BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — The suspect in the Colorado supermarket shootings bought a firearm at a local gun store after passing a background check, and he also had a second weapon with him that he didn’t use in the attack that killed 10 people this week, authorities and the gun store owner said Friday.

Investigators are working to determine the motive for the shooting, but they don’t know yet why the suspect chose the King Soopers grocery store in Boulder or what led him to carry out the rampage, Police Chief Maris Herold said at a news conference.

“Like the rest of the community, we too want to know why — why that King Soopers, why Boulder, why Monday,” Herold said. “It will be something haunting for all of us until we figure that out. Sometimes you just don’t figure these things out. But, I am hoping that we will.”

The quick response by officers, who traded gunfire with the suspect, kept many people inside the store out of danger, said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, who declined to say how many people were in the supermarket. The first officer on scene was killed.

“Their actions saved other civilians from being killed,” Dougherty said about the officers. “They charged into the store and immediately faced a very significant amount of gunfire from the shooter, who at first they were unable to locate.”

More charges will be filed against 21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa in the coming weeks in connection with firing at officers, Dougherty said.

John Mark Eagleton, owner of Eagles Nest Armory in the Denver suburb of Arvada, said in a statement that his store was cooperating with authorities as they investigate. The suspect passed a background check conducted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation before purchasing a gun, Eagleton said.

Alissa used a Ruger AR-556 pistol, which resembles an AR-15 rifle with a slightly shorter stock, in the shooting, Herold said. An arrest affidavit says Alissa purchased it on March 16, six days before the shooting.

He also had a 9 mm handgun, which the police chief said was not believed to have been used in the attack. Herold didn’t say how Alissa obtained it.

“We are absolutely shocked by what happened and our hearts are broken for the victims and families that are left behind. Ensuring every sale that occurs at our shop is lawful, has always been and will always remain the highest priority for our business,” Eagleton said in the statement.

The gun store is in a shopping center that also has a chiropractic clinic, yoga studio and foot massage parlor. It is less than a half-mile from one of the restaurants Alissa’s family owns and about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from his family’s house in Arvada. A different King Soopers store is across the street.

Colorado has a universal background check law covering almost all gun sales, but misdemeanor convictions generally do not prevent people from purchasing weapons.

Alissa was convicted in 2018 of misdemeanor assault after he knocked a fellow high school student to the floor, climbed on top of him and punched him in the head several times, according to police documents. He was sentenced to probation and community service.

If Alissa had been convicted of a felony, his gun purchase would have been prohibited under federal law.

Dougherty, the district attorney, said Friday that the FBI and other agencies were looking into the background of Alissa and the victims and didn’t yet have information to share. He said federal agencies were looking into “other firearms that might be connected to him” but refused to elaborate.

Dougherty said officials will limit how much they reveal about the investigation, which is expected to take months, to protect Alissa’s right to a fair trial and ensure it takes place in Boulder County.

“If we share too much about the facts of the investigation, it’s possible we’ll see a motion by the defense to move this trial to somewhere else in the state of Colorado,” Dougherty said. “And I want to make sure that the people of Boulder have the opportunity for this trial to be held and for justice to be done here.”

Alissa made his first court appearance Thursday, where his public defender asked for a mental health evaluation but provided no details about his mental state. He is charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder over shots fired at a police officer who was not hurt.

Alissa was treated at a hospital before going to jail, his hands bound during the transfer by the handcuffs used by Officer Eric Talley, who died in the attack. Alissa has been moved to a jail outside Boulder County due to safety concerns stemming from threats made against him, county sheriff’s spokeswoman Carrie Haverfield said in a statement Friday.

Alissa is being held without bail and has not yet entered a plea. His next court hearing will not be scheduled for two to three months to allow his attorneys to evaluate his mental state and evidence collected by investigators.

A Catholic funeral Mass for Talley will be celebrated Monday at a cathedral in downtown Denver. His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday in the Boulder County city of Lafayette. The 51-year-old joined the Police Department in 2010. He had seven children.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616793462620.png" alt="The community has come together in the face of this week's horrific tragedy-photo City of Boulder" />
 <figcaption>The community has come together in the face of this week's horrific tragedy-photo City of Boulder</figcaption>
 </figure>BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — The suspect in the Colorado supermarket shootings bought a firearm at a local gun store after passing a background check, and he also had a second weapon with him that he didn’t use in the attack that killed 10 people this week, authorities and the gun store owner said Friday.Investigators are working to determine the motive for the shooting, but they don’t know yet why the suspect chose the King Soopers grocery store in Boulder or what led him to carry out the rampage, Police Chief Maris Herold said at a news conference.“Like the rest of the community, we too want to know why — why that King Soopers, why Boulder, why Monday,” Herold said. “It will be something haunting for all of us until we figure that out. Sometimes you just don’t figure these things out. But, I am hoping that we will.”The quick response by officers, who traded gunfire with the suspect, kept many people inside the store out of danger, said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty, who declined to say how many people were in the supermarket. The first officer on scene was killed.“Their actions saved other civilians from being killed,” Dougherty said about the officers. “They charged into the store and immediately faced a very significant amount of gunfire from the shooter, who at first they were unable to locate.”More charges will be filed against 21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa in the coming weeks in connection with firing at officers, Dougherty said.John Mark Eagleton, owner of Eagles Nest Armory in the Denver suburb of Arvada, said in a statement that his store was cooperating with authorities as they investigate. The suspect passed a background check conducted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation before purchasing a gun, Eagleton said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616547245871.png" alt="Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa photo Boulder Police" />
 <figcaption>Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa photo Boulder Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Alissa used a Ruger AR-556 pistol, which resembles an AR-15 rifle with a slightly shorter stock, in the shooting, Herold said. An arrest affidavit says Alissa purchased it on March 16, six days before the shooting.He also had a 9 mm handgun, which the police chief said was not believed to have been used in the attack. Herold didn’t say how Alissa obtained it.“We are absolutely shocked by what happened and our hearts are broken for the victims and families that are left behind. Ensuring every sale that occurs at our shop is lawful, has always been and will always remain the highest priority for our business,” Eagleton said in the statement.The gun store is in a shopping center that also has a chiropractic clinic, yoga studio and foot massage parlor. It is less than a half-mile from one of the restaurants Alissa’s family owns and about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from his family’s house in Arvada. A different King Soopers store is across the street.Colorado has a universal background check law covering almost all gun sales, but misdemeanor convictions generally do not prevent people from purchasing weapons.Alissa was convicted in 2018 of misdemeanor assault after he knocked a fellow high school student to the floor, climbed on top of him and punched him in the head several times, according to police documents. He was sentenced to probation and community service.If Alissa had been convicted of a felony, his gun purchase would have been prohibited under federal law.Dougherty, the district attorney, said Friday that the FBI and other agencies were looking into the background of Alissa and the victims and didn’t yet have information to share. He said federal agencies were looking into “other firearms that might be connected to him” but refused to elaborate.Dougherty said officials will limit how much they reveal about the investigation, which is expected to take months, to protect Alissa’s right to a fair trial and ensure it takes place in Boulder County.“If we share too much about the facts of the investigation, it’s possible we’ll see a motion by the defense to move this trial to somewhere else in the state of Colorado,” Dougherty said. “And I want to make sure that the people of Boulder have the opportunity for this trial to be held and for justice to be done here.”Alissa made his first court appearance Thursday, where his public defender asked for a mental health evaluation but provided no details about his mental state. He is charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder over shots fired at a police officer who was not hurt.Alissa was treated at a hospital before going to jail, his hands bound during the transfer by the handcuffs used by Officer Eric Talley, who died in the attack. Alissa has been moved to a jail outside Boulder County due to safety concerns stemming from threats made against him, county sheriff’s spokeswoman Carrie Haverfield said in a statement Friday.Alissa is being held without bail and has not yet entered a plea. His next court hearing will not be scheduled for two to three months to allow his attorneys to evaluate his mental state and evidence collected by investigators.A Catholic funeral Mass for Talley will be celebrated Monday at a cathedral in downtown Denver. His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday in the Boulder County city of Lafayette. The 51-year-old joined the Police Department in 2010. He had seven children.___

Colorado shooting suspect passed check in legal gun purchase

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service issued <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/a-21-07.pdf">Announcement 2021-7&nbsp;PDF</a>
 today clarifying that the purchase of personal protective equipment, 
such as masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, for the primary 
purpose of preventing the spread of coronavirus are deductible medical 
expenses.

