By NICK GOSNELL Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON —&nbsp;A political science professor at the University of Kansas says it appears right now that the U.S. Senate race in Kansas is too close to call.

"We have four polls," Patrick Miller said. "The way you interpret polls is, you take the estimates, you stick that margin of error in and in all four polls, there is no clear leader in the poll in the sense that either candidate could actually be ahead, if we factor in the margin of error. At least in three of the four polls, one of the candidates, in one case, Bollier and in two cases Marshall is ahead by a little bit more. Polls are always going to vary."

Just because polls are different doesn't mean they aren't good.

"Good polls of the same race are not going to tell you the same exact thing, even if they are taken on the same day," Miller said. "I would just urge people to look at the body of polling and what that's telling you. That is that, among voters who are decided in the race, you seem to have no clear leader, but there is a chunk who are undecided."

The path to victory may seem theoretically easier for Roger Marshall, due to the Presidential race at the top of the ticket, but there is a path for Barbara Bollier, as well.

"Those individuals who are undecided in the Senate race, there is a chunk of them who are also undecided in the Presidential race," Miller said. "Whether those people are going to vote at all, who knows, whether they are just going to decide at the last minute, who knows, but there are a chunk who are undecided there, up for grabs. Among the undecided voters in the Senate race who know who they are voting for, for President, they do lean about two to one towards Trump."

The key to the race may be how many Trump voters Bollier can pick up or not.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601910652054.png" alt="Rep. Roger Marshall and Kan. Senator Barbara Bollier during a virtual candidate debate Sept. 19" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Roger Marshall and Kan. Senator Barbara Bollier during a virtual candidate debate Sept. 19</figcaption>
 </figure>By NICK GOSNELL Hutch PostHUTCHINSON —&nbsp;A political science professor at the University of Kansas says it appears right now that the U.S. Senate race in Kansas is too close to call."We have four polls," Patrick Miller said. "The way you interpret polls is, you take the estimates, you stick that margin of error in and in all four polls, there is no clear leader in the poll in the sense that either candidate could actually be ahead, if we factor in the margin of error. At least in three of the four polls, one of the candidates, in one case, Bollier and in two cases Marshall is ahead by a little bit more. Polls are always going to vary."Just because polls are different doesn't mean they aren't good."Good polls of the same race are not going to tell you the same exact thing, even if they are taken on the same day," Miller said. "I would just urge people to look at the body of polling and what that's telling you. That is that, among voters who are decided in the race, you seem to have no clear leader, but there is a chunk who are undecided."The path to victory may seem theoretically easier for Roger Marshall, due to the Presidential race at the top of the ticket, but there is a path for Barbara Bollier, as well."Those individuals who are undecided in the Senate race, there is a chunk of them who are also undecided in the Presidential race," Miller said. "Whether those people are going to vote at all, who knows, whether they are just going to decide at the last minute, who knows, but there are a chunk who are undecided there, up for grabs. Among the undecided voters in the Senate race who know who they are voting for, for President, they do lean about two to one towards Trump."The key to the race may be how many Trump voters Bollier can pick up or not.

Pollster: Kansas Senate race within margin of error

WICHITA – A woman from Los Angeles was sentenced Monday to 18 months in federal prison for transporting 60 pounds of methamphetamine to Kansas, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.

Maria Alvarez-Buenrostro, 47, Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 

In her plea, she admitted that the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped her car Feb. 12, 2019, in Ellis County. A trooper found the methamphetamine in heat-sealed bags hidden in a real quarter panel and in both rear doors.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579015365862.png" alt="Maria Alvarez-Buenrostro- Rooks Co." />
 <figcaption>Maria Alvarez-Buenrostro- Rooks Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA – A woman from Los Angeles was sentenced Monday to 18 months in federal prison for transporting 60 pounds of methamphetamine to Kansas, according to U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister.Maria Alvarez-Buenrostro, 47, Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In her plea, she admitted that the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped her car Feb. 12, 2019, in Ellis County. A trooper found the methamphetamine in heat-sealed bags hidden in a real quarter panel and in both rear doors.

LA woman sentenced for transporting meth through Kan.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The downturn in airline travel amid the coronavirus pandemic could lead to years of decreased flights to fewer destinations and a dramatic drop in building improvements, particularly at smaller airports like the ones in Kansas.

The number of passengers who boarded flights in Wichita this year has dropped 57% compared to 2019, the Kansas News Service&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-airports-face-years-recovery-after-coronavirus-slowdown" target="_blank">reported</a>.

At its lowest point in April — when monthly traffic was down 95% compared to the year before — there was a day when only 63 people flew out of Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport in Wichita. Normally, the airport sees about 2,300 passengers a day, and a lot more during peak travel seasons.

“When no one is traveling, we’re not generating revenue,” said Valerie Wise, air service and business development manager.

Decreased revenue has led to slashed budgets and layoffs. The airport let go its customer courtesy staff. The parking lot operator closed the park-and-ride lot and laid off some drivers. And the Aviator Cafe is still closed.

Before the pandemic, the Wichita airport had seen seven straight years of growth. It added several new destinations and planned to add seven more in the next five years.

But now, the airport hopes just to keep the routes it has. There are currently only 22 daily departures, down from about 35 at the beginning of the year.

For smaller airports losing service is an even bigger existential concern.

Manhattan Regional Airport had three departing and three arriving flights from both Chicago and Dallas-Ft. Worth before the pandemic. It’s now down to two each way from Dallas. Boardings are down 56%.

A $2.1 million grant from the federal CARES Act, intended to offset the economic pain of the pandemic, is keeping the airport afloat for this year.

“If there isn’t additional funding that’s passed and we have this kind of environment that is long lasting, there’s going to be some difficult choices ahead,” said airport director Jesse Romo.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601908757258.png" alt="Photo courtesy Manhattan Regional Airport" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Manhattan Regional Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The downturn in airline travel amid the coronavirus pandemic could lead to years of decreased flights to fewer destinations and a dramatic drop in building improvements, particularly at smaller airports like the ones in Kansas.The number of passengers who boarded flights in Wichita this year has dropped 57% compared to 2019, the Kansas News Service&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/kansas-airports-face-years-recovery-after-coronavirus-slowdown" target="_blank">reported</a>.At its lowest point in April — when monthly traffic was down 95% compared to the year before — there was a day when only 63 people flew out of Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport in Wichita. Normally, the airport sees about 2,300 passengers a day, and a lot more during peak travel seasons.“When no one is traveling, we’re not generating revenue,” said Valerie Wise, air service and business development manager.Decreased revenue has led to slashed budgets and layoffs. The airport let go its customer courtesy staff. The parking lot operator closed the park-and-ride lot and laid off some drivers. And the Aviator Cafe is still closed.Before the pandemic, the Wichita airport had seen seven straight years of growth. It added several new destinations and planned to add seven more in the next five years.But now, the airport hopes just to keep the routes it has. There are currently only 22 daily departures, down from about 35 at the beginning of the year.For smaller airports losing service is an even bigger existential concern.Manhattan Regional Airport had three departing and three arriving flights from both Chicago and Dallas-Ft. Worth before the pandemic. It’s now down to two each way from Dallas. Boardings are down 56%.A $2.1 million grant from the federal CARES Act, intended to offset the economic pain of the pandemic, is keeping the airport afloat for this year.“If there isn’t additional funding that’s passed and we have this kind of environment that is long lasting, there’s going to be some difficult choices ahead,” said airport director Jesse Romo.

Kansas airports face years of recovery after pandemic

RENO COUNTY —&nbsp; One person died in a workplace accident on Monday morning in rural Reno County.

