SEDGWICK COUNTY— Another earthquake woke many in Wichita Wednesday morning. The quake at 5:04a.m. measured a magnitude 3.8, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and was centered in Eastborough south of 13th and Rock Road.

This follows a 2.7 magnitude quake at 4:19a.m. Monday in the same area, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.&nbsp; The agency reported more than a dozen small quakes in Sedgwick County since Thanksgiving Day.

Wednesday's 3.8 magnitude quake is the largest on record in the city in the last five years, according to the USGS and is considered relatively small.&nbsp; The USGS reported a 3.7 magnitude quake in Wichita on December 19.

Based on an investigation, the Kansas Corporation Commission reported last week that their staff does not believe the seismicity in Wichita is tied to any oil and gas activities in the area.

There are no reports of damage or injury from the series of quakes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609327405161.png" alt="USGS image of Wednesday morning quake" />
 <figcaption>USGS image of Wednesday morning quake</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Another earthquake woke many in Wichita Wednesday morning. The quake at 5:04a.m. measured a magnitude 3.8, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and was centered in Eastborough south of 13th and Rock Road.This follows a 2.7 magnitude quake at 4:19a.m. Monday in the same area, according to the Kansas Geological Survey.&nbsp; The agency reported more than a dozen small quakes in Sedgwick County since Thanksgiving Day.Wednesday's 3.8 magnitude quake is the largest on record in the city in the last five years, according to the USGS and is considered relatively small.&nbsp; The USGS reported a 3.7 magnitude quake in Wichita on December 19.Based on an investigation, the Kansas Corporation Commission reported last week that their staff does not believe the seismicity in Wichita is tied to any oil and gas activities in the area.There are no reports of damage or injury from the series of quakes.---------

Strongest earthquake in 5 years shakes Wichita

TOPEKA — Authorities are working to determine the cause of Tuesday fire at the nearly abandoned shopping mall in south Topeka known as the White Lakes Mall.

Just after 6:30a.m., crews responded in freezing rain to the fire and found smoke coming from the roof of the building, according to Fire Marshall Todd Harrison.

 Due to the condemned status of the building, firefighters focused efforts on keeping the fire contained and from spreading to Mainline Printing, the one business that remains in the building.

 A primary search of the structure revealed no occupants. Mainline printing sustained minimal damage, according to Harrison.

The Estimated dollar loss – $100,000.00; all of which is associated with structural loss.&nbsp;Working smoke detectors were not located within the structure of fire origin.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Firefighters have worked in freezing rain to battle a fire that appeared to do significant damage to a nearly abandoned shopping mall in south Topeka. 

Local news reports said firefighters were called to the White Lakes Mall at about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. Multiple crews fought the blaze and appeared to have it mostly under control after about an hour. 

The mall property includes one remaining business, a printing company that apparently didn’t sustain damage. The mall opened in 1964, but its popularity waned when a new mall opened in west Topeka in 1988.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609258450755.png" alt="Photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Authorities are working to determine the cause of Tuesday fire at the nearly abandoned shopping mall in south Topeka known as the White Lakes Mall.Just after 6:30a.m., crews responded in freezing rain to the fire and found smoke coming from the roof of the building, according to Fire Marshall Todd Harrison. Due to the condemned status of the building, firefighters focused efforts on keeping the fire contained and from spreading to Mainline Printing, the one business that remains in the building. A primary search of the structure revealed no occupants. Mainline printing sustained minimal damage, according to Harrison.The Estimated dollar loss – $100,000.00; all of which is associated with structural loss.&nbsp;Working smoke detectors were not located within the structure of fire origin.----------TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Firefighters have worked in freezing rain to battle a fire that appeared to do significant damage to a nearly abandoned shopping mall in south Topeka. Local news reports said firefighters were called to the White Lakes Mall at about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. Multiple crews fought the blaze and appeared to have it mostly under control after about an hour. The mall property includes one remaining business, a printing company that apparently didn’t sustain damage. The mall opened in 1964, but its popularity waned when a new mall opened in west Topeka in 1988.

Update: Fire at abandoned Kan. mall caused $100K damage

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s push for bigger $2,000&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak?fbclid=IwAR1iY8Og9l5MgoWl2QT7qg-J-RAYwmCqfGNbO_JPyLNY2ggdJwJsB9n4M68">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>relief checks stalled out in the Senate as Republicans blocked a swift vote proposed by Democrats and split within their own ranks over whether to boost spending or defy the White House.

The roadblock mounted Tuesday by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell may not be sustainable as pressure mounts. Trump wants the Republican-led chamber to follow the House and increase the checks from $600 for millions of Americans. A growing number of Republicans, including two senators in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/senate-elections">runoff elections&nbsp;</a>on Jan. 5 in Georgia, have said they will support the larger amount. But most GOP senators oppose more spending, even if they are also wary of bucking Trump.

Senators will be back at it Wednesday as McConnell is devising a way out of the political bind, but the outcome is highly uncertain.

“There’s one question left today: Do Senate Republicans join with the rest of America in supporting $2,000 checks?” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said as he made a motion to vote.

Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said some of the $600 payments might be sent by direct deposit to Americans’ bank accounts as early as Tuesday night. Mnuchin tweeted that paper checks will begin to go out Wednesday

The showdown over the $2,000 checks has thrown Congress into a chaotic year-end session just days before new lawmakers are set to be sworn into office for the new year. It’s preventing action on another priority —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-media-social-media-elections-ca674c06608a72802f0bc878a331041f">overturning Trump’s veto&nbsp;</a>on a sweeping defense bill that has been approved every year for 60 years.

Saying little, McConnell signaled an alternative approach to Trump’s checks that may not divide his party so badly, but may result in no action at all.

The GOP leader filed new legislation late Tuesday linking the president’s demand for bigger checks with two other Trump priorities —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3e09c4037e2fc17558492b9bdce1ecc">repealing protections&nbsp;</a>for tech companies like Facebook or Twitter that the president complained are unfair to conservatives as well the establishment of a bipartisan commission to review the 2020 presidential election he lost to President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>.

The president’s last-minute push for bigger checks leaves Republicans deeply split between those who align with Trump’s populist instincts and those who adhere to what had been more traditional conservative views against government spending. Congress had settled on smaller $600 payments in a compromise over the big, year-end relief bill Trump reluctantly signed into law.

Liberal senators led by Bernie Sanders of Vermont who support the relief aid are blocking action on the defense bill until a vote can be taken on Trump’s demand for $2,000 for most Americans.

“The working class of this country today faces more economic desperation than at any time since the Great Depression of the 1930s,” Sanders said. “Working families need help now.” He also tried to force a vote on the relief checks, but McConnell objected a second time.

The GOP blockade is causing turmoil for some as the virus crisis worsens nationwide and Trump amplifies his unexpected demands.

