TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) —Gov. Laura Kelly expressed little concern Friday over a smaller-than-expected second shipment of a coronavirus vaccine for Kansas, adding that she expects the state’s plan for distributing shots in coming months to boost an economy that has slowed recently.

<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BiWeeklyCall-12.18.20-1-2.mp4">Click here to listen&nbsp;</a> the governor's Friday conference call with county commissioners, emergency managers, public health officers, legislators, and other community leaders on COVID-19 and the vaccine.

Kelly said the reduction in the state’s second shipment of a vaccine made by Pfizer is “more of a smoothing process” by the federal government to make sure health care workers who received the first of two doses this week can get the second in January. At least a dozen states have reported that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-87da29dc29e51236b90c2be9b023ce0a">they will receive fewer doses</a>&nbsp;next week than anticipated.

The governor’s comments during a teleconference with local and state officials came as the state Department of Health and Environment reported that Kansas has surpassed 200,000 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases for the pandemic, or about one for every 15 of its 2.9 million residents. The state also reported total 2,341 COVID-19 deaths, adding 88 to the tally since Wednesday.

Kansas received its first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine this week, the first of two doses for 23,750 people, and it focused on distributing them to hospitals so that they could vaccinate health care workers at high-risk of coronavirus exposure. The state had anticipated receiving another 29,000 doses next week but now expects 39% fewer doses, or 17,550.

“I heard this morning that the reason that this is being done is that they needed to smooth out the quantity of deliveries, if they had delivered as many as they had proposed to deliver next week, then they were not going to have enough for people to get their second dose,” she said. “I think we’re OK on that.”

Michigan’s shipment will drop by about a quarter. In addition to Kansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire and Indiana also have been told to expect smaller shipments.

The governor celebrated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-e53bbe038a6cfab0be1dde53e93d5e42">the relatively widespread distribution&nbsp;</a>of the first shipment, with at least a few doses going to hospitals in rural areas. Kelly said about 100 of the state’s 105 counties have received vaccines and the ones that haven’t either didn’t cite a need for it or weren’t prepared to give shots this week.

In northeast Kansas, Marshall County, with about 9,700 residents, had fewer than 100 cases at the beginning of November and now has almost 600, or one for every 16 residents. It went from having no reported COVID-19 deaths to 21 as the virus swept through nursing homes.

The county hospital on Thursday lined up its first group of employees to get shots in front of a Christmas tree in the lobby, said spokeswoman Ashley Kracht.

“Really this vaccine is a turning point emotionally as much as anything else,” she said. “I think all of our staff would probably say, ’We are doing our best to kind of keep keep our heads above water. We just feel like we are constantly treading water so this really gives us the ability to say, ‘We might float.’ Something better is coming.”

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1533/COVID-19-Vaccination-Plan-for-Kansas-Version12-1142020?bidId=" target="_blank">Kansas’ plan</a>&nbsp;for distributing the vaccines calls for giving shots first to at-risk health care workers, nursing home workers and nursing home residents. Vaccines are supposed to start for all adults next spring.

“It should foster economic recovery,” Kelly said. “We can enter the new year with confidence that life will return to normal in a matter of months. We’re not there yet.”

Kelly herself does not plan to get vaccinated until “it is her turn,” spokeswoman Lauren Fitzgerald said. State legislators also are not getting special treatment.

“She will be vaccinated publicly to reinforce the safety and importance of getting vaccinated,” Fitzgerald said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press.

But the hope — and for some health care workers, joy — over the first vaccine’s arrival came amid bad news about the Kansas economy.

The state Department of Labor has reported a growing number of initial claims for unemployment benefits in recent weeks. More than 39,000 such claims were filed during the week ending Dec. 12, an increase of 95% over the second week of November’s roughly 20,000 claims and more than 20 times the number of claims filed during the second week of December 2019.

The Department of Labor said Friday that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose in November to 5.6%, up from 5% in October and compared with 3.1% for November 2019. The state’s pandemic-fueled unemployment rate peaked at 11.9% in April and had been dropping until November.

The state health department added 5,857 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases to its pandemic tally since Wednesday, bringing the total to 200,426. The state averaged 2,162 new cases a day for the seven days ending Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608072923749.png" alt="The first vaccine arrived in Kansas November 14 -photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor" />
 <figcaption>The first vaccine arrived in Kansas November 14 -photo courtesy office of Kansas Governor</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) —Gov. Laura Kelly expressed little concern Friday over a smaller-than-expected second shipment of a coronavirus vaccine for Kansas, adding that she expects the state’s plan for distributing shots in coming months to boost an economy that has slowed recently.<a href="https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/BiWeeklyCall-12.18.20-1-2.mp4">Click here to listen&nbsp;</a> the governor's Friday conference call with county commissioners, emergency managers, public health officers, legislators, and other community leaders on COVID-19 and the vaccine.Kelly said the reduction in the state’s second shipment of a vaccine made by Pfizer is “more of a smoothing process” by the federal government to make sure health care workers who received the first of two doses this week can get the second in January. At least a dozen states have reported that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-87da29dc29e51236b90c2be9b023ce0a">they will receive fewer doses</a>&nbsp;next week than anticipated.The governor’s comments during a teleconference with local and state officials came as the state Department of Health and Environment reported that Kansas has surpassed 200,000 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases for the pandemic, or about one for every 15 of its 2.9 million residents. The state also reported total 2,341 COVID-19 deaths, adding 88 to the tally since Wednesday.Kansas received its first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine this week, the first of two doses for 23,750 people, and it focused on distributing them to hospitals so that they could vaccinate health care workers at high-risk of coronavirus exposure. The state had anticipated receiving another 29,000 doses next week but now expects 39% fewer doses, or 17,550.“I heard this morning that the reason that this is being done is that they needed to smooth out the quantity of deliveries, if they had delivered as many as they had proposed to deliver next week, then they were not going to have enough for people to get their second dose,” she said. “I think we’re OK on that.”Michigan’s shipment will drop by about a quarter. In addition to Kansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire and Indiana also have been told to expect smaller shipments.The governor celebrated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-e53bbe038a6cfab0be1dde53e93d5e42">the relatively widespread distribution&nbsp;</a>of the first shipment, with at least a few doses going to hospitals in rural areas. Kelly said about 100 of the state’s 105 counties have received vaccines and the ones that haven’t either didn’t cite a need for it or weren’t prepared to give shots this week.In northeast Kansas, Marshall County, with about 9,700 residents, had fewer than 100 cases at the beginning of November and now has almost 600, or one for every 16 residents. It went from having no reported COVID-19 deaths to 21 as the virus swept through nursing homes.The county hospital on Thursday lined up its first group of employees to get shots in front of a Christmas tree in the lobby, said spokeswoman Ashley Kracht.“Really this vaccine is a turning point emotionally as much as anything else,” she said. “I think all of our staff would probably say, ’We are doing our best to kind of keep keep our heads above water. We just feel like we are constantly treading water so this really gives us the ability to say, ‘We might float.’ Something better is coming.”<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1533/COVID-19-Vaccination-Plan-for-Kansas-Version12-1142020?bidId=" target="_blank">Kansas’ plan</a>&nbsp;for distributing the vaccines calls for giving shots first to at-risk health care workers, nursing home workers and nursing home residents. Vaccines are supposed to start for all adults next spring.“It should foster economic recovery,” Kelly said. “We can enter the new year with confidence that life will return to normal in a matter of months. We’re not there yet.”Kelly herself does not plan to get vaccinated until “it is her turn,” spokeswoman Lauren Fitzgerald said. State legislators also are not getting special treatment.“She will be vaccinated publicly to reinforce the safety and importance of getting vaccinated,” Fitzgerald said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press.But the hope — and for some health care workers, joy — over the first vaccine’s arrival came amid bad news about the Kansas economy.The state Department of Labor has reported a growing number of initial claims for unemployment benefits in recent weeks. More than 39,000 such claims were filed during the week ending Dec. 12, an increase of 95% over the second week of November’s roughly 20,000 claims and more than 20 times the number of claims filed during the second week of December 2019.The Department of Labor said Friday that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose in November to 5.6%, up from 5% in October and compared with 3.1% for November 2019. The state’s pandemic-fueled unemployment rate peaked at 11.9% in April and had been dropping until November.The state health department added 5,857 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases to its pandemic tally since Wednesday, bringing the total to 200,426. The state averaged 2,162 new cases a day for the seven days ending Friday.___

🎤  Gov. 'OK' with reduced vaccine allotment for Kansas

TOPEKA —The Kansas Department is warning the public they they have discovered a fraudulent "Get Kansas Benefits website." The department is working with law enforcement, including the FBI, Secret Service, U.S. Attorney's office, the Department of Labor's Inspector General and others to investigate the site and track the fraudsters.

