WICHITA— Both firefighters burned while fighting a Sunday house fire were released from the hospital Tuesday afternoon, according to a social media report from the Wichita Fire Department.&nbsp;

A third firefighter was injured restraining someone from entering the burning residence. Meanwhile, two other people suffered injuries. One was hospitalized, the other refused treatment.&nbsp;

WICHITA —Authorities continue to investigate the cause of&nbsp; a Sunday night fire that sent 6 people including four Wichita firefighters to the hospital for treatment of burns.

Two of the firefighters were released from the hospital Monday afternoon, according to a social media report from the Wichita Fire Department. Two firefighters were still hospitalized. One was awaiting surgery and the other has "encouraging results and should be released Tuesday."

One of the firefighters was injured restraining someone from entering the burning residence.&nbsp;

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Six people, including four Wichita firefighters, are being treated for burns after fire broke out at a home.

KSNW-TV reports that the fire happened Sunday night. Deputy Fire Chief Josh Pavelski says two firefighters were taken to the hospital with burns, one in serious condition. 

A third firefighter was injured restraining someone from entering the burning residence. Meanwhile, two other people suffered injuries. One was hospitalized, the other refused treatment. Authorities didn’t immediately say if those people were residents of the home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608680684325.png" alt="Photo courtesy Wichita Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Wichita Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA— Both firefighters burned while fighting a Sunday house fire were released from the hospital Tuesday afternoon, according to a social media report from the Wichita Fire Department.&nbsp;A third firefighter was injured restraining someone from entering the burning residence. Meanwhile, two other people suffered injuries. One was hospitalized, the other refused treatment.&nbsp;---------WICHITA —Authorities continue to investigate the cause of&nbsp; a Sunday night fire that sent 6 people including four Wichita firefighters to the hospital for treatment of burns.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608593212829.png" alt="Photo courtesy Wichita Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Wichita Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>Two of the firefighters were released from the hospital Monday afternoon, according to a social media report from the Wichita Fire Department. Two firefighters were still hospitalized. One was awaiting surgery and the other has "encouraging results and should be released Tuesday."One of the firefighters was injured restraining someone from entering the burning residence.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608555420687.png" alt="Sunday night fire photo courtesy Wichita Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Sunday night fire photo courtesy Wichita Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>----------WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Six people, including four Wichita firefighters, are being treated for burns after fire broke out at a home.KSNW-TV reports that the fire happened Sunday night. Deputy Fire Chief Josh Pavelski says two firefighters were taken to the hospital with burns, one in serious condition. A third firefighter was injured restraining someone from entering the burning residence. Meanwhile, two other people suffered injuries. One was hospitalized, the other refused treatment. Authorities didn’t immediately say if those people were residents of the home.

Update: 2 firefighters burned fighting Kansas house fire

COLE CAMP, Mo. (AP) — A&nbsp; Missouri couple face multiple charges accusing them of torturing and killing a 4-year-old girl and torturing the child’s mother and 2-year-old brother. 

The Benton County Sheriff’s Department says deputies were called just before 1 a.m. Sunday to a rural home. A 4-year-old girl had been beaten, submerged in a pond and left to freeze on the bank before dying. 

Her mother, 28-year-old Mary Mast, and Mast's 2-year-old son also were badly beaten. They are hospitalized. Deputies on Monday arrested the family’s neighbors, 35-year-old Ethan Mast and 21-year-old Kourtney Aumen. 

Both are charged with second-degree murder, sexual abuse and three counts of assault. They do not yet have attorneys. It wasn’t immediately known whether Ethan Mast was related to the family.

BENTON COUNTY, MO. —Law enforcement are investigating the death of a child and have made an arrest.

Just before 1a.m. Monday, officials in Benton County were informed that a four-year-old was deceased, according to a media release.

The father, James Mast, 28 of a rural Cole Camp told deputies his daughter had been beaten, submerged in a pond, then left to freeze on the bank before being taken back into the residence. 

Mary S. Mast, 28, the mother of the deceased and a two-year-old male child were also beaten to a severe extent. Mary and the toddler were transported by ambulance to Bothwell Regional Hospital in Sedalia where they are recovering.

After an investigation, Benton County Deputies arrested Ethan J. Mast, 35 and Kourtney T. Aumen, 21 of a neighboring residence pending multiple felony charges. This is still an active investigation with the possibility of further arrests, according to the release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608586514342.png" alt="Mast-photo Benton Co." />
 <figcaption>Mast-photo Benton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>COLE CAMP, Mo. (AP) — A&nbsp; Missouri couple face multiple charges accusing them of torturing and killing a 4-year-old girl and torturing the child’s mother and 2-year-old brother. The Benton County Sheriff’s Department says deputies were called just before 1 a.m. Sunday to a rural home. A 4-year-old girl had been beaten, submerged in a pond and left to freeze on the bank before dying. Her mother, 28-year-old Mary Mast, and Mast's 2-year-old son also were badly beaten. They are hospitalized. Deputies on Monday arrested the family’s neighbors, 35-year-old Ethan Mast and 21-year-old Kourtney Aumen. Both are charged with second-degree murder, sexual abuse and three counts of assault. They do not yet have attorneys. It wasn’t immediately known whether Ethan Mast was related to the family.-------BENTON COUNTY, MO. —Law enforcement are investigating the death of a child and have made an arrest.Just before 1a.m. Monday, officials in Benton County were informed that a four-year-old was deceased, according to a media release.The father, James Mast, 28 of a rural Cole Camp told deputies his daughter had been beaten, submerged in a pond, then left to freeze on the bank before being taken back into the residence. Mary S. Mast, 28, the mother of the deceased and a two-year-old male child were also beaten to a severe extent. Mary and the toddler were transported by ambulance to Bothwell Regional Hospital in Sedalia where they are recovering.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608586492915.png" alt="Aumen photo Benton Co." />
 <figcaption>Aumen photo Benton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>After an investigation, Benton County Deputies arrested Ethan J. Mast, 35 and Kourtney T. Aumen, 21 of a neighboring residence pending multiple felony charges. This is still an active investigation with the possibility of further arrests, according to the release.

Couple charged in torture death of 4-year-old girl

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday pardoned 15 people, including Republican allies, a 2016 campaign official ensnared in the Russia probe and former government contractors convicted in a 2007 massacre in Baghdad.

Trump also commuted the sentences of five people. While it is not unusual for presidents to grant clemency on their way out the door, Trump has made clear that he has no qualms about intervening in the cases of friends and allies whom he believes have been treated unfairly. Despite speculation, though, not on the list were members of Trump’s own family, his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani and the president himself.

The pardons included former Republican Reps. Duncan Hunter of California and Chris Collins of New York. Trump commuted the sentence of former Rep. Steve Stockman of Texas.

Collins, the first member of Congress to endorse Trump to be president, was sentenced to two years and two months in federal prison after admitting he helped his son and others dodge $800,000 in stock market losses when he learned that a drug trial by a small pharmaceutical company had failed.

Hunter was sentenced to 11 months in prison after pleading guilty to stealing campaign funds and spending the money on everything from outings with friends to his daughter’s birthday party.

Trump also announced pardons for allies ensnared in the Russia investigation. One was for George Papadopoulos, his 2016 campaign adviser whose conversation unwittingly helped trigger the Russia investigation that shadowed Trump’s presidency for nearly two years. He also pardoned Alex van der Zwaan, a Dutch lawyer who was sentenced to 30 days in prison for lying to investigators during special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.

Van der Zwaan and Papadopoulos are the third and fourth Russia investigation defendants granted clemency. By pardoning them, Trump once again took aim at Mueller’s probe and pushed a broader effort to undo the results of the investigation that yielded criminal charges against a half-dozen associates.

Last month, Trump pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who had twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, and months earlier commuted the sentence of another associate, Roger Stone, days before he was to report to prison.

In the group announced Tuesday night were four former government contractors convicted in a 2007 massacre in Baghdad that left more a dozen Iraqi civilians dead and caused an international uproar over the use of private security guards in a war zone.

Supporters of Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard, the former contractors at Blackwater Worldwide, had lobbied for pardons, arguing that the men had been excessively punished in an investigation and prosecution they said was tainted by problems and withheld exculpatory evidence. All four were serving lengthy prison sentences.

The pardons reflected Trump’s apparent willingness to give the benefit of doubt to American servicemembers and contractors when it comes to acts of violence in warzones against civilians. Last November, for instance, he pardoned a former U.S. Army commando who was set to stand trial next year in the killing of a suspected Afghan bomb-maker and a former Army lieutenant convicted of murder for ordering his men to fire upon three Afghans.

