WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-donald-trump-confirmation-hearings-health-63a2f915b62cf3281f66e80fea9c20e1">the Senate confirmation hearings</a>&nbsp;for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett (all times local):

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/?476316/supreme-court-nominee-amy-coney-barrett-confirmation-hearing-day-2&amp;live">CLICK here</a>&nbsp;to watch day 2 of the confirmation hearing that began at 8a.m. CDT

The second day of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett is finished after nearly 12 hours.

GOP senators are moving at a breakneck pace to confirm Barrett ahead of the Nov. 3 election. President Donald Trump nominated her just days after the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Sept. 18.

Barrett told Senate Judiciary Committee members she could not say whether she’d rule to overturn the Affordable Care Act if it came before the court, or what she would do on other major culture-war issues like abortion or same-sex marriage. She said she would first need to read the litigation and confer with her colleagues before she could make any decisions.

One of Democrats’ biggest fears is that Barrett’s all-but-certain confirmation by the Republican-controlled Senate would create a 6-3 conservative majority on the court that could well overturn the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion.

Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett says she doesn’t consider the high court’s Roe v. Wade decision on abortion a “super-precedent” that can’t be overruled.

Barrett said the court’s 1973 ruling that affirmed the right to abortion isn’t in the same category as the Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling, which declared segregated public schools unconstitutional.

Barrett said in an exchange with Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar that the Roe decision does not have the same secure place in the law as Brown v. Board of Education.

Barrett says no one talks about overturning the Brown decision. But she says all the questions she’s gotten in her confirmation hearing about her views of abortion “indicates Roe doesn’t fall in that category.” She says it’s “not a case that’s universally accepted.”

President Donald Trump has said he would appoint justices who would overturn a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion. Democrats worry that the court could have enough anti-abortion justices to threaten abortion rights if Barrett is confirmed.

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;nominee Amy Coney Barrett is facing senators’ questions over her approach to health care, legal precedent and even the presidential election during a second day of confirmation hearings on track to lock in a conservative court majority for years to come.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/?476316/supreme-court-nominee-amy-coney-barrett-confirmation-hearing-day-2&amp;live">CLICK here</a> to watch day 2 of the confirmation hearing that began at 8a.m. CDT

The mood is likely to shift to a more confrontational tone as Barrett, an appellate court judge with very little trial court experience, is grilled in 30-minute segments Tuesday by Democrats gravely opposed to President Donald Trump’s nominee, yet virtually powerless to stop her rise. Republicans are rushing her to confirmation before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2020">Election Day</a>.

“This should not be President Trump’s judge,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Democrats say the winner of the presidential election should choose the nominee.

“This should be your judge,” she said.

Barrett presented her approach to the law as conservative and fair on Monday at the start of fast-tracked confirmation hearings. Democrats cast her as a threat to Americans’ health care coverage during the coronavirus pandemic.

With her husband and six of their seven children behind her in a hearing room off-limits to the public and altered for COVID-19 risks, Barrett delivered views at odds with the late&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ruth-bader-ginsburg">Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a>, the liberal icon whose seat Trump nominated her to fill, laying out a judicial philosophy she has likened to that of her conservative mentor, the late Justice Antonin Scalia.

“Courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life,” declared the 48-year-old federal appeals court judge, removing the protective mask she wore most of the day to read from a prepared statement.

Americans “deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets our Constitution and laws as they are written,” Barrett told the committee.

The Senate, led by Trump’s Republican allies, is pushing Barrett’s nomination to a quick vote before Nov. 3, and ahead of the the latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act, which the Supreme Court is to hear a week after the election.

Republicans also hope to seat Barrett quickly enough to hear any legal challenges after the election. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut was among several Democrats demanding that Barrett pledge not to take part in any election case. She has made no such commitment.

Ginsburg’s legacy was felt throughout the hearing, with some Democrats wearing lapel pins with her likeness. Barrett also praised the liberal icon, saying she was “forever grateful” for Ginsburg’s trailblazing path as a woman on the court.

Yet Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s running mate, warned that Barrett’s nomination puts in jeopardy everything Ginsburg fought to protect.

Testifying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-donald-trump-pandemics-confirmation-hearings-d7642721666d8660a30e0c451499064e">from her office because of the pandemic</a>, Harris said that the court is “often the last refuge for equal justice” and that not only health care but voting rights, workers’ rights, abortion rights and the very idea of justice are at stake.

Barring a dramatic development, Republicans appear to have the votes to confirm Barrett to a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court, and they spent their time portraying her as a thoughtful judge with impeccable credentials. She would be Trump’s third justice.

“She is a slam dunk” based on her qualifications, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the committee chairman, told reporters late in the day. Barrett received the highest rating — “well-qualified” — from the American Bar Association, though she is the first nominee since Clarence Thomas who did not receive a unanimous assessment.

Underscoring the Republicans’ confidence, Graham set an initial committee vote on the nomination for Thursday, even before the last day of hearings wrapped, which would allow final approval by the panel for one week later and a vote for confirmation by the full Senate on Oct. 26.

One after another, Democrats sought Monday to tie her nomination to the upcoming Obama-era health care case.

Republicans lambasted Democrats for attacking Barrett’s Catholic religion, although none actually did.

Some senators took part remotely, after two committee Republicans, Mike Lee of Utah and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, tested positive for the novel coronavirus 10 days ago.

Lee was present in the hearing room, bearing a doctor’s note saying he didn’t need to remain isolated. Tillis took part remotely, but his spokesman said he also was free of symptoms.

Protesters rallied outside the Senate buildings with the hearing room largely closed to the public.

The start of the four-day hearings followed a White House event announcing her nomination just over two weeks ago, in which most of the audience did not wear masks. The event has been labeled a “superspreader” for the virus.

More than two dozen people linked to the Sept. 26 Rose Garden event, including the two GOP senators, have contracted COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Barrett and her family went maskless at the event. She and her husband, Jesse, tested positive for the virus earlier this year and recovered, administration officials have said.

Democrats already were enraged that Republicans are moving so quickly, having refused to consider President Barack Obama’s nominee after Scalia’s death in February 2016, well before that year’s election.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602594185937.png" alt="On Tuesday, Senate Judiciary Committee members began questioning Supreme Court Nominee Amy Coney Barrett. -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>On Tuesday, Senate Judiciary Committee members began questioning Supreme Court Nominee Amy Coney Barrett. -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-donald-trump-confirmation-hearings-health-63a2f915b62cf3281f66e80fea9c20e1">the Senate confirmation hearings</a>&nbsp;for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett (all times local):<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/?476316/supreme-court-nominee-amy-coney-barrett-confirmation-hearing-day-2&amp;live">CLICK here</a>&nbsp;to watch day 2 of the confirmation hearing that began at 8a.m. CDTThe second day of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett is finished after nearly 12 hours.GOP senators are moving at a breakneck pace to confirm Barrett ahead of the Nov. 3 election. President Donald Trump nominated her just days after the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Sept. 18.Barrett told Senate Judiciary Committee members she could not say whether she’d rule to overturn the Affordable Care Act if it came before the court, or what she would do on other major culture-war issues like abortion or same-sex marriage. She said she would first need to read the litigation and confer with her colleagues before she could make any decisions.One of Democrats’ biggest fears is that Barrett’s all-but-certain confirmation by the Republican-controlled Senate would create a 6-3 conservative majority on the court that could well overturn the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion.She will be questioned again Wednesday.Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett says she doesn’t consider the high court’s Roe v. Wade decision on abortion a “super-precedent” that can’t be overruled.Barrett said the court’s 1973 ruling that affirmed the right to abortion isn’t in the same category as the Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling, which declared segregated public schools unconstitutional.Barrett said in an exchange with Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar that the Roe decision does not have the same secure place in the law as Brown v. Board of Education.Barrett says no one talks about overturning the Brown decision. But she says all the questions she’s gotten in her confirmation hearing about her views of abortion “indicates Roe doesn’t fall in that category.” She says it’s “not a case that’s universally accepted.”President Donald Trump has said he would appoint justices who would overturn a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion. Democrats worry that the court could have enough anti-abortion justices to threaten abortion rights if Barrett is confirmed.--------WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;nominee Amy Coney Barrett is facing senators’ questions over her approach to health care, legal precedent and even the presidential election during a second day of confirmation hearings on track to lock in a conservative court majority for years to come.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/?476316/supreme-court-nominee-amy-coney-barrett-confirmation-hearing-day-2&amp;live">CLICK here</a> to watch day 2 of the confirmation hearing that began at 8a.m. CDTThe mood is likely to shift to a more confrontational tone as Barrett, an appellate court judge with very little trial court experience, is grilled in 30-minute segments Tuesday by Democrats gravely opposed to President Donald Trump’s nominee, yet virtually powerless to stop her rise. Republicans are rushing her to confirmation before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2020">Election Day</a>.“This should not be President Trump’s judge,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Democrats say the winner of the presidential election should choose the nominee.“This should be your judge,” she said.Barrett presented her approach to the law as conservative and fair on Monday at the start of fast-tracked confirmation hearings. Democrats cast her as a threat to Americans’ health care coverage during the coronavirus pandemic.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602594320998.png" alt="Judge Barrett's family sitting near her on Tuesday morning -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Judge Barrett's family sitting near her on Tuesday morning -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>With her husband and six of their seven children behind her in a hearing room off-limits to the public and altered for COVID-19 risks, Barrett delivered views at odds with the late&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/ruth-bader-ginsburg">Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a>, the liberal icon whose seat Trump nominated her to fill, laying out a judicial philosophy she has likened to that of her conservative mentor, the late Justice Antonin Scalia.“Courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life,” declared the 48-year-old federal appeals court judge, removing the protective mask she wore most of the day to read from a prepared statement.Americans “deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets our Constitution and laws as they are written,” Barrett told the committee.The Senate, led by Trump’s Republican allies, is pushing Barrett’s nomination to a quick vote before Nov. 3, and ahead of the the latest challenge to the Affordable Care Act, which the Supreme Court is to hear a week after the election.Republicans also hope to seat Barrett quickly enough to hear any legal challenges after the election. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut was among several Democrats demanding that Barrett pledge not to take part in any election case. She has made no such commitment.Ginsburg’s legacy was felt throughout the hearing, with some Democrats wearing lapel pins with her likeness. Barrett also praised the liberal icon, saying she was “forever grateful” for Ginsburg’s trailblazing path as a woman on the court.Yet Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s running mate, warned that Barrett’s nomination puts in jeopardy everything Ginsburg fought to protect.Testifying&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-virus-outbreak-donald-trump-pandemics-confirmation-hearings-d7642721666d8660a30e0c451499064e">from her office because of the pandemic</a>, Harris said that the court is “often the last refuge for equal justice” and that not only health care but voting rights, workers’ rights, abortion rights and the very idea of justice are at stake.Barring a dramatic development, Republicans appear to have the votes to confirm Barrett to a lifetime seat on the Supreme Court, and they spent their time portraying her as a thoughtful judge with impeccable credentials. She would be Trump’s third justice.“She is a slam dunk” based on her qualifications, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., the committee chairman, told reporters late in the day. Barrett received the highest rating — “well-qualified” — from the American Bar Association, though she is the first nominee since Clarence Thomas who did not receive a unanimous assessment.Underscoring the Republicans’ confidence, Graham set an initial committee vote on the nomination for Thursday, even before the last day of hearings wrapped, which would allow final approval by the panel for one week later and a vote for confirmation by the full Senate on Oct. 26.One after another, Democrats sought Monday to tie her nomination to the upcoming Obama-era health care case.Republicans lambasted Democrats for attacking Barrett’s Catholic religion, although none actually did.Some senators took part remotely, after two committee Republicans, Mike Lee of Utah and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, tested positive for the novel coronavirus 10 days ago.Lee was present in the hearing room, bearing a doctor’s note saying he didn’t need to remain isolated. Tillis took part remotely, but his spokesman said he also was free of symptoms.Protesters rallied outside the Senate buildings with the hearing room largely closed to the public.The start of the four-day hearings followed a White House event announcing her nomination just over two weeks ago, in which most of the audience did not wear masks. The event has been labeled a “superspreader” for the virus.More than two dozen people linked to the Sept. 26 Rose Garden event, including the two GOP senators, have contracted COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Barrett and her family went maskless at the event. She and her husband, Jesse, tested positive for the virus earlier this year and recovered, administration officials have said.Democrats already were enraged that Republicans are moving so quickly, having refused to consider President Barack Obama’s nominee after Scalia’s death in February 2016, well before that year’s election.___

