TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said Wednesday that Kansas should stop giving local officials the final say over the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic because experience has shown “a patchwork approach” does not work.

Kelly made the comments during an Associated Press interview a day after she and her top health administrator argued that Kansas is now controlling the spread of COVID-19 despite its high case numbers. They argued that the state is seeing the benefits of a “unified” state strategy to boost testing and an increased willingness by the state’s 105 counties to require people to wear masks, which she has pushed for months.

The governor also said she would like legislators to rewrite a law that allows people exposed to COVID-19 to avoid providing information that would allow health officials to trace their close contacts. The law was enacted to protect people’s privacy, but health officials said it hinders disease tracking.

The Republican-controlled Legislature already has committed to considering changes in emergency management laws after opening its annual 90-day session Jan. 11. Lawmakers enacted&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/documents/summary_hb_2016_2020special" target="_blank">a law</a>&nbsp;in June covering the current pandemic, but its provisions and a state of emergency for the pandemic expire Jan. 26 if lawmakers do nothing.

“I would hope that rather than look at this through a political lens, that they would really look at it through lessons learned,” she said. “Well, if they look back, one of the things we learned is that a patchwork approach to a pandemic does not work.”

Kelly is likely to face strong resistance from Republicans for returning power to manage a pandemic to the governor’s office, particularly the authority to close businesses or impose statewide restrictions such as mask mandates. GOP leaders have argued repeatedly that local officials are best positioned to decide what works.

A top Republican in the GOP-controlled Legislature suggested Wednesday that the state is seeing success now in battling COVID-19 because Kelly adopted a softer, GOP-backed approach to dealing with the pandemic. In late October, Kelly contemplated forcing out-of-session legislators to reconvene to impose a statewide mask mandate, but top lawmakers pushed her instead to work with local officials. Efforts since have included a pro-mask public relations campaign.

“We asked the governor to take a new approach — one that appealed to Kansans to take care of each other instead of invoking fear and mandates,” House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican, said in a text to The Associated Press. “We’re optimistic that this new approach is working.”

Data released by the state health department showed that Kansas averaged 2,160 new cases a day, along with 53 new COVID-19 hospitalizations and 36 deaths a day for the seven days ending Wednesday. But Kansas’ new case counts have been trending lower since peaking at an average of 2,767 for the seven days that ended Nov. 18.

Kansas added 5,089 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases since Monday, pushing its pandemic total to 209,689. It added another 59 deaths, raising its COVID-19 death toll to 2,507.

Kelly and Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department, are now citing another statistic that relies on complex data and the accuracy of reported case numbers. It is seeks to measure how many other people an infected person is infecting in turn. Kelly and Norman said for Kansas, it has dropped to a statewide figure low enough to keep new case rates dropping if it is sustained over time. Norman acknowledged there are still virus hotspots generating new cases, though.

Kelly kept a statewide stay-at-home order in place for five weeks in the spring to check the spread of COVID-19. Top Republican lawmakers thought she was too slow to reopen the economy and later forced her to accept local control over mask rules and restrictions on businesses.

“If they look back and they’re honest about what worked and what didn’t work, I think they’ll take a different approach,” Kelly said.

Her comments came as doses of coronavirus vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna are being given to front-line health care workers.

Kelly’s staff has said the 70-year-old governor won’t get her first dose until it’s her turn. But she said Wednesday that the state is looking at giving shots to some officials for “continuity of operations.”

The health care workers who’ve received shots include Kelly’s 71-year-old husband, first gentleman Dr. Ted Daughety. He had retired as a pulmonary and sleep specialist, Kelly said, but he started working part-time again Friday at a respiratory clinic, screening patients with potential flu, pneumonia or COVID-19 symptoms before surgeries.

“Ted is extremely cautious, and you know, he’s worked in ICUs for years and understands what he needs to do,” she said. “He’s got full PPE on. He’s double-gloved. He’s got booties on. He’s got the mask and shield.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1593901245395.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said Wednesday that Kansas should stop giving local officials the final say over the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic because experience has shown “a patchwork approach” does not work.Kelly made the comments during an Associated Press interview a day after she and her top health administrator argued that Kansas is now controlling the spread of COVID-19 despite its high case numbers. They argued that the state is seeing the benefits of a “unified” state strategy to boost testing and an increased willingness by the state’s 105 counties to require people to wear masks, which she has pushed for months.The governor also said she would like legislators to rewrite a law that allows people exposed to COVID-19 to avoid providing information that would allow health officials to trace their close contacts. The law was enacted to protect people’s privacy, but health officials said it hinders disease tracking.The Republican-controlled Legislature already has committed to considering changes in emergency management laws after opening its annual 90-day session Jan. 11. Lawmakers enacted&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li_2020s/b2020s/measures/documents/summary_hb_2016_2020special" target="_blank">a law</a>&nbsp;in June covering the current pandemic, but its provisions and a state of emergency for the pandemic expire Jan. 26 if lawmakers do nothing.“I would hope that rather than look at this through a political lens, that they would really look at it through lessons learned,” she said. “Well, if they look back, one of the things we learned is that a patchwork approach to a pandemic does not work.”Kelly is likely to face strong resistance from Republicans for returning power to manage a pandemic to the governor’s office, particularly the authority to close businesses or impose statewide restrictions such as mask mandates. GOP leaders have argued repeatedly that local officials are best positioned to decide what works.A top Republican in the GOP-controlled Legislature suggested Wednesday that the state is seeing success now in battling COVID-19 because Kelly adopted a softer, GOP-backed approach to dealing with the pandemic. In late October, Kelly contemplated forcing out-of-session legislators to reconvene to impose a statewide mask mandate, but top lawmakers pushed her instead to work with local officials. Efforts since have included a pro-mask public relations campaign.“We asked the governor to take a new approach — one that appealed to Kansans to take care of each other instead of invoking fear and mandates,” House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., an Olathe Republican, said in a text to The Associated Press. “We’re optimistic that this new approach is working.”Data released by the state health department showed that Kansas averaged 2,160 new cases a day, along with 53 new COVID-19 hospitalizations and 36 deaths a day for the seven days ending Wednesday. But Kansas’ new case counts have been trending lower since peaking at an average of 2,767 for the seven days that ended Nov. 18.Kansas added 5,089 confirmed and probable coronavirus cases since Monday, pushing its pandemic total to 209,689. It added another 59 deaths, raising its COVID-19 death toll to 2,507.Kelly and Dr. Lee Norman, head of the state health department, are now citing another statistic that relies on complex data and the accuracy of reported case numbers. It is seeks to measure how many other people an infected person is infecting in turn. Kelly and Norman said for Kansas, it has dropped to a statewide figure low enough to keep new case rates dropping if it is sustained over time. Norman acknowledged there are still virus hotspots generating new cases, though.Kelly kept a statewide stay-at-home order in place for five weeks in the spring to check the spread of COVID-19. Top Republican lawmakers thought she was too slow to reopen the economy and later forced her to accept local control over mask rules and restrictions on businesses.“If they look back and they’re honest about what worked and what didn’t work, I think they’ll take a different approach,” Kelly said.Her comments came as doses of coronavirus vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna are being given to front-line health care workers.Kelly’s staff has said the 70-year-old governor won’t get her first dose until it’s her turn. But she said Wednesday that the state is looking at giving shots to some officials for “continuity of operations.”The health care workers who’ve received shots include Kelly’s 71-year-old husband, first gentleman Dr. Ted Daughety. He had retired as a pulmonary and sleep specialist, Kelly said, but he started working part-time again Friday at a respiratory clinic, screening patients with potential flu, pneumonia or COVID-19 symptoms before surgeries.“Ted is extremely cautious, and you know, he’s worked in ICUs for years and understands what he needs to do,” she said. “He’s got full PPE on. He’s double-gloved. He’s got booties on. He’s got the mask and shield.”___

Governor: Kansas should drop local control of COVID-19 rules

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in Topeka.

Just after 11:00a.m. Wednesday, a fire was discovered within the home at 111 NW Kendall Avenue, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.

Upon arrival fire crews found light smoke and flames visible from a side window. An attack was made on the fire to contain it but not before extensive fire, smoke and water damage was incurred.&nbsp; All occupants of the home were able to escape unharmed.

