KANSAS CITY (AP) —As Americans head into the holiday season, a rapidly intensifying flu season is straining hospitals already overburdened with patients sick from other respiratory infections.

More than half the states have high or very high levels of flu, unusually high for this early in the season, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">government reported</a>&nbsp;Friday. Those 27 states are mostly in the South and Southwest but include a growing number in the Northeast, Midwest and West.

This is happening when children's hospitals already are dealing with a surge of illnesses from RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of coldlike symptoms that can be serious for infants and the elderly. And COVID-19 is still contributing to more than 3,000 hospital admissions each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In Atlanta, Dr. Mark Griffiths describes the mix as a “viral jambalaya.” He said the children’s hospitals in his area have at least 30% more patients than usual for this time of year, with many patients forced to wait in emergency rooms for beds to open up.

“I tell parents that COVID was the ultimate bully. It bullied every other virus for two years," said Griffiths, ER medical director of a Children's Health Care of Atlanta downtown hospital.

With COVID-19 rates going down, “they’re coming back full force," he said

The winter flu season usually doesn't get going until December or January. Hospitalization rates from flu haven't been this high this early since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, CDC officials say. The highest rates are among those 65 and older and children under 5, the agency said.

“It’s so important for people at higher risk to get vaccinated," the CDC's Lynnette Brammer said in a statement Friday.

But flu vaccinations are down from other years, particularly among adults, possibly because the past two seasons have been mild. Flu shots are recommended for nearly all Americans who are at least 6 months old or older.

Adults can get RSV too and that infection can be especially dangerous for older adults who are frail or have chronic illnesses, doctors say. There is not yet a vaccine against RSV&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-business-covid-ec1dae2bd47d604712fc2a4a842591a8">although some are in development</a>.

One infectious disease specialist urged Americans to take precautions before gathering for Thanksgiving, including avoiding public crowds, getting COVID-19 tests before they meet, and wearing masks indoors — particularly if you are old or frail, or will be around someone who is.

“Nobody wants to bring a virus to the table,” said Dr. William Schaffner, of Vanderbilt University.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and Children’s Hospital Association this week urged the Biden administration to declare an emergency and mount a national response to “the alarming surge of pediatric respiratory illnesses.’’ An emergency declaration would allow waivers of Medicaid, Medicare or Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements so that doctors and hospitals could share resources and access emergency funding, the groups said in a letter.

By MIKE STOBBE and LINDSEY TANNER&nbsp;KANSAS CITY (AP) —As Americans head into the holiday season, a rapidly intensifying flu season is straining hospitals already overburdened with patients sick from other respiratory infections.More than half the states have high or very high levels of flu, unusually high for this early in the season, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm">government reported</a>&nbsp;Friday. Those 27 states are mostly in the South and Southwest but include a growing number in the Northeast, Midwest and West.This is happening when children's hospitals already are dealing with a surge of illnesses from RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of coldlike symptoms that can be serious for infants and the elderly. And COVID-19 is still contributing to more than 3,000 hospital admissions each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.In Atlanta, Dr. Mark Griffiths describes the mix as a “viral jambalaya.” He said the children’s hospitals in his area have at least 30% more patients than usual for this time of year, with many patients forced to wait in emergency rooms for beds to open up.“I tell parents that COVID was the ultimate bully. It bullied every other virus for two years," said Griffiths, ER medical director of a Children's Health Care of Atlanta downtown hospital.With COVID-19 rates going down, “they’re coming back full force," he saidThe winter flu season usually doesn't get going until December or January. Hospitalization rates from flu haven't been this high this early since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, CDC officials say. The highest rates are among those 65 and older and children under 5, the agency said.“It’s so important for people at higher risk to get vaccinated," the CDC's Lynnette Brammer said in a statement Friday.But flu vaccinations are down from other years, particularly among adults, possibly because the past two seasons have been mild. Flu shots are recommended for nearly all Americans who are at least 6 months old or older.Adults can get RSV too and that infection can be especially dangerous for older adults who are frail or have chronic illnesses, doctors say. There is not yet a vaccine against RSV&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/science-health-business-covid-ec1dae2bd47d604712fc2a4a842591a8">although some are in development</a>.One infectious disease specialist urged Americans to take precautions before gathering for Thanksgiving, including avoiding public crowds, getting COVID-19 tests before they meet, and wearing masks indoors — particularly if you are old or frail, or will be around someone who is.“Nobody wants to bring a virus to the table,” said Dr. William Schaffner, of Vanderbilt University.The American Academy of Pediatrics and Children’s Hospital Association this week urged the Biden administration to declare an emergency and mount a national response to “the alarming surge of pediatric respiratory illnesses.’’ An emergency declaration would allow waivers of Medicaid, Medicare or Children’s Health Insurance Program requirements so that doctors and hospitals could share resources and access emergency funding, the groups said in a letter.___

'Viral jambalaya': Early flu adding to woes for US hospitals

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged arson and have two suspects in custody.

On Friday, officers filed three reports for arson. Bushes near the intersection of N. 11th and Bertrand Streets and bushes and roadside grass in the 1400 block of Sunnyslope Lane were reported to be set on fire shortly before 11:00 p.m, and a tree was reported to be set on fire in the 1600 block of Sunnyslope Lane. around 11:15 p.m. by two men with gas lanterns, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Manhattan Fire Department responded and quickly extinguished all three fires. 

Just before 11:45 p.m. police located Jacob Eyster, 22, and Ryan Eyster, 23, both of Manhattan near Triangle Park in Aggieville and arrested them on requested charges that include three counts of arson each.

 They were each issued bonds of $5,000 and are no longer in custody

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged arson and have two suspects in custody.On Friday, officers filed three reports for arson. Bushes near the intersection of N. 11th and Bertrand Streets and bushes and roadside grass in the 1400 block of Sunnyslope Lane were reported to be set on fire shortly before 11:00 p.m, and a tree was reported to be set on fire in the 1600 block of Sunnyslope Lane. around 11:15 p.m. by two men with gas lanterns, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Manhattan Fire Department responded and quickly extinguished all three fires. Just before 11:45 p.m. police located Jacob Eyster, 22, and Ryan Eyster, 23, both of Manhattan near Triangle Park in Aggieville and arrested them on requested charges that include three counts of arson each. They were each issued bonds of $5,000 and are no longer in custody

Police accuse two of setting fires in Manhattan

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted killing a teen and her boyfriend was sentenced Friday.

Dontenize L. Kelly, 24, of Wichita, was sentenced to 48 years and 10 months, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He was also sentenced to 35 months for a parole violation.

&nbsp;In October Kelly admitting to two counts of second-degree murder in the killings of 18-year-old Kaylah Blackmon and 17-year-old Michael Beasley.

Beasley’s body was found Feb. 1, 2021, outside an abandoned church. At the time, authorities said Blackmon might be in danger and launched a search. Her body later was found inside her SUV at a Wichita apartment complex.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement&nbsp;authorities investigating the murder of two Kansas teens have arrested of&nbsp;22-year-old Dontenize Kelly of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsey.

On Tuesday, police alerted the public that 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on Monday.

As part of the the investigation police learned of Kelly's involvement and arrested him without incident Friday evening.

