By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/15/federal-lawsuit-says-dodge-citys-election-system-keeps-latino-candidates-out-of-office/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — A coalition of voting 
rights groups says Dodge City’s election system is designed to prevent 
the community’s Latino population from holding office on the city 
commission.

In a complaint filed late Thursday in federal court, the coalition 
argues the “at-large” election system is unconstitutional and a 
violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The lawsuit was filed by the UCLA Voting Rights Project, American 
Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, the national ACLU, and New York 
City-based law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton. The city uses an
 at-large election system, in which all city residents can vote for each
 of the five seats on the city commission.

About 65% of Dodge City’s residents are Latino. But the election 
system, plaintiffs argue, allows the city’s white voting bloc to prevent
 the Latino population from electing candidates. No Latino candidate has
 been elected to the commission this century.

The coalition says a map that divides the city into five voting 
districts would give the Latino population the opportunity to hold at 
least two seats on the commission.

Abena Mainoo, a partner at Cleary Gottlieb, said the firm “is proud 
to stand with our partners at UCLA and the ACLU in challenging the 
systematic exclusion of Latine voters from full participation in our 
democracy.”

“The law requires that Latine voters in Dodge City — and throughout 
this country — have an equal opportunity to participate in the political
 process,” Mainoo said.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Dodge City voters Miguel Coca and Alejandro Rangel-Lopez.

Rangel-Lopez is <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/12/no-longer-waiting-for-a-savior-we-are-saving-ourselves-in-southwest-kansas/">a civic engagement activist</a> who was a plaintiff in 2018 when the ACLU sued Ford County Clerk Debbie Cox for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hutchnews.com/story/news/politics/state/2019/02/15/teen-speaks-to-u-s/5980393007/">moving Dodge City’s only polling site</a>
 to a location outside the city limits. The lawsuit was dismissed after 
Cox agreed to maintain multiple polling sites for future elections.

The latest lawsuit points to a dramatic rise in the Latino population
 in Dodge City over the past 20 years, influenced largely by the 
meatpacking industry. The lawsuit says the lack of success by 
“Latine-preferred” candidates in Dodge City reflects the larger trend in
 Ford County, where no Latino residents hold any elected office.

“Dodge City’s at-large scheme intentionally and effectively dilutes 
the political voices of Latine Kansans in Dodge City,” said Sharon 
Brett, legal director for the ACLU of Kansas. “This system is reflective
 of a broader problem in Kansas, where those in power systematically 
seek to diminish minority voters and exclude them from the governing 
process. The Latine population in Dodge City deserves equal voice in 
shaping their local government, and federal law demands it.”

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits attempts to dilute voting 
power based on race or color. The lawsuit also cites the Equal 
Protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as 
well as the 15th Amendment, which prohibits intentional racial 
discrimination.

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/15/federal-lawsuit-says-dodge-citys-election-system-keeps-latino-candidates-out-of-office/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — A coalition of voting 
rights groups says Dodge City’s election system is designed to prevent 
the community’s Latino population from holding office on the city 
commission.In a complaint filed late Thursday in federal court, the coalition 
argues the “at-large” election system is unconstitutional and a 
violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.The lawsuit was filed by the UCLA Voting Rights Project, American 
Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, the national ACLU, and New York 
City-based law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen and Hamilton. The city uses an
 at-large election system, in which all city residents can vote for each
 of the five seats on the city commission.About 65% of Dodge City’s residents are Latino. But the election 
system, plaintiffs argue, allows the city’s white voting bloc to prevent
 the Latino population from electing candidates. No Latino candidate has
 been elected to the commission this century.The coalition says a map that divides the city into five voting 
districts would give the Latino population the opportunity to hold at 
least two seats on the commission.Abena Mainoo, a partner at Cleary Gottlieb, said the firm “is proud 
to stand with our partners at UCLA and the ACLU in challenging the 
systematic exclusion of Latine voters from full participation in our 
democracy.”“The law requires that Latine voters in Dodge City — and throughout 
this country — have an equal opportunity to participate in the political
 process,” Mainoo said.The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Dodge City voters Miguel Coca and Alejandro Rangel-Lopez.Rangel-Lopez is <a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/07/12/no-longer-waiting-for-a-savior-we-are-saving-ourselves-in-southwest-kansas/">a civic engagement activist</a> who was a plaintiff in 2018 when the ACLU sued Ford County Clerk Debbie Cox for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hutchnews.com/story/news/politics/state/2019/02/15/teen-speaks-to-u-s/5980393007/">moving Dodge City’s only polling site</a>
 to a location outside the city limits. The lawsuit was dismissed after 
Cox agreed to maintain multiple polling sites for future elections.The latest lawsuit points to a dramatic rise in the Latino population
 in Dodge City over the past 20 years, influenced largely by the 
meatpacking industry. The lawsuit says the lack of success by 
“Latine-preferred” candidates in Dodge City reflects the larger trend in
 Ford County, where no Latino residents hold any elected office.“Dodge City’s at-large scheme intentionally and effectively dilutes 
the political voices of Latine Kansans in Dodge City,” said Sharon 
Brett, legal director for the ACLU of Kansas. “This system is reflective
 of a broader problem in Kansas, where those in power systematically 
seek to diminish minority voters and exclude them from the governing 
process. The Latine population in Dodge City deserves equal voice in 
shaping their local government, and federal law demands it.”The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits attempts to dilute voting 
power based on race or color. The lawsuit also cites the Equal 
Protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as 
well as the 15th Amendment, which prohibits intentional racial 
discrimination.

Suit: Kan. county's election system keeps Latino candidates out of office 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Health Department Educator Seth Dewey wants the public to be aware that helping someone who is experiencing a fentanyl overdose is both needed and safe.

"The thing that we have to remember is that fentanyl is a powerful opioid," Dewey said. "It's just like morphine, just 100 times stronger. Signs of a fentanyl occurrence, they show slow or shallow breathing, pale skin, slow pulse and loss of consciousness."

<a href="https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/news/2022/8/24/state-departments-issue-guidance-around-fentanyl-exposure-.html"> The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services said back in August</a>, "When in powder form, fentanyl and its analogs (including carfentanil and fluorofentanyl) cannot be absorbed through the skin."

An article in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/prehospital-and-disaster-medicine">Prehospital and Disaster Medicine</a>&nbsp;in June notes the experience of someone who worked in a plant where fentanyl is made.

"This individual had a large volume of liquid fentanyl that actually spilled on him," Dewey quoted. "The individual went of course right into decontamination and everything like that, went through a medical and there were no clinical effects of opioid exposure observed."

If you believe you have been exposed to fentanyl,&nbsp;

According to the <a href="https://reno.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/6e5f01c85f524c08b9aea458926f8fdb">Reno County Overdose Dashboard</a>, there were 31 drug overdoses of all types in Reno County in November. Out of those 31 overdoses, in 12 of the cases, they know the type of overdose and it was reported to the dashboard. Five were from alcohol, three were from prescription drugs, two were from methamphetamine, one was cocaine and one was an over the counter medication.

There were two opioid overdose ER visits and one alcohol poisoning ER visit. Naloxone was used three times in the county and one person died.&nbsp;

Dewey really only sees three ways to reduce overdoses in the long run.

"There's supply reduction, which our law enforcement partners are working hard on every day," Dewey said. "There's harm reduction, which is what we're talking about, with overdose recognition and naloxone, but then there's demand reduction. That's where our treatment providers and other individuals have the tough task of looking at how do we stop the demand?"

A societal issue of self-medication for psychological trauma and the ability to get the money to afford those substances is why many use substances in a harmful way, and Dewey says until we solve that problem, we will have to have these other strategies available to help keep people alive.

NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Health Department Educator Seth Dewey wants the public to be aware that helping someone who is experiencing a fentanyl overdose is both needed and safe."The thing that we have to remember is that fentanyl is a powerful opioid," Dewey said. "It's just like morphine, just 100 times stronger. Signs of a fentanyl occurrence, they show slow or shallow breathing, pale skin, slow pulse and loss of consciousness."<a href="https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/news/2022/8/24/state-departments-issue-guidance-around-fentanyl-exposure-.html"> The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services said back in August</a>, "When in powder form, fentanyl and its analogs (including carfentanil and fluorofentanyl) cannot be absorbed through the skin."An article in the journal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/prehospital-and-disaster-medicine">Prehospital and Disaster Medicine</a>&nbsp;in June notes the experience of someone who worked in a plant where fentanyl is made."This individual had a large volume of liquid fentanyl that actually spilled on him," Dewey quoted. "The individual went of course right into decontamination and everything like that, went through a medical and there were no clinical effects of opioid exposure observed."If you believe you have been exposed to fentanyl,&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.</li><li>Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any substance from your hands.</li><li>If you begin to experience any adverse medical symptoms, seek medical attention.</li>
 </ul>According to the <a href="https://reno.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/6e5f01c85f524c08b9aea458926f8fdb">Reno County Overdose Dashboard</a>, there were 31 drug overdoses of all types in Reno County in November. Out of those 31 overdoses, in 12 of the cases, they know the type of overdose and it was reported to the dashboard. Five were from alcohol, three were from prescription drugs, two were from methamphetamine, one was cocaine and one was an over the counter medication.There were two opioid overdose ER visits and one alcohol poisoning ER visit. Naloxone was used three times in the county and one person died.&nbsp;Dewey really only sees three ways to reduce overdoses in the long run."There's supply reduction, which our law enforcement partners are working hard on every day," Dewey said. "There's harm reduction, which is what we're talking about, with overdose recognition and naloxone, but then there's demand reduction. That's where our treatment providers and other individuals have the tough task of looking at how do we stop the demand?"A societal issue of self-medication for psychological trauma and the ability to get the money to afford those substances is why many use substances in a harmful way, and Dewey says until we solve that problem, we will have to have these other strategies available to help keep people alive.

