In brief: Gun shop owner dies after botched robbery

SHAWNEE, Kansas – A gun shop owner died from gunshot wounds Friday after a botched robbery that left three suspects wounded, police said.

Shawnee police said John Bieker, 44, died after the shooting at the Shawnee store called She’s a Pistol, which caters to female gun owners. Police said gunfire erupted after four men tried to rob Bieker and his wife, Rebecca.

Authorities said John Bieker and two of the suspects had been taken from the store in critical condition. Rebecca Bieker wasn’t shot but sustained minor injuries.

Police said in a news release that the other two suspects, including one who had been shot, fled but were located a short time later on the porch of a nearby home. The injuries of the fourth shooting victim weren’t considered life-threatening.

The uninjured suspect was being held on suspicion of aggravated robbery.

CDC: Risky flu strain less preventable by vaccine

NEW YORK – In the midst of a worrisome flu season, health officials are pushing doctors to prescribe antiviral medicines more often.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday sent a new alert to doctors, advising prompt use of Tamiflu and other antivirals for hospitalized flu patients and those at higher risk for complications like pneumonia.

CDC officials say a nasty strain of flu is going around that is more dangerous to elderly people and very young children. What’s more, officials think the flu vaccine doesn’t work well against this particular virus. So “it’s more important than usual” that doctors treat certain patients with Tamiflu or other antiviral medications, CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden said at a press conference Friday.

Penny sold for $2 million has rare chain design

DALLAS – A U.S. one-cent piece dating to 1793 has sold at auction for $2.35 million.

Dallas-based Heritage Auctions said the penny sold at auction Wednesday in Orlando, Florida.

The penny is known as a “chain cent” because the design on the back is a chain with 13 linking rings symbolizing the unity of the original 13 colonies.

Heritage President Greg Rohan said the copper cent is rare because the design was changed soon after production started in March 1793.

A wreath replaced the chain in later pennies.

Rohan said the buyer is a coin collector who wishes to remain anonymous.