A Salina man was arrested for the requested charge of&nbsp;1st Degree Attempted Murder, after a victim suffered a gunshot wound in Concordia.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD) on Tuesday, August 26 a state parole officer contacted SPD for the search of a male suspect who had a warrant for his arrest. 

Reportedly, the Concordia Police Department (CPD) placed a requested charge of 1st Degree Attempted Murder on the suspect identified as 45-year old, Miralis Cozart.

CPD stated that on Sunday, August 17, a report was made that a male victim suffered a gunshot wound at a home in Concordia. Witnesses identified the shooter as Cozart, and that was when the warrant was put out for his arrest.&nbsp;

Cozart fled the scene before CPD arrived.

The victim was transported to the Concordia hospital and was later transferred to another medical facility, to receive extensive medical treatment for his injuries.

Then on Tuesday, SPD located Cozart in the 200 block of S. Broadway with the assistance of state parole. Officers arrested Cozart without incident and booked him into the Saline County Jail for his warrant out of Concordia.

He is facing the following requested charges of:

1st Degree Attempted Murder, Aggravated Robbery with a Deadly Weapon, Attempted Robbery with a Deadly Weapon.

Salina man facing 1st Degree Attempted Murder charge after victim suffers gunshot in Concordia

Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau&nbsp;

ABILENE - The shops of downtown Abilene are ready to welcome guests for the 6th Annual "Downtown Boutique Crawl" on Thursday, August 28 from 5:30 to 9:00 pm.

This late-summer tradition has become one of the community’s most anticipated girls’ nights out, bringing together shopping, fun and local pride.

With 11 participating businesses, shoppers will discover unique finds, exclusive specials and a festive atmosphere throughout the evening. The first 50 attendees will receive grab bags filled with surprises donated by local businesses. 

For every $10 spent, guests will earn a ticket for entry into the grand prize drawing—the more you shop, the more chances you have to win.

Participants are encouraged to begin the evening at Rackets Tap House (310 N. Spruce Street, enter through Little Ike Park), where check-in will take place. Select boutiques will also be serving beverages or snacks inside their stores.

“The Downtown Boutique Crawl is one of my favorite nights of the year,” said Jamie Stroda, owner of Aksent Boutique. “It’s such a fun way to welcome friends into our shop, share new styles, and celebrate the amazing local businesses that make downtown Abilene special. We can’t wait to see everyone on August 28 at our 6th Annual Boutique Crawl.”

Events like the Boutique Crawl highlight the impact of supporting small businesses. Every dollar spent downtown stays in the community, creating jobs, supporting families and keeping Abilene’s historic district valued.

Local boutiques offer more than merchandise—they provide personalized service, one-of-a-kind finds and an investment in Abilene’s future. By rallying around these shops, residents and visitors alike support the businesses who support them and their community.

With a forecast of 75 degrees, the event promises the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening in historic downtown Abilene.

Shoppers will also receive a bingo card and map. Those who visit all the stores can turn their card in at The Hair Emporium for a chance to win one of two big giveaways.

“Events like the Annual Abilene Downtown Boutique Crawl are one of the many reasons why Abilene is frequently named one of the best small towns to visit,” said Julie Roller Weeks, director of the Abilene Convention &amp; Visitors Bureau.

Shop local for a chance to win grand prizes and buy exclusive specials in downtown Abilene on Thursday

Do you love wildlife, people, and creating unforgettable experiences? Rolling Hills Zoo is looking for an enthusiastic Education Program Leader to inspire curiosity, spark conservation awareness, and lead fun, interactive educational adventures for guests of all ages! Must be available weekends and evenings and be trained to handle animals. This is a part-time position working 10-20 hours per week.&nbsp;

· Lead engaging programs on- and off-site for kids and adults alike&nbsp;

· Work with our amazing Ambassador Animals&nbsp;

· Mentor &amp; guide our Zoo Teens through positive leadership&nbsp;

· Create memorable experiences that connect people with wildlife&nbsp;

· Loves working with people of all ages and abilities&nbsp;

· Has strong public speaking &amp; communication skills&nbsp;

· Can inspire and guide volunteers &amp; teens&nbsp;

· Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment&nbsp;

· Is flexible and available for nights &amp; weekends&nbsp;

If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation and love sharing that passion with others, we want YOU on our team!&nbsp;

Rolling Hills Zoo is a drug-free workplace and values diversity in our workforce.&nbsp;

For more details and to apply go to:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rollinghillszoo.org/employment">https://www.rollinghillszoo.org/employment</a>

"Flood Watch" issued throughout Central Kansas: Heavy rainfall expected Wednesday night into Thursday

The results of a&nbsp;final forensic pathologist report for a 7-week old infant who died late July in Salina, are expected to be released in September.