🎥 The Latest: Day 2 of Barrett confirmation lasts 12 hours

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers who filed an extension that the October 15 due date to file their 2019 tax return is near. Taxpayers should file their tax returns on or before the October 15 deadline. For those who still owe, pay as soon as possible to reduce any penalties and interest.

Convenient&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">electronic filing options</a>, including IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>, are still available. Taxpayers and tax professionals should continue to use electronic options to support social distancing and speed the processing of tax returns, refunds and payments.

Although October 15 is the last day for most people to file, some taxpayers may have more time. They include:

The safest and fastest way for taxpayers to get their refund is to have it electronically deposited into their bank or other financial account. Taxpayers can use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>&nbsp;to deposit their refund into one, two or even three accounts. Direct deposit is much faster than waiting for a paper check to arrive in the mail.

After filing, use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov or download the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a>&nbsp;mobile app to track the status of a refund.

Taxpayers can make their federal tax payments online, by phone or with their mobile device and the IRS2Go app. When paying federal taxes electronically, taxpayers should remember:

Several payment options are available on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>&nbsp;to help taxpayers who can't pay in full and some can offer taxpayers smaller penalties. Taxpayers should know:

Economic Impact Payments: Non-Filers can still get one; must act by Nov. 21

Though most Americans − more than 160 million in all − have already received their Economic Impact Payments, the IRS reminds anyone with little or no income who is not required to file a tax return that they may be eligible to receive an Economic Impact Payment.

Available in both English and Spanish, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here">Non-Filers tool</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov is designed for people with incomes typically below $24,400 for married couples, and $12,200 for singles. This includes couples and individuals who are experiencing homelessness. People must enter their information by Nov. 21 to get a payment this year.

People can qualify for a payment, even if they don't work or have no earned income. But low- and moderate-income workers and working families eligible to receive special tax benefits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, cannot use this tool. They will need to file a regular return as soon as possible. The IRS will use their tax return information to determine and issue any EIP for which they are eligible.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers who filed an extension that the October 15 due date to file their 2019 tax return is near. Taxpayers should file their tax returns on or before the October 15 deadline. For those who still owe, pay as soon as possible to reduce any penalties and interest.Convenient&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">electronic filing options</a>, including IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">Free File</a>, are still available. Taxpayers and tax professionals should continue to use electronic options to support social distancing and speed the processing of tax returns, refunds and payments.Although October 15 is the last day for most people to file, some taxpayers may have more time. They include:<ul>
 <li>Members of the military and others serving in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/combat-zones">combat zone</a>. They typically have 180 days after they leave the combat zone to file returns and pay any taxes due.</li><li>Taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas who already had valid extensions. For details, see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations">disaster relief</a>&nbsp;page on IRS.gov.</li>
 </ul><h2>Choose direct deposit for refunds</h2>The safest and fastest way for taxpayers to get their refund is to have it electronically deposited into their bank or other financial account. Taxpayers can use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">direct deposit</a>&nbsp;to deposit their refund into one, two or even three accounts. Direct deposit is much faster than waiting for a paper check to arrive in the mail.After filing, use the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;tool on IRS.gov or download the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a>&nbsp;mobile app to track the status of a refund.<h2>Pay federal taxes electronically</h2>Taxpayers can make their federal tax payments online, by phone or with their mobile device and the IRS2Go app. When paying federal taxes electronically, taxpayers should remember:<ul>
 <li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">Electronic payment options</a>&nbsp;are the optimal way to make a tax payment.</li><li>They can pay when they file electronically using tax software online. If using a tax preparer, taxpayers should ask the preparer to make the tax payment through an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-electronic-funds-withdrawal">electronic funds withdrawal</a>&nbsp;from a bank account.</li><li><a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay">IRS Direct Pay</a>&nbsp;allows taxpayers to pay online directly from a checking or savings account for free, and to schedule payments up to 365 days in advance.</li><li>Taxpayers can choose to pay with a credit card, debit card or digital wallet option through a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card">payment processor</a>. No fees go to the IRS.</li><li>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go</a>&nbsp;app provides the mobile-friendly payment options, including Direct Pay and Card Payment Providers on mobile devices.</li><li>Taxpayers may also enroll in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system">Electronic Federal Tax Payment System</a>&nbsp;and have a choice of paying online or by phone by using the EFTPS Voice Response System.</li><li>Taxpayers can go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account">IRS.gov/account</a>&nbsp;to securely access information about their federal tax account. They can view the amount they owe, access their tax records online, review their payment history and view key tax return information for the most recent tax return as originally filed.</li>
 </ul><h2>Can't pay full amount?</h2>Several payment options are available on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">IRS.gov/payments</a>&nbsp;to help taxpayers who can't pay in full and some can offer taxpayers smaller penalties. Taxpayers should know:<ul>
 <li>Though interest and late-payment penalties continue to accrue on any unpaid taxes after the original July 15 due date, the failure to pay tax penalty rate is cut in half while an installment agreement is in effect.</li><li>The usual penalty rate of 0.5% per month is reduced to 0.25% per month. For the calendar quarter beginning Oct. 1, 2020, the interest rate for underpayment is 3%.</li>
 </ul><h2>Economic Impact Payments: Non-Filers can still get one; must act by Nov. 21</h2>Though most Americans − more than 160 million in all − have already received their Economic Impact Payments, the IRS reminds anyone with little or no income who is not required to file a tax return that they may be eligible to receive an Economic Impact Payment.Available in both English and Spanish, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here">Non-Filers tool</a>&nbsp;on IRS.gov is designed for people with incomes typically below $24,400 for married couples, and $12,200 for singles. This includes couples and individuals who are experiencing homelessness. People must enter their information by Nov. 21 to get a payment this year.People can qualify for a payment, even if they don't work or have no earned income. But low- and moderate-income workers and working families eligible to receive special tax benefits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, cannot use this tool. They will need to file a regular return as soon as possible. The IRS will use their tax return information to determine and issue any EIP for which they are eligible.

Deadline nears for taxpayers who requested tax filing extensions

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/13/kansas-labor-department-digs-out-of-help-line-quagmire-reduces-claim-backlog/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — When Ryan Wright 
was tapped by Gov. Laura Kelly to take over the Kansas Department of 
Labor in June, coronavirus had ruthlessly gutted the state’s economy and
 overwhelmed the agency responsible for delivering timely financial aid 
to people thrown out of work.

The unprecedented wave of 
joblessness meant people were unable to get through to labor department 
call centers. The agency’s creaky computer system showed its age. A 
backlog of claims kept expanding. Politicians eager to highlight 
weaknesses in the Kelly administration had a heyday. Then, the labor 
department tried to claw back incorrect payments and some of those 
transactions overdrafted unemployed Kansans’ bank accounts. It cost 
labor secretary Delia Garcia her job, and ushered in the Wright era.

In an interview, Wright 
said the addition of full-time and temporary staff and a series of IT 
network patches had helped stabilize the system. He also said his office
 had blocked about 55,000 attempts at fraud. Just as no magical remedy 
for COVID-19 has emerged, neither has a silver bullet for what 
challenges the labor department.

“I used to hear a lot 
about people not getting through, not getting responses,” Wright said. 
“Right now, we’re hearing a lot about identity theft. I heard from a 
conservative legislator the other day, ‘Thank you. We can tell you’re 
doing stuff there.' ”

For the Kansas Reflector, Wright delved into the past, present and future of department’s unemployment benefit operation.

The Kansas 
unemployment trust fund had $900 million at outset of the pandemic. If 
it goes dry, the state can borrow from the federal government. What is 
the fund’s status?

“It was very healthy. 
We’ve been, of course, drawing down on that. We expect it will go 
insolvent after the first of the year. As of about a month ago … we were
 just hitting kind of where we were at when the great recession started,
 that $600 million mark.”

Are identity-theft 
crooks concentrating on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program in 
Kansas? That’s the one offering benefits to self-employed people, 
independent contractors and others not eligible for regular UI aid.

“To date, we’ve stopped 
55,000 fraudulent claims. It’s all targeted to the PUA program. To give 
you some idea of the scope, the U.S. Department of Labor’s office of 
inspector general estimates that this is costing taxpayers $8 billion 
nationally. Kansas is not out of the norm. This is absolutely hitting 
every state right now.”

What have you done to thwart identity theft?

“We’ve doubled the size of
 the fraud teams. We’ve put in place on the back end a number of digital
 tools — I’m intentionally being vague about that — to help verify 
people’s identity to stop malicious fraud activity. When you’re talking 
about these numbers, I’d by lying if I said some of them didn’t get 
through the system.”

When can you go public with scope of the PUA problem?

“We are doing an audit of 
our system right now. We may not know until close to the end of the 
year, but we’re going to know how much has been paid out in fraud. The 
costs of that are all borne by the federal government. It doesn’t come 
out of the state trust fund.”

OK, how big is the backlog of regular unemployment insurance claims?

“When I accepted this job 
we had around 26,000 backlogged claims within the regular UI system. 
Part of what I’ve been working on is to increase our bandwidth. We’ve 
done that in part by bringing in additional resources from Accenture and
 others. With their help we’ve been able to cut that number of 
backlogged claims down to 12,000. We expect we’re going to be able to 
reduce that even further, if not eliminate it, by the end of this 
month.”

How much new staff has been added to deal with phone bank issues?

“At the height of this, 
when the agency was getting 1.5 million call attempts a day, there were 
around 25 employees answering phones. Now, we’re at around 100 KDOL 
employees. We’ve got 150 Accenture folks on the phones. Last week, I 
think the longest anybody was on hold in our call system was 20 
minutes.”

