SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged stalking and have made an arrest.

Wichita police officials learned a suspect identified 31-year-old Ryan Jones, a 4-year-veteran of the Wichita Police Department, was possibly stalking a woman.

Wichita Police requested the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp; investigate in order to avoid conflicts of interest.&nbsp;

On Tuesday evening Jones was arrested and booked into the County Jail on a charge of misdemeanor stalking, according to Davidson.

Jones has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation.&nbsp;The Sheriff's office is still actively investigating the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603294508181.png" alt="Jones photo Sedgwick County Sheriff's office" />
 <figcaption>Jones photo Sedgwick County Sheriff's office</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— Law enforcement authorities are investigating a case of alleged stalking and have made an arrest.Wichita police officials learned a suspect identified 31-year-old Ryan Jones, a 4-year-veteran of the Wichita Police Department, was possibly stalking a woman.Wichita Police requested the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office&nbsp; investigate in order to avoid conflicts of interest.&nbsp;On Tuesday evening Jones was arrested and booked into the County Jail on a charge of misdemeanor stalking, according to Davidson.Jones has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigation.&nbsp;The Sheriff's office is still actively investigating the case.

Kansas police officer accused of stalking woman

PAWNEE COUNTY—&nbsp;Michael Patrick Stacey, 20 of Larned, was sentenced Wednesday on&nbsp;a conviction of Attempted Rape. District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced Stacey to 61 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. He will also be subject to lifetime Sex Offender Registration.

On Sept. 18, Stacey entered a no contest plea in the case.&nbsp;

Had the matter proceeded to trial, the State would have presented testimony that on the night of October 25, 2019,&nbsp; Stacey entered the bedroom of a female roommate at his Larned home and attempted have sexual intercourse without her consent, according to McNett.

&nbsp;Stacey is eligible to earn up to 15% good time credit. The defendant will be subject to 36 months post release and lifetime registration as a sexual offender.

Stacey has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since his arrest on November 12, 2019. He will receive jail credit towards his prison sentence.

PAWNEE COUNTY–A Kansas man waived his right to a preliminary hearing and entered a No Contest plea Thursday afternoon in the Pawnee County District Court to one count of Attempted Rape, according to Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett.

Had the matter proceeded to trial, the State would have presented testimony that on the night of October 25, 2019, Michael Patrick Stacey, 20, Larned, entered the bedroom of a female roommate at his Larned home and attempted have sexual intercourse without her consent, according to McNett.

Defense counsel indicated his client had no objection to the proffer as the defendant was intoxicated at the time of the incident and has limited memory.

After hearing the proffer of evidence and reviewing the defendant’s understanding of the consequences of his plea, District Judge Bruce Gatterman accepted the plea and found Stacey guilty of the amended charge.

 Sentencing is scheduled for October 21, 2020. As part of the plea agreement, the defendant agreed to waive his right to appeal the conviction and will be subject to lifetime Sex Offender Registration.

The defendant was originally charged with: (1) Rape of a victim overcome by force or fear; and (2) Battery. The crimes involve a single incident alleged to have occurred in Pawnee County on or about October 25, 2019. The Larned Police Department handled the investigation.

Stacey has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since his arrest on November 12, 2019.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1573769468888.png" alt="Michael Stacey-photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Michael Stacey-photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY—&nbsp;Michael Patrick Stacey, 20 of Larned, was sentenced Wednesday on&nbsp;a conviction of Attempted Rape. District Judge Bruce Gatterman sentenced Stacey to 61 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. He will also be subject to lifetime Sex Offender Registration.On Sept. 18, Stacey entered a no contest plea in the case.&nbsp;Had the matter proceeded to trial, the State would have presented testimony that on the night of October 25, 2019,&nbsp; Stacey entered the bedroom of a female roommate at his Larned home and attempted have sexual intercourse without her consent, according to McNett.&nbsp;Stacey is eligible to earn up to 15% good time credit. The defendant will be subject to 36 months post release and lifetime registration as a sexual offender.Stacey has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since his arrest on November 12, 2019. He will receive jail credit towards his prison sentence.-----------PAWNEE COUNTY–A Kansas man waived his right to a preliminary hearing and entered a No Contest plea Thursday afternoon in the Pawnee County District Court to one count of Attempted Rape, according to Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett.Had the matter proceeded to trial, the State would have presented testimony that on the night of October 25, 2019, Michael Patrick Stacey, 20, Larned, entered the bedroom of a female roommate at his Larned home and attempted have sexual intercourse without her consent, according to McNett.Defense counsel indicated his client had no objection to the proffer as the defendant was intoxicated at the time of the incident and has limited memory.After hearing the proffer of evidence and reviewing the defendant’s understanding of the consequences of his plea, District Judge Bruce Gatterman accepted the plea and found Stacey guilty of the amended charge. Sentencing is scheduled for October 21, 2020. As part of the plea agreement, the defendant agreed to waive his right to appeal the conviction and will be subject to lifetime Sex Offender Registration.The defendant was originally charged with: (1) Rape of a victim overcome by force or fear; and (2) Battery. The crimes involve a single incident alleged to have occurred in Pawnee County on or about October 25, 2019. The Larned Police Department handled the investigation.Stacey has been in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff since his arrest on November 12, 2019.

Kansas man sentenced for attempted rape

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a a fatal stabbing and have identified the victim as&nbsp;Tyler S. Parkinson, 31 of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.

Just after 9 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a report of a fight at a residence located in the 3200 block of NE Seward in Topeka, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson.

Officers arrived on scene and found Parkinson suffering from what appeared to be apparent stab wounds. 

American Medical Response transported him to a local hospital where he died, according to Johnson.

All involved parties are believed to be accounted for. Police have not reported an arrest.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a a fatal stabbing.

Officers arrived on scene and found one man subject suffering from what appeared to be apparent stab wounds. 

Officers and Detectives remained on the scene and have not reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603276749639.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Tuesday night photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Tuesday night photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a a fatal stabbing and have identified the victim as&nbsp;Tyler S. Parkinson, 31 of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.Just after 9 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a report of a fight at a residence located in the 3200 block of NE Seward in Topeka, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson.Officers arrived on scene and found Parkinson suffering from what appeared to be apparent stab wounds. American Medical Response transported him to a local hospital where he died, according to Johnson.All involved parties are believed to be accounted for. Police have not reported an arrest.-------------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a a fatal stabbing.Just after 9 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a report of a fight at a residence located in the 3200 block of NE Seward in Topeka, according to Lt. Kelvin Johnson.Officers arrived on scene and found one man subject suffering from what appeared to be apparent stab wounds. American Medical Response transported him to a local hospital where he died, according to Johnson.Officers and Detectives remained on the scene and have not reported an arrest.

Update: 1 dead after stabbing during fight at  Kan. home

LAWRENCE, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Two people who allegedly drove their vehicles into racial justice protests in Lawrence earlier this year are facing misdemeanor charges, according to court records.

Lynda C. Kitsmiller, of Lawrence, has been issued a summons to appear in court on misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and battery. Police allege she accelerated her SUV into protesters occupying an downtown Lawrence intersection during a protest on May 31.

One person suffered minor injuries and declined medical help at the scene, police said.

Mary Ellen Rose, of Baldwin City, has been issued a summons for reckless driving. She allegedly drove her SUV through protesters' makeshift barriers and into a crowd of protesters on June 29. No one in the crowd sought medical treatment in that case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593460402196.png" alt="Protesters blocked a portion of Massachusetts Street in Lawrence photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Protesters blocked a portion of Massachusetts Street in Lawrence photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;Two people who allegedly drove their vehicles into racial justice protests in Lawrence earlier this year are facing misdemeanor charges, according to court records.Lynda C. Kitsmiller, of Lawrence, has been issued a summons to appear in court on misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and battery. Police allege she accelerated her SUV into protesters occupying an downtown Lawrence intersection during a protest on May 31.One person suffered minor injuries and declined medical help at the scene, police said.Mary Ellen Rose, of Baldwin City, has been issued a summons for reckless driving. She allegedly drove her SUV through protesters' makeshift barriers and into a crowd of protesters on June 29. No one in the crowd sought medical treatment in that case.Both incidents were captured on video.

2 facing charges after vehicles drove into Kan. protesters

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police have identified a man found fatally shot in a fast-food restaurant parking lot in the Hickman Mills neighborhood on the south side of Kansas City.