The amounts paid for personal protective equipment are also eligible 
to be paid or reimbursed under health flexible spending arrangements , Archer medical savings accounts, health 
reimbursement arrangements, or health savings accounts.

For more information on determining what is deductible, see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/can-i-deduct-my-medical-and-dental-expenses">Can I Deduct My Medical and Dental Expenses?</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502">Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service issued <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/a-21-07.pdf">Announcement 2021-7&nbsp;PDF</a>
 today clarifying that the purchase of personal protective equipment, 
such as masks, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, for the primary 
purpose of preventing the spread of coronavirus are deductible medical 
expenses.The amounts paid for personal protective equipment are also eligible 
to be paid or reimbursed under health flexible spending arrangements , Archer medical savings accounts, health 
reimbursement arrangements, or health savings accounts.For more information on determining what is deductible, see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/can-i-deduct-my-medical-and-dental-expenses">Can I Deduct My Medical and Dental Expenses?</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502">Publication 502, Medical and Dental Expenses</a>.

IRS: Masks, other PPP to prevent COVID spread now tax-deductible

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - An Iowa gun store refused to sell a semi-automatic rifle to a heavily armed and agitated Colorado man after he said he was surprised his friends didn't suspect he was the Boulder mass shooter, according to federal court documents released Friday.

The Nebraska State Patrol initially arrested the self-described firearms enthusiast, Adam Vannoy, 40, on March 14 on Interstate 80 in Lancaster County. Another driver had called police to report he was driving recklessly at about 120 mph.

During a search of his packed truck, troopers seized a handgun from Vannoy's jacket, a loaded AR-style semi-automatic rifle with an illegal silencer, four other firearms, ammunition, a bulletproof blanket and vest, two brown wigs and an Air Force costume. They also found marijuana.

They jailed the Denver man on weapons and drug charges. He was released after posting $5,000 bond on March 17, even though he threatened to kill a guard, exposed his penis to guards and threw feces from his cell into a common area, according to a federal complaint unsealed Friday.

Six days later, on Tuesday, Vannoy tried to purchase an AR-style rifle from Sportsman's Warehouse in Ankeny, Iowa, near Des Moines, the complaint said.

The store denied the sale after Vannoy said he was surprised his friends hadn't called to find out if he was responsible for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-colorado-74ad3bbbe6dea7e9122b946e22b1cef3" target="_blank">Monday's shooting</a>&nbsp;in Boulder in which a 21-year-old man is charged with killing 10 people at a grocery store. Vannoy also said he had 500 rounds of ammunition in his truck.

In addition to denying the sale, the store notified the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives about his comments. Agents arrested Vannoy in Iowa this week on a new federal charge stemming from the Nebraska traffic stop, illegal possession of a firearm as an unlawful user of marijuana.

Vannoy made an initial court appearance in Iowa on Friday afternoon. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Jackson ordered Vannoy temporarily detained pending further proceedings, including a potential transfer to face the charge in Nebraska. He also ruled that Vannoy qualified financially to be represented by a lawyer at federal taxpayer expense.

Videos posted by Vannoy on Instagram include a receipt showing he purchased nearly $3,000 in merchandise at Brownells, a large firearms and accessories retailer in Grinnell, Iowa, after his release from Nebraska custody. He said in the videos that the best way to show the Nebraska State Patrol that he wasn't plotting anything nefarious was to rearm himself.

"While we do not disclose customer order details, I can say that Brownells did not sell this person any firearms," company spokesman Ryan Repp said Friday evening.

Vannoy said his truck was packed with all of his belongings, including the wigs and Air Force costume, since he was abruptly leaving Colorado. Records show he told a Nebraska trooper during the stop that he was leaving Denver because his neighbors didn't like him, he had a mental breakdown and quit his job. He told the trooper that he would use his time in jail to "think about getting even with people," a remark the trooper viewed as threatening.

The arrest comes as Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds faces increasing pressure to veto a bill passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature that would eliminate the need to obtain permits to purchase handguns from private sellers or carry them in public. People would still have to pass background checks or present permits to purchase weapons at retailers, but critics say the unregulated private sales would allow more unqualified and dangerous people to obtain firearms.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607969259324.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RYAN J. FOLEY-Associated Press IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - An Iowa gun store refused to sell a semi-automatic rifle to a heavily armed and agitated Colorado man after he said he was surprised his friends didn't suspect he was the Boulder mass shooter, according to federal court documents released Friday.The Nebraska State Patrol initially arrested the self-described firearms enthusiast, Adam Vannoy, 40, on March 14 on Interstate 80 in Lancaster County. Another driver had called police to report he was driving recklessly at about 120 mph.During a search of his packed truck, troopers seized a handgun from Vannoy's jacket, a loaded AR-style semi-automatic rifle with an illegal silencer, four other firearms, ammunition, a bulletproof blanket and vest, two brown wigs and an Air Force costume. They also found marijuana.They jailed the Denver man on weapons and drug charges. He was released after posting $5,000 bond on March 17, even though he threatened to kill a guard, exposed his penis to guards and threw feces from his cell into a common area, according to a federal complaint unsealed Friday.Six days later, on Tuesday, Vannoy tried to purchase an AR-style rifle from Sportsman's Warehouse in Ankeny, Iowa, near Des Moines, the complaint said.The store denied the sale after Vannoy said he was surprised his friends hadn't called to find out if he was responsible for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-colorado-74ad3bbbe6dea7e9122b946e22b1cef3" target="_blank">Monday's shooting</a>&nbsp;in Boulder in which a 21-year-old man is charged with killing 10 people at a grocery store. Vannoy also said he had 500 rounds of ammunition in his truck.In addition to denying the sale, the store notified the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives about his comments. Agents arrested Vannoy in Iowa this week on a new federal charge stemming from the Nebraska traffic stop, illegal possession of a firearm as an unlawful user of marijuana.Vannoy made an initial court appearance in Iowa on Friday afternoon. U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Jackson ordered Vannoy temporarily detained pending further proceedings, including a potential transfer to face the charge in Nebraska. He also ruled that Vannoy qualified financially to be represented by a lawyer at federal taxpayer expense.Videos posted by Vannoy on Instagram include a receipt showing he purchased nearly $3,000 in merchandise at Brownells, a large firearms and accessories retailer in Grinnell, Iowa, after his release from Nebraska custody. He said in the videos that the best way to show the Nebraska State Patrol that he wasn't plotting anything nefarious was to rearm himself."While we do not disclose customer order details, I can say that Brownells did not sell this person any firearms," company spokesman Ryan Repp said Friday evening.Vannoy said his truck was packed with all of his belongings, including the wigs and Air Force costume, since he was abruptly leaving Colorado. Records show he told a Nebraska trooper during the stop that he was leaving Denver because his neighbors didn't like him, he had a mental breakdown and quit his job. He told the trooper that he would use his time in jail to "think about getting even with people," a remark the trooper viewed as threatening.The arrest comes as Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds faces increasing pressure to veto a bill passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature that would eliminate the need to obtain permits to purchase handguns from private sellers or carry them in public. People would still have to pass background checks or present permits to purchase weapons at retailers, but critics say the unregulated private sales would allow more unqualified and dangerous people to obtain firearms.

Feds arrest armed Colorado man after remark about Boulder

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is including rivals Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China among the invitees to the first big climate talks of his administration, an event the U.S. hopes will help shape, speed up and deepen global efforts to cut climate-wrecking fossil fuel pollution, administration officials told The Associated Press. 

The president is seeking to revive a U.S.-convened forum of the world’s major economies on climate that George W. Bush and Barack Obama both used and Donald Trump let languish. 

Leaders of some of the world’s top climate-change sufferers, do-gooders and backsliders round out the rest of the 40 invitations being delivered Friday. It will be held April 22 and 23.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614942546425.png" alt="Biden" />
 <figcaption>Biden</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is including rivals Vladimir Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping of China among the invitees to the first big climate talks of his administration, an event the U.S. hopes will help shape, speed up and deepen global efforts to cut climate-wrecking fossil fuel pollution, administration officials told The Associated Press. The president is seeking to revive a U.S.-convened forum of the world’s major economies on climate that George W. Bush and Barack Obama both used and Donald Trump let languish. Leaders of some of the world’s top climate-change sufferers, do-gooders and backsliders round out the rest of the 40 invitations being delivered Friday. It will be held April 22 and 23.

Pres. Biden invites Putin, Xi Jinping to climate talks 

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA has given Earth the all-clear for the next century from a particularly menacing asteroid. 