A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as Undetermined; more likely than not accidental within the partially unfinished basement space, according to Harrison.

An Estimated dollar loss – $75,000.00; of which $50,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $25,000.00 associated with contents loss.

Working smoke detectors were present within the home, according to Harrison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608752228396.png" alt="Fire at a home on Wednesday in Topeka -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Fire at a home on Wednesday in Topeka -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities are working to determine the cause of a fire at a home in Topeka.Just after 11:00a.m. Wednesday, a fire was discovered within the home at 111 NW Kendall Avenue, according to Fire Marshal Todd Harrison.Upon arrival fire crews found light smoke and flames visible from a side window. An attack was made on the fire to contain it but not before extensive fire, smoke and water damage was incurred.&nbsp; All occupants of the home were able to escape unharmed.A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as Undetermined; more likely than not accidental within the partially unfinished basement space, according to Harrison.An Estimated dollar loss – $75,000.00; of which $50,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $25,000.00 associated with contents loss.Working smoke detectors were present within the home, according to Harrison.

Extensive damage, no injuries after fire at Kansas home

PAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities investigating the Dec. 11 shooting of 2 men in Burdett, Kansas have made an arrest, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.

Both victims are expected to make full recoveries. The KBI presented its formal findings to the Pawnee County Attorney Tuesday and arrest warrants were issued for four individuals alleged to be involved in the matter.

On Wednesday, the KBI arrested Thomas R. Jones, III, aka Tre Jones, 21 of Larned, and Tristin M. Scott, 18 of Larned along with two juveniles. The juveniles were arrested separately and are being held in a juvenile detention center.&nbsp;

In court Wednesday,&nbsp;Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell&nbsp; charged Jones with two counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder, Attempted Aggravated Robbery, Conspiracy to Committed Aggravated Robbery, two felony counts of Contributing to a Child’s Misconduct by encouraging the committing of a felony, two counts of felony Aggravated Endangering a Child and felony Inference with Law Enforcement, to wit: concealing of evidence.&nbsp;

Scott was charged with Attempted Aggravated Robbery, Conspiracy to Committed Aggravated Robbery, two felony counts of Contributing to a Child’s Misconduct by encouraging the committing of a felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and two counts of felony Aggravated Endangering a Child.&nbsp;

A Preliminary Hearing for Jones has been scheduled for January 5, 2021. Scott’s Preliminary Hearing is currently scheduled for January 6, 2021. The defendants are being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff in lieu of bond.

The juveniles are scheduled for a detention hearing Dec. 28, according to McNett.

PAWNEE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after two men were shot overnight in Burdett, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.

Just before 12:20 a.m., Pawnee County Communications received a 911 call after a man was shot at a house at&nbsp;701 Elm St., in&nbsp;Burdett. Deputies from the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, and EMS from both Burdett and Larned responded to the scene.

Before deputies arrived, dispatch was advised through another emergency call, that a second male shooting victim was identified at a house a block away from the first call. Investigators from the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office, the Hodgeman County Sheriff’s Office, the Larned Police Department, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal also responded to assist.

Investigators believe both victims were together when they were shot outside the house at 701 Elm St. The second man was able to run to a house northwest of the area to get help.

The first victim was a 51-year-old man from Burdett, who was treated for several gunshot wounds and was transported by EMS to a Wichita hospital. He is recovering from surgery and currently in serious condition.

The second victim, a 30-year-old man from Burdett, was taken to Pawnee Valley Community Hospital. He was treated for a gunshot wound, and has since been released.

Anyone with information related to this shooting is asked to call the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 285-2211.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608771834329.png" alt="Thomas Jones photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Thomas Jones photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities investigating the Dec. 11 shooting of 2 men in Burdett, Kansas have made an arrest, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett.Both victims are expected to make full recoveries. The KBI presented its formal findings to the Pawnee County Attorney Tuesday and arrest warrants were issued for four individuals alleged to be involved in the matter.On Wednesday, the KBI arrested Thomas R. Jones, III, aka Tre Jones, 21 of Larned, and Tristin M. Scott, 18 of Larned along with two juveniles. The juveniles were arrested separately and are being held in a juvenile detention center.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608771797890.png" alt="Tristin Scott" />
 <figcaption>Tristin Scott</figcaption>
 </figure>In court Wednesday,&nbsp;Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell&nbsp; charged Jones with two counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder, Attempted Aggravated Robbery, Conspiracy to Committed Aggravated Robbery, two felony counts of Contributing to a Child’s Misconduct by encouraging the committing of a felony, two counts of felony Aggravated Endangering a Child and felony Inference with Law Enforcement, to wit: concealing of evidence.&nbsp;Scott was charged with Attempted Aggravated Robbery, Conspiracy to Committed Aggravated Robbery, two felony counts of Contributing to a Child’s Misconduct by encouraging the committing of a felony, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and two counts of felony Aggravated Endangering a Child.&nbsp;A Preliminary Hearing for Jones has been scheduled for January 5, 2021. Scott’s Preliminary Hearing is currently scheduled for January 6, 2021. The defendants are being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff in lieu of bond.The juveniles are scheduled for a detention hearing Dec. 28, according to McNett.---------PAWNEE COUNTY – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after two men were shot overnight in Burdett, Kansas, according to a media release from the KBI.Just before 12:20 a.m., Pawnee County Communications received a 911 call after a man was shot at a house at&nbsp;701 Elm St., in&nbsp;Burdett. Deputies from the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, and EMS from both Burdett and Larned responded to the scene.Before deputies arrived, dispatch was advised through another emergency call, that a second male shooting victim was identified at a house a block away from the first call. Investigators from the Edwards County Sheriff’s Office, the Hodgeman County Sheriff’s Office, the Larned Police Department, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal also responded to assist.Investigators believe both victims were together when they were shot outside the house at 701 Elm St. The second man was able to run to a house northwest of the area to get help.The first victim was a 51-year-old man from Burdett, who was treated for several gunshot wounds and was transported by EMS to a Wichita hospital. He is recovering from surgery and currently in serious condition.The second victim, a 30-year-old man from Burdett, was taken to Pawnee Valley Community Hospital. He was treated for a gunshot wound, and has since been released.Anyone with information related to this shooting is asked to call the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office at (620) 285-2211.

KBI makes 4 arrests for shooting in Pawnee Co.

COLE CAMP, Mo. (AP) — A 4-year-old girl died after being dunked in an icy pond and beaten by two neighbors who claimed it was necessary to remove a “demon,” a Missouri sheriff said Tuesday.

Ethan Mast, 35, and Kourtney Aumen, 21, are charged with second-degree murder and other offenses. Both are jailed without bond and don’t yet have attorneys, according to court records.

“Based on what I know, I think this could be some kind of honest-to-goodness religious-type episode,” Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox said in a phone interview. The suspects and the victimized family belonged to the same church, but Knox declined to name the church or its denomination.

Deputies were called around 1 a.m. Sunday to a rural home near the town of Cole Camp and found the 4-year-old wrapped in a blanket on a bedroom floor. A probable cause statement from Sgt. Chris Wilson said the girl was already dead and had “severe purple bruising” over her body, along with ruptured blisters.

Knox said the girl's parents also had been beaten along with a 2-year-old child. An infant son of the couple was apparently unharmed. The mother, 28-year-old Mary Mast, and the toddler are hospitalized. Their conditions weren't immediately available. The father of the children, James Mast, did not require hospitalization.

Despite having the same last names, Mary and James Mast are not related to Ethan Mast, Knox said.

Ethan Mast and Aumen live across the road from the family. James Mast told investigators that the beatings had occurred over several days and that he and his wife observed them but were told they would be beaten or shot if they tried to intervene.

Still, Wilson asked James Mast "how he could let people do this to his family and he stated they were told (his wife) had a ‘Demon’ inside her and her children would end up just like her if it was not taken care of,” Wilson wrote in the probable cause statement.

Ethan Mast told investigators that on Saturday, he and Aumen used a leather belt to beat the girl, the statement said. She was then taken to a pond behind the home where she was “dunked" in the water on a day when high temperatures were in the 40s.

Ethan Mast said everyone then returned to the victims’ home. It wasn’t clear when the child died. An autopsy will determine the cause of death. Knox said evidence indicated she was beaten to death.

