RENO COUNTY— A Kansas man died in an accident Sunday morning in Reno County.

A 2002 Kia Sportage driven by 24-year-old Wayne Scott Schoenecker of Arlington was eastbound in the&nbsp;22700 block Arlington Road, according to the Reno County Sheriff's office.

The SUV traveled off the south side of the roadway and the driver lost control. The vehicle rolled and Schoenecker was ejected.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene.

He was not wearing a seatbelt, according to the sheriff's office.

The time of the accident is undetermined. tt is believed the accident occurred after 2 a.m, according to the sheriff's office.

RENO COUNTY— A Kansas man died in an accident Sunday morning in Reno County.A 2002 Kia Sportage driven by 24-year-old Wayne Scott Schoenecker of Arlington was eastbound in the&nbsp;22700 block Arlington Road, according to the Reno County Sheriff's office.The SUV traveled off the south side of the roadway and the driver lost control. The vehicle rolled and Schoenecker was ejected.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene.He was not wearing a seatbelt, according to the sheriff's office.The time of the accident is undetermined. tt is believed the accident occurred after 2 a.m, according to the sheriff's office.

Kansas man dies after ejected when SUV rolls

WASHINGTON, DC - On August 3, President Trump signed an executive order requesting that the Department of Health and Human Services produce a report on existing and upcoming efforts to improve rural healthcare. 

HHS has released the Rural Action Plan, the first HHS-wide assessment of rural healthcare efforts in more than 18 years and the product of HHS’s Rural Task Force, a group of experts and leaders across the department first put together by Secretary Azar in 2019.

Former Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, is chair of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services.

This action plan provides a roadmap for HHS to strengthen departmental coordination to better serve the millions of Americans who live in rural communities across the United States. Eighteen HHS agencies and offices took part in developing the plan, which includes 71 new or expanded activities for FY 2020 and beyond. Efforts that will be undertaken in FY 2020 include nine new rural-focused administrative or regulatory actions, three new rural-focused technical assistance efforts, 14 new rural research efforts, and five new rural program efforts. These efforts build on 94 new rural-focused projects the HHS Rural Task Force identified as having launched over the past three years.

“Growing up in rural Maryland, I saw firsthand some of the challenges faced by rural healthcare providers and patients,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar.&nbsp; “Under President Trump, we have invested unprecedented time and resources transforming healthcare for the forgotten men and women of rural America. The Rural Action Plan identifies key, tangible areas where HHS agencies can soon make a real difference in the health outcomes of millions of Americans. We cannot just tinker around the edges of a rural healthcare system that has struggled for too long, which is why the Rural Action Plan lays out a bold vision for transforming how healthcare works in rural America.”

“The Rural Action Plan continues HHS and the Administration’s continued focus on rural communities,” said Colyer.&nbsp;“It provides an important reminder of the key steps HHS has already taken to support rural communities as well as a number of new initiatives for this year and beyond. HHS and the Committee will continue to strengthen rural health care to improve patients’ lives.”

Following up on the President’s Executive Order, the&nbsp;<a href="https://jeffcolyer.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8aeca4558285753c304a36165&amp;id=c162bb1e9d&amp;e=b03737a8cd" target="_blank">Rural Action Plan&nbsp;- PDF</a>*&nbsp;examines the key challenges facing rural communities related to issues such as emerging health disparities, chronic disease burden, high rates of maternal mortality and limited access to mental health services. The plan lays out a four-point strategy to transform rural health and human services, with a number of actions that can be launched within weeks or months. The four points of the strategy are:

Read the action plan here:&nbsp;<a href="https://jeffcolyer.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8aeca4558285753c304a36165&amp;id=e36a9a1f3e&amp;e=b03737a8cd" target="_blank">https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-rural-action-plan.pdf&nbsp;- PDF</a>*

The Rural Action Plan builds on the work throughout the Trump Administration to improve rural healthcare, including:

As the Rural Action Plan was developed, the HHS Rural Task Force also played a key role in the COVID-19 pandemic response, ensuring that HHS accounted for the unique challenges faced by rural communities. In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention created a Minority Health/Rural Health Team as part of its pandemic response, ensuring a targeted focus on the needs rural communities were facing in dealing with COVID-19. The Task Force also worked with the Provider Relief Fund created in the CARES Act to develop a targeted allocation to rural providers of more than $10 billion to support rural hospitals, rural health clinics, community health centers and tribal providers.