The only legitimate websites for the Kansas Dept. of Labor are:
Main site: <a href="https://t.co/FCX7VXCQsH?amp=1" target="_blank">http://dol.ks.gov</a> 
Unemployment Benefit Site: <a href="https://t.co/Ad5GE4HeL5?amp=1" target="_blank">http://GetKansasBenefits.gov</a> 
PUA Benefit Site: <a href="https://t.co/yneVTmmJrh?amp=1" target="_blank">http://PUA.GetKansasBenefits.gov</a>

Kansas, along with every other state, is seeing a spike in Identity Theft related to Unemployment Claims. Nationally, Unemployment-related identity theft is costing taxpayers over $26 billion. If you or somebody you know has been the victim of Identity Theft, please report <a href="https://www.dol.ks.gov/fraud">it here.</a>

TOPEKA —The Kansas Department is warning the public they they have discovered a fraudulent "Get Kansas Benefits website." The department is working with law enforcement, including the FBI, Secret Service, U.S. Attorney's office, the Department of Labor's Inspector General and others to investigate the site and track the fraudsters.The only legitimate websites for the Kansas Dept. of Labor are:
Main site: <a href="https://t.co/FCX7VXCQsH?amp=1" target="_blank">http://dol.ks.gov</a> 
Unemployment Benefit Site: <a href="https://t.co/Ad5GE4HeL5?amp=1" target="_blank">http://GetKansasBenefits.gov</a> 
PUA Benefit Site: <a href="https://t.co/yneVTmmJrh?amp=1" target="_blank">http://PUA.GetKansasBenefits.gov</a>Kansas, along with every other state, is seeing a spike in Identity Theft related to Unemployment Claims. Nationally, Unemployment-related identity theft is costing taxpayers over $26 billion. If you or somebody you know has been the victim of Identity Theft, please report <a href="https://www.dol.ks.gov/fraud">it here.</a>

Kansas warns of fake unemployment benefits website

WASHINGTON (AP) — An arcane battle over emergency Federal Reserve powers is frustrating efforts to lock down an agreement on an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package. Saturday’s impasse is just the latest stumble in a partisan, monthslong fight, and feelings hardened as the Senate congregated for a weekend session.

Lawmakers on both sides said a provision by Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., that would curb emergency Federal Reserve powers was the sticking point. Republicans are insisting on the Toomey plan, while Democrats are adamantly against it. A compromise was proving elusive, and the two sides seem stuck for the time being.

“That has to be resolved. And then everything will fall into place,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. “It’s a very significant difference.”

Toomey defended his controversial provision in a floor speech, saying the emergency powers were designed to stabilize capital markets at the height of the COVID panic this spring and are expiring at the end of the month anyway. The language would block the Biden administration from restarting them.

Even Toomey said this week that his provision “could be seen as redundant,” but neither he nor his Democratic adversaries were backing down from the fight, though compromise language was being shuttled back and forth.

At issue are Fed programs that provided loans to small and mid-sized businesses and bought state and local government bonds, making it easier for those governments to borrow, at a time when their finances are under pressure from the pandemic.

The Fed would need the support of the Treasury Department to restart the programs, which Biden’s Treasury secretary nominee, Janet Yellen, a former Fed chair, probably would provide. The Treasury could also provide funds to backstop those programs without congressional approval and could ease the lending requirements. That could encourage more lending under the programs, which have seen only limited use so far.

“I don’t think this is going to be resolved anytime soon,” said Sen. John Kennedy, R-La. “This is now the Republican position.”

“This is about existing authorities that the Fed has had for a very long time, to be able to use in an emergency,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass. “It’s about a lending authority for helping small businesses, state government, local government in the middle of a crisis.”

Democrats said Toomey’s stand on the Fed would deprive President-elect Joe Biden of crucial tools to manage the economy.

A new deadline of midnight Sunday for a government shutdown served as a backstop for the tortuous negotiations, which were being conducted in secret largely among the top four leaders in Congress.

“We need to conclude our talks, draft legislation, and land this plane,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

A spokesman for Pelosi said she told Democratic colleagues on a Saturday conference call that “we’re right within reach.”

The massive package would wrap much of Capitol Hill’s unfinished 2020 business into a take-it-or-leave-it measure that promises to be a foot thick or more. House lawmakers will probably have only a few hours to study it before voting as early as Sunday afternoon. A Senate vote would follow, probably on Monday. One more short-term funding bill probably would be needed to avoid the looming deadline.

An agreement in principle Saturday would be a precursor to more hours of translating compromises into detailed legislation. Lawmakers are eager to exit Washington and close out a tumultuous year.

The $900 billion package comes as the pandemic is delivering its most fearsome surge yet, killing more than 3,000 victims per day and straining the health care system. While vaccines are on the way, most people won’t get them for months. Jobless claims are on the rise.

The emerging agreement would deliver more than $300 billion in aid to businesses and provide the jobless a $300-per-week bonus federal unemployment benefit and renewal of state benefits that would otherwise expire right after Christmas. It includes $600 direct payments to individuals; vaccine distribution funds and money for renters, schools, the Postal Service and people needing food aid.

It would be the first significant legislative response to the pandemic since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2099a53bb8adf2def7ee7329ea322f9d">the landmark CARES Act</a>&nbsp;passed virtually unanimously in March, delivering $1.8 trillion in aid, more generous $600 per week bonus jobless benefits and $1,200 direct payments to individuals.

The new relief aid would be added to a $1.4 trillion governmentwide appropriations bill that would fund agencies through next September. That measure is likely to provide a last $1.4 billion installment for Trump’s U.S.-Mexico border wall as a condition of winning his signature.

For Republicans, the most important COVID-19 aid provision was a long-sought second round of “paycheck protection” payments to especially hard-hit businesses and renewal of soon-to-expire state jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed.

Democrats have been denied direct fiscal relief for states and local governments, and they got a supplemental COVID-19 unemployment benefit that was only half the size of what the CARES Act delivered. Democrats also won $25 billion to help struggling renters with their payments and $45 billion for airlines and transit systems, but some critics on the left said Democratic negotiators were getting outmaneuvered. Biden is pressing for an agreement, fearing a weakening economy will await him on Inauguration Day.

Biden is promising another bill next year, but if Democrats lose Georgia Senate runoff elections next month and fail to win the Senate majority, they may have little leverage. GOP leaders say privately that delivering an aid bill may help their incumbent candidates in the January runoffs, GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue.

Most economists, including Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell, strongly support additional economic stimulus as necessary to keep businesses and households afloat through what is widely anticipated to be a tough winter. Many forecast the economy could shrink in the first three months of 2021 without more help. Standard &amp; Poor’s said in a report Tuesday that the economy would be 1.5 percentage points smaller in 2021 without more aid.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress passed a two-day stopgap spending bill Friday night, averting a partial government shutdown and buying yet more time for frustratingly slow endgame negotiations on an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package.

The virus aid talks remained on track, both sides said, but closing out final disagreements was proving difficult. Weekend sessions were on tap, and House leaders hoped for a vote on Sunday on the massive package, which wraps much of Capitol Hill’s unfinished 2020 business into a take-it-or-leave-it behemoth that promises to be a foot thick — or more.