How are you doing with
 the Lost Wages Assistance program offering $300 per week in 
supplemental aid for people who received jobless benefits from Aug. 1 to
 Sept. 5?

“Because there are so many
 programs and so many acronyms floating around, it’s caused a ton of 
confusion. We proactively reached out to everybody who received a 
benefit from us in the time that fit into that critieria. We paid out 
right away $6.7 million to 25,000 people. We’ve had, since we opened 
that, 110,000 Kansans certify that they lost their jobs due to COVID.”

The labor department wants to upgrade the IT system. What’s the latest?

“The agency had actually 
started this process before the pandemic hit. We’re finishing up that 
modernization plan. We will have that ready to present to the 
Legislature … by the end of the year. We’re trying to be smart about 
this so what we’re doing now to stabilize the system hopefully will be 
transferable when we move to a new system.”

What about the cost estimate of $30 million or more?

“I’m thinking what will 
happen is that you’ll have some phased in with X amount of dollars in 
the first three years and X amount of dollars in the out years. We’re 
hoping that when the stimulus package passes Congress there will be 
money.”

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/2020/10/1602598559752.png" alt="Kansas Department of Labor acting secretary Ryan Wright says the unemployment benefit backlogs are thinning, the call center gridlock appears resolved and plans are under development to overhaul the agency's IT network. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Department of Labor acting secretary Ryan Wright says the unemployment benefit backlogs are thinning, the call center gridlock appears resolved and plans are under development to overhaul the agency's IT network. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/13/kansas-labor-department-digs-out-of-help-line-quagmire-reduces-claim-backlog/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — When Ryan Wright 
was tapped by Gov. Laura Kelly to take over the Kansas Department of 
Labor in June, coronavirus had ruthlessly gutted the state’s economy and
 overwhelmed the agency responsible for delivering timely financial aid 
to people thrown out of work.The unprecedented wave of 
joblessness meant people were unable to get through to labor department 
call centers. The agency’s creaky computer system showed its age. A 
backlog of claims kept expanding. Politicians eager to highlight 
weaknesses in the Kelly administration had a heyday. Then, the labor 
department tried to claw back incorrect payments and some of those 
transactions overdrafted unemployed Kansans’ bank accounts. It cost 
labor secretary Delia Garcia her job, and ushered in the Wright era.In an interview, Wright 
said the addition of full-time and temporary staff and a series of IT 
network patches had helped stabilize the system. He also said his office
 had blocked about 55,000 attempts at fraud. Just as no magical remedy 
for COVID-19 has emerged, neither has a silver bullet for what 
challenges the labor department.“I used to hear a lot 
about people not getting through, not getting responses,” Wright said. 
“Right now, we’re hearing a lot about identity theft. I heard from a 
conservative legislator the other day, ‘Thank you. We can tell you’re 
doing stuff there.' ”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602598614968.jpeg" alt="Ryan Wright, acting secretary of the Kansas Department of Labor, says the agency is thinning the backlog of jobless claims and blocked 55,000 attempts to fraudulently claim aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Submitted)" />
 <figcaption>Ryan Wright, acting secretary of the Kansas Department of Labor, says the agency is thinning the backlog of jobless claims and blocked 55,000 attempts to fraudulently claim aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Submitted)</figcaption>
 </figure>For the Kansas Reflector, Wright delved into the past, present and future of department’s unemployment benefit operation.The Kansas 
unemployment trust fund had $900 million at outset of the pandemic. If 
it goes dry, the state can borrow from the federal government. What is 
the fund’s status?“It was very healthy. 
We’ve been, of course, drawing down on that. We expect it will go 
insolvent after the first of the year. As of about a month ago … we were
 just hitting kind of where we were at when the great recession started,
 that $600 million mark.”Are identity-theft 
crooks concentrating on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program in 
Kansas? That’s the one offering benefits to self-employed people, 
independent contractors and others not eligible for regular UI aid.“To date, we’ve stopped 
55,000 fraudulent claims. It’s all targeted to the PUA program. To give 
you some idea of the scope, the U.S. Department of Labor’s office of 
inspector general estimates that this is costing taxpayers $8 billion 
nationally. Kansas is not out of the norm. This is absolutely hitting 
every state right now.”What have you done to thwart identity theft?“We’ve doubled the size of
 the fraud teams. We’ve put in place on the back end a number of digital
 tools — I’m intentionally being vague about that — to help verify 
people’s identity to stop malicious fraud activity. When you’re talking 
about these numbers, I’d by lying if I said some of them didn’t get 
through the system.”When can you go public with scope of the PUA problem?“We are doing an audit of 
our system right now. We may not know until close to the end of the 
year, but we’re going to know how much has been paid out in fraud. The 
costs of that are all borne by the federal government. It doesn’t come 
out of the state trust fund.”OK, how big is the backlog of regular unemployment insurance claims?“When I accepted this job 
we had around 26,000 backlogged claims within the regular UI system. 
Part of what I’ve been working on is to increase our bandwidth. We’ve 
done that in part by bringing in additional resources from Accenture and
 others. With their help we’ve been able to cut that number of 
backlogged claims down to 12,000. We expect we’re going to be able to 
reduce that even further, if not eliminate it, by the end of this 
month.”How much new staff has been added to deal with phone bank issues?“At the height of this, 
when the agency was getting 1.5 million call attempts a day, there were 
around 25 employees answering phones. Now, we’re at around 100 KDOL 
employees. We’ve got 150 Accenture folks on the phones. Last week, I 
think the longest anybody was on hold in our call system was 20 
minutes.”How are you doing with
 the Lost Wages Assistance program offering $300 per week in 
supplemental aid for people who received jobless benefits from Aug. 1 to
 Sept. 5?“Because there are so many
 programs and so many acronyms floating around, it’s caused a ton of 
confusion. We proactively reached out to everybody who received a 
benefit from us in the time that fit into that critieria. We paid out 
right away $6.7 million to 25,000 people. We’ve had, since we opened 
that, 110,000 Kansans certify that they lost their jobs due to COVID.”The labor department wants to upgrade the IT system. What’s the latest?“The agency had actually 
started this process before the pandemic hit. We’re finishing up that 
modernization plan. We will have that ready to present to the 
Legislature … by the end of the year. We’re trying to be smart about 
this so what we’re doing now to stabilize the system hopefully will be 
transferable when we move to a new system.”What about the cost estimate of $30 million or more?“I’m thinking what will 
happen is that you’ll have some phased in with X amount of dollars in 
the first three years and X amount of dollars in the out years. We’re 
hoping that when the stimulus package passes Congress there will be 
money.”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. Labor Dept. digs out of help-line quagmire, reduces claim backlog

SAN DIEGO&nbsp;– U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa commercial facility have seized more than 3,100 pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl powder, fentanyl pills and heroin as part of the second largest methamphetamine bust along the southwest border in the history of the agency, based on information developed by Drug Enforcement Administration, working jointly with Homeland Security, according to a media release.

“Smugglers will try every way possible to try and get their product across the border and because of the partnership between CBP, Homeland Security investigations and DEA this significant seizure occurred and we stopped them,” said Anne Maricich, acting CBP director of field operations in San Diego.&nbsp;“I’m proud of the CBP officers’ dedication to our mission; they continue to stop dangerous drugs from entering our communities.” On Oct. 9, at about 9:45 a.m., a driver arrived at the cargo border crossing with a tractor-trailer shipment that was manifested as medical supplies.&nbsp; The officer decided to refer the driver, truck, and shipment for a more intensive inspection.&nbsp; CBP officers screened the truck using the port’s imaging system, similar to an x-ray, and found anomalies with the rear of the trailer. The conveyance was sent to the dock and a canine alerted to the boxes inside the trailer.&nbsp; Officers offloaded the shipment and discovered 1,816 packages co-mingled with the medical supplies that primarily contained clear plastic pipette tips, spray bottles of surface decontaminate and calibrated pipette tools (used for sampling and dispensing liquid). CBP officers later extracted approximately 3,014 pounds of methamphetamine, 64 pounds of heroin, 29 pounds of fentanyl powder, and almost 37 pounds of fentanyl pills, worth an estimated $7.2 million.&nbsp; CBP officers seized the narcotics and conveyance.

“This massive seizure is testament of what law enforcement agencies can do when we combine forces – prevent over $7 million worth of deadly drugs from entering our country; thus saving countless lives from addiction and overdose deaths,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge John W. Callery. “DEA cherishes our great law enforcement partners in San Diego, especially those who work tirelessly to protect our nation’s borders.&nbsp; We will continue to work together to disrupt drug trafficking organizations at every opportunity we are given.”&nbsp; The driver, a 47–year-old male Mexican citizen, was arrested and turned over the custody of the joint investigative team from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration; he will face criminal charges. “This significant seizure is a prime example of how a successful partnership between HSI, CBP, and DEA results in the disruption of transnational criminal organizations while protecting our country from dangerous illicit drugs,” said Juan Munoz, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI in San Diego. “We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/u392/10112020%2021002%20--%20Truck%20and%20Concealment.JPG" alt="photo courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Patrol" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN DIEGO&nbsp;– U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa commercial facility have seized more than 3,100 pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl powder, fentanyl pills and heroin as part of the second largest methamphetamine bust along the southwest border in the history of the agency, based on information developed by Drug Enforcement Administration, working jointly with Homeland Security, according to a media release. “Smugglers will try every way possible to try and get their product across the border and because of the partnership between CBP, Homeland Security investigations and DEA this significant seizure occurred and we stopped them,” said Anne Maricich, acting CBP director of field operations in San Diego.&nbsp;“I’m proud of the CBP officers’ dedication to our mission; they continue to stop dangerous drugs from entering our communities.” On Oct. 9, at about 9:45 a.m., a driver arrived at the cargo border crossing with a tractor-trailer shipment that was manifested as medical supplies.&nbsp; The officer decided to refer the driver, truck, and shipment for a more intensive inspection.&nbsp; CBP officers screened the truck using the port’s imaging system, similar to an x-ray, and found anomalies with the rear of the trailer. The conveyance was sent to the dock and a canine alerted to the boxes inside the trailer.&nbsp; Officers offloaded the shipment and discovered 1,816 packages co-mingled with the medical supplies that primarily contained clear plastic pipette tips, spray bottles of surface decontaminate and calibrated pipette tools (used for sampling and dispensing liquid). CBP officers later extracted approximately 3,014 pounds of methamphetamine, 64 pounds of heroin, 29 pounds of fentanyl powder, and almost 37 pounds of fentanyl pills, worth an estimated $7.2 million.&nbsp; CBP officers seized the narcotics and conveyance. <figure>
 <img src="https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/u392/101120%2021002%20--%20Packages%20in%20boxes%20Concealment.JPG" alt="Photo courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Patrol" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Patrol</figcaption>
 </figure>“This massive seizure is testament of what law enforcement agencies can do when we combine forces – prevent over $7 million worth of deadly drugs from entering our country; thus saving countless lives from addiction and overdose deaths,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge John W. Callery. “DEA cherishes our great law enforcement partners in San Diego, especially those who work tirelessly to protect our nation’s borders.&nbsp; We will continue to work together to disrupt drug trafficking organizations at every opportunity we are given.”&nbsp; The driver, a 47–year-old male Mexican citizen, was arrested and turned over the custody of the joint investigative team from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration; he will face criminal charges. “This significant seizure is a prime example of how a successful partnership between HSI, CBP, and DEA results in the disruption of transnational criminal organizations while protecting our country from dangerous illicit drugs,” said Juan Munoz, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI in San Diego. “We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.”