The two GOP senators from Georgia, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, announced Tuesday they support Trump’s plan for bigger checks as they face Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in runoff elections that will determine which party controls the Senate.

Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Marco Rubio of Florida, among the party’s potential 2024 presidential hopefuls, also are pushing the party in the president’s direction.

Other Republicans panned the bigger checks, saying the nearly $400 billion price tag was too high, the relief is not targeted to those in need and Washington has already dispatched ample sums on COVID aid.

In the House, dozens of Republicans calculated it was better to link with Democrats to increase the pandemic payments rather than buck the outgoing president and constituents counting on the money. House Democrats led passage, 275-134, but 44 Republicans joined almost all Democrats on Monday for a robust two-thirds vote of approval.

It’s highly possible that McConnell will set up votes ahead on both the House-passed measure supporting Trump’s $2,000 checks as well as his own new version linking it with the repeal of tech company liability shield in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3e09c4037e2fc17558492b9bdce1ecc">“section 230”&nbsp;</a>of communications law as well as the new presidential election review commission.

That’s a process that almost ensures neither bill will pass.

Trump’s push could fizzle out in the Senate but the debate over the size and scope of the year-end package — $900 billion in COVID-19 aid and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa218012b8">$1.4 trillion to fund government&nbsp;</a>agencies through September — is potentially one last confrontation before the new Congress is sworn in Sunday.

The COVID-19 portion of the bill revives a weekly pandemic jobless benefit boost — this time $300, through March 14 — as well as the popular Paycheck Protection Program of grants to businesses to keep workers on payrolls. It extends eviction protections, adding a new rental assistance fund.

Americans earning up to $75,000 will qualify for the direct $600 payments, which are phased out at higher income levels, and there’s an additional $600 payment per dependent child.

Biden supports the $2,000 checks and said Tuesday the aid package is merely a “down payment” on what he plans to deliver once in office.

The president also objected to foreign aid funding that his own administration had requested and vowed to send Congress “a redlined version” with spending items he wants removed. But those are merely suggestions to Congress. Democrats said they would resist such cuts.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s push for bigger $2,000&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak?fbclid=IwAR1iY8Og9l5MgoWl2QT7qg-J-RAYwmCqfGNbO_JPyLNY2ggdJwJsB9n4M68">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>relief checks stalled out in the Senate as Republicans blocked a swift vote proposed by Democrats and split within their own ranks over whether to boost spending or defy the White House.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">$2000 ASAP!&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1344272069727555586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The roadblock mounted Tuesday by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell may not be sustainable as pressure mounts. Trump wants the Republican-led chamber to follow the House and increase the checks from $600 for millions of Americans. A growing number of Republicans, including two senators in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/senate-elections">runoff elections&nbsp;</a>on Jan. 5 in Georgia, have said they will support the larger amount. But most GOP senators oppose more spending, even if they are also wary of bucking Trump.Senators will be back at it Wednesday as McConnell is devising a way out of the political bind, but the outcome is highly uncertain.“There’s one question left today: Do Senate Republicans join with the rest of America in supporting $2,000 checks?” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said as he made a motion to vote.Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said some of the $600 payments might be sent by direct deposit to Americans’ bank accounts as early as Tuesday night. Mnuchin tweeted that paper checks will begin to go out WednesdayThe showdown over the $2,000 checks has thrown Congress into a chaotic year-end session just days before new lawmakers are set to be sworn into office for the new year. It’s preventing action on another priority —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-media-social-media-elections-ca674c06608a72802f0bc878a331041f">overturning Trump’s veto&nbsp;</a>on a sweeping defense bill that has been approved every year for 60 years.Saying little, McConnell signaled an alternative approach to Trump’s checks that may not divide his party so badly, but may result in no action at all.The GOP leader filed new legislation late Tuesday linking the president’s demand for bigger checks with two other Trump priorities —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3e09c4037e2fc17558492b9bdce1ecc">repealing protections&nbsp;</a>for tech companies like Facebook or Twitter that the president complained are unfair to conservatives as well the establishment of a bipartisan commission to review the 2020 presidential election he lost to President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>.The president’s last-minute push for bigger checks leaves Republicans deeply split between those who align with Trump’s populist instincts and those who adhere to what had been more traditional conservative views against government spending. Congress had settled on smaller $600 payments in a compromise over the big, year-end relief bill Trump reluctantly signed into law.Liberal senators led by Bernie Sanders of Vermont who support the relief aid are blocking action on the defense bill until a vote can be taken on Trump’s demand for $2,000 for most Americans.“The working class of this country today faces more economic desperation than at any time since the Great Depression of the 1930s,” Sanders said. “Working families need help now.” He also tried to force a vote on the relief checks, but McConnell objected a second time.The GOP blockade is causing turmoil for some as the virus crisis worsens nationwide and Trump amplifies his unexpected demands.The two GOP senators from Georgia, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, announced Tuesday they support Trump’s plan for bigger checks as they face Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in runoff elections that will determine which party controls the Senate.Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Marco Rubio of Florida, among the party’s potential 2024 presidential hopefuls, also are pushing the party in the president’s direction.Other Republicans panned the bigger checks, saying the nearly $400 billion price tag was too high, the relief is not targeted to those in need and Washington has already dispatched ample sums on COVID aid.In the House, dozens of Republicans calculated it was better to link with Democrats to increase the pandemic payments rather than buck the outgoing president and constituents counting on the money. House Democrats led passage, 275-134, but 44 Republicans joined almost all Democrats on Monday for a robust two-thirds vote of approval.It’s highly possible that McConnell will set up votes ahead on both the House-passed measure supporting Trump’s $2,000 checks as well as his own new version linking it with the repeal of tech company liability shield in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3e09c4037e2fc17558492b9bdce1ecc">“section 230”&nbsp;</a>of communications law as well as the new presidential election review commission.That’s a process that almost ensures neither bill will pass.Trump’s push could fizzle out in the Senate but the debate over the size and scope of the year-end package — $900 billion in COVID-19 aid and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa218012b8">$1.4 trillion to fund government&nbsp;</a>agencies through September — is potentially one last confrontation before the new Congress is sworn in Sunday.The COVID-19 portion of the bill revives a weekly pandemic jobless benefit boost — this time $300, through March 14 — as well as the popular Paycheck Protection Program of grants to businesses to keep workers on payrolls. It extends eviction protections, adding a new rental assistance fund.Americans earning up to $75,000 will qualify for the direct $600 payments, which are phased out at higher income levels, and there’s an additional $600 payment per dependent child.Biden supports the $2,000 checks and said Tuesday the aid package is merely a “down payment” on what he plans to deliver once in office.The president also objected to foreign aid funding that his own administration had requested and vowed to send Congress “a redlined version” with spending items he wants removed. But those are merely suggestions to Congress. Democrats said they would resist such cuts.___

Some $600 virus relief sent; Fight over $2K payment continues

COLE CAMP, Mo. (AP) — The parents of a 4-year-old Missouri girl allegedly killed by neighbors to remove a “demon” pleaded not guilty Monday to charges connected to the case.