The Reno County Sheriff’s Department says that a man in his 60s was helping prepare a semi trailer hauling hay at Burling Mills, a feed mill near Arlington, Kansas, when he was run over around 10:20 a.m.

Steve Lutz with the Reno County Sheriff's Office says the victim and another man were prepping the trailer when the driver got in and pulled away. 

A few moments later they realized that the victim was not with them. They returned to find the man on the ground. It’s not known if the man bent over to pick something up and was hit by the semi or if he may have had a medical condition.

No name has been released. The accident remains under investigation.

RENO COUNTY—&nbsp; EMS and rescue crews have been called to the scene of an industrial accident in Reno County.

Just before 10:30 a.m. first responders traveled to 13215 S. Partridge Road where the custom feed mill Burling Mills Incorporated is located.

Authorities have released no additional details.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601919259788.jpeg" alt="Authorities at Burling Mill late Monday morning" />
 <figcaption>Authorities at Burling Mill late Monday morning</figcaption>
 </figure>RENO COUNTY —&nbsp; One person died in a workplace accident on Monday morning in rural Reno County.The Reno County Sheriff’s Department says that a man in his 60s was helping prepare a semi trailer hauling hay at Burling Mills, a feed mill near Arlington, Kansas, when he was run over around 10:20 a.m.Steve Lutz with the Reno County Sheriff's Office says the victim and another man were prepping the trailer when the driver got in and pulled away. A few moments later they realized that the victim was not with them. They returned to find the man on the ground. It’s not known if the man bent over to pick something up and was hit by the semi or if he may have had a medical condition.No name has been released. The accident remains under investigation.-----------RENO COUNTY—&nbsp; EMS and rescue crews have been called to the scene of an industrial accident in Reno County.Just before 10:30 a.m. first responders traveled to 13215 S. Partridge Road where the custom feed mill Burling Mills Incorporated is located.Authorities have released no additional details.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

Update: 1 man dead after struck by semi at Kan. feed mill

TOPEKA— The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Kansas increased by 1597 to a total of 62,708 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Coronavirus deaths were reported at 706, an increase of 8

<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 1597 to a total of 62,708 the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Coronavirus deaths were reported at 706, an increase of 8<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/2020/10/1601918639222.png" alt="Monday October 5, 2020 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday October 5, 2020 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>

KDHE: Latest coronavirus numbers in Kansas

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sexual assault and have a registered Kansas sex offender in custody.

Just after 7 p.m. Sept. 22, police were dispatched to a sexual assault case in the 800 block of South Sylvan in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.

Upon arrival, a 48-year-old female victim, told police she was walking in the area of Lincoln and Oliver when a suspect later identified as 34-year-old Darrius Johnson approached and grabbed her, forcing her into his Toyota Camry.

Johnson drove the victim to a separate location and sexually assaulted her. Johnson then drove the victim back to Lincoln and Oliver where she was released. Through the investigation and examination of evidence, Johnson was determined to have been involved in the attack. 

On Sunday, police reported they arrested Johnson October 1, in the 2100 block of South White Oak without incident.&nbsp; He is being held on requested charges of rape and aggravated kidnapping, according to Cruz.

Johnson has a previous felony conviction in 2010 for attempted aggravated sexual battery where victim is overcome by force or fear, according to the KBI offender registry.

At the time of his arrest, Johnson was out on bond for a separate alleged sex crime., according to Cruz.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601842042015.png" alt="Johnson photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Johnson photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged sexual assault and have a registered Kansas sex offender in custody.Just after 7 p.m. Sept. 22, police were dispatched to a sexual assault case in the 800 block of South Sylvan in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.Upon arrival, a 48-year-old female victim, told police she was walking in the area of Lincoln and Oliver when a suspect later identified as 34-year-old Darrius Johnson approached and grabbed her, forcing her into his Toyota Camry.Johnson drove the victim to a separate location and sexually assaulted her. Johnson then drove the victim back to Lincoln and Oliver where she was released. Through the investigation and examination of evidence, Johnson was determined to have been involved in the attack. On Sunday, police reported they arrested Johnson October 1, in the 2100 block of South White Oak without incident.&nbsp; He is being held on requested charges of rape and aggravated kidnapping, according to Cruz.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601904705441.png" alt="Johnson-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Johnson-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>Johnson has a previous felony conviction in 2010 for attempted aggravated sexual battery where victim is overcome by force or fear, according to the KBI offender registry.At the time of his arrest, Johnson was out on bond for a separate alleged sex crime., according to Cruz.

Kansas sex offender accused of rape, kidnapping 

By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2020-10-02/saint-lukes-to-close-two-community-hospitals-in-overland-park">Kansas News Service</a>

Saint Luke’s Health System says it will close its two community 
hospitals in Overland Park at the end of the year. Both hospitals opened
 just a couple of years ago.

The health system said declining patient volumes were behind the decision.

“Overall,
 our community hospital model has performed remarkably well and has 
allowed us to effectively expand access in a critical segment of our 
market,” Bobby Olm-Shipman, CEO of Saint Luke’s South and East, said in a
 statement.

“However, two of our locations have seen lower patient
 volumes since opening, and as we look at ways to provide care while 
operating as efficiently as possible during this challenging time, we 
have made the decision to close these two locations.”

The two locations, at 75th Street and Metcalf Avenue and 159th Street and 69 Highway, will close on Dec. 30.

The
 health system’s five remaining community hospitals will continue to 
provide service. Those facilities are located in Leawood, Olathe, 
Roeland Park, Shawnee, and Kansas City, Kansas.

Saint Luke’s launched the first of its community hospitals in 2018, when it opened the facility at 132nd
 Street and State Line Road in Leawood. Like its other community 
hospitals, the Leawood facility offers inpatient and emergency services 
on a smaller scale than the health system’s major hospitals. The idea is
 to bring patient care closer to where people live.

The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has taken a toll on the small hospitals' finances. In July, Saint Luke’s announced it was <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2020-07-02/faced-with-financial-strain-from-coronavirus-saint-lukes-closes-its-hospital-in-leavenworth-kansas" target="_blank">closing Cushing Hospital</a> in Leavenworth, Kansas, on Oct. 1, saying the pandemic had resulted in “significant financial strain.”

That
 occurred just months after Saint Luke’s converted Cushing from a 
traditional 74-bed hospital to one focused on emergency services. 
Cushing was founded in 1894. Saint Luke’s acquired it in 2007.

The
 Cushing announcement came shortly after Saint Luke’s announced a series
 of cost-saving measures system-wide, including streamlining care, 
eliminating nonessential expenditures and instituting a 90-day furlough 
for a “limited number” of employees.

According to the Kansas City 
Business Journal, Saint Luke’s reported $3.2 billion in revenue in 2018,
 the most recent year for which figures are available.

It’s the third largest private employer based in Kansas City, with nearly 10,000 full-time-equivalent employees as of July.