U.S. border agents make 2nd-largest meth bust ever

HUTCHINSON— A Kansas home is a total loss after a Tuesday morning fire in Hutchinson.

Just before 4:30a.m. Tuesday, fire crews responded to a fire at a home at 320 Logan Street, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer.

The home was heavily involved in fire when crews arrived. The crews had to use a defensive strategy to fight the fire.

One person living at the home escaped without injury, according to Beer.&nbsp; Authorities are still working to determine the cause of the fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602587666467.jpeg" alt="Tuesday morning fire -photo courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Tuesday morning fire -photo courtesy Hutchinson Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON— A Kansas home is a total loss after a Tuesday morning fire in Hutchinson.Just before 4:30a.m. Tuesday, fire crews responded to a fire at a home at 320 Logan Street, according to Fire Chief Steven Beer.The home was heavily involved in fire when crews arrived. The crews had to use a defensive strategy to fight the fire.One person living at the home escaped without injury, according to Beer.&nbsp; Authorities are still working to determine the cause of the fire.

Fire Chief: Kansas home a total loss after fire

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) — A late-stage study of Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been paused while the company investigates whether a study participant’s “unexplained illness” is related to the shot.

The company said in a statement Monday evening that illnesses, accidents and other so-called adverse events “are an expected part of any clinical study, especially large studies,” but that its physicians and a safety monitoring panel would try to determine what might have caused the illness.

The pause is at least the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-4239b8c69ba4b3703b2ca8c77810bf07">second such hold</a>&nbsp;to occur among several vaccines that have reached large-scale final tests in the U.S.

The company declined to reveal any more details about the illness, citing the participant’s privacy.

Temporary stoppages of large medical studies are relatively common. Few are made public in typical drug trials, but the work to make a coronavirus vaccine has raised the stakes on these kinds of complications.

Companies are required to investigate any serious or unexpected reaction that occurs during drug testing. Given that such tests are done on tens of thousands of people, some medical problems are a coincidence. In fact, one of the first steps the company said it will take is to determine if the person received the vaccine or a placebo.

The halt was first reported by the health news site STAT.

Final-stage testing of a vaccine made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University remains on hold in the U.S. as officials examine whether an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-82885b32aeeae6c2a0a84cadf55ced90">illness in its trial</a>&nbsp;poses a safety risk. That trial was stopped when a woman developed severe neurological symptoms consistent with transverse myelitis, a rare inflammation of the spinal cord, the company has said. That company’s testing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-drug-trials-bc340f0a92d940aff88ee140f2774aee">has restarted</a>&nbsp;elsewhere.

Johnson &amp; Johnson was aiming to enroll 60,000 volunteers to prove if its single-dose approach is safe and protects against the coronavirus. Other vaccine candidates in the U.S. require two shots.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602590971875.png" alt="photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) — A late-stage study of Johnson &amp; Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been paused while the company investigates whether a study participant’s “unexplained illness” is related to the shot.The company said in a statement Monday evening that illnesses, accidents and other so-called adverse events “are an expected part of any clinical study, especially large studies,” but that its physicians and a safety monitoring panel would try to determine what might have caused the illness.The pause is at least the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-4239b8c69ba4b3703b2ca8c77810bf07">second such hold</a>&nbsp;to occur among several vaccines that have reached large-scale final tests in the U.S.The company declined to reveal any more details about the illness, citing the participant’s privacy.Temporary stoppages of large medical studies are relatively common. Few are made public in typical drug trials, but the work to make a coronavirus vaccine has raised the stakes on these kinds of complications.Companies are required to investigate any serious or unexpected reaction that occurs during drug testing. Given that such tests are done on tens of thousands of people, some medical problems are a coincidence. In fact, one of the first steps the company said it will take is to determine if the person received the vaccine or a placebo.The halt was first reported by the health news site STAT.Final-stage testing of a vaccine made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University remains on hold in the U.S. as officials examine whether an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-82885b32aeeae6c2a0a84cadf55ced90">illness in its trial</a>&nbsp;poses a safety risk. That trial was stopped when a woman developed severe neurological symptoms consistent with transverse myelitis, a rare inflammation of the spinal cord, the company has said. That company’s testing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-archive-drug-trials-bc340f0a92d940aff88ee140f2774aee">has restarted</a>&nbsp;elsewhere.Johnson &amp; Johnson was aiming to enroll 60,000 volunteers to prove if its single-dose approach is safe and protects against the coronavirus. Other vaccine candidates in the U.S. require two shots.

2nd COVID-19 vaccine trial paused over unexplained illness

WASHINGTON (AP) — Buoyed by massive fundraising success, Democratic Senate candidates are mounting a push in Republican states that few would have thought possible just a few months ago, placing continued GOP control of the chamber at risk.

In South Carolina, Sen. Lindsey Graham’s challenger, Democrat Jaime Harrison, shattered fundraising records when he announced on Sunday a $57 million haul for the quarter that ended in September. MJ Hegar in Texas reported raising over $13 million during the same period for her race against Republican Sen. John Cornyn. In deep-red Kentucky, Amy McGrath has posted strong fundraising numbers against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. In Mississippi, Mike Espy reported raising $4 million in his rematch against Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith.

The windfall speaks to the energy coursing through a restive Democratic base that hopes not only to oust President Donald Trump, but also to flip control of the Senate, where Republicans have a 53-47 majority. That will be key for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to enact his agenda, if he wins.

But the flood of money flowing to high-profile Senate candidates is so large, it’s not at all clear the recipients will have time to spend it. That may inadvertently short low-profile states and candidates who may not engender the same fervor from party activists and could use an infusion of resources. And since much of it is coming from donors outside their states, it’s an imperfect measure of the candidates’ chances — especially in red states.

“For Jaime Harrison and Amy McGrath, money can buy you a lot of TV advertising,” said Josh Holmes, a Republican strategist and McConnell adviser. “But they are never going to have enough money to buy another 2 million liberal voters in South Carolina and Kentucky.”

The cautionary tale for these candidates is Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who in 2018 raised a record-breaking $80 million for his losing Senate campaign against Republican incumbent Ted Cruz, who was widely reviled by liberal activists and donors. O’Rourke was criticized for being too stingy with his cash, only reluctantly aiding other Democrats, though he eventually donated large amounts to the Texas Democratic Party.

That’s a position Harrison could soon find himself in. Public polling shows he’s locked in a tight race against Graham, a staunch defender of Trump’s who is leading Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett this week. Barrett is the conservative appellate court judge Trump picked to replace liberal justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

In the days after Ginsburg’s death last month, over $100 million flooded in through ActBlue, Democrats’ fundraising platform, with Harrison garnering a large chunk.

Harrison’s campaign manager, Zack Carroll, said the plan is to use “every dollar donated” for ads, digital organizing and communication.

But with TV largely saturated, there are limited avenues for him to productively spend such a massive sum of money with just three weeks left before the election.

“I don’t think Jaime Harrison can spend $57 million in the next couple weeks. But that’s not his fault,” said Jefrey Pollock, a Democratic pollster who is working on eight Senate races. Pollock said much of the money will go to advertising, get out the vote and other expenses, but “at some point they’ll start sending that money to other places or spending down ballot.”

The same could apply for McGrath, who is fighting an uphill battle against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in Kentucky. She has yet to release her most recent fundraising figures, which must be made public by Thursday, but has pulled in $47 million this cycle as of July 1.

Democrats dismiss such concerns and say there’s no such thing as too much money. Plus, they argue, the wild success some have enjoyed has warped perceptions about what is needed.

“All of these challengers are doing well, and it’s hard to find a spot where Democrats are struggling at this point,” said Stewart Boss, a spokesperson for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

The money to Democrats has heightened a sense of dread among Republicans. They’ve watched as developments this year — including a global pandemic, a faltering economy and the president’s diagnosis of COVID-19 — have expanded the map of competitive races.

Money has washed up in predictable races where Democrats are mostly outspending Republicans, including Iowa, Michigan, Maine, North Carolina, Georgia and Arizona.

In Montana, the estimated $131 million that will be spent on advertising in the Senate race between Republican Sen. Steve Daines and outgoing Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock translates to about $122 for every state resident.

But money is also trickling down to once unthinkable states, including Kansas, Alaska and Mississippi, forcing Republican outside groups to spend money playing defense, according to data from the ad tracking firm Kantar/CMAG.

Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC with ties to McConnell, is projected to spend about $14 million in Kansas to boost Republican Rep. Roger Marshall, who is being outspent nearly 4-to-1 by Republican-turned-Democrat Barbara Bollier. In Alaska, the group has gone up with $1 million in advertising boosting first-term Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, who was being outspent by his independent challenger Al Gross.

In Texas, though, Hegar is slated to be outspent by Cornyn, barring another infusion of advertising dollars.

“Everything is really close. And that’s not great news for Republicans,” said Holmes, the McConnell adviser. “There’s just an awful lot of combinations the Democrats could have to take the majority.”

For Democrats, the torrent of resources is allowing them to get creative.

Harrison is not only inundating the TV with advertising, but in conjunction with the state party, he’s also run digital ads calling a third-party candidate on the ballot “too conservative” for South Carolina, even though Constitution Party candidate Bill Bledsoe has endorsed Graham and is no longer campaigning. The ploy is aimed at depriving Graham of some votes from conservatives.

In Maine, where vulnerable Republican moderate Sen. Susan Collins is being challenged by Democrat Sara Gideon, the state Democratic Party has paid for “Trump Collins 2020” yard signs in their push to link Collins to the president. The race has similarly shattered state spending records, with an influx of cash from both sides that’s expected to reach at least $106 million.

Then there’s McGrath. Flush with cash, her campaign has paid for slickly produced “Swamp Turtle” cartoon ads that portray McConnell as a denizen of the entrenched Washington interests that Trump ran against in 2016.

