WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden received his COVID-19 booster shot on Monday, days after federal regulators recommended a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine for Americans age 65 or older and approved them for others with preexisting medical conditions and high-risk work environments

The most important thing we need to do is get more people vaccinated," Biden said before getting the booster, adding that he did not have side effects after his first or second shots.

Biden, 78, got his first shot on Dec. 21 and his second dose three weeks later, on Jan. 11, along with his wife, Jill Biden. Biden said the first lady, who's 70, would also receive the booster dose, but she was teaching on Monday at Northern Virginia Community College, where she is a professor of English.

Speaking on Friday after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration authorized the Pfizer booster, Biden told reporters, “It’s hard to acknowledge I’m over 65, but I’ll be getting my booster shot." He repeated the joke about being over 65 on Monday.

Biden emerged as a champion of booster doses in the summer, as the U.S. experienced a sharp rise in coronavirus cases from the more transmissible delta variant. While the vast majority of cases continue to occur among unvaccinated people, regulators pointed to evidence from Israel and early studies in the U.S. showing that protection against so-called breakthrough cases was vastly improved by a third dose of the Pfizer shot.

But the aggressive American push for boosters, before many poorer nations have been able to provide even a modicum of protection for their most vulnerable populations, has drawn the ire of the World Health Organization and some aid groups, which have called on the U.S. to pause third shots to free up supply for the global vaccination effort.

Biden said last week that the U.S. was purchasing another 500 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine — for a total of 1 billion over the coming year — to donate to less well off nations.

Vice President Kamala Harris, 56, received the Moderna vaccine, for which federal regulators have not yet authorized boosters — but they are expected to in the coming weeks. Regulators are also expecting data about the safety and efficacy of a booster for the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson shot soon.

At least 2.66 million Americans have received booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine since mid-August, according to the CDC. About 100 million Americans have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 through the Pfizer shot. U.S. regulators recommend getting the boosters at least six months after the second shot of the initial two-dose series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632773278988.png" alt="Speaking on Friday after the CDC and the FDA authorized the Pfizer booster, Biden told reporters, “It’s hard to acknowledge I’m over 65, but I’ll be getting my booster shot." He repeated the joke about being over 65 on Monday." />
 <figcaption>Speaking on Friday after the CDC and the FDA authorized the Pfizer booster, Biden told reporters, “It’s hard to acknowledge I’m over 65, but I’ll be getting my booster shot." He repeated the joke about being over 65 on Monday.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden received his COVID-19 booster shot on Monday, days after federal regulators recommended a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine for Americans age 65 or older and approved them for others with preexisting medical conditions and high-risk work environments<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tune in as I deliver remarks and receive my COVID-19 booster shot. <a href="https://t.co/GurbbWdrvF">https://t.co/GurbbWdrvF</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1442536204302307334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The most important thing we need to do is get more people vaccinated," Biden said before getting the booster, adding that he did not have side effects after his first or second shots.Biden, 78, got his first shot on Dec. 21 and his second dose three weeks later, on Jan. 11, along with his wife, Jill Biden. Biden said the first lady, who's 70, would also receive the booster dose, but she was teaching on Monday at Northern Virginia Community College, where she is a professor of English.Speaking on Friday after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration authorized the Pfizer booster, Biden told reporters, “It’s hard to acknowledge I’m over 65, but I’ll be getting my booster shot." He repeated the joke about being over 65 on Monday.Biden emerged as a champion of booster doses in the summer, as the U.S. experienced a sharp rise in coronavirus cases from the more transmissible delta variant. While the vast majority of cases continue to occur among unvaccinated people, regulators pointed to evidence from Israel and early studies in the U.S. showing that protection against so-called breakthrough cases was vastly improved by a third dose of the Pfizer shot.But the aggressive American push for boosters, before many poorer nations have been able to provide even a modicum of protection for their most vulnerable populations, has drawn the ire of the World Health Organization and some aid groups, which have called on the U.S. to pause third shots to free up supply for the global vaccination effort.Biden said last week that the U.S. was purchasing another 500 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine — for a total of 1 billion over the coming year — to donate to less well off nations.Vice President Kamala Harris, 56, received the Moderna vaccine, for which federal regulators have not yet authorized boosters — but they are expected to in the coming weeks. Regulators are also expecting data about the safety and efficacy of a booster for the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson shot soon.At least 2.66 million Americans have received booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine since mid-August, according to the CDC. About 100 million Americans have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 through the Pfizer shot. U.S. regulators recommend getting the boosters at least six months after the second shot of the initial two-dose series.

President Biden jokes about his age, gets COVID-19 booster shot 

By ABIGAIL CENSKY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-09-23/a-kansas-democrat-in-congress-wants-federal-law-to-stop-any-state-from-banning-abortions">Kansas News Service</a>

LAWRENCE, Kansas — While Kansas inches toward a 2022 
vote that could reel back abortion rights, U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids 
wants to enshrine access to the procedure in federal law so that states 
like her own can’t ban it.

Her backing of the bill — along with 
the majority of Democrats in the U.S. House — comes on the heels of the 
U.S. Supreme Court declining to block a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/09/01/1033202132/texas-abortion-ban-what-happens-next" target="_blank">Texas law</a>
 banning abortions after six weeks into a pregnancy, before most women 
know they’re pregnant. The vote will come days after the Supreme Court 
announced it will hear a direct challenge in <a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/2021/09/major-abortion-case-set-for-argument-on-dec-1/" target="_blank">December</a> to the landmark Roe v. Wade case that gave Americans abortion rights.

“Having
 the legislative safeguard to protect access to the full range of health
 care,” Davids said. “It’s important … no matter what state you live in,
 that includes Kansas.”

The lone Democrat representing Kansas in Congress is among more than 200 Democrats co-sponsoring the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3755/text?r=1&amp;s=1" target="_blank">Women’s Health Protection Act</a>.
 The bill, which the U.S. House is set to vote on this week, would 
enshrine abortion protections at the federal level and overturn many of 
the stringent restrictions that states have already passed. That would 
likely include some laws in Kansas like state-required counseling before
 a procedure and a ban on telemedicine abortions.

With 212 co-sponsors, the bill would only need six more backers to pass the U.S. House. Senate passage looks <a href="https://www.vox.com/20930358/codify-roe-wade-womens-health-protection-act-supreme-court-nancy-pelosi-democrats" target="_blank">far less likely</a>.

While
 the push for federal abortion rights legislation is perennial on 
Capitol Hill, the stakes run higher in anticipation that the 
increasingly conservative high court could overturn Roe v. Wade. That 
would open the way for individual states to effectively shut down 
abortions — particularly if the justices grant states the power to 
restrict abortions even when the fetus is unable to live outside the 
womb.

More <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/09/1014475875/abortion-rights-laws-states-record-conservatives" target="_blank">anti-abortion legislation</a> has been passed by state legislatures in 2021 than in any other year.

“It’s
 no longer, ‘Oh, this could happen or, we’re telling these really 
extreme stories so that people will rally around abortion, right?’” said
 Alesha Doan a professor of women, gender and sexuality studies and 
public affairs at the University of Kansas.

“It is, ‘Well, this is
 what is happening in Texas,’” she said, “It’s very easy to see it 
happening in states that are already extremely hostile to reproductive 
rights, and Kansas ranks up there at the top.”

None of the three 
Republicans representing Kansas in the U.S. House are listed as 
co-sponsors. U.S. Reps. Jake LaTurner, Ron Estes and Tracey Mann all 
campaign as staunchly anti-abortion and are likely to vote against the 
bill.

Danielle Underwood, a spokesperson for Kansans for Life, said the state shouldn’t be deprived of regulating abortion clinics.

“We
 think that just as restaurants have regulations on them, as gyms have 
regulations and medical outpatient facilities have regulations on 
them... this is no different,” she said.

“This is not an industry,” Underwood said, “that should just be unlimited in its operations and in its business practices.”

In
 Kansas, more of the attention is being directed to the Legislature and 
an amendment that would change the state constitution to say there’s no 
right to an abortion. It’s slated for the August 2022 primary.

Republicans
 in the Legislature could further restrict abortion access in Kansas if 
the amendment is passed. But in the wake of the six-week ban in Texas, 
leading anti-abortion voices, including Republican leaders in the 
Legislature and the powerful anti-abortion rights group Kansans for 
Life, have said all their energy is focused on the constitutional 
amendment to protect abortion restrictions already in Kansas law.

“Every
 common-sense policy — including the ability to regulate the cleanliness
 and safety of clinics — is at risk” if the amendment fails, said House 
Speaker Ron Ryckman.

