TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican party officials picked to serve as Kansas members of the Electoral College on Monday cast the state’s six electoral votes for President Donald Trump.

The electors convened at the Statehouse in the House chamber with Secretary of State Scott Schwab, the state’s chief election official, presiding over their 15-minute meeting. They first cast votes for president, then for Vice President Mike Pence and afterward signed documents certifying their actions.

The electors were led by Kansas GOP Chairman Mike Kuckelman, and all were state party officials or activists.

Trump carried Kansas with more than 56% of the vote in the November election, while Democrat Joe Biden received less than 42%. However, Biden carried enough states to win 306 electoral votes nationally, to 232 for Trump.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican party officials picked to serve as Kansas members of the Electoral College on Monday cast the state’s six electoral votes for President Donald Trump.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0yq1VROR0tc"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The electors convened at the Statehouse in the House chamber with Secretary of State Scott Schwab, the state’s chief election official, presiding over their 15-minute meeting. They first cast votes for president, then for Vice President Mike Pence and afterward signed documents certifying their actions.The electors were led by Kansas GOP Chairman Mike Kuckelman, and all were state party officials or activists.Trump carried Kansas with more than 56% of the vote in the November election, while Democrat Joe Biden received less than 42%. However, Biden carried enough states to win 306 electoral votes nationally, to 232 for Trump.

 🎥 Electors cast Kansas' 6 votes for President Trump

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 4,724 to a total of 190,018 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,109 an increase of 37.

<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 4,724 to a total of 190,018 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,109 an increase of 37.<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/2020/12/1607969623793.png" alt="Monday Dec. 14, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday Dec. 14, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man was shot to death in a south Kansas City neighborhood, police there said.

The shooting happened along Cambridge Avenue around 5 p.m. Sunday, when several people in the area reported hearing gunfire during a disturbance on the street, police reported. Arriving officers found a man inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds who died at the scene. Police did not immediately release the victim’s name.

Investigators said an initial investigation showed that people in two vehicles exchanged gunfire, resulting in the man's death. Police had not announced any arrests or suspects by Monday morning.

The death marked the city’s 177th homicide this year, compared with 145 homicides by the same time last year, according to records kept by the Kansas City Star.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A man was shot to death in a south Kansas City neighborhood, police there said.The shooting happened along Cambridge Avenue around 5 p.m. Sunday, when several people in the area reported hearing gunfire during a disturbance on the street, police reported. Arriving officers found a man inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds who died at the scene. Police did not immediately release the victim’s name.Investigators said an initial investigation showed that people in two vehicles exchanged gunfire, resulting in the man's death. Police had not announced any arrests or suspects by Monday morning.The death marked the city’s 177th homicide this year, compared with 145 homicides by the same time last year, according to records kept by the Kansas City Star.

Police investigate year's 177th homicide in Kansas City

SALINA —Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation after a suspect stabbed a police officer during an arrest in Salina.

Just after midnight Sunday, police were dispatched to the 2100 block of Meadowlark Lane in Salina for the report of an intoxicated man knocking on the back door of his ex-girlfriend’s residence, according to a media release from police. The caller reported the subject was Miguel Tostado, 29, of Salina.

Officers located Tostado walking away from the residence behind several houses. Tostado was ordered to stop but refused and continued walking away.

Officer Karl Scheppelmann secured Tostado’s left arm in an attempt to place him into handcuffs. Tostado pulled away and made a swinging motion at Scheppelmann with his right hand, according to the media release.

Scheppelmann instantly disengaged and observed Tostado was holding a knife in his right hand. Tostado asked officers to shoot him and began walking away.

 Scheppelmann deployed his Taser at Tostado, striking him in the back, which caused Tostado to fall to the ground and drop the knife. Tostado was then placed into handcuffs.

Once Tostado was in custody, Scheppelmann realized that he had been stabbed in the lower left side of his back. The puncture type wound was approximately two inches wide.

Tostado had two active Saline County District Court warrants, one for felony obstruction and one for aggravated failure to appear, as well as an active Salina Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear.

Tostado was arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and felony interference with a law enforcement office.

Scheppelmann was treated and released from the hospital with no major organ or muscle damage, according to the news release. Scheppelmann has been with the Salina Police Department for one year. Prior to joining the SPD, he served in the United States Army.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607869160111.jpeg" alt="Miguel Tostado had two active Saline County District Court warrants including one for felony obstruction and one for aggravated failure to appear and an active Salina Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear at the time of his arrest. photo Saline County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Miguel Tostado had two active Saline County District Court warrants including one for felony obstruction and one for aggravated failure to appear and an active Salina Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear at the time of his arrest. photo Saline County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINA —Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation after a suspect stabbed a police officer during an arrest in Salina.Just after midnight Sunday, police were dispatched to the 2100 block of Meadowlark Lane in Salina for the report of an intoxicated man knocking on the back door of his ex-girlfriend’s residence, according to a media release from police. The caller reported the subject was Miguel Tostado, 29, of Salina.Officers located Tostado walking away from the residence behind several houses. Tostado was ordered to stop but refused and continued walking away.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607965194807.png" alt="Officer Karl Scheppelmann upon his graduation from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in November of 2019-photo Salina Police" />
 <figcaption>Officer Karl Scheppelmann upon his graduation from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center in November of 2019-photo Salina Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Officer Karl Scheppelmann secured Tostado’s left arm in an attempt to place him into handcuffs. Tostado pulled away and made a swinging motion at Scheppelmann with his right hand, according to the media release.Scheppelmann instantly disengaged and observed Tostado was holding a knife in his right hand. Tostado asked officers to shoot him and began walking away. Scheppelmann deployed his Taser at Tostado, striking him in the back, which caused Tostado to fall to the ground and drop the knife. Tostado was then placed into handcuffs.Once Tostado was in custody, Scheppelmann realized that he had been stabbed in the lower left side of his back. The puncture type wound was approximately two inches wide.Tostado had two active Saline County District Court warrants, one for felony obstruction and one for aggravated failure to appear, as well as an active Salina Municipal Court warrant for failure to appear.Tostado was arrested and booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and felony interference with a law enforcement office.Scheppelmann was treated and released from the hospital with no major organ or muscle damage, according to the news release. Scheppelmann has been with the Salina Police Department for one year. Prior to joining the SPD, he served in the United States Army.

Police ID officer stabbed during arrest in Salina

The largest vaccination campaign in U.S. history got underway Monday as health workers in select hospitals rolled up their sleeves for shots to protect them from COVID-19 and start beating back the pandemic — a day of optimism even as the nation’s death toll neared 300,000.

“I feel hopeful today. Relieved,” said critical case nurse Sandra Lindsay after getting a shot in the arm at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York.

Shipments of precious frozen vials of vaccine made by Pfizer Inc. and its German partner BioNTech began arriving at hospitals around the country Monday.

“This is the light at the end of the tunnel. But it’s a long tunnel,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said as he watched Lindsay’s vaccination via video.