Mary S. Mast, 29, and James A. Mast, 28, both of Lincoln, Missouri, were charged Thursday with felony child endangerment resulting in death and are jailed without bond. They don't yet have attorneys.

During their arraignments Monday, Associate Judge Mark Brandon Pilley also denied the couple's request to attend the girl's funeral, according to online court records. A bond hearing was scheduled for Jan. 5.

The couple's other children, a 2-year-old son and an infant, were placed in protective custody, Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox said in a news release.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-sexual-abuse-12831cfa550522bf729c3fe7cc0efc0a">girl was found dead at the family home</a>&nbsp;on Dec. 20. Knox said she had been severely beaten and dunked in an icy pond as part of what appeared to be a “religious-type episode.”

Across-the-road neighbors Ethan Mast, 35, and Kourtney Aumen, 21, were charged last week with second-degree murder and other offenses. Both are jailed without bond. Ethan Mast is not believed to be related to James and Mary Mast, Knox said.

Both families attend the same church, but Knox said that the actions involving the girl are not condoned by the church, which he declined to name.

“The investigation done so far indicates that this is an isolated incident and NOT the actions of a cult,” Knox wrote in a news release on the department's Facebook page.

A probable cause statement from Benton County Sgt. Chris Wilson said the girl was already dead and had “severe purple bruising” over her body, along with ruptured blisters, when he was called to the home.

Knox said the girl’s parents also had been beaten along with the 2-year-old. The infant was unharmed.

James Mast told investigators he and his wife observed the beating of their daughter but were told they would be beaten or shot if they tried to intervene.

Still, Wilson asked James Mast “how he could let people do this to his family and he stated they were told (his wife) had a ‘Demon’ inside her and her children would end up just like her if it was not taken care of,” Wilson wrote in the probable cause statement.

Ethan Mast told investigators that he and Aumen used a leather belt to beat the girl on Dec. 19, the statement said. She was then taken to a pond behind the home where she was “dunked” in the water on a day when high temperatures were in the 40s.

Ethan Mast said everyone then returned to the victims’ home. It wasn’t clear when the child died.

Benton County, with about 19,000 residents, is 100 miles southeast of Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609172829377.png" alt="Mast- photo Benton Co." />
 <figcaption>Mast- photo Benton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>COLE CAMP, Mo. (AP) — The parents of a 4-year-old Missouri girl allegedly killed by neighbors to remove a “demon” pleaded not guilty Monday to charges connected to the case.Mary S. Mast, 29, and James A. Mast, 28, both of Lincoln, Missouri, were charged Thursday with felony child endangerment resulting in death and are jailed without bond. They don't yet have attorneys.During their arraignments Monday, Associate Judge Mark Brandon Pilley also denied the couple's request to attend the girl's funeral, according to online court records. A bond hearing was scheduled for Jan. 5.The couple's other children, a 2-year-old son and an infant, were placed in protective custody, Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox said in a news release.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609172809681.png" alt="Mast-photo Benton Co." />
 <figcaption>Mast-photo Benton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michael-brown-sexual-abuse-12831cfa550522bf729c3fe7cc0efc0a">girl was found dead at the family home</a>&nbsp;on Dec. 20. Knox said she had been severely beaten and dunked in an icy pond as part of what appeared to be a “religious-type episode.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608586514342.png" alt="Ethan Mast photo Benton Co." />
 <figcaption>Ethan Mast photo Benton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Across-the-road neighbors Ethan Mast, 35, and Kourtney Aumen, 21, were charged last week with second-degree murder and other offenses. Both are jailed without bond. Ethan Mast is not believed to be related to James and Mary Mast, Knox said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608586492915.png" alt="Aumen-photo Benton Co." />
 <figcaption>Aumen-photo Benton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Both families attend the same church, but Knox said that the actions involving the girl are not condoned by the church, which he declined to name.“The investigation done so far indicates that this is an isolated incident and NOT the actions of a cult,” Knox wrote in a news release on the department's Facebook page.A probable cause statement from Benton County Sgt. Chris Wilson said the girl was already dead and had “severe purple bruising” over her body, along with ruptured blisters, when he was called to the home.Knox said the girl’s parents also had been beaten along with the 2-year-old. The infant was unharmed.James Mast told investigators he and his wife observed the beating of their daughter but were told they would be beaten or shot if they tried to intervene.Still, Wilson asked James Mast “how he could let people do this to his family and he stated they were told (his wife) had a ‘Demon’ inside her and her children would end up just like her if it was not taken care of,” Wilson wrote in the probable cause statement.Ethan Mast told investigators that he and Aumen used a leather belt to beat the girl on Dec. 19, the statement said. She was then taken to a pond behind the home where she was “dunked” in the water on a day when high temperatures were in the 40s.Ethan Mast said everyone then returned to the victims’ home. It wasn’t clear when the child died.Benton County, with about 19,000 residents, is 100 miles southeast of Kansas City.

Parents accused in girl's violent death won't attend funeral

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two Kansas paramedics are getting credit Tuesday for helping save an injured dog.

On the morning of December 23, Paramedics Levi Davidson and&nbsp; Jennifer Erskin went beyond the call to rescue an injured dog on Central Avenue in Wichita in front of Sedgwick County EMS Post 3, according to a social media report.

 After returning to post from an emergency call, Paramedic Davidson saw the dog get struck by a vehicle. He immediately took a blanket and signaled traffic to slow down, placed the dog on the blanket and provided shelter inside the garage of Post 3. 

Paramedic Erskin kept the dog calm while Paramedic Davidson called Sedgwick County Animal Control. The paramedics did an assessment and found minor abrasions on legs and bleeding from the dog's tongue.

When Animal Control arrived the dog – which the crew named Sugar – was moving and active. Sugar was taken to a veterinarian for further care and treatment. 

They are hopeful Sugar is making a full recovery, thanks to the quick action of the paramedics and Animal Control.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609276380041.png" alt="Photo courtesy Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Two Kansas paramedics are getting credit Tuesday for helping save an injured dog.On the morning of December 23, Paramedics Levi Davidson and&nbsp; Jennifer Erskin went beyond the call to rescue an injured dog on Central Avenue in Wichita in front of Sedgwick County EMS Post 3, according to a social media report. After returning to post from an emergency call, Paramedic Davidson saw the dog get struck by a vehicle. He immediately took a blanket and signaled traffic to slow down, placed the dog on the blanket and provided shelter inside the garage of Post 3. Paramedic Erskin kept the dog calm while Paramedic Davidson called Sedgwick County Animal Control. The paramedics did an assessment and found minor abrasions on legs and bleeding from the dog's tongue.When Animal Control arrived the dog – which the crew named Sugar – was moving and active. Sugar was taken to a veterinarian for further care and treatment. They are hopeful Sugar is making a full recovery, thanks to the quick action of the paramedics and Animal Control.