Michelle Schroeder, chief of policy and 
communications for state Senate President Ty Masterson, accused abortion
 rights advocates of making Kansas a “tourist attraction” for abortion 
and advertising to women from Texas, who currently face the tightest 
abortion restrictions in the country.

The message from Kansas 
abortion advocates to women in Texas, “clearly demonstrates the need for
 common-sense regulations,” Schroeder said. But, passing the 
constitutional amendment, she said, “That is our priority."

Doan said there’s a reason to attempt a ban later, contrary to what lawmakers in states like <a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-texas-bills-legislature-st-louis-3acf897f87c0822048fd089c924b8ed1" target="_blank">Missouri</a> have done.

“A six-week abortion ban erases a lot of that agenda,” Doan said. “Because that makes it moot if that ban is in place.”

Four
 other states — Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee and West Virginia — have 
rewritten their state constitutions to specify there’s no right to an 
abortion. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/laws-us-news-us-supreme-court-courts-supreme-courts-cf78053d48a1801fbcb44b9b6aaa1a10" target="_blank">Tennessee</a> and <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/louisiana-set-latest-state-sign-abortion-ban-law/story?id=63370943" target="_blank">Louisiana</a> have since passed six-week abortion bans and Alabama passed a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/29/us/alabama-abortion-ban.html" target="_blank">near-total abortion ban</a>. But all of those state actions have been blocked by the courts.

Kansas lawmakers introduced a bill that would ban abortions at six weeks in 2013, but the <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2014/b2013_14/measures/hb2324/" target="_blank">bil</a>l died in a House committee.

Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @AbigailCensky or email her at abigailcensky@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632499305252.png" alt="If Congress codifies abortion protections, it would prevent states from implementing their own restrictions like the Texas ban on abortions six weeks into a pregnancy. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids is co-sponsoring the Women's Health Protection Act to try and enshrine abortion access even if states like Kansas re-write the state constitution to say there's no right to an abortion. Kansas News Service" />
 <figcaption>If Congress codifies abortion protections, it would prevent states from implementing their own restrictions like the Texas ban on abortions six weeks into a pregnancy. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids is co-sponsoring the Women's Health Protection Act to try and enshrine abortion access even if states like Kansas re-write the state constitution to say there's no right to an abortion. Kansas News Service</figcaption>
 </figure>By ABIGAIL CENSKY <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-09-23/a-kansas-democrat-in-congress-wants-federal-law-to-stop-any-state-from-banning-abortions">Kansas News Service</a>LAWRENCE, Kansas — While Kansas inches toward a 2022 
vote that could reel back abortion rights, U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids 
wants to enshrine access to the procedure in federal law so that states 
like her own can’t ban it.Her backing of the bill — along with 
the majority of Democrats in the U.S. House — comes on the heels of the 
U.S. Supreme Court declining to block a <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/09/01/1033202132/texas-abortion-ban-what-happens-next" target="_blank">Texas law</a>
 banning abortions after six weeks into a pregnancy, before most women 
know they’re pregnant. The vote will come days after the Supreme Court 
announced it will hear a direct challenge in <a href="https://www.scotusblog.com/2021/09/major-abortion-case-set-for-argument-on-dec-1/" target="_blank">December</a> to the landmark Roe v. Wade case that gave Americans abortion rights.“Having
 the legislative safeguard to protect access to the full range of health
 care,” Davids said. “It’s important … no matter what state you live in,
 that includes Kansas.”The lone Democrat representing Kansas in Congress is among more than 200 Democrats co-sponsoring the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3755/text?r=1&amp;s=1" target="_blank">Women’s Health Protection Act</a>.
 The bill, which the U.S. House is set to vote on this week, would 
enshrine abortion protections at the federal level and overturn many of 
the stringent restrictions that states have already passed. That would 
likely include some laws in Kansas like state-required counseling before
 a procedure and a ban on telemedicine abortions.With 212 co-sponsors, the bill would only need six more backers to pass the U.S. House. Senate passage looks <a href="https://www.vox.com/20930358/codify-roe-wade-womens-health-protection-act-supreme-court-nancy-pelosi-democrats" target="_blank">far less likely</a>.While
 the push for federal abortion rights legislation is perennial on 
Capitol Hill, the stakes run higher in anticipation that the 
increasingly conservative high court could overturn Roe v. Wade. That 
would open the way for individual states to effectively shut down 
abortions — particularly if the justices grant states the power to 
restrict abortions even when the fetus is unable to live outside the 
womb.More <a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/07/09/1014475875/abortion-rights-laws-states-record-conservatives" target="_blank">anti-abortion legislation</a> has been passed by state legislatures in 2021 than in any other year.“It’s
 no longer, ‘Oh, this could happen or, we’re telling these really 
extreme stories so that people will rally around abortion, right?’” said
 Alesha Doan a professor of women, gender and sexuality studies and 
public affairs at the University of Kansas.“It is, ‘Well, this is
 what is happening in Texas,’” she said, “It’s very easy to see it 
happening in states that are already extremely hostile to reproductive 
rights, and Kansas ranks up there at the top.”None of the three 
Republicans representing Kansas in the U.S. House are listed as 
co-sponsors. U.S. Reps. Jake LaTurner, Ron Estes and Tracey Mann all 
campaign as staunchly anti-abortion and are likely to vote against the 
bill.Danielle Underwood, a spokesperson for Kansans for Life, said the state shouldn’t be deprived of regulating abortion clinics.“We
 think that just as restaurants have regulations on them, as gyms have 
regulations and medical outpatient facilities have regulations on 
them... this is no different,” she said.“This is not an industry,” Underwood said, “that should just be unlimited in its operations and in its business practices.”In
 Kansas, more of the attention is being directed to the Legislature and 
an amendment that would change the state constitution to say there’s no 
right to an abortion. It’s slated for the August 2022 primary.Republicans
 in the Legislature could further restrict abortion access in Kansas if 
the amendment is passed. But in the wake of the six-week ban in Texas, 
leading anti-abortion voices, including Republican leaders in the 
Legislature and the powerful anti-abortion rights group Kansans for 
Life, have said all their energy is focused on the constitutional 
amendment to protect abortion restrictions already in Kansas law.“Every
 common-sense policy — including the ability to regulate the cleanliness
 and safety of clinics — is at risk” if the amendment fails, said House 
Speaker Ron Ryckman.Michelle Schroeder, chief of policy and 
communications for state Senate President Ty Masterson, accused abortion
 rights advocates of making Kansas a “tourist attraction” for abortion 
and advertising to women from Texas, who currently face the tightest 
abortion restrictions in the country.The message from Kansas 
abortion advocates to women in Texas, “clearly demonstrates the need for
 common-sense regulations,” Schroeder said. But, passing the 
constitutional amendment, she said, “That is our priority."Doan said there’s a reason to attempt a ban later, contrary to what lawmakers in states like <a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-texas-bills-legislature-st-louis-3acf897f87c0822048fd089c924b8ed1" target="_blank">Missouri</a> have done.“A six-week abortion ban erases a lot of that agenda,” Doan said. “Because that makes it moot if that ban is in place.”Four
 other states — Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee and West Virginia — have 
rewritten their state constitutions to specify there’s no right to an 
abortion. <a href="https://apnews.com/article/laws-us-news-us-supreme-court-courts-supreme-courts-cf78053d48a1801fbcb44b9b6aaa1a10" target="_blank">Tennessee</a> and <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/US/louisiana-set-latest-state-sign-abortion-ban-law/story?id=63370943" target="_blank">Louisiana</a> have since passed six-week abortion bans and Alabama passed a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/29/us/alabama-abortion-ban.html" target="_blank">near-total abortion ban</a>. But all of those state actions have been blocked by the courts.Kansas lawmakers introduced a bill that would ban abortions at six weeks in 2013, but the <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2014/b2013_14/measures/hb2324/" target="_blank">bil</a>l died in a House committee.Abigail Censky is the political reporter for the Kansas News Service. You can follow her on Twitter @AbigailCensky or email her at abigailcensky@kcur.org.

Kan. Democrat wants federal law to stop states from banning abortions 

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,994 to a total of 406,453 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 43 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6024.