According to the Salina Police Department (SPD), <a href="https://www.vitals.com/practice/frontier-forensics-midwest-llc-fdb31dc8-4703-e211-a42b-001f29e3eb44">Frontier Forensics Midwest</a>&nbsp;(out of Kansas City) updated SPD that their autopsy reports take about 8-10 weeks to return. SPD stated it has been 4 weeks since the autopsy report started for the <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/99defdcd-4da7-493b-aa83-24242d23a7ab">7-week old infant&nbsp;</a>who passed away on Wednesday, July 23rd.

ORIGINAL: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/99defdcd-4da7-493b-aa83-24242d23a7ab">SPD awaiting final forensic reports on the death of a 7-week old infant</a>

SPD stated the 7-week old infant was a male, and passed away inside a home in east Salina. 

According to SPD, the initial report was a medical emergency made by the infant's parents who found their child to be 'unresponsive.'

Salina Post will follow up on more information and updates once received.

UPDATE: Final forensic reports for the death of 7-week old infant expected in September

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 27 - August 29

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Salina Post obituary policy (subject to change)

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

Salina Post accepts all obituaries&nbsp;free of charge&nbsp;and you can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@salinapost.com">admin@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

Recent obituaries and service times

<a href="https://indconnectinc.com/">Independent Connection</a> announces <a href="https://www.salinaarts.com/">Salina Arts &amp; Humanities</a> has been awarded for their first annual “Accessibility Champion” designation, for their outstanding collaboration and focus on accessibility in the community.&nbsp;

The “Accessibility Champion" was created to honor a person or organization who is making considerable contributions, and who displays dedication to making North Central Kansas communities accessibility-friendly and welcoming.&nbsp;

"This designation is a testament to Salina Arts &amp; Humanities exceptional leadership and sincerity in their commitment to including everyone at their events," said Angie Saenger, Executive Director of&nbsp;Independent Connection. "They were immediately receptive to our big idea of offering accessibility information and resources at the annual Smoky Hill River Festival. They continue each year being intentional about increasing accessibility at the event."

Anna Pauscher-Morawitz discussed how they earned this award by partnering with Independent Connection after this year's Smoky Hill River Festival.

"Throughout our partnership, we&nbsp;have been working with the staff at Independent Connection to observe physical access at the Smoky Hill River Festival, and they report to us each year on ways we could improve," she sais. "This year, we used them as a resource while reviewing vendor agreements for current ADA language and standards. We also continue to offer the Festival Families First program in partnership with many local social service organizations, providing underwritten admission to individuals who might otherwise be unable to attend the Festival."

She added that the community is the center of everything Salina Arts &amp; Humanities does.&nbsp;

"Community is at the center of everything we do," she said. "As a department of the City of Salina, we are public servants working to respond to community needs to improve the lives of those who live in and spend time in Salina. Each attendee, artist, volunteer, donor and&nbsp;staff member plays a role in making the Festival happen yearly. Without the support of the community, our work would be much different; it’s a symbiotic relationship."

Pauscher-Morawitz and the Salina Arts &amp; Humanities staff plans to find ways on improving the Festival in the future.

"Moving forward, we are working towards making our programs and the Festival more accessible, exploring expanding information about ADA standards to our vendors, and asking our food vendors for more details on allergy-friendly options for attendees to choose from while they are at our event," she stated. "We are also exploring more ways to make our kids' activities more accessible, so everyone can create art at the Festival. Exploring opportunities for more shade in the park is another area we hope to expand in the future."

A highlight of their recent activities include:

"We applaud their efforts," added Saenger. "As Salina grows, our partnership will continue to thrive and bring about positive changes."

For more information about&nbsp;Independent Connection, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://indconnectinc.com/">https://indconnectinc.com/</a>

For more information about Salina Arts &amp; Humanities, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.salinaarts.com/">https://www.salinaarts.com/</a>

Salina Arts & Humanities receives award recognizing outstanding accessibility services for Smoky Hill River Festival

Kansas Wesleyan and Kansas State University Salina announced Tuesday they will partner to provide flyovers at designated Kansas Wesleyan home football games, beginning with August 30’s season opener. 