* This content is in the process of Section 508 review. If you need immediate assistance accessing this content, please submit a request to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:digital@hhs.gov" target="_blank">digital@hhs.gov</a>. Content will be updated pending the outcome of the Section 508 review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599227421452.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HHSWASHINGTON, DC - On August 3, President Trump signed an executive order requesting that the Department of Health and Human Services produce a report on existing and upcoming efforts to improve rural healthcare. HHS has released the Rural Action Plan, the first HHS-wide assessment of rural healthcare efforts in more than 18 years and the product of HHS’s Rural Task Force, a group of experts and leaders across the department first put together by Secretary Azar in 2019.Former Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, is chair of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services.This action plan provides a roadmap for HHS to strengthen departmental coordination to better serve the millions of Americans who live in rural communities across the United States. Eighteen HHS agencies and offices took part in developing the plan, which includes 71 new or expanded activities for FY 2020 and beyond. Efforts that will be undertaken in FY 2020 include nine new rural-focused administrative or regulatory actions, three new rural-focused technical assistance efforts, 14 new rural research efforts, and five new rural program efforts. These efforts build on 94 new rural-focused projects the HHS Rural Task Force identified as having launched over the past three years.“Growing up in rural Maryland, I saw firsthand some of the challenges faced by rural healthcare providers and patients,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar.&nbsp; “Under President Trump, we have invested unprecedented time and resources transforming healthcare for the forgotten men and women of rural America. The Rural Action Plan identifies key, tangible areas where HHS agencies can soon make a real difference in the health outcomes of millions of Americans. We cannot just tinker around the edges of a rural healthcare system that has struggled for too long, which is why the Rural Action Plan lays out a bold vision for transforming how healthcare works in rural America.”“The Rural Action Plan continues HHS and the Administration’s continued focus on rural communities,” said Colyer.&nbsp;“It provides an important reminder of the key steps HHS has already taken to support rural communities as well as a number of new initiatives for this year and beyond. HHS and the Committee will continue to strengthen rural health care to improve patients’ lives.”Following up on the President’s Executive Order, the&nbsp;<a href="https://jeffcolyer.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8aeca4558285753c304a36165&amp;id=c162bb1e9d&amp;e=b03737a8cd" target="_blank">Rural Action Plan&nbsp;- PDF</a>*&nbsp;examines the key challenges facing rural communities related to issues such as emerging health disparities, chronic disease burden, high rates of maternal mortality and limited access to mental health services. The plan lays out a four-point strategy to transform rural health and human services, with a number of actions that can be launched within weeks or months. The four points of the strategy are:<ul>
 <li>Building a sustainable health and human services model for rural communities, including actions such as:Funding the Rural Healthcare Providers Transition Project, a new program to provide support for hospitals and rural health clinics transitioning to value-based models.Expanding the Community Health Aide Program, which provides education and training of tribal community health providers to increase access to quality health care, health promotion and disease prevention services.Funding the Integrated Rural Community Care project to connect federally qualified health centers with rural hospitals to better coordinate preventive, primary and emergency health care.</li><li>Funding the Rural Healthcare Providers Transition Project, a new program to provide support for hospitals and rural health clinics transitioning to value-based models.</li><li>Expanding the Community Health Aide Program, which provides education and training of tribal community health providers to increase access to quality health care, health promotion and disease prevention services.</li><li>Funding the Integrated Rural Community Care project to connect federally qualified health centers with rural hospitals to better coordinate preventive, primary and emergency health care.</li><li>Leveraging technology and innovation, including:Supporting a new HHS Health Challenge to leverage technology to improve screening and management of post-partum depression for rural women.Providing more than $8 million in grant funding for the Telehealth Network Grant Program to provide emergency care consults via telehealth to rural providers without emergency care specialists.Developing new flexibility for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to improve access to managed care options in rural areas through changes in network adequacy assessments for MA plans and to take into account the impact of telehealth providers in contracted networks.</li><li>Supporting a new HHS Health Challenge to leverage technology to improve screening and management of post-partum depression for rural women.</li><li>Providing more than $8 million in grant funding for the Telehealth Network Grant Program to provide emergency care consults via telehealth to rural providers without emergency care specialists.</li><li>Developing new flexibility for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to improve access to managed care options in rural areas through changes in network adequacy assessments for MA plans and to take into account the impact of telehealth providers in contracted networks.</li><li>Focusing on preventing disease and mortality, including:Creating the Healthy Rural Hometown Initiative, a new initiative to identify strategies to address the growing rural disparities related to the five leading causes of avoidable death, including stroke, heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease and injury/substance use.Investing over $2 million in additional funding for rural cancer control grants with a focus on geographically underserved rural areas with deep and/or persistent poverty, building on a multi-year research effort to increase prevention efforts and enhance cancer treatment efforts in rural communities.&nbsp;Investing more than $2 million in funding in 2020 as part of a four-year $8 million project to identify evidence-based interventions that can reduce health risks faced by rural Americans.&nbsp;</li><li>Creating the Healthy Rural Hometown Initiative, a new initiative to identify strategies to address the growing rural disparities related to the five leading causes of avoidable death, including stroke, heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease and injury/substance use.</li><li>Investing over $2 million in additional funding for rural cancer control grants with a focus on geographically underserved rural areas with deep and/or persistent poverty, building on a multi-year research effort to increase prevention efforts and enhance cancer treatment efforts in rural communities.&nbsp;</li><li>Investing more than $2 million in funding in 2020 as part of a four-year $8 million project to identify evidence-based interventions that can reduce health risks faced by rural Americans.&nbsp;</li><li>Increasing rural access to care, including:Issuing a new policy brief examining the workforce shortage challenges state-based licensure restrictions create for rural residents by failing to let health care clinicians practice to the full extent of their training.&nbsp;Investing $5 million in FY 2020 to recruit and train EMS personnel in rural areas.Awarding $8.25 million to 11 communities who develop new rural residency programs through the Rural Residency Planning and Development Program.</li><li>Issuing a new policy brief examining the workforce shortage challenges state-based licensure restrictions create for rural residents by failing to let health care clinicians practice to the full extent of their training.&nbsp;</li><li>Investing $5 million in FY 2020 to recruit and train EMS personnel in rural areas.</li><li>Awarding $8.25 million to 11 communities who develop new rural residency programs through the Rural Residency Planning and Development Program.</li>
 </ul>Read the action plan here:&nbsp;<a href="https://jeffcolyer.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8aeca4558285753c304a36165&amp;id=e36a9a1f3e&amp;e=b03737a8cd" target="_blank">https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs-rural-action-plan.pdf&nbsp;- PDF</a>*The Rural Action Plan builds on the work throughout the Trump Administration to improve rural healthcare, including:<ul>
 <li>The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized wage index reform to increase payment to hospitals in low wage areas, including many rural hospitals, allowing them to invest more to improve quality, put them on a more level playing field with their higher wage counterparts, and attract more talent.</li><li>CMS created two new ways for Medicare to pay providers specifically for forms of “virtual care,” delivered remotely. Health care providers can now be paid for remote patient monitoring, virtual assessments and review of electronically transmitted images.</li><li>HRSA launched the&nbsp;<a href="https://jeffcolyer.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8aeca4558285753c304a36165&amp;id=013416fa7c&amp;e=b03737a8cd" target="_blank">Rural Communities Opioid Response program</a>, funding multi-sector consortia in rural areas to enhance their ability to implement and sustain prevention, treatment, and recovery services in underserved rural areas, with more than $157 million in 47 states awarded to date.</li><li>Through the Rural Tribal COVID-19 Response Program, HRSA awarded $15 million to 52 Tribes, Tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, and other health services providers to Tribes across 20 states to prepare, prevent, and respond to COVID-19 in rural tribal communities.</li><li>Through the CARES Act, HRSA invested $150 million to over 1,700 rural hospitals to prepare, prevent, and respond to COVID-19. Of this amount, approximately $1 million was allocated to 12 tribal hospitals across 3 states to build up their capacity for fighting COVID-19 in their communities, including through further expansions of telehealth, purchases of PPE, and boosting testing capacity.</li>
 </ul>As the Rural Action Plan was developed, the HHS Rural Task Force also played a key role in the COVID-19 pandemic response, ensuring that HHS accounted for the unique challenges faced by rural communities. In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention created a Minority Health/Rural Health Team as part of its pandemic response, ensuring a targeted focus on the needs rural communities were facing in dealing with COVID-19. The Task Force also worked with the Provider Relief Fund created in the CARES Act to develop a targeted allocation to rural providers of more than $10 billion to support rural hospitals, rural health clinics, community health centers and tribal providers.* This content is in the process of Section 508 review. If you need immediate assistance accessing this content, please submit a request to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:digital@hhs.gov" target="_blank">digital@hhs.gov</a>. Content will be updated pending the outcome of the Section 508 review.

Rural Healthcare Action Plan released by federal HHS

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with stolen vehicles.

Just after 4p.m. Thursday, police were following up on report of a stolen 2020 Ford Raptor, according to Captain Kevin Kochenderfer.

Officers learned of the location of the vehicle which led them to&nbsp;Wichita Collision and Dent Center in the 400 Block of South Washington Street.

At the business contacted Jonathan Halstead, 37, Derby, and executed a search warrant. They found the stolen Ford Raptor along with a stolen 2002 Acura. Police also seized a stolen handgun, stolen license plates, narcotics edibles and cash.

They also arrested Halstead without incident on requested charges of possession of stolen property worth more than $25,000 and making false information, according to Kochenderfer.

The Kansas Highway Patrol also participated in this investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599239334469.png" alt="Halstead-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Halstead-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect in connection with stolen vehicles.Just after 4p.m. Thursday, police were following up on report of a stolen 2020 Ford Raptor, according to Captain Kevin Kochenderfer.Officers learned of the location of the vehicle which led them to&nbsp;Wichita Collision and Dent Center in the 400 Block of South Washington Street.At the business contacted Jonathan Halstead, 37, Derby, and executed a search warrant. They found the stolen Ford Raptor along with a stolen 2002 Acura. Police also seized a stolen handgun, stolen license plates, narcotics edibles and cash.They also arrested Halstead without incident on requested charges of possession of stolen property worth more than $25,000 and making false information, according to Kochenderfer.The Kansas Highway Patrol also participated in this investigation.

Police find stolen vehicles at Kan. auto repair shop

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Texas man who oversaw a drug ring in the Kansas City metro area was sentenced Wednesday to 262 months in federal prison, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Jorge Portillo-Uranga, 36, Teague, Texas, pleaded guilty to seven felony counts including conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration began an investigation in 2016 of a drug trafficking organization headed by Portillo-Uranga that was selling kilogram quantities of cocaine and marijuana to buyers in the Kansas City metro area. 

Portillo-Uranga managed the operation from his home in Teague, Texas. Investigators intercepted communications between Portillo-Uranga in Texas and other members of the organization as he directed their movements in obtaining cocaine and delivering it to Kansas City. In various conversations, Portillo-Uranga expressed his suspicions that some of the traffickers were skimming cocaine from the shipments.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599164559521.png" alt=" Portillo-Uranga photo Wyandotte County" />
 <figcaption> Portillo-Uranga photo Wyandotte County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Texas man who oversaw a drug ring in the Kansas City metro area was sentenced Wednesday to 262 months in federal prison, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Jorge Portillo-Uranga, 36, Teague, Texas, pleaded guilty to seven felony counts including conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking.According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration began an investigation in 2016 of a drug trafficking organization headed by Portillo-Uranga that was selling kilogram quantities of cocaine and marijuana to buyers in the Kansas City metro area. Portillo-Uranga managed the operation from his home in Teague, Texas. Investigators intercepted communications between Portillo-Uranga in Texas and other members of the organization as he directed their movements in obtaining cocaine and delivering it to Kansas City. In various conversations, Portillo-Uranga expressed his suspicions that some of the traffickers were skimming cocaine from the shipments.

Texas man admits running drug ring in Kansas City 

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Coronavirus cases in the university community of Manhattan have spiked since classes resumed. 

COVID-19 cases in Riley County went up close to 135% in the three weeks since Kansas State University reopened. That's a total case increase from 500 on Aug. 17 to 1,174 Friday. Active cases increased more than 400%, from 125 to 679 in the same period. 

The county health department has declared outbreaks at three fraternities, six sororities and the college football team. Students at the University of Kansas in Lawrence plan to strike Monday to pressure the university to close campus.&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Coronavirus cases in the university community of Manhattan have spiked since classes resumed. COVID-19 cases in Riley County went up close to 135% in the three weeks since Kansas State University reopened. That's a total case increase from 500 on Aug. 17 to 1,174 Friday. Active cases increased more than 400%, from 125 to 679 in the same period. The county health department has declared outbreaks at three fraternities, six sororities and the college football team. Students at the University of Kansas in Lawrence plan to strike Monday to pressure the university to close campus.&nbsp;

Virus cases spike at K-State, Riley County

The Kansas Insurance Department gets thousands of calls a month from
consumers to agents to companies, inquiring about the laws and regulations of
the state of Kansas.

