(AP) - Hedge fund Alden Global Capital, one of the country’s largest newspaper owners with a reputation for intense cost cuts and layoffs, has offered to buy the local newspaper chain Lee Enterprises for about $141 million. 

Alden said in a Monday press release that it sent Lee’s board a letter with the offer.

 It already owns 6% of Lee’s stock and is proposing to buy the rest for $24 a share.

 A Lee spokesperson did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

 Lee’s papers include the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the Buffalo News, along with dozens of smaller papers.

(AP) - Hedge fund Alden Global Capital, one of the country’s largest newspaper owners with a reputation for intense cost cuts and layoffs, has offered to buy the local newspaper chain Lee Enterprises for about $141 million. Alden said in a Monday press release that it sent Lee’s board a letter with the offer. It already owns 6% of Lee’s stock and is proposing to buy the rest for $24 a share. A Lee spokesperson did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Lee’s papers include the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the Buffalo News, along with dozens of smaller papers.

Hedge fund Alden in hunt for another big newspaper chain

By Scott Edger Little Apple Post

RILEY COUNTY —Just before 8p.m. Sunday, Riley County Police arrested 38-year-old Kenneth Durell Dotson&nbsp;for multiple counts of stalking, protection order violations, and interference with a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;

Police say Dotson’s current arrest and charges&nbsp;stem from&nbsp;his&nbsp;October 12&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;in connection with a violent attack at&nbsp;a&nbsp;Dairy Queen&nbsp;in Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On October 12, the police arrested Dotson and Cornelius Lee Sisson,&nbsp;37,&nbsp;both of Manhattan,&nbsp;after they&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;forced their way&nbsp;into the Dairy Queen&nbsp;at 1015 N. Third Street&nbsp;and chased a man and woman outside before assaulting them with a weapon.&nbsp;

Police arrested Dotson at his home at 12:14&nbsp;Saturday morning, October 12. He&nbsp;was charged&nbsp;with&nbsp;domestic battery, battery, aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, violation of a protection order and aggravated burglary.&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the time of the Sunday night incident, Dotson was free on a $50,000 bond posted October 20.&nbsp;Following his release, Dotson was issued a protection order banning&nbsp;contant&nbsp;with witnesses.&nbsp;

Authorities&nbsp;had recently&nbsp;taken&nbsp;multiple&nbsp;reports of Dotson stalking&nbsp;and contacting&nbsp;witnesses from the October 12&nbsp;attack. Dotson is scheduled for a December 7 hearing in&nbsp;Riley County District Court&nbsp;for the October 12 case.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1632060646160.png" alt="Kenneth Dotson- from an earlier arrest in Geary Co." />
 <figcaption>Kenneth Dotson- from an earlier arrest in Geary Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Edger Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY —Just before 8p.m. Sunday, Riley County Police arrested 38-year-old Kenneth Durell Dotson&nbsp;for multiple counts of stalking, protection order violations, and interference with a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;Police say Dotson’s current arrest and charges&nbsp;stem from&nbsp;his&nbsp;October 12&nbsp;arrest&nbsp;in connection with a violent attack at&nbsp;a&nbsp;Dairy Queen&nbsp;in Manhattan.&nbsp;&nbsp;On October 12, the police arrested Dotson and Cornelius Lee Sisson,&nbsp;37,&nbsp;both of Manhattan,&nbsp;after they&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;forced their way&nbsp;into the Dairy Queen&nbsp;at 1015 N. Third Street&nbsp;and chased a man and woman outside before assaulting them with a weapon.&nbsp;Police arrested Dotson at his home at 12:14&nbsp;Saturday morning, October 12. He&nbsp;was charged&nbsp;with&nbsp;domestic battery, battery, aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, violation of a protection order and aggravated burglary.&nbsp;&nbsp;At the time of the Sunday night incident, Dotson was free on a $50,000 bond posted October 20.&nbsp;Following his release, Dotson was issued a protection order banning&nbsp;contant&nbsp;with witnesses.&nbsp;Authorities&nbsp;had recently&nbsp;taken&nbsp;multiple&nbsp;reports of Dotson stalking&nbsp;and contacting&nbsp;witnesses from the October 12&nbsp;attack. Dotson is scheduled for a December 7 hearing in&nbsp;Riley County District Court&nbsp;for the October 12 case.&nbsp;

Police: Kan. man accused in attack jailed for stalking victims

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A person taken into custody after an SUV plowed into holiday parade in Wisconsin, killing at least five people, has been identified as 39-year-old Darrell Brooks.

Police haven’t yet identified the “person of interest” they are holding. But two law enforcement officials briefed on the matter provided the identification to The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Online court records showed a person named Darrell Brooks, with an birthdate making him 39, has two open criminal cases in Milwaukee County. In one case, filed Nov. 5, he is charged with resisting or obstructing an officer, reckless homicide, disorderly conduct, bail jumping and battery. Records show $500 cash bond was posted Nov. 19.

In the other case, filed in July 2020, Brooks is charged with reckless endangering and illegal possession of a firearm.

WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP)— A joyous scene of marching bands and children dancing in Santa hats and waving pompoms turned deadly in an instant, as an SUV sped through barricades and into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee, killing at least five people and injuring more than 40 others.

One video showed a woman screaming, “Oh my God!” repeatedly as a group of young dancers was struck Sunday. A father talked of going “from one crumpled body to the other” in search of his daughter. Members of a “Dancing Grannies” club were among those hit.

The city of Waukesha posted on its social media accounts late Sunday that it could confirm at least five died and more than 40 were injured, while noting that it was still collecting information. The city's statement also noted that many people took themselves to hospitals. The city did not release any additional information about those who died.

A “person of interest” was in custody, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said, but he gave no details about the person or any possible motive. The investigation was ongoing, with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

“What took place in Waukesha today is sickening, and I have every confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice,” Attorney General Josh Kaul, the state’s top law enforcement officer, tweeted.

The horror was recorded by the city’s livestream and onlookers' cellphones. One video shows the moment the SUV broke through the barricades and the sound of what appears to be several gunshots. Thompson said a Waukesha police officer fired his gun to try to stop the vehicle. No bystanders were injured by the gunfire, and Thompson said he did not know if the driver was struck by the officer’s bullets.

Another video shows a young child dancing in the street as the SUV speeds by, just a few feet from her, before it hurtles into parade participants a few hundred feet ahead. One video, of dancers with pompoms, ends with a group of people tending to a girl on the ground.

“There were pompoms and shoes and spilled hot chocolate everywhere. I had to go from one crumpled body to the other to find my daughter,” Corey Montiho, a Waukesha school district board member, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “My wife and two daughters were almost hit. Please pray for everybody. Please pray.”

The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies posted on its Facebook page that “members of the group and volunteers were impacted and we are waiting for word on their conditions.” The group’s profile describes them as a “group of grannies that meet once a week to practice routines for summer and winter parades.”

A Catholic priest, multiple parishioners and Waukesha Catholic schoolchildren were among those injured, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee spokeswoman Sandra Peterson said.

Chris Germain, co-owner of the Aspire Dance Center studio, had about 70 people in the parade ranging from as young as 2 being pulled in wagons to age 18. Germain, whose 3-year-old daughter was in the parade, said he was driving at the head of their entry when he saw a maroon SUV that “just blazed right past us.” A police officer ran past in chase. Germain said he jumped out of his own SUV and gathered the girls who were with him to safety.

Then he walked forward to see the damage.

“There were small children laying all over the road, there were police officers and EMTs doing CPR on multiple members of the parade,” he said.

Angelito Tenorio, a West Allis alderman who is running for Wisconsin state treasurer, said he was watching the parade with his family when they saw the SUV come speeding into the area.

“Then we heard a loud bang,” Tenorio said. “And after that, we just heard deafening cries and screams from the crowd, from the people at the parade. And people started rushing, running away with tears in their eyes, crying.”

The Waukesha school district canceled classes Monday and said in a notice on its website that extra counselors would be on hand for students and staff. The parade’s list of entries included cheer, dance and band entries associated with district schools.

Gov. Tony Evers said he and his wife, Kathy, were “praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act.”

The parade, held each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, is sponsored by the city’s Chamber of Commerce. This year’s, the 59th, had the theme of “comfort and joy.”