The flyovers will be provided by K-State Salina and provide an opportunity for Wildcat student pilots to gain experience, all while KWU boosts its game-day experience.&nbsp;

“This is a great example of community collaboration,” said Miguel Paredes, Kansas Wesleyan athletic director. “It highlights both the strong relationship between our institutions and showcases how truly special this city is, by lifting up both of our universities. We look forward to the partnership that brings together innovation for the student and game-day experience and community pride.”

The flyovers will be conducted by representatives from K-State Salina — including students —with aircraft for the opener, including a Piper Seminole leading and a Beechcraft Bonanza on the wing.&nbsp;

“We’re thrilled to partner with Kansas Wesleyan University in this unique way,” said Tysen Pina, Aviation Department head at K-State Salina. “Their championship-level athletics program embodies the same values of teamwork, discipline and excellence that we strive to instill in our flight team. I hope this small step becomes the foundation for even greater collaboration between our institutions to the benefit of our students and the entire Salina community.”

In addition to the season opener, flyovers will take place at games during Family Weekend (Sept. 27), Homecoming (Oct. 25) and the regular season finale (Nov. 15). Discussions are ongoing regarding adding flyovers at other contests throughout the fall season, including men’s and women’s soccer matches, and such additions are likely.

For more information on KWU Athletics, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kwucoyotes.com/">KWUCoyotes.com</a>.

For additional information on Kansas State University Salina, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://salina.k-state.edu/">salina.k-state.edu</a>.&nbsp;

KWU partners with KSU Salina for football flyovers beginning season home opener

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Failure to appear

*No image available for&nbsp;Beal, Michael Louis*

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Assault of LEO; Properly identified on duty; Battery on LEO; Physical contact with county or city officer on duty; Interf. w/LEO; obstr./resist/oppose misd. warrant

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Contempt of Court; Direct

NAME:&nbsp;Cozart, Miralis Jarmaih

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Outside warrant/NCIC hit; Failure to appear

NAME:&nbsp;Espinoza, Martin Joseph

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving While Suspended; No Proof Of Insurance; Unlawful acts: vehicle registration violation; Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

Saline County Jail Bookings, August 27

Governor Kelly has announced the date for flags to be flown at half-staff for Judge Bruce Brown.

According to Governor Kelly, on Saturday, August 30, Judge Brown will be interred after funeral services. Flags are to remain at half-staff until sundown during this day.

ORIGINAL: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/1e908985-23ac-4512-ac5c-337e3910342a">Governor directs flags lowered at half-staff in honor of Judge Bruce Brown, date TBA</a>

According to a biography from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dc18.org/division-10">18th Judicial District Court</a>, Judge Brown started his career as an Assistant D.A. in Woodward, OK from 1986-1987. In 1987 he went to work as an Assistant D.A. in Tulsa, OK until 1988. He worked as an Attorney for Pray, Walker, Jackman, et, al., in Tulsa, OK in 1989.

In 1990 Judge Brown worked as an Attorney for the U.S. Army JAG Corps until he became a Prosecutor for the Salina Municipal Court in 1994. 1995 saw Judge Brown become a prosecutor for the Wichita Municipal Court until 1997, where he became a Judge of the Wichita Municipal Court serving until 2009.&nbsp;

Judge Brown received his undergraduate degree from ORU receiving his B.A in 1983&nbsp;and his Juris Doctorate from the Pepperdine University School of Law in 1986.

Judge Brown passed away on Thursday, August 21.

UPDATE: Date announced for half-staff flag order for Judge Bruce Brown

Fall-like temps, along with isolated and scattered showers are expected to occur this week throughout Central Kansas.

Temperatures are listed to drop this week, along with isolated and scattered showers in Central Kansas. According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), the best chances for rainfall will be on Wednesday, August 27 and into Thursday, August 28, after Monday's showers.

Severe weather is not expected, but there are possibilities some of the weather could produce brief periods of heavy rainfall.&nbsp;

Temperatures drop this week, along with isolated and scattered showers throughout Central Kansas 

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 25 - August 27

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 22 - August 24

Cooler temperatures are looking to transpire with isolated storms for this upcoming weekend in Central Kansas.

According to the&nbsp;US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS) after Friday, August 22, temperatures are expected to drop, starting Saturday - Monday. Isolated storms are anticipated to occur in the event of the cooler weather this weekend.

Monday, August 25 is listed as the coolest day with highs only reaching to the mid 70's.

Cooler temps with isolated storms expected for the weekend in Central Kansas

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 20 - August 22

After the high temperatures and over 100 heat indices, a possibility of rain is expected to occur throughout Central Kansas this week.

