RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a high-speed chase through Reno and McPherson counties.

&nbsp;Justin Walker, 31, of Basehor fled from authorities after being stopped at 108th and K-61 Highway, according to the Reno County Sheriff's Department.

Walker fled from the stop into McPherson County at speeds of over 100 miles per hour.

McPherson police officers attempted to stop the Walker's vehicle by using stop sticks to deflate the tires just outside the McPherson city limits.&nbsp;

Walker eventually drove through a dead end where the vehicle became stuck in a field. He was captured without incident after a short foot chase and booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility on requested charges of felony flee and elude, possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a firearm, along with drug possession and drug distribution.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609429473526.jpeg" alt="Walker was on parole after 15 convictions that include theft, aggravated assault, driving while suspended, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, obstruction, criminal possession of a firearm and for drugs, according the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Walker was on parole after 15 convictions that include theft, aggravated assault, driving while suspended, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, obstruction, criminal possession of a firearm and for drugs, according the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new charges after a high-speed chase through Reno and McPherson counties.&nbsp;Justin Walker, 31, of Basehor fled from authorities after being stopped at 108th and K-61 Highway, according to the Reno County Sheriff's Department.Walker fled from the stop into McPherson County at speeds of over 100 miles per hour.McPherson police officers attempted to stop the Walker's vehicle by using stop sticks to deflate the tires just outside the McPherson city limits.&nbsp;Walker eventually drove through a dead end where the vehicle became stuck in a field. He was captured without incident after a short foot chase and booked into the Reno County Correctional Facility on requested charges of felony flee and elude, possession of stolen property, criminal possession of a firearm, along with drug possession and drug distribution.

Sheriff: Kan. man's car gets stuck during 100 mph chase

By COLLEEN SLEVIN and CARLA K. JOHNSON, Associated Press

California on Wednesday announced the nation’s second confirmed case of the new and apparently more contagious variant of the coronavirus, offering a strong indication that the infection is spreading more widely in the United States.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the infection found in Southern California during an online conversation with Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

“I don’t think Californians should think that this is odd. It’s to be expected,” Fauci said.

Newsom did not provide any details about the person who was infected.

The announcement came 24 hours after word of the first reported U.S. variant infection, which emerged in Colorado. That person was identified Wednesday as a Colorado National Guardsman who had been sent to help out at a nursing home struggling with an outbreak. Health officials said a second Guard member may have it too.

The cases triggered a host of questions about how the version circulating in England arrived in the U.S. and whether it is too late to stop it now, with top experts saying it is probably already spreading elsewhere in the United States.

“The virus is becoming more fit, and we’re like a deer in the headlights,” warned Dr. Eric Topol, head of Scripps Research Translational Institute. He noted that the U.S. does far less genetic sequencing of virus samples to discover variants than other developed nations, and thus was probably slow to detect this new mutation.

The two Guard members had been dispatched Dec. 23 to work at the Good Samaritan Society nursing home in the small town of Simla, in a mostly rural area about 90 miles outside Denver, said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist. They were among six Guard members sent to the home.

Nasal swab samples taken from the two as part of the Guard’s routine coronavirus testing were sent to the state laboratory, which began looking for the variant after its spread was announced in Britain earlier this month, Herlihy said. Samples from staff and residents at the nursing home are also being screened for the variant at the lab, but so far no evidence of it has been found, she said.

The Colorado case announced Tuesday involves a man in his 20s who had not traveled recently, officials said. He has mild symptoms and is isolating at his home near Denver, while the person with the suspected case is isolating at a Colorado hotel while further genetic analysis is done on his sample, officials said.

The nursing home said it is working closely with the state and is also looking forward to beginning vaccinations next week.

Several states, including California, Massachusetts and Delaware, are also analyzing suspicious virus samples for the variant, said Dr. Greg Armstrong, who directs genetic sequencing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He said the CDC is working with a national lab that gets samples from around the country to broaden that search, with results expected within days.

The discovery in Colorado has added urgency to the nation’s vaccination drive against COVID-19, which has killed more than 340,000 people in the U.S.

Britain is seeing infections soar and hospitalizations climb to their highest levels on record. The variant has also been found in several other countries.

Scientists have found no evidence that it is more lethal or causes more severe illness, and they believe the vaccines now being dispensed will be effective against it. But a faster-spreading virus could swamp hospitals with seriously ill patients.

The discovery overseas led the CDC to issue rules on Christmas Day requiring travelers arriving from Britain to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. But U.S. health officials said the Colorado patient’s lack of travel history suggests the new variant is already spreading in this country.

Topol said it is too late for travel bans.

“We’re behind in finding it. Colorado is likely one of many places it’s landed here,” he said. “It’s all over the place. How can you ban travel from everywhere?”

Colorado public health officials are conducting contact tracing to determine its spread.

Researchers estimate the variant is 50% to 70% more contagious, said Dr. Eric France, Colorado’s chief medical officer.

“Instead of only making two or three other people sick, you might actually spread it to four or five people,” France said. “That means we’ll have more cases in our communities. Those number of cases will rise quickly and, of course, with more cases come more hospitalizations.”

London and southeast England were placed under strict lockdown measures earlier this month because of the variant, and dozens of countries banned flights from Britain. France also briefly barred trucks from Britain before allowing them back in, provided the drivers got tested for the virus.

New versions of the virus have been seen almost since it was first detected in China a year ago. It is common for viruses to undergo minor changes as they reproduce and move through a population. The fear is that mutations at some point will become significant enough to defeat the vaccines.

South Africa has also discovered a highly contagious COVID-19 variant that is driving the country’s latest spike of cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608566572342.png" alt="image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLLEEN SLEVIN and CARLA K. JOHNSON, Associated PressCalifornia on Wednesday announced the nation’s second confirmed case of the new and apparently more contagious variant of the coronavirus, offering a strong indication that the infection is spreading more widely in the United States.Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the infection found in Southern California during an online conversation with Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.“I don’t think Californians should think that this is odd. It’s to be expected,” Fauci said.Newsom did not provide any details about the person who was infected.The announcement came 24 hours after word of the first reported U.S. variant infection, which emerged in Colorado. That person was identified Wednesday as a Colorado National Guardsman who had been sent to help out at a nursing home struggling with an outbreak. Health officials said a second Guard member may have it too.The cases triggered a host of questions about how the version circulating in England arrived in the U.S. and whether it is too late to stop it now, with top experts saying it is probably already spreading elsewhere in the United States.“The virus is becoming more fit, and we’re like a deer in the headlights,” warned Dr. Eric Topol, head of Scripps Research Translational Institute. He noted that the U.S. does far less genetic sequencing of virus samples to discover variants than other developed nations, and thus was probably slow to detect this new mutation.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fjaredpolis%2Fvideos%2F1622822051256882%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The two Guard members had been dispatched Dec. 23 to work at the Good Samaritan Society nursing home in the small town of Simla, in a mostly rural area about 90 miles outside Denver, said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist. They were among six Guard members sent to the home.Nasal swab samples taken from the two as part of the Guard’s routine coronavirus testing were sent to the state laboratory, which began looking for the variant after its spread was announced in Britain earlier this month, Herlihy said. Samples from staff and residents at the nursing home are also being screened for the variant at the lab, but so far no evidence of it has been found, she said.The Colorado case announced Tuesday involves a man in his 20s who had not traveled recently, officials said. He has mild symptoms and is isolating at his home near Denver, while the person with the suspected case is isolating at a Colorado hotel while further genetic analysis is done on his sample, officials said.The nursing home said it is working closely with the state and is also looking forward to beginning vaccinations next week.Several states, including California, Massachusetts and Delaware, are also analyzing suspicious virus samples for the variant, said Dr. Greg Armstrong, who directs genetic sequencing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He said the CDC is working with a national lab that gets samples from around the country to broaden that search, with results expected within days.The discovery in Colorado has added urgency to the nation’s vaccination drive against COVID-19, which has killed more than 340,000 people in the U.S.Britain is seeing infections soar and hospitalizations climb to their highest levels on record. The variant has also been found in several other countries.Scientists have found no evidence that it is more lethal or causes more severe illness, and they believe the vaccines now being dispensed will be effective against it. But a faster-spreading virus could swamp hospitals with seriously ill patients.The discovery overseas led the CDC to issue rules on Christmas Day requiring travelers arriving from Britain to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. But U.S. health officials said the Colorado patient’s lack of travel history suggests the new variant is already spreading in this country.Topol said it is too late for travel bans.“We’re behind in finding it. Colorado is likely one of many places it’s landed here,” he said. “It’s all over the place. How can you ban travel from everywhere?”Colorado public health officials are conducting contact tracing to determine its spread.Researchers estimate the variant is 50% to 70% more contagious, said Dr. Eric France, Colorado’s chief medical officer.“Instead of only making two or three other people sick, you might actually spread it to four or five people,” France said. “That means we’ll have more cases in our communities. Those number of cases will rise quickly and, of course, with more cases come more hospitalizations.”London and southeast England were placed under strict lockdown measures earlier this month because of the variant, and dozens of countries banned flights from Britain. France also briefly barred trucks from Britain before allowing them back in, provided the drivers got tested for the virus.New versions of the virus have been seen almost since it was first detected in China a year ago. It is common for viruses to undergo minor changes as they reproduce and move through a population. The fear is that mutations at some point will become significant enough to defeat the vaccines.South Africa has also discovered a highly contagious COVID-19 variant that is driving the country’s latest spike of cases, hospitalizations and deaths.___

Highly infectious COVID-19 variant spreading in US

AVA, Mo. (AP) — The human remains found last weekend in a rural area of southwestern Missouri have been identified as those of a man who was reported missing five years ago.