I love hearing from Kansans and I am thrilled at the
opportunity to help. As a pharmacist, working directly with patients was my
favorite part. 

Sometimes the issue they inquire about is an easy fix, sometimes
it takes a little more research, and sometimes we can't do anything at all
because it isn't in our jurisdiction. But, it is important to me that you get
an answer. 

For me, the toughest cases are the ones that could have been
prevented. 

Recently, the Insurance Department has seen an uptick in the number
of complaints due to scams. There will always be bad actors and it is up to
each of us to be on the lookout for them in order to avoid falling victim to
them. I want to warn you about a few scams we know are out there right now. 

•
"Coronavirus Insurance" is not real. It does not exist. Anyone trying
to sell it is trying to scam you. • Beware of phone calls where people claim to
be from your insurance company. They may even have some of your information.
But, don't change your policy during these phone calls. • Request for personal
information. Don't give out any personal information (Medicare number, Social
Security number, credit card number, etc.) to anyone over the phone.

If
everyone behaved themselves we wouldn't have a Consumer Assistance Division, an
Anti-Fraud Division or a Compliance and Enforcement Division for Securities. Each of these divisions is dedicated to ensuring the law is followed, identifying bad actors and helping consumers who have fallen victim. 

If the Insurance Department can help answer your questions, troubleshoot an issue or handle a complaint, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-432- 2484 or email at kid.webcomplaints@ks.gov. You can learn more about other insurance and securities related scams on the Department's website <a href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/">insurance.kansas.gov</a>.

It is an honor to serve you and your family in the Kansas Insurance Department. 

If there is something you think can work better or would help other Kansans have a better experience with insurance, please share it with me at kid.commissioner@ks.gov.&nbsp;

Vicki Schmidt is the Kansas Insurance Commissioner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599164016549.jpeg" alt="Vicki Schmidt" />
 <figcaption>Vicki Schmidt</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Insurance Department gets thousands of calls a month from
consumers to agents to companies, inquiring about the laws and regulations of
the state of Kansas. I love hearing from Kansans and I am thrilled at the
opportunity to help. As a pharmacist, working directly with patients was my
favorite part. Sometimes the issue they inquire about is an easy fix, sometimes
it takes a little more research, and sometimes we can't do anything at all
because it isn't in our jurisdiction. But, it is important to me that you get
an answer. For me, the toughest cases are the ones that could have been
prevented. Recently, the Insurance Department has seen an uptick in the number
of complaints due to scams. There will always be bad actors and it is up to
each of us to be on the lookout for them in order to avoid falling victim to
them. I want to warn you about a few scams we know are out there right now. •
"Coronavirus Insurance" is not real. It does not exist. Anyone trying
to sell it is trying to scam you. • Beware of phone calls where people claim to
be from your insurance company. They may even have some of your information.
But, don't change your policy during these phone calls. • Request for personal
information. Don't give out any personal information (Medicare number, Social
Security number, credit card number, etc.) to anyone over the phone. If
everyone behaved themselves we wouldn't have a Consumer Assistance Division, an
Anti-Fraud Division or a Compliance and Enforcement Division for Securities. Each of these divisions is dedicated to ensuring the law is followed, identifying bad actors and helping consumers who have fallen victim. If the Insurance Department can help answer your questions, troubleshoot an issue or handle a complaint, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-432- 2484 or email at kid.webcomplaints@ks.gov. You can learn more about other insurance and securities related scams on the Department's website <a href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/">insurance.kansas.gov</a>. It is an honor to serve you and your family in the Kansas Insurance Department. If there is something you think can work better or would help other Kansans have a better experience with insurance, please share it with me at kid.commissioner@ks.gov.&nbsp;Vicki Schmidt is the Kansas Insurance Commissioner.

Insurance Commissioner: No such thing as coronavirus insurance

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects following the completion of a search warrant in Shawnee County.

On Sept. 3, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force, consisting of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Rossville Police Department, served a narcotic search warrant in the 3300 block of SE Girard Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Officers located three individuals and initially detained them for the investigation.

Following the discovery of narcotics and firearms, officers&nbsp; arrested William C. O’Handlen, 51; Stella M. Hillis, 46, of&nbsp; Walter U. O’Handlen, 51, all of Topeka were arrested and booked them into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

William O’Handlen was booked on requested charged that include possession of methamphetamine, criminal use of a weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia. Hillis and Walter O’Handlen were both booked on requested charged of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599224726289.png" alt="William O’Handlen-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>William O’Handlen-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating three suspects following the completion of a search warrant in Shawnee County.On Sept. 3, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Task Force, consisting of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and Rossville Police Department, served a narcotic search warrant in the 3300 block of SE Girard Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Officers located three individuals and initially detained them for the investigation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599224888013.png" alt="Walter O’Handlen-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Walter O’Handlen-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Following the discovery of narcotics and firearms, officers&nbsp; arrested William C. O’Handlen, 51; Stella M. Hillis, 46, of&nbsp; Walter U. O’Handlen, 51, all of Topeka were arrested and booked them into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599224792206.png" alt="Hillis-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hillis-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>William O’Handlen was booked on requested charged that include possession of methamphetamine, criminal use of a weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia. Hillis and Walter O’Handlen were both booked on requested charged of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kan. twins arrested after Drug Task Force investigation

Robert Courtney pleaded guilty in 2001 to diluting medications over the course of nearly a decade

By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-02/federal-judge-denies-compassionate-release-to-former-kansas-city-druggist-who-diluted-cancer-meds">Kansas News Service</a>

A federal judge has denied ex-pharmacist Robert Courtney’s request 
for compassionate release from prison, saying he had not demonstrated 
“extraordinary and compelling” reasons for reducing his 30-year prison 
sentence.

Courtney pleaded guilty in 2001 to diluting cancer and other medications over the course of nearly a decade.

Now
 67, Courtney claims to suffer from a variety of chronic, debilitating 
health conditions. He also says he is at risk of contracting COVID-19 
due to his age and poor health.

But U.S. District Judge Ortrie 
Smith, the judge who sentenced Courtney to prison nearly 19 years ago, 
found none of those reasons sufficient to release Courtney from prison. 
Courtney is incarcerated in the federal penitentiary in Englewood, 
Colorado.

Smith noted that the incidence of Covid-19 at Englewood 
is exceedingly low, about 0.7% of the prison population. And he said 
that Courtney’s health conditions did not place him at increased risk of
 contracting COVID-19.

Courtney also argued that he had 
rehabilitated himself and been a productive inmate. But Smith said those
 were not extraordinary or compelling reasons for his release.

The
 families of Courtney's families were outraged when they learned two 
months ago that the Bureau of Prisons intended to release Courtney to 
home confinement in Trimble, Missouri.  The BOP eventually backtracked 
and canceled its decision. Courtney’s lawyers said the cancellation was 
due to “the numerous threats Courtney’s family received when news of his
 release” was made public.

FBI and Food and Drug Administration 
agents began investigating Courtney in the summer of 2001 after Kansas 
City oncologist Verda Hunter notified them that a salesman from 
drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co. had told her Courtney was dispensing far 
more of the cancer medication Gemzar than he was purchasing.

Agents
 set up a sting operation to buy drugs from Courtney, who mixed cancer 
drugs for Hunter, and discovered that the drugs were far less potent 
than Hunter had ordered. One sample contained less than 1 percent of the
 prescribed amount.

Authorities said the scheme lasted for a 
decade and affected as many as 4,200 patients and 98,000 prescriptions 
for cancer medications and a variety of other drugs.