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

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

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

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 1,994 to a total of 406,453 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 43 new COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6024.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632767319990.png" alt="Monday Sept. 27, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday Sept. 27, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: More than 6,000 Kansans dead due to COVID-19

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid was released from the hospital Monday after he felt ill and was taken by ambulance to be treated for dehydration following their 30-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Chiefs spokesman Ted Crews said that Reid was “in great spirits” and that he planned to visit the practice facility later in the day or Tuesday. In the meantime, Chiefs coordinators Steve Spagnuolo and Eric Bieniemy ran the Monday film reviews. The 63-year-old Reid is expected to coach Sunday when the Chiefs visit Philadelphia.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid is resting and in stable condition after being taken to a hospital following Kansas City's 30-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

The Chiefs released a statement Sunday night saying Reid was evaluated by the medical staff in the locker room after the game and was transported to The University of Kansas Health System for further evaluation as a precaution.

“Coach is doing well, currently resting &amp; in stable condition,” the statement posted on Twitter said.

The 63-year-old Reid was feeling ill but coached the duration of the game, a team spokesman said.

Assistant coach Dave Toub answered questions following a second straight fourth-quarter letdown.

“Coach just wasn't feeling well,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/video/dave-toub-it-s-not-about-effort-we-ve-just-got-to-clean-it-up-week-3-press-confe">Toub said afterward</a>. "He did talk to the team.”

In fact, quarterback Patrick Mahomes said his coach “seemed fine on the sideline as well” as the Chiefs (1-2) threw away an opportunity to beat the Chargers with&nbsp;<a href="https://pro32.ap.org/article/chargers-rally-beat-turnover-prone-chiefs-30-24-kc">four turnovers, several costly penalties and numerous missed assignments</a>.

“He came in and talked to us and he seemed fine,” Mahomes said of the postgame locker room. “That's all I really know.”

The Chiefs began the game by turning over the ball on three straight possessions, including a pair of fumbles and a pass from Mahomes that bounced off his intended wide receiver and into the hands of the Chargers' Asante Samuel Jr.

It basically ended with Mahomes throwing another interception with 1:42 left in the fourth quarter.

The game was still tied at that point, but their suspect defense — which had allowed 12 straight red-zone trips to turn into touchdowns to start the season — seemed to make it a foregone conclusion that Los Angeles was headed for the end zone.

The Chiefs allowed a 15-yard pass to Keenan Allen on third down, then DeAndre Baker was called for pass interference on fourth a few minutes later to give Los Angeles a fresh set of down. Justin Herbert then hit Mike Williams with back-to-back passes, and the second with 32 seconds left in the game gave the Chargers the lead for good.

Asked what Reid said afterward, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire replied: “Pretty much it's not going to be over-the-top as far as him getting on us. We know what we did wrong. We know what we need to get corrected.”

“He came and told us — it's not necessarily going to be all right, but it's things that we can get fixed that can make it all right. That's what we need to go in and handle tomorrow. That's what it is," Edwards-Helaire added. "Watch the film tonight, see what we can get corrected, come in tomorrow and handle our business.”

Edwards-Helaire had one of the Chiefs' two fumbles Sunday, offsetting what was an otherwise solid day with 100 yards rushing and a touchdown reception. Edwards-Helaire also fumbled in the closing minute last week in Baltimore, preventing the Chiefs from having an opportunity to kick a winning field goal in a 36-35 defeat.

“Anybody can watch the film and you'll see that we beat ourselves,” Edwards-Helaire said. “It's those small, minute details that hurt us. Like we say, ‘It’s a game of inches.' It's going to be those small things we see on film: a step here, a step there that we feel like will make a difference. We had four turnovers and it still came down to the wire.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid quickly left Arrowhead Stadium with an illness after a 30-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, leaving assistant coach Dave Toub to handle questions following a second straight fourth-quarter letdown.

Reid was feeling ill but coached the duration of the game, a team spokesman said, before NFL Network reported the 63-year-old coach went to the hospital in an ambulance as a precaution. The Chiefs did not provide additional comment.

"Coach just wasn't feeling well," Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub said afterward. "He did talk to the team."

In fact, quarterback Patrick Mahomes said his coach "seemed fine on the sideline as well" as the Chiefs (1-2) threw away an opportunity to beat the Chargers with four turnovers, several costly penalties and numerous missed assignments.

"He came in and talked to us and he seemed fine," Mahomes said of the postgame locker room. "That's all I really know."

Asked what Reid said afterward, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire replied: "Pretty much it's not going to be over-the-top as far as him getting on us. We know what we did wrong. We know what we need to get corrected."

"He came and told us — it's not necessarily going to be all right, but it's things that we can get fixed that can make it all right. That's what we need to go in and handle tomorrow. That's what it is," Edwards-Helaire added. "Watch the film tonight, see what we can get corrected, come in tomorrow and handle our business."

"Anybody can watch the film and you'll see that we beat ourselves," Edwards-Helaire said. "It's those small, minute details that hurt us. Like we say, 'It's a game of inches.' It's going to be those small things we see on film: a step here, a step there that we feel like will make a difference. We had four turnovers and it still came down to the wire."

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid quickly left Arrowhead Stadium with an illness after their 30-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, leaving assistant coach Dave Toub to handle questions following a second straight fourth-quarter letdown. 

Reid was feeling ill during the game, a team spokesman said, and NFL Network reported the 63-year-old coach was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. The Chiefs did not provide additional comment on the report. The Chiefs have lost back-to-back games to the Ravens and Chargers and are in last place in the AFC West.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid was released from the hospital Monday after he felt ill and was taken by ambulance to be treated for dehydration following their 30-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Chiefs spokesman Ted Crews said that Reid was “in great spirits” and that he planned to visit the practice facility later in the day or Tuesday. In the meantime, Chiefs coordinators Steve Spagnuolo and Eric Bieniemy ran the Monday film reviews. The 63-year-old Reid is expected to coach Sunday when the Chiefs visit Philadelphia.--------KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid is resting and in stable condition after being taken to a hospital following Kansas City's 30-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.The Chiefs released a statement Sunday night saying Reid was evaluated by the medical staff in the locker room after the game and was transported to The University of Kansas Health System for further evaluation as a precaution.“Coach is doing well, currently resting &amp; in stable condition,” the statement posted on Twitter said.The 63-year-old Reid was feeling ill but coached the duration of the game, a team spokesman said.Assistant coach Dave Toub answered questions following a second straight fourth-quarter letdown.“Coach just wasn't feeling well,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chiefs.com/video/dave-toub-it-s-not-about-effort-we-ve-just-got-to-clean-it-up-week-3-press-confe">Toub said afterward</a>. "He did talk to the team.”In fact, quarterback Patrick Mahomes said his coach “seemed fine on the sideline as well” as the Chiefs (1-2) threw away an opportunity to beat the Chargers with&nbsp;<a href="https://pro32.ap.org/article/chargers-rally-beat-turnover-prone-chiefs-30-24-kc">four turnovers, several costly penalties and numerous missed assignments</a>.“He came in and talked to us and he seemed fine,” Mahomes said of the postgame locker room. “That's all I really know.”The Chiefs began the game by turning over the ball on three straight possessions, including a pair of fumbles and a pass from Mahomes that bounced off his intended wide receiver and into the hands of the Chargers' Asante Samuel Jr.It basically ended with Mahomes throwing another interception with 1:42 left in the fourth quarter.The game was still tied at that point, but their suspect defense — which had allowed 12 straight red-zone trips to turn into touchdowns to start the season — seemed to make it a foregone conclusion that Los Angeles was headed for the end zone.The Chiefs allowed a 15-yard pass to Keenan Allen on third down, then DeAndre Baker was called for pass interference on fourth a few minutes later to give Los Angeles a fresh set of down. Justin Herbert then hit Mike Williams with back-to-back passes, and the second with 32 seconds left in the game gave the Chargers the lead for good.Asked what Reid said afterward, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire replied: “Pretty much it's not going to be over-the-top as far as him getting on us. We know what we did wrong. We know what we need to get corrected.”“He came and told us — it's not necessarily going to be all right, but it's things that we can get fixed that can make it all right. That's what we need to go in and handle tomorrow. That's what it is," Edwards-Helaire added. "Watch the film tonight, see what we can get corrected, come in tomorrow and handle our business.”Edwards-Helaire had one of the Chiefs' two fumbles Sunday, offsetting what was an otherwise solid day with 100 yards rushing and a touchdown reception. Edwards-Helaire also fumbled in the closing minute last week in Baltimore, preventing the Chiefs from having an opportunity to kick a winning field goal in a 36-35 defeat.“Anybody can watch the film and you'll see that we beat ourselves,” Edwards-Helaire said. “It's those small, minute details that hurt us. Like we say, ‘It’s a game of inches.' It's going to be those small things we see on film: a step here, a step there that we feel like will make a difference. We had four turnovers and it still came down to the wire.”KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid quickly left Arrowhead Stadium with an illness after a 30-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, leaving assistant coach Dave Toub to handle questions following a second straight fourth-quarter letdown.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I’m praying for my Head Coach &amp; I’m hoping you can send up prayers with me!! One of the best men &amp; teachers I’ve been around!!! GOD please show us your mercy!&mdash; Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mathieu_Era/status/1442238966489440257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Reid was feeling ill but coached the duration of the game, a team spokesman said, before NFL Network reported the 63-year-old coach went to the hospital in an ambulance as a precaution. The Chiefs did not provide additional comment."Coach just wasn't feeling well," Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub said afterward. "He did talk to the team."In fact, quarterback Patrick Mahomes said his coach "seemed fine on the sideline as well" as the Chiefs (1-2) threw away an opportunity to beat the Chargers with four turnovers, several costly penalties and numerous missed assignments."He came in and talked to us and he seemed fine," Mahomes said of the postgame locker room. "That's all I really know."The Chiefs began the game by turning over the ball on three straight possessions, including a pair of fumbles and a pass from Mahomes that bounced off his intended wide receiver and into the hands of the Chargers' Asante Samuel Jr.It basically ended with Mahomes throwing another interception with 1:42 left in the fourth quarter.The game was still tied at that point, but their suspect defense — which had allowed 12 straight red-zone trips to turn into touchdowns to start the season — seemed to make it a foregone conclusion that Los Angeles was headed for the end zone.The Chiefs allowed a 15-yard pass to Keenan Allen on third down, then DeAndre Baker was called for pass interference on fourth a few minutes later to give Los Angeles a fresh set of down. Justin Herbert then hit Mike Williams with back-to-back passes, and the second with 32 seconds left in the game gave the Chargers the lead for good.Asked what Reid said afterward, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire replied: "Pretty much it's not going to be over-the-top as far as him getting on us. We know what we did wrong. We know what we need to get corrected.""He came and told us — it's not necessarily going to be all right, but it's things that we can get fixed that can make it all right. That's what we need to go in and handle tomorrow. That's what it is," Edwards-Helaire added. "Watch the film tonight, see what we can get corrected, come in tomorrow and handle our business."Edwards-Helaire had one of the Chiefs' two fumbles Sunday, offsetting what was an otherwise solid day with 100 yards rushing and a touchdown reception. Edwards-Helaire also fumbled in the closing minute last week in Baltimore, preventing the Chiefs from having an opportunity to kick a winning field goal in a 36-35 defeat."Anybody can watch the film and you'll see that we beat ourselves," Edwards-Helaire said. "It's those small, minute details that hurt us. Like we say, 'It's a game of inches.' It's going to be those small things we see on film: a step here, a step there that we feel like will make a difference. We had four turnovers and it still came down to the wire."-----------KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid quickly left Arrowhead Stadium with an illness after their 30-24 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, leaving assistant coach Dave Toub to handle questions following a second straight fourth-quarter letdown. Reid was feeling ill during the game, a team spokesman said, and NFL Network reported the 63-year-old coach was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. The Chiefs did not provide additional comment on the report. The Chiefs have lost back-to-back games to the Ravens and Chargers and are in last place in the AFC West.