Relatives of Brandon Wood of Mountain Grove reported him missing in September 2015. The skeletal remains were found in Douglas County in an area that had been previously searched.

Authorities say recent home construction turned up new evidence. The remains were identified through dental records.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said it has identified three people of interest in Wood's death, but so far, no arrests have been made.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609423623202.png" alt="Brandon Wood was reported missing in 2015 -photo Douglas Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Brandon Wood was reported missing in 2015 -photo Douglas Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>AVA, Mo. (AP) — The human remains found last weekend in a rural area of southwestern Missouri have been identified as those of a man who was reported missing five years ago.Relatives of Brandon Wood of Mountain Grove reported him missing in September 2015. The skeletal remains were found in Douglas County in an area that had been previously searched.Authorities say recent home construction turned up new evidence. The remains were identified through dental records.The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said it has identified three people of interest in Wood's death, but so far, no arrests have been made.

Remains found in southwest Missouri identified

WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States flew strategic bombers over the Persian Gulf on Wednesday for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-afghanistan-iran-persian-gulf-tensions-middle-east-0dba244ea2d84d462f0cf42fbf2c43c7">second time</a>&nbsp;this month, a show of force meant to deter Iran from attacking American or allied targets in the Middle East.

One senior U.S. military officer said the flight by two Air Force B-52 bombers was in response to signals that Iran may be planning attacks against U.S. allied targets in neighboring Iraq or elsewhere in the region in coming days, even as President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office. The officer was not authorized to publicly discuss internal assessments based on sensitive intelligence and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The B-52 bomber mission, flown round trip from an Air Force base in North Dakota, reflects growing concern in Washington, in the final weeks of President Donald Trump’s administration, that Iran will order further military retaliation for the U.S. killing last Jan. 3 of top Iranian military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Iran’s initial response, five days after the deadly U.S. drone strike, was a ballistic missile attack on a military base in Iraq that caused brain concussion injuries to about 100 U.S. troops.

Iran, however, has appeared wary of Trump’s intentions in his final weeks in office, given his focus on pressuring Tehran with sanctions and other moves that have further damaged the Islamic Republic’s economy.

“Trump will bear full responsibility for any adventurism on his way out,” Iran’s foreign minister, Javad Zarif, wrote on Twitter Dec. 24.

Adding to the tension was a Dec. 20&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-middle-east-baghdad-iraq-qassim-soleimani-90fd5a96e2fa0fdd08c7dbd3f362d467">rocket attack</a>&nbsp;on the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad by Iranian-supported Shiite militia groups. No one was killed, but the volume of rockets fired — possibly 21, with about nine landing on the Embassy compound — was unusually large. Days later, Trump tweeted that Iran was on notice.

“Some friendly health advice to Iran: If one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over,” Trump wrote on Dec. 23. He added, ”We hear chatter of additional attacks against Americans in Iraq.”

Because of the potential for escalation that could lead to a wider war, the U.S. has sought to deter Iran from additional attacks. Strategic calculations on both sides are further complicated by the political transition in Washington to a Biden administration that may seek new paths to dealing with Iran. Biden has said, for example, that he hopes to return the U.S. to a 2015 agreement with world powers in which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions.

In announcing Wednesday’s bomber flight, the head of U.S. Central Command said it was a defensive move.

“The United States continues to deploy combat-ready capabilities into the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to deter any potential adversary, and make clear that we are ready and able to respond to any aggression directed at Americans or our interests,” said Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of Central Command. “We do not seek conflict, but no one should underestimate our ability to defend our forces or to act decisively in response to any attack.”

In advance of the announcement, the senior U.S. military officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said that U.S. intelligence has detected recent signs of “fairly substantive threats” from Iran, and that included planning for possible rocket attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq in connection with the one-year anniversary of the Soleimani killing.

The U.S. is in the process of reducing its troop presence in Iraq from 3,000 to about 2,500. Trump ordered that the reduction be achieved by Jan. 15; officials say it is likely to be reached as early as next week.

The United States also has picked up signs that Iran may be considering or planning “more complex” and broader attacks against American targets or interests in the Middle East, the senior U.S. military officer said, adding that it represented the most concerning signs since the days immediately following the Soleimani killing. The officer cited indications that advanced weaponry has been flowing from Iran into Iraq recently and that Shiite militia leaders in Iraq may have met with officers of Iran’s Quds force, previously commanded by Soleimani.

The U.S. officer said Iran might have its eye on economic targets, noting the September 2019 missile and drone attack on Saudi oil processing facilities. Iran denied involvement but was blamed by the United States for that attack.

In recent weeks the U.S. military has taken a range of steps designed to deter Iran, while publicly emphasizing that it is not planning, and has not been instructed, to take unprovoked action against Iran.

Last week, a U.S. Navy guided-missile submarine made an unusual transit of the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. Earlier in December, a pair of B-52 bombers from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana flew what the military calls a “presence” mission over the Gulf — a demonstration of U.S. force and a signal of U.S. commitment to the region, but not an attack mission. That flight was repeated this week, with two B-52s flying nonstop from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota and heading home Wednesday after cruising over the western side of the Gulf.

Tensions with Iran escalated with the killing in November of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, an Iranian scientist named by the West as the leader of the Islamic Republic’s disbanded military nuclear program. Iran has blamed Israel for the killing, but U.S. officials are concerned that any Iranian retaliation could hit U.S. interests.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609419164077.png" alt="U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon is aerial refueled by a KC-135 “Stratotanker” over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Dec. 30, 2020 as part of an escort mission in support of the B-52 “Stratofortress” deployment. The short-notice deployment underscores the U.S. military's commitment to regional security and demonstrates a unique ability to rapidly deploy overwhelming combat power on short notice. The B-52H is a long-range, heavy bomber that is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and provides the United States with immediate global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Roslyn Ward)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon is aerial refueled by a KC-135 “Stratotanker” over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Dec. 30, 2020 as part of an escort mission in support of the B-52 “Stratofortress” deployment. The short-notice deployment underscores the U.S. military's commitment to regional security and demonstrates a unique ability to rapidly deploy overwhelming combat power on short notice. The B-52H is a long-range, heavy bomber that is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and provides the United States with immediate global strike capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Roslyn Ward)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States flew strategic bombers over the Persian Gulf on Wednesday for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-afghanistan-iran-persian-gulf-tensions-middle-east-0dba244ea2d84d462f0cf42fbf2c43c7">second time</a>&nbsp;this month, a show of force meant to deter Iran from attacking American or allied targets in the Middle East.One senior U.S. military officer said the flight by two Air Force B-52 bombers was in response to signals that Iran may be planning attacks against U.S. allied targets in neighboring Iraq or elsewhere in the region in coming days, even as President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office. The officer was not authorized to publicly discuss internal assessments based on sensitive intelligence and spoke on condition of anonymity.The B-52 bomber mission, flown round trip from an Air Force base in North Dakota, reflects growing concern in Washington, in the final weeks of President Donald Trump’s administration, that Iran will order further military retaliation for the U.S. killing last Jan. 3 of top Iranian military commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Iran’s initial response, five days after the deadly U.S. drone strike, was a ballistic missile attack on a military base in Iraq that caused brain concussion injuries to about 100 U.S. troops.Iran, however, has appeared wary of Trump’s intentions in his final weeks in office, given his focus on pressuring Tehran with sanctions and other moves that have further damaged the Islamic Republic’s economy.“Trump will bear full responsibility for any adventurism on his way out,” Iran’s foreign minister, Javad Zarif, wrote on Twitter Dec. 24.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609419291133.png" alt="U.S. Air Force B-52 from Minot Air Force Base is aerial refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Dec. 30, 2020. The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with global reach precision navigation capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Roslyn Ward)" />
 <figcaption>U.S. Air Force B-52 from Minot Air Force Base is aerial refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Dec. 30, 2020. The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with global reach precision navigation capability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Roslyn Ward)</figcaption>
 </figure>Adding to the tension was a Dec. 20&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-middle-east-baghdad-iraq-qassim-soleimani-90fd5a96e2fa0fdd08c7dbd3f362d467">rocket attack</a>&nbsp;on the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad by Iranian-supported Shiite militia groups. No one was killed, but the volume of rockets fired — possibly 21, with about nine landing on the Embassy compound — was unusually large. Days later, Trump tweeted that Iran was on notice.“Some friendly health advice to Iran: If one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over,” Trump wrote on Dec. 23. He added, ”We hear chatter of additional attacks against Americans in Iraq.”Because of the potential for escalation that could lead to a wider war, the U.S. has sought to deter Iran from additional attacks. Strategic calculations on both sides are further complicated by the political transition in Washington to a Biden administration that may seek new paths to dealing with Iran. Biden has said, for example, that he hopes to return the U.S. to a 2015 agreement with world powers in which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions.In announcing Wednesday’s bomber flight, the head of U.S. Central Command said it was a defensive move.“The United States continues to deploy combat-ready capabilities into the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to deter any potential adversary, and make clear that we are ready and able to respond to any aggression directed at Americans or our interests,” said Gen. Frank McKenzie, the commander of Central Command. “We do not seek conflict, but no one should underestimate our ability to defend our forces or to act decisively in response to any attack.”He did not mention Iran by name.In advance of the announcement, the senior U.S. military officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said that U.S. intelligence has detected recent signs of “fairly substantive threats” from Iran, and that included planning for possible rocket attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq in connection with the one-year anniversary of the Soleimani killing.The U.S. is in the process of reducing its troop presence in Iraq from 3,000 to about 2,500. Trump ordered that the reduction be achieved by Jan. 15; officials say it is likely to be reached as early as next week.The United States also has picked up signs that Iran may be considering or planning “more complex” and broader attacks against American targets or interests in the Middle East, the senior U.S. military officer said, adding that it represented the most concerning signs since the days immediately following the Soleimani killing. The officer cited indications that advanced weaponry has been flowing from Iran into Iraq recently and that Shiite militia leaders in Iraq may have met with officers of Iran’s Quds force, previously commanded by Soleimani.The U.S. officer said Iran might have its eye on economic targets, noting the September 2019 missile and drone attack on Saudi oil processing facilities. Iran denied involvement but was blamed by the United States for that attack.In recent weeks the U.S. military has taken a range of steps designed to deter Iran, while publicly emphasizing that it is not planning, and has not been instructed, to take unprovoked action against Iran.Last week, a U.S. Navy guided-missile submarine made an unusual transit of the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. Earlier in December, a pair of B-52 bombers from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana flew what the military calls a “presence” mission over the Gulf — a demonstration of U.S. force and a signal of U.S. commitment to the region, but not an attack mission. That flight was repeated this week, with two B-52s flying nonstop from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota and heading home Wednesday after cruising over the western side of the Gulf.Tensions with Iran escalated with the killing in November of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, an Iranian scientist named by the West as the leader of the Islamic Republic’s disbanded military nuclear program. Iran has blamed Israel for the killing, but U.S. officials are concerned that any Iranian retaliation could hit U.S. interests.