Waukesha is a western suburb of Milwaukee, and about 55 miles north of Kenosha, where Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted Friday of charges stemming from the shooting of three men during unrest in that city in August 2020.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637581922928.png" alt="Darrell Brooks-photo Nevada Sex offender registry" />
 <figcaption>Darrell Brooks-photo Nevada Sex offender registry</figcaption>
 </figure>WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) — A person taken into custody after an SUV plowed into holiday parade in Wisconsin, killing at least five people, has been identified as 39-year-old Darrell Brooks.Police haven’t yet identified the “person of interest” they are holding. But two law enforcement officials briefed on the matter provided the identification to The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.Online court records showed a person named Darrell Brooks, with an birthdate making him 39, has two open criminal cases in Milwaukee County. In one case, filed Nov. 5, he is charged with resisting or obstructing an officer, reckless homicide, disorderly conduct, bail jumping and battery. Records show $500 cash bond was posted Nov. 19.In the other case, filed in July 2020, Brooks is charged with reckless endangering and illegal possession of a firearm.-----------WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP)— A joyous scene of marching bands and children dancing in Santa hats and waving pompoms turned deadly in an instant, as an SUV sped through barricades and into a Christmas parade in suburban Milwaukee, killing at least five people and injuring more than 40 others.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637579510864.png" alt="Photo courtesy city of Waukesha, Wisconsin&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy city of Waukesha, Wisconsin&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>One video showed a woman screaming, “Oh my God!” repeatedly as a group of young dancers was struck Sunday. A father talked of going “from one crumpled body to the other” in search of his daughter. Members of a “Dancing Grannies” club were among those hit.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">At this time, we can confirm that 5 people are deceased and over 40 are injured. However, these numbers may change as we collect additional information. Many people have self-transported to area hospitals. The Police Department has the person of interest in custody.&mdash; cityofwaukesha (@CityofWaukesha) <a href="https://twitter.com/CityofWaukesha/status/1462659959544594433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The city of Waukesha posted on its social media accounts late Sunday that it could confirm at least five died and more than 40 were injured, while noting that it was still collecting information. The city's statement also noted that many people took themselves to hospitals. The city did not release any additional information about those who died.A “person of interest” was in custody, Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson said, but he gave no details about the person or any possible motive. The investigation was ongoing, with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.“What took place in Waukesha today is sickening, and I have every confidence that those responsible will be brought to justice,” Attorney General Josh Kaul, the state’s top law enforcement officer, tweeted.The horror was recorded by the city’s livestream and onlookers' cellphones. One video shows the moment the SUV broke through the barricades and the sound of what appears to be several gunshots. Thompson said a Waukesha police officer fired his gun to try to stop the vehicle. No bystanders were injured by the gunfire, and Thompson said he did not know if the driver was struck by the officer’s bullets.Another video shows a young child dancing in the street as the SUV speeds by, just a few feet from her, before it hurtles into parade participants a few hundred feet ahead. One video, of dancers with pompoms, ends with a group of people tending to a girl on the ground.“There were pompoms and shoes and spilled hot chocolate everywhere. I had to go from one crumpled body to the other to find my daughter,” Corey Montiho, a Waukesha school district board member, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “My wife and two daughters were almost hit. Please pray for everybody. Please pray.”The Milwaukee Dancing Grannies posted on its Facebook page that “members of the group and volunteers were impacted and we are waiting for word on their conditions.” The group’s profile describes them as a “group of grannies that meet once a week to practice routines for summer and winter parades.”A Catholic priest, multiple parishioners and Waukesha Catholic schoolchildren were among those injured, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee spokeswoman Sandra Peterson said.Chris Germain, co-owner of the Aspire Dance Center studio, had about 70 people in the parade ranging from as young as 2 being pulled in wagons to age 18. Germain, whose 3-year-old daughter was in the parade, said he was driving at the head of their entry when he saw a maroon SUV that “just blazed right past us.” A police officer ran past in chase. Germain said he jumped out of his own SUV and gathered the girls who were with him to safety.Then he walked forward to see the damage.“There were small children laying all over the road, there were police officers and EMTs doing CPR on multiple members of the parade,” he said.Angelito Tenorio, a West Allis alderman who is running for Wisconsin state treasurer, said he was watching the parade with his family when they saw the SUV come speeding into the area.“Then we heard a loud bang,” Tenorio said. “And after that, we just heard deafening cries and screams from the crowd, from the people at the parade. And people started rushing, running away with tears in their eyes, crying.”The Waukesha school district canceled classes Monday and said in a notice on its website that extra counselors would be on hand for students and staff. The parade’s list of entries included cheer, dance and band entries associated with district schools.Gov. Tony Evers said he and his wife, Kathy, were “praying for Waukesha tonight and all the kids, families, and community members affected by this senseless act.”The parade, held each year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, is sponsored by the city’s Chamber of Commerce. This year’s, the 59th, had the theme of “comfort and joy.”Waukesha is a western suburb of Milwaukee, and about 55 miles north of Kenosha, where Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted Friday of charges stemming from the shooting of three men during unrest in that city in August 2020.

SUV driver ID'd in Christmas parade crash that killed 5

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A man convicted of stabbing his then-girlfriend and causing serious injuries has been sentenced to up to 35 years in prison. 

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports District Judge Peter Froelicher sentenced Anthony Brassard to 25 to 35 years in prison on Friday.

 Brassard pleaded no contest to attempted second-degree murder as part of a plea agreement. 

Cheyenne Police officers discovered the injured woman on Aug. 30, 2020, when they responded to reports that someone was crying for help from an apartment. 

Hospital workers later said the woman had lost half of her blood volume and had about 30 cuts and stab wounds.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A man convicted of stabbing his then-girlfriend and causing serious injuries has been sentenced to up to 35 years in prison. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports District Judge Peter Froelicher sentenced Anthony Brassard to 25 to 35 years in prison on Friday. Brassard pleaded no contest to attempted second-degree murder as part of a plea agreement. Cheyenne Police officers discovered the injured woman on Aug. 30, 2020, when they responded to reports that someone was crying for help from an apartment. Hospital workers later said the woman had lost half of her blood volume and had about 30 cuts and stab wounds.

Man gets up to 35 years in prison in Cheyenne stabbing case

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 49-year-old man from Omaha, Nebraska, is hospitalized in critical condition after being struck while crossing a road on the Truman Sports Complex property in Kansas City, Missouri, during a Chiefs game. 

Police say the man was struck by a Chrysler Sedan Sunday afternoon, about 25 minutes after the start of the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs. 

The driver stopped at the scene. Last month, 66-year-old Steven Hickle of Wichita, Kansas, was killed when he was struck by two hit-and-run drivers near Arrowhead Stadium. His death prompted a bicycle and pedestrian safety advocacy group to renew calls to make the area safer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637589620835.png" alt="First responders at the scene of the accident-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>First responders at the scene of the accident-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A 49-year-old man from Omaha, Nebraska, is hospitalized in critical condition after being struck while crossing a road on the Truman Sports Complex property in Kansas City, Missouri, during a Chiefs game. Police say the man was struck by a Chrysler Sedan Sunday afternoon, about 25 minutes after the start of the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs. The driver stopped at the scene. Last month, 66-year-old Steven Hickle of Wichita, Kansas, was killed when he was struck by two hit-and-run drivers near Arrowhead Stadium. His death prompted a bicycle and pedestrian safety advocacy group to renew calls to make the area safer.

Nebraska man injured after being struck near Chiefs game

WASHINGTON — In an advisory issued today, the Office of Inspector General of the Federal Communications Commission alerted EBB providers, beneficiaries, and the public to improper and abusive EBB program enrollments made in connection with the USDA National School Lunch Program’s Community Eligibility Provision.      

Providers’ sales agents are enrolling households in the EBB program by falsely claiming the household includes a dependent child who attends a CEP school.  The Advisory provides examples where the number of EBB households enrolled based on CEP school participation vastly outnumber the students actually enrolled in those schools.  OIG reminds all EBB providers that they are required to implement policies and procedures for ensuring their EBB households are eligible for program support and they will be held liable for their agents’ rule violations.   

OIG notes that as of today, USAC has implemented some controls in response to concerns we shared with the Commission regarding this ongoing fraud. 