The House passed the temporary funding bill by a 320-60 vote. The Senate approved it by voice vote almost immediately afterward, and President Donald Trump signed it late Friday.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said both sides remain intent on closing the deal, even as Democrats launched a concerted campaign to block an effort by Republicans to rein in emergency Federal Reserve lending powers. The Democrats said the GOP proposal would deprive President-elect Joe Biden of crucial tools to manage the economy.

Negotiations continued into Friday night but an agreement wasn’t likely before Saturday, lawmakers and aides said. House lawmakers were told they wouldn’t have to report to work on Saturday but that a Sunday session was likely. The Senate will be voting on nominations.

The $900 billion package comes as the pandemic is delivering its most fearsome surge yet, killing more than 3,000 victims per day and straining the nation’s health care system. While vaccines are on the way, most people won’t get them for months. Jobless claims are on the rise.

The emerging agreement would deliver more than $300 billion in aid to businesses and provide the jobless a $300-per-week bonus federal unemployment benefit and renewal of state benefits that would otherwise expire right after Christmas. It also includes $600 direct payments to individuals; vaccine distribution funds and money for renters, schools, the Postal Service and people needing food aid.

Democrats on Friday came out swinging at a key obstacle: a provision by conservative Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., that would close down more than $400 billion in potential Federal Reserve lending powers established under a relief bill in March. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is shutting down the programs at the end of December, but Toomey’s language goes further, by barring the Fed from restarting the lending next year, and Democrats say the provision would tie Biden’s hands and put the economy at risk.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress has passed a two-day stopgap spending bill to avert a partial government shutdown this weekend. It's part of an effort by lawmakers to buy additional time for frustratingly slow endgame negotiations on an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package. They'll be back in session on Sunday seeking to close out the broad package. Negotiators are seeking to resolve a battle over emergency Federal Reserve lending powers. Democrats say the GOP proposal would deprive President-elect Joe Biden of crucial tools to manage the economy. The hoped-for agreement would provide more than $300 billion in aid to businesses, a $300-per-week bonus federal jobless benefit, and $600 direct payments to individuals.

WASHINGTON (AP) — With a key issue proving difficult to resolve, a midnight government shutdown loomed ominously closer Friday though congressional negotiators seemed tantalizingly close to agreement on an almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package. An air of exhausted frustration infused the Capitol.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said early in the day he was “even more optimistic now than I was last night,” but Democrats launched a concerted campaign to block an effort by Republicans to rein in emergency Federal Reserve lending powers. They said the GOP proposal would deprive President-elect Joe Biden of crucial tools to manage the economy.

Believing a deal could be reached Friday “would be a triumph of hope over experience,” said a downbeat No. 2 Senate Republican, John Thune of South Dakota.

Government funding lapses at midnight, and a partial, low-impact shutdown would ensue if Congress failed to pass a stopgap spending bill before then. House leaders hoped to pass a two-day stopgap spending bill before then, said an Appropriations Committee spokesman, but Senate passage was by no means certain.

Senators including Josh Hawley, R-Mo., were demanding to see what’s in the bigger COVID-19 package before they would agree to the stopgap bill, keeping the pressure on if the COVID-19 talks haven’t borne fruit by the deadline.

Democrats came out swinging at a key obstacle: a provision by conservative Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., that would close down more than $400 billion in potential Federal Reserve lending powers established under a relief bill in March. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is shutting down the programs at the end of December, but Toomey’s language goes further, by barring the Fed from restarting the lending next year, and Democrats say the provision would tie Biden’s hands and put the economy at risk.

“As we navigate through an unprecedented economic crisis, it is in the interests of the American people to maintain the Fed’s ability to respond quickly and forcefully,” said Biden economic adviser Brian Deese. “Undermining that authority could mean less lending to Main Street businesses, higher unemployment and greater economic pain across the nation.”

The key Fed programs at issue provided loans to small and mid-sized businesses and bought state and local government bonds, making it easier for those governments to borrow, at a time when their finances are under pressure from the pandemic.

The Fed would need the support of the Treasury Department to restart the programs, which Biden’s Treasury secretary nominee, Janet Yellen, a former Fed chair, would likely provide. Treasury could also provide funds to backstop those programs without congressional approval and could ease the lending requirements. That could encourage more lending under the programs, which have seen only limited use so far.

The battle obscured progress on other elements of the hoped-for agreement After being bogged down for much of Thursday, negotiators turned more optimistic, though the complexity of finalizing the remaining issues and drafting agreements in precise legislative form was proving daunting.

The central elements appeared in place: more than $300 billion in aid to businesses; a $300-per-week bonus federal jobless benefit and renewal of soon-to-expire state benefits; $600 direct payments to individuals;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-united-states-d4525c56fd2606f1c0dae46ac3c96405">vaccine distribution</a>&nbsp;funds and money for renters, schools,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-politics-business-postal-service-virus-outbreak-eecd34df92249d8218bda442f76d47f6">the Postal Service</a>&nbsp;and people needing food aid.

Lawmakers were told to expect to be in session and voting this weekend.

The delays weren’t unusual for legislation of this size and importance, but lawmakers are eager to leave Washington for the holidays and are getting antsy.

The pending bill is the first significant legislative response to the pandemic since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2099a53bb8adf2def7ee7329ea322f9d">the landmark CARES Act</a>&nbsp;passed virtually unanimously in March, delivering $1.8 trillion in aid, more generous $600 per week bonus jobless benefits and $1,200 direct payments to individuals.

The CARES legislation passed at a moment of great uncertainty and unprecedented shutdowns aimed at stopping the coronavirus, but after that, many Republicans focused more on loosening social and economic restrictions as the key to recovery instead of more taxpayer-funded aid.

Now, Republicans are motivated chiefly to extend business subsidies and some jobless benefits, and provide money for schools and vaccines. Democrats have focused on bigger economic stimulus measures and more help for those struggling economically during the pandemic. The urgency was underscored Thursday by the weekly unemployment numbers, which revealed that 885,000 people applied for jobless benefits last week, the highest weekly total since September.

The emerging package falls well short of the $2 trillion-plus Democrats were demanding this fall before the election, but B&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/electoral-college-confirm-joe-biden-win-2d4fd7368d8fd6cb47ff0b2cc206271a">iden</a>&nbsp;is eager for an aid package to prop up the economy and help the jobless and poor. While he says more economic stimulus will be needed early next year, some Republicans say the current package may be the last.

“If we address the critical needs right now, and things improve next year as the vaccine gets out there and the economy starts to pick up again, you know, there may be less of a need,” said Sen. John Thune of South Dakota.

Most economists, however, strongly support additional economic stimulus as necessary to keep businesses and households afloat through what is widely anticipated to be a tough winter. Many forecast the economy could shrink in the first three months of 2021 without more help. Standard &amp; Poor’s said in a report Tuesday that the economy would be 1.5 percentage points smaller in 2021 without more aid.

The details were still being worked out, but the measure includes a second round of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/b0d2a36521f39010273317fa3562c2e4">“paycheck protection” payments</a>&nbsp;to especially hard-hit businesses, $25 billion to help struggling renters with their payments, $45 billion for airlines and transit systems, a temporary 15% or so increase in food stamp benefits, additional farm subsidies, and a $10 billion bailout for the Postal Service.

The emerging package would combine the $900 billion in COVID-19 relief with a $1.4 trillion government-wide funding bill. Then there are numerous unrelated add-ons that are catching a ride, known as “ash and trash” in appropriations panel shorthand.

A key breakthrough occurred earlier this week when Democrats agreed to drop their much-sought $160 billion state and local government aid package in exchange for McConnell abandoning a key priority of his own — a liability shield for businesses and other institutions like universities fearing COVID-19 lawsuits.

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s a hurry up and wait moment on Capitol Hill as congressional negotiators on a must-pass, almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package struggled through a handful of remaining snags Thursday. The holdups mean a weekend session now appears virtually certain, and a top lawmaker warned that a government shutdown this weekend can’t be ruled out.

All sides appeared hopeful that the wrangling wouldn’t derail the legislation, even as the chances for announcing a deal Thursday slipped away. After being bogged down for much of the day, negotiators reported behind-the-scenes progress Thursday night.