“Paul Slough and his colleagues didn’t deserve to spend one minute in prison,” said Brian Heberlig, a lawyer for one of the four pardoned Blackwater defendants. “I am overwhelmed with emotion at this fantastic news.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608686054105.png" alt="President Trump during his statement Tuesday -image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump during his statement Tuesday -image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday pardoned 15 people, including Republican allies, a 2016 campaign official ensnared in the Russia probe and former government contractors convicted in a 2007 massacre in Baghdad.Trump also commuted the sentences of five people. While it is not unusual for presidents to grant clemency on their way out the door, Trump has made clear that he has no qualms about intervening in the cases of friends and allies whom he believes have been treated unfairly. Despite speculation, though, not on the list were members of Trump’s own family, his personal attorney Rudy Giuliani and the president himself.The pardons included former Republican Reps. Duncan Hunter of California and Chris Collins of New York. Trump commuted the sentence of former Rep. Steve Stockman of Texas.Collins, the first member of Congress to endorse Trump to be president, was sentenced to two years and two months in federal prison after admitting he helped his son and others dodge $800,000 in stock market losses when he learned that a drug trial by a small pharmaceutical company had failed.Hunter was sentenced to 11 months in prison after pleading guilty to stealing campaign funds and spending the money on everything from outings with friends to his daughter’s birthday party.Trump also announced pardons for allies ensnared in the Russia investigation. One was for George Papadopoulos, his 2016 campaign adviser whose conversation unwittingly helped trigger the Russia investigation that shadowed Trump’s presidency for nearly two years. He also pardoned Alex van der Zwaan, a Dutch lawyer who was sentenced to 30 days in prison for lying to investigators during special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation.Van der Zwaan and Papadopoulos are the third and fourth Russia investigation defendants granted clemency. By pardoning them, Trump once again took aim at Mueller’s probe and pushed a broader effort to undo the results of the investigation that yielded criminal charges against a half-dozen associates.Last month, Trump pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who had twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, and months earlier commuted the sentence of another associate, Roger Stone, days before he was to report to prison.In the group announced Tuesday night were four former government contractors convicted in a 2007 massacre in Baghdad that left more a dozen Iraqi civilians dead and caused an international uproar over the use of private security guards in a war zone.Supporters of Nicholas Slatten, Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard, the former contractors at Blackwater Worldwide, had lobbied for pardons, arguing that the men had been excessively punished in an investigation and prosecution they said was tainted by problems and withheld exculpatory evidence. All four were serving lengthy prison sentences.The pardons reflected Trump’s apparent willingness to give the benefit of doubt to American servicemembers and contractors when it comes to acts of violence in warzones against civilians. Last November, for instance, he pardoned a former U.S. Army commando who was set to stand trial next year in the killing of a suspected Afghan bomb-maker and a former Army lieutenant convicted of murder for ordering his men to fire upon three Afghans.“Paul Slough and his colleagues didn’t deserve to spend one minute in prison,” said Brian Heberlig, a lawyer for one of the four pardoned Blackwater defendants. “I am overwhelmed with emotion at this fantastic news.”

President Trump pardons 15, including GOP allies

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuKusYvt-U8">Click here to</a> watch a replay of the resignation.

WICHITA — Wichita City Councilman James Clendenin announced his resignation Tuesday morning during the city's regularly scheduled meeting. 

Clendenin and two others are named in a lawsuit filed by Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple related to an ad published on YouTube during the mayoral election last year that falsely suggested that Whipple was accused of sexual harassment when he served in the Kansas Legislature.

In November, Sedgwick County District  Attorney Marc Bennett&nbsp; filed a civil petition seeking the ouster of Clendenin for his role in the smear campaign.

Clendenin had a difficult time reading through his resignation statement during the council meeting. He will serve until the end of the month.

In a recording from last year that was released this fall, Clendinin, Sedgwick County Commissioner Michael O’Donnell,&nbsp; and state Rep. Michael Capp can be heard plotting to frame Sedgwick County Republican Party Chairman Dalton Glasscock for the smear video.&nbsp;&nbsp;.

O'Donnel resigned his place on the Sedgwick County Commission last month.

On Tuesday afternoon, the city of Wichita <a href="https://www.wichita.gov/News/Pages/2020-12-22b.aspx">released a document </a>on the process for filling a council vacancy for an unexpired term.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608654870531.png" alt="James Clendenin sheds tears while reading his resignation statement Tuesday morning." />
 <figcaption>James Clendenin sheds tears while reading his resignation statement Tuesday morning.</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuKusYvt-U8">Click here to</a> watch a replay of the resignation.WICHITA — Wichita City Councilman James Clendenin announced his resignation Tuesday morning during the city's regularly scheduled meeting. Clendenin and two others are named in a lawsuit filed by Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple related to an ad published on YouTube during the mayoral election last year that falsely suggested that Whipple was accused of sexual harassment when he served in the Kansas Legislature.In November, Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett&nbsp; filed a civil petition seeking the ouster of Clendenin for his role in the smear campaign.Clendenin had a difficult time reading through his resignation statement during the council meeting. He will serve until the end of the month.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603901453104.png" alt="O'Donnell wipes away tears when he resigned from the Sedgwick County Commission" />
 <figcaption>O'Donnell wipes away tears when he resigned from the Sedgwick County Commission</figcaption>
 </figure>In a recording from last year that was released this fall, Clendinin, Sedgwick County Commissioner Michael O’Donnell,&nbsp; and state Rep. Michael Capp can be heard plotting to frame Sedgwick County Republican Party Chairman Dalton Glasscock for the smear video.&nbsp;&nbsp;.O'Donnel resigned his place on the Sedgwick County Commission last month.On Tuesday afternoon, the city of Wichita <a href="https://www.wichita.gov/News/Pages/2020-12-22b.aspx">released a document </a>on the process for filling a council vacancy for an unexpired term.

City councilman in mayor smear campaign resigns

WICHITA —A McPherson County man has been charged with crimes involving children following an investigation by the FBI, according to&nbsp;U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Loren Olson, 68, Marquette, Kan., is charged with four counts of producing child pornography and one count of the sex trafficking of a minor. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in May, June and July 2020 in McPherson County, Kan.

Olson initially was charged by criminal complaint Dec. 9, 2020.

If convicted, Olson could face a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison on each production count, and not less than 10 years on the other count.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607547648538.png" alt="Olson-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Olson-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA —A McPherson County man has been charged with crimes involving children following an investigation by the FBI, according to&nbsp;U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Loren Olson, 68, Marquette, Kan., is charged with four counts of producing child pornography and one count of the sex trafficking of a minor. The crimes are alleged to have occurred in May, June and July 2020 in McPherson County, Kan.Olson initially was charged by criminal complaint Dec. 9, 2020.If convicted, Olson could face a penalty of not less than 15 years and not more than 30 years in federal prison on each production count, and not less than 10 years on the other count.

FBI investigated Kan. man for alleged sex trafficking 

TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly will hold a press conference at on Tuesday afternoon to give an update regarding COVID-19 in the state of Kansas.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 4,174 to a total of 204,600 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,441 an increase of 107

TOPEKA –Governor Laura Kelly will hold a press conference at on Tuesday afternoon to give an update regarding COVID-19 in the state of Kansas.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F1290831547941295%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 4,174 to a total of 204,600 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,441 an increase of 107

🎥  Governor updates COVID-19 battle in Kansas 

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Deputy Secretary of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL), Brett Flachsbarth, as the Acting Secretary of Labor, according to a media release from her office.

 He will serve as Acting Secretary of Labor until Governor Kelly announces the permanent Secretary.

“Brett is a Department of Labor veteran, and he knows the ins-and-outs of the issues KDOL faces,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m confident he will be able to continue the progress made and ensure Kansas families receive the relief they need.”

Brett joined the Kansas Department of Labor in 2005 as a member of the agency’s legal team. He was appointed to Deputy Secretary of Labor in January 2019. During his time with the agency he has worked in a variety of roles including Director of Unemployment insurance, Chief of Appeals, Counsel to the Employment Security Board of Review and Counsel to the Public Employee Relations Board.

He is a current member and former Chair of the Steering Committee for the Information and Technology Support Center, a nationwide collaboration between state agencies and the United States Department of Labor to advance the effective use of technology within the unemployment insurance system. Brett is a graduate of the University of Kansas and Washburn University School of Law.

“I want to thank Ryan Wright for his service as Acting Secretary,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Taking over this department was no easy task. There is still a lot of work to be done -- but under his leadership, KDOL has made immense progress and has largely been stabilized.”

The Kansas Department of Labor has made significant progress in the last 6 months, including:

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Deputy Secretary of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL), Brett Flachsbarth, as the Acting Secretary of Labor, according to a media release from her office. He will serve as Acting Secretary of Labor until Governor Kelly announces the permanent Secretary.“Brett is a Department of Labor veteran, and he knows the ins-and-outs of the issues KDOL faces,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m confident he will be able to continue the progress made and ensure Kansas families receive the relief they need.”Brett joined the Kansas Department of Labor in 2005 as a member of the agency’s legal team. He was appointed to Deputy Secretary of Labor in January 2019. During his time with the agency he has worked in a variety of roles including Director of Unemployment insurance, Chief of Appeals, Counsel to the Employment Security Board of Review and Counsel to the Public Employee Relations Board.He is a current member and former Chair of the Steering Committee for the Information and Technology Support Center, a nationwide collaboration between state agencies and the United States Department of Labor to advance the effective use of technology within the unemployment insurance system. Brett is a graduate of the University of Kansas and Washburn University School of Law.“I want to thank Ryan Wright for his service as Acting Secretary,”&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly said. “Taking over this department was no easy task. There is still a lot of work to be done -- but under his leadership, KDOL has made immense progress and has largely been stabilized.”The Kansas Department of Labor has made significant progress in the last 6 months, including:<ul>
 <li>Returning the agency to normal operations in all program areas, including workers compensation and industrial safety and health.</li><li>Instituted a fraud program which has stopped over 200,000 fraudulent claims: www.ReportFraud.ks.gov.</li><li>Brought on Accenture, a firm that helped address critical unemployment program backlogs, stabilized legacy IT systems, and increased temporary staffing to address the historic increase in demand for unemployment compensation.</li><li>Since March 15, paying out more than $3.4 million weekly claims totaling over $2.4 billion in unemployment. Previously, it took 8 years to reach $2 billion in unemployment payments.</li><li>Made significant progress on the backlog of claims. In June, the regular unemployment backlog was around 25,000. Today, KDOL has a backlog of around 1,800 claims and is on target to eliminate this backlog around the first of the year.</li><li>Made significant progress on the buildout of the PUA Unemployment System, including a critical component that allows the agency to address the PUA backlog. Since it was completed at the end of November, over 11,000 Kansans have begun providing the necessary documentation to have their PUA claims adjudicated. As claimants provide their documentation, KDOL staff is able to make a determination on their claims in a timely manner.</li><li>Improved call center customer service, added hundreds of new operators and streamlined operations. Now, once a caller enters an initial call queue they can speak to a customer service representative within 15 minutes. If the call queues are full they are not able to connect to the system, which prevents callers from remaining on hold for hours.</li>
 </ul>