Paramedics save dog struck by car on Kansas street

KANSAS CITY (AP) — One of the Tyson Foods managers fired for betting on how many workers would contract COVID-19 at an Iowa pork plant said the office pool was spontaneous fun and intended to boost morale.

Don Merschbrock, a former night manager at the plant in Waterloo, Iowa, said he was speaking in an attempt to show that the seven fired supervisors are “not the evil people” that Tyson has portrayed.

“We really want to clear our names,” he told The Associated Press. “We actually worked very hard and took care of our team members well.”

Tyson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-lawsuits-coronavirus-pandemic-lakes-meat-processing-af173a053c5ac8b31e2bd4cb6e8ab83f">announced the terminations</a>&nbsp;of the Waterloo managers Dec. 16, weeks after the betting allegation surfaced in wrongful death lawsuits filed by the families of four workers who died of COVID-19.

Tyson said an investigation led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder found sufficient evidence to terminate those involved, saying their actions violated the company’s values of respect and integrity. The company had asked Holder’s law firm&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-tyson-plant-managers-virus-bet-law-f9a4556fdd253a7ae1787039e248879a">to investigate</a>&nbsp;the allegation after a public backlash threatened to damage its brand and demoralize its workers.

The Springdale, Arkansas-based company, one of the world’s largest meat producers, did not release Holder’s findings, and fired managers have complained that they were let go without explanation.

Merschbrock released a statement and elaborated in an interview that he was more willing to speak than the other fired managers since he isn’t a named defendant in the lawsuits.

He said managers conducted the office pool last spring within minutes following mass testing of the plant’s roughly 2,800 workers.

County officials said last May that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/590db7243e0b234b59e848ff59ba4639">more than 1,000</a>&nbsp;workers tested positive for the virus, which hospitalized several and killed at least six. They have blasted Tyson for not initially providing workers adequate protective gear and for idling the plant only after the outbreak had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6de2477c31301e779ea13d43ef0f2262">ripped through</a>&nbsp;the city.

Lawyers for the estates of four&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/780cd323a100bee5acf2bb15c0ff6d1b">dead workers</a>&nbsp;have portrayed the betting pool as indicative of the company’s callous attitude toward health and safety. They have alleged that managers downplayed the severity of the virus, at times allowing or encouraging employees to work while sick.

Tyson has said the plant, its largest for pork and able to process 20,000 hogs daily, was designated as critical infrastructure by the federal government in March and that its leaders worked to “safely continue operations to secure the national food supply.”

U.S. District Judge Linda Reade issued orders Monday moving the wrongful death lawsuits back to Iowa state court, rejecting the company’s request to change the jurisdiction. She said Tyson failed to show it was acting under the direction of federal authorities.

“No federal officer directed Tyson to keep its Waterloo facility open in a negligent manner ... or make fraudulent misrepresentations to employees at the Waterloo facility regarding the risks or severity of the coronavirus pandemic and COVID-19 outbreak at the Waterloo facility,” she wrote.

Merschbrock, who had been with Tyson for a decade, said managers were given the “impossible task” of maintaining production while implementing virus safety precautions. They had been working 12-hour days, six or seven days per week, he said.

The office pool involved roughly $50 cash, which went to the winner who picked the correct percentage of workers testing positive for the virus, Merschbrock said. He added that those involved didn’t believe the pool violated company policy and thought the plant’s positivity rate would be lower than the community rate due to their mitigation efforts.

“It was a group of exhausted supervisors that had worked so hard and so smart to solve many unsolvable problems,” Merschbrock said. “It was simply something fun, kind of a morale boost for having put forth an incredible effort. There was never any malicious intent. It was never meant to disparage anyone.”

A Tyson spokesman declined to comment on Merschbrock’s assertions.

Mel Orchard, an attorney representing families of deceased employees, said protecting workers from the virus was not “an unsolvable problem.” He said the issue was a corporate culture where executives prioritized production and sales and treated line workers as expendable.

“Listening to the stories of those who lost a father, brother or wife, I have a hard time having sympathy for the managers who worked extra hours and were tired,” he said. “But I do understand why and how this could have happened.”

Orchard represents the estates of Sedika Buljic, 58; Reberiano Garcia, 60; Jose Ayala Jr., 44; and Isidro Fernandez. Buljic, Garcia and Fernandez died in April, and Ayala&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c15eb40611c58487eec10b5977db1861#:~:text=IOWA%20CITY%2C%20Iowa%20(AP),who%20was%20in%20the%20room.">died May 25</a>&nbsp;after a six-week hospitalization.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593167451853.png" alt="Photo courtesy Tyson Foods" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Tyson Foods</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — One of the Tyson Foods managers fired for betting on how many workers would contract COVID-19 at an Iowa pork plant said the office pool was spontaneous fun and intended to boost morale.Don Merschbrock, a former night manager at the plant in Waterloo, Iowa, said he was speaking in an attempt to show that the seven fired supervisors are “not the evil people” that Tyson has portrayed.“We really want to clear our names,” he told The Associated Press. “We actually worked very hard and took care of our team members well.”Tyson&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-lawsuits-coronavirus-pandemic-lakes-meat-processing-af173a053c5ac8b31e2bd4cb6e8ab83f">announced the terminations</a>&nbsp;of the Waterloo managers Dec. 16, weeks after the betting allegation surfaced in wrongful death lawsuits filed by the families of four workers who died of COVID-19.Tyson said an investigation led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder found sufficient evidence to terminate those involved, saying their actions violated the company’s values of respect and integrity. The company had asked Holder’s law firm&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iowa-tyson-plant-managers-virus-bet-law-f9a4556fdd253a7ae1787039e248879a">to investigate</a>&nbsp;the allegation after a public backlash threatened to damage its brand and demoralize its workers.The Springdale, Arkansas-based company, one of the world’s largest meat producers, did not release Holder’s findings, and fired managers have complained that they were let go without explanation.Merschbrock released a statement and elaborated in an interview that he was more willing to speak than the other fired managers since he isn’t a named defendant in the lawsuits.He said managers conducted the office pool last spring within minutes following mass testing of the plant’s roughly 2,800 workers.County officials said last May that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/590db7243e0b234b59e848ff59ba4639">more than 1,000</a>&nbsp;workers tested positive for the virus, which hospitalized several and killed at least six. They have blasted Tyson for not initially providing workers adequate protective gear and for idling the plant only after the outbreak had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/6de2477c31301e779ea13d43ef0f2262">ripped through</a>&nbsp;the city.Lawyers for the estates of four&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/780cd323a100bee5acf2bb15c0ff6d1b">dead workers</a>&nbsp;have portrayed the betting pool as indicative of the company’s callous attitude toward health and safety. They have alleged that managers downplayed the severity of the virus, at times allowing or encouraging employees to work while sick.Tyson has said the plant, its largest for pork and able to process 20,000 hogs daily, was designated as critical infrastructure by the federal government in March and that its leaders worked to “safely continue operations to secure the national food supply.”U.S. District Judge Linda Reade issued orders Monday moving the wrongful death lawsuits back to Iowa state court, rejecting the company’s request to change the jurisdiction. She said Tyson failed to show it was acting under the direction of federal authorities.“No federal officer directed Tyson to keep its Waterloo facility open in a negligent manner ... or make fraudulent misrepresentations to employees at the Waterloo facility regarding the risks or severity of the coronavirus pandemic and COVID-19 outbreak at the Waterloo facility,” she wrote.Merschbrock, who had been with Tyson for a decade, said managers were given the “impossible task” of maintaining production while implementing virus safety precautions. They had been working 12-hour days, six or seven days per week, he said.The office pool involved roughly $50 cash, which went to the winner who picked the correct percentage of workers testing positive for the virus, Merschbrock said. He added that those involved didn’t believe the pool violated company policy and thought the plant’s positivity rate would be lower than the community rate due to their mitigation efforts.“It was a group of exhausted supervisors that had worked so hard and so smart to solve many unsolvable problems,” Merschbrock said. “It was simply something fun, kind of a morale boost for having put forth an incredible effort. There was never any malicious intent. It was never meant to disparage anyone.”A Tyson spokesman declined to comment on Merschbrock’s assertions.Mel Orchard, an attorney representing families of deceased employees, said protecting workers from the virus was not “an unsolvable problem.” He said the issue was a corporate culture where executives prioritized production and sales and treated line workers as expendable.“Listening to the stories of those who lost a father, brother or wife, I have a hard time having sympathy for the managers who worked extra hours and were tired,” he said. “But I do understand why and how this could have happened.”Orchard represents the estates of Sedika Buljic, 58; Reberiano Garcia, 60; Jose Ayala Jr., 44; and Isidro Fernandez. Buljic, Garcia and Fernandez died in April, and Ayala&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c15eb40611c58487eec10b5977db1861#:~:text=IOWA%20CITY%2C%20Iowa%20(AP),who%20was%20in%20the%20room.">died May 25</a>&nbsp;after a six-week hospitalization.___