Inspector General David L. Hunt said, “Our office is committed to using every tool at our disposal to fight fraud, waste, and abuse in the EBB program.  Advisories such as this play an important role in alerting program stakeholders that we will scrutinize carefully compliance with all program rules to identify and deter fraudulent practices.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1569445831519.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>FCCWASHINGTON — In an advisory issued today, the Office of Inspector General of the Federal Communications Commission alerted EBB providers, beneficiaries, and the public to improper and abusive EBB program enrollments made in connection with the USDA National School Lunch Program’s Community Eligibility Provision. Providers’ sales agents are enrolling households in the EBB program by falsely claiming the household includes a dependent child who attends a CEP school. The Advisory provides examples where the number of EBB households enrolled based on CEP school participation vastly outnumber the students actually enrolled in those schools. OIG reminds all EBB providers that they are required to implement policies and procedures for ensuring their EBB households are eligible for program support and they will be held liable for their agents’ rule violations. OIG notes that as of today, USAC has implemented some controls in response to concerns we shared with the Commission regarding this ongoing fraud. Inspector General David L. Hunt said, “Our office is committed to using every tool at our disposal to fight fraud, waste, and abuse in the EBB program. Advisories such as this play an important role in alerting program stakeholders that we will scrutinize carefully compliance with all program rules to identify and deter fraudulent practices.”Cover image courtesy Pixabay

Feds issue warning over school lunch program fraud

Planning to stay in a hotel soon? Scammers consider tourists and 
business travelers easy targets, so always stay aware and protect your 
personal information. Learn about hotel scams and stop the scammers from
 separating you from your cash.

Here are five common hotel scams to be aware of:

When making online hotel reservations, make certain the website is 
legitimate. A common tactic for scammers is to create look-alike web 
pages to lure consumers into providing credit card information.

The <a href="https://www.ahla.com/" target="_blank">American Hotel and Lodging Association</a> is a BBB National Partner. They provided some <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14155-bbb-tip-booking-a-hotel-room" target="_blank">tips to follow before booking a hotel room</a>.

Make sure the menus left in the hotel room are authentic. Dining-in 
can be a tempting option, especially after a day of traveling or 
exploration, but you could end up ordering from a restaurant that 
doesn’t even exist. Scammers will distribute fake menus to rooms with 
phone numbers that connect the caller to them instead of the hotel or a 
real business. They will collect the caller's credit card information 
over the phone but never deliver food. Before deciding to order out, <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-avoid-restaurant-scams-3259996" target="_blank">do some research</a> and make sure the business exists, and check their BBB rating. Confirm with the front desk for restaurant recommendations.

Hotel guests may receive a late night phone call from someone 
impersonating the front desk. The caller asks for credit card 
information claiming there’s a problem with the credit card on file. 
They may say it was declined, they need to re-verify payment information
 or that they lost all of the financial information and need to run an 
audit by a certain time. The scammer will offer to take your credit card
 information over the phone, so that you’re not inconvenienced. However,
 a real hotel staff member will never ask for your credit card 
information over the phone at odd hours of the night. They will always 
ask to settle up any charges at the front desk.

Always notify the hotel management of any calls of this nature.

When staying at a hotel, free internet access is often touted as a 
benefit of being a guest. However, this also provides scammers an “in." 
Wireless internet “skimming” targets travelers with the promise of free 
internet access. This usually appears in the common areas of the hotel. 
The connection is free to access but it’s not safe. Most of the time a 
hotel scam artist is controlling the connection through their computer, 
collecting all the data the traveler transmits - websites accessed, 
passwords used, credit card information, etc.

Before joining a network, make sure the Wi-Fi connection is secure 
and hosted through the hotel. Many secured connections require a 
two-step verification process. You can also consider using your 
cellphone provider network and use your phone as a hotspot -- just check
 the data useage allowed first.

When checking into a hotel, the front desk always asks for a credit 
or debit card to keep on file for incidentals. However, at check-out 
guests can decide to pay with another method, such as cash.

No matter what payment method is used, get a receipt. This provides a
 record of all charges during the stay, whether you use your original 
payment method or switch to cash. If there are any unexpected charges to
 the credit card on file, you'll have a record to dispute them.&nbsp;

The best way to prevent being scammed at checkout is to use the form 
of payment that you put on file when checking in. Consider using a 
credit card versus a debit card. If your number is compromised, using 
your debit card provides access to the checking account and a 
potentially challenging situation in correcting the situation with the 
bank.

If you encounter a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker at <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us" target="_blank">BBB.org/scamtracker</a>.

For more information and information on businesses you can trust, visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank">BBB.org</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637598279914.jpg" alt="Image courtesy of Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy of Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>BBBPlanning to stay in a hotel soon? Scammers consider tourists and 
business travelers easy targets, so always stay aware and protect your 
personal information. Learn about hotel scams and stop the scammers from
 separating you from your cash.Here are five common hotel scams to be aware of:<h2>Fake Website</h2>When making online hotel reservations, make certain the website is 
legitimate. A common tactic for scammers is to create look-alike web 
pages to lure consumers into providing credit card information.The <a href="https://www.ahla.com/" target="_blank">American Hotel and Lodging Association</a> is a BBB National Partner. They provided some <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14155-bbb-tip-booking-a-hotel-room" target="_blank">tips to follow before booking a hotel room</a>.<h2>Fake Food Delivery</h2>Make sure the menus left in the hotel room are authentic. Dining-in 
can be a tempting option, especially after a day of traveling or 
exploration, but you could end up ordering from a restaurant that 
doesn’t even exist. Scammers will distribute fake menus to rooms with 
phone numbers that connect the caller to them instead of the hotel or a 
real business. They will collect the caller's credit card information 
over the phone but never deliver food. Before deciding to order out, <a href="https://www.tripsavvy.com/ways-to-avoid-restaurant-scams-3259996" target="_blank">do some research</a> and make sure the business exists, and check their BBB rating. Confirm with the front desk for restaurant recommendations.<h2>Fake Front Desk Calls</h2>Hotel guests may receive a late night phone call from someone 
impersonating the front desk. The caller asks for credit card 
information claiming there’s a problem with the credit card on file. 
They may say it was declined, they need to re-verify payment information
 or that they lost all of the financial information and need to run an 
audit by a certain time. The scammer will offer to take your credit card
 information over the phone, so that you’re not inconvenienced. However,
 a real hotel staff member will never ask for your credit card 
information over the phone at odd hours of the night. They will always 
ask to settle up any charges at the front desk.Always notify the hotel management of any calls of this nature.<h2>'Free' Wi-Fi Connections</h2>When staying at a hotel, free internet access is often touted as a 
benefit of being a guest. However, this also provides scammers an “in." 
Wireless internet “skimming” targets travelers with the promise of free 
internet access. This usually appears in the common areas of the hotel. 
The connection is free to access but it’s not safe. Most of the time a 
hotel scam artist is controlling the connection through their computer, 
collecting all the data the traveler transmits - websites accessed, 
passwords used, credit card information, etc.Before joining a network, make sure the Wi-Fi connection is secure 
and hosted through the hotel. Many secured connections require a 
two-step verification process. You can also consider using your 
cellphone provider network and use your phone as a hotspot -- just check
 the data useage allowed first.<h2>Checkout Scam</h2>When checking into a hotel, the front desk always asks for a credit 
or debit card to keep on file for incidentals. However, at check-out 
guests can decide to pay with another method, such as cash.No matter what payment method is used, get a receipt. This provides a
 record of all charges during the stay, whether you use your original 
payment method or switch to cash. If there are any unexpected charges to
 the credit card on file, you'll have a record to dispute them.&nbsp;The best way to prevent being scammed at checkout is to use the form 
of payment that you put on file when checking in. Consider using a 
credit card versus a debit card. If your number is compromised, using 
your debit card provides access to the checking account and a 
potentially challenging situation in correcting the situation with the 
bank.If you encounter a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker at <a href="https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/us" target="_blank">BBB.org/scamtracker</a>.For more information and information on businesses you can trust, visit <a href="https://www.bbb.org/" target="_blank">BBB.org</a>.

Scam alert: Sleep easier by protecting yourself against hotel scams

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Two of 17 members of a missionary group who were kidnapped more than a month ago have been freed in Haiti and are safe, “in good spirits and being cared for,” their Ohio-based church organization announced Sunday.

Christian Aid Ministries issued a statement saying it could not give the names of those released, why they were freed or other information.

“While we rejoice at this release, our hearts are with the 15 people who are still being held,” the group said.

The spokesman for Haiti’s National Police, Gary Desrosiers, confirmed to The Associated Press that two hostages were released on Sunday.

The missionaries were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang on Oct. 16. There are five children in the group of 16 U.S. citizens and one Canadian, including an 8-month-old. Their Haitian driver also was abducted, according to a local human rights organization.