Officers were called to a McDonald’s parking lot around 11 a.m. Monday and found Rickey Arrington, 35, inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds, police said in a news release. Arrington was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police had not announced an arrest by Wednesday morning, but say detectives have identified a person of interest in this case.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police have identified a man found fatally shot in a fast-food restaurant parking lot in the Hickman Mills neighborhood on the south side of Kansas City.Officers were called to a McDonald’s parking lot around 11 a.m. Monday and found Rickey Arrington, 35, inside a vehicle with gunshot wounds, police said in a news release. Arrington was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.Police had not announced an arrest by Wednesday morning, but say detectives have identified a person of interest in this case.

Police ID man found fatally shot in KC restaurant parking lot

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly held a press conference Wednesday to discuss the state response efforts to the outbreak in Norton County and give an update on COVID-19 in Kansas.&nbsp;She said she will be meeting with House and Senate leaders to find a way to get masks worn across the state. "We know we have a problem and we need to find a solution."

The Governor also announced that&nbsp;Kansans experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible to receive up to $5,000 in rental assistance.&nbsp;

Approximately $35 million of CARES Act funding is now available through the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkshousingcorp.org%2Feviction-prevention-program%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C5e4d07c80fc24cc027f808d876076d84%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637389121549818230%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=lsyttVT5QOoA8UXNuquSlXeVjWOVED7LYfAwoBf1lQo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Kansas Eviction Prevention Program</a>,&nbsp;which is designed to reduce evictions across the state. The program was recommended by the SPARK taskforce and approved by the State Finance Council.

“Keeping Kansans in their homes and businesses has been a top priority for my administration since the pandemic began,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Through this program, we will provide support to tenants and landlords experiencing pandemic-related financial stress, ensure families and businesses stay put, and keep Kansans safe and healthy.”

<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkshousingcorp.org%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C5e4d07c80fc24cc027f808d876076d84%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637389121549828186%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=6s%2FvZi0fwF0gIRznlkbz8nztyX1qzoOMvvA1r0VeeDE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC)</a>&nbsp;will administer the program. Landlords and tenants apply through a joint online process. Approved applicants are eligible for a maximum of nine months of assistance, not to exceed $5,000 per household.&nbsp;

“As more Kansans are doing online learning and teleworking, being able to stay in your home has never been more important,”&nbsp;said Ryan Vincent, KHRC Executive Director. “I want to thank Governor Kelly, the SPARK taskforce, and legislators for providing this much-needed support to Kansas families.”

Program funds are limited, and applications will be processed in the order received until all funds are expended. Kansans are strongly encouraged to get their applications in as soon as possible. To apply, Kansans should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkshousingcorp.org%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C5e4d07c80fc24cc027f808d876076d84%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637389121549828186%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=6s%2FvZi0fwF0gIRznlkbz8nztyX1qzoOMvvA1r0VeeDE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">kshousingcorp.org</a>.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1488 to a total of 74,456, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 952, an increase of 80.

TOPEKA –&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly held a press conference Wednesday to discuss the state response efforts to the outbreak in Norton County and give an update on COVID-19 in Kansas.&nbsp;She said she will be meeting with House and Senate leaders to find a way to get masks worn across the state. "We know we have a problem and we need to find a solution."<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovLauraKelly%2Fvideos%2F267259981278099%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The Governor also announced that&nbsp;Kansans experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible to receive up to $5,000 in rental assistance.&nbsp;Approximately $35 million of CARES Act funding is now available through the&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkshousingcorp.org%2Feviction-prevention-program%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C5e4d07c80fc24cc027f808d876076d84%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637389121549818230%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=lsyttVT5QOoA8UXNuquSlXeVjWOVED7LYfAwoBf1lQo%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Kansas Eviction Prevention Program</a>,&nbsp;which is designed to reduce evictions across the state. The program was recommended by the SPARK taskforce and approved by the State Finance Council.“Keeping Kansans in their homes and businesses has been a top priority for my administration since the pandemic began,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“Through this program, we will provide support to tenants and landlords experiencing pandemic-related financial stress, ensure families and businesses stay put, and keep Kansans safe and healthy.”<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkshousingcorp.org%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C5e4d07c80fc24cc027f808d876076d84%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637389121549828186%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=6s%2FvZi0fwF0gIRznlkbz8nztyX1qzoOMvvA1r0VeeDE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC)</a>&nbsp;will administer the program. Landlords and tenants apply through a joint online process. Approved applicants are eligible for a maximum of nine months of assistance, not to exceed $5,000 per household.&nbsp;“As more Kansans are doing online learning and teleworking, being able to stay in your home has never been more important,”&nbsp;said Ryan Vincent, KHRC Executive Director. “I want to thank Governor Kelly, the SPARK taskforce, and legislators for providing this much-needed support to Kansas families.”Program funds are limited, and applications will be processed in the order received until all funds are expended. Kansans are strongly encouraged to get their applications in as soon as possible. To apply, Kansans should visit&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkshousingcorp.org%2F&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C5e4d07c80fc24cc027f808d876076d84%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637389121549828186%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=6s%2FvZi0fwF0gIRznlkbz8nztyX1qzoOMvvA1r0VeeDE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">kshousingcorp.org</a>.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1488 to a total of 74,456, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 952, an increase of 80.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603300066901.png" alt="Wednesday Oct. 21, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Oct. 21, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

🎥Gov. on virus outbreak in NW Kan. and mask mandate talks

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Health care workers and long-term care residents will be among those who will get the coronavirus vaccine first in Kansas, a draft plan shows.

Kansas’ 45-page&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1533/DRAFT-COVID-19-Vaccination-Plan-for-Kansas-Version11-10162020" target="_blank">plan&nbsp;</a>was filed in the past week with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other groups that will be prioritized for the initial rounds of vaccinations include people with underlying medical conditions, people 65 and older and essential workers.

Phil Griffin, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment bureau director for disease control and prevention, said the agency will use advisory committees to help determine who should receive the vaccine next. The plan indicates KDHE is taking input from groups representing individuals with disabilities, people of color, children and other demographics.

Griffin said there have been questions about whether states will receive vaccines based on the severity of the virus in their area, but no definitive answers. Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-kansas-topeka-nursing-homes-00de6eb9b6733a7a97207aff2572434f">is being hard hit</a>&nbsp;at the moment, though conditions could be significantly different months from now.

The state health department reported Wednesday that Kansas had 1,488 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases since Monday, an increase of 2% that brought the total number of infections reported in the state to 74,456. The department also reported 80 additional COVID-19-related deaths, bringing the Kansas death toll to 952. The state said 55 of the new fatalities stemmed from a review of death certificates.

On Monday, the health department in Norton County reported a coronavirus outbreak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-topeka-health-kansas-982313362109adcd146b4c33f75bb491">killed 10 residents</a>&nbsp;in a nursing home in northwestern Kansas. It said all 62 residents and an unspecified number of employees at the Andbe Home in Norton had tested positive for the virus.

According to data from The COVID Tracking Project, the seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Kansas has risen over the past two weeks from 15% on Oct. 6 to 19.4% on Tuesday. Only four other states are faring worse.

Some vaccines in development require a second dose, likely taken three weeks to a month after the first. Kansas plans to give every vaccine recipient a card with instructions when they receive their initial dose, its plan says.

The vaccine is free, but recipients or their insurance may be asked to pay a small administrative fee, likely less than $20. No one, however, will be denied a vaccine based on the ability to pay.

The logistics of storing and distributing the vaccine could prove challenging, especially if the vaccine requires&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-pandemics-immunizations-epidemics-united-nations-fc4c536d62c5ef25152884adb1c14168">ultracold storage</a>. Griffin said a survey of about 100 Kansas hospitals showed that just 10% currently have the capacity for ultracold storage.

But Griffin said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and HHS have advised Kansas “to not be focused on purchasing or expanding” ultracold storage capacity. He said vaccines requiring those conditions would be shipped directly from manufacturers in special units that can hold up to 5,000 doses.

The boxes can maintain the required temperature for up to 10 days if strict guidelines about how often they’re opened are followed, Griffin said.