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

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601910607698.png" alt="The Saint Luke's community hospital at 75th and Metcalf in Overland Park, which opened only a couple of years ago, will be shuttered on Dec. 30. Dan Margolies / KCUR" />
 <figcaption>The Saint Luke's community hospital at 75th and Metcalf in Overland Park, which opened only a couple of years ago, will be shuttered on Dec. 30. Dan Margolies / KCUR</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAN MARGOLIES <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2020-10-02/saint-lukes-to-close-two-community-hospitals-in-overland-park">Kansas News Service</a>Saint Luke’s Health System says it will close its two community 
hospitals in Overland Park at the end of the year. Both hospitals opened
 just a couple of years ago.The health system said declining patient volumes were behind the decision.“Overall,
 our community hospital model has performed remarkably well and has 
allowed us to effectively expand access in a critical segment of our 
market,” Bobby Olm-Shipman, CEO of Saint Luke’s South and East, said in a
 statement.“However, two of our locations have seen lower patient
 volumes since opening, and as we look at ways to provide care while 
operating as efficiently as possible during this challenging time, we 
have made the decision to close these two locations.”The two locations, at 75th Street and Metcalf Avenue and 159th Street and 69 Highway, will close on Dec. 30.The
 health system’s five remaining community hospitals will continue to 
provide service. Those facilities are located in Leawood, Olathe, 
Roeland Park, Shawnee, and Kansas City, Kansas.Saint Luke’s launched the first of its community hospitals in 2018, when it opened the facility at 132nd
 Street and State Line Road in Leawood. Like its other community 
hospitals, the Leawood facility offers inpatient and emergency services 
on a smaller scale than the health system’s major hospitals. The idea is
 to bring patient care closer to where people live.The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has taken a toll on the small hospitals' finances. In July, Saint Luke’s announced it was <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2020-07-02/faced-with-financial-strain-from-coronavirus-saint-lukes-closes-its-hospital-in-leavenworth-kansas" target="_blank">closing Cushing Hospital</a> in Leavenworth, Kansas, on Oct. 1, saying the pandemic had resulted in “significant financial strain.”That
 occurred just months after Saint Luke’s converted Cushing from a 
traditional 74-bed hospital to one focused on emergency services. 
Cushing was founded in 1894. Saint Luke’s acquired it in 2007.The
 Cushing announcement came shortly after Saint Luke’s announced a series
 of cost-saving measures system-wide, including streamlining care, 
eliminating nonessential expenditures and instituting a 90-day furlough 
for a “limited number” of employees.According to the Kansas City 
Business Journal, Saint Luke’s reported $3.2 billion in revenue in 2018,
 the most recent year for which figures are available.It’s the third largest private employer based in Kansas City, with nearly 10,000 full-time-equivalent employees as of July.Dan Margolies is senior reporter and editor at KCUR. He can be reached by email at dan@kcur.org or on Twitter @DanMargolies.&nbsp;

Saint Luke’s to close two community hospitals in Overland Park 

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has begun its new term with a remembrance of “a dear friend and a treasured colleague,” the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Chief Justice John Roberts on Monday paid tribute to Ginsburg, who died last month, as the court resumed its work via telephone because of the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://t.co/C5so1i59at?amp=1">Click here</a>&nbsp;to listen to the tribute to Ginsburg and the oral arguments

The justices are beginning a new term with Republicans on the cusp of realizing a dream 50 years in the making, a solid conservative majority that might roll back abortion rights, expand gun rights and shrink the power of government. The Senate could confirm President Donald Trump’s nominee for Ginsburg’s seat, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, before Election Day.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court will begin hearing arguments Monday after a summer break. Here are some of the issues either already on the court’s docket or likely to be before the justices soon:

A week after the presidential election, the court will hear arguments in a bid by the Trump administration and Republican-led states to overturn the Obama-era health care law. Coverage for more than 20 million people is at stake, along with the law’s ban on insurance discrimination against Americans with pre-existing medical conditions.

President Donald Trump, who has promised but never delivered a replacement for the Affordable Care Act, and Democratic rival Joe Biden sparred over the case in the first presidential debate.

“Obamacare is no good. We made it better,” Trump said at one point. “He has no plan for health care,” Biden said of the president.

The high court has options that are less drastic than striking down the entire Affordable Care Act. It could invalidate the law’s now toothless requirement that most Americans carry health insurance but leave in place core provisions such as subsidized health insurance, Medicaid expansion and protection for people with medical problems.

Trump has already predicted that the 2020 election will end up at the Supreme Court. That’s part of why he says Amy Coney Barrett should be confirmed before Election Day to the seat left open by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-ruth-bader-ginsburg-courts-684a0e1a2ae195ec32aa64684143e2f3">death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a>. Trump says he wants a full court to be available to weigh in on any campaign-related litigation.

Already, however, the court has confronted election-related cases from Wisconsin,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1724e2b0a30ee9ad2019401dc7922e92">Alabama</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rhode-island-clarence-thomas-neil-gorsuch-general-elections-politics-f86c690e52d078e428c9d5b5c04cab3f">Rhode Island</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/388833270a7dcd91b338c50a177f20db">Florida&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0ae68b15f08f8bef920112803a1e3fe3">Texas.</a>&nbsp;Among the issues: ballot witness requirements and allowing all voters to vote by mail. Soon the court will have to decide whether to keep in place a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-pennsylvania-elections-courts-41b7c3a620dd3ba1b9c741fb80ff8466">Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;extending the deadline for receiving and counting mail-in ballots in the battleground state and another court decision suspending the ballot witness requirement in South Carolina, where polls find a competitive Senate race.

The day after the election in November, the high court will hear&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aed76866be42f523bec4a3651da6efeb">a dispute involving a Philadelphia Catholic agency that won’t place foster children with same-sex couples</a>. It’s a big test of religious rights and could be one of the first cases the court hears with Barrett on board, if Republicans succeed in confirming her before the election.

The justices will review an appeals court ruling that upheld the city’s decision to stop placing children with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s agency because it would not permit same-sex couples to serve as foster parents.

The appeals court ruled that the city did not target the agency, Catholic Social Services, because of its religious beliefs, but acted only to enforce its own nondiscrimination policy in the face of what seemed to be a clear violation.

The most high-profile, big-dollar case the justices will hear arguments in this month is a copyright&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0a509efb8afb4fb6b71f1e7445171b5e">dispute between technology giants Oracle and Google</a>.

The dispute has to do with Google’s development of its Android operating system for smartphones. Oracle says that in developing the popular Android, Google copied approximately 11,500 lines of its copyrighted code. Google says it didn’t do anything improper. Oracle disagrees and sued Google in 2010. It has said it’s owed nearly $9 billion.

Lower courts have grappled with the case for a decade. Most recently, after a jury sided with Google, an appeals court overturned that ruling.

In December, the justices will hear arguments over whether Congress can have access to secret grand jury testimony from special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation — a legal process that began in summer 2019, before Trump was impeached by the House.

The court already handed Trump a victory when it agreed in July to deny the Democrats who control the House access to the material before the election.