US sends bombers to Persian Gulf in warning to Iran 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell all but shut the door on President Donald Trump’s push for $2,000&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak?fbclid=IwAR1iY8Og9l5MgoWl2QT7qg-J-RAYwmCqfGNbO_JPyLNY2ggdJwJsB9n4M68">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>relief checks, declaring Congress has provided enough pandemic aid as he blocked another attempt by Democrats to force a vote.

The GOP leader made clear Wednesday he is unwilling to budge, despite political pressure from Trump and even some fellow Republican senators demanding action. Trump wants the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa218012b8">recent $600 in aid&nbsp;</a>increased threefold. But McConnell dismissed the idea of bigger “survival checks” approved by the House, saying the money would go to plenty of American households that just don’t need it.

McConnell’s refusal to act means the additional relief Trump wanted is all but dead.

“We just approved almost a trillion dollars in aid a few days ago,” McConnell said, referring to the year-end package Trump signed into law.

McConnell added, “if specific, struggling households still need more help,” the Senate will consider “smart targeted aid. Not another firehose of borrowed money.”

The showdown between the outgoing president and his own Republican Party over the $2,000 checks has thrown Congress into a chaotic year-end session just days before new lawmakers are set to be sworn into office.

It’s one last standoff, together with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-media-social-media-elections-1f623a6e996dd56fdc238eb02b2d4f24">override of Trump’s veto&nbsp;</a>of a sweeping defense bill, that will punctuate the president’s final days and deepen the GOP’s divide between its new wing of Trump-styled populists and what had been mainstay conservative views against government spending.

Trump has been berating the GOP leaders, and tweeted, “$2000 ASAP!”

President-elect Joe Biden also supports the payments and wants to build on what he calls a “downpayment” on relief.

“In this moment of historic crisis and untold economic pain for countless American families, the President-elect supports $2,000 direct payments as passed by the House,” said Biden transition spokesman Andrew Bates.

The roadblock set by Senate Republicans appears insurmountable. Most GOP senators seemed to accept the inaction even as a growing number of Republicans, including two senators in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/senate-elections">runoff elections&nbsp;</a>on Jan. 5 in Georgia, agree with Trump’s demand, some wary of bucking him.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the $600 checks would begin to go out Wednesday. Congress had settled on smaller payments in a compromise over the big, year-end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa21801">COVID-19 relief and government funding bill</a>&nbsp;that Trump reluctantly signed into law. Before signing, though, Trump demanded more.

For a second day in a row, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer tried to force a vote on the bill approved by the House meeting Trump’s demand for the $2,000 checks.

“What we’re seeing right now is Leader McConnell trying to kill the checks — the $2,000 checks desperately needed by so many American families,” Schumer said.

With the Georgia Senate runoff elections days away, leading Republicans warned that the GOP’s refusal to provide more aid as the virus worsens could jeopardize the outcome of those races.

Georgia’s GOP Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler are trying to fend off Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-georgia-coronavirus-pandemic-campaigns-03de68a2ec810ec4fbfedb63da72052c">runoff elections</a>&nbsp;that will determine which party has the Senate majority. The two Republicans announced support for Trump’s call for more generous checks.

“The Senate Republicans risk throwing away two seats and control of the Senate,” Newt Gingrich, the former congressional leader, said on Fox News.

McConnell has tried to shield his divided Republicans from a difficult vote. On Wednesday he suggested he had kept his word to start a “process” to address Trump’s demands, even if it means no votes will actually be taken.

“It’s no secret Republicans have a diversity of views,” he said.

Earlier, McConnell had unveiled a new bill loaded up with Trump’s other priorities as a possible off-ramp for the stalemate. It included the $2,000 checks more narrowly targeted to lower-income households as well as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3e09c4037e2fc17558492b9bdce1ecc">complicated repeal&nbsp;</a>of protections for tech companies like Facebook or Twitter under Section 230 of a communications law that the president complained is unfair to conservatives. It also tacked on the establishment of a bipartisan commission to review&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">the 2020 presidential election&nbsp;</a>Trump lost to President-elect Joe Biden.

If McConnell sets a vote on his bill, it could revive Trump’s priorities. But because the approach contains the additional tech and elections provisions, Democrats and some Republicans will likely balk and it’s unlikely to have enough support in Congress to pass.

No additional votes on COVID-19 aid have been scheduled at this point. For McConnell, the procedural moves allowed him to check the box over the commitments he made when Trump was defiantly refusing to sign off on the big year-end package last weekend. “That was a commitment, and that’s what happened,” he said.

Liberal senators, led by Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who support the relief boost are blocking action on a defense bill until a vote can be taken on Trump’s demand for $2,000 for most Americans.

Sanders thundered on the floor that McConnell should call his own constituents in the GOP leader’s home state of Kentucky “and find out how they feel about the need for immediate help in terms of a $2,000 check.”

Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Marco Rubio of Florida, among the party’s potential 2024 presidential hopefuls, also pushed in the president’s direction. Hawley is also leading Trump’s challenge Jan. 6 to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-michael-brown-josh-hawley-8d868c985792e932f9bc527ec2f2ab30">Electoral College result tally&nbsp;</a>in Congress.

Other Republicans panned the bigger checks, arguing during a lively Senate debate that the nearly $400 billion price tag was too high, the relief is not targeted to those in need and Washington has already dispatched ample sums on COVID-19 aid.

Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., tweeted that “blindly borrowing” billions “so we can send $2,000 checks to millions of people who haven’t lost any income is terrible policy.”

Considered a longshot, Trump’s demand gained momentum at the start of the week when dozens of House Republicans calculated it was better to link with most Democrats than defy the outgoing president. They helped pass a bill raising the payments with a robust two-thirds vote of approval.

As Trump’s push fizzles out, his attempt to amend the year-end package — $900 billion in COVID-19 aid and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa218012b8">$1.4 trillion to fund government&nbsp;</a>agencies through September — will linger as potentially one last confrontation before the new Congress is sworn in Sunday.

The COVID-19 portion of the bill revives a weekly pandemic jobless benefit boost — this time $300, through March 14 — as well as the popular Paycheck Protection Program of grants to businesses to keep workers on payrolls. It extends eviction protections, adding a new rental assistance fund.