Both teens were victims of gunshot wounds and killed in Blackmon's Ford Escape, according to Wichita Police Sgt. Dan Hardy. Police have not recovered a weapon and have not determined a motive as they continue to investigate.&nbsp;

Kelly is being held&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20045382">on requested charges</a>&nbsp;of capital murder and a probation violation, according to Ramsey. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal possession of a weapon and for attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612284535821.png" alt="In Feb. of 2021, Officer Charley Davidson reported police found Blackmon's SUV" />
 <figcaption>In Feb. of 2021, Officer Charley Davidson reported police found Blackmon's SUV</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man who admitted killing a teen and her boyfriend was sentenced Friday.Dontenize L. Kelly, 24, of Wichita, was sentenced to 48 years and 10 months, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. He was also sentenced to 35 months for a parole violation.&nbsp;In October Kelly admitting to two counts of second-degree murder in the killings of 18-year-old Kaylah Blackmon and 17-year-old Michael Beasley.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1665229579077.png" alt="Kelly-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Kelly-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Beasley’s body was found Feb. 1, 2021, outside an abandoned church. At the time, authorities said Blackmon might be in danger and launched a search. Her body later was found inside her SUV at a Wichita apartment complex.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement&nbsp;authorities investigating the murder of two Kansas teens have arrested of&nbsp;22-year-old Dontenize Kelly of Wichita, according to Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsey.On Tuesday, police alerted the public that 18-year-old Kayla Blackmon may be in danger and asked the public for help to find her SUV.&nbsp; Police found her 17-year-old boyfriend Michael Beasley deceased in the 1000 block of North Ash in Wichita on Monday.As part of the the investigation police learned of Kelly's involvement and arrested him without incident Friday evening.Both teens were victims of gunshot wounds and killed in Blackmon's Ford Escape, according to Wichita Police Sgt. Dan Hardy. Police have not recovered a weapon and have not determined a motive as they continue to investigate.&nbsp;Kelly is being held&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20045382">on requested charges</a>&nbsp;of capital murder and a probation violation, according to Ramsey. He has previous convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal possession of a weapon and for attempted aggravated robbery, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.--------

Kansas man sentenced for death of teen and her boyfriend

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Railroad engineers accepted their deal with the railroads that will deliver 24% raises but conductors rejected theirs, threatening the health of the economy just before the holidays and casting more doubt on whether the industry will be able to resolve the labor dispute before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-economy-business-congress-kansas-city-southern-0daad98e345804513ca568068303cd22">next month's deadline</a>&nbsp;without the help of Congress.

Even the threat of a work stoppage could tangle the nation's supply chain as railroads will freeze shipments of chemicals and other goods that could create hazards if disrupted midway to their destination.

A split vote Monday from the two biggest railroad unions follows the rejection by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-congress-kansas-city-southern-government-and-politics-763b5a75dd22bbdf1de52d6bf1879b29">three other unions</a>&nbsp;of their deals with the railroads that the Biden administration helped broker before the original strike deadline in September. Seven smaller unions have approved the five-year deal that, on top of the 24% raise, includes $5,000 in bonuses.

But many union members have voted to reject the contracts because, they say, they fail to address demanding schedules and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality of life issues</a>&nbsp;for employees.

All 12 must approve the contracts to prevent a strike that could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">cripple supply chains</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">hamper</a>&nbsp;a stressed U.S. economy still emerging from the pandemic.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association said a rail strike “would cause enormous disruption to the flow of goods nationwide” although retail stores are well stocked for the crucial holiday shopping season.

“Fortunately, this year’s holiday gifts have already landed on store shelves. But an interruption to rail transportation does pose a significant challenge to getting items like perishable food products and e-commerce shipments delivered on time, and it will undoubtedly add to the inflationary pressures already hitting the U.S. economy," said Jess Dankert with the group that represents more than 200 major retailers.

The unions that rejected their deals agreed to return to the bargaining table to try to hash out a new agreement before a new strike deadline early next month. But those talks have deadlocked because the railroads refuse to consider&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-business-strikes-940da8fc519f8c526ca614e201d01216">adding paid sick time</a>&nbsp;to what was already offered.

It appears increasingly likely that Congress will have to step in to settle the dispute. Lawmakers have the power to impose contract terms if both sides can't reach an agreement. Hundreds of business groups&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-economy-congress-government-and-politics-6b60d53fefc7b85f301b0a3e7011715b">have urged</a>&nbsp;Congress and President Joe Biden to be ready to intervene if needed.

Workers frustrated with the demanding schedules and deep job cuts in the industry pushed to reject these contracts because they don't resolve workers' key quality-of-life concerns. The deals for the engineers and conductors did include a promise to try to improve the scheduling of regular days off and negotiate the details of those schedules further at each railroad. The unions that represent engineers and conductors also received three unpaid days off a year to tend to medical needs as long they were scheduled at least 30 days in advance.

The railroads also lost out on their bid to cut crew sizes down to one person as part of the negotiations. But the conductors in the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union still narrowly rejected the deal with roughly 51% voting against it. A smaller division of the SMART-TD union that represents about 1,300 yardmasters did approve the deal.

“The ball is now in the railroads’ court. Let’s see what they do. They can settle this at the bargaining table,” SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson said. “But, the railroad executives who constantly complain about government interference and regularly bad-mouth regulators and Congress now want Congress to do the bargaining for them.”

The railroads maintain that the deals with the unions should closely follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-norfolk-government-and-politics-eeedec386f2acba5d63181436ca03f3f">recommendations</a>&nbsp;made this summer by a special panel of arbitrators Biden appointed. That's part of the reason why they don't want to offer paid sick time. Plus, the railroads say the unions have agreed over the years to forego paid sick time in favor of higher pay and strong short-term disability benefits.

The unions say it is long overdue for the railroads to offer paid sick time to workers, and the pandemic highlighted the need for it.

The group that negotiates on behalf of the railroads said Monday that the unions that rejected their deals shouldn't expect to receive more than the Presidential Emergency Board of arbitrators recommended. The National Carriers Conference Committee said businesses could start to be affected by the threat of a strike even before the deadline because railroads will start curtailing shipments of dangerous chemicals and perishable cargo days ahead of the deadline.

“A national rail strike would severely impact the economy and the public. Now, the continued, near-term threat of one will require that freight railroads and passenger carriers soon begin to take responsible steps to safely secure the network in advance of any deadline,” the railroads said.

It's unclear what Congress might do given the deep political divisions in Washington D.C. and a single lawmaker could hold up a resolution. But the head of the Association of American Railroads trade group, Ian Jefferies, said "if the remaining unions do not accept an agreement, Congress should be prepared to act and avoid a disastrous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">$2 billion a day hit</a>&nbsp;to our economy.”

Republicans may try to impose a deal that includes only what the Presidential Emergency Board recommended while Democrats who still narrowly hold control of both the House and Senate during this lame-duck period might be willing to force the railroads to make additional concessions.