Dan Margolies is senior reporter and editor at KCUR. He can be reached by email at dan@kcur.org or on Twitter @DanMargolies.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599152507759.png" alt="The Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Courthouse in downtown Kansas City, where Courtney was sentenced to 30 years in prison in December 2002. Chris Murphy" />
 <figcaption>The Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Courthouse in downtown Kansas City, where Courtney was sentenced to 30 years in prison in December 2002. Chris Murphy</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Robert Courtney pleaded guilty in 2001 to diluting medications over the course of nearly a decade</h2>By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-09-02/federal-judge-denies-compassionate-release-to-former-kansas-city-druggist-who-diluted-cancer-meds">Kansas News Service</a>A federal judge has denied ex-pharmacist Robert Courtney’s request 
for compassionate release from prison, saying he had not demonstrated 
“extraordinary and compelling” reasons for reducing his 30-year prison 
sentence.Courtney pleaded guilty in 2001 to diluting cancer and other medications over the course of nearly a decade.Now
 67, Courtney claims to suffer from a variety of chronic, debilitating 
health conditions. He also says he is at risk of contracting COVID-19 
due to his age and poor health.But U.S. District Judge Ortrie 
Smith, the judge who sentenced Courtney to prison nearly 19 years ago, 
found none of those reasons sufficient to release Courtney from prison. 
Courtney is incarcerated in the federal penitentiary in Englewood, 
Colorado.Smith noted that the incidence of Covid-19 at Englewood 
is exceedingly low, about 0.7% of the prison population. And he said 
that Courtney’s health conditions did not place him at increased risk of
 contracting COVID-19.Courtney also argued that he had 
rehabilitated himself and been a productive inmate. But Smith said those
 were not extraordinary or compelling reasons for his release.The
 families of Courtney's families were outraged when they learned two 
months ago that the Bureau of Prisons intended to release Courtney to 
home confinement in Trimble, Missouri. The BOP eventually backtracked 
and canceled its decision. Courtney’s lawyers said the cancellation was 
due to “the numerous threats Courtney’s family received when news of his
 release” was made public.FBI and Food and Drug Administration 
agents began investigating Courtney in the summer of 2001 after Kansas 
City oncologist Verda Hunter notified them that a salesman from 
drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co. had told her Courtney was dispensing far 
more of the cancer medication Gemzar than he was purchasing.Agents
 set up a sting operation to buy drugs from Courtney, who mixed cancer 
drugs for Hunter, and discovered that the drugs were far less potent 
than Hunter had ordered. One sample contained less than 1 percent of the
 prescribed amount.Authorities said the scheme lasted for a 
decade and affected as many as 4,200 patients and 98,000 prescriptions 
for cancer medications and a variety of other drugs.Dan Margolies is senior reporter and editor at KCUR. He can be reached by email at dan@kcur.org or on Twitter @DanMargolies.

Judge denies release to former KC druggist who diluted cancer meds

MANHATTAN —A home is a total loss following a Saturday fire in Manhattan.

Just after 5 pm Saturday, the Riley County Fire District was paged for a structure fire at 6320 North 52nd Street Lot #3, according to Assistant Fire Chief&nbsp;Michael Regal.

 Riley County Chief-2 arrived first and found a partially involved Mobile Home. Several other stations responded to assist along with about 25 volunteers. The fire was placed under control in about 45-minutes and all of the units returned to their station around 8p.m.

Damage to the residents is around $30,000 and content loss exceeds $15,000. The residence was a total loss. There is extensive damage, which prohibits an exact cause but the fire appears to have possibly started at or near the outside porch area.

No residents were injured. Two firefighters were transported for precautionary reasons, none of these injuries were life threatening, according to Regal.

MANHATTAN —A home is a total loss following a Saturday fire in Manhattan.Just after 5 pm Saturday, the Riley County Fire District was paged for a structure fire at 6320 North 52nd Street Lot #3, according to Assistant Fire Chief&nbsp;Michael Regal. Riley County Chief-2 arrived first and found a partially involved Mobile Home. Several other stations responded to assist along with about 25 volunteers. The fire was placed under control in about 45-minutes and all of the units returned to their station around 8p.m.Damage to the residents is around $30,000 and content loss exceeds $15,000. The residence was a total loss. There is extensive damage, which prohibits an exact cause but the fire appears to have possibly started at or near the outside porch area.No residents were injured. Two firefighters were transported for precautionary reasons, none of these injuries were life threatening, according to Regal.

2 Kan. firefighters transported for treatment after mobile home fire 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Housing advocates say the Trump administration’s surprise national moratorium on evictions only delays a wave of crushing debt and homelessness, and an attorney representing landlords questions whether the measure is aimed at voters ahead of the November election.

The White House announced Tuesday that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would act under its broad powers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The measure would forbid landlords from evicting anyone for failure to pay rent, providing the renter meets four criteria.

Critics call it everything from an empty stall tactic to an outright political ploy.

“My first reaction was, ‘Thank God,’” said Matthew Hill, an attorney with the Public Justice Center in Baltimore. But he noted that tenants will be expected to repay their rent when the moratorium expires on Jan. 1, and without some kind of rental assistance, “we are just going to be kicking the can down the road.”

Richard Vetstein, the lead attorney representing landlords who are challenging an eviction moratorium in Massachusetts, called the CDC order “convoluted” and poorly drafted.

“It’s a pretty blatant political play by Trump in an election year,” Vetstein said. “It purports to apply nationwide to every residential situation for nonpayment of rent, so that would be many, many millions of rental properties.”

The move is a good first step, said Bill Faith, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. But the order just “puts the problem on pause.”

“In January, when this would cease to be in place, all of those tenants would still owe all of the rent they owed to start with,” Faith said. “If they are covered by the moratorium and don’t pay what rent they can pay, their hole is thousands of dollars deep.”

Faith also said implementing the order could be “messy,” since it would often fall to local judges to determine if a tenant qualifies. In Ohio alone, that would involve hundreds of housing courts.

— Have an income of $198,000 or less for couples filing jointly, or $99,000 for single filers.

— Demonstrate they have sought government assistance to make their rental payments.

— Are unable to pay rent because of COVID-19 hardships.

— Are likely to become homeless if they are evicted.

The CDC order comes as many local and state eviction bans are set to expire. California’s measure was supposed to end Wednesday, but Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Monday to extend it through Jan. 31 for people who pay at least 25% of the rent owed during that time.

He described the law as “a bridge to a more permanent solution” from the federal government.

“We need a real, federal commitment of significant new funding to assist struggling tenants and homeowners in California and across the nation,” Newsom said.

Brian Morgenstern, a deputy White House press secretary, said the administration “has also made federal funds available to alleviate any economic impact to tenants, landlords, and property owners.” Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson said his agency had allocated nearly $10 billion in resources and rental assistance.

Landlords say the order forces them to shoulder a heavy financial burden.

“It’s great to say nobody can be evicted,” said Mitch Matorin, who is owed $11,400 in back rent on property he owns in Worcester, Massachusetts. “But all that does is push this large societal cost onto the landlords.”

Matorin, a lead plaintiff in the case against the state moratorium, said he has had to dip into savings to make monthly mortgage payments.

“If there is a societal interest that requires no evictions, then society needs to step up and fund it,” he said. “Otherwise, it is incredibly unfair and untenable to shove the cost on the landlords.”

A $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill passed in May by Democrats in the House would provide about $175 billion to pay rents and mortgages. A counter proposal from Senate Republicans offers far less. Advocacy groups have sought more than $100 billion.

Vetstein said there were many questions about the order, including whether it applies to eviction cases already filed in the courts. It is also unclear how the order would affect lawsuits like the one in Massachusetts challenging the state moratorium.

“One of our clients is a nurse,” he said. “She is owed over $20,000, and now she is going to be stuck. Through the end of the year she will be owed $30,000, and the tenant can just live there for free. It’s literally going to cause her financial ruin.”

Faith said it’s good to see the administration acknowledge the public health threat posed by evictions that could send people into crowded shelters and other housing. But the moratorium is “not the ideal way to proceed.”

Whatever the order’s limitations, renters like Natasha Blunt are relieved.

“Sign me up!” the New Orleans resident said after learning about the government directive.

A GoFundMe campaign and earnings from a part-time housekeeping job helped her catch up on rent through September on the two-bedroom apartment she shares with her two young grandchildren. But she was worried about what would happen after that.

“Oh my God. That would be a blessing for me and my babies,” said Blunt, who lost her banquet porter’s job at the beginning of the pandemic. “I would be able to buy food. It would just lift a huge weight off my shoulders.”

GoFundMe and donations from several community groups helped Amanda Wood of Columbus, Ohio, stave off eviction in August. But Wood, who is 23 and pregnant and has a 6-month-old at home, is scrambling again to pay September’s bills.

“It makes me feel good that I can’t get evicted,” said Wood, who lost her job with a claims-management company in April. But she’s still worried about paying all those months of rent in January.

“You could still face eviction after that,” she said. “The landlord isn’t going to dismiss all the months of rent that has been built up.”

