TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,893 to a total of 428,816, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 26 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,211.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> 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.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,893 to a total of 428,816, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 26 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,211.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634922293572.png" alt="Friday October 22, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday October 22, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> 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.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 1,893 new cases, 26 more COVID deaths

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the vandalism to the Native American Art at the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas have identified the suspects, according to the KU Public Safety Office.

Police recovered a stolen panel from the exhibit weeks after other panels in the exhibit were vandalized.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, museum officials announced&nbsp; that the exhibit, “Native Hosts” by Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds, was back in front of the museum.

The work consists of five aluminum signs, which each name Native tribes who historically or currently live in what is now known as Kansas. On each sign, the colonial name is printed backward while the name of the land’s original occupants is printed forward.

Officials thanked the public for helping identify the suspects who damaged the artwork. The case is being forwarded to the Douglas County District Attorney for charging consideration, according to the KU Public Safety office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634839264178.png" alt="Photo KU Public Safety Office" />
 <figcaption>Photo KU Public Safety Office</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the vandalism to the Native American Art at the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas have identified the suspects, according to the KU Public Safety Office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633119849006.png" alt="Photos courtesy Spencer Museum of Art at KU" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Spencer Museum of Art at KU</figcaption>
 </figure>Police recovered a stolen panel from the exhibit weeks after other panels in the exhibit were vandalized.&nbsp;Earlier this month, museum officials announced&nbsp; that the exhibit, “Native Hosts” by Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds, was back in front of the museum.The work consists of five aluminum signs, which each name Native tribes who historically or currently live in what is now known as Kansas. On each sign, the colonial name is printed backward while the name of the land’s original occupants is printed forward.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634238139558.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Officials thanked the public for helping identify the suspects who damaged the artwork. The case is being forwarded to the Douglas County District Attorney for charging consideration, according to the KU Public Safety office.--------

Police ID suspects in vandalism of Native American exhibit at KU

MANHATTAN—During a virtual town hall Friday, Kansas State University announced that all university employees must be fully vaccinated by December 8.

<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/info/announcement/?id=78099">Click here to additional&nbsp;</a>details on the KSU vaccine requirement

The university is expected to send an email with details to all students and faculty by early afternoon, according to the media relations office.

President Biden's executive order on vaccine requirements announced six weeks ago applies to all research universities in Kansas and their employees.

The White House is expected to give the green light any day to the executive order's fine print detailing how and when companies and universities will have to require their employees to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.

The full enforcement deadline, which could carry penalties of about $14,000 per violation, may not take effect until after the new year. That’s why Biden and his aides have for weeks encouraged businesses to act as though the rule was already in effect and start imposing vaccination requirements.

MANHATTAN—During a virtual town hall Friday, Kansas State University announced that all university employees must be fully vaccinated by December 8.<a href="https://www.k-state.edu/today/info/announcement/?id=78099">Click here to additional&nbsp;</a>details on the KSU vaccine requirement<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QlqHbxGP5lE?start=1093" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The university is expected to send an email with details to all students and faculty by early afternoon, according to the media relations office.President Biden's executive order on vaccine requirements announced six weeks ago applies to all research universities in Kansas and their employees.The White House is expected to give the green light any day to the executive order's fine print detailing how and when companies and universities will have to require their employees to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.The full enforcement deadline, which could carry penalties of about $14,000 per violation, may not take effect until after the new year. That’s why Biden and his aides have for weeks encouraged businesses to act as though the rule was already in effect and start imposing vaccination requirements.

🎥 K-State announces COVID vaccination deadline for all employees 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House and Democrats are hurriedly reworking key aspects of President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion domestic policy plan, trimming the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-69c7bb592f8d73232bec1d8e15be82e3">social services&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-e9b976d57b1b8b35e459c9950b34fca0">climate change programs</a>&nbsp;and rethinking new taxes on corporations and the wealthy to pay for a scaled-back package.

The changes come as Biden more forcefully appeals to the American public, including in a televised town hall Thursday, for what he says are the middle-class values at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-seniors-medicare-congress-c544f9a1cd4d3ef0d7d5b99b129ccca7">the heart of his proposal</a>.

Biden mentioned during the evening event the challenge he faces in wrangling the sharply divergent factions in the Democratic party to agree to the final contours of the bill. With an evenly divided Senate, he can’t afford to lose a single vote, and he is navigating the competing demands of progressives, who want major investments in social services, and centrists, who want to see the price tag on the package come down.

“When you’re president of the United States, you have 50 Democrats — every one is a president. Every single one. So you gotta work things out,” he said during a CNN town hall.

Still, he expressed optimism about the process, saying “I think so” when asked if Democrats were close to a deal.

“It’s all about compromise. Compromise has become a dirty word, but bipartisanship and compromise still has to be possible,” he said.

Biden later said the discussions are “down to four or five issues.”

On one issue — the taxes to pay for the package — the White House idea seemed to be making headway with a new strategy of abandoning plans for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-business-personal-taxes-137e00b41f113f85cc241438c780785b">reversing Trump-era tax cuts&nbsp;</a>in favor of an approach that would involve taxing the investment incomes of billionaires to help finance the deal.

Biden has faced resistance from key holdouts, in particular&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-az-state-wire-government-and-politics-6632b84d43dcd5f897dbaea36d780bbb">Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz.,</a>&nbsp;who has not been on board with her party’s plan to undo President Donald Trump’s tax breaks for big corporations or individuals earning more than $400,000 a year.

The president was unusually forthcoming Thursday night about the sticking points in the negotiations with Sinema and another key Democrat, conservative Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.

While the president said Sinema “will not raise a single penny in taxes” on the wealthy or corporations, a White House official later clarified that the president was referring to raising the top tax rates, not the range of tax proposals “which Senator Sinema supports.”

Biden said Manchin doesn’t want to “rush” the transition to clean energy so quickly it will result in major job losses in his coal-producing state.

Even as he seemed encouraged by progress, Biden acknowledged major reductions to his original vision. He signaled the final plan would no longer provide free community college, but said he hoped to increase Pell Grants to compensate for the loss of the policy.

“It’s not going to get us the whole thing, but it is a start,” he said.

He also said that what had been envisioned as a federally paid, months-long family leave program would be just four weeks.

As long-sought programs are adjusted or eliminated, Democratic leaders are working to swiftly wrap up talks, possibly in the days ahead.

Talks between the White House and Democratic lawmakers are focused on reducing what had been a $3.5 trillion package to about $2 trillion, in what would be an unprecedented federal effort to expand social services for millions and address the rising threat of climate change.

“We have a goal. We have a timetable. We have milestones, and we’ve met them all,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who predicted Thursday, “It will pass soon.”

An abrupt change of course came late Wednesday when the White House floated new ways to pay for parts of the proposal.

Biden himself signaled flexibility on the tax provisions of the bill, as long as it’s paid for and it doesn’t increase taxes on those earning $400,000 or less.

“I’m willing to make sure that we pay for everything,” he said when pressed on what tax proposal he’d support.

The newly proposed tax provisions, though, are likely to sour progressives and even some moderate Democrats who have long campaigned on scrapping the Republican-backed 2017 tax cuts that many believe unduly reward the wealthy and cost the government untold sums in lost revenue at a time of gaping income inequality. Many are furious that perhaps a lone senator could stymie that goal.

The chairman of the tax-writing Ways &amp; Means Committee, Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., said he spoke for more than 30 minutes with the centrist Arizona senator, whose closely held views are a mystery to her colleagues.

“I said, Kyrsten, you and I both know this has got to pass. She said: ‘I couldn’t agree more,’” Neal told reporters at the Capitol.

Sinema’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

Under existing law passed in 2017, the corporate tax rate is 21%. Democrats had proposed raising it to 26.5% for companies earning more than $5 million a year. The top individual income tax rate would go from 37% to 39.6% for those earning more than $400,000, or $450,000 for married couples.

Under the changes being floated the corporate rate would not change. But the revisions would not be all positive for big companies and the wealthy.

The White House is reviving the idea of a minimum corporate tax rate, similar to the 15% rate Biden had proposed this year. That’s even for companies that say they had no taxable income — a frequent target of Biden, who complains they pay “zero” in taxes.

The new tax on the wealthiest individuals would be modeled on legislation from Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. He has proposed taxing stock gains of people with more than $1 billion in assets — fewer than 1,000 Americans.

Other tax options are also being considered, and Democrats are almost certain to include a provision to beef up the Internal Revenue Service to go after tax dodgers.