The leader of the 400 Mawozo gang has threatened to kill the hostages unless his demands are met. Authorities have said the gang was demanding $1 million per person, although it wasn’t immediately clear that included the children in the group.

The release comes as Haiti struggles with a spike in gang-related violence and kidnappings, with the U.S. government recently urging U.S. citizens to leave Haiti amid deepening insecurity and a severe lack of fuel blamed on gangs blocking gas distribution terminals. On Friday, Canada announced it was pulling all but essential personnel from its embassy.

The fuel shortage has forced hospitals to turn away patients and paralyzed public transportation, with some schools closing and businesses shortening their work hours.

Haiti also is trying to recover from the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moise and a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck in mid-August, killing more than 2,200 people and destroying tens of thousands of homes.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Two of 17 members of a missionary group who were kidnapped more than a month ago have been freed in Haiti and are safe, “in good spirits and being cared for,” their Ohio-based church organization announced Sunday.Christian Aid Ministries issued a statement saying it could not give the names of those released, why they were freed or other information.“While we rejoice at this release, our hearts are with the 15 people who are still being held,” the group said.The spokesman for Haiti’s National Police, Gary Desrosiers, confirmed to The Associated Press that two hostages were released on Sunday.The missionaries were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang on Oct. 16. There are five children in the group of 16 U.S. citizens and one Canadian, including an 8-month-old. Their Haitian driver also was abducted, according to a local human rights organization.The leader of the 400 Mawozo gang has threatened to kill the hostages unless his demands are met. Authorities have said the gang was demanding $1 million per person, although it wasn’t immediately clear that included the children in the group.The release comes as Haiti struggles with a spike in gang-related violence and kidnappings, with the U.S. government recently urging U.S. citizens to leave Haiti amid deepening insecurity and a severe lack of fuel blamed on gangs blocking gas distribution terminals. On Friday, Canada announced it was pulling all but essential personnel from its embassy.The fuel shortage has forced hospitals to turn away patients and paralyzed public transportation, with some schools closing and businesses shortening their work hours.Haiti also is trying to recover from the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moise and a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck in mid-August, killing more than 2,200 people and destroying tens of thousands of homes.

US missionaries say 2 of 17 abductees freed in Haiti

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 20-year-old man died and another man was injured in a shooting outside an Omaha bar late Saturday night.

 Omaha Police said Demetrius Johnson of Omaha died at a hospital after the shooting at the DJ’s Dugout location on 114th Street just north of Dodge Street. 

Christopher Grutel, 20, was wounded in his right foot during the shooting that was reported around 11:30 p.m. Saturday. 

Police said both men were taken by private vehicles to different Omaha hospitals. 

No details about what led to the shooting were released immediately on Sunday. 

Johnson’s death is the 27th homicide of the year in Omaha.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A 20-year-old man died and another man was injured in a shooting outside an Omaha bar late Saturday night. Omaha Police said Demetrius Johnson of Omaha died at a hospital after the shooting at the DJ’s Dugout location on 114th Street just north of Dodge Street. Christopher Grutel, 20, was wounded in his right foot during the shooting that was reported around 11:30 p.m. Saturday. Police said both men were taken by private vehicles to different Omaha hospitals. No details about what led to the shooting were released immediately on Sunday. Johnson’s death is the 27th homicide of the year in Omaha.

1 man dead, 1 injured after Omaha bar shooting Saturday

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland on Friday formally declared “squaw” a derogatory term and said she is taking steps to remove it from federal government use and to replace other derogatory place names.

Haaland is ordering a federal panel tasked with naming geographic places to implement procedures to eliminate what she called racist terms from federal use. The decision provides momentum to a movement that has included the dismantling of other historical markers and monuments considered offensive across the country.

“Our nation’s lands and waters should be places to celebrate the outdoors and our shared cultural heritage — not to perpetuate the legacies of oppression,” Haaland said in a statement. “Today’s actions will accelerate an important process to reconcile derogatory place names and mark a significant step in honoring the ancestors who have stewarded our lands since time immemorial.”

The first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency, Haaland is from Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico.

The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed Charles F. “Chuck” Sams III&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-travel-environment-and-nature-native-americans-parks-d438edd19ca0c7f5d980ad2b7f5aba28">as head of the National Park Service</a>, making him the first Native American to hold that position. Haaland previously said Sams, who is Cayuse and Walla Walla, of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, would be an asset as the administration works to make national parks more accessible to everyone.

The Native American Rights Fund applauded Haaland’s move to address derogatory place names, saying action by the federal government is long overdue.

“Names that still use derogatory terms are an embarrassing legacy of this country’s colonialist and racist past,” said John Echohawk, the group’s executive director. “It is well past time for us, as a nation, to move forward, beyond these derogatory terms, and show Native people — and all people — equal respect.”

Environmentalists also praised the action, saying it marked a step toward reconciliation.

Under Haaland’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/elips/documents/so-3404-508.pdf" target="_blank">order</a>, a federal task force will find replacement names for geographic features on federal lands bearing the term “squaw,” which has been used as a slur, particularly for Indigenous women. A database maintained by the Board on Geographic Names shows there are more than 650 federal sites with names that contain the term.

The task force will be made up of representatives from federal land management agencies and experts with the Interior Department. Tribal consultation and public feedback will be part of the process.

The process for changing U.S. place names can take years, and federal officials said there are currently hundreds of proposed name changes pending before the board.

Haaland&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/elips/documents/so-3405-508.pdf" target="_blank">also called for the creation of an advisory committee</a>&nbsp;to solicit, review and recommend changes to other derogatory geographic and federal place names. That panel will be made up of tribal representatives and civil rights, anthropology and history experts.

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Board on Geographic Names took action to eliminate the use of derogatory terms for Black and Japanese people.

The board also voted in 2008 to change the name of a prominent Phoenix mountain from Squaw Peak to Piestewa Peak to honor Army Spc. Lori Piestewa, the first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military.

In California, the Squaw Valley Ski Resort changed its name to Palisades Tahoe earlier this year. The resort is in Olympic Valley, which was known as Squaw Valley until it hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. Tribes in the region had been asking the resort for a name change for decades.

Colorado’s advisory naming panel also has recommended renaming Squaw Mountain near Denver in honor of a Native American woman who acted as a translator for tribes and white settlers in the 19th century. Northern Cheyenne tribal members also filed an application with the federal naming board in October to change the mountain’s name.

There is also legislation pending in Congress to address derogatory names on geographic features on public lands. States from Oregon to Maine have passed laws prohibiting the use of the word “squaw” in place names.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1614103644196.png" alt="Secretary Deb Haaland (Left) and Kansas 3rd District congresswoman Sharice Davids(Right)-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Secretary Deb Haaland (Left) and Kansas 3rd District congresswoman Sharice Davids(Right)-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland on Friday formally declared “squaw” a derogatory term and said she is taking steps to remove it from federal government use and to replace other derogatory place names.Haaland is ordering a federal panel tasked with naming geographic places to implement procedures to eliminate what she called racist terms from federal use. The decision provides momentum to a movement that has included the dismantling of other historical markers and monuments considered offensive across the country.“Our nation’s lands and waters should be places to celebrate the outdoors and our shared cultural heritage — not to perpetuate the legacies of oppression,” Haaland said in a statement. “Today’s actions will accelerate an important process to reconcile derogatory place names and mark a significant step in honoring the ancestors who have stewarded our lands since time immemorial.”The first Native American to lead a Cabinet agency, Haaland is from Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico.The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed Charles F. “Chuck” Sams III&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-travel-environment-and-nature-native-americans-parks-d438edd19ca0c7f5d980ad2b7f5aba28">as head of the National Park Service</a>, making him the first Native American to hold that position. Haaland previously said Sams, who is Cayuse and Walla Walla, of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Oregon, would be an asset as the administration works to make national parks more accessible to everyone.The Native American Rights Fund applauded Haaland’s move to address derogatory place names, saying action by the federal government is long overdue.“Names that still use derogatory terms are an embarrassing legacy of this country’s colonialist and racist past,” said John Echohawk, the group’s executive director. “It is well past time for us, as a nation, to move forward, beyond these derogatory terms, and show Native people — and all people — equal respect.”Environmentalists also praised the action, saying it marked a step toward reconciliation.Under Haaland’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/elips/documents/so-3404-508.pdf" target="_blank">order</a>, a federal task force will find replacement names for geographic features on federal lands bearing the term “squaw,” which has been used as a slur, particularly for Indigenous women. A database maintained by the Board on Geographic Names shows there are more than 650 federal sites with names that contain the term.The task force will be made up of representatives from federal land management agencies and experts with the Interior Department. Tribal consultation and public feedback will be part of the process.The process for changing U.S. place names can take years, and federal officials said there are currently hundreds of proposed name changes pending before the board.Haaland&nbsp;<a href="https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/elips/documents/so-3405-508.pdf" target="_blank">also called for the creation of an advisory committee</a>&nbsp;to solicit, review and recommend changes to other derogatory geographic and federal place names. That panel will be made up of tribal representatives and civil rights, anthropology and history experts.In the 1960s and 1970s, the Board on Geographic Names took action to eliminate the use of derogatory terms for Black and Japanese people.The board also voted in 2008 to change the name of a prominent Phoenix mountain from Squaw Peak to Piestewa Peak to honor Army Spc. Lori Piestewa, the first Native American woman to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military.In California, the Squaw Valley Ski Resort changed its name to Palisades Tahoe earlier this year. The resort is in Olympic Valley, which was known as Squaw Valley until it hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. Tribes in the region had been asking the resort for a name change for decades.Colorado’s advisory naming panel also has recommended renaming Squaw Mountain near Denver in honor of a Native American woman who acted as a translator for tribes and white settlers in the 19th century. Northern Cheyenne tribal members also filed an application with the federal naming board in October to change the mountain’s name.There is also legislation pending in Congress to address derogatory names on geographic features on public lands. States from Oregon to Maine have passed laws prohibiting the use of the word “squaw” in place names.