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Housing advocates say the Trump administration’s surprise national moratorium on evictions only delays a wave of crushing debt and homelessness, and an attorney representing landlords questions whether the measure is aimed at voters ahead of the November election.The White House announced Tuesday that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would act under its broad powers to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The measure would forbid landlords from evicting anyone for failure to pay rent, providing the renter meets four criteria.Critics call it everything from an empty stall tactic to an outright political ploy.“My first reaction was, ‘Thank God,’” said Matthew Hill, an attorney with the Public Justice Center in Baltimore. But he noted that tenants will be expected to repay their rent when the moratorium expires on Jan. 1, and without some kind of rental assistance, “we are just going to be kicking the can down the road.”Richard Vetstein, the lead attorney representing landlords who are challenging an eviction moratorium in Massachusetts, called the CDC order “convoluted” and poorly drafted.“It’s a pretty blatant political play by Trump in an election year,” Vetstein said. “It purports to apply nationwide to every residential situation for nonpayment of rent, so that would be many, many millions of rental properties.”The move is a good first step, said Bill Faith, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. But the order just “puts the problem on pause.”“In January, when this would cease to be in place, all of those tenants would still owe all of the rent they owed to start with,” Faith said. “If they are covered by the moratorium and don’t pay what rent they can pay, their hole is thousands of dollars deep.”Faith also said implementing the order could be “messy,” since it would often fall to local judges to determine if a tenant qualifies. In Ohio alone, that would involve hundreds of housing courts.The CDC order covers only people who:— Have an income of $198,000 or less for couples filing jointly, or $99,000 for single filers.— Demonstrate they have sought government assistance to make their rental payments.— Are unable to pay rent because of COVID-19 hardships.— Are likely to become homeless if they are evicted.The CDC order comes as many local and state eviction bans are set to expire. California’s measure was supposed to end Wednesday, but Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Monday to extend it through Jan. 31 for people who pay at least 25% of the rent owed during that time.He described the law as “a bridge to a more permanent solution” from the federal government.“We need a real, federal commitment of significant new funding to assist struggling tenants and homeowners in California and across the nation,” Newsom said.Brian Morgenstern, a deputy White House press secretary, said the administration “has also made federal funds available to alleviate any economic impact to tenants, landlords, and property owners.” Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson said his agency had allocated nearly $10 billion in resources and rental assistance.Landlords say the order forces them to shoulder a heavy financial burden.“It’s great to say nobody can be evicted,” said Mitch Matorin, who is owed $11,400 in back rent on property he owns in Worcester, Massachusetts. “But all that does is push this large societal cost onto the landlords.”Matorin, a lead plaintiff in the case against the state moratorium, said he has had to dip into savings to make monthly mortgage payments.“If there is a societal interest that requires no evictions, then society needs to step up and fund it,” he said. “Otherwise, it is incredibly unfair and untenable to shove the cost on the landlords.”A $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill passed in May by Democrats in the House would provide about $175 billion to pay rents and mortgages. A counter proposal from Senate Republicans offers far less. Advocacy groups have sought more than $100 billion.Vetstein said there were many questions about the order, including whether it applies to eviction cases already filed in the courts. It is also unclear how the order would affect lawsuits like the one in Massachusetts challenging the state moratorium.“One of our clients is a nurse,” he said. “She is owed over $20,000, and now she is going to be stuck. Through the end of the year she will be owed $30,000, and the tenant can just live there for free. It’s literally going to cause her financial ruin.”Faith said it’s good to see the administration acknowledge the public health threat posed by evictions that could send people into crowded shelters and other housing. But the moratorium is “not the ideal way to proceed.”Whatever the order’s limitations, renters like Natasha Blunt are relieved.“Sign me up!” the New Orleans resident said after learning about the government directive.A GoFundMe campaign and earnings from a part-time housekeeping job helped her catch up on rent through September on the two-bedroom apartment she shares with her two young grandchildren. But she was worried about what would happen after that.“Oh my God. That would be a blessing for me and my babies,” said Blunt, who lost her banquet porter’s job at the beginning of the pandemic. “I would be able to buy food. It would just lift a huge weight off my shoulders.”GoFundMe and donations from several community groups helped Amanda Wood of Columbus, Ohio, stave off eviction in August. But Wood, who is 23 and pregnant and has a 6-month-old at home, is scrambling again to pay September’s bills.“It makes me feel good that I can’t get evicted,” said Wood, who lost her job with a claims-management company in April. But she’s still worried about paying all those months of rent in January.“You could still face eviction after that,” she said. “The landlord isn’t going to dismiss all the months of rent that has been built up.”

Critics: Eviction ban may only delay wave of homelessness

LAWRENCE — In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act, the most recent piece of major federal education policy, required and incentivized states to address the needs of individual learners through practices including personalized learning. 

University of Kansas researchers have co-written a pair of studies showing that while all states have addressed personalized learning in their official state policies, there is no common definition for what the practice can be and little agreement on how to implement or support the practice.

Personalized learning is the practice of designing education curriculum to match the needs of individual students based on their strengths and interests instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach. Although personalized learning has gained support from policymakers and researchers, the nation still has much work to do to implement it on a mass scale, starting by defining exactly what personalized learning is, the researchers said.

The study authors analyzed ESSA plans for all 50 states, and four major themes emerged: definitions of PL, goals of PL for students, supports for PL and partnerships. The study was co-written by Ling Zhang and Sohyun Yang, recent doctoral graduate and doctoral candidate in special education at KU; and Richard Allen Carter assistant professor at the University of Wyoming and a KU alumnus. It was published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15391523.2020.1728448?scroll=top&amp;needAccess=true">Journal of Research on Technology in Education.&nbsp;</a>

Among the key findings was that several organizations and states had attempted to define what personalized learning is or should be, but there was no consensus, and not even every state attempted definitions in their policies.

“There was no common definition of what personalized learning is, so we wanted to understand better what they thought it is or can be,” Yang said.

The lack of a common definition led to varying goals on what states hoped to achieve through personalized learning, though common themes did emerge. A handful of states each stated goals of providing well-rounded educational opportunities, alternate pathways to skill attainment and graduation, using PL to benefit marginalized populations of students and school improvement through the practice.

“These main goals emerged from states’ guidance on PL. Some wanted to use it to improve the entire school itself instead of focusing on individual students,” Zhang said. “Only a few states had guidelines on how to use PL for students in marginalized groups like those with disabilities, homeless or migratory students. Also by reviewing research on personalized learning, we found a few studies included students with disabilities as participants, and one study explicitly excluded students with disabilities, even though it is supposed to be for all students.”

In terms of support for personalized learning, the analysis found states focused largely on professional development for teachers and administrators, but others also described funding, technology and resources in their policies. While all four components are related, varying state laws, especially for how education funding can be used, prevented widespread consensus on how the required practice could be supported.

The fourth major theme, partnership, revealed that states primarily focused on partnering in one of two ways to implement personalized learning. Primarily, policies emphasized partnerships between school districts to support each other in use of the practice, while others emphasized partnering with private organizations that provide educational technology training and support.

The authors made several recommendations. 

First among them is the need for a consistent definition of what the practice is. To that end, the authors recommend the development of a conceptual framework for personalized learning, based both on research and successful, comprehensive PL policies such as those in place in New Hampshire and Tennessee. Such a definition should also specify that personalized learning is a way to provide well-rounded education to all students, including those with disabilities or from marginalized groups, create alternate pathways to skill attainment and graduation, and push for schoolwide improvement, the authors argue.

Technology and the role it can play in delivering personalized learning to students should also play a role in policy and an integrated approach to implementation, involving the concerns of all stakeholders such as administrators, teachers, parents and policymakers as well, researchers said.

“Policymakers need to decide how to define PL and then have clear policies about how to implement it in their schools and states,” Yang said. “To move PL forward, we need to consider how to build these supports at an integrated level.”

The authors said additional research in personalized learning is necessary to support good policy, and that it can also focus on how to help teachers implement it to their students’ benefit in classrooms and through blended learning every day. 

An additional study by Zhang, Yang and James Basham, professor of special education at KU, published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.journals.elsevier.com/educational-research-review">journal Educational Research Revie</a>w, found that the majority of research in personalized learning is in the early stages, focusing on the role of technology and contextual factors in implementation, leaving room for study on how the approach can be undertaken on a whole-school level.

While the research was conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors said the challenges presented to education by forcing schools to close, teach remotely and examine their daily practices can in fact be an opportunity to improve how educators reach each individual student.