The space agency announced this week that new telescope observations have ruled out any chance of the asteroid Apophis smacking Earth in 2068. 

That's the same 1,100-foot space rock that was supposed to come frighteningly close in 2029 and again in 2036. 

NASA ruled out any chance of a strike during those two close approaches a while ago. But a potential 2068 collision still loomed. The asteroid is now officially off NASA's “risk list.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616782107685.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA has given Earth the all-clear for the next century from a particularly menacing asteroid. The space agency announced this week that new telescope observations have ruled out any chance of the asteroid Apophis smacking Earth in 2068. That's the same 1,100-foot space rock that was supposed to come frighteningly close in 2029 and again in 2036. NASA ruled out any chance of a strike during those two close approaches a while ago. But a potential 2068 collision still loomed. The asteroid is now officially off NASA's “risk list.”

NASA gives all clear: Earth safe from asteroid for 100 years

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Douglas County could start giving coronavirus vaccinations to residents who are at least 16 years old by mid-April, catching up with parts of rural Nebraska that have already moved onto that phase.

The Douglas County Public Health District lists the timeline on its website, and local public health officials say it seems realistic.

Other public health districts have started vaccinating younger residents, including the Public Health Solutions Health Department, which represents Filmore, Gage, Jefferson, Saline and Thayer counties in southeastern Nebraska. Health officials in the district said they're vaccinating residents who are at least 18 years old.

The Two Rivers Public Health Department, which represents seven counties including Buffalo, Dawson and Kearney, are now vaccinating residents who are at least 16 years old.

All districts in Nebraska are vaccinating residents between 50 and 64. Previous phases have focused on residents who are older than 65, those in the health care industry and people in certain professions, such as first responders and educators. Rural areas have generally vaccinated residents faster than in the Omaha and Lincoln areas, partly because their populations are smaller.

Statewide, Nebraska health officials have vaccinated 19.8% of residents who are at least 16 years old, according to the state's online tracking portal.

On Friday morning, 105 people were hospitalized in Nebraska with the virus - a number that has trended downward since the record highs set in mid-November. State officials have confirmed 207,667 cases and 2,175 deaths since the pandemic began.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614863461419.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Douglas County could start giving coronavirus vaccinations to residents who are at least 16 years old by mid-April, catching up with parts of rural Nebraska that have already moved onto that phase.The Douglas County Public Health District lists the timeline on its website, and local public health officials say it seems realistic.Other public health districts have started vaccinating younger residents, including the Public Health Solutions Health Department, which represents Filmore, Gage, Jefferson, Saline and Thayer counties in southeastern Nebraska. Health officials in the district said they're vaccinating residents who are at least 18 years old.The Two Rivers Public Health Department, which represents seven counties including Buffalo, Dawson and Kearney, are now vaccinating residents who are at least 16 years old.All districts in Nebraska are vaccinating residents between 50 and 64. Previous phases have focused on residents who are older than 65, those in the health care industry and people in certain professions, such as first responders and educators. Rural areas have generally vaccinated residents faster than in the Omaha and Lincoln areas, partly because their populations are smaller.Statewide, Nebraska health officials have vaccinated 19.8% of residents who are at least 16 years old, according to the state's online tracking portal.On Friday morning, 105 people were hospitalized in Nebraska with the virus - a number that has trended downward since the record highs set in mid-November. State officials have confirmed 207,667 cases and 2,175 deaths since the pandemic began.

Younger residents in Douglas County could get vaccines soon

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Two Omaha health care companies have agreed to settle with the Nebraska attorney general's office on charges of misleading advertising, marketing, distribution and sales of coronavirus antibody testing.

Attorney General Doug Peterson alleged in a July complaint that Pivot Concierge Health and Banyan Medical Systems violated Nebraska's consumer protection law and a federal deceptive trade practices law, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/omaha-firms-settle-with-attorney-general-on-charges-of-misrepresenting-covid-antibody-tests/article_11638eb2-8d8e-11eb-b219-d720acc60e8d.html#tncms-source=login" target="_blank">Omaha World-Herald</a>.

Under a settlement signed this week, both companies must disclose the risks and limitations of COVID-19 testing products and comply with the law. Pivot Concierge Health must also pay $25,000 to the state.

State attorneys alleged that both companies advertised and sold coronavirus infection and antibody tests from at least March 19 to April 29, 2020, at an Omaha drive-thru clinic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612437418456.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Two Omaha health care companies have agreed to settle with the Nebraska attorney general's office on charges of misleading advertising, marketing, distribution and sales of coronavirus antibody testing.Attorney General Doug Peterson alleged in a July complaint that Pivot Concierge Health and Banyan Medical Systems violated Nebraska's consumer protection law and a federal deceptive trade practices law, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/omaha-firms-settle-with-attorney-general-on-charges-of-misrepresenting-covid-antibody-tests/article_11638eb2-8d8e-11eb-b219-d720acc60e8d.html#tncms-source=login" target="_blank">Omaha World-Herald</a>.Under a settlement signed this week, both companies must disclose the risks and limitations of COVID-19 testing products and comply with the law. Pivot Concierge Health must also pay $25,000 to the state.State attorneys alleged that both companies advertised and sold coronavirus infection and antibody tests from at least March 19 to April 29, 2020, at an Omaha drive-thru clinic.

Omaha firms settle with state over COVID antibody tests

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City police officer was shot in the leg while trying to make an arrest before he returned fire, killing the suspect, authorities said.

Police reported the shootout happened around 6 p.m. Thursday inside a gas station on the south end of the city. The Missouri State Highway Patrol, which is investigating the shooting, said two uniformed Kansas City police officers spotted a man inside the business whom they believed was wanted on suspicion of assault in an unrelated case.

As the officers attempted to arrest the man, a fight ensued, the patrol said, and the man pulled a gun and shot one officer in the leg. The officer returned fire, killing the suspect, the patrol said.

The man shot by the officer was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The injured officer was treated and listed in stable condition, the patrol said.

The names of the man killed and the officer injured were not immediately released.

The man's death marked the 40th homicide in Kansas City this year, according to data kept by the Kansas City Star. Kansas City recorded 182 homicides in all of 2020, the most in the city’s history in a single year.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting in Kansas City.

Just before 6p.m. Thursday police officers attempted to arrest an aggravated assault suspect at the corner of 63rd and Prospect, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

 Officers tried to detain the suspect but he resisted. During the struggle, the suspect retrieved a gun and shot an officer.

The officer returned fire striking the suspect. No other witnesses nor officers were injured. The suspect succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. The officer was&nbsp; in stable condition and being treated at Research Medical Center. Authorities released no additional details.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A is in charge of the investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616756345082.png" alt="Investigators on the scene of the officer-involved shooting photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Investigators on the scene of the officer-involved shooting photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City police officer was shot in the leg while trying to make an arrest before he returned fire, killing the suspect, authorities said.Police reported the shootout happened around 6 p.m. Thursday inside a gas station on the south end of the city. The Missouri State Highway Patrol, which is investigating the shooting, said two uniformed Kansas City police officers spotted a man inside the business whom they believed was wanted on suspicion of assault in an unrelated case.As the officers attempted to arrest the man, a fight ensued, the patrol said, and the man pulled a gun and shot one officer in the leg. The officer returned fire, killing the suspect, the patrol said.The man shot by the officer was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The injured officer was treated and listed in stable condition, the patrol said.The names of the man killed and the officer injured were not immediately released.The man's death marked the 40th homicide in Kansas City this year, according to data kept by the Kansas City Star. Kansas City recorded 182 homicides in all of 2020, the most in the city’s history in a single year.-----KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer involved shooting in Kansas City.Just before 6p.m. Thursday police officers attempted to arrest an aggravated assault suspect at the corner of 63rd and Prospect, according to a media release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Officers tried to detain the suspect but he resisted. During the struggle, the suspect retrieved a gun and shot an officer.The officer returned fire striking the suspect. No other witnesses nor officers were injured. The suspect succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. The officer was&nbsp; in stable condition and being treated at Research Medical Center. Authorities released no additional details.The Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A is in charge of the investigation.

Update: KC officer injured, suspect killed in shootout

PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) - An Omaha woman has been sentenced to 60 years to life in prison for her role in the 2018 killing of a Bellevue man.