The unions that voted Monday represent more than half of the roughly 115,000 rail workers involved in the contract dispute with Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, BNSF, Kansas City Southern, CSX and other railroads.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1666818518842.jpg" alt="But many union members have voted to reject the contracts because, they say, they fail to address demanding schedules and quality of life issues for employees." />
 <figcaption>But many union members have voted to reject the contracts because, they say, they fail to address demanding schedules and quality of life issues for employees.</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Railroad engineers accepted their deal with the railroads that will deliver 24% raises but conductors rejected theirs, threatening the health of the economy just before the holidays and casting more doubt on whether the industry will be able to resolve the labor dispute before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-economy-business-congress-kansas-city-southern-0daad98e345804513ca568068303cd22">next month's deadline</a>&nbsp;without the help of Congress.Even the threat of a work stoppage could tangle the nation's supply chain as railroads will freeze shipments of chemicals and other goods that could create hazards if disrupted midway to their destination.A split vote Monday from the two biggest railroad unions follows the rejection by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-congress-kansas-city-southern-government-and-politics-763b5a75dd22bbdf1de52d6bf1879b29">three other unions</a>&nbsp;of their deals with the railroads that the Biden administration helped broker before the original strike deadline in September. Seven smaller unions have approved the five-year deal that, on top of the 24% raise, includes $5,000 in bonuses.But many union members have voted to reject the contracts because, they say, they fail to address demanding schedules and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-government-and-politics-207229bcd558b6a6c1d58f3f85e2d804">quality of life issues</a>&nbsp;for employees.All 12 must approve the contracts to prevent a strike that could&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rail-strike-impact-5eb6747b3e4b4e39d764644d6377121d">cripple supply chains</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">hamper</a>&nbsp;a stressed U.S. economy still emerging from the pandemic.The Retail Industry Leaders Association said a rail strike “would cause enormous disruption to the flow of goods nationwide” although retail stores are well stocked for the crucial holiday shopping season.“Fortunately, this year’s holiday gifts have already landed on store shelves. But an interruption to rail transportation does pose a significant challenge to getting items like perishable food products and e-commerce shipments delivered on time, and it will undoubtedly add to the inflationary pressures already hitting the U.S. economy," said Jess Dankert with the group that represents more than 200 major retailers.The unions that rejected their deals agreed to return to the bargaining table to try to hash out a new agreement before a new strike deadline early next month. But those talks have deadlocked because the railroads refuse to consider&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-business-strikes-940da8fc519f8c526ca614e201d01216">adding paid sick time</a>&nbsp;to what was already offered.It appears increasingly likely that Congress will have to step in to settle the dispute. Lawmakers have the power to impose contract terms if both sides can't reach an agreement. Hundreds of business groups&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-business-economy-congress-government-and-politics-6b60d53fefc7b85f301b0a3e7011715b">have urged</a>&nbsp;Congress and President Joe Biden to be ready to intervene if needed.Workers frustrated with the demanding schedules and deep job cuts in the industry pushed to reject these contracts because they don't resolve workers' key quality-of-life concerns. The deals for the engineers and conductors did include a promise to try to improve the scheduling of regular days off and negotiate the details of those schedules further at each railroad. The unions that represent engineers and conductors also received three unpaid days off a year to tend to medical needs as long they were scheduled at least 30 days in advance.The railroads also lost out on their bid to cut crew sizes down to one person as part of the negotiations. But the conductors in the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union still narrowly rejected the deal with roughly 51% voting against it. A smaller division of the SMART-TD union that represents about 1,300 yardmasters did approve the deal.“The ball is now in the railroads’ court. Let’s see what they do. They can settle this at the bargaining table,” SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson said. “But, the railroad executives who constantly complain about government interference and regularly bad-mouth regulators and Congress now want Congress to do the bargaining for them.”The railroads maintain that the deals with the unions should closely follow the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-norfolk-government-and-politics-eeedec386f2acba5d63181436ca03f3f">recommendations</a>&nbsp;made this summer by a special panel of arbitrators Biden appointed. That's part of the reason why they don't want to offer paid sick time. Plus, the railroads say the unions have agreed over the years to forego paid sick time in favor of higher pay and strong short-term disability benefits.The unions say it is long overdue for the railroads to offer paid sick time to workers, and the pandemic highlighted the need for it.The group that negotiates on behalf of the railroads said Monday that the unions that rejected their deals shouldn't expect to receive more than the Presidential Emergency Board of arbitrators recommended. The National Carriers Conference Committee said businesses could start to be affected by the threat of a strike even before the deadline because railroads will start curtailing shipments of dangerous chemicals and perishable cargo days ahead of the deadline.“A national rail strike would severely impact the economy and the public. Now, the continued, near-term threat of one will require that freight railroads and passenger carriers soon begin to take responsible steps to safely secure the network in advance of any deadline,” the railroads said.It's unclear what Congress might do given the deep political divisions in Washington D.C. and a single lawmaker could hold up a resolution. But the head of the Association of American Railroads trade group, Ian Jefferies, said "if the remaining unions do not accept an agreement, Congress should be prepared to act and avoid a disastrous&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-congress-government-and-politics-a53abd85fa6f8b3ccd622222ea9a4c46">$2 billion a day hit</a>&nbsp;to our economy.”Republicans may try to impose a deal that includes only what the Presidential Emergency Board recommended while Democrats who still narrowly hold control of both the House and Senate during this lame-duck period might be willing to force the railroads to make additional concessions.The unions that voted Monday represent more than half of the roughly 115,000 rail workers involved in the contract dispute with Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, BNSF, Kansas City Southern, CSX and other railroads.

US supply chain under threat as unions, railroads clash

WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee said his panel is reviewing “serious allegations” in a report that a former anti-abortion leader knew in advance the outcome of a 2014&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;case involving health care coverage of contraception.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/19/us/supreme-court-leak-abortion-roe-wade.html">report Saturday in The New York Times</a>&nbsp;followed the stunning leak earlier this year of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-john-roberts-samuel-alito-government-and-politics-9d1b2e6cc84a047261a674a890fef77c">draft opinion in the case</a>&nbsp;in which the high court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending constitutional protections for abortion. That decision was written by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/samuel-alito">Justice Samuel Alito</a>, who is also the author of the majority opinion in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c3cfc111be5c46b49759c9d7fab383ae">2014 case at the center of the new report</a>.

In the Times story, Rev. Rob Schenck said he learned the outcome of the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores case weeks before the decision was made public. In a 5-4 decision, Alito wrote that some companies with religious objections can avoid the contraceptives requirement in President Barack Obama’s health care legislation.

Schenck, who previously headed the group Faith and Action, has said in other recent stories in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/08/religious-right-supreme-court-00044739">Politico</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/roe-supreme-court-justices-1378046/">Rolling Stone</a>&nbsp;that he was part of a concerted effort to forge social and ministry relationships with conservative justices.

In the Times story, Schenck said the information about the Hobby Lobby decision came from Gail Wright, a donor to his organization who was part of the outreach effort to the justices and who had dined with Alito and his wife. Wright herself denied obtaining or sharing any information in an interview with the Times.

The New York Times also published a letter Schenck said he wrote Chief Justice John Roberts in July alerting him to the alleged breach years ago. Schenck wrote that he thought the information might be relevant as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-covid-us-supreme-court-health-john-roberts-7737a7e3a2fbbcac985549941b884a61">probe into the leak of the abortion decision</a>.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a statement Saturday that the committee is “reviewing these serious allegations," and he called on fellow members of Congress to pass a bill that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-breyer-us-supreme-court-elections-donald-trump-clarence-thomas-f3adf2919f789fcd03b9da6271a62501">require the high court to adopt a code of ethics</a>.

Two fellow Democrats, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia, who chair courts subcommittees, issued a statement calling the Times report “another black mark on the Supreme Court's increasingly marred ethical record” and said they “intend to get to the bottom of these serious allegations.” They too urged passage of a code of ethics.

The Times' story included an emphatic denial by Alito that he'd disclosed the outcome of the case. The court released Alito's full statement to The Associated Press:

“The allegation that the Wrights were told the outcome of the decision in the Hobby Lobby case, or the authorship of the opinion of the Court, by me or my wife is completely false. My wife and I became acquainted with the Wrights some years ago because of their strong support for the Supreme Court Historical Society, and since then, we have had a casual and purely social relationship.

"I never detected any effort on the part of the Wrights to obtain confidential information or to influence anything that I did in either an official or private capacity, and I would have strongly objected if they had done so. I have no knowledge of any project that they allegedly undertook for ‘Faith and Action,’ ‘Faith and Liberty,’ or any similar group, and I would be shocked and offended if those allegations are true,” it said.

Schenck's Faith and Action group became Faith &amp; Liberty after becoming part of the Liberty Counsel in 2018.