Several other countries also have OK’d the vaccine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-gives-first-covid-19-vaccine-doses-719288c35d8ef8815b56b1c9c5fff24c">including the U.K.</a>, which started vaccinating last week.

For health care workers who, along with nursing home residents, will be first in line for vaccination, hope is tempered by grief and the sheer exhaustion of months spent battling a coronavirus that still is surging in the U.S. and around the world.

“This is mile 24 of a marathon. People are fatigued. But we also recognize that this end is in sight,” said Dr. Chris Dale of Swedish Health Services in Seattle.

Packed in dry ice to stay at ultra-frozen temperatures,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-united-states-d4525c56fd2606f1c0dae46ac3c96405">the first of nearly 3 million doses&nbsp;</a>being shipped in staggered batches this week made their way by truck and by plane around the country Sunday from Pfizer’s Kalamazoo, Michigan, factory. Once they arrive at distribution centers, each state directs where the doses go next.

Some hospitals across the country spent the weekend tracking their packages, refreshing FedEx and UPS websites for clues.

More of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will arrive each week. And later this week, the FDA will decide whether to green light the world’s second rigorously studied COVID-19 vaccine, made by Moderna Inc.

Now the hurdle is to rapidly get vaccine into the arms of millions, not just doctors and nurses but other at-risk health workers such as janitors and food handlers — and then deliver a second dose three weeks later.

“We’re also in the middle of a surge, and it’s the holidays, and our health care workers have been working at an extraordinary pace,” said Sue Mashni, chief pharmacy officer at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.

Plus, the shots can cause temporary fever, fatigue and aches as they rev up people’s immune systems, forcing hospitals to stagger employee vaccinations.

A wary public will be watching closely to see whether health workers embrace vaccination. Just half of Americans say they want to get vaccinated, while about a quarter don’t and the rest are unsure, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-us-half-want-vaccine-shots-4d98dbfc0a64d60d52ac84c3065dac55">recent poll&nbsp;</a>by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Health Research.

The FDA, considered the world’s most strict medical regulator, said the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appears safe and strongly protective -- and laid out the data behind it in a daylong public meeting last week for scientists and consumers alike to see.

“Please people, when you look back in a year and you say to yourself, ‘Did I do the right thing?’ I hope you’ll be able to say, ‘Yes, because I looked at the evidence,’” Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, said Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press. “People are dying right now. How could you possibly say, ‘Let’s wait and see.’”

Still, emergency use means the vaccine was cleared for widespread use before a final study in nearly 44,000 people is complete -- and that research is continuing to try to answer additional questions. While effective against COVID-19 illness, it’s not yet clear if vaccination will stop the symptomless spread that accounts for half of all cases.

The shots still must be studied in children, and during pregnancy. But the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said late Sunday that vaccination should not be withheld from pregnant women who otherwise would qualify.

While the vaccine was determined to be safe, regulators in the U.K. are investigating several severe allergic reactions. The FDA’s instructions tell providers not to give it to those with a known history of severe allergic reactions to any of its ingredients.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607960673587.png" alt="Sandra Lindsay, an ICU Nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens is the first American to get the vaccine in a non-trial setting, according to the office of New York Governor.&nbsp;Dr. Michelle Chester administered the shot." />
 <figcaption>Sandra Lindsay, an ICU Nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens is the first American to get the vaccine in a non-trial setting, according to the office of New York Governor.&nbsp;Dr. Michelle Chester administered the shot.</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD, Associated PressThe largest vaccination campaign in U.S. history got underway Monday as health workers in select hospitals rolled up their sleeves for shots to protect them from COVID-19 and start beating back the pandemic — a day of optimism even as the nation’s death toll neared 300,000.“I feel hopeful today. Relieved,” said critical case nurse Sandra Lindsay after getting a shot in the arm at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New York.Shipments of precious frozen vials of vaccine made by Pfizer Inc. and its German partner BioNTech began arriving at hospitals around the country Monday.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Watch LIVE as the first person in New York gets vaccinated: <a href="https://t.co/a3p8QOtK6w">https://t.co/a3p8QOtK6w</a>&mdash; Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo/status/1338488030416388098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“This is the light at the end of the tunnel. But it’s a long tunnel,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said as he watched Lindsay’s vaccination via video.Several other countries also have OK’d the vaccine,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-gives-first-covid-19-vaccine-doses-719288c35d8ef8815b56b1c9c5fff24c">including the U.K.</a>, which started vaccinating last week.For health care workers who, along with nursing home residents, will be first in line for vaccination, hope is tempered by grief and the sheer exhaustion of months spent battling a coronavirus that still is surging in the U.S. and around the world.“This is mile 24 of a marathon. People are fatigued. But we also recognize that this end is in sight,” said Dr. Chris Dale of Swedish Health Services in Seattle.Packed in dry ice to stay at ultra-frozen temperatures,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-united-states-d4525c56fd2606f1c0dae46ac3c96405">the first of nearly 3 million doses&nbsp;</a>being shipped in staggered batches this week made their way by truck and by plane around the country Sunday from Pfizer’s Kalamazoo, Michigan, factory. Once they arrive at distribution centers, each state directs where the doses go next.Some hospitals across the country spent the weekend tracking their packages, refreshing FedEx and UPS websites for clues.More of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will arrive each week. And later this week, the FDA will decide whether to green light the world’s second rigorously studied COVID-19 vaccine, made by Moderna Inc.Now the hurdle is to rapidly get vaccine into the arms of millions, not just doctors and nurses but other at-risk health workers such as janitors and food handlers — and then deliver a second dose three weeks later.“We’re also in the middle of a surge, and it’s the holidays, and our health care workers have been working at an extraordinary pace,” said Sue Mashni, chief pharmacy officer at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.Plus, the shots can cause temporary fever, fatigue and aches as they rev up people’s immune systems, forcing hospitals to stagger employee vaccinations.A wary public will be watching closely to see whether health workers embrace vaccination. Just half of Americans say they want to get vaccinated, while about a quarter don’t and the rest are unsure, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-us-half-want-vaccine-shots-4d98dbfc0a64d60d52ac84c3065dac55">recent poll&nbsp;</a>by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Health Research.The FDA, considered the world’s most strict medical regulator, said the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine appears safe and strongly protective -- and laid out the data behind it in a daylong public meeting last week for scientists and consumers alike to see.“Please people, when you look back in a year and you say to yourself, ‘Did I do the right thing?’ I hope you’ll be able to say, ‘Yes, because I looked at the evidence,’” Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, said Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press. “People are dying right now. How could you possibly say, ‘Let’s wait and see.’”Still, emergency use means the vaccine was cleared for widespread use before a final study in nearly 44,000 people is complete -- and that research is continuing to try to answer additional questions. While effective against COVID-19 illness, it’s not yet clear if vaccination will stop the symptomless spread that accounts for half of all cases.The shots still must be studied in children, and during pregnancy. But the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said late Sunday that vaccination should not be withheld from pregnant women who otherwise would qualify.While the vaccine was determined to be safe, regulators in the U.K. are investigating several severe allergic reactions. The FDA’s instructions tell providers not to give it to those with a known history of severe allergic reactions to any of its ingredients.___

 🎥 ICU nurse is first to get Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a standoff with police.