Governor Kelly names acting Secretary of Labor

By LISA RODRIGUEZ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2020-12-21/faq-answering-your-questions-about-the-coronavirus-vaccines-as-inoculations-roll-out-in-kansas-city">Kansas News Service</a>

Hospitals across the Kansas have started vaccinating frontline health care workers against COVID-19. 

Public
 health officials have said a widely available vaccine will ultimately 
control the pandemic that has killed more than 7,000 people across 
Kansas and Missouri. 

As the vaccines become available to the general public, <a href="https://www.americaamplified.org/" target="_blank">America Amplified</a> is gathering and curating answers from experts to questions on the minds of public radio listeners across the country.

There
 are different companies producing coronavirus vaccines. Will all of 
them require people to get two doses? And do they need two doses of the 
same vaccine? How will people avoid getting two different vaccines? From William Schaffner MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

The
 two current vaccines each require 2 doses. Other vaccines are being 
studied; one of them is a single dose vaccine. You do need to have two 
doses of the same vaccine. Ideally you should visit the same health 
practioner who will be keeping a record of who is vaccinated with which 
vaccine.

I am 65 and live in a 55-plus community. When do you feel I can realistically expect to be able to get the vaccine? From William Schaffner MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

The
 determining factor will be your age, not your community. You’ll be in 
the second or third group to receive a vaccine, likely by sometime this 
spring. We know healthcare providers are first, and then residents of 
long-term care facilities. We are waiting on advice from the CDC 
Advisory committee on who should go next -- essential workers, or people
 who are 65 or older.

Does your visa status affect the chances of you getting the vaccine? From
 Dr. Mary Anne Jackson, Dean of University of Missouri-Kansas City 
Medical School and a member of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee

There are no restrictions on vaccine provisions to anyone on a visa.

What are the logistics for actually getting it to elderly with underlying issues? From Dr. Mary Anne Jackson, Dean of UMKC Medical School and a member of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee

CVS
 and Walgreens will be administering vaccines in senior living 
facilities. For those who cannot consent, relatives who have power of 
attorney can do so.

[What are the] side effects [from the vaccines] for people with underlying health issues. Do they even know? From Dr. William Moss, executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center.

Both
 [Pfizer and Moderna vaccines] use messenger RNA technology, a really 
novel vaccine platform. ...There still remain many questions to be 
answered as we go forward. At this juncture, we're only going to know 
about short-term side effects, but we need to know whether there are any
 potential rare, long-term side effects. Short-term side effects that we
 know of now appear in about 5% to 15% of participants. They include 
inflammation, soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, 
headaches, muscle aches and fatigue. These can last from 12 to 36 hours 
after vaccination.

Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine? From Side Effects Public Media

No. The COVID-19 vaccine doses developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna ... have been in <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-are-mrna-vaccines-so-exciting-2020121021599" target="_blank">development for about three decades</a>, but are only now being used for COVID-19. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html" target="_blank">According to the CDC</a>,
 mRNA vaccines teach your cells how to make a protein – or even just a 
piece of a protein – that triggers an immune response inside our bodies.
 That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects you 
from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.

Do I still have to wear a mask once I have the vaccine? From Side Effects Public Media

Yes. <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/12/12/945288710/what-you-need-to-know-as-the-first-covid-19-vaccine-heads-your-way" target="_blank">According to NPR’s Shots</a>,
 studies of the new vaccines only measured whether vaccinated people 
developed symptoms, not whether they got infected. It's possible that 
they got mild infections — not enough to make them ill, but enough to 
pass the virus on to others. The CDC is calling for those who are 
immunized to continue wearing masks and practicing safe physical 
distancing until more is learned.

Is it safe for patients with
 autoimmune disease who take immunosuppressive medications to be 
vaccinated against COVID? Is it effective? From Dr. William Moss, executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center.

There's
 no doubt that we're going to have to look very carefully at data on 
both the safety and efficacy because that too can be impaired in 
immunocompromised individuals. The vaccines that are typically not 
recommended routinely for severely immunocompromised individuals are 
what we call attenuated viral vaccines, where we take the natural virus 
and make it weaker. And this is a very old way of making vaccines. But 
for example, our measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines are attenuated 
viral vaccines. None of the front runners for COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 are
 that type of vaccine. So I don't anticipate problems with safety ... 
but that will need to be studied going forward.

Do any of the manufacturers know if their vaccine is safe for people with HIV? From William Schaffner MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

It
 probably won't hurt, but it could help. The second vaccine in line -- 
the Moderna vaccine -- included a small study of people with HIV 
infection and we expect to see that data shortly. But in the meantime, 
if people with HIV are offered the Pfizer vaccine they should take it.

Will I have to pay for the vaccine? From Side Effects Public Media

No.
 Vaccine providers will be able to bill insurance for a fee to 
administer the vaccine, but will not be able to charge you. They can 
seek reimbursement for uninsured patients from the Health Resources and 
Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund.

This story was 
produced as part of America Amplified, a public media initiative funded 
by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.&nbsp;If you have a 
question about any of the COVID-19 vaccines, send an e-mail to 
news@kcur.org with the subject "KCUR Vaccine Question."&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608581549882.jpg" alt="Pixabay image" />
 <figcaption>Pixabay image</figcaption>
 </figure>By LISA RODRIGUEZ <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2020-12-21/faq-answering-your-questions-about-the-coronavirus-vaccines-as-inoculations-roll-out-in-kansas-city">Kansas News Service</a>Hospitals across the Kansas have started vaccinating frontline health care workers against COVID-19. Public
 health officials have said a widely available vaccine will ultimately 
control the pandemic that has killed more than 7,000 people across 
Kansas and Missouri. As the vaccines become available to the general public, <a href="https://www.americaamplified.org/" target="_blank">America Amplified</a> is gathering and curating answers from experts to questions on the minds of public radio listeners across the country.There
 are different companies producing coronavirus vaccines. Will all of 
them require people to get two doses? And do they need two doses of the 
same vaccine? How will people avoid getting two different vaccines? From William Schaffner MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.The
 two current vaccines each require 2 doses. Other vaccines are being 
studied; one of them is a single dose vaccine. You do need to have two 
doses of the same vaccine. Ideally you should visit the same health 
practioner who will be keeping a record of who is vaccinated with which 
vaccine.I am 65 and live in a 55-plus community. When do you feel I can realistically expect to be able to get the vaccine? From William Schaffner MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.The
 determining factor will be your age, not your community. You’ll be in 
the second or third group to receive a vaccine, likely by sometime this 
spring. We know healthcare providers are first, and then residents of 
long-term care facilities. We are waiting on advice from the CDC 
Advisory committee on who should go next -- essential workers, or people
 who are 65 or older.Does your visa status affect the chances of you getting the vaccine? From
 Dr. Mary Anne Jackson, Dean of University of Missouri-Kansas City 
Medical School and a member of the National Vaccine Advisory CommitteeThere are no restrictions on vaccine provisions to anyone on a visa.What are the logistics for actually getting it to elderly with underlying issues? From Dr. Mary Anne Jackson, Dean of UMKC Medical School and a member of the National Vaccine Advisory CommitteeCVS
 and Walgreens will be administering vaccines in senior living 
facilities. For those who cannot consent, relatives who have power of 
attorney can do so.[What are the] side effects [from the vaccines] for people with underlying health issues. Do they even know? From Dr. William Moss, executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center.Both
 [Pfizer and Moderna vaccines] use messenger RNA technology, a really 
novel vaccine platform. ...There still remain many questions to be 
answered as we go forward. At this juncture, we're only going to know 
about short-term side effects, but we need to know whether there are any
 potential rare, long-term side effects. Short-term side effects that we
 know of now appear in about 5% to 15% of participants. They include 
inflammation, soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, 
headaches, muscle aches and fatigue. These can last from 12 to 36 hours 
after vaccination.Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine? From Side Effects Public MediaNo. The COVID-19 vaccine doses developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna ... have been in <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-are-mrna-vaccines-so-exciting-2020121021599" target="_blank">development for about three decades</a>, but are only now being used for COVID-19. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html" target="_blank">According to the CDC</a>,
 mRNA vaccines teach your cells how to make a protein – or even just a 
piece of a protein – that triggers an immune response inside our bodies.
 That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects you 
from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.Do I still have to wear a mask once I have the vaccine? From Side Effects Public MediaYes. <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/12/12/945288710/what-you-need-to-know-as-the-first-covid-19-vaccine-heads-your-way" target="_blank">According to NPR’s Shots</a>,
 studies of the new vaccines only measured whether vaccinated people 
developed symptoms, not whether they got infected. It's possible that 
they got mild infections — not enough to make them ill, but enough to 
pass the virus on to others. The CDC is calling for those who are 
immunized to continue wearing masks and practicing safe physical 
distancing until more is learned. Is it safe for patients with
 autoimmune disease who take immunosuppressive medications to be 
vaccinated against COVID? Is it effective? From Dr. William Moss, executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center.There's
 no doubt that we're going to have to look very carefully at data on 
both the safety and efficacy because that too can be impaired in 
immunocompromised individuals. The vaccines that are typically not 
recommended routinely for severely immunocompromised individuals are 
what we call attenuated viral vaccines, where we take the natural virus 
and make it weaker. And this is a very old way of making vaccines. But 
for example, our measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines are attenuated 
viral vaccines. None of the front runners for COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 are
 that type of vaccine. So I don't anticipate problems with safety ... 
but that will need to be studied going forward.Do any of the manufacturers know if their vaccine is safe for people with HIV? From William Schaffner MD, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.It
 probably won't hurt, but it could help. The second vaccine in line -- 
the Moderna vaccine -- included a small study of people with HIV 
infection and we expect to see that data shortly. But in the meantime, 
if people with HIV are offered the Pfizer vaccine they should take it.Will I have to pay for the vaccine? From Side Effects Public MediaNo.
 Vaccine providers will be able to bill insurance for a fee to 
administer the vaccine, but will not be able to charge you. They can 
seek reimbursement for uninsured patients from the Health Resources and 
Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund.This story was 
produced as part of America Amplified, a public media initiative funded 
by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.&nbsp;If you have a 
question about any of the COVID-19 vaccines, send an e-mail to 
news@kcur.org with the subject "KCUR Vaccine Question."&nbsp;