“It is going to be a big lift,” Griffin said of the vaccination effort. “There’s no hesitation in saying that.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603295798707.png" alt="<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1533/DRAFT-COVID-19-Vaccination-Plan-for-Kansas-Version11-10162020">Click here to</a> read the plan" />
 <figcaption><a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1533/DRAFT-COVID-19-Vaccination-Plan-for-Kansas-Version11-10162020">Click here to</a> read the plan</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Health care workers and long-term care residents will be among those who will get the coronavirus vaccine first in Kansas, a draft plan shows.Kansas’ 45-page&nbsp;<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1533/DRAFT-COVID-19-Vaccination-Plan-for-Kansas-Version11-10162020" target="_blank">plan&nbsp;</a>was filed in the past week with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other groups that will be prioritized for the initial rounds of vaccinations include people with underlying medical conditions, people 65 and older and essential workers.Phil Griffin, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment bureau director for disease control and prevention, said the agency will use advisory committees to help determine who should receive the vaccine next. The plan indicates KDHE is taking input from groups representing individuals with disabilities, people of color, children and other demographics.Griffin said there have been questions about whether states will receive vaccines based on the severity of the virus in their area, but no definitive answers. Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-kansas-topeka-nursing-homes-00de6eb9b6733a7a97207aff2572434f">is being hard hit</a>&nbsp;at the moment, though conditions could be significantly different months from now.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603300066901.png" alt="Wednesday Oct. 21, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Oct. 21, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>The state health department reported Wednesday that Kansas had 1,488 new confirmed and probable coronavirus cases since Monday, an increase of 2% that brought the total number of infections reported in the state to 74,456. The department also reported 80 additional COVID-19-related deaths, bringing the Kansas death toll to 952. The state said 55 of the new fatalities stemmed from a review of death certificates.On Monday, the health department in Norton County reported a coronavirus outbreak&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-topeka-health-kansas-982313362109adcd146b4c33f75bb491">killed 10 residents</a>&nbsp;in a nursing home in northwestern Kansas. It said all 62 residents and an unspecified number of employees at the Andbe Home in Norton had tested positive for the virus.According to data from The COVID Tracking Project, the seven-day rolling average of the positivity rate in Kansas has risen over the past two weeks from 15% on Oct. 6 to 19.4% on Tuesday. Only four other states are faring worse.Some vaccines in development require a second dose, likely taken three weeks to a month after the first. Kansas plans to give every vaccine recipient a card with instructions when they receive their initial dose, its plan says.The vaccine is free, but recipients or their insurance may be asked to pay a small administrative fee, likely less than $20. No one, however, will be denied a vaccine based on the ability to pay.The logistics of storing and distributing the vaccine could prove challenging, especially if the vaccine requires&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-pandemics-immunizations-epidemics-united-nations-fc4c536d62c5ef25152884adb1c14168">ultracold storage</a>. Griffin said a survey of about 100 Kansas hospitals showed that just 10% currently have the capacity for ultracold storage.But Griffin said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and HHS have advised Kansas “to not be focused on purchasing or expanding” ultracold storage capacity. He said vaccines requiring those conditions would be shipped directly from manufacturers in special units that can hold up to 5,000 doses.The boxes can maintain the required temperature for up to 10 days if strict guidelines about how often they’re opened are followed, Griffin said.“It is going to be a big lift,” Griffin said of the vaccination effort. “There’s no hesitation in saying that.”

Kansas vaccination plan prioritizes health care workers

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/20/kansas-election-offices-dealing-with-influx-of-provisional-ballots-from-early-voters/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas election
 officials and activists are concerned with the high number of people 
who requested mail ballots showing up at polling places to cast 
in-person ballots instead.

These voters are directed 
to fill out a provisional ballot, which complicates the process for 
election workers who are already overwhelmed with <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/05/kansans-have-already-requested-twice-as-many-mail-in-ballots-as-past-elections/">unprecedented early turnout</a>
 and social distancing constraints as a result of the pandemic. The 
provisional ballot will be counted a week after the election, when local
 officials verify the individual hasn’t voted twice, but won’t be 
included in election night results.

Counties across Kansas, 
and especially Johnson County, are seeing an uptick in the number of 
provisional ballots cast. Lines for in-person voting also appear longer 
than usual.

So far, counties have 
mailed more than 483,000 ballots to voters who requested them. About 
46,000 of those mailed ballots have been returned, and an additional 
30,000 Kansans have shown up to vote in person.

Johnson
 County opened 10 early voting locations Saturday and processed 7,562 
votes, of which 1,011 were provisional. Another 739 provisional ballots 
were cast on the second day of early voting in the county.

Connie
 Schmidt, the Johnson County election commissioner, said almost all the 
provisional ballots were cast by those who had previously requested a 
mail ballot.

“Be
 patient. Many were receiving their ballots on Saturday, and they were 
voting in-person Saturday morning,” Schmidt said. “If you haven’t 
received your ballot by Wednesday, then you should call us.”

Schmidt
 said about 30,000 voters have returned mail ballots already. The county
 has eight drop boxes for those who don’t want to put their ballot in 
the mail.

For
 those who have requested a mail ballot, filling it out and dropping it 
off rather than showing up to vote in person speeds up the process of 
certifying election results, said Leslie Mark, the Kansas team lead for 
Indivisible KC, which is working to engage people in the voting process.

She
 said provisional ballots are not bad but will not be counted until the 
county canvass, which in Johnson County begins Nov. 9, the Monday after 
the election, and may last until Nov. 17. A substantial number of 
provisional ballots could change the outcome of a close race.

Mark urged voters to remain calm about the status of their mail ballots.

“Get
 a cup of tea or whatever libation works for you and take a deep 
breath,” Mark said. “If you asked for your ballot by mail, wait for it 
in the mailbox, put it in front of you, and fill it out safely from 
home. That’s why you asked for it in the first place.”

As
 mail ballots are received, the number of provisional ballots being 
filled out during early voting is expected to decline, said Katie 
Koupal, spokeswoman for the Secretary of State’s office.

If voters are concerned about the status of their advanced ballot, <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">they can track it online</a>,
 Koupal said. Voters who are not sure whether they requested a by-mail 
ballot can contact the Secretary of State’s office or their local 
election office.

Koupal
 said if voters requested a mail ballot but change their mind, they can 
still come and vote in person, but they will be given a provisional 
ballot.

“If
 you wish to vote in person that is absolutely fine, but to prevent 
people from casting multiple votes you will be given a provisional 
ballot,” Koupal said.

Secretary of State Scott 
Schwab said if someone requests a mail ballot, decides to cast a 
provisional ballot in person, and then also sends in the mail ballot, 
only the mail ballot will count.

At
 some early voting locations, voters have found what appear to be longer
 lines than usual. Koupal said the line size only looks bigger because 
of the social distancing guidance put in place by the state in 
conjunction with local election offices.

Schwab
 reiterated this week that voters cannot be denied an opportunity to 
vote because they aren’t wearing a mask, but he encouraged all to wear a
 mask and maintain a safe distance

“Just to keep the peace in
 the process, obey your local health officials,” Schwab said. “Be safe 
out there. Wear a mask if you’re being requested to wear a mask just so 
you’re not creating a brawl.”

The
 secretary of state’s office has provided poll workers with personal 
protective equipment kits and plexiglass shields to provide an extra 
layer of protection.

Despite
 how the increased distance may make things appear, Koupal said 
locations with a large turnout — like Johnson County, Sedgwick County 
and Shawnee County — are reporting quick-moving lines.

Davis
 Hammett, president of Loud Light, a group that promotes election 
participation, said these long lines do pose some concern for overall 
turnout.

“There
 are some people who, it’s like arranging the transportation, getting 
the time off work — all of that can be a big barrier,” Hammet said. “So I
 would say if you do want to avoid that, you do still have time to 
request a mail ballot, but you need to do so now.”