Benton County, with about 19,000 residents, is about 100 miles southeast of Kansas City, Missouri.

“To have something of this magnitude happen in our sleepy little community is insane,” Knox said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608586492915.png" alt="Aumen" />
 <figcaption>Aumen</figcaption>
 </figure>COLE CAMP, Mo. (AP) — A 4-year-old girl died after being dunked in an icy pond and beaten by two neighbors who claimed it was necessary to remove a “demon,” a Missouri sheriff said Tuesday.Ethan Mast, 35, and Kourtney Aumen, 21, are charged with second-degree murder and other offenses. Both are jailed without bond and don’t yet have attorneys, according to court records.“Based on what I know, I think this could be some kind of honest-to-goodness religious-type episode,” Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox said in a phone interview. The suspects and the victimized family belonged to the same church, but Knox declined to name the church or its denomination.Deputies were called around 1 a.m. Sunday to a rural home near the town of Cole Camp and found the 4-year-old wrapped in a blanket on a bedroom floor. A probable cause statement from Sgt. Chris Wilson said the girl was already dead and had “severe purple bruising” over her body, along with ruptured blisters.Knox said the girl's parents also had been beaten along with a 2-year-old child. An infant son of the couple was apparently unharmed. The mother, 28-year-old Mary Mast, and the toddler are hospitalized. Their conditions weren't immediately available. The father of the children, James Mast, did not require hospitalization.Despite having the same last names, Mary and James Mast are not related to Ethan Mast, Knox said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608586514342.png" alt="Mast" />
 <figcaption>Mast</figcaption>
 </figure>Ethan Mast and Aumen live across the road from the family. James Mast told investigators that the beatings had occurred over several days and that he and his wife observed them but were told they would be beaten or shot if they tried to intervene.Still, Wilson asked James Mast "how he could let people do this to his family and he stated they were told (his wife) had a ‘Demon’ inside her and her children would end up just like her if it was not taken care of,” Wilson wrote in the probable cause statement.Ethan Mast told investigators that on Saturday, he and Aumen used a leather belt to beat the girl, the statement said. She was then taken to a pond behind the home where she was “dunked" in the water on a day when high temperatures were in the 40s.Ethan Mast said everyone then returned to the victims’ home. It wasn’t clear when the child died. An autopsy will determine the cause of death. Knox said evidence indicated she was beaten to death.Benton County, with about 19,000 residents, is about 100 miles southeast of Kansas City, Missouri.“To have something of this magnitude happen in our sleepy little community is insane,” Knox said.---------

Sheriff: 4-year-old's killers sought to remove 'demon'

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/23/new-covid-19-reports-describe-kansas-hospitals-struggling-close-to-the-edge/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Feedback from 
medical care providers through a new regional reporting system provides 
insight into the severity of stress the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on 
hospitals across the state.

In Abilene, a chief nurse 
reported this week there were two patients on cpap machines, which 
regulate air pressure ventilation, but the staff had never used the 
machines before.

In Hiawatha, a cardiac 
patient waited seven hours for a room while staff worked to keep the 
person alive without the tools they needed.

In Pittsburg, the hospital
 has 12 patients in intensive care but only 10 beds for them. Nine of 
the patients are on ventilators. Staff couldn’t find another place to 
send any of the patients.

In Lakin, a staff member 
calls seven to 12 centers three times per week to get updates on where 
to send patients. Usually, patients there would transfer to a hospital 
in north Texas where this is now a 10-bed waiting list.

In Hays, the hospital turned down 160 patients in November, 75% of them in the Hays region.

The feedback comes from a 
new initiative by Gov. Laura Kelly and legislative leaders to hold 
weekly calls with health care officials in each of seven regions across 
the state. John Rolph, a Wichita restaurateur who leads the regional 
calls, relayed the stories for Kelly and legislative leaders during a 
meeting Wednesday of the State Finance Council.

“We are very close to the 
edge,” Rolph said. “We’ve gotten comfortable being close to the edge, 
and it’s something that we’re going to want to continue to watch to see 
if there is indeed the anticipated post-holiday spike. That would put a 
lot of pressure on the system.”

The Kansas Department of 
Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 59 new deaths from COVID-19
 since Monday, as well as 5,089 new cases and 157 hospitalizations. The 
statewide totals from the start of the pandemic: 2,507 have died, and 
209,689 have been infected.

Also on Wednesday, the 
Shawnee County Medical Society urged Kansans to heed the advice of 
public health officials and avoid large gatherings during the upcoming 
holidays.

John Spethman, a family 
medicine physician in Topeka who serves as the society’s president, said
 his colleagues who work directly with COVID-19 patients have 
experienced more death and suffering than ever before. Patients in ICU 
only leave in two ways, he said — in a wheelchair, or headed to the 
morgue after dying alone.

Still, he said, he sees people in the community who refuse to wear a mask or practice social distancing.

“People aren’t getting 
that this is a very serious virus,” Spethman said. “And those who are on
 the front lines taking care of those who have it have been doing this 
constantly for months and months and months, and you have holidays and 
events and gatherings where personal protective guidelines are cast 
aside.”

The good news, Rolph said,
 is the arrival of vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, which provided “a 
real injection of hope” into the morale of health care workers.

Kelly said the tens of 
thousands of doses the state has received so far have been given almost 
exclusively to high-risk front line medical workers who provide care for
 COVID-19 patients. Employees of long-term care facilities and other 
health settings are now starting to get the vaccine, she said.

After mid-January, as more doses arrive, the vaccine will go to essential workers and people over the age of 75.

“We expect after the first
 of the year we will have a more definitive list of who will be back 
vaccinated when,” the governor said.

She also expressed hope 
that President Donald Trump would provide a Christmas blessing in the 
form of his signature on the COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress 
on Monday night. Trump has threatened to veto the package because he 
wants larger stimulus checks. If he doesn’t sign it by Saturday, Kelly 
said, the federal boost to unemployment aid will run out.

Kelly said it was too soon
 to know the full details of aid included in the relief package, or what
 strings might be tied to how the money can be used.

“We know what everybody else in the world knows right now,” she said.

Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608757751312.png" alt="Wichita restaurateur and community leader Jon Rolph is leading weekly calls with regional health care leaders and reporting back to the State Finance Council. (Screen capture by Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Wichita restaurateur and community leader Jon Rolph is leading weekly calls with regional health care leaders and reporting back to the State Finance Council. (Screen capture by Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/23/new-covid-19-reports-describe-kansas-hospitals-struggling-close-to-the-edge/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Feedback from 
medical care providers through a new regional reporting system provides 
insight into the severity of stress the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on 
hospitals across the state.In Abilene, a chief nurse 
reported this week there were two patients on cpap machines, which 
regulate air pressure ventilation, but the staff had never used the 
machines before.In Hiawatha, a cardiac 
patient waited seven hours for a room while staff worked to keep the 
person alive without the tools they needed.In Pittsburg, the hospital
 has 12 patients in intensive care but only 10 beds for them. Nine of 
the patients are on ventilators. Staff couldn’t find another place to 
send any of the patients.In Lakin, a staff member 
calls seven to 12 centers three times per week to get updates on where 
to send patients. Usually, patients there would transfer to a hospital 
in north Texas where this is now a 10-bed waiting list.In Hays, the hospital turned down 160 patients in November, 75% of them in the Hays region.The feedback comes from a 
new initiative by Gov. Laura Kelly and legislative leaders to hold 
weekly calls with health care officials in each of seven regions across 
the state. John Rolph, a Wichita restaurateur who leads the regional 
calls, relayed the stories for Kelly and legislative leaders during a 
meeting Wednesday of the State Finance Council.“We are very close to the 
edge,” Rolph said. “We’ve gotten comfortable being close to the edge, 
and it’s something that we’re going to want to continue to watch to see 
if there is indeed the anticipated post-holiday spike. That would put a 
lot of pressure on the system.”The Kansas Department of 
Health and Environment on Wednesday reported 59 new deaths from COVID-19
 since Monday, as well as 5,089 new cases and 157 hospitalizations. The 
statewide totals from the start of the pandemic: 2,507 have died, and 
209,689 have been infected.Also on Wednesday, the 
Shawnee County Medical Society urged Kansans to heed the advice of 
public health officials and avoid large gatherings during the upcoming 
holidays.John Spethman, a family 
medicine physician in Topeka who serves as the society’s president, said
 his colleagues who work directly with COVID-19 patients have 
experienced more death and suffering than ever before. Patients in ICU 
only leave in two ways, he said — in a wheelchair, or headed to the 
morgue after dying alone.Still, he said, he sees people in the community who refuse to wear a mask or practice social distancing.“People aren’t getting 
that this is a very serious virus,” Spethman said. “And those who are on
 the front lines taking care of those who have it have been doing this 
constantly for months and months and months, and you have holidays and 
events and gatherings where personal protective guidelines are cast 
aside.”The good news, Rolph said,
 is the arrival of vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, which provided “a 
real injection of hope” into the morale of health care workers.Kelly said the tens of 
thousands of doses the state has received so far have been given almost 
exclusively to high-risk front line medical workers who provide care for
 COVID-19 patients. Employees of long-term care facilities and other 
health settings are now starting to get the vaccine, she said.After mid-January, as more doses arrive, the vaccine will go to essential workers and people over the age of 75.“We expect after the first
 of the year we will have a more definitive list of who will be back 
vaccinated when,” the governor said.She also expressed hope 
that President Donald Trump would provide a Christmas blessing in the 
form of his signature on the COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress 
on Monday night. Trump has threatened to veto the package because he 
wants larger stimulus checks. If he doesn’t sign it by Saturday, Kelly 
said, the federal boost to unemployment aid will run out.Kelly said it was too soon
 to know the full details of aid included in the relief package, or what
 strings might be tied to how the money can be used.“We know what everybody else in the world knows right now,” she said.Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature.