Alito was appointed to the high court in 2006 by President George W. Bush.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee said his panel is reviewing “serious allegations” in a report that a former anti-abortion leader knew in advance the outcome of a 2014&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;case involving health care coverage of contraception.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/19/us/supreme-court-leak-abortion-roe-wade.html">report Saturday in The New York Times</a>&nbsp;followed the stunning leak earlier this year of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-john-roberts-samuel-alito-government-and-politics-9d1b2e6cc84a047261a674a890fef77c">draft opinion in the case</a>&nbsp;in which the high court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending constitutional protections for abortion. That decision was written by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/samuel-alito">Justice Samuel Alito</a>, who is also the author of the majority opinion in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c3cfc111be5c46b49759c9d7fab383ae">2014 case at the center of the new report</a>.In the Times story, Rev. Rob Schenck said he learned the outcome of the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores case weeks before the decision was made public. In a 5-4 decision, Alito wrote that some companies with religious objections can avoid the contraceptives requirement in President Barack Obama’s health care legislation.Schenck, who previously headed the group Faith and Action, has said in other recent stories in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/08/religious-right-supreme-court-00044739">Politico</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/roe-supreme-court-justices-1378046/">Rolling Stone</a>&nbsp;that he was part of a concerted effort to forge social and ministry relationships with conservative justices.In the Times story, Schenck said the information about the Hobby Lobby decision came from Gail Wright, a donor to his organization who was part of the outreach effort to the justices and who had dined with Alito and his wife. Wright herself denied obtaining or sharing any information in an interview with the Times.The New York Times also published a letter Schenck said he wrote Chief Justice John Roberts in July alerting him to the alleged breach years ago. Schenck wrote that he thought the information might be relevant as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-covid-us-supreme-court-health-john-roberts-7737a7e3a2fbbcac985549941b884a61">probe into the leak of the abortion decision</a>.Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a statement Saturday that the committee is “reviewing these serious allegations," and he called on fellow members of Congress to pass a bill that would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stephen-breyer-us-supreme-court-elections-donald-trump-clarence-thomas-f3adf2919f789fcd03b9da6271a62501">require the high court to adopt a code of ethics</a>.Two fellow Democrats, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia, who chair courts subcommittees, issued a statement calling the Times report “another black mark on the Supreme Court's increasingly marred ethical record” and said they “intend to get to the bottom of these serious allegations.” They too urged passage of a code of ethics.The Times' story included an emphatic denial by Alito that he'd disclosed the outcome of the case. The court released Alito's full statement to The Associated Press:“The allegation that the Wrights were told the outcome of the decision in the Hobby Lobby case, or the authorship of the opinion of the Court, by me or my wife is completely false. My wife and I became acquainted with the Wrights some years ago because of their strong support for the Supreme Court Historical Society, and since then, we have had a casual and purely social relationship."I never detected any effort on the part of the Wrights to obtain confidential information or to influence anything that I did in either an official or private capacity, and I would have strongly objected if they had done so. I have no knowledge of any project that they allegedly undertook for ‘Faith and Action,’ ‘Faith and Liberty,’ or any similar group, and I would be shocked and offended if those allegations are true,” it said.Schenck's Faith and Action group became Faith &amp; Liberty after becoming part of the Liberty Counsel in 2018.Alito was appointed to the high court in 2006 by President George W. Bush.

Lawmakers urge action after report of another Supreme Court leak

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and asking the public for help with the investigation.

Just after 12:15a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to reports of gunshots in the 1300 block of E. Armour in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Leslie Foreman. Police received multiple calls about gunshots in the area. Officers found an adult male inside an apartment building. He had been shot and was unresponsive. EMS responded and pronounced him deceased at the scene. We do not have any suspect information at this time and are asking for the public’s help. Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and were actively canvassing for witnesses and processing the scene for evidence.

If you have any information please call the Homicide Unit at 234-5043. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call the TIPS hotline at 474-TIPS, with up to a $25,000 reward for an arrest in this case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669035635160.png" alt="P0lice have not reported any suspect details photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>P0lice have not reported any suspect details photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and asking the public for help with the investigation.Just after 12:15a.m. Monday, police were dispatched to reports of gunshots in the 1300 block of E. Armour in Kansas City, according to KCPD Captain Leslie Foreman. Police received multiple calls about gunshots in the area. Officers found an adult male inside an apartment building. He had been shot and was unresponsive. EMS responded and pronounced him deceased at the scene. We do not have any suspect information at this time and are asking for the public’s help. Detectives and crime scene personnel responded to the scene and were actively canvassing for witnesses and processing the scene for evidence. If you have any information please call the Homicide Unit at 234-5043. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call the TIPS hotline at 474-TIPS, with up to a $25,000 reward for an arrest in this case.

KCPD: Deadly shooting inside apartment building

HAMILTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after in incident on a Kansas highway.

On Saturday night, sheriff's deputies took a report of a white Nissan Xterra stopped in the middle of the south bound lane on K27 and County Road 31, according to a media release from the Hamilton County Sheriff.

 The driver, later identified as&nbsp; Edwin Danilo Bueso Jeronimo of Syracuse, Kansas, was passed out in the driver’s seat with open alcoholic beverages on the front seat. 

The driver was awakened and he took off on foot through a field with a temperature of 6 degrees. Additional units were called to assist. After approximately twenty minutes, deputies located and took Jeronimo into custody. 

&nbsp;Jeronimo did not possess a valid driver's license. He was booked into jail on requested charges of&nbsp; DUI, interference with LEO, no driver's license, and transporting an open container of alcoholic beverages.&nbsp;

HAMILTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple charges after in incident on a Kansas highway.On Saturday night, sheriff's deputies took a report of a white Nissan Xterra stopped in the middle of the south bound lane on K27 and County Road 31, according to a media release from the Hamilton County Sheriff. The driver, later identified as&nbsp; Edwin Danilo Bueso Jeronimo of Syracuse, Kansas, was passed out in the driver’s seat with open alcoholic beverages on the front seat. The driver was awakened and he took off on foot through a field with a temperature of 6 degrees. Additional units were called to assist. After approximately twenty minutes, deputies located and took Jeronimo into custody. &nbsp;Jeronimo did not possess a valid driver's license. He was booked into jail on requested charges of&nbsp; DUI, interference with LEO, no driver's license, and transporting an open container of alcoholic beverages.&nbsp;

Deputies found driver passed out in SUV on Kansas highway

WASHINGTON —Police say a 22-year-old gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people and leaving 25 injured before he was subdued by “heroic” patrons.

"While no motive in this attack is yet clear, we&nbsp;know that the LGBTQI+ community has been subjected to horrific hate violence in recent years," President Biden said in a statement.&nbsp;

" Gun&nbsp;violence continues&nbsp;to have a devastating and particular impact on&nbsp;LGBTQI+ communities across our nation and threats of violence are increasing.&nbsp;We saw it six&nbsp;years ago in Orlando, when our nation suffered the deadliest attack affecting the LGBTQI+ community in American history. We continue to see it in the epidemic of violence and murder against transgender women – especially transgender women of color. And tragically, we saw it last night in this devastating attack by a gunman wielding&nbsp;a long&nbsp;rifle at an LGBTQI+ nightclub in Colorado Springs."

"Places that are supposed to be safe spaces of acceptance and celebration should never be turned into places of terror and violence. Yet it happens far too often. We must drive out the inequities that contribute to violence against LGBTQI+ people. We cannot and must not tolerate hate."

"Another community in America has been torn apart by gun violence. More families left with an empty chair at the table and hole in their lives that cannot be filled. When will we decide we’ve had enough? We must address the public health epidemic of gun violence in all of its forms. Earlier this year, I signed the most significant gun safety law in nearly three decades, in addition to taking other historic actions. But we must do more. We need to enact an assault weapons ban to get weapons of war off America’s streets."