It’s possible the justices never have to reach a definitive ruling in a sensitive dispute between the executive and legislative branches of government, if either Trump loses reelection or Republicans regain control of the House next year. It’s hard to imagine that a Biden administration would object to turning over the Mueller documents or that House Republicans would continue to press for them. Also unclear is how many new, or incendiary, revelations might be contained in the grand jury transcripts.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has begun its new term with a remembrance of “a dear friend and a treasured colleague,” the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Chief Justice John Roberts on Monday paid tribute to Ginsburg, who died last month, as the court resumed its work via telephone because of the coronavirus pandemic.<a href="https://t.co/C5so1i59at?amp=1">Click here</a>&nbsp;to listen to the tribute to Ginsburg and the oral argumentsThe justices are beginning a new term with Republicans on the cusp of realizing a dream 50 years in the making, a solid conservative majority that might roll back abortion rights, expand gun rights and shrink the power of government. The Senate could confirm President Donald Trump’s nominee for Ginsburg’s seat, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, before Election Day.--------------WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court will begin hearing arguments Monday after a summer break. Here are some of the issues either already on the court’s docket or likely to be before the justices soon:HEALTH CAREA week after the presidential election, the court will hear arguments in a bid by the Trump administration and Republican-led states to overturn the Obama-era health care law. Coverage for more than 20 million people is at stake, along with the law’s ban on insurance discrimination against Americans with pre-existing medical conditions.President Donald Trump, who has promised but never delivered a replacement for the Affordable Care Act, and Democratic rival Joe Biden sparred over the case in the first presidential debate.“Obamacare is no good. We made it better,” Trump said at one point. “He has no plan for health care,” Biden said of the president.The high court has options that are less drastic than striking down the entire Affordable Care Act. It could invalidate the law’s now toothless requirement that most Americans carry health insurance but leave in place core provisions such as subsidized health insurance, Medicaid expansion and protection for people with medical problems.___ELECTIONSTrump has already predicted that the 2020 election will end up at the Supreme Court. That’s part of why he says Amy Coney Barrett should be confirmed before Election Day to the seat left open by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-ruth-bader-ginsburg-courts-684a0e1a2ae195ec32aa64684143e2f3">death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg</a>. Trump says he wants a full court to be available to weigh in on any campaign-related litigation.Already, however, the court has confronted election-related cases from Wisconsin,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/1724e2b0a30ee9ad2019401dc7922e92">Alabama</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rhode-island-clarence-thomas-neil-gorsuch-general-elections-politics-f86c690e52d078e428c9d5b5c04cab3f">Rhode Island</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/388833270a7dcd91b338c50a177f20db">Florida&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0ae68b15f08f8bef920112803a1e3fe3">Texas.</a>&nbsp;Among the issues: ballot witness requirements and allowing all voters to vote by mail. Soon the court will have to decide whether to keep in place a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-pennsylvania-elections-courts-41b7c3a620dd3ba1b9c741fb80ff8466">Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision</a>&nbsp;extending the deadline for receiving and counting mail-in ballots in the battleground state and another court decision suspending the ballot witness requirement in South Carolina, where polls find a competitive Senate race.___RELIGIOUS RIGHTSThe day after the election in November, the high court will hear&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aed76866be42f523bec4a3651da6efeb">a dispute involving a Philadelphia Catholic agency that won’t place foster children with same-sex couples</a>. It’s a big test of religious rights and could be one of the first cases the court hears with Barrett on board, if Republicans succeed in confirming her before the election.The justices will review an appeals court ruling that upheld the city’s decision to stop placing children with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s agency because it would not permit same-sex couples to serve as foster parents.The appeals court ruled that the city did not target the agency, Catholic Social Services, because of its religious beliefs, but acted only to enforce its own nondiscrimination policy in the face of what seemed to be a clear violation.___TECHNOLOGYThe most high-profile, big-dollar case the justices will hear arguments in this month is a copyright&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/0a509efb8afb4fb6b71f1e7445171b5e">dispute between technology giants Oracle and Google</a>.The dispute has to do with Google’s development of its Android operating system for smartphones. Oracle says that in developing the popular Android, Google copied approximately 11,500 lines of its copyrighted code. Google says it didn’t do anything improper. Oracle disagrees and sued Google in 2010. It has said it’s owed nearly $9 billion.Lower courts have grappled with the case for a decade. Most recently, after a jury sided with Google, an appeals court overturned that ruling.___MUELLER INVESTIGATIONIn December, the justices will hear arguments over whether Congress can have access to secret grand jury testimony from special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation — a legal process that began in summer 2019, before Trump was impeached by the House.The court already handed Trump a victory when it agreed in July to deny the Democrats who control the House access to the material before the election.It’s possible the justices never have to reach a definitive ruling in a sensitive dispute between the executive and legislative branches of government, if either Trump loses reelection or Republicans regain control of the House next year. It’s hard to imagine that a Biden administration would object to turning over the Mueller documents or that House Republicans would continue to press for them. Also unclear is how many new, or incendiary, revelations might be contained in the grand jury transcripts.

🎤  Supreme Court opens new term, pays tribute to Ginsburg

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A lab's approval to start testing samples of marijuana means that commercial marijuana for medical use could be on the shelves in Missouri this month.

EKG Labs in Maryland Heights on Sept. 26 became the first of 10 licensed medical marijuana testers to start operations after passing a state inspection.

As a result, marijuana being grown by commercial cultivators may undergo state-required testing for safety and potency. Once approved, it can be sold at dispensaries.

EKG's director of operations, Natalie Brown, said testing could begin in the upcoming week.

“We’re hopeful that there will be product on the shelves and dispensaries by early- to mid-October for the patients,” Brown said.

Missouri voters in 2018 approved medical marijuana. As of Tuesday, five commercial growers and six dispensaries had passed inspections from the state health department to start growing and selling pot legally. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services administers the state's medical marijuana program.

Missouri has issued 60 licenses to grow marijuana, 86 to make marijuana-infused products and 192 to open dispensaries, but the vast majority of businesses are still setting up and working through state regulations.

Still, just knowing that testing will be available as soon as the marijuana is grown and ready to be packaged and sold is a relief to business owners, said Susan Griffith, president of CAMP Cannabis, which stands for Certified Alternative Medicine Providers.

CAMP expects to undergo its last inspection in December and start planting marijuana early next year, Griffith said. The company hopes to sell to dispensaries by spring.

“As soon as we’re approved we are prepared to get plants in the ground immediately,” Griffith said.

Demand could be high: Up to 70,000 Missourians have state permits to legally use medical marijuana.

They may not all need dispensaries. At least 17,517 qualified card-holders were also approved to grow a limited amount of marijuana at home, under strict regulations.

EKG will travel to marijuana growers to gather a representative sample for testing at its lab. It will screen for pesticides, toxins, metals, moisture content and potency

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A lab's approval to start testing samples of marijuana means that commercial marijuana for medical use could be on the shelves in Missouri this month.EKG Labs in Maryland Heights on Sept. 26 became the first of 10 licensed medical marijuana testers to start operations after passing a state inspection.As a result, marijuana being grown by commercial cultivators may undergo state-required testing for safety and potency. Once approved, it can be sold at dispensaries.EKG's director of operations, Natalie Brown, said testing could begin in the upcoming week.“We’re hopeful that there will be product on the shelves and dispensaries by early- to mid-October for the patients,” Brown said.Missouri voters in 2018 approved medical marijuana. As of Tuesday, five commercial growers and six dispensaries had passed inspections from the state health department to start growing and selling pot legally. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services administers the state's medical marijuana program.Missouri has issued 60 licenses to grow marijuana, 86 to make marijuana-infused products and 192 to open dispensaries, but the vast majority of businesses are still setting up and working through state regulations.Still, just knowing that testing will be available as soon as the marijuana is grown and ready to be packaged and sold is a relief to business owners, said Susan Griffith, president of CAMP Cannabis, which stands for Certified Alternative Medicine Providers.CAMP expects to undergo its last inspection in December and start planting marijuana early next year, Griffith said. The company hopes to sell to dispensaries by spring.“As soon as we’re approved we are prepared to get plants in the ground immediately,” Griffith said.Demand could be high: Up to 70,000 Missourians have state permits to legally use medical marijuana.They may not all need dispensaries. At least 17,517 qualified card-holders were also approved to grow a limited amount of marijuana at home, under strict regulations.EKG will travel to marijuana growers to gather a representative sample for testing at its lab. It will screen for pesticides, toxins, metals, moisture content and potency

Medical marijuana in Missouri could be available this month

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Wichita Police Department (WPD) K9 team has seized pounds of illegal drugs off the streets of Wichita over the past ten days.

On Friday, the K9 team stopped a car at I-135 and 21st&nbsp;Street.&nbsp; Through the investigation of the stop, two cases and one duffle bag was found containing 55 pounds of high-grade marijuana and 20 ounces of THC wax, according to officer Charley Davidson.

