="Change Is Brewing, the flavor helping to transform the nation’s approach to public safety to one that prioritizes community needs, in collaboration with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mvmt4bl/?__cft__[0]=AZVMdEy5PJLPYLqI-H3yjCMC4uogT7o8_4zATb0WYsteb2x2TMeztbkAzSnY9HvXdE6w-Fr-6S-QqnA-ywq6rJ_KzaBnZ3qMzFcDOPbnVgaeT9OnGjc9YphwR_oQJNiYjplQlVMcIVRsW0YxxGW6rodx&amp;__tn__=kK-R">The Movement for Black Lives</a>. The flavor features cold brew coffee from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blkandbold/?__cft__[0]=AZVMdEy5PJLPYLqI-H3yjCMC4uogT7o8_4zATb0WYsteb2x2TMeztbkAzSnY9HvXdE6w-Fr-6S-QqnA-ywq6rJ_KzaBnZ3qMzFcDOPbnVgaeT9OnGjc9YphwR_oQJNiYjplQlVMcIVRsW0YxxGW6rodx&amp;__tn__=kK-R">BLK &amp; Bold</a> and sweet pint artwork from Black multi-disciplinary artist Laci Jordan. Join our call for investment in true public safety — support the People's Response Act. -photo courtesy Ben &amp; Jerry's" />
 <figcaption>Change Is Brewing, the flavor helping to transform the nation’s approach to public safety to one that prioritizes community needs, in collaboration with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mvmt4bl/?__cft__[0]=AZVMdEy5PJLPYLqI-H3yjCMC4uogT7o8_4zATb0WYsteb2x2TMeztbkAzSnY9HvXdE6w-Fr-6S-QqnA-ywq6rJ_KzaBnZ3qMzFcDOPbnVgaeT9OnGjc9YphwR_oQJNiYjplQlVMcIVRsW0YxxGW6rodx&amp;__tn__=kK-R">The Movement for Black Lives</a>. The flavor features cold brew coffee from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blkandbold/?__cft__[0]=AZVMdEy5PJLPYLqI-H3yjCMC4uogT7o8_4zATb0WYsteb2x2TMeztbkAzSnY9HvXdE6w-Fr-6S-QqnA-ywq6rJ_KzaBnZ3qMzFcDOPbnVgaeT9OnGjc9YphwR_oQJNiYjplQlVMcIVRsW0YxxGW6rodx&amp;__tn__=kK-R">BLK &amp; Bold</a> and sweet pint artwork from Black multi-disciplinary artist Laci Jordan. Join our call for investment in true public safety — support the People's Response Act. -photo courtesy Ben &amp; Jerry's</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. LOUIS (AP) — Ben &amp; Jerry's latest ice cream flavor is supporting a new approach to policing, a proposal sponsored by Democratic U.S. Rep. Cori Bush of St. Louis.The Vermont-based company on Monday launched the flavor “Change is Brewing." The limited-batch offering features the flavor of cold brew coffee ice cream with swirls of marshmallow and fudge brownies. The company, at a news conference, also announced support for Bush's legislation, the People's Response Act.The measure seeks to change the emphasis in public safety toward less criminalization and toward providing more care to help people overcome mental health problems, substance abuse and other concerns.Jabari Paul, U.S. activism manager for Ben &amp; Jerry’s, said in a news release that the legislation “would boldly transform public safety in America.”Soon after George Floyd's death last year, Ben &amp; Jerry's put out a lengthy message calling for racial justice.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-michael-brown-mo-state-wire-politics-racial-injustice-36ae43993c0fe43e67bcdd9539675997">Bush, serving her first term,</a>&nbsp;is a longtime racial injustice activist. She led several protests in Ferguson, Missouri, after the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown in 2014.

Legislation proposed by Mo. congresswoman prompts ice cream flavor

The Cybersecurity and Infastructure Security Agency (CISA) along with the FBI recommend consumers and businesses <a href="https://www.cisa.gov/news/2021/08/31/cisa-and-fbi-urge-organizations-remain-vigilant-ransomware-threats-holidays" target="_blank">take steps to protect electronic devices against cyber attacks.</a>

Ransomware attacks are becoming a regular occurrence, locking 
computers and networks using file encryption software, with hackers 
demanding payment by Bitcoin or other non-traceable crypto-currency to 
release the data. The attack typically enters through a phishing email 
and then spreads to other machines on the same network.&nbsp;

BBB joins with the <a href="http://www.staysafeonline.org/" target="_blank">National Cyber Security Alliance</a>&nbsp;in suggesting the following cyber hygiene defenses:

Businesses need to take special precautions when it comes to protecting their customers’ information. One of the <a href="https://www.bbb.org/standards-for-trust" target="_blank">BBB Standards for Trust</a>
 is "Safeguard Privacy: Protect any data collected against mishandling 
and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the 
preferences of consumers regarding the use of their information."

&nbsp;BBB recommends the following <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/business/23641-bbb-business-tip-cybersecurity-practices-every-small-business-needs-to-do-now" target="_blank">cybersecurity tips for U.S. small businesses</a> and <a href="https://cyber.gc.ca/en/" target="_blank">Cyber Security tips for Canada</a>

Consumers can learn more about avoiding scams and fraud at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/8767-bbb-tips-10-steps-to-avoid-scams" target="_blank">10 Steps to Avoid Scams</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632330784200.jpeg" alt="Pixabay photo" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BBBThe Cybersecurity and Infastructure Security Agency (CISA) along with the FBI recommend consumers and businesses <a href="https://www.cisa.gov/news/2021/08/31/cisa-and-fbi-urge-organizations-remain-vigilant-ransomware-threats-holidays" target="_blank">take steps to protect electronic devices against cyber attacks.</a>Ransomware attacks are becoming a regular occurrence, locking 
computers and networks using file encryption software, with hackers 
demanding payment by Bitcoin or other non-traceable crypto-currency to 
release the data. The attack typically enters through a phishing email 
and then spreads to other machines on the same network.&nbsp;BBB joins with the <a href="http://www.staysafeonline.org/" target="_blank">National Cyber Security Alliance</a>&nbsp;in suggesting the following cyber hygiene defenses:<ul>
 <li>Don’t click on links&nbsp;from unfamiliar sources. Even 
if you think you know the sender, be cautious about clicking on email 
links. When in doubt, delete it. Be especially wary of messages 
requiring you to act quickly, asking for personal information, or 
threatening you in any way.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Keep clean machines and stay up-to-date with software:&nbsp;Prevent
 infections by updating critical software as soon as patches or new 
operating system versions are available. This includes mobile and other 
internet-connected devices.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Use strong authentication, requiring more than a 
username and password to access accounts, especially critical networks, 
to prevent access through stolen or hacked credentials.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Conduct regular backups of systems:&nbsp;Systems can be restored in cases of ransomware and having current backup of all data speeds the recovery process.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Make better passwords:&nbsp;In cases where passwords are
 still used, require long, strong and unique passwords to better harden 
accounts against intrusions.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Enable popup blockers.&nbsp;Popups are regularly used by
 scammers to spread malware. Prevent them from appearing in the first 
place by adjusting your browser settings.</li>
 </ul> Businesses need to take special precautions when it comes to protecting their customers’ information. One of the <a href="https://www.bbb.org/standards-for-trust" target="_blank">BBB Standards for Trust</a>
 is "Safeguard Privacy: Protect any data collected against mishandling 
and fraud, collect personal information only as needed, and respect the 
preferences of consumers regarding the use of their information."&nbsp;BBB recommends the following <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/business/23641-bbb-business-tip-cybersecurity-practices-every-small-business-needs-to-do-now" target="_blank">cybersecurity tips for U.S. small businesses</a> and <a href="https://cyber.gc.ca/en/" target="_blank">Cyber Security tips for Canada</a>Consumers can learn more about avoiding scams and fraud at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/8767-bbb-tips-10-steps-to-avoid-scams" target="_blank">10 Steps to Avoid Scams</a>.&nbsp;

BBB Tip: Update software to help prevent ransomware

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted to keep the government funded, suspend the federal debt limit and provide disaster and refugee aid, setting up a high-stakes showdown with Republicans who oppose the package despite the risk of triggering a fiscal crisis.