Just after 2:30 a.m. Dec. 11, police responded to a domestic violence disturbance with a weapon at a residence in the 10900 block of West Harvest Lane in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Upon arrival, officers contacted the family of 29-year-old Courtland Gire outside of the residence.&nbsp; They reported that Gire was threatening family and his 29-year-old girlfriend with a handgun and knife and that he was holding his girlfriend in a bedroom against her will.&nbsp; Gire also reportedly threatened to shoot responding officers.

The situation was resolved peacefully after approximately four hours through the use of Wichita Police Department's crisis negotiators and mental health advisor who were on the scene.&nbsp; 

Gire exited the home and was arrested without the use of force.&nbsp; No one was injured in this incident.&nbsp; Officers also recovered a handgun and knife during the investigation.

Gire remains jailed on requested charges of aggravated assault domestic violence, one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of aggravated weapons violation.

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp; Gire has over a dozen previous burglary and theft convictions, had been convicted on multiple other felony charges and was dismissed from custody in October, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607782007779.png" alt="Gire photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Gire photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a standoff with police.Just after 2:30 a.m. Dec. 11, police responded to a domestic violence disturbance with a weapon at a residence in the 10900 block of West Harvest Lane in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.Upon arrival, officers contacted the family of 29-year-old Courtland Gire outside of the residence.&nbsp; They reported that Gire was threatening family and his 29-year-old girlfriend with a handgun and knife and that he was holding his girlfriend in a bedroom against her will.&nbsp; Gire also reportedly threatened to shoot responding officers.The situation was resolved peacefully after approximately four hours through the use of Wichita Police Department's crisis negotiators and mental health advisor who were on the scene.&nbsp; Gire exited the home and was arrested without the use of force.&nbsp; No one was injured in this incident.&nbsp; Officers also recovered a handgun and knife during the investigation.Gire remains jailed on requested charges of aggravated assault domestic violence, one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of aggravated weapons violation.The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.&nbsp; Gire has over a dozen previous burglary and theft convictions, had been convicted on multiple other felony charges and was dismissed from custody in October, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Kan. man with over a dozen convictions jailed after standoff 

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita fitness studio’s owner and his business are suing Kansas for compensation for being forced to shut down and reopen with restrictions this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, arguing that the state essentially used their property in attempting to limit the virus’ spread.

The lawsuit filed in Sedgwick County District Court by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ryan.floyd">Ryan Floy</a>d and Omega Bootcamps Inc. argues that the state used his and the business’ private property “for the benefit of the general public” when it and local officials imposed their restrictions. The lawsuit cites&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/048_000_0000_chapter/048_009_0000_article/048_009_0033_section/048_009_0033_k/" target="_blank">part of the state’s emergency management law</a>&nbsp;that says people can pursue claims for compensation in court if their property is “commandeered or otherwise used” by state or local officials.

“Use is exerting control, and control is shutting down the business, but they didn’t just shut down the business,” said Ryan Kreigshauser, an attorney for Floyd and his business. “They meddled in the operations of gyms. They said, ‘You can open, but not in-person classes; you can open, but you can’t open your locker rooms.’ And so they were more invasive.”

The Kansas attorney general’s office declined comment, saying it was reviewing the lawsuit. Gov. Laura Kelly’s office did not immediately respond Friday to a request for comment.

The lawsuit asks for a jury trial and the appointment of a panel of appraisers to determine how much money Floyd and his business would be due.

The Democratic governor kept a statewide stay-at-home order in place for five weeks in the spring, then imposed restrictions on reopening businesses. The Republican-controlled Legislature later forced her to accept local control over rules for businesses, as well as limits on gatherings and mandates for people to wear masks in public.

Kansas averaged fewer than 100 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases a day in early and mid-June, but it has averaged more than 2,400 a day since Nov. 1. The state Department of Health and Environment has reported more than 100,000 cases since the start of November, or one for every 29 of the state’s residents.

Recent cases include an unnamed state legislator who tested positive after attending organizational meetings Monday at the Statehouse. House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican, notified colleagues and staff Friday by email. At least five lawmakers, including Ryckman, have tested positive during the pandemic.

State officials expect that Kansas’ first doses of a coronavirus vaccine made by Pfizer will be administered this week, with at-risk health care workers and nursing home residents first in line. It could be months before a vaccine is available to everyone.

Kelly also is hoping that Congress approves another coronavirus relief package, with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-lawsuits-mitch-mcconnell-coronavirus-pandemic-d01821f5f58445f136e9aa46a662d641">pressure in Washington intense</a>&nbsp;and negotiations ongoing over a $900 billion-plus package. Kelly has argued for months that states and local governments need direct aid, and she told legislative leaders Friday that if Congress doesn’t deliver, Kansas would face covering the costs of a program aimed at boosting coronavirus testing that would cost the state $120 million over only eight weeks.

The governor and her top emergency management official also told top lawmakers that medical gloves are difficult to find, forcing the state to use a “black market” to find them, without being more specific.

The state health department reported Kansas has averaged 48 new virus hospitalizations and 25 deaths a day since Nov. 1.

The fitness studio owner’s lawsuit came about two weeks after bar and other business owners in Wichita, the state’s largest city, filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-lawsuits-kansas-wichita-coronavirus-pandemic-4ac5e9bab09f63b10a94f17ff37e2e4a">a lawsuit against local officials</a>&nbsp;challenging their pandemic restrictions and seeking to return Sedgwick County to pre-pandemic business rules. Attorneys for both sides had that case moved to federal court because those business owners are arguing that their rights under the U.S. Constitution, including free speech and due legal process, are being violated.

But the second lawsuit focuses on potential compensation under state law. Attorneys for Floyd and his business said the provision in Kansas’ emergency management law is similar to provisions in at least 14 other states’ laws, including Michigan, New Jersey and Texas.

“If ‘use’ doesn’t mean what we think it is, we think public policymakers should know that,” said Josh Ney, another attorney for Floyd and his business. “It’s important for property owners to know this going forward, what their recourse is.”