Americans earning up to $75,000 will qualify for the direct $600 payments, which are phased out at higher income levels, and there’s an additional $600 payment per dependent child.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s push for $2,000&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak?fbclid=IwAR1iY8Og9l5MgoWl2QT7qg-J-RAYwmCqfGNbO_JPyLNY2ggdJwJsB9n4M68">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>relief checks all but died Wednesday as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed an alternative approach of loading up the bill with other White House priorities that appeared destined to fail.

The roadblock set by Senate Republicans appears unsurmountable, even as pressure builds to approve the bigger checks. Trump wants the Republican-led chamber to follow the House and increase the checks from $600 for millions of Americans. A growing number of Republicans, including two senators in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/senate-elections">runoff elections&nbsp;</a>on Jan. 5 in Georgia, agree. But most GOP senators oppose more spending, even if they are also wary of bucking Trump.

Senators will be back at it after McConnell blocked a vote Tuesday, but his new bill — which includes the formation of a commission to investigate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">the 2020 election&nbsp;</a>as well as a complicated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3e09c4037e2fc17558492b9bdce1ecc">repeal of big tech liability&nbsp;</a>protections — does not have enough support to pass. No votes are scheduled.

“What we’re seeing right now is Leader McConnell trying to kill the checks — the $2,000 checks desperately needed by so many American families,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said at the Capitol.

The showdown over the $2,000 checks has thrown Congress into a chaotic year-end session just days before new lawmakers are set to be sworn into office for the new year. It’s preventing action on another priority —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-media-social-media-elections-ca674c06608a72802f0bc878a331041f">overturning Trump’s veto&nbsp;</a>on a sweeping defense bill that has been approved every year for 60 years.

Trump has berated Republican leaders for the stonewalling, finding rare common cause with the Democrats pushing them to act. Leading Republicans warned that the GOP’s refusal to provide more aid as the virus worsens will jeopardize next week’s Senate election in Georgia.

“The Senate Republicans risk throwing away two seats and control of the Senate,” said Newt Gingrich, the former congressional leader, on Fox News. He called on Senate Republicans to “get a grip and not try to play cute parliamentary games with the president’s $2,000 payment.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “These Republicans in the Senate seem to have an endless tolerance for other people’s sadness.”

Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said some of the $600 payments were being sent by direct deposit to Americans’ bank accounts Tuesday night. Mnuchin tweeted that paper checks will begin to go out Wednesday.

Saying little, McConnell is trying to provide an offramp for GOP senators to avoid a tough vote. Republicans are split between those who align with Trump’s populist instincts and those who adhere to what had been more traditional conservative views against government spending.

Congress had settled on smaller $600 payments in a compromise over the big, year-end relief bill Trump reluctantly signed into law.

The GOP leader filed new legislation late Tuesday linking the president’s demand for bigger checks with two other Trump priorities —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3e09c4037e2fc17558492b9bdce1ecc">repealing protections&nbsp;</a>for tech companies like Facebook or Twitter that the president complained are unfair to conservatives as well the establishment of a bipartisan commission to review the 2020 presidential election he lost to President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>.

Liberal senators led by Bernie Sanders of Vermont who support the relief aid are blocking action on the defense bill until a vote can be taken on Trump’s demand for $2,000 for most Americans.

“The working class of this country today faces more economic desperation than at any time since the Great Depression of the 1930s,” Sanders said. “Working families need help now.” He also tried to force a vote on the relief checks, but McConnell objected a second time.

The GOP blockade is causing turmoil for some as the virus crisis worsens nationwide and Trump amplifies his unexpected demands.

The two GOP senators from Georgia, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, announced Tuesday they support Trump’s plan for bigger checks as they face Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in runoff elections that will determine which party controls the Senate.

Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Marco Rubio of Florida, among the party’s potential 2024 presidential hopefuls, also are pushing the party in the president’s direction.

Other Republicans panned the bigger checks, saying the nearly $400 billion price tag was too high, the relief is not targeted to those in need and Washington has already dispatched ample sums on COVID aid.

Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Penn., tweeted that he would block the House bill. He said “blindly borrowing” billions “so we can send $2,000 checks to millions of people who haven’t lost any income is terrible policy.”

In the House, dozens of Republicans calculated it was better to link with Democrats to increase the pandemic payments rather than buck the outgoing president and constituents counting on the money. House Democrats led passage, 275-134, but 44 Republicans joined almost all Democrats on Monday for a robust two-thirds vote of approval.

No votes are scheduled in the Senate on either the House-passed measure supporting Trump’s $2,000 checks or McConnell’s new version. With time running out, it’s almost ensures neither bill will pass.