Fired Tyson boss says COVID office pool was a 'morale boost'

HUTCHINSON— It certainly wasn't unexpected as Amtrak released its 2020 ridership numbers, which plummeted under the weight of the pandemic.

Ridership for the passenger rail carrier fell nearly 48% to just 16.8 million passengers. That compares with a record 32 million in 2019. Long-distance ridership fell by 39% and commuter ridership fell by 50%.

The Southwest Chief, which serves Kansas with seven stops had total ridership in 2020 of 186,470, a drop of 43%. It was the largest decline in the long-distance network. The Chief saw 327,276 passengers in 2019.

Amtrak says that, at best, it will see ridership and revenue improve to about 37% of pre-COVID levels by the end of 2021.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609263248923.png" alt="Amtrak stops in Kansas include Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, Newton, Hutchinson, Dodge City and Garden City. -image courtesy Amtrak" />
 <figcaption>Amtrak stops in Kansas include Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, Newton, Hutchinson, Dodge City and Garden City. -image courtesy Amtrak</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON— It certainly wasn't unexpected as Amtrak released its 2020 ridership numbers, which plummeted under the weight of the pandemic.Ridership for the passenger rail carrier fell nearly 48% to just 16.8 million passengers. That compares with a record 32 million in 2019. Long-distance ridership fell by 39% and commuter ridership fell by 50%.The Southwest Chief, which serves Kansas with seven stops had total ridership in 2020 of 186,470, a drop of 43%. It was the largest decline in the long-distance network. The Chief saw 327,276 passengers in 2019.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609258167047.png" alt="photo courtesy Amtrak" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Amtrak</figcaption>
 </figure>Amtrak says that, at best, it will see ridership and revenue improve to about 37% of pre-COVID levels by the end of 2021.

Amtrak sees dramatic drop in passengers on SW Chief

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary in Manhattan.

Just after 5p.m. Monday, officers filed a report for burglary in the 500 block of N. Juliette Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A&nbsp; 42-year-old man reported an unknown suspect entered his residence without permission and stole a Winchester 20 gauge pump shotgun, a Smith &amp; Wesson 9mm, a Ruger 357 Magnum, AR-15, and P95 9mm, a Glock .40 caliber, a Bond Firearms derringer-style handgun, a Springfield .45 caliber, a Remington 742 Woodmaster 30.06 caliber rifle, a 12 gauge pump shotgun, an Ontario Knife Company delta bowie 15-inch knife, ammunition, a black iPhone, a gold ring, multiple collectible watches, and cash. 

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $9,720.00. 

Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary in Manhattan.Just after 5p.m. Monday, officers filed a report for burglary in the 500 block of N. Juliette Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A&nbsp; 42-year-old man reported an unknown suspect entered his residence without permission and stole a Winchester 20 gauge pump shotgun, a Smith &amp; Wesson 9mm, a Ruger 357 Magnum, AR-15, and P95 9mm, a Glock .40 caliber, a Bond Firearms derringer-style handgun, a Springfield .45 caliber, a Remington 742 Woodmaster 30.06 caliber rifle, a 12 gauge pump shotgun, an Ontario Knife Company delta bowie 15-inch knife, ammunition, a black iPhone, a gold ring, multiple collectible watches, and cash. The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $9,720.00. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00.

Police: Suspect took guns, ammo from Kan. home

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday blocked Democrats' push to immediately bring President Donald Trump's demand for bigger $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks up for a vote, saying the chamber would "begin a process" to address the issue.

Pressure is mounting on the Republican-led Senate to follow the House, which voted overwhelmingly on Monday to meet the president's demand to increase the checks from $600 as the virus crisis worsens. A growing number of Republicans, including two senators in runoff elections on Jan. 5 in Georgia, have said they will support the larger amount. But most GOP senators oppose more spending, even if they are also wary of bucking Trump.

The outcome is highly uncertain heading into the rare holiday-week session.

"We should not adjourn until the Senate holds a vote," Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said as he made a motion to push it toward a vote.

McConnell, who has said little publicly on Trump's request, objected but gave almost no indication of his plans ahead.

"The Senate will begin a process," the GOP leader said. He said he plans to bring the president's demand for the $2,000 checks and other remaining issues "into focus."

The showdown has thrown Congress into a chaotic year-end session just days before new lawmakers are set to be sworn into office for the new year. It's preventing action on another priority — overturning Trump's veto on a sweeping defense bill that has been approved every year for 60 years.