Biden and his party are trying to shore up middle-class households, tackle climate change and stem the trend toward rising income inequality.

In the mix are at least $500 billion to battle climate change, $350 billion for child care subsidies and free prekindergarten, a one-year extension of the $300 monthly child tax credit put in place during the COVID-19 crisis, and money for health care provided through the Affordable Care Act and Medicare.

The president especially wants to advance the legislation by the time he departs next week for a global climate summit in Scotland.

Manchin has made clear&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-joe-biden-business-environment-environment-and-nature-81ccfa671e8cdd095ce26b62c33641ce">he opposes the president’s initial energy plan,&nbsp;</a>which was to have the government impose penalties on electric utilities that fail to meet clean energy benchmarks and provide financial rewards to those that do.

Instead, Biden is focused on providing at least $500 billion in tax credits, grants and loans for energy producers that reach emission-reduction goals.

Democrats also want to add funding to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-seniors-environment-health-7c573827e3e96f1f4c15bb3234815321">dental, vision and hearing aid benefits&nbsp;</a>to people on Medicare proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634847207082.png" alt="“We have a goal. We have a timetable. We have milestones, and we’ve met them all,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who predicted Thursday, “It will pass soon.”-photo courtesy office of House Speaker" />
 <figcaption>“We have a goal. We have a timetable. We have milestones, and we’ve met them all,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who predicted Thursday, “It will pass soon.”-photo courtesy office of House Speaker</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House and Democrats are hurriedly reworking key aspects of President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion domestic policy plan, trimming the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-69c7bb592f8d73232bec1d8e15be82e3">social services&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-e9b976d57b1b8b35e459c9950b34fca0">climate change programs</a>&nbsp;and rethinking new taxes on corporations and the wealthy to pay for a scaled-back package.The changes come as Biden more forcefully appeals to the American public, including in a televised town hall Thursday, for what he says are the middle-class values at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-seniors-medicare-congress-c544f9a1cd4d3ef0d7d5b99b129ccca7">the heart of his proposal</a>.Biden mentioned during the evening event the challenge he faces in wrangling the sharply divergent factions in the Democratic party to agree to the final contours of the bill. With an evenly divided Senate, he can’t afford to lose a single vote, and he is navigating the competing demands of progressives, who want major investments in social services, and centrists, who want to see the price tag on the package come down.“When you’re president of the United States, you have 50 Democrats — every one is a president. Every single one. So you gotta work things out,” he said during a CNN town hall.Still, he expressed optimism about the process, saying “I think so” when asked if Democrats were close to a deal.“It’s all about compromise. Compromise has become a dirty word, but bipartisanship and compromise still has to be possible,” he said.Biden later said the discussions are “down to four or five issues.”On one issue — the taxes to pay for the package — the White House idea seemed to be making headway with a new strategy of abandoning plans for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-business-personal-taxes-137e00b41f113f85cc241438c780785b">reversing Trump-era tax cuts&nbsp;</a>in favor of an approach that would involve taxing the investment incomes of billionaires to help finance the deal.Biden has faced resistance from key holdouts, in particular&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-az-state-wire-government-and-politics-6632b84d43dcd5f897dbaea36d780bbb">Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz.,</a>&nbsp;who has not been on board with her party’s plan to undo President Donald Trump’s tax breaks for big corporations or individuals earning more than $400,000 a year.The president was unusually forthcoming Thursday night about the sticking points in the negotiations with Sinema and another key Democrat, conservative Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.While the president said Sinema “will not raise a single penny in taxes” on the wealthy or corporations, a White House official later clarified that the president was referring to raising the top tax rates, not the range of tax proposals “which Senator Sinema supports.”Biden said Manchin doesn’t want to “rush” the transition to clean energy so quickly it will result in major job losses in his coal-producing state.Even as he seemed encouraged by progress, Biden acknowledged major reductions to his original vision. He signaled the final plan would no longer provide free community college, but said he hoped to increase Pell Grants to compensate for the loss of the policy.“It’s not going to get us the whole thing, but it is a start,” he said.He also said that what had been envisioned as a federally paid, months-long family leave program would be just four weeks.As long-sought programs are adjusted or eliminated, Democratic leaders are working to swiftly wrap up talks, possibly in the days ahead.Talks between the White House and Democratic lawmakers are focused on reducing what had been a $3.5 trillion package to about $2 trillion, in what would be an unprecedented federal effort to expand social services for millions and address the rising threat of climate change.“We have a goal. We have a timetable. We have milestones, and we’ve met them all,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who predicted Thursday, “It will pass soon.”An abrupt change of course came late Wednesday when the White House floated new ways to pay for parts of the proposal.Biden himself signaled flexibility on the tax provisions of the bill, as long as it’s paid for and it doesn’t increase taxes on those earning $400,000 or less.“I’m willing to make sure that we pay for everything,” he said when pressed on what tax proposal he’d support.The newly proposed tax provisions, though, are likely to sour progressives and even some moderate Democrats who have long campaigned on scrapping the Republican-backed 2017 tax cuts that many believe unduly reward the wealthy and cost the government untold sums in lost revenue at a time of gaping income inequality. Many are furious that perhaps a lone senator could stymie that goal.The chairman of the tax-writing Ways &amp; Means Committee, Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., said he spoke for more than 30 minutes with the centrist Arizona senator, whose closely held views are a mystery to her colleagues.“I said, Kyrsten, you and I both know this has got to pass. She said: ‘I couldn’t agree more,’” Neal told reporters at the Capitol.Sinema’s office did not respond to a request for comment.Under existing law passed in 2017, the corporate tax rate is 21%. Democrats had proposed raising it to 26.5% for companies earning more than $5 million a year. The top individual income tax rate would go from 37% to 39.6% for those earning more than $400,000, or $450,000 for married couples.Under the changes being floated the corporate rate would not change. But the revisions would not be all positive for big companies and the wealthy.The White House is reviving the idea of a minimum corporate tax rate, similar to the 15% rate Biden had proposed this year. That’s even for companies that say they had no taxable income — a frequent target of Biden, who complains they pay “zero” in taxes.The new tax on the wealthiest individuals would be modeled on legislation from Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. He has proposed taxing stock gains of people with more than $1 billion in assets — fewer than 1,000 Americans.Other tax options are also being considered, and Democrats are almost certain to include a provision to beef up the Internal Revenue Service to go after tax dodgers.Biden and his party are trying to shore up middle-class households, tackle climate change and stem the trend toward rising income inequality.In the mix are at least $500 billion to battle climate change, $350 billion for child care subsidies and free prekindergarten, a one-year extension of the $300 monthly child tax credit put in place during the COVID-19 crisis, and money for health care provided through the Affordable Care Act and Medicare.The president especially wants to advance the legislation by the time he departs next week for a global climate summit in Scotland.Manchin has made clear&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-joe-biden-business-environment-environment-and-nature-81ccfa671e8cdd095ce26b62c33641ce">he opposes the president’s initial energy plan,&nbsp;</a>which was to have the government impose penalties on electric utilities that fail to meet clean energy benchmarks and provide financial rewards to those that do.Instead, Biden is focused on providing at least $500 billion in tax credits, grants and loans for energy producers that reach emission-reduction goals.Democrats also want to add funding to provide&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-seniors-environment-health-7c573827e3e96f1f4c15bb3234815321">dental, vision and hearing aid benefits&nbsp;</a>to people on Medicare proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

White House, Dems hurriedly reworking Biden's $2 trillion plan

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas felon accused in the Sept. 7, mass shooting at a Wichita night club and arrested in Arizona was booked into jail in Kansas Wednesday afternoon and made his first court appearance Thursday.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20044181">Keshawn Dawson, 23 of Wichita, </a>was charged with 1st degree intentional murder, 1st degree murder in the commission of a felony, six counts of aggravated battery, and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Dawson is also charged in two separate cases for criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon for an incident on June 15, and&nbsp; criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia for use involving an arrest in January, according to the district attorney.

On Oct. 8, U.S. Marshals arrested Dawson in Phoenix Arizona., according to officer Charley Davidson. Dawson is being held on bond of five-million dollars for a shooting that killed 34-year-old Preston Spencer and injured six others with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

At approximately 12:40 a.m. on Sept. 7, officers responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosely.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims that were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; The investigation revealed Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was forced to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.

In addition, Dawson had active felony Sedgwick County warrants and was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions, according to Davidson.

Dawson's next court appearance is November 4, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634817510235.png" alt="Dawson photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Dawson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas felon accused in the Sept. 7, mass shooting at a Wichita night club and arrested in Arizona was booked into jail in Kansas Wednesday afternoon and made his first court appearance Thursday.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20044181">Keshawn Dawson, 23 of Wichita, </a>was charged with 1st degree intentional murder, 1st degree murder in the commission of a felony, six counts of aggravated battery, and criminal discharge of a firearm, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Dawson is also charged in two separate cases for criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon for an incident on June 15, and&nbsp; criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia for use involving an arrest in January, according to the district attorney.On Oct. 8, U.S. Marshals arrested Dawson in Phoenix Arizona., according to officer Charley Davidson. Dawson is being held on bond of five-million dollars for a shooting that killed 34-year-old Preston Spencer and injured six others with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.At approximately 12:40 a.m. on Sept. 7, officers responded to a shooting call at the Enigma Club, 351 N. Mosely.&nbsp; Upon arrival, officers located multiple victims that were all transported to an area hospital for medical treatment.&nbsp; The investigation revealed Dawson got into a disturbance earlier inside the club and was forced to leave.&nbsp; Dawson returned a short time later and fired multiple rounds with a handgun through windows into the club from the outside, striking the victims.In addition, Dawson had active felony Sedgwick County warrants and was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to previous felony convictions, according to Davidson.Dawson's next court appearance is November 4, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Suspect in Kansas mass shooting charged, held on $5M bond

WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions more Americans can get a COVID-19 booster and choose a different company’s vaccine for that next shot, federal health officials said Thursday.

Certain people who received Pfizer vaccinations months ago already are eligible for a booster and now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says specific Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson recipients qualify, too. And in a bigger change, the agency is allowing the flexibility of “mixing and matching” that extra dose regardless of which type people received first.

The Food and Drug Administration had already authorized such an expansion of the nation’s booster campaign on Wednesday, and it was also endorsed Thursday by a CDC advisory panel. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses.

“These past 20 months have taught us many things, but mostly to have humility,” she told the panel. “We are constantly learning about this virus, growing the evidence base and accumulating more data.”

There still are restrictions on who qualifies and when for a booster. Starting six months past their last Pfizer or Moderna vaccination, people are urged to get a booster if they’re 65 or older, nursing home residents, or at least 50 and at increased risk of severe disease because of health problems. Boosters also were allowed, but not urged, for adults of any age at increased risk of infection because of health problems or their jobs or living conditions. That includes health care workers, teachers and people in jails or homeless shelters.

Moderna’s booster will come at half the dose of the original two shots.

As for recipients of the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine, a COVID-19 booster is recommended for everyone at least two months after their vaccination. That’s because the J&amp;J vaccine hasn’t proved as protective as the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer options.

The CDC panel didn’t explicitly recommend anyone get a different brand than they started with but left open the option — saying only that a booster of some sort was recommended. And some of the advisers said they would prefer that J&amp;J recipients receive a competitor’s booster, citing preliminary data from an ongoing government study that suggested a bigger boost in virus-fighting antibodies from that combination.

“We’re at a different place in the pandemic than we were earlier” when supply constraints meant people had to take whatever shot they were offered, noted CDC adviser Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University.

She called it “priceless” to be able to choose a different kind for the booster if, for example, someone might be at risk for a rare side effect from a specific vaccine.

About two-thirds of Americans eligible for COVID-19 shots are fully vaccinated, and the government says getting first shots to the unvaccinated remain the priority. While health authorities hope boosters will shore up waning immunity against milder coronavirus infections, all the vaccines still offer strong protection against hospitalizations and death, even as the extra-contagious delta variant burned through the country.

And CDC’s advisers wrestled with whether people who didn’t really need boosters might be getting them, especially young, otherwise healthy adults whose only qualification was their job.

Dr. Sarah Long of Drexel University voiced concerns about opening those people to rare but serious side effects from another dose if they already were adequately protected.

“I have my own concerns that we appear to be recommending vaccines for people who I don’t think need it,” added Dr. Beth Bell of the University of Washington.

But she stressed that the vaccines work and that moving forward with the recommendations makes sense for the sake of being clear and allowing flexibility when it comes to boosters.

Despite the concerns by some members, the panels’ votes ended up being unanimous.

The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while J&amp;J recipients account for only about 15 million.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634854349255.png" alt="CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses." />
 <figcaption>CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions more Americans can get a COVID-19 booster and choose a different company’s vaccine for that next shot, federal health officials said Thursday.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qoqia5YkwHc?start=24501" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Certain people who received Pfizer vaccinations months ago already are eligible for a booster and now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says specific Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson recipients qualify, too. And in a bigger change, the agency is allowing the flexibility of “mixing and matching” that extra dose regardless of which type people received first.The Food and Drug Administration had already authorized such an expansion of the nation’s booster campaign on Wednesday, and it was also endorsed Thursday by a CDC advisory panel. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky had the final word on who gets the extra doses.“These past 20 months have taught us many things, but mostly to have humility,” she told the panel. “We are constantly learning about this virus, growing the evidence base and accumulating more data.”There still are restrictions on who qualifies and when for a booster. Starting six months past their last Pfizer or Moderna vaccination, people are urged to get a booster if they’re 65 or older, nursing home residents, or at least 50 and at increased risk of severe disease because of health problems. Boosters also were allowed, but not urged, for adults of any age at increased risk of infection because of health problems or their jobs or living conditions. That includes health care workers, teachers and people in jails or homeless shelters.Moderna’s booster will come at half the dose of the original two shots.As for recipients of the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine, a COVID-19 booster is recommended for everyone at least two months after their vaccination. That’s because the J&amp;J vaccine hasn’t proved as protective as the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer options.The CDC panel didn’t explicitly recommend anyone get a different brand than they started with but left open the option — saying only that a booster of some sort was recommended. And some of the advisers said they would prefer that J&amp;J recipients receive a competitor’s booster, citing preliminary data from an ongoing government study that suggested a bigger boost in virus-fighting antibodies from that combination.“We’re at a different place in the pandemic than we were earlier” when supply constraints meant people had to take whatever shot they were offered, noted CDC adviser Dr. Helen Keipp Talbot of Vanderbilt University.She called it “priceless” to be able to choose a different kind for the booster if, for example, someone might be at risk for a rare side effect from a specific vaccine.About two-thirds of Americans eligible for COVID-19 shots are fully vaccinated, and the government says getting first shots to the unvaccinated remain the priority. While health authorities hope boosters will shore up waning immunity against milder coronavirus infections, all the vaccines still offer strong protection against hospitalizations and death, even as the extra-contagious delta variant burned through the country.And CDC’s advisers wrestled with whether people who didn’t really need boosters might be getting them, especially young, otherwise healthy adults whose only qualification was their job.Dr. Sarah Long of Drexel University voiced concerns about opening those people to rare but serious side effects from another dose if they already were adequately protected.“I have my own concerns that we appear to be recommending vaccines for people who I don’t think need it,” added Dr. Beth Bell of the University of Washington.But she stressed that the vaccines work and that moving forward with the recommendations makes sense for the sake of being clear and allowing flexibility when it comes to boosters.Despite the concerns by some members, the panels’ votes ended up being unanimous.The vast majority of the nearly 190 million Americans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have received the Pfizer or Moderna options, while J&amp;J recipients account for only about 15 million.___

🎥 COVID-19 vaccine: CDC panel backs expanded booster rollout

SEWARD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged human trafficking.

On Thursday, police stopped a westbound mini van on U.S. 54 in Liberal, according to a media release.&nbsp; Through the investigation officers also found 14 passengers in the vehicle who were being smuggled through the United States by a criminal organization, according to the release.

Some of the individuals were stacked on top of each other in the trunk.

Police arrested a 23-year-old man on a requested charge of human trafficking.&nbsp; Police released no additional details

SEWARD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged human trafficking.On Thursday, police stopped a westbound mini van on U.S. 54 in Liberal, according to a media release.&nbsp; Through the investigation officers also found 14 passengers in the vehicle who were being smuggled through the United States by a criminal organization, according to the release.Some of the individuals were stacked on top of each other in the trunk.Police arrested a 23-year-old man on a requested charge of human trafficking.&nbsp; Police released no additional details

Human trafficking: Police find 14 stacked in van in SW Kansas

SUPERIOR, Neb. (AP) — A man who had been fired from a grain elevator in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/nebraska">Nebraska</a>&nbsp;on Thursday returned with a gun and shot three people, killing one, before he was shot and killed by another employee, the Nebraska State Patrol said.