Alisia Cooke, 30, was sentenced Thursday in Sarpy Count District Court in the killing of Brent Quigley, 39, in his home, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/omaha-woman-is-sentenced-to-prison-for-role-in-2018-bellevue-slaying/article_18aba32a-8a7e-11eb-aefd-bfa349bc9519.html" target="_blank">reported</a>. Cooke pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the case. She is one of five people charged in the case.

Prosecutors said Cooke was in on a plan to rob Quigley, and gained access to Quigley's home by arranging a ruse to have sex with him for payment. Once she was inside, investigators said, she excused herself briefly and unlocked the front door to allow her accomplices inside.

Cooke told investigators the plan was to pistol-whip and rob Quigley of money and drugs, but he was stabbed to death when he tried to flee.

Two men have been sentenced in the case. Raymond Davis, 31, of Des Moines, Iowa, was sentenced last month to life in prison for a first-degree murder conviction, and Christopher Reagan, 48, of Omaha, was sentenced after pleading no contest to second-degree murder.

Krystal R. Martin, 23, of Hawk Point, Missouri, was sentenced to five to 20 years after pleading guilty to being an accessory to a felony. Jonathan Riesgaard, 34, of Omaha. withdrew a guilty plea to being an accessory to a robbery and is awaiting trial.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616776091241.png" alt="Cooke" />
 <figcaption>Cooke</figcaption>
 </figure>PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) - An Omaha woman has been sentenced to 60 years to life in prison for her role in the 2018 killing of a Bellevue man.Alisia Cooke, 30, was sentenced Thursday in Sarpy Count District Court in the killing of Brent Quigley, 39, in his home, the Omaha World-Herald&nbsp;<a href="https://omaha.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/omaha-woman-is-sentenced-to-prison-for-role-in-2018-bellevue-slaying/article_18aba32a-8a7e-11eb-aefd-bfa349bc9519.html" target="_blank">reported</a>. Cooke pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the case. She is one of five people charged in the case.Prosecutors said Cooke was in on a plan to rob Quigley, and gained access to Quigley's home by arranging a ruse to have sex with him for payment. Once she was inside, investigators said, she excused herself briefly and unlocked the front door to allow her accomplices inside.Cooke told investigators the plan was to pistol-whip and rob Quigley of money and drugs, but he was stabbed to death when he tried to flee.Two men have been sentenced in the case. Raymond Davis, 31, of Des Moines, Iowa, was sentenced last month to life in prison for a first-degree murder conviction, and Christopher Reagan, 48, of Omaha, was sentenced after pleading no contest to second-degree murder.Krystal R. Martin, 23, of Hawk Point, Missouri, was sentenced to five to 20 years after pleading guilty to being an accessory to a felony. Jonathan Riesgaard, 34, of Omaha. withdrew a guilty plea to being an accessory to a robbery and is awaiting trial.

Omaha woman gets 60 years to life for Bellevue killing

EAGLE BUTTE, S.D. (AP) — The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has taken down the coronavirus checkpoints on its South Dakota reservation that had become a point of contention between the tribe and Republican Gov. Kristi Noem and the Trump administration. 

Cheyenne River spokesman Remi Bald Eagle says the tribal council made the decision to take down the nine checkpoints because of declining infection rates and the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines on the reservation. 

The tribe is also hoping to work with President Joe Biden’s new Bureau of Indian Affairs staff to maintain control over its police department after the Trump administration sent a letter in December 2020 saying the agency would begin managing the department.

EAGLE BUTTE, S.D. (AP) — The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe has taken down the coronavirus checkpoints on its South Dakota reservation that had become a point of contention between the tribe and Republican Gov. Kristi Noem and the Trump administration. Cheyenne River spokesman Remi Bald Eagle says the tribal council made the decision to take down the nine checkpoints because of declining infection rates and the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines on the reservation. The tribe is also hoping to work with President Joe Biden’s new Bureau of Indian Affairs staff to maintain control over its police department after the Trump administration sent a letter in December 2020 saying the agency would begin managing the department.

Tribe removes disputed coronavirus reservation checkpoints

KU doctors urged the public to recognize the proven safety of COVID-19 vaccines

By ALEX SMITH <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-03-25/officials-say-cause-of-death-unknown-for-kansas-woman-who-got-covid-19-shot">Kansas News Service</a>

Kansas officials confirmed on Thursday that a 68-year-old Atchison 
County woman experienced anaphylaxis and died after she received a 
COVID-19 vaccination but said no link between the shot and her death had
 been determined.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said on Thursday it would investigate the case.

The
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 126 million 
doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in the U.S. from 
mid-December through March 22. The agency received 2,216 reports of 
deaths following the administration of doses, but its reviews have found
 no evidence that the vaccines caused those deaths.

Doctors at the
 University of Kansas, who did not treat the patient, said on Thursday 
that more information would be needed to understand what occurred. But 
they cautioned against people basing opinions of vaccines on a single 
incident or media coverage of it.

“What you don’t want to do is, 
in this time where we have such great division in this country and such a
 great fight between red states and blues states — don’t take this event
 and take it to such an extreme that you say no one should be 
vaccinated, because the fact is that everyone should be vaccinated,” 
said University of Kansas Chief Medical Officer Steven Stites.

On 
its Facebook page Wednesday evening, NBC affiliate KSNT in Topeka cited 
the obituary of 68-year-old Jeanie Evans of Effingham, Kansas, which 
flatly stated that the cause of death was “a reaction to the Covid 
vaccine.” The obituary reported that Evans had died at Stormont Vail 
Hospital in Topeka. 

The story was then picked up by other TV 
stations, including KCTV Channel 5 and KMBC Channel 9 in Kansas City. By
 late Thursday morning, it had been shared more than 1,000 times on 
Facebook. Although many of those who shared it posted comments skeptical
 of the vaccines’ safety, others were critical of the news outlets’ 
reporting or attacked other commenters. 

By noon, the New York Post and Fox5 New York had also published articles on Evans’ death.

KDHE
 confirmed to KCUR on Thursday that a 68-year-old Atchison County woman 
had died but said a cause of death had yet to be determined by a medical
 expert.

“Until the investigation is complete, it is premature to 
assign a specific cause of death,” Kansas Department of Health and 
Environment spokeswoman Kristi Zears said in an email.

The death will be investigated in accordance with standard protocol,  Zears added.

A
 spokesman for Stormont Vail confirmed that Evans, who was vaccinated 
elsewhere, had died after being transported to the hospital. 

"The
 individual was transported to our hospital after receiving the vaccine 
in the region. A cause of death has yet to be determined. Our thoughts 
and condolences are with the family," spokesman Matt Lara said in an 
email. 

KCUR was unable to reach Evans’ family on Thursday.

Stites,
 of KU, said that, while an extreme reaction to a vaccine dose is 
possible, deaths may occur following the administration of a vaccine due
 to many unrelated causes, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Stites
 encouraged the public to honor the Evans family's loss while also 
recognizing the overwhelming evidence of the vaccines' safety.