“Amy McGrath is just lighting money on fire,” Matt Jones, a Kentucky radio host who briefly considered jumping in the race as a Democrat, tweeted in response.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602457226378.png" alt="Senate candidate Dr. Barbara Bollier during a campaign stop October 7-photo courtesy Bollier for Kansas.&nbsp; Her campaign reported Monday they have raised nearly $13.5 million in past three months" />
 <figcaption>Senate candidate Dr. Barbara Bollier during a campaign stop October 7-photo courtesy Bollier for Kansas.&nbsp; Her campaign reported Monday they have raised nearly $13.5 million in past three months</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Buoyed by massive fundraising success, Democratic Senate candidates are mounting a push in Republican states that few would have thought possible just a few months ago, placing continued GOP control of the chamber at risk.In South Carolina, Sen. Lindsey Graham’s challenger, Democrat Jaime Harrison, shattered fundraising records when he announced on Sunday a $57 million haul for the quarter that ended in September. MJ Hegar in Texas reported raising over $13 million during the same period for her race against Republican Sen. John Cornyn. In deep-red Kentucky, Amy McGrath has posted strong fundraising numbers against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. In Mississippi, Mike Espy reported raising $4 million in his rematch against Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith.The windfall speaks to the energy coursing through a restive Democratic base that hopes not only to oust President Donald Trump, but also to flip control of the Senate, where Republicans have a 53-47 majority. That will be key for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to enact his agenda, if he wins.But the flood of money flowing to high-profile Senate candidates is so large, it’s not at all clear the recipients will have time to spend it. That may inadvertently short low-profile states and candidates who may not engender the same fervor from party activists and could use an infusion of resources. And since much of it is coming from donors outside their states, it’s an imperfect measure of the candidates’ chances — especially in red states.“For Jaime Harrison and Amy McGrath, money can buy you a lot of TV advertising,” said Josh Holmes, a Republican strategist and McConnell adviser. “But they are never going to have enough money to buy another 2 million liberal voters in South Carolina and Kentucky.”The cautionary tale for these candidates is Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke, who in 2018 raised a record-breaking $80 million for his losing Senate campaign against Republican incumbent Ted Cruz, who was widely reviled by liberal activists and donors. O’Rourke was criticized for being too stingy with his cash, only reluctantly aiding other Democrats, though he eventually donated large amounts to the Texas Democratic Party.That’s a position Harrison could soon find himself in. Public polling shows he’s locked in a tight race against Graham, a staunch defender of Trump’s who is leading Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett this week. Barrett is the conservative appellate court judge Trump picked to replace liberal justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.In the days after Ginsburg’s death last month, over $100 million flooded in through ActBlue, Democrats’ fundraising platform, with Harrison garnering a large chunk.Harrison’s campaign manager, Zack Carroll, said the plan is to use “every dollar donated” for ads, digital organizing and communication.But with TV largely saturated, there are limited avenues for him to productively spend such a massive sum of money with just three weeks left before the election.“I don’t think Jaime Harrison can spend $57 million in the next couple weeks. But that’s not his fault,” said Jefrey Pollock, a Democratic pollster who is working on eight Senate races. Pollock said much of the money will go to advertising, get out the vote and other expenses, but “at some point they’ll start sending that money to other places or spending down ballot.”The same could apply for McGrath, who is fighting an uphill battle against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in Kentucky. She has yet to release her most recent fundraising figures, which must be made public by Thursday, but has pulled in $47 million this cycle as of July 1.Democrats dismiss such concerns and say there’s no such thing as too much money. Plus, they argue, the wild success some have enjoyed has warped perceptions about what is needed.“All of these challengers are doing well, and it’s hard to find a spot where Democrats are struggling at this point,” said Stewart Boss, a spokesperson for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.The money to Democrats has heightened a sense of dread among Republicans. They’ve watched as developments this year — including a global pandemic, a faltering economy and the president’s diagnosis of COVID-19 — have expanded the map of competitive races.Money has washed up in predictable races where Democrats are mostly outspending Republicans, including Iowa, Michigan, Maine, North Carolina, Georgia and Arizona.In Montana, the estimated $131 million that will be spent on advertising in the Senate race between Republican Sen. Steve Daines and outgoing Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock translates to about $122 for every state resident.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601910652054.png" alt="Rep. Roger Marshall and Barbara Bollier during a virtual candidate debate in September." />
 <figcaption>Rep. Roger Marshall and Barbara Bollier during a virtual candidate debate in September.</figcaption>
 </figure>But money is also trickling down to once unthinkable states, including Kansas, Alaska and Mississippi, forcing Republican outside groups to spend money playing defense, according to data from the ad tracking firm Kantar/CMAG.Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC with ties to McConnell, is projected to spend about $14 million in Kansas to boost Republican Rep. Roger Marshall, who is being outspent nearly 4-to-1 by Republican-turned-Democrat Barbara Bollier. In Alaska, the group has gone up with $1 million in advertising boosting first-term Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, who was being outspent by his independent challenger Al Gross.In Texas, though, Hegar is slated to be outspent by Cornyn, barring another infusion of advertising dollars.“Everything is really close. And that’s not great news for Republicans,” said Holmes, the McConnell adviser. “There’s just an awful lot of combinations the Democrats could have to take the majority.”For Democrats, the torrent of resources is allowing them to get creative.Harrison is not only inundating the TV with advertising, but in conjunction with the state party, he’s also run digital ads calling a third-party candidate on the ballot “too conservative” for South Carolina, even though Constitution Party candidate Bill Bledsoe has endorsed Graham and is no longer campaigning. The ploy is aimed at depriving Graham of some votes from conservatives.In Maine, where vulnerable Republican moderate Sen. Susan Collins is being challenged by Democrat Sara Gideon, the state Democratic Party has paid for “Trump Collins 2020” yard signs in their push to link Collins to the president. The race has similarly shattered state spending records, with an influx of cash from both sides that’s expected to reach at least $106 million.Then there’s McGrath. Flush with cash, her campaign has paid for slickly produced “Swamp Turtle” cartoon ads that portray McConnell as a denizen of the entrenched Washington interests that Trump ran against in 2016.“Amy McGrath is just lighting money on fire,” Matt Jones, a Kentucky radio host who briefly considered jumping in the race as a Democrat, tweeted in response.___

Senate Democrats' fundraising success puts GOP on defensive

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.

Just after 1p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call at apartments in the 2700 block of South St. Francis in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.

The victim, a man in his late 40s to early 50s, reportedly walked down the stairs of the apartment complex and called 911 to report he had been shot.

EMS transported him to a nearby hospital with life threatening injuries where he later died, according to Davidson.&nbsp;It is not believed to be a random incident.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602543491190.png" alt="Police a the scene of the fatal shooting investigation Monday -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police a the scene of the fatal shooting investigation Monday -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.Just after 1p.m. Monday, police responded to a shooting call at apartments in the 2700 block of South St. Francis in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson.The victim, a man in his late 40s to early 50s, reportedly walked down the stairs of the apartment complex and called 911 to report he had been shot.EMS transported him to a nearby hospital with life threatening injuries where he later died, according to Davidson.&nbsp;It is not believed to be a random incident.&nbsp;

Police: Kan. man called 911, died from gunshot wound

JEWELL COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Jewell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1976 International Truck driven by Robert S. Newell, 59, Mankato, was westbound on Q Road just west of 170 Road. 

&nbsp;The driver was negotiating the curve to the south. The truck entered the west ditch, overturned and came to rest on its top facing south.

Newell was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Melbry Mortuary.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

JEWELL COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 3p.m. Monday in Jewell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1976 International Truck driven by Robert S. Newell, 59, Mankato, was westbound on Q Road just west of 170 Road. &nbsp;The driver was negotiating the curve to the south. The truck entered the west ditch, overturned and came to rest on its top facing south.Newell was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Melbry Mortuary.&nbsp; He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after truck overturns

By MAREN E. TURNER AARP Kansas

The internet is full of 
information, some of it accurate and helpful, and some of it misleading 
or false. So how do you make sure you’re getting accurate information 
before you share it with your friends and family?

<a href="https://www.aarp.org/">AARP</a> is proud to be a trusted source of information and has worked with <a href="https://www.poynter.org/mediawise-for-seniors/">MediaWise for Seniors</a> to share tips on how to help ensure you get accurate information and stop the spread of misinformation.

The internet and social 
media can be very helpful. You can stay connected with loved ones, take 
care of important business, watch your favorite movies or learn a new 
hobby. The possibilities are seemingly endless. How do you separate 
what’s accurate and what’s not comes down to some important steps.

It’s critical that before 
you click that “share” button, you pause and consider the source and 
intent of the information and do some fact checking. Take an active role
 to ensure that what you share is accurate and report any 
misinformation. That way you can help slow the spread of misinformation 
and prevent it from misleading others.

Some misinformation is harmless, but some is malicious and created solely to take your money and/or steal your identity.

What should you watch out 
for when looking for accurate information and what actions should you 
take to find out if something isn’t true?

First, pause. Approach 
what you read with healthy skepticism and think critically about what 
you encounter online. This simple act can slow the spread of 
misinformation.

Second, consider. Read the
 whole story to look for details and original reporting. Does the 
content tell you who, what, where, when and why? Does what you’re 
reading make you feel a sense of urgency, excitement, anger, worry, 
vindication, or defensiveness? A strong emotional reaction signals that 
you should do some research.

Third, track down the facts using a set of three questions developed by the <a href="https://sheg.stanford.edu/">Stanford History Education Group</a>: 1) Who’s behind the information; 2) What’s the evidence; and 3) What are other sources saying?

Making sure you have accurate information is important before you share it. According to <a href="https://www.journalism.org/2019/06/05/many-americans-say-made-up-news-is-a-critical-problem-that-needs-to-be-fixed/">a Pew Research survey</a>,
 52% of Americans have shared misinformation, and “a vast majority of 
them said they didn’t know it was made up when they did so.”

Before you share, remember
 to pause, consider and then track down the facts. We can all be 
susceptible to falling for misinformation, but these steps are key to 
sorting fact from fiction. Look for additional resources and information
 provided by AARP and other trusted sources to make sure what you have 
is accurate.