COVID-19 reports describe Kan. hospitals struggling ‘close to the edge’

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday vetoed the annual defense policy bill, following through on threats to veto a measure that has broad bipartisan support in Congress and potentially setting up the first override vote of his presidency.

The bill affirms 3% pay raises for U.S. troops and authorizes more than $740 billion in military programs and construction.

The House was poised to return Monday, and the Senate on Tuesday, to consider votes to override the president’s veto.

Long before issuing the veto, Trump offered a series of rationales for rejecting it. He has called for lawmakers to include limits on social media companies he claimed are biased against him — and to strip out language that allows for the renaming of military bases such as Fort Benning and Fort Hood that honor Confederate leaders. Without going into detail, he has claimed the biggest winner from the defense bill would be China.

In his veto message to the House, Trump cited those objections and stated that the measure “fails to include critical national security measures, includes provisions that fail to respect our veterans and our military’s history, and contradicts efforts by my Administration to put America first in our national security and foreign policy actions. It is a ‘gift’ to China and Russia.”

He also wrote: “Numerous provisions of the Act directly contradict my Administration’s foreign policy, particularly my efforts to bring our troops home."

Both the House and Senate passed the measure by margins large enough to override a veto from the president. Trump had vetoed eight bills previously, but those vetoes were sustained because supporters did not gain the two-thirds vote needed in each chamber for the bill to become law without Trump’s signature.

In advance of the veto, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said the bill would help deter Chinese aggression. Other GOP backers of the measure, including Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the second-ranking Senate leader, and Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, have tweeted that the bill would counter threats from countries such as China.

Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Trump’s declaration that China was the biggest winner in the defense bill was false. Reed also noted the shifting explanations Trump had given for the veto.

“President Trump clearly hasn’t read the bill, nor does he understand what’s in it,” Reed said. “There are several bipartisan provisions in here that get tougher on China than the Trump Administration has ever been.”

The measure guides Pentagon policy and cements decisions about troop levels, new weapons systems and military readiness, military personnel policy and other military goals. Many programs can only go into effect if the bill is approved, including military construction.

McConnell, in a rare break with Trump, had urged passage despite Trump’s threat to veto it. McConnell said it was important for Congress to continue its nearly six-decade-long streak of passing the defense policy bill.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Wednesday vetoed the annual defense policy bill, following through on threats to veto a measure that has broad bipartisan support in Congress and potentially setting up the first override vote of his presidency.The bill affirms 3% pay raises for U.S. troops and authorizes more than $740 billion in military programs and construction.The House was poised to return Monday, and the Senate on Tuesday, to consider votes to override the president’s veto.Long before issuing the veto, Trump offered a series of rationales for rejecting it. He has called for lawmakers to include limits on social media companies he claimed are biased against him — and to strip out language that allows for the renaming of military bases such as Fort Benning and Fort Hood that honor Confederate leaders. Without going into detail, he has claimed the biggest winner from the defense bill would be China.In his veto message to the House, Trump cited those objections and stated that the measure “fails to include critical national security measures, includes provisions that fail to respect our veterans and our military’s history, and contradicts efforts by my Administration to put America first in our national security and foreign policy actions. It is a ‘gift’ to China and Russia.”He also wrote: “Numerous provisions of the Act directly contradict my Administration’s foreign policy, particularly my efforts to bring our troops home."Both the House and Senate passed the measure by margins large enough to override a veto from the president. Trump had vetoed eight bills previously, but those vetoes were sustained because supporters did not gain the two-thirds vote needed in each chamber for the bill to become law without Trump’s signature.In advance of the veto, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has said the bill would help deter Chinese aggression. Other GOP backers of the measure, including Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the second-ranking Senate leader, and Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, have tweeted that the bill would counter threats from countries such as China.Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Trump’s declaration that China was the biggest winner in the defense bill was false. Reed also noted the shifting explanations Trump had given for the veto.“President Trump clearly hasn’t read the bill, nor does he understand what’s in it,” Reed said. “There are several bipartisan provisions in here that get tougher on China than the Trump Administration has ever been.”The measure guides Pentagon policy and cements decisions about troop levels, new weapons systems and military readiness, military personnel policy and other military goals. Many programs can only go into effect if the bill is approved, including military construction.McConnell, in a rare break with Trump, had urged passage despite Trump’s threat to veto it. McConnell said it was important for Congress to continue its nearly six-decade-long streak of passing the defense policy bill.

President Trump vetoes massive defense spending bill

By ROD ZOOK <a href="https://hutchpost.com/">Hutch Post</a>

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — An investigation continues by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration into an industrial accident at the Hutchinson Tyson plant last month.

An official with the OSHA offices in Wichita confirmed they were investigating the accident but could not give a time line as to when the investigation will be completed.

It was just before 8:30 a.m. November 20 that emergency crews were called to the Tyson Prepared Foods facility at 521 S. Main.

According to the Hutchinson Fire Department, a group of contractors were working on the refrigeration system when ammonia was released.&nbsp;

Two workers were injured, one of them seriously.

By ROD ZOOK <a href="https://hutchpost.com/">Hutch Post</a>HUTCHINSON, Kan. — An investigation continues by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration into an industrial accident at the Hutchinson Tyson plant last month.An official with the OSHA offices in Wichita confirmed they were investigating the accident but could not give a time line as to when the investigation will be completed.It was just before 8:30 a.m. November 20 that emergency crews were called to the Tyson Prepared Foods facility at 521 S. Main.According to the Hutchinson Fire Department, a group of contractors were working on the refrigeration system when ammonia was released.&nbsp;Two workers were injured, one of them seriously.

OSHA continues investigation of ammonia leak at Kan. plant 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities including the Kansas Bureau of Investigating and the FBI are investigating a bank robbery resulting in an officer-involved shooting.

Just after 3:40 p.m. Monday, police responded to a bank robbery at the Golden Plains Credit Union, 9555 East Corporate Hills Drive in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.

 The suspect, 50-year-old Paul Peraza, entered the bank, walked behind the counter, and demanded money. Employees did not see a weapon, but they were in fear of their safety. Peraza took cash and then fled in a Toyota Tundra that was reported stolen on December 14, according to Cruz.

A police officer observed the Toyota traveling north on Webb Road and attempted to stop Peraza. 

He refused to stop and drove at excessive speeds into oncoming traffic to evade the officer. Peraza turned east on 13th&nbsp;street and struck a 2001 silver Chevy Suburban that was stopped at a red light. The driver received minor injuries. 

Peraza then put the Tundra in reverse and rammed the officer’s patrol vehicle in an attempt to flee. The officer was not injured. Peraza refused to exit the truck. The officer, concerned about his safety and the public’s safety, fired shots and struck Peraza. 