Q&A about COVID-19 vaccines as inoculations roll out

KANSAS CITY (AP) —&nbsp;Police in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City believe the victim of a fatal hit-and-run crash was left lying on the side of a street for more than 48 hours before he was found.

No arrests have been made in the accident that happened just after midnight Friday near Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard and Elmwood Avenue.

Police said on Twitter that a speeding vehicle left the roadway and struck a pedestrian. Police released photos of the vehicle.

Just after 9 a.m. Sunday, someone called authorities to report the body near the road.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608659142070.png" alt="Police are looking to identify this vehicle involved in the fatality crash on Dec. 18, just after midnight near Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. and Elmwood Ave.&nbsp;The vehicle will be heavily damaged possibly in the left rear quarter panel and the back window will be shattered. If you have any information, please contact Detective White at 816-949-1524" />
 <figcaption>Police are looking to identify this vehicle involved in the fatality crash on Dec. 18, just after midnight near Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. and Elmwood Ave.&nbsp;The vehicle will be heavily damaged possibly in the left rear quarter panel and the back window will be shattered. If you have any information, please contact Detective White at 816-949-1524</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —&nbsp;Police in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;City believe the victim of a fatal hit-and-run crash was left lying on the side of a street for more than 48 hours before he was found.No arrests have been made in the accident that happened just after midnight Friday near Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard and Elmwood Avenue.Police said on Twitter that a speeding vehicle left the roadway and struck a pedestrian. Police released photos of the vehicle.Just after 9 a.m. Sunday, someone called authorities to report the body near the road.

KC Police: Hit-and-run victim was left along roadway 2 days

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/21/this-is-damn-serious-roberts-urges-kansans-to-take-covid-19-vaccine/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts administered stern advice as he received his shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“This is damn serious,” he said. “Take the vaccine, just like I’m doing right now.”

Health officials in Kansas
 are administering vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna to the pandemic’s 
front line workers and others selected for the first wave of a limited 
supply as the novel coronavirus continues to wreak havoc across the 
state. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported another 
107 deaths from the virus on Monday, bringing the total number of Kansas
 to die from the disease to 2,448.

The vaccine is the latest 
weaponry in the war on the deadly contagion. The latest front in the war
 on disinformation: Convincing people to take the vaccine.

Enter Roberts, the 
Republican who is about to retire after representing Kansas for four 
decades in Washington, D.C. In a promotional video shared Monday by 
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Facebook, Roberts urged Kansans to wear a
 mask and get over their worries about the vaccine.

“Folks — get the vaccine. I
 know some people have worries about it,” Roberts said. “This is really 
going to help us get on top with this dreaded disease that has hurt us 
so much.”

And after taking his shot: “It didn’t hurt a bit, folks.”

Kansas received 24,000 
doses of the Pfizer vaccine last week and expects to receive 49,000 
doses of the Moderna vaccine this week.

Kelly applauded Roberts for “a final act of bipartisan goodwill.”

“When it’s your turn,” she
 said, “be like Senator Roberts and get your vaccine. It’s safe, 
effective, and will keep you and your loved ones protected from 
COVID-19.”

As of Monday, health 
officials have documented 204,600 infections of COVID-19 in Kansas. 
KDHE’s list of current outbreaks includes 55 nursing homes, seven 
correctional facilities, two group living homes, three health care 
facilities, six private businesses, including the Pfizer plant in 
McPherson, seven K-12 schools, the Jewell County Sheriff’s Office, and 
the City of Colby business office.

With no apparent slowing 
down of the virus’ spread, Kelly also announced Monday she will deliver 
her annual State of the State speech virtually next month, instead of 
speaking from the House floor.

“COVID-19 has altered many
 of our traditions,” the governor said. “With case numbers continuing to
 increase and limited hospital capacity, gathering the entire 
Legislature and the Kansas Supreme Court Justices into one chamber would
 be an unnecessary risk to their health and safety.”

Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature.&nbsp;

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/21/this-is-damn-serious-roberts-urges-kansans-to-take-covid-19-vaccine/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts administered stern advice as he received his shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.“This is damn serious,” he said. “Take the vaccine, just like I’m doing right now.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">When it’s your turn, be like <a href="https://twitter.com/SenPatRoberts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SenPatRoberts</a> and get your vaccine. It’s safe, effective, and will keep you and your loved ones protected from COVID-19. <a href="https://t.co/nNVgV9IiPh">pic.twitter.com/nNVgV9IiPh</a>&mdash; Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovLauraKelly/status/1341081825112961025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Health officials in Kansas
 are administering vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna to the pandemic’s 
front line workers and others selected for the first wave of a limited 
supply as the novel coronavirus continues to wreak havoc across the 
state. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported another 
107 deaths from the virus on Monday, bringing the total number of Kansas
 to die from the disease to 2,448.The vaccine is the latest 
weaponry in the war on the deadly contagion. The latest front in the war
 on disinformation: Convincing people to take the vaccine.Enter Roberts, the 
Republican who is about to retire after representing Kansas for four 
decades in Washington, D.C. In a promotional video shared Monday by 
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly on Facebook, Roberts urged Kansans to wear a
 mask and get over their worries about the vaccine.“Folks — get the vaccine. I
 know some people have worries about it,” Roberts said. “This is really 
going to help us get on top with this dreaded disease that has hurt us 
so much.”And after taking his shot: “It didn’t hurt a bit, folks.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608648549010.jpeg" alt="The Harvey County Health Department said it received 200 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Monday. The doses were being administered to local emergency responders and health care workers. (Harvey County Health Department)" />
 <figcaption>The Harvey County Health Department said it received 200 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Monday. The doses were being administered to local emergency responders and health care workers. (Harvey County Health Department)</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas received 24,000 
doses of the Pfizer vaccine last week and expects to receive 49,000 
doses of the Moderna vaccine this week.Kelly applauded Roberts for “a final act of bipartisan goodwill.”“When it’s your turn,” she
 said, “be like Senator Roberts and get your vaccine. It’s safe, 
effective, and will keep you and your loved ones protected from 
COVID-19.”As of Monday, health 
officials have documented 204,600 infections of COVID-19 in Kansas. 
KDHE’s list of current outbreaks includes 55 nursing homes, seven 
correctional facilities, two group living homes, three health care 
facilities, six private businesses, including the Pfizer plant in 
McPherson, seven K-12 schools, the Jewell County Sheriff’s Office, and 
the City of Colby business office.With no apparent slowing 
down of the virus’ spread, Kelly also announced Monday she will deliver 
her annual State of the State speech virtually next month, instead of 
speaking from the House floor.“COVID-19 has altered many
 of our traditions,” the governor said. “With case numbers continuing to
 increase and limited hospital capacity, gathering the entire 
Legislature and the Kansas Supreme Court Justices into one chamber would
 be an unnecessary risk to their health and safety.”Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature.&nbsp;

‘This is damn serious’: Roberts urges Kansans to take vaccine

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A commission established by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly in response to the mass civil unrest over racial injustice earlier this year is urging state lawmakers to ban officers from entering a home without announcing their presence, but it’s unclear how aggressively the Legislature will pursue it.