By JOHN HANNATOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita fitness studio’s owner and his business are suing Kansas for compensation for being forced to shut down and reopen with restrictions this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, arguing that the state essentially used their property in attempting to limit the virus’ spread.The lawsuit filed in Sedgwick County District Court by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ryan.floyd">Ryan Floy</a>d and Omega Bootcamps Inc. argues that the state used his and the business’ private property “for the benefit of the general public” when it and local officials imposed their restrictions. The lawsuit cites&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2019_20/statute/048_000_0000_chapter/048_009_0000_article/048_009_0033_section/048_009_0033_k/" target="_blank">part of the state’s emergency management law</a>&nbsp;that says people can pursue claims for compensation in court if their property is “commandeered or otherwise used” by state or local officials.“Use is exerting control, and control is shutting down the business, but they didn’t just shut down the business,” said Ryan Kreigshauser, an attorney for Floyd and his business. “They meddled in the operations of gyms. They said, ‘You can open, but not in-person classes; you can open, but you can’t open your locker rooms.’ And so they were more invasive.”The Kansas attorney general’s office declined comment, saying it was reviewing the lawsuit. Gov. Laura Kelly’s office did not immediately respond Friday to a request for comment.The lawsuit asks for a jury trial and the appointment of a panel of appraisers to determine how much money Floyd and his business would be due.The Democratic governor kept a statewide stay-at-home order in place for five weeks in the spring, then imposed restrictions on reopening businesses. The Republican-controlled Legislature later forced her to accept local control over rules for businesses, as well as limits on gatherings and mandates for people to wear masks in public.Kansas averaged fewer than 100 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases a day in early and mid-June, but it has averaged more than 2,400 a day since Nov. 1. The state Department of Health and Environment has reported more than 100,000 cases since the start of November, or one for every 29 of the state’s residents.Recent cases include an unnamed state legislator who tested positive after attending organizational meetings Monday at the Statehouse. House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican, notified colleagues and staff Friday by email. At least five lawmakers, including Ryckman, have tested positive during the pandemic.State officials expect that Kansas’ first doses of a coronavirus vaccine made by Pfizer will be administered this week, with at-risk health care workers and nursing home residents first in line. It could be months before a vaccine is available to everyone.Kelly also is hoping that Congress approves another coronavirus relief package, with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-top-news-lawsuits-mitch-mcconnell-coronavirus-pandemic-d01821f5f58445f136e9aa46a662d641">pressure in Washington intense</a>&nbsp;and negotiations ongoing over a $900 billion-plus package. Kelly has argued for months that states and local governments need direct aid, and she told legislative leaders Friday that if Congress doesn’t deliver, Kansas would face covering the costs of a program aimed at boosting coronavirus testing that would cost the state $120 million over only eight weeks.The governor and her top emergency management official also told top lawmakers that medical gloves are difficult to find, forcing the state to use a “black market” to find them, without being more specific.The state health department reported Kansas has averaged 48 new virus hospitalizations and 25 deaths a day since Nov. 1.The fitness studio owner’s lawsuit came about two weeks after bar and other business owners in Wichita, the state’s largest city, filed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-lawsuits-kansas-wichita-coronavirus-pandemic-4ac5e9bab09f63b10a94f17ff37e2e4a">a lawsuit against local officials</a>&nbsp;challenging their pandemic restrictions and seeking to return Sedgwick County to pre-pandemic business rules. Attorneys for both sides had that case moved to federal court because those business owners are arguing that their rights under the U.S. Constitution, including free speech and due legal process, are being violated.But the second lawsuit focuses on potential compensation under state law. Attorneys for Floyd and his business said the provision in Kansas’ emergency management law is similar to provisions in at least 14 other states’ laws, including Michigan, New Jersey and Texas.“If ‘use’ doesn’t mean what we think it is, we think public policymakers should know that,” said Josh Ney, another attorney for Floyd and his business. “It’s important for property owners to know this going forward, what their recourse is.”

Business owner wants Kan. to pay for COVID-19 shutdown

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating one of two suspicious deaths in Topeka have made an arrest in one case on Sunday.

Just after 5:00 a.m., Sunday, police responded to a call for service in the 1400 block of SW Van Buren in Topeka after the report of a deceased man, according to Lt. Shane Hilton. Officers found a man later identified as 73-year-old Charles Jackson of Topeka. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

 As a result of the ongoing investigation, police arrested Jennifer Jackson, 50, of Topeka booked her into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the 1st degree, according to Hilton.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607911358849.png" alt="Jackson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Jackson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating one of two suspicious deaths in Topeka have made an arrest in one case on Sunday.Just after 5:00 a.m., Sunday, police responded to a call for service in the 1400 block of SW Van Buren in Topeka after the report of a deceased man, according to Lt. Shane Hilton. Officers found a man later identified as 73-year-old Charles Jackson of Topeka. He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp; As a result of the ongoing investigation, police arrested Jennifer Jackson, 50, of Topeka booked her into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of Murder in the 1st degree, according to Hilton.

Kansas woman accused of murder in man's death

RENO COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a Sunday night fire in Hutchinson.

Just after 9:30p.m. Sunday, crews responded to house fire at 218 East B. Avenue, according to&nbsp;Battalion Chief Jeremy Unruh. The fire was located at the back of the small single story residence near the rear exit.

  Fire crews made a quick aggressive attack and extinguished the fire limiting the fire spread to one small utility room. Occupants of the structure had left the home 30 minutes prior to the call.  Light smoke damage was present throughout the home.  Fire crews remained on scene for one hour to overhaul the area and assist in investigation.  The investigation suggests the cause appears to be electrical in nature, according to Unruh.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607940001085.jpeg" alt="Sunday night fire at home in Hutchinson -Photo courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Sunday night fire at home in Hutchinson -Photo courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a Sunday night fire in Hutchinson.Just after 9:30p.m. Sunday, crews responded to house fire at 218 East B. Avenue, according to&nbsp;Battalion Chief Jeremy Unruh. The fire was located at the back of the small single story residence near the rear exit. Fire crews made a quick aggressive attack and extinguished the fire limiting the fire spread to one small utility room. Occupants of the structure had left the home 30 minutes prior to the call. Light smoke damage was present throughout the home. Fire crews remained on scene for one hour to overhaul the area and assist in investigation. The investigation suggests the cause appears to be electrical in nature, according to Unruh.

Smoke damage, no injuries after Kansas house fire 

PORTAGE, Michigan (AP) — The first of many freezer-packed COVID-19 vaccine vials made their way to distribution sites across the United States on Sunday, as the nation’s pandemic deaths approached the horrifying new milestone of 300,000.

The rollout of the Pfizer vaccine, the first to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration, ushers in the biggest vaccination effort in U.S. history — one that health officials hope the American public will embrace, even as some have voiced initial skepticism or worry. Shots are expected to be given to health care workers and nursing home residents beginning Monday.

Quick transport is key for the vaccine, especially since this one must be stored at extremely low temperatures — about 94 degrees below zero. Early Sunday, workers at Pfizer — dressed in fluorescent yellow clothing, hard hats and gloves — wasted no time as they packed vials into boxes. They scanned the packages and then placed them into freezer cases with dry ice. The vaccines were then taken from Pfizer’s Portage, Michigan, facility to Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, where the first cargo plane took off amid what airport officials called a “jubilant” mood.

“This is a historic day,” said Richard W. Smith, who oversees operations in the Americas for FedEx Express, which is delivering 630-some packages of vaccine to distribution sites across the country. United Parcel Service also is transporting a share of the vaccine.

Helping with the transport of the vaccine has special meaning to Bruce Smith, a FedEx package handler at the Grand Rapids airport, whose older sister, Queen, died after she contracted the coronavirus in May. She was hospitalized in Georgia one day after he saw her on a video chat, and they never spoke again.