Interior secretary seeks to rid US of derogatory place names

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon will increase housing payments for troops in key areas and look for ways to combat hunger across the force, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Wednesday, in the department’s latest effort to address&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunger-in-america-military-food-insecurity-142728bcb5479fd2de73750e11dbd458">food insecurity among service members.</a>

Austin told reporters that troops have enough to worry about and that “basic necessities like food and housing shouldn’t be among them.”

According to an estimate by Feeding America, as many as 160,000 active-duty military members are having trouble feeding their families. The group, which coordinates the work of more than 200 food banks around the country, estimates that 29% of troops in the most junior enlisted ranks faced food insecurity during the previous year.

He said the department will immediately provide a temporary increase in the housing allowance for troops who live in areas where rent costs have gone up by at least 10% this year. Temporary lodging reimbursement will be extended for those moving into communities with housing shortages.

Austin said he has given the undersecretary for personnel 90 days to develop a longer term strategy.

The exact scope of the problem is a topic of debate, due to a lack of formal study. But activists say it has existed for years and primarily affects junior-level enlisted service members — ranks E1 to E4 in military parlance — with children.

Lower-ranking enlisted troops receive modest pay, and their frequent moves make it difficult for spouses to find steady work. The problem is exacerbated by an Agriculture Department rule that prevents thousands of needy military families from accessing the SNAP government assistance program, commonly known as food stamps.

Service members who do not live on bases get a housing allowance, which is counted as income in calculating their eligibility for food stamps. That additional amount, which is not counted as income for other federal programs, often enough to disqualify families for the food assistance.

Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, a former Blackhawk pilot who lost both legs in a helicopter crash in Iraq, has sponsored a bill that would establish a Basic Needs Allowance payment for military families in need.

Rep. James McGovern, D-Mass., has sought a Pentagon study of the problem and a repeal of the USDA’s Basic Allowance for Housing regulation.

In addition to the immediate actions, Austin said in&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2021/Nov/17/2002894808/-1/-1/1/STRENGTHENING-ECONOMIC-SECURITY-IN-THE-FORCE.PDF?source=GovDelivery" target="_blank">a memo</a>&nbsp;that the department should look into a number of other steps to increase stability for service members. They would include extending the tour length for troops deploying to some locations overseas, when they are accompanied by their families.

Where possible, he said the department should consider extending the three-year time limit on assignments at bases within the United States.

Austin also said the Pentagon should take steps to improve financial education and counseling for troops.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1630115953785.png" alt="In addition to the immediate actions, Defense Sec. Lloyd&nbsp; Austin said in&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2021/Nov/17/2002894808/-1/-1/1/STRENGTHENING-ECONOMIC-SECURITY-IN-THE-FORCE.PDF?source=GovDelivery" target="_blank">a memo</a>&nbsp;that the department should look into a number of other steps to increase stability for service members.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>In addition to the immediate actions, Defense Sec. Lloyd&nbsp; Austin said in&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2021/Nov/17/2002894808/-1/-1/1/STRENGTHENING-ECONOMIC-SECURITY-IN-THE-FORCE.PDF?source=GovDelivery" target="_blank">a memo</a>&nbsp;that the department should look into a number of other steps to increase stability for service members.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon will increase housing payments for troops in key areas and look for ways to combat hunger across the force, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Wednesday, in the department’s latest effort to address&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hunger-in-america-military-food-insecurity-142728bcb5479fd2de73750e11dbd458">food insecurity among service members.</a>Austin told reporters that troops have enough to worry about and that “basic necessities like food and housing shouldn’t be among them.”According to an estimate by Feeding America, as many as 160,000 active-duty military members are having trouble feeding their families. The group, which coordinates the work of more than 200 food banks around the country, estimates that 29% of troops in the most junior enlisted ranks faced food insecurity during the previous year.He said the department will immediately provide a temporary increase in the housing allowance for troops who live in areas where rent costs have gone up by at least 10% this year. Temporary lodging reimbursement will be extended for those moving into communities with housing shortages.Austin said he has given the undersecretary for personnel 90 days to develop a longer term strategy.The exact scope of the problem is a topic of debate, due to a lack of formal study. But activists say it has existed for years and primarily affects junior-level enlisted service members — ranks E1 to E4 in military parlance — with children.Lower-ranking enlisted troops receive modest pay, and their frequent moves make it difficult for spouses to find steady work. The problem is exacerbated by an Agriculture Department rule that prevents thousands of needy military families from accessing the SNAP government assistance program, commonly known as food stamps.Service members who do not live on bases get a housing allowance, which is counted as income in calculating their eligibility for food stamps. That additional amount, which is not counted as income for other federal programs, often enough to disqualify families for the food assistance.Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, a former Blackhawk pilot who lost both legs in a helicopter crash in Iraq, has sponsored a bill that would establish a Basic Needs Allowance payment for military families in need.Rep. James McGovern, D-Mass., has sought a Pentagon study of the problem and a repeal of the USDA’s Basic Allowance for Housing regulation.In addition to the immediate actions, Austin said in&nbsp;<a href="https://media.defense.gov/2021/Nov/17/2002894808/-1/-1/1/STRENGTHENING-ECONOMIC-SECURITY-IN-THE-FORCE.PDF?source=GovDelivery" target="_blank">a memo</a>&nbsp;that the department should look into a number of other steps to increase stability for service members. They would include extending the tour length for troops deploying to some locations overseas, when they are accompanied by their families.Where possible, he said the department should consider extending the three-year time limit on assignments at bases within the United States.Austin also said the Pentagon should take steps to improve financial education and counseling for troops.

Report: Thousands of active-duty military can't feed their families

By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The president of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank tells a
St. Joseph audience she doesn’t believe inflation is here to stay.

But, Esther George says the Federal Reserve cannot become
complacent and must act to help right an economy still trying to emerge from
the coronavirus pandemic.

George was the keynote speaker at the St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce Economic Summit held on the Missouri Western State University campus.
George says the pandemic and our reaction to the pandemic threw the economy out
of balance.

“We have an economy where demand is outstripping supply today
and you all know from your basic Econ 101 when that happens you get rising
prices,” George says.

George characterizes the current economy as “tight,” a vast
improvement over the freefall it went into at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
The federal government pumped trillions of dollars into the economy, fighting
COVID-19 as well as helping to shore up businesses rocked by the shutdowns of
March 2020 and individuals left without work.

George expects the economy to return to its pre-pandemic
level, eventually.

“The reason is those fiscal checks have gone out the door,”
George explains. “Last year, the PPP money has been dispersed and just the math
is that that money is gone. We will begin to see a step down in some of that
demand.”

The pandemic threw the economy out of balance as well,
shifting spending away from services and toward goods.

“People quit doing things like traveling. They quit going to
restaurants,” George says. &nbsp;“They quit
engaging in the kinds of services that were so prominent and they began to sit
behind their computers and starter buying stuff or going to Lowe’s or Home
Depot and buying things that would help remodel their homes.”