The central elements of a hard-fought compromise appeared in place: more than $300 billion in aid to businesses; a $300-per-week bonus federal jobless benefit and renewal of soon-to-expire state benefits; $600 direct payments to individuals; vaccine distribution funds and money for renters, schools, the Postal Service and people needing food aid.

But a temporary funding bill runs out Friday at midnight and the Senate’s No. 2 Republican, Sen. John Thune, said if there isn’t a deal by then, some Republicans might block a temporary funding bill — causing a low-impact partial weekend shutdown — as a means to keep the pressure on.

“We must not slide into treating these talks like routine negotiations to be conducted at Congress’ routine pace,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said. “The Senate is not going anywhere until we have COVID relief out the door.”

The hangups involved an effort by GOP conservatives to curb emergency lending programs by the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve, a Democratic demand to eliminate local government matching requirements for COVID-related disaster grants, and myriad smaller disagreements over non-pandemic add-ons, lawmakers and aides said.

The pending bill is the first significant legislative response to the pandemic since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2099a53bb8adf2def7ee7329ea322f9d">the landmark CARES Act</a>&nbsp;passed virtually unanimously in March, delivering $1.8 trillion in aid and more generous $600 per week bonus jobless benefits and $1,200 direct payments to individuals.

The CARES legislation passed at a moment of great uncertainty and unprecedented shutdowns in a failed attempt to stymie the coronavirus, but after that many Republicans focused more on loosening social and economic restrictions as the key to recovery instead of more taxpayer-funded aid.

The emerging package falls well short of the $2 trillion-plus Democrats were demanding this fall before the election, but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/electoral-college-confirm-joe-biden-win-2d4fd7368d8fd6cb47ff0b2cc206271a">President-elect Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;is eager for an aid package to prop up the economy and help the jobless and hungry. While Biden says more economic stimulus will be needed early next year, some Republicans say the current package may be the last.

“If we address the critical needs right now, and things improve next year as the vaccine gets out there and the economy starts to pick up again, you know, there may be less of a need,” Thune said.

Some Democrats also mourned the exclusion of a $500 million aid package to help states run their elections. The money was seen as urgent this summer to help states more safely administer their elections in the middle of the pandemic. But with the election over, momentum for the money has gone away.

The emerging package was serving as a magnet for adding on other items, and the two sides continued to swap offers. It was apparent that another temporary spending bill would be needed to prevent a government shutdown. That was likely to pass easily, though possibly not until the last minute.

One leading candidate is 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 potential addition would extend a batch of soon-to-expire tax breaks, including one for craft brewers, wineries and distillers.

The end-of-session rush also promises relief for victims of shockingly steep surprise medical bills, a phenomenon that often occurs when providers drop out of insurance company networks.

“It’s been very thoroughly vetted,” said retiring Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., of the surprise medical billing measure. That measure, combined with an assortment of other health policy provisions, generates savings for federal funding for community health centers.

The addition of the $600 direct payments came after recent endorsements from both President Donald Trump and progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., along with ambitious GOP Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri. The idea isn’t very popular in other corners since it’s extremely costly and would give money to millions of people who may not need it, but it has enormous political appeal and proved difficult to stop.

Congress finds new issue to slow virus relief fight

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on drug charges after an arrest.

On Wednesday, police responded to report of an alleged domestic disturbance in the 600 Block of South Third in Salina, according to Police&nbsp; Lt. James Feldman.

&nbsp;While investigating the domestic disturbance, officers located marijuana that Devin D. Johnson, 24, of Salina, had allegedly discarded in the front yard prior to their arrival.

Police arrested Johnson. A subsequent search warrant was served at the residence and additional marijuana and narcotic pills were located, including approximately 40 grams of marijuana and more than 10 narcotic pills, according to Feldman.

Two children under the age of 11 were in the residence at the time of the incident.

Johnson is being held on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within a 1000 feet of a school, Possession of narcotic pills with intent to distribute within a 1000 feet of a school, Felony possession of drug paraphernalia, Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, Two counts of child endangerment, Two counts of Kansas Tax Stamp violations

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608215411430.jpeg" alt="Johnson photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on drug charges after an arrest.On Wednesday, police responded to report of an alleged domestic disturbance in the 600 Block of South Third in Salina, according to Police&nbsp; Lt. James Feldman.&nbsp;While investigating the domestic disturbance, officers located marijuana that Devin D. Johnson, 24, of Salina, had allegedly discarded in the front yard prior to their arrival.Police arrested Johnson. A subsequent search warrant was served at the residence and additional marijuana and narcotic pills were located, including approximately 40 grams of marijuana and more than 10 narcotic pills, according to Feldman.Two children under the age of 11 were in the residence at the time of the incident.Johnson is being held on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within a 1000 feet of a school, Possession of narcotic pills with intent to distribute within a 1000 feet of a school, Felony possession of drug paraphernalia, Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, Two counts of child endangerment, Two counts of Kansas Tax Stamp violations

Police: Kan. man dumped marijuana in his front yard

SUMNER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating suspects involved in a 2-state chase in a reported stolen vehicle on Friday.

&nbsp;Just after 10:30a.m., the Kay County Oklahoma Sheriff's Office&nbsp; notified the Sumner County Kansas sheriff's deputies of a stolen vehicle traveling north on the Kansas Turnpike from the Oklahoma/Kansas state line. The vehicle was stolen from the Kanza Travel Plaza in Braman, Oklahoma, according to a media release.

A citizen picked up the owner of the stolen vehicle and they followed the stolen vehicle to the travel plaza at US 166 Highway and the Kansas Turnpike.

The suspect noticed they were being followed and reportedly turned around and headed southbound toward Oklahoma on the turnpike. At this time, shots were fired&nbsp;from the stolen vehicle at those following them, according to the release.

The suspects pulled over south of the US 166 overpass, exited the car and crossed both the southbound and northbound lanes of traffic, ran east and were seen running in a pasture and laid down under an evergreen tree.&nbsp;

With help from&nbsp;a Kansas Highway Patrol aircraft, a perimeter was set up to contain the suspects. The suspects were taken into custody and transported to the Sumner County Detention Center.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the suspect's names or all the possible requested charges against them.

SUMNER COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating suspects involved in a 2-state chase in a reported stolen vehicle on Friday.&nbsp;Just after 10:30a.m., the Kay County Oklahoma Sheriff's Office&nbsp; notified the Sumner County Kansas sheriff's deputies of a stolen vehicle traveling north on the Kansas Turnpike from the Oklahoma/Kansas state line. The vehicle was stolen from the Kanza Travel Plaza in Braman, Oklahoma, according to a media release.A citizen picked up the owner of the stolen vehicle and they followed the stolen vehicle to the travel plaza at US 166 Highway and the Kansas Turnpike.The suspect noticed they were being followed and reportedly turned around and headed southbound toward Oklahoma on the turnpike. At this time, shots were fired&nbsp;from the stolen vehicle at those following them, according to the release.The suspects pulled over south of the US 166 overpass, exited the car and crossed both the southbound and northbound lanes of traffic, ran east and were seen running in a pasture and laid down under an evergreen tree.&nbsp;With help from&nbsp;a Kansas Highway Patrol aircraft, a perimeter was set up to contain the suspects. The suspects were taken into custody and transported to the Sumner County Detention Center.&nbsp; Authorities have not released the suspect's names or all the possible requested charges against them..&nbsp;

Sheriff: Shots fired during Kan. Turnpike stolen vehicle chase

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. added a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal Friday, boosting efforts to beat back an outbreak so dire that the nation is regularly recording more than 3,000 deaths a day.

Much-needed doses are set to arrive Monday after the Food and Drug Administration authorized an emergency rollout of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health.

The move marks the world’s first authorization for Moderna’s shots. The vaccine is very similar to one from Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech that’s now being dispensed to millions of health care workers and nursing home residents as the biggest vaccination drive in U.S. history starts to ramp up.

The two work “better than we almost dared to hope,” NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins told The Associated Press. “Science is working here, science has done something amazing.”

