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Headlines for Monday, December 6, 2021

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Highway Patrol: 2 14-Year-Olds Killed, 3 Others Injured in Manhattan Crash

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Highway Patrol says two 14-year-olds died and three other teens were injured in a crash in Manhattan over the weekend. Television station KSNT reports that the crash happened Sunday afternoon, when a sport utility vehicle  heading east on Kansas Highway 18 crashed into a concrete bridge pillar and burst into flames. Investigators say the two 14-year-olds, who were middle school students in the Manhattan-Ogden School District, died in the crash. A third teen was seriously injured and flown to a hospital by medical helicopter. Officials say the two other teens suffered minor injuries. The patrol did not immediately release the names of the teens killed.

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UPDATE: Bob Dole to Lie in State at Capitol as Nation Honors Senator

WASHINGTON (AP) — The body of the late Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol on Thursday as congressional leaders honor the former Republican presidential candidate and World War II veteran. He served in Congress for 36 years. Dole died Sunday at the age of 98. He was a leader known for his caustic wit, which he often turned on himself but didn't hesitate to turn on others, too. He shaped tax and foreign policy and worked vigorously to help the disabled, enshrining protections against discrimination in employment, education and public services in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

(Earlier and additional reporting...)

Bob Dole, War Hero, Political Leader, Statesman, Kansan

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans are remembering Bob Dole, a man who defied the odds in war, only to fall short of his ultimate goal in politics. Dole died Sunday. He was 98. After paralyzing wounds in World War II, Dole willed himself to walk again, and ran for Congress with a right arm too damaged to shake hands. He rose through the Senate ranks to become a long-serving Republican leader and tireless champion of his party. But the prize of the presidency eluded him. He tried three times, and came closest in his final race, securing the 1996 Republican nomination only to be steamrolled by President Bill Clinton's reelection machine. ( Read more.)

U.S. Senate Leader, Presidential Candidate, Kansan Bob Dole Dies at 98

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Elizabeth Dole has posted on social media that her husband, Republican political icon Bob Dole, has died at age 98. Dole overcame disabling war wounds to become a sharp-tongued Senate leader from Kansas, a Republican presidential candidate and then a symbol and celebrant of his dwindling generation of World War II veterans. Dole announced in February 2021 that he'd been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. During his 36-year career on Capitol Hill, Dole became one of the most influential legislators and party leaders in the Senate, combining a talent for compromise with a caustic wit, which he often turned on himself but didn't hesitate to turn on others, too. ( Listen to KPR's Kaye McIntyre's remembrance of Bob Dole.)

Memorable Moments from Bob Dole's Life and Political Career

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bob Dole's political career began in 1950 with election to the Kansas Legislature. It officially ended nearly five decades later, one step short of the White House. Dole kept working into his 90s for the causes he cherished, and fellow veterans were also close to his heart. Dole's wife, Elizabeth, says Dole died early Sunday at age 98. As a college student, Dole had planned to be a doctor. Then World War II changed his life's direction. He nearly died from injuries sustained as a second lieutenant leading an assault on German forces. Dole returned to college, earned a law degree and was elected county attorney.

Dole Mastered the Caustic Wisecrack, often Against Himself

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bob Dole's frequent scowl concealed a dry, often caustic wit. He singed political rivals with it — but didn't spare himself. The Senate veteran and former Republican presidential candidate died Sunday at age 98. Wisecracks came with Dole's territory. After a poor showing in the 1980 Republican presidential primary in New Hampshire, Dole said, "I went home and slept like a baby. Every two hours I woke up and cried." Dole drew heat for saying in a 1976 vice presidential debate that all the wars of the 20th century were "Democrat wars." He came to regret that remark, saying, "I was supposed to go for the jugular. And I did — my own."

Reaction to Bob Dole's Death from U.S. Dignitaries, Veterans

UNDATED (AP) —U.S. leaders and military veterans are mourning the loss of former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, a World War II veteran and former Republican presidential candidate who served in Congress for 36 years. Dole, who had stage 4 lung cancer, died Sunday at age 98, according to his wife, Elizabeth. Bob Dole is being remembered as a selfless war hero and congressional leader known for his integrity, humility and ability to work across the aisle. President Joe Biden calls Dole "among the greatest of the Greatest Generation."

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President Joe Biden Scheduled to Visit Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — President Joe Biden will visit Kansas City Wednesday to promote the recently passed infrastructure law. The White House on Saturday did not announce the exact location of Biden's visit. It is his first time in Kansas City as president but he visited the area in March 2020 as he campaigned for the Democratic presidential nomination. Biden signed the $1 trillion infrastructure bill on November 15. It contains money for roads, bridges, broadband, water systems and a shift to electrical vehicles.