“The
 rest of us have to understand that that pain in that isolated instance 
is not measured," Stites said. "We can’t measure it for that family. We 
can’t find solace for that family. But we know that, throughout the 
world and throughout mankind, there is no question that vaccines save 
millions and millions and millions and millions of lives relative to the
 number of people who die.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616770405447.png" alt="Jeanie Evans of Atchison, Kansas, died on Wednesday, a day after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, according to her obituary. " />
 <figcaption>Jeanie Evans of Atchison, Kansas, died on Wednesday, a day after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, according to her obituary. </figcaption>
 </figure><h2>KU doctors urged the public to recognize the proven safety of COVID-19 vaccines</h2>By ALEX SMITH <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-03-25/officials-say-cause-of-death-unknown-for-kansas-woman-who-got-covid-19-shot">Kansas News Service</a>Kansas officials confirmed on Thursday that a 68-year-old Atchison 
County woman experienced anaphylaxis and died after she received a 
COVID-19 vaccination but said no link between the shot and her death had
 been determined.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said on Thursday it would investigate the case.The
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 126 million 
doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in the U.S. from 
mid-December through March 22. The agency received 2,216 reports of 
deaths following the administration of doses, but its reviews have found
 no evidence that the vaccines caused those deaths.Doctors at the
 University of Kansas, who did not treat the patient, said on Thursday 
that more information would be needed to understand what occurred. But 
they cautioned against people basing opinions of vaccines on a single 
incident or media coverage of it.“What you don’t want to do is, 
in this time where we have such great division in this country and such a
 great fight between red states and blues states — don’t take this event
 and take it to such an extreme that you say no one should be 
vaccinated, because the fact is that everyone should be vaccinated,” 
said University of Kansas Chief Medical Officer Steven Stites.On 
its Facebook page Wednesday evening, NBC affiliate KSNT in Topeka cited 
the obituary of 68-year-old Jeanie Evans of Effingham, Kansas, which 
flatly stated that the cause of death was “a reaction to the Covid 
vaccine.” The obituary reported that Evans had died at Stormont Vail 
Hospital in Topeka. The story was then picked up by other TV 
stations, including KCTV Channel 5 and KMBC Channel 9 in Kansas City. By
 late Thursday morning, it had been shared more than 1,000 times on 
Facebook. Although many of those who shared it posted comments skeptical
 of the vaccines’ safety, others were critical of the news outlets’ 
reporting or attacked other commenters. By noon, the New York Post and Fox5 New York had also published articles on Evans’ death.KDHE
 confirmed to KCUR on Thursday that a 68-year-old Atchison County woman 
had died but said a cause of death had yet to be determined by a medical
 expert.“Until the investigation is complete, it is premature to 
assign a specific cause of death,” Kansas Department of Health and 
Environment spokeswoman Kristi Zears said in an email.The death will be investigated in accordance with standard protocol, Zears added.A
 spokesman for Stormont Vail confirmed that Evans, who was vaccinated 
elsewhere, had died after being transported to the hospital. "The
 individual was transported to our hospital after receiving the vaccine 
in the region. A cause of death has yet to be determined. Our thoughts 
and condolences are with the family," spokesman Matt Lara said in an 
email. KCUR was unable to reach Evans’ family on Thursday.Stites,
 of KU, said that, while an extreme reaction to a vaccine dose is 
possible, deaths may occur following the administration of a vaccine due
 to many unrelated causes, such as a heart attack or stroke.Stites
 encouraged the public to honor the Evans family's loss while also 
recognizing the overwhelming evidence of the vaccines' safety.“The
 rest of us have to understand that that pain in that isolated instance 
is not measured," Stites said. "We can’t measure it for that family. We 
can’t find solace for that family. But we know that, throughout the 
world and throughout mankind, there is no question that vaccines save 
millions and millions and millions and millions of lives relative to the
 number of people who die.”

Officials: Cause of death unknown for Kan. woman who got COVID shot 

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Authorities say they believe that human remains first spotted by someone out walking in a state park Thursday afternoon are the body of a Chinese woman who has been missing since October 2019.

The skeletal remains, some clothing, a driver’s license and some credit cards with Mengqi Ji Elledge’s name on them were found in a remote area of Rock Bridge State Park in Boone County. Columbia Mayor Brian Treece and Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones announced the findings Thursday evening.

Assistant Chief Jeremiah Hunter described the identification of the remains as preliminary. Hunter, Jones and Treece emphasized the importance of this development in beginning to provide closure to Ji’s family. Police officials said DNA and potentially other testing would be done to confirm that the remains are Ji’s.

Jones said authorities had contacted Ji’s family through their attorney.

“As a parent, I can only imagine how important it is to want to have some measure of closure in a tragedy such as this,” Jones said.

Ji’s husband, Joseph Elledge, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a77cf5d7402709f672060620c18c200d">charged in February</a>&nbsp;2020 with first-degree murder in her disappearance. He has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3464aeebdecdfb6819997198bbb315e1">pleaded not guilty</a>&nbsp;to the murder charge and to related charges of child endangerment and domestic abuse.

The couple has a 2-year-old daughter. Elledge, a University of Missouri student, is jailed without bond. His trial is set for Nov. 1.

Prosecutors have speculated that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/754a42ae3659132b431a838ae833ee3e">Elledge strangled his wife</a>&nbsp;to avoid a costly divorce and stop her from fleeing to China with their daughter.

Elledge told authorities he realized his wife was missing on Oct. 9, 2019, but didn’t report she was gone until the next day— which is when a friend came to the house at the request of Ji’s mother. Authorities say he drove to remote areas, spending around 45 minutes at a secluded access point to the Lamine River after dark, during those 24 hours. Cadaver dogs detected the presence of human remains there, but law enforcement was unable to find a body despite multiple searches.

Hunter said parts of Rock Bridge State Park had been previously searched but not the area where the remains were found, which is about 30 feet from a road.

During a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b8203ea6a4a34200bdbed74653732810">court hearing</a>&nbsp;in November 2019, Boone County Chief Prosecutor Dan Knight described Elledge as a “jealous, controlling, manipulative psychopath.” Knight played four audio recordings of the couple arguing.

In the recordings, the husband says, “I don’t like being with you,” ″I’m eager to end it” and “I will bury the earth under you.” Ji can also be heard arguing with her husband, who raised his voice several times. At one point, he told her, “I know you want me to hit you,” and, “This, it’s not abusive.”

He was also heard saying he wanted a divorce “the sooner the better.”

Defense attorneys argued during the hearing that Ji had exchanged sexually explicit messages with another person.

Elledge’s attorney, Scott Rosenblum, said he had no comment Thursday evening.

A message left with Ji’s family attorney was not returned Thursday.

Ji received a master’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Missouri in December 2014. She previously attended the East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/10/1572177968305.png" alt="Ji’s husband, Joseph Elledge, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a77cf5d7402709f672060620c18c200d">charged in February</a>&nbsp;2020 with first-degree murder in her disappearance. Photo Boone Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Ji’s husband, Joseph Elledge, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a77cf5d7402709f672060620c18c200d">charged in February</a>&nbsp;2020 with first-degree murder in her disappearance. Photo Boone Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Authorities say they believe that human remains first spotted by someone out walking in a state park Thursday afternoon are the body of a Chinese woman who has been missing since October 2019.The skeletal remains, some clothing, a driver’s license and some credit cards with Mengqi Ji Elledge’s name on them were found in a remote area of Rock Bridge State Park in Boone County. Columbia Mayor Brian Treece and Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones announced the findings Thursday evening.Assistant Chief Jeremiah Hunter described the identification of the remains as preliminary. Hunter, Jones and Treece emphasized the importance of this development in beginning to provide closure to Ji’s family. Police officials said DNA and potentially other testing would be done to confirm that the remains are Ji’s.Jones said authorities had contacted Ji’s family through their attorney.“As a parent, I can only imagine how important it is to want to have some measure of closure in a tragedy such as this,” Jones said.Ji’s husband, Joseph Elledge, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a77cf5d7402709f672060620c18c200d">charged in February</a>&nbsp;2020 with first-degree murder in her disappearance. He has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/3464aeebdecdfb6819997198bbb315e1">pleaded not guilty</a>&nbsp;to the murder charge and to related charges of child endangerment and domestic abuse.The couple has a 2-year-old daughter. Elledge, a University of Missouri student, is jailed without bond. His trial is set for Nov. 1.Prosecutors have speculated that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/754a42ae3659132b431a838ae833ee3e">Elledge strangled his wife</a>&nbsp;to avoid a costly divorce and stop her from fleeing to China with their daughter.Elledge told authorities he realized his wife was missing on Oct. 9, 2019, but didn’t report she was gone until the next day— which is when a friend came to the house at the request of Ji’s mother. Authorities say he drove to remote areas, spending around 45 minutes at a secluded access point to the Lamine River after dark, during those 24 hours. Cadaver dogs detected the presence of human remains there, but law enforcement was unable to find a body despite multiple searches.Hunter said parts of Rock Bridge State Park had been previously searched but not the area where the remains were found, which is about 30 feet from a road.During a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b8203ea6a4a34200bdbed74653732810">court hearing</a>&nbsp;in November 2019, Boone County Chief Prosecutor Dan Knight described Elledge as a “jealous, controlling, manipulative psychopath.” Knight played four audio recordings of the couple arguing.In the recordings, the husband says, “I don’t like being with you,” ″I’m eager to end it” and “I will bury the earth under you.” Ji can also be heard arguing with her husband, who raised his voice several times. At one point, he told her, “I know you want me to hit you,” and, “This, it’s not abusive.”He was also heard saying he wanted a divorce “the sooner the better.”Defense attorneys argued during the hearing that Ji had exchanged sexually explicit messages with another person.Elledge’s attorney, Scott Rosenblum, said he had no comment Thursday evening.A message left with Ji’s family attorney was not returned Thursday.Ji received a master’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from the University of Missouri in December 2014. She previously attended the East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai.___

Remains found believed to be woman missing since 2019

(AP)-Blaring tornado sirens and howling winds roared across parts of western Georgia early Friday as severe storms pounded southern states, including in Alabama where at least five people died in twisters that wrecked homes, splintered trees and crumpled businesses.