Police arrested 28-year-old Lucas Fradet of Arvada, Colorado, on charges of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute.&nbsp; The investigation will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

On Thursday, the K9 team stopped a car at the Turnpike and Kellogg exit.&nbsp; Through the investigation of the stop, 15 pounds of methamphetamine were located.

Arrested was a 44-year-old female from El Paso, Texas, on a charge of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.&nbsp; The investigation is ongoing.

On Tuesday, the K9 team assisted the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) with a traffic stop at the Turnpike and I-135 exit.  Through the investigation, 12 pounds of methamphetamine were located in the vehicle.  The case is being investigated by Kansas Highway Patrol.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601662991271.png" alt="Photo courtesy Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Wichita Police Department (WPD) K9 team has seized pounds of illegal drugs off the streets of Wichita over the past ten days.On Friday, the K9 team stopped a car at I-135 and 21st&nbsp;Street.&nbsp; Through the investigation of the stop, two cases and one duffle bag was found containing 55 pounds of high-grade marijuana and 20 ounces of THC wax, according to officer Charley Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601672512893.png" alt="Fradet photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Fradet photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police arrested 28-year-old Lucas Fradet of Arvada, Colorado, on charges of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute.&nbsp; The investigation will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.On Thursday, the K9 team stopped a car at the Turnpike and Kellogg exit.&nbsp; Through the investigation of the stop, 15 pounds of methamphetamine were located.Arrested was a 44-year-old female from El Paso, Texas, on a charge of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.&nbsp; The investigation is ongoing.On Tuesday, the K9 team assisted the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) with a traffic stop at the Turnpike and I-135 exit. Through the investigation, 12 pounds of methamphetamine were located in the vehicle. The case is being investigated by Kansas Highway Patrol.

Kansas K9 team seizes pounds of illegal drugs

SHERIDAN COUNTY —Over the weekend, the Sheridan County Sheriff's Office received a report of a burglary in a camper at Sheridan State Lake. Now they are warning the suspect they have been exposed to the coronavirus.

In a message posted on Facebook Monday morning, the department said at approximately 2:30 p.m. Oct. 3, the camper was broken into and several items were stolen while parked at the lake.

"We are asking for the public’s assistance. If you have any information regarding this incident, we ask that you contact the Sheridan County Sheriff's Department," the announcement said.

But during the burglary, the department warned the suspect was exposed to the coronavirus.

"In case the suspect/'s read this message, the owner wanted to properly inform them," the announcement said. "The reason the camper was out at lake was due to the individual being on quarantine, due to COVID-19."

The department suggests the suspect monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.

"If you start to notice that the bottle of Weller’s you stole doesn’t taste like it normally does, you might want to go to your nearest medical provider and get tested ... you may have the 'rona!"

SHERIDAN COUNTY —Over the weekend, the Sheridan County Sheriff's Office received a report of a burglary in a camper at Sheridan State Lake. Now they are warning the suspect they have been exposed to the coronavirus.In a message posted on Facebook Monday morning, the department said at approximately 2:30 p.m. Oct. 3, the camper was broken into and several items were stolen while parked at the lake."We are asking for the public’s assistance. If you have any information regarding this incident, we ask that you contact the Sheridan County Sheriff's Department," the announcement said.But during the burglary, the department warned the suspect was exposed to the coronavirus."In case the suspect/'s read this message, the owner wanted to properly inform them," the announcement said. "The reason the camper was out at lake was due to the individual being on quarantine, due to COVID-19."The department suggests the suspect monitor for COVID-19 symptoms."If you start to notice that the bottle of Weller’s you stole doesn’t taste like it normally does, you might want to go to your nearest medical provider and get tested ... you may have the 'rona!"

NW Kan. Sheriff warns camper thief: 'You may have the 'rona!'

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after&nbsp;

Just after 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, police were doing proactive patrol monitoring for illegal drugs along Kellogg in Wichita at locations suspected of drug activity, according to officer Charley Davidson.

During the assignment, officers observed two suspects later identified as&nbsp;26-year-old Coleton Hess and&nbsp;29-year-old Christopher Cervantes and a third individual acting suspiciously at the Days Inn, 7321 E. Kellogg and then leaving in a red 2006 Jeep at a high rate of speed. 

Officers located the vehicle unoccupied in an apartment complex parking lot in the 7800 block of East Douglas.

Officers quickly located Hess and Cervantes in the area of the car, and they were arrested. They didn't locate the third individual, according to Davidson.

 Cervantes was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun and narcotics. Through the investigation, officers recovered 57 grams of methamphetamine; 96 grams of marijuana; Two grams of cocaine; Narcotic pills; Two loaded handguns; An AR-15 rifle; Loaded AR-15 magazines; and&nbsp;Loaded handgun magazines.

Hess is being held on requested charges of possession of a firearm by a felon and outstanding warrants and Cervantes on requested charges of obstruct, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, possession of narcotics, and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Cervantes has previous felony convictions and is currently on parole with the Kansas Department of Corrections for a voluntary manslaughter conviction. Cole has also had previous felony convictions, according to Davidson.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601654256593.png" alt="Photo courtesy Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges after&nbsp;Just after 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, police were doing proactive patrol monitoring for illegal drugs along Kellogg in Wichita at locations suspected of drug activity, according to officer Charley Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601657414569.png" alt="Hess photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Hess photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the assignment, officers observed two suspects later identified as&nbsp;26-year-old Coleton Hess and&nbsp;29-year-old Christopher Cervantes and a third individual acting suspiciously at the Days Inn, 7321 E. Kellogg and then leaving in a red 2006 Jeep at a high rate of speed. Officers located the vehicle unoccupied in an apartment complex parking lot in the 7800 block of East Douglas.Officers quickly located Hess and Cervantes in the area of the car, and they were arrested. They didn't locate the third individual, according to Davidson.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601658133349.png" alt="Cervantes photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Cervantes photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Cervantes was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun and narcotics. Through the investigation, officers recovered 57 grams of methamphetamine; 96 grams of marijuana; Two grams of cocaine; Narcotic pills; Two loaded handguns; An AR-15 rifle; Loaded AR-15 magazines; and&nbsp;Loaded handgun magazines.Hess is being held on requested charges of possession of a firearm by a felon and outstanding warrants and Cervantes on requested charges of obstruct, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, possession of narcotics, and possession of a firearm by a felon.Cervantes has previous felony convictions and is currently on parole with the Kansas Department of Corrections for a voluntary manslaughter conviction. Cole has also had previous felony convictions, according to Davidson.

Police catch 2 Kan. men with loaded guns, drugs

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A 20-year-old Democratic congressional candidate from Kansas who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d7ea4a5bc168f3b608ea96c81efb6c78">admitted&nbsp;</a>to circulating revenge porn was charged five years ago with threatening to shoot a high school student, according to newly released records.

Aaron Coleman was 14 in May 2015 when he was charged with a felony, making a criminal threat, according to police and court records show.&nbsp; He later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of harassment.

The Kansas Democratic Party&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d7ea4a5bc168f3b608ea96c81efb6c78">disowned Coleman in August</a>&nbsp;after an ex-girlfriend said he physically abused her last December and is backing a write-in campaign by seven-term state Rep. Stan Frownfelter, who narrowly lost to Coleman in the primary. No Republican is on the ballot, but Republican Kristina Smith also launched a write-in campaign.

Coleman, a community college student and dishwasher who has been running on a liberal platform, defended himself in a text message to the Kansas City The Star, writing, “I find it insane to use someone’s juvenile record to distract from the fact Republicans and Democrats are engaging in full on class warfare right here in Wyandotte County and keeping people trapped in poverty in order to maximize profits.”