The recommendation by the Governor’s Commission on Racial Justice and Equity is modeled after federal legislation proposed this year by Democrats in Congress amid a growing call to ban “no-knock” search warrants after Breonna Taylor was killed in her Louisville home by officers in March.

The practice has since been banned in several cities, including Louisville. In October, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed a statewide ban against the use of no-knock warrants, joining Oregon and Florida.

Activists seeking to ban no-knock warrants argue that they can prompt police to use excessive or deadly force, often against minorities, while also violating people’s constitutional protection against unreasonable searches. Police are wary of banning them, fearing that requiring them to knock and announce themselves allows criminals time to flee or destroy evidence.

Two Kansas lawmakers who studied criminal justice reform on a panel of legislators and others said they had misgivings about the recommendation on no-knock warrants, and it’s unclear where legislative leadership stands.

Kelly is a Democrat and Republicans maintained their supermajorities in both chambers in November’s elections after hitting Democrats on criminal justice issues, suggesting they would “defund” the police.

Mike Pirner, a spokesman for incoming Senate President Ty Masterson, said Masterson had yet to study the issue. House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. said criminal justice issues will be addressed in 2021, and Kelly’s commission’s had ideas “that deserve to be vetted,” though he didn’t specifically mention a ban on no-knock warrants.

Rep. Stephen Owens, a Republican from Hesston and vice chairman of the legislative Criminal Justice Reform Commission, said he doesn’t support a ban. The state Legislature created the commission in 2019 to make recommendations on topics such as diversion programs and sentencing.

“I’m always hesitant to take a tool out of the toolbox for law enforcement,” he said, adding that officers may need to enter a property without warning to arrest armed gang members involved in drug trafficking.

Sen. David Haley, a Kansas City Democrat also on the criminal justice reform committee, is hesitant too. He said he wants to “evaluate how and when a no-knock warrant would be used” before supporting a ban.

Several top Republicans said the proposal will get a look from lawmakers, though they aren’t committing to a schedule or votes in the House and Senate.

But incoming Senate Vice President Rick Wilborn, a McPherson Republican also on the criminal justice reform committee, said: “If there ever was a time to look at it seriously, now is the time because criminal justice reform, in general, is at the forefront, has been for the last couple of years.”

Wyandotte County Sheriff Donald Ash said he does not recall his agency conducting a no-knock warrant in his 11 years as sheriff. Still, he doesn’t support a ban in drug cases.

He said police need the element of surprise in drug cases, when they’ve received reports that a suspect is armed and has a criminal history involving a firearm.

But executing the warrants can be dangerous for officers. Topeka police stopped the practice in 1995 after an officer was shot and killed conducting a drug raid, said Police Chief Bill Cochran. This summer, the Topeka City Council adopted an ordinance banning no-knock warrants, ensuring the agency doesn’t reintroduce the practice under a different chief.

Cochran said serving no-knock warrants is “inherently very dangerous” to officers. People inside become startled, which makes them more edgy and increases the possibility that their reactions will endanger officers, Cochran said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594415416015.png" alt="Governor Laura Kelly and members of her Commission on Racial Equality held their first meeting online in July." />
 <figcaption>Governor Laura Kelly and members of her Commission on Racial Equality held their first meeting online in July.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A commission established by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly in response to the mass civil unrest over racial injustice earlier this year is urging state lawmakers to ban officers from entering a home without announcing their presence, but it’s unclear how aggressively the Legislature will pursue it.The recommendation by the Governor’s Commission on Racial Justice and Equity is modeled after federal legislation proposed this year by Democrats in Congress amid a growing call to ban “no-knock” search warrants after Breonna Taylor was killed in her Louisville home by officers in March.The practice has since been banned in several cities, including Louisville. In October, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed a statewide ban against the use of no-knock warrants, joining Oregon and Florida.Activists seeking to ban no-knock warrants argue that they can prompt police to use excessive or deadly force, often against minorities, while also violating people’s constitutional protection against unreasonable searches. Police are wary of banning them, fearing that requiring them to knock and announce themselves allows criminals time to flee or destroy evidence.Two Kansas lawmakers who studied criminal justice reform on a panel of legislators and others said they had misgivings about the recommendation on no-knock warrants, and it’s unclear where legislative leadership stands.Kelly is a Democrat and Republicans maintained their supermajorities in both chambers in November’s elections after hitting Democrats on criminal justice issues, suggesting they would “defund” the police.Mike Pirner, a spokesman for incoming Senate President Ty Masterson, said Masterson had yet to study the issue. House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. said criminal justice issues will be addressed in 2021, and Kelly’s commission’s had ideas “that deserve to be vetted,” though he didn’t specifically mention a ban on no-knock warrants.Rep. Stephen Owens, a Republican from Hesston and vice chairman of the legislative Criminal Justice Reform Commission, said he doesn’t support a ban. The state Legislature created the commission in 2019 to make recommendations on topics such as diversion programs and sentencing.“I’m always hesitant to take a tool out of the toolbox for law enforcement,” he said, adding that officers may need to enter a property without warning to arrest armed gang members involved in drug trafficking.Sen. David Haley, a Kansas City Democrat also on the criminal justice reform committee, is hesitant too. He said he wants to “evaluate how and when a no-knock warrant would be used” before supporting a ban.Several top Republicans said the proposal will get a look from lawmakers, though they aren’t committing to a schedule or votes in the House and Senate.But incoming Senate Vice President Rick Wilborn, a McPherson Republican also on the criminal justice reform committee, said: “If there ever was a time to look at it seriously, now is the time because criminal justice reform, in general, is at the forefront, has been for the last couple of years.”Wyandotte County Sheriff Donald Ash said he does not recall his agency conducting a no-knock warrant in his 11 years as sheriff. Still, he doesn’t support a ban in drug cases.He said police need the element of surprise in drug cases, when they’ve received reports that a suspect is armed and has a criminal history involving a firearm.But executing the warrants can be dangerous for officers. Topeka police stopped the practice in 1995 after an officer was shot and killed conducting a drug raid, said Police Chief Bill Cochran. This summer, the Topeka City Council adopted an ordinance banning no-knock warrants, ensuring the agency doesn’t reintroduce the practice under a different chief.Cochran said serving no-knock warrants is “inherently very dangerous” to officers. People inside become startled, which makes them more edgy and increases the possibility that their reactions will endanger officers, Cochran said.__

Kansas equity, justice panel wants end to no-knock raids

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will need far more doses of coronavirus vaccines than it’s set to receive in the coming days to start giving shots to all residents 75 or older, officials at a major health care system said Monday, as the state reported its worst seven-day spike in COVID-19 deaths of the pandemic.

State officials expect Kansas’ 49,000 doses of a vaccine made by Moderna set to arrive this week to go to local health departments and community health care centers, so that they can vaccine health care workers, said Ashley Jones-Wisner, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The state’s first vaccine shipments last week, 23,750 doses made by Pfizer, went to hospitals for at-risk health care workers.

The state’s vaccine distribution plan calls for vaccines first to go to health care workers, workers in nursing homes and nursing home residents, though Jones-Wisner said another shipment of Pfizer’s vaccines, expected to be 17,550 doses, will be used to start those shots. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses.

A federal advisory panel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-over75-essential-145d1bae81aaa05df26cfed0d24f0e10">recommended Sunday</a>&nbsp;that people 75 and older and essential workers like firefighters, teachers and grocery store workers should be next in line for shots after health care workers and nursing home residents. But Dr. Steve Stites, the chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System, said until the state gets more doses, distributing vaccines is “going to be a little difficult.”

It’s likely to be months before vaccines will be available for everyone. Kansas officials don’t

“Somebody’s going to feel left out, because there’s not enough,” Stites said during an online briefing other health system officials. “We just have to have a lot more of the vaccine.”

The state health department reported a pandemic-high average of 48 additional COVID-19 deaths a day for the seven days ending Monday, with the previous record of 45 set last week for the seven days ending Wednesday. The state added 107 new deaths to its pandemic tally since Friday, to bring the total to 2,448, or one for every 1,190 residents.

The state also added 4,174 confirmed or probable coronavirus cases to its pandemic total since Friday, bringing it to 204.600, or one case for every 14 of the state’s 2.9 million residents. The state averaged 2,083 new cases a day for the seven days ending Monday.

Two-thirds of the state’s COVID-19 deaths, or 1,649, had occurred in residents 75 or older as of Monday, and last week, the state health department reported that during the pandemic, more than 500 clusters of two or more cases had accounted for 963 deaths.

The state plans to have vaccine shots given to nursing home residents and staff on-site, mostly through retail pharmacy giants CVS and Walgreens, so that neither group has to leave their facilities.

“We know that nursing home residents are the highest-risk people when they get COVID-19 but also the highest-risk of being exposed because of their congregate living situation,” said Dr. Jessica Kalender-Rich, a geriatric care specialist and member of a national advisory committee on vaccine distribution in nursing homes.