Maren E. Turner, PhD, MS, is director of AARP Kansas. She is a gerontologist, visiting/adjunct professor, published author and a regular contributor to television, radio and print media. She is a past and current gubernatorial appointee to health related groups and has served in a variety of volunteer leadership positions. She is a graduate of Leadership Kansas and is a past University of Kansas Woman of Distinction. Turner has a BS in mental health and counseling, an MS in developmental psychology, an MA in human development, a graduate certificate in gerontology, and a PhD in applied behavioral science.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/13/how-kansans-can-help-stop-the-spread-of-misinformation/">Courtesy the Kansas Reflector</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602603972651.png" alt="AARP volunteer Ann Garvin speaks about AARP Kansas volunteer activities at the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library in March 2019. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>AARP volunteer Ann Garvin speaks about AARP Kansas volunteer activities at the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library in March 2019. (Submitted to Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By MAREN E. TURNER AARP KansasThe internet is full of 
information, some of it accurate and helpful, and some of it misleading 
or false. So how do you make sure you’re getting accurate information 
before you share it with your friends and family?<a href="https://www.aarp.org/">AARP</a> is proud to be a trusted source of information and has worked with <a href="https://www.poynter.org/mediawise-for-seniors/">MediaWise for Seniors</a> to share tips on how to help ensure you get accurate information and stop the spread of misinformation.The internet and social 
media can be very helpful. You can stay connected with loved ones, take 
care of important business, watch your favorite movies or learn a new 
hobby. The possibilities are seemingly endless. How do you separate 
what’s accurate and what’s not comes down to some important steps.It’s critical that before 
you click that “share” button, you pause and consider the source and 
intent of the information and do some fact checking. Take an active role
 to ensure that what you share is accurate and report any 
misinformation. That way you can help slow the spread of misinformation 
and prevent it from misleading others.Some misinformation is harmless, but some is malicious and created solely to take your money and/or steal your identity.What should you watch out 
for when looking for accurate information and what actions should you 
take to find out if something isn’t true?First, pause. Approach 
what you read with healthy skepticism and think critically about what 
you encounter online. This simple act can slow the spread of 
misinformation.Second, consider. Read the
 whole story to look for details and original reporting. Does the 
content tell you who, what, where, when and why? Does what you’re 
reading make you feel a sense of urgency, excitement, anger, worry, 
vindication, or defensiveness? A strong emotional reaction signals that 
you should do some research.Third, track down the facts using a set of three questions developed by the <a href="https://sheg.stanford.edu/">Stanford History Education Group</a>: 1) Who’s behind the information; 2) What’s the evidence; and 3) What are other sources saying?Making sure you have accurate information is important before you share it. According to <a href="https://www.journalism.org/2019/06/05/many-americans-say-made-up-news-is-a-critical-problem-that-needs-to-be-fixed/">a Pew Research survey</a>,
 52% of Americans have shared misinformation, and “a vast majority of 
them said they didn’t know it was made up when they did so.”Before you share, remember
 to pause, consider and then track down the facts. We can all be 
susceptible to falling for misinformation, but these steps are key to 
sorting fact from fiction. Look for additional resources and information
 provided by AARP and other trusted sources to make sure what you have 
is accurate.Maren E. Turner, PhD, MS, is director of AARP Kansas. She is a gerontologist, visiting/adjunct professor, published author and a regular contributor to television, radio and print media. She is a past and current gubernatorial appointee to health related groups and has served in a variety of volunteer leadership positions. She is a graduate of Leadership Kansas and is a past University of Kansas Woman of Distinction. Turner has a BS in mental health and counseling, an MS in developmental psychology, an MA in human development, a graduate certificate in gerontology, and a PhD in applied behavioral science.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/13/how-kansans-can-help-stop-the-spread-of-misinformation/">Courtesy the Kansas Reflector</a>

OPINION: How Kansans can help stop misinformation spread

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — More than 150 University of Missouri students have been caught using group chats to cheat on exams since many classes moved online amid the coronavirus pandemic.

University spokeswoman Liz McCune said Friday that the school has identified three cheating incidents that each involved more than 50 students, The Columbia Missourian&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/mu-reports-three-large-cheating-incidents/article_1bb5edbe-0a5e-11eb-89f6-ef2fb54070e5.html">reports.</a>

McCune said classmates went to instructors to report that the students were sharing answers through screenshots and over chats. One incident occurred in the spring and the other two this semester.

“Unfortunately, it’s just part of our new reality that holding so many courses online has opened up new avenues for students to be academically dishonest,” McCune said.

Since the pivot to remote learning in the spring semester, MU has closely monitored potential academic dishonesty incidents, she said. With a greater number of students taking online courses, the university is seeing more incidents of academic dishonesty this semester, she said.

Consequences for cheating include warnings, suspensions and expulsions, McCune said. The severity of the consequence depends on the seriousness of the incident and whether the student has a prior record of academic dishonesty.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — More than 150 University of Missouri students have been caught using group chats to cheat on exams since many classes moved online amid the coronavirus pandemic.University spokeswoman Liz McCune said Friday that the school has identified three cheating incidents that each involved more than 50 students, The Columbia Missourian&nbsp;<a href="https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/higher_education/mu-reports-three-large-cheating-incidents/article_1bb5edbe-0a5e-11eb-89f6-ef2fb54070e5.html">reports.</a>McCune said classmates went to instructors to report that the students were sharing answers through screenshots and over chats. One incident occurred in the spring and the other two this semester.“Unfortunately, it’s just part of our new reality that holding so many courses online has opened up new avenues for students to be academically dishonest,” McCune said.Since the pivot to remote learning in the spring semester, MU has closely monitored potential academic dishonesty incidents, she said. With a greater number of students taking online courses, the university is seeing more incidents of academic dishonesty this semester, she said.Consequences for cheating include warnings, suspensions and expulsions, McCune said. The severity of the consequence depends on the seriousness of the incident and whether the student has a prior record of academic dishonesty.

University: cheating up with more classes online

TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a domestic disturbance and have arrested a suspect identified as Jahiem Brown.

Just after 2p.m. Saturday, police responded to report of a domestic disturbance in a 4-door passenger car in 1900 Block of SE California in Topeka, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.

Upon arrival officers learned that a man later identified as 19-year-old Jahiem Brown,&nbsp; a woman and two children who were traveling in the car. At one point, Brown and woman were involved in verbal altercation, according to Lt. Stanley.

Brown exited the vehicle and fired a gun at it before fleeing on foot. Police later observed Brown running in the area of 20th and SE Iowa Avenue. 

With the assistance of Shawnee County sheriff's deputies and the Kansas Highway Patrol, officers established a perimeter and were able to take the Brown into custody, according to Stanley. He is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Endangering A Child; Reckless Situation,&nbsp;Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon,&nbsp;Criminal discharge of firearm; Recklessly at occupied vehicle,&nbsp;Interference with LEO, felony,&nbsp;Display/possess fictitious/revoked/suspended driver's license and numerous driving violations, according to the Shawnee County booking report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602431212540.png" alt="Jahiem Brown-photo Shawnee County" />
 <figcaption>Jahiem Brown-photo Shawnee County</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a domestic disturbance and have arrested a suspect identified as Jahiem Brown.Just after 2p.m. Saturday, police responded to report of a domestic disturbance in a 4-door passenger car in 1900 Block of SE California in Topeka, according to Lt. Edward Stanley.Upon arrival officers learned that a man later identified as 19-year-old Jahiem Brown,&nbsp; a woman and two children who were traveling in the car. At one point, Brown and woman were involved in verbal altercation, according to Lt. Stanley.Brown exited the vehicle and fired a gun at it before fleeing on foot. Police later observed Brown running in the area of 20th and SE Iowa Avenue. With the assistance of Shawnee County sheriff's deputies and the Kansas Highway Patrol, officers established a perimeter and were able to take the Brown into custody, according to Stanley. He is being held on requested charges of&nbsp;Aggravated Endangering A Child; Reckless Situation,&nbsp;Aggravated assault; Use of a deadly weapon,&nbsp;Criminal discharge of firearm; Recklessly at occupied vehicle,&nbsp;Interference with LEO, felony,&nbsp;Display/possess fictitious/revoked/suspended driver's license and numerous driving violations, according to the Shawnee County booking report.Police released no additional details.

Kan. man fires gun at car with 2 children after dispute

LAWRENCE, Kan. – A Lawrence-Douglas County local health officer, updated an&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOZdeMftJimFfvetMkFXK-2FMKvqoDRHuxPckiHQ-2BCzdqsD-2B086RUcLWvqGqvCa7GPyHSOLqMP8C5dV0teM6-2FL3PR9G16MJDOB9Zua91VGhcplUA-3D-3DHJ9m_6WsYMaIWlqeSApaFYuJe8rVUFybSzFz1vVTxq3y4nKAkF8R5vafm4aUeOKwaTMSSVxwFqhij-2BYAcSsidmq-2Bx3zdaGwuvZevBFEdImxemSxOH9sSfdepLQCTrvMcX7CSKOqf4hTnzXS933IxxoN2hl6rYaCvhnHv3RnDkdSgFehIkssyIeTYXVKvYg3-2B92aYOX9VVtOzOWcx7SvShcRYNhS240cCBOAMw2pcZk67VMPk-2B0aOsUGTnvxPOtcZsq4lSJLmapD3WXkMyb-2FLCMIO1NBNRBywR4hSpVJFEcbILCW11TTSS4Ts27HtPPyLVWurWBF0vy2-2Bbb41Bi5uXZnFZ8NlxVQEr477ZCyfBUzFqXOYAy9rN5KLNckZa7xxwT-2Fn4" target="_blank">emergency order&nbsp;</a>requiring restaurants and bars to stop serving alcohol at 11:00 p.m. and to close their doors at midnight, regardless of the establishment’s existing COVID mitigation procedures and protocols.&nbsp;

Peach Madl, longtime owner of The Sandbar, an iconic local establishment serving Lawrence since 1989, partnered with the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOaMUnUqXRzwQ30rBw9sXOLVnJBS1r42UsXOJxPf6XjlbrG8COzUevyGSAhzVn0nLy0-3D2xxv_6WsYMaIWlqeSApaFYuJe8rVUFybSzFz1vVTxq3y4nKAkF8R5vafm4aUeOKwaTMSSVxwFqhij-2BYAcSsidmq-2Bx3zdaGwuvZevBFEdImxemSxOH9sSfdepLQCTrvMcX7CSKOqf4hTnzXS933IxxoN2hl6rYaCvhnHv3RnDkdSgFehIkssyIeTYXVKvYg3-2B92aYOX9VVtOzOWcx7SvShcRYNhRNH2FFvTFs-2BxjyJiTFRBMJtlr0k1jc3h-2BBHLRWm65vOIx-2BLa6ciTLIP48VSZuf75jP9TaB3ZMHKi2LV-2BwOxg0ao-2FBIO26ZLcDjg4hQR15aeTRWmexo0xx6h9-2Bcae6D3g8TeICVzykNozZnC0dEnVKia5-2B-2FO2ftwvm7T3cPjN-2FSS" target="_blank">Kansas Justice Institute</a>&nbsp;to file a&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOZdeMftJimFfvetMkFXK-2FMKvqoDRHuxPckiHQ-2BCzdqsD2QiojMdqj0ytBeRQYlGuLACc7WeFHqfQtBUZ7bcs81AQqJf_6WsYMaIWlqeSApaFYuJe8rVUFybSzFz1vVTxq3y4nKAkF8R5vafm4aUeOKwaTMSSVxwFqhij-2BYAcSsidmq-2Bx3zdaGwuvZevBFEdImxemSxOH9sSfdepLQCTrvMcX7CSKOqf4hTnzXS933IxxoN2hl6rYaCvhnHv3RnDkdSgFehIkssyIeTYXVKvYg3-2B92aYOX9VVtOzOWcx7SvShcRYNhVWTiFgn1aMqv3gGab13NCdp94sL0fS7kJHvQtrNkf5w1AwvsUWB0ebnW5UlM0W8KEfBDqFGEooV5-2BSMvsYfU3KeASZe3wOS8IDmWg7lW1sVQ0VxCCenxhOKrblayE9cHcvx0sWRm6C-2BXVcPBT9xoMLs0lQHwiowBBo0V8QJbRzj" target="_blank">lawsuit against the Lawrence-Douglas County health officer&nbsp;</a>for non-monetary relief, according to a media release from the institute.

&nbsp;Kansas Justice Institute claims this Order disregards Constitutional rights such as due process and equal protection.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“We have taken so many measures to prepare a safe social space. We all want the same thing, healthy and happy customers, but&nbsp;if we aren’t permitted to have normal hours soon, we might not ever get the chance to be a part of team Lawrence again," said Madl.