The federal government faces a shutdown if funding stops on Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year — midnight next Thursday. Additionally, at some point in October the U.S. risks defaulting on its accumulated debt load if its borrowing limits are not waived or adjusted.

Rushing to prevent that dire outcome, the Democratic-led House passed the measure Tuesday night by a party-line vote of 220-211. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is likely to falter because of overwhelming GOP opposition.

“Our country will suffer greatly if we do not act now to stave off this unnecessary and preventable crisis,” House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said shortly before the vote.

Backed by the White House, the Democratic leaders pushed the package to approval at a time of great uncertainty in Congress. With lawmakers already chiseling away at the $3.5 trillion price tag of President Joe Biden’s broad “build back better” agenda, immediate attention focused on the upcoming deadlines to avert deeper problems if votes to shore up government funding fail.

The package approved Tuesday would provide stopgap money to keep the government funded to Dec. 3 and extend borrowing authority through the end of 2022. It includes $28.6 billion in disaster relief for the aftermath of Hurricane Ida and other extreme weather events, and $6.3 billion to support Afghanistan evacuees in the fallout from the end of the 20-year war.

While suspending the debt ceiling allows the government to meet financial obligations already incurred, Republicans argued it would also facilitate a spending binge in the months ahead.

“I will not support signing a blank check as this majority is advancing the most reckless expansion of government in generations,” said Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., during the debate.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said since Democrats control the White House and Congress, it’s their problem to find the votes — even though he had relied on bipartisan cooperation to approve the debt limits when Republicans were in charge.

“The debt ceiling will be raised as it always should be, but it will be raised by the Democrats,” McConnell said.

In the 50-50 Senate, Democrats will be hard-pressed to find 10 Republicans to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster.

“This is playing with fire,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

The Treasury Department has been using “extraordinary measures” to fund the government since the last debt limit suspension expired July 31, and projects that at some point next month will run out cash reserves. Then, it will have to rely on incoming receipts to pay its obligations, now at $28.4 trillion. That could force the Treasury to delay or miss payments, a devastating situation.

Mark Zandi, the chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, warned if lawmakers allow a federal debt default “this economic scenario is cataclysmic.”

In a report being circulated by Democrats, Zandi warned that a potential downturn from government funding cutbacks would cost 6 million jobs and stock market losses would wipe out $15 trillion of household wealth.

Once a routine matter, raising the debt ceiling has become a political weapon of choice for Republicans in Washington ever since the 2011 arrival of tea party lawmakers who refused to allow the increase. At the time, they argued against more spending and the standoff triggered a fiscal crisis.

Echoing that strategy, McConnell is setting the tone for his party, but some GOP senators might have a tough time voting no.

Republican John Kennedy of Louisiana, whose state was battered by the hurricane and who is up for election next year, said he will likely vote for the increase. “My people desperately need the help,” he said.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that “in our view, this should not be a controversial vote.” Psaki said Congress has raised the debt ceiling numerous times on a bipartisan basis, including three times under President Donald Trump.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the Democratic chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, was forced to introduce another version of the bill Tuesday after some within the Democratic caucus objected to the inclusion of $1 billion for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, which uses missiles to intercept short-range rockets fired into the country.

The Israel defense issue splits Democrats, but DeLauro assured colleagues that money for the weapons system would be included in the annual defense spending bill. Hoyer went a step further and said he would bring a bill to the floor this week to replenish the Iron Dome system.

Republicans were highly critical of the change and vowed to stand as allies with Israel.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Democrats were negotiating over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-5ff8a8f7403e1e8cc27f192d87894d9e">Biden’s big “build back better” package</a>&nbsp;as the price tag likely slips to win over skeptical centrist lawmakers who view it as too much.

Publicly, the White House has remained confident the legislation will pass soon, despite sharp differences among progressives and moderates in the party over the eventual size of the package and a companion $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill.

There has been a flurry of outreach from the White House to Democrats on Capitol Hill, and Biden himself was given a call sheet of lawmakers to cajole. The president has been talking to a wide number of lawmakers beyond his recent meetings with key centrist Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., according to a White House official familiar with the calls and granted anonymity to discuss them.

Biden’s big initiative touches almost all aspects of Americans’ lives. It would impose tax hikes on corporations and wealthy Americans earning beyond $400,000 a year and plow that money back into federal programs for young and old, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-69c7bb592f8d73232bec1d8e15be82e3">government health, education and family support&nbsp;</a>and environmental efforts to fight climate change.

With Republicans opposed to Biden’s vision, Democrats have no votes to spare in the Senate, and just a few votes’ margin in the House.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has promised a Sept. 27 vote on the companion $1 trillion bill of public works projects that has already passed the Senate.