Gov. Laura Kelly already has celebrated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-e53bbe038a6cfab0be1dde53e93d5e42">a relatively wide distribution</a>&nbsp;of the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine across the state last week, saying it reached roughly 100 of the state’s 105 counties. The Moderna vaccine doesn’t have to be stored at as cold temperatures, and Stites said that will mean it can go to more places.

Stites also said people of all ages — including in nursing homes — still can protect themselves with masks, social distancing and frequent hand-washing. And, he predicted, Kansas will be “in pretty darn good shape” a year from now because of the vaccines.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608071036687.png" alt="Vaccine arrived Dec. 15 in Topeka- photo courtesy Stormont Vail Health" />
 <figcaption>Vaccine arrived Dec. 15 in Topeka- photo courtesy Stormont Vail Health</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas will need far more doses of coronavirus vaccines than it’s set to receive in the coming days to start giving shots to all residents 75 or older, officials at a major health care system said Monday, as the state reported its worst seven-day spike in COVID-19 deaths of the pandemic.State officials expect Kansas’ 49,000 doses of a vaccine made by Moderna set to arrive this week to go to local health departments and community health care centers, so that they can vaccine health care workers, said Ashley Jones-Wisner, a spokeswoman for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The state’s first vaccine shipments last week, 23,750 doses made by Pfizer, went to hospitals for at-risk health care workers.The state’s vaccine distribution plan calls for vaccines first to go to health care workers, workers in nursing homes and nursing home residents, though Jones-Wisner said another shipment of Pfizer’s vaccines, expected to be 17,550 doses, will be used to start those shots. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses.A federal advisory panel&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-over75-essential-145d1bae81aaa05df26cfed0d24f0e10">recommended Sunday</a>&nbsp;that people 75 and older and essential workers like firefighters, teachers and grocery store workers should be next in line for shots after health care workers and nursing home residents. But Dr. Steve Stites, the chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System, said until the state gets more doses, distributing vaccines is “going to be a little difficult.”It’s likely to be months before vaccines will be available for everyone. Kansas officials don’t“Somebody’s going to feel left out, because there’s not enough,” Stites said during an online briefing other health system officials. “We just have to have a lot more of the vaccine.”The state health department reported a pandemic-high average of 48 additional COVID-19 deaths a day for the seven days ending Monday, with the previous record of 45 set last week for the seven days ending Wednesday. The state added 107 new deaths to its pandemic tally since Friday, to bring the total to 2,448, or one for every 1,190 residents.The state also added 4,174 confirmed or probable coronavirus cases to its pandemic total since Friday, bringing it to 204.600, or one case for every 14 of the state’s 2.9 million residents. The state averaged 2,083 new cases a day for the seven days ending Monday.ADVERTISEMENTTwo-thirds of the state’s COVID-19 deaths, or 1,649, had occurred in residents 75 or older as of Monday, and last week, the state health department reported that during the pandemic, more than 500 clusters of two or more cases had accounted for 963 deaths.The state plans to have vaccine shots given to nursing home residents and staff on-site, mostly through retail pharmacy giants CVS and Walgreens, so that neither group has to leave their facilities.“We know that nursing home residents are the highest-risk people when they get COVID-19 but also the highest-risk of being exposed because of their congregate living situation,” said Dr. Jessica Kalender-Rich, a geriatric care specialist and member of a national advisory committee on vaccine distribution in nursing homes.Gov. Laura Kelly already has celebrated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-e53bbe038a6cfab0be1dde53e93d5e42">a relatively wide distribution</a>&nbsp;of the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine across the state last week, saying it reached roughly 100 of the state’s 105 counties. The Moderna vaccine doesn’t have to be stored at as cold temperatures, and Stites said that will mean it can go to more places.Stites also said people of all ages — including in nursing homes — still can protect themselves with masks, social distancing and frequent hand-washing. And, he predicted, Kansas will be “in pretty darn good shape” a year from now because of the vaccines.___

Health officials: Kansas needs 'a lot more' COVID-19 vaccine

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Lawmakers tacked on a $1.4 trillion catchall spending bill and thousands of pages of other end-of-session business in a massive bundle of bipartisan legislation as Capitol Hill prepared to close the books on the year. The bill approved Monday night went to President Donald Trump for his signature, which was expected in the coming days.

The relief package, unveiled Monday afternoon, sped through the House and Senate in a matter of hours. The Senate cleared the massive package by a 92-6 vote after the House approved the COVID-19 package by another lopsided vote, 359-53. The tallies were a bipartisan coda to months of partisanship and politicking as lawmakers wrangled over the relief question, a logjam that broke after President-elect Joe Biden urged his party to accept a compromise with top Republicans that is smaller than many Democrats would have liked.

The bill combines coronavirus-fighting funds with financial relief for individuals and businesses. It would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefit and a $600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans, along with a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses, restaurants, and theaters and money for schools, health care providers and renters facing eviction.

The 5,593-page legislation — by far the longest bill ever — came together Sunday after months of battling, posturing and postelection negotiating that reined in a number of Democratic demands as the end of the congressional session approached. Biden was eager for a deal to deliver long-awaited help to suffering people and a boost to the economy, even though it was less than half the size that Democrats wanted in the fall.

“This deal is not everything I want — not by a long shot,” said Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern, D-Mass., a longstanding voice in the party’s old-school liberal wing. “The choice before us is simple. It’s about whether we help families or not. It’s about whether we help small businesses and restaurants or not. It’s about whether we boost (food stamp) benefits and strengthen anti-hunger programs or not. And whether we help those dealing with a job loss or not. To me, this is not a tough call.”

Congress also approved a one-week stopgap spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown at midnight and give Trump time to sign the sweeping legislation.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, a key negotiator, said on CNBC Monday morning that the direct payments would begin arriving in bank accounts next week.

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

The measure would fund the government through September, wrapping a year’s worth of action on annual spending bills into a single package that never saw Senate committee or floor debate.

The legislation followed a tortured path. Democrats played hardball up until Election Day, amid accusations that they wanted to deny Trump a victory that might help him prevail. Democrats denied that, but their demands indeed became more realistic after Trump’s loss and as Biden made it clear that half a loaf was better than none.

The final bill bore ample resemblance to a $1 trillion package put together by Senate Republican leaders in July, a proposal that at the time was scoffed at by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as way too little.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., took a victory lap after blocking far more ambitious legislation from reaching the Senate floor. He said the pragmatic approach of Biden was key.

“The president-elect suggesting that we needed to do something now was helpful in moving both Pelosi and Schumer into a better place,” McConnell told The Associated Press. “My view about what comes next is let’s take a look at it. Happy to evaluate that based upon the needs that we confront in February and March.”

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, D-Calif., came to the Senate to cast her vote for the bill. “The American people need relief and I want to be able to do what I can to help them,” she said.

On direct payments, the bill provides $600 to individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 to couples making up to $150,000, with payments phased out for higher incomes. An additional $600 payment will be made per dependent child, similar to the last round of relief payments in the spring.

“I expect we’ll get the money out by the beginning of next week — $2,400 for a family of four,” Mnuchin said. “So much needed relief just in time for the holidays.”

The $300 per week bonus jobless benefit was half the supplemental federal unemployment benefit provided under the $1.8 billion CARES Act in March. That more generous benefit and would be limited to 11 weeks instead of 16 weeks. The direct $600 stimulus payment was also half the March payment.

The CARES Act was credited with keeping the economy from falling off a cliff during widespread lockdowns in the spring, but Republicans controlling the Senate cited debt concerns in pushing against Democratic demands.

“Anyone who thinks this bill is enough hasn’t heard the desperation in the voices of their constituents, has not looked into the eyes of the small-business owner on the brink of ruin,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, a lifelong New Yorker who pushed hard for money helping his city’s transit systems, renters, theaters and restaurants.

Progress came after a bipartisan group of pragmatists and moderates devised a $908 billion plan that built a middle-ground position that the top four leaders of Congress — the GOP and Democratic leaders of both the House and Senate — used as the basis for their talks. The lawmakers urged leaders on both sides to back off of hardline positions.

“At times we felt like we were in the wilderness because people on all sides of the aisle didn’t want to give, in order to give the other side a win,” said freshman Rep. Elssa Slotkin, D-Mich. “And it was gross to watch, frankly.”

Republicans were most intent on reviving the Paycheck Protection Program with $284 billion, which would cover a second round of PPP grants to especially hard-hit businesses. Democrats won set-asides for low-income and minority communities.

The sweeping bill also contains $25 billion in rental assistance, $15 billion for theaters and other live venues, $82 billion for local schools, colleges and universities, and $10 billion for child care.

Six GOP senators voted against the bill: Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Ted Cruz of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Rick Scott of Florida, Mike Lee of Utah and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.

The governmentwide appropriations bill was likely to provide a last $1.4 billion installment for Trump’s U.S.-Mexico border wall as a condition of winning his signature. The Pentagon would receive $696 billion. Democrats and Senate Republicans prevailed in a bid to use bookkeeping maneuvers to squeeze $12.5 billion more for domestic programs into the legislation.

The bill was an engine to carry much of Capitol Hill’s unfinished business, including an almost 400-page water resources bill that targets $10 billion for 46 Army Corps of Engineers flood control, environmental and coastal protection projects. Another addition would extend a batch of soon-to-expire tax breaks, such as one for craft brewers, wineries and distillers.