Trump’s push could fizzle out in the Senate but the debate over the size and scope of the year-end package — $900 billion in COVID-19 aid and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa218012b8">$1.4 trillion to fund government&nbsp;</a>agencies through September — is potentially one last confrontation before the new Congress is sworn in Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609367223551.png" alt="Kansas Senator Jerry Moran and other members of the U.S. Senate&nbsp; visit Wednesday afternoon -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Senator Jerry Moran and other members of the U.S. Senate&nbsp; visit Wednesday afternoon -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell all but shut the door on President Donald Trump’s push for $2,000&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak?fbclid=IwAR1iY8Og9l5MgoWl2QT7qg-J-RAYwmCqfGNbO_JPyLNY2ggdJwJsB9n4M68">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>relief checks, declaring Congress has provided enough pandemic aid as he blocked another attempt by Democrats to force a vote.The GOP leader made clear Wednesday he is unwilling to budge, despite political pressure from Trump and even some fellow Republican senators demanding action. Trump wants the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa218012b8">recent $600 in aid&nbsp;</a>increased threefold. But McConnell dismissed the idea of bigger “survival checks” approved by the House, saying the money would go to plenty of American households that just don’t need it.McConnell’s refusal to act means the additional relief Trump wanted is all but dead.“We just approved almost a trillion dollars in aid a few days ago,” McConnell said, referring to the year-end package Trump signed into law.McConnell added, “if specific, struggling households still need more help,” the Senate will consider “smart targeted aid. Not another firehose of borrowed money.”The showdown between the outgoing president and his own Republican Party over the $2,000 checks has thrown Congress into a chaotic year-end session just days before new lawmakers are set to be sworn into office.It’s one last standoff, together with the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-media-social-media-elections-1f623a6e996dd56fdc238eb02b2d4f24">override of Trump’s veto&nbsp;</a>of a sweeping defense bill, that will punctuate the president’s final days and deepen the GOP’s divide between its new wing of Trump-styled populists and what had been mainstay conservative views against government spending.Trump has been berating the GOP leaders, and tweeted, “$2000 ASAP!”President-elect Joe Biden also supports the payments and wants to build on what he calls a “downpayment” on relief.“In this moment of historic crisis and untold economic pain for countless American families, the President-elect supports $2,000 direct payments as passed by the House,” said Biden transition spokesman Andrew Bates.The roadblock set by Senate Republicans appears insurmountable. Most GOP senators seemed to accept the inaction even as a growing number of Republicans, including two senators in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/senate-elections">runoff elections&nbsp;</a>on Jan. 5 in Georgia, agree with Trump’s demand, some wary of bucking him.Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the $600 checks would begin to go out Wednesday. Congress had settled on smaller payments in a compromise over the big, year-end&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa21801">COVID-19 relief and government funding bill</a>&nbsp;that Trump reluctantly signed into law. Before signing, though, Trump demanded more.For a second day in a row, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer tried to force a vote on the bill approved by the House meeting Trump’s demand for the $2,000 checks.“What we’re seeing right now is Leader McConnell trying to kill the checks — the $2,000 checks desperately needed by so many American families,” Schumer said.With the Georgia Senate runoff elections days away, leading Republicans warned that the GOP’s refusal to provide more aid as the virus worsens could jeopardize the outcome of those races.Georgia’s GOP Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler are trying to fend off Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-georgia-coronavirus-pandemic-campaigns-03de68a2ec810ec4fbfedb63da72052c">runoff elections</a>&nbsp;that will determine which party has the Senate majority. The two Republicans announced support for Trump’s call for more generous checks.“The Senate Republicans risk throwing away two seats and control of the Senate,” Newt Gingrich, the former congressional leader, said on Fox News.McConnell has tried to shield his divided Republicans from a difficult vote. On Wednesday he suggested he had kept his word to start a “process” to address Trump’s demands, even if it means no votes will actually be taken.“It’s no secret Republicans have a diversity of views,” he said.Earlier, McConnell had unveiled a new bill loaded up with Trump’s other priorities as a possible off-ramp for the stalemate. It included the $2,000 checks more narrowly targeted to lower-income households as well as a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3e09c4037e2fc17558492b9bdce1ecc">complicated repeal&nbsp;</a>of protections for tech companies like Facebook or Twitter under Section 230 of a communications law that the president complained is unfair to conservatives. It also tacked on the establishment of a bipartisan commission to review&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">the 2020 presidential election&nbsp;</a>Trump lost to President-elect Joe Biden.If McConnell sets a vote on his bill, it could revive Trump’s priorities. But because the approach contains the additional tech and elections provisions, Democrats and some Republicans will likely balk and it’s unlikely to have enough support in Congress to pass.No additional votes on COVID-19 aid have been scheduled at this point. For McConnell, the procedural moves allowed him to check the box over the commitments he made when Trump was defiantly refusing to sign off on the big year-end package last weekend. “That was a commitment, and that’s what happened,” he said.Liberal senators, led by Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who support the relief boost are blocking action on a defense bill until a vote can be taken on Trump’s demand for $2,000 for most Americans.Sanders thundered on the floor that McConnell should call his own constituents in the GOP leader’s home state of Kentucky “and find out how they feel about the need for immediate help in terms of a $2,000 check.”Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Marco Rubio of Florida, among the party’s potential 2024 presidential hopefuls, also pushed in the president’s direction. Hawley is also leading Trump’s challenge Jan. 6 to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-michael-brown-josh-hawley-8d868c985792e932f9bc527ec2f2ab30">Electoral College result tally&nbsp;</a>in Congress.Other Republicans panned the bigger checks, arguing during a lively Senate debate that the nearly $400 billion price tag was too high, the relief is not targeted to those in need and Washington has already dispatched ample sums on COVID-19 aid.Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., tweeted that “blindly borrowing” billions “so we can send $2,000 checks to millions of people who haven’t lost any income is terrible policy.”Considered a longshot, Trump’s demand gained momentum at the start of the week when dozens of House Republicans calculated it was better to link with most Democrats than defy the outgoing president. They helped pass a bill raising the payments with a robust two-thirds vote of approval.As Trump’s push fizzles out, his attempt to amend the year-end package — $900 billion in COVID-19 aid and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa218012b8">$1.4 trillion to fund government&nbsp;</a>agencies through September — will linger as potentially one last confrontation before the new Congress is sworn in Sunday.The COVID-19 portion of the bill revives a weekly pandemic jobless benefit boost — this time $300, through March 14 — as well as the popular Paycheck Protection Program of grants to businesses to keep workers on payrolls. It extends eviction protections, adding a new rental assistance fund.Americans earning up to $75,000 will qualify for the direct $600 payments, which are phased out at higher income levels, and there’s an additional $600 payment per dependent child.___WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s push for $2,000&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/virus-outbreak?fbclid=IwAR1iY8Og9l5MgoWl2QT7qg-J-RAYwmCqfGNbO_JPyLNY2ggdJwJsB9n4M68">COVID-19&nbsp;</a>relief checks all but died Wednesday as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell proposed an alternative approach of loading up the bill with other White House priorities that appeared destined to fail.The roadblock set by Senate Republicans appears unsurmountable, even as pressure builds to approve the bigger checks. Trump wants the Republican-led chamber to follow the House and increase the checks from $600 for millions of Americans. A growing number of Republicans, including two senators in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/senate-elections">runoff elections&nbsp;</a>on Jan. 5 in Georgia, agree. But most GOP senators oppose more spending, even if they are also wary of bucking Trump.Senators will be back at it after McConnell blocked a vote Tuesday, but his new bill — which includes the formation of a commission to investigate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">the 2020 election&nbsp;</a>as well as a complicated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3e09c4037e2fc17558492b9bdce1ecc">repeal of big tech liability&nbsp;</a>protections — does not have enough support to pass. No votes are scheduled.“What we’re seeing right now is Leader McConnell trying to kill the checks — the $2,000 checks desperately needed by so many American families,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said at the Capitol.The showdown over the $2,000 checks has thrown Congress into a chaotic year-end session just days before new lawmakers are set to be sworn into office for the new year. It’s preventing action on another priority —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-donald-trump-media-social-media-elections-ca674c06608a72802f0bc878a331041f">overturning Trump’s veto&nbsp;</a>on a sweeping defense bill that has been approved every year for 60 years.Trump has berated Republican leaders for the stonewalling, finding rare common cause with the Democrats pushing them to act. Leading Republicans warned that the GOP’s refusal to provide more aid as the virus worsens will jeopardize next week’s Senate election in Georgia.“The Senate Republicans risk throwing away two seats and control of the Senate,” said Newt Gingrich, the former congressional leader, on Fox News. He called on Senate Republicans to “get a grip and not try to play cute parliamentary games with the president’s $2,000 payment.”House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “These Republicans in the Senate seem to have an endless tolerance for other people’s sadness.”Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said some of the $600 payments were being sent by direct deposit to Americans’ bank accounts Tuesday night. Mnuchin tweeted that paper checks will begin to go out Wednesday.Saying little, McConnell is trying to provide an offramp for GOP senators to avoid a tough vote. Republicans are split between those who align with Trump’s populist instincts and those who adhere to what had been more traditional conservative views against government spending.Congress had settled on smaller $600 payments in a compromise over the big, year-end relief bill Trump reluctantly signed into law.The GOP leader filed new legislation late Tuesday linking the president’s demand for bigger checks with two other Trump priorities —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d3e09c4037e2fc17558492b9bdce1ecc">repealing protections&nbsp;</a>for tech companies like Facebook or Twitter that the president complained are unfair to conservatives as well the establishment of a bipartisan commission to review the 2020 presidential election he lost to President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>.Liberal senators led by Bernie Sanders of Vermont who support the relief aid are blocking action on the defense bill until a vote can be taken on Trump’s demand for $2,000 for most Americans.“The working class of this country today faces more economic desperation than at any time since the Great Depression of the 1930s,” Sanders said. “Working families need help now.” He also tried to force a vote on the relief checks, but McConnell objected a second time.The GOP blockade is causing turmoil for some as the virus crisis worsens nationwide and Trump amplifies his unexpected demands.The two GOP senators from Georgia, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, announced Tuesday they support Trump’s plan for bigger checks as they face Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in runoff elections that will determine which party controls the Senate.Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Marco Rubio of Florida, among the party’s potential 2024 presidential hopefuls, also are pushing the party in the president’s direction.Other Republicans panned the bigger checks, saying the nearly $400 billion price tag was too high, the relief is not targeted to those in need and Washington has already dispatched ample sums on COVID aid.Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Penn., tweeted that he would block the House bill. He said “blindly borrowing” billions “so we can send $2,000 checks to millions of people who haven’t lost any income is terrible policy.”In the House, dozens of Republicans calculated it was better to link with Democrats to increase the pandemic payments rather than buck the outgoing president and constituents counting on the money. House Democrats led passage, 275-134, but 44 Republicans joined almost all Democrats on Monday for a robust two-thirds vote of approval.No votes are scheduled in the Senate on either the House-passed measure supporting Trump’s $2,000 checks or McConnell’s new version. With time running out, it’s almost ensures neither bill will pass.Trump’s push could fizzle out in the Senate but the debate over the size and scope of the year-end package — $900 billion in COVID-19 aid and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-health-care-reform-legislation-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-3ba55f6ae819ad2be2319dfa218012b8">$1.4 trillion to fund government&nbsp;</a>agencies through September — is potentially one last confrontation before the new Congress is sworn in Sunday.The COVID-19 portion of the bill revives a weekly pandemic jobless benefit boost — this time $300, through March 14 — as well as the popular Paycheck Protection Program of grants to businesses to keep workers on payrolls. It extends eviction protections, adding a new rental assistance fund.Americans earning up to $75,000 will qualify for the direct $600 payments, which are phased out at higher income levels, and there’s an additional $600 payment per dependent child.___

Happy New Year: Senate won't vote on $2,000 relief checks

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating after a standoff and officer-shooting in Wichita have identified the suspect as 37-year-old Jason Williams of Wichita.

Just after 7a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a home in the 900 Block of North Faulkner after a report of shot fired, according to Police Chief Gordon Ramsay.

When officers arrived, they heard shots being fired and saw a man jump from a window of the home.

The man told police there had been a shooting inside the home. Police had served Williams with a protection from domestic abuse order Tuesday night, according to Ramsay.&nbsp;

Williams had entered the home, that was owned by his mother-in-law, early Wednesday morning. He shot and killed the mother-in-law, shot his wife in the shoulder and was threatening his brother-in-law who had escaped as police arrived.

The Wichita Police Department Swat Team and crisis negotiators responded to the home. Negotiators made contact with Williams and learned there were also two children, age 5 and 7, inside the home.&nbsp; 

During the almost two hours of negotiation, the children finally were able to leave the home.

As the children were leaving, Williams, armed with a weapon, and the wife had an altercation outside the back door on the porch.&nbsp; An officer on the scene fired one shot and killed Williams, according to Ramsay.

"The suspect did tell the negotiator he was not going to come out of the house alive and our concern was for welfare of those inside the home," said Ramsay.

The children were not injured. The wife was receiving treatment for her gunshot wound, according to Ramsay. 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Two people are dead after a standoff and officer-shooting in Wichita.

The man told police there had been a shooting inside the home. Police had served the suspect with a Protection from domestic abuse order Tuesday night, according to Ramsay.&nbsp;

The suspect had entered the home, that was owned by his mother-in-law, early Wednesday morning. He shot and killed the mother-in-law, shot his wife in the shoulder and was threatening his brother-in-law who had escaped as police arrived.