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), an anticipation of showers and thunderstorms are expected to happen throughout Central Kansas. Reportedly, there is a better chance on Tuesday, August 19 and into the following day on Wednesday.

Slightly cooler weather is expected for Wednesday and Thursday with highs being in the range of 89-93.

Chances of showers and t-storms expected for Tuesday & Wednesday

Three day weather forecast Salina, August 18 - August 20

High temperatures and breezy winds are expected to occur throughout Central Kansas this weekend and into Monday, August 18.&nbsp;

According to the US National Weather Service (Wichita, KS), heat indices are expected to reach as high as 105 in Central Kansas this weekend. Breezy conditions are anticipated to occur as well.

Hot and dry weather will remain through the weekend before chances rain return moving into next week on Monday.

High temps returning this weekend with breezy conditions, rain expected on Monday  

JOHNSON COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted his role in a drug overdose death is going to prison.

On August 21, Jude Christina Dunn Gyllenbord sentenced 22-year-old&nbsp;&nbsp;Ahmad Mohammed Karraz to 144 months for the drug distribution death of 24-year-old Kylie Liston, according to the Johnson County District Attorney's office.

In June Karraz pleaded guilty to distribution of drugs causing death and use of a communication facility during a drug felony.

In November, the Johnson County district attorney's office charged Karraz and 22-year-old Ronaley Arriola in connection with the Liston's Death.&nbsp; &nbsp; They were arrested after an investigation by the Overland&nbsp; Park Police Department.

Prison for drug deal death of 24-year-old Kansas woman

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a homicide at a Kansas City area park and have a person-of-interest in custody.

Just before 8a.m. Wednesday,&nbsp;&nbsp;patrol officers were dispatched to 23rd and Topping on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino.

As officers arrived they were directed towards Blue Valley Park, to the south end of the park. There, in a wooded area, officers located an adult male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. 

KCFD EMS responded and transported the victim to a local hospital with critical injuries. A short time later hospital personnel declared the victim deceased, according to DiMartino.

This is being investigated as a homicide. While officers were on scene they received information about the involvement of a vehicle and a subject of interest.

A short distance away, officers took a subject of interest into custody pending further investigation. Detectives are still working to determine what led up to the shots being fired and the victim being struck. Investigators and crime scene technicians are canvassing the area for witnesses, surveillance footage, and any physical evidence.

If anyone has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.

KCPD: Person-of-interest in custody after homicide near park

WASHINGTON (AP) — Transportation Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/sean-duffy">Sean Duffy</a>&nbsp;announced Wednesday that his department is taking management of Union Station, the main transportation hub in Washington, away from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/amtrak">Amtrak</a>, in another example of how the federal government is exerting its power over the nation's capital.

Duffy made the announcement in a statement before he joined Amtrak President Roger Harris at Union Station for the launch of the NextGen Acela, the rail service's new high-speed train.

The secretary said Union Station, located within walking distance of the U.S. Capitol, had “fallen into disrepair” when it should be a “point of pride” for the city.

“By reclaiming station management, we will help make this city safe and beautiful at a fraction of the cost,” Duffy said.

At the event, Duffy said President Donald Trump has been “pretty clear” about what he wants.

“He wants Union Station to be beautiful again. He wants transit to be safe again. And he wants our nation’s capital to be great again. And today is part of that,” Duffy said.

Duffy echoed the Republican president, who said last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/washington-federal-intervention-trump-national-guard-df942130ec117288cfc648ab4e37f031">he wants $2 billion from Congress</a>&nbsp;to beautify Washington as part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-washington-crime-national-guard-homelessness-655bc22834223c7dc93115bbcb2b215c">his crackdown on the city</a>. The Republican president has sent thousands of National Guard troops and federal law enforcement officials into Washington in a bid to fight violent crime he claimed had strangled the city.

Local police department statistics show&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-crime-data-rates-washington-police-7429711db32e2cd44c5b70504cacef40">violent crime in Washington</a>&nbsp;has declined in recent years, but Trump has countered, without offering evidence, that the numbers were fudged.

National Guard troops have been on patrol inside and outside of Union Station after Trump launched the anti-crime effort earlier this month. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were shouted down by opponents of the federal intervention when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-washington-dc-police-a776f0764ef5528ec976604648f08c3f">they visited with troops</a>&nbsp;there last week.

During Wednesday's train unveiling, Duffy will also talk about what the administration is doing to turn Union Station into a world class transit hub, according to a Transportation Department news advisory.