He told The Associated Press on Saturday in a text that Frownfelter shouldn’t have been “lazy” and stressed that the allegations were old.

“I was a troubled kid, and you’re on a witch hunt,” he wrote. “People are sick of it. Moving on.”

According to a police report and arrest warrant affidavit obtained by The Star through an open records request, the school threat investigation began after a Kansas City, Kansas, police officer stationed at Turner High School learned that Coleman had sent a text message to someone saying, “Imma go up to the THS and shoot her then myself.” The messages went on to say, “My life is ruined and I just want to die.”

Coleman, who was not a student at the school, acknowledged that he wrote the message and said it was true that he wanted to hurt himself, but he said he never intended to harm or shoot the girl and didn’t have access to firearms, according to the police report.

Coleman, who left the Turner School District in May 2012 and was being home schooled, said he went into a “panic attack” after the girl posted a photo of his genitals on Facebook, the report said. He said that he wanted her to believe he was “crazy” so she would remove the photo, the police report said. The girl’s mother told police that her daughter feared for her safety.

In addition to the abuse accusations involving his ex-girlfriend, Coleman admitted in a Facebook post in June that allegations that he had posted revenge porn online and blackmailed and harassed middle school girls were true. He wrote that he had been “a sick and troubled 14-year-old boy.” He has not publicly addressed the allegations made by his former girlfriend.

It wasn’t immediately clear if the case involving the threatening text message was handled in juvenile court or was moved to adult court. Coleman declined to discuss specifics, a spokesman in the prosecutor’s office didn’t immediately respond to an email and police weren’t immediately able to respond to a records request. The Star wrote that it discovered the arrest and charges during a search of Kansas court records and requested supporting documents.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597491942776.png" alt="Photo courtesy Aaron Coleman for Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Aaron Coleman for Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A 20-year-old Democratic congressional candidate from Kansas who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d7ea4a5bc168f3b608ea96c81efb6c78">admitted&nbsp;</a>to circulating revenge porn was charged five years ago with threatening to shoot a high school student, according to newly released records.Aaron Coleman was 14 in May 2015 when he was charged with a felony, making a criminal threat, according to police and court records show.&nbsp; He later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of harassment.The Kansas Democratic Party&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/d7ea4a5bc168f3b608ea96c81efb6c78">disowned Coleman in August</a>&nbsp;after an ex-girlfriend said he physically abused her last December and is backing a write-in campaign by seven-term state Rep. Stan Frownfelter, who narrowly lost to Coleman in the primary. No Republican is on the ballot, but Republican Kristina Smith also launched a write-in campaign.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597492154851.png" alt="Rep. Stan Frownfelter " />
 <figcaption>Rep. Stan Frownfelter </figcaption>
 </figure>Coleman, a community college student and dishwasher who has been running on a liberal platform, defended himself in a text message to the Kansas City The Star, writing, “I find it insane to use someone’s juvenile record to distract from the fact Republicans and Democrats are engaging in full on class warfare right here in Wyandotte County and keeping people trapped in poverty in order to maximize profits.”He told The Associated Press on Saturday in a text that Frownfelter shouldn’t have been “lazy” and stressed that the allegations were old.“I was a troubled kid, and you’re on a witch hunt,” he wrote. “People are sick of it. Moving on.”According to a police report and arrest warrant affidavit obtained by The Star through an open records request, the school threat investigation began after a Kansas City, Kansas, police officer stationed at Turner High School learned that Coleman had sent a text message to someone saying, “Imma go up to the THS and shoot her then myself.” The messages went on to say, “My life is ruined and I just want to die.”Coleman, who was not a student at the school, acknowledged that he wrote the message and said it was true that he wanted to hurt himself, but he said he never intended to harm or shoot the girl and didn’t have access to firearms, according to the police report.Coleman, who left the Turner School District in May 2012 and was being home schooled, said he went into a “panic attack” after the girl posted a photo of his genitals on Facebook, the report said. He said that he wanted her to believe he was “crazy” so she would remove the photo, the police report said. The girl’s mother told police that her daughter feared for her safety.In addition to the abuse accusations involving his ex-girlfriend, Coleman admitted in a Facebook post in June that allegations that he had posted revenge porn online and blackmailed and harassed middle school girls were true. He wrote that he had been “a sick and troubled 14-year-old boy.” He has not publicly addressed the allegations made by his former girlfriend.It wasn’t immediately clear if the case involving the threatening text message was handled in juvenile court or was moved to adult court. Coleman declined to discuss specifics, a spokesman in the prosecutor’s office didn’t immediately respond to an email and police weren’t immediately able to respond to a records request. The Star wrote that it discovered the arrest and charges during a search of Kansas court records and requested supporting documents.

Records accuse Kansas legislative candidate of threat at 14

LAWRENCE, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;The Douglas County district attorney's office is still deciding whether to file charges for two incidents earlier this year where vehicles drove into protests in Lawrence.

At least three defendants have been charged for similar allegations that weren't protest-related.

On May 31, video showed a woman accelerating an SUV into protesters during a march against police brutality. On June 29, another woman drove an SUV through protesters' makeshift barricades and into a crowd. No serious injuries were reported.

Dorothy Kliem, trial assistant for the Douglas County DA’s office, said there were differences between the cases involving the protests and the other cases. She said the cases involving the protests remain under review and charging decisions are likely to be made soon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593460402196.png" alt="Protesters in late June working to occupy Mass Street in Lawrence -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Protesters in late June working to occupy Mass Street in Lawrence -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, KAN. (AP) —&nbsp;The Douglas County district attorney's office is still deciding whether to file charges for two incidents earlier this year where vehicles drove into protests in Lawrence.At least three defendants have been charged for similar allegations that weren't protest-related.On May 31, video showed a woman accelerating an SUV into protesters during a march against police brutality. On June 29, another woman drove an SUV through protesters' makeshift barricades and into a crowd. No serious injuries were reported.Dorothy Kliem, trial assistant for the Douglas County DA’s office, said there were differences between the cases involving the protests and the other cases. She said the cases involving the protests remain under review and charging decisions are likely to be made soon.

Months later, still no charges after car drove into Kan. protest

KANSAS CITY (AP)—October is prime time for flu vaccinations, and the U.S. and Europe are gearing up for what experts hope is high demand as countries seek to avoid a “twindemic” with COVID-19.

“There’s considerable concern as we enter the fall and winter months and into the flu season that we’ll have that dreaded overlap” of flu and the coronavirus, Dr. Anthony Fauci of the U.S. National Institutes of Health said Thursday. He got his own flu shot earlier this week.

A record number of flu vaccine doses are on the way, between 194 million and 198 million for the U.S. alone -- seemingly plenty considering last year just under half of adults got vaccinated and there usually are leftovers.

Still, there’s no way to know how many will seek shots this year and some people occasionally are finding drugstores or clinics temporarily out of stock.

Be patient: Flu vaccine ships gradually. Less than half has been distributed so far, and the CDC and manufacturers say more is in transit.

“This year I think everyone is wanting to get their vaccine and maybe wanting it earlier than usual,” Dr. Daniel Jernigan of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told The Associated Press. “If you’re not able to get your vaccination now, don’t get frustrated” but keep trying.

Pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur, which is supplying nearly 250 million doses worldwide including 80 million for the U.S., says it has shipments staggered into November.

Vaccine maker Seqirus is exploring if it could squeeze out “a limited number of additional doses” to meet high demand, said spokeswoman Polina Miklush.