Chiefs' Reid released from hospital, plans to return soon

EDWARDS COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp; Special agents of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested the Edwards County Undersheriff early Monday related to a domestic violence incident, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just after 7:30 p.m. Sunday, a 911 call was made from a residence in Kinsley. When a deputy from the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene, he learned that Robert “Bobby” Blackwell, 39, of Kinsley, who is the Edwards County Undersheriff, was involved in a physical altercation. 

At approximately 8:15 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office contacted the KBI to investigate the incident.

KBI agents responded to Kinsley to investigate. After collecting evidence and conducting interviews of involved parties, Blackwell was arrested for aggravated domestic battery. The arrest occurred at around 3:30 a.m. Monday morning. He was then booked into the Ford County Detention Center.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632762276767.png" alt="Blackwell is being held in Ford County" />
 <figcaption>Blackwell is being held in Ford County</figcaption>
 </figure>EDWARDS COUNTY&nbsp;–&nbsp; Special agents of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) arrested the Edwards County Undersheriff early Monday related to a domestic violence incident, according to a media release from the KBI.Just after 7:30 p.m. Sunday, a 911 call was made from a residence in Kinsley. When a deputy from the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene, he learned that Robert “Bobby” Blackwell, 39, of Kinsley, who is the Edwards County Undersheriff, was involved in a physical altercation. At approximately 8:15 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office contacted the KBI to investigate the incident.KBI agents responded to Kinsley to investigate. After collecting evidence and conducting interviews of involved parties, Blackwell was arrested for aggravated domestic battery. The arrest occurred at around 3:30 a.m. Monday morning. He was then booked into the Ford County Detention Center.

Kansas undersheriff jailed for alleged domestic battery 

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas jail deputy on new charges after two arrests and charges filed against him in another incident over the past month.

On Sunday, police arrested Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Detention Deputy Aareon White on a requested charges of misdemeanor Domestic Violence Battery and Battery, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.

White was released on bond. A few hours later the police arrested him again for misdemeanor Violation of Protection from Abuse Order.

The charges stem from incidents involving the White's domestic partner.

In August, White was charged for misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, due to an off-duty incident on August 26.

When probable cause exists to support the elements of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, an arrest is mandatory under Kansas law, according to Lt. Blick.

&nbsp;White, has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for just over six months. In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.

Following the arrest, Deputy White was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities have charges a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Detention Deputy for misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, according to sheriff's department spokesperson Lt. Benjamin Blick.

The charge stems from an off-duty incident on August 26, 2021. The Detention Deputy, Aareon White, has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for almost six months.

In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation. Deputy White has been placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632757491208.png" alt="White-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>White-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas jail deputy on new charges after two arrests and charges filed against him in another incident over the past month.On Sunday, police arrested Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Detention Deputy Aareon White on a requested charges of misdemeanor Domestic Violence Battery and Battery, according to Sheriff's Lt. Benjamin Blick.White was released on bond. A few hours later the police arrested him again for misdemeanor Violation of Protection from Abuse Order.The charges stem from incidents involving the White's domestic partner.In August, White was charged for misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, due to an off-duty incident on August 26.When probable cause exists to support the elements of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense, an arrest is mandatory under Kansas law, according to Lt. Blick.&nbsp;White, has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for just over six months. In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation.Following the arrest, Deputy White was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation.------------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Authorities have charges a Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Detention Deputy for misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct, according to sheriff's department spokesperson Lt. Benjamin Blick.The charge stems from an off-duty incident on August 26, 2021. The Detention Deputy, Aareon White, has been employed by the Sheriff’s Office for almost six months.In addition to the criminal case, the Professional Standards Unit of the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is also conducting an investigation. Deputy White has been placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation.

Kan. jail deputy arrested twice, charged in another case last month

WICHITA —After 70-year the remains of Fr. Emil Kapaun will be delivered to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita on Monday for a vespers service for the priests of the diocese, according to<a href="https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/fr-kapauns-tomb-in-place-ready-for-his-remains/"> the Catholic Diocese of Wichita.</a>.

The remains were flown back to Kansas from Hawaii over the weekend and then taken to Pilsen — Kapaun's hometown.

A luncheon will be held Tuesday at the Cathedral for special guests, such as the families of the prisoners of war, military officials, and other friends of the Cause. The U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains, Maj. Gen. Thomas Solhjem, is scheduled to share some thoughts at the luncheon. Kelly McKeague, the director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, may also attend and speak, according to the diocese web site.&nbsp; Kapaun died in a prisoner of war camp during the Korean War.

“We’re looking forward to that moment to honor and share Fr. Kapaun’s story,” said&nbsp;Scott Carter, coordinator of the Father Kapaun Guild.

The funeral vigil for Fr. Kapaun will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at Hartman Arena in Wichita. The vigil and the funeral are ticketed events. A few tickets may be available at <a href="https://frkapaun.org/kapaun-comes-home/">KapaunComesHome.com</a>

“It will be a beautiful and powerful ceremony with prayer – and music by the Air Force and West Point Catholic Cadet choirs,” Carter said.

A rosary will be prayed at the vigil and Fr. John Hotze, Episcopal Delegate for Fr. Kapaun’s Cause, will preach a homily. Fr. Kapaun’s casket will be on the stage during the event.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Fr. Kapaun will be celebrated at Hartman Arena at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 29.

“Bishop Carroll celebrated a Memorial Mass in 1953 when they found out that Fr. Kapaun had died in a prisoner of war camp,” Carter said.