The latest health order prohibits a bar from utilizing outdoor seating after midnight but permits certain indoor restaurants to remain open.&nbsp;

Multiple COVID-health orders have been challenged in courts around the country dealing with the arbitrary nature of the orders, the process by which they were issued, and the lack of Constitutional rights to due process on behalf of those impacted, according to the Kansas Policy Institute.

Earlier this year KJI successfully challenged a&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOYbc9szA4ZymfT5s4sAYZ21nABD93dfdAkQt5EFtsbG2Q-3D-3DWi1g_6WsYMaIWlqeSApaFYuJe8rVUFybSzFz1vVTxq3y4nKAkF8R5vafm4aUeOKwaTMSSVxwFqhij-2BYAcSsidmq-2Bx3zdaGwuvZevBFEdImxemSxOH9sSfdepLQCTrvMcX7CSKOqf4hTnzXS933IxxoN2hl6rYaCvhnHv3RnDkdSgFehIkssyIeTYXVKvYg3-2B92aYOX9VVtOzOWcx7SvShcRYNhctcX89Mo17lYJkIESnt1vIZEnTakYSUfdqEQ1JjzsNdzGkz92kyOmi3IOoEvRUU6eAdCRANaQmttKpMqRqE9-2BJOXaG1SWnBCNZi3glD9gPyo7vwlVRXlvknoLUWOCQT3cp23NREOe88jqmIfGbj-2FB3utk-2F3Dsc61abMVXgI32vu" target="_blank">Linn County health officer’s order</a>&nbsp;involving warrantless searches and seizures.&nbsp;

Litigation Director for the Kansas Justice Institute, Sam MacRoberts, says, “Business owners should be afforded a due process hearing when an unelected, politically unaccountable health officer issues an order impacting their business. It’s a matter of fairness. There’s no mechanism to challenge the restaurant and bar curfew order, and that should change.”

The Lawrence-Douglas Health Department has indicated that businesses in violation of the health order may be closed, and individuals may be subject to a Class A&nbsp;misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500 and one year in jail.

Kansas Justice Institute holds that restaurant and bar owners in Douglas County are being denied their civil liberties, including the right to earn a living and to operate a commercial enterprise, without due process of law.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602535028534.png" alt="The Sanbar on East 8th Street in Lawrence -Google image" />
 <figcaption>The Sanbar on East 8th Street in Lawrence -Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. – A Lawrence-Douglas County local health officer, updated an&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOZdeMftJimFfvetMkFXK-2FMKvqoDRHuxPckiHQ-2BCzdqsD-2B086RUcLWvqGqvCa7GPyHSOLqMP8C5dV0teM6-2FL3PR9G16MJDOB9Zua91VGhcplUA-3D-3DHJ9m_6WsYMaIWlqeSApaFYuJe8rVUFybSzFz1vVTxq3y4nKAkF8R5vafm4aUeOKwaTMSSVxwFqhij-2BYAcSsidmq-2Bx3zdaGwuvZevBFEdImxemSxOH9sSfdepLQCTrvMcX7CSKOqf4hTnzXS933IxxoN2hl6rYaCvhnHv3RnDkdSgFehIkssyIeTYXVKvYg3-2B92aYOX9VVtOzOWcx7SvShcRYNhS240cCBOAMw2pcZk67VMPk-2B0aOsUGTnvxPOtcZsq4lSJLmapD3WXkMyb-2FLCMIO1NBNRBywR4hSpVJFEcbILCW11TTSS4Ts27HtPPyLVWurWBF0vy2-2Bbb41Bi5uXZnFZ8NlxVQEr477ZCyfBUzFqXOYAy9rN5KLNckZa7xxwT-2Fn4" target="_blank">emergency order&nbsp;</a>requiring restaurants and bars to stop serving alcohol at 11:00 p.m. and to close their doors at midnight, regardless of the establishment’s existing COVID mitigation procedures and protocols.&nbsp;Peach Madl, longtime owner of The Sandbar, an iconic local establishment serving Lawrence since 1989, partnered with the&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOaMUnUqXRzwQ30rBw9sXOLVnJBS1r42UsXOJxPf6XjlbrG8COzUevyGSAhzVn0nLy0-3D2xxv_6WsYMaIWlqeSApaFYuJe8rVUFybSzFz1vVTxq3y4nKAkF8R5vafm4aUeOKwaTMSSVxwFqhij-2BYAcSsidmq-2Bx3zdaGwuvZevBFEdImxemSxOH9sSfdepLQCTrvMcX7CSKOqf4hTnzXS933IxxoN2hl6rYaCvhnHv3RnDkdSgFehIkssyIeTYXVKvYg3-2B92aYOX9VVtOzOWcx7SvShcRYNhRNH2FFvTFs-2BxjyJiTFRBMJtlr0k1jc3h-2BBHLRWm65vOIx-2BLa6ciTLIP48VSZuf75jP9TaB3ZMHKi2LV-2BwOxg0ao-2FBIO26ZLcDjg4hQR15aeTRWmexo0xx6h9-2Bcae6D3g8TeICVzykNozZnC0dEnVKia5-2B-2FO2ftwvm7T3cPjN-2FSS" target="_blank">Kansas Justice Institute</a>&nbsp;to file a&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOZdeMftJimFfvetMkFXK-2FMKvqoDRHuxPckiHQ-2BCzdqsD2QiojMdqj0ytBeRQYlGuLACc7WeFHqfQtBUZ7bcs81AQqJf_6WsYMaIWlqeSApaFYuJe8rVUFybSzFz1vVTxq3y4nKAkF8R5vafm4aUeOKwaTMSSVxwFqhij-2BYAcSsidmq-2Bx3zdaGwuvZevBFEdImxemSxOH9sSfdepLQCTrvMcX7CSKOqf4hTnzXS933IxxoN2hl6rYaCvhnHv3RnDkdSgFehIkssyIeTYXVKvYg3-2B92aYOX9VVtOzOWcx7SvShcRYNhVWTiFgn1aMqv3gGab13NCdp94sL0fS7kJHvQtrNkf5w1AwvsUWB0ebnW5UlM0W8KEfBDqFGEooV5-2BSMvsYfU3KeASZe3wOS8IDmWg7lW1sVQ0VxCCenxhOKrblayE9cHcvx0sWRm6C-2BXVcPBT9xoMLs0lQHwiowBBo0V8QJbRzj" target="_blank">lawsuit against the Lawrence-Douglas County health officer&nbsp;</a>for non-monetary relief, according to a media release from the institute.&nbsp;Kansas Justice Institute claims this Order disregards Constitutional rights such as due process and equal protection.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We have taken so many measures to prepare a safe social space. We all want the same thing, healthy and happy customers, but&nbsp;if we aren’t permitted to have normal hours soon, we might not ever get the chance to be a part of team Lawrence again," said Madl.The latest health order prohibits a bar from utilizing outdoor seating after midnight but permits certain indoor restaurants to remain open.&nbsp;Multiple COVID-health orders have been challenged in courts around the country dealing with the arbitrary nature of the orders, the process by which they were issued, and the lack of Constitutional rights to due process on behalf of those impacted, according to the Kansas Policy Institute.Earlier this year KJI successfully challenged a&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=4tNED-2FM8iDZJQyQ53jATUTWVmLiTQcdKeCuRdHGrhOYbc9szA4ZymfT5s4sAYZ21nABD93dfdAkQt5EFtsbG2Q-3D-3DWi1g_6WsYMaIWlqeSApaFYuJe8rVUFybSzFz1vVTxq3y4nKAkF8R5vafm4aUeOKwaTMSSVxwFqhij-2BYAcSsidmq-2Bx3zdaGwuvZevBFEdImxemSxOH9sSfdepLQCTrvMcX7CSKOqf4hTnzXS933IxxoN2hl6rYaCvhnHv3RnDkdSgFehIkssyIeTYXVKvYg3-2B92aYOX9VVtOzOWcx7SvShcRYNhctcX89Mo17lYJkIESnt1vIZEnTakYSUfdqEQ1JjzsNdzGkz92kyOmi3IOoEvRUU6eAdCRANaQmttKpMqRqE9-2BJOXaG1SWnBCNZi3glD9gPyo7vwlVRXlvknoLUWOCQT3cp23NREOe88jqmIfGbj-2FB3utk-2F3Dsc61abMVXgI32vu" target="_blank">Linn County health officer’s order</a>&nbsp;involving warrantless searches and seizures.&nbsp;Litigation Director for the Kansas Justice Institute, Sam MacRoberts, says, “Business owners should be afforded a due process hearing when an unelected, politically unaccountable health officer issues an order impacting their business. It’s a matter of fairness. There’s no mechanism to challenge the restaurant and bar curfew order, and that should change.”The Lawrence-Douglas Health Department has indicated that businesses in violation of the health order may be closed, and individuals may be subject to a Class A&nbsp;misdemeanor, which could result in a fine of up to $2,500 and one year in jail.Kansas Justice Institute holds that restaurant and bar owners in Douglas County are being denied their civil liberties, including the right to earn a living and to operate a commercial enterprise, without due process of law.

Kansas bar owner sues over COVID-19 restrictions

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas City Chief's fan who was upset about the team's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders pointed a gun at a victim in a neighborhood about 10 miles away from Arrowhead Stadium, authorities say.

Police in Kansas City, Kansas, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KCKPDChief/status/1315693752158236672/photo/1">tweet</a>&nbsp;that officers responded to disturbance call around 5 p.m. Sunday, after the game ended. A victim and witnesses then told officers that a person, upset over the result of the Chiefs’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-super-bowl-darrel-williams-daniel-carlson-c7a974a2ee3f0e9aca96ae3205822f05">40-32</a>&nbsp;loss to the Raiders, pointed a gun.

“A physical fight then ensued as one of the witnesses attempted to disarm the suspect,” police said. “The suspect then fled the scene.”

Police recovered the gun on the scene and notified detectives. The release didn't indicate what sparked the fight, and a police spokesman didn't immediately respond to a text message.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas City Chief's fan who was upset about the team's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders pointed a gun at a victim in a neighborhood about 10 miles away from Arrowhead Stadium, authorities say.Police in Kansas City, Kansas, said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KCKPDChief/status/1315693752158236672/photo/1">tweet</a>&nbsp;that officers responded to disturbance call around 5 p.m. Sunday, after the game ended. A victim and witnesses then told officers that a person, upset over the result of the Chiefs’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-kansas-city-super-bowl-darrel-williams-daniel-carlson-c7a974a2ee3f0e9aca96ae3205822f05">40-32</a>&nbsp;loss to the Raiders, pointed a gun.“A physical fight then ensued as one of the witnesses attempted to disarm the suspect,” police said. “The suspect then fled the scene.”Police recovered the gun on the scene and notified detectives. The release didn't indicate what sparked the fight, and a police spokesman didn't immediately respond to a text message.