Even though that bipartisan bill should be an easy legislative lift, it too faces a political obstacle course. Dozens of lawmakers in the Congressional Progressive Caucus are expected to vote against it if it comes ahead of the broader Biden package. And centrists won’t vote for the broader package unless they are assured the bipartisan bill will also be included.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632274549553.png" alt="House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn. fields questions about the politics of the federal debt, at the Capitol Tuesday-photo courtesy House Appropriations Committee" />
 <figcaption>House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn. fields questions about the politics of the federal debt, at the Capitol Tuesday-photo courtesy House Appropriations Committee</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted to keep the government funded, suspend the federal debt limit and provide disaster and refugee aid, setting up a high-stakes showdown with Republicans who oppose the package despite the risk of triggering a fiscal crisis.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act provides vital services that working families need. Watch Chair <a href="https://twitter.com/rosadelauro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rosadelauro</a> discuss this crucial legislation with <a href="https://twitter.com/RulesDemocrats?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RulesDemocrats</a>: <a href="https://t.co/UOQEdIrNDd">pic.twitter.com/UOQEdIrNDd</a>&mdash; House Appropriations (@AppropsDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/AppropsDems/status/1440386314914828298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The federal government faces a shutdown if funding stops on Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year — midnight next Thursday. Additionally, at some point in October the U.S. risks defaulting on its accumulated debt load if its borrowing limits are not waived or adjusted.Rushing to prevent that dire outcome, the Democratic-led House passed the measure Tuesday night by a party-line vote of 220-211. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is likely to falter because of overwhelming GOP opposition.“Our country will suffer greatly if we do not act now to stave off this unnecessary and preventable crisis,” House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said shortly before the vote.Backed by the White House, the Democratic leaders pushed the package to approval at a time of great uncertainty in Congress. With lawmakers already chiseling away at the $3.5 trillion price tag of President Joe Biden’s broad “build back better” agenda, immediate attention focused on the upcoming deadlines to avert deeper problems if votes to shore up government funding fail.The package approved Tuesday would provide stopgap money to keep the government funded to Dec. 3 and extend borrowing authority through the end of 2022. It includes $28.6 billion in disaster relief for the aftermath of Hurricane Ida and other extreme weather events, and $6.3 billion to support Afghanistan evacuees in the fallout from the end of the 20-year war.While suspending the debt ceiling allows the government to meet financial obligations already incurred, Republicans argued it would also facilitate a spending binge in the months ahead.“I will not support signing a blank check as this majority is advancing the most reckless expansion of government in generations,” said Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., during the debate.Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said since Democrats control the White House and Congress, it’s their problem to find the votes — even though he had relied on bipartisan cooperation to approve the debt limits when Republicans were in charge.“The debt ceiling will be raised as it always should be, but it will be raised by the Democrats,” McConnell said.In the 50-50 Senate, Democrats will be hard-pressed to find 10 Republicans to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to overcome a filibuster.“This is playing with fire,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.The Treasury Department has been using “extraordinary measures” to fund the government since the last debt limit suspension expired July 31, and projects that at some point next month will run out cash reserves. Then, it will have to rely on incoming receipts to pay its obligations, now at $28.4 trillion. That could force the Treasury to delay or miss payments, a devastating situation.Mark Zandi, the chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, warned if lawmakers allow a federal debt default “this economic scenario is cataclysmic.”In a report being circulated by Democrats, Zandi warned that a potential downturn from government funding cutbacks would cost 6 million jobs and stock market losses would wipe out $15 trillion of household wealth.Once a routine matter, raising the debt ceiling has become a political weapon of choice for Republicans in Washington ever since the 2011 arrival of tea party lawmakers who refused to allow the increase. At the time, they argued against more spending and the standoff triggered a fiscal crisis.Echoing that strategy, McConnell is setting the tone for his party, but some GOP senators might have a tough time voting no.Republican John Kennedy of Louisiana, whose state was battered by the hurricane and who is up for election next year, said he will likely vote for the increase. “My people desperately need the help,” he said.White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that “in our view, this should not be a controversial vote.” Psaki said Congress has raised the debt ceiling numerous times on a bipartisan basis, including three times under President Donald Trump.Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the Democratic chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, was forced to introduce another version of the bill Tuesday after some within the Democratic caucus objected to the inclusion of $1 billion for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system, which uses missiles to intercept short-range rockets fired into the country.The Israel defense issue splits Democrats, but DeLauro assured colleagues that money for the weapons system would be included in the annual defense spending bill. Hoyer went a step further and said he would bring a bill to the floor this week to replenish the Iron Dome system.Republicans were highly critical of the change and vowed to stand as allies with Israel.Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Democrats were negotiating over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-5ff8a8f7403e1e8cc27f192d87894d9e">Biden’s big “build back better” package</a>&nbsp;as the price tag likely slips to win over skeptical centrist lawmakers who view it as too much.Publicly, the White House has remained confident the legislation will pass soon, despite sharp differences among progressives and moderates in the party over the eventual size of the package and a companion $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill.There has been a flurry of outreach from the White House to Democrats on Capitol Hill, and Biden himself was given a call sheet of lawmakers to cajole. The president has been talking to a wide number of lawmakers beyond his recent meetings with key centrist Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., according to a White House official familiar with the calls and granted anonymity to discuss them.Biden’s big initiative touches almost all aspects of Americans’ lives. It would impose tax hikes on corporations and wealthy Americans earning beyond $400,000 a year and plow that money back into federal programs for young and old, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-69c7bb592f8d73232bec1d8e15be82e3">government health, education and family support&nbsp;</a>and environmental efforts to fight climate change.With Republicans opposed to Biden’s vision, Democrats have no votes to spare in the Senate, and just a few votes’ margin in the House.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has promised a Sept. 27 vote on the companion $1 trillion bill of public works projects that has already passed the Senate.Even though that bipartisan bill should be an easy legislative lift, it too faces a political obstacle course. Dozens of lawmakers in the Congressional Progressive Caucus are expected to vote against it if it comes ahead of the broader Biden package. And centrists won’t vote for the broader package unless they are assured the bipartisan bill will also be included.

House votes to suspend federal debt limit inviting clash with GOP

WASHINGTON —&nbsp;The IRS today introduced a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/large-tax-refunds-and-credits-subject-to-review-by-the-joint-committee-on-taxation-what-to-expect">new webpage</a>
 that provides information to taxpayers whose large refunds are subject 
to further review by the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT or Joint 
Committee).

By law, when taxpayers claim a federal tax refund or credit of more 
than $2 million ($5 million for a C corporation), the IRS must review 
the refund or credit and provide a report to the JCT, a non-partisan 
committee of the U.S. Congress. Refunds subject to this review are known
 as “Joint Committee Refund Cases.”

Taxpayers can now find answers to most questions about Joint Committee case reviews and links to additional resources at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/large-tax-refunds-and-credits-subject-to-review-by-the-joint-committee-on-taxation-what-to-expect">Large Tax Refunds and Credits Subject to Review by the Joint Committee on Taxation – What to Expect</a>.

The new webpage covers the following topics:

A Joint Committee Refund Case may arise from the following:

The IRS estimates the new webpage will help hundreds of 
taxpayers. The agency notifies taxpayers who have Joint Committee Refund
 Cases that are subject to review. Taxpayers who have been contacted by 
an IRS agent should work with the agent assigned to their Joint 
Committee Refund Case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON —&nbsp;The IRS today introduced a <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/large-tax-refunds-and-credits-subject-to-review-by-the-joint-committee-on-taxation-what-to-expect">new webpage</a>
 that provides information to taxpayers whose large refunds are subject 
to further review by the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT or Joint 
Committee).By law, when taxpayers claim a federal tax refund or credit of more 
than $2 million ($5 million for a C corporation), the IRS must review 
the refund or credit and provide a report to the JCT, a non-partisan 
committee of the U.S. Congress. Refunds subject to this review are known
 as “Joint Committee Refund Cases.”Taxpayers can now find answers to most questions about Joint Committee case reviews and links to additional resources at <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/large-tax-refunds-and-credits-subject-to-review-by-the-joint-committee-on-taxation-what-to-expect">Large Tax Refunds and Credits Subject to Review by the Joint Committee on Taxation – What to Expect</a>.The new webpage covers the following topics:<ul>
 <li>What is a Joint Committee Refund Case</li><li>How the IRS handles a Joint Committee Refund Case</li><li>What you need to do</li>
 </ul>A Joint Committee Refund Case may arise from the following:<ul>
 <li>A refund claim for previously assessed and paid taxes. A refund 
claim may be made on an amended return or be made by a claim submitted 
during an examination. A refund claim would be reviewed by the IRS and 
reported to the JCT before being paid.</li><li>A tentative refund from tentative carrybacks of net operating 
losses, capital losses or credits. The tentative refund would be claimed
 on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1139">Form 1139, Corporation Application for Tentative Refund</a>, or on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1045">Form 1045, Application for Tentative Refund</a>. A tentative refund would be paid prior to IRS and JCT review.</li><li>A refund or credit of income taxes due to certain losses relating to federally declared disasters.</li>
 </ul>The IRS estimates the new webpage will help hundreds of 
taxpayers. The agency notifies taxpayers who have Joint Committee Refund
 Cases that are subject to review. Taxpayers who have been contacted by 
an IRS agent should work with the agent assigned to their Joint 
Committee Refund Case.

New IRS website launched to help taxpayers with refund reviews

WASHINGTON —A Kansas man was arrested Monday for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election, according to the United State's Attorney's office.

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/case-multi-defendant/file/1434391/download">here</a>&nbsp;to read the criminal complaint

Michael Eckerman, 37, of Wichita, is charged with federal offenses that include assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers; obstruction of an official proceeding; and disorderly conduct in the Capitol building. Eckerman made his initial court appearance yesterday in U.S. Magistrate Court for the District of Kansas.