Duffy had pressed Amtrak about crime at Union Station in a March letter to its chief operating officer and requested an updated plan on how it intended to improve public safety there.

Trump effort to control U.S. capital expands to Union Station

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. regulators approved updated COVID-19 shots Wednesday but limited their use for many Americans — and removed one of the two vaccines available for young children.

The new shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are approved for all seniors. But the Food and Drug Administration narrowed their use for younger adults and children to those with at least one high-risk health condition, such as asthma or obesity. That presents new barriers to access for millions of Americans who would have to prove their risk — and millions more who may want to get vaccinated and suddenly no longer qualify.

Additionally, Pfizer’s vaccine will no longer be available for any child under 5, because the FDA said it was revoking the shot’s emergency authorization for that age group.

Parents will still be able to seek out shots from rival drugmaker Moderna, the other maker of mRNA vaccines, which has full FDA approval for children as young as 6 months. But the company’s Spikevax vaccine is only approved for children with at least one serious health problem.

The revamped vaccines target a newer version of the continuously evolving virus and are set to begin shipping immediately. But it could be days or weeks before many Americans know if they’ll be able to get one, with access dependent on decisions by federal health advisers, private health insurers, pharmacies and state authorities.

The new restrictions — previewed by FDA officials in May — are a break from the previous U.S. policy, which recommended an annual COVID-19 shot for all Americans 6 months and up.

The approach reflects heightened skepticism about the ongoing risks of COVID-19 and the need for yearly booster shots from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, who were both outspoken critics of wide-scale vaccinations.

“The American people demanded science, safety, and common sense. This framework delivers all three,” Kennedy wrote on social media.

Novavax's shot is only open to people 12 or older, not younger children – and under the same risk-based restrictions as are now in place for the Moderna and Pfizer options. It's the nation's only traditional, protein-based COVID-19 vaccine.

Coverage questions and access issues are unresolved

Some medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have objected to the new limits, saying they may block vaccine access for families who want to protect their children. Last week, the group offered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/covid19-vaccines-aap-cdc-33896013e1d7b3ad06dbd0d99d300bff">its own recommendations</a>&nbsp;for kids, saying annual shots are strongly recommended for children ages 6 months to 2 years and advised for older children.

That differs from the latest guidance under Kennedy, which doesn’t recommend the shots for healthy children of any age, but says kids may get the shots in consultation with physicians.

In his post Wednesday, Kennedy said the shots will be "available for all patients who choose them after consulting with their doctors.”

But Americans are likely to confront a number of logistical hurdles.

Insurers typically base their vaccine coverage decisions on the recommendations of a panel of advisers to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but some say they will also look to medical professional groups, including the American Medical Association.

Earlier this year, Kennedy dissolved the CDC panel and replaced its members with a number of doctors and researchers who have repeatedly questioned the safety of commonly used vaccines and ingredients. The panel is expected to meet in September, but no specific date has been set and no agenda released.

Depending on the panel’s advice, Americans under age 65 could be expected to provide documentation of a serious medical condition before they can get a shot. Complicating the rollout is the fact that pharmacists — who administer most COVID-19 shots — typically aren’t expected to collect that kind of information. And laws governing their ability to administer routine vaccinations vary by state, where pharmacists are licensed.

Many states limit vaccinations by pharmacists to those recommended by the CDC panel.

Access could also be complicated for healthy adults and children who are interested in getting a shot for extra protection.

If the latest vaccines aren’t covered by their insurance, those patients could be required to pay $150 or more out of pocket if they want one. If they aren't considered considered high-risk, they also might also have to find a doctor or other health professional willing to give the shot “off label."

Shots target a recently dominant coronavirus version

The updated shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax target a coronavirus subtype named LP. 8.1, a version of the virus that is closely related to some newly emerging cousins. Pfizer and Moderna said they expect their shots to be available within days. Novavax's vaccine is expected in the early fall, a spokesman said.

All three shots were initially made available under the FDA’s emergency use authorization, an expedited process to quickly review vaccines and other countermeasures during the pandemic. Pfizer had not yet sought full approval for its doses designed for children under 5, which is the reason that Moderna will be the only provider of shots for the youngest children this year.

In addition to revoking emergency use of Pfizer’s vaccine in young children, Kennedy said Wednesday the government also pulled remaining authorizations for all other COVID-19 vaccines and another therapy from the pandemic years, convalescent plasma, which was used to treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients before the first antiviral drugs became available.