Peraza then drove forward and struck a Honda Accord, which was also stopped at the intersection.

EMS responded to render aid, but Peraza was pronounced dead on the scene. Investigators recovered money from the robbery in the bed of the pick-up truck.

After the incident, police learned that in 1996, Peraza was convicted of a bank robbery in California. He was also convicted of an armed bank robbery in 2006 in Oklahoma and was placed on Federal Probation.

A federal probation violation warrant had been issued for Peraza on December 14, according to Cruz.

The involved WPD officer is a nine-year veteran of the department and is assigned to the Patrol East Bureau. The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608600519979.png" alt="Police at the scene of the crash and fatal officer-involved shooting -photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the crash and fatal officer-involved shooting -photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities including the Kansas Bureau of Investigating and the FBI are investigating a bank robbery resulting in an officer-involved shooting.Just after 3:40 p.m. Monday, police responded to a bank robbery at the Golden Plains Credit Union, 9555 East Corporate Hills Drive in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608669653480.png" alt="Peraza from an earlier stay in the Butler Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Peraza from an earlier stay in the Butler Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure> The suspect, 50-year-old Paul Peraza, entered the bank, walked behind the counter, and demanded money. Employees did not see a weapon, but they were in fear of their safety. Peraza took cash and then fled in a Toyota Tundra that was reported stolen on December 14, according to Cruz.A police officer observed the Toyota traveling north on Webb Road and attempted to stop Peraza. He refused to stop and drove at excessive speeds into oncoming traffic to evade the officer. Peraza turned east on 13th&nbsp;street and struck a 2001 silver Chevy Suburban that was stopped at a red light. The driver received minor injuries. Peraza then put the Tundra in reverse and rammed the officer’s patrol vehicle in an attempt to flee. The officer was not injured. Peraza refused to exit the truck. The officer, concerned about his safety and the public’s safety, fired shots and struck Peraza. Peraza then drove forward and struck a Honda Accord, which was also stopped at the intersection.EMS responded to render aid, but Peraza was pronounced dead on the scene. Investigators recovered money from the robbery in the bed of the pick-up truck.After the incident, police learned that in 1996, Peraza was convicted of a bank robbery in California. He was also convicted of an armed bank robbery in 2006 in Oklahoma and was placed on Federal Probation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608669937205.png" alt="On December 10, Wichita police arrested Peraza for felon in possession of firearm, possession of illegal weapons, possession of methamphetamine, auto theft, possession of narcotics, and possession of a narcotic instrument-photo Sedgwick Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>On December 10, Wichita police arrested Peraza for felon in possession of firearm, possession of illegal weapons, possession of methamphetamine, auto theft, possession of narcotics, and possession of a narcotic instrument-photo Sedgwick Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>A federal probation violation warrant had been issued for Peraza on December 14, according to Cruz.The involved WPD officer is a nine-year veteran of the department and is assigned to the Patrol East Bureau. The officer has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings.

Kan. bank robbery suspect killed by police had history of crime

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities say a space heater is responsible for starting a fire at that spread to home on Tuesday evening.

Just after 6p.m., crews&nbsp;responded to the report of a structure fire located at 121 SW Sanneman Drive in Topeka, according to Fire Marshall Todd Harrison.

&nbsp;Upon arrival, crews found fire coming from a single-story wood frame shed within the back yard of the property. Initially, fire spread to the adjacent home aided by high winds and vegetation. 

&nbsp;The fire was quickly brought under control and a search of the dwelling revealed all occupants escaped unharmed.&nbsp;

Four family pets were located within the dwelling and were safely evacuated by firefighters.

A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as accidental, more likely than not associated with an unattended space heater; high winds and vegetation were contributing factors to fire spread from the original structure of origin.

The estimated dollar loss of the house – $5600.00; of which $5,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $600.00 associated with contents loss, according to Harrison.

The estimated dollar loss of the shed – $3,500.00; of which $3,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $500.00 associated with contents loss.&nbsp;&nbsp;Working smoke detectors were not located within the structure of fire origin or the home.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities say a space heater is responsible for starting a fire at that spread to home on Tuesday evening.Just after 6p.m., crews&nbsp;responded to the report of a structure fire located at 121 SW Sanneman Drive in Topeka, according to Fire Marshall Todd Harrison.&nbsp;Upon arrival, crews found fire coming from a single-story wood frame shed within the back yard of the property. Initially, fire spread to the adjacent home aided by high winds and vegetation. &nbsp;The fire was quickly brought under control and a search of the dwelling revealed all occupants escaped unharmed.&nbsp;Four family pets were located within the dwelling and were safely evacuated by firefighters.A preliminary investigation indicates the cause of the fire as accidental, more likely than not associated with an unattended space heater; high winds and vegetation were contributing factors to fire spread from the original structure of origin.The estimated dollar loss of the house – $5600.00; of which $5,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $600.00 associated with contents loss, according to Harrison.The estimated dollar loss of the shed – $3,500.00; of which $3,000.00 is associated with structural loss and $500.00 associated with contents loss.&nbsp;&nbsp;Working smoke detectors were not located within the structure of fire origin or the home.

Gusty winds, vegetation spread fire to Kan. home

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,089 to a total of 209,689 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,507 an increase of 59.

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

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 5,089 to a total of 209,689 the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 2,507 an increase of 59.<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/2020/12/1608746645949.png" alt="Wednesday Dec. 23, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Dec. 23, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has threatened to torpedo Congress’ massive COVID-19 relief and year-end package, upending a hard-fought compromise in the midst of a raging pandemic and deep economic uncertainty by demanding changes fellow Republicans have opposed.

Trump assailed the bipartisan $900 billion bill and broader government funding package in a video he tweeted out Tuesday night and suggested he may not sign the legislation. That revives threats of a federal government shutdown. He called on lawmakers to increase direct payments for most Americans from $600 to $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for couples.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Trump in a Wednesday tweet to “sign the bill to keep government open!”

Pelosi wrote in a letter to colleagues “the entire country knows that it is urgent for the President to sign this bill.”

The final text of the more than 5,000-page bill was still being prepared by Congress and was not expected to be sent to the White House for Trump’s signature before Thursday or Friday, an aide said.

Following Trump’s threat, Pelosi all but dared his Republican allies in Congress to meet the demand for far higher direct payments. She said she would offer the proposal for a vote on Thursday. But it would be offered under a procedure that allows just one lawmaker to block a vote and during a so-called pro forma session, with few lawmakers expected to attend.

Republicans complain Trump’s proposal costs too much, but have not said if they will block it.

Railing against a range of provisions in the broader year-end funding package, including for foreign aid, Trump in his video message told lawmakers to “get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items from this legislation and to send me a suitable bill.”

Trump did not specifically vow to veto the bill, and there may be enough support for the legislation in Congress to override him if he does. But if Trump were to upend the sprawling legislation, the consequences would be severe, including no federal aid to struggling Americans and small businesses, and no additional resources to help with vaccine distribution. In addition, because lawmakers linked the pandemic relief bill to an overarching funding measure, the government would shut down on Dec. 29.

The relief package was part of a hard-fought compromise bill that includes $1.4 trillion to fund government agencies through September and contains other end-of-session priorities such as money for cash-starved transit systems, an increase in food stamp benefits and about $4 billion to help other nations provide a COVID-19 vaccine for their people.

Lawmakers spent months in a stalemate over pandemic relief funds, even as COVID-19 cases soared across the country. Democrats had pushed for higher payments to Americans, but compromised with Republicans to allow a deal to proceed.

“At last, the President has agreed to $2,000. Democrats are ready to bring this to the Floor this week by unanimous consent. Let’s do it!,” Pelosi said in an earlier tweet.

Republicans have been reluctant to spend more on pandemic relief and only agreed to the big year-end package as time dwindled for a final deal. And Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, said that “Trump needs to sign the bill to help people and keep the government open,” and Congress would step up for more aid after.

Trump’s call for changes to the legislation will test his sway with a Republican Party he has held tight control of throughout his presidency. Several Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, have begun to gingerly break with Trump and acknowledge his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, a step Trump has refused to take. McConnell has also warned Republicans against disputing the election on Jan. 6, when Congress must formally affirm the results.