“I think she would be ecstatic to know that something that has ravaged our family — that a family member is going to be part of such a big project,” said Smith, 58, whose nephew, Queen’s son, also got sick and is still undergoing therapy for stroke-like symptoms. “It is very, very important.”

Tracked with GPS-enabled sensors, the initial shipments were expected to contain about 3 million doses, with many more to come. Federal officials say the first shipments of Pfizer’s vaccine will be staggered, arriving in 145 distribution centers Monday, with another 425 sites getting shipments Tuesday, and the remaining 66 on Wednesday. Doses of the vaccine, co-developed by German partner BioNTech, are given out based on each state’s adult population. Then the states decide where they go first.

In California, where health care workers will be among the first to be vaccinated, state health officials are prioritizing hospitals that have adequate storage capacity, serve high-risk populations and have the ability to vaccinate people quickly.

Initial surveys have found that even some health care workers don’t want to be first in line. Dr. Graham Snyder, who’s led the vaccine task force at Pennsylvania health care giant UPMC, estimates that about half of its employees are willing to get the vaccine as soon as it’s offered.

But many health officials expect enthusiasm to grow.

“There’s that thought that maybe they don’t have to be so afraid to come to work if they can be vaccinated and be immune,” said Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, medical director of hospital quality at the 40-hospital Oschner Health System in Louisiana and Mississippi. Employees approved for the first round are getting texts and emails directing them to schedule their initial injection, she said. Enough vaccine is being saved so that each person who gets the first dose of vaccine can get a second required shot a few weeks later.

Senior U.S. government officials, including some White House officials who work in close proximity to President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, are among those who will be offered coronavirus&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-politics-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-michael-pence-f5a759c9d597d0e458c5fc9d2a96ee6f">vaccines as soon as this week</a>, two people familiar with the matter confirmed.

A survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about half of Americans want to get the vaccine as soon as possible. Another quarter aren’t sure, while the remaining quarter say they aren’t interested. Some simply oppose vaccines in general. Others are concerned that the vaccines have been rushed and want to see how the rollout goes.

Dr. Stephen Hahn, commissioner of the FDA, which approved the Pfizer vaccine Friday, has repeatedly insisted that the agency’s decision was based on science, not politics, despite a White House threat to fire him if the vaccine wasn’t approved before Saturday.

Speaking to Fox News Sunday, Dr. Moncef Slaoui, chief science adviser to Operation Warp Speed, a U.S. effort to get vaccines developed quickly, also said he is “very concerned” about the skepticism about the vaccine in some circles.

“Unfortunately ... there’s been a confusion between how thorough and scientific and factual the work that has been done is, and the perception that people are thinking that we cut corners ...,” Slaoui said. “I can guarantee you that no such things have happened, that we follow the science.”

He called the development of vaccines from several pharmaceutical companies, including Moderna and AstraZeneca, “a remarkable achievement of science, academia, the industry ecosystem and the U.S. government, working together.”

The Moderna vaccine will be reviewed by an expert panel Thursday and soon afterward could be allowed for public use.

KALAMAZOO, Michigan (AP) — The first shipments of a COVID-19 vaccine for widespread use in the United States headed Sunday from Michigan to distribution centers across the country, with the first shots expected to be given in the coming week to health care workers and at nursing homes.

Shipments of the Pfizer vaccine will set in motion the biggest vaccination effort in American history at a critical juncture of the pandemic that has killed 1.6 million and sickened 71 million worldwide.

Initially, about 3 million doses were expected to be sent out, and the priority is health care workers and nursing home residents as infections, hospitalizations and deaths soar in the U.S. With numbers likely to get worse over the holidays, the vaccine is offering a bright spot in the fight against the pandemic that’s killed nearly 300,000 Americans.

Federal officials say the first shipments of Pfizer’s vaccine will be staggered, arriving in 145 distribution centers Monday, with an additional 425 sites getting shipments Tuesday, and the remaining 66 on Wednesday. The vaccine, co-developed by German partner BioNTech, is being doled out based on each state’s adult population.

Pennsylvania health care giant UPMC has chosen staff who are critical to operating its facilities as among those getting the first round of vaccinations, said Dr. Graham Snyder, who led the center’s vaccine task force.

“It’s very exciting. I will be thrilled, that moment when we administer our first dose,” Snyder said Saturday. “That will clearly be a watershed moment for us.”

Snyder said the UPMC system estimates that half its employees are willing to get the vaccine as soon as it’s offered to them.

The vaccine is heading to hospitals and other sites that can store it at extremely low temperatures — about 94 degrees below zero. Pfizer is using containers with dry ice and GPS-enabled sensors to ensure each shipment stays colder than the weather in Antarctica.

Doses should be delivered to all vaccination sites identified by states, such as local pharmacies, within three weeks, federal officials said.

The 40-hospital Oschner Health System in Louisiana and Mississippi expects to receive more than 9,000 doses in the coming days, said Dr. Sandra Kemmerly, medical director of hospital quality.

Employees approved for the first round are getting texts and emails directing them to schedule their initial injection, she said.

“I would say there’s enthusiasm,” Kemmerly said Saturday. “There’s that thought that maybe they don’t have to be so afraid to come to work if they can be vaccinated and be immune.”

The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the vaccine Friday, saying it is highly protective and presents no major safety issues. While U.S. regulators worked for months to emphasize the rigor and independence of their review, they faced political pressure until the final stages.

Concerns that a shot was rushed out could undermine vaccination efforts in a country where some are skeptical about vaccines — some because of overall opposition to vaccines and others because of the quick timeframe in which the virus vaccines were developed. Even some health care workers have said in surveys that they would forgo at least the first round of shots to see how things go.

The head of the FDA has repeatedly insisted that the agency’s decision was based on science, not politics, despite a White House threat to fire him if the vaccine wasn’t approved before Saturday.

Speaking Sunday to Fox News, Dr. Moncef Slaoui, chief science adviser to Operation Warp Speed, a U.S. effort to get vaccines developed quickly, also said he is “very concerned” about the skepticism about the vaccine in some circles.

“Unfortunately ... there’s been a confusion between how thorough and scientific and factual the work that has been done is, and the perception that people are thinking that we cut corners or anything like that,” Slaoui said. “I can guarantee you that no such things have happened, that we follow the science.”

Another vaccine by Moderna will be reviewed by an expert panel next week and soon afterward could be allowed for public use.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s first COVID-19 vaccine will begin arriving in states Monday morning, U.S. officials said Saturday, after the government gave the final go-ahead to the shots needed to end an outbreak that has killed nearly 300,000 Americans.

Trucks will roll out Sunday morning as shipping companies UPS and FedEx begin delivering Pfizer’s vaccine to nearly 150 distribution centers across the states, said Army Gen. Gustave Perna of Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration’s vaccine development program. An additional 425 sites will get shipments Tuesday, and the remaining 66 on Wednesday.

Initially, about 3 million doses were expected to be shipped nationwide. It was unclear exactly who would receive the first shots, though health care workers and nursing home residents were the priority. Perna said health authorities would decide.