Early results of large, still unfinished studies show both vaccines appear safe and strongly protective although Moderna’s is easier to handle since it doesn’t need to be stored at ultra-frozen temperatures.

A second vaccine represents a ray of hope amid despair as the virus continues to spread unabated even before holiday gatherings that are certain to further fuel the outbreak.

The scourge has claimed more than 312,000 U.S. lives and killed 1.7 million people worldwide. New cases in the U.S. are running at over 216,000 per day on average. Deaths per day have hit all-time highs, eclipsing 3,600 on Wednesday.

California has emerged as one of the most lethal hot spots, with hospitals running out of intensive care beds and ambulances lining up outside emergency rooms in scenes reminiscent of the calamity around New York City last spring. California on Friday reported over 41,000 new cases and 300 more deaths.

When New York’s hospitals were in crisis, health care workers from across the country came to help out. This time, “there’s no cavalry coming” because so many hospitals are swamped, said Dr. Marc Futernick, an emergency room physician in Los Angeles.

The nation is scrambling to expand vaccinations as rapidly as Moderna and Pfizer can churn out doses. Moderna’s is for people 18 and older, Pfizer’s starts at age 16.

It’s just the beginning of “what we hope will be a big push to get this terrible virus behind us, although it will take many more months to get to all Americans,” Collins said.

Even with additional candidates in the pipeline, there won’t be enough for the general population until spring, and shots will be rationed in the meantime. And while health workers are enthusiastically embracing vaccination, authorities worry the public may need more reassurance to ensure more people get in line when it’s their turn.

“Frankly if we don’t succeed in getting 80% or so of Americans immunized against COVID-19 by the middle of this 2021 year, we have the risk that this epidemic could go on and on and on,” Collins said.

He is especially concerned that accurate information about the shots’ value reaches communities of color, which have been hard-hit by COVID-19 yet also are wary after years of health care disparities and research abuses.

To try to help instill confidence, Vice President Mike Pence received the Pfizer-BioNTech shot on live TV Friday, along with Surgeon General Jerome Adams.

FDA’s decision could help pave the way for other countries that are considering the Moderna vaccine, the first-ever regulatory clearance for the small Cambridge, Massachusetts, company. European regulators could authorize its use as soon as Jan. 6. Britain, Canada and a few other countries already have cleared the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, with a European Union decision due Monday.

“What we want to always remember is one size does not fit all. We want to have options,” said Dr. Paul Duprex of the University of Pittsburgh.

Moderna has about 5.9 million doses ready for shipment set to begin over the weekend, according to Operation Warp Speed, the government’s vaccine development program. Injections of health workers and nursing home residents continue next week, before other essential workers and vulnerable groups are allowed to get in line.

Both Moderna’s and Pfizer-BioNTech’s shots are so-called mRNA vaccines, made with a groundbreaking new technology. They don’t contain any coronavirus – meaning they cannot cause infection. Instead, they use a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognize the spike protein on the surface of the virus, ready to attack if the real thing comes along.

Their development less than a year after the coronavirus first emerged set a speed record, but Collins stressed that shouldn’t worry people. The speed was due to billions in company and government investments paired with years of earlier scientific research, not any cut corners.

“The rigor of the analysis of these vaccines is unprecedented,” Collins said. “We’re not done with this but hope is on the way, and the hope comes from this scientific brain trust that has pulled out all the stops.”

Experts are hoping the two vaccines together will “break the back of the pandemic” when combined with masks and other precautions, said Dr. Arnold Monto of the University of Michigan, who chaired an advisory committee that publicly debated the shots’ evidence ahead of FDA’s decisions.

--Both the new Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech shot require two doses several weeks apart. The second dose must be from the same company as the first.

--In a study of 30,000 volunteers, the Moderna vaccine was more than 94% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in people 18 and older. It also strongly protected older adults, who are most vulnerable.

--The inoculated can’t throw away their masks as it’s not yet clear either vaccine prevents silent, symptomless virus spread. But there was a hint that Moderna’s shot might provide some protection against asymptomatic infection.

--The Moderna study uncovered no major safety problems. Like with the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, expect sore arms, fever, fatigue and muscle aches, which are signs the immune system is revving up.

--Moderna’s study turned up no severe allergic reactions, like the handful reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech shots in Britain and Alaska. The vaccines’ ingredients aren’t identical. Still, after any COVID-19 vaccination, people should stick around for 15 minutes – or 30 minutes if they have a history of severe allergies – so if they do have a reaction, it can be treated immediately.

--Both vaccines remain experimental, and the government is closely monitoring safety in case rare problems crop up.

--Additional studies are needed to tell if the vaccine should be used by children and pregnant women.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605532144900.png" alt="Photo&nbsp; courtesy Moderna" />
 <figcaption>Photo&nbsp; courtesy Moderna</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. added a second COVID-19 vaccine to its arsenal Friday, boosting efforts to beat back an outbreak so dire that the nation is regularly recording more than 3,000 deaths a day.Much-needed doses are set to arrive Monday after the Food and Drug Administration authorized an emergency rollout of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the National Institutes of Health.The move marks the world’s first authorization for Moderna’s shots. The vaccine is very similar to one from Pfizer Inc. and Germany’s BioNTech that’s now being dispensed to millions of health care workers and nursing home residents as the biggest vaccination drive in U.S. history starts to ramp up.The two work “better than we almost dared to hope,” NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins told The Associated Press. “Science is working here, science has done something amazing.”Early results of large, still unfinished studies show both vaccines appear safe and strongly protective although Moderna’s is easier to handle since it doesn’t need to be stored at ultra-frozen temperatures.A second vaccine represents a ray of hope amid despair as the virus continues to spread unabated even before holiday gatherings that are certain to further fuel the outbreak.The scourge has claimed more than 312,000 U.S. lives and killed 1.7 million people worldwide. New cases in the U.S. are running at over 216,000 per day on average. Deaths per day have hit all-time highs, eclipsing 3,600 on Wednesday.California has emerged as one of the most lethal hot spots, with hospitals running out of intensive care beds and ambulances lining up outside emergency rooms in scenes reminiscent of the calamity around New York City last spring. California on Friday reported over 41,000 new cases and 300 more deaths.When New York’s hospitals were in crisis, health care workers from across the country came to help out. This time, “there’s no cavalry coming” because so many hospitals are swamped, said Dr. Marc Futernick, an emergency room physician in Los Angeles.The nation is scrambling to expand vaccinations as rapidly as Moderna and Pfizer can churn out doses. Moderna’s is for people 18 and older, Pfizer’s starts at age 16.It’s just the beginning of “what we hope will be a big push to get this terrible virus behind us, although it will take many more months to get to all Americans,” Collins said.Even with additional candidates in the pipeline, there won’t be enough for the general population until spring, and shots will be rationed in the meantime. And while health workers are enthusiastically embracing vaccination, authorities worry the public may need more reassurance to ensure more people get in line when it’s their turn.“Frankly if we don’t succeed in getting 80% or so of Americans immunized against COVID-19 by the middle of this 2021 year, we have the risk that this epidemic could go on and on and on,” Collins said.He is especially concerned that accurate information about the shots’ value reaches communities of color, which have been hard-hit by COVID-19 yet also are wary after years of health care disparities and research abuses.To try to help instill confidence, Vice President Mike Pence received the Pfizer-BioNTech shot on live TV Friday, along with Surgeon General Jerome Adams.FDA’s decision could help pave the way for other countries that are considering the Moderna vaccine, the first-ever regulatory clearance for the small Cambridge, Massachusetts, company. European regulators could authorize its use as soon as Jan. 6. Britain, Canada and a few other countries already have cleared the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, with a European Union decision due Monday.“What we want to always remember is one size does not fit all. We want to have options,” said Dr. Paul Duprex of the University of Pittsburgh.Moderna has about 5.9 million doses ready for shipment set to begin over the weekend, according to Operation Warp Speed, the government’s vaccine development program. Injections of health workers and nursing home residents continue next week, before other essential workers and vulnerable groups are allowed to get in line.Both Moderna’s and Pfizer-BioNTech’s shots are so-called mRNA vaccines, made with a groundbreaking new technology. They don’t contain any coronavirus – meaning they cannot cause infection. Instead, they use a piece of genetic code that trains the immune system to recognize the spike protein on the surface of the virus, ready to attack if the real thing comes along.Their development less than a year after the coronavirus first emerged set a speed record, but Collins stressed that shouldn’t worry people. The speed was due to billions in company and government investments paired with years of earlier scientific research, not any cut corners.“The rigor of the analysis of these vaccines is unprecedented,” Collins said. “We’re not done with this but hope is on the way, and the hope comes from this scientific brain trust that has pulled out all the stops.”Experts are hoping the two vaccines together will “break the back of the pandemic” when combined with masks and other precautions, said Dr. Arnold Monto of the University of Michigan, who chaired an advisory committee that publicly debated the shots’ evidence ahead of FDA’s decisions.The FDA’s main messages:--Both the new Moderna vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech shot require two doses several weeks apart. The second dose must be from the same company as the first.--In a study of 30,000 volunteers, the Moderna vaccine was more than 94% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in people 18 and older. It also strongly protected older adults, who are most vulnerable.--The inoculated can’t throw away their masks as it’s not yet clear either vaccine prevents silent, symptomless virus spread. But there was a hint that Moderna’s shot might provide some protection against asymptomatic infection.--The Moderna study uncovered no major safety problems. Like with the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, expect sore arms, fever, fatigue and muscle aches, which are signs the immune system is revving up.--Moderna’s study turned up no severe allergic reactions, like the handful reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech shots in Britain and Alaska. The vaccines’ ingredients aren’t identical. Still, after any COVID-19 vaccination, people should stick around for 15 minutes – or 30 minutes if they have a history of severe allergies – so if they do have a reaction, it can be treated immediately.--Both vaccines remain experimental, and the government is closely monitoring safety in case rare problems crop up.--Additional studies are needed to tell if the vaccine should be used by children and pregnant women.___