Shortly after castigating the relief bill, Trump challenged McConnell and Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican who has also said any effort to overturn Biden’s victory would be futile. Trump said he would back a primary challenge to Thune when he is up for reelection in 2022.

Trump’s threats to hold up the pandemic legislation could also complicate matters for Republicans in Georgia, where two runoff races to determine control of the Senate will be held in January. Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler have been running as ardent supporters of Trump and will now face questions about whether they will back his call for more money for Americans.

Jon Ossoff, Perdue’s Democratic opponent, tweeted simply on Tuesday night: “$2,000 checks now.”

The relief package was brought forward Monday afternoon and sped through the House and Senate in a matter of hours as lawmakers worked to close the books on the year. While many lawmakers complained about being given so little time to read the bill, they overwhelmingly voted for it as local businesses and constituents seek economic relief from the pandemic

The Senate cleared the huge relief package by a 92-6 vote after the House approved it by another lopsided vote, 359-53. Those votes totals would be enough to override a veto should Trump decide to take that step.

After months of partisanship and politicking about pandemic relief, the logjam broke after Biden urged his party to accept a compromise with top Republicans that is smaller than many Democrats would have liked.

The relief bill Trump is criticizing would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefit and a $600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans, along with a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses, restaurants and theaters and money for schools, health care providers and renters facing eviction.

Earlier in the day, Biden applauded lawmakers for their work. He described the package as far from perfect, “but it does provide vital relief at a critical time.”

He also said more relief would be needed in the months ahead. “We have our first hint and glimpse of bipartisanship,” Biden said. “In this election, the American people made it clear they want us to reach across the aisle and work together.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has threatened to torpedo Congress’ massive COVID-19 relief package in the midst of a raging pandemic and deep economic uncertainty, suddenly demanding changes fellow Republicans have opposed.

Trump assailed the bipartisan $900 billion package in a video he tweeted out Tuesday night and suggested he may not sign the legislation. He called on lawmakers to increase direct payments for most Americans from $600 to $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for couples.

Railing against a range of provisions in the bill, including for foreign aid, he told lawmakers to “get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items from this legislation and to send me a suitable bill.”

Following Trump’s interjection, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi all but dared Trump’s Republican allies in Congress to meet the president’s demand for far higher payments.

“At last, the President has agreed to $2,000. Democrats are ready to bring this to the Floor this week by unanimous consent. Let’s do it!,” Pelosi said in a tweet. An aide said she would put the proposal forward Thursday for a vote.

He also said more relief would be needed in the months ahead. “We have our first hint and glimpse of bipartisanship,” Biden said. “In this election, the American people made it clear they want us to reach across the aisle and work together.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has threatened to torpedo Congress’ massive COVID-19 relief and year-end package, upending a hard-fought compromise in the midst of a raging pandemic and deep economic uncertainty by demanding changes fellow Republicans have opposed.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/v9Rdjz6DNu">pic.twitter.com/v9Rdjz6DNu</a>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1341537886315950080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump assailed the bipartisan $900 billion bill and broader government funding package in a video he tweeted out Tuesday night and suggested he may not sign the legislation. That revives threats of a federal government shutdown. He called on lawmakers to increase direct payments for most Americans from $600 to $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for couples.House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Trump in a Wednesday tweet to “sign the bill to keep government open!”Pelosi wrote in a letter to colleagues “the entire country knows that it is urgent for the President to sign this bill.”The final text of the more than 5,000-page bill was still being prepared by Congress and was not expected to be sent to the White House for Trump’s signature before Thursday or Friday, an aide said.Following Trump’s threat, Pelosi all but dared his Republican allies in Congress to meet the demand for far higher direct payments. She said she would offer the proposal for a vote on Thursday. But it would be offered under a procedure that allows just one lawmaker to block a vote and during a so-called pro forma session, with few lawmakers expected to attend.Republicans complain Trump’s proposal costs too much, but have not said if they will block it.Railing against a range of provisions in the broader year-end funding package, including for foreign aid, Trump in his video message told lawmakers to “get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items from this legislation and to send me a suitable bill.”Trump did not specifically vow to veto the bill, and there may be enough support for the legislation in Congress to override him if he does. But if Trump were to upend the sprawling legislation, the consequences would be severe, including no federal aid to struggling Americans and small businesses, and no additional resources to help with vaccine distribution. In addition, because lawmakers linked the pandemic relief bill to an overarching funding measure, the government would shut down on Dec. 29.The relief package was part of a hard-fought compromise bill that includes $1.4 trillion to fund government agencies through September and contains other end-of-session priorities such as money for cash-starved transit systems, an increase in food stamp benefits and about $4 billion to help other nations provide a COVID-19 vaccine for their people.Lawmakers spent months in a stalemate over pandemic relief funds, even as COVID-19 cases soared across the country. Democrats had pushed for higher payments to Americans, but compromised with Republicans to allow a deal to proceed.“At last, the President has agreed to $2,000. Democrats are ready to bring this to the Floor this week by unanimous consent. Let’s do it!,” Pelosi said in an earlier tweet.Republicans have been reluctant to spend more on pandemic relief and only agreed to the big year-end package as time dwindled for a final deal. And Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, said that “Trump needs to sign the bill to help people and keep the government open,” and Congress would step up for more aid after.Trump’s call for changes to the legislation will test his sway with a Republican Party he has held tight control of throughout his presidency. Several Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, have begun to gingerly break with Trump and acknowledge his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, a step Trump has refused to take. McConnell has also warned Republicans against disputing the election on Jan. 6, when Congress must formally affirm the results.Shortly after castigating the relief bill, Trump challenged McConnell and Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican who has also said any effort to overturn Biden’s victory would be futile. Trump said he would back a primary challenge to Thune when he is up for reelection in 2022.Trump’s threats to hold up the pandemic legislation could also complicate matters for Republicans in Georgia, where two runoff races to determine control of the Senate will be held in January. Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler have been running as ardent supporters of Trump and will now face questions about whether they will back his call for more money for Americans.Jon Ossoff, Perdue’s Democratic opponent, tweeted simply on Tuesday night: “$2,000 checks now.”The relief package was brought forward Monday afternoon and sped through the House and Senate in a matter of hours as lawmakers worked to close the books on the year. While many lawmakers complained about being given so little time to read the bill, they overwhelmingly voted for it as local businesses and constituents seek economic relief from the pandemicThe Senate cleared the huge relief package by a 92-6 vote after the House approved it by another lopsided vote, 359-53. Those votes totals would be enough to override a veto should Trump decide to take that step.After months of partisanship and politicking about pandemic relief, the logjam broke after Biden urged his party to accept a compromise with top Republicans that is smaller than many Democrats would have liked.The relief bill Trump is criticizing would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefit and a $600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans, along with a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses, restaurants and theaters and money for schools, health care providers and renters facing eviction.Earlier in the day, Biden applauded lawmakers for their work. He described the package as far from perfect, “but it does provide vital relief at a critical time.”He also said more relief would be needed in the months ahead. “We have our first hint and glimpse of bipartisanship,” Biden said. “In this election, the American people made it clear they want us to reach across the aisle and work together.----------WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has threatened to torpedo Congress’ massive COVID-19 relief package in the midst of a raging pandemic and deep economic uncertainty, suddenly demanding changes fellow Republicans have opposed.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/v9Rdjz6DNu">pic.twitter.com/v9Rdjz6DNu</a>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1341537886315950080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Trump assailed the bipartisan $900 billion package in a video he tweeted out Tuesday night and suggested he may not sign the legislation. He called on lawmakers to increase direct payments for most Americans from $600 to $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for couples.Railing against a range of provisions in the bill, including for foreign aid, he told lawmakers to “get rid of the wasteful and unnecessary items from this legislation and to send me a suitable bill.”Trump did not specifically vow to veto the bill, and there may be enough support for the legislation in Congress to override him if he does. But if Trump were to upend the sprawling legislation, the consequences would be severe, including no federal aid to struggling Americans and small businesses, and no additional resources to help with vaccine distribution. In addition, because lawmakers linked the pandemic relief bill to an overarching funding measure, the government would shut down on Dec. 29.The relief package was part of a hard-fought compromise bill that includes $1.4 trillion to fund government agencies through September and contains other end-of-session priorities such as money for cash-starved transit systems, an increase in food stamp benefits and about $4 billion to help other nations provide a COVID-19 vaccine for their people.Lawmakers spent months in a stalemate over pandemic relief funds, even as COVID-19 cases soared across the country. Democrats had pushed for higher payments to Americans, but compromised with Republicans to allow a deal to proceed.Following Trump’s interjection, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi all but dared Trump’s Republican allies in Congress to meet the president’s demand for far higher payments.“At last, the President has agreed to $2,000. Democrats are ready to bring this to the Floor this week by unanimous consent. Let’s do it!,” Pelosi said in a tweet. An aide said she would put the proposal forward Thursday for a vote.Republicans have been reluctant to spend more on pandemic relief and only agreed to the big year-end package as time dwindled for a final deal. And Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, said that “Trump needs to sign the bill to help people and keep the government open,” and Congress would step up for more aid after.Trump’s call for changes to the legislation will test his sway with a Republican Party he has held tight control of throughout his presidency. Several Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, have begun to gingerly break with Trump and acknowledge his defeat to President-elect Joe Biden, a step Trump has refused to take. McConnell has also warned Republicans against disputing the election on Jan. 6, when Congress must formally affirm the results.Shortly after castigating the relief bill, Trump challenged McConnell and Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican who has also said any effort to overturn Biden’s victory would be futile. Trump said he would back a primary challenge to Thune when he is up for reelection in 2022.Trump’s threats to hold up the pandemic legislation could also complicate matters for Republicans in Georgia, where two runoff races to determine control of the Senate will be held in January. Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler have been running as ardent supporters of Trump and will now face questions about whether they will back his call for more money for Americans.Jon Ossoff, Perdue’s Democratic opponent, tweeted simply on Tuesday night: “$2,000 checks now.”The relief package was brought forward Monday afternoon and sped through the House and Senate in a matter of hours as lawmakers worked to close the books on the year. While many lawmakers complained about being given so little time to read the bill, they overwhelmingly voted for it as local businesses and constituents seek economic relief from the pandemicThe Senate cleared the huge relief package by a 92-6 vote after the House approved it by another lopsided vote, 359-53. Those votes totals would be enough to override a veto should Trump decide to take that step.After months of partisanship and politicking about pandemic relief, the logjam broke after Biden urged his party to accept a compromise with top Republicans that is smaller than many Democrats would have liked.The relief bill Trump is criticizing would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefit and a $600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans, along with a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses, restaurants and theaters and money for schools, health care providers and renters facing eviction.Earlier in the day, Biden applauded lawmakers for their work. He described the package as far from perfect, “but it does provide vital relief at a critical time.”He also said more relief would be needed in the months ahead. “We have our first hint and glimpse of bipartisanship,” Biden said. “In this election, the American people made it clear they want us to reach across the aisle and work together.”