A big question looms over the recovering economy:&nbsp; is inflation a temporary or more permanent
concern?

George believes the 6% inflation rate which the country hasn’t
seen for years is a product of the ongoing effects of the pandemic and the slow
recovery from the deep recession it caused. The supply chain problems, the
tight labor market, the reluctance to return to leisure spending all
contribute.

George suggests the current spike in inflation will not last.
But, she does believe it could get out of hand if the Federal Reserve doesn’t
act promptly.

“Once the public begins to believe that inflation is there and
that prices tomorrow will be higher than they are today, it’s sets expectations
in motion for higher inflation,” according to George. “And, right now we see
that in many surveys that consumers are beginning to say I think inflation is
going to be here for three years.”

George says inflation pressures should ease once buying
patterns return to pre-pandemic levels. She says the tight labor market would
be helped by an increase in day care access which would allow women to return
to the workforce.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637424496276.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Federal Reserve President Esther George speaks at the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Economic Summit/Photo by Brent Martin" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Federal Reserve President Esther George speaks at the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce Economic Summit/Photo by Brent Martin</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRENT MARTIN <a href="https://stjosephpost.com">St. Joseph Post</a>ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The president of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank tells a
St. Joseph audience she doesn’t believe inflation is here to stay.But, Esther George says the Federal Reserve cannot become
complacent and must act to help right an economy still trying to emerge from
the coronavirus pandemic.George was the keynote speaker at the St. Joseph Chamber of
Commerce Economic Summit held on the Missouri Western State University campus.
George says the pandemic and our reaction to the pandemic threw the economy out
of balance.“We have an economy where demand is outstripping supply today
and you all know from your basic Econ 101 when that happens you get rising
prices,” George says.George characterizes the current economy as “tight,” a vast
improvement over the freefall it went into at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
The federal government pumped trillions of dollars into the economy, fighting
COVID-19 as well as helping to shore up businesses rocked by the shutdowns of
March 2020 and individuals left without work.George expects the economy to return to its pre-pandemic
level, eventually.“The reason is those fiscal checks have gone out the door,”
George explains. “Last year, the PPP money has been dispersed and just the math
is that that money is gone. We will begin to see a step down in some of that
demand.”The pandemic threw the economy out of balance as well,
shifting spending away from services and toward goods.“People quit doing things like traveling. They quit going to
restaurants,” George says. &nbsp;“They quit
engaging in the kinds of services that were so prominent and they began to sit
behind their computers and starter buying stuff or going to Lowe’s or Home
Depot and buying things that would help remodel their homes.”A big question looms over the recovering economy:&nbsp; is inflation a temporary or more permanent
concern?George believes the 6% inflation rate which the country hasn’t
seen for years is a product of the ongoing effects of the pandemic and the slow
recovery from the deep recession it caused. The supply chain problems, the
tight labor market, the reluctance to return to leisure spending all
contribute.George suggests the current spike in inflation will not last.
But, she does believe it could get out of hand if the Federal Reserve doesn’t
act promptly.“Once the public begins to believe that inflation is there and
that prices tomorrow will be higher than they are today, it’s sets expectations
in motion for higher inflation,” according to George. “And, right now we see
that in many surveys that consumers are beginning to say I think inflation is
going to be here for three years.”George says inflation pressures should ease once buying
patterns return to pre-pandemic levels. She says the tight labor market would
be helped by an increase in day care access which would allow women to return
to the workforce.

KC Fed president doesn't believe inflation is here to stay

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of airline passengers traveling for Thanksgiving this year is expected to rebound to pre-coronavirus pandemic levels, but the Transportation Security Administration says it is ready to handle the surge.

Administrator David Pekoske said Wednesday he expects agency staffing to be sufficient for what’s traditionally TSA’s busiest travel period.

“We are prepared,” Pekoske told ABC’s “Good Morning America.” He said travelers should expect long lines at airports and plan to spend a little more time getting through security.

In 2019, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-travel-public-health-coronavirus-pandemic-thanksgiving-89bae1bb65636af83dc2229a2c11ae80">record 26 million passengers and crew passed through U.S. airport</a>&nbsp;screening in the 11-day period around Thanksgiving. But that plummeted in 2020 as the pandemic kept people at home.

Pekoske said he didn’t think a vaccine mandate going into effect for TSA agents Monday would have any effect on staffing for Thanksgiving next week.

“In fact, implementation of the mandate will make travel safer and healthier for everyone,” he said. “So, we see quite a significant increase in the number of our officers that are vaccinated, and I’m very confident that there will be no impact for Thanksgiving.”

Pekoske told NBC’s “Today” he remains “very concerned” about the issue of unruly passengers as incidents on airplanes have continued.

“The level of unruly behavior is much higher than I’ve ever seen it,” he said.

The Federal Aviation Administration says it has referred&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-airlines-federal-aviation-administration-32ef917a1a709f84ad90f7567cd14f09">37 cases involving unruly airline passengers to the FBI&nbsp;</a>for possible criminal prosecution since the number of disruptions on flights began to spike in January.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1622894132711.png" alt="Photo Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of airline passengers traveling for Thanksgiving this year is expected to rebound to pre-coronavirus pandemic levels, but the Transportation Security Administration says it is ready to handle the surge.Administrator David Pekoske said Wednesday he expects agency staffing to be sufficient for what’s traditionally TSA’s busiest travel period.“We are prepared,” Pekoske told ABC’s “Good Morning America.” He said travelers should expect long lines at airports and plan to spend a little more time getting through security.In 2019, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-travel-public-health-coronavirus-pandemic-thanksgiving-89bae1bb65636af83dc2229a2c11ae80">record 26 million passengers and crew passed through U.S. airport</a>&nbsp;screening in the 11-day period around Thanksgiving. But that plummeted in 2020 as the pandemic kept people at home.Pekoske said he didn’t think a vaccine mandate going into effect for TSA agents Monday would have any effect on staffing for Thanksgiving next week.“In fact, implementation of the mandate will make travel safer and healthier for everyone,” he said. “So, we see quite a significant increase in the number of our officers that are vaccinated, and I’m very confident that there will be no impact for Thanksgiving.”Pekoske told NBC’s “Today” he remains “very concerned” about the issue of unruly passengers as incidents on airplanes have continued.“The level of unruly behavior is much higher than I’ve ever seen it,” he said.The Federal Aviation Administration says it has referred&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-airlines-federal-aviation-administration-32ef917a1a709f84ad90f7567cd14f09">37 cases involving unruly airline passengers to the FBI&nbsp;</a>for possible criminal prosecution since the number of disruptions on flights began to spike in January.

TSA: Thanksgiving air travel to rebound to pre-covid levels

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. on Friday opened COVID-19 booster shots to all adults and took the extra step of urging people 50 and older to seek one, aiming to ward off a winter surge as coronavirus cases rise even before millions of Americans travel for the holidays.

Until now, Americans faced a confusing list of who was eligible for a booster that varied by age, their health and which kind of vaccine they got first. The Food and Drug Administration authorized changes to Pfizer and Moderna boosters that makes it easier.

Under the new rules, anyone 18 or older can choose either a Pfizer or Moderna booster six months after their last dose. For anyone who got the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine, the wait already was just two months. And people can mix-and-match boosters from any company.

“We heard loud and clear that people needed something simpler — and this, I think, is simple,” FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks told The Associated Press.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had to agree before the new policy became official late Friday. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky endorsed a recommendation from her agency’s scientific advisers that — in addition to offering all adults a booster — had stressed that people 50 and older should be urged to get one.

“It’s a stronger recommendation,” said CDC adviser Dr. Matthew Daley of Kaiser Permanente Colorado. “I want to make sure we provide as much protection as we can.”

The CDC also put out a plea for those who had previously qualified but hadn’t yet signed up for a booster to quit putting it off — saying older Americans and people with risks such as obesity, diabetes or other health problems should try to get one before the holidays.

The expansion makes tens of millions more Americans eligible for an extra dose of protection.

The No. 1 priority for the U.S., and the world, still is to get more unvaccinated people their first doses. All three COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. continue to offer strong protection against severe illness, including hospitalization and death, without a booster.

But protection against infection can wane with time, and the U.S. and many countries in Europe also are grappling with how widely to recommend boosters as they fight a winter wave of new cases. In the U.S., COVID-19 diagnoses have climbed steadily over the last three weeks, especially in states where colder weather already has driven people indoors.