A similar number of shots will be held back for those recipients’ second dose, which is needed for full protection from COVID-19.

The announcement Saturday kicks off a massive logistical operation involving the federal and state governments, private companies and health care workers to quickly distribute limited vaccine supplies throughout the U.S. It offers hope in a country grappling with surging COVID-19 infections and deaths, which are overwhelming hospitals and raising fears that things will only get worse as people gather over the holidays.

Perna compared the vaccine distribution effort to D-Day, the U.S.-led military offensive that turned the tide in World War II.

“D-Day was the beginning of the end and that’s where we are today,” Perna said a news conference. But he added that it would take months of work and “diligence, courage and strength to eventually achieve victory.”

MaineHealth, a network of 12 hospitals based in Portland, plans to provide an expected first delivery of nearly 2,000 vaccines to doctors, nurses and others facing risk as they treat COVID-19 patients, said Dr. Dora Mills, chief health improvement officer.

“It’s almost hard for me to talk about without tearing up,” Mills said Saturday. “This vaccine gives us some glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.”

The first shipments will leave Pfizer’s manufacturing plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan, by truck and then be flown to regional hubs around the country. Medical distributor McKesson and pharmacy chains, including CVS and Rite-Aid, also are involved in the initial rollout and vaccinations at nursing homes and assisted living centers.

In a key distribution challenge, the vaccine, co-developed with BioNTech, must be stored and shipped at ultra-low temperatures — about 94 degrees below zero. Pfizer has developed shipping containers that use dry ice, and GPS-enabled sensors will allow the company to track each shipment and ensure it stays cold.

Distribution sites are mainly large hospitals and other facilities able to meet those ultra-cold storage requirements. Within three weeks, vaccines should be delivered to all vaccination sites identified by states, such as local pharmacies, Perna said.

The vaccine was timed to arrive Monday so health workers could receive the shots and begin giving them, Perna said.

Workers at Mount Sinai Hospital System in New York did a dry run this week to prepare for their shipment. In a clean room, pharmacists practiced making separate doses of a training vaccine and ensuring the freezer was kept at temperatures colder than in Antarctica.

“Not a lot of people have vaccinated for a large pandemic like this,” said Susan Mashni, vice president of pharmacy at Mount Sinai. “So we want to make certain that we get it right. There’s a lot of different moving pieces and parts.”

At a meeting where an expert panel advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccines unanimously endorsed the Pfizer shot, some said local health officials were struggling to ensure the vaccine is distributed fairly and to those most in need and to ease people’s concerns about getting the shot.

But “the funding necessary for state and local health departments to carry out this program has been put in the deep freeze,” said Dr. Jeffrey Duchin, a Seattle physician representing the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

The Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the vaccine late Friday. It capped an unprecedented global race to speed vaccines through testing and review, chopping years off the normal development process.

The FDA found the vaccine highly protective with no major safety issues. U.S. regulators worked for months to emphasize the rigor and independence of their review, but President Donald Trump’s administration pressured the agency until the final announcement. A top White House official even threatened to remove FDA chief Stephen Hahn if a ruling didn’t come before Saturday.

Concerns that a shot was rushed out could undermine vaccination efforts in a country with deeply ingrained skepticism about vaccines.

“Science and data guided the FDA’s decision,” Hahn said Saturday. “We worked quickly because of the urgency of this pandemic, not because of any other external pressure.”

While the vaccine was determined to be safe, regulators in the U.K. are investigating several severe allergic reactions. The FDA’s instructions tell providers not give it to those with a known history of severe allergic reactions to any of its ingredients.

The FDA’s vaccine director, Dr. Peter Marks, said the agency will carefully track any reports of allergic reactions in the U.S.

Next week, the FDA will review a vaccine from Moderna and the National Institutes of Health that appears about as protective as Pfizer’s shot. On Friday, the Trump administration said it had purchased 100 million more doses of that vaccine on top of 100 million it previously ordered.

The announcement came after revelations that the White House opted not to lock in an additional 100 million doses of Pfizer’s vaccine for delivery in the second quarter of 2021. The Trump administration contends the current orders plus those in the pipeline will be enough to accommodate any American who wants to be vaccinated by the end of the second quarter of 2021.

First COVID-19 vaccine doses arrive at sites across the U.S.

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians are changing their name after 105 years.

Citing three people familiar with the decision, The New York Times reported Sunday night that the team is moving away from a name considered racist for decades. The Indians have been internally discussing a potential name change for months.

A team spokesman told The Associated Press the franchise has no immediate comment on the report.

The Times said the team could make a formal announcement later this week. It’s not known when the name change will take effect or if the team has settled on a new moniker.

Cleveland’s move away from Indians follows a similar decision earlier this year by the NFL’s Washington Football Team, which was previously known as the Redskins.

For years, Native American groups and others have protested against Cleveland’s use of Indians as its name as well as other imagery used by the American League charter franchise founded in 1901. Last year, the team removed the contentious Chief Wahoo logo from its caps and jerseys, but the smiling, cartoonish mascot has remained popular and merchandise is still sold bearing its image.

The Indians have dealt with a backlash from fans upset over Chief Wahoo’s removal and the club is certain to hear more with the decision to change its name.

“Oh no! What is going on?” President Donald Trump tweeted. “This is not good news, even for ”Indians”. Cancel culture at work!”

In July, just hours after Washington’s plans became known after being pressured by several sponsors, including FedEx which holds naming rights to the football’s team’s stadium, Cleveland owner Paul Dolan released a statement saying the team would review “the best path forward with our team name.”

In the months since, the team has consulted players, front office members, coaching staff, community leaders, share holders and Native American groups.

A few days after Dolan’s statement, Indians manager Terry Francona said it was time to “move forward” with the name change.

“I’ve been thinking about it and been thinking about it before we put out that statement,” said Francona, who has been with the club since 2013. “I know in the past, when I’ve been asked about, whether it’s our name or the Chief Wahoo, I think I would usually answer and say I know that we’re never trying to be disrespectful.