According to court documents, Eckerman pushed his way to the front of a crowd outside the crypt of the U.S. Capitol building and yelled at officers. He pushed one officer back several feet, making him fall down a small set of stairs and allowing rioters to move farther inside the Capitol. He then made it to Statuary Hall on the second floor and pushed his way through another set of officers, whom he yelled at for several minutes before making his way through a line of Capitol Police officers. Eckerman then went through the House of Representatives side of the Capitol and entered the Rayburn reception room before exiting the Capitol through the upper house doors.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Kansas City and Washington Field Offices, as well as the Metropolitan Police Department, with significant assistance provided by the U.S. Capitol Police.

In the eight months since Jan. 6, more than 600 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including at least 185 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632272070344.png" alt="Eckerman-photo&nbsp; U.S. Attorney's office" />
 <figcaption>Eckerman-photo&nbsp; U.S. Attorney's office</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —A Kansas man was arrested Monday for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election, according to the United State's Attorney's office.Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/case-multi-defendant/file/1434391/download">here</a>&nbsp;to read the criminal complaintMichael Eckerman, 37, of Wichita, is charged with federal offenses that include assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers; obstruction of an official proceeding; and disorderly conduct in the Capitol building. Eckerman made his initial court appearance yesterday in U.S. Magistrate Court for the District of Kansas.According to court documents, Eckerman pushed his way to the front of a crowd outside the crypt of the U.S. Capitol building and yelled at officers. He pushed one officer back several feet, making him fall down a small set of stairs and allowing rioters to move farther inside the Capitol. He then made it to Statuary Hall on the second floor and pushed his way through another set of officers, whom he yelled at for several minutes before making his way through a line of Capitol Police officers. Eckerman then went through the House of Representatives side of the Capitol and entered the Rayburn reception room before exiting the Capitol through the upper house doors.The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas.The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Kansas City and Washington Field Offices, as well as the Metropolitan Police Department, with significant assistance provided by the U.S. Capitol Police.In the eight months since Jan. 6, more than 600 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including at least 185 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

Kansas man arrested for assault on officer during Jan. 6 Capitol breach

JEFFERSON COUNTY – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that Kenneth Klenklen, 59, of Ozawkie, the subject of a Statewide Silver Alert, was discovered deceased Tuesday, Sept. 21, in a remote area of western Jefferson County. The silver alert is now canceled.

JEFFERSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide silver alert for a missing Ozawkie man.

The whereabouts of 59-year-old Kenneth Klenklen are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him. The Sheriff’s Office first issued the silver alert to local media on Friday, but Klenklen has not be located, so the silver alert has been expanded to a statewide alert, according to a media release from the KBI.

Klenklen is 5-foot-9 inches tall, and weighs approximately 155 pound. He has blue eyes and gray hair. Kenneth suffers from Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and has other health issues.

Klenklen was last known to be at the Jefferson West Junction Convenience Store in Meriden, at approximately 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15. Klenklen was last seen wearing black shoes, black pants, a black t-shirt, and a blue unbuttoned short-sleeve shirt.

Klenklen was driving his black with tan trim 2007 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition bearing Kansas License Plate 246 MUZ.&nbsp;

Klenklen is known to frequent the Ozawkie American Legion and the bars in Oskaloosa.&nbsp; Klenklen has also been known to frequent the Prairie Band and Sac and Fox Casino’s in the past.

If you see Kenneth Klenklen or his vehicle, or have details about his whereabouts, please immediately call 911, or contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s at&nbsp;(785) 863-2351.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632160491979.png" alt="Kenneth Klenklen " />
 <figcaption>Kenneth Klenklen </figcaption>
 </figure>JEFFERSON COUNTY – The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reported to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) that Kenneth Klenklen, 59, of Ozawkie, the subject of a Statewide Silver Alert, was discovered deceased Tuesday, Sept. 21, in a remote area of western Jefferson County. The silver alert is now canceled.----------JEFFERSON COUNTY –&nbsp;The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide silver alert for a missing Ozawkie man.The whereabouts of 59-year-old Kenneth Klenklen are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate him. The Sheriff’s Office first issued the silver alert to local media on Friday, but Klenklen has not be located, so the silver alert has been expanded to a statewide alert, according to a media release from the KBI.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632160640501.png" alt="He was driving a Ford Explorer with Kansas License Plate 246 MUZ.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>He was driving a Ford Explorer with Kansas License Plate 246 MUZ.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Klenklen is 5-foot-9 inches tall, and weighs approximately 155 pound. He has blue eyes and gray hair. Kenneth suffers from Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and has other health issues.Klenklen was last known to be at the Jefferson West Junction Convenience Store in Meriden, at approximately 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 15. Klenklen was last seen wearing black shoes, black pants, a black t-shirt, and a blue unbuttoned short-sleeve shirt.Klenklen was driving his black with tan trim 2007 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition bearing Kansas License Plate 246 MUZ.&nbsp;Klenklen is known to frequent the Ozawkie American Legion and the bars in Oskaloosa.&nbsp; Klenklen has also been known to frequent the Prairie Band and Sac and Fox Casino’s in the past.If you see Kenneth Klenklen or his vehicle, or have details about his whereabouts, please immediately call 911, or contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s at&nbsp;(785) 863-2351.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled, missing Kansas man found deceased

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man was convicted of several felonies after the woman he shot in the head testified against him.

The Jackson County Prosecutors Office said Saturday that Louis Watts was found guilty Friday of first-degree domestic assault, unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree burglary, stealing and two counts of armed criminal action

According to court documents, Kansas City police officers found the woman bleeding from her face after they responded to a shooting in October 2019. The woman had been shot twice in the head and had a bullet lodged behind an eye.

The woman told police that the 52-year-old Watts had shot her. Watts' sentencing hearing has not yet been set.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632145215963.png" alt="Watts-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Watts-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri man was convicted of several felonies after the woman he shot in the head testified against him.The Jackson County Prosecutors Office said Saturday that Louis Watts was found guilty Friday of first-degree domestic assault, unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree burglary, stealing and two counts of armed criminal actionAccording to court documents, Kansas City police officers found the woman bleeding from her face after they responded to a shooting in October 2019. The woman had been shot twice in the head and had a bullet lodged behind an eye.The woman told police that the 52-year-old Watts had shot her. Watts' sentencing hearing has not yet been set.

Kansas City man found guilty of burglary,  shooting woman

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The remains of a Kansas priest who is being considered for sainthood were returned to his family, 70 years after he died in a North Korean prisoner of war camp. During a ceremony Tuesday in Hawaii, U.S. Defense officials gave the remains of Rev. Emil Kapaun to his family and officials with the Catholic Diocese of Wichita. 

The remains will be flown back to Kansas, where they will be taken first to Pilsen — Kapaun's hometown — before being taken to Wichita, where a funeral is scheduled for Sept. 29. He died in a prisoner of war camp during the Korean War.

The Most Rev. Clarence Richard Silva, the bishop of Honolulu, has offered to host a Mass on Thursday, Sept. 23, in the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, as a ceremonial send-off for Fr. Kapaun’s remains. The Mass is scheduled to be<a href="https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/fr-kapauns-tomb-in-place-ready-for-his-remains/"> live-streamed </a>from the Honolulu cathedral’s website at 11 p.m. Central Standard Time.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631705866678.png" alt="Fr. Kapaun’s 5,400 lb. marble tomb placed on the concrete foundation in the east transept of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita-photo Catholic Diocese of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Fr. Kapaun’s 5,400 lb. marble tomb placed on the concrete foundation in the east transept of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita-photo Catholic Diocese of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The remains of a Kansas priest who is being considered for sainthood were returned to his family, 70 years after he died in a North Korean prisoner of war camp. During a ceremony Tuesday in Hawaii, U.S. Defense officials gave the remains of Rev. Emil Kapaun to his family and officials with the Catholic Diocese of Wichita. The remains will be flown back to Kansas, where they will be taken first to Pilsen — Kapaun's hometown — before being taken to Wichita, where a funeral is scheduled for Sept. 29. He died in a prisoner of war camp during the Korean War.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614944899732.png" alt="Kapaun, the Marion County-native, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, served as an Army Chaplain during WWII and the Korean War, and was taken as a Prisoner of War in 1951. He continued to minister to Americans as a POW before passing away on May 23, 1951." />
 <figcaption>Kapaun, the Marion County-native, a priest of the Diocese of Wichita, served as an Army Chaplain during WWII and the Korean War, and was taken as a Prisoner of War in 1951. He continued to minister to Americans as a POW before passing away on May 23, 1951.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Most Rev. Clarence Richard Silva, the bishop of Honolulu, has offered to host a Mass on Thursday, Sept. 23, in the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, as a ceremonial send-off for Fr. Kapaun’s remains. The Mass is scheduled to be<a href="https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/fr-kapauns-tomb-in-place-ready-for-his-remains/"> live-streamed </a>from the Honolulu cathedral’s website at 11 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Remains of revered Kansas priest returned to family

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A federal appeals court is deciding the fate of a Missouri law that puts sweeping restrictions on abortions, and a focal point of oral arguments on Tuesday was a provision prohibiting abortions based solely on a Down syndrome diagnosis.

<a href="https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills191/hlrbillspdf/0461S.18T.pdf">The law</a>&nbsp;adopted in 2019 would ban abortions at the eighth week of pregnancy. The full 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis isn't expected to rule for several weeks. In June, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-courts-michael-brown-1ec915d56429b8273af7f9c9d7e0a51d">three-judge 8th Circuit panel&nbsp;</a>upheld an injunction from U.S. District Judge Howard Sachs prohibiting Missouri from enforcing the law's provisions, but the full court decided to hear the case.

Missouri Solicitor General John Sauer cited high rates of abortions for fetuses with Down syndrome and noted that in some countries, those abortion rates are above 90%.

“This is the crisis against which Missouri enacted its Down syndrome provision that is before the court today," Sauer said.

The law prohibits abortions if Down syndrome is the sole reason for the procedure. But Planned Parenthood Federation of America attorney Susan Lambiase said doctors at Missouri's only abortion clinic, Reproductive Health Services in St. Louis, will likely avoid any abortions involving fetuses with Down syndrome for fear of the consequences. Those consequences potentially include loss of a doctor's medical license, and the loss of the clinic's license.

“You’re asking the doctors to take a risk that they cannot take," Lambiase said.

Sachs said in his 2020 ruling that he thought Planned Parenthood and the ACLU would likely succeed in their lawsuit challenging the law as unconstitutional. Similar laws have been struck down in North Dakota and Iowa.

Legislators who helped draft the Missouri law said it was meant to withstand court challenges, especially challenges to the timing of the ban. The law included a provision stating that if the eight-week ban was struck down, a series of less-restrictive abortion limits would kick in at 14, 18 or 20 weeks. But courts have blocked enforcement of all of those limits thus far.

The measure also includes exceptions for medical emergencies, such as when there is a risk of death or permanent physical injuries to “a major bodily function of the pregnant woman.” But women who become pregnant after being raped or subjected to incest will not be allowed to abort after eight weeks. Women who terminate their pregnancies cannot be prosecuted under the law.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-us-supreme-court-michael-brown-courts-government-and-politics-344893393ca2259cbe6d5b234ace9715">Attorney General Eric Schmitt</a>&nbsp;wants the U.S. Supreme Court to decide the case. In a court filing in July, Schmitt, a Republican, said the Supreme Court should consider whether Missouri’s restrictions are “reasonable regulations on abortion."

Schmitt also said the high court should use the case to decide whether to overturn its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which established a nationwide right to abortion at any point before a fetus can survive outside the womb, which is roughly around the 24th week.

The appeals court case over the Missouri law comes weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-texas-courts-dallas-ac56b654f88471753b22e19587956c29">Texas law</a>&nbsp;that bans abortions once medical professionals can detect cardiac activity, which is usually around six weeks into a pregnancy.

The Supreme Court also has agreed to consider allowing the enforcement of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-abortion-us-supreme-court-mississippi-57342eb0af27efe5c7cda5062105bd7f">Mississippi law</a>&nbsp;that would ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, which could dramatically alter nearly 50 years of court precedent on abortion rights.

KANSAS CITY (AP) —A federal appeals court is deciding the fate of a Missouri law that puts sweeping restrictions on abortions, and a focal point of oral arguments on Tuesday was a provision prohibiting abortions based solely on a Down syndrome diagnosis.<a href="https://house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills191/hlrbillspdf/0461S.18T.pdf">The law</a>&nbsp;adopted in 2019 would ban abortions at the eighth week of pregnancy. The full 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis isn't expected to rule for several weeks. In June, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-courts-michael-brown-1ec915d56429b8273af7f9c9d7e0a51d">three-judge 8th Circuit panel&nbsp;</a>upheld an injunction from U.S. District Judge Howard Sachs prohibiting Missouri from enforcing the law's provisions, but the full court decided to hear the case.Missouri Solicitor General John Sauer cited high rates of abortions for fetuses with Down syndrome and noted that in some countries, those abortion rates are above 90%.“This is the crisis against which Missouri enacted its Down syndrome provision that is before the court today," Sauer said.The law prohibits abortions if Down syndrome is the sole reason for the procedure. But Planned Parenthood Federation of America attorney Susan Lambiase said doctors at Missouri's only abortion clinic, Reproductive Health Services in St. Louis, will likely avoid any abortions involving fetuses with Down syndrome for fear of the consequences. Those consequences potentially include loss of a doctor's medical license, and the loss of the clinic's license.“You’re asking the doctors to take a risk that they cannot take," Lambiase said.Sachs said in his 2020 ruling that he thought Planned Parenthood and the ACLU would likely succeed in their lawsuit challenging the law as unconstitutional. Similar laws have been struck down in North Dakota and Iowa.Legislators who helped draft the Missouri law said it was meant to withstand court challenges, especially challenges to the timing of the ban. The law included a provision stating that if the eight-week ban was struck down, a series of less-restrictive abortion limits would kick in at 14, 18 or 20 weeks. But courts have blocked enforcement of all of those limits thus far.The measure also includes exceptions for medical emergencies, such as when there is a risk of death or permanent physical injuries to “a major bodily function of the pregnant woman.” But women who become pregnant after being raped or subjected to incest will not be allowed to abort after eight weeks. Women who terminate their pregnancies cannot be prosecuted under the law.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mo-state-wire-us-supreme-court-michael-brown-courts-government-and-politics-344893393ca2259cbe6d5b234ace9715">Attorney General Eric Schmitt</a>&nbsp;wants the U.S. Supreme Court to decide the case. In a court filing in July, Schmitt, a Republican, said the Supreme Court should consider whether Missouri’s restrictions are “reasonable regulations on abortion."Schmitt also said the high court should use the case to decide whether to overturn its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which established a nationwide right to abortion at any point before a fetus can survive outside the womb, which is roughly around the 24th week.The appeals court case over the Missouri law comes weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-texas-courts-dallas-ac56b654f88471753b22e19587956c29">Texas law</a>&nbsp;that bans abortions once medical professionals can detect cardiac activity, which is usually around six weeks into a pregnancy.The Supreme Court also has agreed to consider allowing the enforcement of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-abortion-us-supreme-court-mississippi-57342eb0af27efe5c7cda5062105bd7f">Mississippi law</a>&nbsp;that would ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, which could dramatically alter nearly 50 years of court precedent on abortion rights.

Down Syndrome issue at center of Missouri abortion law case

PAWNEE COUNTY —The U.S. Marshals are offering a&nbsp;$10,000&nbsp;reward for information leading to the capture of a dangerous sex offender who escaped June 30 from the state mental hospital in Larned, Kansas, according to a media release.

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

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

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

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

After escaping, Colt received a ride from a local farmer into the town of Larned, where he was last seen leaving a hardware store on a motorcycle he’d purchased prior to his escape with the help of an accomplice. While his whereabouts are currently unknown, he may be traveling or camping in or around state or national parks throughout Colorado, Missouri, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas or Utah.

“John Colt presents a clear threat to the community every day he is not in custody,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of Kansas Ronald Miller. “He has been deemed a sexual predator, and the U.S. Marshals consider his escape a major case and are devoting all available resources to his capture.”

Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King said, “It has always been priority one to keep a clear line of communication, so no information or leads are lost in the search for the fugitive. We have had a great relationship with the U.S. Marshals Service, and everyone is working together to bring this individual back where he is supposed to be.” Colt stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs approximately 200 pounds, has blue eyes and brown hair. He has a tattoo of a heart with the letters BH on his left arm. He should be considered dangerous. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement, the USMS at&nbsp;1-877-WANTED2&nbsp;or send information to the U.S. Marshals via the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/tips/index.html">USMS Tips</a>&nbsp;app.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632249049784.png" alt="Colt stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs approximately 200 pounds, has blue eyes and brown hair. He has a tattoo of a heart with the letters BH on his left arm. He should be considered dangerous." />
 <figcaption>Colt stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs approximately 200 pounds, has blue eyes and brown hair. He has a tattoo of a heart with the letters BH on his left arm. He should be considered dangerous.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY —The U.S. Marshals are offering a&nbsp;$10,000&nbsp;reward for information leading to the capture of a dangerous sex offender who escaped June 30 from the state mental hospital in Larned, Kansas, according to a media release.<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/chron/2021/colt.pdf">John Freeman Colt</a>, 42, was sentenced on Dec. 14, 2001, to five years in state prison for aggravated sexual battery, attempted rape, aggravated burglary, and four counts of aggravated battery against law enforcement. He was required to register as a sexual offender for the remainder of his life.After his criminal sentence was completed, the State of Kansas courts deemed him a Sexually Violent Predator at high risk to commit a future sex offense and too dangerous to be released. He was indefinitely civilly committed and sent to the Larned State Hospital’s Sexual Predator Treatment Program in 2007, where he has resided until the escape.Investigators believe Colt planned his escape several months in advance, obtaining a replica of a staff ID badge and dress clothes. The morning of his escape he shaved off his long hair and beard. He put blankets under his bed covers making it appear he was still in bed sleeping. He was then able to convince a new staff worker (that he targeted) that he was in fact a new doctor and needed help finding his way out. Posing as a doctor, Colt was able to make his way past five secured doors and ultimately outside the gates.Several hours passed before staff noticed he was missing and alerted the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office.After escaping, Colt received a ride from a local farmer into the town of Larned, where he was last seen leaving a hardware store on a motorcycle he’d purchased prior to his escape with the help of an accomplice. While his whereabouts are currently unknown, he may be traveling or camping in or around state or national parks throughout Colorado, Missouri, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas or Utah.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632249207335.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>“John Colt presents a clear threat to the community every day he is not in custody,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of Kansas Ronald Miller. “He has been deemed a sexual predator, and the U.S. Marshals consider his escape a major case and are devoting all available resources to his capture.”Pawnee County Sheriff Scott King said, “It has always been priority one to keep a clear line of communication, so no information or leads are lost in the search for the fugitive. We have had a great relationship with the U.S. Marshals Service, and everyone is working together to bring this individual back where he is supposed to be.” Colt stands 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs approximately 200 pounds, has blue eyes and brown hair. He has a tattoo of a heart with the letters BH on his left arm. He should be considered dangerous. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement, the USMS at&nbsp;1-877-WANTED2&nbsp;or send information to the U.S. Marshals via the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usmarshals.gov/tips/index.html">USMS Tips</a>&nbsp;app.

 Reward offered in search for escapee from Kan. sexual predator program

WASHINGTON (AP) —Several progressive lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bill that would reimpose a nationwide eviction moratorium at a time when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-pandemics-united-states-coronavirus-pandemic-c15d5c6dd7ece88d0832993f11279fbb">deaths from COVID-19</a>&nbsp;are running at their highest levels since early March.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., said the bill would direct the secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a ban on evictions in response to the COVID pandemic. It would also amend a section of the Public Health Service Act to grant permanent authority to Health and Human Services to implement an eviction moratorium to address public health crises.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-courts-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-daa34fb48a04dc9f3ddad94fb6b4cbb2">Supreme Court’s conservative majority</a>&nbsp;at the end of August allowed evictions to resume across the United States, blocking the Biden administration from enforcing a temporary ban that was put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“This pandemic isn’t over, and we have to do everything we can to protect renters from the harm and trauma of needless eviction, which upends the lives of those struggling to get back on their feet,” Warren said in a statement. “Pushing hundreds of thousands of people out of their homes will only exacerbate this public health crisis, and cause economic harm to families, their communities, and our overall recovery."

Bush, who pressured Biden to extend the moratorium until the end of August and was once evicted herself, said the delta variant-fueled surge makes a moratorium critical.

“As the delta variant continues to force individuals to quarantine, close schools, and stifle businesses, we must do all we can to save lives. That starts with keeping every person safely housed,” she said. Three dozen other lawmakers supported the bill.

Eviction filings have begun to tick up since the moratorium was lifted but most advocates said a surge in actual evictions is still weeks away. Nearly 3.7 million people in the U.S. as of Aug. 30 said they face eviction in the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey. That is slightly higher than the numbers early in August.

Many tenants at risk of eviction are counting on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-172517788bd2d5974c245627086ca6f8">emergency rental relief</a>&nbsp;to keep them housed. But that money has been slow to reach them so pressure has increased to reimpose a moratorium.

The Treasury Department said last month that just over $5.1 billion of the estimated $46.5 billion in federal rental assistance — only 11% — has been distributed by states and localities through July. This includes some $3 billion handed out by the end of June and another $1.5 billion by May 31.

The prospects for the bill remain unclear but housing advocates said a moratorium was the best way to ensure more people are forced from their homes.

“The federal eviction moratorium was a lifeline for millions of renters, and the last federal protection keeping many of them stably housed as they wait for emergency rental assistance to reach them,” said Diane Yentel, CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “Without the moratorium in place, families will be pushed deeper into poverty, communities will struggle with increased spread of COVID-19, and our country will have a harder time containing the virus.”

Landlords, who have long opposed the moratorium, said it would only saddle renters with debt they can't pay.