“Ironically, this crisis has been an accelerator for changing the way we think about how we deliver education to every student,” Zhang said. “It has opened more conversations about how to redefine the personalized learning experience for both students and teachers.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599075864948.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KU News ServiceLAWRENCE — In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act, the most recent piece of major federal education policy, required and incentivized states to address the needs of individual learners through practices including personalized learning. University of Kansas researchers have co-written a pair of studies showing that while all states have addressed personalized learning in their official state policies, there is no common definition for what the practice can be and little agreement on how to implement or support the practice.Personalized learning is the practice of designing education curriculum to match the needs of individual students based on their strengths and interests instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach. Although personalized learning has gained support from policymakers and researchers, the nation still has much work to do to implement it on a mass scale, starting by defining exactly what personalized learning is, the researchers said.The study authors analyzed ESSA plans for all 50 states, and four major themes emerged: definitions of PL, goals of PL for students, supports for PL and partnerships. The study was co-written by Ling Zhang and Sohyun Yang, recent doctoral graduate and doctoral candidate in special education at KU; and Richard Allen Carter assistant professor at the University of Wyoming and a KU alumnus. It was published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15391523.2020.1728448?scroll=top&amp;needAccess=true">Journal of Research on Technology in Education.&nbsp;</a>Among the key findings was that several organizations and states had attempted to define what personalized learning is or should be, but there was no consensus, and not even every state attempted definitions in their policies.“There was no common definition of what personalized learning is, so we wanted to understand better what they thought it is or can be,” Yang said.The lack of a common definition led to varying goals on what states hoped to achieve through personalized learning, though common themes did emerge. A handful of states each stated goals of providing well-rounded educational opportunities, alternate pathways to skill attainment and graduation, using PL to benefit marginalized populations of students and school improvement through the practice.“These main goals emerged from states’ guidance on PL. Some wanted to use it to improve the entire school itself instead of focusing on individual students,” Zhang said. “Only a few states had guidelines on how to use PL for students in marginalized groups like those with disabilities, homeless or migratory students. Also by reviewing research on personalized learning, we found a few studies included students with disabilities as participants, and one study explicitly excluded students with disabilities, even though it is supposed to be for all students.”In terms of support for personalized learning, the analysis found states focused largely on professional development for teachers and administrators, but others also described funding, technology and resources in their policies. While all four components are related, varying state laws, especially for how education funding can be used, prevented widespread consensus on how the required practice could be supported.The fourth major theme, partnership, revealed that states primarily focused on partnering in one of two ways to implement personalized learning. Primarily, policies emphasized partnerships between school districts to support each other in use of the practice, while others emphasized partnering with private organizations that provide educational technology training and support.The authors made several recommendations. First among them is the need for a consistent definition of what the practice is. To that end, the authors recommend the development of a conceptual framework for personalized learning, based both on research and successful, comprehensive PL policies such as those in place in New Hampshire and Tennessee. Such a definition should also specify that personalized learning is a way to provide well-rounded education to all students, including those with disabilities or from marginalized groups, create alternate pathways to skill attainment and graduation, and push for schoolwide improvement, the authors argue.Technology and the role it can play in delivering personalized learning to students should also play a role in policy and an integrated approach to implementation, involving the concerns of all stakeholders such as administrators, teachers, parents and policymakers as well, researchers said.“Policymakers need to decide how to define PL and then have clear policies about how to implement it in their schools and states,” Yang said. “To move PL forward, we need to consider how to build these supports at an integrated level.”The authors said additional research in personalized learning is necessary to support good policy, and that it can also focus on how to help teachers implement it to their students’ benefit in classrooms and through blended learning every day. An additional study by Zhang, Yang and James Basham, professor of special education at KU, published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.journals.elsevier.com/educational-research-review">journal Educational Research Revie</a>w, found that the majority of research in personalized learning is in the early stages, focusing on the role of technology and contextual factors in implementation, leaving room for study on how the approach can be undertaken on a whole-school level.While the research was conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors said the challenges presented to education by forcing schools to close, teach remotely and examine their daily practices can in fact be an opportunity to improve how educators reach each individual student.“Ironically, this crisis has been an accelerator for changing the way we think about how we deliver education to every student,” Zhang said. “It has opened more conversations about how to redefine the personalized learning experience for both students and teachers.”

Study: How states can improve personalized learning for students

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged assault of a police officer.

Just after 3 a.m. Friday, police were at the 900 block of Safford Avenue in Garden City investigating a reckless driver who fled from a vehicle, according to officer Lana Urteaga.

While at the scene, officers observed a man identified as Braulio Guy Ortiz, 31, Garden City, who was agitated and intoxicated. He was carrying a Roman Candle style firework and yelled obscenities at the officers.

Ortiz went inside his residence and returned with a blow torch and attempted to light the firework. He allegedly pointed the firework at one of the officers and approached the officer. Ortiz refused to listen to instructions to drop the firework.

Police arrested Ortiz on requested charges of Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer. The case is under review by the Finney County Attorney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599252674633.png" alt="Ortiz-Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Ortiz-Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged assault of a police officer.Just after 3 a.m. Friday, police were at the 900 block of Safford Avenue in Garden City investigating a reckless driver who fled from a vehicle, according to officer Lana Urteaga.While at the scene, officers observed a man identified as Braulio Guy Ortiz, 31, Garden City, who was agitated and intoxicated. He was carrying a Roman Candle style firework and yelled obscenities at the officers.Ortiz went inside his residence and returned with a blow torch and attempted to light the firework. He allegedly pointed the firework at one of the officers and approached the officer. Ortiz refused to listen to instructions to drop the firework.Police arrested Ortiz on requested charges of Aggravated Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer. The case is under review by the Finney County Attorney.

SW Kansas man threatens officer with firework

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced this week to 115 months in federal prison for driving the getaway car in a series of commercial robberies, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Shaiquille Harris, 27, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In his plea, Harris admitted participating in robberies at the following stores:

Kwik Shop, 3959 S. Hydraulic, Wichita, Kan.

Kwik Shop, 3601 E. 47th&nbsp;South, Wichita, Kan.

QuikTrip, 2821 E. 31st&nbsp;South, Wichita, Kan.

Harris admitted that in each case he drove and a co-defendant entered the store to commit the robbery. Co-defendant&nbsp;Brelen VonFange, 28, Wichita, Kan., is awaiting trial.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599130665819.png" alt="Harris is being held in Harvey County" />
 <figcaption>Harris is being held in Harvey County</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced this week to 115 months in federal prison for driving the getaway car in a series of commercial robberies, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Shaiquille Harris, 27, Wichita, Kan., pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In his plea, Harris admitted participating in robberies at the following stores:Kwik Shop, 710 W. 29th, Wichita, Kan.Kwik Shop, 3959 S. Hydraulic, Wichita, Kan.Kwik Shop, 3601 E. 47th&nbsp;South, Wichita, Kan.QuikTrip, 2821 E. 31st&nbsp;South, Wichita, Kan.Harris admitted that in each case he drove and a co-defendant entered the store to commit the robbery. Co-defendant&nbsp;Brelen VonFange, 28, Wichita, Kan., is awaiting trial.

Man sentenced for role in 4 Kan. armed robberies

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — An 18-year-old black rhinoceros named Klyde has died unexpectedly at Wichita’s Sedgwick County Zoo. The zoo said in a Facebook post that the zookeepers reported that Klyde appeared healthy when he went on exhibit Saturday but then collapsed. 

Staff was not able to be revive him. The veterinary team plans to perform a necropsy to learn more about Klyde’s health and a potential cause of death. 

The zoo post described Klyde as having a “gentle demeanor and sweet personality.” The zoo also posted a video that showed guests hand-feeding Klyde.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599337834662.png" alt="Photo courtesy Sedgwick Co. Zoo" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Sedgwick Co. Zoo</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — An 18-year-old black rhinoceros named Klyde has died unexpectedly at Wichita’s Sedgwick County Zoo. The zoo said in a Facebook post that the zookeepers reported that Klyde appeared healthy when he went on exhibit Saturday but then collapsed. Staff was not able to be revive him. The veterinary team plans to perform a necropsy to learn more about Klyde’s health and a potential cause of death. The zoo post described Klyde as having a “gentle demeanor and sweet personality.” The zoo also posted a video that showed guests hand-feeding Klyde.

18-year-old Rhino named Klyde dies at Kansas zoo

TOPEKA – In light of the devastating natural disasters striking across the United States, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt warns Kansans to be aware of possible scam artists seeking to profit from the generosity of others.

Residents have been in recovery mode in the wake of a hurricane that struck the Texas and Louisiana coast, powerful wind storms across Iowa and raging wildfires in western states. Schmidt warns Kansans who may be considering contributing to storm- or wildfire-relief efforts to make sure they are donating to a reputable charity and to specify that a charity uses donations for intended purposes.

“When natural disasters strike, generous Kansans&nbsp;offer to&nbsp;help,” Schmidt said. “But please donate wisely to established, legitimate disaster-relief charities.” &nbsp;

Here are a few simple tips for donating, to avoid being scammed:

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office is dedicated to consumer protection. More information on avoiding charity scams is available on the attorney general’s consumer protection website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/" target="_blank">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month. Schmidt said making wise decisions when making charitable contributions or volunteering for disaster organizations can be a worthwhile means of preparedness, making sure help is available when neighbors and communities are in a time of need.