The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is Oct. 27. Mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 3, and received at the local election office by Friday, Nov. 6.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603291082573.png" alt="Votes lined up in cars on Monday to deliver mail ballots at a Shawnee County drop box in Topeka. As voters become skittish about the status of their mail ballot, some are voting in-person via provisional ballot. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Votes lined up in cars on Monday to deliver mail ballots at a Shawnee County drop box in Topeka. As voters become skittish about the status of their mail ballot, some are voting in-person via provisional ballot. (Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/20/kansas-election-offices-dealing-with-influx-of-provisional-ballots-from-early-voters/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas election
 officials and activists are concerned with the high number of people 
who requested mail ballots showing up at polling places to cast 
in-person ballots instead.These voters are directed 
to fill out a provisional ballot, which complicates the process for 
election workers who are already overwhelmed with <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2020/10/05/kansans-have-already-requested-twice-as-many-mail-in-ballots-as-past-elections/">unprecedented early turnout</a>
 and social distancing constraints as a result of the pandemic. The 
provisional ballot will be counted a week after the election, when local
 officials verify the individual hasn’t voted twice, but won’t be 
included in election night results.Counties across Kansas, 
and especially Johnson County, are seeing an uptick in the number of 
provisional ballots cast. Lines for in-person voting also appear longer 
than usual.So far, counties have 
mailed more than 483,000 ballots to voters who requested them. About 
46,000 of those mailed ballots have been returned, and an additional 
30,000 Kansans have shown up to vote in person.Johnson
 County opened 10 early voting locations Saturday and processed 7,562 
votes, of which 1,011 were provisional. Another 739 provisional ballots 
were cast on the second day of early voting in the county.Connie
 Schmidt, the Johnson County election commissioner, said almost all the 
provisional ballots were cast by those who had previously requested a 
mail ballot.“Be
 patient. Many were receiving their ballots on Saturday, and they were 
voting in-person Saturday morning,” Schmidt said. “If you haven’t 
received your ballot by Wednesday, then you should call us.”Schmidt
 said about 30,000 voters have returned mail ballots already. The county
 has eight drop boxes for those who don’t want to put their ballot in 
the mail.For
 those who have requested a mail ballot, filling it out and dropping it 
off rather than showing up to vote in person speeds up the process of 
certifying election results, said Leslie Mark, the Kansas team lead for 
Indivisible KC, which is working to engage people in the voting process.She
 said provisional ballots are not bad but will not be counted until the 
county canvass, which in Johnson County begins Nov. 9, the Monday after 
the election, and may last until Nov. 17. A substantial number of 
provisional ballots could change the outcome of a close race.Mark urged voters to remain calm about the status of their mail ballots.“Get
 a cup of tea or whatever libation works for you and take a deep 
breath,” Mark said. “If you asked for your ballot by mail, wait for it 
in the mailbox, put it in front of you, and fill it out safely from 
home. That’s why you asked for it in the first place.”As
 mail ballots are received, the number of provisional ballots being 
filled out during early voting is expected to decline, said Katie 
Koupal, spokeswoman for the Secretary of State’s office.If voters are concerned about the status of their advanced ballot, <a href="https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView" target="_blank">they can track it online</a>,
 Koupal said. Voters who are not sure whether they requested a by-mail 
ballot can contact the Secretary of State’s office or their local 
election office.Koupal
 said if voters requested a mail ballot but change their mind, they can 
still come and vote in person, but they will be given a provisional 
ballot.“If
 you wish to vote in person that is absolutely fine, but to prevent 
people from casting multiple votes you will be given a provisional 
ballot,” Koupal said.Secretary of State Scott 
Schwab said if someone requests a mail ballot, decides to cast a 
provisional ballot in person, and then also sends in the mail ballot, 
only the mail ballot will count.At
 some early voting locations, voters have found what appear to be longer
 lines than usual. Koupal said the line size only looks bigger because 
of the social distancing guidance put in place by the state in 
conjunction with local election offices.Schwab
 reiterated this week that voters cannot be denied an opportunity to 
vote because they aren’t wearing a mask, but he encouraged all to wear a
 mask and maintain a safe distance“Just to keep the peace in
 the process, obey your local health officials,” Schwab said. “Be safe 
out there. Wear a mask if you’re being requested to wear a mask just so 
you’re not creating a brawl.”The
 secretary of state’s office has provided poll workers with personal 
protective equipment kits and plexiglass shields to provide an extra 
layer of protection.Despite
 how the increased distance may make things appear, Koupal said 
locations with a large turnout — like Johnson County, Sedgwick County 
and Shawnee County — are reporting quick-moving lines.Davis
 Hammett, president of Loud Light, a group that promotes election 
participation, said these long lines do pose some concern for overall 
turnout.“There
 are some people who, it’s like arranging the transportation, getting 
the time off work — all of that can be a big barrier,” Hammet said. “So I
 would say if you do want to avoid that, you do still have time to 
request a mail ballot, but you need to do so now.”The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is Oct. 27. Mail ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, Nov. 3, and received at the local election office by Friday, Nov. 6.

Kan. election offices dealing with influx of provisional ballots from early voters

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1488 to a total of 74,456, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

<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 1488 to a total of 74,456, the state health department reported Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 952, an increase of 80.<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/2020/10/1603300066901.png" alt="Wednesday Oct. 21, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday Oct. 21, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man after a violent attack on a woman.

Just after 11:30 p.m. Sunday, police responded to an assault call at a residence in the 5100 block of East New Jersey Drive in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. 

Upon arrival, officers located 30-year-old Deadrian Burns physically fighting with a 44-year-old man outside of the residence. 

Police also contacted a 25-year-old&nbsp; woman after she locked herself in a vehicle with her two-month-old son. EMS transported the 25-year-old and her 2-month-old to a local hospital with serious injuries, according to Davidson.

The investigation revealed that Burns, his 25-year-old ex-girlfriend, and her 44-year-old family member were at the residence celebrating a birthday. Burns and the 44-year-old man left together to go to a store. While at the store, they got into a verbal argument, and the 44-year-old left, leaving Burns behind. Burns walked back to the residence and assaulted the 25-year-old woman, threatened her, and strangled her to the point of unconsciousness. He also dropped the 2-month-old on the ground outside.

Burns then called the 44-year-old and threatened to harm the 25-year-old if he did not return to the house. When he arrived, the two physically fought while the woman locked herself in a vehicle and called 911.

Police arrested Burns on requested charges of&nbsp;attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery.&nbsp; He remains jailed on a $100,000 bond, according to<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1533/DRAFT-COVID-19-Vaccination-Plan-for-Kansas-Version11-10162020"> online jail records.</a>

The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603225539777.png" alt="Burns-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Burns-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a man after a violent attack on a woman.Just after 11:30 p.m. Sunday, police responded to an assault call at a residence in the 5100 block of East New Jersey Drive in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson. Upon arrival, officers located 30-year-old Deadrian Burns physically fighting with a 44-year-old man outside of the residence. Police also contacted a 25-year-old&nbsp; woman after she locked herself in a vehicle with her two-month-old son. EMS transported the 25-year-old and her 2-month-old to a local hospital with serious injuries, according to Davidson.The investigation revealed that Burns, his 25-year-old ex-girlfriend, and her 44-year-old family member were at the residence celebrating a birthday. Burns and the 44-year-old man left together to go to a store. While at the store, they got into a verbal argument, and the 44-year-old left, leaving Burns behind. Burns walked back to the residence and assaulted the 25-year-old woman, threatened her, and strangled her to the point of unconsciousness. He also dropped the 2-month-old on the ground outside.Burns then called the 44-year-old and threatened to harm the 25-year-old if he did not return to the house. When he arrived, the two physically fought while the woman locked herself in a vehicle and called 911.Police arrested Burns on requested charges of&nbsp;attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery.&nbsp; He remains jailed on a $100,000 bond, according to<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1533/DRAFT-COVID-19-Vaccination-Plan-for-Kansas-Version11-10162020"> online jail records.</a>The case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Kan. man accused of violent attack on woman, infant

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis endorsed same-sex civil unions for the first time as pope while being interviewed for the feature-length documentary “Francesco,” which had its premiere at the Rome Film Festival on Wednesday.

The papal thumbs up came midway through the film that delves into issues Francis cares about most, including the environment, poverty, migration, racial and income inequality, and the people most affected by discrimination.

“Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God,” Francis said in one of his sit-down interviews for the film. “What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered.”

While serving as archbishop of Buenos Aires, Francis endorsed civil unions for gay couples as an alternative to same-sex marriages. However, he had never come out publicly in favor of civil unions as pope.

One of the main characters in the documentary is Juan Carlos Cruz, the Chilean survivor of clergy sexual abuse whom Francis initially discredited during a 2018 visit to Chile.

Cruz, who is gay, said that during his first meetings with the pope in May 2018, Francis assured him that God made Cruz gay. Cruz tells his own story in snippets throughout the film, chronicling both Francis’ evolution on understanding sexual abuse as well as to document the pope’s views on gay people.