It also would carry numerous clean-energy provisions sought by Democrats with fossil fuel incentives favored by Republicans, $7 billion to increase access to broadband, $4 billion to help other nations vaccinate their people, $14 billion for cash-starved transit systems, $1 billion for Amtrak and $2 billion for airports and concessionaires. Food stamp benefits would temporarily be increased by 15%.

The Senate Historical Office said the previous record for the length of legislation was the 2,847-page tax reform bill of 1986 — about one-half the size of Monday’s behemoth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1596577475681.png" alt="The 5,593-page spending bill congress passed late Monday is the longest bill in history-image courtesy CSPAN." />
 <figcaption>The 5,593-page spending bill congress passed late Monday is the longest bill in history-image courtesy CSPAN.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.Lawmakers tacked on a $1.4 trillion catchall spending bill and thousands of pages of other end-of-session business in a massive bundle of bipartisan legislation as Capitol Hill prepared to close the books on the year. The bill approved Monday night went to President Donald Trump for his signature, which was expected in the coming days.The relief package, unveiled Monday afternoon, sped through the House and Senate in a matter of hours. The Senate cleared the massive package by a 92-6 vote after the House approved the COVID-19 package by another lopsided vote, 359-53. The tallies were a bipartisan coda to months of partisanship and politicking as lawmakers wrangled over the relief question, a logjam that broke after President-elect Joe Biden urged his party to accept a compromise with top Republicans that is smaller than many Democrats would have liked.The bill combines coronavirus-fighting funds with financial relief for individuals and businesses. It would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefit and a $600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans, along with a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses, restaurants, and theaters and money for schools, health care providers and renters facing eviction.The 5,593-page legislation — by far the longest bill ever — came together Sunday after months of battling, posturing and postelection negotiating that reined in a number of Democratic demands as the end of the congressional session approached. Biden was eager for a deal to deliver long-awaited help to suffering people and a boost to the economy, even though it was less than half the size that Democrats wanted in the fall.“This deal is not everything I want — not by a long shot,” said Rules Committee Chairman Jim McGovern, D-Mass., a longstanding voice in the party’s old-school liberal wing. “The choice before us is simple. It’s about whether we help families or not. It’s about whether we help small businesses and restaurants or not. It’s about whether we boost (food stamp) benefits and strengthen anti-hunger programs or not. And whether we help those dealing with a job loss or not. To me, this is not a tough call.”Congress also approved a one-week stopgap spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown at midnight and give Trump time to sign the sweeping legislation.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, a key negotiator, said on CNBC Monday morning that the direct payments would begin arriving in bank accounts next week.Democrats promised more aid to come once Biden takes office, but Republicans were signaling a wait-and-see approach.The measure would fund the government through September, wrapping a year’s worth of action on annual spending bills into a single package that never saw Senate committee or floor debate.The legislation followed a tortured path. Democrats played hardball up until Election Day, amid accusations that they wanted to deny Trump a victory that might help him prevail. Democrats denied that, but their demands indeed became more realistic after Trump’s loss and as Biden made it clear that half a loaf was better than none.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608637004856.png" alt="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the $600 is a "significant" amount for working families-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the $600 is a "significant" amount for working families-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>The final bill bore ample resemblance to a $1 trillion package put together by Senate Republican leaders in July, a proposal that at the time was scoffed at by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., as way too little.Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., took a victory lap after blocking far more ambitious legislation from reaching the Senate floor. He said the pragmatic approach of Biden was key.“The president-elect suggesting that we needed to do something now was helpful in moving both Pelosi and Schumer into a better place,” McConnell told The Associated Press. “My view about what comes next is let’s take a look at it. Happy to evaluate that based upon the needs that we confront in February and March.”Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, D-Calif., came to the Senate to cast her vote for the bill. “The American people need relief and I want to be able to do what I can to help them,” she said.On direct payments, the bill provides $600 to individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 to couples making up to $150,000, with payments phased out for higher incomes. An additional $600 payment will be made per dependent child, similar to the last round of relief payments in the spring.“I expect we’ll get the money out by the beginning of next week — $2,400 for a family of four,” Mnuchin said. “So much needed relief just in time for the holidays.”The $300 per week bonus jobless benefit was half the supplemental federal unemployment benefit provided under the $1.8 billion CARES Act in March. That more generous benefit and would be limited to 11 weeks instead of 16 weeks. The direct $600 stimulus payment was also half the March payment.The CARES Act was credited with keeping the economy from falling off a cliff during widespread lockdowns in the spring, but Republicans controlling the Senate cited debt concerns in pushing against Democratic demands.“Anyone who thinks this bill is enough hasn’t heard the desperation in the voices of their constituents, has not looked into the eyes of the small-business owner on the brink of ruin,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, a lifelong New Yorker who pushed hard for money helping his city’s transit systems, renters, theaters and restaurants.Progress came after a bipartisan group of pragmatists and moderates devised a $908 billion plan that built a middle-ground position that the top four leaders of Congress — the GOP and Democratic leaders of both the House and Senate — used as the basis for their talks. The lawmakers urged leaders on both sides to back off of hardline positions.“At times we felt like we were in the wilderness because people on all sides of the aisle didn’t want to give, in order to give the other side a win,” said freshman Rep. Elssa Slotkin, D-Mich. “And it was gross to watch, frankly.”Republicans were most intent on reviving the Paycheck Protection Program with $284 billion, which would cover a second round of PPP grants to especially hard-hit businesses. Democrats won set-asides for low-income and minority communities.The sweeping bill also contains $25 billion in rental assistance, $15 billion for theaters and other live venues, $82 billion for local schools, colleges and universities, and $10 billion for child care.Six GOP senators voted against the bill: Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Ted Cruz of Texas, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Rick Scott of Florida, Mike Lee of Utah and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.The governmentwide appropriations bill was likely to provide a last $1.4 billion installment for Trump’s U.S.-Mexico border wall as a condition of winning his signature. The Pentagon would receive $696 billion. Democrats and Senate Republicans prevailed in a bid to use bookkeeping maneuvers to squeeze $12.5 billion more for domestic programs into the legislation.The bill was an engine to carry much of Capitol Hill’s unfinished business, including an almost 400-page water resources bill that targets $10 billion for 46 Army Corps of Engineers flood control, environmental and coastal protection projects. Another addition would extend a batch of soon-to-expire tax breaks, such as one for craft brewers, wineries and distillers.It also would carry numerous clean-energy provisions sought by Democrats with fossil fuel incentives favored by Republicans, $7 billion to increase access to broadband, $4 billion to help other nations vaccinate their people, $14 billion for cash-starved transit systems, $1 billion for Amtrak and $2 billion for airports and concessionaires. Food stamp benefits would temporarily be increased by 15%.The Senate Historical Office said the previous record for the length of legislation was the 2,847-page tax reform bill of 1986 — about one-half the size of Monday’s behemoth.

New virus relief checks arriving in bank accounts next week

FINNEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9p.m. Monday in Finney County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Torres Jaime Barroso, 30, Dennison, IA., was eastbound on U.S. 50 nine miles east of Garden City.

The semi crossed the centerline&nbsp; and struck a westbound 2007 Lincoln MKZ driven by Monica Dawn Walker, 45, Ulysses.

The semi came to rest in the west bound lane and the Lincoln came to rest on the north shoulder facing west.

Walker was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the morgue at St. Catherines. Barroso was not injured.

FINNEY COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 9p.m. Monday in Finney County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Peterbilt semi driven by Torres Jaime Barroso, 30, Dennison, IA., was eastbound on U.S. 50 nine miles east of Garden City.The semi crossed the centerline&nbsp; and struck a westbound 2007 Lincoln MKZ driven by Monica Dawn Walker, 45, Ulysses.The semi came to rest in the west bound lane and the Lincoln came to rest on the north shoulder facing west.Walker was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the morgue at St. Catherines. Barroso was not injured.

Kan. woman dies after semi crossed centerline strikes car

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities including the FBI and KBI are investigating a bank robbery and fatal officer-involved shooting.

Just after 3:30p.m. Monday, a suspect entered the Golden Plains Credit Union, 9555 East Corporate Hills Drive in Wichita, according to police Captain Wendell Nicholson.

The suspect demanded money and it was given to him. He fled in a truck that was later determined to be stolen.

Police in the area located the vehicle and there was a short pursuit, according to Nicholson. At the intersection of 13th and Webb Road, the suspect vehicle struck two citizen vehicles and two police cars. An officer fired shots at the suspect. When EMS arrived on the scene, they pronounced the suspect dead.

The citizens involved in the crash had minor injuries, according to Nicholson. He did not have details on whether they were transported for treatment. He released no additional details including the suspect's name.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608600519979.png" alt="Police on the scene of Monday's investigation photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of Monday's investigation photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities including the FBI and KBI are investigating a bank robbery and fatal officer-involved shooting.Just after 3:30p.m. Monday, a suspect entered the Golden Plains Credit Union, 9555 East Corporate Hills Drive in Wichita, according to police Captain Wendell Nicholson.The suspect demanded money and it was given to him. He fled in a truck that was later determined to be stolen.Police in the area located the vehicle and there was a short pursuit, according to Nicholson. At the intersection of 13th and Webb Road, the suspect vehicle struck two citizen vehicles and two police cars. An officer fired shots at the suspect. When EMS arrived on the scene, they pronounced the suspect dead.The citizens involved in the crash had minor injuries, according to Nicholson. He did not have details on whether they were transported for treatment. He released no additional details including the suspect's name.