“The family was there, the military was there, and it was a great way to honor him and pray for the repose of his soul. But a flag was draped over an empty casket. This time will be different.”

A lot of people believe that Fr. Kapaun’s soul is now in heaven, he said, adding that the diocese is still working with the Vatican for validation regarding his cause for beatification and sainthood.

EWTN is scheduled to broadcast both the vigil and funeral Mass, and both will also be live-streamed on the Diocese of Wichita’s YouTube Channel.

After the funeral Fr. Kapaun’s remains will be driven to a site on Central Avenue near Veterans’ Memorial Park where his casket will be placed on a horse-drawn military caisson.

The procession will slowly move east on Central Avenue about a half-mile to the Cathedral.

“The faithful are invited to line the procession route to pay their final respects as he is taken the Cathedral where he will be interred.”

Fr. Kapaun will receive military honors, a 21-gun salute, and Taps, before his remains are carried into the Cathedral by the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas. Fr. Kapaun served with the 1st Cavalry Division in Korea.

Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley, Kansas, will also take part in the week’s events.

“There will be opportunities to visit him and pray at the Cathedral beginning the day after the funeral,” Carter said. Details are being finalized and will be available at FrKapaun.org.

He said it is unknown how long Fr. Kapaun will be interred at the Cathedral.

“If Father is beatified I think we will talk more earnestly about the possibility of a dedicated shrine, but for now the Cathedral will be a place people can visit and pray with Father Kapaun,” Carter said.

Fr. Kapaun was known for risking his life on the battlefield during the Korean War to minister to the troops on the frontlines. He was taken a prisoner of war in November of 1950, enduring brutal captivity where he continued to serve and bolster the morale of fellow prisoners. Fr. Kapaun died in the prison camp on May 23, 1951. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013 for his heroic actions on the battlefield.

Fr. Kapaun was among over 800 unidentified Korean War soldiers returned to U.S. custody in 1954 and buried in the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii.

In 1993, Father Emil Kapaun was named a Servant of God, signifying that his cause for sainthood could begin. A thorough investigation into his life was conducted by the Diocese of Wichita and the details presented to the Congregation for Saints in Rome, where his cause awaits review on the path to what we pray will be his eventual beatification and canonization.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632612695100.png" alt="The remains of Fr. Emil Kapaun arrived in Pilson Saturday -photo courtesy Catholic Diocese of Wichita&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>The remains of Fr. Emil Kapaun arrived in Pilson Saturday -photo courtesy Catholic Diocese of Wichita&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —After 70-year the remains of Fr. Emil Kapaun will be delivered to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita on Monday for a vespers service for the priests of the diocese, according to<a href="https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/fr-kapauns-tomb-in-place-ready-for-his-remains/"> the Catholic Diocese of Wichita.</a>.The remains were flown back to Kansas from Hawaii over the weekend and then taken to Pilsen — Kapaun's hometown.A luncheon will be held Tuesday at the Cathedral for special guests, such as the families of the prisoners of war, military officials, and other friends of the Cause. The U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains, Maj. Gen. Thomas Solhjem, is scheduled to share some thoughts at the luncheon. Kelly McKeague, the director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, may also attend and speak, according to the diocese web site.&nbsp; Kapaun died in a prisoner of war camp during the Korean War.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631705866678.png" alt="Fr. Kapaun’s 5,400 lb. marble tomb placed on the concrete foundation in the east transept of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita-photo Catholic Diocese of Wichita" />
 <figcaption>Fr. Kapaun’s 5,400 lb. marble tomb placed on the concrete foundation in the east transept of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita-photo Catholic Diocese of Wichita</figcaption>
 </figure>“We’re looking forward to that moment to honor and share Fr. Kapaun’s story,” said&nbsp;Scott Carter, coordinator of the Father Kapaun Guild.The funeral vigil for Fr. Kapaun will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, at Hartman Arena in Wichita. The vigil and the funeral are ticketed events. A few tickets may be available at <a href="https://frkapaun.org/kapaun-comes-home/">KapaunComesHome.com</a>“It will be a beautiful and powerful ceremony with prayer – and music by the Air Force and West Point Catholic Cadet choirs,” Carter said.A rosary will be prayed at the vigil and Fr. John Hotze, Episcopal Delegate for Fr. Kapaun’s Cause, will preach a homily. Fr. Kapaun’s casket will be on the stage during the event.The Mass of Christian Burial for Fr. Kapaun will be celebrated at Hartman Arena at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 29.“Bishop Carroll celebrated a Memorial Mass in 1953 when they found out that Fr. Kapaun had died in a prisoner of war camp,” Carter said.“The family was there, the military was there, and it was a great way to honor him and pray for the repose of his soul. But a flag was draped over an empty casket. This time will be different.”A lot of people believe that Fr. Kapaun’s soul is now in heaven, he said, adding that the diocese is still working with the Vatican for validation regarding his cause for beatification and sainthood.EWTN is scheduled to broadcast both the vigil and funeral Mass, and both will also be live-streamed on the Diocese of Wichita’s YouTube Channel.After the funeral Fr. Kapaun’s remains will be driven to a site on Central Avenue near Veterans’ Memorial Park where his casket will be placed on a horse-drawn military caisson.The procession will slowly move east on Central Avenue about a half-mile to the Cathedral.“The faithful are invited to line the procession route to pay their final respects as he is taken the Cathedral where he will be interred.”Fr. Kapaun will receive military honors, a 21-gun salute, and Taps, before his remains are carried into the Cathedral by the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas. Fr. Kapaun served with the 1st Cavalry Division in Korea.Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division from Fort Riley, Kansas, will also take part in the week’s events.“There will be opportunities to visit him and pray at the Cathedral beginning the day after the funeral,” Carter said. Details are being finalized and will be available at FrKapaun.org.He said it is unknown how long Fr. Kapaun will be interred at the Cathedral.“If Father is beatified I think we will talk more earnestly about the possibility of a dedicated shrine, but for now the Cathedral will be a place people can visit and pray with Father Kapaun,” Carter said.Fr. Kapaun was known for risking his life on the battlefield during the Korean War to minister to the troops on the frontlines. He was taken a prisoner of war in November of 1950, enduring brutal captivity where he continued to serve and bolster the morale of fellow prisoners. Fr. Kapaun died in the prison camp on May 23, 1951. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013 for his heroic actions on the battlefield.Fr. Kapaun was among over 800 unidentified Korean War soldiers returned to U.S. custody in 1954 and buried in the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii.In 1993, Father Emil Kapaun was named a Servant of God, signifying that his cause for sainthood could begin. A thorough investigation into his life was conducted by the Diocese of Wichita and the details presented to the Congregation for Saints in Rome, where his cause awaits review on the path to what we pray will be his eventual beatification and canonization.

Remains of revered Kan. priest to arrive at Wichita cathedral 

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City school district is investigating after a student asked a girl to homecoming using an offensive sign referencing Black people.

A picture of two white students holding the sign and smiling that was posted online drew sharp criticism on social media.

School officials in Olathe, Kansas, said they are working to contact everyone involved, including the parents of the students.

“The type of behavior displayed in the social media post does not meet the expectations of our core values,” Olathe South High School Principal Dale Longenecker said in a letter sent to parents. “Any behavior like this will be immediately addressed in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct.”

A copy of the photo posted on Twitter was criticized by Arizona Cardinals Isaiah Simmons, who grew up in Olathe.

“This is disgusting. Sad that people think this is funny or acceptable,” he wrote. “Very disappointing and honestly just sad to see this kind of stuff happening in my hometown. I hope this is handled in the correct manner.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632704959920.png" alt="Photo courtesy <a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/olathe-school-district-investigating-after-photo-surfaces-of-racist-homecoming-proposal/">Fox4Kansas City</a>" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy <a href="https://fox4kc.com/news/olathe-school-district-investigating-after-photo-surfaces-of-racist-homecoming-proposal/">Fox4Kansas City</a></figcaption>
 </figure>OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — A suburban Kansas City school district is investigating after a student asked a girl to homecoming using an offensive sign referencing Black people.A picture of two white students holding the sign and smiling that was posted online drew sharp criticism on social media.School officials in Olathe, Kansas, said they are working to contact everyone involved, including the parents of the students.“The type of behavior displayed in the social media post does not meet the expectations of our core values,” Olathe South High School Principal Dale Longenecker said in a letter sent to parents. “Any behavior like this will be immediately addressed in accordance with our Student Code of Conduct.”A copy of the photo posted on Twitter was criticized by Arizona Cardinals Isaiah Simmons, who grew up in Olathe.“This is disgusting. Sad that people think this is funny or acceptable,” he wrote. “Very disappointing and honestly just sad to see this kind of stuff happening in my hometown. I hope this is handled in the correct manner.”