Director Evgeny Afineevsky had remarkable access to cardinals, the Vatican television archives and the pope himself. He said he negotiated his way in through persistence, and deliveries of Argentine mate tea and Alfajores cookies that he got to the pope via some well-connected Argentines in Rome.

“Listen, when you are in the Vatican, the only way to achieve something is to break the rule and then to say, ‘I’m sorry,’” Afineevsky said in an interview ahead of the premiere.

The director worked official and unofficial channels starting in early 2018, and ended up so close to Francis by the end of the project that he showed the pope the movie on his iPad in August. The two recently exchanged Yom Kippur greetings; Afineevsky is a Russian-born Jew who lives in Los Angeles.

But “Francesco” is more than a biopic about the pope.

Wim Wenders did that in the 2018 film “Pope Francis: A Man of His Word,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. “Francesco,” is more a visual survey of the world’s crises and tragedies, with audio from the pope providing possible ways to solve them.

Afineevsky traveled the world to film it: the settings include Cox’s Bazaar in Bangladesh where Myanmar’s Rohingya sought refuge; the U.S.-Mexico border and Francis’ native Argentina.

“The film tells the story of the pope by reversing the cameras,” said Vatican communications director Paolo Ruffini, who was one of Afineevsky’s closest Vatican-based collaborators on the film.

Ruffini said that when Afineevsky first approached him with the idea of a documentary, he tried to tamp down his hopes for interviewing the pope.

“I told him it wasn’t going to be easy,” he said.

But Ruffini gave him some advice: names of people who had been impacted by the pope, even after just a brief meeting. Afineevsky found them: the refugees Francis met with on some of his foreign trips, prisoners he blessed, and some of the gays to whom he has ministered.

“I told him that many of those encounters had certainly been filmed by the Vatican cameras, and that there he would find a veritable gold mine of stories that told a story,” Ruffini said. “He would be able to tell story of the pope through the eyes of all and not just his own.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603292366279.png" alt="Pope Francis enters the House chamber ahead of an address to a joint session of Congress in 2015- image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Pope Francis enters the House chamber ahead of an address to a joint session of Congress in 2015- image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>ROME (AP) — Pope Francis endorsed same-sex civil unions for the first time as pope while being interviewed for the feature-length documentary “Francesco,” which had its premiere at the Rome Film Festival on Wednesday.The papal thumbs up came midway through the film that delves into issues Francis cares about most, including the environment, poverty, migration, racial and income inequality, and the people most affected by discrimination.“Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God,” Francis said in one of his sit-down interviews for the film. “What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered.”While serving as archbishop of Buenos Aires, Francis endorsed civil unions for gay couples as an alternative to same-sex marriages. However, he had never come out publicly in favor of civil unions as pope.One of the main characters in the documentary is Juan Carlos Cruz, the Chilean survivor of clergy sexual abuse whom Francis initially discredited during a 2018 visit to Chile.Cruz, who is gay, said that during his first meetings with the pope in May 2018, Francis assured him that God made Cruz gay. Cruz tells his own story in snippets throughout the film, chronicling both Francis’ evolution on understanding sexual abuse as well as to document the pope’s views on gay people.Director Evgeny Afineevsky had remarkable access to cardinals, the Vatican television archives and the pope himself. He said he negotiated his way in through persistence, and deliveries of Argentine mate tea and Alfajores cookies that he got to the pope via some well-connected Argentines in Rome.“Listen, when you are in the Vatican, the only way to achieve something is to break the rule and then to say, ‘I’m sorry,’” Afineevsky said in an interview ahead of the premiere.The director worked official and unofficial channels starting in early 2018, and ended up so close to Francis by the end of the project that he showed the pope the movie on his iPad in August. The two recently exchanged Yom Kippur greetings; Afineevsky is a Russian-born Jew who lives in Los Angeles.But “Francesco” is more than a biopic about the pope.Wim Wenders did that in the 2018 film “Pope Francis: A Man of His Word,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. “Francesco,” is more a visual survey of the world’s crises and tragedies, with audio from the pope providing possible ways to solve them.Afineevsky traveled the world to film it: the settings include Cox’s Bazaar in Bangladesh where Myanmar’s Rohingya sought refuge; the U.S.-Mexico border and Francis’ native Argentina.“The film tells the story of the pope by reversing the cameras,” said Vatican communications director Paolo Ruffini, who was one of Afineevsky’s closest Vatican-based collaborators on the film.Ruffini said that when Afineevsky first approached him with the idea of a documentary, he tried to tamp down his hopes for interviewing the pope.“I told him it wasn’t going to be easy,” he said.But Ruffini gave him some advice: names of people who had been impacted by the pope, even after just a brief meeting. Afineevsky found them: the refugees Francis met with on some of his foreign trips, prisoners he blessed, and some of the gays to whom he has ministered.“I told him that many of those encounters had certainly been filmed by the Vatican cameras, and that there he would find a veritable gold mine of stories that told a story,” Ruffini said. “He would be able to tell story of the pope through the eyes of all and not just his own.”

Pope calls for civil union law for same-sex couples

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The food concessions provider for Kauffman Stadium and the Kansas City Convention Center has announced it will lay off more than 550 workers at both venues. 

The food services contractor Aramark recently notified state regulators of the layoffs, most of which will take place at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals. The Royals did play in the stadium this year, but did not allow fans because of the corornavirus pandemic. 

The company will lay off 512 hourly employees and eight salaried workers at the stadium, while another 48 hourly workers will have their hours cut. At the convention center, it will lay off 57 employees and cut the hours of 10 others.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603288006312.png" alt="Photo courtesy Aramark" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Aramark</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The food concessions provider for Kauffman Stadium and the Kansas City Convention Center has announced it will lay off more than 550 workers at both venues. The food services contractor Aramark recently notified state regulators of the layoffs, most of which will take place at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals. The Royals did play in the stadium this year, but did not allow fans because of the corornavirus pandemic. The company will lay off 512 hourly employees and eight salaried workers at the stadium, while another 48 hourly workers will have their hours cut. At the convention center, it will lay off 57 employees and cut the hours of 10 others.

Food concessions company to lay off 550 in Kansas City

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A retired firefighter unhappy with the city of Wichita's mask mandate who was arrested Friday for threatening to kidnap and kill the mayor made his first court appearance Tuesday.

Meredith Dowty, 59, Wichita, was charged with three counts of criminal threat, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple said he had been read text messages received by another city official that asked about the mayor’s address and threatened his life.

The mayor says the suspect talked about tyranny in the messages and was upset about the mask mandates and not being able to see his mother because of COVID-19 restrictions on elderly homes.

In Kansas, criminal threat is a level 9 felony which means, depending on his criminal record, it’s possible Mr. Dowty could receive anywhere from probation to 17 months in prison on each count, if he’s convicted, according to the district attorney.

He <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18723930">remains jailed on a $50,000 bond </a>and is scheduled to return to court November 5.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A retired firefighter who was upset with the city’s mask ordinance has been arrested on suspicion of threatening to kidnap and kill Wichita’s mayor.&nbsp;

Meredith Dowty, 59, Wichita, could face a charge of criminal threat.

Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple said he had been read text messages received by another city official that asked about the mayor’s address and threatened his life. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1602897809399.png" alt="Meredith Dowty-photo Sedgwick County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Meredith Dowty-photo Sedgwick County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A retired firefighter unhappy with the city of Wichita's mask mandate who was arrested Friday for threatening to kidnap and kill the mayor made his first court appearance Tuesday.Meredith Dowty, 59, Wichita, was charged with three counts of criminal threat, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple said he had been read text messages received by another city official that asked about the mayor’s address and threatened his life.The mayor says the suspect talked about tyranny in the messages and was upset about the mask mandates and not being able to see his mother because of COVID-19 restrictions on elderly homes.In Kansas, criminal threat is a level 9 felony which means, depending on his criminal record, it’s possible Mr. Dowty could receive anywhere from probation to 17 months in prison on each count, if he’s convicted, according to the district attorney.He <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18723930">remains jailed on a $50,000 bond </a>and is scheduled to return to court November 5.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY —A retired firefighter who was upset with the city’s mask ordinance has been arrested on suspicion of threatening to kidnap and kill Wichita’s mayor.&nbsp;Meredith Dowty, 59, Wichita, could face a charge of criminal threat.Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple said he had been read text messages received by another city official that asked about the mayor’s address and threatened his life. <div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In response to today&#39;s story concerning a threat I received: Violence is never a way to settle disagreements. We&#39;re always stronger together as a City even when times are at their toughest. Tensions maybe high, but we will get through this together as Wichitans. 1/2&mdash; Dr. Brandon Whipple (@BWhippleKS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BWhippleKS/status/1317261830641897472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The mayor says the suspect talked about tyranny in the messages and was upset about the mask mandates and not being able to see his mother because of COVID-19 restrictions on elderly homes.