Office of Attorney GeneralTOPEKA – In light of the devastating natural disasters striking across the United States, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt warns Kansans to be aware of possible scam artists seeking to profit from the generosity of others.Residents have been in recovery mode in the wake of a hurricane that struck the Texas and Louisiana coast, powerful wind storms across Iowa and raging wildfires in western states. Schmidt warns Kansans who may be considering contributing to storm- or wildfire-relief efforts to make sure they are donating to a reputable charity and to specify that a charity uses donations for intended purposes.“When natural disasters strike, generous Kansans&nbsp;offer to&nbsp;help,” Schmidt said. “But please donate wisely to established, legitimate disaster-relief charities.” &nbsp;Here are a few simple tips for donating, to avoid being scammed:<ul>
 <li>Make donations to established organizations with a strong track record of organizing and providing disaster relief.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Be careful with social media efforts to fundraise for storm and fire victims.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Initiate the donation yourself, rather than responding to online or phone solicitations. If you wish to make a donation online, go directly to the charity’s website; don’t just click a link to an unknown site.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Avoid door-to-door solicitors or offers from charities to stop by a consumer’s home to pick up a check. These too could be fraudulent.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Do not fall prey to high-pressure pitches from solicitors. Legitimate charities allow you time to think about how much — and when — you choose to donate.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Be wary of charities that ask for alternate forms of payment. Legitimate charities rarely if ever ask you to give by wire transfer, gift card or other non-traditional methods.</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Before giving, check out the charity at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kscharitycheck.org/" target="_blank">www.kscharitycheck.org</a>&nbsp;to assess whether it is registered to solicit in Kansas and to see important aspects of its financial filings, including how much of any money you give will be spent on the charity’s overhead expenses rather than going to support the charitable purpose, such as disaster-relief efforts. However, some charities are exempt by law from registration.</li>
 </ul>The Kansas Attorney General’s Office is dedicated to consumer protection. More information on avoiding charity scams is available on the attorney general’s consumer protection website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inyourcornerkansas.org/" target="_blank">www.InYourCornerKansas.org</a>.September is National Disaster Preparedness Month. Schmidt said making wise decisions when making charitable contributions or volunteering for disaster organizations can be a worthwhile means of preparedness, making sure help is available when neighbors and communities are in a time of need.

Consumer Alert: Use caution when directing disaster donations

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Five high school golfers who sued after their suburban Kansas City districts put the brakes on fall sports because of the coronavirus pandemic have failed to convince a judge to let them play while the case works its way through the courts.

The golfers, all girls, and their parents sued the Shawnee Mission and Blue Valley school districts Tuesday, arguing that they should be allowed to play because golf poses a lower risk of spreading the virus than other sports, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/education/article245496975.html" target="_blank">reports.</a>

Blue Valley officials on Friday, though, announced the district would resume high school sports this weekend. Attorney John Duggan, who is representing the families, was not immediately available to comment on how Blue Valley’s decision will affect the lawsuit.

While the case moves through court, the golf players requested a temporary restraining order that would have allowed them to begin immediately competing. But on Friday, Johnson County Judge Robert Wonnell denied that request. A hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 11.

Four of the golfers play for Shawnee Mission East High School, which won the Kansas Class 6A state girls golf tournament last year. The fifth golfer plays for Blue Valley West High School team.

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Five high school golfers who sued after their suburban Kansas City districts put the brakes on fall sports because of the coronavirus pandemic have failed to convince a judge to let them play while the case works its way through the courts.The golfers, all girls, and their parents sued the Shawnee Mission and Blue Valley school districts Tuesday, arguing that they should be allowed to play because golf poses a lower risk of spreading the virus than other sports, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/education/article245496975.html" target="_blank">reports.</a>Blue Valley officials on Friday, though, announced the district would resume high school sports this weekend. Attorney John Duggan, who is representing the families, was not immediately available to comment on how Blue Valley’s decision will affect the lawsuit.While the case moves through court, the golf players requested a temporary restraining order that would have allowed them to begin immediately competing. But on Friday, Johnson County Judge Robert Wonnell denied that request. A hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 11.Four of the golfers play for Shawnee Mission East High School, which won the Kansas Class 6A state girls golf tournament last year. The fifth golfer plays for Blue Valley West High School team.

Judge won’t let Kan. golfers play while pandemic lawsuit proceeds

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration announced plans to expand the collection of personal “biometric” information by the agency in charge of immigration enforcement, raising concerns about civil liberties and data protection.

In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said it would soon issue a formal proposal for a new regulation for expanding “the authorities and methods” for collecting biometrics, which are physical characteristics such as fingerprints used to identify individuals.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a component of DHS, already collects biometric data, including iris scans, from people captured trying to enter the country without legal authority.

DHS said in a written statement that the new rule would authorize new techniques, including voice and facial recognition to verify people’s identity.

The agency did not release the proposed regulation or provide details. BuzzFeed News, which obtained a draft of the policy, reported earlier Tuesday that it included a provision for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is also a component of DHS, to collect biometric data from non-citizens legally working and living in the U.S. or seeking to do so.

It would also require U.S. citizens sponsoring relatives to come to the country to provide biometric data, including in some cases their DNA, if it was needed to verify someone’s identity.

“This is a remarkable expansion of surveillance, especially the idea that immigrants could be called in at any point to give these biometrics,” said Sarah Pierce, an analyst with the Migration Policy Institute.

It typically takes several months for a new regulation to take effect after a public comment period. This measure is likely to prompt legal challenges, as have most immigration measures introduced under President Donald Trump.

Acting Deputy DHS Secretary Ken Cuccinelli characterized the new regulation in a written statement as a way to improve the verification of people’s identities and modernize operations.

“Leveraging readily available technology to verify the identity of an individual we are screening is responsible governing,” Cuccinelli said. “The collection of biometric information also guards against identity theft and thwarts fraudsters who are not who they claim to be.”

DHS is charged with enforcing the strict immigration enforcement policies that have been a hallmark of the Trump administration. But the agency is also in charge Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is responsible for enabling people to legally live and work in the United States.

A lawyer with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a privacy rights watchdog, said there’s no justification for expanding biometric data collection, and no clear rules for how long the information can be retained, how it can be used, and whether it can be shared with foreign governments or other agencies.

“There doesn’t really seem to be any indication that this will help with combating fraud or anything like that,” said EFF staff attorney Saira Hussain. “Rather, it’s about making it so the government can engage in dragnet surveillance of immigrant communities by being able to access some of their most unique and sensitive biometric information.”

There are also concerns about protecting the data. CBP said last year that photos of travelers and their license plates at a border crossing were compromised in a cyber attack on a government contractor.

“The more data you collect and the more sensitive it is the more that opens up the government to potential data breaches,” Hussain said.

Andrea Flores, deputy director of policy for the American Civil Liberties Union, said the new policy would be an invasion of privacy rights and is a part of a broader administration effort to curtail all immigration.

“They really are trying to shut down legal immigration by creating new barriers, in this case asking people to turn over their most personal information and discouraging people from coming forward and using our legal immigration pathways.” said Flores, a policy analyst at DHS in the Obama administration. “It’s saying that immigrants are suspect and not welcome here, and if you’re related to an immigrant we’re also concerned about your presence.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration announced plans to expand the collection of personal “biometric” information by the agency in charge of immigration enforcement, raising concerns about civil liberties and data protection.In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said it would soon issue a formal proposal for a new regulation for expanding “the authorities and methods” for collecting biometrics, which are physical characteristics such as fingerprints used to identify individuals.U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a component of DHS, already collects biometric data, including iris scans, from people captured trying to enter the country without legal authority.DHS said in a written statement that the new rule would authorize new techniques, including voice and facial recognition to verify people’s identity.The agency did not release the proposed regulation or provide details. BuzzFeed News, which obtained a draft of the policy, reported earlier Tuesday that it included a provision for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is also a component of DHS, to collect biometric data from non-citizens legally working and living in the U.S. or seeking to do so.It would also require U.S. citizens sponsoring relatives to come to the country to provide biometric data, including in some cases their DNA, if it was needed to verify someone’s identity.“This is a remarkable expansion of surveillance, especially the idea that immigrants could be called in at any point to give these biometrics,” said Sarah Pierce, an analyst with the Migration Policy Institute.It typically takes several months for a new regulation to take effect after a public comment period. This measure is likely to prompt legal challenges, as have most immigration measures introduced under President Donald Trump.Acting Deputy DHS Secretary Ken Cuccinelli characterized the new regulation in a written statement as a way to improve the verification of people’s identities and modernize operations.“Leveraging readily available technology to verify the identity of an individual we are screening is responsible governing,” Cuccinelli said. “The collection of biometric information also guards against identity theft and thwarts fraudsters who are not who they claim to be.”DHS is charged with enforcing the strict immigration enforcement policies that have been a hallmark of the Trump administration. But the agency is also in charge Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is responsible for enabling people to legally live and work in the United States.A lawyer with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a privacy rights watchdog, said there’s no justification for expanding biometric data collection, and no clear rules for how long the information can be retained, how it can be used, and whether it can be shared with foreign governments or other agencies.“There doesn’t really seem to be any indication that this will help with combating fraud or anything like that,” said EFF staff attorney Saira Hussain. “Rather, it’s about making it so the government can engage in dragnet surveillance of immigrant communities by being able to access some of their most unique and sensitive biometric information.”There are also concerns about protecting the data. CBP said last year that photos of travelers and their license plates at a border crossing were compromised in a cyber attack on a government contractor.“The more data you collect and the more sensitive it is the more that opens up the government to potential data breaches,” Hussain said.Andrea Flores, deputy director of policy for the American Civil Liberties Union, said the new policy would be an invasion of privacy rights and is a part of a broader administration effort to curtail all immigration.“They really are trying to shut down legal immigration by creating new barriers, in this case asking people to turn over their most personal information and discouraging people from coming forward and using our legal immigration pathways.” said Flores, a policy analyst at DHS in the Obama administration. “It’s saying that immigrants are suspect and not welcome here, and if you’re related to an immigrant we’re also concerned about your presence.”_____