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Kansas Records 477,789 COVID-19 Cases, 6,743 Deaths Since Start of Pandemic

TOPEKA, Kan. (KPR) - Kansas health officials have identified more than 3,300 new cases of COVID-19 in the state since last Friday.  In its latest report, released today (MON), the state health department said there have also been 13 new, virus-related deaths since Friday.  The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports new case and fatality numbers every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

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Dr. Anthony Fauci: Early Reports Encouraging About Omicron Variant

UNDATED (AP) - U.S. health officials say that while the omicron variant of the coronavirus is rapidly spreading in the country, early indications suggest it may be less dangerous than delta, which continues to drive a surge of hospitalizations. President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, told CNN’s “State of the Union” scientists need more information before drawing conclusions about omicron’s severity. But reports from South Africa, where it emerged and is becoming the dominant strain, suggest hospitalization rates have not increased alarmingly. Omicron had been detected in about a third of U.S. states by Sunday. Fauci said the Biden administration is considering lifting travel restrictions against noncitizens entering the United States from several African countries.

(-Related-)

Missouri Confirms 1st Case of Omicron Virus Variant

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Health officials have confirmed the first case of the omicron coronavirus variant in Missouri. The St. Louis Health Department said Saturday that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed the virus case in a resident of St. Louis that was first reported Friday as a presumed case of the omicron variant. Health officials did not identify the patient, but they have said that the person had recently traveled in the United States. Officials have also said there are no concerns about that person’s health at this point. Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, director of the St. Louis health department, said the omicron case is a reminder that everyone should get vaccinated.

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Toys for Tots in Need of 20,000 More Toys this Holiday Season

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KPR) - Toy drive organizers in Overland Park are in need of 20,000 more toys this holiday season.  The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and Overland Park Convention Center are requesting community assistance to address the local toy shortage.  Organizers say they are trying to provide toys to more than 56,000 area children who are in need this holiday season.  To donate, guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation and drop it off at the Overland Park Convention Center through December 16.  “Based off our numbers, it looks like we’ll be falling short by about 20,000 toys this year — that’s 20,000 kids who won’t get a Christmas if we’re not able to produce,” said SSgt. Warren Ory, Marine and local Toys for Tots campaign coordinator. “We are looking to the community for help. If you could find it in your hearts to donate, we are really in need for ages 0-2 and 11 plus.”  Last year, the local Toys for Tots served more than 34,000 children in the greater Kansas City area.  The Overland Park Convention Center will once again serve as the largest donation site for the area Toys for Tots drive.
 
Toys for Tots assists children up to age 16. Items to consider for pre-teens and teens include, but are not limited to, sporting equipment, bags, balls, books, backpacks, cosmetics, purses, watch/wallet gift sets, bath gift sets, board games, radio control cars and trucks, hand-held electronics, skateboards/helmets, curling irons, hair straighteners, and hair dryers.

The Overland Park Convention Center will be open for public donations Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Due to COVID-19, guests are asked to drop items off at the security entrance located on the east side of the convention center off Woodson Rd. (Directional signage is provided.)

Learn more at opconventioncenter.com/toys-for-tots or by calling 913.339.3000.  

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Woman Dies, Husband Critically Hurt in Wichita Stabbing

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — An elderly woman died and her husband was critically hurt after they were stabbed Saturday in Wichita shortly after a truck was stolen and crashed into a nearby church. Wichita Police said 36-year-old Goldy Metcalf who was out of jail on parole was arrested after a series of crimes Saturday morning on multiple charges. The incident began around 8 a.m. Saturday when a suspect took a pickup truck that had the keys in it. The stabbing happened after the truck crashed into a church and caused significant damage. The man who was stabbed was stable at a Wichita hospital Saturday.

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Man Shot and Wounded by Officer at Apartment in Harper

HARPER, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says a police officer in Harper shot and wounded a man during a struggle at an apartment complex. The KBI says the man underwent surgery and was in good condition after the shooting Friday afternoon. A Harper officer responded after police received a report of a man damaging property at an apartment complex. The KBI says the man, 61-year-old Kenneth Smith, was shot once in the arm when he walked toward the officer with a knife after a struggle. No officers were injured. Harper is about 50 miles southwest of Wichita.

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Kansas Man Pleads No Contest to Attempted Rape in 2019

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas man has pleaded no contest to attempted rape and is set to be sentenced in January. Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said Saturday the 43-year-old Leavenworth man had changed his plea. In August 2019, the man was arrested after officers found him lying in the grass next to an unconscious woman who had her pants and underwear off. The two of them were in an empty lot near the Leavenworth Interfaith Community of Hope. The woman told officers initially that she didn't know what happened or how she got to that location. The man later told investigators that the two of them had been having sex.