The president's last-minute push for bigger checks deeply divides Republicans, who are split between those who align with Trump's populist instincts and those who adhere to what had been more traditional conservative views against government spending. Congress had settled on smaller $600 payments in a compromise over the big year-end relief bill Trump reluctantly signed into law.

Liberal senators led by Bernie Sanders of Vermont who support the relief aid are blocking action on the defense bill until a vote can be taken on Trump's demand for $2,000 for most Americans.

The two GOP senators from Georgia, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, announced Tuesday they support Trump's plan for bigger checks as they face Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in runoff elections that will determine which party controls the Senate.

"I'm delighted to support the president," said Perdue on Fox News. Loeffler said in an interview on Fox that she, too, backs the boosted relief checks.

Trump tweeted his demands ahead of Tuesday's Senate session: "$2000 for our great people, not $600!"

The House vote late Monday was a stunning turn of events. Just days ago, during a brief Christmas Eve session, Republicans blocked Trump's sudden demand for bigger checks as he defiantly refused to sign the broader COVID-19 aid and year-end funding bill into law.

As Trump spent days fuming from his private club in Florida, where he is spending the holidays, dozens of Republicans calculated it was better to link with Democrats to increase the pandemic payments rather than buck the outgoing president and constituents counting on the money. Democrats led passage, 275-134, but 44 Republicans joined almost all Democrats in approval.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared, "Republicans have a choice: Vote for this legislation or vote to deny the American people the bigger paychecks they need."

The showdown could end up as more symbol than substance if Trump's effort fizzles out in the Senate and may do little to change the COVID-19 relief and federal spending package Trump signed into law Sunday.

That package — $900 billion in COVID-19 aid and $1.4 trillion to fund government agencies — will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and averted a federal government shutdown that otherwise would have started Tuesday.

Together with votes this week to override Trump's veto of a sweeping defense bill, it's potentially one last confrontation between the president and the Republican Party he leads as he imposes fresh demands and disputes the results of the presidential election. The new Congress is set to be sworn in Sunday.

Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, the ranking Republican on the Ways and Means Committee, acknowledged the division and said Congress had already approved ample funds during the COVID-19 crisis. "Nothing in this bill helps anybody get back to work," he said.

Aside from the direct $600 checks to most Americans, the COVID-19 portion of the bill revives a weekly pandemic jobless benefit boost — this time $300, through March 14 — as well as the popular Paycheck Protection Program of grants to businesses to keep workers on payrolls. It extends eviction protections, adding a new rental assistance fund.

Americans earning up to $75,000 will qualify for the direct $600 payments, which are phased out at higher income levels, and there's an additional $600 payment per dependent child.

President-elect Joe Biden told reporters at an event in Wilmington, Delaware, that he supported the $2,000 checks.

Trump's sudden decision to sign the bill came as he faced escalating criticism from lawmakers on all sides over his eleventh-hour demands. The bipartisan bill negotiated by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had already passed the House and Senate by wide margins. Lawmakers had thought they had Trump's blessing after months of negotiations with his administration.

The president's defiant refusal to act, publicized with a heated video he tweeted just before the Christmas holiday, sparked chaos, a lapse in unemployment benefits for millions and the threat of a government shutdown in the pandemic. It was another crisis of his own making, resolved when he ultimately signed the bill into law.

In his statement about the signing, Trump repeated his frustrations with the COVID-19 relief bill for providing only $600 checks to most Americans and complained about what he considered unnecessary spending, particularly on foreign aid — much of it proposed by his own budget.

While the president insisted he would send Congress "a redlined version" with spending items he wants removed, those are merely suggestions to Congress. Democrats said they would resist such cuts.

For now, the administration can only begin work sending out the $600 payments.

Most House Republicans simply shrugged off Trump's push, 130 of them voting to reject the higher checks that would add $467 billion in additional costs. Another 20 House Republicans — including Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California, a Trump confidant — skipped the vote, despite pandemic procedures that allow lawmakers to vote by proxy to avoid travel to the Capitol. McCarthy was recovering at home from elbow surgery, his office said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s push for $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks now rests with the Senate after the House voted overwhelmingly to meet the president’s demand to increase the $600 stipends, but Republicans have shown little interest in boosting spending.

The outcome is highly uncertain heading into Tuesday’s session. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has declined to publicly address how he plans to handle the issue. But Democrats, sharing a rare priority with Trump, have seized on the opportunity to force Republicans into a difficult vote of either backing or defying the outgoing president.

After bipartisan approval by the House, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warned, “There is no good reason for Senate Republicans to stand in the way.”

“There’s strong support for these $2,000 emergency checks from every corner of the country,” Schumer said in a statement late Monday. He called on McConnell to make sure the Senate helps “meet the needs of American workers and families who are crying out for help.”

The House tally was a stunning turn of events. Just days ago Republicans blocked Trump’s sudden demands for bigger checks during a brief Christmas Eve session as he defiantly refused to sign the broader COVID-19 aid and year-end funding bill into law.

As Trump spent days fuming from his private club in Florida, where he is spending the holidays, dozens of Republicans calculated it was better to link with Democrats to increase the pandemic stipend rather than buck the outgoing president and constituents counting on the money. Democrats led passage, 275-134, but 44 Republicans joined almost all Democrats in approval.

Senators were set to return to session Tuesday amid similar, stark GOP divisions between those who align with Trump’s populist instincts and others who adhere to what had been more traditional conservative views against government spending. Congress had settled on smaller $600 payments in a compromise over the big year-end relief bill Trump reluctantly signed into law.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared, “Republicans have a choice: Vote for this legislation or vote to deny the American people the bigger paychecks they need.”

The showdown could end up as more symbol than substance if Trump’s effort fizzles out in the Senate.

The legislative action during the rare holiday week session may do little to change the $2 trillion-plus COVID-19 relief&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa218012b8">and federal spending package</a>&nbsp;Trump signed into law Sunday, one of the biggest bills of its kind providing relief for millions of Americans.

That package — $900 billion in COVID-19 aid and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa218012b8">$1.4 trillion to fund government&nbsp;</a>agencies — will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and avert a federal government shutdown that otherwise would have started Tuesday, in the midst of the public health crisis.

But the outcome will define Trump’s GOP, putting a spotlight on the Georgia runoff election Jan. 5 where two Republican senators are in the fights of their political lives against Democrats in a pair of races that will determine which party controls the Senate next year.

Together with votes Monday and Tuesday to override Trump’s veto of a sweeping defense bill, it’s potentially one last confrontation between the president and the Republican Party he leads as he imposes fresh demands and disputes the results of the presidential election. The new Congress is set to be sworn in Sunday.

Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas, the ranking Republican on the Ways and Means Committee, acknowledged the division and said Congress had already approved ample funds during the COVID-19 crisis. “Nothing in this bill helps anybody get back to work,” he said.