&nbsp;"Jill and I are praying for the families of the five people killed in Colorado Springs last night, and for those injured in this senseless attack."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669029439942.png" alt="The crime occurred late Saturday at Club Q, a gay and lesbian nightclub that features a “Drag Diva Drag Show” on Saturdays, according to its website.-photo courtesy KKTV" />
 <figcaption>The crime occurred late Saturday at Club Q, a gay and lesbian nightclub that features a “Drag Diva Drag Show” on Saturdays, according to its website.-photo courtesy KKTV</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Police say a 22-year-old gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people and leaving 25 injured before he was subdued by “heroic” patrons."While no motive in this attack is yet clear, we&nbsp;know that the LGBTQI+ community has been subjected to horrific hate violence in recent years," President Biden said in a statement.&nbsp;<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FClubQOnline%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02BBsv96GbV49gDfk8oT6wFj7u9GgC6HcL52w7ZXJ2yoHAGCBnrDPozRxH5eYpAkuTl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="220" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>" Gun&nbsp;violence continues&nbsp;to have a devastating and particular impact on&nbsp;LGBTQI+ communities across our nation and threats of violence are increasing.&nbsp;We saw it six&nbsp;years ago in Orlando, when our nation suffered the deadliest attack affecting the LGBTQI+ community in American history. We continue to see it in the epidemic of violence and murder against transgender women – especially transgender women of color. And tragically, we saw it last night in this devastating attack by a gunman wielding&nbsp;a long&nbsp;rifle at an LGBTQI+ nightclub in Colorado Springs."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Americans awoke this morning to horrific news: a brutal attack on an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs. Our hearts break at the senseless slaughter of least five beautiful souls and the many more injured or forever traumatized, at what was a sanctuary of safety and solidarity.&mdash; Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi/status/1594393793528303616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Places that are supposed to be safe spaces of acceptance and celebration should never be turned into places of terror and violence. Yet it happens far too often. We must drive out the inequities that contribute to violence against LGBTQI+ people. We cannot and must not tolerate hate."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Feeling heartbroken for the families and loved ones of those lost to senseless violence in Colorado last night. Again, we are seeing that angry rhetoric has real consequence. Everyone deserves to feel and be safe in their own skin.&mdash; Sharice Davids (@sharicedavids) <a href="https://twitter.com/sharicedavids/status/1594406496947040257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>"Another community in America has been torn apart by gun violence. More families left with an empty chair at the table and hole in their lives that cannot be filled. When will we decide we’ve had enough? We must address the public health epidemic of gun violence in all of its forms. Earlier this year, I signed the most significant gun safety law in nearly three decades, in addition to taking other historic actions. But we must do more. We need to enact an assault weapons ban to get weapons of war off America’s streets."&nbsp;"Jill and I are praying for the families of the five people killed in Colorado Springs last night, and for those injured in this senseless attack."

Biden comments on deadly mass shooting at Colorado LGBTQ club

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Police say a 3-year-old boy was in critical condition after shooting himself in the eye.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/police-looking-at-endangerment-charge-after-toddler-shot-self-in-eye/article_73221d70-3e45-562c-ad1d-72684b4b55bf.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest">reports</a>&nbsp;that investigators are looking into possible charges of endangering the welfare of a child after the Saturday afternoon shooting in the Benton Park West neighborhood of St. Louis.

Police said it appears that the boy accidentally shot himself shortly before 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Child abuse investigators are looking into the situation.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Police say a 3-year-old boy was in critical condition after shooting himself in the eye.The St. Louis Post-Dispatch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/police-looking-at-endangerment-charge-after-toddler-shot-self-in-eye/article_73221d70-3e45-562c-ad1d-72684b4b55bf.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest">reports</a>&nbsp;that investigators are looking into possible charges of endangering the welfare of a child after the Saturday afternoon shooting in the Benton Park West neighborhood of St. Louis.Police said it appears that the boy accidentally shot himself shortly before 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Child abuse investigators are looking into the situation.

Police: 3-year-old shot himself in the eye

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police reported just after 8:30p.m. Kennedy was located in Oklahoma by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

She is safe, and a suspect is in custody. She will be reunited with family soon, and the suspect will be transported back to Wichita as police continue the investigation.

Police reported no additional details Sunday evening.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reported abduction and asking the public for help to locate&nbsp;6-year-old Kennedy Reyes, according to a social media report from Wichita Police.

Kennedy is 4-foot-6, with brown curly hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing black leggings and a light blue hoodie.

She was inside a gold/tan Lexus Rx330 with KS Veteran Tag 37CWF when it was stolen from the 2300 block of N. Amidon in Wichita.

Police ask that if you see Kennedy or the Lexus please call 911 immediately.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668996708364.png" alt="Kennedy Reyes -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Kennedy Reyes -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police reported just after 8:30p.m. Kennedy was located in Oklahoma by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, according to Officer Trevor Macy.She is safe, and a suspect is in custody. She will be reunited with family soon, and the suspect will be transported back to Wichita as police continue the investigation.Police reported no additional details Sunday evening.-------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a reported abduction and asking the public for help to locate&nbsp;6-year-old Kennedy Reyes, according to a social media report from Wichita Police.Kennedy is 4-foot-6, with brown curly hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing black leggings and a light blue hoodie.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1669028649764.png" alt="photo Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>photo Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>She was inside a gold/tan Lexus Rx330 with KS Veteran Tag 37CWF when it was stolen from the 2300 block of N. Amidon in Wichita.Police ask that if you see Kennedy or the Lexus please call 911 immediately.

Police: Kan. girl abducted is found safe; suspect in custody

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging a federal inmate with an assaulting two correctional officers.

According to court documents, Warren Richardson, 46, of Leavenworth Penitentiary is charged with two counts of attempted murder of a correctional officer, two counts of assaulting a correctional officer with a deadly weapon and inflicting bodily injury, two counts of assault of a correctional officer, and one count of possession of contraband in prison. 

On February 6, 2021, Richardson was accused of using a handmade weapon with a 1.5-inch sharpened metal point to stab two prison guards.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668793868549.png" alt="Richardson has convictions for robbery and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Richardson has convictions for robbery and drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging a federal inmate with an assaulting two correctional officers.According to court documents, Warren Richardson, 46, of Leavenworth Penitentiary is charged with two counts of attempted murder of a correctional officer, two counts of assaulting a correctional officer with a deadly weapon and inflicting bodily injury, two counts of assault of a correctional officer, and one count of possession of contraband in prison. On February 6, 2021, Richardson was accused of using a handmade weapon with a 1.5-inch sharpened metal point to stab two prison guards.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

Indictment: Federal inmate in Kan. attacked correctional officers

GEARY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 7 a.m. Sunday, police were called to the 400 block of W 18th Street in Junction City after a report of someone screaming for help, according to a media release.

First responders found 31-year-old Rollin McClam with a possible stab wound. EMS transported him to Geary Community Hospital and he was later transferred to&nbsp;Stormont Vail&nbsp;in Topeka due to the extent of his injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Alexius B. Mims, 47, is in custody in Geary County on requested charges&nbsp; attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668979019592.png" alt="Mims-photo Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Mims-photo Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GEARY COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a stabbing and have a suspect in custody.Just after 7 a.m. Sunday, police were called to the 400 block of W 18th Street in Junction City after a report of someone screaming for help, according to a media release.First responders found 31-year-old Rollin McClam with a possible stab wound. EMS transported him to Geary Community Hospital and he was later transferred to&nbsp;Stormont Vail&nbsp;in Topeka due to the extent of his injuries.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Alexius B. Mims, 47, is in custody in Geary County on requested charges&nbsp; attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery, according to online jail records.

Suspect jailed for alleged stabbing in Junction City

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<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1652905524551.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Are you a construction professional looking for a better opportunity?&nbsp;&nbsp;Morton Buildings is hiring for crew positions with total compensation up to $23/hour (based on experience).Apply online at&nbsp;<a href="https://mortonbuildings.com/careers" target="_blank">https://mortonbuildings.com/careers</a>Or in person at the Morton Buildings office, 711 W. Diamond Drive, Salina.Stop in to learn about construction crew job opportunities!Morton provides structured training, career advancement opportunities, and a safe work environment.&nbsp;Morton Buildings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer &amp; Drug Free Workplace.

Kansans share insights into soul-breaking experiences of foster children

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 6a.m. Sunday in Pottawatomie County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Honda Accord driven by Alexis Brianna Ward, 22,&nbsp; Topeka, westbound on U.S. 24. 

Vehicle 1 left the roadway to the right. The driver over corrected. The car crossed the middle lane lines and left the roadway to the left. The driver over corrected again. The car rolled and the driver was ejected.