The Wichita Police Department Swat Team and crisis negotiators responded to the home. Negotiators made contact with the suspect and learned there were also two children, age 5 and 7, inside the home.&nbsp; 

As the children were leaving, the suspect, armed with a weapon, and the wife had an altercation outside the back door on the porch.&nbsp; An officer on the scene fired one shot and killed the suspect, according to Ramsay.

Police have not released the suspect's name or additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609345043413.png" alt="SWAT Team on the scene of the 2-hour standoff early Wednesday at a home in Wichita -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>SWAT Team on the scene of the 2-hour standoff early Wednesday at a home in Wichita -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement investigating after a standoff and officer-shooting in Wichita have identified the suspect as 37-year-old Jason Williams of Wichita.Just after 7a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a home in the 900 Block of North Faulkner after a report of shot fired, according to Police Chief Gordon Ramsay.When officers arrived, they heard shots being fired and saw a man jump from a window of the home.The man told police there had been a shooting inside the home. Police had served Williams with a protection from domestic abuse order Tuesday night, according to Ramsay.&nbsp;Williams had entered the home, that was owned by his mother-in-law, early Wednesday morning. He shot and killed the mother-in-law, shot his wife in the shoulder and was threatening his brother-in-law who had escaped as police arrived.The Wichita Police Department Swat Team and crisis negotiators responded to the home. Negotiators made contact with Williams and learned there were also two children, age 5 and 7, inside the home.&nbsp; During the almost two hours of negotiation, the children finally were able to leave the home.As the children were leaving, Williams, armed with a weapon, and the wife had an altercation outside the back door on the porch.&nbsp; An officer on the scene fired one shot and killed Williams, according to Ramsay."The suspect did tell the negotiator he was not going to come out of the house alive and our concern was for welfare of those inside the home," said Ramsay.The children were not injured. The wife was receiving treatment for her gunshot wound, according to Ramsay. ------SEDGWICK COUNTY—Two people are dead after a standoff and officer-shooting in Wichita.Just after 7a.m. Wednesday, police responded to a home in the 900 Block of North Faulkner after a report of shot fired, according to Police Chief Gordon Ramsay.When officers arrived, they heard shots being fired and saw a man jump from a window of the home.The man told police there had been a shooting inside the home. Police had served the suspect with a Protection from domestic abuse order Tuesday night, according to Ramsay.&nbsp;The suspect had entered the home, that was owned by his mother-in-law, early Wednesday morning. He shot and killed the mother-in-law, shot his wife in the shoulder and was threatening his brother-in-law who had escaped as police arrived.The Wichita Police Department Swat Team and crisis negotiators responded to the home. Negotiators made contact with the suspect and learned there were also two children, age 5 and 7, inside the home.&nbsp; During the almost two hours of negotiation, the children finally were able to leave the home.As the children were leaving, the suspect, armed with a weapon, and the wife had an altercation outside the back door on the porch.&nbsp; An officer on the scene fired one shot and killed the suspect, according to Ramsay."The suspect did tell the negotiator he was not going to come out of the house alive and our concern was for welfare of those inside the home," said Ramsay.The children were not injured. The wife was receiving treatment for her gunshot wound, according to Ramsay. Police have not released the suspect's name or additional details.

Police ID Kan. man killed by officer after killing mother-in-law

TOPEKA —Following the Kansas Emergency Continuity of Operations Plan, Kansas Governor Laura received her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday afternoon at the Eisenhower Center, Nickell Armory.

The governor said she wanted to assure Kansans that the process was quick and easy.

&nbsp;"I have complete confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. I urge everyone, when it’s your turn, get yourself vaccinated.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609374055662.png" alt="The governor received the Moderna vaccine just after 5p.m. -Photo courtesy office of Governor Laura Kelly " />
 <figcaption>The governor received the Moderna vaccine just after 5p.m. -Photo courtesy office of Governor Laura Kelly </figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Following the Kansas Emergency Continuity of Operations Plan, Kansas Governor Laura received her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday afternoon at the Eisenhower Center, Nickell Armory.The governor said she wanted to assure Kansans that the process was quick and easy.&nbsp;"I have complete confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. I urge everyone, when it’s your turn, get yourself vaccinated.&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly receives first dose of COVID-19 vaccine

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities have located a vehicle that was sought in a fatal hit-and-run crash in which the victim was left lying on the side of a street for more than 48 hours before he was found.

Police spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina said Wednesday that the occupants of the vehicle also had been identified but that no one was immediately arrested.

Police said previously that 24-year-old Deyonta Tenner was on foot Dec. 18 when a speeding vehicle left the roadway and struck him. But it wasn’t until Dec. 20 that someone called authorities to report the body near the road.

Becchina said it usually takes several weeks before crash investigations are completed and a case file is submitted to prosecutors for consideration of charges

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608659142070.png" alt="The vehicle involved in the fatal-hit and run crash-photo KC Police" />
 <figcaption>The vehicle involved in the fatal-hit and run crash-photo KC Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Authorities have located a vehicle that was sought in a fatal hit-and-run crash in which the victim was left lying on the side of a street for more than 48 hours before he was found.Police spokesman Sgt. Jacob Becchina said Wednesday that the occupants of the vehicle also had been identified but that no one was immediately arrested.Police said previously that 24-year-old Deyonta Tenner was on foot Dec. 18 when a speeding vehicle left the roadway and struck him. But it wasn’t until Dec. 20 that someone called authorities to report the body near the road.Becchina said it usually takes several weeks before crash investigations are completed and a case file is submitted to prosecutors for consideration of charges

Police locate vehicle in deadly Kansas City hit-and-run

TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas felon after an arrest.

Just after 3:30p.m. Tuesday, the Kansas Fugitive Apprehension Task Force and Kansas Highway Patrol observed a suspect wanted on felony warrants through Shawnee County and the Kansas Department of Corrections in the 400 Block of SE Branner Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith.

 After a short pursuit, officers took 36-year-old David Jackson of Topeka&nbsp; into custody in 3200 Block of SE Adams Street without incident.&nbsp;

Jackson is being held in&nbsp;the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include the Felony Shawnee County warrant, and a Felony Kansas Department of Correction Parole Absconder warrant, according to Monasmith.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609328961584.png" alt="Jackson has previous convictions for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, forgery and flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Jackson has previous convictions for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, forgery and flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a wanted Kansas felon after an arrest.Just after 3:30p.m. Tuesday, the Kansas Fugitive Apprehension Task Force and Kansas Highway Patrol observed a suspect wanted on felony warrants through Shawnee County and the Kansas Department of Corrections in the 400 Block of SE Branner Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Jerry Monasmith. After a short pursuit, officers took 36-year-old David Jackson of Topeka&nbsp; into custody in 3200 Block of SE Adams Street without incident.&nbsp;Jackson is being held in&nbsp;the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include the Felony Shawnee County warrant, and a Felony Kansas Department of Correction Parole Absconder warrant, according to Monasmith.

Kansas fugitive task force, KHP track down wanted man

TOPEKA—Kansas Governor Laura Kelly held a press briefing Wednesday afternoon before she receives the first of two COVID-19 vaccine shots.

Some top Republican officials have passed on getting the vaccine for now because all health care workers and nursing home residents haven’t received theirs. 

Kelly designated herself and 10 other state officials as eligible to start vaccinations this week in an effort to protect state government’s “continuity of operations.” 

Four eligible legislative leaders and GOP Attorney General Derek Schmidt say they will wait. Most of those Republicans say they don't want to jump in line ahead of health care workers, nursing home residents and other vulnerable Kansans.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 6,371 to a total of 222,433 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,741 an increase of 193.

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

TOPEKA—Kansas Governor Laura Kelly held a press briefing Wednesday afternoon before she receives the first of two COVID-19 vaccine shots.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F425099755569508%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Some top Republican officials have passed on getting the vaccine for now because all health care workers and nursing home residents haven’t received theirs. Kelly designated herself and 10 other state officials as eligible to start vaccinations this week in an effort to protect state government’s “continuity of operations.” Four eligible legislative leaders and GOP Attorney General Derek Schmidt say they will wait. Most of those Republicans say they don't want to jump in line ahead of health care workers, nursing home residents and other vulnerable Kansans.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 6,371 to a total of 222,433 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,741 an increase of 193.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609351693273.png" alt="Wednesday Dec. 30, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Dec. 30, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥  Gov. answers questions before receiving COVID vaccine

SALINE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating the burglary of a vehicle that belonged to a Salina police officer.

Between 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and 3:20 a.m. Wednesday, someone entered the unlocked personal vehicle of a Salina police officer in the unincorporated Saline County Community Kipp, according to Sheriff Roger Solday.

The suspect took a the officers's badge, ballistic vest, a taser, a body camera, a Kenwood portable radio, a Glock 9mm hand gun, flashlight, 52 rounds of 9mm ammunition, OC spray (pepper spray), an ASP expandable baton,&nbsp; emergency tourniquet belt holder,&nbsp;&nbsp;black duty belt, a black and blue knife, a handcuff pouch and a magazine pouch

The total loss was estimated at $5,036, according to Soldan.