Health educator dispelling myths about fentanyl contact dangers

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/16/kansas-public-universities-face-1-2-billion-in-deferred-maintenance-on-core-buildings/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Restoring life safety 
and functional integrity to nearly 500 academic or research buildings on
 state university campuses in the Kansas Board of Regents system would 
cost an estimated $1.2 billion, officials said Thursday.

The Board of Regents annually reviews deployment of approximately $40
 million earmarked for deferred maintenance at the public universities, 
but this new analysis incorporated an extra $45 million allocated by the
 Kansas Legislature to tackle the facilities backlog.

Lawmakers supplemented university building management budgets this 
year with grants of $35 million that must be matched with private money 
raised by the universities. In addition, the Legislature allocated $10 
million for demolition of structures that outlived their usefulness.

Chad Bristow, director of facilities for the Board of Regents, said 
the $10 million appropriation, which included $700,000 for Washburn 
University in Topeka, enabled universities to get rid of buildings 
containing 377,000 square feet of space that otherwise would have 
required $52 million in renovations.

“This is going to help us. It’s great to spend $1 today to save $10 
down the road,” said Jon Rolph, chairman of the Board of Regents.

Bristow said the goal of the Board of Regents was to improve 
condition of 498 “mission critical” academic and research buildings from
 the current grade of “C” to a “B+.” University buildings included on 
this report card averaged 50 years of age. Assessments of these 
structures took into account significance, accessibility, functionality,
 space utilization as well as a metric capturing overall condition.

“The magnitude of resources needed to overcome, let’s say, under 
investing in deferred maintenance over the decades is in the billions,” 
Bristow said.

Wint Winter, a member of the Board of Regents and a former state 
senator, said progress on campus building maintenance was tied to the 
Legislature’s ability to finance the work.

The 2023 Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly convene at the Capitol in 
January to begin debate on competing requests for a slice of the largest
 state budget surplus in Kansas history.

“I don’t want to predict a significant problem,” Winter said, “but I 
think we ought to be practical and realize that our ability to get more 
funding from the Legislature is really the key to being able to hit 
these needs.”

Doug Girod, chancellor at the University of Kansas, said focus of the
 Board of Regents’ conversation was on the subset of core academic and 
research buildings. The bigger picture would include entirety of 1,147 
buildings in use on state university campuses in Kansas, he said.

The replacement value of all buildings in the Board of Regents’ 
system was estimated to be greater than $7 billion, officials said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671208734937.png" alt="Kansas Board of Regents members Carl Ice and Jon Rolph listen during presentation of a report outlining the $1.2 billion cost of addressing maintenance shortcomings of 498 core academic and research buildings in the state university system. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Board of Regents members Carl Ice and Jon Rolph listen during presentation of a report outlining the $1.2 billion cost of addressing maintenance shortcomings of 498 core academic and research buildings in the state university system. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/16/kansas-public-universities-face-1-2-billion-in-deferred-maintenance-on-core-buildings/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Restoring life safety 
and functional integrity to nearly 500 academic or research buildings on
 state university campuses in the Kansas Board of Regents system would 
cost an estimated $1.2 billion, officials said Thursday.The Board of Regents annually reviews deployment of approximately $40
 million earmarked for deferred maintenance at the public universities, 
but this new analysis incorporated an extra $45 million allocated by the
 Kansas Legislature to tackle the facilities backlog.Lawmakers supplemented university building management budgets this 
year with grants of $35 million that must be matched with private money 
raised by the universities. In addition, the Legislature allocated $10 
million for demolition of structures that outlived their usefulness.Chad Bristow, director of facilities for the Board of Regents, said 
the $10 million appropriation, which included $700,000 for Washburn 
University in Topeka, enabled universities to get rid of buildings 
containing 377,000 square feet of space that otherwise would have 
required $52 million in renovations.“This is going to help us. It’s great to spend $1 today to save $10 
down the road,” said Jon Rolph, chairman of the Board of Regents.Bristow said the goal of the Board of Regents was to improve 
condition of 498 “mission critical” academic and research buildings from
 the current grade of “C” to a “B+.” University buildings included on 
this report card averaged 50 years of age. Assessments of these 
structures took into account significance, accessibility, functionality,
 space utilization as well as a metric capturing overall condition.“The magnitude of resources needed to overcome, let’s say, under 
investing in deferred maintenance over the decades is in the billions,” 
Bristow said.Wint Winter, a member of the Board of Regents and a former state 
senator, said progress on campus building maintenance was tied to the 
Legislature’s ability to finance the work.The 2023 Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly convene at the Capitol in 
January to begin debate on competing requests for a slice of the largest
 state budget surplus in Kansas history.“I don’t want to predict a significant problem,” Winter said, “but I 
think we ought to be practical and realize that our ability to get more 
funding from the Legislature is really the key to being able to hit 
these needs.”Doug Girod, chancellor at the University of Kansas, said focus of the
 Board of Regents’ conversation was on the subset of core academic and 
research buildings. The bigger picture would include entirety of 1,147 
buildings in use on state university campuses in Kansas, he said.The replacement value of all buildings in the Board of Regents’ 
system was estimated to be greater than $7 billion, officials said.

Kansas universities facing $1.2B in deferred maintenance

JACKSON COUNTY— A Kansas City man has been charged in the October double-murder of Chantell Gipson and Austin Scott, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Glenn A. Pulluaim II, 28, who is still at large, faces two Murder 1st Degree charges and two Armed Criminal Action charges.

According to court records, on Oct. 17, Kansas City police&nbsp; were dispatched to the 8700 block of Chestnut Circle to check on the welfare of an individual. 

Inside an apartment, police officers found the body of Chantell Gipson. She had been shot. In another bedroom they found the second victim, Austin Scott, Gipson's cousin. 

Witnesses helped identify Pulluaiam. His DNA profile was founnd&nbsp; on spent shells found at the crime scene.

Pulluaim fled the scene im the victim's vehicle. Police recovered the vehicle and have exhausted all leads in an attempted to find him.&nbsp;

Pulluaim is described as 6-foot,&nbsp;&nbsp;thin build with&nbsp; shoulder length dreadlocks. He should be considered armed and dangerous. The FBI is assisting with the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671103315937.png" alt="Pulluaim-photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Pulluaim-photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY— A Kansas City man has been charged in the October double-murder of Chantell Gipson and Austin Scott, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Glenn A. Pulluaim II, 28, who is still at large, faces two Murder 1st Degree charges and two Armed Criminal Action charges.According to court records, on Oct. 17, Kansas City police&nbsp; were dispatched to the 8700 block of Chestnut Circle to check on the welfare of an individual. Inside an apartment, police officers found the body of Chantell Gipson. She had been shot. In another bedroom they found the second victim, Austin Scott, Gipson's cousin. Witnesses helped identify Pulluaiam. His DNA profile was founnd&nbsp; on spent shells found at the crime scene.Pulluaim fled the scene im the victim's vehicle. Police recovered the vehicle and have exhausted all leads in an attempted to find him.&nbsp;Pulluaim is described as 6-foot,&nbsp;&nbsp;thin build with&nbsp; shoulder length dreadlocks. He should be considered armed and dangerous. The FBI is assisting with the investigation.

Suspect charged in Kansas City double murder still missing

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has revealed in an interview published Sunday that shortly after being elected pontiff in 2013 he wrote a resignation letter in case medical problems impede him from carrying out his duties.

Speaking to the Spanish newspaper ABC, Francis said he gave the note to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who then was the Vatican secretary of state. The pontiff added that he presumes that the prelate currently in that Vatican No. 2 role, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, now has the written instruction.

Francis, who turned 86 on Saturday, had surgery in 2021 to repair a bowel narrowing and has been hobbled by knee pain that for months saw him use a wheelchair. Lately, he has increasingly used a cane instead of the wheelchair to get around in public.

Asked what happens if health issues or an accident suddenly leaves a pope unable to do his job, and whether there should be a rule for such instances, Francis replied, “In practice there is already a rule.”

“I have already signed my renunciation," Francis revealed, noting that he did so early in the papacy.

“I signed it and said: ‘If I should become impaired for medical reasons or whatever, here is my resignation. Here you have it,'” he said, referring to Cardinal Bertone, who stepped down as secretary of state in October 2013, in the first months of Francis' papacy.