Police: Man upset about Chiefs loss pointed a gun

WASHINGTON — At her confirmation hearing, Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett&nbsp; declared that Americans deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets the Constitution and laws "as they are written."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/?476315/supreme-court-nominee-amy-coney-barrett-confirmation-hearing-day-1&amp;live">Click here to</a>&nbsp;watch a replay of day one of the confirmation hearing

That statement encapsulates her conservative approach that has Republicans excited about the prospect of her taking the place of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before Election Day. Barrett spoke Monday about her judicial philosophy, her experience and her large family at the end of the first day of her fast-tracked confirmation hearings.

Judge Barrett's opening remarks presented at the end of day one of her confirmation hearings before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee:

Chairman [Lindsey] Graham, Ranking Member [Dianne] Feinstein, and Members of the Committee: I am honored and humbled to appear before you as a nominee for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

I thank the President for entrusting me with this profound responsibility, as well as for the graciousness that he and the First Lady have shown my family throughout this process.

I thank Senator [Todd] Young for introducing me, as he did at my hearing to serve on the Seventh Circuit. I thank Senator [Mike] Braun for his generous support. And I am especially grateful to former Dean Patty O’Hara of Notre Dame Law School. She hired me as a professor nearly 20 years ago and has been a mentor, colleague, and friend ever since.

I thank the Members of this Committee—and your other colleagues in the Senate—who have taken the time to meet with me since my nomination. It has been a privilege to meet you.

As I said when I was nominated to serve as a Justice, I am used to being in a group of nine—my family. Nothing is more important to me, and I am so proud to have them behind me.

My husband Jesse and I have been married for 21 years. He has been a selfless and wonderful partner at every step along the way. I once asked my sister, “Why do people say marriage is hard? I think it’s easy.” She said, “Maybe you should ask Jesse if he agrees.” I decided not to take her advice. I know that I am far luckier in love than I deserve.

Jesse and I are parents to seven wonderful children. Emma is a sophomore in college who just might follow her parents into a career in the law. Vivian came to us from Haiti. When she arrived, she was so weak that we were told she might never walk or talk normally. She now deadlifts as much as the male athletes at our gym, and I assure you that she has no trouble talking. Tess is 16, and while she shares her parents’ love for the liberal arts, she also has a math gene that seems to have skipped her parents’ generation. John Peter joined us shortly after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, and Jesse, who brought him home, still describes the shock on JP’s face when he got off the plane in wintertime Chicago. Once that shock wore off, JP assumed the happy-go-lucky attitude that is still his signature trait. Liam is smart, strong, and kind, and to our delight, he still loves watching movies with Mom and Dad. Ten-year-old Juliet is already pursuing her goal of becoming an author by writing multiple essays and short stories, including one she recently submitted for publication. And our youngest—Benjamin, who has Down Syndrome—is the unanimous favorite of the family.

My own siblings are here, some in the hearing room and some nearby. Carrie, Megan, Eileen, Amanda, Vivian, and Michael are my oldest and dearest friends. We’ve seen each other through both the happy and hard parts of life, and I am so grateful that they are with me now.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602527214860.png" alt="Amy Coney Barrett reads her opening statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee at the end of day one of her confirmation hearing -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Amy Coney Barrett reads her opening statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee at the end of day one of her confirmation hearing -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON — At her confirmation hearing, Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett&nbsp; declared that Americans deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets the Constitution and laws "as they are written."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/event/?476315/supreme-court-nominee-amy-coney-barrett-confirmation-hearing-day-1&amp;live">Click here to</a>&nbsp;watch a replay of day one of the confirmation hearingThat statement encapsulates her conservative approach that has Republicans excited about the prospect of her taking the place of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before Election Day. Barrett spoke Monday about her judicial philosophy, her experience and her large family at the end of the first day of her fast-tracked confirmation hearings.Judge Barrett's opening remarks presented at the end of day one of her confirmation hearings before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee:Chairman [Lindsey] Graham, Ranking Member [Dianne] Feinstein, and Members of the Committee: I am honored and humbled to appear before you as a nominee for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.I thank the President for entrusting me with this profound responsibility, as well as for the graciousness that he and the First Lady have shown my family throughout this process.I thank Senator [Todd] Young for introducing me, as he did at my hearing to serve on the Seventh Circuit. I thank Senator [Mike] Braun for his generous support. And I am especially grateful to former Dean Patty O’Hara of Notre Dame Law School. She hired me as a professor nearly 20 years ago and has been a mentor, colleague, and friend ever since.I thank the Members of this Committee—and your other colleagues in the Senate—who have taken the time to meet with me since my nomination. It has been a privilege to meet you.As I said when I was nominated to serve as a Justice, I am used to being in a group of nine—my family. Nothing is more important to me, and I am so proud to have them behind me.My husband Jesse and I have been married for 21 years. He has been a selfless and wonderful partner at every step along the way. I once asked my sister, “Why do people say marriage is hard? I think it’s easy.” She said, “Maybe you should ask Jesse if he agrees.” I decided not to take her advice. I know that I am far luckier in love than I deserve.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602508448677.png" alt="Judge Barrett's husband and her children attending the confirmation hearing -image courtesyCSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Judge Barrett's husband and her children attending the confirmation hearing -image courtesyCSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>Jesse and I are parents to seven wonderful children. Emma is a sophomore in college who just might follow her parents into a career in the law. Vivian came to us from Haiti. When she arrived, she was so weak that we were told she might never walk or talk normally. She now deadlifts as much as the male athletes at our gym, and I assure you that she has no trouble talking. Tess is 16, and while she shares her parents’ love for the liberal arts, she also has a math gene that seems to have skipped her parents’ generation. John Peter joined us shortly after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, and Jesse, who brought him home, still describes the shock on JP’s face when he got off the plane in wintertime Chicago. Once that shock wore off, JP assumed the happy-go-lucky attitude that is still his signature trait. Liam is smart, strong, and kind, and to our delight, he still loves watching movies with Mom and Dad. Ten-year-old Juliet is already pursuing her goal of becoming an author by writing multiple essays and short stories, including one she recently submitted for publication. And our youngest—Benjamin, who has Down Syndrome—is the unanimous favorite of the family.My own siblings are here, some in the hearing room and some nearby. Carrie, Megan, Eileen, Amanda, Vivian, and Michael are my oldest and dearest friends. We’ve seen each other through both the happy and hard parts of life, and I am so grateful that they are with me now.My parents, Mike and Linda Coney, are watching from their New Orleans home. My father was a lawyer and my mother was a teacher, which explains how I ended up as a law professor. More important, my parents modeled for me and my six siblings a life of service, principle, faith, and love. I remember preparing for a grade-school spelling bee against a boy in my class. To boost my confidence, Dad sang, “Anything boys can do, girls can do better.” At least as I remember it, I spelled my way to victory.I received similar encouragement from the devoted teachers at St. Mary’s Dominican, my all-girls high school in New Orleans. When I went to college, it never occurred to me that anyone would consider girls to be less capable than boys. My freshman year, I took a literature class filled with upperclassmen English majors. When I did my first presentation—on Breakfast at Tiffany’s—I feared I had failed. But my professor filled me with confidence, became a mentor, and—when I graduated with a degree in English—gave me Truman Capote’s collected works.Although I considered graduate studies in English, I decided my passion for words was better suited to deciphering statutes than novels. I was fortunate to have wonderful legal mentors—in particular, the judges for whom I clerked. The legendary Judge Laurence Silberman of the D.C. Circuit gave me my first job in the law and continues to teach me today. He was by my side during my Seventh Circuit hearing and investiture, and he is cheering me on from his living room now.I also clerked for Justice Scalia, and like many law students, I felt like I knew the justice before I ever met him, because I had read so many of his colorful, accessible opinions. More than the style of his writing, though, it was the content of Justice Scalia’s reasoning that shaped me. His judicial philosophy was straightforward: A judge must apply the law as written, not as the judge wishes it were. Sometimes that approach meant reaching results that he did not like. But as he put it in one of his best known opinions, that is what it means to say we have a government of laws, not of men.Justice Scalia taught me more than just law. He was devoted to his family, resolute in his beliefs, and fearless of criticism. And as I embarked on my own legal career, I resolved to maintain that same perspective. There is a tendency in our profession to treat the practice of law as all-consuming, while losing sight of everything else. But that makes for a shallow and unfulfilling life. I worked hard as a lawyer and a professor; I owed that to my clients, my students, and myself. But I never let the law define my identity or crowd out the rest of my life.A similar principle applies to the role of courts. Courts have a vital responsibility to enforce the rule of law, which is critical to a free society. But courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life. The policy decisions and value judgments of government must be made by the political branches elected by and accountable to the People. The public should not expect courts to do so, and courts should not try.That is the approach I have strived to follow as a judge on the Seventh Circuit. In every case, I have carefully considered the arguments presented by the parties, discussed the issues with my colleagues on the court, and done my utmost to reach the result required by the law, whatever my own preferences might be. I try to remain mindful that, while my court decides thousands of cases a year, each case is the most important one to the parties involved. After all, cases are not like statutes, which are often named for their authors. Cases are named for the parties who stand to gain or lose in the real world, often through their liberty or livelihood.When I write an opinion resolving a case, I read every word from the perspective of the losing party. I ask myself how would I view the decision if one of my children was the party I was ruling against: Even though I would not like the result, would I understand that the decision was fairly reasoned and grounded in the law? That is the standard I set for myself in every case, and it is the standard I will follow as long as I am a judge on any court.When the President offered this nomination, I was deeply honored. But it was not a position I had sought out, and I thought carefully before accepting. The confirmation process—and the work of serving on the Court if I am confirmed— requires sacrifices, particularly from my family. I chose to accept the nomination because I believe deeply in the rule of law and the place of the Supreme Court in our Nation. I believe Americans of all backgrounds deserve an independent Supreme Court that interprets our Constitution and laws as they are written. And I believe I can serve my country by playing that role.I come before this Committee with humility about the responsibility I have been asked to undertake, and with appreciation for those who came before me. I was nine years old when Sandra Day O’Connor became the first woman to sit in this seat. She was a model of grace and dignity throughout her distinguished tenure on the Court. When I was 21 years old and just beginning my career, Ruth Bader Ginsburg sat in this seat. She told the Committee, “What has become of me could only happen in America.” I have been nominated to fill Justice Ginsburg’s seat, but no one will ever take her place. I will be forever grateful for the path she marked and the life she led.If confirmed, it would be the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside the Chief Justice and seven Associate Justices. I admire them all and would consider each a valued colleague. And I might bring a few new perspectives to the bench. As the President noted when he announced my nomination, I would be the first mother of school-age children to serve on the Court. I would be the first Justice to join the Court from the Seventh Circuit in 45 years. And I would be the only sitting Justice who didn’t attend law school at Harvard or Yale. I am confident that Notre Dame will hold its own, and maybe I could even teach them a thing or two about football.As a final note, Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the many Americans from all walks of life who have reached out with messages of support over the course of my nomination. I believe in the power of prayer, and it has been uplifting to hear that so many people are praying for me. I look forward to answering the Committee’s questions over the coming days. And if I am fortunate enough to be confirmed, I pledge to faithfully and impartially discharge my duties to the American people as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Thank you.

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