OSBORNE COUNTY —A Kansas man died in a house fire early Monday in Osborne.

Just after 5a.m. Monday, crews responded to a house fire at 335 South 3rd Street in Osborne, according to Police Chief&nbsp;Matt Pasilas. As crew arrived they found the home fully engulfed in flames.

 During the investigation it was determined that a 32-year-old&nbsp; David Dean, who resides at the residence did not make it out of the structure.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was recovered in the north east corner of the residence. The State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire.

OSBORNE COUNTY —A Kansas man died in a house fire early Monday in Osborne.Just after 5a.m. Monday, crews responded to a house fire at 335 South 3rd Street in Osborne, according to Police Chief&nbsp;Matt Pasilas. As crew arrived they found the home fully engulfed in flames. During the investigation it was determined that a 32-year-old&nbsp; David Dean, who resides at the residence did not make it out of the structure.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was recovered in the north east corner of the residence. The State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire.

Police ID Kansas man who died in house fire

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has charged the former CEO of failed cryptocurrency firm FTX with orchestrating a scheme to defraud investors.

An SEC complaint filed Tuesday alleges that Sam Bankman-Fried raised more than $1.8 billion from equity investors since May 2019 by promoting FTX as a safe, responsible platform for trading crypto assets.

The civil complaint says Bankman-Fried diverted customer funds to Alameda Research LLC, his privately-held crypto fund, without telling them. The complaint also says Bankman-Fried commingled FTX customers’ funds at Alameda to make undisclosed venture investments, lavish real estate purchases, and large political donations.

Bankman-Fried was arrested Monday in the Bahamas at the request of the U.S. government, U.S. and Bahamian authorities said.

The arrest was made after the U.S. filed criminal charges that are expected to be unsealed Tuesday, according to U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. Bankman-Fried had been under criminal investigation by U.S. and Bahamian authorities following the collapse last month of FTX, which filed for bankruptcy on Nov. 11, when it ran out of money after the cryptocurrency equivalent of a bank run.

The SEC charges are separate from the criminal charges expected to be unsealed later Tuesday.

A spokesman for Bankman-Fried had no comment Monday evening. Bankman-Fried has a right to contest his extradition, which could delay but not likely stop his transfer to the U.S.

Bankman-Fried’s arrest comes just a day before he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-bahamas-government-and-politics-bankruptcy-da5a931ef681d93ffb50a80988e91dfc">due to testify</a>&nbsp;in front of the House Financial Services Committee. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., chairwoman of the committee, said she was “disappointed” that the American public, and FTX’s customers, would not get to see Bankman-Fried&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cryptocurrency-business-maxine-waters-801b709670d357ea60785cb505fa9300">testify under oath</a>.

That hearing, however, will be held Tuesday despite the arrest of Bankman-Fried.

Bankman-Fried was one of the world’s wealthiest people on paper, with an estimated net worth of $32 billion. He was a prominent personality in Washington, donating millions of dollars toward mostly left-leaning political causes and Democratic political campaigns. FTX grew to become the second-largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world.

That all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cryptocurrency-technology-business-financial-crisis-a729281a5ef02a03ab3fcd95e152c2a8">unraveled quickly last month</a>, when reports called into question the strength of FTX’s balance sheet. Customers moved to withdraw billions of dollars, but FTX could not meet all the requests because it apparently used its customers deposits to cover bad bets at Bankman-Fried’s investment arm, Alameda Research.

Bankman-Fried said recently that he did not “knowingly” misuse customers’ funds, and said he believes his millions of angry customers will eventually be made whole.

NEW YORK (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sam-bankman-fried-ftx-crypto-downfall-a2eaec231027dfd9f18426ff8982bbf8">former CEO of failed cryptocurrency firm FTX</a>, Sam Bankman-Fried, has been arrested in the Bahamas at the request of the U.S. government, U.S. and Bahamian authorities said Monday.

The arrest was made Monday after the U.S. filed criminal charges that are expected to be unsealed Tuesday, according to U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. Bankman-Fried had been under criminal investigation by U.S. and Bahamian authorities following the collapse last month of FTX. The firm&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cryptocurrency-technology-business-government-and-politics-9ab6a46f5b07d9a4fe7095d9d9589f84">filed for bankruptcy on Nov. 11</a>, when it ran out of money after the cryptocurrency equivalent of a bank run.

“We expect to move to unseal the indictment in the morning and will have more to say at that time,” Williams said.

Bahamian Attorney General Ryan Pinder said the Bahamas would “promptly” extradite Bankman-Fried to the U.S. once the indictment is unsealed and U.S. authorities make a formal request. FTX is headquartered in the Bahamas and Bankman-Fried has largely remained in his Bahamian luxury compound in Nassau since the company's failure.

Bankman-Fried’s arrest comes just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-bahamas-government-and-politics-bankruptcy-da5a931ef681d93ffb50a80988e91dfc">a day before he was due to testify</a>&nbsp;in front of the House Financial Services Committee. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., chairwoman of the committee, said she was “disappointed” that the American public, and FTX's customers, would not get to see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cryptocurrency-business-maxine-waters-801b709670d357ea60785cb505fa9300">Bankman-Fried testify under oath</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cryptocurrency-technology-business-financial-crisis-a729281a5ef02a03ab3fcd95e152c2a8">That all unraveled quickly last month</a>, when reports called into question the strength of FTX’s balance sheet. Customers moved to withdraw billions of dollars, but FTX could not meet all the requests because it apparently used its customers deposits to cover bad bets at Bankman-Fried’s investment arm, Alameda Research.

The House Financial Services Committee is still expected to hear testimony Tuesday from current CEO John Ray III. Ray, who took over FTX on Nov. 11 and is a long-time restructuring specialist, has said in court filings that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ftx-trading-former-ceo-d2c2b881dc0eb0ec37b454674f446b52">the financial conditions at FTX were worse than at Enron</a>.

Bahamian authorities plan to continue their own investigation into Bankman-Fried.

“The Bahamas and the United States have a shared interest in holding accountable all individuals associated with FTX who may have betrayed the public trust and broken the law,” said Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis, in a statement.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said it had authorized separate charges related to alleged violations of securities laws and would file them publicly Tuesday.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The former CEO of the failed cryptocurrency firm FTX will testify before a Congressional committee Tuesday, his first appearance under oath since FTX filed for bankruptcy roughly a month ago.

Sam Bankman-Fried is scheduled to testify in front of the House Financial Services Committee, along with the company's current CEO, John Ray III. Bankman-Fried has done several media interviews since his firm collapsed but has not publicly testified about what happened. He is expected to appear remotely from the Bahamas.

FTX filed for bankruptcy on Nov. 11, when the firm ran out of money after the cryptocurrency equivalent of a bank run. The collapse of crypto's second-largest exchange has garnered worldwide attention, and Bankman-Fried is under criminal investigation by U.S. and Bahamian authorities.

The atmosphere Tuesday should be markedly different from Bankman-Fried's previous trips to Congress, when he testified in favor of certain bills that would regulate the crypto industry in ways that favored FTX. He became prominent in Washington and donated millions of dollars toward mostly left-leaning political causes and Democrat political campaigns, and was hailed as the new face of the crypto industry.

A handful of members of the Financial Services Committee have previously taken political donations from FTX or Bankman-Fried, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. and Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y.

It wasn't clear at first whether Bankman-Fried would voluntarily agree to testify, or whether the committee would have to subpoena him. He has, more or less, remained in his Bahamian luxury compound in Nassau, and temporarily out of reach of U.S. authorities.

Rep. Maxine Waters, D-California and chairwoman of the committee, said she planned to go forward with the hearing regardless of whether Bankman-Fried agreed to testify.

This will be the first public appearance by Ray since FTX's collapse as well. Before FTX, the restructuring expert was best known for having to clean up the mess at Enron roughly 20 years ago. Ray has said in court filings that the financial conditions at FTX were worse than at Enron, and that he has no confidence in FTX's bookkeeping before he took over the firm.

“FTX Group’s collapse appears to stem from the absolute concentration of control in the hands of a very small group of grossly inexperienced and unsophisticated individuals who failed to implement virtually any of the systems or controls that are necessary for a company that is entrusted with other people’s money or assets,” Ray said in his prepared remarks for Tuesday's hearing.