The patrol said the shooting occurred at the Agrex Elevator in Superior, a town in southeast Nebraska near the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;border.

A preliminary investigation showed that Max Hoskinson, 61, of Superior, was fired from the grain elevator on Thursday. He returned around 2 p.m. with a handgun and shot three people, the patrol said.

Another employee retrieved a shotgun from an office and shot Hoskinson, who was pronounced dead at a hospital, according to the patrol.

One of the victims shot by Hoskinson died at the scene. Another was flown to a hospital in Lincoln with injuries considered life-threatening. The third person was treated and released at a hospital in Superior.

Police have not released names of the victims.

&nbsp;NUCKOLL COUNTY, NE. —The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a shooting incident that occurred in Superior Thursday afternoon, according to a media release from the agency.&nbsp;

At approximately 2:00 p.m. Thursday, NSP was dispatched to assist the Nuckolls County Sheriff’s Office and Superior Police Department with response to an active shooter incident at the Agrex Elevator in Superior. The Superior and Nelson Fire Departments also responded to the scene. The facility is located at 1401 E. 3rd&nbsp;Street in Superior.

Upon arrival, investigators located one deceased individual and multiple other victims. The reported shooter was also injured. There were no outstanding suspects at the time investigators arrived on scene.

A preliminary investigation has identified the shooter as Max Hoskinson, 61, of Superior. Hoskinson’s employment with Agrex had been terminated earlier in the day.

Shortly before 2:00 p.m., Hoskinson returned to Agrex with a handgun and opened fire, striking three individuals. An employee then retrieved a shotgun from an office and returned fire, striking Hoskinson.

One of the victims shot by Hoskinson has been pronounced deceased at the scene. Another has been transported by life-flight to Bryan Health West Campus in Lincoln with life-threatening injuries. The third victim has been treated and released from the hospital in Superior. Hoskinson was transported to the hospital in Superior and was pronounced deceased.

SUPERIOR, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska State Patrol says a man who was fired from a grain elevator returned later in the day and shot three people, killing one, before he was shot to death by another employee. 

The patrol says the shooting happened Thursday afternoon at the Agrex Elevator in Superior. 

A preliminary investigation found that 61-year-old Max Hoskinson, of Superior, was fired Thursday. The patrol says he came back around 2 p.m. and shot three people before an employee retrieved a shotgun and shot Hoskinson, who died at a hospital. One of the people shot by Hoskinson had life-threatening injuries. The other was treated and released at a Superior hospital.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634854632151.png" alt="The shooting happened Thursday afternoon at the Agrex Elevator in Superior.Photo courtesy KSNB TV" />
 <figcaption>The shooting happened Thursday afternoon at the Agrex Elevator in Superior.Photo courtesy KSNB TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SUPERIOR, Neb. (AP) — A man who had been fired from a grain elevator in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/nebraska">Nebraska</a>&nbsp;on Thursday returned with a gun and shot three people, killing one, before he was shot and killed by another employee, the Nebraska State Patrol said.The patrol said the shooting occurred at the Agrex Elevator in Superior, a town in southeast Nebraska near the&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;border.A preliminary investigation showed that Max Hoskinson, 61, of Superior, was fired from the grain elevator on Thursday. He returned around 2 p.m. with a handgun and shot three people, the patrol said.Another employee retrieved a shotgun from an office and shot Hoskinson, who was pronounced dead at a hospital, according to the patrol.One of the victims shot by Hoskinson died at the scene. Another was flown to a hospital in Lincoln with injuries considered life-threatening. The third person was treated and released at a hospital in Superior.Police have not released names of the victims.----------&nbsp;NUCKOLL COUNTY, NE. —The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating a shooting incident that occurred in Superior Thursday afternoon, according to a media release from the agency.&nbsp;At approximately 2:00 p.m. Thursday, NSP was dispatched to assist the Nuckolls County Sheriff’s Office and Superior Police Department with response to an active shooter incident at the Agrex Elevator in Superior. The Superior and Nelson Fire Departments also responded to the scene. The facility is located at 1401 E. 3rd&nbsp;Street in Superior.Upon arrival, investigators located one deceased individual and multiple other victims. The reported shooter was also injured. There were no outstanding suspects at the time investigators arrived on scene.A preliminary investigation has identified the shooter as Max Hoskinson, 61, of Superior. Hoskinson’s employment with Agrex had been terminated earlier in the day.Shortly before 2:00 p.m., Hoskinson returned to Agrex with a handgun and opened fire, striking three individuals. An employee then retrieved a shotgun from an office and returned fire, striking Hoskinson.One of the victims shot by Hoskinson has been pronounced deceased at the scene. Another has been transported by life-flight to Bryan Health West Campus in Lincoln with life-threatening injuries. The third victim has been treated and released from the hospital in Superior. Hoskinson was transported to the hospital in Superior and was pronounced deceased.--------------SUPERIOR, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska State Patrol says a man who was fired from a grain elevator returned later in the day and shot three people, killing one, before he was shot to death by another employee. The patrol says the shooting happened Thursday afternoon at the Agrex Elevator in Superior. A preliminary investigation found that 61-year-old Max Hoskinson, of Superior, was fired Thursday. The patrol says he came back around 2 p.m. and shot three people before an employee retrieved a shotgun and shot Hoskinson, who died at a hospital. One of the people shot by Hoskinson had life-threatening injuries. The other was treated and released at a Superior hospital.

Update: Fired grain elevator worker shot 3 people, killing 2

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Workers began digging holes this week to erect an 8-foot wall outside a northwest Missouri abbey after shots were fired into the abbey's walls at least four times in the last two years.

The Clinton County Sheriff's office said it is investigating the shootings at the abbey for the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles near Gower but has not identified any suspects.

The last shooting in March sent bullets into Mother Abbess Cecilia's bedroom, <a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/shootings-catholic-abbey-benedictines-of-mary-queen-of-apostles-clinton-county/38017670?fbclid=IwAR26P5hOlbBuGVmeddYnnYjmX75jx6QZUXAjxl0sMK72ClWTFEiu4QWEjTg#">KMBC reported.</a> Two other shootings were in February and the first was reported in July 2019.

Mother Cecilia said she doesn't believe the shots were from hunters or nearby property because they happened late in the evening.

“There’s more to life than shooting at sisters,” Mother Cecilia said. “We’re just trying to live a life given to God, praying for them, praying for the world.” Gower is about 37 miles north of Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634846263682.png" alt="PHoto courtesy KMBC TV" />
 <figcaption>PHoto courtesy KMBC TV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Workers began digging holes this week to erect an 8-foot wall outside a northwest Missouri abbey after shots were fired into the abbey's walls at least four times in the last two years.The Clinton County Sheriff's office said it is investigating the shootings at the abbey for the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles near Gower but has not identified any suspects.No one has been injured.The last shooting in March sent bullets into Mother Abbess Cecilia's bedroom, <a href="https://www.kmbc.com/article/shootings-catholic-abbey-benedictines-of-mary-queen-of-apostles-clinton-county/38017670?fbclid=IwAR26P5hOlbBuGVmeddYnnYjmX75jx6QZUXAjxl0sMK72ClWTFEiu4QWEjTg#">KMBC reported.</a> Two other shootings were in February and the first was reported in July 2019.Mother Cecilia said she doesn't believe the shots were from hunters or nearby property because they happened late in the evening.“There’s more to life than shooting at sisters,” Mother Cecilia said. “We’re just trying to live a life given to God, praying for them, praying for the world.” Gower is about 37 miles north of Kansas City.

Sheriff investigates after shots fired at abbey near Kansas City

A new text message scam seems so innocent that it’s tempting to reply. But con artists are using phony “wrong number” texts to lure victims into conversation and falling for a scam.

You receive a text that reads something like this: “Hey 
is this John? It’s Amanda. We chatted on Tinder before when I came to 
visit my cousin but we never met irl. I’m back in town if you want to 
meet up this time, are you free?”

If you reply to a text like this, even with a polite, “Sorry, wrong 
number,” the stranger responds anyway, seemingly ignoring your answer. 
Usually, you’ll receive a few compliments and some photos of “Amanda,” 
who appears to be a scantily clad blonde woman. However, as the word 
gets out about this scam, scammers will change up the names, backstory, 
and photos.

If you continue to engage with the stranger, who is really a chat 
bot, it tries to trick you into registering for dating or adult 
websites. Your new “friend” will encourage you to sign up for a specific
 website to see more explicit photos, which may involve offering up your
 credit card number. &nbsp;Considering the dubious nature of this scam, if 
you hand over your credit card information at any point, you could be 
putting yourself at risk for fraudulent charges and identity theft.

Read the <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam/how-to-spot-a-phony-text-message" target="_blank">BBB Tip: Spot the red flags of fake text messages</a>. Read more about similar scams, such about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/25888-bbb-scam-alert-receive-a-text-with-a-surprise-offer-dont-click-that-link" target="_blank">text messages with surprise offers</a> or <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21903-scam-alert-mandatory-covid-19-test-texts-are-a-scam" target="_blank">mandatory COVID-19 tests</a>.&nbsp;

If you’ve been the victim of a text message scam, report it at <a href="http://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. Your report can help expose scammers’ tactics so others won’t fall prey.&nbsp;

Check out our <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam" target="_blank">Spot a Scam</a> page for more ways to keep yourself safe.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBA new text message scam seems so innocent that it’s tempting to reply. But con artists are using phony “wrong number” texts to lure victims into conversation and falling for a scam.How the Scam Works You receive a text that reads something like this: “Hey 
is this John? It’s Amanda. We chatted on Tinder before when I came to 
visit my cousin but we never met irl. I’m back in town if you want to 
meet up this time, are you free?”If you reply to a text like this, even with a polite, “Sorry, wrong 
number,” the stranger responds anyway, seemingly ignoring your answer. 
Usually, you’ll receive a few compliments and some photos of “Amanda,” 
who appears to be a scantily clad blonde woman. However, as the word 
gets out about this scam, scammers will change up the names, backstory, 
and photos.If you continue to engage with the stranger, who is really a chat 
bot, it tries to trick you into registering for dating or adult 
websites. Your new “friend” will encourage you to sign up for a specific
 website to see more explicit photos, which may involve offering up your
 credit card number. &nbsp;Considering the dubious nature of this scam, if 
you hand over your credit card information at any point, you could be 
putting yourself at risk for fraudulent charges and identity theft.How to Avoid Chat Bot Scams&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Ignore texts from strangers. If you receive a text 
from someone you don’t know, simply don’t reply. It’s the safest route. 
If you engage with a scammer, even briefly, they will mark your number 
as active and you could receive even more shady texts in the future. </li><li>Block numbers that appear to come from scammers. 
Unsolicited texts that look like they come from a chat bot or that ask 
you to click on suspicious links are probably not safe. Block these 
numbers to prevent scammers from contacting you through them again. </li><li>Never give your personal information to strangers. 
Never share your credit card or banking information, your full name, 
home address, or social security number with someone you never met in 
person.</li>
 </ul>For More Information Read the <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam/how-to-spot-a-phony-text-message" target="_blank">BBB Tip: Spot the red flags of fake text messages</a>. Read more about similar scams, such about <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/25888-bbb-scam-alert-receive-a-text-with-a-surprise-offer-dont-click-that-link" target="_blank">text messages with surprise offers</a> or <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/21903-scam-alert-mandatory-covid-19-test-texts-are-a-scam" target="_blank">mandatory COVID-19 tests</a>.&nbsp;If you’ve been the victim of a text message scam, report it at <a href="http://www.BBB.org/ScamTracker" target="_blank">BBB.org/ScamTracker</a>. Your report can help expose scammers’ tactics so others won’t fall prey.&nbsp;Check out our <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/spot-a-scam" target="_blank">Spot a Scam</a> page for more ways to keep yourself safe.

Innocent wrong number text? It could be a scam bot!

Report identifies troubling data collection practices among several ISPs

Many
 internet service providers (ISPs) collect and share far more data about
 their customers than many consumers may expect—including access to all 
of their Internet traffic and real-time location data—while failing to 
offer consumers meaningful choices about how this data can be used, 
according to an<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/look-what-isps-know-about-you-examining-privacy-practices-six-major-internet-service"> FTC staff report</a>&nbsp;on ISPs’ data collection and use practices.

The
 staff report, which details the expanding scope and some troubling 
aspects of some ISP data collection practices, stems from &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/08/ftc-revises-list-companies-subject-broadband-privacy-study">orders the FTC issued in 2019</a>
 using its authority under 6(b) of the FTC Act to six internet service 
providers, which make up about 98 percent of the mobile Internet market:

The
 FTC also issued orders to three advertising entities affiliated with 
these ISPs: AT&amp;T’s Appnexus Inc., rebranded as Xandr; Verizon’s 
Verizon Online LLC; and Oath Americas Inc., rebranded as Verizon Media. 
The FTC sought information on their data collection and use practices, 
as well as any tools provided to consumers to control these practices.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As
 noted in the report, these companies have evolved into technology 
giants who offer not just internet services but also provide a range of 
other services including voice, content, smart devices, advertising, and
 analytics—which has increased the volume of information they are 
capable of collecting about their customers. The report identified 
several troubling data collection practices among several of the ISPs, 
including that they combine data across product lines; combine personal,
 app usage, and web browsing data to target ads; place consumers into 
sensitive categories such as by race and sexual orientation; and share 
real-time location data with third-parties.

At the same time, the 
report found the privacy protections many of the companies offer raised 
several concerns. Even though several of the ISPs promise not to sell 
consumers personal data, they allow it to be used, transferred, and 
monetized by others and hide disclosures about such practices in fine 
print of their privacy policies. For example, several news outlets noted
 that subscribers’ real-time location data shared with third-party 
customers was being accessed by car salesmen, property managers, bail 
bondsmen, bounty hunters, and others without reasonable protections or 
consumers’ knowledge and consent, according to the report.

Many of
 the ISPs also claim to offer consumers choices about how their data is 
used and allow them to access such data. The FTC found, however, that 
many of these companies often make it difficult for consumers to 
exercise such choices and sometimes even nudge them to share even more 
information. In addition, while several of the ISPs promise to only keep
 the data for as long as needed for business purposes, the definition of
 what constitutes a “business purpose” varies widely among the 
companies.

The report concludes that many of the ISPs’ data 
collection and use practices mirror problems identified in other 
industries and underscore the importance of restricting data collection 
and use.

The Commission voted 4-0 to approve and issue the report. Staff presented findings from the report at today’s <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/events-calendar/open-commission-meeting-october-21-2021">open virtual Commission meeting</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chair Lina M. Khan <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/2021/10/remarks-chair-lina-m-khan-regarding-6b-study-privacy-practices-six-major">issued a separate statement</a>&nbsp;on the report.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and file a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/complaint">consumer complaint online</a> or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).&nbsp;For the latest news and resources, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> and read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/4/1619632629588.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Report identifies troubling data collection practices among several ISPs</h2>FTCMany
 internet service providers (ISPs) collect and share far more data about
 their customers than many consumers may expect—including access to all 
of their Internet traffic and real-time location data—while failing to 
offer consumers meaningful choices about how this data can be used, 
according to an<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/reports/look-what-isps-know-about-you-examining-privacy-practices-six-major-internet-service"> FTC staff report</a>&nbsp;on ISPs’ data collection and use practices.The
 staff report, which details the expanding scope and some troubling 
aspects of some ISP data collection practices, stems from &nbsp;<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/08/ftc-revises-list-companies-subject-broadband-privacy-study">orders the FTC issued in 2019</a>
 using its authority under 6(b) of the FTC Act to six internet service 
providers, which make up about 98 percent of the mobile Internet market:<ul>
 <li>AT&amp;T Mobility LLC;</li><li>Cellco Partnership, which does business as Verizon Wireless;</li><li>Charter Communications Operating LLC;</li><li>Comcast Cable Communications, which does business as Xfinity;</li><li>T-Mobile US Inc.; and</li><li>Google Fiber Inc.</li>
 </ul>The
 FTC also issued orders to three advertising entities affiliated with 
these ISPs: AT&amp;T’s Appnexus Inc., rebranded as Xandr; Verizon’s 
Verizon Online LLC; and Oath Americas Inc., rebranded as Verizon Media. 
The FTC sought information on their data collection and use practices, 
as well as any tools provided to consumers to control these practices.&nbsp;&nbsp;As
 noted in the report, these companies have evolved into technology 
giants who offer not just internet services but also provide a range of 
other services including voice, content, smart devices, advertising, and
 analytics—which has increased the volume of information they are 
capable of collecting about their customers. The report identified 
several troubling data collection practices among several of the ISPs, 
including that they combine data across product lines; combine personal,
 app usage, and web browsing data to target ads; place consumers into 
sensitive categories such as by race and sexual orientation; and share 
real-time location data with third-parties.At the same time, the 
report found the privacy protections many of the companies offer raised 
several concerns. Even though several of the ISPs promise not to sell 
consumers personal data, they allow it to be used, transferred, and 
monetized by others and hide disclosures about such practices in fine 
print of their privacy policies. For example, several news outlets noted
 that subscribers’ real-time location data shared with third-party 
customers was being accessed by car salesmen, property managers, bail 
bondsmen, bounty hunters, and others without reasonable protections or 
consumers’ knowledge and consent, according to the report.Many of
 the ISPs also claim to offer consumers choices about how their data is 
used and allow them to access such data. The FTC found, however, that 
many of these companies often make it difficult for consumers to 
exercise such choices and sometimes even nudge them to share even more 
information. In addition, while several of the ISPs promise to only keep
 the data for as long as needed for business purposes, the definition of
 what constitutes a “business purpose” varies widely among the 
companies.The report concludes that many of the ISPs’ data 
collection and use practices mirror problems identified in other 
industries and underscore the importance of restricting data collection 
and use.The Commission voted 4-0 to approve and issue the report. Staff presented findings from the report at today’s <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/events-calendar/open-commission-meeting-october-21-2021">open virtual Commission meeting</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chair Lina M. Khan <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/public-statements/2021/10/remarks-chair-lina-m-khan-regarding-6b-study-privacy-practices-six-major">issued a separate statement</a>&nbsp;on the report.The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and to <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/bureaus-offices/bureau-consumer-protection">protect and educate consumers</a>. You can <a href="https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/">learn more about consumer topics</a> and file a <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/complaint">consumer complaint online</a> or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).&nbsp;For the latest news and resources, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/social-media">follow the FTC on social media</a>, <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/stay-connected">subscribe to press releases</a> and read our <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs">blogs</a>.

FTC: ISPs collecting troves of personal data with few restrictions on use

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Supply chain issues are forcing Siemens Gamesa to implement a rolling furlough through the Hutchinson nacelle plant.&nbsp;

Company spokesperson Myca Welch says the furloughs are underway and will continue through December.

The company had to furlough 200 workers in April of 2020 when the pandemic was putting a severe break in the supply chain from overseas. The furloughs were short-lived, however, and most workers were back at their jobs by the end of April.

Welch says the company strategy is to have employees work 50 percent of the weekly hours and utilize the Kansas Shared Work Program which allows employees to collect a portion of available unemployment benefits to supplement their reduced work hours.

Welch also said that with the additional deterioration in the global supply chain, especially the unprecedented congestion at the West Coast ports, the company has been forced to cut some full weeks of production this month.&nbsp; Welch also said that the company will be under reduced work hours through December (as originally planned) but will need to adjust week to week based on the supply chain.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Supply chain issues are forcing Siemens Gamesa to implement a rolling furlough through the Hutchinson nacelle plant.&nbsp;Company spokesperson Myca Welch says the furloughs are underway and will continue through December.The company had to furlough 200 workers in April of 2020 when the pandemic was putting a severe break in the supply chain from overseas. The furloughs were short-lived, however, and most workers were back at their jobs by the end of April.Welch says the company strategy is to have employees work 50 percent of the weekly hours and utilize the Kansas Shared Work Program which allows employees to collect a portion of available unemployment benefits to supplement their reduced work hours.Welch also said that with the additional deterioration in the global supply chain, especially the unprecedented congestion at the West Coast ports, the company has been forced to cut some full weeks of production this month.&nbsp; Welch also said that the company will be under reduced work hours through December (as originally planned) but will need to adjust week to week based on the supply chain.

Supply chain: Hutchinson plant implementing rolling furloughs

BARTON COUNTY—Over the course the past several days, Barton County Sheriff’s Office detectives became aware of an attempted unlawful solicitation of a child, according to a media release.

The online organization Motor City Justice contacted local authorities with the information. The facts were reviewed by Sheriff’s Office detectives and the Barton County Attorney’s Office. It was determined the best course of action would be to conduct a sting operation to capture the suspect.

At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, detectives facilitated a sting operation near the intersection of 24th and Washington in Great Bend. The suspect identified as 24-year-old Dakota Payne arrived at the scene believing he was meeting a juvenile female. Shortly thereafter, deputies arrested Payne without incident.

He is being held on $100,000 bond on requested charges of indecent solicitation of a child, attempted exploitation of a child and electronic solicitation of a child.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634829699507.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Over the course the past several days, Barton County Sheriff’s Office detectives became aware of an attempted unlawful solicitation of a child, according to a media release.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flonestarrjusticeog%2Fvideos%2F944259933168673%2F&show_text=true&width=267&t=0" width="267" height="591" 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>The online organization Motor City Justice contacted local authorities with the information. The facts were reviewed by Sheriff’s Office detectives and the Barton County Attorney’s Office. It was determined the best course of action would be to conduct a sting operation to capture the suspect.At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, detectives facilitated a sting operation near the intersection of 24th and Washington in Great Bend. The suspect identified as 24-year-old Dakota Payne arrived at the scene believing he was meeting a juvenile female. Shortly thereafter, deputies arrested Payne without incident.He is being held on $100,000 bond on requested charges of indecent solicitation of a child, attempted exploitation of a child and electronic solicitation of a child.&nbsp;

🎥 Sheriff: Sting operation leads to Kansas sex crime arrest

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 20-year-old Kansas City man has pleaded guilty to killing another man during a struggle last year.

Thorne McKendrick pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of Michael Brown outside an east Kansas City home, according to the Jackson County prosecutor's office.

McKendrick’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 28.

Brown was shot to death on Aug. 1, 2020. Security video showed Brown and McKendrick were struggling over a gun when McKendrick shot him, according to court records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1598024632194.png" alt="McKendrick photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>McKendrick photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 20-year-old Kansas City man has pleaded guilty to killing another man during a struggle last year.Thorne McKendrick pleaded guilty Monday to second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of Michael Brown outside an east Kansas City home, according to the Jackson County prosecutor's office.McKendrick’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 28.Brown was shot to death on Aug. 1, 2020. Security video showed Brown and McKendrick were struggling over a gun when McKendrick shot him, according to court records.

20-year-old enters plea to killing in struggle over gun

SHAWNEE COUNTY — A man who fled to Mexico in 2017 after being accused of rape of a woman in Topeka has been sentenced for the crime.&nbsp; Daniel Arreola, 22, Topeka, will spend 20 years in prison, according to the Shawnee County District Attorney's office.

A jury in August found Arreola guilty of seven felony counts.

Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay said Arreola forced his way into a woman's apartment in July 2015 and raped her at gunpoint.

&nbsp;The case was set for jury trial to begin in February of 2017. However, four days prior to the trial Arreola cut off his court-ordered GPS ankle bracelet and fled to Mexico.&nbsp; Arreola was apprehended in Mexico and returned to Kansas in August of 2019 and has remained in custody since.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628871442106.png" alt="Arreola-photo KBI offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Arreola-photo KBI offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — A man who fled to Mexico in 2017 after being accused of rape of a woman in Topeka has been sentenced for the crime.&nbsp; Daniel Arreola, 22, Topeka, will spend 20 years in prison, according to the Shawnee County District Attorney's office.A jury in August found Arreola guilty of seven felony counts.Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay said Arreola forced his way into a woman's apartment in July 2015 and raped her at gunpoint.&nbsp;The case was set for jury trial to begin in February of 2017. However, four days prior to the trial Arreola cut off his court-ordered GPS ankle bracelet and fled to Mexico.&nbsp; Arreola was apprehended in Mexico and returned to Kansas in August of 2019 and has remained in custody since.

Man captured in Mexico sentenced for rape of Kan. woman

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Authorities say remains found in a Florida wilderness park are those of Brian Laundrie, who was a person of interest in the death of girlfriend Gabby Petito. Petito was found slain at a Wyoming national park months while the pair was on a cross-country van trip chronicled on social media. 

The FBI’s Denver office said in a news release that a comparison of dental records confirmed that the remains were Laundrie. The remains were discovered Wednesday in a swampy nature preserve near North Port, Florida, after a massive search. That search began shortly after Laundrie disappeared Sept. 14, two weeks after the 23-year-old returned alone to his parents’ home in Florida.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634065104645.png" alt="Laundrie and girlfriend Gabby Petito traveled across Kansas during their trip to Wyoming." />
 <figcaption>Laundrie and girlfriend Gabby Petito traveled across Kansas during their trip to Wyoming.</figcaption>
 </figure>ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Authorities say remains found in a Florida wilderness park are those of Brian Laundrie, who was a person of interest in the death of girlfriend Gabby Petito. Petito was found slain at a Wyoming national park months while the pair was on a cross-country van trip chronicled on social media. The FBI’s Denver office said in a news release that a comparison of dental records confirmed that the remains were Laundrie. The remains were discovered Wednesday in a swampy nature preserve near North Port, Florida, after a massive search. That search began shortly after Laundrie disappeared Sept. 14, two weeks after the 23-year-old returned alone to his parents’ home in Florida.

FBI: Remains found in Florida park ID'd as Brian Laundrie

NEMAHA COUNTY –&nbsp;&nbsp;Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday night outside a residence in Sabetha, Kansas, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Preliminary information indicates that Wednesday night at approximately 7:45 p.m., the Sabetha Police Department and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a man who was threatening suicide. When officers arrived at 319 N. 9th Street in Sabetha, they tried to convince the resident, 38-year-old Kelly J. Hall, to come outside so they could verify his welfare. He would not exit the house, so they attempted to communicate with him over their public announcement (PA) system.

During the incident officers heard several pops coming from inside the residence. Attempts to communicate continued until Hall stepped outside the front door holding an air-powered nail gun. Officers and deputies ordered him to drop the nail gun. Hall began firing nails in the direction of officers. A deputy from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the Sabetha Police Department fired rounds at Hall, striking him. Shots were fired at around 9:45 p.m.

Hall retreated back into the residence. Officers and deputies entered the house and rendered aid to Hall. EMS responded and transported him to the Sabetha Community Hospital. He was later transferred to Stormont Vail in Topeka. Hall is currently in critical, but stable condition.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

NEMAHA COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting in Sabetha.

Just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday, officers from the Sabetha Police Department and deputies from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 300 block of N. 9th&nbsp;Street in Sabetha, after the report of a suicidal subject, according to KBI spokesperson Melissa Underwood.

&nbsp;At approximately 9:45 p.m., shots were fired and A 38-year-old white male was wounded. He was taken to a local hospital and then transferred to Stormont Vail in Topeka.&nbsp; No officers or deputies were injured.

Just after 10p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to the shooting that occurred in the 300 Block of North 9th Street in Sabetha involving police and sheriff's deputies, according to Melissa Underwood with the KBI.&nbsp; 

One man was wounded in the shooting and transported to a hospital for treatment. The KBI did not have an update on his condition early Thursday.&nbsp; Law enforcement officers were not injured, according to Underwood.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

NEMAHA COUNTY –&nbsp;&nbsp;Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday night outside a residence in Sabetha, Kansas, according to a media release from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Preliminary information indicates that Wednesday night at approximately 7:45 p.m., the Sabetha Police Department and the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a man who was threatening suicide. When officers arrived at 319 N. 9th Street in Sabetha, they tried to convince the resident, 38-year-old Kelly J. Hall, to come outside so they could verify his welfare. He would not exit the house, so they attempted to communicate with him over their public announcement (PA) system.During the incident officers heard several pops coming from inside the residence. Attempts to communicate continued until Hall stepped outside the front door holding an air-powered nail gun. Officers and deputies ordered him to drop the nail gun. Hall began firing nails in the direction of officers. A deputy from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office and an officer from the Sabetha Police Department fired rounds at Hall, striking him. Shots were fired at around 9:45 p.m.Hall retreated back into the residence. Officers and deputies entered the house and rendered aid to Hall. EMS responded and transported him to the Sabetha Community Hospital. He was later transferred to Stormont Vail in Topeka. Hall is currently in critical, but stable condition.No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.-------------NEMAHA COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting in Sabetha.Just before 7:30p.m. Wednesday, officers from the Sabetha Police Department and deputies from the Nemaha County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 300 block of N. 9th&nbsp;Street in Sabetha, after the report of a suicidal subject, according to KBI spokesperson Melissa Underwood.&nbsp;At approximately 9:45 p.m., shots were fired and A 38-year-old white male was wounded. He was taken to a local hospital and then transferred to Stormont Vail in Topeka.&nbsp; No officers or deputies were injured.------------------NEMAHA COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting in Sabetha.Just after 10p.m. Wednesday, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation responded to the shooting that occurred in the 300 Block of North 9th Street in Sabetha involving police and sheriff's deputies, according to Melissa Underwood with the KBI.&nbsp; One man was wounded in the shooting and transported to a hospital for treatment. The KBI did not have an update on his condition early Thursday.&nbsp; Law enforcement officers were not injured, according to Underwood.&nbsp;&nbsp;Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

KBI: Man wounded in officer shooting fired  nail gun at police

TOPEKA – The Kansas Supreme Court should put on hold further proceedings in an appeal regarding regulation of abortion in Kansas pending the outcome of the August 2022 vote on the Value Them Both constitutional amendment, according to a statement from Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt to the court released Thursday.

<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/124130_motion.pdf?sfvrsn=8cb9a51a_2">Click here to read </a>a&nbsp; copy of the motion for stay

Schmidt filed the motion this week in the appeal of&nbsp;Hodes &amp; Nauser v Schmidt. In an earlier proceeding in the case, the Kansas Supreme Court in 2019 found a previously undiscovered right to abortion in the state constitution. Legislators responded earlier this year by placing before Kansas voters a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would reverse that ruling.

In the motion filed this week, Schmidt notes that the public vote is 10 months away and, if approved, would eliminate the legal basis for the suit.

“Proceeding with this appeal while a vote on the Value Them Both Amendment is pending risks needlessly wasting the time and resources of the parties and this Court. In addition, it is unlikely that this appeal will conclude before the August 2, 2022, election in any event,” Schmidt wrote the court. “If the Value Them Both Amendment is adopted, any additional proceedings will have been for nothing. A stay of proceedings is in the interest of judicial economy and would allow the people of Kansas to express their will on this important constitutional question before potentially unnecessary litigation occurs.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623421939632.png" alt=" Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who is running for governor in 2022, said, "“Proceeding with this appeal while a vote on the Value Them Both Amendment is pending risks needlessly wasting the time and resources of the parties and this Court."" />
 <figcaption> Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, who is running for governor in 2022, said, "“Proceeding with this appeal while a vote on the Value Them Both Amendment is pending risks needlessly wasting the time and resources of the parties and this Court."</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – The Kansas Supreme Court should put on hold further proceedings in an appeal regarding regulation of abortion in Kansas pending the outcome of the August 2022 vote on the Value Them Both constitutional amendment, according to a statement from Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt to the court released Thursday.<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/docs/default-source/documents/124130_motion.pdf?sfvrsn=8cb9a51a_2">Click here to read </a>a&nbsp; copy of the motion for staySchmidt filed the motion this week in the appeal of&nbsp;Hodes &amp; Nauser v Schmidt. In an earlier proceeding in the case, the Kansas Supreme Court in 2019 found a previously undiscovered right to abortion in the state constitution. Legislators responded earlier this year by placing before Kansas voters a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would reverse that ruling.In the motion filed this week, Schmidt notes that the public vote is 10 months away and, if approved, would eliminate the legal basis for the suit.“Proceeding with this appeal while a vote on the Value Them Both Amendment is pending risks needlessly wasting the time and resources of the parties and this Court. In addition, it is unlikely that this appeal will conclude before the August 2, 2022, election in any event,” Schmidt wrote the court. “If the Value Them Both Amendment is adopted, any additional proceedings will have been for nothing. A stay of proceedings is in the interest of judicial economy and would allow the people of Kansas to express their will on this important constitutional question before potentially unnecessary litigation occurs.”

AG files motion to stay appeal of case that gave Kan. women right to abortion

JOHNSON COUNTY—One person died from injuries in a house fire Thursday in Johnson County.

Just after 11a.m. Thursday, fire crews responded to a fire at a home in the 11500 Block of Nieman Road in Overland Park, according to a media release.&nbsp;

As they arrived, fire crews saw smoke coming from the back of the 2-story, single family home. As crews began to attack a fire in the living room, a neighbor reported a man may still be in the house.&nbsp;

Fire crews searched the home and found the man on the second floor. He was rescued and transported to the hospital in critical condition, according to the release. He died a short time later, according to Overland Park police. The man was identified as 77-year-old David L. Zabriskie of Overland Park.

Fire crews contained the blaze to the living room. However, the entire. home suffered significant smoke damage. Investigators have not determined the cause of the fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634840329930.png" alt="Crews exiting the home after extinguishing the fire. -photo Overland Park Fire Dept." />
 <figcaption>Crews exiting the home after extinguishing the fire. -photo Overland Park Fire Dept.</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY—One person died from injuries in a house fire Thursday in Johnson County.Just after 11a.m. Thursday, fire crews responded to a fire at a home in the 11500 Block of Nieman Road in Overland Park, according to a media release.&nbsp;As they arrived, fire crews saw smoke coming from the back of the 2-story, single family home. As crews began to attack a fire in the living room, a neighbor reported a man may still be in the house.&nbsp;Fire crews searched the home and found the man on the second floor. He was rescued and transported to the hospital in critical condition, according to the release. He died a short time later, according to Overland Park police. The man was identified as 77-year-old David L. Zabriskie of Overland Park.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634846489582.png" alt="Photo Overland Park Fire Deparatment" />
 <figcaption>Photo Overland Park Fire Deparatment</figcaption>
 </figure>Fire crews contained the blaze to the living room. However, the entire. home suffered significant smoke damage. Investigators have not determined the cause of the fire.

Man dies after pulled from Kansas house fire

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — In an abrupt change, the White House on Wednesday floated new plans to pay for parts of President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion social services and climate change package, shelving a proposed big increase in corporate tax rates though also adding a new billionaires’ tax on the investment gains of the very richest Americans.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?515469-1/president-biden-delivers-remarks-scranton-infrastructure-proposals">Click here to watch t</a>he President's comments

The reversal came as Biden returned to his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, to highlight the middle class values he says are at the heart of the package that Democrats are racing to finish. Biden faces resistance from key holdouts, including Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., who has not been on board with her party’s plan to undo Trump-era tax breaks to help pay for it.

“This has been declared dead on arrival from the moment I introduced it, but I think we’re going to surprise them, because I think people are beginning to figure out what’s at stake,” Biden said in a speech at Scranton’s Electric City Trolley Museum, his first visit home since becoming president.

Negotiations between the White House and Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill are underway on what’s now a scaled-back package but would still be an unprecedented federal effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-69c7bb592f8d73232bec1d8e15be82e3">expand social services</a>&nbsp;for millions and confront the rising threat of climate change. It’s coupled with a separate $1 trillion bill to update roads and bridges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634768784360.png" alt="President Biden delivered remarks on his Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and Build Back Better Agenda during a stop in Scranton, Pennsylvania Wednesday.-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden delivered remarks on his Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and Build Back Better Agenda during a stop in Scranton, Pennsylvania Wednesday.-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — In an abrupt change, the White House on Wednesday floated new plans to pay for parts of President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion social services and climate change package, shelving a proposed big increase in corporate tax rates though also adding a new billionaires’ tax on the investment gains of the very richest Americans.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?515469-1/president-biden-delivers-remarks-scranton-infrastructure-proposals">Click here to watch t</a>he President's commentsThe reversal came as Biden returned to his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, to highlight the middle class values he says are at the heart of the package that Democrats are racing to finish. Biden faces resistance from key holdouts, including Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., who has not been on board with her party’s plan to undo Trump-era tax breaks to help pay for it.“This has been declared dead on arrival from the moment I introduced it, but I think we’re going to surprise them, because I think people are beginning to figure out what’s at stake,” Biden said in a speech at Scranton’s Electric City Trolley Museum, his first visit home since becoming president.Negotiations between the White House and Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill are underway on what’s now a scaled-back package but would still be an unprecedented federal effort to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-69c7bb592f8d73232bec1d8e15be82e3">expand social services</a>&nbsp;for millions and confront the rising threat of climate change. It’s coupled with a separate $1 trillion bill to update roads and bridges.Biden and his Democratic Party have given themselves a deadline to seal agreement after laboring to bridge his once-sweeping $3.5 trillion vision preferred by progressives with a more limited focus that can win over party centrists. He has no Democratic votes to spare for passage in the closely divided Congress, and leaders want agreement by week’s end.The newly proposed tax provisions, though, are likely to sour progressives and even some moderate Democrats who have long campaigned on undoing the 2017 GOP tax cuts that many believe unduly reward the wealthy, costing the federal government untold sums in lost revenue at a time of gaping income inequality.Administration officials spoke with congressional leaders on the tax alternatives, according to a person familiar with the private talks and granted anonymity to discuss them. The changes may be needed to win over Sinema, who had objected to plans to raise the rates on corporations and wealthy individuals earning more than $400,000 a year, said the person and several others.As it stands, the corporate tax rate is 21%, and Democrats want to lift it to 26.5% for companies earning more than $5 million a year. The top individual income tax rate would rise from 37% to 39.6% for those earning more than $400,000, or $450,000 for married couples.Under the changes being floated that 21% corporate rate would stay the same.However, the revisions wouldn’t be all positive for big companies and the wealthy. The White House is reviving the idea of a minimum corporate tax rate, similar to the 15% rate Biden had proposed earlier this year. That’s even for companies that say they had no taxable income — a frequent target of Biden who complains that they pay “zero” in taxes.And there could be a new billionaires’ tax, modeled on legislation from Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the chairman of the Finance Committee, who has proposed taxing stock gains of those with more than $1 billion in assets — fewer than 1,000 Americans.Sinema has not publicly stated her position, and her office did not respond to a request for comment.Another key Democrat, conservative Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, has said he prefers a 25% corporate rate. He has been withholding his support for the bill with additional objections to its provisions on climate change and social services.On the call with the administration and the White House, Wyden said he “stressed the importance of putting an end to America’s two tax codes, and finally showing working people in this country that the wealthiest Americans are going to pay taxes just like they do.”The possible shift comes as Democrats appear to have made progress uniting themselves, ready to abandon what had been a loftier package in favor of a smaller, more workable proposal the party can unite aroundIn the mix: At least $500 billion to battle climate change, $350 billion for child care subsidies and free pre-kindergarten, a new federal program for at least four weeks of paid family leave, a one-year extension of the $300 monthly child tax credit put in place during the COVID-19 crisis, and funding for health care provided through the Affordable Care Act and Medicare.Likely to be eliminated or shaved back: plans for tuition-free community college, a path to permanent legal status for certain immigrants in the U.S. and a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-e9b976d57b1b8b35e459c9950b34fca0">clean energy plan</a>&nbsp;that was the centerpiece of Biden’s strategy for fighting climate change.“Nothing is decided until everything is decided,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., the leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus after a morning meeting of House Democrats. “We’re just trying to get it done.”Democrats are growing anxious they have little to show voters despite their campaign promises and have had trouble explaining what they’re trying to do with the massive package, made up of so many different proposals.It’s a tall order that was leading to an all-out push Wednesday to answer the question — “What’s in the damn bill?” — as a press release from Sen. Bernie Sanders, the independent from Vermont, put it.The president especially wants to advance his signature domestic package to bolster&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-69c7bb592f8d73232bec1d8e15be82e3">federal social services</a>&nbsp;and address&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-joe-biden-business-environment-and-nature-environment-e9b976d57b1b8b35e459c9950b34fca0">climate change&nbsp;</a>by the time he departs for a global climate summit next week.Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., a progressive caucus member, said, “He really believes American leadership, American prestige is on the line.”Manchin has made clear&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-change-joe-biden-business-environment-environment-and-nature-81ccfa671e8cdd095ce26b62c33641ce">he opposes the president’s initial energy plan,&nbsp;</a>which was to have the government impose penalties on electric utilities that fail to meet clean energy benchmarks and provide financial rewards to those that do.Instead, Biden is focused on providing at least $500 billion in tax credits, grants and loans for energy producers that reach emission-reduction goals.On other fronts, to preserve Biden’s initial sweep, Democrats are moving to retain many of the programs but trim their duration to shave costs.Biden wants to extend the $300 monthly child tax credit that was put in place during the COVID-19 crisis for another year, rather than allow it to expire in December, but not as long as Democrats wanted.What had been envisioned as a months-long federal paid family leave program could be shrunk to as few as four weeks — an effort to at least start the program rather than eliminate it.Biden also wants to ensure funding for health care programs, including for home- and community-based health care services, supporting a move away from widespread nursing home care.And a new&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-seniors-environment-health-7c573827e3e96f1f4c15bb3234815321">program to provide dental, vision and hearing aid benefits to people on Medicare</a>&nbsp;proposed by Sanders, is likely to remain in some fashion.Biden has told lawmakers that after his top priorities there would be $300 billion remaining.That could lower the overall price tag or be used for other programs.