"Instead of responsibly addressing the crisis at hand, moratoriums leave renters strapped with insurmountable debt and housing providers left to unfairly hold the bag," said Greg Brown, a senior vice president for government affairs at the National Apartment Association. “Ultimately, any effort to pursue additional moratoriums will only balloon the nation’s rental debt ... and exacerbate the housing affordability crisis, permanently jeopardizing the availability of safe and affordable housing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632242311950.png" alt="During the Tuesday news conference, Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo. and&nbsp;Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. said the bill would direct the secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a ban on evictions in response to the COVID pandemic.-photo office of Rep. Cori Bush" />
 <figcaption>During the Tuesday news conference, Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo. and&nbsp;Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. said the bill would direct the secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a ban on evictions in response to the COVID pandemic.-photo office of Rep. Cori Bush</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —Several progressive lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a bill that would reimpose a nationwide eviction moratorium at a time when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-pandemics-united-states-coronavirus-pandemic-c15d5c6dd7ece88d0832993f11279fbb">deaths from COVID-19</a>&nbsp;are running at their highest levels since early March.Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., said the bill would direct the secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a ban on evictions in response to the COVID pandemic. It would also amend a section of the Public Health Service Act to grant permanent authority to Health and Human Services to implement an eviction moratorium to address public health crises.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-courts-pandemics-coronavirus-pandemic-daa34fb48a04dc9f3ddad94fb6b4cbb2">Supreme Court’s conservative majority</a>&nbsp;at the end of August allowed evictions to resume across the United States, blocking the Biden administration from enforcing a temporary ban that was put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.“This pandemic isn’t over, and we have to do everything we can to protect renters from the harm and trauma of needless eviction, which upends the lives of those struggling to get back on their feet,” Warren said in a statement. “Pushing hundreds of thousands of people out of their homes will only exacerbate this public health crisis, and cause economic harm to families, their communities, and our overall recovery."Bush, who pressured Biden to extend the moratorium until the end of August and was once evicted herself, said the delta variant-fueled surge makes a moratorium critical.“As the delta variant continues to force individuals to quarantine, close schools, and stifle businesses, we must do all we can to save lives. That starts with keeping every person safely housed,” she said. Three dozen other lawmakers supported the bill.Eviction filings have begun to tick up since the moratorium was lifted but most advocates said a surge in actual evictions is still weeks away. Nearly 3.7 million people in the U.S. as of Aug. 30 said they face eviction in the next two months, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey. That is slightly higher than the numbers early in August.Many tenants at risk of eviction are counting on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-us-supreme-court-172517788bd2d5974c245627086ca6f8">emergency rental relief</a>&nbsp;to keep them housed. But that money has been slow to reach them so pressure has increased to reimpose a moratorium.The Treasury Department said last month that just over $5.1 billion of the estimated $46.5 billion in federal rental assistance — only 11% — has been distributed by states and localities through July. This includes some $3 billion handed out by the end of June and another $1.5 billion by May 31.The prospects for the bill remain unclear but housing advocates said a moratorium was the best way to ensure more people are forced from their homes.“The federal eviction moratorium was a lifeline for millions of renters, and the last federal protection keeping many of them stably housed as they wait for emergency rental assistance to reach them,” said Diane Yentel, CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “Without the moratorium in place, families will be pushed deeper into poverty, communities will struggle with increased spread of COVID-19, and our country will have a harder time containing the virus.”Landlords, who have long opposed the moratorium, said it would only saddle renters with debt they can't pay."Instead of responsibly addressing the crisis at hand, moratoriums leave renters strapped with insurmountable debt and housing providers left to unfairly hold the bag," said Greg Brown, a senior vice president for government affairs at the National Apartment Association. “Ultimately, any effort to pursue additional moratoriums will only balloon the nation’s rental debt ... and exacerbate the housing affordability crisis, permanently jeopardizing the availability of safe and affordable housing.”

Lawmakers attempt to revive nationwide eviction moratorium 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a Sept. 1, shooting and after asking for the public help have identified a suspect&nbsp;as Adofo-Julius J. Smith, 19 of Topeka.&nbsp;

He is a person of interest in the shooting that occurred on September 1 in the 1300 block of SW Huntoon Street in Topeka. Just after 7:30p.m. that day, officers arrived at the scene and found an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.

TPD is asking for the public’s help in locating Smith. If you see Smith, call 911 immediately. Anonymous tips regarding Smith’s whereabouts can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime

Stoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online at www.p3tips.com/128. 

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking the public for help to identify suspect.

Just after 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the 1300 Block of SW Huntoon Street in Topeka in reference to a shooting, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.

Officers arrived and found an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.

Police are attempting to identify the suspects as seen on security cameras.&nbsp; Anyone with information is asked to call police at 785-368-9551 or email telltpd@topeka.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630680788404.png" alt="Photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a Sept. 1, shooting and after asking for the public help have identified a suspect&nbsp;as Adofo-Julius J. Smith, 19 of Topeka.&nbsp;He is a person of interest in the shooting that occurred on September 1 in the 1300 block of SW Huntoon Street in Topeka. Just after 7:30p.m. that day, officers arrived at the scene and found an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1630579814551.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TPD is asking for the public’s help in locating Smith. If you see Smith, call 911 immediately. Anonymous tips regarding Smith’s whereabouts can be made by calling Shawnee County CrimeStoppers at 785-234-0007. You can also make anonymous tips online at www.p3tips.com/128. ---------SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and asking the public for help to identify suspect.Just after 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, police&nbsp; were dispatched to the 1300 Block of SW Huntoon Street in Topeka in reference to a shooting, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.Officers arrived and found an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries.Police are attempting to identify the suspects as seen on security cameras.&nbsp; Anyone with information is asked to call police at 785-368-9551 or email telltpd@topeka.org.

Police ID suspect in Kan. shooting, ask for help to find him 

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — President Joe Biden used his first address before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-general-assembly-health-china-coronavirus-pandemic-africa-3284c8ff8739dd7cfaf78db214098403">U.N. General Assembly</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday to declare that the world stands and at an “inflection point in history” and must move quickly and cooperatively to address the festering issues of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and human rights abuse.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?514742-1/president-biden-world-leaders-address-un-general-assembly&amp;live&amp;vod">Click here to watch </a>a replay of President Biden's comments.

Amid growing China tensions Biden also declared the U.S. is “not seeking a new Cold War.”

Without mentioning China directly, Biden acknowledged increasing concerns about rising tensions between the two nations. But he said, “We are not seeking a new Cold War or a world divided into rigid blocs.”

The president noted his decision to end America’s longest war last month, in Afghanistan, and set the table for his administration to shift U.S. attention to intensive diplomacy with no shortage of crises facing the globe. He said he is driven by a belief that “to deliver for our own people, we must also engage deeply with the rest of the world.”

“We’ve ended 20 years of conflict in Afghanistan,” Biden said. “And as we close this period of relentless war, we’re opening a new era of relentless diplomacy of using the power of our development aid to invest in new ways of lifting people up around the world.”

Biden, who arrived in New York on Monday evening to meet with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ahead of Tuesday’s address, offered a full-throated endorsement of the body’s relevance and ambition at a difficult moment in history.

The president, in brief remarks at the start of his meeting with Guterres, returned to his mantra that “America is back” — a phrase that’s become presidential shorthand meant to encapsulate his promise to take a dramatically different tack with allies than predecessor Donald Trump. In his remarks, he declared the United States was “back at the table.”

“We will lead not just with the example of our power but God willing with the power of our example,” Biden said Monday night.