Ward was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Piper Funeral Home. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—A Kansas woman died in an accident just after 6a.m. Sunday in Pottawatomie County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2008 Honda Accord driven by Alexis Brianna Ward, 22,&nbsp; Topeka, westbound on U.S. 24. Vehicle 1 left the roadway to the right. The driver over corrected. The car crossed the middle lane lines and left the roadway to the left. The driver over corrected again. The car rolled and the driver was ejected.Ward was pronounced dead at the scene and transported to Piper Funeral Home. She was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dies after ejected in rollover crash

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/15/kansas-women-struggle-to-enter-the-workforce-because-of-lack-of-child-care-and-pay-gap/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA
 — Kansas women need pay equity and more help with child care, a women’s
 advocacy group said after compiling feedback from hundreds of women 
around the state.

United WE, an nonprofit organization 
dedicated to improving women’s economic and social status, partnered 
with the League of Kansas Municipalities to set up seven town hall 
discussions from June to August.

Using the feedback they got from 
these town hall discussions, in which 536 people participated, United WE
 found that more than 50% of the interviewed women were responsible for 
child care. The organization discussed its findings in a Zoom meeting 
Tuesday.

The organization conducted a 2021 
report on the status of women in Kansas in partnership with the 
University of Kansas. The report found that many women have been 
struggling to hold jobs with a lack of adequate child care.

Kansas infant care costs take up 29% 
of women’s median earnings, the report found, and Kansas has twice the 
number of children younger than 5 than available licensed child care 
spots available for them. Paid leave was reported as a significant issue
 for a majority of Kansas women, as many have to use unpaid time off or 
sick leave to care for their families.

United WE president Wendy Doyle said 
the state is currently facing extreme child care shortages: More than 
300 child care facilities closed during the pandemic, with no plans of 
reopening. Doyle said in some parts of the state, families are having to
 cobble together three different child care providers to have their 
children cared for during the work week.

“We are in a child care crisis for the state of Kansas,” Doyle said.

Kansas Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, 
D-Wichita, addressed the shortage of child care during the Zoom 
discussion. Faust-Goudeau said she was working with three Black women 
who operate daycare services in her district. All three women had their 
facilities shut down by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment 
for minor issues, she said.

She said one woman was written up for
 not having a roll of toilet paper in the toilet paper dispenser, though
 she immediately replaced the empty roll and had a stock of toilet paper
 stored in the bathroom. Faust-Goudeau said the rules should be examined
 during the upcoming legislative session.

“All of those three daycare providers
 here in the 29th District were African American women, and all of those
 children that they were providing for, the parents had to do something 
quick to get that child care to go to work. Our Legislature wants people
 to go to work, but it’s so hard to do without them having proper child 
care,” Faust-Goudeau said.

Doyle said the organization planned 
on examining licensing requirements for child care providers. Doyle said
 they had heard from several child care providers struggling with the 
requirements for licensing and inspection of the facilities.

“One of the reasons why we want to 
look at the licensing requirements is that it makes it cumbersome to 
even open a business,” Doyle said.

Women also had low civic engagement, 
with few women running for office in the state, the report found. Women 
made up only 28% of Kansas state legislators. United We said they had 
110 women interested in learning more about civic leadership roles after
 the town hall series.

Another area of concern was pay 
inequity. The average U.S. full-time female employee earns 82 cents to 
her male equivalent’s dollar. The pay gap is wider in Kansas, where 
women earn 78 cents to a man’s dollar. Women in Kansas have more 
education than Kansas men, and have a higher education level than the 
average for U.S. men, but hold less leadership roles than the average 
U.S. man.

Work environments also tend to be 
stressful for Kansas women, with 64% reporting that they had negative 
experiences, such as harassment or discrimination, in the workplace.

June Huie, an independent business 
owner, said she often acted as a mentor to women looking to become 
entrepreneurs. She said she was asked often about why men were oblivious
 to the struggles of their female counterparts in the workforce, 
especially men who were high-ranking employees and could make changes in
 the workplace structure.

“There’s just so many things that 
seem to impact women so much more than men. And we want to know where to
 start. Who do we start with?” Huie said.&nbsp;

Huie said she’s been bringing up her 
concerns to Sedgwick County city council members and county 
commissioners, but wasn’t satisfied with their responses. Huie said a 
partisan divide was also making it difficult to address women’s issues.

“They shake their heads: ‘Yeah, we 
understand it’s a problem, blah, blah, blah.’ And then they promptly go 
and vote absolutely against anything that they say, and there’s not a 
whole lot we can do about it other than un-elect them,” Huie said. “But 
we have that whole conservative versus progressive mindset that’s giving
 us some considerable difficulty here in Sedgwick County.”

By RACHEL MIPRO <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/11/15/kansas-women-struggle-to-enter-the-workforce-because-of-lack-of-child-care-and-pay-gap/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA
 — Kansas women need pay equity and more help with child care, a women’s
 advocacy group said after compiling feedback from hundreds of women 
around the state.United WE, an nonprofit organization 
dedicated to improving women’s economic and social status, partnered 
with the League of Kansas Municipalities to set up seven town hall 
discussions from June to August.Using the feedback they got from 
these town hall discussions, in which 536 people participated, United WE
 found that more than 50% of the interviewed women were responsible for 
child care. The organization discussed its findings in a Zoom meeting 
Tuesday.The organization conducted a 2021 
report on the status of women in Kansas in partnership with the 
University of Kansas. The report found that many women have been 
struggling to hold jobs with a lack of adequate child care.Kansas infant care costs take up 29% 
of women’s median earnings, the report found, and Kansas has twice the 
number of children younger than 5 than available licensed child care 
spots available for them. Paid leave was reported as a significant issue
 for a majority of Kansas women, as many have to use unpaid time off or 
sick leave to care for their families.United WE president Wendy Doyle said 
the state is currently facing extreme child care shortages: More than 
300 child care facilities closed during the pandemic, with no plans of 
reopening. Doyle said in some parts of the state, families are having to
 cobble together three different child care providers to have their 
children cared for during the work week.“We are in a child care crisis for the state of Kansas,” Doyle said.Kansas Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, 
D-Wichita, addressed the shortage of child care during the Zoom 
discussion. Faust-Goudeau said she was working with three Black women 
who operate daycare services in her district. All three women had their 
facilities shut down by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment 
for minor issues, she said.She said one woman was written up for
 not having a roll of toilet paper in the toilet paper dispenser, though
 she immediately replaced the empty roll and had a stock of toilet paper
 stored in the bathroom. Faust-Goudeau said the rules should be examined
 during the upcoming legislative session.“All of those three daycare providers
 here in the 29th District were African American women, and all of those
 children that they were providing for, the parents had to do something 
quick to get that child care to go to work. Our Legislature wants people
 to go to work, but it’s so hard to do without them having proper child 
care,” Faust-Goudeau said.Doyle said the organization planned 
on examining licensing requirements for child care providers. Doyle said
 they had heard from several child care providers struggling with the 
requirements for licensing and inspection of the facilities.“One of the reasons why we want to 
look at the licensing requirements is that it makes it cumbersome to 
even open a business,” Doyle said.Women also had low civic engagement, 
with few women running for office in the state, the report found. Women 
made up only 28% of Kansas state legislators. United We said they had 
110 women interested in learning more about civic leadership roles after
 the town hall series.Another area of concern was pay 
inequity. The average U.S. full-time female employee earns 82 cents to 
her male equivalent’s dollar. The pay gap is wider in Kansas, where 
women earn 78 cents to a man’s dollar. Women in Kansas have more 
education than Kansas men, and have a higher education level than the 
average for U.S. men, but hold less leadership roles than the average 
U.S. man.Work environments also tend to be 
stressful for Kansas women, with 64% reporting that they had negative 
experiences, such as harassment or discrimination, in the workplace.June Huie, an independent business 
owner, said she often acted as a mentor to women looking to become 
entrepreneurs. She said she was asked often about why men were oblivious
 to the struggles of their female counterparts in the workforce, 
especially men who were high-ranking employees and could make changes in
 the workplace structure.“There’s just so many things that 
seem to impact women so much more than men. And we want to know where to
 start. Who do we start with?” Huie said.&nbsp;Huie said she’s been bringing up her 
concerns to Sedgwick County city council members and county 
commissioners, but wasn’t satisfied with their responses. Huie said a 
partisan divide was also making it difficult to address women’s issues.“They shake their heads: ‘Yeah, we 
understand it’s a problem, blah, blah, blah.’ And then they promptly go 
and vote absolutely against anything that they say, and there’s not a 
whole lot we can do about it other than un-elect them,” Huie said. “But 
we have that whole conservative versus progressive mindset that’s giving
 us some considerable difficulty here in Sedgwick County.”