The pontiff quipped that now that he has revealed the existence of his resignation note, “someone will run up to Bertone (saying), ‘Give me that piece of paper.’”

Francis said he was sure Bertone would have passed on the letter to the current secretary of state, Parolin.

In past remarks, Francis has hailed the decision of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, to resign because he felt due to advancing age he wouldn't be best able to carry out his duties. Benedict, who is living in a monastery on the Vatican's grounds, was the first pontiff to resign in 600 years, and his stepping down paved the way for Francis' election as the first pope from South America.

Francis in the interview played down his mobility challenge, saying “One governs with the head, not the knee.”

Catholic church law requires a papal resignation be “freely and properly manifested” — as was the case when Benedict startled the world when he announced his resignation to a gathering of prelates at the Vatican in February 2013.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603292366279.png" alt="Pope Francis turned 86 on Saturday -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Pope Francis turned 86 on Saturday -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has revealed in an interview published Sunday that shortly after being elected pontiff in 2013 he wrote a resignation letter in case medical problems impede him from carrying out his duties.Speaking to the Spanish newspaper ABC, Francis said he gave the note to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who then was the Vatican secretary of state. The pontiff added that he presumes that the prelate currently in that Vatican No. 2 role, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, now has the written instruction.Francis, who turned 86 on Saturday, had surgery in 2021 to repair a bowel narrowing and has been hobbled by knee pain that for months saw him use a wheelchair. Lately, he has increasingly used a cane instead of the wheelchair to get around in public.Asked what happens if health issues or an accident suddenly leaves a pope unable to do his job, and whether there should be a rule for such instances, Francis replied, “In practice there is already a rule.”“I have already signed my renunciation," Francis revealed, noting that he did so early in the papacy.“I signed it and said: ‘If I should become impaired for medical reasons or whatever, here is my resignation. Here you have it,'” he said, referring to Cardinal Bertone, who stepped down as secretary of state in October 2013, in the first months of Francis' papacy.The pontiff quipped that now that he has revealed the existence of his resignation note, “someone will run up to Bertone (saying), ‘Give me that piece of paper.’”Francis said he was sure Bertone would have passed on the letter to the current secretary of state, Parolin.In past remarks, Francis has hailed the decision of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, to resign because he felt due to advancing age he wouldn't be best able to carry out his duties. Benedict, who is living in a monastery on the Vatican's grounds, was the first pontiff to resign in 600 years, and his stepping down paved the way for Francis' election as the first pope from South America.Francis in the interview played down his mobility challenge, saying “One governs with the head, not the knee.”Catholic church law requires a papal resignation be “freely and properly manifested” — as was the case when Benedict startled the world when he announced his resignation to a gathering of prelates at the Vatican in February 2013.

Pope turns 86, wrote resignation note in case of health impediment

JASPER COUNTY —A Missouri man died in an accident just before 10p.m. Saturday in Jasper County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Chevy Traverse driven by William T. Driskell, 35, Webb City, was northbound on MO 43 two miles north of&nbsp; Airport Drive.

The vehicle traveled off the road and overturned. Driskell was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Joplin Mortuary Service. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

JASPER COUNTY —A Missouri man died in an accident just before 10p.m. Saturday in Jasper County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Chevy Traverse driven by William T. Driskell, 35, Webb City, was northbound on MO 43 two miles north of&nbsp; Airport Drive.The vehicle traveled off the road and overturned. Driskell was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Joplin Mortuary Service. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man dies after SUV rollover crash

Health officials say RSV infection rates have slowed

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/14/number-of-kansas-flu-and-covid-19-cases-expected-to-rise-during-holiday-season/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA
 — Health officials urge Kansans to get booster shots before the 
holidays, warning of a “trifecta” of illnesses spreading this year, 
including flu, respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and COVID-19, and a limited number of hospital beds available to treat these illnesses.

Only 10.2% of Kansans have received a
 bivalent booster shot, according to data provided by the Kansas 
Department of Health and Environment. The number of Kansans who 
completed a vaccination series is sitting at 57.2%.

None of the counties in Kansas has a 
vaccination rate of more than 70%. Johnson County has the highest 
vaccination rate, at 68.6%, and the lowest is in Doniphan County, which 
is at 33.3% vaccination, according to KDHE data.

Steven Stites, chief medical officer 
at the University of Kansas Health System, said the numbers weren’t good
 during a Wednesday morning update on viral illnesses. He said<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/24/kansas-health-experts-monitoring-covid-19-flu-and-rsv-trifecta-as-holiday-season-arrives/"> Kansans should begin taking precautions,</a> such as social distancing, masking and updating their booster shots.

“Something wicked this way comes, it 
feels like, when we just keep thinking about these different viral 
processes — be it flu, RSV and COVID,” Stites said.

The system treated 56 COVID-19 
patients Wednesday, with four COVID-19 patients in the ICU and one 
patient on a ventilator. Statewide, since Dec. 7, there have been 10 new
 COVID-related deaths and 4,153 new COVID-19 cases.&nbsp; From Nov. 30 to 
Dec. 7, there were 4,256 new COVID-19 cases reported, along with 13 new 
deaths.

Kansas has recorded 9,702 COVID-19 
related deaths, with older demographics the most at risk. The median age
 for Kansans who died of COVID-19 is 77, according to the KDHE fatality 
summary.

Health officials said they were 
concerned about the declining number of adults older than 65 who 
received the bivalent booster. In a Dec. 9 update on the Kansas COVID-19
 situation, Jessica Kalender-Rich, a generic medicine specialist within 
the University of Kansas System, said older people were at higher risk 
of serious illness.

“We are definitely seeing more 
patients that are older get sicker,” Kalender-Rich said. “And whether 
that’s duration out from the vaccine or how their immune systems really 
respond as they change, as we age, either way, we’re seeing certainly a 
higher risk for those older adults.”

While COVID-19 is more contagious than the flu, many people are predicted to be affected by the flu this season.

Both COVID-19
 and the flu can cause fatigue, fevers, coughs and shortness of breath. 
People most vulnerable to flu complications are young children, people 
with pre-existing health conditions, pregnant people and those older 
than 65.

“We are seeing a lot of sick kids 
each day — the respiratory illness season started earlier than usual and
 is hitting our region hard,” said Jennifer Watts, chief emergency 
management medical officer with Children’s Mercy Kansas City, in a Dec. 9
 news release. “Like many pediatric hospitals, Children’s Mercy has been
 at or near capacity and we have not yet reached the peak of flu cases 
this winter.”

During Wednesday’s KU Health 
briefing, Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and 
control for the system, said there has been a recent decline in RSV 
cases and hospitalizations, but influenza cases are still high.

“Overall, still a more significant 
number of hospitalizations for influenza itself than we have seen 
previously probably in most of our careers,” Hawkinson said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671049425198.jpg" alt="With a "trifecta" of illnesses circulating in Kansas, health officials advise taking safety precautions and getting updated booster shots. Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>With a "trifecta" of illnesses circulating in Kansas, health officials advise taking safety precautions and getting updated booster shots. Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Health officials say RSV infection rates have slowed</h2>By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/14/number-of-kansas-flu-and-covid-19-cases-expected-to-rise-during-holiday-season/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA
 — Health officials urge Kansans to get booster shots before the 
holidays, warning of a “trifecta” of illnesses spreading this year, 
including flu, respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and COVID-19, and a limited number of hospital beds available to treat these illnesses.Only 10.2% of Kansans have received a
 bivalent booster shot, according to data provided by the Kansas 
Department of Health and Environment. The number of Kansans who 
completed a vaccination series is sitting at 57.2%.None of the counties in Kansas has a 
vaccination rate of more than 70%. Johnson County has the highest 
vaccination rate, at 68.6%, and the lowest is in Doniphan County, which 
is at 33.3% vaccination, according to KDHE data.Steven Stites, chief medical officer 
at the University of Kansas Health System, said the numbers weren’t good
 during a Wednesday morning update on viral illnesses. He said<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/24/kansas-health-experts-monitoring-covid-19-flu-and-rsv-trifecta-as-holiday-season-arrives/"> Kansans should begin taking precautions,</a> such as social distancing, masking and updating their booster shots.“Something wicked this way comes, it 
feels like, when we just keep thinking about these different viral 
processes — be it flu, RSV and COVID,” Stites said.The system treated 56 COVID-19 
patients Wednesday, with four COVID-19 patients in the ICU and one 
patient on a ventilator. Statewide, since Dec. 7, there have been 10 new
 COVID-related deaths and 4,153 new COVID-19 cases.&nbsp; From Nov. 30 to 
Dec. 7, there were 4,256 new COVID-19 cases reported, along with 13 new 
deaths.Kansas has recorded 9,702 COVID-19 
related deaths, with older demographics the most at risk. The median age
 for Kansans who died of COVID-19 is 77, according to the KDHE fatality 
summary.Health officials said they were 
concerned about the declining number of adults older than 65 who 
received the bivalent booster. In a Dec. 9 update on the Kansas COVID-19
 situation, Jessica Kalender-Rich, a generic medicine specialist within 
the University of Kansas System, said older people were at higher risk 
of serious illness.“We are definitely seeing more 
patients that are older get sicker,” Kalender-Rich said. “And whether 
that’s duration out from the vaccine or how their immune systems really 
respond as they change, as we age, either way, we’re seeing certainly a 
higher risk for those older adults.”While COVID-19 is more contagious than the flu, many people are predicted to be affected by the flu this season.Both COVID-19
 and the flu can cause fatigue, fevers, coughs and shortness of breath. 
People most vulnerable to flu complications are young children, people 
with pre-existing health conditions, pregnant people and those older 
than 65.“We are seeing a lot of sick kids 
each day — the respiratory illness season started earlier than usual and
 is hitting our region hard,” said Jennifer Watts, chief emergency 
management medical officer with Children’s Mercy Kansas City, in a Dec. 9
 news release. “Like many pediatric hospitals, Children’s Mercy has been
 at or near capacity and we have not yet reached the peak of flu cases 
this winter.”During Wednesday’s KU Health 
briefing, Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and 
control for the system, said there has been a recent decline in RSV 
cases and hospitalizations, but influenza cases are still high.“Overall, still a more significant 
number of hospitalizations for influenza itself than we have seen 
previously probably in most of our careers,” Hawkinson said.