“And I still feel that way. But I don’t think that’s a good enough answer today. I think it’s time to move forward. It’s a very difficult subject. It’s also delicate.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607915629701.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians are changing their name after 105 years.Citing three people familiar with the decision, The New York Times reported Sunday night that the team is moving away from a name considered racist for decades. The Indians have been internally discussing a potential name change for months.A team spokesman told The Associated Press the franchise has no immediate comment on the report.The Times said the team could make a formal announcement later this week. It’s not known when the name change will take effect or if the team has settled on a new moniker.Cleveland’s move away from Indians follows a similar decision earlier this year by the NFL’s Washington Football Team, which was previously known as the Redskins.For years, Native American groups and others have protested against Cleveland’s use of Indians as its name as well as other imagery used by the American League charter franchise founded in 1901. Last year, the team removed the contentious Chief Wahoo logo from its caps and jerseys, but the smiling, cartoonish mascot has remained popular and merchandise is still sold bearing its image.The Indians have dealt with a backlash from fans upset over Chief Wahoo’s removal and the club is certain to hear more with the decision to change its name.“Oh no! What is going on?” President Donald Trump tweeted. “This is not good news, even for ”Indians”. Cancel culture at work!”In July, just hours after Washington’s plans became known after being pressured by several sponsors, including FedEx which holds naming rights to the football’s team’s stadium, Cleveland owner Paul Dolan released a statement saying the team would review “the best path forward with our team name.”In the months since, the team has consulted players, front office members, coaching staff, community leaders, share holders and Native American groups.A few days after Dolan’s statement, Indians manager Terry Francona said it was time to “move forward” with the name change.“I’ve been thinking about it and been thinking about it before we put out that statement,” said Francona, who has been with the club since 2013. “I know in the past, when I’ve been asked about, whether it’s our name or the Chief Wahoo, I think I would usually answer and say I know that we’re never trying to be disrespectful.“And I still feel that way. But I don’t think that’s a good enough answer today. I think it’s time to move forward. It’s a very difficult subject. It’s also delicate.”___

Report: Cleveland Indians changing name after 105 years

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — Two women have been charged with second-degree murder in the death of a man who was trapped inside a burning home in Joplin, police said.

Elizabeth M. Baez, 39, of Joplin, and Tiffany A. Lukasiewicz, 39, of Pittsburg, Kansas, were charged Thursday with second-degree murder, first-degree arson and first-degree domestic assault. They were being held without bond at the Joplin City Jail.

David Crowder, 68, died in the fire Dec. 4. He was trapped inside the single-story house before firefighters pulled him out and he died later at a hospital.

An autopsy conducted Monday at Frontier Forensics in Kansas City, Kansas, determined Crowder died from smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning, police said.

Police reported that two women were found outside the house after the fire and one was taken to a hospital in critical condition while the other was stable. Police did not say if the two women were Baez and Lukasiewicz.

Online court records do not name an attorney for either woman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607712001011.png" alt="Lukasiewicz" />
 <figcaption>Lukasiewicz</figcaption>
 </figure>JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) — Two women have been charged with second-degree murder in the death of a man who was trapped inside a burning home in Joplin, police said.Elizabeth M. Baez, 39, of Joplin, and Tiffany A. Lukasiewicz, 39, of Pittsburg, Kansas, were charged Thursday with second-degree murder, first-degree arson and first-degree domestic assault. They were being held without bond at the Joplin City Jail.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607711935353.png" alt="Baez" />
 <figcaption>Baez</figcaption>
 </figure>David Crowder, 68, died in the fire Dec. 4. He was trapped inside the single-story house before firefighters pulled him out and he died later at a hospital.An autopsy conducted Monday at Frontier Forensics in Kansas City, Kansas, determined Crowder died from smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning, police said.Police reported that two women were found outside the house after the fire and one was taken to a hospital in critical condition while the other was stable. Police did not say if the two women were Baez and Lukasiewicz.Online court records do not name an attorney for either woman.

Kan woman charged after fatal Missouri house fire

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas residents who need a place to isolate themselves after being exposed to or testing positive for COVID-19 may be able to stay for free in a hotel rented out by the state with help from the federal government.

The goal of the program is to provide people who have no other place to stay with an option, so they don’t spread the virus, said Devan Tucking-Strickler of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management in Topeka. The state is operating hotels in the Kansas City area as well as in Liberal, Dodge City, Salina, Emporia and Lawrence.

Tucking-Strickler said she didn’t know how much the state has spent so far on the rooms but that renting out an entire hotel costs roughly $3,000 a day at each site. The Federal Emergency Management Agency helps pay for the rooms.

Since the program began in April, about 40 to 50 people a week have typically used the rooms statewide, but lately the occupancy rate has doubled.

“Every time I think we’ve had a peak it blows my mind again. I think right now we’re headed up again, from what I’m looking at,” said Tucking-Strickler. “A few weeks ago, we started going a decent amount over 100 individuals. And today, we’re just bordering 100 and going up, whereas we were 40s and 50s a week ago.”

Officials emphasize that the program isn’t offering people a free vacation.

“I had to be really explicit with folks, this is not just a hotel night,” said Jill Jolicoeur, assistant to the Douglas County administrator in Lawrence.

The state relies on local hospitals, health departments and community organizations to let people know the rooms are available. The rooms have been used by meatpacking workers, prison guards, health care workers, people who live with at-risk family members and people who don’t have homes.

The state pays for three meals a day, snacks and a laundry service for people staying in the hotels. The rooms are sanitized after someone leaves.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas residents who need a place to isolate themselves after being exposed to or testing positive for COVID-19 may be able to stay for free in a hotel rented out by the state with help from the federal government.The goal of the program is to provide people who have no other place to stay with an option, so they don’t spread the virus, said Devan Tucking-Strickler of the Kansas Division of Emergency Management in Topeka. The state is operating hotels in the Kansas City area as well as in Liberal, Dodge City, Salina, Emporia and Lawrence.Tucking-Strickler said she didn’t know how much the state has spent so far on the rooms but that renting out an entire hotel costs roughly $3,000 a day at each site. The Federal Emergency Management Agency helps pay for the rooms.Since the program began in April, about 40 to 50 people a week have typically used the rooms statewide, but lately the occupancy rate has doubled.“Every time I think we’ve had a peak it blows my mind again. I think right now we’re headed up again, from what I’m looking at,” said Tucking-Strickler. “A few weeks ago, we started going a decent amount over 100 individuals. And today, we’re just bordering 100 and going up, whereas we were 40s and 50s a week ago.”Officials emphasize that the program isn’t offering people a free vacation.“I had to be really explicit with folks, this is not just a hotel night,” said Jill Jolicoeur, assistant to the Douglas County administrator in Lawrence.The state relies on local hospitals, health departments and community organizations to let people know the rooms are available. The rooms have been used by meatpacking workers, prison guards, health care workers, people who live with at-risk family members and people who don’t have homes.The state pays for three meals a day, snacks and a laundry service for people staying in the hotels. The rooms are sanitized after someone leaves.

Hotels offered to Kansas residents isolating due to virus

TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man was indicted in federal court this with distributing heroin, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

James Licht, 39, Topeka, was charged with one count of distributing heroin and one count of unlawful possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon.

According to documents filed in court, in October investigators served a search warrant at Licht’s residence in the 1400 block of SW 5th&nbsp;Street in Topeka. Among the items seized were heroin, more than $1,500 in cash, a .45 caliber pistol, a 9 mm pistol, other firearms and drug paraphernalia.

Licht was paying $1,500 to $2,000 an ounce to buy 1 to 2 ounces of heroin each week.

&nbsp;Licht was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a felony conviction in 2019 in Shawnee County District Court.