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has charged the former CEO of failed cryptocurrency firm FTX with orchestrating a scheme to defraud investors.An SEC complaint filed Tuesday alleges that Sam Bankman-Fried raised more than $1.8 billion from equity investors since May 2019 by promoting FTX as a safe, responsible platform for trading crypto assets.The civil complaint says Bankman-Fried diverted customer funds to Alameda Research LLC, his privately-held crypto fund, without telling them. The complaint also says Bankman-Fried commingled FTX customers’ funds at Alameda to make undisclosed venture investments, lavish real estate purchases, and large political donations.Bankman-Fried was arrested Monday in the Bahamas at the request of the U.S. government, U.S. and Bahamian authorities said.The arrest was made after the U.S. filed criminal charges that are expected to be unsealed Tuesday, according to U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. Bankman-Fried had been under criminal investigation by U.S. and Bahamian authorities following the collapse last month of FTX, which filed for bankruptcy on Nov. 11, when it ran out of money after the cryptocurrency equivalent of a bank run.The SEC charges are separate from the criminal charges expected to be unsealed later Tuesday.A spokesman for Bankman-Fried had no comment Monday evening. Bankman-Fried has a right to contest his extradition, which could delay but not likely stop his transfer to the U.S.Bankman-Fried’s arrest comes just a day before he was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-bahamas-government-and-politics-bankruptcy-da5a931ef681d93ffb50a80988e91dfc">due to testify</a>&nbsp;in front of the House Financial Services Committee. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., chairwoman of the committee, said she was “disappointed” that the American public, and FTX’s customers, would not get to see Bankman-Fried&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cryptocurrency-business-maxine-waters-801b709670d357ea60785cb505fa9300">testify under oath</a>.That hearing, however, will be held Tuesday despite the arrest of Bankman-Fried.Bankman-Fried was one of the world’s wealthiest people on paper, with an estimated net worth of $32 billion. He was a prominent personality in Washington, donating millions of dollars toward mostly left-leaning political causes and Democratic political campaigns. FTX grew to become the second-largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world.That all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cryptocurrency-technology-business-financial-crisis-a729281a5ef02a03ab3fcd95e152c2a8">unraveled quickly last month</a>, when reports called into question the strength of FTX’s balance sheet. Customers moved to withdraw billions of dollars, but FTX could not meet all the requests because it apparently used its customers deposits to cover bad bets at Bankman-Fried’s investment arm, Alameda Research.Bankman-Fried said recently that he did not “knowingly” misuse customers’ funds, and said he believes his millions of angry customers will eventually be made whole.---------NEW YORK (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sam-bankman-fried-ftx-crypto-downfall-a2eaec231027dfd9f18426ff8982bbf8">former CEO of failed cryptocurrency firm FTX</a>, Sam Bankman-Fried, has been arrested in the Bahamas at the request of the U.S. government, U.S. and Bahamian authorities said Monday.The arrest was made Monday after the U.S. filed criminal charges that are expected to be unsealed Tuesday, according to U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. Bankman-Fried had been under criminal investigation by U.S. and Bahamian authorities following the collapse last month of FTX. The firm&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cryptocurrency-technology-business-government-and-politics-9ab6a46f5b07d9a4fe7095d9d9589f84">filed for bankruptcy on Nov. 11</a>, when it ran out of money after the cryptocurrency equivalent of a bank run.“We expect to move to unseal the indictment in the morning and will have more to say at that time,” Williams said.Bahamian Attorney General Ryan Pinder said the Bahamas would “promptly” extradite Bankman-Fried to the U.S. once the indictment is unsealed and U.S. authorities make a formal request. FTX is headquartered in the Bahamas and Bankman-Fried has largely remained in his Bahamian luxury compound in Nassau since the company's failure.A spokesman for Bankman-Fried had no comment Monday evening. Bankman-Fried has a right to contest his extradition, which could delay but not likely stop his transfer to the U.S.Bankman-Fried’s arrest comes just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-bahamas-government-and-politics-bankruptcy-da5a931ef681d93ffb50a80988e91dfc">a day before he was due to testify</a>&nbsp;in front of the House Financial Services Committee. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., chairwoman of the committee, said she was “disappointed” that the American public, and FTX's customers, would not get to see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cryptocurrency-business-maxine-waters-801b709670d357ea60785cb505fa9300">Bankman-Fried testify under oath</a>.Bankman-Fried was one of the world’s wealthiest people on paper, with an estimated net worth of $32 billion. He was a prominent personality in Washington, donating millions of dollars toward mostly left-leaning political causes and Democratic political campaigns. FTX grew to become the second-largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cryptocurrency-technology-business-financial-crisis-a729281a5ef02a03ab3fcd95e152c2a8">That all unraveled quickly last month</a>, when reports called into question the strength of FTX’s balance sheet. Customers moved to withdraw billions of dollars, but FTX could not meet all the requests because it apparently used its customers deposits to cover bad bets at Bankman-Fried’s investment arm, Alameda Research.Bankman-Fried said recently that he did not “knowingly” misuse customers’ funds, and said he believes his millions of angry customers will eventually be made whole.The House Financial Services Committee is still expected to hear testimony Tuesday from current CEO John Ray III. Ray, who took over FTX on Nov. 11 and is a long-time restructuring specialist, has said in court filings that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ftx-trading-former-ceo-d2c2b881dc0eb0ec37b454674f446b52">the financial conditions at FTX were worse than at Enron</a>.Bahamian authorities plan to continue their own investigation into Bankman-Fried.“The Bahamas and the United States have a shared interest in holding accountable all individuals associated with FTX who may have betrayed the public trust and broken the law,” said Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis, in a statement.The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said it had authorized separate charges related to alleged violations of securities laws and would file them publicly Tuesday.-----------CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The former CEO of the failed cryptocurrency firm FTX will testify before a Congressional committee Tuesday, his first appearance under oath since FTX filed for bankruptcy roughly a month ago.Sam Bankman-Fried is scheduled to testify in front of the House Financial Services Committee, along with the company's current CEO, John Ray III. Bankman-Fried has done several media interviews since his firm collapsed but has not publicly testified about what happened. He is expected to appear remotely from the Bahamas.FTX filed for bankruptcy on Nov. 11, when the firm ran out of money after the cryptocurrency equivalent of a bank run. The collapse of crypto's second-largest exchange has garnered worldwide attention, and Bankman-Fried is under criminal investigation by U.S. and Bahamian authorities.The atmosphere Tuesday should be markedly different from Bankman-Fried's previous trips to Congress, when he testified in favor of certain bills that would regulate the crypto industry in ways that favored FTX. He became prominent in Washington and donated millions of dollars toward mostly left-leaning political causes and Democrat political campaigns, and was hailed as the new face of the crypto industry.A handful of members of the Financial Services Committee have previously taken political donations from FTX or Bankman-Fried, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. and Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y.It wasn't clear at first whether Bankman-Fried would voluntarily agree to testify, or whether the committee would have to subpoena him. He has, more or less, remained in his Bahamian luxury compound in Nassau, and temporarily out of reach of U.S. authorities.Rep. Maxine Waters, D-California and chairwoman of the committee, said she planned to go forward with the hearing regardless of whether Bankman-Fried agreed to testify.This will be the first public appearance by Ray since FTX's collapse as well. Before FTX, the restructuring expert was best known for having to clean up the mess at Enron roughly 20 years ago. Ray has said in court filings that the financial conditions at FTX were worse than at Enron, and that he has no confidence in FTX's bookkeeping before he took over the firm.“FTX Group’s collapse appears to stem from the absolute concentration of control in the hands of a very small group of grossly inexperienced and unsophisticated individuals who failed to implement virtually any of the systems or controls that are necessary for a company that is entrusted with other people’s money or assets,” Ray said in his prepared remarks for Tuesday's hearing.

FTX CEO arrested, charged in billion dollar investor fraud scheme

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a two vehicle crash involving a police officer who were responding to a robbery.

Just before 9p.m. Monday, a police officer was responding to a report of a robbery in the 2900 block of SE California, according to Lt. Kerry Connell.

A citizen vehicle collided with the patrol vehicle in the 2700 block of SE California. Two passengers from the citizen vehicle were transported with to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The police officer was transported to a local hospital for assessment and released. 

The Topeka Police Department has requested the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office investigate the officer involved accident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670929445638.png" alt="The Shawnee Co. Sheriff's office is in charge of the accident investigation -Photo by Ashley Hoback courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>The Shawnee Co. Sheriff's office is in charge of the accident investigation -Photo by Ashley Hoback courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a two vehicle crash involving a police officer who were responding to a robbery.Just before 9p.m. Monday, a police officer was responding to a report of a robbery in the 2900 block of SE California, according to Lt. Kerry Connell.A citizen vehicle collided with the patrol vehicle in the 2700 block of SE California. Two passengers from the citizen vehicle were transported with to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The police officer was transported to a local hospital for assessment and released. The Topeka Police Department has requested the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office investigate the officer involved accident.

Kansas officer responding to robbery call involved in crash

TOPEKA&nbsp; – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt on Monday announced that his office has secured at least $77 million for Kansas as part of settlements with Walgreens and CVS pharmacies to resolve allegations that the companies contributed to the opioid addiction crisis by failing to appropriately oversee the dispensing of opioids at its stores, according to a statement from the AG's office.

As details are finalized, the Kansas share is likely to increase, perhaps substantially.