Kansas flu, COVID cases expected to rise during holiday season

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — State and federal officials are warning horse owners not to feed their animals <a href="https://manzanolafeeds.com/alfalfa_horse_cubes.html">Top of the Rockies brand</a> alfalfa cubes after nearly 100 horses developed neurologic illnesses — 45 of which have died or been euthanized.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/manzanola-feeds-recalling-certain-lots-top-rockies-alfalfa-cubes-due-possible-clostridium-botulinum">issued the warning Saturday</a>. The agency said it's working with state agriculture departments in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas to investigate the horse deaths.

Manzanola Feeds of Manzanola, Colorado, recalled the cubes Friday. The company warns that certain batches may contain bacteria that cause botulism, a fatal paralytic disease. The FDA said more testing is ongoing to confirm the causes of reported illnesses.

The company directly distributed products to stores in 10 states including Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin. The FDA warns the cubes may have been sold in other states as well.

Symptoms include dizziness, trouble with vocalizing or swallowing, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distension and constipation. Anyone who fed the cubes to horses or observes symptoms should immediately contact a veterinarian.

Some cubes have been reported to contain what appears to be fur and animal tissues, which may have been ground up during alfalfa harvesting. Botulism-causing bacteria is found in decaying animal carcasses.

Top of the Rockies alfalfa cubes are sold in white and tan plastic 50-pound bags with green labeling. The date codes are on the front of the package. Potentially contaminated lots include those with the date codes 111222, 111322, 111422, 111522, and 111622.

The FDA advises anyone with the cubes to throw them away in a secure container. People should wear gloves and a face mask when emptying containers with the cubes, then apply bleach solution to any feed bins or containers. More specific tips on disposal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-cautions-horse-owners-not-feed-recalled-lots-top-rockies-alfalfa-cubes-due-reports-illness-and">can be found here</a>.

The Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine said its lab has conducted necropsies on 12 horses. Testing of some alfalfa cubes and tissues from those horses is being done at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

LSU says an equine medicine professor is treating other horses with symptoms.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — State and federal officials are warning horse owners not to feed their animals <a href="https://manzanolafeeds.com/alfalfa_horse_cubes.html">Top of the Rockies brand</a> alfalfa cubes after nearly 100 horses developed neurologic illnesses — 45 of which have died or been euthanized.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/manzanola-feeds-recalling-certain-lots-top-rockies-alfalfa-cubes-due-possible-clostridium-botulinum">issued the warning Saturday</a>. The agency said it's working with state agriculture departments in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico and Texas to investigate the horse deaths.Manzanola Feeds of Manzanola, Colorado, recalled the cubes Friday. The company warns that certain batches may contain bacteria that cause botulism, a fatal paralytic disease. The FDA said more testing is ongoing to confirm the causes of reported illnesses.The company directly distributed products to stores in 10 states including Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin. The FDA warns the cubes may have been sold in other states as well.Symptoms include dizziness, trouble with vocalizing or swallowing, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, abdominal distension and constipation. Anyone who fed the cubes to horses or observes symptoms should immediately contact a veterinarian.Some cubes have been reported to contain what appears to be fur and animal tissues, which may have been ground up during alfalfa harvesting. Botulism-causing bacteria is found in decaying animal carcasses.Top of the Rockies alfalfa cubes are sold in white and tan plastic 50-pound bags with green labeling. The date codes are on the front of the package. Potentially contaminated lots include those with the date codes 111222, 111322, 111422, 111522, and 111622.The FDA advises anyone with the cubes to throw them away in a secure container. People should wear gloves and a face mask when emptying containers with the cubes, then apply bleach solution to any feed bins or containers. More specific tips on disposal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-cautions-horse-owners-not-feed-recalled-lots-top-rockies-alfalfa-cubes-due-reports-illness-and">can be found here</a>.The Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine said its lab has conducted necropsies on 12 horses. Testing of some alfalfa cubes and tissues from those horses is being done at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.LSU says an equine medicine professor is treating other horses with symptoms.

USDA warning: Colorado firm's alfalfa cubes may kill horses

BARTON COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just 10:30a.m. Saturday in Barton County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Honda CRV driven by Brett J. Walton, 23, Lockwood, was westbound on U.S. 160 seven miles east of Lamar.

The vehicle traveled off the road and struck a tree. Walton was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

BARTON COUNTY—A Missouri man died in an accident just 10:30a.m. Saturday in Barton County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2011 Honda CRV driven by Brett J. Walton, 23, Lockwood, was westbound on U.S. 160 seven miles east of Lamar.The vehicle traveled off the road and struck a tree. Walton was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Daniel Funeral Home in Lamar. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the MSHP.

Missouri man dies after SUV strikes a tree

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

The holiday season is upon us and feeling the need to&nbsp;spend money and purchase gifts can lead to stressful feelings.&nbsp;

Megan McCoy, a professor in the Financial Planning Department in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Kansas State University, suggests a few ideas on how to reduce spending, while still enjoying the gift giving aspect of the holiday season.&nbsp;

“...I think the process, the anticipation of opening presents is really where our happiness comes from, not the actual present that we could have picked up for ourselves at Walmart. And so being intentional about like in my buying money and me spending this amount of money because this is a gift for them or am I spending this amount of money because I feel like I have to.&nbsp;

And separating those two out so that you can buy gifts are actually thoughtful and meant for the person without having a certain number applied to it. Maybe you find the perfect present at like Five below. Even though it's only $5. It was meaningful, it meant something. It showed. And remember, remember reminiscing. We're reminiscing, reminiscing about a past time with them.&nbsp;

That $5 gift is going to be more meaningful because I can that earlier. I like memory that any kind of expensive gift you can buy someone.”&nbsp;

McCoy also says there are strategic ways to cut costs while not taking away from the fun of the holiday season.&nbsp;

“Everybody works really, really hard to be able to spend. We just want you to spend intentionally. So, finding ways to not eat out and save up to when you eat out with friends and finding ways to use coupons so that when you're with your friends, you don't have to worry as much about how much you can spend.” McCoy says.&nbsp;

Resources are available to those who are dealing with financial stress, McCoy says K-State offers free financial counseling to students and those associated with the school and there are options for other community members as well.&nbsp;

“There's a organization called AFCPE that offers pro bono financial counseling virtually to anybody who needs it. So, if you're like, I want a budget, but I only know where to start with that, you can meet just a few times for free with a counselor and really just start getting on the right path and take it from there.” McCoy says.&nbsp;

McCoy says tracking your spending and looking at previous years’ budgets can help you determine how much to spend.&nbsp;

“Definitely factor in inflation to be intentional about your spending outside of what you want to spend and then making sure your gifts are truly for the person and not to keep up with the Joneses. Or to some of us kind of construe how much we spend is how much we love. And that should be separated. You can love without spending a lot.” McCoy says.&nbsp;

By BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post<div><div style="position:relative; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%"><iframe src="https://cdn.jwplayer.com/players/sgyCxMaz-60zMcgvZ.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" title="Holiday Planning With Megan Mccoy" style="position:absolute;" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div>The holiday season is upon us and feeling the need to&nbsp;spend money and purchase gifts can lead to stressful feelings.&nbsp;Megan McCoy, a professor in the Financial Planning Department in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Kansas State University, suggests a few ideas on how to reduce spending, while still enjoying the gift giving aspect of the holiday season.&nbsp;“...I think the process, the anticipation of opening presents is really where our happiness comes from, not the actual present that we could have picked up for ourselves at Walmart. And so being intentional about like in my buying money and me spending this amount of money because this is a gift for them or am I spending this amount of money because I feel like I have to.&nbsp;And separating those two out so that you can buy gifts are actually thoughtful and meant for the person without having a certain number applied to it. Maybe you find the perfect present at like Five below. Even though it's only $5. It was meaningful, it meant something. It showed. And remember, remember reminiscing. We're reminiscing, reminiscing about a past time with them.&nbsp;That $5 gift is going to be more meaningful because I can that earlier. I like memory that any kind of expensive gift you can buy someone.”&nbsp;McCoy also says there are strategic ways to cut costs while not taking away from the fun of the holiday season.&nbsp;“Everybody works really, really hard to be able to spend. We just want you to spend intentionally. So, finding ways to not eat out and save up to when you eat out with friends and finding ways to use coupons so that when you're with your friends, you don't have to worry as much about how much you can spend.” McCoy says.&nbsp;Resources are available to those who are dealing with financial stress, McCoy says K-State offers free financial counseling to students and those associated with the school and there are options for other community members as well.&nbsp;“There's a organization called AFCPE that offers pro bono financial counseling virtually to anybody who needs it. So, if you're like, I want a budget, but I only know where to start with that, you can meet just a few times for free with a counselor and really just start getting on the right path and take it from there.” McCoy says.&nbsp;McCoy says tracking your spending and looking at previous years’ budgets can help you determine how much to spend.&nbsp;“Definitely factor in inflation to be intentional about your spending outside of what you want to spend and then making sure your gifts are truly for the person and not to keep up with the Joneses. Or to some of us kind of construe how much we spend is how much we love. And that should be separated. You can love without spending a lot.” McCoy says.&nbsp;

🎥 Tips for reducing financial stress around the holidays

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Fatima Garcia donned a headscarf and a black abaya — a long, loose-fitting robe — over her clothes as she walked into a mosque in Doha to learn about Islam.

In Qatar to enjoy the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup">World Cup</a>&nbsp;with friends, the Salvadoran visitor took a day off from soccer to go sightseeing at the Katara mosque, where preachers have been introducing Islam in multiple languages to curious fans from around the world.

“Qatar is my first exposure to Islam,” Garcia said inside the house of prayer, also known as the blue mosque for its beautiful turquoise tiles. “Qatar has been a life-changing adventure because it gives you a perspective on different cultures.”

Hundreds of thousands of visitors have come to Qatar during the World Cup. For many it’s their first visit to a Muslim country. Those who don’t venture far beyond the stadiums and Doha’s glitzy hotels will have only limited exposure to the country’s religion, such as hearing the call to prayer at a distance or witnessing Muslims prostrate at prayer rooms in stadiums, airports and hotels. But for those who are curious to find out more about Islam, Qatari authorities and religious officials are eager to help.

Local mosques offered multilingual tours to visitors and the Islamic Cultural Center in Doha offers a virtual reality tour of the holy city of Mecca. Booths at tourist sites hand out free copies of the Quran and brochures about Islam are available in hotel lobbies. Billboards have been set up across Doha featuring U.S. Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammed and other Muslim personalities as part of a campaign encouraging people to explore Islam.

“Why during the World Cup? Everyone came here from across the world to Qatar, a Muslim country, and it’s an opportunity to educate people about the faith,” said Abu Huraira, a volunteer for the campaign by the Explore Islam Foundation and the Islam &amp; Muslims Initiative.

Qatari officials say they hope the tournament helped provide visitors with a better understanding of their culture and that of the larger region.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-womens-soccer-sports-religion-b397b8b6cabd5948da9d398e9a4aac63?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&amp;utm_medium=APMiddleEast&amp;utm_source=Twitter">Qatar follows</a>&nbsp;an ultraconservative form of Sunni Islam known as Wahhabism. But unlike neighboring Saudi Arabia, where adherence to Wahhabism led to strict segregation of unmarried men and women, banned women from driving and kept concerts, cinemas and even yoga off-limits for decades, Qatar has long sponsored the arts, allowed women to participate in high levels of governance and encouraged tourists to feel at ease.

The World Cup host, though, has faced intense criticism over human rights issues, including the treatment of migrant workers, and accusations of “sportswashing” or attempting to use the event’s prestige to remake its image.

Qatari officials have argued that the nation’s progress and achievements are being overlooked. The ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said some of the criticism against the first Arab and Muslim country to host the World Cup included “fabrications and double standards.”

The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs and the host country’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy did not respond to requests for comment.

Back inside the ornate Ottoman-style Katara mosque, Riffat Ishfaq, a guide from Pakistan, told Garcia that it was designed by Turkish interior designer Zeynep Fadillioglu, whose first name is the Turkish form of the name of the eldest daughter of the Prophet Muhammed. The tiles had been handmade, Ishfaq said; the columns were covered with leather and the domed roof contained gold. By the end of the tour, Garcia also learned why women dress modestly in Islam and the origins of the religion.

“We want to tell people about Islam. We feel pride in our identity,” Ishfaq said, before telling Garcia to keep the abaya as a parting gift. “This helps to dispel misconceptions.”

Nearby, Sergio Morales, a Guatemalan who had come for the whole tournament, finished listening to a tour and walked out of the mosque to a booth located at the entrance where he asked for a free copy of the Quran.

“Today I became interested because the guided tour was in Spanish and I could understand it all,” he said. “There should be guides in Spanish in every mosque because there are so many Latin American people coming to these countries.”

Booths with free Qurans and booklets introducing the religion in several languages are also available in the winding cobbled alleys of Souq Waqif, the capital’s oldest bazaar where stores hawk spices and perfumes, scented oils and silk scarves.

Just steps from there, World Cup visitors walked into the spiral-like building of the Abdullah Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, for a tour and a visit to the mosque, where people gathered for Friday prayer.

Carlos Bustos, Mireya Arias and their sons, 8-year-old Jacobo and 13-year-old Matias toured the cultural center. The Colombian family read information on large placards about the contributions of the Islamic world to medicine, science, math and architecture.

“What we’ve seen is that they’ve made an effort to change the image that we have in the West of seeing Islam. It’s breaking that barrier,” said Carlos Bustos, who along with his sons had dressed in traditional Qatari clothes.

“They’ve told us that we’re very different but we see more similarities than differences,” he said.

His wife, Mireya Arias, admired the devotion of Muslims to their faith and how they follow the call to prayer. She also appreciated the efforts made by Qatar to introduce visitors to Islam.

“They’ve used a lot of strategies to get closer to visitors, for us to understand and learn,” she said. “When you’re on the buses that take you to the (World Cup) stadiums, you point to a QR code and it gives you explanations about the Quran.”

Doha’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-soccer-religion-27f3262261592a5d811704145a4a79bc">Museum of Islamic Art</a>&nbsp;also offers glimpses into religious beliefs and rituals. Visitors can read about the five pillars of Islam — the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting and hajj or pilgrimage — or learn about hajj rituals and different funerary practices in the Islamic world.

“The more you understand this Islamic culture, the more fascinating it is,” said Jose Antonio Tinoco, a Brazilian museum visitor, who wore his country’s soccer jersey. “The most important part of the museum for me was the part on Islam.”