But the president was facing a healthy measure of skepticism from allies during his week of high-level diplomacy. The opening months of his presidency have included a series of difficult moments with friendly nations that were expecting greater cooperation from Biden following four years of Trump’s “America first” approach to foreign policy.

Eight months into his presidency, Biden has been out of sync with allies on the chaotic ending to the U.S. war in Afghanistan. He has faced differences over how to go about sharing coronavirus vaccines with the developing world and over pandemic travel restrictions. And there are questions about the best way to respond to military and economic moves by China.

Biden also finds himself in the midst of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-business-france-new-york-paris-a3098023771399baea74520cf8adaa7f">fresh diplomatic spat with France,&nbsp;</a>the United States’ oldest ally, after announcing plans — along with Britain — to equip Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. The move is expected to give Australia improved capabilities to patrol the Pacific amid growing concern about the Chinese military’s increasingly aggressive tactics, but it upended a French defense contract worth at least $66 billion to sell diesel-powered submarines to Australia.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Monday there was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-business-france-new-york-paris-a3098023771399baea74520cf8adaa7f">“crisis of trust”</a>&nbsp;with the U.S. as a result of the episode.

Biden downplayed the tensions with France. Asked by a reporter as he arrived at the U.N. on Tuesday how he planned to repair relations with the French, Biden responded merely, “They’re great.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632235233386.png" alt="President Biden, arrived in New York on Monday evening to meet with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ahead of Tuesday’s address. photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>President Biden, arrived in New York on Monday evening to meet with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ahead of Tuesday’s address. photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>UNITED NATIONS (AP) — President Joe Biden used his first address before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-general-assembly-health-china-coronavirus-pandemic-africa-3284c8ff8739dd7cfaf78db214098403">U.N. General Assembly</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday to declare that the world stands and at an “inflection point in history” and must move quickly and cooperatively to address the festering issues of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and human rights abuse.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?514742-1/president-biden-world-leaders-address-un-general-assembly&amp;live&amp;vod">Click here to watch </a>a replay of President Biden's comments.Amid growing China tensions Biden also declared the U.S. is “not seeking a new Cold War.”Without mentioning China directly, Biden acknowledged increasing concerns about rising tensions between the two nations. But he said, “We are not seeking a new Cold War or a world divided into rigid blocs.”The president noted his decision to end America’s longest war last month, in Afghanistan, and set the table for his administration to shift U.S. attention to intensive diplomacy with no shortage of crises facing the globe. He said he is driven by a belief that “to deliver for our own people, we must also engage deeply with the rest of the world.”“We’ve ended 20 years of conflict in Afghanistan,” Biden said. “And as we close this period of relentless war, we’re opening a new era of relentless diplomacy of using the power of our development aid to invest in new ways of lifting people up around the world.”Biden, who arrived in New York on Monday evening to meet with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ahead of Tuesday’s address, offered a full-throated endorsement of the body’s relevance and ambition at a difficult moment in history.The president, in brief remarks at the start of his meeting with Guterres, returned to his mantra that “America is back” — a phrase that’s become presidential shorthand meant to encapsulate his promise to take a dramatically different tack with allies than predecessor Donald Trump. In his remarks, he declared the United States was “back at the table.”“We will lead not just with the example of our power but God willing with the power of our example,” Biden said Monday night.But the president was facing a healthy measure of skepticism from allies during his week of high-level diplomacy. The opening months of his presidency have included a series of difficult moments with friendly nations that were expecting greater cooperation from Biden following four years of Trump’s “America first” approach to foreign policy.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632234956890.png" alt="Biden put a heavy emphasis on a need for world leaders to work together on the COVID-19 pandemic, meet past obligations to address climate change, head off emerging technology issues and firm up trade rules.-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Biden put a heavy emphasis on a need for world leaders to work together on the COVID-19 pandemic, meet past obligations to address climate change, head off emerging technology issues and firm up trade rules.-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Eight months into his presidency, Biden has been out of sync with allies on the chaotic ending to the U.S. war in Afghanistan. He has faced differences over how to go about sharing coronavirus vaccines with the developing world and over pandemic travel restrictions. And there are questions about the best way to respond to military and economic moves by China.Biden also finds himself in the midst of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-business-france-new-york-paris-a3098023771399baea74520cf8adaa7f">fresh diplomatic spat with France,&nbsp;</a>the United States’ oldest ally, after announcing plans — along with Britain — to equip Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. The move is expected to give Australia improved capabilities to patrol the Pacific amid growing concern about the Chinese military’s increasingly aggressive tactics, but it upended a French defense contract worth at least $66 billion to sell diesel-powered submarines to Australia.French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Monday there was a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-business-france-new-york-paris-a3098023771399baea74520cf8adaa7f">“crisis of trust”</a>&nbsp;with the U.S. as a result of the episode.Biden downplayed the tensions with France. Asked by a reporter as he arrived at the U.N. on Tuesday how he planned to repair relations with the French, Biden responded merely, “They’re great.”Before Biden’s arrival, EU Council President Charles Michel strongly criticized the Biden administration for leaving Europe “out of the game in the Indo-Pacific region” and ignoring the underlying elements of the trans-Atlantic alliance — transparency and loyalty — in the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the announcement of the U.S.-U.K.-Australia alliance.Despite such differences, Biden hoped to use his address to the General Assembly as well as a series of one-on-one and larger meetings with world leaders this week to make the case for American leadership on the world stage.“There are points of disagreement, including when we have disagreed with the decisions other countries are making, the decision points of when countries have disagreed with the decisions we’re making,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said. “But the larger point here ... is that we are committed to those alliances, and that always requires work from every president, from every global leader.”In an interview before his meeting with Biden, Guterres&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-general-assembly-china-climate-united-states-health-f1186707bee7f8376b0be5523496ddca">told The Associated Press&nbsp;</a>that he was concerned about the “completely dysfunctional” U.S.-China relationship and that it could lead to a new cold war. Psaki said the administration disagreed with the assessment, adding that the U.S.-China relationship was “one not of conflict but of competition.”The secretary-general did not back off his concerns about the U.S.-China tensions as he addressed leaders at the opening of Tuesday’s gathering. “It will be impossible to address dramatic economic and development challenges, while the world’s two largest economies are at odds with each other”Biden put a heavy emphasis on a need for world leaders to work together on the COVID-19 pandemic, meet past obligations to address climate change, head off emerging technology issues and firm up trade rules.“We will choose to build a better future. We, you and I, we have the will and capacity to make it better. Ladies and gentlemen, we cannot afford to waste any more time. ... We can do this.”The Biden administration on Monday announced plans to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-easing-foreign-travel-restrictions-requiring-vaccines-5d78d14dab51389b02fd70228a5b55b9">ease foreign travel restrictions</a>&nbsp;to the U.S. beginning in November. The U.S. has largely restricted travel by non-U.S. citizens coming from Europe since the start of the pandemic, an issue that had become a point of contention in trans-Atlantic relations.The new rules will allow foreigners in if they have proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test, the White House said Monday.Biden planned to limit his time at the United Nations due to coronavirus concerns. He was to meet with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison while in New York before shifting the rest of the week’s diplomacy to virtual and Washington settings.At a virtual COVID-19 summit Biden is hosting Wednesday, leaders will be urged to step up vaccine-sharing commitments, address oxygen shortages around the globe and deal with other critical pandemic-related issues.The president is also scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday at the White House, and invited the prime ministers of Australia, India and Japan — part of a Pacific alliance known as “the Quad” — to Washington on Friday. In addition to the gathering of Quad leaders, Biden will sit down for one-on-one meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.___