Was Kansas high school student's homecoming invite racist? 

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Longtime University of Kansas political scientist Burdett Loomis has died. He was 76. 

Loomis was a frequently quoted commentator and the author, co-author or editor of more than a dozen books about politics. A local funeral home notice said Loomis died Saturday at his Lawrence home. 

Kansas Public Radio reports that he recently was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He worked at the University of Kansas for more than 40 years and became a highly visible analyst of state politics. He was remembered as a mentor for students and the books he wrote or co-wrote included works defending representative democracy and examining the influence of special interest spending in Washington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632695608718.png" alt="Burdett Loomis-photo courtesy University of Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Burdett Loomis-photo courtesy University of Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Longtime University of Kansas political scientist Burdett Loomis has died. He was 76. Loomis was a frequently quoted commentator and the author, co-author or editor of more than a dozen books about politics. A local funeral home notice said Loomis died Saturday at his Lawrence home. Kansas Public Radio reports that he recently was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He worked at the University of Kansas for more than 40 years and became a highly visible analyst of state politics. He was remembered as a mentor for students and the books he wrote or co-wrote included works defending representative democracy and examining the influence of special interest spending in Washington.

Noted Kansas political scientist Burdett Loomis dies at 76

Billions more in profits are at stake for some vaccine makers as the U.S. moves toward dispensing COVID-19 booster shots to shore up Americans’ protection against the virus.

How much the manufacturers stand to gain depends on how big the rollout proves to be.

U.S. health officials have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-coronavirus-vaccine-9da6d4dab4f3dc0542db951557042ac9">endorsed booster shots</a>&nbsp;of the Pfizer vaccine for all Americans 65 and older — along with tens of millions of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-9d5b5e9774f7dc6016e84696cf13cf34">younger people who are at higher risk</a>&nbsp;from the coronavirus because of health conditions or their jobs.

Officials described the move as a first step. Boosters will likely be offered even more broadly in the coming weeks or months, including boosters of vaccines made by Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson. That, plus continued growth in initial vaccinations, could mean a huge gain in sales and profits for Pfizer and Moderna in particular.

“The opportunity quite frankly is reflective of the billions of people around the world who would need a vaccination and a boost,” Jefferies analyst Michael Yee said.

Wall Street is taking notice. The average forecast among analysts for Moderna’s 2022 revenue has jumped 35% since President Joe Biden laid out his booster plan in mid-August.

Most of the vaccinations so far in the U.S. have come from Pfizer, which developed its shot with Germany’s BioNTech, and Moderna. They have inoculated about 99 million and 68 million people, respectively. Johnson &amp; Johnson is third with about 14 million people.

No one knows yet how many people will get the extra shots. But Morningstar analyst Karen Andersen expects boosters alone to bring in about $26 billion in global sales next year for Pfizer and BioNTech and around $14 billion for Moderna if they are endorsed for nearly all Americans.

Those companies also may gain business from people who got other vaccines initially. In Britain, which plans to offer boosters to everyone over 50 and other vulnerable people, an expert panel has recommended that Pfizer’s shot be the primary choice, with Moderna as the alternative.

Andersen expects Moderna, which has no other products on the market, to generate a roughly $13 billion profit next year from all COVID-19 vaccine sales if boosters are broadly authorized.

Potential vaccine profits are harder to estimate for Pfizer, but company executives have said they expect their pre-tax adjusted profit margin from the vaccine to be in the “high 20s” as a percentage of revenue. That would translate to a profit of around $7 billion next year just from boosters, based on Andersen’s sales prediction.

J&amp;J and Europe’s AstraZeneca have said they don’t intend to profit from their COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic.

For Pfizer and Moderna, the boosters could be more profitable than the original doses because they won’t come with the research and development costs the companies incurred to get the vaccines on the market in the first place.

WBB Securities CEO Steve Brozak said the booster shots will represent “almost pure profit” compared with the initial doses.

Drugmakers aren’t the only businesses that could see a windfall from delivering boosters. Drugstore chains CVS Health and Walgreens could bring in more than $800 million each in revenue, according to Jeff Jonas, a portfolio manager with Gabelli Funds.

Jonas noted that the drugstores may not face competition from mass vaccination clinics this time around, and the chains are diligent about collecting customer contact information. That makes it easy to invite people back for boosters.

Drugmakers are also developing COVID-19 shots that target certain variants of the virus, and say people might need annual shots like the ones they receive for the flu. All of that could make the vaccines a major recurring source of revenue.

The COVID-19 vaccines have already done much better than their predecessors.

Pfizer said in July it expects revenue from its COVID-19 vaccine to reach $33.5 billion this year, an estimate that could change depending on the impact of boosters or the possible expansion of shots to elementary school children.

That would be more than five times the $5.8 billion racked up last year by the world’s most lucrative vaccine — Pfizer’s Prevnar13, which protects against pneumococcal disease.

It also would dwarf the $19.8 billion brought in last year by AbbVie’s rheumatoid arthritis treatment Humira, widely regarded as the world’s top-selling drug.

This bodes well for future vaccine development, noted Erik Gordon, a business professor at the University of Michigan.

Vaccines normally are nowhere near as profitable as treatments, Gordon said. But the success of the COVID-19 shots could draw more drugmakers and venture capitalists into the field.

“The vaccine business is more attractive, which, for those of us who are going to need vaccines, is good,” Gordon said.

By TOM MURPHY, Associated PressBillions more in profits are at stake for some vaccine makers as the U.S. moves toward dispensing COVID-19 booster shots to shore up Americans’ protection against the virus.How much the manufacturers stand to gain depends on how big the rollout proves to be.U.S. health officials have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-business-health-coronavirus-vaccine-9da6d4dab4f3dc0542db951557042ac9">endorsed booster shots</a>&nbsp;of the Pfizer vaccine for all Americans 65 and older — along with tens of millions of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-health-9d5b5e9774f7dc6016e84696cf13cf34">younger people who are at higher risk</a>&nbsp;from the coronavirus because of health conditions or their jobs.Officials described the move as a first step. Boosters will likely be offered even more broadly in the coming weeks or months, including boosters of vaccines made by Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson. That, plus continued growth in initial vaccinations, could mean a huge gain in sales and profits for Pfizer and Moderna in particular.“The opportunity quite frankly is reflective of the billions of people around the world who would need a vaccination and a boost,” Jefferies analyst Michael Yee said.Wall Street is taking notice. The average forecast among analysts for Moderna’s 2022 revenue has jumped 35% since President Joe Biden laid out his booster plan in mid-August.Most of the vaccinations so far in the U.S. have come from Pfizer, which developed its shot with Germany’s BioNTech, and Moderna. They have inoculated about 99 million and 68 million people, respectively. Johnson &amp; Johnson is third with about 14 million people.No one knows yet how many people will get the extra shots. But Morningstar analyst Karen Andersen expects boosters alone to bring in about $26 billion in global sales next year for Pfizer and BioNTech and around $14 billion for Moderna if they are endorsed for nearly all Americans.Those companies also may gain business from people who got other vaccines initially. In Britain, which plans to offer boosters to everyone over 50 and other vulnerable people, an expert panel has recommended that Pfizer’s shot be the primary choice, with Moderna as the alternative.Andersen expects Moderna, which has no other products on the market, to generate a roughly $13 billion profit next year from all COVID-19 vaccine sales if boosters are broadly authorized.Potential vaccine profits are harder to estimate for Pfizer, but company executives have said they expect their pre-tax adjusted profit margin from the vaccine to be in the “high 20s” as a percentage of revenue. That would translate to a profit of around $7 billion next year just from boosters, based on Andersen’s sales prediction.J&amp;J and Europe’s AstraZeneca have said they don’t intend to profit from their COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic.For Pfizer and Moderna, the boosters could be more profitable than the original doses because they won’t come with the research and development costs the companies incurred to get the vaccines on the market in the first place.WBB Securities CEO Steve Brozak said the booster shots will represent “almost pure profit” compared with the initial doses.Drugmakers aren’t the only businesses that could see a windfall from delivering boosters. Drugstore chains CVS Health and Walgreens could bring in more than $800 million each in revenue, according to Jeff Jonas, a portfolio manager with Gabelli Funds.Jonas noted that the drugstores may not face competition from mass vaccination clinics this time around, and the chains are diligent about collecting customer contact information. That makes it easy to invite people back for boosters.Drugmakers are also developing COVID-19 shots that target certain variants of the virus, and say people might need annual shots like the ones they receive for the flu. All of that could make the vaccines a major recurring source of revenue.The COVID-19 vaccines have already done much better than their predecessors.Pfizer said in July it expects revenue from its COVID-19 vaccine to reach $33.5 billion this year, an estimate that could change depending on the impact of boosters or the possible expansion of shots to elementary school children.That would be more than five times the $5.8 billion racked up last year by the world’s most lucrative vaccine — Pfizer’s Prevnar13, which protects against pneumococcal disease.It also would dwarf the $19.8 billion brought in last year by AbbVie’s rheumatoid arthritis treatment Humira, widely regarded as the world’s top-selling drug.This bodes well for future vaccine development, noted Erik Gordon, a business professor at the University of Michigan.Vaccines normally are nowhere near as profitable as treatments, Gordon said. But the success of the COVID-19 shots could draw more drugmakers and venture capitalists into the field.“The vaccine business is more attractive, which, for those of us who are going to need vaccines, is good,” Gordon said.