Meteorologists said a large, dangerous tornado swept through metro Atlanta’s Coweta County around midnight Friday, sparking a tornado emergency for the city of Newnan and surrounding communities. There were several reports downed trees and power lines.

Newnan police asked residents to “get off the roads” in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewnanPoliceDepartment/posts/4622950714398406" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;post, explaining that emergency officials were surveying the area.

Newnan Utilities&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewnanUtilitiesGA/posts/4106011572762782" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;the storm knocked out its phone and internet services. Hours later, general manager Dennis McEntire said the phone lines returned. He urged residents to follow the utility on social media for any updates.

“It’s still dark so it’s hard to assess all of the damage but we believe we have 30 broken poles,” McEntire said. “We serve about 10,000 customers and about half are without electricity right now.”

McEntire said the damage from the storm was severe and it will “take several days, with the help from outside crews, to put the system together again.”

Newnan Mayor Keith Brady said no fatalities were immediately reported.

The strong storm followed a series of tornadoes that ripped through Alabama on Thursday, including one that authorities said traveled roughly 100 miles across the state.

In east Alabama, Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade said five people died in a twister that cut a diagonal path across the county, striking mostly rural areas — something that likely kept the death toll from being higher.

“Our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers go to the families, and we are going to do our best to let them know we love them,” Wade said at an evening briefing.

Multiple twisters sprang from a “supercell” of storms that later moved into Georgia, said John De Block, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Birmingham.

Several school districts were closed or delayed Friday due to the damage.

Vast areas of Shelby County near Birmingham — the state’s biggest city — were badly damaged.

In the city of Pelham, James Dunaway said he initially ignored the tornado warning when it came over his phone. But then he heard the twister approaching, left the upstairs bedroom where he had been watching television and entered a hallway — just before the storm blew off the roof and sides of his house. His bedroom was left fully exposed.

“I’m very lucky to be alive,” Dunaway, 75, told Al.com.

Firefighters outside a flattened home in the Eagle Point subdivision, also in Shelby County, said the family that lived there made it out alive. Nearby homes were roofless or missing their second stories.

Farther west in the city of Centreville, south of Tuscaloosa, Cindy Smitherman and her family and neighbors huddled in their underground storm pit as a twister passed over their home.

A tree fell on the shelter door, trapping the eight inside for about 20 minutes until someone came with a chain saw to help free them, said Smitherman, 62. The twister downed trees, overturned cars and destroyed a workshop on the property.

“I’m just glad we’re alive,” she said. “Praise the Lord.”

Centreville Mayor Mike Oakley told ABC 33/40 news that a local airport was hit. “We have airplanes torn apart like toys. We’ve got homes along here that are totally destroyed, trees down, power lines down. It’s pretty devastating.”

As many as eight tornadoes might have hit Alabama on Thursday, De Block said. He said investigation teams will review eight suspected tornado tracks, and the final twister number will depend on if any of those tracks can be connected.

First lady Jill Biden postponed a trip to Birmingham and Jasper, Alabama, that she had planned for Friday because of the severe weather, her office said in a news release.

“Thinking of everyone in Alabama and all of those impacted by the severe weather across the South tonight. My prayers are with the grieving families. Please stay safe,” Biden tweeted late Thursday.

Earlier, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued an emergency declaration for 46 counties, and officials opened shelters in and around Birmingham.

Other parts of the southern U.S. were also affected, with dangerous thunderstorms and flooding concerns for parts of Tennessee, Kentucky and the Carolinas.

In addition to deaths in Alabama, Mississippi had a storm-related death on Wednesday. Ester Jarrell, 62, died in that state’s Wilkinson County when a large tree toppled over onto her mobile home after heavy rain soaked the ground, an official told AP.

By KEVIN McGILL-Associated Press(AP)-Blaring tornado sirens and howling winds roared across parts of western Georgia early Friday as severe storms pounded southern states, including in Alabama where at least five people died in twisters that wrecked homes, splintered trees and crumpled businesses.Meteorologists said a large, dangerous tornado swept through metro Atlanta’s Coweta County around midnight Friday, sparking a tornado emergency for the city of Newnan and surrounding communities. There were several reports downed trees and power lines.Newnan police asked residents to “get off the roads” in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewnanPoliceDepartment/posts/4622950714398406" target="_blank">Facebook</a>&nbsp;post, explaining that emergency officials were surveying the area.Newnan Utilities&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewnanUtilitiesGA/posts/4106011572762782" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;the storm knocked out its phone and internet services. Hours later, general manager Dennis McEntire said the phone lines returned. He urged residents to follow the utility on social media for any updates.“It’s still dark so it’s hard to assess all of the damage but we believe we have 30 broken poles,” McEntire said. “We serve about 10,000 customers and about half are without electricity right now.”McEntire said the damage from the storm was severe and it will “take several days, with the help from outside crews, to put the system together again.”Newnan Mayor Keith Brady said no fatalities were immediately reported.The strong storm followed a series of tornadoes that ripped through Alabama on Thursday, including one that authorities said traveled roughly 100 miles across the state.In east Alabama, Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade said five people died in a twister that cut a diagonal path across the county, striking mostly rural areas — something that likely kept the death toll from being higher.“Our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers go to the families, and we are going to do our best to let them know we love them,” Wade said at an evening briefing.Multiple twisters sprang from a “supercell” of storms that later moved into Georgia, said John De Block, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Birmingham.Several school districts were closed or delayed Friday due to the damage.Vast areas of Shelby County near Birmingham — the state’s biggest city — were badly damaged.In the city of Pelham, James Dunaway said he initially ignored the tornado warning when it came over his phone. But then he heard the twister approaching, left the upstairs bedroom where he had been watching television and entered a hallway — just before the storm blew off the roof and sides of his house. His bedroom was left fully exposed.“I’m very lucky to be alive,” Dunaway, 75, told Al.com.Firefighters outside a flattened home in the Eagle Point subdivision, also in Shelby County, said the family that lived there made it out alive. Nearby homes were roofless or missing their second stories.Farther west in the city of Centreville, south of Tuscaloosa, Cindy Smitherman and her family and neighbors huddled in their underground storm pit as a twister passed over their home.A tree fell on the shelter door, trapping the eight inside for about 20 minutes until someone came with a chain saw to help free them, said Smitherman, 62. The twister downed trees, overturned cars and destroyed a workshop on the property.“I’m just glad we’re alive,” she said. “Praise the Lord.”Centreville Mayor Mike Oakley told ABC 33/40 news that a local airport was hit. “We have airplanes torn apart like toys. We’ve got homes along here that are totally destroyed, trees down, power lines down. It’s pretty devastating.”As many as eight tornadoes might have hit Alabama on Thursday, De Block said. He said investigation teams will review eight suspected tornado tracks, and the final twister number will depend on if any of those tracks can be connected.First lady Jill Biden postponed a trip to Birmingham and Jasper, Alabama, that she had planned for Friday because of the severe weather, her office said in a news release.“Thinking of everyone in Alabama and all of those impacted by the severe weather across the South tonight. My prayers are with the grieving families. Please stay safe,” Biden tweeted late Thursday.Earlier, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued an emergency declaration for 46 counties, and officials opened shelters in and around Birmingham.Other parts of the southern U.S. were also affected, with dangerous thunderstorms and flooding concerns for parts of Tennessee, Kentucky and the Carolinas.In addition to deaths in Alabama, Mississippi had a storm-related death on Wednesday. Ester Jarrell, 62, died in that state’s Wilkinson County when a large tree toppled over onto her mobile home after heavy rain soaked the ground, an official told AP.

Tornado outbreak strikes Alabama, Georgia; at least 5 dead

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. will take steps to more quickly move hundreds of migrant children and teens out of cramped detention facilities along the Southwest border, President Joe Biden said Thursday. He was pushing back against suggestions that his administration’s policies are responsible for the rising number of people seeking to enter the country.

Pressed repeatedly on the border issue at his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-1st-news-conference-2804de86cb2bd901c14c109efe024e5d">first news conference since taking office</a>, Biden said his administration was taking steps to address the situation with measures such as setting aside space at a Texas Army base for about 5,000 unaccompanied minors. But mostly he fired back at criticism.