If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on the heroin charge and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas Highway Patrol investigated.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607552022193.png" alt="Licht from an earlier arrest in Douglas Co." />
 <figcaption>Licht from an earlier arrest in Douglas Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man was indicted in federal court this with distributing heroin, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.James Licht, 39, Topeka, was charged with one count of distributing heroin and one count of unlawful possession of firearms by a previously convicted felon.According to documents filed in court, in October investigators served a search warrant at Licht’s residence in the 1400 block of SW 5th&nbsp;Street in Topeka. Among the items seized were heroin, more than $1,500 in cash, a .45 caliber pistol, a 9 mm pistol, other firearms and drug paraphernalia.Licht was paying $1,500 to $2,000 an ounce to buy 1 to 2 ounces of heroin each week.&nbsp;Licht was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a felony conviction in 2019 in Shawnee County District Court.If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million on the heroin charge and up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000 on the firearm charge. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas Highway Patrol investigated.&nbsp;

Indictment: Kan. man paid $1500 a week for ounce of heroin

WASHINGTON (AP) — A congressional monitor of federal pandemic aid is raising the possibility of a link between President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and a $700 million relief loan to a struggling trucking company.

Bharat Ramamurti, a Democratic member of the four-person Congressional Oversight Commission, raised the possible Kushner connection at a hearing Thursday, as panel members from both parties challenged the Treasury Department’s decision to award the loan to YRC Worldwide. The taxpayer-funded loan was made on the grounds that the company's operations are critical for maintaining national security.

The panel members questioned the decision to deem YRC’s business vital to national security. It was the first and by far the largest loan made under the national security portion of the Treasury Department’s corporate aid program, which has loaned billions to major airlines and smaller air carriers.

YRC received a separate $600 million loan last year from Apollo Global Management and several other lenders that was arranged by Apollo, a big private equity firm that is YRC’s biggest creditor, according to the oversight panel. Apollo co-founder Joshua Harris advised the Trump administration on infrastructure policy in early 2017 and met with Kushner, who is an adviser to the president. Later that year Apollo lent $184 million to Kushner’s family real estate company to help refinance its mortgage on a Chicago building, according to a New York Times report cited by Ramamurti.

Ramamurti asked Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin whether he had had contacts with Kushner or his staff regarding the YRC loan. Mnuchin said he had not. Ramamurti then broadened the question to a request for correspondence with anyone in the White House.

“This warrants further investigation,” Ramamurti said. He called the loan to YRC “a fast-tracked, extremely generous loan that just so happened to help” Apollo as YRC’s creditor.

There was no immediate comment on the matter to The Associated Press from Kushner or his staff.

“Apollo was not involved at all in (YRC's) decision to seek the Treasury funds," Apollo spokesperson Joanna Rose said Thursday. “We are a capital provider for thousands of companies. We are one of many lenders to YRC. This is not a company that our funds own or control."

The congressional monitors found that taxpayers could be at risk of losing money on the $700 million investment. YRC has had financial problems for years, well before the onset of the pandemic, and has been at risk of bankruptcy.

Mnuchin defended the loan, saying that YRC meets the criteria for companies deemed essential for national security as the Treasury Department had worked out with the Defense Department and the Office of Director of National Intelligence.

He acknowledged that taxpayers could end up losing the money if YRC fails and doesn’t pay it back. “This was a risky loan,” Mnuchin said, but he added, “We’ve been fortunate that the economy recovered. ... Ultimately Treasury and the taxpayers will be very well compensated.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597334632566.png" alt="President Trump's son-in-law , Jared Kushner, during an Oval Office Ceremony in July-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Trump's son-in-law , Jared Kushner, during an Oval Office Ceremony in July-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A congressional monitor of federal pandemic aid is raising the possibility of a link between President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and a $700 million relief loan to a struggling trucking company.Bharat Ramamurti, a Democratic member of the four-person Congressional Oversight Commission, raised the possible Kushner connection at a hearing Thursday, as panel members from both parties challenged the Treasury Department’s decision to award the loan to YRC Worldwide. The taxpayer-funded loan was made on the grounds that the company's operations are critical for maintaining national security.The panel members questioned the decision to deem YRC’s business vital to national security. It was the first and by far the largest loan made under the national security portion of the Treasury Department’s corporate aid program, which has loaned billions to major airlines and smaller air carriers.YRC received a separate $600 million loan last year from Apollo Global Management and several other lenders that was arranged by Apollo, a big private equity firm that is YRC’s biggest creditor, according to the oversight panel. Apollo co-founder Joshua Harris advised the Trump administration on infrastructure policy in early 2017 and met with Kushner, who is an adviser to the president. Later that year Apollo lent $184 million to Kushner’s family real estate company to help refinance its mortgage on a Chicago building, according to a New York Times report cited by Ramamurti.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607708626735.png" alt="Kushner-photo courtesy White House " />
 <figcaption>Kushner-photo courtesy White House </figcaption>
 </figure>Ramamurti asked Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin whether he had had contacts with Kushner or his staff regarding the YRC loan. Mnuchin said he had not. Ramamurti then broadened the question to a request for correspondence with anyone in the White House.“This warrants further investigation,” Ramamurti said. He called the loan to YRC “a fast-tracked, extremely generous loan that just so happened to help” Apollo as YRC’s creditor.There was no immediate comment on the matter to The Associated Press from Kushner or his staff.“Apollo was not involved at all in (YRC's) decision to seek the Treasury funds," Apollo spokesperson Joanna Rose said Thursday. “We are a capital provider for thousands of companies. We are one of many lenders to YRC. This is not a company that our funds own or control."The congressional monitors found that taxpayers could be at risk of losing money on the $700 million investment. YRC has had financial problems for years, well before the onset of the pandemic, and has been at risk of bankruptcy.Mnuchin defended the loan, saying that YRC meets the criteria for companies deemed essential for national security as the Treasury Department had worked out with the Defense Department and the Office of Director of National Intelligence.He acknowledged that taxpayers could end up losing the money if YRC fails and doesn’t pay it back. “This was a risky loan,” Mnuchin said, but he added, “We’ve been fortunate that the economy recovered. ... Ultimately Treasury and the taxpayers will be very well compensated.”Mnuchin noted that, before the loan was approved this summer, several lawmakers had asked the Treasury Department to help YRC in order to save jobs.Rep. French Hill, R-Ark., a member of the panel who is a former banker, told Mnuchin, “Were I still in finance, I would not have made this loan.”YRC, based in Overland Park, Kansas, provides transportation and logistics services, such as delivering food, electronics and other supplies to military locations around the country. The Defense Department is a major YRC client, and it’s the leading transportation provider to the Department of Homeland Security.The national security portion of Treasury’s corporate aid program, with an available pot of up to $17 billion, had been expected earlier this year to be earmarked for hard-pressed aircraft maker Boeing or for General Electric. They were able to tap the private credit markets and didn’t seek government aid.To qualify for the national security aid, companies should be performing under defense contracts of the highest national priority or operating under top-secret security clearance. YRC apparently didn’t meet either of the criteria but qualified under a “catchall” provision allowing a recommendation and certification from the secretary of defense or the director of national intelligence to be sufficient.The four-member oversight commission was appointed by congressional leaders of both parties to monitor the spending of some $2 trillion in economic aid enacted by Congress last spring and directed by the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve.