WASHINGTON (AP) — The House gave final approval Thursday to legislation protecting same-sex marriages, a monumental step in a decadeslong battle for nationwide recognition of such unions that reflects a stunning turnaround in societal attitudes.

(Click below to watch Speaker Pelosi and Members of the Equality Caucus, sign the Respect for Marriage Act.)

President Joe Biden is expected to promptly sign the measure, which requires all states to recognize same-sex marriages, a relief for hundreds of thousands of couples who have married since the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision that legalized those marriages nationwide.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-religion-gay-rights-marriage-clarence-thomas-2d09d9213472d04195c64d09644f124c">bipartisan legislation,</a>&nbsp;which passed 258-169 with almost 40 Republican votes, would also protect interracial unions by requiring states to recognize legal marriages regardless of “sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin.” Kansas 3rd District Congresswoman Sharice Davids was the only member of the Kansas House delegation to vote in favor of the bill.

After months of talks, the Senate passed the bill last week with 12 Republican votes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In debate ahead of the vote, several gay members of Congress talked about what it would mean for them and their families. Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., said he was set to marry “the love of my life” next year and that it is “unthinkable” that his marriage might not be recognized in some states.

Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., said he and his husband should be able to visit each other in the hospital just like any other married couple and receive spousal benefits “regardless of if your spouse’s name Samuel or Samantha.”

Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., said that the idea of marriage equality used to be a “far fetched idea, Now it’s the law of the land and supported by the vast majority of Americans.”

Democrats moved the bill quickly through the House and Senate after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court’s June decision that overturned the federal right to an abortion.</a>&nbsp;That ruling included a concurring opinion from Justice Clarence Thomas that suggested same-sex marriage should also be reconsidered.

The legislation lost some Republican support since July, when 47 Republicans voted for it — a robust and unexpected show of support that kick-started serious negotiations in the Senate. But most of those lawmakers held firm.

“To me this is really just standing with the Constitution,” said Republican Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri, who voted for it both times. She pushed back on GOP arguments that it would affect religious rights of those who don't believe in same sex marriage.

“No one’s religious. liberties are affected in any way, shape or form,” Wagner said.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., presided over the vote as one of her last acts in leadership before stepping aside in January. She said the legislation "will ensure that “the federal government will never again stand in the way of marrying the person you love.”

The legislation would not require states to allow same-sex couples to marry, as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-courts-marriage-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-united-states-government-9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">Supreme Court's 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision now does</a>. But it would require states to recognize all marriages that were legal where they were performed and it would protect current same-sex unions if the Obergefell decision were overturned.

While it's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-oklahoma-couples-marriage-fd530c9c3042503f134d5e09af9afb8f">not everything</a>&nbsp;advocates may have wanted, passage of the legislation represents a watershed moment. Just a decade ago, many Republicans openly campaigned on blocking same-sex marriages; today more than two-thirds of the public support them.

Still, most Republicans opposed the legislation and some conservative advocacy groups lobbied aggressively against it in recent weeks, arguing that it doesn’t do enough to protect those who want to refuse services for same-sex couples.

“God’s perfect design is indeed marriage between one man and one woman for life,” said Rep. Bob Good, R-Va, ahead of the vote. “And it doesn’t matter what you think or what I think, that’s what the Bible says.”

Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Mo., choked up as she begged colleagues to vote against the bill, which she said undermines “natural marriage” between a man and a woman.

“I’ll tell you my priorities,” Hartzler said. “Protect religious liberty, protect people of faith and protect Americans who believe in the true meaning of marriage.”

Democrats in the Senate, led by Wisconsin's Tammy Baldwin and Arizona's Kyrsten Sinema, tried to address those GOP concerns by negotiating an amendment that would clarify that the legislation does not affect the rights of private individuals or businesses that are already enshrined in current law. The amended bill would also make clear that a marriage is between two people, an effort to ward off some far-right criticism that the legislation could endorse polygamy.

In the end, several religious groups, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-relationships-gay-rights-utah-07847f4b7e3e96d81c10a298a199b860">came out</a>&nbsp;in support of the bill. The Mormon church said it would support rights for same-sex couples as long as they didn’t infringe upon religious groups’ right to believe as they choose.

Thursday's vote came as the LGBTQ community has faced violent attacks, such as the shooting earlier this month at a gay nightclub in Colorado that killed five people and injured at least 17.

“We have been through a lot,” said Kelley Robinson, the incoming president of the advocacy group Human Rights Campaign. But Robinson says the votes show “in such an important way” that the country values LBGTQ people.

“We are part of the full story of what it means to be an American,” said Robinson, who was inside the Senate chamber for last week’s vote with her wife and young son. “It really speaks to them validating our love.”

The vote was personal for many senators, too. The day the bill passed their chamber, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was wearing the tie he wore at his daughter’s wedding to another woman. He recalled that day as “one of the happiest moments of my life.”

Baldwin, the first openly gay senator who has been working on gay rights issues for almost four decades, tearfully hugged Schumer as the final vote was underway. She tweeted thanks to the same-sex and interracial couples who she said made the moment possible.

“By living as your true selves, you changed the hearts and minds of people around you,” she wrote.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670518871901.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Leader Chuck Schumer celebrate passage of HR 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act." />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Leader Chuck Schumer celebrate passage of HR 8404, the Respect for Marriage Act.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The House gave final approval Thursday to legislation protecting same-sex marriages, a monumental step in a decadeslong battle for nationwide recognition of such unions that reflects a stunning turnaround in societal attitudes.(Click below to watch Speaker Pelosi and Members of the Equality Caucus, sign the Respect for Marriage Act.)<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNancyPelosi%2Fvideos%2F1336075067163768%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=126" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>President Joe Biden is expected to promptly sign the measure, which requires all states to recognize same-sex marriages, a relief for hundreds of thousands of couples who have married since the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision that legalized those marriages nationwide.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-religion-gay-rights-marriage-clarence-thomas-2d09d9213472d04195c64d09644f124c">bipartisan legislation,</a>&nbsp;which passed 258-169 with almost 40 Republican votes, would also protect interracial unions by requiring states to recognize legal marriages regardless of “sex, race, ethnicity, or national origin.” Kansas 3rd District Congresswoman Sharice Davids was the only member of the Kansas House delegation to vote in favor of the bill.After months of talks, the Senate passed the bill last week with 12 Republican votes.&nbsp;&nbsp;In debate ahead of the vote, several gay members of Congress talked about what it would mean for them and their families. Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., said he was set to marry “the love of my life” next year and that it is “unthinkable” that his marriage might not be recognized in some states.Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., said he and his husband should be able to visit each other in the hospital just like any other married couple and receive spousal benefits “regardless of if your spouse’s name Samuel or Samantha.”Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., said that the idea of marriage equality used to be a “far fetched idea, Now it’s the law of the land and supported by the vast majority of Americans.”Democrats moved the bill quickly through the House and Senate after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">Supreme Court’s June decision that overturned the federal right to an abortion.</a>&nbsp;That ruling included a concurring opinion from Justice Clarence Thomas that suggested same-sex marriage should also be reconsidered.The legislation lost some Republican support since July, when 47 Republicans voted for it — a robust and unexpected show of support that kick-started serious negotiations in the Senate. But most of those lawmakers held firm.“To me this is really just standing with the Constitution,” said Republican Rep. Ann Wagner of Missouri, who voted for it both times. She pushed back on GOP arguments that it would affect religious rights of those who don't believe in same sex marriage.“No one’s religious. liberties are affected in any way, shape or form,” Wagner said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670513089801.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the legislation "will ensure that “the federal government will never again stand in the way of marrying the person you love.”-image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the legislation "will ensure that “the federal government will never again stand in the way of marrying the person you love.”-image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., presided over the vote as one of her last acts in leadership before stepping aside in January. She said the legislation "will ensure that “the federal government will never again stand in the way of marrying the person you love.”The legislation would not require states to allow same-sex couples to marry, as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-courts-marriage-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-united-states-government-9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">Supreme Court's 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision now does</a>. But it would require states to recognize all marriages that were legal where they were performed and it would protect current same-sex unions if the Obergefell decision were overturned.While it's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-oklahoma-couples-marriage-fd530c9c3042503f134d5e09af9afb8f">not everything</a>&nbsp;advocates may have wanted, passage of the legislation represents a watershed moment. Just a decade ago, many Republicans openly campaigned on blocking same-sex marriages; today more than two-thirds of the public support them.Still, most Republicans opposed the legislation and some conservative advocacy groups lobbied aggressively against it in recent weeks, arguing that it doesn’t do enough to protect those who want to refuse services for same-sex couples.“God’s perfect design is indeed marriage between one man and one woman for life,” said Rep. Bob Good, R-Va, ahead of the vote. “And it doesn’t matter what you think or what I think, that’s what the Bible says.”Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Mo., choked up as she begged colleagues to vote against the bill, which she said undermines “natural marriage” between a man and a woman.“I’ll tell you my priorities,” Hartzler said. “Protect religious liberty, protect people of faith and protect Americans who believe in the true meaning of marriage.”Democrats in the Senate, led by Wisconsin's Tammy Baldwin and Arizona's Kyrsten Sinema, tried to address those GOP concerns by negotiating an amendment that would clarify that the legislation does not affect the rights of private individuals or businesses that are already enshrined in current law. The amended bill would also make clear that a marriage is between two people, an effort to ward off some far-right criticism that the legislation could endorse polygamy.In the end, several religious groups, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/religion-relationships-gay-rights-utah-07847f4b7e3e96d81c10a298a199b860">came out</a>&nbsp;in support of the bill. The Mormon church said it would support rights for same-sex couples as long as they didn’t infringe upon religious groups’ right to believe as they choose.Thursday's vote came as the LGBTQ community has faced violent attacks, such as the shooting earlier this month at a gay nightclub in Colorado that killed five people and injured at least 17.“We have been through a lot,” said Kelley Robinson, the incoming president of the advocacy group Human Rights Campaign. But Robinson says the votes show “in such an important way” that the country values LBGTQ people.“We are part of the full story of what it means to be an American,” said Robinson, who was inside the Senate chamber for last week’s vote with her wife and young son. “It really speaks to them validating our love.”The vote was personal for many senators, too. The day the bill passed their chamber, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was wearing the tie he wore at his daughter’s wedding to another woman. He recalled that day as “one of the happiest moments of my life.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PASSED: H.R. 8404 The Respect for Marriage Act 🏳️‍🌈 This is the first major LGBTQ+ civil rights bill to pass Congress in a decade. This bipartisan legislation provides crucial safeguards for same-sex &amp; interracial couples.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoveWins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LoveWins</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y0fZoLJgLb">pic.twitter.com/Y0fZoLJgLb</a>&mdash; LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus (@LGBTEqCaucus) <a href="https://twitter.com/LGBTEqCaucus/status/1600889118845997057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Baldwin, the first openly gay senator who has been working on gay rights issues for almost four decades, tearfully hugged Schumer as the final vote was underway. She tweeted thanks to the same-sex and interracial couples who she said made the moment possible.“By living as your true selves, you changed the hearts and minds of people around you,” she wrote.

🎥Bill protecting same-sex marriage going to Biden for his signature

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured in a house fire Wednesday in Topeka.

Just after 7p.m., crews responded to a house fire at 429 NE Forest Avenue in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.&nbsp;One adult man and a dog were able to escape from the single-story residence prior to the fire departments arrival. 

American Medical Response transported the man to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries sustained in the fire.&nbsp; Thee were no other occupants.

After a preliminary investigation the fire cause remains accidental. The origin of the fire was determined to have been in the garage, according to Stahl. One man and one dog were displaced as a result of this fire. The total damage is estimated to be $60,000, with 40,000 associated with structural loss and $20,000 associated with content loss. Fire crews did not find working smoke detectors in the home.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person was injured in a house fire Wednesday in Topeka.Just after 7p.m., crews responded to a house fire at 429 NE Forest Avenue in Topeka, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.&nbsp;One adult man and a dog were able to escape from the single-story residence prior to the fire departments arrival. American Medical Response transported the man to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries sustained in the fire.&nbsp; Thee were no other occupants.After a preliminary investigation the fire cause remains accidental. The origin of the fire was determined to have been in the garage, according to Stahl. One man and one dog were displaced as a result of this fire. The total damage is estimated to be $60,000, with 40,000 associated with structural loss and $20,000 associated with content loss. Fire crews did not find working smoke detectors in the home.

Kansas man hospitalized after house fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — Russia freed WNBA star Brittney Griner on Thursday in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, the White House said. The swap, at a time of heightened tensions over Ukraine, achieved a top goal for President Joe Biden, but carried a heavy price — and left behind an American jailed for nearly four years in Russia.

Click below watch the statement from the President and Cherelle Griner.

“She’s safe, she’s on a plane, she’s on her way home," Biden said from the White House, where he was accompanied by Griner's wife, Cherelle, and administration officials.

The deal, the second such exchange in eight months with Russia, procured the release of the most prominent American detained abroad. Griner is a two-time Olympic gold medalist whose monthslong imprisonment on drug charges brought unprecedented attention to the population of wrongful detainees.

Biden's authorization to release a Russian felon once nicknamed “the Merchant of Death" underscored the escalating pressure that his administration faced to get Griner home, particularly after the recent resolution of her criminal case and her&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=brittney+griner+apnews+penal+colony&amp;rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS917US917&amp;oq=brittney+griner+apnews+penal+colony&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j33i160j33i299l2.4982j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">subsequent transfer to a penal colony.</a>

The Russian Foreign Ministry also confirmed the swap, saying in a statement carried by Russian news agencies that the exchange took place in Abu-Dhabi and that Bout has been flown home

Russian and U.S. officials had conveyed cautious optimism in recent weeks after months of strained negotiations,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=biden+apnews+hopeful+griner&amp;rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS917US917&amp;sxsrf=ALiCzsaPtI5zlZPVtSI7pfSj2KywAlWLRA%3A1670495004369&amp;ei=HLuRY5eNFoShptQPpPmByA4&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiXi9bq5un7AhWEkIkEHaR8AOkQ4dUDCBA&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=biden+apnews+hopeful+griner&amp;gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzoKCAAQRxDWBBCwAzoFCCEQoAE6BQghEKsCSgQIQRgASgQIRhgAULkDWOIIYLcJaAFwAXgAgAFqiAHMBJIBAzYuMZgBAKABAcgBCMABAQ&amp;sclient=gws-wiz-serp">with Biden saying in November</a>&nbsp;that he was hopeful that Russia would engage in a deal now that the midterm elections were completed. A top Russian official&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-entertainment-sports-moscow-paul-whelan-1606112a3e89f85be2deecc0e476d333">said last week</a>&nbsp;that a deal was possible before year's end.

Even so, the fact that the deal was a one-for-one swap was a surprise given that U.S. officials had for months expressed their their determination to bring home both Griner and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/paul-whelan">Paul Whelan,</a>&nbsp;a Michigan corporate security executive jailed in Russia since December 2018 on espionage charges that his family and the U.S. government has said are baseless.

“We’ve not forgotten about Paul Whelan,” Biden said. “We will keep negotiating in good faith for Paul’s release.”

Whelan's brother David said in a statement he was “so glad” for Griner's release but also disappointed for his family. He credited the White House with giving the Whelan family advance notice and said he did not fault officials for making the deal.

“The Biden Administration made the right decision to bring Ms. Griner home, and to make the deal that was possible, rather than waiting for one that wasn’t going to happen,” he said.

In releasing Bout, the U.S. freed a a former Soviet Army lieutenant colonel whom the Justice Department once described as one of the world's most prolific arms dealers. Bout, whose exploits inspired a Hollywood movie, was serving a 25-year sentence on charges that he conspired to sell tens of millions of dollars in weapons that U.S officials said were to be used against Americans.

The Biden administration was ultimately willing to exchange Bout if it meant Griner's freedom. The detention of one of the greatest players in WNBA history contributed to a swirl of unprecedented public attention for an individual detainee case — not to mention intense pressure on the White House.

Griner’s arrest in February made her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-europe-basketball-arrests-c8796efac2149da8d097b7fce98b6332">the most high-profile American jailed abroad</a>. Her status as an openly gay Black woman, locked up in a country where authorities have been hostile to the LBGTQ community, infused racial, gender and social dynamics into her legal saga and made each development a matter of international importance.

Her case not only brought unprecedented publicity to the dozens of Americans wrongfully detained by foreign governments, but it also emerged as a major inflection point in U.S.-Russia diplomacy at a time of deteriorating relations prompted by Moscow’s war against Ukraine.

The exchange was carried out despite deteriorating relations between the powers. But the imprisonment of Americans produced a rare diplomatic opening, yielding the highest-level known contact between Washington and Moscow —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-moscow-antony-blinken-sergey-lavrov-paul-whelan-54d694915c7c6c7222d2bb8893f93b04">a phone call between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov</a>&nbsp;— in more than five months.

In an extraordinary move during otherwise secret negotiations,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=substantial+proposal+blinken+apnews+eric+tucker&amp;rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS917US917&amp;oq=substantial+proposal+blinken+apnews+eric+tucker&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57.5839j1j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Blinken revealed publicly</a>&nbsp;in July that the U.S. had made a “substantial proposal” to Russia for Griner and Whelan. Though he did not specify the terms, people familiar with it said the U.S. had offered Bout.

Such a public overture drew a chiding rebuke from the Russians, who said they preferred to resolve such cases in private, and carried the risk of weakening the U.S. government's negotiating hand for this and future deals by making the administration appear too desperate. But the announcement was also meant to communicate to the public that Biden was doing what he could and to ensure pressure on the Russians.

Besides the efforts of U.S. officials, the release also followed months of back channel negotiations involving Bill Richardson, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a frequent emissary in hostage talks, and his top deputy, Mickey Bergman.

Griner was arrested at the Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport in February when customs officials said they found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russia-trial-live-updates-bc4c1d9efd490eed0eb522c8c59e9197">She pleaded guilty in July</a>, though still faced trial because admitting guilt in Russia's judicial system does not automatically end a case.

She acknowledged in court that she possessed the canisters, but said she had no criminal intent and said their presence in her luggage was due to hasty packing.

<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=griner+sentenced+apnews&amp;rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS917US917&amp;oq=griner+sentenced+apnews+&amp;aqs=chrome..69i57j33i160l4.3326j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Before being sentenced on Aug. 4</a>&nbsp;and receiving a punishment her lawyers said was out of line for the offense, an emotional Griner apologized "for my mistake that I made and the embarrassment that I brought on them.” She added: “I hope in your ruling it does not end my life.”

Her supporters had largely stayed quiet for weeks after her arrest, but that approach changed in May once the State Department&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-sports-business-phoenix-mercury-united-states-b6aaaeee14b825bd247e2d853a9d708c">designated her as unlawfully detained</a>. A separate trade, Marine veteran&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-europe-united-states-prisoner-exchange-8fd1e58e690350019c7aab55af41bbbf">Trevor Reed for Konstantin Yaroshenko</a>, a Russian pilot convicted in the U.S. in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, spurred hope that additional such exchanges could be in the works.

Whelan has been held in Russia since December 2018. The U.S. government also classified him as wrongfully detained. He was sentenced in 2020 to 16 years in prison.

Whelan was not included in the Reed prisoner swap, escalating pressure on the Biden administration to ensure that any deal that brought home Griner also included him.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Russia freed WNBA star&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/brittney-griner">Brittney Griner</a>&nbsp;on Thursday in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=viktor+bout+apnews&amp;rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS917US917&amp;oq=viktor+&amp;aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57j46i433i512l2j0i433i512j0i131i433i512l2j46i433i512j0i433i512l2.1068j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Viktor Bout</a>, American and Russian officials said. The swap, at a time of heightened tensions over Ukraine, achieved a top goal for President Joe Biden, but carried a heavy price — and left behind an American jailed for nearly four years in Russia.

The swap was confirmed by U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the negotiations who were not authorized to publicly discuss the deal before a White House announcement and spoke on condition of anonymity. Biden spoke with Griner on the phone Thursday while her wife, Cherelle, was in the Oval Office. The president was to address reporters later in the morning.

“Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner. She is safe. She is on a plane. She is on her way home,” Biden tweeted.

Besides the efforts of U.S. officials, the release also followed months of backchannel negotiations involving Bill Richardson, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a frequent emissary in hostage talks, and his top deputy Mickey Bergman. The men had made multiple trips abroad in the last year to discuss swap scenarios with Russian contacts.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Russia freed WNBA star&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/brittney-griner">Brittney Griner</a>&nbsp;on Thursday in a dramatic high-level prisoner exchange, with the U.S. releasing notorious Russian arms dealer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=viktor+bout+apnews&amp;rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS917US917&amp;oq=viktor+&amp;aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57j46i433i512l2j0i433i512j0i131i433i512l2j46i433i512j0i433i512l2.1068j0j4&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Viktor Bout</a>, American officials said. The swap, at a time of heightened tensions over Ukraine, achieved a top goal for President Joe Biden, but carried a heavy price — and left behind an American jailed for nearly four years in Russia.

The swap was confirmed by U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the negotiations who were not authorized to publicly discuss the deal before a White House announcement and spoke on condition of anonymity.

🎥Griner for arms dealer: WNBA star freed in US-Russia prisoner swap

JOHNSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating after a dog was involved in an incident in Overland Park have located the animal.

Just before 8 p.m. Wednesday, a man and his dog were bitten by a dog described as an adult black/grey pit bull terrier, according to a media release from police. The incident occurred on the south side of the Stonepost Crossing Apartments,&nbsp;12800 W. 134th Place in Overland Park.

The man and his dog suffered minor injuries. The pit bull owner is described as a man in his early 20s. The man was walking a second dog described as a black and brown Yorkie.

On Thursday afternoon, police thanked the public for helping them locate the dog.

JOHNSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating and asking the public for help to locate a dog involved in an incident in Overland Park.&nbsp;

Anyone with information is asked to contact Overland Park Police.

JOHNSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities investigating after a dog was involved in an incident in Overland Park have located the animal.Just before 8 p.m. Wednesday, a man and his dog were bitten by a dog described as an adult black/grey pit bull terrier, according to a media release from police. The incident occurred on the south side of the Stonepost Crossing Apartments,&nbsp;12800 W. 134th Place in Overland Park.The man and his dog suffered minor injuries. The pit bull owner is described as a man in his early 20s. The man was walking a second dog described as a black and brown Yorkie.On Thursday afternoon, police thanked the public for helping them locate the dog.-------JOHNSON COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating and asking the public for help to locate a dog involved in an incident in Overland Park.&nbsp;Just before 8 p.m. Wednesday, a man and his dog were bitten by a dog described as an adult black/grey pit bull terrier, according to a media release from police. The incident occurred on the south side of the Stonepost Crossing Apartments,&nbsp;12800 W. 134th Place in Overland Park.The man and his dog suffered minor injuries. The pit bull owner is described as a man in his early 20s. The man was walking a second dog described as a black and brown Yorkie.Anyone with information is asked to contact Overland Park Police.

Update: Overland Park Police locate pit bull that bit Kan. man & his dog

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-congressman-introduces-bill-to-block-federal-listing-of-lesser-prairie-chicken/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Ron Estes of 
Kansas introduced legislation to prohibit the U.S. Interior Department 
from imposing restraints on land use through designation of the lesser 
prairie chicken as threatened or endangered.

In November, federal wildlife officials registered the lesser prairie
 chicken as threatened in Kansas and endangered in their habitat in the 
southwest United States. The birds can be found in regions of Kansas, 
Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. Federal listings influence grazing and 
drilling practices.

Estes, a Republican who represents the Wichita region in Congress, 
said the House measure introduced Wednesday would require the interior 
secretary to delist the lesser prairie chicken within 60 days of the 
bill becoming law. His bill would affirm rights of ranchers and energy 
producers to control land relied on by the birds.

“Its inclusion on the threatened and endangered species list is 
detrimental to our robust ag and energy industries, blatant bureaucratic
 overreach and is another example of the Biden administration hindering 
American energy independence,” Estes said.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision was based on an 
assessment indicating 90% of habitat for the birds had vanished. The 
agency said the population stood at about 32,000 based on averages drawn
 from aerial surveys of a five-state region from 2012 to 2022.

The agency determined voluntary conservation efforts helped conserve 
habitat for the lesser prairie chicken, but hadn’t demonstrated an 
ability to reverse trends of habitat loss and fragmentation influencing 
the bird’s to thrive.

However, Estes said the federal agency’s decision was “nonfactual” 
and disregarded voluntary public-private preservation efforts directed 
by people best capable of being stewards of the land. He said his bill 
would stop “Washington elites from undermining voluntary public-private 
conservation practices and ensures Kansans control our land.”

U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and U.S. Rep. Tracy Mann, 
all Kansas Republicans, were critical of the USFWS’ decision.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670508657809.png" alt="U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kansas, introduced a bill challenging federal restraint of ranch and energy producers in Kansas following federal listing of the Listing lesser prairie chicken as threatened in Kansas. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of U.S. House channel)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kansas, introduced a bill challenging federal restraint of ranch and energy producers in Kansas following federal listing of the Listing lesser prairie chicken as threatened in Kansas. (Kansas Reflector screen capture of U.S. House channel)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansas-congressman-introduces-bill-to-block-federal-listing-of-lesser-prairie-chicken/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Rep. Ron Estes of 
Kansas introduced legislation to prohibit the U.S. Interior Department 
from imposing restraints on land use through designation of the lesser 
prairie chicken as threatened or endangered.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kansas Energy producers and ranchers have taken proactive measures to preserve the lesser prairie-chicken&#39;s habitat. Today, I introduced legislation that stops Washington from undermining voluntary conservation practices and ensures Kansans control our land. <a href="https://t.co/SHKZwIQHrT">pic.twitter.com/SHKZwIQHrT</a>&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1600619921314127872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In November, federal wildlife officials registered the lesser prairie
 chicken as threatened in Kansas and endangered in their habitat in the 
southwest United States. The birds can be found in regions of Kansas, 
Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. Federal listings influence grazing and 
drilling practices.Estes, a Republican who represents the Wichita region in Congress, 
said the House measure introduced Wednesday would require the interior 
secretary to delist the lesser prairie chicken within 60 days of the 
bill becoming law. His bill would affirm rights of ranchers and energy 
producers to control land relied on by the birds.“Its inclusion on the threatened and endangered species list is 
detrimental to our robust ag and energy industries, blatant bureaucratic
 overreach and is another example of the Biden administration hindering 
American energy independence,” Estes said.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision was based on an 
assessment indicating 90% of habitat for the birds had vanished. The 
agency said the population stood at about 32,000 based on averages drawn
 from aerial surveys of a five-state region from 2012 to 2022.The agency determined voluntary conservation efforts helped conserve 
habitat for the lesser prairie chicken, but hadn’t demonstrated an 
ability to reverse trends of habitat loss and fragmentation influencing 
the bird’s to thrive.However, Estes said the federal agency’s decision was “nonfactual” 
and disregarded voluntary public-private preservation efforts directed 
by people best capable of being stewards of the land. He said his bill 
would stop “Washington elites from undermining voluntary public-private 
conservation practices and ensures Kansans control our land.”U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and U.S. Rep. Tracy Mann, 
all Kansas Republicans, were critical of the USFWS’ decision.

🎥Kan. rep introduces bill to block federal listing of lesser prairie chicken

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.

Just after 3a.m. Wednesday police were dispatched to a shooting at Truman Road and Paseo in Kansas City, according to Police Captain Leslie Foreman.

&nbsp;Upon arrival they found a 27-year-old Joshua R. Williams outside of the convenience store. He had been shot and was unresponsive. Officers began CPR. EMS responded and pronounced the him deceased. 

Police have not released any suspect information.

Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and actively canvassed for witnesses and processed the scene for evidence.&nbsp; With the fatal shooting of a woman in her home on Tuesday night, the <a href="https://www.kcpd.org/media/4370/12622-daily-homicide-analysis.pdf">2022 homicide total</a> in Kansas City is 162.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670453128250.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating another homicide in Kansas City.Just after 3a.m. Wednesday police were dispatched to a shooting at Truman Road and Paseo in Kansas City, according to Police Captain Leslie Foreman.&nbsp;Upon arrival they found a 27-year-old Joshua R. Williams outside of the convenience store. He had been shot and was unresponsive. Officers began CPR. EMS responded and pronounced the him deceased. Police have not released any suspect information.Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and actively canvassed for witnesses and processed the scene for evidence.&nbsp; With the fatal shooting of a woman in her home on Tuesday night, the <a href="https://www.kcpd.org/media/4370/12622-daily-homicide-analysis.pdf">2022 homicide total</a> in Kansas City is 162.

Police ID victim in KC convenience store killing

STAFFORD COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Wednesday in Stafford County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Mark E. Hawkins, 21, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was&nbsp;northbound on NE 50th Avenue five miles east of St. John.

A 2006 Saturn Vue driven by Tate J. Martin, 17, Ellinwood, was westbound on NE 40th Street. 

Both vehicles entered the intersection at the same time. The Saturn struck the Dodge on the passenger side. After impact, both vehicles left the roadway and entered the west ditch on NE 50th Avenue.&nbsp;

EMS transported Tate to Wesley Medical Center where he died.&nbsp; EMS transported two passenger in the Dodge 51-year-old Peter A.&nbsp;Laskowski of Stevens Point, Wisconsin and 52-year-old Gregory L. Witt of Moneta, Virginia to Pratt Regional Hospital where Laskowski died.

EMS transported Hawkins and a passenger in the Saturn 17-year-old Trace L.&nbsp;Ritterhouse of Ellinwood to the Stafford County Hospital and a third passenger in the Dodge 64-year-old Orville R. Meade of Verona, Virginia to the hospital in Great Bend. None of those involved were wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

STAFFORD COUNTY —Two people died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Wednesday in Stafford County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2012 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Mark E. Hawkins, 21, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was&nbsp;northbound on NE 50th Avenue five miles east of St. John.A 2006 Saturn Vue driven by Tate J. Martin, 17, Ellinwood, was westbound on NE 40th Street. Both vehicles entered the intersection at the same time. The Saturn struck the Dodge on the passenger side. After impact, both vehicles left the roadway and entered the west ditch on NE 50th Avenue.&nbsp;EMS transported Tate to Wesley Medical Center where he died.&nbsp; EMS transported two passenger in the Dodge 51-year-old Peter A.&nbsp;Laskowski of Stevens Point, Wisconsin and 52-year-old Gregory L. Witt of Moneta, Virginia to Pratt Regional Hospital where Laskowski died.EMS transported Hawkins and a passenger in the Saturn 17-year-old Trace L.&nbsp;Ritterhouse of Ellinwood to the Stafford County Hospital and a third passenger in the Dodge 64-year-old Orville R. Meade of Verona, Virginia to the hospital in Great Bend. None of those involved were wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kansas teen among two dead after SUV, pickup crash

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Schools in USD 262/Valley Center will open again Thursday.

On Tuesday, Valley Center called off school for Wednesday, Dec. 7 as a result of alleged threats, out of an abundance of caution for all of our students and staff and after consulting with local law enforcement, according to a statement sent from&nbsp;Valley Center Superintendent Cory Gibson.

The district shared their plan for school Thursday and going forward. It includes&nbsp;increased law enforcement presence in and around schools;&nbsp; an increased number of officers who are monitoring buildings and grounds after school hours and additional officers at athletic events home and away.&nbsp; The plan also includes counselors and social workers for students to visit with if needed.&nbsp; Only visitors with previously scheduled appointments will be allowed inside district buildings

&nbsp;The Valley Center police department is working alongside the Park City police department, with support from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to keep students and staff safe.

The district reminded Parents/guardians to "be aware of what is happening with your child’s interactions on social&nbsp;media. This might be a good opportunity to encourage your child or children to step away from social media to reduce their risk of exposure to negative comments. Additionally, turning off the location of their devices might be helpful. Also, please report any threats directly to&nbsp;911."

If parents are still uncomfortable sending their kids to school, it will be considered an excused absence to keep their children home.&nbsp;

These changes come as USD 262/Valley Center and Topeka High investigate after students at one school reportedly yelled racist and offensive taunts at the other school's basketball team last weekend.

Topeka High School's team was subjected to “racial slurs, threats and disgusting taunts,” during a game on Saturday with Valley Center High School, Coach Geo Lyons said in a Change.org petition. He also said Valley Center students used a Black baby doll to taunt his team during the game.

Lyons has started a petition asking that Valley Center High School fans be removed from sporting events.

Lyons told KSN-TV that his son was shooting a free throw when the Valley Center student section chanted an expletive. He also alleged that racial epithets were used and his team was told they were going to be hanged.

"I had a down locker room, I’m talking about tears were flowing in that locker room,” Lyons said.

Valley Center officials issued an apology Monday to Topeka High School for “inappropriate language and behavior” by students during the game.

The district said in a statement that Topeka and Valley Center officials spent much of the weekend studying videos and interviewing people in attendance. As of Tuesday, the officials had not found evidence of specifically racist taunts but Valley Center acknowledged that students acted inappropriately.

It said students who chanted the expletive at the Topeka student were immediately removed and Valley Center officials worked to prevent any other negative interactions when the game ended.

The Black baby doll was part of a class assignment that requires students to “parent” the baby for a few days, the district said. It was not brought to the game intentionally to taunt Topeka High School but “without context, seeing the baby and images of the ‘baby’ caused hurt and concern to many, and for that we are very sorry,” the statement said.

Valley Center Superintendent Cory Gibson had a “fruitful” conversation about the incident with representatives of the NAACP on Tuesday, spokeswoman Amy Pavlacka said. Gibson and Valley Center High School Principal Bruce Lolling also visited with patrons from both cities to discuss the situation.

“As a district, we sent a letter to all VCHS families and students explaining there would be follow-up consequences for those students involved, and that we, as a community, should learn and grow from this experience,” the statement said.

-The Associated Press contributed to this report

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670467032406.png" alt="The Valley Center police department is working alongside the Park City police department, with support from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to keep students and staff safe.-Google image" />
 <figcaption>The Valley Center police department is working alongside the Park City police department, with support from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to keep students and staff safe.-Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Schools in USD 262/Valley Center will open again Thursday.On Tuesday, Valley Center called off school for Wednesday, Dec. 7 as a result of alleged threats, out of an abundance of caution for all of our students and staff and after consulting with local law enforcement, according to a statement sent from&nbsp;Valley Center Superintendent Cory Gibson.The district shared their plan for school Thursday and going forward. It includes&nbsp;increased law enforcement presence in and around schools;&nbsp; an increased number of officers who are monitoring buildings and grounds after school hours and additional officers at athletic events home and away.&nbsp; The plan also includes counselors and social workers for students to visit with if needed.&nbsp; Only visitors with previously scheduled appointments will be allowed inside district buildings&nbsp;The Valley Center police department is working alongside the Park City police department, with support from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office to keep students and staff safe.The district reminded Parents/guardians to "be aware of what is happening with your child’s interactions on social&nbsp;media. This might be a good opportunity to encourage your child or children to step away from social media to reduce their risk of exposure to negative comments. Additionally, turning off the location of their devices might be helpful. Also, please report any threats directly to&nbsp;911."If parents are still uncomfortable sending their kids to school, it will be considered an excused absence to keep their children home.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670380837123.png" alt="Image from Saturday's game courtesy Valley Center High School YouTube" />
 <figcaption>Image from Saturday's game courtesy Valley Center High School YouTube</figcaption>
 </figure>These changes come as USD 262/Valley Center and Topeka High investigate after students at one school reportedly yelled racist and offensive taunts at the other school's basketball team last weekend.Topeka High School's team was subjected to “racial slurs, threats and disgusting taunts,” during a game on Saturday with Valley Center High School, Coach Geo Lyons said in a Change.org petition. He also said Valley Center students used a Black baby doll to taunt his team during the game.Lyons has started a petition asking that Valley Center High School fans be removed from sporting events.Lyons told KSN-TV that his son was shooting a free throw when the Valley Center student section chanted an expletive. He also alleged that racial epithets were used and his team was told they were going to be hanged."I had a down locker room, I’m talking about tears were flowing in that locker room,” Lyons said.Valley Center officials issued an apology Monday to Topeka High School for “inappropriate language and behavior” by students during the game.The district said in a statement that Topeka and Valley Center officials spent much of the weekend studying videos and interviewing people in attendance. As of Tuesday, the officials had not found evidence of specifically racist taunts but Valley Center acknowledged that students acted inappropriately.It said students who chanted the expletive at the Topeka student were immediately removed and Valley Center officials worked to prevent any other negative interactions when the game ended.The Black baby doll was part of a class assignment that requires students to “parent” the baby for a few days, the district said. It was not brought to the game intentionally to taunt Topeka High School but “without context, seeing the baby and images of the ‘baby’ caused hurt and concern to many, and for that we are very sorry,” the statement said.Valley Center Superintendent Cory Gibson had a “fruitful” conversation about the incident with representatives of the NAACP on Tuesday, spokeswoman Amy Pavlacka said. Gibson and Valley Center High School Principal Bruce Lolling also visited with patrons from both cities to discuss the situation.“As a district, we sent a letter to all VCHS families and students explaining there would be follow-up consequences for those students involved, and that we, as a community, should learn and grow from this experience,” the statement said.-The Associated Press contributed to this report

Kan. school district reopens after closure due to alleged threats

NEOSHO COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after a woman was found dead at a rural residence in Chanute, Kansas.

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, at approximately 5 p.m., deputies from the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a welfare check at 6845 160th&nbsp;Road in Chanute, according to a media release from the KBI.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, in North Carolina contacted Kansas officials that prompted concern for a woman who lived at the residence. 

Deputies searched the property and located the deceased body of Elaina M. Asprea, 47, of Chanute. She was found next to a field, near the residence. Asprea was pronounced dead at the scene.

A person of interest has been developed in this case. Asprea’s boyfriend, Joseph R. Deluca, 37, was arrested in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Dec. 5, on a Robeson County warrant for charges unrelated to this case. He is currently in police custody at the Cumberland County Detention Center.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Dec. 9.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670451415359.png" alt="Deluca-photo Robeson Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Deluca-photo Robeson Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>NEOSHO COUNTY–&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after a woman was found dead at a rural residence in Chanute, Kansas.On Tuesday, Dec. 6, at approximately 5 p.m., deputies from the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a welfare check at 6845 160th&nbsp;Road in Chanute, according to a media release from the KBI.The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, in North Carolina contacted Kansas officials that prompted concern for a woman who lived at the residence. Deputies searched the property and located the deceased body of Elaina M. Asprea, 47, of Chanute. She was found next to a field, near the residence. Asprea was pronounced dead at the scene.A person of interest has been developed in this case. Asprea’s boyfriend, Joseph R. Deluca, 37, was arrested in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Dec. 5, on a Robeson County warrant for charges unrelated to this case. He is currently in police custody at the Cumberland County Detention Center.An autopsy has been scheduled for Dec. 9.

Kan. woman found dead; boyfriend jailed in North Carolina 

DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a California man who allegedly stole a vehicle in Colorado.

Just after 12:30a.m. Monday,&nbsp;the Salina Police Department notified the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office of a stolen black Mercedes GL Coupe traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 at approximately 150mph, according to Undersheriff Jeff Vaughan

 The Mercedes, valued at approximately $70,800, had been reported stolen due to it being fraudulently purchased by a subject with false identification in Colorado.

A Dickinson County deputy located the vehicle unoccupied in the area of West 7th Street and Maple Street in Solomon. The deputy obtained a description of the suspect later identified as 43-year-old&nbsp;Matthew Walden Olson, 43, of San Francisco, California.

An unmanned aircraft system was deployed and a Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office K9 officer responded to assist in the search for Olson. The Sheriff’s Office K9 located him hiding under the bridge near West 5th Street and Maple Street in Solomon.

The suspect was taken into custody and provided a false name to the deputies who eventually confirmed his identity as Olson. He is being held in&nbsp;the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of theft of the vehicle, interference with law enforcement, identity theft and drug possession.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670442758981.png" alt="Olson-photo Dickinson Co." />
 <figcaption>Olson-photo Dickinson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DICKINSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a California man who allegedly stole a vehicle in Colorado.Just after 12:30a.m. Monday,&nbsp;the Salina Police Department notified the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office of a stolen black Mercedes GL Coupe traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 at approximately 150mph, according to Undersheriff Jeff Vaughan The Mercedes, valued at approximately $70,800, had been reported stolen due to it being fraudulently purchased by a subject with false identification in Colorado.A Dickinson County deputy located the vehicle unoccupied in the area of West 7th Street and Maple Street in Solomon. The deputy obtained a description of the suspect later identified as 43-year-old&nbsp;Matthew Walden Olson, 43, of San Francisco, California.An unmanned aircraft system was deployed and a Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office K9 officer responded to assist in the search for Olson. The Sheriff’s Office K9 located him hiding under the bridge near West 5th Street and Maple Street in Solomon.The suspect was taken into custody and provided a false name to the deputies who eventually confirmed his identity as Olson. He is being held in&nbsp;the Dickinson County Jail on requested charges of theft of the vehicle, interference with law enforcement, identity theft and drug possession.

Sheriff: Car theft suspect caught hiding under Kansas bridge 

Washington&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Roger Marshall helped secure a major win as part of his longstanding effort to protect American servicemembers from Joe Biden’s COVID-19 punitive vaccine mandate, according to a statement from the Senator's office.

The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation critical to American military preparedness, includes a provision that halts the Department of Defense (DOD) from forcing servicemembers to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

“The Biden Administration should be ashamed of how unfairly they treated our troops over this vaccine. The lives of so many patriotic families have been turned upside down after they were discharged from service at the hands of Joe Biden,”&nbsp;said Marshall. “There’s not enough science to support a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for America’s troops – some of the healthiest individuals in our nation. With the number of new servicemembers joining the military reaching record lows, Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate has significantly diminished our military’s ability to carry out crucial missions across the board. I’m proud of our work to end President Biden’s cruel mandate and will not rest until those who were discharged receive back pay and an opportunity to rejoin the military.”

<a>So far in 2022, the Department of Defense has&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2022/12/07/military-covid-19-vaccine-mandate-repealed-in-defense-bill-compromise/" target="_blank">dismissed</a>&nbsp;approximately 8,000 active-duty servicemembers for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, an&nbsp;estimated&nbsp;37,000 National Guardsmen and 22,000 Reserve soldiers who refused COVID-19 vaccination were suspended from service, and stripped of their military benefits and pay.

Specifically, the amendment to the NDAA championed by Senator Marshall prohibits involuntary separation of a servicemember for refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine until each Service achieves its authorized end strength.

Last week, Senator Marshall and 12 of his colleagues wrote a letter to Senate Republican leadership expressing opposition to moving forward with the NDAA unless the Senate votes on an amendment to prohibit discharges from the Armed Forces solely because of COVID-19 vaccination status. This effort was successful. Senator Marshall and his colleagues also requested that leadership include an amendment to reinstate service members already discharged, with back pay, but the group’s efforts fell short.&nbsp;

Washington&nbsp;– U.S. Senator Roger Marshall helped secure a major win as part of his longstanding effort to protect American servicemembers from Joe Biden’s COVID-19 punitive vaccine mandate, according to a statement from the Senator's office.The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation critical to American military preparedness, includes a provision that halts the Department of Defense (DOD) from forcing servicemembers to get the COVID-19 vaccine.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670433884697.png" alt="Last week, Senator Marshall and 12 of his colleagues wrote a letter to Senate Republican leadership expressing opposition to moving forward with the NDAA unless the Senate votes on an amendment to prohibit discharges from the Armed Forces solely because of COVID-19 vaccination status.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Last week, Senator Marshall and 12 of his colleagues wrote a letter to Senate Republican leadership expressing opposition to moving forward with the NDAA unless the Senate votes on an amendment to prohibit discharges from the Armed Forces solely because of COVID-19 vaccination status.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“The Biden Administration should be ashamed of how unfairly they treated our troops over this vaccine. The lives of so many patriotic families have been turned upside down after they were discharged from service at the hands of Joe Biden,”&nbsp;said Marshall. “There’s not enough science to support a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for America’s troops – some of the healthiest individuals in our nation. With the number of new servicemembers joining the military reaching record lows, Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate has significantly diminished our military’s ability to carry out crucial missions across the board. I’m proud of our work to end President Biden’s cruel mandate and will not rest until those who were discharged receive back pay and an opportunity to rejoin the military.”<a>So far in 2022, the Department of Defense has&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2022/12/07/military-covid-19-vaccine-mandate-repealed-in-defense-bill-compromise/" target="_blank">dismissed</a>&nbsp;approximately 8,000 active-duty servicemembers for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, an&nbsp;estimated&nbsp;37,000 National Guardsmen and 22,000 Reserve soldiers who refused COVID-19 vaccination were suspended from service, and stripped of their military benefits and pay.Specifically, the amendment to the NDAA championed by Senator Marshall prohibits involuntary separation of a servicemember for refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine until each Service achieves its authorized end strength.Last week, Senator Marshall and 12 of his colleagues wrote a letter to Senate Republican leadership expressing opposition to moving forward with the NDAA unless the Senate votes on an amendment to prohibit discharges from the Armed Forces solely because of COVID-19 vaccination status. This effort was successful. Senator Marshall and his colleagues also requested that leadership include an amendment to reinstate service members already discharged, with back pay, but the group’s efforts fell short.&nbsp;

Marshall: 2023 NDAA eliminates COVID vaxx mandate for military

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 22-year-old Shayla Curtis.

Just after 8p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at a home in the 4900 block of Bellefontaine in Kansas City, according to Police Captain Leslie Forean.

First responders found Curtis inside of a residence who had been shot and was unresponsive. Officers begin CPR on the victim.&nbsp; EMS arrived and pronounced her deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and were actively canvassing for witnesses and processing the scene for evidence.&nbsp; Police released no additional details Wednesday afternoon.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting have identified the victim as 22-year-old Shayla Curtis.Just after 8p.m. Tuesday, police were dispatched to report of a shooting at a home in the 4900 block of Bellefontaine in Kansas City, according to Police Captain Leslie Forean.First responders found Curtis inside of a residence who had been shot and was unresponsive. Officers begin CPR on the victim.&nbsp; EMS arrived and pronounced her deceased at the scene.&nbsp; Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and were actively canvassing for witnesses and processing the scene for evidence.&nbsp; Police released no additional details Wednesday afternoon.

Homicide: Police ID woman found dead in Kansas City  home

By RUDI KELLER <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/12/06/economic-slowdown-tax-cuts-likely-to-limit-missouri-revenue-growth-officials-say/">Missouri Independent</a>

Missouri
 general revenue, which has enjoyed double-digit growth for more than 
two years, will slow dramatically in early 2023, a new estimate of state
 government finances indicates.

The annual consensus revenue estimate
 – used as the benchmark for budgeting by both the state executive and 
legislature – issued Tuesday projects net general revenue tax receipts 
of $13.1 billion in the current fiscal year.

That is the most ever in general 
revenue and represents growth of 1.4% over fiscal 2022. But it 
represents a dramatic slowdown from the growth rate through Monday of 
15% so far this fiscal year.

Only minor growth, to $13.2 billion in general revenue, is expected in fiscal 2024, which starts July 1.&nbsp;

Lawmakers will begin writing a budget
 in late January, after Gov. Mike Parson makes his recommendations. The 
next legislative session begins Jan. 4.

To turn 15% growth into 1.4% growth, 
revenues from Monday through June 30 would have to decline by 6%, or by 
about $500 million. 

A news release issued by Parson’s 
office didn’t highlight the projected decline but did state that the 
overall growth shows state revenues are stable <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-764-million-income-tax-cut-rural-incentives-package/">despite recent tax cuts</a>.

“This shows that we can continue 
historic investments in education, infrastructure, mental health 
services, and public safety just as we have done,” Parson said in the 
release.

The estimate promises stability in budgeting for the coming year, said House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, R-Carthage.

“I am pleased to once again put 
forward a conservative revenue estimate to which the House, Senate, and 
Governor have agreed,” Smith said in the release.

The state is <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/28/missouri-state-budget-is-bulging-with-6-billion-in-surplus-cash/">sitting on a massive surplus</a>
 thanks to federal COVID policies and the rapid growth in state 
revenues. The balance in the general revenue fund grew to $4.9 billion 
at the end of November, up about $150 million from the October balance, 
with another $1.5 billion in funds that have few restrictions.

Lawmakers are already lining up with 
ideas to use the money. Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, wants to set 
aside up to $9 billion over the next 10 years to <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/12/02/lawmaker-wants-to-use-missouri-surplus-to-widen-i-70/">widen Interstate 70 to four lanes</a> in each direction from St. Louis to Kansas City.

The tax cuts enacted this year will 
cut the top income tax rate to 4.95% on Jan. 1, with additional cuts to 
come on Jan. 1 of subsequent years.

The possibility of recession is growing, <a target="_blank" href="https://fortune.com/2022/12/06/jamie-dimon-says-americans-spending-money-inflation-could-tip-recession-next-year/">many observers think</a>,
 because lower-income Americans are spending their savings due to 
inflation and will not be able to sustain their purchasing power in the 
new year.&nbsp;

State revenue has benefited from 
inflation, with 13% growth in sales tax receipts in fiscal 2022 and 9.1%
 growth in the current year. Higher pay, from an increasing minimum wage
 and from wages hiked to cover inflation, is pushing income tax receipts
 higher at a brisk pace as well, up 13.6% so far this year.

Inflation-fighting <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/03/the-fed-raises-interest-rates-again-signals-more-coming-despite-pressure-to-slow-the-pace/">interest rate hikes</a>
 are also contributing to Missouri revenue growth. So far this fiscal 
year, interest income for the general revenue fund is $58.8 million, 
compared to $22.5 million over the full 12 months of the previous fiscal
 year.

How much the decline in growth will 
be due to tax cuts, and how much is expected to result from economic 
conditions, is uncertain, said Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield. Hough 
is expected to be Senate Appropriations Committee chairman starting in 
January.

“What the (consensus revenue estimate) is really describing,” Hough said, “is that we anticipate things slowing down.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670430152360.png" alt="The Missouri Capitol Rotunda (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent)." />
 <figcaption>The Missouri Capitol Rotunda (Jason Hancock/Missouri Independent).</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUDI KELLER <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/12/06/economic-slowdown-tax-cuts-likely-to-limit-missouri-revenue-growth-officials-say/">Missouri Independent</a>Missouri
 general revenue, which has enjoyed double-digit growth for more than 
two years, will slow dramatically in early 2023, a new estimate of state
 government finances indicates.The annual consensus revenue estimate
 – used as the benchmark for budgeting by both the state executive and 
legislature – issued Tuesday projects net general revenue tax receipts 
of $13.1 billion in the current fiscal year.That is the most ever in general 
revenue and represents growth of 1.4% over fiscal 2022. But it 
represents a dramatic slowdown from the growth rate through Monday of 
15% so far this fiscal year.Only minor growth, to $13.2 billion in general revenue, is expected in fiscal 2024, which starts July 1.&nbsp;Lawmakers will begin writing a budget
 in late January, after Gov. Mike Parson makes his recommendations. The 
next legislative session begins Jan. 4.To turn 15% growth into 1.4% growth, 
revenues from Monday through June 30 would have to decline by 6%, or by 
about $500 million. A news release issued by Parson’s 
office didn’t highlight the projected decline but did state that the 
overall growth shows state revenues are stable <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/briefs/missouri-governor-signs-764-million-income-tax-cut-rural-incentives-package/">despite recent tax cuts</a>.“This shows that we can continue 
historic investments in education, infrastructure, mental health 
services, and public safety just as we have done,” Parson said in the 
release.The estimate promises stability in budgeting for the coming year, said House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith, R-Carthage.“I am pleased to once again put 
forward a conservative revenue estimate to which the House, Senate, and 
Governor have agreed,” Smith said in the release.The state is <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/28/missouri-state-budget-is-bulging-with-6-billion-in-surplus-cash/">sitting on a massive surplus</a>
 thanks to federal COVID policies and the rapid growth in state 
revenues. The balance in the general revenue fund grew to $4.9 billion 
at the end of November, up about $150 million from the October balance, 
with another $1.5 billion in funds that have few restrictions.Lawmakers are already lining up with 
ideas to use the money. Sen. Bill Eigel, R-Weldon Spring, wants to set 
aside up to $9 billion over the next 10 years to <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/12/02/lawmaker-wants-to-use-missouri-surplus-to-widen-i-70/">widen Interstate 70 to four lanes</a> in each direction from St. Louis to Kansas City.The tax cuts enacted this year will 
cut the top income tax rate to 4.95% on Jan. 1, with additional cuts to 
come on Jan. 1 of subsequent years.The possibility of recession is growing, <a target="_blank" href="https://fortune.com/2022/12/06/jamie-dimon-says-americans-spending-money-inflation-could-tip-recession-next-year/">many observers think</a>,
 because lower-income Americans are spending their savings due to 
inflation and will not be able to sustain their purchasing power in the 
new year.&nbsp;State revenue has benefited from 
inflation, with 13% growth in sales tax receipts in fiscal 2022 and 9.1%
 growth in the current year. Higher pay, from an increasing minimum wage
 and from wages hiked to cover inflation, is pushing income tax receipts
 higher at a brisk pace as well, up 13.6% so far this year.Inflation-fighting <a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/11/03/the-fed-raises-interest-rates-again-signals-more-coming-despite-pressure-to-slow-the-pace/">interest rate hikes</a>
 are also contributing to Missouri revenue growth. So far this fiscal 
year, interest income for the general revenue fund is $58.8 million, 
compared to $22.5 million over the full 12 months of the previous fiscal
 year.How much the decline in growth will 
be due to tax cuts, and how much is expected to result from economic 
conditions, is uncertain, said Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield. Hough 
is expected to be Senate Appropriations Committee chairman starting in 
January.“What the (consensus revenue estimate) is really describing,” Hough said, “is that we anticipate things slowing down.”

Officials: Slow economy, tax cuts likely to limit Mo. revenue growth

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A federal judge ordered a Wisconsin company that cleans hundreds of slaughterhouses nationwide to ensure it is complying with child labor laws after investigators identified at least 50 minors scrubbing and sanitizing dangerous equipment on overnight shifts at five different meatpacking plants in three states.

As part of an agreement with the Labor Department that was announced along with Tuesday’s court ruling in Nebraska, Packers Sanitation Services Inc. also promised to hire an outside consultant to review its hiring policies and provide additional training for its managers.

Investigators with the Labor Department visited three plants owned by JBS and Turkey Valley Farms in Nebraska and Minnesota this fall and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-minnesota-nebraska-b611b39f035036c236809fae06eab0ad">found 31 underage workers</a>&nbsp;as young as 13. Since this lawsuit was filed last month, additional underage workers have been identified, including at two additional plants: the Greater Omaha Packing Co. beef plant in Omaha, Nebraska, and a George’s Inc. poultry plant in Springdale, Arkansas.