Brewing flu vaccine is time-consuming. Once production ends for the year, countries can’t simply order more -- making for a stressful balancing act as they guess how many people will roll up their sleeves.

Germany usually buys 18 million to 19 million doses, and this year ordered more. As German Health Minister Jens Spahn put it: “If we manage, together, to get the flu vaccination rate so high that all 26 million doses are actually used, then I’d be a very happy health minister.”

Spain purchased extra doses in hopes of vaccinating far more older adults and pregnant women than usual, along with key workers in health facilities and nursing homes.

In contrast, Poland, which last year had 100,000 doses go unused, didn’t anticipate this fall’s high demand and is seeking more.

The good news: The same precautions that help stop spread of the coronavirus -- wearing masks, avoiding crowds, washing your hands and keeping your distance -- can help block influenza, too.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/16c5e8f7bcdf06feee506e8836d82e19">Winter just ended in the Southern Hemisphere</a>&nbsp;and countries like South Africa, Australia, Argentina and Chile diagnosed hardly any flu thanks to COVID-19 restrictions combined with a big push for influenza vaccinations.

With the coronavirus still circulating and cold weather coming just as more schools and businesses reopen, there’s no guarantee that countries in the Northern Hemisphere will be as lucky with flu.

“How much flu, we don’t know -- but there will be flu,” predicted Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

A flu vaccine only protects against influenza, not the coronavirus. And while its effectiveness varies from year to year, people vaccinated against flu don’t get as sick, avoiding pneumonia, hospitalization and death, Schaffner said.

The CDC estimated that last year the flu hospitalized 400,000 Americans and killed 22,000.

Adding flu to the toll of COVID-19 -- which has killed more than 1 million people worldwide including more than 206,000 Americans -- would further strain hospitals. Both flu and the coronavirus have similar symptoms and even if they’re mild, Schaffner warned of confusion as people seek testing to learn which illness they have and if anyone they’ve been around needs to quarantine.

“Take flu out of the equation this fall,” Jernigan advised.

Who needs flu vaccine? The U.S. recommends it for everyone starting at 6 months of age. But flu is most dangerous for people over age 65, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions such as heart disease, asthma, even diabetes.

Most Americans with insurance can get it without a co-pay, and there are different kinds to choose from: Regular shots, two types of shots that aim to give older adults a little extra protection, and a nasal spray.

The CDC doesn’t recommend one over another. If you can’t find your preferred type, “we ask people not to shop around and wait forever,” Jernigan said. “The best vaccine to get is the vaccine that’s available to you.”

The CDC this year wants states to increase flu vaccinations among Blacks and Hispanics, who are less likely to get a shot than whites and also are at extra risk from COVID-19. Some states also are holding drive-thru flu vaccinations and outdoor clinics to avoid crowds.

And at the same time they get immunized against flu, older adults and people with chronic illnesses also should ask about getting a vaccine against a type of pneumonia that is a frequent complication, U.S. officials urged.

In much of Europe, those at high risk get prioritized. France has ordered 30% more flu vaccine than last year, with first shots given to the high risk as inoculations begin later this month.

In Italy, doctors and pharmacists have expressed concern about the supply, as the health ministry conducts negotiations with vaccine producers to ensure everyone who wants the vaccine can get it. Italy also lowered the threshold — from age 65 to 60 — for receiving the flu vaccine free of charge.

Britain’s health department expects enough doses for nearly half the population but cautions that phased deliveries might mean some doctors and pharmacies won’t receive shots until later in the fall. Britain typically offers free flu vaccines to older adults, pregnant women and certain other at-risk groups, and are discussing whether others should qualify for a free shot this year.

The World Health Organization said last week that some countries are scrambling to make sure they’ve got enough flu vaccine. WHO encouraged any countries worried about a shortfall to give priority to health workers and older adults.

KANSAS CITY (AP)—October is prime time for flu vaccinations, and the U.S. and Europe are gearing up for what experts hope is high demand as countries seek to avoid a “twindemic” with COVID-19.“There’s considerable concern as we enter the fall and winter months and into the flu season that we’ll have that dreaded overlap” of flu and the coronavirus, Dr. Anthony Fauci of the U.S. National Institutes of Health said Thursday. He got his own flu shot earlier this week.A record number of flu vaccine doses are on the way, between 194 million and 198 million for the U.S. alone -- seemingly plenty considering last year just under half of adults got vaccinated and there usually are leftovers.Still, there’s no way to know how many will seek shots this year and some people occasionally are finding drugstores or clinics temporarily out of stock.Be patient: Flu vaccine ships gradually. Less than half has been distributed so far, and the CDC and manufacturers say more is in transit.“This year I think everyone is wanting to get their vaccine and maybe wanting it earlier than usual,” Dr. Daniel Jernigan of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told The Associated Press. “If you’re not able to get your vaccination now, don’t get frustrated” but keep trying.Pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur, which is supplying nearly 250 million doses worldwide including 80 million for the U.S., says it has shipments staggered into November.Vaccine maker Seqirus is exploring if it could squeeze out “a limited number of additional doses” to meet high demand, said spokeswoman Polina Miklush.Brewing flu vaccine is time-consuming. Once production ends for the year, countries can’t simply order more -- making for a stressful balancing act as they guess how many people will roll up their sleeves.Germany usually buys 18 million to 19 million doses, and this year ordered more. As German Health Minister Jens Spahn put it: “If we manage, together, to get the flu vaccination rate so high that all 26 million doses are actually used, then I’d be a very happy health minister.”Spain purchased extra doses in hopes of vaccinating far more older adults and pregnant women than usual, along with key workers in health facilities and nursing homes.In contrast, Poland, which last year had 100,000 doses go unused, didn’t anticipate this fall’s high demand and is seeking more.The good news: The same precautions that help stop spread of the coronavirus -- wearing masks, avoiding crowds, washing your hands and keeping your distance -- can help block influenza, too.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/16c5e8f7bcdf06feee506e8836d82e19">Winter just ended in the Southern Hemisphere</a>&nbsp;and countries like South Africa, Australia, Argentina and Chile diagnosed hardly any flu thanks to COVID-19 restrictions combined with a big push for influenza vaccinations.With the coronavirus still circulating and cold weather coming just as more schools and businesses reopen, there’s no guarantee that countries in the Northern Hemisphere will be as lucky with flu.“How much flu, we don’t know -- but there will be flu,” predicted Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.A flu vaccine only protects against influenza, not the coronavirus. And while its effectiveness varies from year to year, people vaccinated against flu don’t get as sick, avoiding pneumonia, hospitalization and death, Schaffner said.The CDC estimated that last year the flu hospitalized 400,000 Americans and killed 22,000.Adding flu to the toll of COVID-19 -- which has killed more than 1 million people worldwide including more than 206,000 Americans -- would further strain hospitals. Both flu and the coronavirus have similar symptoms and even if they’re mild, Schaffner warned of confusion as people seek testing to learn which illness they have and if anyone they’ve been around needs to quarantine.“Take flu out of the equation this fall,” Jernigan advised.Who needs flu vaccine? The U.S. recommends it for everyone starting at 6 months of age. But flu is most dangerous for people over age 65, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions such as heart disease, asthma, even diabetes.Most Americans with insurance can get it without a co-pay, and there are different kinds to choose from: Regular shots, two types of shots that aim to give older adults a little extra protection, and a nasal spray.The CDC doesn’t recommend one over another. If you can’t find your preferred type, “we ask people not to shop around and wait forever,” Jernigan said. “The best vaccine to get is the vaccine that’s available to you.”The CDC this year wants states to increase flu vaccinations among Blacks and Hispanics, who are less likely to get a shot than whites and also are at extra risk from COVID-19. Some states also are holding drive-thru flu vaccinations and outdoor clinics to avoid crowds.And at the same time they get immunized against flu, older adults and people with chronic illnesses also should ask about getting a vaccine against a type of pneumonia that is a frequent complication, U.S. officials urged.In much of Europe, those at high risk get prioritized. France has ordered 30% more flu vaccine than last year, with first shots given to the high risk as inoculations begin later this month.In Italy, doctors and pharmacists have expressed concern about the supply, as the health ministry conducts negotiations with vaccine producers to ensure everyone who wants the vaccine can get it. Italy also lowered the threshold — from age 65 to 60 — for receiving the flu vaccine free of charge.Britain’s health department expects enough doses for nearly half the population but cautions that phased deliveries might mean some doctors and pharmacies won’t receive shots until later in the fall. Britain typically offers free flu vaccines to older adults, pregnant women and certain other at-risk groups, and are discussing whether others should qualify for a free shot this year.The World Health Organization said last week that some countries are scrambling to make sure they’ve got enough flu vaccine. WHO encouraged any countries worried about a shortfall to give priority to health workers and older adults.___