🎥  Battle escalates over $900B COVID-19 relief deal  

TOPEKA—One person died in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Wednesday in Topeka.

An SUV driven by Kyle Bartley, 32, Topeka, was traveling in the 2500 Block of SW Gage Boulevard, according to police Lt. Joe Perry. The vehicle left the road and struck a power pole.

Bartley was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported two minor children to a local hospital, according Perry.

The accident is still under investigation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608740240934.png" alt="Wednesday morning crash investigation photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW -TV" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday morning crash investigation photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW -TV</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—One person died in an accident just before 7:30a.m. Wednesday in Topeka.An SUV driven by Kyle Bartley, 32, Topeka, was traveling in the 2500 Block of SW Gage Boulevard, according to police Lt. Joe Perry. The vehicle left the road and struck a power pole.Bartley was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported two minor children to a local hospital, according Perry.The accident is still under investigation.&nbsp;

Kan. man dead, children hospitalized after SUV crash

TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission has completed an investigation into whether the recent string of earthquakes occurring in the Wichita area are related to oil and gas industry activity. The KCC regulates oil and gas production and exploration in the state.

“Based on our investigation, KCC staff does not believe the seismicity in Wichita, Kansas is tied to any oil and gas activities in the area,” said Ryan A. Hoffman, Director of the KCC Conservation Division.

The KCC’s investigation examined many factors including:

· A review of historical disposal well records for Arbuckle or Granite Wash injection wells within a six-mile radius of the earthquakes. Five wells were located in the radius. No recent volume increases were found.

· Any new drilling activity within three miles of the epicenters. No new wells were recently completed within the area.

· Spot checks of the wells within the radius area to verify compliance with permit conditions.

This investigation procedure is outlined in the Seismic Action Plan developed in 2014 in collaboration with the Kansas Geological Survey and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. An investigation is triggered whenever an earthquake of M 3.5 or higher occurs in the state or when an earthquake scores a 17 or higher Seismic Action Score which takes into account variables such as risk, clustering and timing.

The KCC will continue to monitor the situation and consult with the Kansas Geological Survey and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as necessary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608406388042.png" alt="Multiple earthquakes rattled Wichita since Thanksgiving Day including a 3.7 magnitude quake on Dec. 19. The trembler was the largest on record in the city in the last five years.- This image shows the location of 3.7 quake courtesy USGS." />
 <figcaption>Multiple earthquakes rattled Wichita since Thanksgiving Day including a 3.7 magnitude quake on Dec. 19. The trembler was the largest on record in the city in the last five years.- This image shows the location of 3.7 quake courtesy USGS.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission has completed an investigation into whether the recent string of earthquakes occurring in the Wichita area are related to oil and gas industry activity. The KCC regulates oil and gas production and exploration in the state.“Based on our investigation, KCC staff does not believe the seismicity in Wichita, Kansas is tied to any oil and gas activities in the area,” said Ryan A. Hoffman, Director of the KCC Conservation Division.The KCC’s investigation examined many factors including:· A review of historical disposal well records for Arbuckle or Granite Wash injection wells within a six-mile radius of the earthquakes. Five wells were located in the radius. No recent volume increases were found.· Any new drilling activity within three miles of the epicenters. No new wells were recently completed within the area.· Spot checks of the wells within the radius area to verify compliance with permit conditions.This investigation procedure is outlined in the Seismic Action Plan developed in 2014 in collaboration with the Kansas Geological Survey and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. An investigation is triggered whenever an earthquake of M 3.5 or higher occurs in the state or when an earthquake scores a 17 or higher Seismic Action Score which takes into account variables such as risk, clustering and timing.The KCC will continue to monitor the situation and consult with the Kansas Geological Survey and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment as necessary.

KCC: Wichita earthquakes not due to oil, gas activity

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man is now charged with attempted capital murder in the shooting that injured a Kansas City, Kansas, police officer.

Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe on Tuesday announced the charge against 33-year-old Jesse James Flaugher of Kansas City, Kansas. It wasn’t immediately clear if Flaugher had an attorney.

The charge stems from an exchange of gunfire that occurred Dec. 15 between the suspect and the officer who had contacted him in Overland Park, Kansas. The officer was struck by gunfire in the arm and ballistic vest. He was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608730975884.png" alt="Jesse James Flaugher remains jailed in Miami County" />
 <figcaption>Jesse James Flaugher remains jailed in Miami County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A man is now charged with attempted capital murder in the shooting that injured a Kansas City, Kansas, police officer.Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe on Tuesday announced the charge against 33-year-old Jesse James Flaugher of Kansas City, Kansas. It wasn’t immediately clear if Flaugher had an attorney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608120251326.png" alt="Police on the scene of the Dec. 15 shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the Dec. 15 shooting investigation -photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>The charge stems from an exchange of gunfire that occurred Dec. 15 between the suspect and the officer who had contacted him in Overland Park, Kansas. The officer was struck by gunfire in the arm and ballistic vest. He was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Charges filed in shooting of Kansas police officer

By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The former CEO of Saint Francis Ministries says he charged thousands of dollars to the organization’s credit cards because of the job’s travel and fundraising demands.

And, he said, the $65,000 purchase of Cubs tickets was just an opportunity to flip them for a profit on the secondary market.

Robert Smith, known as Father Bobby, released&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FatherBobbyStatement.pdf">a statement</a>&nbsp;Tuesday through a public relations firm in which he lamented the “inaccurate and uninformed reporting” that followed his departure from Saint Francis. The nonprofit foster care provider severed ties with Smith and other leadership in November following&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">an investigation into Smith’s financial dealings</a>.