Schmidt said the two settlements will provide more than $10.7 billion nationally and will require significant improvements in how the pharmacies handle opioids. The proceeds from the settlement must be used to provide treatment and recovery services for people struggling with opioid use disorder, while pharmacies must provide for broad, court-ordered requirements to their pharmacy practices, including robust oversight to prevent fraudulent prescriptions and flag suspicious prescriptions.

The settlements now go to the participating states to review by the end of 2022, allowing for certain additional parties to join during the first quarter of 2023. With this settlement, Schmidt’s office has now recovered more than $278 million related to unlawful opioid manufacturing, marketing and distribution.

“We have worked tirelessly to hold these companies accountable for the addiction and human suffering caused by years of their unlawful business practices,” Schmidt said. “These settlements have been complex, but they are the fruits of the efforts of many to provide justice for the harm of past actions. The money Kansas receives will help repair broken lives.”

Schmidt said Kansas also is engaged in ongoing investigations and negotiations with other companies the state believes played a role in illegally fueling opioid addiction.

Under the Kansas Fights Addiction Act, proposed by Schmidt and enacted last year by the Legislature, money recovered by the attorney general pursuant to opioid litigation will be used to address substance abuse and help ensure addiction services are provided throughout the state. Funding will be available through a&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/about-the-office/affiliated-orgs/kansas-fights-addiction-act-grant-review-board">grant review board</a>&nbsp;created by the statute. State agencies, local governments and not-for-profit entities may apply for funding for addiction treatment and abatement through the board. Additional information on the grant application and review process will be announced soon.

Under Schmidt’s leadership, since 2011 the attorney general’s office has recovered more than $1.1 billion for Kansas consumers and taxpayers, far more than any prior administration. The opioid recoveries are in addition to that amount.

TOPEKA&nbsp; – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt on Monday announced that his office has secured at least $77 million for Kansas as part of settlements with Walgreens and CVS pharmacies to resolve allegations that the companies contributed to the opioid addiction crisis by failing to appropriately oversee the dispensing of opioids at its stores, according to a statement from the AG's office.As details are finalized, the Kansas share is likely to increase, perhaps substantially.Schmidt said the two settlements will provide more than $10.7 billion nationally and will require significant improvements in how the pharmacies handle opioids. The proceeds from the settlement must be used to provide treatment and recovery services for people struggling with opioid use disorder, while pharmacies must provide for broad, court-ordered requirements to their pharmacy practices, including robust oversight to prevent fraudulent prescriptions and flag suspicious prescriptions.The settlements now go to the participating states to review by the end of 2022, allowing for certain additional parties to join during the first quarter of 2023. With this settlement, Schmidt’s office has now recovered more than $278 million related to unlawful opioid manufacturing, marketing and distribution.“We have worked tirelessly to hold these companies accountable for the addiction and human suffering caused by years of their unlawful business practices,” Schmidt said. “These settlements have been complex, but they are the fruits of the efforts of many to provide justice for the harm of past actions. The money Kansas receives will help repair broken lives.”Schmidt said Kansas also is engaged in ongoing investigations and negotiations with other companies the state believes played a role in illegally fueling opioid addiction.Under the Kansas Fights Addiction Act, proposed by Schmidt and enacted last year by the Legislature, money recovered by the attorney general pursuant to opioid litigation will be used to address substance abuse and help ensure addiction services are provided throughout the state. Funding will be available through a&nbsp;<a href="https://ag.ks.gov/about-the-office/affiliated-orgs/kansas-fights-addiction-act-grant-review-board">grant review board</a>&nbsp;created by the statute. State agencies, local governments and not-for-profit entities may apply for funding for addiction treatment and abatement through the board. Additional information on the grant application and review process will be announced soon.Under Schmidt’s leadership, since 2011 the attorney general’s office has recovered more than $1.1 billion for Kansas consumers and taxpayers, far more than any prior administration. The opioid recoveries are in addition to that amount.

AG: Kan. to receive at least $77M in opioid settlement

By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays Post

Two men accused in the armed robbery of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8d523281-0396-4e58-8408-b55867c02a0b">Hays Dollar General this summer</a>&nbsp;both pleaded not guilty to several charges this month in Ellis County District Court.

On Monday, Batalova Olatide Senuoke, 38, Columbus, Ohio, pleaded not guilty to four felony counts in connection with the July 24&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8d523281-0396-4e58-8408-b55867c02a0b">armed robbery&nbsp;</a>of the Dollar General Store at 1208 E. 27th, Hays.

Senuoke was charged with aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, aggravated battery and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.

According to the Hays Police Department, Senuoke entered the Dollar General at approximately 10:30 a.m. July 24 and threatened the cashier with a gun. He left the store with the money and then Senuoke and two other suspects fled the area.

Their vehicle was located in Oakley and, after a brief chase involving the Kansas Highway Patrol, all three suspects were taken into custody just 12:30 p.m. July 24.

In Kansas, if convicted for aggravated robbery, Senuoke faces between 55 and 247 months in prison.

The conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery charge carries a sentence of 31 to 136 months. The potential sentence for aggravated battery is 11 to 34 months and for criminal possession of a weapon by a felon the sentence is seven to 33 months. All four felony charges also carry a fine.

The state anticipates Senuoke’s criminal history will be the highest of the sentencing grid and he could face the maximum penalty on all four charges.

Bryan Anthony Parsley, 42, Columbus, Ohio, was identified as the second suspect allegedly involved in the robbery.

On Friday, Parsley pleaded not guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery and a misdemeanor charge of theft.

A third person — an unidentified female — was also taken into custody following the incident in July but has not been charged.

The court has scheduled a status hearing for later this month to determine if they will join the cases and try them together or separate.

If there is a jury trial or trials, they would be held sometime next year.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670891099222.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT Hays PostTwo men accused in the armed robbery of the&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8d523281-0396-4e58-8408-b55867c02a0b">Hays Dollar General this summer</a>&nbsp;both pleaded not guilty to several charges this month in Ellis County District Court.On Monday, Batalova Olatide Senuoke, 38, Columbus, Ohio, pleaded not guilty to four felony counts in connection with the July 24&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/8d523281-0396-4e58-8408-b55867c02a0b">armed robbery&nbsp;</a>of the Dollar General Store at 1208 E. 27th, Hays.Senuoke was charged with aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, aggravated battery and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon.According to the Hays Police Department, Senuoke entered the Dollar General at approximately 10:30 a.m. July 24 and threatened the cashier with a gun. He left the store with the money and then Senuoke and two other suspects fled the area.Their vehicle was located in Oakley and, after a brief chase involving the Kansas Highway Patrol, all three suspects were taken into custody just 12:30 p.m. July 24.In Kansas, if convicted for aggravated robbery, Senuoke faces between 55 and 247 months in prison.The conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery charge carries a sentence of 31 to 136 months. The potential sentence for aggravated battery is 11 to 34 months and for criminal possession of a weapon by a felon the sentence is seven to 33 months. All four felony charges also carry a fine.The state anticipates Senuoke’s criminal history will be the highest of the sentencing grid and he could face the maximum penalty on all four charges.Bryan Anthony Parsley, 42, Columbus, Ohio, was identified as the second suspect allegedly involved in the robbery.On Friday, Parsley pleaded not guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery and a misdemeanor charge of theft.A third person — an unidentified female — was also taken into custody following the incident in July but has not been charged.The court has scheduled a status hearing for later this month to determine if they will join the cases and try them together or separate.If there is a jury trial or trials, they would be held sometime next year.

2 charged for armed robbery at Dollar General in Hays

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple allegations after a holiday party.

Just before 3:30a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the area of Taylor Avenue and Mulberry Street in Garden City for a fight between two women. Upon arrival, Officers met with a woman and a man with visible injuries and learned they had been in an altercation with another woman.

The investigation revealed the man and woman offered 31-year-old Raquel Contreras of Garden City, a ride home from a party. During the ride, Contreras became upset and attacked both individuals with her fists and feet. 

Contreras also struck the man in the head with a glass bottle, causing a laceration to his head. 

During the altercation, Contreras attempted to drive away in the car without permission before fleeing the area on foot. The man was transported to St. Catherine Hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Police later located Contreras in the area and took her into custody without incident. Contreras is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Battery, Interference LEO (F), and Attempted Auto Theft.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670861210730.png" alt="Contreras" />
 <figcaption>Contreras</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple allegations after a holiday party.Just before 3:30a.m. Saturday, police were dispatched to the area of Taylor Avenue and Mulberry Street in Garden City for a fight between two women. Upon arrival, Officers met with a woman and a man with visible injuries and learned they had been in an altercation with another woman.The investigation revealed the man and woman offered 31-year-old Raquel Contreras of Garden City, a ride home from a party. During the ride, Contreras became upset and attacked both individuals with her fists and feet. Contreras also struck the man in the head with a glass bottle, causing a laceration to his head. During the altercation, Contreras attempted to drive away in the car without permission before fleeing the area on foot. The man was transported to St. Catherine Hospital for treatment of his injuries.Police later located Contreras in the area and took her into custody without incident. Contreras is being held on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Battery, Interference LEO (F), and Attempted Auto Theft.