High demand for flu shots? Experts hope to avoid 'twindemic'

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp; Christopher McMillon, 38, of Topeka. 

Just after 11:30a.m. Saturday, police responded to a call for service at a home in the 300 Block of SW Polk for a check welfare, according to&nbsp;LT Jerry Monasmith.

On arrival, officers found McMillon with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no additional details early Sunday.

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

Just after 11:30a.m. Saturday, police responded to a call for service in the 300 Block of SW Polk for a check welfare, according to&nbsp;LT Jerry Monasmith.

On arrival, officers found a man with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officers and Detectives are continuing the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have identified the victim as&nbsp; Christopher McMillon, 38, of Topeka. Just after 11:30a.m. Saturday, police responded to a call for service at a home in the 300 Block of SW Polk for a check welfare, according to&nbsp;LT Jerry Monasmith.On arrival, officers found McMillon with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no additional details early Sunday.-----------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.Just after 11:30a.m. Saturday, police responded to a call for service in the 300 Block of SW Polk for a check welfare, according to&nbsp;LT Jerry Monasmith.On arrival, officers found a man with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officers and Detectives are continuing the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police ID man found dead from gunshot wound at Kan. home 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Protesters are pledging to camp in front of police headquarters in downtown Kansas City until the officer who kneeled on a pregnant Black woman is fired.

KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-10-03/protesters-camp-overnight-at-kansas-city-police-headquarters-following-arrest-of-pregnant-woman">reports&nbsp;</a>that around a dozen protesters spent the night Friday on the lawn outside the police headquarters, with their numbers growing throughout Saturday. They also want Chief Rick Smith to resign.

Witnesses who identified themselves as legal observers and affiliated with a local group of attorneys called “Liberty Lawyers” stood by overnight.

The pregnant woman’s lawyer, Stacy Shaw, said an officer threw the woman to the ground Wednesday night when she complained that he had backed into her as she filmed a balloon release for a homicide victim. But police said in a statement that officers were responding to a report of fighting and that the woman was interfering with officers who were trying to arrest a man.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-city-racial-injustice-7bd17173b1551b4ada4514c28039094e">Video&nbsp;</a>shows the woman on the ground with the officer’s knee on her back while people in the crowd yell to stop because she is pregnant. Some officers can be heard telling the crowd they will be arrested if they don’t move back.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Video of a Kansas City police officer kneeling on the back of a pregnant Black woman while arresting her have led to calls for the officer involved to be fired and reignited demands that the police chief resign.

Civil rights groups and the police tell different versions of what happened Wednesday night when the woman was arrested. Police say she interfered while they were trying to arrest a man and while they were trying to handcuff her.

The woman's attorney, Stacy Shaw, and others ridiculed that story Friday and said the arrest was another example of the police department's abuse of Black citizens in Kansas City.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City police are investigating after videos on social media show an officer kneeling on the back of a pregnant woman while handcuffing her during a confrontation.

The officers were arresting a man Wednesday night when the woman “grabbed and touched” the officers, police spokesman Capt. Dave Jackson said Thursday. He said the woman was evaluated and released from a hospital, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article246154085.html">reported</a>.

Jackson said the department has not had a chance to review the officers' video or surveillance video but are taking the incident seriously.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1601602944860.png" alt="&nbsp;A video shows an officer putting his knee on a woman's back during an arrest Wednesday night. image courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;A video shows an officer putting his knee on a woman's back during an arrest Wednesday night. image courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Protesters are pledging to camp in front of police headquarters in downtown Kansas City until the officer who kneeled on a pregnant Black woman is fired.KCUR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-10-03/protesters-camp-overnight-at-kansas-city-police-headquarters-following-arrest-of-pregnant-woman">reports&nbsp;</a>that around a dozen protesters spent the night Friday on the lawn outside the police headquarters, with their numbers growing throughout Saturday. They also want Chief Rick Smith to resign.Witnesses who identified themselves as legal observers and affiliated with a local group of attorneys called “Liberty Lawyers” stood by overnight.The pregnant woman’s lawyer, Stacy Shaw, said an officer threw the woman to the ground Wednesday night when she complained that he had backed into her as she filmed a balloon release for a homicide victim. But police said in a statement that officers were responding to a report of fighting and that the woman was interfering with officers who were trying to arrest a man.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arrests-kansas-city-racial-injustice-7bd17173b1551b4ada4514c28039094e">Video&nbsp;</a>shows the woman on the ground with the officer’s knee on her back while people in the crowd yell to stop because she is pregnant. Some officers can be heard telling the crowd they will be arrested if they don’t move back.------KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Video of a Kansas City police officer kneeling on the back of a pregnant Black woman while arresting her have led to calls for the officer involved to be fired and reignited demands that the police chief resign.Civil rights groups and the police tell different versions of what happened Wednesday night when the woman was arrested. Police say she interfered while they were trying to arrest a man and while they were trying to handcuff her.The woman's attorney, Stacy Shaw, and others ridiculed that story Friday and said the arrest was another example of the police department's abuse of Black citizens in Kansas City.------KANSAS CITY (AP) — Kansas City police are investigating after videos on social media show an officer kneeling on the back of a pregnant woman while handcuffing her during a confrontation.The officers were arresting a man Wednesday night when the woman “grabbed and touched” the officers, police spokesman Capt. Dave Jackson said Thursday. He said the woman was evaluated and released from a hospital, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article246154085.html">reported</a>.Jackson said the department has not had a chance to review the officers' video or surveillance video but are taking the incident seriously.He encouraged anyone who was at the scene and wants to voice concerns about what they saw to file complaints with the Office of Community Complaints or the police department.The incident in eastern Kansas City began as a fight between two women at a business. Police cleared the area but a man refused to leave and the woman who is shown in the vehicle would not stop interfering with the arrest, WDAF-TV reported.She and the man were arrested for interfering with the arrest, Jackson said. No names have been released.Civil rights attorney Stacy Shaw posted the video to social media Thursday.“It’s just an example of how the police have no regard for anyone,” Shaw said. “If they are going to do this to a visibly pregnant woman, imagine what they’re doing to the kids out in the street.”<a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=eagleradio-jcpost&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=thumbnails-a:Below%20Article%20Thumbnails:" target="_blank">by Taboola</a><a href="https://popup.taboola.com/en/?template=colorbox&amp;utm_source=eagleradio-jcpost&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=thumbnails-a:Below%20Article%20Thumbnails:" target="_blank">Sponsored Links</a>