Aside from the direct $600 checks to most Americans, the COVID-19 portion of the bill revives a weekly pandemic jobless benefit boost — this time $300, through March 14 — as well as a popular Paycheck Protection Program of grants to businesses to keep workers on payrolls. It extends eviction protections, adding a new rental assistance fund.

The COVID-19 package draws and expands on an earlier effort from Washington. It offers billions of dollars for vaccine purchases and distribution, for virus contact tracing, public health departments, schools, universities, farmers, food pantry programs and other institutions and groups facing hardship in the pandemic.

Meantime the government funding portion of the bill keeps federal agencies nationwide running without dramatic changes until Sept. 30.

Trump’s sudden decision to sign the bill came as he faced escalating criticism from lawmakers on all sides over his eleventh-hour demands. The bipartisan bill negotiated by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had already passed the House and Senate by wide margins. Lawmakers had thought they had Trump’s blessing after months of negotiations with his administration.

The president’s defiant refusal to act, publicized with a heated video he tweeted just before the Christmas holiday, sparked chaos, a lapse in unemployment benefits for millions and the threat of a government shutdown in the pandemic. It was another crisis of his own making, resolved when he ultimately signed the bill into law.

While the president insisted he would send Congress “a redlined version” with spending items he wants removed, those are merely suggestions to Congress. Democrats said they would resist such cuts.

Most House Republicans simply shrugged off Trump’s push, 130 of them voting to reject the higher checks that would pile $467 billion in additional costs. Another 20 House Republicans — including Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California, a Trump confidant — skipped the vote, despite pandemic procedures that allow lawmakers to vote by proxy to avoid travel to the Capitol. McCarthy was recovering at home from elbow surgery, his office said.

A day after the signing, Trump was back at the golf course in Florida, the state where he is expected to move after Biden is sworn in on Jan. 20.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has voted to increase COVID-19 relief checks to $2,000, meeting President Donald Trump’s demand for bigger payments and sending the bill to the GOP-controlled Senate, where the outcome is uncertain. Democrats led passage, 275-134, their majority favoring additional assistance. 

They had settled for smaller $600 payments in a compromise with Republicans over the big year-end relief bill Trump reluctantly signed into law. The vote divides Republicans who mostly resist more spending. But many House Republicans joined in support, despite being wary of bucking the president. Senators are set to return to session Tuesday to consider the measure.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pandemic aid secured, Congress turned Monday to confront the White House on additional year-end priorities after President Donald Trump reluctantly signed a $2 trillion-plus COVID-19 relief&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa218012b8">and federal spending package</a>&nbsp;that will provide relief for millions of Americans.

The House gaveled in for the rare holiday week session to vote on Trump’s unmet demand for larger $2,000 virus relief checks. Democrats who control the House favor the larger stipends, beyond the $600 payments included in the massive COVID bill. But the president’s push for more spending is forcing his Republicans allies who oppose the higher payments into a tough spot.

The showdown offers more symbol than substance, and it’s not expected to alter the massive package, one of the largest federal interventions of its kind. Instead, the Trump administration now faces enormous pressure to quickly disperse the pandemic relief to Americans as the nation faces a bleak winter with COVID infections, and the virus death toll, surging.

The House chaplain opened in prayer for the lawmakers. “They return to the Capitol with a huge weight lifted from their shoulders, for which a nation is grateful, ” said Rev. Patrick Conroy.

Trump appears to have accomplished little, if anything, from the days of drama over his refusal to accept the sweeping bipartisan deal negotiated by his own administration.

The package the president signed into law late Sunday in Florida, where he is spending the holidays, includes two parts — $900 billion in COVID aid and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa218012b8">$1.4 trillion to fund government&nbsp;</a>agencies. It will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and avert a federal government shutdown that otherwise would have started Tuesday, in the midst of the public health crisis.

Aside from the direct $600 checks to most Americans, the COVID portion of the bill revives a weekly pandemic jobless benefit boost — this time $300, through March 14 — as well as a popular Paycheck Protection Program of grants to businesses to keep workers on payrolls. It extends eviction protections, adding a new rental assistance fund.

The COVID package draws and expands on an earlier effort from Washington, the largest of its kind. It offers billions of dollars for vaccine purchases and distribution, for virus contact tracing, public health departments, schools, universities, farmers, food pantry programs and other institutions and groups facing hardship in the pandemic.

Together with votes Monday and Tuesday to override Trump’s veto of a sweeping defense bill, the attempt to send much higher pandemic-era checks to people is perhaps the last standoff of the president’s final days in office as he imposes fresh demands and disputes the results of the presidential election. The new Congress is set to be sworn in Sunday.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., seized on the divide between the president and his party, urging Trump to put pressure on his Senate GOP allies to pass the bill.

“The President must immediately call on Congressional Republicans to end their obstruction and to join him and Democrats in support of our stand-alone legislation to increase direct payment checks to $2,000,” Pelosi said in a tweet.

The bill is expected to easily pass the House, but faces resistance Tuesday from the Republican-led Senate.

While the president insisted he would send Congress “a redlined version” with spending items he wants removed, those are merely suggestions to Congress.

Democrats, who have the majority in the House, “will reject any rescissions” submitted by the president, said Rep. Nita Lowey of New York, chair of the Appropriations Committee.

A day after the signing, Trump was back at the golf course in Florida, where he is expected to move after President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in on January 20.

Republican Rep. Mo Brooks of Alabama,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-mo-brooks-elections-927d23e741ff7b2ca73afe734ffe278d">a conservative who supported Trump’s extraordinary and futile challenge of the election results</a>, counted himself Monday among the opponents of a more generous relief package and Trump’s call for higher payments.

“It’s money we don’t have, we have to borrow to get and we can’t afford to pay back,” he said on “Fox and Friends.”

But Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York said she was open to the idea of $2,000 checks. “Many Americans are in dire need of relief,” she said on the show.

Altogether, Republicans and Democrats alike swiftly welcomed Trump’s decision to sign the bill into law.

“The compromise bill is not perfect, but it will do an enormous amount of good for struggling Kentuckians and Americans across the country who need help now,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. “I thank the President for signing this relief into law.”

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he would offer Trump’s proposal for $2,000 checks for a vote in Senate — putting Republicans on the spot.

“The House will pass a bill to give Americans $2,000 checks,” Schumer tweeted. “Then I will move to pass it in the Senate.” He said no Democrats will object. “Will Senate Republicans?”

Democrats are promising more aid to come once Biden takes office, but Republicans are signaling a wait-and-see approach.

Senate delays vote over your $2K virus relief check

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with a burglary in Salina.