"We obviously take the theft of police equipment, to include a department issued handgun, extremely seriously. An Internal Affairs investigation will take place," Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson told Salina Post Wednesday.

Saline County deputies were also busy Wednesday taking two other vehicle burglary reports in Kipp and a third report near there, according to Soldan.

SALINE COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating the burglary of a vehicle that belonged to a Salina police officer.Between 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and 3:20 a.m. Wednesday, someone entered the unlocked personal vehicle of a Salina police officer in the unincorporated Saline County Community Kipp, according to Sheriff Roger Solday.The suspect took a the officers's badge, ballistic vest, a taser, a body camera, a Kenwood portable radio, a Glock 9mm hand gun, flashlight, 52 rounds of 9mm ammunition, OC spray (pepper spray), an ASP expandable baton,&nbsp; emergency tourniquet belt holder,&nbsp;&nbsp;black duty belt, a black and blue knife, a handcuff pouch and a magazine pouchThe total loss was estimated at $5,036, according to Soldan."We obviously take the theft of police equipment, to include a department issued handgun, extremely seriously. An Internal Affairs investigation will take place," Salina Police Chief Brad Nelson told Salina Post Wednesday.Saline County deputies were also busy Wednesday taking two other vehicle burglary reports in Kipp and a third report near there, according to Soldan.

Investigation after burglary of police equipment in Saline Co.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said Wednesday he will raise objections next week when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-count-electoral-college-vote-5605532631a251ac8f902d1d1ca55428">Congress meets to affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory</a>&nbsp;in the election, forcing House and Senate votes that are likely to delay — but in no way alter — the final&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-270-electoral-college-vote-d429ef97af2bf574d16463384dc7cc1e">certification</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">Biden’s win</a>.

President Donald Trump has, without evidence, claimed there was widespread fraud in the election. He has pushed Republican senators to pursue his unfounded charges even though the Electoral College this month cemented Biden’s 306-232 victory and multiple legal efforts to challenge the results have failed.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-mo-brooks-elections-927d23e741ff7b2ca73afe734ffe278d">A group of Republicans</a>&nbsp;in the Democratic-majority House have already said they will object on Trump’s behalf during the Jan. 6 count of electoral votes, and they had needed just a single senator to go along with them to force votes in both chambers.

Without giving specifics or evidence, Hawley said he would object because “some states, including notably Pennsylvania” did not follow their own election laws. Lawsuits challenging Biden’s victory in Pennsylvania have been unsuccessful.

“At the very least, Congress should investigate allegations of voter fraud and adopt measures to secure the integrity of our elections,” Hawley said in a statement. He also criticized the way Facebook and Twitter handled content related to the election, characterizing it as an effort to help Biden.

Biden transition spokeswoman Jen Psaki dismissed Hawley’s move as “antics” that will have no bearing on Biden being sworn in on Jan. 20.

“The American people spoke resoundingly in this election and 81 million people have voted for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris,” Psaki said in a call with reporters. She added: “Congress will certify the results of the election as they do every four years.”

When Congress convenes to certify the Electoral College results, any lawmaker can object to a state’s votes on any grounds. But the objection is not taken up unless it is in writing and signed by both a member of the House and a member of the Senate.

When there is such a request, then the joint session suspends and the House and Senate go into separate sessions to consider it. For the objection to be sustained, both chambers must agree to it by a simple majority vote. If they disagree, the original electoral votes are counted.

The last time such an objection was considered was 2005, when Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Ohio and Sen. Barbara Boxer of California, both Democrats, objected to Ohio’s electoral votes by claiming there were voting irregularities. Both chambers debated the objection and rejected it. It was only the second time such a vote had occurred.

As president of the Senate, Vice President Mike Pence will preside over the Jan. 6 session and declare the winner.

Asked about Hawley’s announcement, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said, “I have no doubt that on next Wednesday, a week from today, that Joe Biden will be confirmed by the acceptance of the vote of the electoral college as the 46th president of the United States.”

Hawley is a first-term senator and potential contender in the 2024 presidential primary, and his decision to join the House objectors is rebuff to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-congratulates-joe-biden-2ed09a34fbbc3342fe45c733ee0dd725">had asked his caucus not to participate</a>&nbsp;in a futile quest to overturn the results.

Aware that the Democratic-led House would not support such a challenge and that it would put most of his fellow GOP senators in a bind, McConnell told them on a private call Dec. 15 that it would be a “terrible vote” to have to take.

While some Republicans have echoed Trump’s unsubstantiated claims, or at least refused to counter them, McConnell and an increasing number of GOP senators have acknowledged that Biden won and will be inaugurated Jan. 20.

The Senate’s No. 2 Republican, South Dakota Sen. John Thune, said earlier this month that if the Senate were forced to vote on a challenge “it would go down like a shot dog.” Thune said it didn’t make sense to put senators through a vote when “you know what the ultimate outcome is gonna be.”

A range of nonpartisan election officials and Republicans have confirmed there was no fraud in the November contest that would change the results of the election. That includes former Attorney General William Barr, who said he saw no reason to appoint a special counsel to look into the president’s claims about the 2020 election. He then resigned from his post last week.

Trump and his allies have filed roughly 50 lawsuits challenging election results, and nearly all have been dismissed or dropped. He’s also lost twice at the Supreme Court.

The group of House Republicans have said they plan to challenge the election results from Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Nevada. All are states that Biden carried.

Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks, one of the Republicans who is leading the efforts, has raised questions about the way state elections were conducted. Some of the states made changes to ballots and procedures during the pandemic. While the new procedures may have led to confusion in some places, state and federal officials have said there was no credible evidence of widespread fraud.

In addition to having to go on the record with a vote, Republicans are worried about negative effects on the two Senate runoff elections in Georgia on Tuesday. GOP Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler face Democratic challengers Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in a state that flipped in November for Biden.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609348263149.png" alt="Missouri Senator Josh Hawley-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Missouri Senator Josh Hawley-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said Wednesday he will raise objections next week when&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-count-electoral-college-vote-5605532631a251ac8f902d1d1ca55428">Congress meets to affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory</a>&nbsp;in the election, forcing House and Senate votes that are likely to delay — but in no way alter — the final&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-270-electoral-college-vote-d429ef97af2bf574d16463384dc7cc1e">certification</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-wins-white-house-ap-fd58df73aa677acb74fce2a69adb71f9">Biden’s win</a>.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Millions of voters concerned about election integrity deserve to be heard. I will object on January 6 on their behalf <a href="https://t.co/kTaaPPJGHE">pic.twitter.com/kTaaPPJGHE</a>&mdash; Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/HawleyMO/status/1344307458085412867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>President Donald Trump has, without evidence, claimed there was widespread fraud in the election. He has pushed Republican senators to pursue his unfounded charges even though the Electoral College this month cemented Biden’s 306-232 victory and multiple legal efforts to challenge the results have failed.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-mo-brooks-elections-927d23e741ff7b2ca73afe734ffe278d">A group of Republicans</a>&nbsp;in the Democratic-majority House have already said they will object on Trump’s behalf during the Jan. 6 count of electoral votes, and they had needed just a single senator to go along with them to force votes in both chambers.Without giving specifics or evidence, Hawley said he would object because “some states, including notably Pennsylvania” did not follow their own election laws. Lawsuits challenging Biden’s victory in Pennsylvania have been unsuccessful.“At the very least, Congress should investigate allegations of voter fraud and adopt measures to secure the integrity of our elections,” Hawley said in a statement. He also criticized the way Facebook and Twitter handled content related to the election, characterizing it as an effort to help Biden.Biden transition spokeswoman Jen Psaki dismissed Hawley’s move as “antics” that will have no bearing on Biden being sworn in on Jan. 20.“The American people spoke resoundingly in this election and 81 million people have voted for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris,” Psaki said in a call with reporters. She added: “Congress will certify the results of the election as they do every four years.”When Congress convenes to certify the Electoral College results, any lawmaker can object to a state’s votes on any grounds. But the objection is not taken up unless it is in writing and signed by both a member of the House and a member of the Senate.When there is such a request, then the joint session suspends and the House and Senate go into separate sessions to consider it. For the objection to be sustained, both chambers must agree to it by a simple majority vote. If they disagree, the original electoral votes are counted.The last time such an objection was considered was 2005, when Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Ohio and Sen. Barbara Boxer of California, both Democrats, objected to Ohio’s electoral votes by claiming there were voting irregularities. Both chambers debated the objection and rejected it. It was only the second time such a vote had occurred.As president of the Senate, Vice President Mike Pence will preside over the Jan. 6 session and declare the winner.Asked about Hawley’s announcement, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said, “I have no doubt that on next Wednesday, a week from today, that Joe Biden will be confirmed by the acceptance of the vote of the electoral college as the 46th president of the United States.”Hawley is a first-term senator and potential contender in the 2024 presidential primary, and his decision to join the House objectors is rebuff to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mitch-mcconnell-congratulates-joe-biden-2ed09a34fbbc3342fe45c733ee0dd725">had asked his caucus not to participate</a>&nbsp;in a futile quest to overturn the results.Aware that the Democratic-led House would not support such a challenge and that it would put most of his fellow GOP senators in a bind, McConnell told them on a private call Dec. 15 that it would be a “terrible vote” to have to take.While some Republicans have echoed Trump’s unsubstantiated claims, or at least refused to counter them, McConnell and an increasing number of GOP senators have acknowledged that Biden won and will be inaugurated Jan. 20.The Senate’s No. 2 Republican, South Dakota Sen. John Thune, said earlier this month that if the Senate were forced to vote on a challenge “it would go down like a shot dog.” Thune said it didn’t make sense to put senators through a vote when “you know what the ultimate outcome is gonna be.”A range of nonpartisan election officials and Republicans have confirmed there was no fraud in the November contest that would change the results of the election. That includes former Attorney General William Barr, who said he saw no reason to appoint a special counsel to look into the president’s claims about the 2020 election. He then resigned from his post last week.Trump and his allies have filed roughly 50 lawsuits challenging election results, and nearly all have been dismissed or dropped. He’s also lost twice at the Supreme Court.The group of House Republicans have said they plan to challenge the election results from Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Nevada. All are states that Biden carried.Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks, one of the Republicans who is leading the efforts, has raised questions about the way state elections were conducted. Some of the states made changes to ballots and procedures during the pandemic. While the new procedures may have led to confusion in some places, state and federal officials have said there was no credible evidence of widespread fraud.In addition to having to go on the record with a vote, Republicans are worried about negative effects on the two Senate runoff elections in Georgia on Tuesday. GOP Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler face Democratic challengers Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in a state that flipped in November for Biden.