Lack of child care, pay gap keeping Kan. women out of workforce

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A 22-year-old gunman opened fire in a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people and leaving 18 injured before he was subdued by “heroic” patrons and arrested by police who were on the scene within minutes, authorities said Sunday.

Click below to listen to the 9a.m. Sunday police press conference

Two firearms, including a “long rifle,” were found at Club Q after the Saturday night shooting, said Police Chief Adrian Vasquez.

Investigators were still determining a motive, and the attack was being investigated to see if it should be prosecuted as a hate crime, said El Paso County District Attorney Michael Allen.

Police identified the gunman as Anderson Lee Aldrich, who was in custody and being treated for injuries. A man with the same name and age was arrested in 2021 after his mother reported he threatened her with “a homemade bomb, multiple weapons and ammunition,” according to authorities.

Police did not confirm whether it was the same person, saying they were investigating whether the suspect had been arrested before.

Authorities were called to the Club Q at 11:57 p.m. Saturday with a report of a shooting, and the first officer arrived at midnight.

“At least two heroic people” confronted the gunman and stopped the shooting, Vasquez said, adding: “We owe them a great debt of thanks.”

Of the 18 people injured, some were in critical condition and at least two had been treated and released, officials said, adding that some were hurt trying to flee.

The shooting brought back memories of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-fl-state-wire-massacres-shootings-9c2d0d234e96c821beb29f1cf4c0eb82">the 2016 massacre at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida,</a>&nbsp;that killed 49 people. And it occurred in a state that has experienced several notorious mass killings, including at Columbine High School in 1999, a movie theater in suburban Denver in 2012 and at a Boulder supermarket last year.

It was the sixth mass killing this month and came in a year when the nation was shaken by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">deaths of 21 in a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas</a>.

Attorney General Merrick Garland was briefed on the shooting, Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said. The FBI said it was assisting but said the police department was leading the investigation.

President Joe Biden said that while the motive for the shootings was not yet clear, “we know that the LGBTQI+ community has been subjected to horrific hate violence in recent years.”

“Places that are supposed to be safe spaces of acceptance and celebration should never be turned into places of terror and violence. Yet it happens far too often,” he said. “We must drive out the inequities that contribute to violence against LGBTQI+ people. We cannot and must not tolerate hate.”

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who became the first openly gay man in the United States to be elected governor in 2018, called the shooting “sickening.”