He noted that his administration, as was done under President Donald Trump, is continuing to quickly expel most adults and families under a public health order imposed at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. The crucial difference is that the government is allowing teens and children, at least temporarily, to stay in the country, straining government resources during the pandemic.

“The only people we’re not going to let be left sitting there on the other side of the Rio Grande by themselves with no help are children,” he said.

The situation along the U.S.-Mexico border has become an early challenge for the administration, drawing more questions than any other subject at the maiden news conference, and diverting attention as the administration addresses the pandemic and the economy.

The number of migrants attempting to cross the border is at the highest level since a spring 2019 surge under Trump, according to the most recently released statistics. The numbers appear to be rising and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently warned they are on pace to hit a 20-year peak.

Biden sought to portray it as a seasonal spike and not, as critics have said, a result of moves such as his decisions to halt construction of border wall projects started under Trump or support for broad immigration legislation.

“It happens every year,” he said. “Does anybody suggest that there was a 31% increase under Trump because he was a nice guy and he was doing good things at the border? That’s not the reason they’re coming.”

Trump responded to a sharp increase in border crossings in 2019 by requiring migrants to wait in Mexico while the U.S. evaluated their asylum petitions or to make claims instead in Guatemala, El Salvador or Honduras. Those Trump-era programs were criticized for sending people fleeing violence back into dangerous situations.

Former acting DHS secretary Chad Wolf, now a fellow at the Heritage Foundation, said Thursday that Biden invited the current crisis by ending those programs and other measures. “He took away all of the consequences, at the same time he began to message that it was perfectly acceptable to come,” he said.

Biden, for his part, condemned the Trump-era requirement that migrants await their asylum claims in Mexico as “sitting on the edge of the Rio Grande in a muddy circumstance with not enough to eat.” He also criticized an earlier policy of separating children from their families at the border and argued that it’s conditions in people’s home countries that push them to the U.S. border.

“It’s because of earthquakes, floods. It’s because of lack of food. It’s because of gang violence,” he said. “It’s because of a whole range of things that when I was vice president had the same obligation to deal with unaccompanied children.”

Biden said that his administration is working to help the countries where migrants are coming from with long-term solutions to their issues, citing $700 million in aid going to Central America.

The number of migrants encountered by authorities along the Southwest border has been rising since April, shortly after the Trump administration imposed a public health order authorizing Customs and Border Protection to quickly expel most people. Many of those are repeat crossers, trying again after they have been sent back.

But in recent weeks, the number of unaccompanied minors has dramatically increased, straining the ability of CBP to hold them in their detention facilities until they can be turned over to the Department of Health and Human Services. The department houses them until they can be placed with relatives or sponsors while the government decides whether they have a legal claim for residency, either under asylum or for some other reason.

The government said there were nearly 5,000 children in Border Patrol custody as of Tuesday and an additional 11,551 at Department of Health and Human Services shelters.

Biden said the administration was opening up bed space at Fort Bliss, Texas, and was taking steps to more quickly to establish the identity of relatives in the U.S. so the minors can be moved out of government custody.

More than 100,000 migrants were stopped crossing the border in February, the most recent statistics publicly available. Most were single adults and were quickly turned back. Most families are being turned away as well, though Mexico has been refusing to accept some in shelters during the pandemic. Biden says it is working with the Mexican government to take more of them and to shore up its own border.

Wolf, however, is skeptical that any efforts by the Mexican government will make much of a difference. “The dynamics aren’t going to change unless the policies change,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616693395951.png" alt="The number of migrants attempting to cross the border is at the highest level since a spring 2019 surge under Trump, according to the most recently released statistics.&nbsp; President Biden addressed the issue during his Thursday news conference -photo White House" />
 <figcaption>The number of migrants attempting to cross the border is at the highest level since a spring 2019 surge under Trump, according to the most recently released statistics.&nbsp; President Biden addressed the issue during his Thursday news conference -photo White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. will take steps to more quickly move hundreds of migrant children and teens out of cramped detention facilities along the Southwest border, President Joe Biden said Thursday. He was pushing back against suggestions that his administration’s policies are responsible for the rising number of people seeking to enter the country.Pressed repeatedly on the border issue at his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-1st-news-conference-2804de86cb2bd901c14c109efe024e5d">first news conference since taking office</a>, Biden said his administration was taking steps to address the situation with measures such as setting aside space at a Texas Army base for about 5,000 unaccompanied minors. But mostly he fired back at criticism.He noted that his administration, as was done under President Donald Trump, is continuing to quickly expel most adults and families under a public health order imposed at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. The crucial difference is that the government is allowing teens and children, at least temporarily, to stay in the country, straining government resources during the pandemic.“The only people we’re not going to let be left sitting there on the other side of the Rio Grande by themselves with no help are children,” he said.The situation along the U.S.-Mexico border has become an early challenge for the administration, drawing more questions than any other subject at the maiden news conference, and diverting attention as the administration addresses the pandemic and the economy.The number of migrants attempting to cross the border is at the highest level since a spring 2019 surge under Trump, according to the most recently released statistics. The numbers appear to be rising and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently warned they are on pace to hit a 20-year peak.Biden sought to portray it as a seasonal spike and not, as critics have said, a result of moves such as his decisions to halt construction of border wall projects started under Trump or support for broad immigration legislation.“It happens every year,” he said. “Does anybody suggest that there was a 31% increase under Trump because he was a nice guy and he was doing good things at the border? That’s not the reason they’re coming.”Trump responded to a sharp increase in border crossings in 2019 by requiring migrants to wait in Mexico while the U.S. evaluated their asylum petitions or to make claims instead in Guatemala, El Salvador or Honduras. Those Trump-era programs were criticized for sending people fleeing violence back into dangerous situations.Former acting DHS secretary Chad Wolf, now a fellow at the Heritage Foundation, said Thursday that Biden invited the current crisis by ending those programs and other measures. “He took away all of the consequences, at the same time he began to message that it was perfectly acceptable to come,” he said.Biden, for his part, condemned the Trump-era requirement that migrants await their asylum claims in Mexico as “sitting on the edge of the Rio Grande in a muddy circumstance with not enough to eat.” He also criticized an earlier policy of separating children from their families at the border and argued that it’s conditions in people’s home countries that push them to the U.S. border.“It’s because of earthquakes, floods. It’s because of lack of food. It’s because of gang violence,” he said. “It’s because of a whole range of things that when I was vice president had the same obligation to deal with unaccompanied children.”Biden said that his administration is working to help the countries where migrants are coming from with long-term solutions to their issues, citing $700 million in aid going to Central America.The number of migrants encountered by authorities along the Southwest border has been rising since April, shortly after the Trump administration imposed a public health order authorizing Customs and Border Protection to quickly expel most people. Many of those are repeat crossers, trying again after they have been sent back.But in recent weeks, the number of unaccompanied minors has dramatically increased, straining the ability of CBP to hold them in their detention facilities until they can be turned over to the Department of Health and Human Services. The department houses them until they can be placed with relatives or sponsors while the government decides whether they have a legal claim for residency, either under asylum or for some other reason.The government said there were nearly 5,000 children in Border Patrol custody as of Tuesday and an additional 11,551 at Department of Health and Human Services shelters.Biden said the administration was opening up bed space at Fort Bliss, Texas, and was taking steps to more quickly to establish the identity of relatives in the U.S. so the minors can be moved out of government custody.More than 100,000 migrants were stopped crossing the border in February, the most recent statistics publicly available. Most were single adults and were quickly turned back. Most families are being turned away as well, though Mexico has been refusing to accept some in shelters during the pandemic. Biden says it is working with the Mexican government to take more of them and to shore up its own border.Wolf, however, is skeptical that any efforts by the Mexican government will make much of a difference. “The dynamics aren’t going to change unless the policies change,” he said.

Biden vows action on migrants as he defends border policy

YORK, Neb. (AP) - Two Nebraska men died after their vehicles collided just outside of York on Wednesday night.

The York County Sheriff's Department said the crash happened on U.S. Highway 34 around 11 p.m. Wednesday.

A westbound 2007 Dodge Caravan driven by 68-year-old Danny Foster of Gresham crossed the centerline of the highway and crashed into a 1990 GMC Sierra driven by 73-year-old Melvin Preslicka of York. Investigator Alex Hildebrand said both men died at the scene of the crash.