Investigators also searched a Tyson Foods plant in Sedalia, Missouri, but the Labor Department hasn't identified any minors working there yet.

Thousands of pages of records from other plants are also being reviewed to determine if any additional minors are working there. At the plants where underage workers have been identified so far, investigators are comparing local school records with Packers Sanitation Services records to identify workers younger than 18. The company employs some 17,000 people working at more than 700 locations nationwide, making it one of the largest firms out there that cleans food processing plants.

"This case should serve as a stark reminder for all employers that the U.S. Department of Labor will not tolerate violations of the law, especially those that put vulnerable children at risk,” said Wage and Hour Regional Administrator Michael Lazzeri who is based in Chicago.

PSSI Vice President of Marketing Gina Swenson said the company already does what the government recommends to verify the age and immigration status of its employees, but it agreed to take additional steps to ensure compliance and address the Labor Department's concerns.

“We have been crystal clear from the start: PSSI has a zero-tolerance policy against employing anyone under the age of 18 and fully shares DOL’s objective of ensuring it is followed to the letter at all local plants,” Swenson said.

The company also agreed to fire any underage workers the Labor Department identifies and sanction any managers involved in hiring them. PSSI will also work to identify any minors working for it as well and fire them.

Swenson has said that PSSI is cooperating with investigators although the Labor Department said in court documents that some local managers interfered with employee interviews at the plants.

The underage workers that investigators confirmed included one 13-year-old who suffered a serious chemical burn from the caustic chemicals used to clean the JBS plant in Grand Island, Nebraska, every night.

Investigators said in court documents that some of the teens they found working for PSSI told them that “everyone there knew” that they were minors, and in one case, a search of an employment database showed that one employee’s age came up as 129-years-old when their Social Security number was checked.

The meat processing companies that own the plants where underage workers were initially identified have said they are monitoring the investigation and will consider taking action against PSSI if necessary. A representative of Greater Omaha Packing didn't immediately respond to questions Tuesday, and no one answered the phone at the corporate headquarters of George's Inc.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670438438282.png" alt="Photo courtesy North American Meat Institute&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy North American Meat Institute&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A federal judge ordered a Wisconsin company that cleans hundreds of slaughterhouses nationwide to ensure it is complying with child labor laws after investigators identified at least 50 minors scrubbing and sanitizing dangerous equipment on overnight shifts at five different meatpacking plants in three states.As part of an agreement with the Labor Department that was announced along with Tuesday’s court ruling in Nebraska, Packers Sanitation Services Inc. also promised to hire an outside consultant to review its hiring policies and provide additional training for its managers.Investigators with the Labor Department visited three plants owned by JBS and Turkey Valley Farms in Nebraska and Minnesota this fall and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-minnesota-nebraska-b611b39f035036c236809fae06eab0ad">found 31 underage workers</a>&nbsp;as young as 13. Since this lawsuit was filed last month, additional underage workers have been identified, including at two additional plants: the Greater Omaha Packing Co. beef plant in Omaha, Nebraska, and a George’s Inc. poultry plant in Springdale, Arkansas.Investigators also searched a Tyson Foods plant in Sedalia, Missouri, but the Labor Department hasn't identified any minors working there yet.Thousands of pages of records from other plants are also being reviewed to determine if any additional minors are working there. At the plants where underage workers have been identified so far, investigators are comparing local school records with Packers Sanitation Services records to identify workers younger than 18. The company employs some 17,000 people working at more than 700 locations nationwide, making it one of the largest firms out there that cleans food processing plants."This case should serve as a stark reminder for all employers that the U.S. Department of Labor will not tolerate violations of the law, especially those that put vulnerable children at risk,” said Wage and Hour Regional Administrator Michael Lazzeri who is based in Chicago.PSSI Vice President of Marketing Gina Swenson said the company already does what the government recommends to verify the age and immigration status of its employees, but it agreed to take additional steps to ensure compliance and address the Labor Department's concerns.“We have been crystal clear from the start: PSSI has a zero-tolerance policy against employing anyone under the age of 18 and fully shares DOL’s objective of ensuring it is followed to the letter at all local plants,” Swenson said.The company also agreed to fire any underage workers the Labor Department identifies and sanction any managers involved in hiring them. PSSI will also work to identify any minors working for it as well and fire them.Swenson has said that PSSI is cooperating with investigators although the Labor Department said in court documents that some local managers interfered with employee interviews at the plants.The underage workers that investigators confirmed included one 13-year-old who suffered a serious chemical burn from the caustic chemicals used to clean the JBS plant in Grand Island, Nebraska, every night.Investigators said in court documents that some of the teens they found working for PSSI told them that “everyone there knew” that they were minors, and in one case, a search of an employment database showed that one employee’s age came up as 129-years-old when their Social Security number was checked.The meat processing companies that own the plants where underage workers were initially identified have said they are monitoring the investigation and will consider taking action against PSSI if necessary. A representative of Greater Omaha Packing didn't immediately respond to questions Tuesday, and no one answered the phone at the corporate headquarters of George's Inc.

Judge orders slaughterhouse cleaners not to hire minors

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an alleged kidnapping have confirmed the arrest of a suspect.

On Tuesday, authorities in Caye Caulker, an island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean, arrested 47-year-old Aldrick Scott of Topeka, according to the Douglas County Nebraska sheriff's office.

&nbsp;Douglas County Nebraska authorities wanted Scott in connection with the disappearance of 43-year-old Cari Allen.

On November 22, Omaha police reported their effort to locate Allen who is still missing.&nbsp; She is described as a white female, 5-foot-8, 130 pounds, blonde hair and hazel eyes. She&nbsp;was last seen Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 p.m. 

Scott has ties to Topeka and Shawnee County, according to the Shawnee County Sheriff's department who released photos of him.

Anyone with information on Allen's whereabouts is encouraged to call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 402-444-6000 or 911.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669652492930.png" alt="Scott-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Scott-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating an alleged kidnapping have confirmed the arrest of a suspect.On Tuesday, authorities in Caye Caulker, an island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean, arrested 47-year-old Aldrick Scott of Topeka, according to the Douglas County Nebraska sheriff's office.&nbsp;Douglas County Nebraska authorities wanted Scott in connection with the disappearance of 43-year-old Cari Allen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669587276863.png" alt="Allen-photo Omaha Police" />
 <figcaption>Allen-photo Omaha Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On November 22, Omaha police reported their effort to locate Allen who is still missing.&nbsp; She is described as a white female, 5-foot-8, 130 pounds, blonde hair and hazel eyes. She&nbsp;was last seen Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 p.m. Scott has ties to Topeka and Shawnee County, according to the Shawnee County Sheriff's department who released photos of him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669652758142.png" alt="Scott-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Scott-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Anyone with information on Allen's whereabouts is encouraged to call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 402-444-6000 or 911.

Kan. man wanted in woman's disappearance captured in Caribbean

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;4,256&nbsp;new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Nov. 30 to Dec. 7, for a total of&nbsp; &nbsp;905,678 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 3,609 new cases the previous week.

On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported</a>&nbsp;13 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on Nov.30, for a total of 9,692.

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

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

Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”

The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.

TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Health reported&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;4,256&nbsp;new coronavirus cases in Kansas from Nov. 30 to Dec. 7, for a total of&nbsp; &nbsp;905,678 cases.&nbsp;&nbsp;The state reported 3,609 new cases the previous week.On Wednesday, th<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/June-15-Case-Summary-PDF?bidId=">e state reported</a>&nbsp;13 additional COVID-19 deaths since the report on Nov.30, for a total of 9,692.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670437708751.png" alt="Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a>&nbsp;about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.Kansas is providing fewer updates of its data about COVID-19 now that Gov. Laura Kelly formally declared that the state is moving toward treating COVID-19 as a disease like the flu that spreads regularly and isn't considered a pandemic.&nbsp;The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.The state continues to support access to free COVID-19 testing, works to ensure that vulnerable populations can get vaccinated, see that providers serve a broad population and give “comprehensive guidance” about the virus. She called the new phase “endemic normalcy.”The health department plans to update data about cases and vaccinations each Wednesday.