2nd shot: US clears Moderna vaccine for COVID-19

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/18/kansas-unemployment-rate-climbs-to-5-6-in-november-first-uptick-since-april/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The unemployment 
rate in Kansas jumped to 5.6% in November with more than 86,000 people 
jobless in the coronavirus-damaged economy and ahead of expiration of 
special compensation programs for people unable to work, officials said 
Friday.

Ryan Wright, secretary of 
the Kansas Department of Labor, said the monthly analysis showed the 
unemployment rate in Kansas increased from the revised rate of 5% in 
October to 5.6% in November. In November 2019, the percentage of Kansans
 on unemployment was 3.1%.

After COVID-19 began to 
influence the Kansas economy, the jobless rate surged to 11.9% in April.
 It gradually declined during the next six months with rates of 10% in 
May, 7.5% in June, 7.2% in July, 6.9% in August, 5.9% in September and 
5% in October.

The Kansas increase in 
unemployment recorded in November occurred as three special benefit 
programs were set to expire in December. The Extended Benefits program, 
which offers aid to people who ran out of regular unemployment 
assistance, expired Dec. 12.

“In addition, two 
federally funded CARES Act programs, the Pandemic Unemployment 
Assistance program and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation 
program, are currently scheduled to end on December 26, unless Congress 
acts to extend them,” Wright said.

The preliminary report for
 November from the state Department of Labor and the U.S. Bureau of 
Labor Statistics indicated the number of Kansas nonfarm jobs fell by 
2,900. The report said the number of private-sector jobs in Kansas was 
reduced by 2,600 and government employment slipped 300 during the month.

“Nonfarm job growth has 
slowed,” said Emilie Doerksen, an economist at the state labor 
department. “In November, total nonfarm jobs declined by 2,900, with the
 majority of this decline in the leisure and hospitality and 
professional and business services industries.”

Since November 2019, a 
period influenced primarily by business and consumer activity during the
 pandemic, the number of total nonfarm jobs in Kansas has declined by 
58,300. That employment change reflected a decrease of 45,800 
private-sector jobs and 12,500 government jobs, officials said.

Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608310423052.png" alt="The Kansas unemployment rate in November increased for the first time in six months to 5.6%. The rate in November 2019 was 3.1%, but the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the rate to a high of 11.9% in April (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas unemployment rate in November increased for the first time in six months to 5.6%. The rate in November 2019 was 3.1%, but the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the rate to a high of 11.9% in April (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/18/kansas-unemployment-rate-climbs-to-5-6-in-november-first-uptick-since-april/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The unemployment 
rate in Kansas jumped to 5.6% in November with more than 86,000 people 
jobless in the coronavirus-damaged economy and ahead of expiration of 
special compensation programs for people unable to work, officials said 
Friday.Ryan Wright, secretary of 
the Kansas Department of Labor, said the monthly analysis showed the 
unemployment rate in Kansas increased from the revised rate of 5% in 
October to 5.6% in November. In November 2019, the percentage of Kansans
 on unemployment was 3.1%.After COVID-19 began to 
influence the Kansas economy, the jobless rate surged to 11.9% in April.
 It gradually declined during the next six months with rates of 10% in 
May, 7.5% in June, 7.2% in July, 6.9% in August, 5.9% in September and 
5% in October.The Kansas increase in 
unemployment recorded in November occurred as three special benefit 
programs were set to expire in December. The Extended Benefits program, 
which offers aid to people who ran out of regular unemployment 
assistance, expired Dec. 12.“In addition, two 
federally funded CARES Act programs, the Pandemic Unemployment 
Assistance program and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation 
program, are currently scheduled to end on December 26, unless Congress 
acts to extend them,” Wright said.The preliminary report for
 November from the state Department of Labor and the U.S. Bureau of 
Labor Statistics indicated the number of Kansas nonfarm jobs fell by 
2,900. The report said the number of private-sector jobs in Kansas was 
reduced by 2,600 and government employment slipped 300 during the month.“Nonfarm job growth has 
slowed,” said Emilie Doerksen, an economist at the state labor 
department. “In November, total nonfarm jobs declined by 2,900, with the
 majority of this decline in the leisure and hospitality and 
professional and business services industries.”Since November 2019, a 
period influenced primarily by business and consumer activity during the
 pandemic, the number of total nonfarm jobs in Kansas has declined by 
58,300. That employment change reflected a decrease of 45,800 
private-sector jobs and 12,500 government jobs, officials said.Tim Carpenter has reported on Kansas for 35 years. He covered the Capitol for 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal and previously worked for the Lawrence Journal-World and United Press International.

Kan. jobless rate climbs in November, first uptick since April

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City officials have created a commission to advise them on issues that affect the city's LGBTQ residents.

The City Council voted Thursday to create a commission composed of residents appointed by the mayor and council.

“It’s really going to help elevate our queer voices in this community,” Councilman Eric Bunch said after the vote.

Members will advise the council on issues such as economic opportunities, health, safety and quality of life, including the murders of transgender people.

The legislation creating the commission stalled for several weeks amid disagreement over whether it should advise the council or be part of the city's Human Rights Commission.

Supporters of the new group said the commission should work directly with the council, while the Human Rights Commission investigates specific instances of discrimination.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608313795232.png" alt="“It’s really going to help elevate our queer voices in this community,” Councilman Eric Bunch said after the vote -photo courtesy city of Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>“It’s really going to help elevate our queer voices in this community,” Councilman Eric Bunch said after the vote -photo courtesy city of Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City officials have created a commission to advise them on issues that affect the city's LGBTQ residents.The City Council voted Thursday to create a commission composed of residents appointed by the mayor and council.“It’s really going to help elevate our queer voices in this community,” Councilman Eric Bunch said after the vote.Members will advise the council on issues such as economic opportunities, health, safety and quality of life, including the murders of transgender people.The legislation creating the commission stalled for several weeks amid disagreement over whether it should advise the council or be part of the city's Human Rights Commission.Supporters of the new group said the commission should work directly with the council, while the Human Rights Commission investigates specific instances of discrimination.