Hildebrand said alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash and neither driver was using a seat belt at the time of the crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1559744286393.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>YORK, Neb. (AP) - Two Nebraska men died after their vehicles collided just outside of York on Wednesday night.The York County Sheriff's Department said the crash happened on U.S. Highway 34 around 11 p.m. Wednesday.A westbound 2007 Dodge Caravan driven by 68-year-old Danny Foster of Gresham crossed the centerline of the highway and crashed into a 1990 GMC Sierra driven by 73-year-old Melvin Preslicka of York. Investigator Alex Hildebrand said both men died at the scene of the crash.Hildebrand said alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash and neither driver was using a seat belt at the time of the crash.

2 Nebraska men die after their vehicles collide near York

New Brunswick, New Jersey —Rutgers University shared plans on the school's web site Thursday to take steps to protect "the health of our academic community and to move toward a full return to our pre-pandemic normal as a vibrant institution in Fall 2021."

<a href="https://www.rutgers.edu/president/our-path-forward">The statement</a> from President and University Professor Jonathan Holloway said "the University will be updating its Immunization Requirements for Students to include the COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;This health policy update means that, with limited exceptions, all students planning to attend in the Fall 2021 semester must be fully vaccinated.&nbsp;In parallel, we continue to strongly urge all Rutgers faculty and staff to get immunized against COVID-19 at the earliest opportunity."

"The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination include prevention of serious illness, hospitalization, and death from the virus. Broad immunization is critical to help stop the current pandemic and to protect our University community." Benefits specific to the Rutgers community include:

"Most important, a safer Rutgers community supports a safer New Jersey for our families, our friends, and our neighbors across the state."

"The University has also been approved by the State to offer Rutgers clinics for on-campus administration of vaccines to faculty, staff, and students when vaccine supplies become available. However, we have not yet been given vaccine to administer. Thus, the University urges all members of its community currently eligible to receive a vaccine not to wait and to&nbsp;<a href="https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/">register with the State</a>&nbsp;in order to get vaccinated as soon as possible, wherever you can, if you have not done so already."&nbsp;

"Proof of vaccination will be required for all students planning to attend this fall.&nbsp;Any vaccine authorized for use in the U.S. (currently Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson &amp; Johnson) is acceptable.&nbsp; It is understood that some incoming students may be 17 years old, and may be only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine."

"Students planning to attend the fall 2021 semester may request an exemption from the vaccination requirement for medical or religious reasons. Students enrolled in fully online degree programs (typically defined as having no access to on-campus facilities), as well as individuals participating in fully online or off-campus Continuing Education programs, will not need to provide proof of vaccination."

"From the onset of the pandemic, the safety of the broader Rutgers community has been our shared responsibility. This has never been more true. The importance of an effective vaccination program to make our community safer for all cannot be overstated."

New Brunswick, New Jersey —Rutgers University shared plans on the school's web site Thursday to take steps to protect "the health of our academic community and to move toward a full return to our pre-pandemic normal as a vibrant institution in Fall 2021."<a href="https://www.rutgers.edu/president/our-path-forward">The statement</a> from President and University Professor Jonathan Holloway said "the University will be updating its Immunization Requirements for Students to include the COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;This health policy update means that, with limited exceptions, all students planning to attend in the Fall 2021 semester must be fully vaccinated.&nbsp;In parallel, we continue to strongly urge all Rutgers faculty and staff to get immunized against COVID-19 at the earliest opportunity.""The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination include prevention of serious illness, hospitalization, and death from the virus. Broad immunization is critical to help stop the current pandemic and to protect our University community." Benefits specific to the Rutgers community include:<ul>
 <li>An expedited return to pre-pandemic normal</li><li>Additional face-to-face course offerings and academic experiences</li><li>Opportunities for a wider range of events and activities offered at our campuses</li><li>Expanded dining and recreation options at Rutgers</li><li>Greater interpersonal collaboration among faculty, students, and researchers</li>
 </ul>"Most important, a safer Rutgers community supports a safer New Jersey for our families, our friends, and our neighbors across the state.""The University has also been approved by the State to offer Rutgers clinics for on-campus administration of vaccines to faculty, staff, and students when vaccine supplies become available. However, we have not yet been given vaccine to administer. Thus, the University urges all members of its community currently eligible to receive a vaccine not to wait and to&nbsp;<a href="https://covidvaccine.nj.gov/">register with the State</a>&nbsp;in order to get vaccinated as soon as possible, wherever you can, if you have not done so already."&nbsp;"Proof of vaccination will be required for all students planning to attend this fall.&nbsp;Any vaccine authorized for use in the U.S. (currently Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson &amp; Johnson) is acceptable.&nbsp; It is understood that some incoming students may be 17 years old, and may be only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine.""Students planning to attend the fall 2021 semester may request an exemption from the vaccination requirement for medical or religious reasons. Students enrolled in fully online degree programs (typically defined as having no access to on-campus facilities), as well as individuals participating in fully online or off-campus Continuing Education programs, will not need to provide proof of vaccination.""From the onset of the pandemic, the safety of the broader Rutgers community has been our shared responsibility. This has never been more true. The importance of an effective vaccination program to make our community safer for all cannot be overstated."

University will require COVID vaccine proof for all students

FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a teen in Ford County and have identified two suspects in custody as 19-year-old Tyree Jackson and 31-year-old Lakendria Lewis, according to Police Chief Drew Francis.

On Sunday police responded to the 1200 block of West Elm Street in Dodge City where they located the body later identified as 18-year-old Zacarias Giannino of Dodge City, according to a Francis. He had been dead for several weeks.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616695133065.png" alt="Jackson photo Ford County" />
 <figcaption>Jackson photo Ford County</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a teen in Ford County and have identified two suspects in custody as 19-year-old Tyree Jackson and 31-year-old Lakendria Lewis, according to Police Chief Drew Francis.On Sunday police responded to the 1200 block of West Elm Street in Dodge City where they located the body later identified as 18-year-old Zacarias Giannino of Dodge City, according to a Francis. He had been dead for several weeks.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1616695080822.png" alt="Lewis photo Ford County" />
 <figcaption>Lewis photo Ford County</figcaption>
 </figure>Jackson and Lewis are being held in the Ford County Jail on the requested charge of Murder in the 1st degree.Police have also made two additional arrests in connection with the case including a 17-year-old boy from Dodge City on requested charges of Interference with Law Enforcement and Criminal Desecration and a&nbsp; 16-year-old girl from Dodge City for an active warrantCharges will be filed with the Ford County Attorney's Office.At this time, it is believed that Giannino was killed by a single gunshot to the head during the early morning hours of January 28, in VFW Park at 12th Ave and Cedar St. in Dodge City.Giannino's body was hidden outdoors in a nearby but secluded area, according to Francis. The extremely low temperatures that followed helped to preserve the condition of the remains.&nbsp;----------FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a teen in Ford County and have made an arrest.On Sunday police responded to the 1200 block of West Elm Street in Dodge City where they located the body later identified as 18-year-old Zacarias Giannino of Dodge City, according to a media release. He had been dead for several weeks.&nbsp;Police have arrested a 19-year-old man and a 31-year-old both from Dodge City.&nbsp; Both subjects were booked into the Ford County Jail on the charge of Murder in the 1st degree. Police have also made two additional arrests in connection with the case including a 17-year-old boy from Dodge City on requested charges of Interference with Law Enforcement and Criminal Desecration and a&nbsp; 16-year-old girl from Dodge City for an active warrant Charges will be filed with the Ford County Attorney's Office.At this time, it is believed that 18-year-old Zacarias Giannino was killed by a single gunshot to the head during the early morning hours of January 28, in VFW Park at 12th Ave and Cedar St. in Dodge City. Giannino's body was hidden outdoors in a nearby but secluded area. The extremely low temperatures that followed helped to preserve the condition of the remains.&nbsp;----------FORD COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating the death of a teen in Ford County and asking the public for help with information.Just before 8:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to a residence for a report of an individual knowing about a deceased body, according to a media release from Dodge City. Police.With the information from this individual, officers responded to the 1200 block of West Elm Street in Dodge City where they located the body later identified as&nbsp;18-year-old Zacarias Giannino of Dodge City.After processing the scene, the body of the teen was turned over to the Ford County Coroner for further examination. The condition of the body indicated he had been deceased for a few weeks.On Tuesday an autopsy was performed to determine the cause of death. This is an active and ongoing homicide investigation. DCPD asks that anyone with information about this incident please call the department at 620-225-8126, dispatch at 620-227-4646, or submit a tip through the DCPD Facebook page or tip411 service.