COVID-19 vaccine boosters: Big profits for drugmakers

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving and manslaughter after a head-on collision that killed a 19-year-old from Caldwell. 

Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Lt. Benjamin Blick said the crash happened early Saturday around 2:45 a.m. on Kansas Highway 254 in northeastern Sedgwick County. 

Blick said the man who was arrested was driving a GMC Sierra pickup truck the wrong direction in the eastbound lanes of the highway when he collided with a Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Clayton Patterson who died after the collision. Jose Rios-Cruz, 39, is being held in lieu of $500,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632692731413.png" alt="Rios-Cruz-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Rios-Cruz-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving and manslaughter after a head-on collision that killed a 19-year-old from Caldwell. Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Lt. Benjamin Blick said the crash happened early Saturday around 2:45 a.m. on Kansas Highway 254 in northeastern Sedgwick County. Blick said the man who was arrested was driving a GMC Sierra pickup truck the wrong direction in the eastbound lanes of the highway when he collided with a Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Clayton Patterson who died after the collision. Jose Rios-Cruz, 39, is being held in lieu of $500,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas man accused of DUI after wrong-way crash kills teen

WASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service announced today that 
starting Oct. 28, a new $67 user fee will apply to any estate that 
requests a closing letter for its federal estate tax return.

The new user fee was authorized under final regulations, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/td-9957.pdf">TD 9957</a>, available today in the Federal Register. Closing letter requests must be made using <a href="https://www.pay.gov/public/home">Pay.gov</a>. The IRS will provide further procedural details before the user fee goes into effect.

By law, federal agencies are required to charge a user fee to cover 
the cost of providing certain services to the public that confer a 
special benefit to the recipient. Moreover, agencies must review these 
fees every two years to determine whether they are recovering the cost 
of these services.

Under the final regulations, the IRS has determined that issuing 
closing letters is a service that confers a special benefit warranting a
 user fee. That's because, though obtaining a closing letter from the 
IRS can be helpful to an executor of an estate, it is not required by 
law. Moreover, the estate has the option of obtaining from the IRS, free
 of charge, an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/transcripts-in-lieu-of-estate-tax-closing-letters">account transcript</a>,
 showing certain information from the estate tax return, comparable to 
that found in a closing letter. As noted in the final regulations, 
account transcripts can be used to confirm that an estate tax return 
examination has been completed and the IRS file has been closed, which 
is the reason most often cited for requesting a closing letter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON&nbsp;—&nbsp;The Internal Revenue Service announced today that 
starting Oct. 28, a new $67 user fee will apply to any estate that 
requests a closing letter for its federal estate tax return.The new user fee was authorized under final regulations, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/td-9957.pdf">TD 9957</a>, available today in the Federal Register. Closing letter requests must be made using <a href="https://www.pay.gov/public/home">Pay.gov</a>. The IRS will provide further procedural details before the user fee goes into effect.By law, federal agencies are required to charge a user fee to cover 
the cost of providing certain services to the public that confer a 
special benefit to the recipient. Moreover, agencies must review these 
fees every two years to determine whether they are recovering the cost 
of these services.Under the final regulations, the IRS has determined that issuing 
closing letters is a service that confers a special benefit warranting a
 user fee. That's because, though obtaining a closing letter from the 
IRS can be helpful to an executor of an estate, it is not required by 
law. Moreover, the estate has the option of obtaining from the IRS, free
 of charge, an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/transcripts-in-lieu-of-estate-tax-closing-letters">account transcript</a>,
 showing certain information from the estate tax return, comparable to 
that found in a closing letter. As noted in the final regulations, 
account transcripts can be used to confirm that an estate tax return 
examination has been completed and the IRS file has been closed, which 
is the reason most often cited for requesting a closing letter.

Federal estate tax fee goes into effect next month

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Kansas house fire have identified the victim as 29-year-old Palmer S. Thompson., according to Police Lt. Shane Hilton.

Just after 7:30a.m. Sunday, Fire crews and American Medical Response were sent to report of a house fire in the 300 block of NE Spruce Lane in Topeka, according to Police&nbsp; Lt. Aaron Jones.

As fire crews were making the initial fire attack, a fire fighter fell through the floor, landing in the basement. A May-day (emergency on the fire ground) was called and the firefighter was subsequently rescued by other firefighters on scene. The firefighter who fell through the floor was not

injured and continued fighting the fire.&nbsp;

During a search of the residence, fire crews found Thompson and removed him from the residence as others continued to battle the fire. First responders determined the man was deceased under suspicious circumstances, according to Jones.

American Medical Response requested Topeka Police respond to the scene. Topeka Police Detectives and Fire Investigators from the City and State worked together to investigate the incident now considered a homicide investigation.&nbsp;

Preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as intentionally set. The estimated dollar loss&nbsp; is $121,540 total loss with $106,540 in damage to the structure and $15,000 in contents. The home also had no working smoke detectors.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal Kansas house fire.

Just after 7:30a.m. Sunday, Fire crews and American Medical Response were sent to report of a house fire in the 300 block of NE Spruce Lane in Topeka, according to Lt. Aaron Jones.

Fire crews found a man and removed him from the residence as others continued to battle the fire. First responders determined the man was deceased under suspicious circumstances, according to Jones.

American Medical Response requested Topeka Police respond to the scene. Topeka Police Detectives and Fire Investigators from the City and State are currently working together to investigate the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632669511894.png" alt="Sunday morning fatal house fire in Topeka- photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Sunday morning fatal house fire in Topeka- photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal Kansas house fire have identified the victim as 29-year-old Palmer S. Thompson., according to Police Lt. Shane Hilton.Just after 7:30a.m. Sunday, Fire crews and American Medical Response were sent to report of a house fire in the 300 block of NE Spruce Lane in Topeka, according to Police&nbsp; Lt. Aaron Jones.As fire crews were making the initial fire attack, a fire fighter fell through the floor, landing in the basement. A May-day (emergency on the fire ground) was called and the firefighter was subsequently rescued by other firefighters on scene. The firefighter who fell through the floor was notinjured and continued fighting the fire.&nbsp;During a search of the residence, fire crews found Thompson and removed him from the residence as others continued to battle the fire. First responders determined the man was deceased under suspicious circumstances, according to Jones.American Medical Response requested Topeka Police respond to the scene. Topeka Police Detectives and Fire Investigators from the City and State worked together to investigate the incident now considered a homicide investigation.&nbsp;Preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as intentionally set. The estimated dollar loss&nbsp; is $121,540 total loss with $106,540 in damage to the structure and $15,000 in contents. The home also had no working smoke detectors.SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal Kansas house fire.Just after 7:30a.m. Sunday, Fire crews and American Medical Response were sent to report of a house fire in the 300 block of NE Spruce Lane in Topeka, according to Lt. Aaron Jones.Fire crews found a man and removed him from the residence as others continued to battle the fire. First responders determined the man was deceased under suspicious circumstances, according to Jones.American Medical Response requested Topeka Police respond to the scene. Topeka Police Detectives and Fire Investigators from the City and State are currently working together to investigate the incident.

Homicide: Police ID victim found in Kansas house fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s a consequential week for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-9dfc2b9e8b72ca51d5b818708442d955">President Joe Biden’s agenda</a>, as Democratic leaders delicately trim back his $3.5 trillion “Build Back Better” package to win over remaining lawmakers and work to quickly pass legislation to avoid a federal shutdown.

An expected Monday vote on a related $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package is now postponed until Thursday, amid ongoing negotiations. More immediately, the Senate has a test vote set Monday to keep the government funded and avert a federal debt default before Thursday’s fiscal year-end deadline. That package stands to run into a blockade by Republican senators — all but ensuring lawmakers will have to try again later in the week.