Kansas City approves LGBTQ commission to advise city

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,857 to a total of 200,426 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,341 an increase of 88.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,857 to a total of 200,426 the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,341 an increase of 88.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608315414372.png" alt="Friday Dec. 18, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday Dec. 18, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is running for re-election in 2022, a spokeswoman said Friday.

Spokeswoman Lauren Fitzgerald confirmed the Democratic governor’s plans four days after Kelly announced that Commerce Secretary David Toland also would serve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-8835de2d5b984d84a4815ff2c4771baf">as the state’s next lieutenant governor.</a>&nbsp;Toland will replace Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers, appointed by Kelly last week to fill a coming vacancy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-elections-house-elections-b35b2831ab4b21c1f517c91f904a3e71">in the state treasurer’s office.</a>

Toland was the treasurer for Kelly’s 2018 campaign for governor and is highly regarded by some business leaders. Naming Toland lieutenant governor could position him for a future run for governor and prompted speculation that Kelly might not run again.

Kelly ducked the question when she announced Toland’s appointment Monday, saying she is focused on the coronavirus pandemic and the Legislature’s 90-day session convening in January.

But the Sunflower State Journal reported that Kelly said during a virtual fundraising event Thursday evening that she would seek another term.

In an emailed statement to The AP, Fitzgerald said: “Governor Kelly is focused on the state’s response to COVID-19 and continuing Kansas’ economic recovery, but of course she is running for reelection.”

Among Republicans, former Gov. Jeff Colyer and Attorney General Derek Schmidt are considered potential candidates for governor.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608310013858.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly during the announcement that Commerce Secretary David Toland also would serve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-8835de2d5b984d84a4815ff2c4771baf">as her lieutenant governor</a>" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly during the announcement that Commerce Secretary David Toland also would serve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-8835de2d5b984d84a4815ff2c4771baf">as her lieutenant governor</a></figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly is running for re-election in 2022, a spokeswoman said Friday.Spokeswoman Lauren Fitzgerald confirmed the Democratic governor’s plans four days after Kelly announced that Commerce Secretary David Toland also would serve&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-coronavirus-pandemic-8835de2d5b984d84a4815ff2c4771baf">as the state’s next lieutenant governor.</a>&nbsp;Toland will replace Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers, appointed by Kelly last week to fill a coming vacancy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-topeka-elections-house-elections-b35b2831ab4b21c1f517c91f904a3e71">in the state treasurer’s office.</a>Toland was the treasurer for Kelly’s 2018 campaign for governor and is highly regarded by some business leaders. Naming Toland lieutenant governor could position him for a future run for governor and prompted speculation that Kelly might not run again.Kelly ducked the question when she announced Toland’s appointment Monday, saying she is focused on the coronavirus pandemic and the Legislature’s 90-day session convening in January.But the Sunflower State Journal reported that Kelly said during a virtual fundraising event Thursday evening that she would seek another term.In an emailed statement to The AP, Fitzgerald said: “Governor Kelly is focused on the state’s response to COVID-19 and continuing Kansas’ economic recovery, but of course she is running for reelection.”Among Republicans, former Gov. Jeff Colyer and Attorney General Derek Schmidt are considered potential candidates for governor.___

Spokeswoman: Gov. Kelly to seek second term in 2022

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence and the leaders of the House and Senate received their first COVID-19 vaccinations as they tried to reassure Americans the shot is safe.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507423-1/vice-president-pence-receives-covid-19-vaccine&amp;fbclid=IwAR1Uc6sJFQy6u2buts_05bZ2j-PihNzWTLEeqSg4BOoMX36ufU-Ka6H2Hrk">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay of Pence receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Pence celebrated the milestone Friday as “a medical miracle” that could eventually end a pandemic that has killed more than 310,000 Americans. 

Conspicuously absent was President Donald Trump, who has remained largely out of sight five days into the largest vaccination campaign in the nation’s history. Trump’s relative silence comes as he continues to rage about his defeat in the Nov. 3 election and embraces increasingly extreme efforts to overturn the people’s will.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence was vaccinated for COVID-19 on Friday in a live-television event aimed at reassuring Americans the vaccine is safe.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507423-1/vice-president-pence-receives-covid-19-vaccine&amp;fbclid=IwAR1Uc6sJFQy6u2buts_05bZ2j-PihNzWTLEeqSg4BOoMX36ufU-Ka6H2Hrk">Click here to watch</a> a replay of Pence receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

In remarks after his shot, Pence called the speed with which the vaccine was developed “a medical miracle.”

“The American people can be confident: we have one and perhaps within hours two” safe vaccines,” Pence said, referring to expected FDA approval for Moderna’s vaccine. Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine was the first to be approved.

“Building confidence in the vaccine is what brings us here this morning,” he added.

Pence’s wife Karen and Surgeon General Jerome Adams also received shots during the televised White House event.

President Donald Trump’s administration helped deliver vaccinations against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak">the coronavirus</a>&nbsp;earlier than even some in his administration thought possible, launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/756e5b743058701c4a2ebefd0af1ade4">Operation Warp Speed</a>&nbsp;— the government campaign to help swiftly develop and distribute vaccines — this spring with great fanfare in the White House Rose Garden.

But five days into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-health-workers-coronavirus-vaccine-56df745388a9fc12ae93c6f9a0d0e81f">the largest vaccination campaign in the nation’s history</a>, Trump has held no public events to trumpet the rollout. He hasn’t been inoculated himself. He has tweeted only twice about the shot. Pence, meanwhile, has taken center stage — touring a vaccine production facility this week and receiving a dose himself on live television Friday morning. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell both said Thursday that they will get vaccinated in the next few days.

Pence, along with his wife, Karen, and Surgeon General Jerome Adams, received their shots Friday morning in an office suite in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building from three medical technicians from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Trump’s relative silence comes as he continues to stew about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">his defeat in the Nov. 3 election</a>&nbsp;and embraces increasingly extreme efforts to overturn the people’s will. He’s pushed aside the plans of aides who wanted him to be the public face of the vaccination campaign, eschewing visits to labs and production facilities to thank workers, or hosting efforts to build public confidence in the shot, according to people familiar with the conversations.

The sheepish approach has been surprising, especially for a president rarely shy to take credit, said Lawrence Gostin, a professor at Georgetown Law who focuses on public health.

“The President’s relatively low profile on the COVID response since the election is curious and counter to Mr. Trump’s own interests,” he said. Gostin, who has criticized Trump’s handling of the pandemic in the past, said that he “deserves a great deal of credit” for Operation Warp Speed and placing a bet on two vaccines that use&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9340521654">groundbreaking mRNA technology</a>.

“Having exhibited leadership in the vaccines’ development, he should take great pride in publicly demonstrating his trust in COVID vaccines,” he said.

Trump did appear at a White House “summit” ahead of the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the Pfizer vaccine last week. That event included an introductory video highlighting the past comments of those — including top government infectious-disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci — who doubted a shot would be ready this year.

But many Trump aides are puzzled by his low profile now that the vaccine is actually being injected. They see it as a missed opportunity for the president, who leaves office at noon on Jan. 20, to claim credit for helping oversee the speedy development and deployment of the vaccine that is expected to finally contain the virus that has killed more than 310,000 Americans.

Trump himself has tried to minimize any credit that might go to his successor, President-elect Joe Biden, who will preside over the bulk of the nationwide injection campaign next year. Biden expects to receive his shot as soon as next week.

“Don’t let Joe Biden take credit for the vaccines,” Trump has told reporters. “Don’t let him take credit for the vaccines because the vaccines were me, and I pushed people harder than they’ve ever been pushed before.”

Despite Trump’s claims, FDA scientists were the ones who came up with the idea for Operation Warp Speed, the White House-backed effort through which millions of doses of coronavirus vaccines and treatments are being manufactured even as they are still being evaluated. And much of the groundwork for the shots was laid over the past decade, including through research on messenger RNA, or mRNA, used in the vaccines developed by both Pfizer and Moderna. Pfizer developed its vaccine outside Operation Warp Speed but is partnering with the federal government on manufacturing and distribution.