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Fatima Garcia donned a headscarf and a black abaya — a long, loose-fitting robe — over her clothes as she walked into a mosque in Doha to learn about Islam.In Qatar to enjoy the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup">World Cup</a>&nbsp;with friends, the Salvadoran visitor took a day off from soccer to go sightseeing at the Katara mosque, where preachers have been introducing Islam in multiple languages to curious fans from around the world.“Qatar is my first exposure to Islam,” Garcia said inside the house of prayer, also known as the blue mosque for its beautiful turquoise tiles. “Qatar has been a life-changing adventure because it gives you a perspective on different cultures.”Hundreds of thousands of visitors have come to Qatar during the World Cup. For many it’s their first visit to a Muslim country. Those who don’t venture far beyond the stadiums and Doha’s glitzy hotels will have only limited exposure to the country’s religion, such as hearing the call to prayer at a distance or witnessing Muslims prostrate at prayer rooms in stadiums, airports and hotels. But for those who are curious to find out more about Islam, Qatari authorities and religious officials are eager to help.Local mosques offered multilingual tours to visitors and the Islamic Cultural Center in Doha offers a virtual reality tour of the holy city of Mecca. Booths at tourist sites hand out free copies of the Quran and brochures about Islam are available in hotel lobbies. Billboards have been set up across Doha featuring U.S. Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammed and other Muslim personalities as part of a campaign encouraging people to explore Islam.“Why during the World Cup? Everyone came here from across the world to Qatar, a Muslim country, and it’s an opportunity to educate people about the faith,” said Abu Huraira, a volunteer for the campaign by the Explore Islam Foundation and the Islam &amp; Muslims Initiative.Qatari officials say they hope the tournament helped provide visitors with a better understanding of their culture and that of the larger region.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-womens-soccer-sports-religion-b397b8b6cabd5948da9d398e9a4aac63?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&amp;utm_medium=APMiddleEast&amp;utm_source=Twitter">Qatar follows</a>&nbsp;an ultraconservative form of Sunni Islam known as Wahhabism. But unlike neighboring Saudi Arabia, where adherence to Wahhabism led to strict segregation of unmarried men and women, banned women from driving and kept concerts, cinemas and even yoga off-limits for decades, Qatar has long sponsored the arts, allowed women to participate in high levels of governance and encouraged tourists to feel at ease.The World Cup host, though, has faced intense criticism over human rights issues, including the treatment of migrant workers, and accusations of “sportswashing” or attempting to use the event’s prestige to remake its image.Qatari officials have argued that the nation’s progress and achievements are being overlooked. The ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said some of the criticism against the first Arab and Muslim country to host the World Cup included “fabrications and double standards.”The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs and the host country’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy did not respond to requests for comment.Back inside the ornate Ottoman-style Katara mosque, Riffat Ishfaq, a guide from Pakistan, told Garcia that it was designed by Turkish interior designer Zeynep Fadillioglu, whose first name is the Turkish form of the name of the eldest daughter of the Prophet Muhammed. The tiles had been handmade, Ishfaq said; the columns were covered with leather and the domed roof contained gold. By the end of the tour, Garcia also learned why women dress modestly in Islam and the origins of the religion.“We want to tell people about Islam. We feel pride in our identity,” Ishfaq said, before telling Garcia to keep the abaya as a parting gift. “This helps to dispel misconceptions.”Nearby, Sergio Morales, a Guatemalan who had come for the whole tournament, finished listening to a tour and walked out of the mosque to a booth located at the entrance where he asked for a free copy of the Quran.“Today I became interested because the guided tour was in Spanish and I could understand it all,” he said. “There should be guides in Spanish in every mosque because there are so many Latin American people coming to these countries.”Booths with free Qurans and booklets introducing the religion in several languages are also available in the winding cobbled alleys of Souq Waqif, the capital’s oldest bazaar where stores hawk spices and perfumes, scented oils and silk scarves.Just steps from there, World Cup visitors walked into the spiral-like building of the Abdullah Bin Zaid Al-Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center, for a tour and a visit to the mosque, where people gathered for Friday prayer.Carlos Bustos, Mireya Arias and their sons, 8-year-old Jacobo and 13-year-old Matias toured the cultural center. The Colombian family read information on large placards about the contributions of the Islamic world to medicine, science, math and architecture.“What we’ve seen is that they’ve made an effort to change the image that we have in the West of seeing Islam. It’s breaking that barrier,” said Carlos Bustos, who along with his sons had dressed in traditional Qatari clothes.“They’ve told us that we’re very different but we see more similarities than differences,” he said.His wife, Mireya Arias, admired the devotion of Muslims to their faith and how they follow the call to prayer. She also appreciated the efforts made by Qatar to introduce visitors to Islam.“They’ve used a lot of strategies to get closer to visitors, for us to understand and learn,” she said. “When you’re on the buses that take you to the (World Cup) stadiums, you point to a QR code and it gives you explanations about the Quran.”Doha’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-soccer-religion-27f3262261592a5d811704145a4a79bc">Museum of Islamic Art</a>&nbsp;also offers glimpses into religious beliefs and rituals. Visitors can read about the five pillars of Islam — the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting and hajj or pilgrimage — or learn about hajj rituals and different funerary practices in the Islamic world.“The more you understand this Islamic culture, the more fascinating it is,” said Jose Antonio Tinoco, a Brazilian museum visitor, who wore his country’s soccer jersey. “The most important part of the museum for me was the part on Islam.”__

Qatar offered World Cup visitors an introduction to Islam

PARSONS – A Kansas man was sentenced to life in prison for his conviction on two child sex offenses under the Kansas Jessica’s Law statute, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.

Jered W. Bybee, 38, of Parsons, was sentenced this week in Labette County District Court on two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy. Judge Steve Stockard sentenced Bybee to serve life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years on each of the charges. The sentences are to be served concurrently in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility. Bybee pleaded no contest to the charges in April.

The crimes occurred between 2013 and 2016 and involved two different victims under the age of 10. The case was investigated by the Parsons Police Department, Kansas Department for Children and Families and the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671041128049.png" alt="Bybee is being held in Labette County" />
 <figcaption>Bybee is being held in Labette County</figcaption>
 </figure>PARSONS – A Kansas man was sentenced to life in prison for his conviction on two child sex offenses under the Kansas Jessica’s Law statute, according to Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt.Jered W. Bybee, 38, of Parsons, was sentenced this week in Labette County District Court on two counts of aggravated criminal sodomy. Judge Steve Stockard sentenced Bybee to serve life in prison without the possibility of parole for 25 years on each of the charges. The sentences are to be served concurrently in a Kansas Department of Corrections facility. Bybee pleaded no contest to the charges in April.The crimes occurred between 2013 and 2016 and involved two different victims under the age of 10. The case was investigated by the Parsons Police Department, Kansas Department for Children and Families and the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory.

Kansas man sentenced for sex crimes involving 2 children

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have arrested a teen.

At approximately 10:30 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4200 block of North Dellrose, in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.

At the scene, police located an 18-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Officers and the Fire Department began providing life-saving measures and he was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.

The investigation revealed that the 18-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy were involved in a disturbance outside the residence when the 16-year-old shot the 18-year-old multiple times in the upper body.

At 3a.m. Saturday, police located the 16-year-old in the 1300 block of East Kemper in Wichita and arrested him on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated battery, according to Ditch. Police believe the teens knew each other and this was not a random incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1671291842845.png" alt="Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the shooting investigation -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a shooting and have arrested a teen.At approximately 10:30 p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a shooting in the 4200 block of North Dellrose, in Wichita, according to Officer Chad Ditch.At the scene, police located an 18-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Officers and the Fire Department began providing life-saving measures and he was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries.The investigation revealed that the 18-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy were involved in a disturbance outside the residence when the 16-year-old shot the 18-year-old multiple times in the upper body.At 3a.m. Saturday, police located the 16-year-old in the 1300 block of East Kemper in Wichita and arrested him on requested charges of&nbsp; aggravated battery, according to Ditch. Police believe the teens knew each other and this was not a random incident.

Kansas boy accused in shooting that critically injured teen

WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) announced he sponsored the&nbsp;Afghan Adjustment Act.

“The withdrawal from Afghanistan was a dark day in American history,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran. “The rushed and chaotic evacuation from Kabul resulted in the deaths of American servicemembers and stranded thousands of our Afghan allies behind enemy lines. For two decades countless Afghans stood by our servicemembers and risked their lives and their families’ lives to support our troops in Afghanistan. Veterans of the Afghan War are now calling for Congress to provide safety and certainty for their allies and friends who assisted them in battle. We must answer that call and establish a pathway for our Afghan partners to begin a new life. This legislation will put a program in place to protect our national security while also keeping our promise to those who risked their lives for America.”

“As a constituent and Afghan veteran, I applaud Sen.&nbsp;Moran for endorsing the Afghan Adjustment Act,”&nbsp;said 1SG (ret.) Slade Deister,&nbsp;from&nbsp;Leavenworth, Kan. “I am grateful that he has listened to veterans, and this is a critical piece of legislation that supports our nation's veterans and warfighters by ensuring that we honor our allies during America’s longest war. If Congress does not act to support its allies by passing the Afghan&nbsp;Adjustment&nbsp;Act, potential allies in future combat zones are going to be less likely to support the U.S. mission after seeing our Afghan partners abandoned.”

After U.S. troops were pulled out of Afghanistan, Afghanistan fell to the Taliban on August 15, 2021, resulting in a humanitarian and global security crisis. In the months following the collapse of Afghanistan, thousands of Americans, Afghans and foreign nationals sought refuge from the Taliban. The U.S. assisted in the evacuation of thousands of Afghans to the U.S. and other countries.

The&nbsp;Afghan Adjustment Act&nbsp;would:

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Establish a task force to develop and implement a strategy for supporting Afghans who were left behind or outside of the United States who are eligible for SIV status and require the Department of State to respond to congressional inquiries about SIV applications;

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allow Afghans on humanitarian status who submit to additional vetting to apply for permanent legal status. For these Afghans, the primary options under current law to gain permanent status are through our asylum system or the burdensome SIV process;

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Expand the SIV program to include previously omitted groups, including the Female Tactical Teams of Afghanistan, the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command, the Afghan Air Force, and the Special Mission Wing of Afghanistan.