Man charged, remains jailed for threatening mayor over masks 

HARVEY COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fatal fire in Newton.

Just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, fire crews responded to a house fire in the 800 block of North Walnut, according to a social media report from&nbsp;Newton Fire and EMS.

The fire was brought under control quickly. Investigators found the body of a man deceased inside. 

&nbsp;The State Fire Marshal’s Office has been requested to help with the investigation.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603277501131.png" alt="Crews on the scene of Tuesday's deadly fire in Newton-photo courtesy&nbsp;Newton Fire/EMS " />
 <figcaption>Crews on the scene of Tuesday's deadly fire in Newton-photo courtesy&nbsp;Newton Fire/EMS </figcaption>
 </figure>HARVEY COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the cause of a fatal fire in Newton.Just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, fire crews responded to a house fire in the 800 block of North Walnut, according to a social media report from&nbsp;Newton Fire and EMS.The fire was brought under control quickly. Investigators found the body of a man deceased inside. &nbsp;The State Fire Marshal’s Office has been requested to help with the investigation.&nbsp; Authorities released no additional details.

Body of man found after Kansas house fire

WASHINGTON (AP) — Negotiations on a huge COVID-19 relief bill have taken a modest step forward, though time is running out and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, President Donald Trump’s most powerful Senate ally, is pressing the White House not to move ahead.

McConnell told fellow Republicans that he has warned the White House not to divide Republicans by sealing a lopsided $2 trillion relief deal with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi before the election — even as he publicly said he’d slate any such agreement for a vote.

Pelosi’s office said talks with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday were productive, but other veteran lawmakers said there is still too much work to do and not enough time to do it to enact a relief bill by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2020">Election Day</a>.

McConnell made his remarks during a private lunch with fellow Republicans, three people familiar with his comments said, requesting anonymity because the session was private.

The Kentucky Republican appears worried that an agreement between Pelosi and Mnuchin would drive a wedge between Republicans, forcing them to choose whether to support a Pelosi-blessed deal with Trump that would violate conservative positions they’ve stuck with for months. Many Republicans say they can’t vote for another huge Pelosi-brokered agreement.

McConnell said if such a bill passed the Democratic-controlled House with Trump’s blessing “we would put it on the floor of the Senate.” Those public remarks came after the private session with fellow Republicans.

Trump is hoping for an agreement before the election, eager to announce another round of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/61b3d38360745d64a98a2ab813501b13">$1,200 direct payments</a>&nbsp;going out under his name, but it’s increasingly clear that time has pretty much run out. If he wins, Trump is promising relief, but if he loses — as polls are indicating — it’s unclear that his enthusiasm for delivering COVID-19 aid will be as strong. Recent history suggests that any post-election lame-duck session in the event of a Trump loss wouldn’t produce much.

“It’s not a question of ‘íf.’ It’s a question of ‘when,’” said Senate GOP Whip John Thune of South Dakota. “We have to do more. We know that.”

Pelosi said earlier Tuesday that she and Mnuchin remained at odds over refundable tax credits for the working poor and families with children, the size of a Democratic-sought aid package for state and local governments and a liability shield for businesses and other organizations against lawsuits over their COVID-19 preparations.

Pelosi’s spokesman, Drew Hammill, wrote on Twitter that she and Mnuchin then spoke for 45 minutes and found “more clarity and common ground” and that “both sides are serious about finding a compromise.” Another conversation is slated for Wednesday.

The Pelosi-Mnuchin talks also involve pandemic jobless aid, the second round of $1,200 direct payments and money for schools, testing and vaccines.

Pelosi had said Tuesday was a deadline day, but she clarified in an interview with Bloomberg News that the aim is to spur the two sides to exchange their best proposals on a host of unresolved issues, not to close out all of their disagreements or have final legislative language at hand.

“Let’s see where we are,” Pelosi said. “We all want to get an agreement.”

Pelosi has instructed her committee chairs to try to iron out details, but the Senate GOP negotiators do not appear as eager as she is.

“It’s getting to be toward the last minute and the clock keeps ticking away,” Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., said Tuesday. “I’m not optimistic about doing anything.”

Aides familiar with the talks say the price tag for a potential Pelosi-Mnuchin deal is inching close to $2 trillion. Senate Republicans are recoiling at both the size of the measure and Pelosi’s demands, even as Trump is beating the drums for an agreement.

“I want to do it even bigger than the Democrats. Not every Republican agrees,” Trump said Tuesday on Fox News Channel. “But they will.”

McConnell, meanwhile, is pushing ahead with votes this week on GOP measures that stand little chance of advancing. On Tuesday, the GOP-held chamber went on record in favor of another round of payroll subsidies for businesses such as restaurants and hotels that are having particular difficulty during the pandemic.

But while the vote put the Senate on record as supportive of the idea, it’s not aimed at advancing the measure through time-consuming procedural steps that could interfere with a floor schedule dominated by the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.

On Wednesday, Trump’s GOP allies in the Senate are slated to support a revote on a virus proposal with a net cost of about $500 billion, though it does not include the $1,200 direct payments that are so important to Trump. But the Senate GOP bill has failed once before, and Trump himself says it’s too puny.

The goodwill and bipartisanship that powered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c3988cd848c818b3e7317df306b926cc">the $1.8 trillion bipartisan CARES Act</a>&nbsp;into law in March has largely dissipated. It passed by an overwhelming margin as the economy went into lockdown. Since then, Trump and many of his GOP allies have focused on loosening social and economic restrictions as the key to recovery instead of more taxpayer-funded help.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington negotiations on a huge COVID-19 relief bill took a modest step forward on Tuesday, though time is running out and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, President Donald Trump’s most powerful Senate ally, is pressing the White House against going forward.

McConnell on Tuesday told fellow Republicans that he has warned the White House not to divide Republicans by sealing a lopsided $2 trillion relief deal with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi before the election — even as he publicly said he’d slate any such agreement for a vote.

Pelosi’s office said talks with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday were productive, but other veteran lawmakers said there is still too much work to do and not enough time to do it to enact a relief bill by Election Day.

McConnell made his remarks during a private lunch with fellow Republicans on Tuesday, three people familiar with them said, requesting anonymity because the session was private.

Trump is hoping for an agreement before the election, eager to announce another round of $1,200 direct payments going out under his name, but it’s increasingly clear that time has pretty much run out. If he wins, Trump is promising relief, but if he loses — as polls are indicating — it’s unclear that his enthusiasm for delivering COVID aid will be as strong. Recent history suggests that any post-election lame-duck session in the event of a Trump loss wouldn’t produce much.

“It’s not a question of ‘íf.’ It’s a question of ‘when.’” said Senate GOP Whip John Thune of South Dakota. “We have to do more. We know that.”

Pelosi said earlier Tuesday that she and Mnuchin remained at odds over refundable tax credits for the working poor and families with children, the size of a Democratic-sought aid package for state and local governments, and a liability shield for businesses and other organizations against lawsuits over their COVID preparations.

The Pelosi-Mnuchin talks also involve pandemic jobless aid, the second round of $1,200 direct payments, and money for schools, testing and vaccines.

Pelosi had said Tuesday was a deadline day, but clarified in an interview with Bloomberg News that the aim is to spur the two sides to exchange their best proposals on a host of unresolved issues, not to close out all of their disagreements or have final legislative language at hand.

Time is running out and Pelosi has instructed her committee chairs to try to iron out details, but the Senate GOP negotiators do not appear as eager as she is.

“I want to do it even bigger than the Democrats. Not every Republican agrees,” Trump said Tuesday on Fox News. “But they will.”