Kansas Reflector on Sunday reported on the results of an investigation that substantiated allegations of financial misconduct by Smith. The story revealed Smith from 2018 to 2020 charged $469,000 to credit cards for expenses that included first-class upgrades on airlines, five-star restaurants and hotels, luxury men’s clothing and Apple iTunes purchases. He didn’t respond to Kansas Reflector inquires for comment.

“To transform an organization requires tireless effort and commitment,” Smith said in the statement he released Tuesday. “I accepted the demand of being on the road for days and weeks every month — travel that incurred thousands of dollars spent on airlines, hotels, meals and donor development activities.”

Smith said he purchased $65,000 worth of Chicago Cubs playoffs tickets in 2019 as part of “a unique fundraising opportunity” offered by an unnamed benefactor. If the Cubs had made the playoffs, Smith said, Saint Francis could have sold the tickets for “far more than the face value of the tickets alone.” When the Cubs failed to make the playoffs, the $65,000 was refunded to Saint Francis.

“This was strictly a revenue opportunity, formalized by a legal contract between Saint Francis and the benefactor,” Smith said.

Saint Francis hired a Kansas City, Kansas, attorney to investigate Smith after a newly hired chief financial officer brought concerns about the organization’s financial problems to the board of directors in October. The investigator concluded that Smith hid financial losses from the board, authorized $11 million in payments to a company operated by Bill Whymark for software that crashed and destroyed financial records, and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on operations in El Salvador that included the harvest of a “miracle” food and credit cards requested for the purpose of bribing local officials.

Greg Meissen, chairman of the Saint Francis board, said Smith had justified investments on the premise that the software and miracle food would eventually generate profits. Those profits never materialized, and Meissen said the board was unaware of the true costs of the endeavors.

An earlier whistleblower report, delivered to the Kansas Department for Children and Families in November 2019, objected to the dealings between Saint Francis and Whymark. The anonymous author of the report identified Whymark and Smith as business partners.

Whymark operates WMK Research and SFW Technologies, both registered to an address in Mount Kisco, New York. At one point, the website for SFW Technologies identified Smith as a senior principal and executive director of social services. The photo and biography of Smith was removed from the website after staff questioned him about the relationship.

The investigation into Smith included an interview with an accountant who wondered if the level of spending on Whymark’s company amounted to embezzlement. A review of invoices and emails showed Smith spent little time reviewing the invoices before approving them, even though they reflected an improbable amount of time billed by Whymark.

“Let me correct one of many gross errors that has been repeated in media reports,” Smith said in his statement. “While I grew to respect and admire the depth of his intellect and expertise, I was never a personal, business partner with WMK Research president Bill Whymark.”

Saint Francis hired Smith as CEO in 2014. He became a canonical resident in the Diocese of Chicago in 2012.

Smith said he was sincere in his efforts to transform Saint Francis into a nationally and internationally respected organization. The Salina-based foster care provider serves 3,100 children in Kansas and is celebrating its 75th year as a social welfare agency.

“I am proud of what our team of incredibly big-thinking and dedicated professionals accomplished in my 6.5 years at Saint Francis,” Smith said. “I regret that with my resignation, the mission we started will not be fulfilled as originally envisioned.”

The above story is republished with permission from Kansas Reflector.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608730328801.jpeg" alt="Saint Francis Ministries in November severed ties with CEO Robert Smith, chief operating officer Tom Blythe and general counsel David Schafer following an investigation into financial mismanagement. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Saint Francis Ministries in November severed ties with CEO Robert Smith, chief operating officer Tom Blythe and general counsel David Schafer following an investigation into financial mismanagement. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By SHERMAN SMITH <a href="http://kansasreflector.com">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The former CEO of Saint Francis Ministries says he charged thousands of dollars to the organization’s credit cards because of the job’s travel and fundraising demands.And, he said, the $65,000 purchase of Cubs tickets was just an opportunity to flip them for a profit on the secondary market.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608474220984.jpeg" alt="Saint Francis Ministries hired Robert Smith, known as Father Bobby, as president and CEO in 2014. He became a canonical resident in the Diocese of Chicago in 2012. (Saint Francis Ministries)" />
 <figcaption>Saint Francis Ministries hired Robert Smith, known as Father Bobby, as president and CEO in 2014. He became a canonical resident in the Diocese of Chicago in 2012. (Saint Francis Ministries)</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert Smith, known as Father Bobby, released&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FatherBobbyStatement.pdf">a statement</a>&nbsp;Tuesday through a public relations firm in which he lamented the “inaccurate and uninformed reporting” that followed his departure from Saint Francis. The nonprofit foster care provider severed ties with Smith and other leadership in November following&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/12/20/kansas-foster-care-leader-charged-469k-to-credit-cards-hid-financial-losses/">an investigation into Smith’s financial dealings</a>.Kansas Reflector on Sunday reported on the results of an investigation that substantiated allegations of financial misconduct by Smith. The story revealed Smith from 2018 to 2020 charged $469,000 to credit cards for expenses that included first-class upgrades on airlines, five-star restaurants and hotels, luxury men’s clothing and Apple iTunes purchases. He didn’t respond to Kansas Reflector inquires for comment.“To transform an organization requires tireless effort and commitment,” Smith said in the statement he released Tuesday. “I accepted the demand of being on the road for days and weeks every month — travel that incurred thousands of dollars spent on airlines, hotels, meals and donor development activities.”Smith said he purchased $65,000 worth of Chicago Cubs playoffs tickets in 2019 as part of “a unique fundraising opportunity” offered by an unnamed benefactor. If the Cubs had made the playoffs, Smith said, Saint Francis could have sold the tickets for “far more than the face value of the tickets alone.” When the Cubs failed to make the playoffs, the $65,000 was refunded to Saint Francis.“This was strictly a revenue opportunity, formalized by a legal contract between Saint Francis and the benefactor,” Smith said.Saint Francis hired a Kansas City, Kansas, attorney to investigate Smith after a newly hired chief financial officer brought concerns about the organization’s financial problems to the board of directors in October. The investigator concluded that Smith hid financial losses from the board, authorized $11 million in payments to a company operated by Bill Whymark for software that crashed and destroyed financial records, and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on operations in El Salvador that included the harvest of a “miracle” food and credit cards requested for the purpose of bribing local officials.Greg Meissen, chairman of the Saint Francis board, said Smith had justified investments on the premise that the software and miracle food would eventually generate profits. Those profits never materialized, and Meissen said the board was unaware of the true costs of the endeavors.An earlier whistleblower report, delivered to the Kansas Department for Children and Families in November 2019, objected to the dealings between Saint Francis and Whymark. The anonymous author of the report identified Whymark and Smith as business partners.Whymark operates WMK Research and SFW Technologies, both registered to an address in Mount Kisco, New York. At one point, the website for SFW Technologies identified Smith as a senior principal and executive director of social services. The photo and biography of Smith was removed from the website after staff questioned him about the relationship.The investigation into Smith included an interview with an accountant who wondered if the level of spending on Whymark’s company amounted to embezzlement. A review of invoices and emails showed Smith spent little time reviewing the invoices before approving them, even though they reflected an improbable amount of time billed by Whymark.“Let me correct one of many gross errors that has been repeated in media reports,” Smith said in his statement. “While I grew to respect and admire the depth of his intellect and expertise, I was never a personal, business partner with WMK Research president Bill Whymark.”Saint Francis hired Smith as CEO in 2014. He became a canonical resident in the Diocese of Chicago in 2012.Smith said he was sincere in his efforts to transform Saint Francis into a nationally and internationally respected organization. The Salina-based foster care provider serves 3,100 children in Kansas and is celebrating its 75th year as a social welfare agency.“I am proud of what our team of incredibly big-thinking and dedicated professionals accomplished in my 6.5 years at Saint Francis,” Smith said. “I regret that with my resignation, the mission we started will not be fulfilled as originally envisioned.”The above story is republished with permission from Kansas Reflector.Sherman Smith has written award-winning news stories about the instability of the Kansas foster care system, misconduct by government officials, sexual abuse, technology, education, and the Legislature. He spent 16 years at the Topeka Capital-Journal, where he started on the copy desk, then oversaw digital operations, was the managing editor and reported from the Statehouse.