And about a dozen states didn’t wait for federal officials to act before opening boosters to all adults.

“The direction is not a good one. People are going inside more and, ‘oops,’ next week happens to be the largest travel week of the year, so it probably makes sense to do whatever we can here to try to turn the tide,” Marks told the AP.

Vaccinations began in the U.S. last December, about a year after the coronavirus first emerged. More than 195 million Americans are now fully vaccinated, defined as having received two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or the single-dose J&amp;J. More than 32 million already have received a booster, a large proportion — 17 million — people 65 or older. Experts say that’s reassuring as seniors are at particularly high risk from COVID-19 and were among the first in line for initial vaccinations

Teen boosters aren’t yet under discussion, and kid-sized doses of Pfizer’s vaccine are just now rolling out to children ages 5 to 11.

The Biden administration had originally planned on boosters for all adults but until now, U.S. health authorities — backed by their scientific advisers — had questioned the need for such a widespread campaign. Instead, they first endorsed Pfizer or Moderna boosters only for vulnerable groups such as older Americans or those at high risk of COVID-19 because of health problems, their jobs or their living conditions.

This time around, the experts agreed the overall benefits of added protection from a third dose for any adult — six months after their last shot — outweighed risks of rare side effects from Moderna’s or Pfizer’s vaccine, such as a type of heart inflammation seen mostly in young men.

Several other countries have discouraged use of the Moderna vaccine in young people because of that concern, citing data suggesting the rare side effect may occur slightly more with that vaccine than its competitor.

Pfizer told CDC’s advisers that in a booster study of 10,000 people as young as 16, there were no more serious side effects from a third vaccine dose than earlier ones. That study found a booster restored protection against symptomatic infections to about 95% even while the extra-contagious delta variant was surging.

Britain recently released real-world data showing the same jump in protection once it began offering boosters to middle-aged and older adults, and Israel has credited widespread boosters for helping to beat back another wave of the virus.

While the vaccines spur immune memory that protects against severe disease, protection against infection depends on levels of virus-fighting antibodies that wane with time. No one yet knows how long antibody levels will stay high after a booster.

But even a temporary boost in protection against infection may help over the winter and holidays, said CDC’s Dr. Sara Oliver.

Some experts worry that all the attention to boosters may harm efforts to reach the 47 million U.S. adults who remain unvaccinated. There’s also growing concern that rich countries are offering widespread boosters when poor countries haven’t been able to vaccinate more than a small fraction of their populations.

“In terms of the No. 1 priority for reducing transmission in this country and throughout the world, this remains getting people their first vaccine series,” said Dr. David Dowdy of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637359841305.png" alt="CDC Director Rochelle Walensky - CDC also put out a plea for those who had previously qualified but hadn’t yet signed up for a booster to quit putting it off — saying older Americans and people with risks such as obesity, diabetes or other health problems should try to get one before the holidays." />
 <figcaption>CDC Director Rochelle Walensky - CDC also put out a plea for those who had previously qualified but hadn’t yet signed up for a booster to quit putting it off — saying older Americans and people with risks such as obesity, diabetes or other health problems should try to get one before the holidays.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. on Friday opened COVID-19 booster shots to all adults and took the extra step of urging people 50 and older to seek one, aiming to ward off a winter surge as coronavirus cases rise even before millions of Americans travel for the holidays.Until now, Americans faced a confusing list of who was eligible for a booster that varied by age, their health and which kind of vaccine they got first. The Food and Drug Administration authorized changes to Pfizer and Moderna boosters that makes it easier.Under the new rules, anyone 18 or older can choose either a Pfizer or Moderna booster six months after their last dose. For anyone who got the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine, the wait already was just two months. And people can mix-and-match boosters from any company.“We heard loud and clear that people needed something simpler — and this, I think, is simple,” FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks told The Associated Press.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had to agree before the new policy became official late Friday. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky endorsed a recommendation from her agency’s scientific advisers that — in addition to offering all adults a booster — had stressed that people 50 and older should be urged to get one.“It’s a stronger recommendation,” said CDC adviser Dr. Matthew Daley of Kaiser Permanente Colorado. “I want to make sure we provide as much protection as we can.”The CDC also put out a plea for those who had previously qualified but hadn’t yet signed up for a booster to quit putting it off — saying older Americans and people with risks such as obesity, diabetes or other health problems should try to get one before the holidays.The expansion makes tens of millions more Americans eligible for an extra dose of protection.The No. 1 priority for the U.S., and the world, still is to get more unvaccinated people their first doses. All three COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. continue to offer strong protection against severe illness, including hospitalization and death, without a booster.But protection against infection can wane with time, and the U.S. and many countries in Europe also are grappling with how widely to recommend boosters as they fight a winter wave of new cases. In the U.S., COVID-19 diagnoses have climbed steadily over the last three weeks, especially in states where colder weather already has driven people indoors.And about a dozen states didn’t wait for federal officials to act before opening boosters to all adults.“The direction is not a good one. People are going inside more and, ‘oops,’ next week happens to be the largest travel week of the year, so it probably makes sense to do whatever we can here to try to turn the tide,” Marks told the AP.Vaccinations began in the U.S. last December, about a year after the coronavirus first emerged. More than 195 million Americans are now fully vaccinated, defined as having received two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or the single-dose J&amp;J. More than 32 million already have received a booster, a large proportion — 17 million — people 65 or older. Experts say that’s reassuring as seniors are at particularly high risk from COVID-19 and were among the first in line for initial vaccinationsTeen boosters aren’t yet under discussion, and kid-sized doses of Pfizer’s vaccine are just now rolling out to children ages 5 to 11.The Biden administration had originally planned on boosters for all adults but until now, U.S. health authorities — backed by their scientific advisers — had questioned the need for such a widespread campaign. Instead, they first endorsed Pfizer or Moderna boosters only for vulnerable groups such as older Americans or those at high risk of COVID-19 because of health problems, their jobs or their living conditions.This time around, the experts agreed the overall benefits of added protection from a third dose for any adult — six months after their last shot — outweighed risks of rare side effects from Moderna’s or Pfizer’s vaccine, such as a type of heart inflammation seen mostly in young men.Several other countries have discouraged use of the Moderna vaccine in young people because of that concern, citing data suggesting the rare side effect may occur slightly more with that vaccine than its competitor.Pfizer told CDC’s advisers that in a booster study of 10,000 people as young as 16, there were no more serious side effects from a third vaccine dose than earlier ones. That study found a booster restored protection against symptomatic infections to about 95% even while the extra-contagious delta variant was surging.Britain recently released real-world data showing the same jump in protection once it began offering boosters to middle-aged and older adults, and Israel has credited widespread boosters for helping to beat back another wave of the virus.While the vaccines spur immune memory that protects against severe disease, protection against infection depends on levels of virus-fighting antibodies that wane with time. No one yet knows how long antibody levels will stay high after a booster.But even a temporary boost in protection against infection may help over the winter and holidays, said CDC’s Dr. Sara Oliver.Some experts worry that all the attention to boosters may harm efforts to reach the 47 million U.S. adults who remain unvaccinated. There’s also growing concern that rich countries are offering widespread boosters when poor countries haven’t been able to vaccinate more than a small fraction of their populations.“In terms of the No. 1 priority for reducing transmission in this country and throughout the world, this remains getting people their first vaccine series,” said Dr. David Dowdy of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

US opens COVID boosters to all adults, urges them for 50+

WASHINGTON —A jury acquitted Kyle Rittenhouse of all charges Friday after he pleaded self-defense in the deadly Kenosha, Wisconsin, shootings that became a flashpoint in the nation’s debate over guns, vigilantism and racial injustice. 

The jury came back with its verdict after close to 3 1/2 days of deliberation.

President Biden issued a statement on the jury's decision.