The goodwill and bipartisanship that powered the $1.8 trillion bipartisan CARES Act into law in March has largely dissipated. It passed by an overwhelming margin as the economy went into lockdown. Since then, Trump and many of his GOP allies have focused on loosening social and economic restrictions as the key to recovery instead of more taxpayer-funded help.

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reported some progress in advance of a Tuesday deadline for reaching a pre-election deal with President Donald Trump on a new coronavirus relief package, but the same core problems bedeviling the effort remain in place despite optimistic talk from the president and his team.

Pelosi negotiated for nearly an hour Monday with Trump’s top emissary, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and her office said they are continuing to narrow their differences.

“Finally, they have come to the table and we’re going to try to get something done,” Pelosi said on MSNBC Monday evening. She said the two sides would take stock on Tuesday, which she has staked out as the deadline if a deal is to be reached before the election.

“Let’s make a judgment. We may not like this, we may not like that but let’s see on balance if we can go forward,” Pelosi said.

But with time nearly up for Congress and the White House to deliver aid to Americans before the election, the question remains: If not now, when?

It’s a key consideration for Trump, who has talked up the prospect of another package as he asks voters for a second term, and for Democrats hopeful that their nominee, Joe Biden, is on the cusp of winning the White House in November.

“Nancy Pelosi at this moment does not want to do anything that’s going to affect the election,” Trump said during a campaign swing in Arizona.

The dynamic has created a tricky position for Pelosi, whose tough approach to the talks amid durable GOP opposition to a potential deal of almost $2 trillion has left all sides staring at the very real potential of the negotiations failing. Pelosi is angling for the best deal she can get — maybe that’s now, maybe it’s later. It’s a risk she’s willing to take.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, meanwhile, is pushing ahead with votes this week on GOP measures that stand little chance of advancing.

Trump has upped his offer to $1.8 trillion or more and insisted Monday that “the Republicans will come along” if a deal is reached. His chief of staff and communications director took to Fox News to offer optimistic takes. But Republicans have spent months talking about a smaller aid package and the top GOP vote-counter, Sen. John Thune, said Monday that “it would be hard” to find the necessary Republican support for passage of any agreement in that range.

Without an agreement at least in principle by Tuesday, Pelosi says it’ll be too late to enact anything by Election Day. And if history is any guide, prospects for a deal in the lame-duck session after the election could be dim.

If Trump loses, Congress is likely to stagger through a nonproductive session comparable to the abbreviated session after the decisive 2008 Obama-Biden victory or the 2016 session that punted most of its leftovers to the Trump administration. That scenario would push virus aid into 2021.

“If we delay this until the Biden administration we’re talking about three, four, five months. The American people cannot wait,” Rep. Max Rose, D-N.Y., a freshman facing a difficult race in Trump-friendly Staten Island, said on CNN. “With each passing day without action the American people will be suffering more.”

Pelosi calls the $1.8 trillion administration offer inadequate, saying that while the overall Trump offer has gone up, the details on a virus testing plan, aid to state and local governments, and tax cuts for the working poor still aren’t to her satisfaction.

At the same time, Trump’s GOP allies in the Senate are backing a virus proposal that at $650 billion or so is only about one-third the size of the measure that Pelosi and Mnuchin are negotiating. But the Senate GOP bill has failed once before, and Trump himself says it’s too puny.

A debate slated for Wednesday on the Senate Republican plan promises to bring a hefty dose of posturing and political gamesmanship, but little more. It will follow a procedural tally Tuesday on a stand-alone renewal of bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program business subsidies that could cause Democratic fracturing but isn’t likely to succeed.