The legislation has received the endorsement of organizations including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Veterans for Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Veterans for American Ideals, With Honor Action and the Association of Wartime Allies

This legislation is also sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1629403212055.png" alt="-Afghan evacuees boarding a military transport plane in Kabul last month-photo U.S. Dept. of Defense." />
 <figcaption>-Afghan evacuees boarding a military transport plane in Kabul last month-photo U.S. Dept. of Defense.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) announced he sponsored the&nbsp;Afghan Adjustment Act.“The withdrawal from Afghanistan was a dark day in American history,”&nbsp;said Sen. Moran. “The rushed and chaotic evacuation from Kabul resulted in the deaths of American servicemembers and stranded thousands of our Afghan allies behind enemy lines. For two decades countless Afghans stood by our servicemembers and risked their lives and their families’ lives to support our troops in Afghanistan. Veterans of the Afghan War are now calling for Congress to provide safety and certainty for their allies and friends who assisted them in battle. We must answer that call and establish a pathway for our Afghan partners to begin a new life. This legislation will put a program in place to protect our national security while also keeping our promise to those who risked their lives for America.”“As a constituent and Afghan veteran, I applaud Sen.&nbsp;Moran for endorsing the Afghan Adjustment Act,”&nbsp;said 1SG (ret.) Slade Deister,&nbsp;from&nbsp;Leavenworth, Kan. “I am grateful that he has listened to veterans, and this is a critical piece of legislation that supports our nation's veterans and warfighters by ensuring that we honor our allies during America’s longest war. If Congress does not act to support its allies by passing the Afghan&nbsp;Adjustment&nbsp;Act, potential allies in future combat zones are going to be less likely to support the U.S. mission after seeing our Afghan partners abandoned.”After U.S. troops were pulled out of Afghanistan, Afghanistan fell to the Taliban on August 15, 2021, resulting in a humanitarian and global security crisis. In the months following the collapse of Afghanistan, thousands of Americans, Afghans and foreign nationals sought refuge from the Taliban. The U.S. assisted in the evacuation of thousands of Afghans to the U.S. and other countries.The&nbsp;Afghan Adjustment Act&nbsp;would:1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Establish a task force to develop and implement a strategy for supporting Afghans who were left behind or outside of the United States who are eligible for SIV status and require the Department of State to respond to congressional inquiries about SIV applications;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allow Afghans on humanitarian status who submit to additional vetting to apply for permanent legal status. For these Afghans, the primary options under current law to gain permanent status are through our asylum system or the burdensome SIV process;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Expand the SIV program to include previously omitted groups, including the Female Tactical Teams of Afghanistan, the Afghan National Army Special Operations Command, the Afghan Air Force, and the Special Mission Wing of Afghanistan.The legislation has received the endorsement of organizations including the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Veterans for Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Veterans for American Ideals, With Honor Action and the Association of Wartime AlliesThis legislation is also sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK).

Moran sponsors bill to help resettle Afghanistan refugees

By LAURA SPENCER <a href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2022-12-02/meet-the-union-station-volunteers-who-keep-these-tiny-trains-on-track-during-the-holidays">Kansas News Service</a>

<a href="https://unionstation.org/" target="_blank">Union Station</a>
 has one of the largest model rail exhibits in the United States, with 
more than 80 trains of all sizes. When decorating for the holidays 
starts in October, the display gets even bigger.

Oversized wreaths
 can be viewed from outside, hanging in the Grand Hall’s massive 
windows, and inside are dozens of decorated Christmas trees, including 
one that’s about 40 feet tall.

“This is considered Kansas City's 
lobby — its front door. More importantly, it is our home,” says 
president and CEO George Guastello. “So, when you have to decorate and 
welcome people to your home for the holidays, ours just takes a little 
bit longer.”

The expanded model train exhibit features 
snow-covered villages complete with tiny, plastic ice skaters on a pond,
 dramatic terrain and thousands of sparkling lights.

“All the 
layouts have multiple levels,” says Guastello, “so little kids can get 
down, up close and personal, a little bit larger kids can experience, 
and then the parents can live through the experience and just feel (a) 
part of it.”

About 50 volunteers design, maintain and build the model train 
exhibit year-round. During the holiday season, 8,000 square feet of 
model trains expand to 10,000 square feet, and more than 100 trains.

“I try to come in once a week or every other week,” says Bob Crown. “During the holidays, it’s pretty much every day.”

Crown
 has volunteered at the model train display since 2005 and drives in 
from Lawrence. He says some volunteers repair engines and others paint 
snowy mountain scenes, but his main job is to make sure the trains are 
running.

Using an app on his iPad, Crown starts a train and blows 
the horn. “That's a horn sounding to go across the crossing, warn the 
cars.”

When he was 7 or 8 years old, Crown got an American Flyer model train for Christmas. Trains still bring him a lot of joy.

“It's
 a coming together, and when you see the children that come through,” he
 says, “and if you're here running your trains and letting them run your
 trains with you — just the joy and their smile and the happiness and 
the parents and the whole holiday tradition.”

“That’s our pat on the back, and that's our ‘thank you,’” Crown says.

Sandra
 Clayman stands next to a village scene where she’s been placing small 
houses. Clayman’s dad, Richard Mettle, collected trains. Every year for 
Christmas, he and her mom, Frances, would bring them up from the 
basement.

“And it was a three, three-and-a-half-week process,” she
 says. “He constructed a platform. The Christmas tree went on it, and it
 had tunnels.”

Mettle grew up in Kansas City and left by train to 
serve in the Army during World War II. He died in April, and Clayman’s 
mom, who lives in Longview, Texas, decided to donate his train set to 
Union Station.

Clayman says it’s her turn to set up the trains this year.

“I'm
 learning a little more about setting up the track and, you know, how to
 change stuff on the trains,” she says. “So it's fun to do it.”

Inside a workshop space just off the Great Hall, Ted Tschirhart wears
 a blue and white striped engineer’s cap. He’s surrounded by boxes of 
Lionel trains, wires and tools.

Tschirhart was a tool designer and
 an engineer. He's volunteered for Union Station for more than 20 years,
 and since 2005, he's headed up the model train display. In those early 
years, volunteers were learning from trial and error, taking things 
apart and putting them back together.

“We would start Labor Day 
weekend, and we would build and get it ready by Thanksgiving — it would 
take us that long,” he says. “And then all this had to have wires — 
everything had to be wired, and transformers, and we had all this 
stuff.”

These days, the installation process goes a little bit 
faster. This year, Tschirhart started working with other volunteers on 
Oct. 21 to get the holiday display ready to open before Thanksgiving.

“I've
 got plenty of space for them to work,” he says with a laugh. “So we 
just need the volunteers to agree to come, and we'll keep you busy.”

With
 an influx of donations, and volunteers with lots of their own ideas, 
Tschirhart says every year brings something new to see.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670265943042.png" alt="Volunteers Dick Cooper, left, and Karl Bitter work to fix a derailment inside Union Station's model train gallery. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Volunteers Dick Cooper, left, and Karl Bitter work to fix a derailment inside Union Station's model train gallery. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURA SPENCER <a href="https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2022-12-02/meet-the-union-station-volunteers-who-keep-these-tiny-trains-on-track-during-the-holidays">Kansas News Service</a><a href="https://unionstation.org/" target="_blank">Union Station</a>
 has one of the largest model rail exhibits in the United States, with 
more than 80 trains of all sizes. When decorating for the holidays 
starts in October, the display gets even bigger.Oversized wreaths
 can be viewed from outside, hanging in the Grand Hall’s massive 
windows, and inside are dozens of decorated Christmas trees, including 
one that’s about 40 feet tall.“This is considered Kansas City's 
lobby — its front door. More importantly, it is our home,” says 
president and CEO George Guastello. “So, when you have to decorate and 
welcome people to your home for the holidays, ours just takes a little 
bit longer.”The expanded model train exhibit features 
snow-covered villages complete with tiny, plastic ice skaters on a pond,
 dramatic terrain and thousands of sparkling lights.“All the 
layouts have multiple levels,” says Guastello, “so little kids can get 
down, up close and personal, a little bit larger kids can experience, 
and then the parents can live through the experience and just feel (a) 
part of it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670266019747.png" alt="Visitors at Union Station tour through the holiday model train display inside the Grand Hall. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Visitors at Union Station tour through the holiday model train display inside the Grand Hall. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>About 50 volunteers design, maintain and build the model train 
exhibit year-round. During the holiday season, 8,000 square feet of 
model trains expand to 10,000 square feet, and more than 100 trains.“I try to come in once a week or every other week,” says Bob Crown. “During the holidays, it’s pretty much every day.”Crown
 has volunteered at the model train display since 2005 and drives in 
from Lawrence. He says some volunteers repair engines and others paint 
snowy mountain scenes, but his main job is to make sure the trains are 
running.Using an app on his iPad, Crown starts a train and blows 
the horn. “That's a horn sounding to go across the crossing, warn the 
cars.”When he was 7 or 8 years old, Crown got an American Flyer model train for Christmas. Trains still bring him a lot of joy.“It's
 a coming together, and when you see the children that come through,” he
 says, “and if you're here running your trains and letting them run your
 trains with you — just the joy and their smile and the happiness and 
the parents and the whole holiday tradition.”“That’s our pat on the back, and that's our ‘thank you,’” Crown says.Sandra
 Clayman stands next to a village scene where she’s been placing small 
houses. Clayman’s dad, Richard Mettle, collected trains. Every year for 
Christmas, he and her mom, Frances, would bring them up from the 
basement.“And it was a three, three-and-a-half-week process,” she
 says. “He constructed a platform. The Christmas tree went on it, and it
 had tunnels.”Mettle grew up in Kansas City and left by train to 
serve in the Army during World War II. He died in April, and Clayman’s 
mom, who lives in Longview, Texas, decided to donate his train set to 
Union Station.Clayman says it’s her turn to set up the trains this year.“I'm
 learning a little more about setting up the track and, you know, how to
 change stuff on the trains,” she says. “So it's fun to do it.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670266073481.png" alt="A miniature version of the Polar Express rumbles through the Christmas model train exhibit at Union Station. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>A miniature version of the Polar Express rumbles through the Christmas model train exhibit at Union Station. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>Inside a workshop space just off the Great Hall, Ted Tschirhart wears
 a blue and white striped engineer’s cap. He’s surrounded by boxes of 
Lionel trains, wires and tools.Tschirhart was a tool designer and
 an engineer. He's volunteered for Union Station for more than 20 years,
 and since 2005, he's headed up the model train display. In those early 
years, volunteers were learning from trial and error, taking things 
apart and putting them back together.“We would start Labor Day 
weekend, and we would build and get it ready by Thanksgiving — it would 
take us that long,” he says. “And then all this had to have wires — 
everything had to be wired, and transformers, and we had all this 
stuff.”These days, the installation process goes a little bit 
faster. This year, Tschirhart started working with other volunteers on 
Oct. 21 to get the holiday display ready to open before Thanksgiving.“I've
 got plenty of space for them to work,” he says with a laugh. “So we 
just need the volunteers to agree to come, and we'll keep you busy.”With
 an influx of donations, and volunteers with lots of their own ideas, 
Tschirhart says every year brings something new to see.