Trump’s low-key approach could have an impact on public health. Fauci told NBC News this week that 75% to 85% of the nation needs to be vaccinated to achieve “herd immunity,” making the public education campaign about the vaccine’s safety all the more pressing.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608296829519.png" alt="A doctor from Walter Reed National Medical Center gives Vice President Mike Pence the COVID-19 vaccination Friday morning-image courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>A doctor from Walter Reed National Medical Center gives Vice President Mike Pence the COVID-19 vaccination Friday morning-image courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence and the leaders of the House and Senate received their first COVID-19 vaccinations as they tried to reassure Americans the shot is safe.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507423-1/vice-president-pence-receives-covid-19-vaccine&amp;fbclid=IwAR1Uc6sJFQy6u2buts_05bZ2j-PihNzWTLEeqSg4BOoMX36ufU-Ka6H2Hrk">Click here to watch</a>&nbsp;a replay of Pence receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.Pence celebrated the milestone Friday as “a medical miracle” that could eventually end a pandemic that has killed more than 310,000 Americans. Conspicuously absent was President Donald Trump, who has remained largely out of sight five days into the largest vaccination campaign in the nation’s history. Trump’s relative silence comes as he continues to rage about his defeat in the Nov. 3 election and embraces increasingly extreme efforts to overturn the people’s will.WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence was vaccinated for COVID-19 on Friday in a live-television event aimed at reassuring Americans the vaccine is safe.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507423-1/vice-president-pence-receives-covid-19-vaccine&amp;fbclid=IwAR1Uc6sJFQy6u2buts_05bZ2j-PihNzWTLEeqSg4BOoMX36ufU-Ka6H2Hrk">Click here to watch</a> a replay of Pence receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.In remarks after his shot, Pence called the speed with which the vaccine was developed “a medical miracle.”“The American people can be confident: we have one and perhaps within hours two” safe vaccines,” Pence said, referring to expected FDA approval for Moderna’s vaccine. Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine was the first to be approved.“Building confidence in the vaccine is what brings us here this morning,” he added.Pence’s wife Karen and Surgeon General Jerome Adams also received shots during the televised White House event.President Donald Trump’s administration helped deliver vaccinations against&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak">the coronavirus</a>&nbsp;earlier than even some in his administration thought possible, launching&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/756e5b743058701c4a2ebefd0af1ade4">Operation Warp Speed</a>&nbsp;— the government campaign to help swiftly develop and distribute vaccines — this spring with great fanfare in the White House Rose Garden.But five days into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-health-workers-coronavirus-vaccine-56df745388a9fc12ae93c6f9a0d0e81f">the largest vaccination campaign in the nation’s history</a>, Trump has held no public events to trumpet the rollout. He hasn’t been inoculated himself. He has tweeted only twice about the shot. Pence, meanwhile, has taken center stage — touring a vaccine production facility this week and receiving a dose himself on live television Friday morning. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell both said Thursday that they will get vaccinated in the next few days.Pence, along with his wife, Karen, and Surgeon General Jerome Adams, received their shots Friday morning in an office suite in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building from three medical technicians from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.Trump’s relative silence comes as he continues to stew about&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">his defeat in the Nov. 3 election</a>&nbsp;and embraces increasingly extreme efforts to overturn the people’s will. He’s pushed aside the plans of aides who wanted him to be the public face of the vaccination campaign, eschewing visits to labs and production facilities to thank workers, or hosting efforts to build public confidence in the shot, according to people familiar with the conversations.The sheepish approach has been surprising, especially for a president rarely shy to take credit, said Lawrence Gostin, a professor at Georgetown Law who focuses on public health.“The President’s relatively low profile on the COVID response since the election is curious and counter to Mr. Trump’s own interests,” he said. Gostin, who has criticized Trump’s handling of the pandemic in the past, said that he “deserves a great deal of credit” for Operation Warp Speed and placing a bet on two vaccines that use&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/9340521654">groundbreaking mRNA technology</a>.“Having exhibited leadership in the vaccines’ development, he should take great pride in publicly demonstrating his trust in COVID vaccines,” he said.Trump did appear at a White House “summit” ahead of the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the Pfizer vaccine last week. That event included an introductory video highlighting the past comments of those — including top government infectious-disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci — who doubted a shot would be ready this year.But many Trump aides are puzzled by his low profile now that the vaccine is actually being injected. They see it as a missed opportunity for the president, who leaves office at noon on Jan. 20, to claim credit for helping oversee the speedy development and deployment of the vaccine that is expected to finally contain the virus that has killed more than 310,000 Americans.Trump himself has tried to minimize any credit that might go to his successor, President-elect Joe Biden, who will preside over the bulk of the nationwide injection campaign next year. Biden expects to receive his shot as soon as next week.“Don’t let Joe Biden take credit for the vaccines,” Trump has told reporters. “Don’t let him take credit for the vaccines because the vaccines were me, and I pushed people harder than they’ve ever been pushed before.”Despite Trump’s claims, FDA scientists were the ones who came up with the idea for Operation Warp Speed, the White House-backed effort through which millions of doses of coronavirus vaccines and treatments are being manufactured even as they are still being evaluated. And much of the groundwork for the shots was laid over the past decade, including through research on messenger RNA, or mRNA, used in the vaccines developed by both Pfizer and Moderna. Pfizer developed its vaccine outside Operation Warp Speed but is partnering with the federal government on manufacturing and distribution.Trump’s low-key approach could have an impact on public health. Fauci told NBC News this week that 75% to 85% of the nation needs to be vaccinated to achieve “herd immunity,” making the public education campaign about the vaccine’s safety all the more pressing.A survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-us-half-want-vaccine-shots-4d98dbfc0a64d60d52ac84c3065dac55">only about half of Americans want to get the vaccine as soon as possible</a>. Another quarter of the public isn’t sure, while the remaining quarter say they aren’t interested. Some simply oppose vaccines in general. Others are concerned that the injections have been rushed and want to see how the rollout goes.As Trump sat on the sidelines, some of his favored commentators, including Fox News’ Tucker Carlson, were questioning the safety of the vaccine.White House deputy press secretary Brian Morgenstern said Trump “will continue to update the country through a variety of means while giving medical professionals and hardworking staff at OWS the space to do their jobs and save lives.”While senior officials are beginning to make plans to receive the vaccine in public to help build public confidence, Trump, who was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-donald-trump-health-archive-hope-hicks-7fece2838ff7a9bd91ccf5ac287348b3">hospitalized with COVID-19</a>&nbsp;in October, is taking his time.According to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is not yet enough information to determine whether those who have had COVID-19, like Trump, should get the vaccine. Still, Fauci recommended that Trump take it publicly without delay.“Even though the president himself was infected, and he has, likely, antibodies that likely would be protective, we’re not sure how long that protection lasts. So, to be doubly sure, I would recommend that he get vaccinated as well as the vice president,” Fauci told ABC News.It was not clear whether first lady Melania Trump, who came down with COVID-19 at the same time as her husband, would be vaccinated.“The last thing I would say to every American is be confident that we have cut red tape, but we’ve cut no corners when it comes to the development of this vaccine,” Pence said this week at an Indiana vaccine production facility.White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters this week that Trump, who has previously spread misinformation about other vaccines, was trying to send a message about priorities by delaying his own inoculation.“The president wants to send a parallel message which is, you know, our long-term care facility residents and our front-line workers are paramount in importance,” she said.Gostin disagreed. ”It will be enormously damaging to public trust in the vaccine if President Trump isn’t visibly enthusiastic, including getting his shot on national television,” he argued. “It simply isn’t good enough to have Vice President Pence as a proxy.”Presidents and their family members have often made a display of their vaccinations to boost public confidence. President Dwight Eisenhower highlighted that one of his grandchildren was among the first wave of American children vaccinated for polio. In 2009, President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, vaccinated both their young daughters, who were in a higher risk group, for the swine flu.