All this while Biden’s domestic agenda hangs in the balance, at risk of collapse and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-joe-biden-elections-campaigns-race-and-ethnicity-5a5a71aab543b990464207e1062c32aa">political fallout&nbsp;</a>if he and Democratic leaders cannot pull their party together to deliver what could be a signature piece of legislation and the biggest overhaul of the nation’s tax and spending priorities in decades. Over the weekend, Biden personally spoke with lawmakers on the path forward, according to a White House official who requested anonymity to discuss the private conversations.

“Let me just say, it’s an eventful week,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.”

Biden, Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer are deep into negotiations over the president’s broader proposal, which is being chiseled back to win over key senators and a few House lawmakers who have so far refused the $3.5 trillion price tag and the tax increases on corporations and the wealthy to pay for it.

Behind-the-scenes talks churned, allowing for needed breathing room after Monday’s anticipated vote on the companion $1 trillion public works measure was postponed. The two bills are related, and centrists and progressive factions are at odds at prioritizing one ahead of the other. Pelosi announced the Thursday vote in a letter late Sunday evening to colleagues, noting it’s also a deadline for related transportation programs in the infrastructure bill.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., who led a group of House moderates in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-passes-budget-blueprint-0a1258e07b1a8b9aeddb69980093c838">a securing a vote on the slimmer infrastructure bill</a>, said earlier Sunday he wouldn’t be bothered by a slight delay. He was optimistic both pieces of legislation could be resolved this week.

The more difficult action now lies in the Senate, as Democrats are under pressure to amass the votes for Biden’s big package. It would provide an expansion of existing health, education and child care programs for Americans young and old, alongside new federal efforts to curb climate change.

Republicans are lockstep opposed to Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-business-personal-taxes-137e00b41f113f85cc241438c780785b">proposal, which would be paid&nbsp;</a>for by increasing the corporate tax rate, from 21% to 26.5% on businesses earning more than $5 million a year, and raising the top rate on individuals from 37% to 39.6% for those earning more than $400,000 a year, or $450,000 for couples.

Two Democratic holdouts, Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, also have said they won’t support a bill of that size. Manchin has previously proposed spending of $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion.

Asked Sunday on ABC if she agrees the final number on the so-called reconciliation bill will be “somewhat smaller” than $3.5 trillion, Pelosi responded: “That seems self-evident.”

“We’ll see how the number comes down and what we need,” she added. “I think even those who want a smaller number, support the vision of the president, and this is really transformative.”

Her comments reflected the enormous stakes for the coming week, one that could define the Biden presidency and shape the political contours of next year’s midterm elections.

For Pelosi and Schumer, two veteran political leaders, it is the job of their careers.

Democrats have only a few votes to spare in the House and no votes to spare in the 50-50 Senate, since there is no Republican support expected for Biden’s massive agenda. Some Republican senators did back the $1 trillion public works bill, but now House Republicans are objecting, saying it is too much.

While progressives say they have already compromised enough on Biden’s big bill, having come down from a bill they originally envisioned at $6 trillion, some are also acknowledging the more potential changes.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., who heads the Congressional Progressive Caucus, didn’t rule out additional cuts to the $3.5 trillion proposal to reach agreement.

“If somebody wants to take something out, we need to hear what that is,” she said.

The House Budget Committee on Saturday advanced a first version of the $3.5 trillion, 10-year bill, though one Democrat voted “no,” illustrating the challenges party leaders face.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632493649692.png" alt="&nbsp;President Biden personally spoke with lawmakers on the path forward, according to a White House official who requested anonymity to discuss the private conversations-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;President Biden personally spoke with lawmakers on the path forward, according to a White House official who requested anonymity to discuss the private conversations-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s a consequential week for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-9dfc2b9e8b72ca51d5b818708442d955">President Joe Biden’s agenda</a>, as Democratic leaders delicately trim back his $3.5 trillion “Build Back Better” package to win over remaining lawmakers and work to quickly pass legislation to avoid a federal shutdown.An expected Monday vote on a related $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package is now postponed until Thursday, amid ongoing negotiations. More immediately, the Senate has a test vote set Monday to keep the government funded and avert a federal debt default before Thursday’s fiscal year-end deadline. That package stands to run into a blockade by Republican senators — all but ensuring lawmakers will have to try again later in the week.All this while Biden’s domestic agenda hangs in the balance, at risk of collapse and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-joe-biden-elections-campaigns-race-and-ethnicity-5a5a71aab543b990464207e1062c32aa">political fallout&nbsp;</a>if he and Democratic leaders cannot pull their party together to deliver what could be a signature piece of legislation and the biggest overhaul of the nation’s tax and spending priorities in decades. Over the weekend, Biden personally spoke with lawmakers on the path forward, according to a White House official who requested anonymity to discuss the private conversations.“Let me just say, it’s an eventful week,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.”Biden, Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer are deep into negotiations over the president’s broader proposal, which is being chiseled back to win over key senators and a few House lawmakers who have so far refused the $3.5 trillion price tag and the tax increases on corporations and the wealthy to pay for it.Behind-the-scenes talks churned, allowing for needed breathing room after Monday’s anticipated vote on the companion $1 trillion public works measure was postponed. The two bills are related, and centrists and progressive factions are at odds at prioritizing one ahead of the other. Pelosi announced the Thursday vote in a letter late Sunday evening to colleagues, noting it’s also a deadline for related transportation programs in the infrastructure bill.Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., who led a group of House moderates in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-passes-budget-blueprint-0a1258e07b1a8b9aeddb69980093c838">a securing a vote on the slimmer infrastructure bill</a>, said earlier Sunday he wouldn’t be bothered by a slight delay. He was optimistic both pieces of legislation could be resolved this week.The more difficult action now lies in the Senate, as Democrats are under pressure to amass the votes for Biden’s big package. It would provide an expansion of existing health, education and child care programs for Americans young and old, alongside new federal efforts to curb climate change.Republicans are lockstep opposed to Biden’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/technology-joe-biden-business-personal-taxes-137e00b41f113f85cc241438c780785b">proposal, which would be paid&nbsp;</a>for by increasing the corporate tax rate, from 21% to 26.5% on businesses earning more than $5 million a year, and raising the top rate on individuals from 37% to 39.6% for those earning more than $400,000 a year, or $450,000 for couples.Two Democratic holdouts, Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, also have said they won’t support a bill of that size. Manchin has previously proposed spending of $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion.Asked Sunday on ABC if she agrees the final number on the so-called reconciliation bill will be “somewhat smaller” than $3.5 trillion, Pelosi responded: “That seems self-evident.”“We’ll see how the number comes down and what we need,” she added. “I think even those who want a smaller number, support the vision of the president, and this is really transformative.”Her comments reflected the enormous stakes for the coming week, one that could define the Biden presidency and shape the political contours of next year’s midterm elections.For Pelosi and Schumer, two veteran political leaders, it is the job of their careers.Democrats have only a few votes to spare in the House and no votes to spare in the 50-50 Senate, since there is no Republican support expected for Biden’s massive agenda. Some Republican senators did back the $1 trillion public works bill, but now House Republicans are objecting, saying it is too much.While progressives say they have already compromised enough on Biden’s big bill, having come down from a bill they originally envisioned at $6 trillion, some are also acknowledging the more potential changes.Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., who heads the Congressional Progressive Caucus, didn’t rule out additional cuts to the $3.5 trillion proposal to reach agreement.“If somebody wants to take something out, we need to hear what that is,” she said.The House Budget Committee on Saturday advanced a first version of the $3.5 trillion, 10-year bill, though one Democrat voted “no,” illustrating the challenges party leaders face.Pelosi suggested that House-Senate agreement could be reached this week, depending on rulings from the Senate parliamentarian on what provisions could be included.The overall bill embodies the crux of Biden’s top domestic goals, with billions for rebuilding infrastructure, tackling climate change and expanding or introducing a range of services, from free prekindergarten and to child tax breaks to dental, vision and hearing aid care for older Americans.While Democrats are largely in agreement on Biden’s vision — many ran their campaigns on the longstanding party priorities — stubborn disputes remain. Among them are splits over which initiatives should be reshaped, including how to push toward cleaner energy or to lower prescription drug costs.Republicans say the proposal isn’t needed and can’t be afforded given accumulated federal debt exceeding $28 trillion. They also argue that it reflects Democrats’ drive to insert government into people’s lives.Gottheimer spoke to CNN’s “State of the Union” and Jayapal appeared on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”