"While the verdict in Kenosha will leave many Americans feeling angry and concerned, myself included, we must acknowledge that the jury has spoken.&nbsp;I ran on a promise to bring Americans together, because I believe that what unites us is far greater than what divides us.&nbsp; I know that we’re not going to heal our country’s wounds overnight, but I remain steadfast in my commitment to do everything in my power to ensure that every American is treated equally, with fairness and dignity, under the law. I urge everyone to express their views peacefully, consistent with the rule of law.&nbsp; Violence and destruction of property have no place in our democracy.&nbsp; The White House and Federal authorities have been in contact with Governor Evers’s&nbsp;office to prepare for any outcome in this case, and I have spoken with&nbsp;the Governor this afternoon and offered support and any assistance needed to ensure public safety."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637347582281.png" alt="Kyle Rittenhouse listens to the verdict Friday afternoon -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kyle Rittenhouse listens to the verdict Friday afternoon -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —A jury acquitted Kyle Rittenhouse of all charges Friday after he pleaded self-defense in the deadly Kenosha, Wisconsin, shootings that became a flashpoint in the nation’s debate over guns, vigilantism and racial injustice. The jury came back with its verdict after close to 3 1/2 days of deliberation.President Biden issued a statement on the jury's decision."While the verdict in Kenosha will leave many Americans feeling angry and concerned, myself included, we must acknowledge that the jury has spoken.&nbsp;I ran on a promise to bring Americans together, because I believe that what unites us is far greater than what divides us.&nbsp; I know that we’re not going to heal our country’s wounds overnight, but I remain steadfast in my commitment to do everything in my power to ensure that every American is treated equally, with fairness and dignity, under the law. I urge everyone to express their views peacefully, consistent with the rule of law.&nbsp; Violence and destruction of property have no place in our democracy.&nbsp; The White House and Federal authorities have been in contact with Governor Evers’s&nbsp;office to prepare for any outcome in this case, and I have spoken with&nbsp;the Governor this afternoon and offered support and any assistance needed to ensure public safety."

Pres. Biden's statement on the Rittenhouse not guilty verdict

Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Thomas Holbert, 32, of Omaha, Nebraska,&nbsp;was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Conspiracy to Sex Traffic a Minor. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Holbert to 235 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Holbert will serve 5 years of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.

Federal agents began investigating in September 2020, after two Omaha foster children went missing from their foster home. The investigation showed that Holbert picked up the victims, aged 16 and 17, and brought them to a hotel where Holbert posted online advertisements promoting the minors for commercial sex acts. Both victims then engaged in sex acts for money with Holbert and others receiving financial proceeds from those acts.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/" target="_blank">www.projectsafechildhood.gov</a>.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Omaha Police Department, and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.

Acting United States Attorney Jan Sharp announced that Thomas Holbert, 32, of Omaha, Nebraska,&nbsp;was sentenced today in federal court in Omaha for Conspiracy to Sex Traffic a Minor. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Holbert to 235 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal prison system. After his release from prison, Holbert will serve 5 years of supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.Federal agents began investigating in September 2020, after two Omaha foster children went missing from their foster home. The investigation showed that Holbert picked up the victims, aged 16 and 17, and brought them to a hotel where Holbert posted online advertisements promoting the minors for commercial sex acts. Both victims then engaged in sex acts for money with Holbert and others receiving financial proceeds from those acts.This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.projectsafechildhood.gov/" target="_blank">www.projectsafechildhood.gov</a>.This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Omaha Police Department, and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.

Omaha man sentenced for conspiracy to sex traffic a minor

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted of all charges Friday after pleading self-defense in the deadly Kenosha shootings that became a flashpoint in the nation’s debate over guns, vigilantism and racial injustice.

Rittenhouse, 18, cried and hugged one of his attorneys upon hearing the verdict.

He had been charged with homicide, attempted homicide and reckless endangering after killing two men and wounding a third with an AR-style semi-automatic rifle during a tumultuous night of protests over police violence against Black people in the summer of 2020. The former police youth cadet is white, as were those he shot.

The jury, which appeared to be overwhelmingly white, deliberated for close to 3 1/2 days.

Rittenhouse could have gotten life in prison if found guilty on the most serious charge, first-degree intentional homicide, or what some other states call first-degree murder.

As the verdict drew near, Gov. Tony Evers pleaded for calm and said 500 National Guard members would be ready for duty in Kenosha if needed.

Rittenhouse was 17 when he went from his home in Antioch, Illinois, to Kenosha after businesses in the city were ransacked and burned over the shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake, by a white police officer.

Carrying a weapon that authorities said was illegally purchased for the underage Rittenhouse, he joined other armed citizens in what he said was an effort to protect property and provide medical aid.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637347582281.png" alt="Kyle Rittenhouse listens to the verdict Friday afternoon -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kyle Rittenhouse listens to the verdict Friday afternoon -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted of all charges Friday after pleading self-defense in the deadly Kenosha shootings that became a flashpoint in the nation’s debate over guns, vigilantism and racial injustice.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;We the jury find the defendant Kyle H. Rittenhouse not guilty.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/91TRqhj2ws">pic.twitter.com/91TRqhj2ws</a>&mdash; CSPAN (@cspan) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspan/status/1461766352633569287?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Rittenhouse, 18, cried and hugged one of his attorneys upon hearing the verdict.He had been charged with homicide, attempted homicide and reckless endangering after killing two men and wounding a third with an AR-style semi-automatic rifle during a tumultuous night of protests over police violence against Black people in the summer of 2020. The former police youth cadet is white, as were those he shot.The jury, which appeared to be overwhelmingly white, deliberated for close to 3 1/2 days.Rittenhouse could have gotten life in prison if found guilty on the most serious charge, first-degree intentional homicide, or what some other states call first-degree murder.As the verdict drew near, Gov. Tony Evers pleaded for calm and said 500 National Guard members would be ready for duty in Kenosha if needed.Rittenhouse was 17 when he went from his home in Antioch, Illinois, to Kenosha after businesses in the city were ransacked and burned over the shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake, by a white police officer.Carrying a weapon that authorities said was illegally purchased for the underage Rittenhouse, he joined other armed citizens in what he said was an effort to protect property and provide medical aid.Bystander and drone video captured most of the frenzied chain of events that followed: Rittenhouse killed Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, then shot to death protester Anthony Huber, 26, and wounded demonstrator Gaige Grosskreutz, now 28.Prosecutors portrayed Rittenhouse as a “wannabe soldier” who had gone looking for trouble that night and was responsible for creating a dangerous situation in the first place by pointing his rifle at demonstrators.But Rittenhouse testified: “I didn’t do anything wrong. I defended myself.”Breaking into sobs at one point, he told the jury he opened fire after Rosenbaum chased him and made a grab for his gun. He said he was afraid his rifle was going to be wrested away and used to kill him.Huber was then killed after hitting Rittenhouse in the head or neck with a skateboard, and Grosskreutz was shot after pointing a gun of his own at Rittenhouse.The case was part of an extraordinary confluence of trials that reflected the deep divide over race in the United States: In Georgia, three white men are on trial in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, while in Virginia, a trial is underway in a lawsuit over the deadly white-supremacist rally held in Charlottesville in 2017.The exact racial makeup of the Rittenhouse jury wasn’t clear because jurors were not asked about their race in court.The bloodshed in Kenosha took place during a summer of sometimes-violent protests set off across the U.S. by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and other cases involving the police use of force against Black people.While some Americans condemned Rittenhouse as a vigilante, some on the right hailed him as a hero who exercised his Second Amendment gun rights and tried to put a stop to lawlessness.Then-President Donald Trump said it appeared Rittenhouse had been “very violently attacked.” Supporters donated more than $2 million toward his legal defense.Rittenhouse had also been charged with possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18, a misdemeanor that had appeared likely to lead to a conviction. But Judge Bruce Schroeder threw out that charge before jury deliberations after the defense argued that the Wisconsin law did not apply to the long-barreled rifle used by Rittenhouse.Schroeder’s handling of the trial drew attention at several points, including when he led the applause for military veterans on Veterans Day just before a defense witness who had been in the Army was about to take the stand. The judge also let Rittenhouse himself draw juror numbers from a raffle drum to set the final 12 who deliberated.Video and testimony from some of the prosecution’s own witnesses seemed to buttress Rittenhouse’s claim of self-defense.Witnesses described Rosenbaum as “hyperaggressive” and said that he dared others to shoot him and threatened to kill Rittenhouse earlier that night. A videographer testified Rosenbaum lunged for the rifle just before he was shot, and a pathologist said his injuries appeared to indicate his hand was over the barrel.Also, Rosenbaum’s fiancee disclosed that he was on medication for bipolar disorder and depression. Rittenhouse’s lawyers branded Rosenbaum a “crazy person.”Some civil rights activists saw a racial double standard in the way the white gunman was treated.On the night of the shootings, law enforcement officers saw Rittenhouse and other armed people on the streets despite a curfew and gave them bottles of water, with one officer heard saying over a loudspeaker, “We appreciate you guys.”Later, amid the tumult, Rittenhouse managed to get past a police line with his weapon slung over his shoulder and was not arrested that night.