SW Kan. woman jailed for alleged car theft, fight after holiday party

SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas sex offender arrested in September of 2020 in connection with two cases of rape was sentenced on Thursday.

Patrick Newborn, 35, was sentenced to 105 years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office. 

In September a jury found him guilty rape. He was originally charged with criminal threat, 2 counts of domestic battery, criminal trespass, 4 counts of aggravated burglary, 6 counts of aggravated robbery, 6 counts of rape, 7 counts of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, 2 counts of aggravated intimidation of a witness, 3 counts of aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, 2 counts of aggravated battery, attempted rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, attempted aggravated robbery, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, interference with a law enforcement officer, battery (misdemeanor), according to the District Attorney's office.

On August 29, 2020 Wichita police began a sexual assault and robbery investigation following an incident reported in the 6100 Block of East Boston in Wichita, according to Captain Jason Stephens.

Two victims reported an attempted robbery at gunpoint. The female victims reported the suspect, later identified as Patrick Newborn had committed a sexual assault against her one to two weeks earlier, according to Stephens.

On Sept. 13, 2020 police investigated another sexual assault involving a different victim at a residence in the 700 Block of South Pershing in Wichita. Investigators determined the cases were likely connected and later confirmed that.

Special Weapons and Tactics team on the scene of the 7-hour standoff and arrest late Tuesday -photo courtesy KWCH

On Sept. 15, 2020 police learned that Newborn was wanted on a felony warrant for being a parole absconder, according to Stephens. Officers located him Tuesday in 9100 Block of East Harry in Wichita. Upon confronting him, Newborn pulled a handgun and threatened the officers.

The officers retreated from the residence and called in the SWAT team. The SWAT team established a perimeter around the location and spent 7 hours communicating with Newborn.

Just after 1a.m. Sept. 16, 2020 he gave himself up and was taken into custody without further incident, according to Stephens.

He has a previous conviction for Aggravated Indecent Liberties, Sex Intercourse with a victim under the age of 16, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600269243259.png" alt="Newborn -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Newborn -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY — A Kansas sex offender arrested in September of 2020 in connection with two cases of rape was sentenced on Thursday.Patrick Newborn, 35, was sentenced to 105 years in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office. In September a jury found him guilty rape. He was originally charged with criminal threat, 2 counts of domestic battery, criminal trespass, 4 counts of aggravated burglary, 6 counts of aggravated robbery, 6 counts of rape, 7 counts of criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, 2 counts of aggravated intimidation of a witness, 3 counts of aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, 2 counts of aggravated battery, attempted rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, attempted aggravated robbery, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, interference with a law enforcement officer, battery (misdemeanor), according to the District Attorney's office.On August 29, 2020 Wichita police began a sexual assault and robbery investigation following an incident reported in the 6100 Block of East Boston in Wichita, according to Captain Jason Stephens.Two victims reported an attempted robbery at gunpoint. The female victims reported the suspect, later identified as Patrick Newborn had committed a sexual assault against her one to two weeks earlier, according to Stephens.On Sept. 13, 2020 police investigated another sexual assault involving a different victim at a residence in the 700 Block of South Pershing in Wichita. Investigators determined the cases were likely connected and later confirmed that.Special Weapons and Tactics team on the scene of the 7-hour standoff and arrest late Tuesday -photo courtesy KWCHOn Sept. 15, 2020 police learned that Newborn was wanted on a felony warrant for being a parole absconder, according to Stephens. Officers located him Tuesday in 9100 Block of East Harry in Wichita. Upon confronting him, Newborn pulled a handgun and threatened the officers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600271410562.png" alt="Special Weapons and Tactics team on the scene of the 7-hour standoff and arrest late Tuesday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Special Weapons and Tactics team on the scene of the 7-hour standoff and arrest late Tuesday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>The officers retreated from the residence and called in the SWAT team. The SWAT team established a perimeter around the location and spent 7 hours communicating with Newborn.Just after 1a.m. Sept. 16, 2020 he gave himself up and was taken into custody without further incident, according to Stephens.He has a previous conviction for Aggravated Indecent Liberties, Sex Intercourse with a victim under the age of 16, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.----

Kan. sex offender caught after SWAT standoff sentenced for rape 

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — The NCAA placed Missouri Southern State's football program on three years of probation after finding that former coach Jeff Sims acted as if he and his staff did not have to follow compliance regulations.

The school in Joplin, Missouri, hired Sims shortly after one of his football players died of heat stroke while he was coaching at Garden City (Kansas) Community College in 2018.

In a report released Friday by the NCAA's Division II Committee on Infractions, Sims is accused of running a program where he "actively promoted an atmosphere of noncompliance" with NCAA regulations.

The committee also found that the university failed to monitor its football program.

Among other violations, the NCAA said the program allowed impermissible recruiting inducements and benefits, academic misconduct and violations of limits on athletically related activities.

For example, Simms persuaded a booster to pay $8,080 in back tuition for a former Garden City Community College player so he could play for Missouri Southern, the NCAA said. Sims also threatened his staffers' jobs if the athletes did not perform will academically and promoted a confrontational relationship with athletics administration and compliance officials, according to the report.

A former assistant coach and a former academic adviser also were sanctioned by the NCAA for their roles in the compliance violations.

Before he was hired at Missouri Southern, Sims was coaching at Garden City Community College when freshman offensive lineman Braedon Bradforth, of Neptune, New Jersey, died of heat stroke after a football workout in August 2018.

An investigation found that Bradforth's death was caused by "a striking lack of leadership" by top college officials, including Sims.

Bradforth's family settled a lawsuit against the college in 2020 for $500,000.

Current Missouri Southern athletic director Robert Mallory declined to comment beyond a statement issued by school President Dean Van Galen, who noted that all the infractions occurred in 2019 and 2020, before current coach Atiba Bradley was hired, and that no current coaches or staff members were involved.

"I have 100% confidence that under Coach Bradley's leadership that Lions' football is operating with the highest levels of integrity and transparency," Van Galen said.

Sims, who was fired in 2020 during his second season at Missouri Southern, did not immediately return messages seeking comment left on phone numbers listed for him. His team went 2-9 in his first year and didn't play in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The school began an investigation in April 2020 when the human resources department learned of potential violations during an exit interview with an assistant coach. During the investigation, other former members of the football staff and former athletes raised similar concerns, prompting the school to contact the NCAA.

Besides probation, Missouri Southern and the NCAA also agreed to a reduction in football scholarships from 36 to 34.2, a $5,000 fine and vacating all football records in which athletes competed while ineligible.

Sims, who initially denied knowing about the infractions and then stopped cooperating with the investigation, was issued a seven-year show-cause order, which could penalize any institution that hired him as a coach.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670878523425.png" alt="Missouri Southern fired Simms in Dec. 2020" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Southern fired Simms in Dec. 2020</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARGARET STAFFORDJOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — The NCAA placed Missouri Southern State's football program on three years of probation after finding that former coach Jeff Sims acted as if he and his staff did not have to follow compliance regulations.The school in Joplin, Missouri, hired Sims shortly after one of his football players died of heat stroke while he was coaching at Garden City (Kansas) Community College in 2018.In a report released Friday by the NCAA's Division II Committee on Infractions, Sims is accused of running a program where he "actively promoted an atmosphere of noncompliance" with NCAA regulations.The committee also found that the university failed to monitor its football program.Among other violations, the NCAA said the program allowed impermissible recruiting inducements and benefits, academic misconduct and violations of limits on athletically related activities.For example, Simms persuaded a booster to pay $8,080 in back tuition for a former Garden City Community College player so he could play for Missouri Southern, the NCAA said. Sims also threatened his staffers' jobs if the athletes did not perform will academically and promoted a confrontational relationship with athletics administration and compliance officials, according to the report.A former assistant coach and a former academic adviser also were sanctioned by the NCAA for their roles in the compliance violations.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607354101143.png" alt="The family of Braeden Bradforth, pictured here with his mother, alleges medical personnel did not adhere to "professional standards" during the crucial final minutes of his life. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The family of Braeden Bradforth, pictured here with his mother, alleges medical personnel did not adhere to "professional standards" during the crucial final minutes of his life. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Before he was hired at Missouri Southern, Sims was coaching at Garden City Community College when freshman offensive lineman Braedon Bradforth, of Neptune, New Jersey, died of heat stroke after a football workout in August 2018.An investigation found that Bradforth's death was caused by "a striking lack of leadership" by top college officials, including Sims.Bradforth's family settled a lawsuit against the college in 2020 for $500,000.Current Missouri Southern athletic director Robert Mallory declined to comment beyond a statement issued by school President Dean Van Galen, who noted that all the infractions occurred in 2019 and 2020, before current coach Atiba Bradley was hired, and that no current coaches or staff members were involved."I have 100% confidence that under Coach Bradley's leadership that Lions' football is operating with the highest levels of integrity and transparency," Van Galen said.Sims, who was fired in 2020 during his second season at Missouri Southern, did not immediately return messages seeking comment left on phone numbers listed for him. His team went 2-9 in his first year and didn't play in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.The school began an investigation in April 2020 when the human resources department learned of potential violations during an exit interview with an assistant coach. During the investigation, other former members of the football staff and former athletes raised similar concerns, prompting the school to contact the NCAA.Besides probation, Missouri Southern and the NCAA also agreed to a reduction in football scholarships from 36 to 34.2, a $5,000 fine and vacating all football records in which athletes competed while ineligible.Sims, who initially denied knowing about the infractions and then stopped cooperating with the investigation, was issued a seven-year show-cause order, which could penalize any institution that hired him as a coach.___

NCAA violations followed former Kan. community college coach

Millions of Americans were — for a time — eligible for student loan forgiveness, but a legal battle over the constitutionality of the Biden administration's plan put everything on hold.