COVID-19 vaccines do a good job preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death, which remain a bigger risk for seniors and people with underlying health factors, including heart disease, lung disease and cancer.

Preliminary data from the CDC estimates 47,500 Americans died from COVID-related causes last year. In at least two-thirds of those cases, COVID-19 was listed as the underlying cause of death. For the rest, COVID-19 was a contributing factor.

AP Medical Writer Lauran Neergaard contributed to this story.

FDA approves updated COVID-19 shots but limits access for some

KANSAS CITY —Authorities are investigating a small plane crash that occurred just north of the Midwest National Air Center near Mosby, according to a statement from the&nbsp;The Clay County, Missouri Sheriff's Office.

Just before noon Wednesday, dispatchers received a call about heavy smoke coming from a field near NE 140th Street and Rhodus Road. Callers believed it may have been from a plane crash. When deputies arrived, they located a Cessna C340 fully engulfed in flames in a soybean field. There were at least two occupants inside, and they have been confirmed deceased.

The plane appeared to have been trying to land at the Midwest National Air Center. Preliminary information indicates it may have come from an airport outside of the St. Louis metro area. Investigators are working to identify the occupants of the plane.

Air traffic was closed until 5 p.m. Wednesday while the investigation is ongoing. Sheriff's Office investigators have notified the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board, which will take over the investigation into what caused the crash.

Sheriff: 2 dead after small plane crash near Kansas City

Modest gains on Wall Street lifted the stock market to an all-time high Wednesday ahead of a highly anticipated earnings update from computer&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/42657a49554bf35fb12fdf48c02287d2">chip giant Nvidia</a>.

The S&amp;P 500 rose 0.2%, good enough to nudge the benchmark index past the record high it set two weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.3% and the Nasdaq composite closed 0.2% higher.

Technology companies led the way higher, outweighing declines in communication services and other sectors.

Investors see Nvidia’s quarterly report, which was due after the bell, as a barometer for the strength of the boom in artificial intelligence because the company makes most of the chips that power the technology. Its heavy weighting also gives Nvidia outsized influence as a bellwether for the broader market. Its shares slipped 0.1%.

“Saying this is the most important stock in the world is an understatement,” said Jay Woods, chief global strategist at Freedom Capital Markets. “The stock’s average move after an earnings release is plus or minus 7.4%, so just an average move will make an impact on the entire market.”

Several big software companies -- CrowdStrike Holdings, ServiceNow, Palo Alto Networks, Intuit and Salesforce -- rose ahead of the Nvidia results.

The stocks have been mostly in the red so far this quarter amid worries that AI is going to make software creation much easier at the expense of big software companies’ competitive edge.

Cracker Barrel shares climbed 8% after the restaurant company&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8b496da282deef3d8d0618c3f9f4db46">scrapped plans to change its logo</a>&nbsp;following an uproar on social media that even drew a comment from President Donald Trump.

Shares in several companies rose after they reported quarterly results that topped analysts' forecasts. Department store chain Kohl’s vaulted 24% and database platform company MongoDB surged 38%. Both companies also raised their full-year guidance.

J.M. Smucker slid 4.4% after the jelly and jam maker's latest quarterly snapshot fell short of analysts’ estimates.

Among other stocks that lost ground: doughnut shop chain Krispy Kreme, which fell 3.5%, and Paramount Skydance, which dropped 6.5% for the biggest decline among S&amp;P 500 companies.

Treasury yields mostly fell in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury slipped to 4.24% from 4.26% late Tuesday.

Crude oil prices rose. European markets finished mostly lower and Asian markets closed mixed overnight.

Trading on Wall Street is off to an uneven start this week following big gains last week on hopes for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-federal-reserve-powell-287af1c758a30d67f5384d17423c5029">interest rate cuts from the Fed</a>.

Markets have been subdued after Trump escalated his fight with the central bank by trying to fire&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-reserve-rates-354ddf9b0b2a78eabbe7ebd361bf2e05">Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook</a>. Cook's lawyer said she'll sue Trump’s administration to try to stop him.

Trump has been feuding with the central bank over its cautious interest rate policy. The Fed has held rates steady since late 2024 over worries that Trump's unpredictable tariff policies will reignite inflation. Trump has also threatened to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, often taunting him with name-calling. Still, he is only one of 12 votes that decides interest rate policy.

For now, the situation isn't expected to have a major impact on the Fed's near-term policy.

The two-year Treasury yield, which closely tracks expectations for Federal Reserve action, dropped to 3.62% from 3.68%.

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