Just after 5:30p.m. Monday,&nbsp; police were sent to the Ambassador Hotel, 1616 West Crawford Street in Salina, at 5:30 p.m. Monday for the report of a burglary in progress, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Officers located a gold 1999 GMC Sierra backed into a stall on the north side of the hotel and an approximate four-foot by five-foot shattered window.&nbsp; Officers also found Maranda Fields, 42, of Wichita, sleeping in the truck.&nbsp;

While the officers were speaking with Fields, Nicholas Coleman, 26, of Salina, appeared inside the hotel carrying items including two extension cords valued at $50, two dryer belts valued at $16, and three other miscellaneous cords valued at $30, according to Forrester.

Coleman failed to comply with officers commands and ran back into the hotel. He was found inside the hotel and taken into custody, at which time he allegedly spit on one of the officers, according to Forrester.

Police arrested Fields on a requested charges of trespassing and Coleman on requested charges of Burglary, Felony criminal damage to property, Felony interference with law enforcement, Three counts of theft of property and Battery of a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;The pickup had been reported to officers in connection with two other theft cases in Salina, according to Forrester.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609252148268.jpeg" alt="Coleman has previous convictions for burglary and theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections -photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Coleman has previous convictions for burglary and theft, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections -photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with a burglary in Salina.Just after 5:30p.m. Monday,&nbsp; police were sent to the Ambassador Hotel, 1616 West Crawford Street in Salina, at 5:30 p.m. Monday for the report of a burglary in progress, according to&nbsp;Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.Officers located a gold 1999 GMC Sierra backed into a stall on the north side of the hotel and an approximate four-foot by five-foot shattered window.&nbsp; Officers also found Maranda Fields, 42, of Wichita, sleeping in the truck.&nbsp;While the officers were speaking with Fields, Nicholas Coleman, 26, of Salina, appeared inside the hotel carrying items including two extension cords valued at $50, two dryer belts valued at $16, and three other miscellaneous cords valued at $30, according to Forrester.Coleman failed to comply with officers commands and ran back into the hotel. He was found inside the hotel and taken into custody, at which time he allegedly spit on one of the officers, according to Forrester.Police arrested Fields on a requested charges of trespassing and Coleman on requested charges of Burglary, Felony criminal damage to property, Felony interference with law enforcement, Three counts of theft of property and Battery of a law enforcement officer.&nbsp;The pickup had been reported to officers in connection with two other theft cases in Salina, according to Forrester.

Kan. man on parole for burglary arrested for motel burglary

WASHINGTON — The United State's House of Representatives&nbsp; voted Monday afternoon to increase COVID-19 relief checks to $2,000, meeting President Donald Trump’s demand for bigger payments. 

Two members of the Kansas delegation went against the President and against more spending than $600.

First District Representative Roger Marshall and Representative Ron Estes voted no to the&nbsp;Democrat led effort that passed 275-134 for the additional assistance. 

Kansas third district representative Sharice Davids voted with the democrats while outgoing Representative Steve Watkins did not vote.

&nbsp;Senators are set to return to session Tuesday to consider the measure.

There is no indication what Kansas Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran will do.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609189685945.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gaveled in Monday for the rare holiday week session -photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gaveled in Monday for the rare holiday week session -photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — The United State's House of Representatives&nbsp; voted Monday afternoon to increase COVID-19 relief checks to $2,000, meeting President Donald Trump’s demand for bigger payments. Two members of the Kansas delegation went against the President and against more spending than $600.First District Representative Roger Marshall and Representative Ron Estes voted no to the&nbsp;Democrat led effort that passed 275-134 for the additional assistance. Kansas third district representative Sharice Davids voted with the democrats while outgoing Representative Steve Watkins did not vote.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kansans need targeted relief through extended unemployment, PPP &amp; regulatory reform – not egregious spending. We must help Kansas workers and small businesses return to work instead of sending checks to millions of Americans who haven&#39;t lost a paycheck.<a href="https://t.co/rhfg6S5SLJ">https://t.co/rhfg6S5SLJ</a>&mdash; Rep. Ron Estes (@RepRonEstes) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepRonEstes/status/1343723073279827969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;Senators are set to return to session Tuesday to consider the measure.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">$2000 for our great people, not $600! They have suffered enough from the China Virus!!!&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1343916418316824583?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>There is no indication what Kansas Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran will do.

2 Kan. congressmen vote against $2K stimulus checks

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — Two people are hospitalized after a large fire broke out at an apartment complex in the Waldo area of Kansas City.

Fire officials say two people jumped from the third story to escape the fire that occurred Monday night near the Missouri-Kansas border. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

The fire was reported just after 8 p.m. at the Waldo Heights Apartments. Fire crews used a ladder to rescue at least one person trapped on a third-floor balcony.

Fire officials say the building was a complete loss. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609251195844.png" alt="Crews fighting the apartment fire photo <a href="https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/2-taken-to-hospital-following-large-fire-at-waldo-heights-apartments/article_cc28349a-497e-11eb-b9f3-336bf837a01b.html?block_id=991162">courtesy KCTV</a>" />
 <figcaption>Crews fighting the apartment fire photo <a href="https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/2-taken-to-hospital-following-large-fire-at-waldo-heights-apartments/article_cc28349a-497e-11eb-b9f3-336bf837a01b.html?block_id=991162">courtesy KCTV</a></figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — Two people are hospitalized after a large fire broke out at an apartment complex in the Waldo area of Kansas City.Fire officials say two people jumped from the third story to escape the fire that occurred Monday night near the Missouri-Kansas border. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.The fire was reported just after 8 p.m. at the Waldo Heights Apartments. Fire crews used a ladder to rescue at least one person trapped on a third-floor balcony.Fire officials say the building was a complete loss. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

2 hospitalized after apartment fire in Kansas City

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced that she has signed Executive Order #20-71, providing temporarily relief from the waiting week requirement for Kansans applying for unemployment benefits, according to a media release from her office.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/6/1561209733269.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced that she has signed Executive Order #20-71, providing temporarily relief from the waiting week requirement for Kansans applying for unemployment benefits, according to a media release from her office.<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.RMlvKD6Vo2n_EhFKekyNZBTD5u6X1Dc97RK-Xiee3HA/s/1303160919/br/92447227529-l" target="_blank">Click here to read E.O. #20-71.</a>“Kansans who have a lost their jobs as a result of COVID-19 cannot afford to wait a week to receive the unemployment benefits they need to make rent payments or feed their families,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said.&nbsp;“This executive order will be crucial in our state’s ongoing response to the pandemic and to ensuring unemployed Kansans can access their benefits as soon as possible.”The “waiting week” is a required non-payable week that typically needs to be served on new benefit years. E.O. #20-71 temporarily waives the waiting week requirement for all claimants. For states that have temporarily waived the waiting week requirement, Congress will federally fund 50% of the first week of compensable regular unemployment until March 14, 2021. &nbsp;&nbsp;The Order is currently in effect and remains in force until rescinded or until the current statewide State of Disaster emergency expires, whichever is earlier.