Monday evening, the U.S. Department of Education pulled a mea culpa on emails sent in late November that told recipients they were approved for student loan forgiveness, citing a "vendor error."

Due to a vendor error, you recently received an email with a subject line indicating your application for the one-time Student Loan Debt Relief Plan had been approved. The subject line was inaccurate. The body of the previous email was accurate.&nbsp;

We have received your application but are not permitted to review your eligibility because of ongoing litigation. We will keep your application information and review your eligibility if and when we prevail in court.

We apologize for the confusion, and you do not need to take any further action at this time. We will keep you updated with any developments.

Millions of Americans were — for a time — eligible for student loan forgiveness, but a legal battle over the constitutionality of the Biden administration's plan put everything on hold.Monday evening, the U.S. Department of Education pulled a mea culpa on emails sent in late November that told recipients they were approved for student loan forgiveness, citing a "vendor error."-----The correction read:Due to a vendor error, you recently received an email with a subject line indicating your application for the one-time Student Loan Debt Relief Plan had been approved. The subject line was inaccurate. The body of the previous email was accurate.&nbsp;We have received your application but are not permitted to review your eligibility because of ongoing litigation. We will keep your application information and review your eligibility if and when we prevail in court.We apologize for the confusion, and you do not need to take any further action at this time. We will keep you updated with any developments.

U.S. Dept. of Ed issues correction to loan forgiveness email

By DYLAN LYSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-12-12/250-workers-deployed-to-the-keystone-pipeline-spill-in-kansas-but-the-end-to-cleanup-isnt-in-sight">Kansas News Service</a>

The largest inland oil spill in nearly a decade has prompted the 
owner of the Keystone pipeline to build an earthen dam three miles 
downstream from the release in an attempt to limit the contamination in 
north-central Kansas.

Canadian company TC Energy also said it’s 
deployed some 250 workers to limit the damage from the pipeline’s 
rupture last week and the release of 14,000 barrels worth of crude — 
enough sludge to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Meantime, federal regulators said it appears the oil has not fouled groundwater.

TC
 Energy says it’s unclear how long it will take to clean up the damage 
and remediate the soil in Washington County, just south of the Nebraska 
border.

On Monday, its workers further surveyed the damage and 
prepared for rainy weather in the forecast. The pipeline company said 
it’s also conducting air quality checks, but it has detected no reason 
for public health concerns.

The company said it will continue 
clean-up efforts at the site until it is completely remedied and the 
pipeline will not restart until regulators say it’s safe.

“The 
health and safety of onsite staff and personnel, the surrounding 
community, and mitigating risk to the environment is our primary focus 
right now,” TC Energy said on its website.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3eeb9a56-7c04-4a38-b0b7-0739d7358e02">Click HERE for drone footage of the spill site.</a>

The spill of roughly 580,000 gallons came with <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-12-08/keystone-pipeline-spills-in-kansas-dirtying-creek-and-causing-oil-prices-to-spike" target="_blank">pipeline rupture last week</a> that had residents waking up to an odor that smelled like petroleum.

Kellen
 Ashford, a spokesperson for the U.S. The Environmental Protection 
Agency, said Monday the cause of the rupture will be determined by crews
 from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which 
is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Officials for that 
agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ashford said the EPA has no timeline for TC Energy’s remediation efforts.

The
 oil had made it about three miles downstream in Mill Creek but was 
contained within the dam waterway. No groundwater has been affected, 
Ashford said.

“The only water that has been impacted has been the 
surface water in the creek,” the EPA spokesperson said. “The drinking 
water has not been impacted by the pipeline rupture.”

The type of 
oil in the Keystone pipeline is sludgy and often sinks to the bottom of 
waterways – making it more difficult to clean than conventional crude 
oil. The pipeline carries oil from Canada to American refineries. It has
 previously leaked in South Dakota and North Dakota, CNN reported.

TC
 Energy had planned to build an additional pipeline called the Keystone 
XL, which sparked years of political debate, legal wrestling and 
protests — primarily generated by environmental groups worried that 
expanding fossil fuels infrastructure would hurt efforts to fight carbon
 emissions and slow climate change. President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/inauguration-day-live-updates/2021/01/20/958823085/biden-order-blocks-keystone-xl-pipeline" target="_blank">blocked the XL pipeline</a> immediately upon taking office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670881926358.png" alt="A massive oil spill in north-central Kansas seeped into Mill Creek and traveled about three miles downstream. Clean up crews contained the spill with a dam about four miles downstream. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency" />
 <figcaption>A massive oil spill in north-central Kansas seeped into Mill Creek and traveled about three miles downstream. Clean up crews contained the spill with a dam about four miles downstream. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</figcaption>
 </figure>By DYLAN LYSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-12-12/250-workers-deployed-to-the-keystone-pipeline-spill-in-kansas-but-the-end-to-cleanup-isnt-in-sight">Kansas News Service</a>The largest inland oil spill in nearly a decade has prompted the 
owner of the Keystone pipeline to build an earthen dam three miles 
downstream from the release in an attempt to limit the contamination in 
north-central Kansas.Canadian company TC Energy also said it’s 
deployed some 250 workers to limit the damage from the pipeline’s 
rupture last week and the release of 14,000 barrels worth of crude — 
enough sludge to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.Meantime, federal regulators said it appears the oil has not fouled groundwater.TC
 Energy says it’s unclear how long it will take to clean up the damage 
and remediate the soil in Washington County, just south of the Nebraska 
border.On Monday, its workers further surveyed the damage and 
prepared for rainy weather in the forecast. The pipeline company said 
it’s also conducting air quality checks, but it has detected no reason 
for public health concerns.The company said it will continue 
clean-up efforts at the site until it is completely remedied and the 
pipeline will not restart until regulators say it’s safe.“The 
health and safety of onsite staff and personnel, the surrounding 
community, and mitigating risk to the environment is our primary focus 
right now,” TC Energy said on its website.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3eeb9a56-7c04-4a38-b0b7-0739d7358e02">Click HERE for drone footage of the spill site.</a>The spill of roughly 580,000 gallons came with <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-12-08/keystone-pipeline-spills-in-kansas-dirtying-creek-and-causing-oil-prices-to-spike" target="_blank">pipeline rupture last week</a> that had residents waking up to an odor that smelled like petroleum.Kellen
 Ashford, a spokesperson for the U.S. The Environmental Protection 
Agency, said Monday the cause of the rupture will be determined by crews
 from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which 
is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Officials for that 
agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Ashford said the EPA has no timeline for TC Energy’s remediation efforts.The
 oil had made it about three miles downstream in Mill Creek but was 
contained within the dam waterway. No groundwater has been affected, 
Ashford said.“The only water that has been impacted has been the 
surface water in the creek,” the EPA spokesperson said. “The drinking 
water has not been impacted by the pipeline rupture.”The type of 
oil in the Keystone pipeline is sludgy and often sinks to the bottom of 
waterways – making it more difficult to clean than conventional crude 
oil. The pipeline carries oil from Canada to American refineries. It has
 previously leaked in South Dakota and North Dakota, CNN reported.TC
 Energy had planned to build an additional pipeline called the Keystone 
XL, which sparked years of political debate, legal wrestling and 
protests — primarily generated by environmental groups worried that 
expanding fossil fuels infrastructure would hurt efforts to fight carbon
 emissions and slow climate change. President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/inauguration-day-live-updates/2021/01/20/958823085/biden-order-blocks-keystone-xl-pipeline" target="_blank">blocked the XL pipeline</a> immediately upon taking office.

250 deployed to Kan. pipeline spill; cleanup's end isn't in sight

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Chris Beard, who coached Texas Tech to the 2019 NCAA championship game and was hired away by Texas with expectations he’d elevate his alma mater to the same elite level, was arrested early Monday on a felony family violence charge after a woman told police he strangled and bit her.

The school suspended Beard without pay “until further notice” and said assistant Rodney Terry would coach the No. 7 Longhorns against Rice on Monday night.

Beard was arrested by Austin police and booked at the Travis County jail at 4:18 a.m. on a charge of assault on a family or household member in which their breath was impeded. The charge is a third-degree felony in Texas, with a possible punishment of two to 10 years in prison.

According to the arrest affidavit first reported by the Austin American-Statesman, the woman told police she is his fiance and they have been in a relationship for six years. She said they had been in an argument where she broke his glasses before he “just snapped on me and became super violent.”

According to the affidavit, the woman told police “he choked me, bit me, bruises all over my leg, throwing me around and going nuts.”

She told police Beard choked her from behind with his arm around her neck and she couldn’t breathe for about five seconds. Police say she she had a bite mark on her right arm and an abrasion to her right temple among other visible injuries.

When questioned by police, Beard said he had audio recordings of the incident that would show he was not the primary aggressor. But he refused to share them with officers, police said.

Beard went before a magistrate judge for his bond hearing, wearing jailhouse black-and-grey stripes and his hands cuffed in front at his waist. Beard was told he could communicate with the woman but not in a threatening manner, was ordered to stay 200 yards away from the residence where police were called and was told he is barred from possessing a firearm.

Beard nodded his head and answered “yes, sir” several times when addressing the judge. Jail records show Beard posted $10,000 bond. He didn’t answer questions when he left the jail with his attorney Perry Minton.

Minton declined comment but earlier told the American-Statesman the coach is innocent.

“He should never have been arrested,” Minton told the newspaper. “The complainant wants him released immediately and all charges dismissed. It is truly inconceivable.”

It wasn’t immediately known if the woman has an attorney. She was identified in the affidavit, but The Associated Press does not typically identify alleged victims of extreme violence without their consent.

“The university takes matters of interpersonal violence involving members of its community seriously,” the school said in announcing Beard’s suspension. It did not commit to Terry as the acting coach beyond Monday night. Terry was a head coach at UTEP (2018-21) and Fresno State (2011-18).

Beard is in his second season of a seven-year guaranteed contract that pays him more than $5 million per year. Before that, he was 112-55 in five seasons with the Red Raiders. He was named The Associated Press coach of the year in 2019 as he guided Texas Tech to a 31-7 finish and lost in an overtime thriller to Virginia in the national championship game.

His departure for Texas — a deal reached after a meeting with Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte that included a McDonald’s breakfast an hour’s drive north of Lubbock — left Texas Tech officials frustrated.

Beard said it was a difficult move, but he could not turn down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/basketball-texas-longhorns-mens-basketball-texas-tech-red-raiders-mens-basketball-chris-beard-texas-a65e56eee131de24a128b0f9f9cb4d2c">a chance to coach at his alma mater, where he was a student assistant three decades ago.</a>&nbsp;Earlier this year, he led Texas to a first-round victory over Virginia Tech that was the Longhorns’ first NCAA Tournament win since 2014.

Beard’s contract includes a provision under which he can be fired for cause for conduct the administration reasonably determines reflects poorly on the coach, program, school or university system. That includes being charged with a felony. University of Texas System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife did not return a message seeking comment.

Texas freshman guard Arterio Morris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-mens-college-basketball-chris-beard-fed29b4832f13e492868d779e3207406">faces a misdemeanor family violence charge stemming from a June arrest after an incident with a former girlfriend.</a>&nbsp;He faces a Wednesday court hearing in Denton County near Dallas.

Morris, a top national recruit, has been allowed to play this season despite the charge, and averages 17 minutes and 6.5 points per game. Morris’ attorney, Justin Moore, has said Moore is innocent of the assault charge.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas men’s basketball coach Chris Beard was arrested early Monday on a felony family violence charge, according to Travis County Jail records.&nbsp;

Just after midnight, police responded to a 911 call for a disturbance at a home in the 1900 Block of Vista Lane, according to a media release from Austin Police. The caller reported the disturbance was no longer ongoing and one of the individuals had left the house.&nbsp;

Police responded and found a woman a woman who stated she had been assaulted and strangled by Chris Beard.

The county Sheriff’s Office said the 49-year-old Beard was arrested by Austin police and booked at 4:18 a.m. on a charge of assault on a family or household member in which their breath was impeded, or choking, in common terms.

The charge is a third-degree felony in Texas, with a possible punishment of two to 10 years in prison. The jail records showed Beard had not yet posted bond as of Monday morning and did not indicate when he would be making an initial court appearance. No attorney for him was listed.

“The university is aware of the situation regarding Chris Beard. We are continuing to gather information and monitoring the legal process,” the school said in a statement.

The Longhorns (7-1), who have been ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 this season, host Rice on Monday night.

Beard is in his second season of a seven-year guaranteed contract that pays him more than $5 million per year. Before coming to Texas, he Texas Tech to the 2019 NCAA Tournament championship game.

Texas freshman guard Arterio Morris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-mens-college-basketball-chris-beard-fed29b4832f13e492868d779e3207406">also faces a misdemeanor family violence charge stemming from a June arrest after an incident with a former girlfriend</a>&nbsp;and faces a Wednesday court hearing in Denton County near Dallas.

Morris was a top national recruit out of Dallas and has been allowed to play this season despite the charge, and averages 17 minutes and 6.5 points per game. Morris’ attorney Justin Moore has said Moore is innocent of the assault charge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670872672542.png" alt="Beard-photo Travis County" />
 <figcaption>Beard-photo Travis County</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Chris Beard, who coached Texas Tech to the 2019 NCAA championship game and was hired away by Texas with expectations he’d elevate his alma mater to the same elite level, was arrested early Monday on a felony family violence charge after a woman told police he strangled and bit her.The school suspended Beard without pay “until further notice” and said assistant Rodney Terry would coach the No. 7 Longhorns against Rice on Monday night.Beard was arrested by Austin police and booked at the Travis County jail at 4:18 a.m. on a charge of assault on a family or household member in which their breath was impeded. The charge is a third-degree felony in Texas, with a possible punishment of two to 10 years in prison.According to the arrest affidavit first reported by the Austin American-Statesman, the woman told police she is his fiance and they have been in a relationship for six years. She said they had been in an argument where she broke his glasses before he “just snapped on me and became super violent.”According to the affidavit, the woman told police “he choked me, bit me, bruises all over my leg, throwing me around and going nuts.”She told police Beard choked her from behind with his arm around her neck and she couldn’t breathe for about five seconds. Police say she she had a bite mark on her right arm and an abrasion to her right temple among other visible injuries.When questioned by police, Beard said he had audio recordings of the incident that would show he was not the primary aggressor. But he refused to share them with officers, police said.Beard went before a magistrate judge for his bond hearing, wearing jailhouse black-and-grey stripes and his hands cuffed in front at his waist. Beard was told he could communicate with the woman but not in a threatening manner, was ordered to stay 200 yards away from the residence where police were called and was told he is barred from possessing a firearm.Beard nodded his head and answered “yes, sir” several times when addressing the judge. Jail records show Beard posted $10,000 bond. He didn’t answer questions when he left the jail with his attorney Perry Minton.Minton declined comment but earlier told the American-Statesman the coach is innocent.“He should never have been arrested,” Minton told the newspaper. “The complainant wants him released immediately and all charges dismissed. It is truly inconceivable.”It wasn’t immediately known if the woman has an attorney. She was identified in the affidavit, but The Associated Press does not typically identify alleged victims of extreme violence without their consent.“The university takes matters of interpersonal violence involving members of its community seriously,” the school said in announcing Beard’s suspension. It did not commit to Terry as the acting coach beyond Monday night. Terry was a head coach at UTEP (2018-21) and Fresno State (2011-18).Beard is in his second season of a seven-year guaranteed contract that pays him more than $5 million per year. Before that, he was 112-55 in five seasons with the Red Raiders. He was named The Associated Press coach of the year in 2019 as he guided Texas Tech to a 31-7 finish and lost in an overtime thriller to Virginia in the national championship game.His departure for Texas — a deal reached after a meeting with Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte that included a McDonald’s breakfast an hour’s drive north of Lubbock — left Texas Tech officials frustrated.Beard said it was a difficult move, but he could not turn down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/basketball-texas-longhorns-mens-basketball-texas-tech-red-raiders-mens-basketball-chris-beard-texas-a65e56eee131de24a128b0f9f9cb4d2c">a chance to coach at his alma mater, where he was a student assistant three decades ago.</a>&nbsp;Earlier this year, he led Texas to a first-round victory over Virginia Tech that was the Longhorns’ first NCAA Tournament win since 2014.Beard’s contract includes a provision under which he can be fired for cause for conduct the administration reasonably determines reflects poorly on the coach, program, school or university system. That includes being charged with a felony. University of Texas System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife did not return a message seeking comment.Texas freshman guard Arterio Morris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-mens-college-basketball-chris-beard-fed29b4832f13e492868d779e3207406">faces a misdemeanor family violence charge stemming from a June arrest after an incident with a former girlfriend.</a>&nbsp;He faces a Wednesday court hearing in Denton County near Dallas.Morris, a top national recruit, has been allowed to play this season despite the charge, and averages 17 minutes and 6.5 points per game. Morris’ attorney, Justin Moore, has said Moore is innocent of the assault charge.-------------AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas men’s basketball coach Chris Beard was arrested early Monday on a felony family violence charge, according to Travis County Jail records.&nbsp;Just after midnight, police responded to a 911 call for a disturbance at a home in the 1900 Block of Vista Lane, according to a media release from Austin Police. The caller reported the disturbance was no longer ongoing and one of the individuals had left the house.&nbsp;Police responded and found a woman a woman who stated she had been assaulted and strangled by Chris Beard.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670863360648.png" alt="Travis County jail records" />
 <figcaption>Travis County jail records</figcaption>
 </figure>The county Sheriff’s Office said the 49-year-old Beard was arrested by Austin police and booked at 4:18 a.m. on a charge of assault on a family or household member in which their breath was impeded, or choking, in common terms.The charge is a third-degree felony in Texas, with a possible punishment of two to 10 years in prison. The jail records showed Beard had not yet posted bond as of Monday morning and did not indicate when he would be making an initial court appearance. No attorney for him was listed.“The university is aware of the situation regarding Chris Beard. We are continuing to gather information and monitoring the legal process,” the school said in a statement.The Longhorns (7-1), who have been ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 this season, host Rice on Monday night.Beard is in his second season of a seven-year guaranteed contract that pays him more than $5 million per year. Before coming to Texas, he Texas Tech to the 2019 NCAA Tournament championship game.Texas freshman guard Arterio Morris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-mens-college-basketball-chris-beard-fed29b4832f13e492868d779e3207406">also faces a misdemeanor family violence charge stemming from a June arrest after an incident with a former girlfriend</a>&nbsp;and faces a Wednesday court hearing in Denton County near Dallas.Morris was a top national recruit out of Dallas and has been allowed to play this season despite the charge, and averages 17 minutes and 6.5 points per game. Morris’ attorney Justin Moore has said Moore is innocent of the assault charge.

Univ. of Texas suspends coach over family violence charge

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly on Monday announced that approximately 189,000 Kansas children are eligible to receive a supplemental benefit through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Program (P-EBT) totaling $56 million, according to a media release from her office.

The program provides a one-time benefit of $391 on a Kansas Benefits Card for each school-aged child who was eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals at a school through the National School Lunch Program during the 2020-2021 school year.&nbsp;

The P-EBT program is administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) in collaboration with the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Food insecurity should be the last thing Kansas children face right now, especially during the holiday season,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Thanks to the partnership of DCF and KSDE the state will be able to expedite payments to many eligible families to help ensure they have food on the table over the winter break.”&nbsp;

Children eligible for free and reduced priced lunches during the school year 2021-2022 will also receive the $391 benefit. The program also provides a benefit to eligible Kansas children for the summer months of June, July, and August of 2022.&nbsp;

Children who attend a Head Start program and were enrolled in free or reduced-price meals program for the 2021-2022 school year also are eligible.&nbsp;

Nearly 80 percent, or 144,000 children, eligible for the Supplemental P-EBT benefit will be auto-issued their payment beginning December 12. Auto-issuance is staggered based on the last name of the child and will be completed by December 21.&nbsp;

In some cases, auto-issuance is not possible. Parents and guardians who believe their children are eligible are encouraged to apply for the Supplemental P-EBT through the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMTIuNjgwNzk5MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Nzc3Aua2Vlcy5rcy5nb3YvYXBzcHNzcC9zc3BOb25NZWQucG9ydGFsIn0.0o6EC7Afy0180_esgLD6kj0zRazrEvITs6fipHx6rPg/s/1303160919/br/150237212261-l" target="_blank">DCF Self-Service Portal</a>&nbsp;from January 1 – 31, 2023.&nbsp;

More detailed information and a list of frequently asked questions can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMTIuNjgwNzk5MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmRjZi5rcy5nb3YvUGFnZXMvUC1FQlQuYXNweCJ9.oLcJ2uMSmk5ejzNDWcwSH10JTRjnWRNv4M_HVu6GQZw/s/1303160919/br/150237212261-l" target="_blank">www.dcf.ks.gov/Pages/P-EBT.aspx</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly on Monday announced that approximately 189,000 Kansas children are eligible to receive a supplemental benefit through the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Program (P-EBT) totaling $56 million, according to a media release from her office.The program provides a one-time benefit of $391 on a Kansas Benefits Card for each school-aged child who was eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals at a school through the National School Lunch Program during the 2020-2021 school year.&nbsp;The P-EBT program is administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) in collaboration with the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Food insecurity should be the last thing Kansas children face right now, especially during the holiday season,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“Thanks to the partnership of DCF and KSDE the state will be able to expedite payments to many eligible families to help ensure they have food on the table over the winter break.”&nbsp;Children eligible for free and reduced priced lunches during the school year 2021-2022 will also receive the $391 benefit. The program also provides a benefit to eligible Kansas children for the summer months of June, July, and August of 2022.&nbsp;Children who attend a Head Start program and were enrolled in free or reduced-price meals program for the 2021-2022 school year also are eligible.&nbsp;Nearly 80 percent, or 144,000 children, eligible for the Supplemental P-EBT benefit will be auto-issued their payment beginning December 12. Auto-issuance is staggered based on the last name of the child and will be completed by December 21.&nbsp;In some cases, auto-issuance is not possible. Parents and guardians who believe their children are eligible are encouraged to apply for the Supplemental P-EBT through the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMTIuNjgwNzk5MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Nzc3Aua2Vlcy5rcy5nb3YvYXBzcHNzcC9zc3BOb25NZWQucG9ydGFsIn0.0o6EC7Afy0180_esgLD6kj0zRazrEvITs6fipHx6rPg/s/1303160919/br/150237212261-l" target="_blank">DCF Self-Service Portal</a>&nbsp;from January 1 – 31, 2023.&nbsp;More detailed information and a list of frequently asked questions can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjEyMTIuNjgwNzk5MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LmRjZi5rcy5nb3YvUGFnZXMvUC1FQlQuYXNweCJ9.oLcJ2uMSmk5ejzNDWcwSH10JTRjnWRNv4M_HVu6GQZw/s/1303160919/br/150237212261-l" target="_blank">www.dcf.ks.gov/Pages/P-EBT.aspx</a>&nbsp;.&nbsp;

$56M in food assistance available for 189,000 Kan. children

By CARLA K. JOHNSON and LAURA UNGAR&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Coronavirus-related hospital admissions are climbing again in the United States, with older adults a growing share of U.S. deaths and&nbsp;<a href="https://data.cms.gov/covid-19/covid-19-nursing-home-data">less than half of nursing home residents up to date</a>&nbsp;on COVID-19 vaccinations.

These alarming signs portend a difficult winter for seniors, which worries 81-year-old nursing home resident Bartley O'Hara, who said he is “vaccinated up to the eyeballs” and tracks coronavirus hospital trends as they "zoom up” for older adults, but remain flat for younger folks.

“The sense of urgency is not universal," said O'Hara of Washington, D.C. But "if you're 21, you probably should worry about your granny. We’re all in this together.”

One troubling indicator for seniors:&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#new-hospital-admissions">Hospitalizations for people with COVID-19 rose</a>&nbsp;by more than 30% in two weeks. Much of the increase is driven by older people and those with existing health problems, said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The numbers include everyone testing positive, no matter why they are admitted.

When it comes to protecting seniors, “we’re doing a terrible job of that in this country,” said Dr. Eric Topol, head of Scripps Research Translational Institute.

As nursing home leaders redouble efforts to get staff and residents boosted with the new vaccine version,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-covid-us-food-and-drug-administration-4e23cb1532f66bbb62318a461203095b">now recommended for those 6 months and older,</a>&nbsp;they face complacency, misinformation and COVID-19 fatigue. They are calling on the White House for help with an “all hands on deck” approach.

Clear messages about what the vaccine can do — and what it can’t — are needed, said Katie Smith Sloan, president of LeadingAge, which represents nonprofit nursing homes.

Breakthrough infections do not mean the vaccine has failed, she said, but that false perception has been hard to fight.

“We need to change our messaging to be accurate about what it does, which is prevent serious illness and hospitalization and death,” Sloan said. “This virus is insidious, and it just keeps popping up everywhere. We just need to be real about that.”

Problems include unwarranted hesitance to prescribe the antiviral pill Paxlovid quickly in the elderly, which prompted five major medical societies to hold a web-based educational session for doctors, “Vax &amp; Pax: How to Keep Your Patients Safe This Winter.”

Easing restrictions, broader immunity in the general population and mixed messages about whether the pandemic is over have softened the sense of threat felt by younger adults. That may be a welcome development for most, but the attitude has seeped into nursing homes in troubling ways.

Getting family consent for vaccinating nursing home residents has become more difficult, nursing home leaders say. Some residents who can give their own consent are declining the shots. Only 23% of nursing home staff are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.

Cissy Sanders of Austin, Texas, met multiple obstacles trying to get a booster for her 73-year-old mother, who is in a nursing home. No booster clinic was scheduled. The facility told her they couldn’t find a vaccinator. So she made plans to take her mom to Walgreens later this month.

“I’m concerned about the uptick in hospitalizations and deaths among seniors, and concerned about the lack of urgency at my mother’s nursing home in getting the residents and staff vaccinated" with the latest booster, she said.

Staff and visitors are potential entry points to nursing homes for the virus. The best facilities use a multi-layered approach, protecting residents with masks, screening questions, temperature checks and enhanced infection control.

“What we’ve learned during COVID is that the rate of spread is dependent on the community rate of spread,” said Tina Sandri, CEO of Forest Hills of D.C., a nursing home in the nation’s capital. “I feel safer in my building than anywhere else, including the grocery store.”

Meanwhile, hospitals across the country are seeing an influx of senior patients that Topol calls “pretty alarming.” Nationally, the rate of daily hospital admissions for those 70 and older with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 rose from 8.8 per 100,000 people on Nov. 15, to 12.1 per 100,000 people on Dec. 6, according to statistics from the Department of Health and Human Services. In California and New York, Topol said, hospitalizations for seniors with COVID-19 have already surpassed those during spring and summer omicron waves.

At NYU Langone Health, chief hospital epidemiologist Dr. Michael Phillips said a growing number of seniors are being admitted to his hospital with COVID-19. But the biggest increase he’s seen is in the emergency department, “which is very, very busy” with COVID-19, as well as flu patients.

Dr. Wesley Long, a pathologist at Houston Methodist in Texas, said his hospital has also seen an increase in COVID-19 admissions over the last couple of weeks — and many of the patients are seniors with other health problems. Some are admitted for different illnesses and test positive for COVID-19 in the hospital. The good news? “We haven’t seen an increase in ICU admissions,” he said.

The new combination booster shot, which targets both omicron and the original coronavirus, provides protection against one of the main omicron variants pushing up cases lately: BQ.1.1, which is especially adept at escaping immunity.

“But our booster rates among seniors are pathetically low,” Topol said, with only about a third getting the shot.

Long said health care providers at Houston Methodist promote the booster “every chance we get.” But they don’t administer it to people hospitalized with COVID-19, who are generally told to wait three months after being infected to get it.

Phillips also urges people to get their boosters, especially if they are at risk of serious illness or planning to spend time with someone who is. He said they see many more hospitalizations among people who are unvaccinated.

Deaths, like hospitalizations, are now rising.

By CARLA K. JOHNSON and LAURA UNGAR&nbsp;KANSAS CITY (AP) —Coronavirus-related hospital admissions are climbing again in the United States, with older adults a growing share of U.S. deaths and&nbsp;<a href="https://data.cms.gov/covid-19/covid-19-nursing-home-data">less than half of nursing home residents up to date</a>&nbsp;on COVID-19 vaccinations.These alarming signs portend a difficult winter for seniors, which worries 81-year-old nursing home resident Bartley O'Hara, who said he is “vaccinated up to the eyeballs” and tracks coronavirus hospital trends as they "zoom up” for older adults, but remain flat for younger folks.“The sense of urgency is not universal," said O'Hara of Washington, D.C. But "if you're 21, you probably should worry about your granny. We’re all in this together.”One troubling indicator for seniors:&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#new-hospital-admissions">Hospitalizations for people with COVID-19 rose</a>&nbsp;by more than 30% in two weeks. Much of the increase is driven by older people and those with existing health problems, said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The numbers include everyone testing positive, no matter why they are admitted.When it comes to protecting seniors, “we’re doing a terrible job of that in this country,” said Dr. Eric Topol, head of Scripps Research Translational Institute.As nursing home leaders redouble efforts to get staff and residents boosted with the new vaccine version,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-covid-us-food-and-drug-administration-4e23cb1532f66bbb62318a461203095b">now recommended for those 6 months and older,</a>&nbsp;they face complacency, misinformation and COVID-19 fatigue. They are calling on the White House for help with an “all hands on deck” approach.Clear messages about what the vaccine can do — and what it can’t — are needed, said Katie Smith Sloan, president of LeadingAge, which represents nonprofit nursing homes.Breakthrough infections do not mean the vaccine has failed, she said, but that false perception has been hard to fight.“We need to change our messaging to be accurate about what it does, which is prevent serious illness and hospitalization and death,” Sloan said. “This virus is insidious, and it just keeps popping up everywhere. We just need to be real about that.”Problems include unwarranted hesitance to prescribe the antiviral pill Paxlovid quickly in the elderly, which prompted five major medical societies to hold a web-based educational session for doctors, “Vax &amp; Pax: How to Keep Your Patients Safe This Winter.”Easing restrictions, broader immunity in the general population and mixed messages about whether the pandemic is over have softened the sense of threat felt by younger adults. That may be a welcome development for most, but the attitude has seeped into nursing homes in troubling ways.Getting family consent for vaccinating nursing home residents has become more difficult, nursing home leaders say. Some residents who can give their own consent are declining the shots. Only 23% of nursing home staff are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.Cissy Sanders of Austin, Texas, met multiple obstacles trying to get a booster for her 73-year-old mother, who is in a nursing home. No booster clinic was scheduled. The facility told her they couldn’t find a vaccinator. So she made plans to take her mom to Walgreens later this month.“I’m concerned about the uptick in hospitalizations and deaths among seniors, and concerned about the lack of urgency at my mother’s nursing home in getting the residents and staff vaccinated" with the latest booster, she said.Staff and visitors are potential entry points to nursing homes for the virus. The best facilities use a multi-layered approach, protecting residents with masks, screening questions, temperature checks and enhanced infection control.“What we’ve learned during COVID is that the rate of spread is dependent on the community rate of spread,” said Tina Sandri, CEO of Forest Hills of D.C., a nursing home in the nation’s capital. “I feel safer in my building than anywhere else, including the grocery store.”Meanwhile, hospitals across the country are seeing an influx of senior patients that Topol calls “pretty alarming.” Nationally, the rate of daily hospital admissions for those 70 and older with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 rose from 8.8 per 100,000 people on Nov. 15, to 12.1 per 100,000 people on Dec. 6, according to statistics from the Department of Health and Human Services. In California and New York, Topol said, hospitalizations for seniors with COVID-19 have already surpassed those during spring and summer omicron waves.At NYU Langone Health, chief hospital epidemiologist Dr. Michael Phillips said a growing number of seniors are being admitted to his hospital with COVID-19. But the biggest increase he’s seen is in the emergency department, “which is very, very busy” with COVID-19, as well as flu patients.Dr. Wesley Long, a pathologist at Houston Methodist in Texas, said his hospital has also seen an increase in COVID-19 admissions over the last couple of weeks — and many of the patients are seniors with other health problems. Some are admitted for different illnesses and test positive for COVID-19 in the hospital. The good news? “We haven’t seen an increase in ICU admissions,” he said.The new combination booster shot, which targets both omicron and the original coronavirus, provides protection against one of the main omicron variants pushing up cases lately: BQ.1.1, which is especially adept at escaping immunity.“But our booster rates among seniors are pathetically low,” Topol said, with only about a third getting the shot.Long said health care providers at Houston Methodist promote the booster “every chance we get.” But they don’t administer it to people hospitalized with COVID-19, who are generally told to wait three months after being infected to get it.Phillips also urges people to get their boosters, especially if they are at risk of serious illness or planning to spend time with someone who is. He said they see many more hospitalizations among people who are unvaccinated.Deaths, like hospitalizations, are now rising.The ultimate worry is that more seniors will die. Last spring and summer, death rates declined overall as more people gained protection from vaccination and prior infection. But the share of COVID-19–related deaths for the oldest old — adults 85 and older, who make up 2% of the population —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/data-review/index.html">grew to 40%.</a>Over the course of the pandemic, 1 in 5 COVID-19 deaths was among those who were in a long-term care facility.Dr. Walid Michelen, chief medical officer for seven nonprofit nursing homes operated by the Archdiocese of New York, said Americans need to continue taking the pandemic seriously.“It’s not going away. It’s here to stay,” he said. “We’re going to get a new variant, and who knows how aggressive that variant is going to be? That keeps me up at night.”