Homeland Security plans expanded use of personal data

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just before 4a.m. Saturday in Ellsworth County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Toyota 4-Runner driven by Kelly A. Ferris, 24, Carbondale, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of Kansas 156.

The driver lost control of the vehicle. It entered median, struck a drainage culvert, became airborne, rolled and came to rest on its top in the median.

EMS transported&nbsp;Ferris to a Wichita hospital.&nbsp; EMS transported passengers in the Toyota Jeffrey S. Swisher, 30, Emmitt; Merritt Swisher, 2, and Durban Swisher, 4-months, both of Carbondale to Salina Regional Medical Center.

The adults were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

ELLSWORTH COUNTY —Four people were injured in an accident just before 4a.m. Saturday in Ellsworth County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1997 Toyota 4-Runner driven by Kelly A. Ferris, 24, Carbondale, was westbound on Interstate 70 just east of Kansas 156.The driver lost control of the vehicle. It entered median, struck a drainage culvert, became airborne, rolled and came to rest on its top in the median.EMS transported&nbsp;Ferris to a Wichita hospital.&nbsp; EMS transported passengers in the Toyota Jeffrey S. Swisher, 30, Emmitt; Merritt Swisher, 2, and Durban Swisher, 4-months, both of Carbondale to Salina Regional Medical Center.The adults were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

2 adults, 2 children hospitalized after I-70 rollover crash

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Stir-crazy in some cases after the dreary Summer of COVID-19, Americans headed into the Labor Day weekend amid warnings from public health officials not to make the same mistakes they did over Memorial Day and July Fourth.

The fear is that backyard parties, crowded bars and other gatherings will cause the coronavirus to come surging back

“I look upon the Labor Day weekend really as a critical point,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert. “Are we going to go in the right direction and continue the momentum downward, or are we going to have to step back a bit as we start another surge?”

The warnings came as a widely cited model by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington projected a worsening outbreak in the U.S. that will peak in early December at about 2,900 deaths per day, up from about 860 a day now, unless government officials take action.

Over the summer, the U.S. saw a rise in infections, deaths and hospitalizations, primarily in the South and West, that was blamed in part on Americans behaving heedlessly over Memorial Day and July Fourth.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591911691981.png" alt="Snap Chat image of the crowded Memorial weekend pool party at Lake of the Ozarks." />
 <figcaption>Snap Chat image of the crowded Memorial weekend pool party at Lake of the Ozarks.</figcaption>
 </figure>HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Stir-crazy in some cases after the dreary Summer of COVID-19, Americans headed into the Labor Day weekend amid warnings from public health officials not to make the same mistakes they did over Memorial Day and July Fourth.The fear is that backyard parties, crowded bars and other gatherings will cause the coronavirus to come surging back“I look upon the Labor Day weekend really as a critical point,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious-disease expert. “Are we going to go in the right direction and continue the momentum downward, or are we going to have to step back a bit as we start another surge?”The warnings came as a widely cited model by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington projected a worsening outbreak in the U.S. that will peak in early December at about 2,900 deaths per day, up from about 860 a day now, unless government officials take action.Over the summer, the U.S. saw a rise in infections, deaths and hospitalizations, primarily in the South and West, that was blamed in part on Americans behaving heedlessly over Memorial Day and July Fourth.The landscape has improved in recent weeks, with the numbers headed in the right direction in hard-hit states like Florida, Arizona and Texas, but there are certain risk factors that could combine with Labor Day: Children are going back to school, university campuses are seeing soaring case counts, college football is starting, more businesses are open, and flu season is around the corner.And a few states are heading into the holiday with less room in hospitals than they had over Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Alabama, for example, had about 800 people hospitalized with the virus on July 1. This week, it has just under 1,000.More beaches will be open on Labor Day than on Memorial Day, but Fauci said that is not cause in itself for concern, as long as people keep their distance.“I would rather see someone on a beach, being physically separated enough, than someone crowded in an indoor bar,” he said.Americans, cooped up for months, appeared more than ready to venture out and socialize — though with some precautions.In New York City, once the epicenter of the outbreak in the U.S., Jennifer Bolstad of Brooklyn picked up the keys to a rented minivan with plans to drive with her two children to Maryland this weekend to visit family she hasn’t seen in a year.“I monitored the quarantine list pathologically, and they are finally a place I can visit,” she said, referring to the list of states that New York has advised are safe to travel to. “I think a lot of people are going stir-crazy and are going somewhere this weekend and possibly not be as cautious as they should about not bringing their germs back with them.”Fellow New Yorker 30-year-old Heather Poole and her fiance, Jason Goldrosen, decided to pack up some bedding along with the makings for s’mores and head to a tiny home on the property of a brewery for the long weekend about two hours north of the city. She figures it will be one last blast of freedom before she is cooped up again this fall.“It’s kind of a way to enjoy the outdoors and be able to walk outside and not run into a lot of people or feel the need to wear a mask the second you walk out your door,” she said.In Cicero, Indiana, 40-year-old Matt McInnis planned to continue with tradition by getting together with about 15 neighborhood friends for a barbecue. And forget wearing masks.“With the picnic being outdoors, we feel that we can space enough, and with the fresh air that we are going to be safe with it being outdoors and in the wide open,” McInnis said. He said they won’t be asking the eight children at the picnic to socially distance either.Dawn Love of Bolton, Connecticut, decided to host an outdoor breakfast Saturday for her running group, The Crazy Legs, at her cottage on a lake. The 20 members normally run the local roads together every weekend but haven’t seen each other since March.Love, 62, said she expects just a few people to show up, with some deciding it was still too risky and begging off.“Everyone is bringing their own breakfast, their own beverage and a mask,” she said. “We’re going to meet and have the chairs 6 feet apart. Wearing the mask will depend on the comfort level with the person you’re talking to. I have a bathroom inside the cottage, with paper towels and a basket, so there is no shared towels.”The gathering comes as governors throughout the Northeast discouraged people from traveling out of state this weekend. Visitors from 33 states and territories must quarantine for 14 days after arriving in New Jersey, New York or Connecticut.The outbreak is blamed for about 187,000 deaths and almost 6.2 million confirmed infections in the U.S., by far the highest totals in the world. Cases of COVID-19, which spiked from about 20,000 per day to around 70,000 during the summertime surge in the South, are now down to about 40,000.Worldwide, the number of deaths has topped 870,000, with more than 26.4 million infections.The IHME model Friday predicted that worsening outbreaks in the Northern Hemisphere will lead to 1.9 million more COVID-19 deaths in the remaining months of 2020 unless governments take action.Mask mandates and social distancing could save hundreds of thousands of lives, but there is “a tremendous amount of COVID fatigue” among the world’s leaders because of the economic downturn, said IHME’s Dr. Christopher Murray.Dr. Albert Ko, a Yale University epidemiologist, said he is concerned about students heading back to school across the nation next week after coming back from holiday travel and a weekend of social gatherings.“Any transmission events that happen here could be amplified unless we’re careful about it,” Ko said. “Whether it’s going to be a perfect storm, l don’t think so. People are aware of the risk, and people have been socially distancing. But this is certainly a concern.”___