“My heart breaks for the family and friends of those lost, injured, and traumatized in this horrific shooting. I have spoken with Mayor (John) Suthers and clarified that every state resource is available to local law enforcement in Colorado Springs,” Polis said. “Colorado stands with our LGTBQ community and everyone impacted by this tragedy as we mourn.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668949980895.png" alt="Club Q is a gay and lesbian nightclub that features a “Drag Diva Drag Show” on Saturdays, according to its website.-photo courtesy KKTV" />
 <figcaption>Club Q is a gay and lesbian nightclub that features a “Drag Diva Drag Show” on Saturdays, according to its website.-photo courtesy KKTV</figcaption>
 </figure>COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A 22-year-old gunman opened fire in a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people and leaving 18 injured before he was subdued by “heroic” patrons and arrested by police who were on the scene within minutes, authorities said Sunday.Click below to listen to the 9a.m. Sunday police press conference<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcspdpio%2Fvideos%2F685654389569596%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=26" width="267" height="476" 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>Two firearms, including a “long rifle,” were found at Club Q after the Saturday night shooting, said Police Chief Adrian Vasquez.Investigators were still determining a motive, and the attack was being investigated to see if it should be prosecuted as a hate crime, said El Paso County District Attorney Michael Allen.Police identified the gunman as Anderson Lee Aldrich, who was in custody and being treated for injuries. A man with the same name and age was arrested in 2021 after his mother reported he threatened her with “a homemade bomb, multiple weapons and ammunition,” according to authorities.Police did not confirm whether it was the same person, saying they were investigating whether the suspect had been arrested before.Authorities were called to the Club Q at 11:57 p.m. Saturday with a report of a shooting, and the first officer arrived at midnight.“At least two heroic people” confronted the gunman and stopped the shooting, Vasquez said, adding: “We owe them a great debt of thanks.”Of the 18 people injured, some were in critical condition and at least two had been treated and released, officials said, adding that some were hurt trying to flee.The shooting brought back memories of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-fl-state-wire-massacres-shootings-9c2d0d234e96c821beb29f1cf4c0eb82">the 2016 massacre at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida,</a>&nbsp;that killed 49 people. And it occurred in a state that has experienced several notorious mass killings, including at Columbine High School in 1999, a movie theater in suburban Denver in 2012 and at a Boulder supermarket last year.It was the sixth mass killing this month and came in a year when the nation was shaken by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting">deaths of 21 in a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas</a>.Attorney General Merrick Garland was briefed on the shooting, Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said. The FBI said it was assisting but said the police department was leading the investigation.President Joe Biden said that while the motive for the shootings was not yet clear, “we know that the LGBTQI+ community has been subjected to horrific hate violence in recent years.”“Places that are supposed to be safe spaces of acceptance and celebration should never be turned into places of terror and violence. Yet it happens far too often,” he said. “We must drive out the inequities that contribute to violence against LGBTQI+ people. We cannot and must not tolerate hate.”Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who became the first openly gay man in the United States to be elected governor in 2018, called the shooting “sickening.”“My heart breaks for the family and friends of those lost, injured, and traumatized in this horrific shooting. I have spoken with Mayor (John) Suthers and clarified that every state resource is available to local law enforcement in Colorado Springs,” Polis said. “Colorado stands with our LGTBQ community and everyone impacted by this tragedy as we mourn.”Ryan Johnson, who lives near Club Q and was there last month, said it was one of only two night spots for the LGBTQ community in conservative-leaning Colorado Springs. “It’s kind of the go-to for pride,” the 26-year-old said, describing it as a medium-sized club.When he got home early Sunday, he saw police cars crowding the streets.“It just feels crazy, you hear about it and you don’t think it’ll happen and then it happens,” said Johnson. “You come to Colorado and feel safer than other parts of the country and then this happens.”Robert Nichols, 35, said he searched frantically Sunday for a friend who had told him she would be at the club and hadn't returned his calls. He said that led to some “anxiety inducing” hours before seeing the friend's car outside her home and deciding she was OK.Although a motive wasn’t yet clear, nor were the gender identities of the victims, the incident came as anti-gay rhetoric has intensified by extremists. In a statement, Club Q termed the shooting a hate attack.“Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community,” the club posted on its Facebook page. It said its prayers were with victims and families, adding: “We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack.”The CEO of a national LGBTQ-rights organization, Kevin Jennings of Lambda Legal, reacted with a plea for tighter restrictions on guns.“America’s toxic mix of bigotry and absurdly easy access to firearms means that such events are all too common and LGBTQ+ people, BIPOC communities, the Jewish community and other vulnerable populations pay the price again and again for our political leadership’s failure to act,” he said in a statement. “We must stand together to demand meaningful action before yet another tragedy strikes our nation.”The shooting came during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-legislature-gay-rights-raleigh-government-and-politics-84892bee21af98cfd80d56481ca05458">Transgender Awareness Week</a>&nbsp;and hours before Sunday’s International&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-deaths-america-2022-data-76c8ba3936e9a724377d1733a4619d7c">Transgender Day of Remembrance</a>, when events around the world are held to mourn and remember transgender people lost to violence. The Colorado Springs shooting was sure to bring special resonance to those events.Club Q is a gay and lesbian nightclub that features a “Drag Diva Drag Show” on Saturdays, according to its website. In addition to the drag show, Club Q's Facebook page said planned entertainment included a “punk and alternative show” preceding a birthday dance party, with a Sunday “all ages brunch.”Colorado Springs is a city of about 480,000 located about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Denver that is home to the U.S. Air Force Academy, as well as Focus on the Family, a prominent evangelical Christian ministry.In November 2015, three people were killed and eight wounded at a Planned Parenthood clinic in the city when authorities say a man opened fire because he wanted to wage “war” on the clinic because it performed abortions.In June, 31 members of the neo-Nazi group Patriot Front were arrested in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and charged with conspiracy to riot at a Pride event. Experts warned that extremist groups could see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-riots-race-and-ethnicity-religion-a22a3e11521dfd398778d4820f484c50">anti-gay rhetoric as a call to action</a>.The previous month, a fundamentalist Idaho pastor told his small Boise congregation that gay, lesbian and transgender people should be executed by the government, which lined up with similar sermons from a Texas fundamentalist pastor.There have been 523 mass killings since 2006 resulting in 2,727 deaths as of Nov. 19, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/18/mass-killings-database-us-events-since-2006/9705311002/">The Associated Press/USA Today database on mass killings in the U.S.</a>------COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A 22-year-old gunman opened fire in a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, killing five people and injuring 18 before he was subdued by “heroic” patrons and arrested by police who arrived on the scene within about five minutes, police said Sunday.Click below to listen to the 9a.m. Sunday police press conference<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fcspdpio%2Fvideos%2F685654389569596%2F&show_text=false&width=267&t=26" width="267" height="476" 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>Two firearms, including a “long rifle,” were found at the scene at Club Q, said Colorado Springs Police Department Chief Adrian Vasquez.“At least two heroic people” confronted the gunman and stopped the shooting, the chief said, adding: “We owe them a great debt of thanks.”Authorities received the report of a shooting at Club Q at 11:57 p.m. Saturday, said Lt. Pamela Castro of the Colorado Springs Police Department.The violence is the sixth mass killing this month and comes in a year when the nation was shaken by the deaths of 21 in a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.Castro said the suspect was injured but didn’t know how and that the FBI was on the scene.Attorney General Merrick Garland has been briefed on the shooting, Justice Department spokesman Anthony Coley said. The FBI said it was providing assistance to Colorado Springs police, but said the police department was leading the investigation.Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who became the first openly gay man in the United States to be elected governor in 2018, said the news was “sickening.”.“My heart breaks for the family and friends of those lost, injured, and traumatized in this horrific shooting. I have spoken with Mayor (John) Suthers and clarified that every state resource is available to local law enforcement in Colorado Springs,” Polis said. “Colorado stands with our LGTBQ community and everyone impacted by this tragedy as we mourn.”Although a motive in the shooting wasn’t yet clear, nor were the gender identities of the victims, the incident came as anti-gay rhetoric has intensified by extremists. In a statement, Club Q termed the shooting a hate attack.“Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community,” the club posted on its Facebook page. It said its prayers were with victims and families, adding: “We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack.”The shooting came during Transgender Awareness Week and hours before Sunday’s International Transgender Day of Remembrance, when events around the world are held to mourn and memorialize transgender people lost to violence. The Colorado Springs shooting was sure to bring special resonance to Sunday’s events.Club Q is a gay and lesbian nightclub that features a “Drag Diva Drag Show” on Saturdays, according to its website.In addition to the drag show, Club Q's Facebook page said planned entertainment included a “punk and alternative show” preceding a birthday dance party, with a Sunday “all ages brunch.”Colorado Springs is a city of about 480,000 located about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Denver that is home to the U.S. Air Force Academy, as well as Focus on the Family, a prominent evangelical Christian ministry.In November 2015, three people were killed and eight wounded at a Planned Parenthood clinic in the city when authorities say a man opened fire because he wanted to wage “war” on the clinic because it performed abortions.The shooting brought back memories of the 2016 massacre at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, that killed 49 people. And it occurred in a state that has experienced several notorious mass killings, including at Columbine High School in 1999, a movie theater in suburban Denver in 2012 and at a Boulder supermarket last year.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sickened and horrified by the shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs. The LGBTQ+ community is once again the target of the most terrible violence. And devastating attacks like these will only become more common if we don’t fight back. It must stop.&mdash; Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepAdamSchiff/status/1594327197019422722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California said on Twitter he was “sickened and horrified” by the shooting, adding: “The LGBTQ+ community is once again the target of the most terrible violence. And devastating attacks like these will only become more common if we don’t fight back. It must stop.”Rep.-elect Eric Sorensen, who is Illinois' first openly gay congressman, tweeted that “we must use loud voices to stand up against hate. Our country must turn down the hateful rhetoric aimed at our LGBTQ community.”In June, 31 members of the neo-Nazi group Patriot Front were arrested in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and charged with conspiracy to riot at a Pride event. Experts warned that extremist groups could see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-riots-race-and-ethnicity-religion-a22a3e11521dfd398778d4820f484c50">anti-gay rhetoric as a call to action</a>.The previous month, a fundamentalist Idaho pastor told his small Boise congregation that gay, lesbian and transgender people should be executed by the government, which lined up with similar sermons from a Texas fundamentalist pastor.There have been 523 mass killings since 2006 resulting in 2,727 deaths as of Nov. 19, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/18/mass-killings-database-us-events-since-2006/9705311002/">The Associated Press/USA Today database on mass killings in the U.S.</a>-----COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — An attacker opened fire in a gay nightclub late Saturday, killing five people and wounding 18, officials said. The club said the suspect was subdued by patrons.Authorities received a report of a shooting at Club Q at 11:57 p.m. and responded within minutes, said Lt. Pamela Castro of the Colorado Springs Police Department.The violence is the sixth mass killing this month and comes in a year when the nation was shaken by the deaths of 21 in a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.Castro had few details beyond the number of dead and wounded. She said the suspect was injured but didn’t know how and that the FBI was on the scene and assisting.The police department planned a news conference for 8 a.m. (10 a.m. EST) on the investigation.The latest incident occurred as anti-gay rhetoric has intensified by extremists. In a statement, Club Q termed the shooting a hate attack.“Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community,” the club posted on its Facebook page. It said its prayers were with victims and families, adding: “We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack.”Club Q is a gay and lesbian nightclub that features a “Drag Diva Drag Show” on Saturdays, according to its website.In addition to the drag show, Club Q's Facebook page said planned entertainment included a “punk and alternative show” preceding a birthday dance party, with a Sunday “all ages brunch.”Colorado Springs is a city of about 480,000 located about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of Denver that is home to the U.S. Air Force Academy, as well as Focus on the Family, a prominent evangelical Christian ministry.In November 2015, three people were killed and eight wounded at a Planned Parenthood clinic in the city when authorities say a man opened fire because he wanted to wage “war” on the clinic because it performed abortions.The motive behind Saturday's shooting was not immediately known but it brought back memories of the 2016 massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, that killed 49 people. And it occurred in a state that has experienced several notorious mass killings, including at Columbine High School in 1999, a movie theater in suburban Denver in 2012 and at a Boulder supermarket last year.In June, 31 members of the neo-Nazi group Patriot Front were arrested in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and charged with conspiracy to riot at a Pride event. Experts warned that extremist groups could see&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-arrests-riots-race-and-ethnicity-religion-a22a3e11521dfd398778d4820f484c50">anti-gay rhetoric as a call to action</a>.The previous month, a fundamentalist Idaho pastor told his small Boise congregation that gay, lesbian and transgender people should be executed by the government, which lined up with similar sermons from a Texas fundamentalist pastor.There have been 523 mass killings since 2006 resulting in 2,727 deaths as of Nov. 19, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2022/08/18/mass-killings-database-us-events-since-2006/9705311002/">The Associated Press/USA Today database on mass killings in the U.S.</a>-------------