Pelosi has faced carping from some Democrats for playing hardball at the risk of going home empty-handed, but that criticism has been largely muted since McConnell keeps stiff-arming the negotiations.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Negotiations on a huge COVID-19 relief bill have taken a modest step forward, though time is running out and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, President Donald Trump’s most powerful Senate ally, is pressing the White House not to move ahead.McConnell told fellow Republicans that he has warned the White House not to divide Republicans by sealing a lopsided $2 trillion relief deal with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi before the election — even as he publicly said he’d slate any such agreement for a vote.Pelosi’s office said talks with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday were productive, but other veteran lawmakers said there is still too much work to do and not enough time to do it to enact a relief bill by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/election-2020">Election Day</a>.McConnell made his remarks during a private lunch with fellow Republicans, three people familiar with his comments said, requesting anonymity because the session was private.The Kentucky Republican appears worried that an agreement between Pelosi and Mnuchin would drive a wedge between Republicans, forcing them to choose whether to support a Pelosi-blessed deal with Trump that would violate conservative positions they’ve stuck with for months. Many Republicans say they can’t vote for another huge Pelosi-brokered agreement.McConnell said if such a bill passed the Democratic-controlled House with Trump’s blessing “we would put it on the floor of the Senate.” Those public remarks came after the private session with fellow Republicans.Trump is hoping for an agreement before the election, eager to announce another round of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/61b3d38360745d64a98a2ab813501b13">$1,200 direct payments</a>&nbsp;going out under his name, but it’s increasingly clear that time has pretty much run out. If he wins, Trump is promising relief, but if he loses — as polls are indicating — it’s unclear that his enthusiasm for delivering COVID-19 aid will be as strong. Recent history suggests that any post-election lame-duck session in the event of a Trump loss wouldn’t produce much.“It’s not a question of ‘íf.’ It’s a question of ‘when,’” said Senate GOP Whip John Thune of South Dakota. “We have to do more. We know that.”Pelosi said earlier Tuesday that she and Mnuchin remained at odds over refundable tax credits for the working poor and families with children, the size of a Democratic-sought aid package for state and local governments and a liability shield for businesses and other organizations against lawsuits over their COVID-19 preparations.ADVERTISEMENTPelosi’s spokesman, Drew Hammill, wrote on Twitter that she and Mnuchin then spoke for 45 minutes and found “more clarity and common ground” and that “both sides are serious about finding a compromise.” Another conversation is slated for Wednesday.The Pelosi-Mnuchin talks also involve pandemic jobless aid, the second round of $1,200 direct payments and money for schools, testing and vaccines.Pelosi had said Tuesday was a deadline day, but she clarified in an interview with Bloomberg News that the aim is to spur the two sides to exchange their best proposals on a host of unresolved issues, not to close out all of their disagreements or have final legislative language at hand.“Let’s see where we are,” Pelosi said. “We all want to get an agreement.”Pelosi has instructed her committee chairs to try to iron out details, but the Senate GOP negotiators do not appear as eager as she is.“It’s getting to be toward the last minute and the clock keeps ticking away,” Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., said Tuesday. “I’m not optimistic about doing anything.”Aides familiar with the talks say the price tag for a potential Pelosi-Mnuchin deal is inching close to $2 trillion. Senate Republicans are recoiling at both the size of the measure and Pelosi’s demands, even as Trump is beating the drums for an agreement.“I want to do it even bigger than the Democrats. Not every Republican agrees,” Trump said Tuesday on Fox News Channel. “But they will.”McConnell, meanwhile, is pushing ahead with votes this week on GOP measures that stand little chance of advancing. On Tuesday, the GOP-held chamber went on record in favor of another round of payroll subsidies for businesses such as restaurants and hotels that are having particular difficulty during the pandemic.But while the vote put the Senate on record as supportive of the idea, it’s not aimed at advancing the measure through time-consuming procedural steps that could interfere with a floor schedule dominated by the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.On Wednesday, Trump’s GOP allies in the Senate are slated to support a revote on a virus proposal with a net cost of about $500 billion, though it does not include the $1,200 direct payments that are so important to Trump. But the Senate GOP bill has failed once before, and Trump himself says it’s too puny.The goodwill and bipartisanship that powered&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/c3988cd848c818b3e7317df306b926cc">the $1.8 trillion bipartisan CARES Act</a>&nbsp;into law in March has largely dissipated. It passed by an overwhelming margin as the economy went into lockdown. Since then, Trump and many of his GOP allies have focused on loosening social and economic restrictions as the key to recovery instead of more taxpayer-funded help.------WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington negotiations on a huge COVID-19 relief bill took a modest step forward on Tuesday, though time is running out and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, President Donald Trump’s most powerful Senate ally, is pressing the White House against going forward.McConnell on Tuesday told fellow Republicans that he has warned the White House not to divide Republicans by sealing a lopsided $2 trillion relief deal with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi before the election — even as he publicly said he’d slate any such agreement for a vote.Pelosi’s office said talks with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday were productive, but other veteran lawmakers said there is still too much work to do and not enough time to do it to enact a relief bill by Election Day.McConnell made his remarks during a private lunch with fellow Republicans on Tuesday, three people familiar with them said, requesting anonymity because the session was private.The Kentucky Republican appears worried that an agreement between Pelosi and Mnuchin would drive a wedge between Republicans, forcing them to choose whether to support a Pelosi-blessed deal with Trump that would violate conservative positions they’ve stuck with for months. Many Republicans say they can’t vote for another huge Pelosi-brokered agreement.McConnell said if such a bill passed the Democratic-controlled House with Trump’s blessing “we would put it on the floor of the Senate.” Those public remarks came after the private session with fellow Republicans.Trump is hoping for an agreement before the election, eager to announce another round of $1,200 direct payments going out under his name, but it’s increasingly clear that time has pretty much run out. If he wins, Trump is promising relief, but if he loses — as polls are indicating — it’s unclear that his enthusiasm for delivering COVID aid will be as strong. Recent history suggests that any post-election lame-duck session in the event of a Trump loss wouldn’t produce much.“It’s not a question of ‘íf.’ It’s a question of ‘when.’” said Senate GOP Whip John Thune of South Dakota. “We have to do more. We know that.”Pelosi said earlier Tuesday that she and Mnuchin remained at odds over refundable tax credits for the working poor and families with children, the size of a Democratic-sought aid package for state and local governments, and a liability shield for businesses and other organizations against lawsuits over their COVID preparations.Pelosi’s spokesman, Drew Hammill, wrote on Twitter that she and Mnuchin then spoke for 45 minutes and found “more clarity and common ground” and that “both sides are serious about finding a compromise.” Another conversation is slated for Wednesday.The Pelosi-Mnuchin talks also involve pandemic jobless aid, the second round of $1,200 direct payments, and money for schools, testing and vaccines.Pelosi had said Tuesday was a deadline day, but clarified in an interview with Bloomberg News that the aim is to spur the two sides to exchange their best proposals on a host of unresolved issues, not to close out all of their disagreements or have final legislative language at hand.“Let’s see where we are,” Pelosi said. “We all want to get an agreement.”Time is running out and Pelosi has instructed her committee chairs to try to iron out details, but the Senate GOP negotiators do not appear as eager as she is.“It’s getting to be toward the last minute and the clock keeps ticking away,” Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., said Tuesday. “I’m not optimistic about doing anything.”Aides familiar with the talks say the price tag for a potential Pelosi-Mnuchin deal is inching close to $2 trillion. Senate Republicans are recoiling at both the size of the measure and Pelosi’s demands, even as Trump is beating the drums for an agreement.“I want to do it even bigger than the Democrats. Not every Republican agrees,” Trump said Tuesday on Fox News. “But they will.”McConnell, meanwhile, is pushing ahead with votes this week on GOP measures that stand little chance of advancing. On Tuesday, the GOP-held chamber went on record in favor of another round of payroll subsidies for businesses such as restaurants and hotels that are having particular difficulty during the pandemic.But while the vote put the Senate on record as supportive of the idea, it’s not aimed at advancing the measure through time-consuming procedural steps that could interfere with a floor schedule dominated by the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.On Wednesday, Trump’s GOP allies in the Senate are slated to support a revote on a virus proposal with a net cost of about $500 billion, though it does not include the $1,200 direct payments that are so important to Trump. But the Senate GOP bill has failed once before, and Trump himself says it’s too puny.The goodwill and bipartisanship that powered the $1.8 trillion bipartisan CARES Act into law in March has largely dissipated. It passed by an overwhelming margin as the economy went into lockdown. Since then, Trump and many of his GOP allies have focused on loosening social and economic restrictions as the key to recovery instead of more taxpayer-funded help.------WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reported some progress in advance of a Tuesday deadline for reaching a pre-election deal with President Donald Trump on a new coronavirus relief package, but the same core problems bedeviling the effort remain in place despite optimistic talk from the president and his team.Pelosi negotiated for nearly an hour Monday with Trump’s top emissary, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and her office said they are continuing to narrow their differences.“Finally, they have come to the table and we’re going to try to get something done,” Pelosi said on MSNBC Monday evening. She said the two sides would take stock on Tuesday, which she has staked out as the deadline if a deal is to be reached before the election.“Let’s make a judgment. We may not like this, we may not like that but let’s see on balance if we can go forward,” Pelosi said.But with time nearly up for Congress and the White House to deliver aid to Americans before the election, the question remains: If not now, when?It’s a key consideration for Trump, who has talked up the prospect of another package as he asks voters for a second term, and for Democrats hopeful that their nominee, Joe Biden, is on the cusp of winning the White House in November.“Nancy Pelosi at this moment does not want to do anything that’s going to affect the election,” Trump said during a campaign swing in Arizona.The dynamic has created a tricky position for Pelosi, whose tough approach to the talks amid durable GOP opposition to a potential deal of almost $2 trillion has left all sides staring at the very real potential of the negotiations failing. Pelosi is angling for the best deal she can get — maybe that’s now, maybe it’s later. It’s a risk she’s willing to take.Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, meanwhile, is pushing ahead with votes this week on GOP measures that stand little chance of advancing.Trump has upped his offer to $1.8 trillion or more and insisted Monday that “the Republicans will come along” if a deal is reached. His chief of staff and communications director took to Fox News to offer optimistic takes. But Republicans have spent months talking about a smaller aid package and the top GOP vote-counter, Sen. John Thune, said Monday that “it would be hard” to find the necessary Republican support for passage of any agreement in that range.Without an agreement at least in principle by Tuesday, Pelosi says it’ll be too late to enact anything by Election Day. And if history is any guide, prospects for a deal in the lame-duck session after the election could be dim.If Trump loses, Congress is likely to stagger through a nonproductive session comparable to the abbreviated session after the decisive 2008 Obama-Biden victory or the 2016 session that punted most of its leftovers to the Trump administration. That scenario would push virus aid into 2021.“If we delay this until the Biden administration we’re talking about three, four, five months. The American people cannot wait,” Rep. Max Rose, D-N.Y., a freshman facing a difficult race in Trump-friendly Staten Island, said on CNN. “With each passing day without action the American people will be suffering more.”Pelosi calls the $1.8 trillion administration offer inadequate, saying that while the overall Trump offer has gone up, the details on a virus testing plan, aid to state and local governments, and tax cuts for the working poor still aren’t to her satisfaction.At the same time, Trump’s GOP allies in the Senate are backing a virus proposal that at $650 billion or so is only about one-third the size of the measure that Pelosi and Mnuchin are negotiating. But the Senate GOP bill has failed once before, and Trump himself says it’s too puny.A debate slated for Wednesday on the Senate Republican plan promises to bring a hefty dose of posturing and political gamesmanship, but little more. It will follow a procedural tally Tuesday on a stand-alone renewal of bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program business subsidies that could cause Democratic fracturing but isn’t likely to succeed.Pelosi has faced carping from some Democrats for playing hardball at the risk of going home empty-handed, but that criticism has been largely muted since McConnell keeps stiff-arming the negotiations.“The bigger issue is McConnell,” said Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who raised eyebrows earlier this month in publicly advising Pelosi to endorse Mnuchin’s $1.8 trillion topline. “I mean, the President has said, ‘Oh, I can get McConnell on board.’ Well, why doesn’t he call McConnell and get him on board?” he said on SiriusXM Urban View on Monday.The last coronavirus relief package, the $1.8 trillion bipartisan CARES Act, passed in March by an overwhelming margin as the economy went into lockdown amid fear and uncertainty about the virus. Since then, Trump and many of his GOP allies have focused on loosening social and economic restrictions as the key to recovery instead of more taxpayer-funded help.The moment is challenging for Pelosi as well. For months she has been promising a COVID relief package of more than $2 trillion stuffed with Obama-era stimulus ideas. Even though the Senate and White House are both in GOP hands — and will be at least into January — she has sharply rebuffed anyone who suggests that Democrats should take a smaller deal now rather than risk going home empty-handed until next year.“If Congress doesn’t act the next administration is going to inherit a real mess,” said Harvard economist Jason Furman, a former top Obama adviser. “Economic problems tend to feed on themselves.” He is in the Democratic camp that prefers imperfect stimulus now rather than a larger package in four months or so.