Police shoot Kan. bank robbery suspect after chase, crash

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Seven new female Democratic Kansas House members and the party’s leader in the chamber are demanding publicly that a male representative-elect resign before taking office because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-topeka-elections-fd91a21ee706c19194c7d302a2315d28">issues</a>&nbsp;that include a temporary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-kansas-city-kansas-elections-campaigns-97855c4a3deea46d5cbd8b39489b8af7">anti-stalking court order</a>&nbsp;against him.

The lawmakers-to-be and House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer issued statements Monday calling on Democratic Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City, Kansas, to step down before the Legislature opens its annual 90-day session Jan. 11. Coleman did not immediately respond to a cellphone message seeking comment.

Coleman has been under a temporary restraining order since Dec. 4 in his home of Wyandotte County requiring him to stay away from the woman who managed the campaign of the veteran Democratic lawmaker that Coleman narrowly defeated in the August primary.

Brandie Armstrong has accused Coleman of sending her harassing messages, coming to her home twice and trying to get her evicted. A trial is set for March 8, 2021, to determine whether the order remains in place longer.

The new lawmakers demanding Coleman’s resignation are Reps.-elect Stephanie Byers of Wichita, Jennifer Day of Overland Park, Linda Featherston of Overland Park, Christina Haswood of Lawrence, Jo Ella Hoye of Lenexa, Mari-Lynn Poskin of Leawood and Lindsay Vaughn of Overland Park.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604624233968.png" alt="Photo courtesy Rep.-elect Aaron Coleman" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Rep.-elect Aaron Coleman</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Seven new female Democratic Kansas House members and the party’s leader in the chamber are demanding publicly that a male representative-elect resign before taking office because of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-topeka-elections-fd91a21ee706c19194c7d302a2315d28">issues</a>&nbsp;that include a temporary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-kansas-city-kansas-elections-campaigns-97855c4a3deea46d5cbd8b39489b8af7">anti-stalking court order</a>&nbsp;against him.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608567337136.png" alt="Photo courtesy Rep. Stephanie Byers" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Rep. Stephanie Byers</figcaption>
 </figure>The lawmakers-to-be and House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer issued statements Monday calling on Democratic Rep. Aaron Coleman of Kansas City, Kansas, to step down before the Legislature opens its annual 90-day session Jan. 11. Coleman did not immediately respond to a cellphone message seeking comment.Coleman has been under a temporary restraining order since Dec. 4 in his home of Wyandotte County requiring him to stay away from the woman who managed the campaign of the veteran Democratic lawmaker that Coleman narrowly defeated in the August primary.Brandie Armstrong has accused Coleman of sending her harassing messages, coming to her home twice and trying to get her evicted. A trial is set for March 8, 2021, to determine whether the order remains in place longer.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">KDP&#39;s response to incoming Kansas Democratic legislators&#39; statement on Aaron Coleman. <a href="https://t.co/kOH2ZgtMr5">pic.twitter.com/kOH2ZgtMr5</a>&mdash; Kansas Dems (@KansasDems) <a href="https://twitter.com/KansasDems/status/1341078933631066114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The new lawmakers demanding Coleman’s resignation are Reps.-elect Stephanie Byers of Wichita, Jennifer Day of Overland Park, Linda Featherston of Overland Park, Christina Haswood of Lawrence, Jo Ella Hoye of Lenexa, Mari-Lynn Poskin of Leawood and Lindsay Vaughn of Overland Park.

New Kan. lawmakers, leader demand resignation of legislator-to-be

LONDON (AP) — Trucks waiting to get out of Britain backed up for miles and people were left stranded at airports Monday as dozens of countries around the world slapped tough travel restrictions on the U.K. because of a new and seemingly more contagious strain of the coronavirus in England.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608566572342.png" alt="VIrus image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>VIrus image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — Trucks waiting to get out of Britain backed up for miles and people were left stranded at airports Monday as dozens of countries around the world slapped tough travel restrictions on the U.K. because of a new and seemingly more contagious strain of the coronavirus in England.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/global-trade-england-english-channel-coronavirus-pandemic-france-83ef15eac10bade1859a0d321d4b5448">The restrictions focus mainly on Britain</a>, which imposed strict new lockdown measures Saturday night because of what it described as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-england-coronavirus-pandemic-africa-south-africa-74ea2d47820b8dcac02f95ad9440f533">unusually rapid spread of a new strain&nbsp;</a>there. A few other European countries have confirmed cases of the virus variant, and another strain considered especially infectious has been identified in South Africa.From Canada to India, one nation after another banned flights from Britain, while France barred the entry of trucks from Britain for 48 hours while the strain is assessed.The precautions raised fears of food shortages in Britain if the restrictions drag on.After a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he understood the reason for the new measures and expressed hope for a swift resumption in the free flow of traffic between the U.K. and France, perhaps within a few hours.He said officials from both countries were working “to unblock the flow of trade as fast as possible.” Macron said earlier that France was looking at establishing systematic testing of people for the virus on arrival.Over the weekend, Johnson imposed strict lockdown measures in London and neighboring areas where Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the new strain is “out of control.” Experts said the early evidence indicates the strain is not more lethal, and they expressed confidence that the vaccines now being rolled out would still be effective against it.After France announced Sunday night that it was closing its borders to trucks from Britain, hundreds of vehicles, mainly operated by drivers from continental Europe, became stranded outside the English Channel port of Dover. The lines shrank over the course of the day from 500 trucks to about 175, authorities said.Around 10,000 trucks pass through the port of Dover every day, accounting for about 20% of the country’s trade in goods.Meanwhile, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-amsterdam-europe-4cd75619772c208c29fddbcb02d25b9e">European Union gave the go-ahead to the coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech</a>, setting the stage for the first COVID-19 shots across the 27-nation bloc to begin just after Christmas.“This is a very good way to end this difficult year and to finally start turning the page on COVID-19,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.The approval came just hours after the EU’s drug regulatory agency said the vaccine meets safety and quality standards. It is already being dispensed in Britain and the U.S.The virus is blamed for 1.7 million deaths worldwide, including about 68,000 in Britain, the second-highest death toll in Europe, behind Italy’s 69,000.While the French ban does not prevent trucks from entering Britain, the move stoked worries about shortages at a time of year when the UK produces very little of its food and relies heavily on produce delivered from Europe by truck.Many trucks that carry cargo from the U.K. to the continent return laden with goods for Britain’s use. The fear is that the ban will lead to a drop in such deliveries. Also, some drivers or their employers might decide against entering Britain for fear they won’t be able to get back home.Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s warned that some products, such as lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli and citrus fruits, could soon be in short supply if the crisis not resolved in the coming days.Canada, India, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden were among the countries that suspended flights from Britain for various lengths of time.In the United States, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has been calling on the U.S. to halt flights as well, said he asked airlines flying into his state from the U.K. to make all passengers take a coronavirus test before boarding. He said at least one carrier, British Airways, agreed to do so.At Germany’s Berlin and Frankfurt airports, passengers arriving from Britain had to spend Sunday night in the terminals as they awaited test results.Eurotunnel, the rail operator that carries passengers and freight between Britain and mainland Europe, also suspended service out of the U.K.Sophie Taxil, a Frenchwoman who lives in London, caught a train back home from Paris and urged everyone in Britain to follow the rules.“I live there and I need to go back there; my family is there,” she said. “I think that phlegmatic British nature suits these COVID times: Stay calm and carry on, fair play.”Over the weekend, Johnson said early indications are that the variant is 70% more transmissible and is driving the rapid spread of infections in the capital and surrounding areas.As a result, he scrapped a planned relaxation of rules over Christmastime for millions of people and imposed other tough new restrictions in the affected zone. No indoor mixing of households will be allowed, and only essential travel will be permitted. Stores selling nonessential goods were ordered closed, putting a crimp in Christmas shopping.The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said that while preliminary analysis suggests the new variant is “significantly more transmissible,” there is no indication that infections are more severe. Still, experts have stressed that more infections will lead to more hospitalizations and deaths.The Stockholm-based agency said a few cases of the variant have been reported by Iceland, Denmark and the Netherlands. It also cited news reports of cases in Belgium and Italy.With the rollout of coronavirus vaccines set to pick up speed in early 2021, countries are clearly worried about the new variant.“I think the vaccine will be fine,” said Dr. Julian Tang, a clinical virologist at the University of Leicester. But the new strain “is spreading so fast we may not be able to reach the vulnerable population, the elderly, in time with the vaccine before the virus does.”The chaos at the border comes at a time of huge uncertainty for Britain, less than two weeks before it completes its exit from the EU and frees itself from the bloc’s rules. Talks on a post-Brexit trade relationship between the two sides are deadlocked.The retail industry played down fears of food shortages in the short term but warned of problems if the travel bans last for a while and if Britain and the EU fail to reach a trade deal. Trade association Logistics U.K. urged people to stay calm and resist panic-buying in supermarkets.“If freight gets moving again today, then the overall impact on fresh produce arriving to supermarkets should be fairly minimal,” said Kevin Green, the association’s director of marketing and communications___