Mo. senator will contest Electoral College results favoring Biden

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 6,371 to a total of 222,433 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,741 an increase of 193

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 6,371 to a total of 222,433 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,741 an increase of 193<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional numbers from the KDHE.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1609351693273.png" alt="Wednesday Dec. 30, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Dec. 30, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

DENVER (AP) — The new and seemingly more contagious variant of the coronavirus that has set off alarm in Britain has been reported for the first time in the U.S., in a Colorado man who hadn’t been traveling, triggering a host of questions about how it got here and adding urgency to the nation’s vaccination drive.

The patient, a man in his 20s from a mostly rural expanse on the edge of the metropolitan Denver area, was recovering in isolation, state officials said Tuesday. His condition was not disclosed. Authorities in Elbert County were also investigating the possibility of a second case.

The new, mutated version was first identified in Britain, where infections are soaring and the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients has surpassed the first peak seen last spring. The variant has also been found in several other countries.

“There is a lot we don’t know about this new COVID-19 variant, but scientists in the United Kingdom are warning the world that it is significantly more contagious,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said. “The health and safety of Coloradans is our top priority, and we will closely monitor this case, as well as all COVID-19 indicators, very closely.”

The variant is probably still rare in the U.S., but the lack of travel history in the first case means it is spreading, perhaps seeded by visitors from Britain in November or December, said scientist Trevor Bedford, who studies the spread of COVID-19 at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.

“Now I’m worried there will be another spring wave due to the variant,” Bedford said. “It’s a race with the vaccine, but now the virus has just gotten a little bit faster.”

Colorado Politics&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coloradopolitics.com/coronavirus/colorado-has-first-case-of-covid-19-variant-virus-from-uk-updated/article_b3273b18-4a1d-11eb-9b61-3b6fc6008765.html" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;a second suspected case in the state. Both patients were working in the Elbert County community of Simla. Neither is a resident of the county, suggesting the variant has spread in the state.

Public health officials are investigating other potential cases of the variant, which was confirmed by the Colorado State Laboratory, and performing contact tracing to determine its spread.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608566572342.png" alt="Image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — The new and seemingly more contagious variant of the coronavirus that has set off alarm in Britain has been reported for the first time in the U.S., in a Colorado man who hadn’t been traveling, triggering a host of questions about how it got here and adding urgency to the nation’s vaccination drive.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today we discovered Colorado’s first case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7, the same variant discovered in the UK. The health and safety of Coloradans is our top priority and we will monitor this case, as well as all COVID-19 indicators, very closely. <a href="https://t.co/fjyq7QhzBi">pic.twitter.com/fjyq7QhzBi</a>&mdash; Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovofCO/status/1344031800230780933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The patient, a man in his 20s from a mostly rural expanse on the edge of the metropolitan Denver area, was recovering in isolation, state officials said Tuesday. His condition was not disclosed. Authorities in Elbert County were also investigating the possibility of a second case.The new, mutated version was first identified in Britain, where infections are soaring and the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients has surpassed the first peak seen last spring. The variant has also been found in several other countries.“There is a lot we don’t know about this new COVID-19 variant, but scientists in the United Kingdom are warning the world that it is significantly more contagious,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said. “The health and safety of Coloradans is our top priority, and we will closely monitor this case, as well as all COVID-19 indicators, very closely.”The variant is probably still rare in the U.S., but the lack of travel history in the first case means it is spreading, perhaps seeded by visitors from Britain in November or December, said scientist Trevor Bedford, who studies the spread of COVID-19 at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.“Now I’m worried there will be another spring wave due to the variant,” Bedford said. “It’s a race with the vaccine, but now the virus has just gotten a little bit faster.”Colorado Politics&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coloradopolitics.com/coronavirus/colorado-has-first-case-of-covid-19-variant-virus-from-uk-updated/article_b3273b18-4a1d-11eb-9b61-3b6fc6008765.html" target="_blank">reported</a>&nbsp;a second suspected case in the state. Both patients were working in the Elbert County community of Simla. Neither is a resident of the county, suggesting the variant has spread in the state.Public health officials are investigating other potential cases of the variant, which was confirmed by the Colorado State Laboratory, and performing contact tracing to determine its spread.Scientists in Britain have found no evidence that it is more lethal or causes more severe illness, and they believe the vaccines now being dispensed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-anthony-fauci-infectious-diseases-coronavirus-pandemic-6839fde8261b404ef995c682017b5a84">will be effective</a>&nbsp;against it. Still, authorities have blamed it for the country’s spike in hospitalizations.The discovery of the variant overseas led the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue rules on Christmas Day requiring travelers arriving from Britain to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reported the weekend before Christmas that the variant was moving rapidly through London and southeast England. The region was placed under strict lockdown measures, and dozens of countries banned flights from Britain. France also briefly barred trucks from Britain before allowing them in provided the drivers got tested for the virus.Japan announced Monday it would bar all nonresident foreigners as a precaution.New versions of the virus have been seen almost since it was first detected in China a year ago. It is common for viruses to undergo minor changes as they reproduce and move through a population. The fear is that mutations will become significant enough to defeat the vaccines.South Africa has also discovered a highly contagious COVID-19 variant that is driving the country’s latest spike of cases, hospitalizations and deaths.___DENVER (AP) — The first reported U.S. case of the COVID-19 variant that’s been seen in the United Kingdom has been discovered in Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis announced Tuesday.The variant was found in a man in his 20s who is in isolation southeast of Denver and has no travel history, state health officials said.The Colorado State Laboratory confirmed the virus variant, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was notified.Scientists in the U.K. believe the variant is more contagious than previously identified strains. The vaccines being given now are thought to be effective against the variant, Colorado health officials said in a news release.Public health officials are investigating other potential cases and performing contact tracing to determine the spread of the variant throughout the state.“There is a lot we don’t know about this new COVID-19 variant, but scientists in the United Kingdom are warning the world that it is significantly more contagious. The health and safety of Coloradans is our top priority, and we will closely monitor this case, as well as all COVID-19 indicators, very closely,” Polis said.Polis and state health officials are expected hold a news conference Wednesday.The discovery of the new variant led the CDC to issue new rules on Christmas Day for travelers arriving to the U.S. from the U.K., requiring they show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.Worry has been growing about the variant since Saturday, when Britain’s prime minister said a new strain of the coronavirus seemed to spread more easily than earlier ones and was moving rapidly through England. The nation’s first variant case was identified in southeast England.Dozens of countries barred flights from the U.K., and southern England was placed under strict lockdown measures. Scientists say there is reason for concern but the new strains&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/england-infectious-diseases-coronavirus-pandemic-united-nations-anthony-fauci-602511040a443320c390ee9ae7527276">should not cause alarm.</a>Japan announced Monday it would bar entry of all nonresident foreign nationals as a precaution against the new strain.New variants of the coronavirus have been seen almost since the virus was first detected in China nearly a year ago. It is common for viruses to undergo minor changes as they reproduce and move through a population. The slight modifications are how scientists track the spread of a virus from one place to another.But if the virus has significant mutations, one concern is that current vaccines might no longer offer the same protections. Although that’s a possibility to watch for over time with the coronavirus, experts say they don’t believe it will be the case with the latest variant.The variant has also been found in Canada, Italy, India and the United Arab Emirates.