Union Station volunteers keep tiny trains on track during the holidays

REYNOSA, Mexico (AP) — Restrictions that have prevented hundreds of thousands of migrants from seeking asylum in the U.S. in recent years remained on track to expire in a matter of days after an appeals court ruling Friday, as thousands more migrants packed shelters on Mexico’s border with the U.S.

The ruling from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals means the restrictions known as Title 42 are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-immigration-asylum-54c11e091d464fe8d9272d607f6778f8">still set to be lifted Wednesday,</a>&nbsp;unless further appeals are filed.

A coalition of 19 Republican-leaning states were pushing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-united-states-public-immigration-covid-5d5f77e27cba4a8063d36d0f384aa893">to keep the asylum restrictions</a>&nbsp;put in place by former President Donald Trump at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Migrants have been denied rights to seek asylum under U.S. and international law 2.5 million times since March 2020 on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. The public-health has left some migrants biding time in Mexico.

Advocates for immigrants had argued that the U.S. was abandoning its longstanding history and commitments to offer refuge to people around the world fleeing persecution, and sued to end the use of Title 42. They’ve also argued the restrictions were a pretext by Trump for restricting migration, and in any case, vaccines and other treatments make that argument outdated.

A judge last month sided with them and set Dec. 21 as the deadline for the federal government to end the practice. Conservative states trying to keep Title 42 in place had pushed to intervene in the case. But a three-judge panel on Friday night rejected their efforts, saying the states had waited too long. Louisiana's Attorney General expressed disappointment with the decision and said they would appeal to the Supreme Court.

Border cities, most notably El Paso, Texas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-immigration-el-paso-d0a9ab87492fd4e9e3061ebefc6e1094">are facing a daily migrant influx</a>&nbsp;that the Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-28ce8e9b1cb7b99d73c8043badbbe270">expects to grow</a>&nbsp;if asylum restrictions are lifted. Tijuana, the largest Mexican border city, has an estimated 5,000 people in more than 30 shelters, Enrique Lucero, the city’s director of migrant affairs said this week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632317742720.png" alt="A coalition of 19 Republican-leaning states were pushing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-united-states-public-immigration-covid-5d5f77e27cba4a8063d36d0f384aa893">to keep the asylum restrictions</a>&nbsp;put in place by former President Donald Trump at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.-photo Rep. Tony Gonzales" />
 <figcaption>A coalition of 19 Republican-leaning states were pushing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-united-states-public-immigration-covid-5d5f77e27cba4a8063d36d0f384aa893">to keep the asylum restrictions</a>&nbsp;put in place by former President Donald Trump at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.-photo Rep. Tony Gonzales</figcaption>
 </figure>REYNOSA, Mexico (AP) — Restrictions that have prevented hundreds of thousands of migrants from seeking asylum in the U.S. in recent years remained on track to expire in a matter of days after an appeals court ruling Friday, as thousands more migrants packed shelters on Mexico’s border with the U.S.The ruling from the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals means the restrictions known as Title 42 are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/public-health-immigration-asylum-54c11e091d464fe8d9272d607f6778f8">still set to be lifted Wednesday,</a>&nbsp;unless further appeals are filed.A coalition of 19 Republican-leaning states were pushing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-united-states-public-immigration-covid-5d5f77e27cba4a8063d36d0f384aa893">to keep the asylum restrictions</a>&nbsp;put in place by former President Donald Trump at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Migrants have been denied rights to seek asylum under U.S. and international law 2.5 million times since March 2020 on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. The public-health has left some migrants biding time in Mexico.Advocates for immigrants had argued that the U.S. was abandoning its longstanding history and commitments to offer refuge to people around the world fleeing persecution, and sued to end the use of Title 42. They’ve also argued the restrictions were a pretext by Trump for restricting migration, and in any case, vaccines and other treatments make that argument outdated.A judge last month sided with them and set Dec. 21 as the deadline for the federal government to end the practice. Conservative states trying to keep Title 42 in place had pushed to intervene in the case. But a three-judge panel on Friday night rejected their efforts, saying the states had waited too long. Louisiana's Attorney General expressed disappointment with the decision and said they would appeal to the Supreme Court.Border cities, most notably El Paso, Texas,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/politics-immigration-el-paso-d0a9ab87492fd4e9e3061ebefc6e1094">are facing a daily migrant influx</a>&nbsp;that the Biden administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-28ce8e9b1cb7b99d73c8043badbbe270">expects to grow</a>&nbsp;if asylum restrictions are lifted. Tijuana, the largest Mexican border city, has an estimated 5,000 people in more than 30 shelters, Enrique Lucero, the city’s director of migrant affairs said this week.In Reynosa, Mexico, near McAllen, Texas, nearly 300 migrants — mostly families — crammed into the Casa del Migrante, sleeping on bunk beds and even on the floor.Rose, a 32-year-old Haitian, has been in the shelter for three weeks with her daughter and 1-year-old son. Rose, who did not provide her last name because she fears it could jeopardize her safety and her attempts to seek asylum, said she learned on her journey of possible changes to U.S. policies. She said she was happy to wait a little longer in Mexico for the lifting of restrictions that were enacted at the outset of the pandemic and that have become a cornerstone of U.S. border enforcement.“We’re very scared, because the Haitians are deported,” said Rose, who is worried any mistakes in trying to get her family to the U.S. could get her sent back to Haiti.Inside Senda de Vida 2, a Reynosa shelter opened by an evangelical Christian pastor when his first one reached capacity, about 3,000 migrants are living in tents pitched on concrete slabs and gravel. Flies swarm everywhere under a hot sun beating down even in mid-December.For the many fleeing violence in Haiti, Venezuela and elsewhere, such shelters offer at least some safety from the cartels that control passage through the Rio Grande and prey on migrants.In McAllen, about 100 migrants who avoided asylum restrictions rested on floor mats Thursday in a large hall run by Catholic Charities, waiting for transportation to families and friends across the U.S.Gloria, a 22-year-old from Honduras who is eight months pregnant with her first child, held onto a printed sheet that read: “Please help me. I do not speak English.” Gloria also did not want her last name used out of fear for her safety. She expressed concerns about navigating the airport alone and making it to Florida, where she has a family acquaintance.Andrea Rudnik, co-founder of an all-volunteer migrant welcome association in Brownsville, Texas, across the border from Matamoros, Mexico, was worried about having enough winter coats for migrants coming from warmer climates.“We don’t have enough supplies,” she said Friday, noting donations to Team Brownsville are down.Title 42, which is part of a 1944 public health law, applies to all nationalities but has fallen unevenly on those whom Mexico agrees to take back — Guatemalans, Hondurans, El Salvadorans and, more recently, Venezuelans, in addition to Mexicans. Illegal border crossings of single adults dipped in November, according to a Justice Department court filing released Friday, though it gave no explanation for why. It also did not account for families traveling with young children and children traveling alone.According to the filing, Border Patrol agents stopped single adults 143,903 times along the Mexican border in November, down 9% from 158,639 times in October and the lowest level since August. Nicaraguans became the second-largest nationality at the border among single adults after Mexicans, surpassing Cubans.Venezuelan single adults were stopped 3,513 times by Border Patrol agents in November, plunging from 14,697 a month earlier, demonstrating the impact of Mexico's decision on Oct. 12 to accept migrants from the South American country who are expelled from the U.S.Mexican single adults were stopped 43,504 times, down from 56,088 times in October, more than any other nationality. Nicaraguan adults were stopped 27,369 times, up from 16,497. Cuban adults were stopped 24,690 times, up from 20,744.In a related development, a federal judge in Amarillo, Texas, ruled Thursday that the Biden administration wrongly ended a Trump-era policy to make asylum-seekers wait in Mexico for hearings in U.S. immigration court. The ruling had no immediate impact but could prove a longer-term setback for the White House.White House spokesman Abdullah Hasan said immigration laws would continue to be enforced at the border and the Biden administration would work to expand legal pathways for migrants but discourage “disorderly and unsafe migration.”“To be clear: the lifting of the Title 42 public health order does not mean the border is open,” he said. “Anyone who suggests otherwise is doing the work of smugglers spreading misinformation to make a quick buck off of vulnerable migrants.”