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Chiefs Keep AFC West Lead with 22-9 Victory over Broncos

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The resurgent Kansas City defense shut down Teddy Bridgewater and the Broncos and the Chiefs beat Denver 22-9 on Sunday night for their fifth straight win. Daniel Sorenson returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown for Kansas City Patrick Mahomes had 184 yards passing with a touchdown run and an interception for the Chiefs, who now lead the Chargers by a game and the Broncos and Raiders by two in their race for a sixth straight AFC West championship. Javonte Williams started in place of the injured Melvin Gordon III and had 102 yards rushing along with a late touchdown catch for the Broncos. They have lost 12 straight to Kansas City.

(Additional reporting...)

Chiefs Defeat Broncos and Remain on Top of the AFC West

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos lost for the 12th consecutive time to the Chiefs. And while it didn't cost them the game by itself, coach Vic Fangio's failed decision to go for it on fourth-and-2 at the Kansas City 8 after a 20-play drive played a key role in the game. The Broncos got no points out of it and wound up playing catch-up the rest of the way. Teddy Bridgewater threw two interceptions, and Daniel Sorenson returned one 75 yards for a touchdown to clinch the 22-9 victory.

Broncos coach Vic Fangio declared that "field goals weren't going to beat" the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night. Neither were 20-play drives that resulted in no points.  That long march that consumed more than 11 minutes of the second quarter didn't lead to a 22-9 loss to the Chiefs by itself, but it sure didn't help. And Fangio's failed decision to go for it on fourth-and-2 at the Kansas City 8, rather than kick a field goal to make it 10-6 at halftime, left the demoralized Broncos playing catch-up the rest of the way.  "We have to be able to score more points no matter who you're playing, especially the Chiefs at home," Fangio said. "That drive at the end of the first half was really good. We just couldn't finish it. Couldn't get the last 2 yards to keep it going."

It was the first time in 12 years that a 20-play drive lasting at least 11 minutes didn't result in points.  "Every drive you try to get points," Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater said, "but a drive like that, you get the ball out of there and all the way down the field — you know, it just sucks, man." Fangio's bold fourth-down call wasn't the only play the Broncos probably wanted back.

There was Courtland Sutton's pass route on third-and-7 that he failed to run to the first-down marker on the opening drive of the second half, and the ball that Bridgewater threw on the next drive that was picked off by Juan Thornhill. There was the gaffe by the punt return team a few minutes later, when Caden Sterns ran into return man Diontae Spencer and the Chiefs hopped on the loose ball, and Bridgewater's pick-6 to Daniel Sorensen that put the game away.

That's not going to get it done against the two-time defending AFC champions, especially when the Chiefs are coming off a late-season bye. Andy Reid improved to 20-3 when he has a week off to prepare for an opponent. Meanwhile, the Chiefs must have decided that field goals were in fact going to beat Denver.

Harrison Butker drilled a 56-yarder into the wind late in the first quarter, split the uprights from 45 yards out in the third, then tacked on a 26-yard chip shot through swirling winds to stake Kansas City to a 16-3 lead.

The result was another loss to the Chiefs in what is fast becoming a lopsided series.

Kansas City has won 12 straight against the Broncos, which means quarterback Patrick Mahomes has never lost to them in nine career starts — including the first of his career and one that ended with an injury. The Broncos dropped to 3-20 when they play at Kansas City in December dating to their days together in the AFL. And they squandered a surprising chance to take their first AFC West lead this late in the season in six full years.  "Kareem Jackson said it best in the locker room: We have five games left and each is a playoff game for us," Bridgewater said. "We have to focus one day at a time, one week at a time, one opponent at a time."  It wasn't all bad. Bridgewater finished with 257 yards passing and mostly managed the game well. Javonte Williams started in place of injured running back Melvin Gordon III and ran for 102 yards while catching Bridgewater's lone TD toss late in the fourth quarter. The Broncos defense held Mahomes to 184 yards passing and Kansas City to 257 yards in all.

It's just that the miscues far outpaced the highlights on another bleak Broncos trip to Arrowhead Stadium.  "We obviously know there's opportunities out there," Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II said. "There's a lot of season left. We're going to see them again down the road. There's a lot of games left to be played. This isn't going to be what we're known for. We're going to keep fighting, keep playing, do what we know we can do."

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These area headlines are curated by KPR news staffers, including J. Schafer, Laura Lorson, Kaye McIntyre and Tom Parkinson. Our headlines are generally posted by 10 am weekdays. This news summary is made possible by KPR listener-members.  Become one today